Haunted by Sin

Touch of Evil #11

by Kennedy Layne

Revealing the truth could be the key to survival or a catalyst for murder

In three quiet towns across Michigan, a shared name links three women to a chilling fate. Each victim meets a gruesome end, sparking fear and speculation that goes viral on social media. Mary Jane Reynolds, bearing the same name and residing in the same state as the victims, takes matters into her own hands. She posts an online video pleading for the FBI to take the case and give those with the same name protection.

Former FBI profiler Brooklyn Sloane and her team are called in as consultants. While the answers to most investigations are usually discovered with the first murder victim, the profile of this particular case gives Brook reason to believe otherwise. In a shocking revelation, the killer’s fixation might not be on the name itself.

As the investigation unfolds, an unsettling theory begins to emerge—the reason behind the murders is most likely due to a shared secret that not even the victims know binds them together. Will exposing the truth save lives, or will doing so become the catalyst for something far worse?

Genres: Mystery, Thriller

243 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 3, 2024

About the author

Kennedy Layne is a USA Today bestselling author. She draws inspiration for her romantic thrillers in part from her not-so-secret second life as a wife of a retired Marine Master Sergeant. He doubles as her critique partner, beta reader, and military consultant. Kennedy also has a deep love for cozy mysteries, thrillers, and basically any book that can keep her guessing until the very end. They live in the Midwest with their menagerie of pets. The loyal dogs and mischievous cats appreciate her writing days as much as she does, usually curled up in front of the fireplace.

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Reviews

[Sophie Ruthven · Rating 5 out of 5]

A page turner

This series has become a comfort series to me, whenever I need a book I know I'll love, I pick up the next book in the series. It never disappoints.

[Shelby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not my favorite... seemed like never got to the heart of why? The trigger, the who done, doesn't make a lot of sense.

[Maureen ~Bitch Can Write A Book · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a fantastic series. I’m gonna tell you, this storyline stresses me out. Like truly creeps me out. The thought of him loose again gives me the willies.

I am a huge Brooklyn fan, and I know he’s gonna get out.

I enjoyed the book but what has me the most focused on, was the end. I need the next book now.

Also I love the dynamic of this team. It is so fluid and keeps me coming back.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

4 – 4.5 Stars


Evil touches our lives every day.
We don’t always see it, hear it, or touch it…but it’s there all the same.
Follow along as Brooklyn Sloane, a former consultant for the FBI, takes on cold cases that are thrown on a random desk to gather dust without a second thought to the victims’ families left behind. She knows all too well what it’s like to be the one left with nothing but unanswered questions. Her renowned career as a federal profiler was built on apprehending only the most notorious serial killers who made the front page of the national newspapers. Unfortunately, she failed to bring to justice the one who stained her soul—her very own brother. He is still out there hunting, but she fully intends to be the one who ends his reign of terror.

Haunted by Sin is the eleventh book in the Touch of Evil Series by Kennedy Layne.
Touch of Evil is a gripping blend of psychological intrigue, suspense, and raw emotion and follows Brooklyn Sloane, a former FBI consultant turned private investigator, as she tackles cold cases and confronts her own haunting past.
Brooklyn is a standout FMC – she’s intelligent, determined, and yet deeply flawed. Her relentless pursuit of justice, particularly as she hunts for her estranged brother, who is a cunning serial killer, definitely added extra intrigue as well as a deeply personal layer to the overarching story. Ms. Layne seems to easily manage to delve into Brooklyn’s psyche while also maintaining the tension of the mysteries.
Each book is a carefully crafted puzzle, with twists and turns that kept me guessing until the very end. The dark, moody tone is balanced by moments of vulnerability and humanity, making the characters feel real and very relatable. Ms. Layne’s writing is sharp and evocative, painting vivid scenes that draw you into the world of crime and justice.
It’s a must-read for anyone who enjoys a story that challenges the mind and tugs at the heartstrings. Prepare to be captivated - and maybe even a little haunted - by this unforgettable series.
Happy Reading…

[Leila Mota · Rating 4 out of 5]

As histórias são interessantes o suficiente para prender a atenção do leitor que prefere esse gênero de livros, investigações criminais. Não é necessário destacar que se trata de ficção, já que a própria autora ressalta elementos que seriam difíceis de se encontrar na "vida real". Mas ainda mantendo a ideia de preferência de gênero, trata-se de ficção, e não realidade ou realismo. É para entreter, mesmo que o tema de investigações criminais e serial killers não seja exatamente ameno. Talvez se trate de uma ideia de que ao lermos ou escutarmos contos de fada quando crianças aprendemos a lidar com monstros da vida real. Algum exagero no caso dos livros sobre crimes, porque nada que se leia em ficção vai nos preparar para fatos reais. Mas ajuda na ansiedade, creio, e também, ler sempre faz bem ao cérebro. Desde que não se fixe em leituras bizarras atribuindo-lhes verdade absoluta.

[R.E. E. Derouin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Haunted by Sin by Kennedy Layne 1/8/2026 Kindle

Brooklyn Sloane and her team from S & E Investigations are summoned far from home to Michigan as consultants, where victims bearing the same name, Mary Jane Reynolds, have been attacked. Another woman with the same name is fearful for her life and goes public. The team begins deep research and learns that a donated organ may be behind a killer’s quest to search out the recipient. Old secrets come to light as the investigation moves forward.
I especially enjoyed the background information on organ transplants and the research the team methodically unearths. The story moves along at an even pace which makes for fun reading. I enjoy these characters and plan to go back and read more of this series.

[Meghan · Rating 4 out of 5]

What’s in a name?

An interesting case take Brook and team to Michigan looking for a potential unsub and connection of victims beyond a name. One issue the plethora of potential suspects and the lack of detail connecting the victims. Along the crime solving we touch base with the team and see how each one is doing after last books attack and in their individual relationships. I was kept guessing the whole book and I love the secret gift the team got Sylvie, I just wish we could see her reaction! The end with Jacob was good, especially the cardinal and his alluding to a fail safe plan. We shall see!

[Sharon Bell tabbert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this series. You just don't want to stop reading it and then you catch up and have to wait till the next one. I have one more to go but at least I only have to wait till the 19th of May for #13. Then a year for the 14th, so sad. You just want to know what happens to the characters that you have really enjoyed getting to know. I just hope its a happy ending when the books are all done, which I hope is a while yet. I know they will have to end but I will miss Brooklyn and all the team including Graham. Haven't read this series yet, please do. Kennedy Layne really knows how to get you hooked.

[Shelley C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Haunted by Sin😈

Another fabulous instalment to the Touch of Evil series.

Brook and her team are called in to consult on a case which has developed some national interest when a woman posts on social media that women with her name, three in particular have been murdered around the US. What they discover is quite unsettling😬

I’m looking forward to the next one and to see if Brook can stay ahead of her serial killer brother🤞

[Darcy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this one, but the crime they were investigating was a bit boring to me. It was fun to watch them work, but then when we got to the bad guy and why, I felt very under whelmed.

I wish there was more Jacob. I'm intrigued to see what his next move it. Also glad that Brook didn't go to Jacob to deliver that last bit of news.

[Byrul Blaney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great series

The chachters are interesting and all have own unique way about them..that’s makes you want to no more about them and become very invested them.. series start off with main chachter who is very smart but has a lots of guards up but with the other team mates starts to finally live..

[Dawn Gee · Rating 4 out of 5]

You know it's good when

I enjoy this series so much. I'm sad that I'm almost through with all the books available. Brook and her team are trying to stop another murder. They finally unravel the mystery but I'm not sure why the murders were occurring. Jacob is at it again and finishes off the book with not knowing what he had up his sleeve.

[Jennifer Haddad · Rating 4 out of 5]

Begins with a slow and somewhat repetitive pace that made it a bit hard to get into at first. But once the story found its momentum, it kept me hooked. I never suspected the killer. The reveal was genuinely surprising. If you can push through the slower start, you're in for a suspenseful and satisfying ride.

[Erica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting premise, but this one leaned light on the thrills. I always enjoy the dynamics between Brook and her core team, that remains a strong point. However, for a thriller, very little actually happens on the page. Most of the killer’s actions occur before the story begins, with only one incident during the novel, and the killer himself is barely present, which made the reveal feel flat.

[Sparty · Rating 5 out of 5]

yay

Another great addition! I love all the characters and how they solve the mystery and work together. The little glimpses into their private lives and the ongoing background of brook’s brother is so fun.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another amazing book in the series

Another amazing book in the series. Love all of the characters and their dynamics. As usual when you find a As usual when you find a great author you will wish they would write faster

[Jennifer Stine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic series!!!

Every single book in the Touch of Evil series held my attention from the first page. So much so that I devoured all 11 books in just over 30 days. Now I have to wait a year for number 12. I HIGHLY recommend reading this series if you like thrillers.

[Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unputdownable

I loved this book and it's s authors way of writing. Lot's of details that didn't really pertain to the plot but it made you feel like you personally knew the character

[Abby · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5

[Manali Joshi · Rating 1 out of 5]

Why was this book so boring! No thrill, no proper storyline, too many suspects, and the plot was all over the place!!

[Terinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it

Terrific series with great characters - loved this book. Storyline kept me going and I ended up reading it in one sitting. I can't wait for the next book.

[Sandie Bell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heart-pounding

Kennedy Layne has done it again. This installment in the Touch of Evil series kept me guessing until the end. Anxiously awaiting the next in the series.

[Allena · Rating 4 out of 5]

The beginning chapters of these books giving us glimpses of Brook’s childhood and her brother’s evolution are interesting.

Thoroughly enjoyed this latest installment.

[Sandy Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

They think it's just a name but it's so much more.

[Tamara Barrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started these out of order, but I am now returning to the series's beginning. The spin on who did it is good. Great relaxing reading if you like a good murder mystery.

[S · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really annoyed after all the mentions about the cat we didn't get to see Sylvie receive it. 

[Judy Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great series

I love following Brooke and her team. Such a team that works as a family. Danger seems to be at the center if their lives.

[Andra Dill · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[natasha zaragoza · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75 ⭐️

[Jasmine Breeden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Evidence

A lot of moving parts for this case. Glad they solved it and can't wait to see what Jacob is up to