Jump to ratings and reviews

The Killing Season

Tensions explode across Los Angeles as violence ravages the city – an innocent unarmed Black man shot dead by the cops, a little girl caught in gang crossfire, an LAPD officer killed by pre-dawn gunfire in the Hollywood Hills – the first in a string of cop killings that have the force on edge.

Under the sweltering California sun, LAPD cop Tony Calvanese pulls his sweat-stained uniform collar from his neck, surveying the aftermath of these senseless killings rippling through a city primed to erupt. Protestors flood the streets, enraged eyes fixed on the police in the wake of yet more unnecessary bloodshed.

With more officers under fire, it's clear these are not random acts of violence – someone is hunting police officers, meticulously executing them one by one as revenge.

Calvanese's new partner – Ivy League rookie Paul Henderson – shifts nervously in the passenger seat, unable to forget his early morning run through Beverly Hills when he was pulled over by the cops for the color of his skin and pushed into the dirt before he could reach for his badge.

As the body count rises, Calvanese and Henderson are dispatched to stop the cop killer before he can strike again. But tensions within the force threaten to boil over. To do their job, the mismatched partners must confront ugly truths about brutality and racism that run deep. Can they find common ground? Or will the inferno raging in the streets ignite an even greater fire between them?

Skillfully exploring racial divides and what it truly means to protect and serve, The Killing Season combines the gritty realism of Michael Connelly with the social commentary of Walter Mosley – a page-turning, thought-provoking and emotional rollercoaster of a read.

398 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 24, 2024

Loading...
Loading...

About the author

Jeff Stetson

9 books13 followers

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
19 (38%)
4 stars
23 (46%)
3 stars
5 (10%)
2 stars
2 (4%)
1 star
0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
Profile Image for Helen Frost.
726 reviews30 followers
May 6, 2024
Fantastic, absolutely packed with racial tension which is uneasy and terrifying in places. White cops are being killed whilst going about their daily business and the city is being thrown into panic with no real clues to go on. If the police aren’t safe, then who is. People are questioning whether it is retaliation for the number of blacks being killed by cops and feeling targeted.
The central characters are very likeable and they are police partners, ironically one black and one white which obviously feeds well into the storyline. There are a lot of loyalties strained both family and otherwise so a lot to unpack with the complexities of the relationships.
The action is fast and the build up to the deaths expertly narrated as we build up a picture of the innocent people who are dying and the normality of their relationships with loved ones which makes the impact felt hard.
I liked the red herrings and twists in the story and the expect the unexpected vibes. Definitely recommend.
Profile Image for Shannon O'Flynn.
248 reviews10 followers
May 15, 2024
This book is about the racial injustice and unrest during the 2020s. While I didn't see much of what happened during that time first hand, it gives a decent summary of it through their examples of black people who were unfairly killed.

With that being said, I thought that Calvanese was extremely immature and over the top racist. Not just him, but the other white cops as well. I don't believe this was an accurate depiction of all the cops in the 2020s. Sure there were some, but every cop in the department being racist and beating up their own fellow cops? I don't believe that. The language in the book also was over the top.

The end of the book was interesting, but I definitely considered not finishing it because of how the characters were seemingly overdramatized. It was an attempt to be a good book on a touchy topic, but in my opinion it missed the mark.
Profile Image for Kathleen Riggs.
682 reviews20 followers
May 6, 2024
A Phycological Thriller.
The Killing Season by Jeff Stetson is a phycological thriller about the LAPD Police Force in Los Angeles. There is a murder that involves an innocent unarmed black man who is killed by the police but also a little girl is caught up in the gang's crossfire and is also killed. LAPD police officer Tony Calvanese and his new partner a newcomer, rookie police office called Paul Henderson are left wondering why these senseless killings keep happening. But once the public find out there is a ripple effect as the city blame the police for an innocent black man to be once again shot by Selous police officers. Then a white police office is gunned down as he is on petrol which leads the police think it could be in retaliation for the innocent black victim.
Then more officers randomly start to get picked of and pandemonium sets in for both the police, the public and the black and white communities. This causes friction and confrontation soon erupts between the different ethnicity police officers due to the stress they are under especially as they need to catch the killer before another officer is killed. But who is it and is it race related or personal against the police who wear their uniforms with pride to serve the community. Calvanese is a white police officer and Henderson is black and they must find a common ground as the tension thickens between them.
Jeff Stetson has done an excellent job authoring this book. There is plenty of suspense, a great dialogue and the banter between Calvanese and Henderson is excellent and very funny and had me laughing aloud. Police as we all know must release the tension somehow. The Characters are well developed, and the story is very realistic. The author deals with controversial issues and a story that will leave you thinking and discussing the book long after you have put it down. I highly recommend this book-to-book clubs and anyone who loves a great phycological thriller. Thanks to NetGalley and to the publishers of this book for giving me a free advance copy of the book to preview and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Sherrie Gallegos.
659 reviews4 followers
April 24, 2024
Absolutely riveting. Loved the banter between Henderson & Calvanese. This has to be the best crime read of the year and would make a terrific movie or tv show. I would love to see a sequel! WTG Jeff 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Profile Image for J Kromrie.
2,679 reviews54 followers
May 28, 2024
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

