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                  Fifth Edition.
Book one in the ROMANCE series:

Then: Salem, MA 1692. Burning, hanging, stoning and drowning were the way they killed a witch. The trials were a joke, and the deaths were a shame. The Killing times changed so many lives... forever.


Now: Salem, SC. Elizabeth LaRue has come home. After a stint in the FBI, a failed assignment and a disastrous affair, she has returned to a town she willingly walked away from, her body and heart battered and bruised. Her father's sudden death has brought her home, opening up more questions that need answers. As she agrees to step in as Sheriff, she finds that the sleepy town isn't quite as tranquil as she thought. A string of bizarre killings that are mimicking the Salem Witch trials is plaguing the town, and scaring the people she has sworn to protect.

Elizabeth now has to call in the FBI, and be faced with a past and people she is trying to forget.
Will Ethan Blackhawk be her salvation or her ultimate downfall?

Time is running out, bodies are stacking up, and there are only two options. Stop the killer, or die trying.

Books in the FBI Series.
The Killing Time (book 1)
Sacred Burial Grounds. (book 2)
True Love Lost (book 3)
Deep Dark Mire (book 4)
Fire Burns Hot (book 5) 
Darkness in Truth (book 6)
Devil Hath Come (book 7) 
Consumed by Wrath (book 8) February 2014

535 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 2, 2012

207 people are currently reading
461 people want to read

About the author

Morgan Kelley

170 books81 followers
Morgan Kelley lives in the beautiful Pocono Mountains with her husband and two children. After attending college at Penn State University and studying Criminal Justice, Morgan knew here only true passion in life would be murder and books. She put them both together and began her career as a writer. Other than books and writing, you can find Morgan hanging out in her garden and digging in the dirt. Everyone thinks she’s planting, but she’s actually searching for places to bury the bodies.
Her other works include: The Junction, Serial Sins, The Blood Betrayal, The Blood Redemption, The Blood Vengeance, The Blood Retribution, The Killing Times (1), Sacred Burial Grounds (2), True Love Lost (3), Deep Dark Mire (4), Fire Burns Hot (5), Darkness of Truth (6), Celestia is Falling (1) and coming soon Vegas is Dying (2)
Please feel free to visit Morgan at her website: www.morgankelley.com, or drop her an email at author.m.kelley@gmail.com, visit her blog at www.morgankelley.blogspot.com, or come hang out on her FB page http://www.facebook.com/pages/Author-....

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5 stars
142 (47%)
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90 (29%)
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48 (15%)
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18 (5%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
Profile Image for Paula.
448 reviews110 followers
May 5, 2021
2nd read: I wasn't bored at all and it got me out of the book slump I had going on.

I really wanted to love this because I know where it's headed *wink* *wink* But it's always the same for me with this genre. I get bored and I push myself to finish reading it. 4 stars because it was perfect from start to finish.
Profile Image for Marguerite (M).
767 reviews653 followers
April 29, 2019
Rating: 2.5 stars

The name of the series should have hinted me, but this first book was too romantic for me. Too insta, too fast, and I was conflicted between wanting to know what happened and closing the book forever.

I have to admit tho, that I would have probably loved it if it has been more of a slow burn. A few books to build up the tension and aroused the fangirl in me.

I won't be continuing the series.
Profile Image for Siobhan Davis.
Author 111 books9,491 followers
January 7, 2015
The Killing Times is a great read for those who love murder mysteries with tons of twists and turns, and plenty of hot, steamy romance.

Initially I didn't realize there was going to be so much focus on the romance, but I'm not complaining as I only read books that have at least a romantic sub-plot, so this was kind-of happy days for me :)It's definitely for mature audiences though, and the sex scenes get more descriptive as the novel progresses. To be fair to the author, she advises of this in advance which is a nice touch if I'd read the description properly!

Both main characters - Elizabeth LaRue(Lyzee) and Ethan Blackhawk(Cowboy) were like-able and I easily became invested in their lives. Lyzee is quite hot-headed yet strong and brave to the core. But she has her vulnerable side too, something that is shared with us pretty early on in the story. I think that's how she was able to identify Ethan's vulnerability so readily. Ethan is mysterious and swoon-worthy and I'd challenge anyone not to fall in love with him, at least a little bit.

I love FBI related thrillers (and I'm a massive fan of TV show Criminal Minds) so this book was right up my street. The murder story-line is well plotted and executed and I changed my mind several times in relation to the identify of the killer.

Well written with good pacing I'd recommend this to readers who enjoy gripping thrillers with a strong dose of romance. I look forward to continuing the series.
Profile Image for Max Power.
Author 7 books114 followers
February 9, 2015
I like a cracking tale and I am not afraid of a bit of swearing but I tend not to go for romance books. I expected more romance than action, drama and in particular suspense so I was actually pleased that while there is romance involved it didn't kill the mood for me. If you don't like sex violence and bad language this is perhaps not for you but if you want a sparky, well paced piece if intrigue that keeps you guessing then this is definitely the one for you.

Plenty to keep the reader engaged, this has all the right ingredients. I like the setting, Salem seems so familiar to me as it has been used in so many books and movies, but importantly The Killing Times is very original. I liked Elizabeth La Rue and that went a long way to help me engage with the book. Lead characters have to have something special about them so when a writer gets that right, it is half the battle. Definitely one to pick up with my earlier warnings in mind, but there is the added bonus that if this is your cup of tea, you can find plenty more Morgan Kelley books to keep you going. Great Mystery and suspense, I am officially a fan. Pick this one up.
Profile Image for Dahlia Duval.
54 reviews4 followers
March 16, 2022
I have read up to around book 37. I will forever and always love this series. Morgan Kelley has created a never-ending journey of Elizabeth's life as an FBI agent. There is love, list, steamy scenes, psycho killers and so much more. Morgan has managed to mingle romance and thriller into almost its own genre that speaks to my soul. Start at 1 and enjoy the ride. You'll be here for a while and love every minute.
Profile Image for Laura.
16 reviews1 follower
August 6, 2019
I loved the mystery and the characters. Marked it down a star as I found some of the descriptives and phrases repetitive but once you get into the storyline you can forgive it 😂
Profile Image for K.C. Cavanaugh.
Author 2 books11 followers
June 14, 2013
*I received a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*

I need to start out by saying that before I read the first book in Morgan Kelley’s latest series, I was a huge fan. Previously she published her Blood series, which also could be considered a paranormal crime thriller – so if you like crime thrillers and paranormal, definitely a series for you! She writes flawless scenes and characters that pop out of the page (or at least you wish they could pop out of the page! ) and a plot that will always leave you going “Wow” at the end!

The Killing Times certainly didn’t disappoint! I’m sorry to say that I wasted so much time getting into this book because of other things I was working on, it just kept getting pushed aside because there was just no time. This week, I forced myself to have the time because I knew it was going to be spectacular based on Morgan’s other books.

The story starts out with the sheriff of Salem (not that Salem), Elizabeth La Rue, who is a no nonsense woman who will move heaven and earth to get justice for the women who are being murdered in her small hometown. She became sheriff after the previous sheriff, who happened to be Lyzee’s father, died of an apparent heart attack. Quickly leaving the FBI with her tail tucked between her legs after a scandal within the department, she came home to bury her father and ended up holding the reins of the city.

Meet Ethan Blackhawk, a stoic FBI agent who has been dreaming of a woman for the last year. He knows she needs her help, but he just can’t find him. Despite only knowing how to be FBI, he’s a bit of a wildcard, earning the nickname, Cowboy for his recklessness. After applying a little too much pressure to the rules on his last assignment, his boss tosses him and his partner the task of heading to Salem to help the sheriff with her serial killer problem.

But when Ethan meets Sheriff Elizabeth La Rue nothing will ever be the same again. Through thick and thin they need to depend on each other and build a strong foundation of trust, because otherwise, their lives may be in jeopardy.

Together they race to find a killer before he strikes again. There are so many times that I thought I knew where Morgan was going, but it wasn’t until two or three chapters before it was over that I had figured it out. At least partially! Then she threw me a curve ball! She’ll leave you guessing, with your heart pounding in your chest the entire time you sit there reading, as you wonder what is going to happen next and who is behind all the terror striking this small southern town.

At the end of the day, Morgan Kelley weaves such an intricate tale of love, heartbreak, laughter, betrayal, and fierce loyalty that it’s hard to believe that this story is a work of fiction. There were parts that I seriously wept for the pain that Lyzee and Ethan felt and there were moments where I was so happy I was grinning like the damn Cheshire cat!

If you are a fan of murder mysteries with sexy sheriffs and FBI agents thrown in the mix, then this is the series for you! Personally, I can’t wait to get started and read the rest of the series!

Keep up the great work Morgan!

**Adult Content Warning! ~ This book does contain some explicit content. If you are not a fan of graphic sex scenes, then you may not enjoy the book – although while I say that there are graphic scenes, they are done in such a way that it only exemplifies the love between the characters. There are only a few, but to some, that may be a few too many.**
Profile Image for Tina.
28 reviews4 followers
June 28, 2014
***THIS BOOK WAS GIVEN TO ME IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW***

***Tina, #NerdGirlMama’s Review***

I enjoy a good Romance and add in murder, suspense, and thrill ride with it and I am ready to read. The title of this book “The Killing Time” is what caught my attention first and then the synopsis just drew me and I had to read this one even though I had not read any of Morgan Kelley’s previous books. This book slowly draws you in and the author’s writing in alternating POV’s also helps to grab hold of you and you just do not want to stop reading.

The main characters Elizabeth LaRue, known as Lyzee to her friends is a no nonsense Sheriff of her hometown Salem, SC a position her father held until his passing. Lyzee is a tough ex-FBI agent, feisty, quick tempered, sometime foul mouth who speaks before thinking sometimes, insecure, and yet a kind and gentle hearted woman. Ethan Blackhawk known to his friends as Cowboy is Native American tall dark and handsome FBI Agent who bends and sometimes breaks the rules, but he is a bit controlling, loyal to a fault, insecure, and a kind and gentle soul who protects with everything he has. The sleepy little town of Salem, SC is being plagued with murders of women and they are starting to stack up, so Lyzee has no choice but to call in the help of the FBI and it is love at first sight for Lyzee and Ethan. Their lives will never be the same and they will need to depend on each other to solve these crimes and a wild ride along the way. I will have to say that there was one thing that the insecurities of these 2 characters has to be written into the story as it unfolds so that you know that they have this issue, but for me there was just a little too much of the mental questioning of the insecurities for both Lyzee and Ethan. I have to say for me it did bug me a little, but it did not take away from the story.

Morgan Kelley’s writing flows and you can relate to these characters and you can picture what is happening as your reading. It is a wild rollercoaster ride of emotions you will laugh, cry, happy, sad, anger, shock, and sometimes want to slap them across the back of the head. This book is filled with love, HOT Sex, heartache, extreme loyalty, betrayal, and many twist and turns and you will think you figured out who the killer is a couple of times, but you will be wrong or maybe half wrong and the epic ending of an all out battle and fight to the finish and killer revealed that you did not see coming.

If you love a good romance filled with suspense, murder, mystery, and a thrill ride then I recommend this book for you and you will not be sorry you did. I give this book 4 stars all the way and I cannot wait to read the next book in this series.

***Review has been done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official***
Profile Image for Lynn Worton.
869 reviews31 followers
August 25, 2013
A friend recommended this book to me. I would like to thank her, because it is fantastic! Thank you K.C. - I loved it!

Elizabeth LaRue is a fantastic character. She is a dedicated law enforcement officer, who has taken up her father's position as Sheriff in her home town after his death. She is extremely methodical, and uses her training as a former FBI agent to good effect. Unfortunately, she also tends to be stubborn, but when several people go missing and the bodies start piling up, she has no choice to call in for assistance.

Ethan Blackhawk is an FBI agent who tends to bend the rules, if not break them completely. I loved his character! He's a rebel with a cause! He's super sexy, but he doesn't seem to realise his appeal to the opposite sex. After skating too close to the edge once more, he is sent, with his partner, to assist the Sheriff in trying to find the killer or killers in the town of Salem.

This is a fantastic romantic thriller! I struggled to put it down! Unfortunately, I had to do so often, and was extremely annoyed because of it! I was hooked from the first page! The suspense and mystery of who the killer was, and why they did what they did was woven into an amazing story filled with twists and turns. These twists sometimes led to red herrings that had me wondering about several of the characters. Were they involved?
This story is mostly told from Elizabeth and Ethan's points of view, but there are also a few other characters that have their say. This gives the book a movie-like feel. In fact, I could see this being made into a TV movie with no problem. The characters, locations and the situations all came alive for me. The romance between Elizabeth and Ethan was HOT and STEAMY! Their chemistry literally smouldered on the page! The scenes were somewhat explicit, but not erotic.
The killer was a complete surprise! I did suspect a certain person, and they were involved, but I should have read enough murder mysteries by now to expect the unexpected! However, I sure didn't see this one coming!

Morgan Kelley has written an exciting romantic thriller that flowed beautifully! It was fast paced, but not rushed. I am now looking forward to reading the next book in the series, Sacred Burial Grounds.

Due to the violence and sexual content, I do not recommend this book for younger readers. However, I highly recommend this book if you love murder mysteries/thrillers/suspense or romantic thrillers. - Lynn Worton
Profile Image for Angela.
325 reviews26 followers
February 19, 2014
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This book is advertised as a Romance Thriller but it is definitely more romance than thriller. I tend to not like romance novels because the people meet and fall in love by chapter 4. They don’t fall in love by chapter 4 in this book, but it wasn’t long after. The one thing that I didn’t really like in this book is that Ethan was “perfect” and could do no wrong. It is mentioned in here several times how perfect he was and how great he was. I understand they are in love, but they are basically together 24 hours a day working and living together. There has got to be something that he or she does during that time that is irritating. I realize there is a honeymoon period but still, these people are human. (Yes, I do know they are fictional)

I would have liked a bit more thriller in this book and a little less romance. There are some unanswered questions and some reactions that seem a bit off. I can’t go into much detail because I don’t do spoilers. If you want to discuss it after you read it, then I would be happy to talk to you about it. Some of the thriller stuff wasn’t so thrilling and there are some things that seem like they wouldn’t necessarily happen in law enforcement/FBI work. I think if you are a fan of romance and you like some drama in your books, then this is a good read. I give it 3.5 books.
Profile Image for Black Butterfly.
2,630 reviews39 followers
September 8, 2013
WELL! THIS WAS REALLY DIFFERENT, THE STORYLINE IS NOT WHAT I EXPECTED. I LOVED THE LEAD CHARACTERS ETHAN & ELIZABETH, AND THEIR FRIENDS LIVY & GABE, BOTH WERE GREAT COUPLES. THE SUSPENSE PART OF THE STORY WAS WEAVED INTO THE ROMANCE BETWEEN ETHAN & ELIZABETH, I REALLY LOVED THE WAY THEY FELL IN LOVE. I JUST LOVED "ETHAN JACKSON BLACKHAWK",(even his name is sexy)HE HAD IT ALL, SOFTNESS, STRENGTH, LOOKS AND HE WASN'T AFRAID TO SHOW HIS WEAK SIDE. ALL ROLLED UP IN A SMOKIN' HOT SEXXY PACKAGE, NOW HE WAS THE ULTIMATE ALPHA MALE. THE RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN THE COUPLES IN THIS BOOK WERE SO VERY BEAUTIFUL AND SO SEXXY. WHEW! IT WAS AMAZING HOW THE FBI-SERIAL KILLER-LOVE STORY WORKED. SO WELL WRITTEN, I LOVED READING THIS, WHAT A BEAUTIFUL AND HORRIBLE STORY COMBINATION. SOUNDS CRAZY BUT IT ALL WORKED PERFECTLY TOGETHER, I COULDN'T STOP READING, I LOVED IT! SIGH!!! ;D
Profile Image for Rachel.
13 reviews
June 6, 2013
Wow I'm so glad I found this book!
The book follows Elizabeth LaRue a tough ex FBI agent who goes home to Salem following her fathers death.
She takes over his role as sheriff, but when bodies start turning up she has to call in the FBI for help.
The FBI arrives in the form of sexy agent Ethan Blackhawk and it is love at first sight, the chemistry is amazing!!
I loved Elizabeth's character she's tough no nonsense but has a heart of gold. This book draws you in from the first page, the description was amazing. I loved this book so mucho have downloaded all the other books in the series and it just gets better and better.The Killing Times
Profile Image for Courtney Stephens.
71 reviews2 followers
August 26, 2016
***I was given this book for an honest review***

