What do you think?
Rate this book
Detective Margot Phalen Series #1
The Killer's Daughter
In the backseat, the baby started to cry. He turned the radio down and the Fleetwood Mac song faded away as he faced towards the little girl. “Shh, shh baby. Daddy will be right back,” he said, leaving the car running as he disappeared into the trees.
Twenty years ago Ed Finch – America’s most notorious serial killer – used the Bay Area as his hunting ground.
Now, his daughter Margot is a homicide detective with the San Francisco Police Department who has spent her whole life trying to forget who she is.
But her daddy won’t let her forget.
When Margot receives a phone call from his lawyer, she learns that Ed is back – transferred to death row at San Quentin. And her father has a message for he’s willing to disclose some long-held secrets. But there’s a catch. She has to visit him.
He knows she won’t be able to resist the chance to find out the truth about his victims.
So now she’s in her car outside the gates of the maximum-security prison, counting slowly to ten like her therapist taught her.
Every instinct tells her to turn around. But she can’t help wondering if she’ll be able to catch a glimpse of the man who was once her father, somewhere under the surface of the monster he’s become – and whether he’ll finally reveal the truth about what he did, all those years ago, when she was the baby in the backseat.
The start of a new series perfect for fans of Robert Dugoni, Karin Slaughter and Gregg Olsen, The Killer’s Daughter is a dark, compulsive thriller packed with unexpected twists, introducing a flawed heroine you’ll root for even if you’d never want to live a day in her shoes.
Twenty years ago Ed Finch – America’s most notorious serial killer – used the Bay Area as his hunting ground.
Now, his daughter Margot is a homicide detective with the San Francisco Police Department who has spent her whole life trying to forget who she is.
But her daddy won’t let her forget.
When Margot receives a phone call from his lawyer, she learns that Ed is back – transferred to death row at San Quentin. And her father has a message for he’s willing to disclose some long-held secrets. But there’s a catch. She has to visit him.
He knows she won’t be able to resist the chance to find out the truth about his victims.
So now she’s in her car outside the gates of the maximum-security prison, counting slowly to ten like her therapist taught her.
Every instinct tells her to turn around. But she can’t help wondering if she’ll be able to catch a glimpse of the man who was once her father, somewhere under the surface of the monster he’s become – and whether he’ll finally reveal the truth about what he did, all those years ago, when she was the baby in the backseat.
The start of a new series perfect for fans of Robert Dugoni, Karin Slaughter and Gregg Olsen, The Killer’s Daughter is a dark, compulsive thriller packed with unexpected twists, introducing a flawed heroine you’ll root for even if you’d never want to live a day in her shoes.
334 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 25, 2024
529 people are currently reading
1092 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 275 reviews
May 10, 2024
ೃ⁀➷・❥・“𝓢𝓸𝓶𝓮𝓽𝓲𝓶𝓮𝓼 𝔂𝓸𝓾 𝓸𝓹𝓮𝓷 𝓪 𝓭𝓸𝓸𝓻, 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝔂𝓸𝓾 𝓳𝓾𝓼𝓽 𝓯𝓲𝓷𝓭 𝓼𝓴𝓮𝓵𝓮𝓽𝓸𝓷𝓼”・❥・ೃ⁀➷
💌05/10/24
➸4.75 stars💫
More than one month too late, but here I am anyway😌✋🏻 If I have to be honest, I went in with fewer expectations, because obviously, it was an ARC (learned my lesson not to have high hopes), but was I surprised? Yes. More if I have to say. I came out with a dizzy head, out of breath due to the insane plot twists this book had when solving the Ramirez House murder case😵
Let's meet the ✨ChArAcTeRs✨
Margot Phalen, aka Megan Finch before, is a thirty-seven-year-old homicide detective and who can't cook for her life. It's her job to bring closure to the families of victims, to bring justice where there was only agony❤️🩹 More than that, it was something she believed deeply in, and was passionate about. She wasn't used to letting people in and kept things to herself. She gave up her name, her home, her entire life due to one man, her so-called father, who is a serial killer.
Wesley Fox, Wes for short, is a forty-two-year-old, Margot's work partner, and is well known among the younger women due to his boyish charms🤭 Wes is the person whom Margot trusts. Their bonding and their banters were something I swooned over. I was seriously shipping them together for the entire book, and hope they get together in the next book🤭
Edgar Finch, is the most notorious serial killer, then Megan's father. On record, he killed 76 women, and we get his POVs of when he did it (flashbacks). There are still many, which he only agrees to tell if Margot visits him. Seriously reading his POVs send chills down my spine, it was like I was directly looking at him🥶
I think this book has great potential, it's fast-paced, and I would recommend reading this to everyone who wants to get into their dark mystery & thriller era💅🏻
Thankyou to Netgalley, Storm Publishing and the Author for this incredible ARC, in exchange for an honest review!!💗💐
❥𝓢𝓸𝓶𝓮 𝓸𝓯 𝓶𝔂 𝓯𝓪𝓿 𝓪𝓷𝓷𝓸𝓽𝓪𝓽𝓲𝓸𝓷𝓼 𝓯𝓻𝓸𝓶 𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓼 𝓫𝓸𝓸𝓴💟:
ೃ⁀➷・❥・𝓟𝓻𝓮𝓿𝓲𝓮𝔀・❥・ೃ⁀➷
💌03/25/24
ummm....rtc soon...feels like I've been on a rollercoaster, need to catch my breathe, grasp my thoughts and file it!😮💨😮💨
💌03/23/24
ASSKDSKFLH YOU NEVER SAW HOW MANY BOOKS I'M CURRENTLY READING!😭✋🏻 Got this ARC weeks ago & finally reading it cuz I want something to read other than ROMANCE!! This book is so far delivering, so I hope it doesn't ruin at the end<3🤞🏻💕
💌05/10/24
➸4.75 stars💫
More than one month too late, but here I am anyway😌✋🏻 If I have to be honest, I went in with fewer expectations, because obviously, it was an ARC (learned my lesson not to have high hopes), but was I surprised? Yes. More if I have to say. I came out with a dizzy head, out of breath due to the insane plot twists this book had when solving the Ramirez House murder case😵
Let's meet the ✨ChArAcTeRs✨
Margot Phalen, aka Megan Finch before, is a thirty-seven-year-old homicide detective and who can't cook for her life. It's her job to bring closure to the families of victims, to bring justice where there was only agony❤️🩹 More than that, it was something she believed deeply in, and was passionate about. She wasn't used to letting people in and kept things to herself. She gave up her name, her home, her entire life due to one man, her so-called father, who is a serial killer.
Wesley Fox, Wes for short, is a forty-two-year-old, Margot's work partner, and is well known among the younger women due to his boyish charms🤭 Wes is the person whom Margot trusts. Their bonding and their banters were something I swooned over. I was seriously shipping them together for the entire book, and hope they get together in the next book🤭
Edgar Finch, is the most notorious serial killer, then Megan's father. On record, he killed 76 women, and we get his POVs of when he did it (flashbacks). There are still many, which he only agrees to tell if Margot visits him. Seriously reading his POVs send chills down my spine, it was like I was directly looking at him🥶
I think this book has great potential, it's fast-paced, and I would recommend reading this to everyone who wants to get into their dark mystery & thriller era💅🏻
Thankyou to Netgalley, Storm Publishing and the Author for this incredible ARC, in exchange for an honest review!!💗💐
❥𝓢𝓸𝓶𝓮 𝓸𝓯 𝓶𝔂 𝓯𝓪𝓿 𝓪𝓷𝓷𝓸𝓽𝓪𝓽𝓲𝓸𝓷𝓼 𝓯𝓻𝓸𝓶 𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓼 𝓫𝓸𝓸𝓴💟:
“Don't do that,”
“Do what?”
“The thing your face just did, don't do that.”
“Hey, babe, my face is permanently handsome like this, I can't do anything about that.”
“You want to go look for some dead bodies? Think that'll make you feel better?”
“My special Wes kind of way? What is that?”
“You know, giant shithead but a little nice.”
“You know how to keep a man's ego in check, Phalen, I'll give you that much.”
“Controlling your ego is beyond even my exceptional powers.”
“I'm glad you understand your limitations.”
“Don't have to keep my modesty quite so in check, you know. A man needs to feel like he's appealing.”
“You don't need to appeal to me for validation, Fox.”
“What if I want to?”
ೃ⁀➷・❥・𝓟𝓻𝓮𝓿𝓲𝓮𝔀・❥・ೃ⁀➷
💌03/25/24
ummm....rtc soon...feels like I've been on a rollercoaster, need to catch my breathe, grasp my thoughts and file it!😮💨😮💨
💌03/23/24
ASSKDSKFLH YOU NEVER SAW HOW MANY BOOKS I'M CURRENTLY READING!😭✋🏻 Got this ARC weeks ago & finally reading it cuz I want something to read other than ROMANCE!! This book is so far delivering, so I hope it doesn't ruin at the end<3🤞🏻💕
March 25, 2024
The first in a series, Detective Margot Phalen #1
I am so glad I came across this little gem! Honestly, I thought…. Great, another ‘My father is a serial killer so now I'm a detective saving the world’. Nope, this was better! Landing on a great new police procedural is always a great find! Great job, Kate Wiley! I finished this in 24 hours.
I would like to tell you that this mainly focused on the prolific serial killer himself, but it did not. We actually have several brutal crimes being committed here. I liked that my attention wasn’t just focusing on ‘ol Ted Bundy or Gary Ridgeway type confessions.
First gruesome scene is that of a family. All murdered in the bedroom. By the way, this is current times. The scene doesn’t look right. What is real and what is staged? Who in Christs name would kill an entire family? Margot and her partner are on the case.
Of course, ‘ol killer hands wants to see his daughter, 20 years after the aftermath. However, will Margot come running when he calls?
Folks, we have a fantastic police procedural, a broken detective running from her past, other women found recently murdered, and a whole bunch of murdery stuff going on. My type of book! I couldn’t put this down! Great character development here. An ending that leaves you wanting more! Can’t wait to read the second one!
I’d like to give a huge thanks to Storm Publishing, NetGalley and Kate Wiley for the opportunity. All opinions are my own
Out today
4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I am so glad I came across this little gem! Honestly, I thought…. Great, another ‘My father is a serial killer so now I'm a detective saving the world’. Nope, this was better! Landing on a great new police procedural is always a great find! Great job, Kate Wiley! I finished this in 24 hours.
I would like to tell you that this mainly focused on the prolific serial killer himself, but it did not. We actually have several brutal crimes being committed here. I liked that my attention wasn’t just focusing on ‘ol Ted Bundy or Gary Ridgeway type confessions.
First gruesome scene is that of a family. All murdered in the bedroom. By the way, this is current times. The scene doesn’t look right. What is real and what is staged? Who in Christs name would kill an entire family? Margot and her partner are on the case.
Of course, ‘ol killer hands wants to see his daughter, 20 years after the aftermath. However, will Margot come running when he calls?
Folks, we have a fantastic police procedural, a broken detective running from her past, other women found recently murdered, and a whole bunch of murdery stuff going on. My type of book! I couldn’t put this down! Great character development here. An ending that leaves you wanting more! Can’t wait to read the second one!
I’d like to give a huge thanks to Storm Publishing, NetGalley and Kate Wiley for the opportunity. All opinions are my own
Out today
4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
March 20, 2024
The Killer's Daughter (Detective Margot Phalen Series, #1) by Kate Wiley
Synopsis /
Twenty years ago, Ed Finch – America’s most notorious serial killer – used the Bay Area as his hunting ground.
Now, his daughter Margot is a homicide detective with the San Francisco Police Department who has spent her whole life trying to forget who she is.
But her daddy won’t let her forget.
When Margot receives a phone call from his lawyer, she learns that Ed is back – transferred to death row at San Quentin. And her father has a message for her - he’s willing to disclose some long-held secrets. But there’s a catch. She has to visit him.
He knows she won’t be able to resist the chance to find out the truth about his victims.
My Thoughts /
First and foremost, a huge THANK YOU to NetGalley, Storm Publishing, and author Kate Wiley, for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review. Publication date is currently set for March 25, 2024.
‘What's one less person on the face of the earth anyway'.
[Ted Bundy to his biographers Michaud and Aynesworth 1989, p73, when queried about his victims.]
Although Australia has not escaped its share of serial killers, the proportion of serial murders in the United States is much greater than in our society given their massive population. Names such as the 'Boston Strangler', David Berkowitz ('Son of Sam'), William Bonin ('Freeway Killer'), Carlton Gary ('Stocking Strangler'), Gary Ridgway ('Green River Killer'), Martha Beck and Raymond Fernandez ('Lonely Hearts Killer'), 'New Orleans Axeman', John Wayne Gacy and Theodore 'Ted' Bundy are well known as serial killers in the United States.
An article by the Australian Institute of Criminology compiled and written by Susan Pinto and Paul R Wilson defines serial murder as ..murder of two or more persons in separate incidents, with an interval of time between the homicides. The interval can be several hours, days, weeks, months or even years.
FULL DISCLOSURE: I may have been doing some research after finishing this book. I'd hate to look back at my browser history, it'll read like a who's who of serial killing!
This is my first read by Kate Wiley and it's a BANGER.
The story focuses on our protagonist, San Francisco PD homicide detective, Margot Phalen. Margot is a wonderfully complex individual. As a cop - she's intelligent, dogged in her pursuit of a suspect and acts as a champion for those victims whose voices can no longer be heard. As a character - she's flawed. As you read into the story you begin to understand. Margot is the daughter of Ed Finch. Convicted serial killer, Ed Finch found his victims in the classifieds. Lonely hearts - all seeking something different. He's copped to seventy-six kills and is serving life in prison. For the last twenty years Margot has neither seen nor spoken to Ed and that's just the way she wants things to stay. But Ed has other ideas.
Wiley's writing is engaging, and the character development keeps pace with the story. There are alternating POVs from both Ed and Margot. While Margot keeps us in the present, Ed's chapters invite the reader into to the past. Into the mind of a serial killer. As a true-crime junkie, this reader appreciated the authors research into the subject and kudos goes to the feeling of authenticity within this story.
I think it's unfair to describe the other characters in this story as 'secondary' or 'side'. Whilst Phalen's work partner, Detective Fox may not have played an immediately 'main' role, he is nevertheless, a character worth keeping track of and is the perfect yin to Phalen's yang.
A special thank you to my Goodreads pal, Nikki Lee. It was her review that brought my attention to this fabulous read. Check out her review here as it is so much better than mine. Thank you, Nikki!
#TheKillersDaughter #NetGalley
Synopsis /
Twenty years ago, Ed Finch – America’s most notorious serial killer – used the Bay Area as his hunting ground.
Now, his daughter Margot is a homicide detective with the San Francisco Police Department who has spent her whole life trying to forget who she is.
But her daddy won’t let her forget.
When Margot receives a phone call from his lawyer, she learns that Ed is back – transferred to death row at San Quentin. And her father has a message for her - he’s willing to disclose some long-held secrets. But there’s a catch. She has to visit him.
He knows she won’t be able to resist the chance to find out the truth about his victims.
My Thoughts /
First and foremost, a huge THANK YOU to NetGalley, Storm Publishing, and author Kate Wiley, for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review. Publication date is currently set for March 25, 2024.
‘What's one less person on the face of the earth anyway'.
[Ted Bundy to his biographers Michaud and Aynesworth 1989, p73, when queried about his victims.]
Although Australia has not escaped its share of serial killers, the proportion of serial murders in the United States is much greater than in our society given their massive population. Names such as the 'Boston Strangler', David Berkowitz ('Son of Sam'), William Bonin ('Freeway Killer'), Carlton Gary ('Stocking Strangler'), Gary Ridgway ('Green River Killer'), Martha Beck and Raymond Fernandez ('Lonely Hearts Killer'), 'New Orleans Axeman', John Wayne Gacy and Theodore 'Ted' Bundy are well known as serial killers in the United States.
An article by the Australian Institute of Criminology compiled and written by Susan Pinto and Paul R Wilson defines serial murder as ..murder of two or more persons in separate incidents, with an interval of time between the homicides. The interval can be several hours, days, weeks, months or even years.
FULL DISCLOSURE: I may have been doing some research after finishing this book. I'd hate to look back at my browser history, it'll read like a who's who of serial killing!
This is my first read by Kate Wiley and it's a BANGER.
The story focuses on our protagonist, San Francisco PD homicide detective, Margot Phalen. Margot is a wonderfully complex individual. As a cop - she's intelligent, dogged in her pursuit of a suspect and acts as a champion for those victims whose voices can no longer be heard. As a character - she's flawed. As you read into the story you begin to understand. Margot is the daughter of Ed Finch. Convicted serial killer, Ed Finch found his victims in the classifieds. Lonely hearts - all seeking something different. He's copped to seventy-six kills and is serving life in prison. For the last twenty years Margot has neither seen nor spoken to Ed and that's just the way she wants things to stay. But Ed has other ideas.
Wiley's writing is engaging, and the character development keeps pace with the story. There are alternating POVs from both Ed and Margot. While Margot keeps us in the present, Ed's chapters invite the reader into to the past. Into the mind of a serial killer. As a true-crime junkie, this reader appreciated the authors research into the subject and kudos goes to the feeling of authenticity within this story.
I think it's unfair to describe the other characters in this story as 'secondary' or 'side'. Whilst Phalen's work partner, Detective Fox may not have played an immediately 'main' role, he is nevertheless, a character worth keeping track of and is the perfect yin to Phalen's yang.
A special thank you to my Goodreads pal, Nikki Lee. It was her review that brought my attention to this fabulous read. Check out her review here as it is so much better than mine. Thank you, Nikki!
#TheKillersDaughter #NetGalley
March 29, 2024
This is such a good, well written story, it tells the story of notorious serial killer Ed Finch known as the classified killer who killed seventy six young woman around the bay area of San Francisco during the 1980’s and 1990’s, it has been twenty two years since he was sent to jail and now his daughter is a homicide detective in San Francisco, she has worked hard to put her past behind her but her father is doing his best to change that.
Megan Finch is now Detective Margot Phalen, it has been twenty two years since the FBI arrived to arrest her father at the family home charged and him with the murder, her family moved changed their names and did their best to get on with life.
Now her father has been transferred to death row at San Quentin, close to Margot and he is determined to see his daughter, Margot has been doing her best to ignore his requests, she is busy investigating the murder of a family and two woman in a national park but when he is willing to open up about more of his secrets if she visits, she must go, there are families out there that need closure, he knows Margot cannot refuse to see him.
I did very much enjoy this story, yes it is gruesome at times as the story is told from both Margot and Ed’s POV back and forward from the 1980’s and now, Margot understandably has a lot of issues about her past but still does her job well and Ed he a killer who shows no remorse. I do highly recommend this one to any reader who loves a good thriller it is dark at times but compelling reading. I do look forward to book two in the series.
My thanks to Storm Publishing and Netgalley for my digital copy to read and review.
Megan Finch is now Detective Margot Phalen, it has been twenty two years since the FBI arrived to arrest her father at the family home charged and him with the murder, her family moved changed their names and did their best to get on with life.
Now her father has been transferred to death row at San Quentin, close to Margot and he is determined to see his daughter, Margot has been doing her best to ignore his requests, she is busy investigating the murder of a family and two woman in a national park but when he is willing to open up about more of his secrets if she visits, she must go, there are families out there that need closure, he knows Margot cannot refuse to see him.
I did very much enjoy this story, yes it is gruesome at times as the story is told from both Margot and Ed’s POV back and forward from the 1980’s and now, Margot understandably has a lot of issues about her past but still does her job well and Ed he a killer who shows no remorse. I do highly recommend this one to any reader who loves a good thriller it is dark at times but compelling reading. I do look forward to book two in the series.
My thanks to Storm Publishing and Netgalley for my digital copy to read and review.
March 25, 2024
What a brilliant book! I couldn't stop reading it. It's so well-written. I loved the plot and execution. I wanted more! Hopefully there will be more Margot Phalen books soon.
I really like the main character, Margot. The way she's been written you can't help but like her and relate to her. I also really enjoyed her relationship with Wes. Those two are a great duo. Leon is another great cast member. Kate Wiley definitely has a gift for writing great characters.
The story overall is just great. Gripping and riveting The Kiler's Daughter is a brilliant example of how a good thriller should be written. Highly recommended.
I want to thank NetGalley and Storm Publishing for my copy of that book.
I really like the main character, Margot. The way she's been written you can't help but like her and relate to her. I also really enjoyed her relationship with Wes. Those two are a great duo. Leon is another great cast member. Kate Wiley definitely has a gift for writing great characters.
The story overall is just great. Gripping and riveting The Kiler's Daughter is a brilliant example of how a good thriller should be written. Highly recommended.
I want to thank NetGalley and Storm Publishing for my copy of that book.
March 1, 2024
Name of Book: The Killer’s Daughter
Series: Detective Margot Phalen Book #1
Author: Kate Wiley
Publisher: Storm Publishing
Genre: Mystery/Thriller
Pub Date: March 25, 2024
My Rating: 4.2 Stars
Pages: 337
Twenty years ago Ed Finch – America’s most notorious serial killer – used the Bay Area as his hunting ground.
Now, his daughter Margot Phalen is a homicide detective with the San Francisco Police Department. Margo has spent her whole life trying to forget her past; she has and still suffers from the PTSD that occurred when she found out her father was a serial killer.
When Margot receives a phone call from her dad’s lawyer, she learns that he has been transferred to death row at San Quentin and is willing to disclose some long-held secrets to her -but she has to visit him.
Story is told from the POV of the Killer and from his Daughter.
Ed’s POV is not pleasant –yet sounds like something we hear on the news or CSI.
Margo’s POV was very interesting. She is surrounded by great interesting characters. We follow her on the present day ‘Ramirez family’ case that definitely had me wanting to stay up past my bedtime so I could finish this story.
We readers also get a glimpse of some of Margo’s childhood experiences.
I read the author’s acknowledgements and know [ author, Kate Wiley] did a lot of
research and spent many hours listening to
‘Crime Junkie’ and ‘Red-Handed’ podcasts to get an authentic view from the mind of a
killer. She states it put her in a dark side.
I certainly can understand that!! However, she is a great storyteller - kept me interested and has me ready for next in this series.
This was my first story by Kate Wiley. –true this was on the dark side, very intense but very well done!
Have to admit that thinking about nine year old Mateo kept me up at night.
Want to thank NetGalley and Storm Publishing for granting me this early eGalley.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for March 25, 2024.
Series: Detective Margot Phalen Book #1
Author: Kate Wiley
Publisher: Storm Publishing
Genre: Mystery/Thriller
Pub Date: March 25, 2024
My Rating: 4.2 Stars
Pages: 337
Twenty years ago Ed Finch – America’s most notorious serial killer – used the Bay Area as his hunting ground.
Now, his daughter Margot Phalen is a homicide detective with the San Francisco Police Department. Margo has spent her whole life trying to forget her past; she has and still suffers from the PTSD that occurred when she found out her father was a serial killer.
When Margot receives a phone call from her dad’s lawyer, she learns that he has been transferred to death row at San Quentin and is willing to disclose some long-held secrets to her -but she has to visit him.
Story is told from the POV of the Killer and from his Daughter.
Ed’s POV is not pleasant –yet sounds like something we hear on the news or CSI.
Margo’s POV was very interesting. She is surrounded by great interesting characters. We follow her on the present day ‘Ramirez family’ case that definitely had me wanting to stay up past my bedtime so I could finish this story.
We readers also get a glimpse of some of Margo’s childhood experiences.
I read the author’s acknowledgements and know [ author, Kate Wiley] did a lot of
research and spent many hours listening to
‘Crime Junkie’ and ‘Red-Handed’ podcasts to get an authentic view from the mind of a
killer. She states it put her in a dark side.
I certainly can understand that!! However, she is a great storyteller - kept me interested and has me ready for next in this series.
This was my first story by Kate Wiley. –true this was on the dark side, very intense but very well done!
Have to admit that thinking about nine year old Mateo kept me up at night.
Want to thank NetGalley and Storm Publishing for granting me this early eGalley.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for March 25, 2024.
February 14, 2024
This is the way a murder mystery/crime procedural should be written!! The FMC is wonderfully written. Margot has some complex PTSD going on (and rightfully so given who her father is!). Her partner is such a wonderful male stereotype lol. And the parts about Ed are actually creepy but he’s written perfectly.
I honestly cannot wait to read the next book in this series!
I would say 4.5/5 for me rounded up to 5.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I honestly cannot wait to read the next book in this series!
I would say 4.5/5 for me rounded up to 5.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 22, 2024
Margot Phalen is a San Francisco homicide detective and also the estranged daughter of notorious serial killer, Ed Finch. Her father is transferred to San Quentin and tries to manipulate Margot so he can weasel his way back into her life/keep himself entertained on Death Row.
First of all: (( HUGE SHUDDER )) to the chapters written from Ed's perspective - yikes and yuck and aaaaaagh and well-done, Kate Wiley!
Second: Margot is such a great character - she's super smart and competent at work and such a mess inside her head -- her anxiety and PTSD paired with her snarky banter with her partner, Wes, made her feel completely real to me. I loved her.
No spoilers, so this is going to be extremely vague: My only complaint is that I didn't really like how one of the investigations was resolved - it felt very rushed and anticlimactic, but I think Wiley did an amazing job leaving other situations unresolved and super tense.
I'm beyond thrilled that this is book one in a planned series -- the next book cannot come out fast enough!
* thank you so much to Storm Publishing for the NetGalley review copy. THE KILLER'S DAUGHTER publishes March 25, 2024.
[3.5 rounded up]
First of all: (( HUGE SHUDDER )) to the chapters written from Ed's perspective - yikes and yuck and aaaaaagh and well-done, Kate Wiley!
Second: Margot is such a great character - she's super smart and competent at work and such a mess inside her head -- her anxiety and PTSD paired with her snarky banter with her partner, Wes, made her feel completely real to me. I loved her.
No spoilers, so this is going to be extremely vague: My only complaint is that I didn't really like how one of the investigations was resolved - it felt very rushed and anticlimactic, but I think Wiley did an amazing job leaving other situations unresolved and super tense.
I'm beyond thrilled that this is book one in a planned series -- the next book cannot come out fast enough!
* thank you so much to Storm Publishing for the NetGalley review copy. THE KILLER'S DAUGHTER publishes March 25, 2024.
[3.5 rounded up]
March 29, 2024
My Rating: 3⭐️⭐️⭐️ good story, enjoyable but I felt it could have been stronger!!
GoodReads Synopsis: In the backseat, the baby started to cry. He turned the radio down and the Fleetwood Mac song faded away as he faced towards the little girl. “Shh, shh baby. Daddy will be right back,” he said, leaving the car running as he disappeared into the trees.
Twenty years ago Ed Finch – America’s most notorious serial killer – used the Bay Area as his hunting ground.
Now, his daughter Margot is a homicide detective with the San Francisco Police Department who has spent her whole life trying to forget who she is.
But her daddy won’t let her forget.
When Margot receives a phone call from his lawyer, she learns that Ed is back – transferred to death row at San Quentin. And her father has a message for he’s willing to disclose some long-held secrets. But there’s a catch. She has to visit him.
He knows she won’t be able to resist the chance to find out the truth about his victims.
So now she’s in her car outside the gates of the maximum-security prison, counting slowly to ten like her therapist taught her.
Every instinct tells her to turn around. But she can’t help wondering if she’ll be able to catch a glimpse of the man who was once her father, somewhere under the surface of the monster he’s become – and whether he’ll finally reveal the truth about what he did, all those years ago, when she was the baby in the backseat.
This is the first in the Detective Margot Phalen series, and I enjoyed it. Don’t let my 3 stars put you off, I did like it… and I plan on reading book 2 I have already added to my TBR. The reason its a three is that I felt like it could have been stronger. Is it me?? Maybe… I did just read one of the more darker novels I have read this year … so did I find this a bit vanilla (it isn’t completely either) OR am I just a sicko… we will never know 🤣
However, I think this is definitely worth reading its a good first in the series it sets up nicely and I liked the characters. I do love a story where a family member is a serial killer. There is a family annihilation (I am looking at you LitWithLeigh) and there is some creepy shit happening… along with some sexual tension between the main characters not enough to ruin things but enough to make you wonder.
I really liked how the author wrote Margot, she is imperfect, she swears a little, has thoughts of doing the wrong thing, and has some (understandable) mental health issues that shes working through so I really liked her. I also really enjoyed the flash back to Ed’s reign of terror days they were really well written, you are able to get a real sense of the bad stuff he did without being walked through every gory detail so if you like your stories to be less on the gore and more on the what wasn’t said this is well done.
The thing that really knocked me down from a 4 to a 3 was the extra details that didn’t need to be there. There were some extra words, and when I say that I mean there were details we didn’t need about insignificant stuff… which didn’t ruin the story but did make it go on a bit of a waffle. That was ok… I could live with that but I marked it down mostly for the multiple concurrent cases that Margot was involved in… there was just too much happening throughout that took away a bit from the big shebang - if Margot had only been dealing with her Serial Killer Dad and the main case that would have been enough but throwing her into another case with the night shift detective too things just to a bit too much detail.
I think though this is the set up for the next book… maybe, but even still I think it could have been saved for the second book.
I still really liked this and I am definitely going to read book 2, I look forward to more of Margot and Wes and Ed.
Overall, I do recommend this to my GR friends I think its a good solid police procedural, it isn’t without its faults but it’s entertaining and sets a good scene for what I am hoping is going to be a good series. Also, its on Kindle Unlimited so if you really hate it… well no biggie!!
GoodReads Synopsis: In the backseat, the baby started to cry. He turned the radio down and the Fleetwood Mac song faded away as he faced towards the little girl. “Shh, shh baby. Daddy will be right back,” he said, leaving the car running as he disappeared into the trees.
Twenty years ago Ed Finch – America’s most notorious serial killer – used the Bay Area as his hunting ground.
Now, his daughter Margot is a homicide detective with the San Francisco Police Department who has spent her whole life trying to forget who she is.
But her daddy won’t let her forget.
When Margot receives a phone call from his lawyer, she learns that Ed is back – transferred to death row at San Quentin. And her father has a message for he’s willing to disclose some long-held secrets. But there’s a catch. She has to visit him.
He knows she won’t be able to resist the chance to find out the truth about his victims.
So now she’s in her car outside the gates of the maximum-security prison, counting slowly to ten like her therapist taught her.
Every instinct tells her to turn around. But she can’t help wondering if she’ll be able to catch a glimpse of the man who was once her father, somewhere under the surface of the monster he’s become – and whether he’ll finally reveal the truth about what he did, all those years ago, when she was the baby in the backseat.
