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The Killing Seasons #4
A Fall Kill
It’s the fall, and some will not make it to winter.
The blood-red leaves are falling all around Carolyn Ryder as she takes the last steps of a journey that has come to an end. All the pain, the suffering, and loss she has had to witness and endure along the murderous road Sam Pritchard has traveled; all leads to here. Ravenwood.
But this time, Carolyn will not be alone. New allies will be forged, and she’s brought along some old ones too who have shared in the same plight in finding and killing monsters just like Pritchard.
This is the ending battle. Good verses the purest evil unimaginable. There’s nowhere to run. No place to hide. Make a stand or die.
The blood-red leaves are falling all around Carolyn Ryder as she takes the last steps of a journey that has come to an end. All the pain, the suffering, and loss she has had to witness and endure along the murderous road Sam Pritchard has traveled; all leads to here. Ravenwood.
But this time, Carolyn will not be alone. New allies will be forged, and she’s brought along some old ones too who have shared in the same plight in finding and killing monsters just like Pritchard.
This is the ending battle. Good verses the purest evil unimaginable. There’s nowhere to run. No place to hide. Make a stand or die.
270 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 16, 2024
About the author
J.K. Ellem
36 books236 followersJK Ellem was born in London and spent his formative years preferring to read books and comics rather than doing his homework.
He is the innovative author of short chapter, Hitchcock-style adult thrillers in the genres of crime, mystery, and psychological thrillers which have multiple plot lines that culminate in explosive, unpredictable endings that will leave you shocked.
In 2022 he was accepted into the Curtis Brown Creative, Writing Your Novel in Six Months course which he undertook in London while working on his manuscript for future submission.
He splits his time between the US, the UK and Australia.
Are you following JKE on Amazon? Great way to keep up-to-date with all my new releases, prime and kindle deals. Just click on the Follow Button found at the top of his author page. By following me you will receive notifications about all deals on all his books.
Just click here and "Follow"→ https://amzn.to/3qK8YI2
Why not curl up and read one of his can't put down thrillers:
Ravenwood Series:
Mill Point Road
Ravenwood
The Sisterhood
An Unkindness of Sinners
The Killing Seasons:
A Winter’s Kill
A Spring Kill
A Summer's Kill
A Fall Kill
A Wintry Kill
A Dark Kill
A Forgotten Kill
Thrillers:
All Other Sins
Murder School
Audrey Kills Again!
Taxi Man
No Justice Series:
Deadly Touch
No Justice
Cold Justice
American Justice
Fast Justice
Sinful Justice
Dark Justice
Hidden Justice
Raw Justice
Final Justice
Octagon Trilogy:
Soldiers Field
Octagon
Infernum
Visit my Author Page on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/author/jkellem
Follow me on Facebook: https://goo.gl/pQZ9Du
Follow me on Instagram: https://goo.gl/jLKruA
Visit my YouTube Channel : https://bit.ly/3pMqV5X
He is the innovative author of short chapter, Hitchcock-style adult thrillers in the genres of crime, mystery, and psychological thrillers which have multiple plot lines that culminate in explosive, unpredictable endings that will leave you shocked.
In 2022 he was accepted into the Curtis Brown Creative, Writing Your Novel in Six Months course which he undertook in London while working on his manuscript for future submission.
He splits his time between the US, the UK and Australia.
Are you following JKE on Amazon? Great way to keep up-to-date with all my new releases, prime and kindle deals. Just click on the Follow Button found at the top of his author page. By following me you will receive notifications about all deals on all his books.
Just click here and "Follow"→ https://amzn.to/3qK8YI2
Why not curl up and read one of his can't put down thrillers:
Ravenwood Series:
Mill Point Road
Ravenwood
The Sisterhood
An Unkindness of Sinners
The Killing Seasons:
A Winter’s Kill
A Spring Kill
A Summer's Kill
A Fall Kill
A Wintry Kill
A Dark Kill
A Forgotten Kill
Thrillers:
All Other Sins
Murder School
Audrey Kills Again!
