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Michael Sykora #3

Killing Instinct

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Sandman built his dubious reputation by turning the dreams and nightmares of others into harsh reality. Now he’s pursuing his own twisted dream; the beautiful Maria Milan. But she doesn’t want to become a player in Sandman’s sordid fantasy.

Michael Sykora is a hit man who kills for justice. Sean Riley is a hit man born to kill. Together, they’re out to take down Sandman and his organization. Whether mercy is given depends on who catches him first.

333 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 30, 2013

25 people are currently reading
275 people want to read

About the author

Darcia Helle

30 books736 followers
Dusty corners of the mind intrigue me.

I'm an armchair explorer; book in one hand, mug of tea in the other.

Connect on Instagram: http://www.Instagram.com/DarciaHelle

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5 stars
54 (56%)
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33 (34%)
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6 (6%)
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2 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
Profile Image for Jennifer Lane.
Author 16 books1,432 followers
February 5, 2017
Lovable Hit Men

How does Darcia Helle DO that? Make me admire not one, but two assassins. This author is talented, let me tell you.

Killing Instinct is book three in the Michael Sykora series. While I loved No Justice and Beyond Salvation, I think Killing Instinct is my favorite of the series. The writing is tight, and the plot is tighter.

But what I like best is my incongruous fondness for killers. I've liked Michael, protector of those who can't fight for themselves, since book one. Book three showcases Sean, the hit man Michael initially hired to avenge his wife's murder. Sean tortures bad guys with calculating ruthlessness, but there's also good in him (albeit harder to find than in Michael).

He'd often heard the phrase blind rage, but that wasn't right. Rage wasn't blind, it was myopic. His rage was a narrow focus, blocking out everything else around him. His rage had the texture of shattered glass and the scent of blood. The emotion pulsated throughout his body, making his fingers ache with the need for release.

Eep! Woe to bad dudes. Sean is coming for you.

I really like the heroines of the story as well. Nicki is Michael's girlfriend who has a tiny dog that likes hamburgers. Maria Milan, the woman Sean has decided to save, is a former bounty hunter. Both women are tough and smart--providing the perfect match for their men.

There are moments of humor, like when Michael gets stabbed by a piece of wood.

He had a sudden image of his heart on the end of the stake like a cherry lollipop.

And supporting character Ruby continues to contribute a sense of grounding and fashion flair to the story.

The characters' evolving reactions to the villain, Sandman, seem realistic to me. Mental illness and sadistic psychiatrists don't go well together.

I'm hoping there will be more books in this series?
Profile Image for Terry Tyler.
Author 34 books584 followers
December 15, 2014
I bought this novel because I read a description of it in one of those lists of '50 indie books worth reading', and I'm glad I spotted it! Great story, about an organisation set up to satisfy the requirements of all manner of sickos (torture, rape, etc), and an excellent explanation of how the 'dark net' works, too - the underground internet. The books is extremely well put together, with no superfluous detail, no wandering from the plot. Darcia Helle has done something clever - she has written likeable hitmen. I loved Sean, who has that Jack Bauer sort of thing going on.

The other thing that impressed me about this is that it's a pretty grisly novel written by a woman, and it's not girly at all. The women are the sort of women I want to read about. The guys are alpha males. This is actually the fourth in the Micheal Sykora series, which I didn't realise until I was a little of the way in, but it's very neatly executed so it reads perfectly well as a stand alone. One of the elements that makes it so very readable is that the dialogue is terrific - always appropriate, realistic, sharp and sometimes amusing. I'll definitely be reading more of these books (starting with No Justice, which I believe is the first), and I'd recommend it to anyone who likes a good murder thriller and isn't too squeamish!
Profile Image for Jessica.
1,362 reviews36 followers
February 13, 2025
"'Sometimes, though, you have to step into the dark alley and feel your way to the other end.'"

In book three hitman for hire Michael Sykora and his girlfriend Nicki are back. This book, however, focuses largely on Sean. When Sean is hired to kill Maria he finds he can't go through with it--and then the whole Scooby team goes down a rabbit hole to keep Maria safe and find the guys who wanted her dead.

I wish I had kept the momentum going and picked this one up right after I finished the second one, but alas, I did not. Because of that it took me a minute to get back into the story, especially because Sean was the mc here and he was a newer character to get to know. When I hit halfway though I was fully immersed and the end was so action-packed and dark that I was flipping pages like the fast and the furious. This was a wild dark ride and that's just how I like it.
Profile Image for Maria.
Author 48 books521 followers
June 5, 2013
This is the third in Darcia Helle's Michael Sykora series. I hadn't read any of the other books in the series, but this book reads well as a stand alone novel. The author effectively gives details of the background of each character as we meet them, so anyone who is unfamiliar with them will be able to read the book and enjoy it.
This book delves into an obscure and scary world that exists just beneath the surface of society. A hidden Internet site that deals in the darker side of life; where people are no more than commodities to satisfy the needs of disturbed individuals. One such person is at the head of the organisation: Sandman. This elusive man must be found and stopped.
In this novel, Michael Sykora and his partner in crime, Sean Riley, go in search of this evil ringleader, and in their search they discover things that surprise them about him, but also about themselves.
For Sean Riley the search is personal, his girlfriend's life is at risk, and emotions fuel his need for justice.
This book looks at how there is always more to a person, or a situation than meets the eye.
It's a compulsive read that you won't want to put down, and like many of Darcia Helle's novels, it will have you biting your nails and worrying about the characters! A must read for fans of suspense/thrillers.
Profile Image for Julie Powell.
Author 72 books324 followers
March 23, 2018
Wow! I was lucky enough to win a copy of this story, as I had read the others in the series and tried for this one - so glad I did, as it is an excellent read.

I am familiar with the characters and though I didn't read the stories in order, it didn't spoil my enjoyment...each book can be stand-alone though I would say to begin at number one and you will be hooked.

It is a murky and violent world for Michael Sykora's chosen profession, and this story focuses on the disturbing and horrific arena of deviants and their sick fantasies - sold to them by disgusting monsters (supposedly human).

The characters - Michael, Issac, Sean and Nicki are well-defined and likeable, some others are despicable but brilliantly portrayed. Though there is some comic relief through Ruby. There is potential interest in Maria, too. I can't say too much so as not to spoil the plot, but it is interesting to see more than one side to 'baddies' and the psychological influences that can shape lives and the decisions therein.

This is a gritty, hard-hitting suspense story, very well written and though disturbing, it is a compelling read.

Highly recommended.
Profile Image for Barbara.
4 reviews1 follower
June 26, 2013
Where do I begin, at the end. This book isn’t 5 stars, its better.
This book is 5 glistening scalpels dripping with blood.
Darcia is one of my favorite people, as an author, and as a person. Her mind is sick and twisted just like mine, but she has the ability to put all of this into a book, into many books.
If you haven’t read the previous Michael books, do yourself a favor and READ THEM. You will fall in love with Michael and follow his many trips to bring justice where it belongs.
I DO NOT give anything away in my reviews, because I am here only to give my opinion.
This book, like all of Darcia’s books brings you into the story. I can see myself sitting next to Michael or Sean during one of their “adventures”.
I personally like dark, graphic stories, so this one is probably my favorite.
This story kept you wondering why, throughout most of the book….until Darcia decided it was time to tell you WHY…..

The scary thing is you know somewhere this IS happening.......
Profile Image for RJ.
Author 5 books88 followers
June 21, 2013
Killing Instinct is the third novel in the Michael Sykora series, but can easily be read as a stand-alone. Sean Riley, a hitman who served in supporting roles in prior novels, is elevated to the status of co-protagonist. He and Michael pursue a snuff film producer who is obsessed with Sean's girlfriend.

Author Darcia Helle does a fine job of combining intense action scenes with ones that flesh out Sean's character. We also see Michael's girlfriend take a more active role in the plot. Female thriller fans will love this development.

My only criticism is that it took so long to roll out the third novel in this series. I hope that #4 is in the works.
Profile Image for Vicki Elia.
471 reviews11 followers
September 20, 2014
Audiobook Review

Two assassins, in business to find and or eliminate people, with no further interests other than killing people or hopping in bed with someone. Great read. NOT. Stopped after 3 hours of audio -- was waiting for a miracle. None was granted.

Don't bother.
Profile Image for Joyce.
1,801 reviews20 followers
September 4, 2020
They get better and better!

Michael has now partnered with Sean, his previous mentor. Both are excellent at what they do and although Michael has tempered his methods, Sean hasn’t. Sean has been hired to murder a woman named Maria and to torture her first. The person who hired him is unknown and Sean and Michael begin a search for him and his cohorts. They begin by learning about his business, making porno films and under this cover making snuff films. Their search and solutions are brutal and quite graphic, but really well written. The vigilantes are back. Thanks to the author and publisher for an e-galley for an honest review.
Profile Image for Melissa Banczak.
Author 37 books25 followers
May 27, 2017
I really liked this book up till the ending. Seriously, spoilers ahead -



The bad guy is about to get his, and as reader, I'm left out in the hall while that happens. I wanted to be in the room, see the bad guy get it. I deserved that after all that Michael and his friends went through. I'd certainly read another in the series though, because I did enjoy her writing and liked the characters. I just hope that other books in the series don't rush the ending.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
73 reviews1 follower
December 2, 2018
Just read!!!!

I like the premise of this story, getting bad guys when the law can't. This is a foursome you probably shouldn't mess with. A great series of books.
54 reviews
March 1, 2019
Great Novel for Readers of Vengeance

Graphic violence permeates this novel. Darcie Helle is a talented author who has added a new fan. Enjoy this series.
Profile Image for Gayle Pace.
1,110 reviews22 followers
July 4, 2013
REVIEW:

This is the third book in the Michael Sykora Novels. If you haven't read them, it might be a good place to start, although KILLING INSTINCT can be read as a stand alone. Ms. Helle describes in detail the background of each character as we meet them. The plot is about a very scary world that exists beneath the brim of society. The hidden Internet site is a place that deals with the dark side of life. Humans are commodities to satiate the wants of some disturbed people. The person who is the overseer of the organization if Sandman. He must be found and finished off. The author puts you right in the middle of the story. You feel like you are with Michael or Seam when they go off on one of their adventures. All throughout the book, the story keeps you in the dark, wondering why. until the author decided to let is in on why. This novel isn't for the feint of heart. If you get uneasy when reading some of the murder scenes, remember this is a very graphic, violent novel. The author has you look at the fact that people are not always what they appear to be. There is always more. This book is addictive, so beware. You won't want to put it down. You will find yourself on the edge of your chair, with fear and worry in your mind. You may want to read this with someone else in the house with you. At least read it with the lights on and your back to the wall. I'd recommend this book to anyone who loves suspense, thrillers, horror and all that good stuff. My personal opinion is: It went beyond 5 STARS.

I would definitely give this book 5 STARS. (more if I could)

I was given a complimentary copy of KILLING INSTINCT, A Michael Sykora Novel from the author, Darcia Helle for my honest unbiased review.
Profile Image for Kim.
281 reviews16 followers
July 28, 2015
Matters of the heart: Killing Instinct (A Michael Sykora novel) by Darcia Helle

Unfortunately I've come to the end of this awesome series, this is the third and last time I'll be with Michael, Nicki and Sean, other characters I'll miss Isaac and his mom Ruby. What a way to end a series! I don't know if you read any of this series, it highly detailed, from it's torture scenes to it's investigating work, this author can write! The research is evident in every way, from torture, to killing, to breaking and entering, everything is so detailed. We have two men and one woman with the same mindset, get rid of rapist, child abusers. We have more of Sean in this one, I love that, he's a likable hired hit man, yea I said hit man and likable ( read the series, you'll find out). He's hired to kill Maria, he's done what he's never done, got involved with a hit. Maria is beautiful, Sean thinks something is way off about this job. He decides to investigate and asks Michael for help, for Sean to ask for help was big. What they find is very disturbing, a Internet site that you can get any fantasy you want, killing, sexual, any fetish your into. It's run by someone called "The SandMan" He wants Maria dead! Sean, Michael and Nicki go deep and things get real. I cringed, got sad, happy, actually had tears from reading this series. I applaud the author for "HER" imagination and plain awesomeness in knowing what the reader wants. I've read other books by this author, I totally recommend you try her.
Profile Image for Gina Metz.
33 reviews4 followers
June 27, 2013
In Killing Instinct, Sandman and his partner run an internet business where they provide a secure location and victims to clients who for the right price can turn their fantasies which include things like rape, torture and murder into reality. Sandman’s personal fantasy revolves around a woman named Maria Milan who he feels ruined his life years earlier.

