Clean Kill

by Anne Laughlin

Nicky Sullivan is the resident manager of a sober living home in Chicago. There she rides herd on ten newly sober addicts and alcoholics, trying to point them in the right direction while keeping their chaos to a minimum. But when one of her residents is murdered, Nicky turns to the investigative skills honed during her past career as a homicide detective. She calls on her old police partner who has been assigned the murder investigation along with his new partner, a woman beautiful enough to give Nicky pause. The body count starts to mount as it becomes clear a serial killer is at work, targeting newly relapsed women, all of whom have some connection to Nicky. Each death makes her feel she’s wielded the knife herself. In the midst of the tragedy, she finds herself falling in love.

With the lives of fragile women in the balance, Nicky finds her own sobriety threatened. Can Nicky save her lover and find the killer? How many others must die before she does?

Genres: Crime, Mystery, LGBT

254 pages, Paperback

Published May 14, 2024

Reviews

[Cherie · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5⭐️ This is a story about Nicky Sullivan who is a recovering alcoholic and an ex police detective. She’s working in a woman’s recovery house supervising women in the program.

One of her women is found murdered after Nicky was forced to remove her by her mean and conniving boss - Gerri. From the start this book kept me interested because of the well defined characters and the who done it mystery.

About half way through I guessed who the murderer was but still the fast pace and possible subjects made it interesting. I felt the insta love with Parker was a bit unrealistic but ok since it was a side story.

Nicky was a very troubled person and carried guilt for an accidental shooting that she committed while still on the police force.
I had to give her credit for her sobriety with all that happened.

I’ll be looking forward to reading the next book in the series.

ARC received from Net Galley for an honest and voluntary review.

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️
Nicky Sullivan runs one of Chicago's homes for women with addiction problems, mostly alcohol or drugs. In a past life, Nicky was a good homicide detective until alcohol became her best friend and she quit her job after a fatal shooting. After getting into rehab and living in a sober home herself, and doing a lot of self-reflection, she now regrets many of her actions under the influence of alcohol. She has been sober for five years, and she knows it will be a daily struggle to stay sober. The battle is all the greater when a serial killer strikes and each victim has a connection to Nicky. But she is determined not only to stay sober but also to find the killer. She reconnects with her former partner Quinn, who, with his new partner Parker, is assigned to this case. Together they try to track down the murder.

The plot is well developed and the tension increases more and more. Nicky feels guilty as she is the only link between the victims, and this makes her very uncomfortable. As the three of them work together, Parker and Nicky grow closer, which is actually an impossible situation. But feelings are not so easy to control. The author deals with this situation in a relatable and good way.

Nicky is a very interesting character who has made many mistakes and destroyed her career in the police force with her drinking. But she has her heart in the right place, she takes good care of the women entrusted to her in the sober living home, and fights for their well-being even against her boss.

The story is a good combination of suspense and murder chase, mixed with a budding love affair. That the romance takes the backseat in this story is OK, otherwise it wouldn't be realistic. The way Nicky deals with her feelings and the fact that she feels on shaky ground is also understandable because her relationship track record is more than lousy. The feelings of guilt towards the victims and the fear of potential victims are almost overwhelming.

Also, Quinn and Parker are a good addition of characters. I hope to see more of them, and as the subtitle, A Nicky Sullivan Mystery, suggests that this is the beginning of a series, I'm already looking forward to the next episode with the three of them.
Thanks to Bold Strokes Books and NetGalley for receiving an ARC for an honest review.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ll give the book a solid okay. It came in strong and lost steam midway through. The good points - the story was multidimensional and real. The main character was not refined and perfect. She was raw with real struggles, insecurities and vulnerabilities. It added to the dark plot and made her incredibly likable. It was a definite underdog story. Okay, moving on to the cons - there were two story lines happening at the same time. I assume they were there to show the struggle and chaos in the main characters life, but they never really merged together in the end and it felt unfinished. Then there was the romance. Or better, the lack there of. There just wasn’t much chemistry in that department. I don’t think sex needs to make the book, but I need more than someone just saying the characters had a connection to believe it.

[Sue Plant · Rating 5 out of 5]

would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this book

nicky is a recovering alcoholic but she is also a manager at a sober living home and has 10 women there trying to stay sober

she is a good manager but has some regrets in her life..one being her detectives badge she gave up... but life is for living and staying sober but when the first body shows up stabbed through the heart and its one of the women that has just been kicked out of her home unjustly nicky is hoping the killer will be found quickly

but as more bodies show up and with them being other alcoholics there seems to be a pattern forming and its drawing attention to nicky herself..

time is running out for nicky can she find the killer before anymore are being killed

this one was an interesting read that kept you guessing right to the end... interesting concept....

[Bee Sherrard · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Nicky Sullivan was young she always pictured herself being a police officer and when she left the department she was a homicide detective. She had become the very person she tried to help but the alcohol call was very loud and convincing. Not wanting to quit her drug of choice she fell deeper into the hole of alcoholism. Finally she got help in rehab where she learned to control the cravings but in reality the crave was still there, meaning every day was a struggle. Finally getting a job being a resident manager in a sober living home she felt she was someplace where she could help others quit.
When money goes missing from her boss, a very disagreeable person made it Nicky’s job to find out what happened. Everyone said they had nothing to do with the theft. She believed them. Her boss Gerri thought she was trying to cover for someone else but Nicky also knew Gerri wasn’t there to help. She had her own plans and helping a bunch of drunks wasn’t high on her list.
It’s when Nicky meets up with her old partner Quinn on the force that things really revved up. Murders were happening and everyone of the victims had a connection so when Quinn brought his new partner Parker along a whole lot of things were changing. Dealing with feeling wasn’t something Nicky felt she could handle.
Ms Laughlin tells us this is the first book in a series following Nicky’s life. I’m looking forward to reading them. I have a feeling this series will be very welcomed, especially to those of us who love a good mystery. Simply put a wonderful read. Very, very enjoyable read. ARC via NetGalley/ Bold Stroke Books

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first thought when I finished this book was delight that it says "A Nicky Sullivan Mystery, 1" on the cover as I’m already looking forward to book two! Ms Laughlin introduces us to a hero with so many flaws she needs a u-haul to carry them along with her. She’s an ex-homicide detective who fell too deeply in love with alcohol. She’s 5 years sober and managing a clean living house. Managing a herd of feral cats more like. But Nicky wants to create an atmosphere where the women can support each other and get clean. She would find it easier to achieve that if her b***h of a boss would back off. But boss Gerri has a ton of problems too…

Then the murders start and continue. And all the dead women have some link to Nicky. She reaches out to her old detective partner and then also meets his new partner. Parker is a beautiful woman who ignites something in Nicky. But she’s not sure how to deal with her feelings when she’s fully sober. And then there’s all these murders.

The writing is tight and the characters well developed. The plot races along as the catastrophes pile up, till at the end you’re almost breathless. The ending is satisfying and I’m definitely picking up the next one which I hope Ms Laughlin is busy writing.

Recommended if you like flawed but self aware lead characters and a push/pull romance with a happy ending.

I was given a copy of this book by NetGalley

[Kennedy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alcoholism is serious business. Nicky Sullivan, former detective currently working as a resident manager in a sober living house. Though five years without a drink, Nicky understands staying alcohol free is a daily challenge and struggle. It is important to have people that you care about and vice-versa, care about you around for support and encouragement. Nicky also knows that ultimately sobriety is a road of self-determination.

Quinn is Nicky's former partner and continues to be in her life. Quinn's new partner, Detective Joanne Parker is very capable and provides assistance to the case and to Nicky personally. When one of Nicky's residents goes missing, Quinn and Parker work "with" Nicky to find her. They soon find out several women that Nicky knows have been murdered. What a bummer to have a boss like Gerri Thomas. Personal issues can impact your job performance.

This read was slow at times and fast at others. Choppy is a word I would use. I look forward to maybe more in depth information in the next book in the series.

Enjoyed the Chicago setting, very nice to read about various locations I am familiar with.

ARC provided by Bold Strokes Books via NetGalley

[Jamie R. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nicky Sullivan is 5 years sober and managing a sober living house for women after giving up her career as a police detective after a traumatic event. She is committed to the women she is helping while she deals with a shady and difficult boss. When one of her residents goes missing after leaving the house, she begins search for her and meets with her former partner, Quinn and his new partner, Parker to enlist their help. She soon finds out the missing resident has been murdered. As the case unfolds it is discovered other women have been murdered and all had ties to Nicky.
The story follows Nicky’s investigation, the drama with her boss and her developing feelings for Parker.
At some points I felt things moved too fast and unnecessary friction occurred too soon with new relationships. A bit over dramatic. Otherwise, I enjoyed the story and the twists and turns it took. Nicky was an easy character to like and I look forward to reading more about her in future books.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for the arc in exchange for an honest review.

[Kaye · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nicky Sullivan was a homicide detective in Chicago before a shooting mishap had her quitting the force and turning to drink. Now she is five years sober and manages a halfway house for those who have been addicted to drugs or alcohol. The story begins when she returns from vacation and finds her desk broken into and cash boxes missing. It becomes more complex when one of her residents is murdered on the day they leave the house. Her old police partner is working the case and Nicky wants to help.

I thought this was a little slow starting only because it takes a while to get to the focus of the blurb. Once there, the pace of the story picks up. I like investigative novels or police procedurals and I liked the mystery of this one. I didn’t necessarily like all the characters. This seems to be the beginning of a new series setting up Nicky to solve future mysteries. I enjoyed this enough to look forward to the next mystery that comes Nicky’s way. Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for the ARC and I am leaving a voluntary review. (3.5 Star)

[Meghan · Rating 4 out of 5]

First book by this author and I found it very engaging and well written if you like a mystery/suspense novel as the romance is not prominent in this story.

Nicky Sullivan is the resident manager of a sober house and has been sober herself for five years. After she left the police force because of an accident and her drinking, she is barely getting by, but is afraid to try for more until residents that relapse are being killed and Nicky is determined to find out who the killer is with the help of her old partner, Quinn and his new partner, Parker who Nicky feels an instant attraction too.

Despite figuring out who the killer was before the end of the book, this was still very good and kept me interested until I finished it. I didn't care for Gwen's POV as it didn't really move the story forward. I would have liked the killer's POV over Gwen's, but the author did do a good job for making Gwen a bitch.

Overall, I enjoyed the story. I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I've read by this author and I look forward to more of the authors books, I thoroughly enjoyed they're writing style, story telling and character development. You have Nicky a former police office who now manages sober living house while also being a recovering alcoholic, When former residents start being killed and a pattern starts forming things link back to Nicky, then enters her former partner Quinn and his new partner Joanne Parker. While Nicky "works" with Quinn and Parker hunt and track a serial killer, she's also trying to clear her name and keep her job, and then add in an expected attraction to Parker, her plate becomes quite full but she try's to balance everything as best as she can on top of maintaining her own sobriety with everything that's happening. This book was an amazing crime fiction/ psychological thriller. I look forward to the other books that could come from this series.

Thanks to NetGalley, Anne Laughlin, and Bold Stroke Books for the ARC.

[Celina · Rating 3 out of 5]

𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗠𝗘𝗦: ᴄʀɪᴍᴇ. ᴍʏꜱᴛᴇʀʏ. ᴍᴜʀᴅᴇʀꜱ. ᴘꜱʏᴄʜɪᴀᴛʀʏ. ʀᴇʜᴀʙ. ᴀʟᴄᴏʜᴏʟ/ᴅʀᴜɢꜱ. ʟᴀᴅʏ ᴋ.

I still don't know how this is going to be series but I am intrigued. I was mainly intrigued by the synopsis and cover. The plot is heartfelt and very real so it was not hard to follow. The emotions and chemistry between the main characters was a little bit thin but their connection to the circumstances that brought them together had authentic feelings that I am sure that if this is going to be a series, I might grow fond of them. The book is very plot focused so there are next to no sweet moments. And I have to say, I was so mad when we found out who was murdered first. That poor woman and the others as well, of course.


𝙏𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙠𝙨 𝙩𝙤 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙥𝙪𝙗𝙡𝙞𝙨𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝘼𝙍𝘾 𝙘𝙤𝙥𝙮 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙄 𝙧𝙚𝙘𝙚𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙙 𝙫𝙞𝙖 𝙉𝙚𝙩𝙜𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙮 𝙨𝙤 𝙄 𝙖𝙢 𝙫𝙤𝙡𝙪𝙣𝙩𝙖𝙧𝙞𝙡𝙮 𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙫𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙢𝙮 𝙝𝙤𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙧𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙬.⁠

[Aleana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nicky is a ex cop who now runs a home for women with addictions. As she tries to keep the home open she has trouble with her boss who isn’t really trying to help and making things more difficult for her. When she has to kick a women who is falsely accused of stealing she gets murder as Nicky is devastated by it she decides to turn to her ex partner Quinn and his new partner Parker who surprisingly she becomes attracted to. As she gets help she investigates and learns there been more murders that seems to be connected to her will she be able to solve it before another victim and will she let Parker in despite her being a work in progress. I enjoy this read I like the mystery but I did figure out who the killer was look forward to next book with this character if it’s a series.

I received an ARC copy of this book from the Publisher via Netgalley and voluntarily leaving my review.

[Gwen Deely · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Clean Kill" by Anne Laughlin was a captivating read, blending mystery with an exploration of the complex mindset of addiction and recovery from addiction. The main character, Nicky Sullivan, is a lesbian who is a former detective but currently runs a sober house for women trying to stay clean. When the pattern of murdered relapsed women (all known by Nicky) emerges, she realizes that this is a case that must be solved before she or someone she loves is the next victim. This book was thoroughly engaging; in fact, I read it in no time and was sorry when it ended! Can't wait for the sequel. -Gwen Deely

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

Totally gripping sapphic crime story, featuring an ex police officer and recovering alcoholic who runs a half way house for women coming out of rehab, when a serial killer starts targeting women thrown out of such houses who relapse. Nicky Sullivan is a compelling character, flawed for sure but also with a strong sense of what's right. The other characters are also well written and offer plenty of options as to who the murderer could be. Read in an afternoon as I couldn't put it down.

With thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Eric (erics_furiouslyreading) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clean Kill by Anne Laughlin
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Nicki, the resident manager of a sober house for ten women, has her hands fulll daily. When one of her residents is murdered, she must return to her past as a detective, while the bodies start piling up.
A good book overall for me but seemed a bit scattered at times and that lost my attention on more than one occasion. There were definitely clues to the suspect but not enough until right at the end to put it all together.

[Margaret Ghielmetti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Total page-turner: I definitely needed to keep on reading to find out whodunnit (and I was surprised!) Really liked "getting to know" Laughlin's protagonist, former homicide detective Nicky Sullivan, and learning more about Nicky's law enforcement life. Laughlin’s love and knowledge of Chicago's neighborhoods -- plus sober and LGBTQ+ cultures -- deepened my appreciation of this book. Already excited for Laughlin's next book!

[Red Dragon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Former police detective, recovering alcoholic Nicky is manager of a sober living home when the murders begin.
A well written murder mystery with a side order of love. While I thought I had guessed who the murderer was half way through there was still enough interest to keep me reading to the end.
Thanks to Bold Stroked Books and NetGalley for the ARC - this is my honest review.

[Aaron · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nicely fleshed out characters and awesome Chicago flavor.

[Holly Klose · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a highly readable murder mystery novel, with lots of fun local Chicago references (as the author is from Chicago!).