Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book
Rate this book
Three dead cops. And a killer who isn’t going to stop.

Panic grips LA as a cop killer stalks the streets. So far, three officers from the Downtown Precinct have been murdered and there are no clues as to who is doing this or why.

Detective Marcy Kendrick and her partner Angel are assigned the case. The dead cops’ friends and partners at the Precinct insist they have no idea why the victims were targeted.

But Marcy soon discovers they are lying, that the murdered officers were connected to an unimaginable crime against an innocent girl. Even worse, cops in multiple precincts are linked to the same case. Will they be next on the killer’s list? And shouldn’t they pay for what they did?

As the brass scrambles to save face and public outrage grows to dangerous levels, Marcy and Angel are caught in the middle. Can they find the killer before the city blows up? And how will Marcy react when she realizes someone close to her may be the vigilante’s next target?

Dark Duty – book 3 in the thrilling series featuring Detective Marcy Kendrick.

What readers are saying about Dark Duty:


“All I have to say is this. If you haven't read any of the books in this series yet, then start reading now. They are so good. Suspenseful, nice writing style, good characters.” -Booksprout Reviewer

“...fast moving and has plenty of action right to the end. Another very good read…” -Netgalley Reviewer

“I love [Marcy Kendrick] … a page turner for me.” -Booksprout Reviewer

“…an absolutely fantastic series!! I am loving this book and the whole series!” -Netgalley Reviewer

“If you like cop shows, then you will love this series.” -Booksprout Reviewer

“Another page turner. I found myself totally immersed in the story… I can't wait for the next one.” -Booksprout Reviewer

324 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 14, 2024

376 people are currently reading
115 people want to read

About the author

Theo Baxter

48 books183 followers

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

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

Community Reviews

5 stars
429 (64%)
4 stars
177 (26%)
3 stars
42 (6%)
2 stars
9 (1%)
1 star
4 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
Profile Image for Zoé-Lee O'Farrell.
Author 1 book244 followers
April 17, 2024

This was one hell of a revenge ride! I had an inkling of who might be behind some brutal murders, I suspected two people. I was right about one, but the worrying thing was the other person I suspected. The one who Marcy was closest to. I kept hoping we weren’t going to get another Henry on our hands.

Theo is a writing machine but this doesn’t mean that his writing suffers, because it doesn’t. This book is so tightly woven. It was dark, brutal, menacing and kept you on the edge of your seat. I raced through playing detective, hoping no one I cared about would be hurt or in the Circle of Justice.

I DID however love the completion of Jordan’s storyline. I mean there is most definitely more to come but those final pages, I cheered! I had one happy conclusion, just need to get the other conclusion I want to work on!

I love this series and I can’t wait to see where Marcy goes next. I love the personal touches to all these crimes, I love how refreshing but dark this series is. I just love this author.
Profile Image for Sonja Charters.
2,759 reviews139 followers
May 16, 2025
It's always great to see and grab a boxset, especially within this genre where our setting and characters continue through the series.
Having read the first 2 books in this set now - Skin Deep and Blood Line - I couldn't wait to dive into the third book.
Having this boxset means that it's so easy to dive straight into the next book and continue the story on.

This review is just for book 3 of the Detective Marcy Kendrick series, but this set actually contains the first seven books.....the last of which is brand new!

 

I very rarely start the next book in a series straight away, but I was so engrossed in book 2 and knowing that I had this just sitting there waiting for me, I just couldn't resist.

It was super easy to just continue on and still be immersed in the characters' lives - because I went straight through maybe - but I think that the writing style still grabs you from the first few pages and grips you from then on in.

 

This storyline gets a little too close to home for Marcy as the killer is targeting police officers and with 3 already dead, Marcy and Angel are tasked with working things out before anyone else gets caught up in it.

 

This was an exciting read as we discover the police were involved in some dodgy business and someone is out for revenge.

Not only a tough case for the department, but also personally for the team.

 

It was nice to see some more personal development of the characters here too.

Jordan, however, never lets up with his bullying - definitely one to watch - and dislike!!

 

I've read quite a few of this authors books now and enjoyed them all - but I really love the continuation of the characters and setting here.

With the same gripping and fast-paced writing style too, it's easy to get sucked in from the start and race through these.

 

I can't wait to get some more time to race through the final books in this set!

It brilliant having them all to hand in one easy 'book'!

Looking forward to seeing what's next for the gang.
Profile Image for Shauntelle (shauntellereads).
657 reviews63 followers
April 15, 2024
There is a killer targeting cops, and Marcy is racing to find the killer before there is another murder. During her investigation, she discovers that there is corruption in the LAPD.

Book 3 in the Detective Marcy Kendrick series, and I'm obsessed! I really like Marcy, and I'm enjoying following her journey through life, professionally and personally. I loved the deeper dive into her personal life reflected in this book. The continued character development of Marcy and her partner, Angel, is enjoyable.

