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Born for Revenge
Who once was lost now is found. But grace didn’t lead her home.
For the last year, the sinister shadow of unsolved kidnappings has haunted Detectives Holden Walsh and Cabe Paxton. Their cold case turns hot when one of the abductees returns, but her traumatized silence only sparks more questions.
As the detectives unravel a web of deception, they discover depraved horrors spreading further than either imagined. Confronted by secrets and stymied by lies, they finally uncover the truth—though not fast enough.
Another girl is taken.
With their friendship straining under the weight of the case, Walsh and Paxton race to find and stop the ruthless predator, all the while battling an unforgiving clock—and sometimes each other.
The past threatens to repeat itself. Because only some people are born to seek justice.
Others are born for revenge.
For the last year, the sinister shadow of unsolved kidnappings has haunted Detectives Holden Walsh and Cabe Paxton. Their cold case turns hot when one of the abductees returns, but her traumatized silence only sparks more questions.
As the detectives unravel a web of deception, they discover depraved horrors spreading further than either imagined. Confronted by secrets and stymied by lies, they finally uncover the truth—though not fast enough.
Another girl is taken.
With their friendship straining under the weight of the case, Walsh and Paxton race to find and stop the ruthless predator, all the while battling an unforgiving clock—and sometimes each other.
The past threatens to repeat itself. Because only some people are born to seek justice.
Others are born for revenge.
336 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 17, 2024
2 people are currently reading
7 people want to read
About the author
Staci Troilo
35 books163 followersI grew up knowing family is paramount. I was blessed to spend time with extended family daily, not just on holidays or weekends. Because of those close-knit familial bonds, every day was full of love and laughter, food and fun.
Life took me away from that extended family for twenty years before I finally made it back. And while I'd done my best to keep the traditions alive across the miles, I realize there truly is no place like home.
Through my fiction, I share those traditions and the importance of relationships with you. Mystery or suspense, romance or mainstream, sci-fi or thriller—in my stories, family (however you define it) is paramount.
To learn more about me, visit me at http://stacitroilo.com or connect with me on social media.
Life took me away from that extended family for twenty years before I finally made it back. And while I'd done my best to keep the traditions alive across the miles, I realize there truly is no place like home.
Through my fiction, I share those traditions and the importance of relationships with you. Mystery or suspense, romance or mainstream, sci-fi or thriller—in my stories, family (however you define it) is paramount.
To learn more about me, visit me at http://stacitroilo.com or connect with me on social media.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
September 19, 2024
A missing teenage girl comes back after a year. She is uncommunicative and offers no insight into what happened to her. Two other girls are missing, and Detectives Cabe and Holden are determined to find those girls, but their families aren’t cooperating either. I was hooked from the start and couldn’t stop reading, eager to find out what happened next. The story weaves an insightful perspective from an unknown narrator, revealing the reasons behind the events without disclosing the individual involved. My favorite characters and relationships between them are the two detectives, Cabe, and Holden. One of them had a side story and another mystery to solve. I liked their banter, humor, loyalty, and determination. Finding the girls is at the heart of the story with many unexpected twists, making me reconsider my guess of who was behind the kidnappings. A captivating mystery with relatable characters that I strongly recommend.
September 23, 2024
I'm always excited when Staci Troilo has a new release, and Born for Revenge did not disappoint.
When a traumatized teenage girl returns a year after she was kidnapped, detectives Holden Walsh and Cabe Paxton are determined to learn the identity of her kidnapper - and bring two other girls home safely. The trouble is, they keep running into roadblocks. Parents, teachers, and friends don't want to talk. When the police chief's teenage daughter is propositioned by a pedophile, they wonder if they have the kidnapper, but everything doesn't add up.
I loved the banter between Holden and Walsh - not only are they partners, but also good friends. Although this is a stand-alone novel (at present), I would love to see other books featuring the two detectives.
The action is fast-paced, and the story has a few unexpected twists. This book is hard to put down, and I highly recommend it. A well-deserved five-star read!
When a traumatized teenage girl returns a year after she was kidnapped, detectives Holden Walsh and Cabe Paxton are determined to learn the identity of her kidnapper - and bring two other girls home safely. The trouble is, they keep running into roadblocks. Parents, teachers, and friends don't want to talk. When the police chief's teenage daughter is propositioned by a pedophile, they wonder if they have the kidnapper, but everything doesn't add up.
I loved the banter between Holden and Walsh - not only are they partners, but also good friends. Although this is a stand-alone novel (at present), I would love to see other books featuring the two detectives.
The action is fast-paced, and the story has a few unexpected twists. This book is hard to put down, and I highly recommend it. A well-deserved five-star read!
September 28, 2024
Oh my! Be ready for a wild ride when you open this book. Once I started reading, I didn't want to stop and was tempted to neglect all my duties to see whodunit!
I loved all the characters in this story, but especially the two detectives, Cabe and Holden. Not only are they partners on the job, but also best friends. They've had each others' backs for many years. The case is one that has had them baffled for a year. Three girls went missing. Then one shows up at the hospital deeply traumatized to the point she won't speak to anyone and won't let anyone touch her. The hospital staff is unable to assess her because of that. But where has she been? What could she tell the detectives who thought the missing girls would always be an unsolved mystery and an abandoned cold case. But before she can be questioned in any way, she commits suicide, putting the detectives back to square one. But they have managed to find a link between the three girls and start to pursue every angle.
At the same time, Holden is dealing with something deeply disturbing and personal, but he won't share it with Cabe, putting a slight rift between them.
I loved riding along with these two as they pursue all leads to try and find the two girls still missing. To add to their frustrations, the families refuse to cooperate. But a silver locket is a big clue. I'm not going to share all the details of this story. Instead I'm going to tell you why you need to read it. If you're a fan of a mystery you can't solve, characters you fall in love with, family drama on top of it all, and two men determined to find the truth, you need to read this book.
I did not guess the identity of the bad guy until almost the very end. The author did a great job keeping it under wraps and throwing in viable red herrings. It is very well written, fast-paced, and at times, a nail-biter. My hat is off to this author for a job well done!
I loved all the characters in this story, but especially the two detectives, Cabe and Holden. Not only are they partners on the job, but also best friends. They've had each others' backs for many years. The case is one that has had them baffled for a year. Three girls went missing. Then one shows up at the hospital deeply traumatized to the point she won't speak to anyone and won't let anyone touch her. The hospital staff is unable to assess her because of that. But where has she been? What could she tell the detectives who thought the missing girls would always be an unsolved mystery and an abandoned cold case. But before she can be questioned in any way, she commits suicide, putting the detectives back to square one. But they have managed to find a link between the three girls and start to pursue every angle.
At the same time, Holden is dealing with something deeply disturbing and personal, but he won't share it with Cabe, putting a slight rift between them.
I loved riding along with these two as they pursue all leads to try and find the two girls still missing. To add to their frustrations, the families refuse to cooperate. But a silver locket is a big clue. I'm not going to share all the details of this story. Instead I'm going to tell you why you need to read it. If you're a fan of a mystery you can't solve, characters you fall in love with, family drama on top of it all, and two men determined to find the truth, you need to read this book.
I did not guess the identity of the bad guy until almost the very end. The author did a great job keeping it under wraps and throwing in viable red herrings. It is very well written, fast-paced, and at times, a nail-biter. My hat is off to this author for a job well done!
September 20, 2024
Part detective fiction and part buddy story, Born for Revenge is a riveting tale of a cold case given new life when a kidnapping victim shows up a year later—traumatized and unwilling to speak. Twelve months earlier, Taylor, and two other teens, Bianca and Ashleigh, disappeared without a trace. The girls appeared to have little in common and all three sets of parents abruptly stopped communicating with police, ensuring the case went cold.
Now, Detectives Holden Walsh and Cabe Paxton are digging again, confronting teachers, friends, family members, and associates. For every step forward it seems they’re pushed back two. It’s a gritty and complex case, but Cabe and Holden have worked together for years, and are determined to see justice done. They’re the kind of partners who can complete each other’s thoughts, whose loyalty is unshakable, and whose friendship forms the solid foundation of their partnership. Unfortunately, even that comes under attack as layers of the case are peeled back.
The procedural part of this book is exceptional—the questioning of associates, digging under layers of misdirection, connecting points A and C through a far-flung B, but what really makes the story so memorable is the friendship between the detectives.
Quips are fast and wry. Dialogue ping-pongs with lightning speed. I’ve always had a weakness for buddy cops working what seems to be an unsolvable case, and it doesn’t get better than these two. I would really like to see this novel turned into a series. Even the secondary characters who move in Holden and Cabe’s orbit are scene stealers. I especially loved their captain, Kavanaugh, and another detective, DePalma.
Troilo always delivers top-notch fiction, but this just may be her best yet. A resounding five stars!
Now, Detectives Holden Walsh and Cabe Paxton are digging again, confronting teachers, friends, family members, and associates. For every step forward it seems they’re pushed back two. It’s a gritty and complex case, but Cabe and Holden have worked together for years, and are determined to see justice done. They’re the kind of partners who can complete each other’s thoughts, whose loyalty is unshakable, and whose friendship forms the solid foundation of their partnership. Unfortunately, even that comes under attack as layers of the case are peeled back.
The procedural part of this book is exceptional—the questioning of associates, digging under layers of misdirection, connecting points A and C through a far-flung B, but what really makes the story so memorable is the friendship between the detectives.
Quips are fast and wry. Dialogue ping-pongs with lightning speed. I’ve always had a weakness for buddy cops working what seems to be an unsolvable case, and it doesn’t get better than these two. I would really like to see this novel turned into a series. Even the secondary characters who move in Holden and Cabe’s orbit are scene stealers. I especially loved their captain, Kavanaugh, and another detective, DePalma.
Troilo always delivers top-notch fiction, but this just may be her best yet. A resounding five stars!
November 19, 2024
After a year, the cases of three teen girls who disappeared without a trace are cold. Until one of them returns. Detectives Walsh and Paxton are excited to finally get a break in the case – but the young woman is traumatized and uncommunicative. As students at three different schools, the girls appear to have little in common. Walsh and Paxton were unable to establish a connection between them because the girls’ parents all but cut off communication with law enforcement not long after their daughters disappeared. Even teachers and friends didn’t talk and are still of little help. Nearly every turn the detectives make is a dead end.
Walsh and Paxton have been partners and friends for years. Their banter is witty and humorous, and they occasionally resemble an old married couple with their squabbling. In their profession loyalty and having each other’s backs are required and can mean the difference between life and death. Still, it’s clear Walsh is going through something, but he’s not discussing it with Paxton. When everything comes to light, it’s a tragic, heartbreaking situation.
I enjoyed solving the case with these detectives, and I’m hoping this isn’t the last we’ll see of them (big hint to the author). Suspects are aplenty, and I didn’t pick up on who the culprit was until nearly the end – which always makes for a more interesting read. Troilo does a fabulous job at tossing in red herrings to throw readers off the scent.
I had my face glued to this fast-paced story for nearly two days – I couldn’t put it down (not much got done around my house that weekend). Highly recommended for readers who enjoy detective-buddy stories, crime procedurals, and challenging mysteries.
Walsh and Paxton have been partners and friends for years. Their banter is witty and humorous, and they occasionally resemble an old married couple with their squabbling. In their profession loyalty and having each other’s backs are required and can mean the difference between life and death. Still, it’s clear Walsh is going through something, but he’s not discussing it with Paxton. When everything comes to light, it’s a tragic, heartbreaking situation.
I enjoyed solving the case with these detectives, and I’m hoping this isn’t the last we’ll see of them (big hint to the author). Suspects are aplenty, and I didn’t pick up on who the culprit was until nearly the end – which always makes for a more interesting read. Troilo does a fabulous job at tossing in red herrings to throw readers off the scent.
I had my face glued to this fast-paced story for nearly two days – I couldn’t put it down (not much got done around my house that weekend). Highly recommended for readers who enjoy detective-buddy stories, crime procedurals, and challenging mysteries.
November 28, 2024
This thriller kept me on the edge of my seat while endearing me to the main characters, Holden and Cabe, two middle-aged detectives going through a rough patch as a team. A teen girl, missing for a year, shows up, and she’s not in good shape. It turns out that several cases of missing teens are connected and in each one, the parents have been stonewalling the investigations. Despite the lack of cooperation, Holden and Cabe are determined to find the other girls and put their abductor behind bars.
The writing is polished and the pace relentless. Bullying plays a significant and provocative role in this story. Nothing about this plot is simple, and I enjoyed following the detectives as they unraveled the clues. There are a few twists and more than one predator at large. As a reader, I knew some details before Holden and Cabe did, but the author kept me guessing who the kidnapper/rapist was until the end.
The characters in the story are nicely developed with distinct personalities, all dealing with the unfolding events in their unique ways. I would enjoy more books with the two detectives who share the POV in this novel. Everything about their relationship, from dialog to teamwork to banter, felt authentic. Highly recommended to readers who enjoy thrillers and crime solvers with compelling buddy relationships.
The writing is polished and the pace relentless. Bullying plays a significant and provocative role in this story. Nothing about this plot is simple, and I enjoyed following the detectives as they unraveled the clues. There are a few twists and more than one predator at large. As a reader, I knew some details before Holden and Cabe did, but the author kept me guessing who the kidnapper/rapist was until the end.
The characters in the story are nicely developed with distinct personalities, all dealing with the unfolding events in their unique ways. I would enjoy more books with the two detectives who share the POV in this novel. Everything about their relationship, from dialog to teamwork to banter, felt authentic. Highly recommended to readers who enjoy thrillers and crime solvers with compelling buddy relationships.
September 24, 2024
A captivating tale with long shadows of kidnap, fear and frustration, ‘Born for Revenge’ would stun you with the revelations, which keep unfolding as Holten and Cabe dig a cold case of shocking abductions and uncooperative parents of the girls. The mystery haunts you the moment you close the book, so you can't put it down until the last page. The narrative is so tightly packed that it is difficult to guess the name of the real kidnapper despite the clues that Troilo drops like breadcrumbs.
Written in a crisp style, this book is an analytical thriller. It shoots some subtle arrows at teenagers and their capricious behavior.Throughout the investigations, the struggle of the cops is realistic. The pace of the story is moderate, and the building of the maze keeps pulling you in, adding to the tension. Most of the story is told in dialogue form. There are some relaxing moments in the form of informal talk of Holten and Cabe, but who would be interested in that, as your curiosity keeps mounting with each page. After a long time, I’ve read a book that doesn't drag you along or go around in circles to solve the mystery. Hope peeks through each situation and each questioning. Highly recommended.
Written in a crisp style, this book is an analytical thriller. It shoots some subtle arrows at teenagers and their capricious behavior.Throughout the investigations, the struggle of the cops is realistic. The pace of the story is moderate, and the building of the maze keeps pulling you in, adding to the tension. Most of the story is told in dialogue form. There are some relaxing moments in the form of informal talk of Holten and Cabe, but who would be interested in that, as your curiosity keeps mounting with each page. After a long time, I’ve read a book that doesn't drag you along or go around in circles to solve the mystery. Hope peeks through each situation and each questioning. Highly recommended.
September 28, 2024
Born for Revenge is a police procedural and kidnapping mystery. It’s also gripping … as in I put off everything else I was supposed to do today just to finish the book!
Cabe and Holden are police detectives trying to find three kidnapped victims and the perpetrator. I loved the interaction between the detectives. It was sometimes serious case work, sometimes hilarious banter. I felt like I knew Cabe and Holden as real people by the end of the book.
The kidnapping mystery is easy to follow, even when you follow the RED HERRINGS like I did, haha! It’s a complex story with lots of characters keeping lots of secrets, but I never got confused as to who is who or which character is withholding information.
I appreciated that Troilo addressed uncomfortable topics like pedophilia, the kidnappings themselves, suicide, and rape without giving scene details. It’s clear what happens, but Troilo avoids gratuitous violence and gore. She also avoids using foul language without any detrimental effects on the story.
The final reveal is action-filled and genius. Got my heart pumping!
I really couldn’t put this book down, five stars!
Cabe and Holden are police detectives trying to find three kidnapped victims and the perpetrator. I loved the interaction between the detectives. It was sometimes serious case work, sometimes hilarious banter. I felt like I knew Cabe and Holden as real people by the end of the book.
The kidnapping mystery is easy to follow, even when you follow the RED HERRINGS like I did, haha! It’s a complex story with lots of characters keeping lots of secrets, but I never got confused as to who is who or which character is withholding information.
I appreciated that Troilo addressed uncomfortable topics like pedophilia, the kidnappings themselves, suicide, and rape without giving scene details. It’s clear what happens, but Troilo avoids gratuitous violence and gore. She also avoids using foul language without any detrimental effects on the story.
The final reveal is action-filled and genius. Got my heart pumping!
I really couldn’t put this book down, five stars!
October 12, 2024
Mean girls have been kidnapped and ended up in the cold case files. When one of them turns up alive Detective Holden Walsh and Cabe Paxton rush to discover who the kidnapper is, who else he’s kidnapped, and if they too are still alive.
Ms. Troilo checked all the boxes on this one. The characters are compelling. The world is well-developed, allowing the reader to step into the story, walk the city streets and sit beside the characters for a meal. Best of all, in my humble opinion, the action doesn’t let up. The author puts her foot down on the pedal at the beginning of the story and doesn’t let up till the end. It held my interest all the way through.
Highly recommended for thriller readers or those who love a good tale.
Ms. Troilo checked all the boxes on this one. The characters are compelling. The world is well-developed, allowing the reader to step into the story, walk the city streets and sit beside the characters for a meal. Best of all, in my humble opinion, the action doesn’t let up. The author puts her foot down on the pedal at the beginning of the story and doesn’t let up till the end. It held my interest all the way through.
Highly recommended for thriller readers or those who love a good tale.
November 14, 2025
Suspenseful Police procedural
Paxon and Walsh are detectives working on kidnapping cases that had gone cold with no leads more than a year ago. They kept running into uncooperative parents, schools, doctors and counselors. One of the girls appears in such a state that she couldn't be interviewed and dies two hours later by suicide. Slowly they discover that everyone has lied in order to keep the girls alive. The detectives have to work each hard won clue to untangle competing crimes to finally get justice. A very suspenseful, exciting, well written book. Highly recommended.
Paxon and Walsh are detectives working on kidnapping cases that had gone cold with no leads more than a year ago. They kept running into uncooperative parents, schools, doctors and counselors. One of the girls appears in such a state that she couldn't be interviewed and dies two hours later by suicide. Slowly they discover that everyone has lied in order to keep the girls alive. The detectives have to work each hard won clue to untangle competing crimes to finally get justice. A very suspenseful, exciting, well written book. Highly recommended.
September 20, 2024
In this fast-paced thriller, Troilo draws the reader into the nucleus of envy and pride. She cleverly demonstrates their prevalence through characters we’ve all met—neighbors, classmates, or relatives. They are familiar, and Troilo underscores this point through a story that takes us back in time and through our own experiences. As the horror unfolds, the secrecy and complicity unravel. I immediately thought of the “seven deadly sins” and their ramifications. This is a well-written and heart-grabbing story—one of Troilo’s best. I highly recommend Born For Revenge.
October 9, 2024
The opening chapter has a mysterious, unnamed male suffering from a relative's scathing criticism. He must find a way to silence this slander, but who is he?
Born for Revenge is a fast-moving, well-written story that kept me on the edge of my seat, even though I was laughing most of the time!
This was my first visit to meet the detectives, Cabe Paxton and Holden Walsh. They are two very different men who manage to work well together. I hope it won’t be my last visit, as I loved the tension, the humour, and the chemistry between these two…
Born for Revenge is a fast-moving, well-written story that kept me on the edge of my seat, even though I was laughing most of the time!
This was my first visit to meet the detectives, Cabe Paxton and Holden Walsh. They are two very different men who manage to work well together. I hope it won’t be my last visit, as I loved the tension, the humour, and the chemistry between these two…
November 2, 2024
The opening chapter has a mysterious, unnamed male suffering from a relative's scathing criticism. He must find a way to silence this slander, but who is he?
Born for Revenge is a fast-moving, well-written story that kept me on the edge of my seat, even though I was laughing most of the time!
This was my first visit to meet the detectives, Cabe Paxton and Holden Walsh. They are two very different men who manage to work well together. I hope it won’t be my last visit, as I loved the tension, the humour, and the chemistry between them…
November 4, 2024
Another outstanding effort by Troilo. This detective novel deals with topics not often presented. It involves a sequence of kidnappings as opposed to the usual murder mystery. The threads are woven like a fine tapestry, and the story is wonderful. I also loved Cabe and Holden. Their struggles and banter are a strong selling point for me. I highly recommend this story.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews