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Detective Marcy Kendrick #1
Skin Deep
Detective Marcy Kendrick is chasing a killer. And this time, it’s personal.Marcy Kendrick is a cop with a body count. A successful detective in LAPD Homicide, she is infamous for one killing three serial killers before they could be brought to trial.Marcy knows her actions were in self-defense, but her co-workers can’t help wondering if she is on some kind of vendetta - because Marcy’s own mother was brutally murdered by a serial killer. Is this her way of getting payback?Adding to the pressure on Marcy, her ex-husband, Jordan Brasswell, has just been promoted over her, and seems determined to keep her under a microscope.Then a series of murders rocks the city. And this killer has the same MO as the man who murdered Marcy’s mother.As the best detective in the department, Marcy is assigned to the case – and immediately starts receiving disturbing messages. The killer taunts Marcy, promising more deaths and telling her that the two of them are very much alike. They’re both murderers.As the copycat killer continues to play mind games with Marcy, she realizes that it has to be someone close to her. Can Marcy catch the killer before another victim meets a grisly end?Skin Deep – the first in the thrilling new series featuring Detective Marcy Kendrick.
- GenresMystery
318 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 10, 2024
879 people are currently reading
186 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
March 16, 2024
I've been looking for a new detective series and this one started with a bang! Marcy Kendrick is on the hunt for the face flayer, from her past. Also dealing with people who think she's a vigilante cop, her partner being laid up with an injury and her brother behaving strangely.
I was sucked in to this story from the very beginning and found it really hard to put down. So many suspects went through my head and I got it completely wrong. The reveal blew me away.
I loved Marcy and her kick ass attitude. She's just how I imagine a woman detective to be. Fighting to survive in a work place of mostly males and proving that she can do the job as good as, if not even better than them.
I feel like I need to read book 2 straight away.
I was sucked in to this story from the very beginning and found it really hard to put down. So many suspects went through my head and I got it completely wrong. The reveal blew me away.
I loved Marcy and her kick ass attitude. She's just how I imagine a woman detective to be. Fighting to survive in a work place of mostly males and proving that she can do the job as good as, if not even better than them.
I feel like I need to read book 2 straight away.
March 16, 2024
4.5*
This was such an intense and thrilling read. I was gripped and was at the edge of my seat through most of this. The ending let me down a little bit as I was expecting more, but I'm not sure why. Overall, it was a great thriller with some really good plot twists and shocks. I have already brought book 2 in the series Blood Line and look forward to reading it in the coming future.
This was such an intense and thrilling read. I was gripped and was at the edge of my seat through most of this. The ending let me down a little bit as I was expecting more, but I'm not sure why. Overall, it was a great thriller with some really good plot twists and shocks. I have already brought book 2 in the series Blood Line and look forward to reading it in the coming future.
February 27, 2024
I love Marcy Kendrick! There is nothing like a BOSS woman detective. This was a procedural thriller that I really enjoyed. I read this book in one sitting.
There is a serial killer on the loose. Is it a copycat, or is an old serial killer back?. Marcy is asking the same question because her mom was killed in the same manner of these new victims. On top of that, the serial killer seems to be obsessed with Marcy. This is a thrilling first installment in a new detective series. Baxter has written a well developed plot that is told from multiple POVs. The character development is on point as we get to know Marcy, her partner Angel, her ex-husband Jordan, her brother Stephen, and the mind of the killer.
I loved this book, and I am so eager to read the second book in the series. Thank you to NetGalley and Inkubator Books for this ARC. All thoughts are my own.
There is a serial killer on the loose. Is it a copycat, or is an old serial killer back?. Marcy is asking the same question because her mom was killed in the same manner of these new victims. On top of that, the serial killer seems to be obsessed with Marcy. This is a thrilling first installment in a new detective series. Baxter has written a well developed plot that is told from multiple POVs. The character development is on point as we get to know Marcy, her partner Angel, her ex-husband Jordan, her brother Stephen, and the mind of the killer.
I loved this book, and I am so eager to read the second book in the series. Thank you to NetGalley and Inkubator Books for this ARC. All thoughts are my own.
March 14, 2024
The first in a planned series and what a way to hit home! This book had me addicted, from the chapter headers to the past to learn more about Marcy and her past.
Every good cop series, they have a backstory and I’ve not read one quite like this before. More revelations at the end of the book make you wonder what the hell happened. Short answer, not a lot of good things!!
For a short while, I was by Marcy’s side while her partner Angel was laid up following a car accident. We were hunting for a man copying the face flayer from Marcy’s past and boy this killer didn’t hold back. From the victims to the every day and the final, you are kept addicted to this novel as we manoeuvre about.
But Marcy has another problem, well 2! Her ex-husband is her boss and her brother has gone missing…. At the wrong time.
This is exciting and addictive and I can’t wait for the next installment?!! Thoroughly enjoyed this one. I devoured it!!
Every good cop series, they have a backstory and I’ve not read one quite like this before. More revelations at the end of the book make you wonder what the hell happened. Short answer, not a lot of good things!!
For a short while, I was by Marcy’s side while her partner Angel was laid up following a car accident. We were hunting for a man copying the face flayer from Marcy’s past and boy this killer didn’t hold back. From the victims to the every day and the final, you are kept addicted to this novel as we manoeuvre about.
But Marcy has another problem, well 2! Her ex-husband is her boss and her brother has gone missing…. At the wrong time.
This is exciting and addictive and I can’t wait for the next installment?!! Thoroughly enjoyed this one. I devoured it!!
March 23, 2024
Skin deep by Theo Baxter.
Detective Marcy Kendrick Book 1.
Detective Marcy Kendrick is chasing a killer. And this time, it’s personal. Marcy Kendrick is a cop with a body count. A successful detective in LAPD Homicide, she is infamous for one thing: killing three serial killers before they could be brought to trial. Then a series of murders rocks the city. And this killer has the same MO as the man who murdered Marcy’s mother.
I really did enjoy this book. I love this author. I did love the cover. A great start to a new series. I got into it straight away and couldn't put it down until I had finished it. I loved the story and plot. Twisty and gripping. I did like Marcy. It wasn't who I thought it would. I can't wait for the next book. 5*.
Detective Marcy Kendrick Book 1.
Detective Marcy Kendrick is chasing a killer. And this time, it’s personal. Marcy Kendrick is a cop with a body count. A successful detective in LAPD Homicide, she is infamous for one thing: killing three serial killers before they could be brought to trial. Then a series of murders rocks the city. And this killer has the same MO as the man who murdered Marcy’s mother.
I really did enjoy this book. I love this author. I did love the cover. A great start to a new series. I got into it straight away and couldn't put it down until I had finished it. I loved the story and plot. Twisty and gripping. I did like Marcy. It wasn't who I thought it would. I can't wait for the next book. 5*.
March 10, 2024
Why does a writer want to confuse the readers by changing 1.person POV? I see no good reason, and I hate it! In addition, this book has a few "bad" characters that are over the top like bad movie characters, and the dialogue is sometimes stilted and unnatural.
A readable book, but not very entertaining.
A readable book, but not very entertaining.
March 13, 2024
Detective Marcy Kendrick is believed to be a real hothead and trigger happy by the press. A lot of people believe she is a vigilante cop, but in all honesty while looking at her cases, she was forced to shoot the bad guy in order to save lives. She had a hard childhood, as had her older brother, Stephen. Her partner, Angel had a car accident so he was in the hospital, and so she had to do all of her calls, alone as she wouldn’t want another partner in the interim. Her LT is her ex husband, Jordan, who is a piece of work. I dislike him. A LOT> I believe he is extremely biased against her. There is a new serial killer, and he is obsessed with Marcy. I literally got nauseated a few times and cried a bit a few times while reading this book. However, the story is engrossing and I fell in love with Marcy’s snark. I loved how she interacted with her injured partner and wanted to help beat up on her ex husband for his being so nasty to her.
I loved a few of the other characters, like Captain Jack Robinson, the CSI team and the coroner. I had a lot of fun reading the book, even when I was chewing my nails or trying not to sick up. Lol. It just means that I really got into the book. I can’t wait to read the next book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I loved a few of the other characters, like Captain Jack Robinson, the CSI team and the coroner. I had a lot of fun reading the book, even when I was chewing my nails or trying not to sick up. Lol. It just means that I really got into the book. I can’t wait to read the next book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 15, 2024
Oh Lordy—what an incredible read! Five stars are just not enough! I’m always so impressed at the amazing lengths Theo Baxter goes to for his amazing works. Skin Deep is especially good…the storyline is frigging awesome; the characters are beyond amazing; the plot twists and turns were beyond belief; and the ending will keep scratching your head, I wanted to grab the author and beg him to tell me how he comes up with such crazy good stories! You absolutely need to add this one to your TBR list—you’re going to love it! (I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book and totally loved it! Bring on the next one now!) ❤️❤️❤️
March 9, 2024
How would you feel if a serial killer decided to make you the center of his attention? 26 years ago LAPD Detective Marcy Kendrick was present when a serial killer murdered her mother. Is he back or is this a copy cat?
I really enjoyed the correlation that was brought up during the cat and mouse games between the killer and Det. Kendrick, does violence beget violence? Does Det. Kendrick have a higher rate of officer involved shootings because of her childhood trauma? Thought provoking!
Det. Kendrick is a strong, driven character that I am excited to follow into the next books. She has typical struggles in the male dominated profession but to a more difficult degree, her ex is her boss. Thankfully she had an amazing partner, Angel, who should be ready for action come book 2.
Can't wait for the next books in this series! Thank you to the author, Theo Baxter, and Booksprout for the opportunity to read this book!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I really enjoyed the correlation that was brought up during the cat and mouse games between the killer and Det. Kendrick, does violence beget violence? Does Det. Kendrick have a higher rate of officer involved shootings because of her childhood trauma? Thought provoking!
Det. Kendrick is a strong, driven character that I am excited to follow into the next books. She has typical struggles in the male dominated profession but to a more difficult degree, her ex is her boss. Thankfully she had an amazing partner, Angel, who should be ready for action come book 2.
Can't wait for the next books in this series! Thank you to the author, Theo Baxter, and Booksprout for the opportunity to read this book!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 10, 2024
I thought the story line was good. It kept me guessing until the end. I did find the main character a little hard to like. My biggest disappointment was the “romance “ with Dr Strauss. Two dates and she is in love? Smh. Very unrealistic. I have to admit, I was routing for Angel LOL
March 12, 2024
Marcy has a temper problem and she is a good shooter, her partner is in the hospital and will not be back to work for months, her immediate superior is her ex-husband and their relationship is not an easy one. She is working on the copy case of copycat of the Face Flayer which sends her back to the day her mother was assassinated in front of her and her brother. The story has a good plot, it has a lot of action and mystery and an incredible turn after the culprit is found. Good entertainment!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 3, 2025
Skin Deep is the first in the series and follows Detective Marcy Kendrick as she tries to discover the face behind the killer who is so similar to the one from her childhood. As she tries to investigate she is also having to deal with issues in her personal life, including her ex-husband being promoted as her superior.
This book is written so well that each chapter flows from one perspective to another. It had me on the edge of my seat and I couldn't put it down! If thrillers are your go to genre then you need to give this one a go!
This book is written so well that each chapter flows from one perspective to another. It had me on the edge of my seat and I couldn't put it down! If thrillers are your go to genre then you need to give this one a go!
March 12, 2024
Theo Baxter is one of my favorite new authors I’ve loved everything I have read by him and I’m sure this series will be no exception. This is the first book in the LAPD detective Marty Kendrick series. Marty’s claim the fame has been killing three serial killers before they could be bought to trial, but in her defense, it was self-defense. Many of her fellow colleagues are talking to Hunter back wondering if this is payback for her mother’s brutal murder years earlier to add to the problems Jordan her ex-husband has been promoted over her and he seems to want to put the screws to Marty.
March 13, 2024
Gives law and order meets Becket from Castle. This murder mystery follows Marcy a local detective who happens to be a great shot. Following the serial murder of her mother, she has vowed to put away the bad guys. Her partners currently out from an accident and she gets a new solo case that hits a bit close to home. Just when she needs people in her corner she can’t quite find it. There’s a copycat linking Marcy to her mothers killer who might be a bit obsessed.
March 8, 2024
New to me author, very good book. I was surprised to find out who the killer was. Totally not who I suspected it would be. I'm ready for Angel and Marcy to get out of their own way and I look forward to more books in the series. I love a good mystery/thriller and this hit the mark.
March 7, 2024
This is a well written suspense story that had me glued to the pages as Marcy works the case. The author brings strong characters and weaves a thrilling mystery told from a multiple of POV's. The story moves fluidly and is a terrific read. I', looking forward to the next book.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and are freely given.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and are freely given.
April 3, 2024
This is the first book in an exciting new detective series - Detective Marcy Kendrick series - and what a brilliant starter book this was!
I've read quite a few books by this author now and I really love their writing style - usually psychological thrillers, this was a small side step away from the usual genre, but focussing more on the detective pov which gave it a slightly different vibe from what I'd read before.
I really loved Marcy as a character. With an interesting back-story I could see how the series could play out feeding on all of her insecurities and past traumas.
This storyline was gripping - following a few different threads throughout as we learn more about Marcy's life - personal and professional - as well as seeing her work the case whilst under pressure from all sides.
I found this one whizzed by as I was so totally engrossed in the story as a whole and loved how it kept me guessing right to the end.
After making many theories throughout, I loved the twists that came to finally reveal who the killer was.
There is definitely more to unpack and learn in this series and I can't wait to read more!!
I'm really pleased to see that book 2, Blood Line, is already released and that book 3 will be following shortly, with a pub date set for this April!
I'm really looking forward to continuing this series!
I've read quite a few books by this author now and I really love their writing style - usually psychological thrillers, this was a small side step away from the usual genre, but focussing more on the detective pov which gave it a slightly different vibe from what I'd read before.
I really loved Marcy as a character. With an interesting back-story I could see how the series could play out feeding on all of her insecurities and past traumas.
This storyline was gripping - following a few different threads throughout as we learn more about Marcy's life - personal and professional - as well as seeing her work the case whilst under pressure from all sides.
I found this one whizzed by as I was so totally engrossed in the story as a whole and loved how it kept me guessing right to the end.
After making many theories throughout, I loved the twists that came to finally reveal who the killer was.
There is definitely more to unpack and learn in this series and I can't wait to read more!!
I'm really pleased to see that book 2, Blood Line, is already released and that book 3 will be following shortly, with a pub date set for this April!
I'm really looking forward to continuing this series!
March 6, 2024
Yowza! This book flows w/ excitement, action and murder from the first page till the last. I'm loving the tenacious Detective Marcy Kendrick and her tough attitude towards depraved murders. What a fantastic new series.
February 26, 2024
This review is my opinion and my opinion only. I wish I could give this book a 4.5 stars. Theo Baxter is a new to me author, and I’m so happy that I gave him a chance. This book is well written. It flowed nicely, and I didn’t want to put it down. I pulled me in and didn’t let go. Skin Deep by Theo Baxter is about Detective Marcy Kendrick why works at LAPD Homicide.
She caught a case that is really close to how her mother was murdered. There are many parallels that make Marcy question is this the same murderer as her mother or a copycat.
The person who killed her mother jumped into the river and was never found. So is he alive or does the murderer have a fan?
I’m not saying much more because you NEED to read this. I can’t wait to start book 2. Theo Baxter has become a must read author for me!
She caught a case that is really close to how her mother was murdered. There are many parallels that make Marcy question is this the same murderer as her mother or a copycat.
The person who killed her mother jumped into the river and was never found. So is he alive or does the murderer have a fan?
I’m not saying much more because you NEED to read this. I can’t wait to start book 2. Theo Baxter has become a must read author for me!
February 26, 2024
What an amazing novel of suspense that kept me guessing and wanting more every page. My guess for the killer was incorrect, what a crazy surprise! Love this new character as well and am excited for the next book in the series with her. Recommend wholeheartedly!
March 31, 2025
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.
This set of Detective Marcy Kendrick mysteries by Theo Baxter is a treasure trove of captivating police procedural mysteries.
Here is a list with a brief description of the stories included in this set.
Skin Deep - a crime occurs with echoes of the traumatic murder of their mother by the face flayer witnessed by Marcy and her brother decades ago who was never caught - could it be the same killer? Also, Marcy finds a new love interest in an unassumingly sweet professor (I really liked his character). Are her partner's Angel's hopes for a closer bond with Marcy dashed before they had a chance to begin? Read Skin Deep for the answers to these questions and so much more!
My only issue the transition between Skin Deep and Blood Line is there was no segue with Marcy's partner returning from suspension between the two books - he was just an annoyingly "there" again.
Blood Line - Marcy's partner Angel returns back to the Detective pool after recovering from his injuries, desk bound while his leg fully recovers. As Marcy reels with the cumulation of uncovered secrets and the unmasked killer in Skin Deep, the tension remains taut as another vicious killer enters her world - who set this young woman on fire and pushed her out of a window? Could it have been her own twin sons? Marcy solves one of her trickiest cases ever.
Dark Duty - Marcy and Angel investigate the murder of a bad cop who is a member of the group "Circle of Justice". Both partners get new romantic interests in this story...
Kill Count - a starlet apparently overdoses, but it is quickly discovered to be a homicide when a playing card is left by her cold body. The murders quickly escalate, eventually tied to someone who is a master at disguises, and then to El Gato, an insidious crime and drug lord (who has numerous police officers and highly placed political allies on his payroll). Marcy and Angel investigate, and Marcy's romance becomes a bit too cloying for this reviewer.
Pay back - A member of a crew who steals expensive products for women who resells them, decides he isn't paid enough so he returns to steal BACK the products from those he works for and kills them in the process. Marcy and her team investigate the murders.
El Gato's threat still hangs over Marcy's head, as well as the threat of vindictive reporters that she won't give an interview to as well as the constant threat of her ex husband looming in the not distant enough future.
Lost Souls - a disturbed serial killer thinks he is doing the Lord's work by killing demons, when he is killing innocent victims. Marcy's on the case. Sigh, Angel gets involved in a sappy relationship which rivals Marcy's in this book and in End Game.
End Game - Marcy and team investigate a gratuitously ghoulish sadistic serial killer who makes a game out of torturing people to death. Trigger Warning: This one is nightmarishly gruesome, or at least I found it so; I read hundreds of police procedurals annually (they are 75% of my reading fare) and I had to skip parts of this one, it's an especially soulless crime.
_______
The talented Theo Baxter typically excels when writing police procedurals, however, I took exception to numerous issues in the storyline, detailed below.
1. Marcy faces constant berating and emotional abuse from her ex-husband, Jason Brasswell (her lieutenant in the first few stories). Surely times have changed since the 1970's regarding the Thin Blue Line so ANYONE experiencing severe abuse like this would report it to higher ups without fear of reprisal. In ANY honest police department, this idiot would have been quickly warned and immediately reprimanded (and numerous coworkers who witnessed Marcy's daily abuse would have reported it).
Marcy's Brasswell ex Jason was newly promoted (which would place him under GREATER scrutiny). Yet, even after her ex-husband returns from a 2 week suspension (for loudly berating Marcy within their captain's earshot) the same captain promised he would "get her away from him" which is ignored moving forward, the abuse continues through the first few stories...
Jason damages Marcy's car to the point where she has to take it to a body shop for repair, yet Marcy STILL doesn't tell her Captain to demand he take action. She doesn't even MENTION it (even to Jason). Rather, Marcy, a tough cop, meek as a lamb brings her car to a body shop to get it fixed.
This Does NOT track with Marcy's "tough" personality - this is the same woman who has killed 7 murderers in defense of herself or innocent victims? What?!
I began wondering if her ex was blackmailing Marcy, but no - she just repeatedly allows him to vomit cruel abuse at her daily and demean her in front of her colleagues as she continues to experience severe stress any time her Lieutenant gets near her. And Marcy's partner, Angel who "loves her" so deeply, would surely register a complaint against Jason (or at least tell their captain) if Marcy was TRULY incapable of speaking up for herself. Angel states that Jason makes the workplace "hell" yet he does nothing to fix it? Once again, this doe not track with a protective partner, regardless of gender.
2. The Captain's responses don't track with his previously empathetic personality - In Dark Duty Marcy finds her ex husband passed out on his office couch during business hours - and when Marcy FINALLY complains to their captain, rather than fire him, he tasks Marcy with sneaking her abusive ex out of the department and bringing him to his new house where he lives with this new wife he cheated on Marcy with during their 10 year marriage.
3. In Dark Duty there is evidence that Marcy's ex is suspected to be a member of the Justice Circle, a gang of rogue cops who regularly target, drug, and sexually abuse young women, en masse. Although Jason basically admits to Marcy he is tied to this organization, she stops investigating those ties as soon as Jason (her omnipresent ex) gets the murderer associated to the Justice Circle killed so there would be no one left to tie him to the organization(!)
4. Marcy becomes insecure and a crying, unadmirable MESS when a sappy relationship enters her life - I wish she had stayed single. Author should decide between writing romance or writing police procedurals. I hope he opts for police procedurals, or this is one ardent reader he will quickly lose. I literally had to skip the sappy parts, especially in Payback.
Ultimately, I hope the author starts maintaining the personalities of his characters so their actions are NOT SO constantly gratingly out of character with their established characters. Every writer occasionally needs to level set and refine their craft regardless of where they are in their career (I am a professional writer and editor who has worked decades in this role).
FYI - I typically rate Baxter's books and easy 5 stars,
Regardless of these jarring inconsistencies, the mysteries in this series of books are captivating, and the writing has Theo Baxter's typical flair and talent, I definitely want to read more in this series for the police procedural aspect. Fans of "romantic" mysteries might find this series stellar.
This set of Detective Marcy Kendrick mysteries by Theo Baxter is a treasure trove of captivating police procedural mysteries.
Here is a list with a brief description of the stories included in this set.
Skin Deep - a crime occurs with echoes of the traumatic murder of their mother by the face flayer witnessed by Marcy and her brother decades ago who was never caught - could it be the same killer? Also, Marcy finds a new love interest in an unassumingly sweet professor (I really liked his character). Are her partner's Angel's hopes for a closer bond with Marcy dashed before they had a chance to begin? Read Skin Deep for the answers to these questions and so much more!
My only issue the transition between Skin Deep and Blood Line is there was no segue with Marcy's partner returning from suspension between the two books - he was just an annoyingly "there" again.
Blood Line - Marcy's partner Angel returns back to the Detective pool after recovering from his injuries, desk bound while his leg fully recovers. As Marcy reels with the cumulation of uncovered secrets and the unmasked killer in Skin Deep, the tension remains taut as another vicious killer enters her world - who set this young woman on fire and pushed her out of a window? Could it have been her own twin sons? Marcy solves one of her trickiest cases ever.
Dark Duty - Marcy and Angel investigate the murder of a bad cop who is a member of the group "Circle of Justice". Both partners get new romantic interests in this story...
Kill Count - a starlet apparently overdoses, but it is quickly discovered to be a homicide when a playing card is left by her cold body. The murders quickly escalate, eventually tied to someone who is a master at disguises, and then to El Gato, an insidious crime and drug lord (who has numerous police officers and highly placed political allies on his payroll). Marcy and Angel investigate, and Marcy's romance becomes a bit too cloying for this reviewer.
Pay back - A member of a crew who steals expensive products for women who resells them, decides he isn't paid enough so he returns to steal BACK the products from those he works for and kills them in the process. Marcy and her team investigate the murders.
El Gato's threat still hangs over Marcy's head, as well as the threat of vindictive reporters that she won't give an interview to as well as the constant threat of her ex husband looming in the not distant enough future.
Lost Souls - a disturbed serial killer thinks he is doing the Lord's work by killing demons, when he is killing innocent victims. Marcy's on the case. Sigh, Angel gets involved in a sappy relationship which rivals Marcy's in this book and in End Game.
End Game - Marcy and team investigate a gratuitously ghoulish sadistic serial killer who makes a game out of torturing people to death. Trigger Warning: This one is nightmarishly gruesome, or at least I found it so; I read hundreds of police procedurals annually (they are 75% of my reading fare) and I had to skip parts of this one, it's an especially soulless crime.
_______
The talented Theo Baxter typically excels when writing police procedurals, however, I took exception to numerous issues in the storyline, detailed below.
1. Marcy faces constant berating and emotional abuse from her ex-husband, Jason Brasswell (her lieutenant in the first few stories). Surely times have changed since the 1970's regarding the Thin Blue Line so ANYONE experiencing severe abuse like this would report it to higher ups without fear of reprisal. In ANY honest police department, this idiot would have been quickly warned and immediately reprimanded (and numerous coworkers who witnessed Marcy's daily abuse would have reported it).
Marcy's Brasswell ex Jason was newly promoted (which would place him under GREATER scrutiny). Yet, even after her ex-husband returns from a 2 week suspension (for loudly berating Marcy within their captain's earshot) the same captain promised he would "get her away from him" which is ignored moving forward, the abuse continues through the first few stories...
Jason damages Marcy's car to the point where she has to take it to a body shop for repair, yet Marcy STILL doesn't tell her Captain to demand he take action. She doesn't even MENTION it (even to Jason). Rather, Marcy, a tough cop, meek as a lamb brings her car to a body shop to get it fixed.
This Does NOT track with Marcy's "tough" personality - this is the same woman who has killed 7 murderers in defense of herself or innocent victims? What?!
I began wondering if her ex was blackmailing Marcy, but no - she just repeatedly allows him to vomit cruel abuse at her daily and demean her in front of her colleagues as she continues to experience severe stress any time her Lieutenant gets near her. And Marcy's partner, Angel who "loves her" so deeply, would surely register a complaint against Jason (or at least tell their captain) if Marcy was TRULY incapable of speaking up for herself. Angel states that Jason makes the workplace "hell" yet he does nothing to fix it? Once again, this doe not track with a protective partner, regardless of gender.
2. The Captain's responses don't track with his previously empathetic personality - In Dark Duty Marcy finds her ex husband passed out on his office couch during business hours - and when Marcy FINALLY complains to their captain, rather than fire him, he tasks Marcy with sneaking her abusive ex out of the department and bringing him to his new house where he lives with this new wife he cheated on Marcy with during their 10 year marriage.
3. In Dark Duty there is evidence that Marcy's ex is suspected to be a member of the Justice Circle, a gang of rogue cops who regularly target, drug, and sexually abuse young women, en masse. Although Jason basically admits to Marcy he is tied to this organization, she stops investigating those ties as soon as Jason (her omnipresent ex) gets the murderer associated to the Justice Circle killed so there would be no one left to tie him to the organization(!)
4. Marcy becomes insecure and a crying, unadmirable MESS when a sappy relationship enters her life - I wish she had stayed single. Author should decide between writing romance or writing police procedurals. I hope he opts for police procedurals, or this is one ardent reader he will quickly lose. I literally had to skip the sappy parts, especially in Payback.
Ultimately, I hope the author starts maintaining the personalities of his characters so their actions are NOT SO constantly gratingly out of character with their established characters. Every writer occasionally needs to level set and refine their craft regardless of where they are in their career (I am a professional writer and editor who has worked decades in this role).
FYI - I typically rate Baxter's books and easy 5 stars,
Regardless of these jarring inconsistencies, the mysteries in this series of books are captivating, and the writing has Theo Baxter's typical flair and talent, I definitely want to read more in this series for the police procedural aspect. Fans of "romantic" mysteries might find this series stellar.
April 16, 2024
This first book in a female detective series was a page turner! I loved the storyline and all of the characters. I was a little mad at the ex-husband but I think it was great to feel emotional towards the characters. I can’t wait to learn more about Detective Kendrick.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 10, 2025
Good series that gets better - read on KU
This first book is decent but the series gets better. One big con to the first two books is the problems caused by the MC's ex being her immediate supervisor. The things he says and does are inexcusable and should have resulted in him getting fired by the second book. I didn't like the aspect of her boss not having her back.
Once that situation gets better, the series is a lot more enjoyable. There are some cons I'll mention, but overall I enjoyed the series because it was fast paced and the stories were interesting. I like that they are written in 1st person and that we get the POV of the murderers and her partner, too. I'm following the author and look forward to book 7.
For the cons - this is published by a UK company and I think that influenced the grammar. I think books should use the grammar rules of the location of the books. There were only a few minor errors other than UK grammar being followed.
There were some inaccuracies in police work and things that didn't really matter. An example of the first is that Marcy and Angel drive personal vehicles on the job. Police detectives in LA drive police issued vehicles. An example of one that doesn't matter is Marcy's hair grows from shoulder length to halfway fown her back in less than 6 months. Hair doesn't grow an inch a month, unfortunately.
It seems like they share a lot about their cases with people outside law enforcement way more often than they should and in places where they can be overheard.
In the later books, there's more about their personal relationships than I wanted to read.
My biggest complaint may be that it seemed like they were discussing what they were going to eat or drinking coffee every over paragraph. I honestly think the books would have been 10% shorter if you cut out all references to food. It really is that often. Not only does it get old, but you wonder how they can afford to eat out 3 meals a day and how they aren't 50 lbs overweight with how they eat. They have a lot of burgers and fries.
I wonder how old this author is. I couldn't find much about him. There are a lot of references to TV shows and movies from the 80s and earlier. There is one character that is a young gangster in book 5, I think, and he uses has the person using outdated slang. It didn't detract from the story, though.
This first book is decent but the series gets better. One big con to the first two books is the problems caused by the MC's ex being her immediate supervisor. The things he says and does are inexcusable and should have resulted in him getting fired by the second book. I didn't like the aspect of her boss not having her back.
Once that situation gets better, the series is a lot more enjoyable. There are some cons I'll mention, but overall I enjoyed the series because it was fast paced and the stories were interesting. I like that they are written in 1st person and that we get the POV of the murderers and her partner, too. I'm following the author and look forward to book 7.
For the cons - this is published by a UK company and I think that influenced the grammar. I think books should use the grammar rules of the location of the books. There were only a few minor errors other than UK grammar being followed.
There were some inaccuracies in police work and things that didn't really matter. An example of the first is that Marcy and Angel drive personal vehicles on the job. Police detectives in LA drive police issued vehicles. An example of one that doesn't matter is Marcy's hair grows from shoulder length to halfway fown her back in less than 6 months. Hair doesn't grow an inch a month, unfortunately.
It seems like they share a lot about their cases with people outside law enforcement way more often than they should and in places where they can be overheard.
In the later books, there's more about their personal relationships than I wanted to read.
My biggest complaint may be that it seemed like they were discussing what they were going to eat or drinking coffee every over paragraph. I honestly think the books would have been 10% shorter if you cut out all references to food. It really is that often. Not only does it get old, but you wonder how they can afford to eat out 3 meals a day and how they aren't 50 lbs overweight with how they eat. They have a lot of burgers and fries.
I wonder how old this author is. I couldn't find much about him. There are a lot of references to TV shows and movies from the 80s and earlier. There is one character that is a young gangster in book 5, I think, and he uses has the person using outdated slang. It didn't detract from the story, though.
March 22, 2024
Here is my review for Skin Deep by Theo Baxter
This is a great read and I got into it straight away from the start. The plotting is excellent, the writing is superb whereas the descriptive text is just the finishing touch as it is such a good story. The chapters each have a title and are in diary format so are told by a person eg, Marcy, Killer etc. It's been really well thought out this book and you can tell as it shows up in the detail. I like how this author writes as I have read him before and he writes well, you always get a good story from him and this one is no exception. I liked Marcy, she was a no-nonsense type of cop whereas her ex husband I would gladly have thumped for her! I look forward to the next book in the series.
Blurb :
Detective Marcy Kendrick is chasing a killer. And this time, it’s personal.
Marcy Kendrick is a cop with a body count. A successful detective in LAPD Homicide, she is infamous for one thing: killing three serial killers before they could be brought to trial.
Marcy knows her actions were in self-defense, but her co-workers can’t help wondering if she is on some kind of vendetta - because Marcy’s own mother was brutally murdered by a serial killer. Is this her way of getting payback?
Adding to the pressure on Marcy, her ex-husband, Jordan Brasswell, has just been promoted over her, and seems determined to keep her under a microscope.
Then a series of murders rocks the city. And this killer has the same MO as the man who murdered Marcy’s mother.
As the best detective in the department, Marcy is assigned to the case – and immediately starts receiving disturbing messages. The killer taunts Marcy, promising more deaths and telling her that the two of them are very much alike. They’re both murderers.
As the copycat killer continues to play mind games with Marcy, she realizes that it has to be someone close to her. Can Marcy catch the killer before another victim meets a grisly end?
Skin Deep – the first in the thrilling new series featuring Detective Marcy Kendrick.
