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Rory Wood #1
Prone to Kill
“A well written mystery with vivid descriptions, complex characters and realistic investigations into multiple suspects. Fast paced, heart pounding action!”
—Reader review (Empty Soul)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
In Wyoming's cattle country, Assistant Sheriff Rory Wood faces a chilling new ranch owners murdered on their own lands, each bearing a killer’s unique brand.
As Rory digs deeper, an unexpected victim upends her theories, steering her toward a dark corner of her county—and a killer with a more twisted vendetta than she could have dreamed.
PRONE TO KILL, the first novel in a new series by mystery and suspense author Laura Rise, will enthrall readers with a riveting crime story revolving around a complex yet relatable female protagonist. Packed with edge-of-your-seat tension, clever plot twists, and a rapid tempo, this series will grab you and keep you absorbed in its pages well past bedtime. Fans of Teresa Driscoll, Rachel Caine, and Mary Burton are sure to fall in love.
Future books in the series are also available!
“Good writing and believable characters. Intriguing story line. Would like to read more from Laura Rise. I recommend this book.”
—Reader review (Empty Soul)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“A well written, suspenseful, fast pasted murder mystery with the unique complication of a hurricane. I loved the vivid descriptions stimulating a sensory or emotional response…A strong, haunted, intelligent female protagonist who is reckless at times. Her partner is equally competent and supportive.”
—Reader review (Amidst the Darkness)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
—Reader review (Empty Soul)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
In Wyoming's cattle country, Assistant Sheriff Rory Wood faces a chilling new ranch owners murdered on their own lands, each bearing a killer’s unique brand.
As Rory digs deeper, an unexpected victim upends her theories, steering her toward a dark corner of her county—and a killer with a more twisted vendetta than she could have dreamed.
PRONE TO KILL, the first novel in a new series by mystery and suspense author Laura Rise, will enthrall readers with a riveting crime story revolving around a complex yet relatable female protagonist. Packed with edge-of-your-seat tension, clever plot twists, and a rapid tempo, this series will grab you and keep you absorbed in its pages well past bedtime. Fans of Teresa Driscoll, Rachel Caine, and Mary Burton are sure to fall in love.
Future books in the series are also available!
“Good writing and believable characters. Intriguing story line. Would like to read more from Laura Rise. I recommend this book.”
—Reader review (Empty Soul)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“A well written, suspenseful, fast pasted murder mystery with the unique complication of a hurricane. I loved the vivid descriptions stimulating a sensory or emotional response…A strong, haunted, intelligent female protagonist who is reckless at times. Her partner is equally competent and supportive.”
—Reader review (Amidst the Darkness)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
199 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 13, 2024
357 people are currently reading
315 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
September 29, 2025
It was such a good story of murder and investigation. The murderer in this book is quite clever like he didn't fall for the trick by the victim.p
In this book it's hard for me to keep track of the names of the people because there is so much character in here including the mentioned one.
It doesn't make me bored. Even though the story didn't feel scary and horror it had a very good story.
In this book it's hard for me to keep track of the names of the people because there is so much character in here including the mentioned one.
It doesn't make me bored. Even though the story didn't feel scary and horror it had a very good story.
May 11, 2025
DNF ... I struggled to get even half way through even with skimming. I find it hard to believe this book is rated so well.
This story and the writing are overly simplistic, the characters flat, the action unrealistic, and the investigation weak to non-existent. The same descriptions (for sunsets & sunrises, chill, vistas, expensive homes, dark SUV, shadow at the edge of the woods) are repeated sometimes almost word for word. Neither of the main characters are likeable. Rory repeatedly harps on her tragic past without any detail or expressing feelings that would make me emphathize with her, and Ethan is a pathetically insecure puppy dog following her around. Minor characters, especially ranchers, are blatantly stereotyped, and social issues are simplistic without any nuance.
This story and the writing are overly simplistic, the characters flat, the action unrealistic, and the investigation weak to non-existent. The same descriptions (for sunsets & sunrises, chill, vistas, expensive homes, dark SUV, shadow at the edge of the woods) are repeated sometimes almost word for word. Neither of the main characters are likeable. Rory repeatedly harps on her tragic past without any detail or expressing feelings that would make me emphathize with her, and Ethan is a pathetically insecure puppy dog following her around. Minor characters, especially ranchers, are blatantly stereotyped, and social issues are simplistic without any nuance.
January 3, 2025
This book was a good start to the Rory Wood Suspense series. I liked all the characters and the author left room for Rory and Evan to grow as people and as partners (both professionally and personally).
Even though this book is typical of the genre with her sister being missing for years and years, the writing felt fresh and didn’t leave me thinking, “Another missing or dead mother, sister, daughter, etc”. Right now only this first book is available in Kindle Unlimited but I will keep an eye out for the next book to become available.
Even though this book is typical of the genre with her sister being missing for years and years, the writing felt fresh and didn’t leave me thinking, “Another missing or dead mother, sister, daughter, etc”. Right now only this first book is available in Kindle Unlimited but I will keep an eye out for the next book to become available.
April 30, 2025
Very sad story
Spoiler alert Revenge for abuse,
Seemingly unconnected ritual deaths of several ranchers, leads assistant sheriff Rory Wood to several dead ends. All common connections produce no leads. Although exhausted, she doesn’t want to concede to the FBI agent who puts forth a ridiculous theory of crime syndicates not based on any facts. Although killer known from beginning in a vague shadowy way, his name and motivation doesn’t come until the end.
Spoiler alert Revenge for abuse,
Seemingly unconnected ritual deaths of several ranchers, leads assistant sheriff Rory Wood to several dead ends. All common connections produce no leads. Although exhausted, she doesn’t want to concede to the FBI agent who puts forth a ridiculous theory of crime syndicates not based on any facts. Although killer known from beginning in a vague shadowy way, his name and motivation doesn’t come until the end.
June 16, 2025
Three murders and no suspect
Once again this book is about an individual who plunges into dangerous situations without thought of repercussion to herself and those around her.
Rory and her partner Evan were called out to investigate a possible murder. The woman was strangled and branded. Then another victim is found murdered just like the other crime.
There is no suspect. The book moves quickly and more suspense keeps you reading.
Once again this book is about an individual who plunges into dangerous situations without thought of repercussion to herself and those around her.
Rory and her partner Evan were called out to investigate a possible murder. The woman was strangled and branded. Then another victim is found murdered just like the other crime.
There is no suspect. The book moves quickly and more suspense keeps you reading.
March 14, 2025
Prone to kill a good story line and kept u guessing but in the end it shows how far reporting abuse of children and looking the other way can and usually does not end well
Few errors in writing but different plot kept the mystery going but characters never slept. Unreal. Recommended for mystery readers
Few errors in writing but different plot kept the mystery going but characters never slept. Unreal. Recommended for mystery readers
March 19, 2025
Good story. Easy read. Flows easily. Not a great audio to listen to, but overall, it was worth the time. I appreciated the reality of the books plot and the amount of effort it showed it would take in detective skills & time to hunt down someone instead of being so incredible and solving it by walking in and simply being superior because you are the hero in the story.
Recommended 👍
📚📚📚
Recommended 👍
📚📚📚
July 31, 2025
I have a feeling if I would have read this book instead of listening to the audiobook I would’ve given this a better rating. It was an obvious reading by AI with blatant mispronunciations of simple words. Justice one would proofread something before printed. Perhaps they should proof listen to something that is recorded.
September 6, 2025
Prone to like
I liked this story as it was a quick read and no real romantic overtures. I really enjoy reading murder mysteries that don't have a love sub-theme. I avoid romance novels and enjoyed this story about a serial killer and an intriguing back story on the sheriff. I Hopi get to read the follow up stories.
I liked this story as it was a quick read and no real romantic overtures. I really enjoy reading murder mysteries that don't have a love sub-theme. I avoid romance novels and enjoyed this story about a serial killer and an intriguing back story on the sheriff. I Hopi get to read the follow up stories.
October 14, 2024
A very good story extremely well told with a lot of heart.
The story was interesting, grim in some part , conflicting in other sections but ended up on a positive note with future stories to come.
The story was interesting, grim in some part , conflicting in other sections but ended up on a positive note with future stories to come.
May 3, 2025
Neat story
This is a unique mystery you will want to read. The effects of our lives against and supportive of one another are all here! And you may be as surprised by the outcome as I was.
This is a unique mystery you will want to read. The effects of our lives against and supportive of one another are all here! And you may be as surprised by the outcome as I was.
May 4, 2025
New author to me
I like the writing style and the character development. This is a strange mystery and Rory and Evan are determined to solve it. The killer has a sad story But he's still a killer.
I like the writing style and the character development. This is a strange mystery and Rory and Evan are determined to solve it. The killer has a sad story But he's still a killer.
May 9, 2025
I rarely give up on a book but I came very close a few times. Plot inconsistencies. Sheriff or damsel? The big dumb overbearing FBI trope and on and on. I had to quit sometimes and wait a few days to finish.
May 18, 2025
Some repetitive writing. A few inconsistencies like Rory driving her truck when her partner, Evan, had driven it away after dropping her off and promising to pick her up later. Maybe she had another truck?
A good enough story to keep me interested.
A good enough story to keep me interested.
January 16, 2025
A Bucking Ride
This was a great read that kept you interested and not wanting to put the book down. Well written as well with no stupid lines.
This was a great read that kept you interested and not wanting to put the book down. Well written as well with no stupid lines.
May 6, 2025
Outstanding
If you like fast-paced, complex, tension and believable characters, you will thoroughly enjoy this book. I'm looking forward to the next one.
If you like fast-paced, complex, tension and believable characters, you will thoroughly enjoy this book. I'm looking forward to the next one.
Read
May 19, 2025I thought it was good enough to read the next book in the series.
May 20, 2025
enjoyable story.
July 16, 2025
Good but a bit slow
Prone to kill is a good read in most parts. Some parts were a little slow. The storyline is great. Just need a bit more action. All in all a good read
Prone to kill is a good read in most parts. Some parts were a little slow. The storyline is great. Just need a bit more action. All in all a good read
July 17, 2025
Exciting with good characters. Western murder.
August 20, 2025
Prone to kill. Good read!!
Good storyline, book kept you in suspense wanting to know more. Recommend to anyone who likes thrillers and suspense. Check it out!
Good storyline, book kept you in suspense wanting to know more. Recommend to anyone who likes thrillers and suspense. Check it out!
September 4, 2025
Brilliant read
Absolutely brilliant book couldn't put it down superb well written and a great cast of characters and story line loved it
Absolutely brilliant book couldn't put it down superb well written and a great cast of characters and story line loved it
October 28, 2025
Easy read
Easy to follow through without getting lost. Not slot of jumping around. Good writing. Would recommend to those who don't like super long books
Easy to follow through without getting lost. Not slot of jumping around. Good writing. Would recommend to those who don't like super long books
November 19, 2025
This is a start of a good series very interesting and well written
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews