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Leigh Ann Warren Mystery #2
Killing Kin
Out on disability leave, Washington, D.C., policewoman Leigh Ann Warren can't stay off the job and out of the game -- not when her partner and former fiance Dillon Upshur "Duck" Kennedy has vanished mysteriously and determined and dangerous people on both sides of the law are hunting him down. And the dead body she discovers in her own apartment only strengthens Leigh Ann's resolve to find Duck first.
But the trail is twisted with perilous, unexpected turns, leading her deep into the woods of western Maryland -- and to the lair of a killer who'd just as soon leave behind two dead cops rather than one.
336 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2000
33 people want to read
About the author
Chassie West
13 books16 followersAka Chassie L. West.
Chassie began her writing career in the young adult genre, her books running the gamut from teen romances and adventures to mysteries, including two of the updated Nancy Drew Files. Sixteen books later, a good many of which also appeared in foreign language editions, she undertook a new challenge: the adult market. The results were three romantic suspense novels for Silhouette Intimate Moments, written as Joyce McGill: THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS and UNFORGIVABLE made the Waldenbooks Bestsellers List. UNFORGIVABLE, a romantic suspense, was Silhouette's first adult romance featuring African American protagonists. Other milestones were the Romantic Times 1989-1990 Lifetime Achievement Award for New Series Romantic Mystery Author and the Romantic Times 1990-91 Career Achievement Certificate of Excellence for Series Romantic Fantasy. Chassie L. West lives in Maryland.
Chassie began her writing career in the young adult genre, her books running the gamut from teen romances and adventures to mysteries, including two of the updated Nancy Drew Files. Sixteen books later, a good many of which also appeared in foreign language editions, she undertook a new challenge: the adult market. The results were three romantic suspense novels for Silhouette Intimate Moments, written as Joyce McGill: THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS and UNFORGIVABLE made the Waldenbooks Bestsellers List. UNFORGIVABLE, a romantic suspense, was Silhouette's first adult romance featuring African American protagonists. Other milestones were the Romantic Times 1989-1990 Lifetime Achievement Award for New Series Romantic Mystery Author and the Romantic Times 1990-91 Career Achievement Certificate of Excellence for Series Romantic Fantasy. Chassie L. West lives in Maryland.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
August 29, 2025
This was a nice cozy mystery and a quick summer read. The main protagonist was a female cop on disability due to a knee injury. Her partner, buddy, brother turned ex-fiancé, Detective Dillion Upshur Kennedy, aka "Duck" has gone missing. He's turned in his credentials, backed out on a wedding he was supposed to participate in, shored up his personal affairs and vanished. Evidence evidentially points to the possibility that he may be involved in some shady business, which was totally uncharacteristic. When his mother suffers an ailment that lands her in the hospital, Leigh Warren has more reasons to locate Duck. Too many questions, lead to more questions, and not enough answers.
The plot is interesting enough to keep the pages turning. Following a strong, Black female lead that doesn't give up despite obstacles, was refreshing and a boost. Anger seemed to be her motivation, along with justice. The dialogue and quick wit banter was funny at times, and led to serious work for the characters.
The character development for some was shallow, but their roles added to the story. Two in particular were interesting and not until the end does the reader learn their true roles.
The book title "Killing Kin" was not the best, but a bit of the story reveals an element where misguided revenge against a relative is the link to the title.
It's a short read, full of twists and some surprises. The end is especially gratifying.
The plot is interesting enough to keep the pages turning. Following a strong, Black female lead that doesn't give up despite obstacles, was refreshing and a boost. Anger seemed to be her motivation, along with justice. The dialogue and quick wit banter was funny at times, and led to serious work for the characters.
The character development for some was shallow, but their roles added to the story. Two in particular were interesting and not until the end does the reader learn their true roles.
The book title "Killing Kin" was not the best, but a bit of the story reveals an element where misguided revenge against a relative is the link to the title.
It's a short read, full of twists and some surprises. The end is especially gratifying.
August 4, 2020
3.5 rounded up. Killing Kin s a solid, albeit a bit dated, mystery. I love the characters and will continue to read this series. The setting in Western Maryland was fun for me as I enjoy reading books from every state and Maryland, outside of the DC metro area is rather lacking as a setting for books.
The only issue I had with this mystery is, paradoxically, also a strength.
Let me explain. The book was written 20 years ago during the hey day years of the drug war. On the positive side it was a remarkable look at the indoctrination we had into the evils of marijuana. It is rather humorous to read some of the blanket statements that pretty much equate the evil of cannabis with heroin.
Now we are in a different era with about half the country’s population having access to legal pot products. So that aspect of the story is historically interesting, but also rather frustrating because that propaganda of the time was extremely destructive and the basis for our current out of control criminal justice system. But I learn from history, and especially appreciate a realtime look as opposed to the skewed Vision of hindsight.
The overall plot, character development and backstory are all excellent in Killing Kin. Therefore, I give the crime novel a solid recommendation for a “cozy.”
The only issue I had with this mystery is, paradoxically, also a strength.
Let me explain. The book was written 20 years ago during the hey day years of the drug war. On the positive side it was a remarkable look at the indoctrination we had into the evils of marijuana. It is rather humorous to read some of the blanket statements that pretty much equate the evil of cannabis with heroin.
Now we are in a different era with about half the country’s population having access to legal pot products. So that aspect of the story is historically interesting, but also rather frustrating because that propaganda of the time was extremely destructive and the basis for our current out of control criminal justice system. But I learn from history, and especially appreciate a realtime look as opposed to the skewed Vision of hindsight.
The overall plot, character development and backstory are all excellent in Killing Kin. Therefore, I give the crime novel a solid recommendation for a “cozy.”
January 19, 2022
I got this book from the public library and some crazed grammarian used a black pen to scribble out and change the me's to I's, add ly's to adverbs and make other unnecessary OCD changes as though he/she has no understanding of the use of the vernacular and need for consistency in the narrator's voice. If you want to write in a book, please buy it rather than infringe on the next reader's enjoyment!
That said, this Chassie West mystery was better than the first. The idea of selling marijuana as criminal kind of dates it and it started off a bit slow, but it picked up rapidly. About a quarter into the book, she began to introduce memorable characters (like Tank and his girlfriend Tina) that added dimension and propelled the story forward. Further the story didn't begin with a typical murder. It began with Leigh trying to find her ex-fiancée Duck who chose to cut ties with everyone and everything. Having been introduced earlier in the series, Duck is a very likeable character (a smart, kind, good-looking Black man who is good to his woman). As such, the reader is also eager to find him. However, it is the last quarter of the book that best grabs the reader because it moves quickly, the images are cinematic and it is written with the sensory thoroughness that seems to be a West trademark.
That said, this Chassie West mystery was better than the first. The idea of selling marijuana as criminal kind of dates it and it started off a bit slow, but it picked up rapidly. About a quarter into the book, she began to introduce memorable characters (like Tank and his girlfriend Tina) that added dimension and propelled the story forward. Further the story didn't begin with a typical murder. It began with Leigh trying to find her ex-fiancée Duck who chose to cut ties with everyone and everything. Having been introduced earlier in the series, Duck is a very likeable character (a smart, kind, good-looking Black man who is good to his woman). As such, the reader is also eager to find him. However, it is the last quarter of the book that best grabs the reader because it moves quickly, the images are cinematic and it is written with the sensory thoroughness that seems to be a West trademark.
August 10, 2020
I'm rating this a 4.5. The voice of the main character has changed from the last book. She's angry and this is evident throughout the book. The twists and turns are great. When you think you've got the answer to a puzzle, you don't. Great descriptions of the areas that are traveled to and the imagery is also great. I like the story line and I can't wait to read the 3d.
April 24, 2018
3 - Good
May 10, 2024
The love story and development of Duck's character is very sweet. This author writes creepy small towns very well.
July 31, 2012
I picked this up at a library sale without really looking at it thinking that it was a genealogy mystery. It's not, but it is well-written and the two main characters, Washington, D.C. cops Leigh Ann Warren and Dillon Upshur Kennedy, sound like people I would like if I met them. Part of the book is set in Sanctuary, a town where the residents own craft businesses which may or may not have been based on Spruce Forest Artisan Village in Grantsville, Maryland.
January 23, 2012
Kind of a fun, light reading book with lots of action.
October 13, 2015
Kept me guessing right up until the end. Really enjoyable read!
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews