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The discovery of a rusty old camera sends Kenzie on the trail of a cold case in the heart of the Everglades. Decades ago, a series of unsolved disappearances haunted the area, with locals whispering about a phantom-like figure dubbed "The Night Watchman."

Kenzie, compelled by the disturbing photographs, dives into the history, uncovering unsettling folklore and forgotten testimonies. As she and Reid venture deeper into the marshlands, they find evidence suggesting that the "Night Watchman" might be more than just a legend.

Someone is meticulously recreating the old crimes, using the vastness of the Everglades to their advantage. Kenzie and Reid must navigate this treacherous terrain and outwit a killer who seems to vanish into thin air, all while the murky waters of the past rise to the surface.

Kindle Edition

First published March 4, 2025

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About the author

Biba Pearce

46 books251 followers
Biba Pearce is an award-winning, internationally published crime author, known for crafting gripping, atmospheric mysteries. She is the bestselling author of multiple series including DCI Rob Miller, Kenzie Gilmore and Shrap Nelson. Her work has been recognized by the Feathered Quill and the CWA Debut Dagger awards, and The Marlow Murders was named Best Crime Fiction Book at the 2024 Indie Excellence Book Awards.

Website: bibapearce.com
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5 stars
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160 (26%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
1,308 reviews16 followers
March 4, 2025
Biba Pearce is one of a kind with her fantastic novels and fabulous characters. This book exemplifies her talent and her ability to grab hold of her reader and not let go 'til the book is finished. Then we beg for more. A scary good narrative. Highly Recommended.
Profile Image for Peter Fleming.
487 reviews6 followers
March 28, 2025
Journalist Kenzie Gilmore has taken a much-needed break from her new job in New York. New jobs are always demanding, but most of all she wants to see her boyfriend Lieutenant Reid Garrett, who she has missed terribly. Kenzie now knows how difficult long-distance relationships are to keep going. Still a relaxing few days will help rekindle what they have, she hopes.

Kenzie is a woman with a naturally inquisitive nature, so when Reid shows her a weather-beaten camera that was found in a tree in the Glades, she was drawn to what stories it could tell. It’s a Nikon F which was a very good camera when it was new and there is an exposed film inside. Would it have survived after all these years? Kenzie knows the only way to find out is to get it developed. The first few negatives were damaged, but those that were salvageable produced some disturbing prints, that hinted at connections to a cold case from the 1960s.

Reid has enough on his hands with feuding locals and a murder to investigate without digging into the past. The likelihood is that any killer will be long dead. Still, Kenzie thinks that there may be a chance to bring closure to the victim’s families. Soon Kenzie and Reid are digging into the lives of those on the marshlands and the legend of the "Night Watchman". What they discover suggests that he may be more real than mere folklore.

The discovery of the camera is one of those brilliant ideas to get the story rolling. Who could resist speculating just what might be on the film? As a journalist this is exactly what Kenzie would get drawn to as most of us would.

The Florida Everglades is not an area I’m familiar with but I got a sense of the place from the descriptions within the story.

The feuding families is a well-worn path in fiction, shades of Romeo and Juliet of course (even acknowledged in the text) but here it is used slightly differently to the star-crossed lovers that is the norm. This animosity was born out of a one-time friendship forged in the days of prohibition, with differences forming over the desire to go legitimate. The feud provides much of the motivation throughout the story, albeit not always obvious.

The author brings a great sense of the tight relationship between friends and family, where loyalty is paramount, with an almost insular feel to the community. This may be a wide geographical location, but it is sparsely occupied, one where furtive behaviour and secrets can be kept hidden amongst the creeks. A place where man is not the only species it is dangerous to surprise, as there are also alligators to contend with.

Kenzie is one of the dying breed of real investigative journalists, in the click bait era, though here she does discover the potential of the podcast in solving ‘true crime’. She’s intrepid to the point of foolhardy in her search for the story, so naturally this leaves her exposed to danger at times, as she gets into and out of various scrapes. Reid may be a Lieutenant, but he is still very much a hands-on cop, so naturally he is in the thick of any ‘trouble’ on the horizon. It’s safe to say that readers who like action and jeopardy will find plenty to enjoy, its spread throughout this fast-paced thriller.

Naturally the relationship between Kenzie and Reid gives the story its core and the chemistry between them is great. There are some nicely drawn supporting characters too that add plenty of human interest to an action led story.

A fast paced, action-packed thriller, with an engaging central character.
1,264 reviews
February 28, 2025
Biba Pearce has long been one of my favourite authors, I love her style of writing and this book was no exception, it had me gripped from the beginning.
Award winning crime writer, Kenzie Gilmore had left her job at the Sweetwater Herald for her dream job as crime writer for The New York Times, a change that meant leaving behind the love of her life, Lt Reid Garrett of the Sweetwater PD.
Kenzie knew that if their relationship was to survive she must head back to Miami and Reid,
if only for a short time, Reid hadn't wanted Kenzie to leave but he couldn't stand in her way, but he was delighted to see her back, Kenzie had helped him solve many mysteries and this trip was to be no exception.
Reid had found an old state of the art Nikon camera, deep in the everglades, near remote Devil's Swamp, although it was now going rusty it still held the film. Reid gave the camera to an excited Kenzie for her opinion, when she had the film developed a can of worms was opened that went back sixty years, a can of worms that would bring startling results, a can of worms where few people would escape suspicion, a can of worms that would put Kenzie and Reid's lives on the line.
As this story unfolds, Kenzie and Reid start researching missing people from that era hoping to get closure for the families concerned, little did they realize the twists and turns this mystery would bring, the number of missing people, the number of suspects, all the while trying to smooth out a war between the Slater family who had a business giving alligator wrestling shows and the Calhouns whose business was taking visitors on trips through the Everglades, an area that very few people knew how to navigate, getting lost would be so easy even for locals.
Who was The Night Watchman, was he guardian or savior, the glades never give up their secrets.
This story is full of suspense, secrets, betrayal, fast action, the author paints an atmospheric picture of the terrifyingly dangerous everglades, a real page turner.
I received a free copy of this book and my review is voluntary.
56 reviews1 follower
August 5, 2025
Kenzie Gilmore is an award-winning crime reporter, currently working for the New York Times. Her long-distance boyfriend, Reid Garrett, is a Lieutenant in the Police Department of Sweetwater, a small community in Florida, near the Everglades, a place of danger and mystery. Kenzie decides to pay Reid a surprise visit, looking forward to just relaxing.

However, her interest is captured by a rusty old Nikon F1 camera that Reid has just discovered, hanging on a tree in the Devil’s Swamp, a local area in the Everglades. She gets the film developed and the photographs retrieved are disturbing enough to start a cold-case investigation.

Locals are reminded of incidents decades ago when 4 people disappeared – and also of the tale of a frightening individual called the ‘Night Watchman’. Old enmities are recalled, old crimes remembered. The history of the swampy glades becomes important, as the local police force has to start investigating in treacherous, unmapped territory.

This is an atmospheric story, the claustrophobic atmosphere of the glades hangs over the area as old relationships and crimes unexpectedly surface. Local families have their own experience of the glades and are struggling to make a living in a harsh environment, so are not keen to talk about the past. But, gradually, the fates of the 4 people are revealed and old mysteries laid to rest.

This is the 8th of the Kenzie Gilmore series and marks an important development in Kenzie’s personal and professional life - current readers will be interested to see how the changes work this develops. It works as a stand-alone and should catch the attention of new readers.
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Reviewer: Jo Hesslewood
For Lizzie Sirett (Mystery People Group)
Profile Image for Robert Browning.
226 reviews2 followers
March 4, 2025
Where do you start with another awesome book! These Kenzie Gilmore thrillers are getting better and better this being book 8 in the series. Once again, this one doesn’t disappoint! It’s a fast page turning thriller you do not want to miss.
Kenzie returns from New York having moved to her new job as a award winning crime reporter for the “New York Times” paper. Kenzie can’t wait to see her long distance boyfriend Reid Garrett a lieutenant for the Sweetwater police department and “just relax, chill out and be with Reid!” A surprise visit he isn’t expecting.
Reid however finds by chance a rusty old Nikon F1 camera hanging on a tree in the Devil’s Swamp just above the water line. Keen to find out more Kenzie takes the camera and retrieves some very disturbing photos which then starts a Cold Case investigation.

The book then flies and you are torn between two families the Slaters and the Calhouns were bitterness and hatred run deep with plenty of history between them.
Thoughts of a quite or romantic time disappear and both Kenzie and Reid get caught up in a 1966 case were four people disappeared without trace of closure. The only minimal clues and an old local’s tail of a phantom bogeyman called the “Night Watchman!”
As both Reid and Kenzie delve deeper someone is also recreating the old crives they are investigating who seems to have expert knowledge of the murky and treacherous brackish backwater of the glades.
The further you read on into the story and as the twists and turns come thick and fast, your excitement builds with each page turning quicker and quicker until the final pages which is quite outstanding!
“A must read!”
Profile Image for CR1017.
98 reviews
March 5, 2025
Night Watch by Biba Pearce
=================
Night Watch by Biba Pearce is book #8 in the Kenzie Gilmore series.
What starts out with Kenzie taking a rather innocent break from her job in NY, & going back to Miami to spend some much-needed personal time with her boyfriend Reid, soon finds Kenzie in the middle of a decades old mystery when she develops the film from an old Nikon camera Reid found in the Everglades.
What follows next is a story of two families, the Slaters and the Calhouns, that were once friends and business partners now turned enemies, with a feud that rivals the Hatfields & McCoys for bitterness.
The feuding families are somehow connected to the photos taken with the old camera, and a string of unsolved murders from the 60s, which are factors in the long-standing feud.
As is to be expected, the action is fast and furious and just when you think you might know the answers, a new twist is added to the mix to make you question what you already know.
Highly recommend reading it.
I received an advance review copy (ARC) & I am leaving this voluntary, honest review.
1,290 reviews
March 3, 2025
Night Watch by Biba Pearce is book 8 in the Kenzie and Reid series. It is published on 4 March. This series is set in Miami and the Everglades. Kenzie has moved from Miami to work at the NY Times, but has returned for a holiday to spend time with Reid, her boyfriend and a detective with the Sweetwater PD. Her heart is still in Miami. She is swept up in a mystery, when Reid hands her an old, battered 1964 camera he found in a tree in the Everglades. On getting the film developed, she uncovers a mystery, decades old. At the same time Reid and his team, and Kenzie on the edge of the circle, are investigating a drugs case. This is a fast-paced, exciting read. Kenzie is a strong female character. She is also tenacious and feisty, and doesn’t back down as she works on investigating a series of murders.
95 reviews
March 4, 2025
Oh, what a tangled web that was woven!
So many secrets and lies, deceit and murders, greed, hatred and love – all intertwined in the murky mist of the Everglades. After following all of the Kenzie and Reid series, I found this story so compelling, mysterious and mystical, I could not put this book down. It was sometimes hard to keep track of all the participants, but in the end, it was quite clear. I loved how this author created a story way beyond the usual ‘whodunit’ with a totally unforeseeable, but perfectly satisfying ending -- to the very last page. This is a story that shan’t be forgotten soon! 5 big stars from me.
Profile Image for Jean .
668 reviews21 followers
March 5, 2025
I haven’t read all the books Biba Pearce has written, at least not yet. However, of those I have read I believe “Night Watch” is by far the best one. Pearce continues to impress me with her ability to describe locations in a way that makes the places come alive. She also presents a puzzle/mystery that grabs my attention and keeps me reading. In addition, her characters are realistic and interesting. “Night Watch” has a well-constructed plot that kept me guessing throughout the book. I really enjoyed this read.

I received this book as an Advanced Review Copy. The opinion reflected in this review are entirely my own.
247 reviews1 follower
March 16, 2025
Finding an old camera in an area where murders took place 60 years ago sets off a terrifying tale of hatred, deception and loss. When Kenzie comes back to visit her old stomping grounds and renew her relationship with the local sheriff, she never expects to get involved in a twisted feud between two families with consequences that you will never believe. Every time you think you know where things are heading, they take another turn until things are finally explained at the end. Do not miss a word of this great mystery.
275 reviews4 followers
March 5, 2025
Kenzie Gilmore is a fabulous series.  Great characters and well written plots. Kenzie has recently moved to New York for her dream job, but returns to home to spend some time with her boyfriend a Sweetwater PD detective.  Of course she gets swept up in another adventure after being given an old camera that Reid found in the everglades.  Lots of twists and turns in this fast paced adventure make this book very hard to put down. 
Profile Image for Billie.
5,784 reviews71 followers
March 5, 2025
This is a wonderful addition to this thrilling series!
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building that adds so much to the story.
Such a thrilling read that I couldn't put it down.
Can't wait to read more of these.
Recommend reading.

I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review
Profile Image for Saundra Wright.
2,899 reviews13 followers
March 10, 2025
Phenomenal story telling!

An old camera found in the Everglades leads to a sixty year old murder case! As with each Kenzie Gilmore thriller, there's more than one thing going on plot wise. Here the past and present blend to create one of the most convoluted cases these characters have ever tackled. The Everglades and the people who live there come to vivid life in this newest installment.
146 reviews2 followers
March 11, 2025
Great Series

I've read all the Kenzies thrillers and loved every one of them! The series gets more exciting with each book. I enjoyed reading how the relationships within the stories developed. Kenzies personal and professional growth changes as the series progresses. The Everglades has always been a mysterious place to me, the perfect setting for this series. Thank you, Biba Pearce for the many enjoyable hours I've spent reading these books.
Profile Image for Martin Pingree.
1,013 reviews15 followers
March 4, 2025
Pictures from a rusted old camera leads Kenzie and Reid on a new adventure in the Florida Everglades. The photographs lead to the opening of a 60 year old case. down the path of a chilling cold case buried deep in the heart of the Everglades. Around that time there was a story going around about a mysterious stranger called “The Night Watchman” who roamed the glades. As the investigation moves forward an old family feud provides the cast for this murder mystery. Well worth the read !
210 reviews4 followers
March 4, 2025
Fast-paced story of Kenzie, a reporter who, while visiting her boyfriend in Florida, uncovers a feud between two families and starts to investigate, only to find a camera hidden in the swamps which shows a murder was committed years ago.
This is a gripping story from the first page.
Would highly recommend.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
134 reviews1 follower
March 10, 2025
An absolute masterpiece that keeps you guessing all the way through. I couldn’t put this book down. Full of murder, mystery and intrigue. Two local families continue their rival age old feud leaving a trail of deaths in their path.
The trail leads the team into an alligator infested swamp with the feelings of death and dying all around them.
Profile Image for L.V. Jones.
Author 2 books7 followers
March 30, 2025
Didn't Disappoint!

I waited so long it seems for Kenzie and Reid's latest book. I loved every twist and turn although it was difficult to keep up with the Slater and Calhoun family members. I finished the book in 48 hours because I couldn't rest until I found out who did it. I'm looking forward to the next one in thus great series!
113 reviews
April 18, 2025
After reading all published books in the Kensie Gilmore series, I am jungry for the 2026 9th book! Night Watch provides an interesting view of Everglades' inhabitants as well as the destructive drug trade permeating the US. In addition, Kensie's professional and personal life continues to fascinate me.
526 reviews4 followers
March 2, 2025
This is a cracking book from an excellent series. I can’t get enough of this authors stories, I’ve yet to find any less than a five star story. This one was excellent, couldn’t stop reading till I’d finished it. Cracking story. What next I wonder. Highly recommended.
Profile Image for Niki R Barber.
56 reviews
March 10, 2025
Good continuation of this series, although I can be read as a stand alone. A 60 year old mystery with some modern tools to help solve it. I like the characters. The mystery kept me guessing. A fun read.
53 reviews
April 17, 2025
Menzies can't avoid trouble

She doesn't mean to but she does it with her devotion to seeing wrong turn to a just end. With the help of Reid and his team and hers she is never alone. I am on to her next adventure.
Profile Image for Gemma Williamson.
84 reviews6 followers
March 4, 2025
This book was amazing as all her books are pulls U in and keeps you hooked from the beginning I could not stop reading I loved it so much so original and twisty xx
684 reviews9 followers
March 4, 2025
Another extremely well written book from this author that I thoroughly enjoyed. An edge of the seat page turner.
1 review
April 14, 2025
Page turner

Another great read from Biba. Couldn't put it down. These characters keep getting better with every book. Looking forward to the next.
124 reviews
May 9, 2025
Another great book in the series with a few loose ends for the next book, not published until 2026!
149 reviews
May 10, 2025
night

As usual Kenzie gets her self in trouble again. This was a good book with plenty of twist and turns to keep you guessing to bad it's the last of a series of books.
1,474 reviews3 followers
May 15, 2025
Good read

Really good 👍 story Relaxing intriguing and suspenseful Could not put it down Looking forward to the next story Thank you
315 reviews3 followers
March 13, 2025
Kenzie and Reid are deep in a case that involves several deaths in the Everglades. The Night Watchman is never too far behind. What a great read!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews

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