Michael Sykora and Sean Riley run a business where they provide justice for crimes like rape and murder when the legal system fails. Sean Riley is a hit man born to kill. Michael got into the business after his fiancé was murdered.

Sean accepts a contract to torture and murder Maria but finds he cannot complete the job. Now it is up to Sean and Michael to track down Sandman and shut down his organization before someone else can locate and kill Maria.

Killing Instinct is the third book in Darcia Helle’s Michael Sykora series but is designed to read well as a stand-alone. Killing Instinct is a fast paced thriller that captivates the reader from the start. I thoroughly enjoyed this read and will be purchasing No Justice and Beyond Salvation which are the first and second books in this series and I look forward to future installments.
Profile Image for Sylvia Massara.
Author 13 books51 followers
January 17, 2014
I've read a number of books written by Darcia Helle, and so far they never disappointed me.

When I started to read the Michael Sykora trilogy a few months ago, I didn't know what to expect. I had never read about an anti-hero--after all, Michael Sykora is a killer for hire. I didn't know what to expect but I kept an open mind and read on. Needless to say, I really enjoyed the novels. Well written, and always keeping me wondering what would happen next. I found reading the trilogy great entertainment.

Killing Instinct is the 3rd Michael Sykora novel, and it is darker than the first two. It brought to mind films like "Assassins" and "8mm". While this level of darkness is not my cup of tea, I felt Darcia Helle handled the story very well and tied all loose ends neatly and tastefully. I also saw a lot of wisdom coming from the likes of Michael and his assassin partner, Sean. In this novel, we see them grow and evolve, often questioning the meaning of the black side of life in more depth, and I often found myself agreeing with their thinking.

Good read. Entertaining. But remember, this one's deeper and darker than the others--so be prepared!
Profile Image for Sheri.
2,115 reviews
June 4, 2013
Michael Sykora is back in this page turning thriller. He teams up with his old friend Sean Riley, both hit men for their own reasons. They are in pursuit of another assassin, Jake Jackling AKA "Jake the Snake".Together Michael and Sean begin to unravel something sinister, as they catch up with Jake.

They find out about a man going by the name of Sandman, and he wants a beautiful woman Maria Milan, she is his target. No one seems to know what Sandman looks like or what his name is. The deeper they dig , the stronger the danger grows and what they find out about Sandman and his organization is so heinous and atrocious they must stop him before it is too late.

Fast paced psychological, all night read. I recommend to those who love a good thriller. Darcia Helle knows how to grab the readers attention by getting into the mind of psychopaths and bringing them to life. Lock your doors tonight and sleep with the lights on, because Killing Instinct will keep you up all night!
Profile Image for Babus Ahmed.
792 reviews61 followers
July 25, 2013
Sean is a gun for hire but when he is hired by a low level thug to torture and murder a woman on film something seems off. Sean changes allegiances and protects Maria. He forms a bond with her that he hasn't formed with any other but who would want to torture and kill her and why?

This is a gruesome, violent thriller, it is fast paced and absorbing. Not for those with a delicate constitution. Michael and his vigilante friends come across a human trafficking ring with very sinister motives. This hero-centric thriller is well written and you enjoy reading the characters. The action is riveting.
Profile Image for Gareth Lewis.
Author 82 books18 followers
February 8, 2015
Fast-paced and easy to read, this is an enthralling thriller with believable characters. While it doesn't shy away from the effects and implications of the violence which occurs, it also doesn't linger on them unnecessarily.

This is the third book in the series. While I've read the first, I haven't yet read the second, but had no trouble picking up here. It establishes the setting well enough that you don't need to have read the earlier books, although you'll probably want to after finishing it.
Profile Image for Eleanor Jethro.
100 reviews2 followers
January 12, 2015
Wow - A book about a killer who is compassionate (actually 2 of them even though Sean doesn't know it). This book really surprised me - I am so used to reading books about the good guy. Now here is 1 about the bad guy. These killers are kllling off the ones that they are either being paid to do away with or who they feel deserve to be done away with. What a twist that 1 that Sean is supposed to kill becomes his lover.
Great mystery book. Would recommend to any and all mystery lovers.
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