I have not ever read a book like this before and I really liked it. AT the beginning it was kind of slow but as soon as it got going it got good.
Ethan and Elizabeth relationship is exactly like mine and my boyfriends by they feel like they have known each other when in reality they have not. They do anything and everything to keep the other one save in any event especially dangerous one. They work well together to solve the crime at hand and the person committing the crimes is one that is not expected.

I would recommend this book to people to read.
Profile Image for Toni Michelle-Editor.
192 reviews6 followers
February 17, 2014
WOW I absolutely LOVED this book! I was so deep into it I didn’t realize I was at the end when I reached it. I hate that it ended but am so glad I got to read it.
This book was a gift from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I am so glad she gave me this one in particular because I just absolutely LOVED this book! I am not a romance reader but was glad that I read this.
Don’t miss out on it! You will be so glad you read this book!!! I can’t imagine being given a chance to read it and passing it up now because it was so amazing!!!
You have to read this. I will be recommending it to family members as they love romance!
Profile Image for Amanda Sington-Williams.
Author 5 books19 followers
January 5, 2015
This is a fascinating book with two strands. There is a sheriff, Elizabeth from a small country town called Salem who is trying to solve the murders committed by a particularly nasty serial killer who thinks of his victims as witches. Unable to deal with this massive crime on her own, she calls in the FBI and so the reader meets Blackhawk and the second strand of the novel begins: a steamy romance begins as Blackhawk and Elizabeth get together. There are a lot of sex and violent scenes in the book which romps along at a rapid pace. The author warns her readers so you have a choice whether or not it is for you!
For the plot 5*
For the characterisation 5*
For dialogue 5*
Narration 5*
Profile Image for Terra.
Author 60 books802 followers
March 18, 2015
I love a book that surprises me, and "The Killing Times" did just that. I knew there was romance, but thought there would be less romance and more murder mystery. Nope, there was more romance and that is exactly how I like my books. Morgan Kelley shares a great murder mystery that keeps you guessing until the end. While you are left guessing on who killed who, you get to enjoy gorgeous Ethan, (who by the way sounds really delicious!) I love the idea of mixing a murder mystery with romance. I found myself up late at night unable to tear myself away from the book. In the end, I was left wanting more. I really enjoyed this story and look forward to reading the rest of the series!
Profile Image for Sweets Books.
687 reviews63 followers
March 1, 2016
This book is a mystery that is full of suspense. When a killer is killing people and nobody knows the connection between any of them it keeps you guessing. This killer started many years ago but was never caught so why not? Why is the main question and who. These question are answered by the clues that are revealed as the killings continue. Trying to piece the clues together to figure out who is the killer is what holds the book together. Just a very surprising ending to all.

Till next time ~ Sweets Books

(written by Lisa ~ Sweets Books After Hours)
Profile Image for Rebecca Bryn.
Author 31 books82 followers
February 3, 2015
Kept me guessing to the end, made me laugh and cry. FBI Agent Ethan Blackhawk has to be the sexiest man on the planet, and Sheriff Elizabeth LaRue the most impulsive and crazy. Together… well, light the fuse and stand well back. But when a serial killer hits town, they combine into a force to be reckoned with. This story is a sweet red rose with sharp thorns, about two loving, vulnerable, erotic characters faced with life-threatening danger. Loved it.
Author 3 books4 followers
February 15, 2014
I read all the time and love when books and character catch me. That's exactly what this book did and more. It was a perfect combination of romance and suspense- what else could you ask for? I enjoyed this book immensely and can't wait to see what comes next! I recommend reading this book and the others for sure!
Profile Image for Amy.
35 reviews1 follower
January 6, 2015
This is where it all started for me. Meeting Elizabeth and her falling in love with Ethan and finding out who killed her dad. Such a wonderfully dark story and I can't stop reading, keep them coming.
6 reviews
June 8, 2013
I loved this book. I saw it promoted on facebook.
Elizabeth it tough.
Ethan is sexy.

OMG! You have to read this.
I loved it.

Steamy sex and awesome conversations.

Great book!
Profile Image for Coco.V.
50k reviews128 followers
Want to read
June 17, 2023
🎁 FREE on Amazon today (5/26/2021)! 🎁
146 reviews
February 17, 2023
Native American fetishizing

Look, I understand that as a white woman, people of color can be very appealing in a sexual nature. However, this author probably should have taken the time to consider how this would age. She keeps referring to the MMC Ethan as exotic and how hot he is bc of his Native American roots. How the MFC should marry him quick bc of how hot he is. I don’t know if the author is Native American herself but if she is white, this was all done badly. I feel as if it could’ve been better with more education regarding Native American culture, fleshing out Ethan’s backstory, after all, that’s what an introduction is for. I may read some of her other works but won’t be continuing this series bc of the racial fetish.
Profile Image for Mary Enck.
Author 1 book12 followers
July 27, 2019
A guessing game that keeps you on your toes watching for clues and red herrings that abound in this novel. Just when you think you know who the bad guy is, something happens to make you think you need to keep on guessing. The characters are feisty and the author goes deep into their psyche to lay out why they behave the way they do. It's a real psychological thriller and I was sorry to see it end. I think I will like to read more of this kind of writing. I was inspired by the intricate plot. It's thrilling.
Profile Image for Darla  Carmoney.
30 reviews2 followers
February 19, 2025
LOVED IT

OMG...this is the first book that I have read in this genre and by this author. As a counselor I love anything that involves a psychological basis and I absolutely love romance books and when they are put together it is AWESOME. I couldn't put the book down to the point I had to read it at work. I will be reading the rest of the series and other books by Ms. Kelley. I feel for Lysee having lost both her parents and then finding out her brother was the serial killer and her step mother killed her father, but in the end justice prevailed and everyone is safe again.
27 reviews
July 19, 2019
Amazing!

Was recommended this book through a FB group and I'll be eternally grateful. There's so much I love about this book, story was fantastic, the characters played with my heartstrings and I'm now invested in the series. Think this might be my new favourite series. I absolutely adore Ethan & Lyzee and look forward to their story continuing.
Profile Image for Nicole Geddie.
Author 2 books4 followers
June 28, 2021
DNF at 67%
I couldn’t get into this book. Part of that was the unnatural, somewhat stilted dialogue. Elizabeth tacks on Ethans name to practically every single sentence directed at him. It’s weird and sounds formal even when they’re intimate. I found I didn’t care about the story at all, I only kept reading because I’m a sucker for a live story but even that wasn’t doing it for me.
108 reviews1 follower
July 25, 2025
Maybe I Misunderstood the Subject of this Book

This book is roughly 90% romance and 10% mystery/thriller. If that ratio works for you, then you are likely to enjoy this book. I would prefer those ratios in reverse. I might not have read the summary carefully enough, because I know I would have chosen another title, if I had understood the heavy slant towards romance.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews

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