This is the first in the Detective Margot Phalen series, and I enjoyed it. Don’t let my 3 stars put you off, I did like it… and I plan on reading book 2 I have already added to my TBR. The reason its a three is that I felt like it could have been stronger. Is it me?? Maybe… I did just read one of the more darker novels I have read this year … so did I find this a bit vanilla (it isn’t completely either) OR am I just a sicko… we will never know 🤣
However, I think this is definitely worth reading its a good first in the series it sets up nicely and I liked the characters. I do love a story where a family member is a serial killer. There is a family annihilation (I am looking at you LitWithLeigh) and there is some creepy shit happening… along with some sexual tension between the main characters not enough to ruin things but enough to make you wonder.
I really liked how the author wrote Margot, she is imperfect, she swears a little, has thoughts of doing the wrong thing, and has some (understandable) mental health issues that shes working through so I really liked her. I also really enjoyed the flash back to Ed’s reign of terror days they were really well written, you are able to get a real sense of the bad stuff he did without being walked through every gory detail so if you like your stories to be less on the gore and more on the what wasn’t said this is well done.
The thing that really knocked me down from a 4 to a 3 was the extra details that didn’t need to be there. There were some extra words, and when I say that I mean there were details we didn’t need about insignificant stuff… which didn’t ruin the story but did make it go on a bit of a waffle. That was ok… I could live with that but I marked it down mostly for the multiple concurrent cases that Margot was involved in… there was just too much happening throughout that took away a bit from the big shebang - if Margot had only been dealing with her Serial Killer Dad and the main case that would have been enough but throwing her into another case with the night shift detective too things just to a bit too much detail.
I think though this is the set up for the next book… maybe, but even still I think it could have been saved for the second book.
I still really liked this and I am definitely going to read book 2, I look forward to more of Margot and Wes and Ed.
Overall, I do recommend this to my GR friends I think its a good solid police procedural, it isn’t without its faults but it’s entertaining and sets a good scene for what I am hoping is going to be a good series. Also, its on Kindle Unlimited so if you really hate it… well no biggie!!
March 20, 2024
"The Killer's Daughter" by Kate Wiley is a gripping thriller that kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. Margot, the protagonist, is a fascinating character, beautifully crafted with layers of complexity. Her struggle with her identity, haunted by her father's dark legacy, is palpable, and her journey to confront her past while navigating the present-day investigation is riveting.
Wiley's narrative skillfully weaves between past and present, allowing readers to delve into Margot's psyche while also being chilled by the chilling accounts of her father's crimes. The tension builds with each turn of the page, as Margot battles her inner demons while chasing leads in a race against time.
What truly sets this book apart is its ability to evoke genuine emotions. Margot's internal turmoil, her anxiety and PTSD are portrayed with raw authenticity, yet balanced with moments of sharp wit and banter with her partner, Wes. It's this delicate balance between darkness and light that makes Margot feel incredibly real and relatable.
The plot twist is nothing short of mind-blowing, leaving me hungry for more. Wiley expertly crafts a cliffhanger ending that left me craving answers and eagerly anticipating future books in the series. I was thoroughly impressed by the author's storytelling prowess and will definitely be keeping an eye out for her future works.
"The Killer's Daughter" is a must-read for fans of psychological thrillers. With its compelling characters, spine-tingling suspense, and jaw-dropping revelations, it's a novel that will leave you breathless until the very last page. Highly recommended!
Wiley's narrative skillfully weaves between past and present, allowing readers to delve into Margot's psyche while also being chilled by the chilling accounts of her father's crimes. The tension builds with each turn of the page, as Margot battles her inner demons while chasing leads in a race against time.
What truly sets this book apart is its ability to evoke genuine emotions. Margot's internal turmoil, her anxiety and PTSD are portrayed with raw authenticity, yet balanced with moments of sharp wit and banter with her partner, Wes. It's this delicate balance between darkness and light that makes Margot feel incredibly real and relatable.
The plot twist is nothing short of mind-blowing, leaving me hungry for more. Wiley expertly crafts a cliffhanger ending that left me craving answers and eagerly anticipating future books in the series. I was thoroughly impressed by the author's storytelling prowess and will definitely be keeping an eye out for her future works.
"The Killer's Daughter" is a must-read for fans of psychological thrillers. With its compelling characters, spine-tingling suspense, and jaw-dropping revelations, it's a novel that will leave you breathless until the very last page. Highly recommended!
July 10, 2025
I decided to downloaded this book on Kindle Unlimited because I am going to read the second book in the series through NetGalley. That being said, I wasn't too sure what this was going to be like. There are so many plots with women being the daughter of a serial killer. They all seem to try and run away from the past and then they get called back to their hometown because they're now working in law enforcement to catch people like their parents. So going into this book, I wasn't expecting much different. To my surprise, Kate Wiley made it so much more than just that typical plot. I feel like the synopsis doesn't do a good job with the accuracy of the story.
We follow Margot Phalen, who was previously Megan Finch. Her dad is a convicted serial killer on death row, Ed Finch. She is now a homicide detective and is working on a current case when her father attempts to reach out to her to speak with her. The case she's working on is mass murder of a family of four. And then she gets involved in another case. Both of these cases are very intriguing and we get to learn about who Margot is.
There's also two separate timelines. Every couple of chapters we're taken back to a time in the 80's or 90's when Ed Finch was hunting his victims. The way the story is laid out is fascinating. I really liked this book and I'm looking forward to reading the second one in the series. This could be a new favorite series of mine!
We follow Margot Phalen, who was previously Megan Finch. Her dad is a convicted serial killer on death row, Ed Finch. She is now a homicide detective and is working on a current case when her father attempts to reach out to her to speak with her. The case she's working on is mass murder of a family of four. And then she gets involved in another case. Both of these cases are very intriguing and we get to learn about who Margot is.
There's also two separate timelines. Every couple of chapters we're taken back to a time in the 80's or 90's when Ed Finch was hunting his victims. The way the story is laid out is fascinating. I really liked this book and I'm looking forward to reading the second one in the series. This could be a new favorite series of mine!
November 10, 2024
I'm actually surprised how good this was. So much so, I'm going to read the series. I didn't have high hopes as this is a pretty saturated story line, but it was decent.
June 11, 2024
I really loved the back and forth timeline on this book and it was gripping from the first moment! Can’t wait for the second book in the series!
March 12, 2024
I requested a copy of the ARC from the publisher, Storm Publishing, on NetGalley and was approved in exchange for consideration of a review. All opinions discussed are my own and are subjective to myself as a reader.
Sometimes answers don't provide the closure you hoped they would.
Sometimes the passage of time doesn't heal wounds.
Sometimes people never get better.
Sometimes when you open a door, you just find skeletons...
I predicted this book would be at least a 4 star read as soon as I finished the first chapter. As a long-time true crime junkie, especially content featuring serial killers, I appreciate the depth of research Kate Wiley put into the writing of this book. I admire the way Wiley inserted information about actual, well documented serial killers to give this fictional case an authentic feel and did it in a way that was interesting to read about, not just an info dump.
Oftentimes, law enforcement characters can feel a bit stiff or robotic to me. I usually chalk this up to the character having to learn to close a part of themselves off from their jobs in order to function. I could not begin to imagine the mental toll being a homicide detective would take on a person. Kate Wiley did a great job of "humanizing" Detective Margot Phalen - our main character. Something about this character invoked feelings of concern, made her feel relatable to me. While I've read several books where a victim later became an officer of some type in order to fight against those that hurt them, Margot's experience is unique.
You see, Margot is the daughter of the most notorious serial killer in the Bay Area.
And he's still alive.
Remember I said Margot felt very human to me? While she despises her father and what he did, when he sends a message that he'll reveal another victim to her, her curiosity is piqued. Naturally, she's filled with revulsion at seeing this man, but....there's a chance to learn why. Or, is it a fool's errand, a chance for her father to play games to amuse himself while on death row?
None of this touches on the case that Margot is working, the crime scene she's just arrived at when we meet her in Chapter 1. An entire family has been found massacred in their home - clues support a murder-suicide scenario, but those clues don't answer the question of why?
Told in a dual timeline, readers are able to follow along with Margot as she tries to solve this case, while mentally carrying the burden of her father finding out where she was, dangling other possible victims before her. Our other timeline is that of Margot's father - several chilling chapters of his murders that will make your skin crawl. These chapters made me wonder, like Margot, just how many murders we don't know about.
Needless to say, I'm in for the duration of this series. I cannot wait to get my hands on the next in the series to see what case(s) Margot works next and to see in what way her father attempts to manipulate her further. What's his end game? Also - I have some theories about a certain character - but I need to scrutinize their actions and behavior further to see if I can decide before it's revealed by the author. (If there's anything to be revealed!)
I would recommend this book to true crime junkies and those who are addicted to mysteries, thrillers and suspense novels.
You can find this review along with other reviews spanning multiple genres at The Nerdy Narrative or if you prefer video format, I do have a BookTube Channel
A heartfelt thanks to my Patrons on Patreon for their support towards my enthusiasm for reading and reviewing!
Special thanks to my highest level Patrons: Ev, Amanda L., Sharon, Andrew, Star, Kate, Gail, Amanda F., Lourdes, Tara, John, Ann, Chad K., Ashley E., & Jennifer M.
Sometimes answers don't provide the closure you hoped they would.
Sometimes the passage of time doesn't heal wounds.
Sometimes people never get better.
Sometimes when you open a door, you just find skeletons...
I predicted this book would be at least a 4 star read as soon as I finished the first chapter. As a long-time true crime junkie, especially content featuring serial killers, I appreciate the depth of research Kate Wiley put into the writing of this book. I admire the way Wiley inserted information about actual, well documented serial killers to give this fictional case an authentic feel and did it in a way that was interesting to read about, not just an info dump.
Oftentimes, law enforcement characters can feel a bit stiff or robotic to me. I usually chalk this up to the character having to learn to close a part of themselves off from their jobs in order to function. I could not begin to imagine the mental toll being a homicide detective would take on a person. Kate Wiley did a great job of "humanizing" Detective Margot Phalen - our main character. Something about this character invoked feelings of concern, made her feel relatable to me. While I've read several books where a victim later became an officer of some type in order to fight against those that hurt them, Margot's experience is unique.
You see, Margot is the daughter of the most notorious serial killer in the Bay Area.
And he's still alive.
Remember I said Margot felt very human to me? While she despises her father and what he did, when he sends a message that he'll reveal another victim to her, her curiosity is piqued. Naturally, she's filled with revulsion at seeing this man, but....there's a chance to learn why. Or, is it a fool's errand, a chance for her father to play games to amuse himself while on death row?
None of this touches on the case that Margot is working, the crime scene she's just arrived at when we meet her in Chapter 1. An entire family has been found massacred in their home - clues support a murder-suicide scenario, but those clues don't answer the question of why?
Told in a dual timeline, readers are able to follow along with Margot as she tries to solve this case, while mentally carrying the burden of her father finding out where she was, dangling other possible victims before her. Our other timeline is that of Margot's father - several chilling chapters of his murders that will make your skin crawl. These chapters made me wonder, like Margot, just how many murders we don't know about.
Needless to say, I'm in for the duration of this series. I cannot wait to get my hands on the next in the series to see what case(s) Margot works next and to see in what way her father attempts to manipulate her further. What's his end game? Also - I have some theories about a certain character - but I need to scrutinize their actions and behavior further to see if I can decide before it's revealed by the author. (If there's anything to be revealed!)
I would recommend this book to true crime junkies and those who are addicted to mysteries, thrillers and suspense novels.
You can find this review along with other reviews spanning multiple genres at The Nerdy Narrative or if you prefer video format, I do have a BookTube Channel
A heartfelt thanks to my Patrons on Patreon for their support towards my enthusiasm for reading and reviewing!
Special thanks to my highest level Patrons: Ev, Amanda L., Sharon, Andrew, Star, Kate, Gail, Amanda F., Lourdes, Tara, John, Ann, Chad K., Ashley E., & Jennifer M.
February 28, 2024
Margot Phalen formerly known as Megan Finch is the daughter of the notorious serial Killer Ed Finch. Having moved on with her life and completely left behind her Megan Finch Identity, Margot works as a Detective for SFPD Homicide, solving crimes.
The storyline flips between Margot's current life and the cases she is solving and Ed Finch's story of a few of his murders. I enjoyed this shift between timelines, building a backstory that revealed more about the Classified Killer and a young Megan.
This book was a very slow burn for me, usually it's the type of storyline that would captivate my attention but I found this one a little too slow.
The storyline flips between Margot's current life and the cases she is solving and Ed Finch's story of a few of his murders. I enjoyed this shift between timelines, building a backstory that revealed more about the Classified Killer and a young Megan.
This book was a very slow burn for me, usually it's the type of storyline that would captivate my attention but I found this one a little too slow.
June 25, 2024
The Killer’s Daughter by Kate Wiley is the first in the Detective Margot Phalen series.
First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Storm Publishing and of course the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Series Information:
Detective Margot Phalen is a homicide detective with the San Francisco Police Department. Her father was the notorious serial killer Ed Finch, and at one point Margot's name was Megan Finch. For obvious reasons, she changed it. Very few people know her true identity. Over twenty years have passed, but Margot is still trying to forget the fact that her father is a serial killer. Her partner is Wes Fox, and their Captain let Wes in on the secret, because sometimes Margot has some emotional set-backs. Margot also has a brother (now called David), who has not fared well either.
My Synopsis: (No major reveals, but if concerned, skip to My Opinions)
Margot and Wes are called to the scene of a horrific crime. A man and his wife, their daughter, and a friend of their daughters have been murdered in the family home. It isn't long before Margot realizes that their young son is missing. Something isn't adding up.
Margot is also helping fellow detective Leon Telly on a case where the body of a young woman was found in the woods, dead from multiple stab wounds. That one is reminding her a little too much of her father's work.
Meanwhile, her father's lawyer calls. Ed Finch, after 20 years in a New York prison, has been transferred back to the Bay area....and he wants to see Margot. He will tell her where to find Victim #77. She calls FBI Special Agent Andrew Rhodes, who became a father-figure to her throughout her ordeal as the daughter of a serial killer. Together, they decide to visit Ed in prison.
My Opinions:
This was quite good. I've read a number of "serial killer daughter" books in recent years, but this one held some surprises.
The story is told from Margot's perspective, but also from her father's perspective during his reign of terror.
The plot, although somewhat familiar, had some interesting twists.
I really liked Margot, and really appreciated how the author looked at her mental health, and appropriately (I thought), gave her anxiety issues. It felt real. I also liked the banter between Margot and Wes. Wes seems to be the voice of reason. As well, I liked the relationship between Margot and Andrew, and Margot and Leon. The author created some very intriguing characters.
Overall, it was a rather dark tale (most serial killer novels are), but I am looking forward to Book 2 (which I already have, since I'm behind on reading this one....)
For a more complete review of this book and others (including the reason I chose to read/review this book, as well as author information), please visit my blog: http://katlovesbooksblog.wordpress.com/
March 1, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the opportunity to read this novel in exchange for my honest opinion.
This book was wild! It was a very well written, dark story about a detective who is the daughter of a serial killer. Margot has managed to avoid her father for over 20 years after his arrest and life sentence, and in the midst of trying to solve multiple homicides, he asks to see her. As a detective and because of her early life, Margot feels such a sense of duty to each of the victims she sees, as well as to any of her father's. You can see through the writing how deeply messed up Margot is due to her upbringing. The anxiety and panic attacks that have plagued her for years really make you feel for her as a character. As shocking as this book was, I was left wanting more at the end. There are things I need to know about this story that will hopefully be dealt with in subsequent novels. I'll definitely be looking forward to reading them as they release.
This book was wild! It was a very well written, dark story about a detective who is the daughter of a serial killer. Margot has managed to avoid her father for over 20 years after his arrest and life sentence, and in the midst of trying to solve multiple homicides, he asks to see her. As a detective and because of her early life, Margot feels such a sense of duty to each of the victims she sees, as well as to any of her father's. You can see through the writing how deeply messed up Margot is due to her upbringing. The anxiety and panic attacks that have plagued her for years really make you feel for her as a character. As shocking as this book was, I was left wanting more at the end. There are things I need to know about this story that will hopefully be dealt with in subsequent novels. I'll definitely be looking forward to reading them as they release.
November 14, 2025
Absolutely wonderful.
I really like Margot (hate the name though ☹️).
I do hope she and Wes will become a thing.
I really like Margot (hate the name though ☹️).
I do hope she and Wes will become a thing.
March 3, 2024
This book is the perfect book to start a series with! Kate Wiley came through and delivered the suspense I anticipated, along with the perfect cliffhanger leaving me ready for the second book!
Margot Phalen is the daughter of Ed Finch, a serial killer known as the "Classified Killer". Ed has had a string of killings, 76 to date. Margot was determined to leave that life her father created for her in the past, as well as find a way to help others in similar situations. 15 years after her father was caught and imprisoned, Margot is now a homicide detective, solving miltiple cases and helping families find closure.
One day Margot is called in to a case- the Ramirez family.. 3 homicides and a suicide. The entire family is killed, however the son, Mateo, is found alive, hiding in the basement. The case is a complicated one, leaving Detective Phalen and her partner, Detective Fox returning to the scene of the crime multiple times hoping to find one more missing piece to the puzzle.
The plot twist was truly mind-blowing, and the cliff-hanger was exceptional! I thoroughly enjoyed this book, however I was hoping for some results on the bodies found in the woods. I was pretty disappointed that the cases went unsolved however the book was so great it was still able to uphold 5 stars, in my opinion! I am definitely looking forward to the next book in this Margot Phalen series!
Thank you to NetGalley, Storm Publishing, and Kate Wiley for providing me with such an awesome ARC!
Margot Phalen is the daughter of Ed Finch, a serial killer known as the "Classified Killer". Ed has had a string of killings, 76 to date. Margot was determined to leave that life her father created for her in the past, as well as find a way to help others in similar situations. 15 years after her father was caught and imprisoned, Margot is now a homicide detective, solving miltiple cases and helping families find closure.
One day Margot is called in to a case- the Ramirez family.. 3 homicides and a suicide. The entire family is killed, however the son, Mateo, is found alive, hiding in the basement. The case is a complicated one, leaving Detective Phalen and her partner, Detective Fox returning to the scene of the crime multiple times hoping to find one more missing piece to the puzzle.
The plot twist was truly mind-blowing, and the cliff-hanger was exceptional! I thoroughly enjoyed this book, however I was hoping for some results on the bodies found in the woods. I was pretty disappointed that the cases went unsolved however the book was so great it was still able to uphold 5 stars, in my opinion! I am definitely looking forward to the next book in this Margot Phalen series!
Thank you to NetGalley, Storm Publishing, and Kate Wiley for providing me with such an awesome ARC!
October 23, 2024
Didn’t work
For me. The main characters do not seem serious enough.
For me. The main characters do not seem serious enough.
June 16, 2024
I only picked up this book because I got an arc of the sequel (I didn’t know at the time that the book was part of a series), but I’m really glad I did!
I really enjoyed The Killer’s Daughter. The story was gripping and it kept me on the edge of my seat. It wasn’t anything particularly mind-blowing, to be sure, but it kept me entertained nonetheless. I really liked Margot as a character, and I look forward to reading more stories about her.
If you’re a fan of thrillers and true crime (even if you’re just a casual enjoyer like me), you should give this a shot!
I really enjoyed The Killer’s Daughter. The story was gripping and it kept me on the edge of my seat. It wasn’t anything particularly mind-blowing, to be sure, but it kept me entertained nonetheless. I really liked Margot as a character, and I look forward to reading more stories about her.
If you’re a fan of thrillers and true crime (even if you’re just a casual enjoyer like me), you should give this a shot!
March 10, 2024
WOW! Now this is what you call an explosive start to what I know is going to be one hell of a series! This is exactly how a police procedural/thriller should be written!
Margot Phalen is a Homicide Detective with san Francisco Police Department. She is also the estranged daughter of the serial killer Ed Finch, known to have killed seventy six women until finally being caught when Margot was 15. Now a grown woman with a successful career, Margot is still living with the trauma of her past and carrying the guilt that her father should be carrying.
Margot and her partner Wesley (Wes) are called to a family home where a family have been brutally slain. Walking the home, something isnt sitting right with Margot bit she can't quite put her finger on it. It's not until she rewalks the property she realises, the family portrait she has seen shows a family of four... Mum, Dad, Daughter and Son... but the victims are the Mother, Father and two girls... wheres the son?. *no spoilers*
Alongside this case, Margot recieves a call from an unknown number, answering, she finds herself feeling 15 again, it's her fathers solicitor asking her to visit, he wants to talk about 'number seventy seven'! Can she face the man who she has managed to avoid for over 20 years, who has caused so much pain and heartbreak? can she put her own feelings aside to help the families get the answers they deserve? Is her sense of duty stronger than her own needs?
The characterisation is absolutely brilliant. I love just how stereotypically 'male' Margot's partner Wes is and the camaraderie they have is a real joy to read, they joke about and take the mick out of each other but theres also a deep underlying care there aswell. The description of Ed isnspine tinglingly creepy, exactly how you want to feel about such a character and the build up of Margots character is so well executed I already feel like I know her.
I cannot wait to find put what happens in book #2. This is definitely a series I will be looking out for and recommending time and time again.
If you are after suspense, twists and turns and a cliffhanger ending that will leave you desperately needing book #2, look no further.
Huge thanks to netgalley and Storm Publishing for the ARC.
Margot Phalen is a Homicide Detective with san Francisco Police Department. She is also the estranged daughter of the serial killer Ed Finch, known to have killed seventy six women until finally being caught when Margot was 15. Now a grown woman with a successful career, Margot is still living with the trauma of her past and carrying the guilt that her father should be carrying.
Margot and her partner Wesley (Wes) are called to a family home where a family have been brutally slain. Walking the home, something isnt sitting right with Margot bit she can't quite put her finger on it. It's not until she rewalks the property she realises, the family portrait she has seen shows a family of four... Mum, Dad, Daughter and Son... but the victims are the Mother, Father and two girls... wheres the son?. *no spoilers*
Alongside this case, Margot recieves a call from an unknown number, answering, she finds herself feeling 15 again, it's her fathers solicitor asking her to visit, he wants to talk about 'number seventy seven'! Can she face the man who she has managed to avoid for over 20 years, who has caused so much pain and heartbreak? can she put her own feelings aside to help the families get the answers they deserve? Is her sense of duty stronger than her own needs?
The characterisation is absolutely brilliant. I love just how stereotypically 'male' Margot's partner Wes is and the camaraderie they have is a real joy to read, they joke about and take the mick out of each other but theres also a deep underlying care there aswell. The description of Ed isnspine tinglingly creepy, exactly how you want to feel about such a character and the build up of Margots character is so well executed I already feel like I know her.
I cannot wait to find put what happens in book #2. This is definitely a series I will be looking out for and recommending time and time again.
If you are after suspense, twists and turns and a cliffhanger ending that will leave you desperately needing book #2, look no further.
Huge thanks to netgalley and Storm Publishing for the ARC.
March 19, 2024
The Killer’s Daughter
Written By Kate Wiley
Published By Storm Publishing
Release Date March 25, 2024
I know that I cannot give this book the review it deserves but here goes what I can say………
Margo Finch as she was once called is now Margo Phalen. A great police officer who is trying to solve a case that has her questioning many things. A family is that is dead and the person responsible has not been caught. Can Margo put her past aside to work on this case? The problem is that Margo’s father is none other than Ed Finch, a serial killer on death row who, when she was a baby, left her in his car and never came back for her. Years later, he now has some things he wants to tell her. Things that she really wants to hear about cold case murders that no one is aware of. Her nerves are shot and sitting outside the prison she remembers what her therapist told her. Count to ten which is something that seems to be helping her some. She knows he has information about another victim and he isn’t going to tell her unless she sits eye to eye with him. This is where the story starts to get awesome.