The Killing Season by Jeff Stetson digs deep into the heart of Los Angeles, a city teetering on the edge of chaos. Through the eyes of LAPD cop Tony Calvanese and his rookie partner Paul Henderson, Stetson weaves a tale of violence, vengeance, and the volatile nature of justice.

The narrative thrusts readers into a Los Angeles suffocating under the heat of racial tension and police brutality.

The city becomes a character in its own right, with each street corner and alleyway echoing the cries of its troubled inhabitants. The killing of an unarmed Black man by police officers sets off a chain of events that sees the city spiral into a vortex of violence, with police officers hunted and executed in what appears to be a series of retaliatory strikes.

Calvanese, a seasoned officer, finds himself grappling with the weight of his badge and the expectations that come with it. His new partner, Henderson, an Ivy League graduate, must navigate the treacherous waters of being a Black man in a predominantly White force. Their partnership is a microcosm of the city’s broader struggles, as they attempt to bridge the chasm of misunderstanding and prejudice that divides them.

Stetson’s prose is sharp and evocative, capturing the grit and grime of the city streets with a realism that is both jarring and immersive. The dialogue crackles with authenticity, and the characters are created with depth.

This novel is a poignant exploration of the human condition, examining the fine line between law and lawlessness, and the even finer line between justice and revenge.

This story provides a rollercoaster ride of emotions, with moments of heart-pounding tension giving way to quiet reflections on the state of society. It is a story that resonates with the current climate, offering no easy answers but plenty of food for thought. Stetson does not shy away from the difficult questions, instead, he presents them in all their complexity, challenging the reader to consider their own beliefs and biases.

In The Killing Season, Jeff Stetson has crafted a novel that is both timely and timeless, a gripping narrative that holds up a mirror to the world we live in. It is a testament to the power of fiction to illuminate the darkest corners of reality.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

A must-read for fans of crime thrillers with a conscience, The Killing Season entertains and enlightens. It is a bold statement on the state of American society, and a powerful reminder of the work that still needs to be done. Jeff Stetson has emerged as a voice that demands to be heard, and this novel is his clarion call.
Profile Image for Effy the book dragon.
214 reviews11 followers
May 10, 2024
Thank you NetGalley, Storm Publishing and of course Jeff Stetson for allowing me to read the ARC of "The Killing Season" in exchange for an honest review.

The psychological thriller is packed with a lot of serious topics, mostly in the foreground are police brutality, especially towards people of colour and racism. The book is happening in Los Angeles, following the story of LAPD officers Calvanese and his new partner, Henderson.

The main plot line follows a case of serial murders on police officers, with all of the victims being white it raises the question whether this is a revenge strike caused by the several cases of police brutality happening towards people of colour. Calvanese and Henderson, white and black of skin colour, are used to show union and used as a sign of harmony towards the public eye, yet it goes without question that the connection and partnership between the two is rocky at best at the start, whether this be because of their skin colour or their different mindsets overall is up to every reader personally to decide. In my opinion, it surely is influenced by everything in bits.

Not only do the officers work together on the case, trying to prevent more murder, they also work on themselves, their partnership on duty as well as off duty.

Jeff Stetson has created something wonderful with this piece, in spite of the sad fact that this book is the reality as it closer could not be. The banter between the partners, the tension and explosion between the different ethnicities among the police itself, as well as outside the station was perfectly written and displayed, even if it is surely a hard pill to swallow.

The question whether crime has a colour ---, well, let us just say, Jeff Stetson finds a beautiful way to answer it.

Suspenful, intriguing, catching. Without a doubt recommend everyone to read this --- especially if you have a view on the world as does Calvanese.
Profile Image for Anne.
813 reviews
April 19, 2024
The title of this book looked intriguing and from the blurb I thought it would be my kind of read. It was, and I thoroughly enjoyed The Killing Season from start to finish. Officer Tony Calvanese is paired up with newbie Paul Henderson and they investigate a number of cop killings. I think Jeff Stetson has come up with a great read here, the writing is good and the plot line is well thought out. The book tackles a difficult subject - racism - within communities and the police force itself. At times I found this to be a hard hitting, poignant and thought provoking read which will stay with me for a while afterwards. I really liked Calvanese and Henderson who struggle working together initially and I loved the humorous moments between them. The glimpses into their home and personal lives are lovely touches that give their characters greater depth. The author really ramps up the tension in his writing and the animosity between characters felt very real. This soon became a very moreish, hard to put down read which showed all is not what it seems. Overall a very, very good, fast paced read that is certainly believeable and I'd recommend it.

4 stars
444 reviews17 followers
April 16, 2024
LAPD policeman Tony Calvanese is determined to find out who is killing cops in LA. His new partner, rookie Paul Henderson, is as determined as Tony – especially after he was stopped and harassed while out jogging because of his skin color before he could find his badge. Can this unlikely pair find the killers, or will it spark more tension between them before the killer is caught?
I had read The Stolen Girls, so I was thrilled to get this one. While reading this book, it brought back and saddened me how flagrant racism is still today. Between police and citizens and even between the races in the police department – it is there. I did love the sarcasm of Tony and the humorous banter between Tony and his partner, but racism was rampant, and war was declared on the LAPD.
What a fabulous book – I laughed and cried at different times. It had me hooked at the beginning and never let go. This was as good, if not better, than his last one I read. Five stars for The Killing Season!
#NetGalley #JeffStetson #StormPublishing #TheKillingSeason
Profile Image for Paula.
1,366 reviews48 followers
April 21, 2024
The Killing Season by Jeff Stetson was rather good. I had not read any other book by this author, so this was my first introduction to his writing. The main characters, Henderson and Calvanese, were a good pairing. Their interactions were frustrating at times, but they showed a realistic relationship.

Tensions explode across Los Angeles as violence ravages the city. An innocent unarmed Black man shot dead by the cops, a little girl caught in gang crossfire, an LAPD officer killed by predawn gunfire in the Hollywood Hills. And the first in a string of cop killings that have the force on edge.

The story starts off strong and doesn't let up until the satisfying ending. There were times the story got a bit tense to read and some of the jokes were a bit over the top, but I'm sure that is what happens with police officers.

The characters were well-developed, and the stories were realistic. The writing was good and held my interest. I would recommend this book.

#TheKillingSeason #NetGalley @Stormbooks_co
141 reviews1 follower
May 24, 2024
Racial violence explodes across LA, putting the entire police department on alert, after an innocent unarmed black man, a young girl. When the murder of an LAPD officer starts a string of cop killings in the city, the entire police force is now on alert. It appears that the killer is specifically targeting police officers, killing them one by one.
Officers Calvanese and Henderson are sent out to find the killer before any more lives are lost. Political tensions within the police force hinder their efforts. Their job is hindered by Henderson being black and Calvanese being white. Thus, they are termed mismatched partners because they fail to come to some agreement on the cause of the brutality and racism that are ravaging the city. As the number of killings builds up, they are instantly put on the hot seat. They must resolve their differences before things become entirely out of control.
It is an edge-of-the-seat, beautifully written thriller that keeps you turning the pages until the end.
Profile Image for Renko Dekker.
416 reviews7 followers
October 16, 2024
This is the second book by Jeff Stetson I've read. I've chosen this one as I enjoyed the other book, The Stolen Girls.

This book is an exploration of racial tensions and moral dilemmas in a divided society. The narrative centers on Los Angeles plagued by violence, where a series of racially charged murders forces the community to confront its biases and fears. Stetson’s writing is, at times, thought-provoking, trying to capture the emotional turmoil of the characters. He mostly succeeds in this, but some dialogue seems a bit over the top. He does make the characters’ struggles feel authentic. Stetson weaves themes of justice, retribution, and the quest for understanding together.

The Killing Season is not just a crime story; it's a commentary on human nature and societal flaws. At times, it falls a bit flat, but overall it's filled with tension throughout, while the characters elicit empathy, or disgust, and provoke critical thought.

3,5/5 ⭐️
Profile Image for Randal White.
1,073 reviews103 followers
May 21, 2024
Very emotional book for me! As a retired police officer, I could relate to this story. Unfortunately.
It's the story of a serial killer preying on white police officers on the Los Angeles Police Department. Well written, suspenseful, scary. I hate to say it, but the author manages to accurately portray the racism in (some) of the police forces of today. The pairing of a veteran white officer with a rookie African American officer, and the interplay between them was fascinating. The opportunity for growth in both officers was explored well. The politics, the jockeying for positions, it all seemed accurate. The ending.....frightening, confusing, and sad. I'm still confused by it. Which is the reason that I am only giving four stars to an otherwise good book.
Profile Image for Shawna.
169 reviews4 followers
May 1, 2024
Well done!

First, I cannot imagine being Law Enforcement in this day and age, regardless of race, gender, etc. This story was incredibly intense, highlighting racial division in the inner city of Los Angeles as well as challeges our Police face. A string of murders erupt throughout the city, targeting white officers. Tenured officer Tony Calvanese is partnered up with a highly educated older rookie, Paul Henderson, who has been a target of racial profiling in Beverly Hills - as a current LAPD officer!

There was a nice balance of humor - usually between the partners or their "smart" talk back to their commanding officer.
Profile Image for Audrey.
413 reviews17 followers
May 8, 2024
The Killing Season is a superb read!!! The book is set in L.A. where white police officers are being killed after the murder of an unarmed black man. The racial tension in the city is worsening each day and the L.A.P.D need to find out who is behind these killings. Officer Calvanese has been paired up with Henderson who is a newbie and both have very different ways of working but at the end of the day they want to catch the cop killer. This is a story that makes you sit up and take note and one you will think about for a long time after. I can't recommend this book highly enough.
Profile Image for Andy Krahling.
777 reviews14 followers
May 23, 2024
This just didn't do it for me. The dialogue felt stilted and unrealistic -- the dialogue between the cops was unintentionally funny. I've never heard anyone talk like those cops. It felt like it was dialogue from 50 years ago during the Civil Rights days. I really didn't feel like finishing this, but I did, and I have to say, I sort of grew into it. The duo's banter was mildly amusing.

Overall, I commend the author taking on a tough issue. It just didn't resonate with me.

I received a complimentary copy of the novel from the publisher and NetGalley, and my review is being left freely.
984 reviews15 followers
May 24, 2024
This was an amazing book. I highly recommend it to everyone. Great characters and a great plot. I will be looking for more books by this author. The book is superbly written. Lots of twists, turns and shocking turns of events. Quickly becoming a go to author for me!!!! If you love to read a book and be shocked by the ending then check out this author for sure. You will love this book and this author. Very enjoyable and I highly recommend this book. Make sure you add this to your TBR list. It will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Profile Image for Martha Brindley.
Author 2 books40 followers
April 29, 2024
This is a well written crime thriller, set in LA and tackling the subject of racial tension. The two lead characters, Henderson and Calvanese are partners in LAPD. There is a lot of tension in the book and it is not an easy read but one I would highly recommend. It is a fast paced and very thought provoking read with excellent characterisation and a read which I thoroughly enjoyed. Thanks to Net Galley for my ARC.
132 reviews
May 27, 2024
Such a fabulous book! The story is set in Los Angela, USA. The L.A.P.D. is the scenario where Calvanese and Henderson make a battle during their investigation of a crime. Some of the dialogues are very, very funny. The book deals profoundly with racial issues that are spread at every level of work, social gatherings, and so on. I found myself laughing all by myself at some of the dialogues! It made the book a little easier to keep going nonstop. I recommend the book.
Profile Image for Terry M.
683 reviews11 followers
May 28, 2024
An exceptional, well-written crime thriller, laced with racism, murder and humour. A good storyline, which portrays the political side of dealing with racist murders. I received an ARC copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
409 reviews5 followers
June 14, 2024
.I'm afraid that I didn't find it anywhere near as good as The Stolen Girls. The American setting of violence, racism and sexism was all too much for me. I couldn't get to grips with the relationship between Calvanese & Henderson and the continuing changing of storyline.
Sorry not for me.
1,626 reviews
April 22, 2024
This was a very intense story, some parts I found difficult to absorb but the story on the whole was fascinating. The main characters were great and the concluion was brilliant.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews