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Detective Alyssa Wyatt #5
The Dying Place
When the trunk slammed closed, sealing her fate, a deep cold slithered into the center of Kennedy’s bones. All she could do was pray that her attacker would leave enough of her for her family to identify.
Kennedy Farmer takes off on her usual running route through the mountain trails of New Mexico, but she never returns home from her run. As the search for Kennedy begins, Detective Alyssa Wyatt and her squad face another terrifying case when the body of a young woman named Rheagan Pembroke is discovered in the desert surrounding Albuquerque. Her wounds horrify even the hardened squad of the Albuquerque P.D. The case takes an even darker turn when they discover a polaroid stuffed into the victim’s mouth, showing the body of Gunner Galveston, a murder victim from fourteen years before. As the police are taunted with more gruesome packages and blood-curdling phone calls, it becomes evident that a serial killer has been operating in plain sight.
To catch the killer, Detective Wyatt and her team need to understand the savage desires driving them...before Kennedy's time runs out.
Kennedy Farmer takes off on her usual running route through the mountain trails of New Mexico, but she never returns home from her run. As the search for Kennedy begins, Detective Alyssa Wyatt and her squad face another terrifying case when the body of a young woman named Rheagan Pembroke is discovered in the desert surrounding Albuquerque. Her wounds horrify even the hardened squad of the Albuquerque P.D. The case takes an even darker turn when they discover a polaroid stuffed into the victim’s mouth, showing the body of Gunner Galveston, a murder victim from fourteen years before. As the police are taunted with more gruesome packages and blood-curdling phone calls, it becomes evident that a serial killer has been operating in plain sight.
To catch the killer, Detective Wyatt and her team need to understand the savage desires driving them...before Kennedy's time runs out.
320 pages, Paperback
First published March 9, 2023
140 people are currently reading
3861 people want to read
About the author
Charly Cox
6 books1,051 followersCharly Cox is the bestselling author of the Detective Alyssa Wyatt series and holds a Bachelor's Degree in English and Secondary Education. Born in the South, raised in the Midwest, Charly now resides in the Southwest in the Land of Enchantment, Green Chile capital of the world, with her husband. When not writing or planning sinister evils with her antagonists, she enjoys reading, traveling, spending time on or near the water, and visiting her son in Arizona.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 241 reviews
January 27, 2023
Alyssa Wyatt and her team investigate the case of Kennedy Farmer, a girl that has disappeared while jogging in the desert. Meanwhile they stumble across the dead tortured body of Rheagan Pembroke who has a photograph stuffed into her mouth of a young man tortured to death 14 years ago.
This was a very gripping thriller that was hard to put down. It is the 5th book in the series. It can be read as a standalone but I recommend reading the others first.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Hera Books for this ARC that will be published March 9, 2023!
This was a very gripping thriller that was hard to put down. It is the 5th book in the series. It can be read as a standalone but I recommend reading the others first.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Hera Books for this ARC that will be published March 9, 2023!
May 3, 2024
Please please please tell me there is going to be another book in this series??
March 9, 2023
This author writes the most intense disturbing suspense series I’ve ever read. Her villains are so evil that you wonder what lives in her mind. It had me guessing until the reveal and I was like what you have to be kidding me!!
Detective Alyssa Wyatt and her partner of the past eight years, Detective Cord Roberts, are trying to find a young woman before it’s to late. As a taunt the killer has left a photo that has haunted Alyssa for years. As the killer gets bolder the detectives get more determined than ever.
‘Are you going to stand there all day, or are you coming with me?’ Cord brushed her hand away. ‘Hush. I’m having a cargasm.’
Her stories are full of great characters and mark my words this author is going to the top!
‘How much worse can it be with a whacked-out killer going around kidnapping and slaughtering people?’
Detective Alyssa Wyatt and her partner of the past eight years, Detective Cord Roberts, are trying to find a young woman before it’s to late. As a taunt the killer has left a photo that has haunted Alyssa for years. As the killer gets bolder the detectives get more determined than ever.