This is a great novel that is well put together and has a very interesting cast of characters. Some say this is a run of the mill mystery but I disagree. It is easy for some authors to write a book but it is hard for them to write one that keeps the reader engaged and entertained from page one. This was fast at getting to the point and not at all predictable. No bread crumbs here. The twists that the author throws at you are well thought out and the ending is definitely one reason to pick this book up when it is released.
5 stars
Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for giving me a copy to read in exchange for my unbiased and honest review.
Written By Kate Wiley
Published By Storm Publishing
Release Date March 25, 2024
I know that I cannot give this book the review it deserves but here goes what I can say………
Margo Finch as she was once called is now Margo Phalen. A great police officer who is trying to solve a case that has her questioning many things. A family is that is dead and the person responsible has not been caught. Can Margo put her past aside to work on this case? The problem is that Margo’s father is none other than Ed Finch, a serial killer on death row who, when she was a baby, left her in his car and never came back for her. Years later, he now has some things he wants to tell her. Things that she really wants to hear about cold case murders that no one is aware of. Her nerves are shot and sitting outside the prison she remembers what her therapist told her. Count to ten which is something that seems to be helping her some. She knows he has information about another victim and he isn’t going to tell her unless she sits eye to eye with him. This is where the story starts to get awesome.
This is a great novel that is well put together and has a very interesting cast of characters. Some say this is a run of the mill mystery but I disagree. It is easy for some authors to write a book but it is hard for them to write one that keeps the reader engaged and entertained from page one. This was fast at getting to the point and not at all predictable. No bread crumbs here. The twists that the author throws at you are well thought out and the ending is definitely one reason to pick this book up when it is released.
5 stars
Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for giving me a copy to read in exchange for my unbiased and honest review.
February 25, 2024
Thank-you to @netgalley and @stormbooks_co for allowing me an copy of this book! I have been given this e-book in exchange for an honest review! 😊
I did enjoy reading this book! In all honesty - I find this is more 3.5 than a 3 but goodreads doesn't allow half stars! This wasn't the most twisty thriller I have read and I did find the change in times didn't seem connected to the main story and I did find that slightly confusing! That being said - the first chapter had me hooked! It was related to the past but the current story did have me hooked! I did, however, figure out who had done it early on and unfortunately I was right, meaning the ending was slightly disappointing for me! I didn't completely get it and I think it is a good crime to read if you are just starting out in the crime genre! I will certainly look at other books by this author in the future! 🥰
I did enjoy reading this book! In all honesty - I find this is more 3.5 than a 3 but goodreads doesn't allow half stars! This wasn't the most twisty thriller I have read and I did find the change in times didn't seem connected to the main story and I did find that slightly confusing! That being said - the first chapter had me hooked! It was related to the past but the current story did have me hooked! I did, however, figure out who had done it early on and unfortunately I was right, meaning the ending was slightly disappointing for me! I didn't completely get it and I think it is a good crime to read if you are just starting out in the crime genre! I will certainly look at other books by this author in the future! 🥰
August 16, 2025
This was a solid 4⭐️ thriller. I really like how this one has short chapters and is quick to follow, very gripping and worth the read.
June 24, 2024
would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this amazing book
this is my first book by this author and it wont be the last .... it action right from the first page till the last one... and the shocks dont stop coming right throughout
margot has been called to a crime scene ... and its a bloody one.... an entire family murdered.... they all had suffered before they died.....
but the first shock one of the victims isnt right....
second shock could there be a survivor somewhere in the house that witnessed it all...
the murders dont stop coming with this bloodfest of a book but its the characters that catch your attention as margot is the daughter of a serial killer and shes also a detective hunting murderers.... now thats the interesting bit of the storyline
i cant wait to read the next book in this series and hope its as fast paced and bloody as this one was.... it was great
this is my first book by this author and it wont be the last .... it action right from the first page till the last one... and the shocks dont stop coming right throughout
margot has been called to a crime scene ... and its a bloody one.... an entire family murdered.... they all had suffered before they died.....
but the first shock one of the victims isnt right....
second shock could there be a survivor somewhere in the house that witnessed it all...
the murders dont stop coming with this bloodfest of a book but its the characters that catch your attention as margot is the daughter of a serial killer and shes also a detective hunting murderers.... now thats the interesting bit of the storyline
i cant wait to read the next book in this series and hope its as fast paced and bloody as this one was.... it was great
February 16, 2024
I was hooked! I never wanted to put this book down! Trust me - if I didn't have to act as a functioning human, I would've devoured this book even quicker. As a true crime girly - I loved the multiple povs of Margot and Ed! I loved seeing both sides of the crimes, the killer himself & the daughter whose life was turned upside down but she lives every day helping others by being a homicide detective but suffering from the ptsd of her childhood, aka finding out her father was a serial killer. I know lots of people can't get into true crime because of the realism of it but I am so drawn by the WHY behind the monster, in this case, Ed. I think the author, Kate Willey did a great job with Ed's chapters. They were the perfect mix of disgusting and intriguing.
I LOVED Margot's relationship with her partner Wes. I love how he understood her and never pitied her, he joked around, flirted, and treated her as a highly capable woman. GO WES! I hope they continue to be partners in the future books in this series, I could not get enough of them.
Apart from Margot's storyline, I was very intrigued by the Ramirez family murder that was covered in this book. I've watched a ton of CSI & law and order but I didn't see this coming. I am very excited that this is only the first book in the Decetive Margot Phalen series. I will be not so patiently waiting for book 2 (and all that follows).
———————————————————————
Thank you, NetGalley, the author and the publisher for an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I LOVED Margot's relationship with her partner Wes. I love how he understood her and never pitied her, he joked around, flirted, and treated her as a highly capable woman. GO WES! I hope they continue to be partners in the future books in this series, I could not get enough of them.
Apart from Margot's storyline, I was very intrigued by the Ramirez family murder that was covered in this book. I've watched a ton of CSI & law and order but I didn't see this coming. I am very excited that this is only the first book in the Decetive Margot Phalen series. I will be not so patiently waiting for book 2 (and all that follows).
———————————————————————
Thank you, NetGalley, the author and the publisher for an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
December 26, 2024
This is a well-written, sometimes dark book with several twists that’s worth reading for fans of police procedurals. Margot, the main character, is a SFPD detective and the daughter of a serial killer. She and her work partner Wes are investigating the murder of a family, but she is drawn into a couple of cases with Leon, another colleague, as we learn more about her background.
Some chapters are flashbacks to Margot’s father’s crimes and are not easy to read, but they provide insights about him. They are not in the book for shock value. There are also moments of humor to balance the darker chapters.
Thank you, Deanna Loves to Read!!:), for your review. It made me interested in the book and I now have another favored author. I will continue with this series as I liked Margot, Wes, and Leon.
Some chapters are flashbacks to Margot’s father’s crimes and are not easy to read, but they provide insights about him. They are not in the book for shock value. There are also moments of humor to balance the darker chapters.
Thank you, Deanna Loves to Read!!:), for your review. It made me interested in the book and I now have another favored author. I will continue with this series as I liked Margot, Wes, and Leon.
March 26, 2024
This book is a good start to a new Detective series. The characters were introduced well, and we learned a lot about Margot and those close to her. This story is told in dual timelines - Margot in the present, and her father in the past. I would have enjoyed more character development regarding Margot's dad instead of just hearing about his crimes. There seemed to be more focus on her dad's crimes vs the current murder case. The middle dragged on for me, and I felt there could've been more going on during the middle of the book. I will definitely read book 2 and continue the series to see what is next for Margot.
Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 275 reviews