Killer Cult

Fallon Baxter FBI #1

by Addison Moore

In the hunt for justice, FBI Agent Fallon Baxter unravels the deadliest mysteries.

Believe. Obey. Survive. Welcome to Paradise where faith meets fear, and salvation is written in blood.Clean language and heart-stopping twists that keep you glued to the edge of your seat until the very last page.

When FBI Agent Fallon Baxter returns to her hometown of Pine Ridge Falls to join the local field office, she expects a fresh start and a chance to mend her broken past. Instead, she’s thrust into the heart of darkness when a string of brutal murders shakes the quiet community.

The victims, found brutally murdered and linked only by their ties to the secretive Paradise Cult, draw Fallon into an investigation that spirals into the depths of danger and deceit.

Led by the charismatic and ruthless Supreme Leader, the cult preaches a doctrine of salvation through sacrifice and hiding evil motives beneath a veneer of spiritual enlightenment.

As Fallon digs deeper, she unearths chilling connections between the cult and her own troubled history. With the disappearance of her sister complicating matters, Fallon navigates a complex web of loyalty and betrayal.

As the body count rises, and the cult’s deadly agenda becomes clear, Fallon faces a race against time to unravel the mystery. Every clue drags her closer to a shocking revelation that will challenge everything she knows about evil, heroism, and the thin line in between.

Killer Cult is a gripping thriller that explores the shadows of obsession and the cost of redemption.

Fallon Baxter’s journey is a perilous trek through danger and despair, where only the strongest will survive and the past is never truly buried.



A brand new FBI Mystery Series by New York Times, USA TODAY, and Wall Street Journal bestseller Addison Moore.

Addison’s work has been featured in Cosmopolitan Magazine.

Genres: Mystery, Thriller, Ebooks, Cults, Fiction, Crime, Mystery Thriller

167 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 16, 2024

About the author

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Addison Moore is a New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of cozy mysteries and romance. Her new book MIDLIFE IN GLIMMERSPELL is NOW available! Read today!
Cosmopolitan Magazine calls Addison's books, "...easy, frothy fun!"
Humor with a side of homicide.


FREE with Kindle Unlimited! Amazon-->https://amzn.to/3AnyVhs Hibiscus Homicide Cruise is here! An impending divorce. An ornery homicide detective. The cruise of a lifetime. And ghosts. Midlife on the high seas is proving to be a real killer.
#Cozymystery #Kindleunlimited #mystery #PWF

Reviews

[Tracy P. · Rating 2 out of 5]

This probably would have been better for me if not for the Virtual Voice narration. An absolutely awful listening experience.

[Deb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fast read

A serial killer on the rampage leading up to a climatic ending.
Mysterious and intriguing . who is the true leader of this cult?

[Kristen Lewendon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m still a little gob smacked over this book. It’s dark and twisted and the villain was kind of the last person I wanted it to be. But I was hooked and I couldn’t read it fast enough to discover everything about the story. It ends on a bit of a soft cliff-hanger that has me itching to get my hands on the next book. NOW!
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Booksprout.

[Emmalynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick mystery, a departure from this author’s usual cozy mystery

[Reading is Life · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fairly standard mystery. Hometown girl finally goes home. Long lost missing sister. New deaths that remind our hometown girl of sister. Family drama. All very predictable. My only real complaint is the dual first person POV. It’s called the Fallon Baxter series. Let Fallon be the primary POV. There wasn’t enough differentiation between the two 1st person accounts to make it clear who was telling the story. Fallon can look for her sister without me.

[Maryellen Linder · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not for me.

The book started out okay but it ended like dropping a brick. Everyone is gathered in this big meeting and suddenly the crime is solved, bad guy identified and the house is gone. A girl who couldn't get out suddenly disappears and can't be found. With all that, the FBI agent is running around in a fire in her birthday suit. I' m sorry but this was just poorly thought out and written.

[Lyndsey Jo · Rating 2 out of 5]

It’s alright. There’s a lot of interspersing throughout but it all came together in the end. A good detective-lover trope, or a good one if you need a super quick read. I’ll still read the second in the series but this one definitely wasn’t my favorite I’ve read this year.

[LJ (ljwritesandreviews) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rounded up from 2.5

This was the September pick for the Chillers, Thrillers & Killers book club.

Now I'd heard of Addison Moore before but as a cozy mystery author, rather than a straight up thriller author, so I was intrigued to see what this book would be like.

I'm going to be honest, I was expecting a bit more of a light-hearted read, but I was pleasantly surprised when it was a bit more gritty.

I loved the fast pace of the book, and little mini cliffhangers at the end of almost every chapter had me racing through it.

Fallon was also a great character. Stubborn, forthright but also has that lone wolf, don't tell me what to do, energy. I also felt for her looking for her sister, who walked away from their family several years ago, never to be seen again.

Unfortunately, the story fell a little flat in the end. First, there didn't seem to be much of an investigation, because the book said FBI I mistakenly thought it would be more of a police procedural, you know, interviewing suspects, looking at evidence and all that. It turned out more of a let's see how many rules Fallon can break before she gets herself into real trouble, which I didn't mind too much, but again, I was hoping for more than that. Then there was a lack of suspects all together.

Also, there was Jack, Fallon's partner who I think could do with going to a good therapist rather than being an FBI agent.

I do still think this series has the potential to get better, so I'm not writing it off completely.

I would still also recommend this to anyone who's looking for a quick, fast-paced read on KU.

[Rebel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Prepare to embark on a gripping journey that diverges from Ms. Moore's usual light-hearted escapades into a much darker realm. While the shift may surprise some, rest assured, the quality of writing remains top-notch.

Let the cover serve as your guide, mirroring the eerie atmosphere of the cult's commune depicted within. As someone discerning about crime procedurals and thrillers, I can confidently say that Addison Moore excels in this genre like no other. "Killer Cult" marks the inaugural installment of the Fallon Baxter FBI Mystery Series, instantly immersing readers in a world of intrigue and problem-solving from the very first page.

While the novel left me thoroughly satisfied, I couldn't help but yearn for more pages, so enamored was I with the main protagonists. Their complex dynamic, fraught with old wounds and family secrets, adds depth to the narrative, complemented by a delightful mix of camaraderie and sass.

With its tantalizing blend of will-they-won't-they tension and unexpected twists, "Killer Cult" keeps readers on the edge of their seats as Fallon delves into the truth behind the rising deaths and her own sister's mysterious fate. The palpable suspense and intricate plot are sure to captivate readers, leaving them eagerly anticipating the sequel, "Killer Reunion," slated for release in July.

Intriguing and pulse-pounding, Addison Moore delivers another thrilling mystery adventure that promises to keep readers hooked until the very last page.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[dreamlightwolfsbane · Rating 2 out of 5]

The title grabbed me straight away because I have a real interest in cults and usually enjoy stories that explore them. Unfortunately, this one missed the mark for me. The pacing was all over the place, with a long build-up followed by a rushed ending that came and went without impact. Most of the plot felt very formulaic and I never once felt surprised or caught off guard. Attempts to smooth over weak moments in the plot were done with sudden and unconvincing explanations.

There were multiple narrators, which took a while to settle into, but even by the end I didn’t feel particularly invested in any of them. They felt as flat and forgettable as the story itself. The cult at the centre of the plot seemed to be cobbled together from bits and pieces of real ones. If you’ve read much about cults, whether in fiction or non-fiction, you’re unlikely to find anything here that stands out.

The tone shifted a lot and not in a good way. The writing lacked subtlety and the overall structure made it difficult to engage with. I didn’t find it truly awful, so I wouldn’t give it the lowest score, but there was little here I could say I enjoyed. I finished it because the subject still interests me, but I wouldn’t recommend it unless your bar is quite low for thrillers with cults.

[Melanie Stewart · Rating 4 out of 5]

Until reading this book everything from Addison Moore that I had read was light and whimsical and the perfect escape book. This book is a huge departure from that. It was very good and well written but covered a much darker subject. Let the cover be your guide for it matches one of the structures inside the cult's commune. Fallon and Jack complement each other nicely as partners even though she admitted to disliking him on sight. They both remind me of that old country song, "Hello I think I am broken...." They are both a little broken from their pasts but that helped them form a nice bond the longer they worked together.
As I said the story is dark and it covers a subject that is hard to read for some but the book is worth finishing to see evil get stopped. The end and the one of the villains surprised me but also sort of made sense as I read. It even ties back to the beginning surprise for the victim.
The end of the book sets up at least one but maybe two more books. I plan to read them. I just can't go into the book thinking this is typical Addison.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jane litherland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome start to a new series! I love all Addison Moore stories. So what was to stop me reading a good author’s darker mysteries ? Enough time in the day for binge reading , because once it grips you you’re in until the last page so fair warning…. Special Agent Fallon Baxter has returned to her hometown of Pine Ridge Falls to join the local field office. Intent on a fresh start to leave a broken past behind , she finds the opposite when a string of brutal murders shakes the whole community to its core and then some more. The local Sheriff Jack is out of his depth.All the victims are tied together by a secretive cult called Paradise . There’s lots of darkness and a suspicious Leader who lures his disciples most of them disillusioned embittered individuals seeking a better life . Fallon and Jack delve into Paradise and one thing they’re certain is no one ever returned from there. … then there’s the disappearance of her own sister… Brilliant , immersive with a few twists and lots of great narrative that’s hard to resist. Descriptive chilling and thrilling storytelling.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Aimee Bower · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fallon is home after years of being away. Fallon isn't home long, as she is called to work at the FBI for a case. Upon meeting her new team members, Fallon learns that the body discovered is now under FBI investigation. Fallon and her new team are committed to investigating the victims' backgrounds to find a potential link, possibly involving Fallon's missing sister, pushing Fallon to go off-script in her search for information. Will Fallon and the others be able to stop the murders and find her sister before it is too late?

You'll be hooked from the beginning to the end of this book, thanks to its gripping start, interesting characters and captivating twists. Despite Addison's usual focus on cozy mysteries, she has triumphed in this new genre.

[J Young · Rating 4 out of 5]

Paradise lost.

Special Agent Fallon Baxter arrives at her new FBI field office, which coincidentally is in Pine Ridge Falls, her hometown. This is a chance to turn the page, reunite with her family, and heal the pain of her past. Instead, she walks into a community fracturing over brutal murders with a sheriff out of his depth. The evidence is enough to involve the FBI and seems to hint at the involvement of the secretive Paradise cult. The charismatic leader, and his promise of salvation, draw in the disillusioned and those searching for a better life. Do they all remain blissful disciples? It seems unlikely but Fallon’s team isn’t finding anyone who has left Paradise.

The story is chilling but mesmerizing! I received a free copy but my review is honest and voluntary.

[Michele A. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fallon returns home to try and solve the mystery of where her sister, Erin, is. She becomes involved in a local case with other members of her FBI team, Jack and Nikki. Jack has some of his own family issues and Fallon wants to know what they are. She was pretty secretive about her life, but felt that Jack should have been an open book. It kind of rubbed me the wrong way. I felt she should have not gone off without letting the rest of her team know what she was doing. I don't think she would have been okay if the roles had been reversed. I will say that the book was interesting and the story, although dark, did keep me entertained. I am looking forward to seeing what else is in store for Fallon.

[Bryan Moyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fast-paced mystery/thriller that was a fantastic start to a series.

The characters are flawed and have a darkness that follows their personal lives as they chase the darkness that is a cult with a serial killer as part of it. Their personalities shine through as they navigate both their professional and personal paths, making them come to life on the page.

The book was a quick read, but the story never felt rushed. While the plot wasn't anything new or groundbreaking, the storytelling made it not matter. I was hooked on every word and can't wait to get to the second book and see where the stories of the characters go as well as what darkness of humanity they hunt on their next case.

[Lizz Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I heard Addison Moore wrote a thriller I was very intrigued. I love her Murder in the Mix series which is a light paranormal romance cozy mystery genre. I was hooked from the start. The book does not have the graphic violence of a Nordic Noir which I loved because when I hear thriller I have to make sure it isn't too graphic for me to read before bed. The story is dark and some of the reveals are intense and surprising. Fallon was a woman of grit and determination. I loved it and am looking forward to the next book in the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is something a little different for this author. A.M. usually writes small toen mysteries that are light and even a bit funny. This story is more of a thriller, complete with a secret cult. It still has the mystery element to the story, but it is not the typical small town, feel good mystery. The MFC, Fallon, is an FBI agent who has come back to her hometown for a new job. She's looking to start over and find some peace, some balance. Instead she finds a murder mystery that she shakes the small, quiet town of Pine Ridge Falls.

This was a very gripping story that kept me interested through every page. I look forward to reading book 2.

Well done to the author!

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

This new series by Addison Moore is amazing. The storyline captured my interest immediately. Fallon Baxter is an FBI Agent who has come home to Pine Ridge Falls, Colorado. She’s assigned to work with Nikki and Jack on a very disturbing case, multiple female bodies have been found dismembered. With her sister missing for years, Fallon hopes to find evidence that she’s still alive. All the deceased women had ties to a cult, Paradise, which promotes itself as a safe place for Spiritual Enlightenment. Needless to say, in reality, it is nothing of the sort. Don’t hesitate to read this book.
I think you’ll be hooked and already looking forward to the next book in the series.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

So cool!

This was a huge departure from every other Addison Moore book I’ve read, but I was prepared for that. This has such a darker countenance to it, which I loved.