‘Are you going to stand there all day, or are you coming with me?’ Cord brushed her hand away. ‘Hush. I’m having a cargasm.’
Her stories are full of great characters and mark my words this author is going to the top!
‘How much worse can it be with a whacked-out killer going around kidnapping and slaughtering people?’
March 10, 2023
The story hooks you from the beginning as Kennedy Farmer finishes up her evening run on trails in New Mexico. She never makes it home. Meanwhile, Detective Wyatt and her partner Cord visit the home of a family whose teenage daughter has gone missing.
When the young teen’s body is discovered with a photo of a murdered body of a victim from a cold case Wyatt worked fourteen years ago, things heat-up. The teen has been savagely beaten with evidence of restraint and torture.
The case that unfolds was suspenseful from the point of view of the victim to the clues that the Albuquerque P.D. gather. Cox did a splendid job of building the case as the team created a suspect list.
I devoured this and lost myself in the case. The twists and revelations were well done. It isn’t often I don’t work things out, and Cox took me on one heck of a ride.
The tale was grisly, especially when Wyatt’s own family catches the killer’s eye. The chapters, from their perspective, were chilling.
Each novel works as a standalone but may contain some spoilers from previous cases.
Strong characters and an interesting murder mystery make The Dying Place perfect for fans of crime, mysteries and suspense. I look forward to Detective Wyatt’s next case. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
When the young teen’s body is discovered with a photo of a murdered body of a victim from a cold case Wyatt worked fourteen years ago, things heat-up. The teen has been savagely beaten with evidence of restraint and torture.
The case that unfolds was suspenseful from the point of view of the victim to the clues that the Albuquerque P.D. gather. Cox did a splendid job of building the case as the team created a suspect list.
I devoured this and lost myself in the case. The twists and revelations were well done. It isn’t often I don’t work things out, and Cox took me on one heck of a ride.
The tale was grisly, especially when Wyatt’s own family catches the killer’s eye. The chapters, from their perspective, were chilling.
Each novel works as a standalone but may contain some spoilers from previous cases.
Strong characters and an interesting murder mystery make The Dying Place perfect for fans of crime, mysteries and suspense. I look forward to Detective Wyatt’s next case. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
June 4, 2025
These books are enjoyable in the way that popcorn movies are enjoyable. Don’t think too hard and you’ll be fine. They’ve driven so far past the phrase “procedural”, that they can no longer see the cookie cutter in the rearview mirror. Here’s a quick check list that applies to not only this book... but the series.
1. Everyone is an unnecessarily sarcastic, overly aggressive asshole. Full stop.
2. Each case MUST tie back to family, a member of the team or a past case to make every situation EXTRA PERSONAL.
3. The story is ALWAYS too long. At about the 75% mark, you just know it could have been wrapped up by now and you’re just waiting for it to be over.
4. We’re going to talk about coffee. This one doesn’t really bug me that much because I believe that Cox has toned this way down since the first book in the series.
5. Ruby is amazing. I’ll die on that hill. I think she’s the reason that I keep coming back.
Did I love this? Nope. Was I expecting to? Still no. Did I like it enough to read the next one? Yes... because, if you’ve read my review of “The Toy Box”, you know that, like Detective Alyssa Wyatt... I am also an asshole.
1. Everyone is an unnecessarily sarcastic, overly aggressive asshole. Full stop.
2. Each case MUST tie back to family, a member of the team or a past case to make every situation EXTRA PERSONAL.
3. The story is ALWAYS too long. At about the 75% mark, you just know it could have been wrapped up by now and you’re just waiting for it to be over.
4. We’re going to talk about coffee. This one doesn’t really bug me that much because I believe that Cox has toned this way down since the first book in the series.
5. Ruby is amazing. I’ll die on that hill. I think she’s the reason that I keep coming back.
Did I love this? Nope. Was I expecting to? Still no. Did I like it enough to read the next one? Yes... because, if you’ve read my review of “The Toy Box”, you know that, like Detective Alyssa Wyatt... I am also an asshole.
July 22, 2024
Although I didn’t want the series to end, the last chapter was perfect. 🥲
July 23, 2025
This is my favorite one of the series so far! I hope this author continues the series!
March 25, 2023
Totally gripping from the first page. I couldn't put this book down. Read it in 2 days. Expertly written, great characters and a brilliant storyline. Another masterpieces from Charly Cox.
March 9, 2023
Wow.
This was beyond fast paced, dark and so very twisted. From the very beginning I literally felt anxious. This had my pulse racing, heart pounding and I needed the heroine to catch the killer. Detective Alyssa Wyatt had her hands full. And I was literally mad about the killer threatening her family again. They have had enough.
I will say I didn’t see the identity of the killer coming at all. (I want to say more but no spoilers.) I really love her teams camaraderie. As well as how her family is so tight knit.
This author is a must read for me. Looking forward for more. Charly Cox has a great voice in this genre.
This was beyond fast paced, dark and so very twisted. From the very beginning I literally felt anxious. This had my pulse racing, heart pounding and I needed the heroine to catch the killer. Detective Alyssa Wyatt had her hands full. And I was literally mad about the killer threatening her family again. They have had enough.
I will say I didn’t see the identity of the killer coming at all. (I want to say more but no spoilers.) I really love her teams camaraderie. As well as how her family is so tight knit.
This author is a must read for me. Looking forward for more. Charly Cox has a great voice in this genre.
March 30, 2023
Queen of twist endings.
I wish I could go back and read all of these books for the first time again! This series is amazing.
I wish I could go back and read all of these books for the first time again! This series is amazing.
August 30, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️ This is my personal 5 star rating system because I’m too lazy to write a review for every book.
5 stars -> OMFG. I couldn’t stop listening. I was engaged from beginning to end. The story & narrator was amazing. I 100% recommend this book & author. I was able to clearly follow each and every character.
4 stars -> It was pretty good. I would’ve rated 5 stars, But either the ending was lacking, I struggled to keep up with characters, or the story didn’t keep me fully engaged. The narrator was pretty good as well. I’m on the fence about recommending this book, It could go either way.
3 Stars -> It was boring at times & I missed chunks of the story. I most likely struggled to keep up with character developments. The only way I would recommend this book is if it was part of a series. The narrator was most likely average or just couldn’t fix a mediocre book.
2 Stars -> It was pretty horrible. I used it as background noise because I hadn’t had a chance to search for another book. The book either had a bad narrator, The character development was non existent, or the story was hot garbage. I would not recommend this book.
1 Star -> The absolute only reason I listened to this book was because i had no time to search for another one & I needed background noise. It was 1 step up from listening to the radio. I wouldn’t recommend this book to my worst enemy. Everything about this book was terrible. This is only recommended for people on death row and have absolutely nothing else to read.
5 stars -> OMFG. I couldn’t stop listening. I was engaged from beginning to end. The story & narrator was amazing. I 100% recommend this book & author. I was able to clearly follow each and every character.
4 stars -> It was pretty good. I would’ve rated 5 stars, But either the ending was lacking, I struggled to keep up with characters, or the story didn’t keep me fully engaged. The narrator was pretty good as well. I’m on the fence about recommending this book, It could go either way.
3 Stars -> It was boring at times & I missed chunks of the story. I most likely struggled to keep up with character developments. The only way I would recommend this book is if it was part of a series. The narrator was most likely average or just couldn’t fix a mediocre book.
2 Stars -> It was pretty horrible. I used it as background noise because I hadn’t had a chance to search for another book. The book either had a bad narrator, The character development was non existent, or the story was hot garbage. I would not recommend this book.
1 Star -> The absolute only reason I listened to this book was because i had no time to search for another one & I needed background noise. It was 1 step up from listening to the radio. I wouldn’t recommend this book to my worst enemy. Everything about this book was terrible. This is only recommended for people on death row and have absolutely nothing else to read.
July 9, 2023
I really liked this book! It had quick, suspenseful chapters that had me wanting to find out more!
Kennedy Farmer is an avid runner who unfortunately does not return home from a run one day on her usual route through the mountain trails in New Mexico. Detective Alyssa Wyatt starts trying to locate Kennedy when a body of another female appears not too far from where Kennedy went missing. The real kicker is a photo that is found in the body's mouth which is from a case that Alyssa was never able to solve 14 years earlier. The state of the body is unimaginable and the race is now on to find this monster before they kill Kennedy (if they haven't already).
I enjoyed the chapters going back and forth between the detectives trying to solve the case and Kennedy's experience in this place where she is being held. The interactions with her captor were well written and it never gave away who they were until toward the end.
This is the fifth book in the series. I hadn't read any of the others and I wasn't lost at all. That being said, I definitely plan on reading the others because this one was great.
I was lucky enough to read this advance review copy for free and this is my honest review.
Kennedy Farmer is an avid runner who unfortunately does not return home from a run one day on her usual route through the mountain trails in New Mexico. Detective Alyssa Wyatt starts trying to locate Kennedy when a body of another female appears not too far from where Kennedy went missing. The real kicker is a photo that is found in the body's mouth which is from a case that Alyssa was never able to solve 14 years earlier. The state of the body is unimaginable and the race is now on to find this monster before they kill Kennedy (if they haven't already).
I enjoyed the chapters going back and forth between the detectives trying to solve the case and Kennedy's experience in this place where she is being held. The interactions with her captor were well written and it never gave away who they were until toward the end.
This is the fifth book in the series. I hadn't read any of the others and I wasn't lost at all. That being said, I definitely plan on reading the others because this one was great.
I was lucky enough to read this advance review copy for free and this is my honest review.
January 21, 2023
Yes!! My favorite detective team is back and still kicking butt! In their 5th adventure of the series, Watt and Roberts jump right in to investigate a dead body and the kidnapping of another young woman. A photograph at the scene and an obscene phone call has them linking the murder and kidnapping to a cold case of Alyssa's from 14 years ago. One that has haunted her for years. With the clock ticking, the detectives must race against time to find the woman alive. This book was intense, gruesome and so much fun! I loved it! Very fast-paced and has some of the best characters! Now, it can be read as a standalone, but you will definitely be missing out if you don't read them all. I highly recommend starting with book one and binging the rest!!
Thank you to the author, Hera Books and NetGalley for allowing me to preview this eARC in exchange for my honest opinion!!
Thank you to the author, Hera Books and NetGalley for allowing me to preview this eARC in exchange for my honest opinion!!
February 28, 2023
4.5⭐
The Dying Place is my first introduction to Detective Alyssa Wyatt and what a fantastic introduction it is.
As this was a gripping story featuring a serial killer who has eluded capture for fourteen years.
And it's a killer Alyssa is desperate to catch. As she was strongly involved in the original case and seeing the latest victims battered and bruised body, and the families heart breaking reaction. Has her determined to act.
Especially when the taunts start. As this killer isn't afraid to let Alyssa know how badly she failed and that they're not going to stop.
And as Alyssa and Cord and the rest of the team engage in a thrilling cat and mouse chase. I was hooked. And I had no idea who the killer was, until they were revealed. Which is always a big plus for me!
I would therefore thoroughly recommend The Dying Place to others and will one hundred percent be reading the four books I've missed out on.
I was kindly provided with an via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
The Dying Place is my first introduction to Detective Alyssa Wyatt and what a fantastic introduction it is.
As this was a gripping story featuring a serial killer who has eluded capture for fourteen years.
And it's a killer Alyssa is desperate to catch. As she was strongly involved in the original case and seeing the latest victims battered and bruised body, and the families heart breaking reaction. Has her determined to act.
Especially when the taunts start. As this killer isn't afraid to let Alyssa know how badly she failed and that they're not going to stop.
And as Alyssa and Cord and the rest of the team engage in a thrilling cat and mouse chase. I was hooked. And I had no idea who the killer was, until they were revealed. Which is always a big plus for me!
I would therefore thoroughly recommend The Dying Place to others and will one hundred percent be reading the four books I've missed out on.
