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Burbank and Parker #1
Twisted
New York Times bestselling novelist Andrea Kane leads you down a dark and twisted alleyway, littered with drugs, kidnapping, and murder. Navigating expertly between the mind of a deranged serial killer and the FBI special agents racing to end his lethal spree, Kane delivers a complex, unforgettable story based on extensive research with the FBI and its Crisis Negotiation and Behavioral Analysis Units. Twisted is Kane's most accomplished novel yet.
Who will be next?
Former FBI Special Agent Sloane Burbank survived a life-threatening injury sustained in the line of duty, only to face leaving a job she loves in order to recuperate. As an independent consultant, she now uses her specialized skills to train law enforcement and private organizations in crisis resolution. But when one of her closest childhood friends mysteriously disappears, and the woman's devastated parents beg for her help, Sloane takes the case—even though her ex-lover Derek Parker is the FBI agent in charge.
Special Agent Derek Parker, now assigned to the Asian Criminal Enterprise Task Force in the FBI's New York Field Office, has no time to spare for a year-old case he sees as a dead end—especially since it would mean working with a woman he never expected to see again. He's pursuing the leader of a Chinese gang and trying to solve a series of grisly murders in Chinatown, so he initially offers Sloane the case files and minimal cooperation.
But as more women disappear and others turn up brutally murdered, Derek's priorities shift, and he and Sloane come to the sickening realization that these random crimes are linked to the same crazed killer. No one can anticipate when he will strike again, but when Sloane becomes the target of the killer's twisted obsession, it's clear that his ultimate fantasy is even more psychotic than either of them ever imagined.
Who will be next?
Former FBI Special Agent Sloane Burbank survived a life-threatening injury sustained in the line of duty, only to face leaving a job she loves in order to recuperate. As an independent consultant, she now uses her specialized skills to train law enforcement and private organizations in crisis resolution. But when one of her closest childhood friends mysteriously disappears, and the woman's devastated parents beg for her help, Sloane takes the case—even though her ex-lover Derek Parker is the FBI agent in charge.
Special Agent Derek Parker, now assigned to the Asian Criminal Enterprise Task Force in the FBI's New York Field Office, has no time to spare for a year-old case he sees as a dead end—especially since it would mean working with a woman he never expected to see again. He's pursuing the leader of a Chinese gang and trying to solve a series of grisly murders in Chinatown, so he initially offers Sloane the case files and minimal cooperation.
But as more women disappear and others turn up brutally murdered, Derek's priorities shift, and he and Sloane come to the sickening realization that these random crimes are linked to the same crazed killer. No one can anticipate when he will strike again, but when Sloane becomes the target of the killer's twisted obsession, it's clear that his ultimate fantasy is even more psychotic than either of them ever imagined.
400 pages, Hardcover
First published March 25, 2008
83 people are currently reading
1591 people want to read
About the author
Andrea Kane
48 books834 followersComing in March 2019 from Andrea Kane: DEAD IN A WEEK.
Andrea Kane is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of twenty-nine novels, including fifteen psychological thrillers and fourteen historical romantic suspense titles. With her signature style, Kane creates unforgettable characters and confronts them with life-threatening danger. As a master of suspense, she weaves them into exciting, carefully-researched stories, pushing them to the edge—and keeping her readers up all night.
Kane’s first contemporary suspense thriller, Run for Your Life, became an instant New York Times bestseller. She followed with a string of bestselling psychological thrillers including No Way Out, Twisted, and Drawn in Blood.
Her latest in the highly successful Forensic Instincts series, Dead in a Week, adds the Zermatt Group into the mix—a covert team of former military and spy agency operatives. With a week to save a young woman from ruthless kidnappers, this globe-spanning chase, from the beerhalls of Germany, to the tech gardens of California, to the skyscrapers of China, and finally the farmlands of Croatia will keep readers guessing until the very end. The first showcase of Forensic Instincts’ talents came with the New York Times bestseller, The Girl Who Disappeared Twice, followed by The Line Between Here and Gone, The Stranger You Know, The Silence that Speaks, The Murder That Never Was, and A Face to Die For.
Kane’s beloved historical romantic suspense novels include My Heart’s Desire, Samantha, Echoes in the Mist, and Wishes in the Wind.
With a worldwide following of passionate readers, her books have been published in more than twenty languages.
Kane lives in New Jersey with her husband and family. She’s an avid crossword puzzle solver and a diehard Yankees fan. Otherwise, she’s either writing or playing with her Pomeranian, Mischief, who does his best to keep her from writing.
Andrea Kane is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of twenty-nine novels, including fifteen psychological thrillers and fourteen historical romantic suspense titles. With her signature style, Kane creates unforgettable characters and confronts them with life-threatening danger. As a master of suspense, she weaves them into exciting, carefully-researched stories, pushing them to the edge—and keeping her readers up all night.
Kane’s first contemporary suspense thriller, Run for Your Life, became an instant New York Times bestseller. She followed with a string of bestselling psychological thrillers including No Way Out, Twisted, and Drawn in Blood.
Her latest in the highly successful Forensic Instincts series, Dead in a Week, adds the Zermatt Group into the mix—a covert team of former military and spy agency operatives. With a week to save a young woman from ruthless kidnappers, this globe-spanning chase, from the beerhalls of Germany, to the tech gardens of California, to the skyscrapers of China, and finally the farmlands of Croatia will keep readers guessing until the very end. The first showcase of Forensic Instincts’ talents came with the New York Times bestseller, The Girl Who Disappeared Twice, followed by The Line Between Here and Gone, The Stranger You Know, The Silence that Speaks, The Murder That Never Was, and A Face to Die For.
Kane’s beloved historical romantic suspense novels include My Heart’s Desire, Samantha, Echoes in the Mist, and Wishes in the Wind.
With a worldwide following of passionate readers, her books have been published in more than twenty languages.
Kane lives in New Jersey with her husband and family. She’s an avid crossword puzzle solver and a diehard Yankees fan. Otherwise, she’s either writing or playing with her Pomeranian, Mischief, who does his best to keep her from writing.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 217 reviews
July 14, 2020
A Deadly, Mythological Page-Turner!
I've said this a lot in my reviews, but nothing could not be further from the truth. Sloane Burbank is the ultimate fictional heroine. One I can actually look up to and attempt to be as great. Being as skilled as she with self defense classes. But it doesn't do as far as to make her so far away as a goddess, Andrea wrote her like an actual person. Not a goddess as Luke intended, but an intimidating woman who can kick ass with issues and a throbbing ever-present wound.
That alone would be enough to love this book but it has many bonuses. I liked her friends, Elliot and Hank and whoever else helped her to solve the missing women cases.
And then the Greek Mythology and Luke believing in it so fervently. I love Ancient Greek philosophy and culture and mythology, and that was just another bonus to this book. Artemis was my favorite goddess before this book and still is knowing that Sloane pretended to be her, and ultimately became her by defeating Luke or "Delphi" and saving the other lesser "goddesses."
All in all, great novel. Seriously. Would recommend to anyone who had a taste for mythology, psychopaths, serial killers, a killer romance (excuse the pun), and fast-paced action that never fails to keep the heart from pounding furiously in anticipation for what happens next.
I've said this a lot in my reviews, but nothing could not be further from the truth. Sloane Burbank is the ultimate fictional heroine. One I can actually look up to and attempt to be as great. Being as skilled as she with self defense classes. But it doesn't do as far as to make her so far away as a goddess, Andrea wrote her like an actual person. Not a goddess as Luke intended, but an intimidating woman who can kick ass with issues and a throbbing ever-present wound.
That alone would be enough to love this book but it has many bonuses. I liked her friends, Elliot and Hank and whoever else helped her to solve the missing women cases.
And then the Greek Mythology and Luke believing in it so fervently. I love Ancient Greek philosophy and culture and mythology, and that was just another bonus to this book. Artemis was my favorite goddess before this book and still is knowing that Sloane pretended to be her, and ultimately became her by defeating Luke or "Delphi" and saving the other lesser "goddesses."
All in all, great novel. Seriously. Would recommend to anyone who had a taste for mythology, psychopaths, serial killers, a killer romance (excuse the pun), and fast-paced action that never fails to keep the heart from pounding furiously in anticipation for what happens next.
September 21, 2018
This was a surprisingly good story. My first book by Andrea Kane and a good choice.
Ex-FBI agent, Sloane is now working as a privet security and crisis management consultant. She is asked to find her childhood friend Penny who went missing nearly a year ago. Sloane quickly discovers that the case is led by her ex-lover Derek, for whom she still has some feelings. As they are learning to get away with each other again, more young women disappear. The case is getting more and more serious and so is the relationship of Sloane and Derek.
The plot is pretty absorbing and twisted enough not to be boring without becoming ridiculous. Sloane is a very strong heroine who believes in her abilities, she is definitely capable of caring for herself. That's why her romance with Derek looks even more interesting. I really liked that Derek appreciates her strength.
As I said, this is a pretty good story, well-developed and with some nice characters. Probably not the one I will remember in some time, but enjoyable enough to read some other books by Andrea Kane.
Ex-FBI agent, Sloane is now working as a privet security and crisis management consultant. She is asked to find her childhood friend Penny who went missing nearly a year ago. Sloane quickly discovers that the case is led by her ex-lover Derek, for whom she still has some feelings. As they are learning to get away with each other again, more young women disappear. The case is getting more and more serious and so is the relationship of Sloane and Derek.
The plot is pretty absorbing and twisted enough not to be boring without becoming ridiculous. Sloane is a very strong heroine who believes in her abilities, she is definitely capable of caring for herself. That's why her romance with Derek looks even more interesting. I really liked that Derek appreciates her strength.
As I said, this is a pretty good story, well-developed and with some nice characters. Probably not the one I will remember in some time, but enjoyable enough to read some other books by Andrea Kane.
March 22, 2008
Andrea Kane's Twisted was an adventurous, thrilling novel that I couldn't put down. The storyline of Sloane Burbank was intriguing, with her strong FBI past and her new fears of the present. Though it seemed like she was going to be all business throughout the book, the arrival of Special Agent Derek Parker proved that wrong. He's a charming, chivalrous character that I found easy to like as an addition to Sloane's story. Though at first these two bump heads and bicker each time they're brought together, they soon discover a change of heart for them both.
Their objective is to find the serial killer rapist who has been linked to murders and kidnappings for over a year. He's mistake free and a hard catch, which leads to Sloane and Derek having to mesh their talents together if they want a hope in catching him.
Through the book, other good secondary characters are brought in. Geeky Elliot is lovable in his fumbling ways, always eager to help Sloane out with a case. Too friendly neighbor Bert is both laughable and cringe worthy in his overly obvious hintings of his feelings for Sloane. Sloane's fond childhood memories of her friend Penny, who was kidnapped thirteen months before the current story took place, makes you interested in the outcome and root along for the good guys to find her and the rest of the women in questionable circumstances.
Derek soon discovers that Sloane is the center of the web in this serial killer's plans. Each victim has been linked to her in some way and there's only one possibility that could come out of this - eventually, Sloane will be the next victim. After rediscovering his feelings for her, Derek is worried and overworked, trying to catch the killer before the killer catches Sloane. When he fails and Sloane is taken, the countdown of her life begins. Derek has to race the clock in figuring out where she was taken before she is killed. He has mere hours before this happens.
The title represents more than one aspect in this book. Not only are there many twists and turns that leave you guessing, but you're led to believe that the serial killer is as twisted as they come. It's not until Sloane is abducted that you find out just how twisted he really is. Although the identity of the serial killer is guessable quite a few chapters before the actual unveiling, the inside thoughts of his mind that we're able to read make his character very believable and this situation not far fetched.
The book keeps you on your edge throughout, connecting you closely with the characters until you really care about the end results. You feel for their losses and rejoice equally in their gains. Andrea Kane does a brilliant job in combining romance and suspense and keeping you fully wrapped up in both. There's never a lull in interest and it's fast paced enough to not allow you grow bored of the storyline. The current happenings stick in your head until you are able to go back to reading the book again. I'd recommend both this book and the author to anyone who likes some chilling thrills with their romance, or vise versa.
I will be looking for more books by this great author !
Their objective is to find the serial killer rapist who has been linked to murders and kidnappings for over a year. He's mistake free and a hard catch, which leads to Sloane and Derek having to mesh their talents together if they want a hope in catching him.
Through the book, other good secondary characters are brought in. Geeky Elliot is lovable in his fumbling ways, always eager to help Sloane out with a case. Too friendly neighbor Bert is both laughable and cringe worthy in his overly obvious hintings of his feelings for Sloane. Sloane's fond childhood memories of her friend Penny, who was kidnapped thirteen months before the current story took place, makes you interested in the outcome and root along for the good guys to find her and the rest of the women in questionable circumstances.
Derek soon discovers that Sloane is the center of the web in this serial killer's plans. Each victim has been linked to her in some way and there's only one possibility that could come out of this - eventually, Sloane will be the next victim. After rediscovering his feelings for her, Derek is worried and overworked, trying to catch the killer before the killer catches Sloane. When he fails and Sloane is taken, the countdown of her life begins. Derek has to race the clock in figuring out where she was taken before she is killed. He has mere hours before this happens.
The title represents more than one aspect in this book. Not only are there many twists and turns that leave you guessing, but you're led to believe that the serial killer is as twisted as they come. It's not until Sloane is abducted that you find out just how twisted he really is. Although the identity of the serial killer is guessable quite a few chapters before the actual unveiling, the inside thoughts of his mind that we're able to read make his character very believable and this situation not far fetched.
The book keeps you on your edge throughout, connecting you closely with the characters until you really care about the end results. You feel for their losses and rejoice equally in their gains. Andrea Kane does a brilliant job in combining romance and suspense and keeping you fully wrapped up in both. There's never a lull in interest and it's fast paced enough to not allow you grow bored of the storyline. The current happenings stick in your head until you are able to go back to reading the book again. I'd recommend both this book and the author to anyone who likes some chilling thrills with their romance, or vise versa.
I will be looking for more books by this great author !
Read
November 10, 2013I cannot rate this book. I am too angry at the moment which would affect my judgement.
While our psychopath was predictable the author did a great job with the unravelling of his motives. It made sense. Everything was wrapped up very well. The relationship between the main characters was well developed as well. Everything was great.. except
While our psychopath was predictable the author did a great job with the unravelling of his motives. It made sense. Everything was wrapped up very well. The relationship between the main characters was well developed as well. Everything was great.. except
November 15, 2011
As soon as I started reading this book I felt like I was reading a J.D. Robb In Death book. In fact the beginning of it really made me think of the short book, Midnight In Death. There is a very similar theme going on. As I kept reading I kept feeling like I was reading what law enforcement was like just before the time period in the In Death books. However, so you don't think it's a rip off, the missing persons in this book follow a completely different theme from Midnight. There is good smush like between Eve and Roarke if you are a fan of that. One of the reviews I read mentioned this: "More high-tech serial-killer tracking than romance, but with enough romance to placate those who like it."
March 13, 2021
Sloane wurde bei einer Messerattacke vor mehr als einem Jahr schwer verletzt. Ihr wurde ein Messer in die Hand gerammt, das alle Nerven und Sehnen fast völlig zerstört hat. Dadurch konnte sie ihre Arbeit als FBI Agentin nicht mehr ausüben und hat sich zurückgezogen. Damals war sie glücklich mit Derek zusammen, der ebenfalls für das FBI arbeitet. Er konnte nie verstehen warum sie den Job fallen ließ und sich aus dem Staub gemacht hat. Ein Innendienst kam für Sloane nie in Frage und so arbeitet sie jetzt als Privatermittlerin. Als sie von den Eltern einer früheren Freundin angerufen wird, die ihre Hilfe bräuchten, um die spurlos verschwundene Tochter Penny und auch Sloanes Freundin zu finden, ahnt noch keiner was hinter diesem Auftrag steckt.
Sloane bittet das FBI um Hilfe und ausgerechnet Derek wird ihr zur Seite gestellt. Es stellt sich heraus, dass nicht nur Penny verschwunden ist, sondern noch viele andere Frauen, nach dem selbsten Muster.
Derek und Sloane finden heraus, dass alle vermissten Frauen in Verbindung mit Sloane stehen.
Ich habe hin und her gerätselt, wer der Täter sein könnte. Immer wenn ich dachte, der könnte es sein, passierte wieder etwas, dass den Verdacht widerlegte.
Gleichzeitig mit den Entführungen starb immer eine Prostituierte, die auf bestialische Art verstümmelt wurde.
Das diese Morde miteinander in Verbindung stehen, hat man erst viel später herausgefunden.
Während der Geschichte hat man auch immer wieder, die Gedanken des Täters zu lesen bekommen und wie er seine Entführungsopfer behandelt. Die griechische Mythologie spielt eine sehr wesentliche Rolle. Jedes Opfer bekam den Namen einer Göttin, die eine bestimmte Aufgabe zu erfüllen hatte.
Sloane und Derek kamen sich mittlerweile während der Ermittlungen auch wieder näher und haben sich über das Geschehen, dass Sloane passiert war und ihre Trennung ausgesprochen.
In diesem Buch muss ich sagen, war die Liebesgeschichte wirklich nur am Rande vertieft worden.
Sloane hoffte wirklich, dass sie irgendwann wieder zum FBI zurück gehen kann, sofern ihre Hand wieder richtig funktionieren wird und die starken Schmerzen verschwinden würden.
Was ich nicht ganz verstehen konnte, warum die Autorin erst sehr spät die Spannung hochfahren ließ. Klar war das Buch durchweg packend, aber es wurde erst im letzten Drittel die ganzen Zusammenhänge verbunden. Was ich bemerkenswert fand, waren die Nebengeschichten. Sloanes Nachbarin, die immer auf ihre Dackel acht gibt, die aber auch krank ist und von ihrem Sohn gepflegt wird, der mir unheimlich vorkam.
Dann gab es noch eine Professorin, die an Krebs erkrankt war und im Sterben lag und von ihrem Sohn gepflegt wurde. Diese zwei ähnliche Geschichten spielten eine Rolle, doch welche genau hab ich erst viel später erkannt.
Das Buch war mega toll. Die Gründe, warum diese Taten stattfanden und warum Sloane die Hauptrolle dabei spielte, war gut von der Autorin durchdacht. Solch eine Hintergrundgeschichte hatte ich noch nie vorher gelesen, daher war es für mich zusätzlich noch atemberaubend dazu.
Der Täter war sehr krankhaft und sein denken, kam eher aus einer gespaltenen Persönlichkeit. Die Gründe seiner Taten lagen weit zurück in seiner Vergangenheit.
Als Sloane plötzlich verschwand liefen alle Fäden zusammen und man erkannte auch wer hinter all dem steckte.
Andrea Kane hat mich mit dem Buch wieder richtig super unterhalten. Schade nur, das ich bald alle ihre Romane von ihr gelesen habe.
Mein Fazit:
Ich liebe die Bücher der Autorin und es ist selten, dass ich nacheinander alle Romane direkt lese, daher sieht man ja, wie gut ich sie finde.
Jedes einzelne war bisher wirklich super und ich kann sie wärmstens empfehlen.
Sloane bittet das FBI um Hilfe und ausgerechnet Derek wird ihr zur Seite gestellt. Es stellt sich heraus, dass nicht nur Penny verschwunden ist, sondern noch viele andere Frauen, nach dem selbsten Muster.
Derek und Sloane finden heraus, dass alle vermissten Frauen in Verbindung mit Sloane stehen.
Ich habe hin und her gerätselt, wer der Täter sein könnte. Immer wenn ich dachte, der könnte es sein, passierte wieder etwas, dass den Verdacht widerlegte.
Gleichzeitig mit den Entführungen starb immer eine Prostituierte, die auf bestialische Art verstümmelt wurde.
Das diese Morde miteinander in Verbindung stehen, hat man erst viel später herausgefunden.
Während der Geschichte hat man auch immer wieder, die Gedanken des Täters zu lesen bekommen und wie er seine Entführungsopfer behandelt. Die griechische Mythologie spielt eine sehr wesentliche Rolle. Jedes Opfer bekam den Namen einer Göttin, die eine bestimmte Aufgabe zu erfüllen hatte.
Sloane und Derek kamen sich mittlerweile während der Ermittlungen auch wieder näher und haben sich über das Geschehen, dass Sloane passiert war und ihre Trennung ausgesprochen.
In diesem Buch muss ich sagen, war die Liebesgeschichte wirklich nur am Rande vertieft worden.
Sloane hoffte wirklich, dass sie irgendwann wieder zum FBI zurück gehen kann, sofern ihre Hand wieder richtig funktionieren wird und die starken Schmerzen verschwinden würden.
Was ich nicht ganz verstehen konnte, warum die Autorin erst sehr spät die Spannung hochfahren ließ. Klar war das Buch durchweg packend, aber es wurde erst im letzten Drittel die ganzen Zusammenhänge verbunden. Was ich bemerkenswert fand, waren die Nebengeschichten. Sloanes Nachbarin, die immer auf ihre Dackel acht gibt, die aber auch krank ist und von ihrem Sohn gepflegt wird, der mir unheimlich vorkam.
Dann gab es noch eine Professorin, die an Krebs erkrankt war und im Sterben lag und von ihrem Sohn gepflegt wurde. Diese zwei ähnliche Geschichten spielten eine Rolle, doch welche genau hab ich erst viel später erkannt.
Das Buch war mega toll. Die Gründe, warum diese Taten stattfanden und warum Sloane die Hauptrolle dabei spielte, war gut von der Autorin durchdacht. Solch eine Hintergrundgeschichte hatte ich noch nie vorher gelesen, daher war es für mich zusätzlich noch atemberaubend dazu.
Der Täter war sehr krankhaft und sein denken, kam eher aus einer gespaltenen Persönlichkeit. Die Gründe seiner Taten lagen weit zurück in seiner Vergangenheit.
Als Sloane plötzlich verschwand liefen alle Fäden zusammen und man erkannte auch wer hinter all dem steckte.
Andrea Kane hat mich mit dem Buch wieder richtig super unterhalten. Schade nur, das ich bald alle ihre Romane von ihr gelesen habe.
Mein Fazit:
Ich liebe die Bücher der Autorin und es ist selten, dass ich nacheinander alle Romane direkt lese, daher sieht man ja, wie gut ich sie finde.
Jedes einzelne war bisher wirklich super und ich kann sie wärmstens empfehlen.
July 30, 2019
New York Times bestselling novelist Andrea Kane leads you down a dark and twisted alleyway, littered with drugs, kidnapping, and murder. Navigating expertly between the mind of a deranged serial killer and the FBI special agents racing to end his lethal spree, Kane delivers a complex, unforgettable story based on extensive research with the FBI and its Crisis Negotiation and Behavioral Analysis Units. Twisted is Kane's most accomplished novel yet.
Who will be next?
Former FBI Special Agent Sloane Burbank survived a life-threatening injury sustained in the line of duty, only to face leaving a job she loves in order to recuperate. As an independent consultant, she now uses her specialized skills to train law enforcement and private organizations in crisis resolution. But when one of her closest childhood friends mysteriously disappears, and the woman's devastated parents beg for her help, Sloane takes the case—even though her ex-lover Derek Parker is the FBI agent in charge.
Special Agent Derek Parker, now assigned to the Asian Criminal Enterprise Task Force in the FBI's New York Field Office, has no time to spare for a year-old case he sees as a dead end—especially since it would mean working with a woman he never expected to see again. He's pursuing the leader of a Chinese gang and trying to solve a series of grisly murders in Chinatown, so he initially offers Sloane the case files and minimal cooperation.
But as more women disappear and others turn up brutally murdered, Derek's priorities shift, and he and Sloane come to the sickening realization that these random crimes are linked to the same crazed killer. No one can anticipate when he will strike again, but when Sloane becomes the target of the killer's twisted obsession, it's clear that his ultimate fantasy is even more psychotic than either of them ever imagined.
This book was amazing. It was well written and it kept me wanting more. I listened to this on cd and I kept sitting in my car listening well after I got home from work. It drew me in like crazy. I loved the relationship between Sloane and Derek. As I was reading I couldn't guess who the kidnapper/murderer was and it shocked me a little when he was revealed. I look forward to the next book.
Who will be next?
Former FBI Special Agent Sloane Burbank survived a life-threatening injury sustained in the line of duty, only to face leaving a job she loves in order to recuperate. As an independent consultant, she now uses her specialized skills to train law enforcement and private organizations in crisis resolution. But when one of her closest childhood friends mysteriously disappears, and the woman's devastated parents beg for her help, Sloane takes the case—even though her ex-lover Derek Parker is the FBI agent in charge.
Special Agent Derek Parker, now assigned to the Asian Criminal Enterprise Task Force in the FBI's New York Field Office, has no time to spare for a year-old case he sees as a dead end—especially since it would mean working with a woman he never expected to see again. He's pursuing the leader of a Chinese gang and trying to solve a series of grisly murders in Chinatown, so he initially offers Sloane the case files and minimal cooperation.
But as more women disappear and others turn up brutally murdered, Derek's priorities shift, and he and Sloane come to the sickening realization that these random crimes are linked to the same crazed killer. No one can anticipate when he will strike again, but when Sloane becomes the target of the killer's twisted obsession, it's clear that his ultimate fantasy is even more psychotic than either of them ever imagined.
This book was amazing. It was well written and it kept me wanting more. I listened to this on cd and I kept sitting in my car listening well after I got home from work. It drew me in like crazy. I loved the relationship between Sloane and Derek. As I was reading I couldn't guess who the kidnapper/murderer was and it shocked me a little when he was revealed. I look forward to the next book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 17, 2024
guys. understand my reoccurring shock when i thrifted this book based off the summary and im a student at john jay college…. my mom works at mount sinai….she knows someone named derek parker…. and i live in the same town of high point state park…. HELLO?? HELLO?????
edit: also they mention the class sex & culture at jjay. I TOOK THAT CLASS??
edit: also they mention the class sex & culture at jjay. I TOOK THAT CLASS??
July 20, 2020
Great pacing that kept me reading. I loved getting the killer's point of view and being in suspense about who it was. This author is worth reading because she keeps the reader engrossed in the story with a solid plot and good characters.
December 30, 2009
Sloane Burbank is a former FBI agent who was injured in the line of duty and instead of taking a desk job decided to leave the Bureau until her therapy made her fit for active duty once more. In the meantime she is working as a private consultant for corporations and the police. She is contacted by the family of a childhood friend as a last resort that their daughter has been missing for close to a year and hired to look into the case for them. This one missing person case takes her into a series of related missing women cases, all having even the remotest link to herself, leading officials to believe Sloane is the ultimate target. At the same time the FBI agent in charge is involved in a case of a series of brutal prostitute murders down in Chinatown which may somehow be related to the missing women.
Comment: Wow! This was a stunner! I wish I hadn't waited so long to read this as I would have read the sequel by now too. Two things initially put me off, the cover and the description on the back as a "romantic thriller". I'm not a romance reader and the word had me thinking this might be a bit of fluff, but boy was I wrong!
A very creepy, unusual serial killer is the focus of this book which shifts focus occasionally to the criminal's first hand point of view and then back to the third person narrative of the main plot. This person is very freaky and the whole story of motive that the author has created is very unique and fantastic. I quickly had my eye on a suspect and played into the author's hands all along as I followed her red herrings and was joyfully surprised how wrong I was at the reveal.
Usually, in these thrillers with male/female partners we have s*xual tension or a relationship going on, but the 'romance' writer in the author comes out in this area of the book and there is quite a bit of descriptive s*x in the book that I would rather have done without. Some people would consider it quite graphic, though in the whole realm of what I've read I'd say it gets very close without quite getting to full fledged graphic. For this reason I can't give the book a full rating. I've read a lot of thrillers and this type of 'romance=sex' doesn't sit right with me. Save it for the paranormal romances, I say.
Otherwise, Ms Kane has crafted a taut, unique and very satisfying page turner of a thriller. I will be reading the sequel soon.
Comment: Wow! This was a stunner! I wish I hadn't waited so long to read this as I would have read the sequel by now too. Two things initially put me off, the cover and the description on the back as a "romantic thriller". I'm not a romance reader and the word had me thinking this might be a bit of fluff, but boy was I wrong!
A very creepy, unusual serial killer is the focus of this book which shifts focus occasionally to the criminal's first hand point of view and then back to the third person narrative of the main plot. This person is very freaky and the whole story of motive that the author has created is very unique and fantastic. I quickly had my eye on a suspect and played into the author's hands all along as I followed her red herrings and was joyfully surprised how wrong I was at the reveal.
Usually, in these thrillers with male/female partners we have s*xual tension or a relationship going on, but the 'romance' writer in the author comes out in this area of the book and there is quite a bit of descriptive s*x in the book that I would rather have done without. Some people would consider it quite graphic, though in the whole realm of what I've read I'd say it gets very close without quite getting to full fledged graphic. For this reason I can't give the book a full rating. I've read a lot of thrillers and this type of 'romance=sex' doesn't sit right with me. Save it for the paranormal romances, I say.
Otherwise, Ms Kane has crafted a taut, unique and very satisfying page turner of a thriller. I will be reading the sequel soon.
May 15, 2010
This is the first book that I have read byAndrea Kane, but I have been wanting to read it for a while. One of my GR clubs read it for a group read, but it was such a popular book that I couldn't get a copy from the library. I just finished the book about 5 minutes ago and I will say that it was a good read from beginning to end. It had everything that a book of this type needs, complex characters, a good story line, interesting sub lines, and a tie in to Greek gods and goddess that was interesting and different.
By the end of the book I was really invested in all of the characters. The villain turned out to be one of the characters that I had picked out early on in the book, but was by no means my first or second choice. In fact, Ms. Kane did such a good job of switching between reality and the psychotic world of the villain, that I had pretty much dismissed this character until shortly before she revealed who the killer actually was. Until that time, I kept going back and forth between two other characters that seemed to me to be more likely. I really enjoy it when an author can fool me, or make me keep guessing how the story will end, and who is playing what role. Kudos to Ms. Kane.
As for the killer, what a great character Andrea Kane developed there. He had so many sides that he ended up personifying good and evil all in one character. Very complex and interesting. Actually, the same thing can be said for both Sloane and Derek, the two main characters. Although the characters exhibited much of the characteristics that you would expect in them, they also had some complexities that were unique.
All in all I am giving this book 4 stars as it was thrilling and interesting, and I am already looking forward to reading the next Sloane Burbank book as well as others by Ms Kane.
By the end of the book I was really invested in all of the characters. The villain turned out to be one of the characters that I had picked out early on in the book, but was by no means my first or second choice. In fact, Ms. Kane did such a good job of switching between reality and the psychotic world of the villain, that I had pretty much dismissed this character until shortly before she revealed who the killer actually was. Until that time, I kept going back and forth between two other characters that seemed to me to be more likely. I really enjoy it when an author can fool me, or make me keep guessing how the story will end, and who is playing what role. Kudos to Ms. Kane.
As for the killer, what a great character Andrea Kane developed there. He had so many sides that he ended up personifying good and evil all in one character. Very complex and interesting. Actually, the same thing can be said for both Sloane and Derek, the two main characters. Although the characters exhibited much of the characteristics that you would expect in them, they also had some complexities that were unique.
All in all I am giving this book 4 stars as it was thrilling and interesting, and I am already looking forward to reading the next Sloane Burbank book as well as others by Ms Kane.
August 27, 2009
Although this author has been compared to Mary Higgins Clark, the author Karin Slaughter came to mind as I read this book. The plot was darker and more intense, as is a Slaughter novel.
Well developed,likable, plausible characters throughout. Not to heavy on a rushed, silly romance either, which is something I detest in a good mystery/thriller. The romance in this book was light and entirely believable, which is a refreshing change from most books in this genre (romantic suspense).
The book begins with a couple of tightly woven plotlines that eventually blend neatly together. The killer is a well kept secret until you are over 3/4's of the way through the book and then the identity becomes somewhat transparent, but the author makes us painstakingly wait a few more chapters until she must absolutely reveal the antagonist in order to wrap up the entire story. This was done brilliantly, with me on the edge of my seat. Great story. Anyone who enjoys suspense, thrillers, and a good mystery will enjoy this book.
Well developed,likable, plausible characters throughout. Not to heavy on a rushed, silly romance either, which is something I detest in a good mystery/thriller. The romance in this book was light and entirely believable, which is a refreshing change from most books in this genre (romantic suspense).
The book begins with a couple of tightly woven plotlines that eventually blend neatly together. The killer is a well kept secret until you are over 3/4's of the way through the book and then the identity becomes somewhat transparent, but the author makes us painstakingly wait a few more chapters until she must absolutely reveal the antagonist in order to wrap up the entire story. This was done brilliantly, with me on the edge of my seat. Great story. Anyone who enjoys suspense, thrillers, and a good mystery will enjoy this book.
June 8, 2018
if you add explicit and painstakingly detailed sexual encounter descriptions to preposterously ridiculous story premises of the likes such as R Montanari and C Carter you will get a half assed pretentious crime novel such as Twisted. a weak red herring only served to ensure we really guessed who the not-right-in-his-mind “mastermind” was. too many far fetched deus ex machina conclusions to hold any credibility. was a bit of a struggle to finish. I suppose still might be a plausible beach or on the fly read for a casual, non-demanding genre reader.
April 11, 2016
Loved this book. Lots of action. Very well written. Fast paced and you just jump into the story line. Page turner. Strong Characters. Will be getting the next book in this series. I found this book because I am a Joyce Bean Fan. She is one of the best readers on the Audiobook market, she could read a cookbook and you would want to listen! (audiobook review, excellent !!! )
July 17, 2016
An involved drama involving a former FBI agent, Sloane Burbank, her former lover, missing women who seem to have a connection with Sloane, and brutal murders that only a twisted, insane person could commit. Kane did her research and it shows. Very suspenseful.
November 26, 2011
I thought this was a pretty good story, it was easy to keep reading.
February 25, 2015
Great book, we'll developed H/h. Great chemistry, great suspense and my kind of serial killer/bad guy.
May 27, 2017
More like 3.5 stars.
November 3, 2025
Andrea Kane’s Twisted is a gripping, chilling psychological thriller that dives deep into the darkness of obsession and the resilience of the human spirit. The first in the Burbank and Parker series, it introduces readers to Sloane Burbank, a sharp, determined former FBI trainee turned motivational consultant, who finds herself drawn into a nightmare that hits far too close to home.
The novel opens with a disturbing scene: a young woman is drugged during spring break. From the first pages, Kane sets an ominous tone that lingers throughout the book, a sense that someone dangerous is always watching.
Soon after, we meet Sloane, who’s speaking at a professional conference in Manhattan. When it ends, she receives a private call that changes everything: it’s Mrs. Truman, the mother of Penny, Sloane’s childhood friend who’s been missing for eleven months. Sloane reluctantly agrees to meet with her, not realizing she’s stepping into a complex and deeply personal case, one that will entangle her past, her instincts, and her safety.
Kane skillfully alternates between perspectives, showing both Sloane’s investigation and the horrifying experiences of the kidnapped women. The captor, who renames his victims after Greek goddesses: Athena, Hera, Aphrodite, and more; is methodical, manipulative, and terrifyingly delusional. He drugs his victims, controls their environment, and forces them into his twisted mythology-driven fantasy world. He doesn’t just want to own them, he wants to “break” them.
As Sloane reconnects with law enforcement to help Penny’s mother, she’s paired with FBI Special Agent Derek Parker. Their first meeting is tense and guarded, Derek clearly doesn’t want her involved, but Sloane’s intelligence, resourcefulness, and personal investment quickly earn his respect. Their professional friction slowly gives way to mutual trust and unspoken chemistry, making their partnership one of the most compelling aspects of the book.
Meanwhile, the investigation grows darker. More women go missing, a college student named Cynthia, a nurse, a mother and daughter. The captor, now identified as Delphi, continues to expand his collection of “goddesses,” all while setting his sights on a final target: Artemis — Sloane herself.
The pacing is relentless. Sloane follows leads from universities to hospitals, speaking with victims’ families, witnesses, and professors, while Derek’s team uncovers fragments of evidence: surveillance footage, DNA, and behavioral clues; that eventually connect all the disappearances. Kane doesn’t shy away from showing the procedural side of the case, but what makes it stand out is the emotional cost to those involved.
The villain’s identity, when revealed, is both shocking and tragic. Luke Doyle, a trusted acquaintance, hides a fractured psyche beneath a façade of kindness and intellect. His descent into madness, fueled by delusions and grief, turns him into Delphi, a self-proclaimed high priest of his goddess cult. His interactions with the captives, especially Athena (Cynthia) and Hera (Eve), are deeply disturbing yet psychologically fascinating.
As the story closes in on its climax, Sloane herself becomes Delphi’s ultimate obsession. He sees her as his Artemis, the one who completes his twisted pantheon. When he kidnaps her, the novel shifts into a heart-pounding survival sequence. Sloane, resourceful and calm under pressure, hides her phone, sends coded clues to Derek, and fights back with intelligence rather than brute strength.
Derek’s race to find her, guided by the fragments of her messages, builds unbearable tension. The final rescue, with SWAT storming Delphi’s compound, delivers both action and emotional relief. Sloane’s survival feels earned, not contrived, and the story closes with her reclaiming her strength while Derek and the team process the horror they’ve uncovered.
What sets Twisted apart is Kane’s balance between procedural detail and emotional storytelling. The characters feel authentic, not just as investigators or victims, but as people coping with trauma, fear, and moral weight. Sloane’s compassion and intellect make her a standout protagonist, while Derek’s steadfast loyalty and vulnerability round out their dynamic.
Final Thoughts:
Twisted lives up to its title, a dark, intricate story of control, obsession, and survival that twists through every page. Andrea Kane crafts a thriller that’s both psychological and procedural, terrifying yet deeply human. Fans of strong, complex heroines and tightly woven crime plots will find this first entry in the Burbank and Parker series impossible to put down.
The novel opens with a disturbing scene: a young woman is drugged during spring break. From the first pages, Kane sets an ominous tone that lingers throughout the book, a sense that someone dangerous is always watching.
Soon after, we meet Sloane, who’s speaking at a professional conference in Manhattan. When it ends, she receives a private call that changes everything: it’s Mrs. Truman, the mother of Penny, Sloane’s childhood friend who’s been missing for eleven months. Sloane reluctantly agrees to meet with her, not realizing she’s stepping into a complex and deeply personal case, one that will entangle her past, her instincts, and her safety.
Kane skillfully alternates between perspectives, showing both Sloane’s investigation and the horrifying experiences of the kidnapped women. The captor, who renames his victims after Greek goddesses: Athena, Hera, Aphrodite, and more; is methodical, manipulative, and terrifyingly delusional. He drugs his victims, controls their environment, and forces them into his twisted mythology-driven fantasy world. He doesn’t just want to own them, he wants to “break” them.
As Sloane reconnects with law enforcement to help Penny’s mother, she’s paired with FBI Special Agent Derek Parker. Their first meeting is tense and guarded, Derek clearly doesn’t want her involved, but Sloane’s intelligence, resourcefulness, and personal investment quickly earn his respect. Their professional friction slowly gives way to mutual trust and unspoken chemistry, making their partnership one of the most compelling aspects of the book.
Meanwhile, the investigation grows darker. More women go missing, a college student named Cynthia, a nurse, a mother and daughter. The captor, now identified as Delphi, continues to expand his collection of “goddesses,” all while setting his sights on a final target: Artemis — Sloane herself.
The pacing is relentless. Sloane follows leads from universities to hospitals, speaking with victims’ families, witnesses, and professors, while Derek’s team uncovers fragments of evidence: surveillance footage, DNA, and behavioral clues; that eventually connect all the disappearances. Kane doesn’t shy away from showing the procedural side of the case, but what makes it stand out is the emotional cost to those involved.
The villain’s identity, when revealed, is both shocking and tragic. Luke Doyle, a trusted acquaintance, hides a fractured psyche beneath a façade of kindness and intellect. His descent into madness, fueled by delusions and grief, turns him into Delphi, a self-proclaimed high priest of his goddess cult. His interactions with the captives, especially Athena (Cynthia) and Hera (Eve), are deeply disturbing yet psychologically fascinating.
As the story closes in on its climax, Sloane herself becomes Delphi’s ultimate obsession. He sees her as his Artemis, the one who completes his twisted pantheon. When he kidnaps her, the novel shifts into a heart-pounding survival sequence. Sloane, resourceful and calm under pressure, hides her phone, sends coded clues to Derek, and fights back with intelligence rather than brute strength.
Derek’s race to find her, guided by the fragments of her messages, builds unbearable tension. The final rescue, with SWAT storming Delphi’s compound, delivers both action and emotional relief. Sloane’s survival feels earned, not contrived, and the story closes with her reclaiming her strength while Derek and the team process the horror they’ve uncovered.
What sets Twisted apart is Kane’s balance between procedural detail and emotional storytelling. The characters feel authentic, not just as investigators or victims, but as people coping with trauma, fear, and moral weight. Sloane’s compassion and intellect make her a standout protagonist, while Derek’s steadfast loyalty and vulnerability round out their dynamic.
Final Thoughts:
Twisted lives up to its title, a dark, intricate story of control, obsession, and survival that twists through every page. Andrea Kane crafts a thriller that’s both psychological and procedural, terrifying yet deeply human. Fans of strong, complex heroines and tightly woven crime plots will find this first entry in the Burbank and Parker series impossible to put down.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 28, 2023
Sloane Burbank, an ex-FBI agent who now works as an independent consultant, has been called on for a cold case where her childhood best friend, Penny, is the victim. After a year of Penny’s mysterious disappearance, as a cry for help, her parents hired Sloane to help solve the case, with her ex-lover Derek Parker as the FBI agent in charge.
As more women mysteriously disappeared and others ended up brutally murdered, Sloane came to the sickening realization that these crimes were linked to the same unsub.
In the midst of the investigation, Sloane found herself caught up in a web when she became a target and started receiving anonymous calls from someone breathing.
The novel takes us on a psychological rollercoaster where the killer’s twisted obsession is more psychotic than anyone could have imagined.
Likes:
•The level of suspense
•The different POVs
•The psychological Ancient Greek philosophy theme
Dislikes:
None
Recommendation:
I would recommend this novel to lovers of psychological crime novels
As more women mysteriously disappeared and others ended up brutally murdered, Sloane came to the sickening realization that these crimes were linked to the same unsub.
In the midst of the investigation, Sloane found herself caught up in a web when she became a target and started receiving anonymous calls from someone breathing.
The novel takes us on a psychological rollercoaster where the killer’s twisted obsession is more psychotic than anyone could have imagined.
Likes:
•The level of suspense
•The different POVs
•The psychological Ancient Greek philosophy theme
Dislikes:
None
Recommendation:
I would recommend this novel to lovers of psychological crime novels
November 17, 2022
Sloane is now a consultant helping companies with protection when a childhood friend's parent reaches out for help in locating her daughter who has been missing for a year. Sloane used to be an FBI agent until an injury precluded her from being an active agent. Delving into Penny's disappearance partners her with her ex-lover, Derek Parker, who she never quite got over. Derek is now part of a gang unit where he is seeing a large number of Asians hookers being brutally murdered. As the two start looking at the disappearance (which is assumed to be a murder) and the series of deaths on Derek's turf, they realize there may be a connection. It was pretty good for the type of book it was. I did feel like it ended a bit abruptly.
June 2, 2020
Nice thriller that begs does sequel, detailing former FBI agent Sloane Burbank's investigation of a long missing friend that leads her to an intricate plan that leads to multiple disappearances of women. What made this story stand out was the thoughts and motives of the antagonist that prefaced each chapter. There is also the subplot of Sloane reuniting with ex-lover Derek Parker, who is still with the Bureau, and they discover the attraction is still there.
Recommended for a really good summer read.
Recommended for a really good summer read.
November 27, 2024
Sloan discovers her best friend has been missing for about a year, and her ex boyfriend is the FBI agent in charge. Sloan is still recovering from the knifewound she suffered 13 months ago earlier. The story was pretty, good, though it was very clear early on there was only one of 2 people who could be the unsub. The story did not seem to know what part to focus on, and consequently did not really do the love story or the mystery complete justice. Getting the pov of the unsub sprinkled throughout was interesting, but at time a bit distracting, annoying and unnecessary.
August 25, 2017
Audio book. This book started really slow for me, it was read by three different people and the only interesting one was the guy who read for the bad guy. Otherwise, I kept skipping ahead until I got to the 5th CD and then it got interesting enough for me to stop skipping ahead. anyway, I figured out who the bad guy was and I'm usually not able to do that in these kind of books. But I liked the romance between Sloan and Derek. This was my first book by Andrea Kane.
December 23, 2019
I was disappointed in this book. Two different crime sprees. Women being kidnapped and prostitutes being murdered. The investigation brings Sloane Burbank and Agent Derek Parker to the investigation. As the story line plays out the author seemed to spend more time on the marathon sex between the two rather than the plot.
April 22, 2025
ill give this book a 3.5/4. it was definitely a slow burn, which i was aware of. but once it got going, it was really good. i loved the point of view of the killer/kidnapper. I did predict who it was. but it was still a good read. I also like the slight romance throughout the book. overall, good read!
June 9, 2017
This was a really great read. It was well paced crime thriller. I liked getting to know Sloane and Derek. The killer wasn't a complete surprise as it was easy enough to figure out several chapters before his identity is revealed, but the twists it took to get there were great.
February 18, 2025
I gave this book 3 stars because it was a little gory and graphic for me. I loved the characters and it was a page turner once I got into it… but a too many details and descriptions for me! (but I’ll definitely be looking for my next Andrea Kane book because I enjoy most of them so much!)
March 19, 2017
Great book, it just took me forever to read.
Enjoyed it tho.
Enjoyed it tho.
May 10, 2017
Not my type of book. Hunter becomes hunted.
And complex, confusing, ..the mystery and the relationship
And complex, confusing, ..the mystery and the relationship
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