I did love, however, how one of the main characters is STILL related to some characters from her other books! That was a hoot. But she is a Special Agent with the FBI and headed home to take care of her mother. While there, she tries to find more clues on some stuff that happened in the past, and with the help of someone from her past that challenges her at every opportunity, she finds that there is more going on than she bargained for. Will she be up for the challenge?

[Kathie Morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Three FBI Agents go into a bar... just kidding!

It is kind of weird for Addison Moore to write a book about an FBI Agent instead of the usual paranormal cosy mysteries, but it is a great book. People are being murdered in a cult. Could Fallon's sister be next? How will her old boyfriend, the current sheriff, handle her popping in?

There are still laughs and oddball siblings, and there are also murders and mayhem! You know the heroine is going to solve the mystery with the help of the guy with the crush on her, not the guy who should be helping. Read the book! It's fun and smart and funny. You can't go wrong with Addison Moore!

[Musing · Rating 4 out of 5]

Addicted

So, Addison Moore has done it again. Started a series I know I won’t be able to not read. Book one cleverly introduces the characters and world to readers. Fallon Baxter and Jack Stone. Both are flawed, intelligent, complicated and absolutely likeable characters and I can’t wait to explore their worlds more as I progress in the series.

I’m not surprised that I loved Killer Cult. It paced well, kept my focus, had brilliant banter, timely revelations of the characters’ backstory, and had excellent attention to plot and character arc detail. And of course, there was a cute fluffball to fall in love with too. It was an addictive read and I’ll be back for more.

[Margery · Rating 5 out of 5]

A new genre for Ms. Moore and all I can say is WOW! from the first chapter to the last, it was solid page turning action.Agent Fallon is FBI and working in her home town area. Her partne4rs, Nikki and Jack uncover a cult and several murders. Fallons one goal is to find her sister. The cult is definitely hell not a sanctuary. There is no gore, it is all story line and once you start, it will be difficult to put down. I cannot wait to read more in this series. I already love Ms. Moores' writing style, and this , to me is a crowning win.

[Fleur · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my gosh I don't know what I expected but this was darn addictive reading here the suspense kept building not knowing how many victims there would be or what would be uncovered. Whilst Fallon and her new team mates slowly pull the information together in regards to who is behind the evil we get to know her more along with her family and new friends.

I think it is safe to say this is my new favourite series!!!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Big Fat Hairy Man · Rating 4 out of 5]

FBI agent Fallon has returned to her hometown to find healing for her life and clues about her sister's disappearance. She joins the local police force after she's moved back. Soon after, she realizes that her home is embroiled in a deadly mystery involving a cult and a charismatic leader. There are plenty of twists and turns in this thriller as Falloon digs for the truth behind the rising deaths and her own sister's fate.

I'm a member of the ARC team and have left an honest review voluntarily.

[Carol Osborne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book one of the Baxter's FBI mystery series. It's also the first book of Moore's that I've read but I am hooked! This page turner starts right at the beginning when Fallon returns home to work in the field office in her hometown. She doesn't even get settled in and the intrigue starts. Follow Fallon as she deals with her painful past and tries to solve this case at the same time. You'll be hooked too!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was excited to see Addison Moore has a new series and it involves a distant relative of the Baxter family. I couldn't put this book down. I had my suspicions on who the Red Hooded leader would turn out to be and I had to keep reading until the very end to see if I was correct. I can't tell you who it is....I don't like spoilers myself :-) .....so pick up the book and read it. You won't regret it. I love the chemistry between Fallon and Jack and can't wait to see what might develop between them. I am hoping we will learn more about Fallon's sister Erin's story as the series continues.

[WithaK · Rating 2 out of 5]

I liked the book. I disliked the main character. A prude female FBI agent that refers to another woman as “walking pasties” in a strip club. She called a strippers breasts “alien eyes”. It made me stop and look at the author again to see if it was a man writing what they think women think, because it was so awkward to read. Then later she gets naked in a group and runs naked into a burning building? C’mon. She was completely uncomfortable by nudity and insinuating men are guilty for going into them while in relationships. Made no sense. At all.

[Cheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

killer cult !!

Addison has done it again. I have been reading her books since 2019 and had gotten bored with a few of series but the addition of FBI and agents Baxter and Stone and murder and thriller I am again and #1 fan .. excited to have more of these two agents and the hunt of serial killers .. Bring on the Thrillers Addison !! It’s Cheri S not my hubby as Goodreads states

[Sandy T · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fast paced FBI murder mystery thriller. Fallon has returned to her home town hoping to find clues about her missing sister while accepting a transfer with the FBI. What she discovers is a cult and several unsolved murders. I liked Fallon's character, hard working, dedicated, and determined. The story was entertaining and held my interest throughout. I would read the next book in the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.