This book follows the first 2 in the series - lots of action and very fast paced. The characters are strong, and I stan a determined female lead. The plot is well written, and the story was engrossing. There were a few different storylines happening, but they intertwined nicely.

Thank you NetGalley, Booksprout and Inkubator Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Profile Image for Donna Mallery.
958 reviews93 followers
April 19, 2024
Theo has this series, of which this is the third, with Marcy as the protagonist. She is a detective navigating between complex cases with her obnoxious ex-husband as her immediate supervisor. Her trusty partner, Angel, is secretly in love with her. She has feelings for him too, but neither wants to risk damaging their great relationship. All of the books in this series are great, and I have a feeling more are coming! I would definitely read them in order. I was mildly frustrated at how one particular subject ended, but that is why I’m hoping for more! Easy read with you begging for more!
Profile Image for Lisa reads alot  Hamer.
953 reviews24 followers
May 9, 2025
Exciting full of suspense and a serial killer targeting police officers.
Although each book can be read as a standalone I love catching up with characters and their lives.
Angel, my goodness how I’d love for him to tell Marcy how he really feels but then again it’s good to see him happy with someone.
Marcy’s ex husband is a real piece of work, anger management certainly did nothing to improve his demeanour in this book.
A great series gritty and very enjoyable.
Profile Image for Charlene (pageandplace).
326 reviews20 followers
April 7, 2024
Det. Marcy Kendrick is back on the case in the third installment of this series. She and her partner, Angel, must investigate a fellow law enforcement officers death. When Marcy and Angel realize who the victim is they begin to see to big picture and uncover a group of dirty cops.

Marcy pieces together the dirty deeds of the officers and realizes cases are connected. All while continuing to deal with ex husband/current supervisor Jordan Brasswell's attitude and antics. In the end, will she figure out who is taking justice into their own hands and killing cops?

I'm really enjoying the Det. Marcy Kendrick series so far. She is a no nonsense, relatable and kickass character. 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.
Profile Image for Faith Townsend.
54 reviews8 followers
May 14, 2024
I’m done. The storyline is ok but Marcy falling for just about everyone in each book, fighting with Jordan, continuous “will angel and Marcy finally admit how they feel “ ….. it’s getting to be so predictable…

It’s a shame because the plots are good… I just can’t deal with the rest..
3,216 reviews69 followers
April 7, 2024
I would like to thank Netgalley and Inkubator Books for an advance copy of Dark Duty, third novel to feature Detective Marcie Kendrick of LAPD.

There is a serial killer on the loose in the Los Angeles area killing cops. Marcie and her partner, Detective Angel Reyes, are on the case but struggling to identify a motive or perpetrator until they learn of the unspeakable treatment of a young girl and a conspiracy of cops involved in it. Who will be next?

I thoroughly enjoyed Dark Duty, which is a plot driven novel with a few twists. I have not read the previous novels in the series, but it doesn’t matter as this works well as a stand-alone and I didn’t feel that I had missed much by entering the series late.

The novel is mostly told from Marcie and Angel’s points of view in the first person with the odd chapter from the killer, also in the first person. This could have got messy but Marcie and Angel’s chapters are clearly identified and the killer’s have no label so the reader always knows which I is which. I’m not sure that the narrative really needs first person as it is all about the plot rather than the characters, but it doesn’t do any harm.

I was glued to the pages as Marcie and Angel hunt down leads and react to events, hindered in a massive way by their lieutenant, who is also Marcie’s ex-husband and takes every opportunity to bully her. It’s not a very likely story as he is so overbearing he would have been fired in real life. Still, it’s fun to watch her run rings round him. This probably takes up a larger part of the novel than is warranted, but doesn’t detract from a big, wide ranging investigation. How do they hunt a vigilante serial killer with no forensics and a large suspect pool? They get proactive and boy does it work. I like the fact that the author continues the novel past the denouement to tie up the loose ends. It’s most satisfying.

Dark Duty is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
Profile Image for Laura Moylan.
1,519 reviews
March 29, 2024
There are some bad cops in the LAPD who had set up a prostitution ring and forced the women to do things. One of them came forward and it caused a major storm in the media. Det. Marcy Kendrick and her partner Det. Angel Reyes are sent to check out a murder scene and they recognize him as a cop. This book has a lot of graphic scenes in it, so it isn’t for the faint of heart. However, to me it was like watching a tv show or a movie. Angel and Marcy have to deal with their LT, who just happens to be Marcy’s piece of work, ex-husband Jordan. Dude be waaaaay nasty to them. Capt. Robinson is having problems at home and he doesn’t need Jorden acting like he does, honestly I’m surprised the Capt. doesn’t have ulcers. Then they find out that there is a serial cop killer. It is horrifying, but then again these corrupted cops did horrifying things too. I love Marcy and Angel and I’m soooo shipping them! But, I get why they don’t right now. I can’t wait for the next book. If you like cop shows, then you will love this series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,005 reviews3 followers
January 20, 2025
Book 3 in this detective series, is about a group of dirty cops and a vigilante serial killer who is taking them down one by one.
"Panic grips LA as a cop killer stalks the streets. So far, three officers from the Downtown Precinct have been murdered and there are no clues as to who is doing this or why.
Detective Marcy Kendrick and her partner Angel are assigned the case. The dead cops’ friends and partners at the Precinct insist they have no idea why the victims were targeted.
But Marcy soon discovers they are lying, that the murdered officers were connected to an unimaginable crime against an innocent girl. Even worse, cops in multiple precincts are linked to the same case. Will they be next on the killer’s list? And shouldn’t they pay for what they did?
As the brass scrambles to save face and public outrage grows to dangerous levels, Marcy and Angel are caught in the middle. Can they find the killer before the city blows up? And how will Marcy react when she realizes someone close to her may be the vigilante’s next target?" synopsis copied
Profile Image for Vickiec192.
260 reviews19 followers
April 19, 2025
Marcy and Angel are back, and this time they are on the hunt for a cop killer. After a serious mouth of allegations of some truly disgusting crimes. Getting to the truth, however is going to be hard, these officers are being investigated for some truly horrendous crimes, and the killer is ensuring all the bodies are publicly displayed, making sure law enforcement do not band together and try and cover up their crimes.

As usual, Marcy's ex husband, who is her direct boss, is going out of his way to make her life miserable, the lengths he is going to are becoming more and more dangerous. Not only does she now have the never wavering support of Angel, but the captain is now stepping in, determined this musy stop. With all of this going on and a witness too terrified to speak, can they get to the bottom of this case.

I love Marcy and Angel's strictly professional, for now I'm guessing. They both have their different ways of thinking and it really does aid their quest to bring justice to those who need it. Still fairly sure they're both part Hobbit, the amount of food they consume is hilarious 😂 This is a fast paced book and switches many times, you don't even have chance to make your own guesses. I'm absolutely loving this series!
448 reviews12 followers
July 5, 2025
This was such a gripping and fast-paced read, I couldn’t put it down. I’ve been following the Marcy Kendrick series and was really looking forward to this one. It did not disappoint.

Marcy and her partner Angel are thrown into a tense and dangerous case: someone is targeting police officers, and the murders are brutal and public. As they dig deeper, they uncover a disturbing web of corruption and secrets within the force. The stakes feel higher than ever, and the pressure is intense from all sides.

I really enjoy the dynamic between Marcy and Angel. They work so well together, balancing each other out with their different approaches. Marcy is sharp and determined, and Angel brings a steady, thoughtful presence to the team. Their partnership is one of my favorite parts of the series.

The mystery kept me guessing the whole way through. I also liked how the story gave us glimpses into the killer’s mind.

The ongoing drama with Marcy’s ex-husband, who also happens to be her boss. He’s as infuriating as ever, but it makes for some great conflict and adds to the stress Marcy is under.
Profile Image for Anne.
760 reviews
April 6, 2024
Theo Baxter is a new author to me and I think Dark Duty is a well written and good read. It didn't wow me though. I liked the writing style, it is very engaging and I loved the chapter titles that are a refreshing change - and that the story is told through different characters. Marcy and her partner Angel investigate the murder of a cop. I really liked both Marcy and Angel. The story is fairly fast paced and thrilling in parts and the plot line is good and kept me guessing for most of this read. There are references to events in the previous books although this can, in my opinion, be read as a standalone book. I loathed one character with a passion. I quite liked the romance element for both Marcy and Angel which didn't take anything away from the story.

Overall a good read, and I'd recomend you read this series in order to know the characters and their histories from the start.

3 stars
Profile Image for K.
528 reviews28 followers
April 30, 2025
This is book three in the Marcy Kendrick series - thank you to Zooloo's Book Tours for the ARC. The amount of fast food still drives me mad, but these books are just so easy-to-read! Quick, neatly wrapped up, and with a highly plausible storyline, Dark Duty might be my favourite so far. It rang particularly true of events in the UK in the past few years, and I'm glad that an author writing cop stories isn't afraid to acknowledge police corruption.

These books come across very much like they're written for television to me. Because of the frequent changes in setting - Marcy and Angel are barely ever in the precinct! - and the fact that the detectives discuss the entire case with civilians when they hang out, I feel like the author is building on the tropes of any classic police procedural drama. This gives the books a real feeling of comfort and familiarity, in spite of being thrillers.
1,488 reviews25 followers
March 25, 2024
Already we're at book 3 in this really enjoyable series. I hope there's more to come and soon as they have all proven to be a page-turner for me.

