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Burn this Night: A Mystery
Told in alternating timelines, this gripping mystery about a PI and her quest for answers is full of twists and turns, perfect for fans of Allison Brennan and Gytha Lodge.
Struggling private investigator Kate Myles is shattered to learn her late father isn’t her biological dad. She’s still reeling when she discovers that an unknown distant relative is the prime suspect in a decades-old murder investigation. Trying to convince her to take on the case for free, an old colleague recommends her as an investigator for a recent arson murder in the same small town.
After giving up on a failed acting career, Abby Coburn is starting over as a promising social work student. With her life on the right track, she’s determined to help her brother, Jacob, whose meth addiction triggered a psychotic break and descent into crime. But when Abby dies in a fire that kills two other people and destroys part of the town, the police immediately suspect Jacob.
As the Coburn family grapples with the tragedy, Kate begins unraveling the cold case but finds herself caught in the middle of an emotional minefield. Pretty soon, she discovers that this town is full of dark secrets, and as she comes closer and closer to figuring out the truth, Kate must solve both murders before she becomes the next victim.
Struggling private investigator Kate Myles is shattered to learn her late father isn’t her biological dad. She’s still reeling when she discovers that an unknown distant relative is the prime suspect in a decades-old murder investigation. Trying to convince her to take on the case for free, an old colleague recommends her as an investigator for a recent arson murder in the same small town.
After giving up on a failed acting career, Abby Coburn is starting over as a promising social work student. With her life on the right track, she’s determined to help her brother, Jacob, whose meth addiction triggered a psychotic break and descent into crime. But when Abby dies in a fire that kills two other people and destroys part of the town, the police immediately suspect Jacob.
As the Coburn family grapples with the tragedy, Kate begins unraveling the cold case but finds herself caught in the middle of an emotional minefield. Pretty soon, she discovers that this town is full of dark secrets, and as she comes closer and closer to figuring out the truth, Kate must solve both murders before she becomes the next victim.
253 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 12, 2024
30 people are currently reading
5980 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 121 reviews
January 13, 2025
A slow burn tale of crime fiction, the dual timelines and multiple POVs in Burn This Night built a plot that ducked and weaved from beginning to end. With two separate cases and a heaping dose of long-buried secrets, the mysteries were plentiful as the truth was unfurled. My favorite piece to the puzzle in this one, however, was easily Kate in all of her glory. Flawed, complex, but also undeniably clever, her investigation into the past delivered a binge-worthy book that I rushed to finish in one very late night.
While I thoroughly enjoyed the numerous interwoven plot lines revealed in this story, I do have to admit that at times it felt somewhat disjointed. Despite this, however, I was quickly sucked into both the new and old cases. After all, the twisty, twisty plot meant quite the unguessable conclusion thanks to one almighty shocking reveal. What was even better than that, though, was the adrenaline-pumping climax that had me racing through the pages. All together, I just couldn’t put this book down.
One brief forewarning, however. If you have significant experience with drug addiction, you just might want to give this book a wide pass. Descriptive, chilling, and downright realistic, it will draw an uncomfortable picture for all those who read it. At the same time, it was done unbelievably well, so while it felt somewhat in-your-face, it was also written in a tactful and thoughtful manner.
All in all, from the short cliffhanger chapters to the wide-range of characters, I found a bit of everything beneath this gorgeous cover—even including a dash of romance. Set up perfectly for a sequel, I’m crossing my fingers and toes that Kate, Amelia, and Sam will be reprised in a book two. So if you’re looking for a novel that promises multiple mysteries, compelling personas, and convincing red herrings, I'm happy to tell you that you’ve found it right here. Rating of 4 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
Struggling private investigator Kate Myles is shattered to learn her late father isn’t her biological dad. She’s still reeling when she discovers that an unknown distant relative is the prime suspect in a decades-old murder investigation. Trying to convince her to take on the case for free, an old colleague recommends her as an investigator for a recent arson murder in the same small town.
After giving up on a failed acting career, Abby Coburn is starting over as a promising social work student. With her life on the right track, she’s determined to help her brother, Jacob, whose meth addiction triggered a psychotic break and descent into crime. But when Abby dies in a fire that kills two other people and destroys part of the town, the police immediately suspect Jacob.
As the Coburn family grapples with the tragedy, Kate begins unraveling the cold case but finds herself caught in the middle of an emotional minefield. Pretty soon, she discovers that this town is full of dark secrets, and as she comes closer and closer to figuring out the truth, Kate must solve both murders before she becomes the next victim.
Thank you to Alex Kenna and Crooked Lane Books for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: November 12, 2024 (out now)
Trigger warning: drug addiction, schizophrenia, anxiety, kidnapping, mention of: con artistry, burglary, molestation, alcoholism
While I thoroughly enjoyed the numerous interwoven plot lines revealed in this story, I do have to admit that at times it felt somewhat disjointed. Despite this, however, I was quickly sucked into both the new and old cases. After all, the twisty, twisty plot meant quite the unguessable conclusion thanks to one almighty shocking reveal. What was even better than that, though, was the adrenaline-pumping climax that had me racing through the pages. All together, I just couldn’t put this book down.
One brief forewarning, however. If you have significant experience with drug addiction, you just might want to give this book a wide pass. Descriptive, chilling, and downright realistic, it will draw an uncomfortable picture for all those who read it. At the same time, it was done unbelievably well, so while it felt somewhat in-your-face, it was also written in a tactful and thoughtful manner.
All in all, from the short cliffhanger chapters to the wide-range of characters, I found a bit of everything beneath this gorgeous cover—even including a dash of romance. Set up perfectly for a sequel, I’m crossing my fingers and toes that Kate, Amelia, and Sam will be reprised in a book two. So if you’re looking for a novel that promises multiple mysteries, compelling personas, and convincing red herrings, I'm happy to tell you that you’ve found it right here. Rating of 4 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
Struggling private investigator Kate Myles is shattered to learn her late father isn’t her biological dad. She’s still reeling when she discovers that an unknown distant relative is the prime suspect in a decades-old murder investigation. Trying to convince her to take on the case for free, an old colleague recommends her as an investigator for a recent arson murder in the same small town.
After giving up on a failed acting career, Abby Coburn is starting over as a promising social work student. With her life on the right track, she’s determined to help her brother, Jacob, whose meth addiction triggered a psychotic break and descent into crime. But when Abby dies in a fire that kills two other people and destroys part of the town, the police immediately suspect Jacob.
As the Coburn family grapples with the tragedy, Kate begins unraveling the cold case but finds herself caught in the middle of an emotional minefield. Pretty soon, she discovers that this town is full of dark secrets, and as she comes closer and closer to figuring out the truth, Kate must solve both murders before she becomes the next victim.
Thank you to Alex Kenna and Crooked Lane Books for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: November 12, 2024 (out now)
Trigger warning: drug addiction, schizophrenia, anxiety, kidnapping, mention of: con artistry, burglary, molestation, alcoholism
November 5, 2024
I don’t know what’s been going on with me, but I’ve really been enjoying slow burn reads. This is just an example of one of those stories.
The book starts out where there is a fire in the mountains. Abby Coburn and an elderly neighbor were both lost during the fire. Abby’s brother has been arrested for the crime.
Ex-cop now turned private investigator, Kate Myles is hired to investigate for the accused brother, Jacob. Jacob has been struggling with a meth addiction and he looks like the perfect suspect. However, did he kill his sister?
Kate is also asked to look into a cold case of a body they found in the same town. She did an ancestry kit that said she is related to the killer, since they have DNA evidence as well. Kate is now on the hunt for answers for both crimes.
I really enjoyed Kate’s character. I felt she was a strong woman who also had her own struggles. This slow burn picked up in the last half and had a surprising twist! I definitely recommend this one if you enjoy slow burn mysteries.
Thank you Alex Kenna and Crooked Lane Books for my gifted copy.
Release date Nov 12, 2024
4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The book starts out where there is a fire in the mountains. Abby Coburn and an elderly neighbor were both lost during the fire. Abby’s brother has been arrested for the crime.
Ex-cop now turned private investigator, Kate Myles is hired to investigate for the accused brother, Jacob. Jacob has been struggling with a meth addiction and he looks like the perfect suspect. However, did he kill his sister?
Kate is also asked to look into a cold case of a body they found in the same town. She did an ancestry kit that said she is related to the killer, since they have DNA evidence as well. Kate is now on the hunt for answers for both crimes.
I really enjoyed Kate’s character. I felt she was a strong woman who also had her own struggles. This slow burn picked up in the last half and had a surprising twist! I definitely recommend this one if you enjoy slow burn mysteries.
Thank you Alex Kenna and Crooked Lane Books for my gifted copy.
Release date Nov 12, 2024
4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
December 2, 2024
Kate Myles, a self-described “... pathologically messy ex-cop-turned-private-eye with flaming ADHD.” is now a private investigator and things are looking dark at the onset of “Burn This Night.” She has just stumbled onto the discovery that her late father was not, in fact, her biological father. Her DNA search reveals she is related to the murderer of a cold case victim. The police recruit her into their investigation, also securing her some work for an attorney defending a completely separate murder case in the same locale.
Multiple murders with multiple characters spilling their backgrounds in alternating timelines– it seemed chaotic and complicated– and I was a bit skeptical through the opening sections. It is Kate’s character, though, who draws us into the story and soon both cases are hurtling along. Kate is a tenacious investigator, but her vulnerability is always evident, as well.
Alex Kenna skillfully weaves numerous plotlines together without losing pace. The cast of characters range from colorful to seedy, all very convincing. I was not aware until the end that Kate Myles’s character had a backstory in a previous novel, “What Meets the Eye.” I will have to seek that one out.
A very absorbing crime novel.
Thank you to Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for providing an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review. #BurnThisNight #NetGalley
Multiple murders with multiple characters spilling their backgrounds in alternating timelines– it seemed chaotic and complicated– and I was a bit skeptical through the opening sections. It is Kate’s character, though, who draws us into the story and soon both cases are hurtling along. Kate is a tenacious investigator, but her vulnerability is always evident, as well.
Alex Kenna skillfully weaves numerous plotlines together without losing pace. The cast of characters range from colorful to seedy, all very convincing. I was not aware until the end that Kate Myles’s character had a backstory in a previous novel, “What Meets the Eye.” I will have to seek that one out.
A very absorbing crime novel.
Thank you to Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for providing an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review. #BurnThisNight #NetGalley
October 15, 2024
Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free, electronic ARC of this novel received in exchange for an honest review.
Expected publication date: November 12, 2024
After an injury left Kate Myles with back pain and an opioid addiction, she left the LAPD. Now, as a recovering addict, she works as a private investigator while she shares custody of her young daughter with her ex-husband. After the death of her beloved father, Kate discovers that the man she called “Dad” all her life is not actually her biological father. So, when she is given a case that has ties to the same city where her biological father may live, she jumps at it, hoping to kill two birds with one stone. But the case is not all that it seems and Kate is soon uncovering answers that people are willing to kill to keep quiet.
Alex Kenna’s sophomore novel, “Burn this Night: A Mystery”, is a twisty, turning, suspenseful thrill ride from beginning to end. The novel is narrated by both Kate and Abby (the subject of Kate’s private investigation case), so that both women’s stories are revealed slowly, building tension as the plot develops. Kate is a recovered addict, trying to get her life together and Abby is the sister of an addict, who is doing everything she can to keep her brother safe and alive. Although both women are very different on paper, it is this connection that bonds them and keeps Kate interested in finding out the truth.
Kenna introduces many shady characters in the novel, leaving readers guessing from the first page what exactly happened to Abby. Alongside Kate’s investigation is her personal search for her biological father, which is just as emotional as Abby’s case. “Night” has constant drama and intrigue, and the plot is captivating right through to the final pages.
Alex Kenna is a new author to me and, to be honest, it was the cover of this novel that captured my attention. That being said, I am so glad that I was able to read, “Burn this Night: A Mystery”, as it has served to add yet another author to my ever-growing list of ones-to-watch.
Expected publication date: November 12, 2024
After an injury left Kate Myles with back pain and an opioid addiction, she left the LAPD. Now, as a recovering addict, she works as a private investigator while she shares custody of her young daughter with her ex-husband. After the death of her beloved father, Kate discovers that the man she called “Dad” all her life is not actually her biological father. So, when she is given a case that has ties to the same city where her biological father may live, she jumps at it, hoping to kill two birds with one stone. But the case is not all that it seems and Kate is soon uncovering answers that people are willing to kill to keep quiet.
Alex Kenna’s sophomore novel, “Burn this Night: A Mystery”, is a twisty, turning, suspenseful thrill ride from beginning to end. The novel is narrated by both Kate and Abby (the subject of Kate’s private investigation case), so that both women’s stories are revealed slowly, building tension as the plot develops. Kate is a recovered addict, trying to get her life together and Abby is the sister of an addict, who is doing everything she can to keep her brother safe and alive. Although both women are very different on paper, it is this connection that bonds them and keeps Kate interested in finding out the truth.
Kenna introduces many shady characters in the novel, leaving readers guessing from the first page what exactly happened to Abby. Alongside Kate’s investigation is her personal search for her biological father, which is just as emotional as Abby’s case. “Night” has constant drama and intrigue, and the plot is captivating right through to the final pages.
Alex Kenna is a new author to me and, to be honest, it was the cover of this novel that captured my attention. That being said, I am so glad that I was able to read, “Burn this Night: A Mystery”, as it has served to add yet another author to my ever-growing list of ones-to-watch.
August 16, 2024
This book is one wild ride! Kate Myles is private investigator struggling at life. She has lost custody of her daughter, Amelia, due to an addiction to pain pills after a car accident. She’s trying to get her life together. Then she learns that her biological father isn’t the dad she grew up with; and that she is related to a murder suspect on a cold case – though they aren’t sure who that is yet. She’s asked to work that case for free while being paid to work a recent arson case in the same town. The victim in that case is Abby, the suspect is her brother, but she’s been hired to figure out if he really did it. Two murders and multiple suspects.
This wild ride of a book is told in dual timelines, the here and now, and Abby and Jacob’s point of view from the past. The book being told this way really builds out the characters and their world. It gives you a 360 degree look into them.
This is a true page turner. It’s full of twists, turns, and suspects. I had no idea what direction that this book was going to take. Every person I had in my as a suspect in each of the murders was wrong. I thought I was really going to get it this time, but alas, I did not. I enjoyed the ending and seeing how the two plot lines came together. There were moments that I was truly on the edge of my seat just waiting to see what was going to happen. I do have one question though – so maybe I can ask the author!
I didn’t realize that this was a part of a series; I didn’t know until after I had finished reading the book and starting writing this review! I didn’t feel like I missed out on anything at all; it definitely can be read as a standalone.
This is a MUST READ mystery; I promise you, you’ll love this one!
This wild ride of a book is told in dual timelines, the here and now, and Abby and Jacob’s point of view from the past. The book being told this way really builds out the characters and their world. It gives you a 360 degree look into them.
This is a true page turner. It’s full of twists, turns, and suspects. I had no idea what direction that this book was going to take. Every person I had in my as a suspect in each of the murders was wrong. I thought I was really going to get it this time, but alas, I did not. I enjoyed the ending and seeing how the two plot lines came together. There were moments that I was truly on the edge of my seat just waiting to see what was going to happen. I do have one question though – so maybe I can ask the author!
I didn’t realize that this was a part of a series; I didn’t know until after I had finished reading the book and starting writing this review! I didn’t feel like I missed out on anything at all; it definitely can be read as a standalone.
This is a MUST READ mystery; I promise you, you’ll love this one!
May 5, 2024
Burn This Night by Alex Kenna is a mystery written from the perspective of a former police detective who was hurt on the job and became addicted to painkillers. It is an all too realistic scenario where she lost her husband and custody of her daughter.
We come in as she is picking up the pieces and has become a private investigator. Luckily for her she still has some friends in law enforcement who are giving her work. One of her former colleagues named Harry has a case for her as she discovers that her newly deceased father may not have been her biological father. Her mother is not talking and the situation messes with her head, a lot.
Along the way, she wants to know more about herself and sends her DNA out to a genealogy company, which leads to some interesting and confusing results.
Thank you to Netgalley for the prepublication copy of this book to read and review.
Burn This Night is almost like two books in one, it is unpredictable and keeps readers’ attention. There are elements of new technology, old technology and using clues to solve murders. It is hard to put down.
We come in as she is picking up the pieces and has become a private investigator. Luckily for her she still has some friends in law enforcement who are giving her work. One of her former colleagues named Harry has a case for her as she discovers that her newly deceased father may not have been her biological father. Her mother is not talking and the situation messes with her head, a lot.
Along the way, she wants to know more about herself and sends her DNA out to a genealogy company, which leads to some interesting and confusing results.
Thank you to Netgalley for the prepublication copy of this book to read and review.
Burn This Night is almost like two books in one, it is unpredictable and keeps readers’ attention. There are elements of new technology, old technology and using clues to solve murders. It is hard to put down.
December 12, 2024
What a wild ride! The slow burning, twisty mystery kept me on my toes. I had so many theories and I was so wrong. If you are looking for a shorter mystery that will keep you turning the pages, add Burn This Night to your TBR!
Thank you to @thrillerbookloversthepulse for my gifted copy!
Thank you to @thrillerbookloversthepulse for my gifted copy!
February 12, 2025
very good thriller. fine writing. great read only the end even it is ok with the story is a bit drop in the energy of the writing.
November 25, 2024
Burn This Night is a gripping unputdownable book.
I thought the multi POV combined with alternating timelines was superbly executed.
I think this could easily be a start to a great series, and I do hope that happens. I loved the MC Kate, and really would love to check on with her in the future.
If you like a multi layered mystery with some police procedural sprinkled in, you won't want to miss this one.
I really loved it.
I thought the multi POV combined with alternating timelines was superbly executed.
I think this could easily be a start to a great series, and I do hope that happens. I loved the MC Kate, and really would love to check on with her in the future.
If you like a multi layered mystery with some police procedural sprinkled in, you won't want to miss this one.
I really loved it.
December 16, 2024
This is the 2nd book of a series.
I did not read the 1st book.
It was not a problem.
I believe the first book has
more details about the protagonist.
Slow burn.
Well written.
Creative, good story.
I recommend this book!
I did not read the 1st book.
It was not a problem.
I believe the first book has
more details about the protagonist.
Slow burn.
Well written.
Creative, good story.
I recommend this book!
December 26, 2024
Kate is a wonderfully flawed, yet tenacious and clever ex-cop turned private investigator after losing her job AND custody of her daughter due to prescription drug addiction. Kate delves into not ONE, but TWO mysteries as she also undertakes a deeply personal journey. On a quest to learn about her biological father, she discovers her DNA matches that of a killer from a cold case. Deciding to pursue whatever information she can to learn about her past she joins the investigation while also taking an arson case in the same town.
Abby, a social worker determined to help her brother with his severe meth addiction, died in the fire along with two other people. Abby’s brother Jacob is the prime suspect, but all may not be what it seems.
More than just layered mysteries, BURN THIS NIGHT tackles heavy hitting topics such as adoption, shared custody parenting and drug addiction. The latter was covered thoroughly and accurately showcasing the debilitating effects of drug addiction, not just for the user, but also for those who love them. Not shying away from the consequences of extreme drug use, some parts were truly difficult to read, though the topic was handled with the utmost care.
With so many questions regarding both cases AND the personal aspects of both Kate and Abby’s lives woven into the narrative, I couldn’t read this fast enough. The dual timelines and POVs made this simmering mystery novel seem fast paced and the intense action packed conclusion was just right!
I didn’t realize this was book two, but it can definitely be read as a stand alone. I can’t wait to see what Kate gets involved in next and will absolutely be going back to read book one!
____
Thank you Alex Kenna for my free copy. All opinions are mine.
____
Potential spoiler content warnings below:
⚠️Content Warnings: adoption, drug addiction, violence, drug induced paranoia, Mention of: grooming, infidelity
Abby, a social worker determined to help her brother with his severe meth addiction, died in the fire along with two other people. Abby’s brother Jacob is the prime suspect, but all may not be what it seems.
More than just layered mysteries, BURN THIS NIGHT tackles heavy hitting topics such as adoption, shared custody parenting and drug addiction. The latter was covered thoroughly and accurately showcasing the debilitating effects of drug addiction, not just for the user, but also for those who love them. Not shying away from the consequences of extreme drug use, some parts were truly difficult to read, though the topic was handled with the utmost care.
With so many questions regarding both cases AND the personal aspects of both Kate and Abby’s lives woven into the narrative, I couldn’t read this fast enough. The dual timelines and POVs made this simmering mystery novel seem fast paced and the intense action packed conclusion was just right!
I didn’t realize this was book two, but it can definitely be read as a stand alone. I can’t wait to see what Kate gets involved in next and will absolutely be going back to read book one!
____
Thank you Alex Kenna for my free copy. All opinions are mine.
____
Potential spoiler content warnings below:
⚠️Content Warnings: adoption, drug addiction, violence, drug induced paranoia, Mention of: grooming, infidelity
November 21, 2024
More of this, please! I loved every second of this dual mystery. Things are woven in so tightly that you can't even see what Kenna is doing, but in the end it becomes apparent that this is a brilliant book.
October 2, 2024
BURN THIS NIGHT by @alexkennabooks ✨
ARC review | pub date 11.12.24
My first read by this author and I love her writing style! I will absolutely be reading her first book and keeping an eye out for any more in the future!
In this book we mainly get the POV from Kate, a former police officer now doing PI work. She finds out through an ancestry website that her DNA is linked to a killer from a previous murder, so while she sets out to find out the unknown killer, she’s also doing PI work for a more recent murder of Abby, hired by the family, because Abby’s brother was arrested for the crime.
We also get past timelines of Abby before her death, and her relationship with her brother. It was such a fast paced, easy read, you could easily read in one or two sittings. The writing style was great and for most of the book I truly couldn’t decide who I thought did it!
Thanks so much to the author and @thrillerbookloversthepulse for my ARC! put this one on your tbr 👀
ARC review | pub date 11.12.24
My first read by this author and I love her writing style! I will absolutely be reading her first book and keeping an eye out for any more in the future!
In this book we mainly get the POV from Kate, a former police officer now doing PI work. She finds out through an ancestry website that her DNA is linked to a killer from a previous murder, so while she sets out to find out the unknown killer, she’s also doing PI work for a more recent murder of Abby, hired by the family, because Abby’s brother was arrested for the crime.
We also get past timelines of Abby before her death, and her relationship with her brother. It was such a fast paced, easy read, you could easily read in one or two sittings. The writing style was great and for most of the book I truly couldn’t decide who I thought did it!
Thanks so much to the author and @thrillerbookloversthepulse for my ARC! put this one on your tbr 👀
November 14, 2024
4.5 rounded up
This book was SO good! It's the 2nd book in the author's Kate Myles private detective series but can totally be read as a standalone. However, I will most definitely be going back and reading the 1st book.
Kate has left the police department and is now a private investigator after an accident left her addicted to painkillers. She's divorced and has lost custody of her daughter. As she's trying to get her life back on track, she finds out her late father isn't her biological father. While she's trying to figure out who her real father is, she discovers she's a distant relative to a prime suspect in a decades old murder investigation. As she starts to dig into this cold case, she is also hired to investigate an arson murder that happened in the same small town. Abby Coburn parished in the cabin fire, and the police have arrested her drug addicted brother Jacob. But none of the evidence adds up. Can Kate help solve the murder from years ago and prove Jacob's innocence?
Told in dual timelines and multiple POVs this was an engrossing read. It was so well written, and I was completely invested in the story from the very 1st page. I seriously didn't want to put this book down! The mystery was compelling, and twists were unpredictable. I loved the small town setting, and I loved Kate's character. I can't wait to see what happens in the next book! I really enjoyed reading this and would highly recommend it.
This book was SO good! It's the 2nd book in the author's Kate Myles private detective series but can totally be read as a standalone. However, I will most definitely be going back and reading the 1st book.
Kate has left the police department and is now a private investigator after an accident left her addicted to painkillers. She's divorced and has lost custody of her daughter. As she's trying to get her life back on track, she finds out her late father isn't her biological father. While she's trying to figure out who her real father is, she discovers she's a distant relative to a prime suspect in a decades old murder investigation. As she starts to dig into this cold case, she is also hired to investigate an arson murder that happened in the same small town. Abby Coburn parished in the cabin fire, and the police have arrested her drug addicted brother Jacob. But none of the evidence adds up. Can Kate help solve the murder from years ago and prove Jacob's innocence?
Told in dual timelines and multiple POVs this was an engrossing read. It was so well written, and I was completely invested in the story from the very 1st page. I seriously didn't want to put this book down! The mystery was compelling, and twists were unpredictable. I loved the small town setting, and I loved Kate's character. I can't wait to see what happens in the next book! I really enjoyed reading this and would highly recommend it.
November 22, 2024
I really love that old school detective focused mystery. It brings me back to my younger days of reading a Harlen Coben novel where a story is fast-paced focused on a crime that's been committed and then following the evidence. BURN THIS NIGHT has all the classic elements of my favorite kind of mystery/thriller novel.
Kate is a private detective, with a whole lot of personal baggage going on, that is hired to investigate a crime that's been committed and a parallel investigation about her own connection to a twenty year old murder case.
The only thing I struggled with a little in this story was keeping both crimes separate in my head as I read, because they both surround the same small town, people criss-cross into both sets of the crimes, and it confused me at times.
But what I really liked most about this one was the personal connection between Kate and what she was investigating. When things get personal and are tied directly to the character is when I love a mystery novel the most and this one had all my favorite things!
Kate is a private detective, with a whole lot of personal baggage going on, that is hired to investigate a crime that's been committed and a parallel investigation about her own connection to a twenty year old murder case.
The only thing I struggled with a little in this story was keeping both crimes separate in my head as I read, because they both surround the same small town, people criss-cross into both sets of the crimes, and it confused me at times.
But what I really liked most about this one was the personal connection between Kate and what she was investigating. When things get personal and are tied directly to the character is when I love a mystery novel the most and this one had all my favorite things!
December 14, 2024
3.5 rounding up. I thought this was pretty good for a slow burn mystery. It’s short enough that the slowness isn’t off putting and it packs two mysteries in so it definitely keeps the pages turning.
Kate is a PI with a lot of baggage and she just found out that she might be related to a murderer after she uploaded her DNA online. She’s asked to investigate both the cold case that’s tied to her DNA and a murder covered up by arson. However as these two cases start to overlap in location and suspects, Kate has to wonder how far is she willing to go in suspecting her own family.
It picks up speed on the back end but I thought the ending felt a little too easy. I also don’t enjoy having POVs end on cliffhangers that it never goes back to but that’s more a personal nitpick. I didn’t realize this was a second book so it can definitely be read as a standalone but I’m intrigued enough to add book 1 to my TBR
Kate is a PI with a lot of baggage and she just found out that she might be related to a murderer after she uploaded her DNA online. She’s asked to investigate both the cold case that’s tied to her DNA and a murder covered up by arson. However as these two cases start to overlap in location and suspects, Kate has to wonder how far is she willing to go in suspecting her own family.
It picks up speed on the back end but I thought the ending felt a little too easy. I also don’t enjoy having POVs end on cliffhangers that it never goes back to but that’s more a personal nitpick. I didn’t realize this was a second book so it can definitely be read as a standalone but I’m intrigued enough to add book 1 to my TBR
June 17, 2024
Great story that just gets better with the turn of each page. I read this as a stand-alone and found that I wasn’t missing anything by doing so.
After an accident that left Kate addicted to painkillers and alcohol, she needed something to occupy her mind and keep her sober, so she accepted a job as a private investigator. She needed to solve a cold case in order to solve the crime she was hired to do, and she finds herself mired in secrets and family drama. But Kate has her own agenda and her own secrets to keep.
This story is told in dual timelines and has very well rounded characters, especially Kate. The wind-up to the end was fantastic. I can easily recommend this book to those of you who enjoy crime thrillers and mysteries. Thank you, NetGalley and Crooked Lane books for the ARC.
After an accident that left Kate addicted to painkillers and alcohol, she needed something to occupy her mind and keep her sober, so she accepted a job as a private investigator. She needed to solve a cold case in order to solve the crime she was hired to do, and she finds herself mired in secrets and family drama. But Kate has her own agenda and her own secrets to keep.
This story is told in dual timelines and has very well rounded characters, especially Kate. The wind-up to the end was fantastic. I can easily recommend this book to those of you who enjoy crime thrillers and mysteries. Thank you, NetGalley and Crooked Lane books for the ARC.
November 23, 2024
"Burn This Night" is a fast-paced and engaging detective novel. The main character, Kate, struggles with a complicated past that includes a failed marriage, opioid addiction, and alcohol abuse. Kate became a Private Detective, set out to solve a cold case, and discovered information about her past and family. I especially liked how the author wrote the story with alternating narrators and timelines from the past. Kenna used this technique to introduce us to Abby and Jacob and their personalities and motivations. Some twists and turns kept me engaged, and every time I thought I knew who the killer was, I was wrong.
Kate's problems were introduced in the author's debut novel, "What Meets the Eye," but I read this novel as a stand-alone. I had no trouble following the progression of this story and the characters. I look forward to reading the author's next novel.
Kate's problems were introduced in the author's debut novel, "What Meets the Eye," but I read this novel as a stand-alone. I had no trouble following the progression of this story and the characters. I look forward to reading the author's next novel.
October 20, 2024
This one was so good and I hope there are more PI Kate novels! Kate became a private investigator after having an issue with pain meds after an accident and was forced to leave the police field. Struggling to get her life back together, her daughter back and to stay on track with being sober she can hardly turn down any work. Not happy about taking a case on free of charge, she does when it comes with another case that will be paid. A cold case of a murdered teenager and a recent fire that seems more than accidental, that resulted in the death of a woman who had set out to help others with drug addition. As Kate gets to work questioning locals and going over case files, she realizes that she just might have a connection to this all. A connection she'd have never known about but a simple DNA test doesn't lie. Kate struggles to focus on these cases while she deals with who she really is, and a new love interest that night just be getting in the way of the investigation. Can she prove her skills and crack these cases or is she too close to it all? I really loved Kate's character and couldn't put this down until I knew what happened. I will be looking at reading her first novel. Thriller Book Lovers the Pulse has fallen in love with PI Kate! Thank you to the author for the complementary ebook. This review is of my own opinion and accord.
October 21, 2024
Burn This Night hooked me in the first couple of chapters with a unique, heart-tugging plot, likable good guys, and despicable bad guys. I wasn’t a fan of the constantly switching POVs and timelines, however the encompassing story was well told and full of surprises.
December 26, 2024
I liked this one. It could have been a very paint by the numbers mystery because it incorporates all your classic PI / Mystery elements, but somehow, the elements blend into something new and that was a blessing. The main character was an interesting development and possessed a unique entry into the mystery.
November 15, 2024
Burn This Night 🔥
Private Investigator mystery.
The cover of this book is gorgeous.
Simply a fabulous read.
I totally enjoyed this book.
We have a private investigator x cop.
Mother. Investigating a murder.
Also looking into her own D N A
Things just don't add up.
Mystery of the best kind.
I loved the short chapters this book has.
This private Investigator Kate doesn't give up.
I loved how this book ended.
Private Investigator mystery.
The cover of this book is gorgeous.
Simply a fabulous read.
I totally enjoyed this book.
We have a private investigator x cop.
Mother. Investigating a murder.
Also looking into her own D N A
Things just don't add up.
Mystery of the best kind.
I loved the short chapters this book has.
This private Investigator Kate doesn't give up.
I loved how this book ended.
October 14, 2024
Kate is a PI who has been hired to investigate a fire that resulted in a murder. While she's there she's also looking into a cold case. Interestingly in the cold case, she got a DNA hit that she was distantly related to the killer. Kate meets some great people and hears some good stories along the way.
This was a great, fast read. I really liked all the police procedure elements.
This was a great, fast read. I really liked all the police procedure elements.
October 16, 2024
This was such a good mystery book! I was hooked in the beginning and sped through the rest of the book. The two crimes, a cold case and a recent arson case, were interesting and I had to know the truth of them. The story is told in past POVs of the Coburn siblings and current POVs from Kate, the PI. I was shocked by the reveal and how the timelines all interconnected. The end left me wanting more and I really hope Alex continues Kate Myles’ story!
November 22, 2024
Loved this second book in the Kate Myles series and hope there will be a third one. Kate finds herself living with her mother to try and create a better situation when she goes back for custody of her daughter. While there, she finds out her father isn’t her biological father. Her new case that she has taken on actually has to do with her biological father’s family and a murder. Can she find the killer and could her life be in danger too?
November 22, 2024
Two fascinating cases, one current and one decades in the past, in one riveting story.
Burn This Night is the second book in author Alex Kenna’s Kate Myles detective series and features the former LAPD detective turned private investigator as she pursues two murder cases, committed decades apart, in the small tourist town of Idlewood, California. Readers new to the series should have no problem absorbing enough backstory from the current narrative to read and enjoy this latest story as a standalone. This time, Kate is helping out an old contact in the sheriff’s department working on a 20-year-old cold case of murder.
Kate is the healing but still vulnerable main character, trying to gain control of her life after a messy divorce, which resulted in her ex-husband getting custody of their only daughter. She’s moved in with her widowed mother for a number of good reasons and inadvertently discovers the man she always knew as her father is actually no blood relation at all; her parents had used a sperm donor after years of failing to conceive. While a shock, she also feels a sense of relief because growing up, she always knew she was somehow different from the rest of her family and was treated differently than her cousins. However, her relief is quickly followed by surprise after surprise when the results of her DNA test reveal that the unknown perpetrator of a two-decades-old unsolved murder case is an, as of yet, unidentified relative. As Kate methodically investigates the more recent case that took place earlier in the year, she pursues leads to locate blood relations that may lead to the unknown killer in the cold case. She ends up meeting a kindred spirit in a local, divorced father who sparks long-suppressed romantic interests.The plot moves quickly as Kate works her way through the painful details of Abby Coburn’s death and her past relationship with the brother who is accused of her murder as well as that of the elderly neighbor who died in the fire that was set to cover up the crime. She develops several possible theories as she questions people in Abby’s life, resulting in a couple of good suspects who must be examined further and ruled out. Her investigation into her own origins is a great secondary storyline, and the resolutions of the murders are surprising but plausible.
I recommend BURN THIS NIGHT to mystery readers who enjoy strong female protagonists.I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advanced Review Copy from the author through Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours.
December 6, 2024
I love discovering new authors and after reading 𝗕𝘂𝗿𝗻 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗡𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁, Alex Kenna is now one of my new favorite mystery writers! I love her writing style - it’s engaging and completely absorbing. Kenna is a prosecutor in real life and I really enjoyed how she infused bits and pieces of her expertise with investigations and police procedural into her storytelling. This is a shorter book around 250 pages but it packs a punch! I could not put this one down. And let’s have a moment of appreciation for this fabulous cover!! 🔥
🔎 Kate Myles is a former police detective who is struggling after being hurt on the job and becoming addicted to painkillers and losing custody of her daughter. She’s now doing PI work and living with her mother when she unexpectedly discovers that her recently deceased father isn’t her biological father. This leads her to an ancestry website where she learns her DNA is connected to a killer from an old unsolved murder case. As she starts to dig into the cold case, she takes on an arson murder that just occurred in the same town. Soon things get very personal for Kate - but can she keep a clear head and stay out of danger to solve both cases?
🔥 I loved how this was told from multiple POVs with both past and present timelines because you quickly get to know the characters and their different motivations. There’s a good bit of family drama which tugged at my heartstrings and added a lot of depth to the plot. While this was a shorter read I would say it’s more of a slow burn - in the best way! Kenna very cleverly weaves two mysteries into one very satisfying conclusion. Highly recommend to mystery readers who like an intelligent detective story with some emotional family drama!
4.5 ⭐️ rounded up!
Thank you @alexkennabooks @partnersincrimevbt @crookedlanebooks for the #gifted copy and for having me on tour!!
🔎 Kate Myles is a former police detective who is struggling after being hurt on the job and becoming addicted to painkillers and losing custody of her daughter. She’s now doing PI work and living with her mother when she unexpectedly discovers that her recently deceased father isn’t her biological father. This leads her to an ancestry website where she learns her DNA is connected to a killer from an old unsolved murder case. As she starts to dig into the cold case, she takes on an arson murder that just occurred in the same town. Soon things get very personal for Kate - but can she keep a clear head and stay out of danger to solve both cases?
🔥 I loved how this was told from multiple POVs with both past and present timelines because you quickly get to know the characters and their different motivations. There’s a good bit of family drama which tugged at my heartstrings and added a lot of depth to the plot. While this was a shorter read I would say it’s more of a slow burn - in the best way! Kenna very cleverly weaves two mysteries into one very satisfying conclusion. Highly recommend to mystery readers who like an intelligent detective story with some emotional family drama!
4.5 ⭐️ rounded up!
Thank you @alexkennabooks @partnersincrimevbt @crookedlanebooks for the #gifted copy and for having me on tour!!
November 11, 2024
4.5⭐
This is my first introduction to author Alex Kenna and what a great introduction it is. As Burn This Night is a riveting story. Told in alternating time lines. That captures your attention. As PI Kate Myles learns that her beloved dad, the man she idolised isn't her biological father and her mum seems apathetic when Kate learns the truth.
Then Kate, who has been researching her ancestry learns her biological father. Whoever he is, is related to a killer and therefore so is she, and now an old colleague needs her help to find them. So they reach out in the hope Kate will take on the case for free.
However, Kate cannot afford to work for free, especially as she needs to escape her mother and regain custody of her daughter. So her old colleague recommends her for a job in the same small-town investigating a recent arson attack in which Abby Coburn and her neighbour died. And where Abby's brother Jacob has been charged with the crime.
Now it's up to Kate to find the killer and prove whether Jacob is innocent. But that is easier said than done in a town full of suspects and dark secrets.
And with plenty of twists and turns. This is a story that takes you in multiple directions and keeps you guessing and I really loved how the two different plotlines came together and I'd definitely read more from this author and series in the future.
I would thoroughly recommend to all.
My thanks to Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an early copy of Burn This Night. ☺️
This is my first introduction to author Alex Kenna and what a great introduction it is. As Burn This Night is a riveting story. Told in alternating time lines. That captures your attention. As PI Kate Myles learns that her beloved dad, the man she idolised isn't her biological father and her mum seems apathetic when Kate learns the truth.
Then Kate, who has been researching her ancestry learns her biological father. Whoever he is, is related to a killer and therefore so is she, and now an old colleague needs her help to find them. So they reach out in the hope Kate will take on the case for free.
However, Kate cannot afford to work for free, especially as she needs to escape her mother and regain custody of her daughter. So her old colleague recommends her for a job in the same small-town investigating a recent arson attack in which Abby Coburn and her neighbour died. And where Abby's brother Jacob has been charged with the crime.
Now it's up to Kate to find the killer and prove whether Jacob is innocent. But that is easier said than done in a town full of suspects and dark secrets.
And with plenty of twists and turns. This is a story that takes you in multiple directions and keeps you guessing and I really loved how the two different plotlines came together and I'd definitely read more from this author and series in the future.
I would thoroughly recommend to all.
My thanks to Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an early copy of Burn This Night. ☺️
November 20, 2024
MY THOUGHTS -
With this fantastic book you are getting two mysteries in one, both of them just as good!
Talk about a character driven story… This was exactly that. And I love it! Some of these character's back stories just broke my heart! Even the characters that weren't so loveable... I fell in love with and really felt for them. I love a book that can make me cry. And I had tears after the first chapter. It’s ridiculous, I know! But I just love books that are heartbreaking and heartwarming. And if a book can bring out that emotion in me enough to make me cry then it is a good book. Just hearing about Kate's past gave me the connection I needed and I was totally rooting for her. So many other great people in this book, Abby (liked), Jacob (heartbreaking), Sam (loved). And Kate's daughter... stole the show! I absolutely loved her! I thought her young character was expertly done. :-)
There are so many tiny little side stories that are so powerful and just as interesting and important as the two main plots. This really kept the book rolling along.
There was a mention of the series "Breaking Bad" and now I wanna watch the whole Breaking Bad series all over again. LOL
I would not say this was fast paced, but it was definitely enough to keep me reading and wanting to know more about the characters and where they were going.
OK, Alex Kenna you have my attention! Now I will have to go back and read book one - WHAT MEETS THE EYE.
I voluntarily posted this review after receiving a copy of this book from Partners in Crime Tours - Thank You!!
With this fantastic book you are getting two mysteries in one, both of them just as good!
Talk about a character driven story… This was exactly that. And I love it! Some of these character's back stories just broke my heart! Even the characters that weren't so loveable... I fell in love with and really felt for them. I love a book that can make me cry. And I had tears after the first chapter. It’s ridiculous, I know! But I just love books that are heartbreaking and heartwarming. And if a book can bring out that emotion in me enough to make me cry then it is a good book. Just hearing about Kate's past gave me the connection I needed and I was totally rooting for her. So many other great people in this book, Abby (liked), Jacob (heartbreaking), Sam (loved). And Kate's daughter... stole the show! I absolutely loved her! I thought her young character was expertly done. :-)
There are so many tiny little side stories that are so powerful and just as interesting and important as the two main plots. This really kept the book rolling along.
There was a mention of the series "Breaking Bad" and now I wanna watch the whole Breaking Bad series all over again. LOL
I would not say this was fast paced, but it was definitely enough to keep me reading and wanting to know more about the characters and where they were going.
OK, Alex Kenna you have my attention! Now I will have to go back and read book one - WHAT MEETS THE EYE.
I voluntarily posted this review after receiving a copy of this book from Partners in Crime Tours - Thank You!!
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