The Killers' Terms: A Cole Huebsch Novel

by Kevin Kluesner

Milwaukee FBI Special Agent in Charge Cole Huebsch is devastated when the woman he loves is brutally attacked in front of him. Was someone trying to silence journalist Michele Fields, or was it a way to get to Cole, the true target? While the love of his life fights for her life, Cole must push through his feelings and webs of deceit to bring the people responsible to justice, whatever justice might be…

Genres: Thriller

305 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 8, 2024

Reviews

[Linda Lovely]

In The Killers’ Terms: A Cole Huebsch Novel, the likeable agent in charge of the FBI’s Milwaukee office, doesn’t have the luxury to stay laser-focused on a single crime—even if it’s the attempted murder of his love. Yet, each of the FBI cases Cole works reinforces this thriller’s core theme—the need to take down villains who threaten people to satisfy their greed and lust for power. Cole and his team use their brains to trick villains out of the shadows and shut them down. While author Kevin Kluesner delivers edge-of-your-seat suspense, he also provides those extra touches that make me root for the good guys, and think about planning a trip to Wisconsin to walk along the lakeshore and pig out on fried cheese curds. Having grown up in Iowa, I loved how the Midwest’s culture is echoed in Cole’s high-school and collegiate wrestling, his religious upbringing, and his grasp of rural hardships. Well done. While this is the third book in the series, I read it as a standalone with zero problems. Of course, I now plan to read the first two installments.

[Gregory Stout · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Killers Terms is the third installment in the series by Kevin Kluesner that features Milwaukee-based FBI SAC (Special Agent in Charge) Cole Huebsch. As the story opens, Cole’s significant other, Michelle Fields, a nationally-renowned journalist is attacked and seriously injured during a presentation she is making at Milwaukee’s central library. The attacker is quickly apprehended, but who is he, and what was his motive? As the investigation progresses, Agent Huebsch finds himself involved in cases of human trafficking and corruption at the highest levels of the Federal government, including the leaders of both houses of Congress. This is an ambitious novel that the reader will find difficult to put down from the first page to the last. I recommend it unreservedly.

Gregory Stout, author of the Jackson Gamble series.

[Megan Miner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. It blends suspense and meaningful undertones without overshadowing the thrilling storyline at its core. Set against the backdrop of Milwaukee, it has all the intrigue a mystery lover could ask for, while sprinkling in real-life issues that add depth to the plot and characters. As someone from the area, it was a delight to see familiar spots brought to life on the page, adding a layer of realism that kept me even more invested. A perfect blend of local flavor, edge-of-your-seat tension, and thoughtful exploration of hot-button topics—without losing focus on a genuinely good mystery.”

[Rex Owens · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is third in the FBI agent Cole Huebsch books. Most of the action takes place in Milwaukee and Wisconsin. Kevin’s detail description of setting makes the location a character in the book. While best described as a mystery/thriller Kevin weaves contemporary issues into the novel including human trafficking, brutal attack on his girlfriend author during a public presentation and term limits for federal elected politicians. Kevin has a talent for throwing a curve in the plot that makes it a page turner. By the way – there’s a secret in the title you will want to uncover for yourself.

Rex Owens author of The Life and Times of Rowan Daly

[Cindy Gear · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book grabbed my attention within the first few pages. It's one of those books that you think about when you're not reading it--waiting for the next time you can get back into it.

I enjoyed how Kluesner brought in current "meaty" issues and shared information at the appropriate level to educate readers about those issues. The final topic was especially informative and interesting (I don't want to say too much and create a spoiler for other readers).

I thoroughly enjoyed every page of this book.

[Jo Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book in the Killer mystery series. If you haven’t read the other two, that is fine as this could be a stand alone story. In The Killers Terms, Kluesner delves into issues of human trafficking, term limits, and governmental corruption. The author captures the emotions, tension and fears that result as Cole tries to solve the case, all the while his girlfriend is in critical condition and not expected to live. Who can he believe? Who can he trust? Why hurt Michelle? There are lots of twists in this one and will keep the reader guessing.

[brid hoytget · Rating 5 out of 5]

Captivating

I enjoyed the story line and how it kept moving. I couldn't wait to see what was
coming next. I really like the way the Killers series stayed linked to the previous book.

I'm from the St Francis area and found it cool to know exactly where they were. I love how
Kevin Kluesners used so much of Milwaukee and St Francis in his series.

I look forward to reading more from him.

[Crystal - BooksBrewsMKE · Rating 4 out of 5]

I very much enjoyed book three of the Cole Huebsch adventures. This book delves once again into timely topics. Kevin has a great way of bringing to the forefront these issues and dealing with them in a way that appropriate. As a local reader, I love Kevin's descriptions of Milwaukee and WI. I believe that, for anyone who does not live here, he vividly is bringing them here. Look forward to the next case SAC Huebsch tackles.

[David DeClark · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read all three of Kevin Kluesner’s books. Really enjoying how he has developed his main character and his FBI team. The use of topical societal issues, seeing different sides of the matter and how he weaves fact and an interesting fictional high political intrigue keeps his book being hard to out down page turners. Hoping the series continues!!

[Sean Tyler · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of those stories that you will take with you… I mean in your mind… and on a rainy day you’ll suddenly remember passages about Term Limits, and it will hit you in the most relevant, meaningfully way…and you can’t put a price on that. Thank you Kevin, truly, this book is a masterpiece.

[Holly Stadler · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love how this book flows from the first two but it also could be a stand alone. The story between Cole and Michelle is endearing, while exploring relevant social issues. Can’t wait for the next one!!

[Tracey Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent prose. Cole Huebsch had my pounding heart from the opening scenes. Pulled in by fast action and high stakes, I could not put this book down. Highly recommended for thriller afficionados.

[Darci · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this. Found it very riveting and interesting. Found it hard to put down.