Things are closer to home in this one when it appears that someone is targeting dirty cops and displaying their bodies in public. It is clear that it is linked to an internal affairs investigation into a group of policemen involved in a drug and prostitution operation and someone is out for revenge. It is fast-moving and I found myself totally immersed in the story and it's definitely a one more chapter sort of book. There's also more personal stuff going on for both Marcy and Angel which is good, as well as the ever more aggressive Jordan threatening to derail Marcy's investigation. I can't wait for the next one.
99 reviews3 followers
April 24, 2024
A police drama filled with emotion and suspense. Detective Marcy and her partner Angel are working hard to find a cop killer before more are murdered, while trying to keep the citizens of LA from panicking. There seems to be no clues for them to follow, but they are persistent to find Justice for the families. This book is a real page-turner. It's fast-paced and keeps you enthralled in the story Well written plot. Well developed characters. Excellent choice!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Martha Brindley.
Author 2 books34 followers
March 30, 2024
This is book 3 in a very enjoyable series featuring Detective Marcy Kendrick. The developing characterisation is good and we see a bit more of the personal lives of Marcy and her partner Angel. The plotting centres around drugs, prostitution and police corruption. It's fast moving and has plenty of action right to the end. Another very good read from the author, in a series which is bound to be successful. Thanks to Net Galley for my ARC.
876 reviews
March 30, 2024
Being a cop is not an easy job especially if you are chasing a cop killer who is after dirty cops. Marcy is a dedicated honest cop, wanting justice for the victims even if those victims are not good human beings. I love her character, she has lots of emotions and personal struggles.This story is intense with its graphic subject matter but well written, a page turner for me.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
9,376 reviews140 followers
April 6, 2024
This is a well written book with a cast of strong characters and an intense storyline. This is the third book in the series with Marcy hunting a cop killer which is directing his kills on dirty cops. The author does a fantastic job developing the story and painting the scenes in vivid detail. She had me glued to the pages with all the action and emotions throughout. Great Read!!

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and are freely given.
1,554 reviews12 followers
April 9, 2024
There's many key players in this action packed thriller that will put you on the edge and keep you there all the way up till the end. Marce and Angel are two brilliant detectives who feed off each other and see what others miss. I get excited to sit down and start reading one of this authors Detective Marce Kendrick stories knowing I'm in for one helluva ride w/ it's unforgettable and unexpected twists.
824 reviews9 followers
April 11, 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
6,030 reviews45 followers
April 20, 2024
intense police procedural with twisted mysteries surrounding bad acting cops under suspicion who start to become targets themselves

warped vigilante justice with video of sadistic responses to extreme actions unbecoming to officers and not in accordance with the keeping of order, justice or peace

a little steamy, a lot messy with overtones of negative perceptions of the police versus several officers trying to pursue justice within the law

emotion and drama packed action and suspense
2,194 reviews28 followers
April 5, 2024
I have been hooked on this series since reading the first book. The author really brings the characters and the world to life. The characters and the world are really believable! This is another great story and I am looking forward to more! I Loved It!!! No spoilers! I highly recommend!!!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Shannon Binegar-Foster.
2,822 reviews20 followers
April 15, 2024
I just know that every time I start a book in this series I have to have enough time to finish it as it draws me in and I simply can’t stop reading until I am finished. This series just gets better and better. I am already anticipating the next book and have barely finished this one.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
1,210 reviews5 followers
April 16, 2024
I enjoyed reading this book. Once I started reading it I had a hard time putting it down. I was on the edge of my seat to see what was going to happen next. The storyline is so enjoyable!! It hooked me from chapter 1. I would recommend reading this book. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
333 reviews3 followers
April 17, 2024
Marcy and her partner Angel have to find out why 3 cops were killed and why everyone is lying and keeping secrets about the dead cops. What she finds is absolutely disgusting, these cops and others are linked to a horrible crime against an innocent young girl..

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Alvara.
42 reviews1 follower
April 20, 2024
Detective Marcy is back, a cop killer is on the loose. The investigation reveals they were linked to a prostitution ring, and questions are raised over the motive of the killer and who could be next. The continuing character development of Marcy and Angel was engaging. Overall a good read and series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Rhonda.
2,952 reviews48 followers
May 1, 2024
Thrilling ride that keeps you guessing until the end. Like the strong lead female character. There are so many twists and turns in the story that keeps you turning the page to find out what happens next. Good read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
666 reviews
April 4, 2024
All I have to say is this. If you haven't read any of the books in this series yet then start reading now. They are so good. Suspenseful, nice writing style, good characters.
I received an advance review copy for free via Booksprout and I'm leaving a voluntary and honest review.
Profile Image for Kira.
296 reviews
April 15, 2024
Wow this is story got a great storyline this novel is a great book to own I very much enjoyed reading this book a lot.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.