I was kindly provided with an via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
July 31, 2024
5⭐️
This series is utterly fantastic. With every book the story starts out in such a gripping way it just throws kidnappedyou in. The writing is fantastic aswell as the characters.
Each book is brutal, lots of violence and sickening events. This one centred around 2 women kidnapped, one brutally murdered...other past murders tied in and a race against time to find the remaining kidnapped. Very hard to read at times so please check trigger warnings.
I wasn't expecting it to be ben (rheagans own father) but that's what Charly Cox does..gives you a fantastic story leading you one way and then throws in a twist which spins you the other way.
REALLY hope we get a book 6, by far my favourite thriller series.
This series is utterly fantastic. With every book the story starts out in such a gripping way it just throws kidnappedyou in. The writing is fantastic aswell as the characters.
Each book is brutal, lots of violence and sickening events. This one centred around 2 women kidnapped, one brutally murdered...other past murders tied in and a race against time to find the remaining kidnapped. Very hard to read at times so please check trigger warnings.
I wasn't expecting it to be ben (rheagans own father) but that's what Charly Cox does..gives you a fantastic story leading you one way and then throws in a twist which spins you the other way.
REALLY hope we get a book 6, by far my favourite thriller series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 27, 2024
It was going really well until the culprit was caught because I mean, that really ruined it for me. Just so simplistic compared to the rest of the book. Also, maybe cause I read all of the author's books in succession, the plot was starting to sound formulaic. But, still, good pace and suspense, so still a pretty solid read.
September 25, 2025
4.5⭐️
an unsolved case from fourteen years ago has come back to haunt Detective Wyatt and boyyyyyy did i not see that twist coming cause what the actual f— 😀
also the last chapter ughhhhh i sure love the Wyatt family!!!!!!!!!! 🥹 the kids done grewed up
LOL
this series is soooo addicting!!!!! if you’re a Law & Order, Criminal Minds, etc. lover, i beg of you to start this series!!!!
an unsolved case from fourteen years ago has come back to haunt Detective Wyatt and boyyyyyy did i not see that twist coming cause what the actual f— 😀
also the last chapter ughhhhh i sure love the Wyatt family!!!!!!!!!! 🥹 the kids done grewed up
LOL
this series is soooo addicting!!!!! if you’re a Law & Order, Criminal Minds, etc. lover, i beg of you to start this series!!!!
December 20, 2023
still like the Alyssa Wyatt detective part, but it's getting to be super repetitive with the serial killer story. and we get, she breaths caffeine, but cmon.
March 30, 2024
I really hope that there’s more to Detective Alyssa’s stories I love this series so much!
August 16, 2024
Yes, yes and yes. Not for the murder committed no, but finally a proper mystery and thriller in equal parts. Oh la la that gave me chills.
January 2, 2025
I’m sad this is the last book in the series! I really enjoyed these mystery thrillers!!
March 28, 2025
Still really like this one. I think it had one of the best twists but I thought the ending was a little rushed. Would recommend this entire series
May 6, 2025
Book 5 in the series and still an amazing series to read. I was super excited to find out that Detective Wyatt’s story will be continuing! (Trigger warning) 4.5 ⭐️’s
May 27, 2025
5 star series so far ! Charly cox never ceases to amaze me!!! She has such a great way of writing characters , children ect! This series will forever be a favorite 🔥🔥🔥
September 23, 2025
1st book by Charly Cox I have read & it won’t be the last!! This is a thriller from start to finish w/great characters!!
September 6, 2024
I loved every book in this series!! Great job on the Detective Alyssa Wyatt series Charly Cox! I was unable to predict the ending on this one or any of the books for that matter. I will definitely recommend this series to crime thriller lovers!!
September 30, 2024
Creepy
July 12, 2025
8.5/10
I have thoroughly enjoyed all five of these books!
Cox is an excellent author. My only note is: the way she has teenagers talk is so forced/ unrealistic.
Otherwise, such great books!
I have thoroughly enjoyed all five of these books!
Cox is an excellent author. My only note is: the way she has teenagers talk is so forced/ unrealistic.
Otherwise, such great books!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 241 reviews