This is a great read and I got into it straight away from the start. The plotting is excellent, the writing is superb whereas the descriptive text is just the finishing touch as it is such a good story. The chapters each have a title and are in diary format so are told by a person eg, Marcy, Killer etc. It's been really well thought out this book and you can tell as it shows up in the detail. I like how this author writes as I have read him before and he writes well, you always get a good story from him and this one is no exception. I liked Marcy, she was a no-nonsense type of cop whereas her ex husband I would gladly have thumped for her! I look forward to the next book in the series.
Blurb :
Detective Marcy Kendrick is chasing a killer. And this time, it’s personal.
Marcy Kendrick is a cop with a body count. A successful detective in LAPD Homicide, she is infamous for one thing: killing three serial killers before they could be brought to trial.
Marcy knows her actions were in self-defense, but her co-workers can’t help wondering if she is on some kind of vendetta - because Marcy’s own mother was brutally murdered by a serial killer. Is this her way of getting payback?
Adding to the pressure on Marcy, her ex-husband, Jordan Brasswell, has just been promoted over her, and seems determined to keep her under a microscope.
Then a series of murders rocks the city. And this killer has the same MO as the man who murdered Marcy’s mother.
As the best detective in the department, Marcy is assigned to the case – and immediately starts receiving disturbing messages. The killer taunts Marcy, promising more deaths and telling her that the two of them are very much alike. They’re both murderers.
As the copycat killer continues to play mind games with Marcy, she realizes that it has to be someone close to her. Can Marcy catch the killer before another victim meets a grisly end?
Skin Deep – the first in the thrilling new series featuring Detective Marcy Kendrick.
June 1, 2025
Skin Deep is the first book in the Detective Marcy Kendrick mystery series. The mystery is actually decent and I liked how the author brought Marcy's traumatic childhood into the story. Despite the fact that Marcy was tough as nails, she still imploded when it came to this case as it came so close to what happened to her as a child that memories came flooding back at inopportune moments showing how trauma can affect us for a long time afterwards. Her relationship with her brother explored a bit of this trauma, but I still wanted more as I felt like this was a highlight of the book.
The character development was a bit problematic for me however, as it was so inconsistent. You have Marcy who was being investigated once again for shooting someone on the job, yet she has continous issues with her ex who just happens to be her boss. I just can't reconcile this woman who doesn't let anything or anyone intimidate her with the woman who dealt with Jason, the boss, as they seemed to be two different people. She literally lets him run roughshod all over her and never puts in a complaint to HR. This may have seemed more likely if these books were written even ten years ago, but in today's society, no way this would have happened. And the captain, same issue. Supportive in one sense, but overlooks Jason's behaviour all the time. Just too inconsistent. And I get the author was trying to highlight the issues in policing as they still exist to this day, but I just can't see this type of behaviour being in any way acceptable. And my problem wasn't with the behaviour, it was with the inconsistent character development and the inconsistencies with the way these things were written.
Overall however, I did enjoy the mystery and thought it was interesting and well done. Even though there was nothing really new and it was predictable, it was a fast and easy read. On to book 2.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher, Inkubator Books.
The character development was a bit problematic for me however, as it was so inconsistent. You have Marcy who was being investigated once again for shooting someone on the job, yet she has continous issues with her ex who just happens to be her boss. I just can't reconcile this woman who doesn't let anything or anyone intimidate her with the woman who dealt with Jason, the boss, as they seemed to be two different people. She literally lets him run roughshod all over her and never puts in a complaint to HR. This may have seemed more likely if these books were written even ten years ago, but in today's society, no way this would have happened. And the captain, same issue. Supportive in one sense, but overlooks Jason's behaviour all the time. Just too inconsistent. And I get the author was trying to highlight the issues in policing as they still exist to this day, but I just can't see this type of behaviour being in any way acceptable. And my problem wasn't with the behaviour, it was with the inconsistent character development and the inconsistencies with the way these things were written.
Overall however, I did enjoy the mystery and thought it was interesting and well done. Even though there was nothing really new and it was predictable, it was a fast and easy read. On to book 2.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher, Inkubator Books.
April 16, 2025
Marcy Kendrick, a homicide detective with the LAPD, is returning to work after I.A ruled her previous case resolution was a legal shoot. As she arrives at the station, her captain tells her she will be flying solo, given the lack of available detectives he has none available to be her partner, much to her delight.
He also gives her the details of the case she is being assigned to. A body has been discovered which resembles the work of a serial killer from 26 years ago, a killer they referred to as the 'Face Flayer'
With her partner still in the hospital, her ex husband, her direct manager, making her life hell at any given opportunity, and her brother falling to pieces in front of her eyes, can she solve these crimes on her own. This crime is personal and she is determined to get to the bottom of it.
This is a fast paced thriller, one which is very hard to put down. Yes, I binge read this in a day 😂. I love Marcy, so many flaws to her character but her ability to keep it together is great. On a side note, it is also very refreshing to see a character in a book with so much on her plate keep their house clean and tidy and not resort to drinking 😂 I also think she may be part Hobbit, given the amount of food she eats!!! She thinks outside the box and isn't afraid to make the difficult decisions.
It does have some darker elements to it, so maybe check for trigger warnings. Fans of Jo Nesbo and Steve Cavanagh, this one should be right up your street!
He also gives her the details of the case she is being assigned to. A body has been discovered which resembles the work of a serial killer from 26 years ago, a killer they referred to as the 'Face Flayer'
With her partner still in the hospital, her ex husband, her direct manager, making her life hell at any given opportunity, and her brother falling to pieces in front of her eyes, can she solve these crimes on her own. This crime is personal and she is determined to get to the bottom of it.
This is a fast paced thriller, one which is very hard to put down. Yes, I binge read this in a day 😂. I love Marcy, so many flaws to her character but her ability to keep it together is great. On a side note, it is also very refreshing to see a character in a book with so much on her plate keep their house clean and tidy and not resort to drinking 😂 I also think she may be part Hobbit, given the amount of food she eats!!! She thinks outside the box and isn't afraid to make the difficult decisions.
It does have some darker elements to it, so maybe check for trigger warnings. Fans of Jo Nesbo and Steve Cavanagh, this one should be right up your street!
March 19, 2024
When Detective Marcy Kendrick is thrown straight back into a horrific murder after being cleared by Internal Affairs, it’s only when the killer reaches out to her that she realises this is personal. The killer knows too much about her, the kills are the same method used to murder her mother, and the killer. believes they are kindred spirits. Under pressure with her partner in hospital, her ex-husband her new boss, she knows she has to stop this monster before the death count rises even more. Kendrick is a fabulously strong character, especially as she faces off with her ex who is determined to ruin her. But she is also vulnerable due her childhood experiences and very protective of her brother. There are some other great characters here, including her partner, Angel and Henry. There was also plenty of misdirection as to who the killer actually was which kept me hooked and unable to put the book down. It began with a bang and the action did not let up until the final page and it has everything that I love in a great thriller.
Skin Deep is the first in what I’m fully expecting to be a fantastic series. Theo Baxter, you’ve done it again!
Skin Deep is the first in what I’m fully expecting to be a fantastic series. Theo Baxter, you’ve done it again!
March 8, 2024
Skin Deep is the first book in a new series by Theo Baxter. Marcy Kendrick is a detective at the LAPD and she has caught a case involving a man who kills the same way in which her mother was killed. Marcy believes her mother's killer is still alive, but not many others do. He was shot before falling from a bridge and never resurfaced.
This book flows nicely and has excellent character development. We are introduced to Marcy's ex husband, who is also her superior at work (ugh imagine that?), her brother, and her partner. This was one of those books that was very difficult to put down because I needed to see what happened. It is told from multiple POVs and it works great. I cannot wait to read the second book in the series, which I will do as soon as I finish reading the book I'm in the midst of.
Thank you to Inkubator books and Netgalley for the ARC. I greatly appreciate the book and highly recommend it.
This book flows nicely and has excellent character development. We are introduced to Marcy's ex husband, who is also her superior at work (ugh imagine that?), her brother, and her partner. This was one of those books that was very difficult to put down because I needed to see what happened. It is told from multiple POVs and it works great. I cannot wait to read the second book in the series, which I will do as soon as I finish reading the book I'm in the midst of.
Thank you to Inkubator books and Netgalley for the ARC. I greatly appreciate the book and highly recommend it.
January 12, 2025
The first book in a detective series for me. Marcy Kendrick is trying to track down a serial killer. His MO is very similar to the man who killer her mother years ago. Has he returned from the grave, or is it a copy cat? This is a page turner.
"Marcy Kendrick is a cop with a body count. A successful detective in LAPD Homicide, she is infamous for one thing: killing three serial killers before they could be brought to trial.
Marcy knows her actions were in self-defense, but her co-workers can’t help wondering if she is on some kind of vendetta - because Marcy’s own mother was brutally murdered by a serial killer. Is this her way of getting payback?
Adding to the pressure on Marcy, her ex-husband, Jordan Brasswell, has just been promoted over her, and seems determined to keep her under a microscope.
Then a series of murders rocks the city. And this killer has the same MO as the man who murdered Marcy’s mother." synopsis copied
"Marcy Kendrick is a cop with a body count. A successful detective in LAPD Homicide, she is infamous for one thing: killing three serial killers before they could be brought to trial.
Marcy knows her actions were in self-defense, but her co-workers can’t help wondering if she is on some kind of vendetta - because Marcy’s own mother was brutally murdered by a serial killer. Is this her way of getting payback?
Adding to the pressure on Marcy, her ex-husband, Jordan Brasswell, has just been promoted over her, and seems determined to keep her under a microscope.
Then a series of murders rocks the city. And this killer has the same MO as the man who murdered Marcy’s mother." synopsis copied
August 10, 2024
Another brilliant book by Theo Baxter. I’d been struggling to get into a book for a while and am pleased to say skin deep didn’t disappoint. Even better that it is part of a series and as soon as I’d put down book 1 I’d picked up book 2.
Detective Marcy Kendrick is on of the best detectives her team has, so she is given the tough job of hunting down a serial killer, however for Marcy there is more to this case than first meets the eye. This serial killer is a suspected copycat killer who mimicked the work of a serial killer who killed Marcy’s mum when she was just 10 years old.
I’m so pleased I’ve found another good detective series to get stuck into. As I was reading skin deep I think I suspected just about every person in the book apart from who the actual killer was. I don’t think I’d have got that in a million years.
A fantastic fast paced and twisty thriller if ever there was one.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for an advance copy of this book in exchange for this review.
Detective Marcy Kendrick is on of the best detectives her team has, so she is given the tough job of hunting down a serial killer, however for Marcy there is more to this case than first meets the eye. This serial killer is a suspected copycat killer who mimicked the work of a serial killer who killed Marcy’s mum when she was just 10 years old.
I’m so pleased I’ve found another good detective series to get stuck into. As I was reading skin deep I think I suspected just about every person in the book apart from who the actual killer was. I don’t think I’d have got that in a million years.
A fantastic fast paced and twisty thriller if ever there was one.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for an advance copy of this book in exchange for this review.
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