Taxi Man
No Justice Series:
Deadly Touch
No Justice
Cold Justice
American Justice
Fast Justice
Sinful Justice
Dark Justice
Hidden Justice
Raw Justice
Final Justice
Octagon Trilogy:
Soldiers Field
Octagon
Infernum
Visit my Author Page on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/author/jkellem
Follow me on Facebook: https://goo.gl/pQZ9Du
Follow me on Instagram: https://goo.gl/jLKruA
Visit my YouTube Channel : https://bit.ly/3pMqV5X
Ratings & Reviews
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
February 17, 2024
THE BEST ONE YET! The Killing Seasons is a four-book series that has Ellem at the top of his game. With the final installment, "A Fall Kill" is a killer-thriller from start to finish! I was hooked immediately and couldn't put this book down.
FULL REVIEW POSTED 2/13/24
JKE never fails to stun and amaze! And he gets the job done in spades as he finishes up The Killing Seasons 4-book series with a powerhouse of chills and thrills that will keep readers immersed in a sinister web of evil.
Through winter, spring and summer and now fall has arrived with its vibrant colored leaves bringing readers to the end of the road in Ravenwood. It’s where the search for the terrorizing murderer Sam Pritchard will finally end.
This tightly woven four-book series kept me compulsively reading and guessing until the very end. And just when I thought I had this one figured out and put to rest, BOOM! PLOT TWIST! Evocative, gripping and utterly compelling, A FALL KILL is a masterfully told story by a consummate craftsman at the top of his game.
With its climatic ending, vengeance will satisfy the most seasoned crime readers. All the dangling ends are tied up neatly for familiar characters from the four books who’ll finally find their peace and comfort zones. J. K. Ellem is a master of his craft, and with a perfect “Rhett Butler” final scene he shows his sense of humor here as well.
As always after finishing one of JKE’s books, I’m excitedly awaiting the news of what he has up his sleeve next.
FULL REVIEW POSTED 2/13/24
JKE never fails to stun and amaze! And he gets the job done in spades as he finishes up The Killing Seasons 4-book series with a powerhouse of chills and thrills that will keep readers immersed in a sinister web of evil.
Through winter, spring and summer and now fall has arrived with its vibrant colored leaves bringing readers to the end of the road in Ravenwood. It’s where the search for the terrorizing murderer Sam Pritchard will finally end.
This tightly woven four-book series kept me compulsively reading and guessing until the very end. And just when I thought I had this one figured out and put to rest, BOOM! PLOT TWIST! Evocative, gripping and utterly compelling, A FALL KILL is a masterfully told story by a consummate craftsman at the top of his game.
With its climatic ending, vengeance will satisfy the most seasoned crime readers. All the dangling ends are tied up neatly for familiar characters from the four books who’ll finally find their peace and comfort zones. J. K. Ellem is a master of his craft, and with a perfect “Rhett Butler” final scene he shows his sense of humor here as well.
As always after finishing one of JKE’s books, I’m excitedly awaiting the news of what he has up his sleeve next.
February 21, 2024
JK Ellem never disappoints
Once again, JK has written a page turner that you won't be able to put down. I highly recommend that you read the entire series and finish up with this one (until the next one). I don't recommend it as a stand alone.
Once again, JK has written a page turner that you won't be able to put down. I highly recommend that you read the entire series and finish up with this one (until the next one). I don't recommend it as a stand alone.
February 16, 2024
Ravenwood the final hunting ground. Bringing together old acquaintances all with one ultimate goal. The hunted knows how to hide in the confusion and chaos. Whilst also hatching a surprise of his own.
Fast paced and filled with determination to eliminate evil. Dark and twisted with the tension increasing in each chapter.
Enjoyed reading the final part of Carolyn's story.
Fast paced and filled with determination to eliminate evil. Dark and twisted with the tension increasing in each chapter.
Enjoyed reading the final part of Carolyn's story.
February 18, 2024
Excellent
What a great finish. A 10 book tie in finishing and bringing together the main characters from all 10.
As I was reading the books and seeing tie in here and there I wondered if it would get tied up.
EXCELENT REALY ENJOYED THE WHOLE UNIVERSE !
What a great finish. A 10 book tie in finishing and bringing together the main characters from all 10.
As I was reading the books and seeing tie in here and there I wondered if it would get tied up.
EXCELENT REALY ENJOYED THE WHOLE UNIVERSE !
March 12, 2024
A BRILLIANT ENDING.
Wow, such a brilliant ending to, J. K .Ellen's serial killer novels. The storyline is brilliantly worked out. As you get into the story you can feel the tension mounting, when it happens it definitely holds your full attention.
The characters- are all back - each one being such a welcoming come back into Sam Pritchard's world of evil, ready for them to send him where he belongs, into the fires of hell.
A Highly recommended read. Frances.
Wow, such a brilliant ending to, J. K .Ellen's serial killer novels. The storyline is brilliantly worked out. As you get into the story you can feel the tension mounting, when it happens it definitely holds your full attention.
The characters- are all back - each one being such a welcoming come back into Sam Pritchard's world of evil, ready for them to send him where he belongs, into the fires of hell.
A Highly recommended read. Frances.
February 25, 2024
Just as good as the others in the series. Predictable but entertaining.
April 20, 2026
It’s incredibly rare that I start a series and stick with it, but there is something about this one that keeps drawing me back in time and time again. I can’t pinpoint exactly what it is, but it’s definitely mix of our protagonist, Carolyn Ryder, the dark atmospheric feel throughout and the ongoing hunt to take down one of the most-wanted killers.
A Fall Kill is book four in The Killing Seasons series, and while it wasn’t my favourite of the four books I’ve read so far (A Winter’s Kill still takes my top spot!) it was still an intense read, a full-on, dangerous hunt for a killer who had plagued the lives of many for so long. A monster of a man who had killed and tortured time and time again, Sam Pritchard. It’s time to take out the trash once and for all.
There’s so much to love in this book. Characters from previous books come together, their skills and ideas combine to create the ultimate killing strategy. Of course, there are hurdles in the way; escaped prisoner and mate of Pritchard, Dylan Cobb, the fact that their plan needs to be on the down low to avoid anything going wrong and blowing their cover, secrets, ulterior motives. There’s murder, and plenty of blood if we’re being honest, so if you’re squeamish, you might want to give it a miss. But I’ve grown to love the style of JK Ellem’s books so much by now that I’d be gutted if there wasn’t a bit of gore, at least.
I did feel like I was left wanting more from the ending – with a four book build-up to catching someone even I began to fear over time, it all seemed to be over incredibly quickly, and I felt a bit deflated. But even so, it was a satisfying end which had me looking back over the previous three books and reminding myself just how much this killer had to die. A dark crime mystery full of tension, killers hiding in plain sight and of course, revenge.
A Fall Kill is book four in The Killing Seasons series, and while it wasn’t my favourite of the four books I’ve read so far (A Winter’s Kill still takes my top spot!) it was still an intense read, a full-on, dangerous hunt for a killer who had plagued the lives of many for so long. A monster of a man who had killed and tortured time and time again, Sam Pritchard. It’s time to take out the trash once and for all.
There’s so much to love in this book. Characters from previous books come together, their skills and ideas combine to create the ultimate killing strategy. Of course, there are hurdles in the way; escaped prisoner and mate of Pritchard, Dylan Cobb, the fact that their plan needs to be on the down low to avoid anything going wrong and blowing their cover, secrets, ulterior motives. There’s murder, and plenty of blood if we’re being honest, so if you’re squeamish, you might want to give it a miss. But I’ve grown to love the style of JK Ellem’s books so much by now that I’d be gutted if there wasn’t a bit of gore, at least.
I did feel like I was left wanting more from the ending – with a four book build-up to catching someone even I began to fear over time, it all seemed to be over incredibly quickly, and I felt a bit deflated. But even so, it was a satisfying end which had me looking back over the previous three books and reminding myself just how much this killer had to die. A dark crime mystery full of tension, killers hiding in plain sight and of course, revenge.
February 15, 2024
The final book in The Kill series and boy what a humdinger of a ride. Definitely the best book in the series.
Mr Ellem has taken me on a thriller journey that I didn't want to end.
A Fall Kill brings you to the town of Ravenwood (which features in several of JK's novels). And the hunt for mass murderer Sam Prichard but it's the perfect time of year for Prichard to hide out as Halloween is fast approaching. Can Carolyn Ryder catch Prichard before he goes on a mass killing spree?
Luckily Carolyn isn't alone in the hunt for Prichard, as there are other people after him as well, we also have the return of some familiar faces to join in the hunt.
Just when I think I've figured everything out and I know how it's going to end Mr Ellem comes back with fantastic finale that it literally mind blowing.
Mr Ellem has taken me on a thriller journey that I didn't want to end.
A Fall Kill brings you to the town of Ravenwood (which features in several of JK's novels). And the hunt for mass murderer Sam Prichard but it's the perfect time of year for Prichard to hide out as Halloween is fast approaching. Can Carolyn Ryder catch Prichard before he goes on a mass killing spree?
Luckily Carolyn isn't alone in the hunt for Prichard, as there are other people after him as well, we also have the return of some familiar faces to join in the hunt.
Just when I think I've figured everything out and I know how it's going to end Mr Ellem comes back with fantastic finale that it literally mind blowing.
May 15, 2026
A Fall Kill delivers a tense, immersive story that pulls you in from the very first chapter. The pacing strikes a good balance between slow‑burn suspense and bursts of high‑stakes action, and the author’s descriptive style creates a vivid sense of place that lingers. The characters feel layered and flawed in just the right way, making their choices both believable and unsettling.
What keeps it from a full five stars is that a few plot turns feel slightly rushed near the end, leaving some emotional threads untied. Still, it’s a compelling read that stays with you afterward—dark, thoughtful, and perfect for anyone who enjoys thrillers about morality and the thin line between justice and revenge.
What keeps it from a full five stars is that a few plot turns feel slightly rushed near the end, leaving some emotional threads untied. Still, it’s a compelling read that stays with you afterward—dark, thoughtful, and perfect for anyone who enjoys thrillers about morality and the thin line between justice and revenge.
February 18, 2024
I couldn't wait until this one came out and it was worth waiting for. It brings the series together will updates on all the characters, which I love.
This one is spooky and set on Halloween night! Carolyn Ryder is going to Ravenwood as she found out that Sam Pritchard is there. But, Carolyn is not the only one hunting him. She has Beau with her, and he is the "hunter" that really protects them.
This time another monster has escaped from prison and headed into Ravenwood, just in time for Halloween. It is easy to terrorize and kill when you can dress as your favorite monster, on this night, they are all out and two are in the killing mode!
Don't miss this one!!
This one is spooky and set on Halloween night! Carolyn Ryder is going to Ravenwood as she found out that Sam Pritchard is there. But, Carolyn is not the only one hunting him. She has Beau with her, and he is the "hunter" that really protects them.
This time another monster has escaped from prison and headed into Ravenwood, just in time for Halloween. It is easy to terrorize and kill when you can dress as your favorite monster, on this night, they are all out and two are in the killing mode!
Don't miss this one!!
February 15, 2024
Carolyn Ryder returns with her allies in the pursuit of Sam Pritchard. This novel brings in players from the Ravenwood and Justice Series to complete the team in pursuit of Pritchard. There is a second surprise criminal in play in Ravenwood, I will not disclose the identity to avoid spoilers. I enjoyed the development of this “final” chapter in the seasons with Carolyn Ryder. Highly recommend this for lovers of thrillers. I can definitely see more books with Allie, and the residents of Ravenwood.
March 12, 2026
I was a little confused with this book because there were 2 characters mentioned that seemed like I should’ve known who they were. So I googled and saw that although this is the 4th book in this particular series, but there’s also other books in this thriller “Universe” that’s intertwined and can be read as stand alone or as prequels/sequels. However, this book lost my attention. I’m not sure if I want to go back and read the “prequel” or continue with the sequels. I’ll take a break and decide later.
February 15, 2024
Another very good read in the Carolyn Ryder series, which is going from strength to strength. I liked the descriptive passages, the writing style and the developing characterisation. Carolyn is steadfast and determined in her pursuit of Pritchard and is a strong female character. Overall, this is another good read from the author in the women's adventure genre which I am sure fans will enjoy.
February 19, 2024
The Best!
This was the most intriguing, most interesting, the best culmination of a series. The style of the ending was like no other I have ever read before. Very innovating. Closure. Reading the story of Sam Shaw has been a ride I enjoyed taking. To all crime story readers don't miss this series.
This was the most intriguing, most interesting, the best culmination of a series. The style of the ending was like no other I have ever read before. Very innovating. Closure. Reading the story of Sam Shaw has been a ride I enjoyed taking. To all crime story readers don't miss this series.
March 2, 2024
Sam Pritchard has led a life causing pain, destruction and death. Several have escaped his terror and have been searching years for his whereabouts. He is believed to be in Ravenwood and planning to kill one of the women that got away. This may be the only chance for revenge.
This is a fast paced novel and can stand alone. This final book is the first book I’ve read of this l4 part series. I will be going back to read the previous 3 books.
This is a fast paced novel and can stand alone. This final book is the first book I’ve read of this l4 part series. I will be going back to read the previous 3 books.
July 19, 2024
A Fall Kill ( The Killing Seasons FBI Crime Mystery Series Book 4) JK Ellem
Another great read about the hunt for a serial killer in need of being caught and all the people who become involved. What happens, how and who is really involved in it all. It is a very intense read. Enjoy! Truly!
Another great read about the hunt for a serial killer in need of being caught and all the people who become involved. What happens, how and who is really involved in it all. It is a very intense read. Enjoy! Truly!
April 1, 2024
Great book
I devoured all 4 books in 4 days. Loved this book because a character from book 1 showed up. All our characters have gotten some kind of closure. I happy too see there will be another book coming out with our main character Carolyn.
I devoured all 4 books in 4 days. Loved this book because a character from book 1 showed up. All our characters have gotten some kind of closure. I happy too see there will be another book coming out with our main character Carolyn.
April 17, 2024
Awesome Read!
The whole "Killing Season" series was exceptional! Now I'm looking forward to book 5, A Wintry Kill, the next in the series. These are such well written books. I'm so pleased with the characters and storyline.
The whole "Killing Season" series was exceptional! Now I'm looking forward to book 5, A Wintry Kill, the next in the series. These are such well written books. I'm so pleased with the characters and storyline.
January 13, 2025
JK Ellem does it again and bringing it full circle in Ravenwood was pure genius. I love how former characters were brought back for this thrilling conclusion and everything was tied up nicely.
Just a side note, I would love a diagram of the reading order of all of JK Ellem's books.
Just a side note, I would love a diagram of the reading order of all of JK Ellem's books.
March 17, 2026
I was a little lost on this book (Book 4) and I think it's because I didn't read book 1; and I do think you would have need to have read at least from book 2 to get the whole picture of this book. This book was a little boring but I read it to know the ending of the other books.
February 28, 2024
A great wrap up. My favorite.
June 1, 2024
I think the series just drug out Pritchard for too long.
October 8, 2024
Wow
Another great story!! Loved Caroly:n and her crew..you do not write a dull story!! I am going to continue to read all your books...thank you for such good stories!!
Another great story!! Loved Caroly:n and her crew..you do not write a dull story!! I am going to continue to read all your books...thank you for such good stories!!
January 1, 2025
My favorite series!
January 19, 2025
Excellent. Really good book. Kept me hanging.
January 20, 2025
Great series! If you like serial killer thrillers, you'll love this series.
June 22, 2025
Another great Ellem book. The end was a little predictable. I have enjoyed all his books, though my favorite is still “No Justice”.
August 6, 2025
What a great story teller can’t wait to read the next installment.
September 5, 2025
This fell a little flat to me. But glad the Pritchard storyline is wrapped up.
October 20, 2025
So far I'm liking this series!! Book 2 was my least favorite.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews