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Close Killer
A killer is targeting American tourists in Edinburgh, Scotland. Three dead solo female travelers were found strangled in the closes off the Royal Mile. FBI Agents Kate Walsh and Declan James are sent to investigate at the height of the Christmas tourist season. Police Scotland is without any leads.
No one believes these crimes are the killer’s first – and they aren’t. Soon they discover similar murders of solo female travelers across Europe. Agent Walsh is determined to keep this killer in Edinburgh even if she has to use herself as bait.
When an international art thief known as the Phantom is identified as a suspect, Agent Walsh is hard-pressed to believe it. The two must form an unlikely alliance to find the truth. Can she trust him in time or will the killer escape to another European city to kill again?
If you like riveting crime fiction and the thrill of the case, read Close Killer as a standalone or as book #6 in the FBI Agent Kate Walsh Thriller series. It’s strongly recommended to read the series novella “The Curators” available free through the author’s website first but it’s not necessary.
No one believes these crimes are the killer’s first – and they aren’t. Soon they discover similar murders of solo female travelers across Europe. Agent Walsh is determined to keep this killer in Edinburgh even if she has to use herself as bait.
When an international art thief known as the Phantom is identified as a suspect, Agent Walsh is hard-pressed to believe it. The two must form an unlikely alliance to find the truth. Can she trust him in time or will the killer escape to another European city to kill again?
If you like riveting crime fiction and the thrill of the case, read Close Killer as a standalone or as book #6 in the FBI Agent Kate Walsh Thriller series. It’s strongly recommended to read the series novella “The Curators” available free through the author’s website first but it’s not necessary.
328 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 2, 2023
265 people are currently reading
53 people want to read
About the author
Stacy M. Jones
47 books147 followersStacy M. Jones is a criminologist turned crime novelist whose thrillers pulse with a realism that only decades working with law enforcement can bring. That firsthand experience fuels her fiction, stories rooted in authentic criminal psychology, human complexity, and high-stakes emotion.
Since 2018, Stacy has written four series, ranging from gritty FBI thrillers and hard-boiled private eye mysteries to her lighter paranormal cozy series. Her series include the completed cozy paranormal Harper & Hattie Magical Mystery Series, the completed hard-boiled PI Riley Sullivan Mystery Series, the FBI Agent Kate Walsh Thriller Series and the new Connor Fitzgerald Thriller series.
Stacy holds master’s degrees in forensic psychology and journalism and for now calls Little Rock, Arkansas home,though her storytelling always carries a trace of her upstate New York roots.
To join Stacy's Mystery Readers Club & access her Starter Library, which includes three novellas - "Harper's Folly", "The 1922 Club Murder" and "The Curators" - hit subscribe at http://www.stacymjones.com/
Since 2018, Stacy has written four series, ranging from gritty FBI thrillers and hard-boiled private eye mysteries to her lighter paranormal cozy series. Her series include the completed cozy paranormal Harper & Hattie Magical Mystery Series, the completed hard-boiled PI Riley Sullivan Mystery Series, the FBI Agent Kate Walsh Thriller Series and the new Connor Fitzgerald Thriller series.
Stacy holds master’s degrees in forensic psychology and journalism and for now calls Little Rock, Arkansas home,though her storytelling always carries a trace of her upstate New York roots.
To join Stacy's Mystery Readers Club & access her Starter Library, which includes three novellas - "Harper's Folly", "The 1922 Club Murder" and "The Curators" - hit subscribe at http://www.stacymjones.com/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
April 14, 2025
This book...wow. I can't tell you how much I enjoyed it.
Not only was the plot interesting, but we also get to see Phantom again (hello please I love him, Ms/Mrs. Stacy please write a book about him.)
I have not fallen in love with a side character like this in a while, like damn, I was eagerly awaiting every interaction with Leo (aka Phantom), like I ADORE Kate and Declan- yet I was over here like...Kate run off with this man immediately lol
and not me hoping he never gets caught-
I am dying to read a female FBI Agent x Charming illusive Art Thief, book now, like the cat and mouse, batman and catwoman type vibes.
But enough about Leo for now, Declan and Kate....EEEE FINALLY!! I'm so happy they finally have done it, I thought it was so sweet Kate's first time really celebrating Christmas since her parent's death was because of Declan, like it was so heartwarming and just sweet to see her healing in these ways. (I have a feeling Spade knows, I don't know why but I feel like he does.)
I have a lot of parts of this book I loved but here's a few:
“You better be careful with your accusations or I might get ideas in my
head and ditch this FBI life for a life of international intrigue with Leo.”
Kate couldn’t do anything but joke about it because what Declan had said was true.
Saying it aloud sounded ridiculous.
I would %1000 take a spin off book of this NGL
Kate admitted, even though she wasn’t sure why. She found herself
having a tingle of feeling for Leo she shouldn’t.
“I know it’s a little cliché but I’ve always loved Café Terrace at Night by Van Gogh. I
had a poster of it when I was in college. I could stare at it for hours imagining myself
at the table watching the world go by.”
“It’s a serene image. I can imagine you there too.”
Y'all please-
“People aren’t all good or all bad, Kate. Life is a lot of grey.” Jax.
That was like most people though – a little good, a little bad, and a whole lot of complication. kate.
I genuinely loved this book, would read it again (yes just for Leo but also the plot was fun, and I wasn't expecting who it was). I'm not an expert but it was really well written (to me, like I said I'm not an expert, so I don't usually comment on the writing part.)
I'm excited to read the next one to see how the dynamic with Kate and Declan is with the big change.
Not only was the plot interesting, but we also get to see Phantom again (hello please I love him, Ms/Mrs. Stacy please write a book about him.)
I have not fallen in love with a side character like this in a while, like damn, I was eagerly awaiting every interaction with Leo (aka Phantom), like I ADORE Kate and Declan- yet I was over here like...Kate run off with this man immediately lol
and not me hoping he never gets caught-
I am dying to read a female FBI Agent x Charming illusive Art Thief, book now, like the cat and mouse, batman and catwoman type vibes.
But enough about Leo for now, Declan and Kate....EEEE FINALLY!! I'm so happy they finally have done it, I thought it was so sweet Kate's first time really celebrating Christmas since her parent's death was because of Declan, like it was so heartwarming and just sweet to see her healing in these ways. (I have a feeling Spade knows, I don't know why but I feel like he does.)
I have a lot of parts of this book I loved but here's a few:
“You better be careful with your accusations or I might get ideas in my
head and ditch this FBI life for a life of international intrigue with Leo.”
Kate couldn’t do anything but joke about it because what Declan had said was true.
Saying it aloud sounded ridiculous.
I would %1000 take a spin off book of this NGL
Kate admitted, even though she wasn’t sure why. She found herself
having a tingle of feeling for Leo she shouldn’t.
“I know it’s a little cliché but I’ve always loved Café Terrace at Night by Van Gogh. I
had a poster of it when I was in college. I could stare at it for hours imagining myself
at the table watching the world go by.”
“It’s a serene image. I can imagine you there too.”
Y'all please-
“People aren’t all good or all bad, Kate. Life is a lot of grey.” Jax.
That was like most people though – a little good, a little bad, and a whole lot of complication. kate.
I genuinely loved this book, would read it again (yes just for Leo but also the plot was fun, and I wasn't expecting who it was). I'm not an expert but it was really well written (to me, like I said I'm not an expert, so I don't usually comment on the writing part.)
I'm excited to read the next one to see how the dynamic with Kate and Declan is with the big change.
September 3, 2023
I received an ARC and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
This story begins with Kate and Declan on a break from their last case. They are decorating the house for Christmas and it has been a while for Kate since she last did it. After finishing the tree and putting the boxes away, they receive a call from Spade who tells them that they are going to Scotland on assignment. It appears that there has been the murder of three Americans and a request has been sent to the FBI asking for help.
Upon arriving and meeting with the Inspector, they start going over the case files. While this is going on, another body of an American has been found. Kate forms a task force and as they start looking, they discover that this killing has been going on for around ten years in several countries. They seem to be getting nowhere and decide to hold a press conference asking for help. As a result, someone dropped a note and upon visiting this individual, they discovered a trove of information about the killings. They later are provided a photo of a possible suspect who had been seen with the last victim. From an individual from Kate’s past, there was a name for the suspect now.
Using this information, the team came up with a plan to trap the killer. Unfortunately, it didn’t work. Kate then decided to go undercover and set up a meeting.
To discover what happened as a result of the meeting, who the killer was, and whether they were successful in closing the case, then you need to read this book. The ending will answer all questions.
This story begins with Kate and Declan on a break from their last case. They are decorating the house for Christmas and it has been a while for Kate since she last did it. After finishing the tree and putting the boxes away, they receive a call from Spade who tells them that they are going to Scotland on assignment. It appears that there has been the murder of three Americans and a request has been sent to the FBI asking for help.
Upon arriving and meeting with the Inspector, they start going over the case files. While this is going on, another body of an American has been found. Kate forms a task force and as they start looking, they discover that this killing has been going on for around ten years in several countries. They seem to be getting nowhere and decide to hold a press conference asking for help. As a result, someone dropped a note and upon visiting this individual, they discovered a trove of information about the killings. They later are provided a photo of a possible suspect who had been seen with the last victim. From an individual from Kate’s past, there was a name for the suspect now.
Using this information, the team came up with a plan to trap the killer. Unfortunately, it didn’t work. Kate then decided to go undercover and set up a meeting.
To discover what happened as a result of the meeting, who the killer was, and whether they were successful in closing the case, then you need to read this book. The ending will answer all questions.
September 21, 2023
Stacy has outdone herself yet again with Close Killer. Every one of her FBI Kate Walch thrillers is better than the ones before it, and that’s saying a mouth full, because every one of them is the epitome of crime fiction. Jones includes enough backstory in each of the FBI Kate Walsh novels, so they can be read and enjoyed as standalone novels, but for maximum enjoyment they really need to be read in the order they were written. Although each story is complete in itself, having read all the books in the series in the order they were written will help you to see, understand, and appreciate, the sub-plot running through all these books, the evolving personal relationship between Kate Walsh and Declan James.
Stacy Jones writes solid fiction that closely mirrors real life, so don’t expect to find shootouts, knife fights, and fist fights on every page. Like in real life, when it does happen, it happens suddenly, unpredictably. This story may not move like a runaway freight train on a downhill incline, it’s not a page burner, but it does move forward at a steady pace keeping you turning the pages.
Close Killer is packed with surprises, especially at the very end. The way it ends has me wondering what Stacy has planned for Kate and Declan in the next FBI Kate Walsh novel. The suspense is killing me, so I hope Stacy doesn’t keep us waiting too long for the next book in the series.
Stacy Jones writes solid fiction that closely mirrors real life, so don’t expect to find shootouts, knife fights, and fist fights on every page. Like in real life, when it does happen, it happens suddenly, unpredictably. This story may not move like a runaway freight train on a downhill incline, it’s not a page burner, but it does move forward at a steady pace keeping you turning the pages.
Close Killer is packed with surprises, especially at the very end. The way it ends has me wondering what Stacy has planned for Kate and Declan in the next FBI Kate Walsh novel. The suspense is killing me, so I hope Stacy doesn’t keep us waiting too long for the next book in the series.
October 26, 2023
It appears that there is a serial killer on the loose in Edinburgh, Scotland. He is targeting American tourists so far, all females. Three single female travelers were found strangled in the closets off the Royal Mile at the height of the Christmas tourist season. International FBI Agents Kate Walsh and Declan James have been sent to investigate to date the Police Scotland have no clues.
The agents feel this is a seasoned killer and soon discover more kills. The Scots identify a person known as the Phantom as an international art thief. But Agent Walsh doesn't believe the profile fits. She makes a dangerous decision and decides to form an unlikely alliance with the thief to see if they might discover the truth. Will her move to put her faith in him be a disastrous mistake? Perhaps she is wrong, and he is the killer, and he will track her to be his next kill. Or she has waited too long to put her trust in him, and it is too late, the killer may have already escaped to another province or country. This is my true and honest opinion. I received this novel from BookFunnel
The agents feel this is a seasoned killer and soon discover more kills. The Scots identify a person known as the Phantom as an international art thief. But Agent Walsh doesn't believe the profile fits. She makes a dangerous decision and decides to form an unlikely alliance with the thief to see if they might discover the truth. Will her move to put her faith in him be a disastrous mistake? Perhaps she is wrong, and he is the killer, and he will track her to be his next kill. Or she has waited too long to put her trust in him, and it is too late, the killer may have already escaped to another province or country. This is my true and honest opinion. I received this novel from BookFunnel
March 22, 2024
Pretty good but needed a better edit/proofread - read on KU
I found this story to be hard to put down after the first 20%. It was well paced.
However, it does need a better edit. Not only were there minor grammatical errors, there were consistency errors. One sentence early on was repeated word for word in two consecutive paragraphs. At one point, Kate meets alone with an informant and tells him the name of the suspect. A few chapters later, Declan decides they need to say the suspect's name to that informant and see how he reacts. He asks her if she mentioned the name and she said no. The informant does react the second time. The author and forgotten that Kate had said the name. It is so easy to make those kinds of mistakes, so the blame falls on the editing for those type things, IMO.
It was very obvious who the bad guy was at a certain point. It was disappointing Declan and Kate didn't suspect him.
This series has gotten better. I've enjoyed the last 3 more than the first 3.
Just for a content warning, there is a very clean sex scene in the book.
I found this story to be hard to put down after the first 20%. It was well paced.
However, it does need a better edit. Not only were there minor grammatical errors, there were consistency errors. One sentence early on was repeated word for word in two consecutive paragraphs. At one point, Kate meets alone with an informant and tells him the name of the suspect. A few chapters later, Declan decides they need to say the suspect's name to that informant and see how he reacts. He asks her if she mentioned the name and she said no. The informant does react the second time. The author and forgotten that Kate had said the name. It is so easy to make those kinds of mistakes, so the blame falls on the editing for those type things, IMO.
It was very obvious who the bad guy was at a certain point. It was disappointing Declan and Kate didn't suspect him.
This series has gotten better. I've enjoyed the last 3 more than the first 3.
Just for a content warning, there is a very clean sex scene in the book.
September 3, 2023
Kate and Declan head to Edinburgh when three American women are strangled in separate incidents. All were solo travellers. They soon discover that more women have been murdered across Europe in the last decade, with ties to other crimes in the same locations which link back to a previous case that Kate and Declan worked on.
As usual, this was a riveting read. Declan and Kate are great characters who are hard not to like. I particularly liked the connection to previous events in an earlier book. There's lots to enjoy here. Good characters, lots of suspense, a bit of romance plus the tension of the chase to catch the killer. The ending was particularly interesting,. I'm looking forward to seeing how these events shape the next story in this fantastic series.
As usual, this was a riveting read. Declan and Kate are great characters who are hard not to like. I particularly liked the connection to previous events in an earlier book. There's lots to enjoy here. Good characters, lots of suspense, a bit of romance plus the tension of the chase to catch the killer. The ending was particularly interesting,. I'm looking forward to seeing how these events shape the next story in this fantastic series.
September 4, 2023
Kate and Declan are back and they’re hunting an elusive killer who leaves no evidence behind. Young women who are traveling alone are being strangled and their bodies are being left near tourist attractions. Kate and Declan travel to Scotland to assist in the investigation of the murders of three American tourists who appear to be the latest victims of this killer who has been murdering women around Europe for more than a decade. This is such a good series! The cases that Kate and Declan investigate are always so interesting and challenging. Another great installment in this riveting series!
September 4, 2023
This is great reading that will keep you up for hours. I had a hard time putting this one down so reading into the wee hours just had to be. This is truly a good series and once you start it, you will be pulled in to read them all. It’s fascinating to see how these characters grow and evolve in each story. All the events help to shape them. This author is so adept at what she does! Recommended. I received a copy of this book. I’m reviewing it voluntarily.
September 13, 2023
Worth the read
To me this was one of the best ones from the series. Kept you wanting to read more and not put the book down until finished. Can't wait to read more on Kate and the phantom story line. I know its coming but a part of me is hoping he'll remain free. Also glad her and Declan finally admitted their feelings. Thank you for not drawing it out any further. Keep up the good work
To me this was one of the best ones from the series. Kept you wanting to read more and not put the book down until finished. Can't wait to read more on Kate and the phantom story line. I know its coming but a part of me is hoping he'll remain free. Also glad her and Declan finally admitted their feelings. Thank you for not drawing it out any further. Keep up the good work
April 15, 2025
One of the best yet
I've been following Declan & Kate throughout these stories. The development of the characters has been a great experience. They started off as very good friends. Even with quite a bit of disagreements between the two, they managed to have each other's backs. I would definitely recommend this book to others as it was very well written & the surprising revelation of the person responsible for the murders caught me somewhat unaware! Nice job!
I've been following Declan & Kate throughout these stories. The development of the characters has been a great experience. They started off as very good friends. Even with quite a bit of disagreements between the two, they managed to have each other's backs. I would definitely recommend this book to others as it was very well written & the surprising revelation of the person responsible for the murders caught me somewhat unaware! Nice job!
September 3, 2023
An absolute ripper read! Once again the odds seem to be stacked against FBI agent Kate and her partner Declan in this compulsively page turning read. The sense of urgency and malevolence slowly intensifies as to become almost unbearable towards the climax of this story. So much so that reading into the wee hours of the morning was absolutely inescapable.
September 7, 2023
I had no idea what a close killer was until I read this story. Set in Dublin, Ireland it refers to alleyways we find in the USA. I found it fascinating that Ms. Jones incorporated a person from her book The Curators into this story. That made this book very complex. I received an ARC. I choose to write this review voluntarily.
September 11, 2023
This is a must read! This series is EXCELLENT and the author has her craft nailed down. Not only is every page more gripping than the next, the end will have your jaw on the floor. I don’t want to give anything away because this book is an unbelievable treat! I can’t wait for what’s to come. The suspense between books is almost as good as the suspense reading her books!
September 19, 2023
This book is FANTASTIC!! Stacy has become one of my favorite authors. Her books capture me the second I start to read them and they NEVER disappoint. If you have not read any of her books you should start. Her Kate Walsh and Riley Sullivan books are my favorites but I have not been disappointed in my of her books!!
October 15, 2023
Phantom is back.....
So glad Ms. Jones went back to the Curators in this story. I always thought that story wasn't finished and still isnt, which is actually good.
Great storyline, getting better with each book. Great description of Scotland's closes, the Royal Mile, etc. Pleasure to read.
So glad Ms. Jones went back to the Curators in this story. I always thought that story wasn't finished and still isnt, which is actually good.
Great storyline, getting better with each book. Great description of Scotland's closes, the Royal Mile, etc. Pleasure to read.
April 30, 2024
best Kate Walsh story yet!
This one is filled with love and craziness! I have so far loved all of the series but this one is by far the best. Leo was my favorite character. I hope we see him Again. I expected the ending with the killer but at the same time had never expected what happened. I don’t want to give too many details away but so good
This one is filled with love and craziness! I have so far loved all of the series but this one is by far the best. Leo was my favorite character. I hope we see him Again. I expected the ending with the killer but at the same time had never expected what happened. I don’t want to give too many details away but so good
September 4, 2023
i love this series Young girls are disappearing and Declan and Kate are in the middle of all the mess Love how
they both bring skills to their assignments and figure out the murder with the help of each other truly another hit for Ms Jones
they both bring skills to their assignments and figure out the murder with the help of each other truly another hit for Ms Jones
September 4, 2023
Highly Recommend
Wow! Fantastic book. Caught my attention immediately and had me turning the pages as fast as I could to see what happened next. Very well written. Great characters. I look forward to the next one.
Wow! Fantastic book. Caught my attention immediately and had me turning the pages as fast as I could to see what happened next. Very well written. Great characters. I look forward to the next one.
September 13, 2023
Bestof the series!
I’ve enjoyed all of the Kate Walsh series but this was my favorite! Watching Kate and Declan continuing to grow together but still understand and support each others strengths and weaknesses as partners made the book. Will be anxiously awaiting the next book!
I’ve enjoyed all of the Kate Walsh series but this was my favorite! Watching Kate and Declan continuing to grow together but still understand and support each others strengths and weaknesses as partners made the book. Will be anxiously awaiting the next book!
September 13, 2023
Three females have been found killed in the same place in Scotland. It is thought they are not the only victims. It is not going to be easy but they are going to have to work hard to solve the crimes. Can the murderer be unmasked? Can they stop them before more happen? See just who is behind it all
September 29, 2023
I’d give the book a 10 if I could
The details on Edinburg put you there on the streets with the characters. Kate & Declan are my favorites in Ms Jones books. Followed closely with the Riley PI series. Oh and I love Hattie too.
Ms Jones is an excellent storyteller.
The details on Edinburg put you there on the streets with the characters. Kate & Declan are my favorites in Ms Jones books. Followed closely with the Riley PI series. Oh and I love Hattie too.
Ms Jones is an excellent storyteller.
November 13, 2023
Exciting
There are American women being killed in Europe. Kate and Declan are sent to help the police. They find the murders have been going on for 10 years. Very good story and characters.
There are American women being killed in Europe. Kate and Declan are sent to help the police. They find the murders have been going on for 10 years. Very good story and characters.
September 14, 2024
Fantastic, edge of your seat reading
Each book keeps getting better and better. The suspense makes you hold your breath. Cannot turn the page fast enough.
Absolutely thrilling to read!! Can't wait to read the next book.
Each book keeps getting better and better. The suspense makes you hold your breath. Cannot turn the page fast enough.
Absolutely thrilling to read!! Can't wait to read the next book.
September 4, 2023
Kate and Declan head to Scotland to co-investigate the murders of three US women. The Phantom (villain from The Curators) makes another appearance to complicate the investigation
September 6, 2023
Loved it, lots of interesting twists, things aren't what you think.
September 10, 2023
Great action!
I really enjoyed the pace of this novel- lots of action and twists. The characters continue to develop as well, great romantic subplot.
I really enjoyed the pace of this novel- lots of action and twists. The characters continue to develop as well, great romantic subplot.
October 6, 2023
Amazing!
This was a fantastic story, well written and unputdownable! Loads of suspense and action, romance and humor. Can't wait for whatever happens next!
This was a fantastic story, well written and unputdownable! Loads of suspense and action, romance and humor. Can't wait for whatever happens next!
October 21, 2023
awesome
All of your books are fantastic. I’m reading them one after the other. Thank you for sharing your gift.
Sandi
All of your books are fantastic. I’m reading them one after the other. Thank you for sharing your gift.
Sandi
October 30, 2023
Kate and Declan are back. This time they are in Scotland trying to track down a serial killer. Lots of twists and turns. I love this series.
November 8, 2023
Never Dissapointing
I pick authors I like to read and read everything they write. Have enjoyed your works. Thank you for sharing your talent. Waiting to see what Kate does next.
I pick authors I like to read and read everything they write. Have enjoyed your works. Thank you for sharing your talent. Waiting to see what Kate does next.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews