Stepping into the dark cave just a short distance from the safety of her college friends, the blonde-haired girl immediately senses danger. A tall figure steps out of the shadows, and she knows there’s no time to run…
When a heavy storm hits Black Rock Falls, it brings a trail of destruction. Sheriff Jenna Alton is more than prepared, but she never expects to find college sweethearts Abby Jaye and Cole Peters floating among the wreckage in the river. Missing for twelve years following an end-of-school party, no clues were ever found and the couple’s devastated parents gave up hope that their beloved children would ever come home. Could the fraternity pin clutched tightly in Abby’s hand be the key to finding out what really happened that night?
As Jenna and her deputy David Kane speak to the pair’s classmates, they’re struck by how startlingly similar their stories are. They all say that nothing suspicious happened that night—they describe the open fire, the cans of cheap beer and the way Abby and Cole seemed totally in love before they disappeared. Their accounts are word-for-word identical, Jenna suspects the friends are keeping a deadly secret, and she’s determined to find out what it is.
Days later, Marissa, who still lives in town with her husband and young children, is found dead at a remote farm miles from her cozy family home just hours after answering Jenna’s questions. Jenna’s pulse races as she realizes the killer could be one of the group, and so could their next victim…
As Jenna inspects the isolated barn, gun shots ring out nearby. Heart pounding, she receives a panicked phone call from the youngest member of her team. She races to the forest, praying that her friend is still alive. But with a deadly storm brewing overhead, and a twisted killer on the loose, will she make it in time to save another life from being taken?
If you love reading Lisa Regan, Melinda Leigh and Kendra Elliot, you will be hooked by this absolutely gripping crime thriller from USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author D.K. Hood.
**Each Kane and Alton book can be read as part of the series or as a standalone**
What readers are saying about D.K.
“Oh wow, I can’t say enough about this one!! So good!! Literally had me guessing until the reveal… Captivated.” Sip_andread, 5 stars
“I blew through this like the wind! Fantastic read!” NetGalley reviewer, 5 stars
“Wow! Still trying to catch my breath.” NetGalley reviewer, 5 stars
“Exceptional… My word, I couldn’t put this down… Compulsive reading and I couldn’t stop and had to read to the end.” NetGalley reviewer, 5 stars
“Wow… Amazing… Fantastic… Bone chilling.” B for Bookreview, 5 stars
“A cracking page-turner with some omg moments that will keep you reading late into the night.” NetGalley reviewer, 5 stars
“Incredible… Had me on the edge of my seat, holding my breath.
Addictive, captivating, tense, atmospheric and hard to put down! I loved so many things about Tears on Her Grave. I enjoyed how this mystery was told through dual timelines and seeing the events of the past and then jumping back to the present day. I am a big fan of books with friends sharing dark secrets and D.K. Hood delivered and then some! This book played out like a movie in my mind with the detailed descriptions, wonderfully drawn characters, the drama, and the hunt for a killer!!!!
A destructive storm has hit Black Rock Falls and the bodies of Abby Jaye and Cole Peters, two teens who have been missing for twelve years have been unearthed and found floating in the river. Their disappearance has been a mystery until now. In Abby's hand is a fraternity pin. Sheriff Jenna Alton and deputy David Kane are on the case. Woohoo!
I loved being back in Black Rock Falls with Alton and Kane. I love their relationship, their banter, and the family life they have creating. Jenna is pregnant which gave this book a little bit of a "Fargo" feel while reading. Plus, it was a joy seeing more of Alton and Kane's private life and plans for their family.
I enjoyed the mystery and how the investigation took place. The college friends of Abby and Cole are scrambling as Alton and Kane begin questioning them about what they remember from the night their two friends went missing. It was nice to see Johnny Raven and his K9 taking part in the investigation as well.
This book was brimming with atmosphere, tension, secrets, and danger. There is a killer out there who will stop at nothing to avoid being caught. This made for some gruesome and tense scenes which had my pulse pounding and my fingers turning the pages!
Wonderfully written, addictive, atmospheric and hard to put down! I cannot wait to read more books in this pulse pounding and thrilling series!
*A wonderful buddy Read with Bec (becbingesbooks)! Please read her review as well to get her thoughts on Tears on Her Grave .
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
In this 24th installment in the series Jenna Alton investigates the murders of a couple of teenagers that had disappeared 12 years before their mummified bodies wash up from flood waters. Their friends all give the same story but deadly secrets and lies are revealed. This was a great story and had my attention from start to finish. Thanks NetGalley and Bookouture for this eARC that will be released December 17, 2024
Another trip back to Black Lake Falls, and once again, I was hooked. It is always nice to be back in Jenna and Dave’s world, and now, in book 24, these characters are all so familiar.
This time, the team is working on a cold case, which was a nice surprise. The bodies of 2 teenagers who went missing 12 years earlier at Halloween are found when the constant rain causes a flood, bringing their buried bodies to the surface. It was a full team effort for this case, with some of their usual tactics unavailable.
I do love this team of detectives. Killers think that they are so clever, but they can never get past this lot. I love seeing some different members of the team shining more and more as this series continues. With Jenna getting further along in her pregnancy, I look forward to seeing what will happen next.
As always, this is a clever, pager turning police procedural that I found hard to put down. Bring on book 25.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for my advanced copy to read. Head back to serial killer central on December 17th.
Another great instalment in the Kane and Alton series. A cold case involving missing college students rears its head and those missing students are at the centre of it.
Somehow, I always enjoy the college aspect, especially years on for those being interviewed. D.K. Hood did it really well.
There was no way I could pick who was involved in the crimes in this one but it all came together very well. For a short period, there was some hold your breath action more than usual for PPs and it worked well.
Would recommend, may work better a tiny bit better with having read book 23 (immediately prior). PD: 17 December 2024.
Many thanks to Debra for another fantastic D.K. Hood buddy read - be sure to check out her review.
Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.
First and foremost, a large thank you to NetGalley, D.K. Hood, and Bookouture for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.
D.K. Hood keeps impressing with another novel in this great series. Twists and mystery keep the reader hooked from the get go. After two mummified bodies appear in the floodwaters around Black Rock Falls, Sheriff Jenna Alton and her senior deputy, Dave Kane, arrive to investigate. They are able to use forensics to tie the bodies to a pair of missing persons from a dozen years ago. The mystery thickens when those with whom they were camping remain cagey about events. However Alton and Kane have never been known to back down and this is not the time to start. A great story that gets better with each passing chapter.
After a storm creates floodwaters around Black Rock Falls, two bodies emerge from up in the mountainous region. Sheriff Jenna Alton and her senior deputy, Dave Kane, arrive to examine the situation, realising that the bodies are mummified. Forensic examination proves they were buried in the sand and evidence suggests they are two missing college students who were last seen on Hallowe’en a dozen years before. Their injuries are devastating and so the hunt for a killer begins.
Abby Jaye and Cole Peters were last seen while camping with a group of college friends. Many suspect the couple snuck off to the local caves to find some privacy, but it would seem they were attacked with a bladed object and murdered. As soon as a press conference is held and the investigation begins, a number from that same group are interviewed. Rather than being forthcoming, they turn secretive and standoffish. This does little but raise the alarm for Sheriff Alton and Deputy Kane.
While the stories from that night are eerily exact between everyone, it would seem as though the alibis are rehearsed. Things get even more troubling when one of the group is found tortured and murdered at an old ranching property and another is violently killed in town, it would seem the killer (or killers) want to keep the truth about that night from leaking out. A chilling story that puts Kane and Alton into the middle of the action as Hood delivers another winner.
This series has developed many great aspects since I began reading it a few years ago. D.K. Hood has honed her stories and characters to the point of never leaving the reader with a clear idea of where things are headed. The narrative moves along well and keeps the reader hooked from the opening chapters. While I am used to listening to the audiobooks, I was pleased to see reading works just as well to provide momentum building. Hood keeps adding to her characters, leaving her to develop their backstories and propel them forward with new ideas. The Alton-Kane connection deepens, both personally and professionally, which series fans will surely enjoy. The ongoing development of plot points and key twists in the story entertain the reader to no end and left me eager to see where things are headed. There is no end in sight for this series, which has me quite excited. I cannot wait to see where the series heads next and who will emerge with their own backstory.
Kudos, Madam Hood, for keeping things edgy for readers.
Tears on Her Grave is book 24 in the Kane and Alton series by D.K. Hood. Each book can be read as a standalone if you like, but I love the entire series. Tears on Her Grave is a fantastic thriller that keeps you guessing until the end. There are so many possible suspects that it's hard to narrow it down! Twelve years ago on Halloween night a group of college students went up the mountain to camp near the caves. They wanted to scare each other by telling stories of the axman who lived in the caves. During the party everyone was drinking and having a good time around the campfire. They had all planned to stay overnight and camp there. Two of the students, Abby and Cole, wandered away from the group. Abby had to go to the bathroom and wanted Cole to be her lookout. They were dating and wouldn't mind some alone time, too.
Abby and Cole never made it back to the group as they were attacked by someone in a mask, carrying an ax. They were both brutally killed by the man wielding the ax. One of the guys in the group came back covered in blood. He told the others that he had seen Cole kill Abby with an ax. He said he had to kill Cole in self defense as he came rushing at him. The rest of the group went to see the bodies and found Cole on top of Abby like the young man had said. They made a group decision to bury the bodies in the cave and for the young man to put his blood soaked clothes in the grave with them. They all had brought a change of clothes as they were planning to stay overnight. They also came up with a story that they would all tell if any news of this ever got out.
The bodies of Cole and Abby weren't found until 12 years later due to flooding, avalanches, and seismic activity. Their bodies were found in the river, washed down from the caves. Their bodies were in good shape as burying them in sand was like mummifying them. Abby was found clutching something in her hand. It was a fraternity pin that she must've pulled off the killer. Sheriff Alton and Kane notified the parents of Cole and Abby to give them some closure. They had hoped that their children would someday come home again. As Alton and Kane interviewed the group about what happened that night, their stories were exactly the same. They even laughed at the same place in the story. It was weird. Everyone's account of a memory had slight differences, but this group had none. It was like they had planned what to say. Alton and Kane realize that the killer must be someone in this group, but why would the others cover for them?
Jenna Alton is very pregnant with a large baby. She is supposed to take rest breaks, but this case is making it tough. As they begin interviewing individuals, some members of the group are thinking of coming forward. When the killer learns of this, people start getting killed by someone with an ax. Will Alton and Kane be able to figure out who the killer is before someone else gets killed? Members of Jenna's own team have made the killer angry and put themselves in danger. Will someone close to Alton and Kane be injured or killed? This book is a fast read as you can't stop reading it! I absolutely enjoyed Tears on Her Grave and rate it 5 stars with my highest recommendation. If you love a good thriller, this book is for you! I'd like to thank NetGalley and Bookouture for an advanced copy of Tears on Her Grave in exchange for a fair review. Tears on Her Grave is available on December 17 and should not be missed! #TearsOnHerGrave
What an entry into this series! From a dark beginning, I blitzed the audiobook in one sitting, and I spent the entirety of my work day with Patricia reading to me!
It was an intense ride, and I didn't read the blurb so I had no idea where this would go! I love that we saw Raven and Ben and at most definitely the right time!! Plus Jenna and her ever-growing bundle of joy. However, the stark reality of this hit when she had a madman bearing down on her! It was such an exciting and addictive read.
When bodies were discovered from 12 years ago, I breathed a small sigh of relief, it meant that this wasn't an active murderer and that Jenna and Kane could look into a cold case...how wrong was I! And how brutal were they! The new murders were nothing like what the team and seen before, and they had seen some stuff! The fact this madman was crazier than anyone had seen chilled me. There was no filter, and if there ever was, it was well and truly off!!
Even though this is book 24 (!!) it still feels fresh and new. I am still surprised by the characters, they are still being developed and made to be well-rounded. Despite the darkness, we got the briefest of good news, which made me smile and I can't wait to see what the Silver book brings us, being the 25th!!
Another great crime thriller from DK Hood. With two bodies discovered when some caves are flooded, Jenna and Dave know they have an unusual case to solve. When Wolfe examines the bodies he discovers they have been mummified and finds that they died 12 years ago. When they identify the victims friends from back then, Jenna and the team start speaking to them. From the start it’s clear they are all hiding something, but they need to work out what, and why. When one of this group is then found murdered, they know the killer is still in Black Rock Falls, and are determined find them. Norrell wants to get to the caves to see if there is any evidence left behind, but someone will do anything to try and stop her. This is a gripping crime thriller that I really enjoyed. Thanks to Bookouture for the opportunity to read this book.
✅What a brilliant, intriguing, sinister and, thriller read! Here we are at Book 24 with Jenna, Dave and the team working a twisty 12 year old murder. With the remains being so old, can they get clues from the bodies as to what happened? The weather is hindering their progress. The lies being told are getting repeated over and over again. Can secrets really be kept forever? A gripping thriller suspense for lovers of this genre. Can this be read as a standalone? There are some that will say yes. My feelings? I definitely recommend reading the complete series. So much back story to all the key players in each story that is important to know.
Thank you NetGalley, Bookouture and the author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review "Tears On Her Grave", the 24th book in the massively entertaining and genuinely suspenseful Detectives Kane And Alton series by D.K. Hood. "Everything appeared to be normal, but nothing was normal in Black Rock Falls." As always, things are not what they seem, and something is always bubbling up under the surface. Literally, in this case. As aa result of a combination of events - seismic activity, snowfall, avalanches and runoff from the mountains, a 12-year old missing persons case immediately becomes one of murder, and the perpetrator or perpetrators have had a long time to come up with alibis. But, as the saying goes, three can keep a secret - if two are dead. When you multiply that by 4, it's doubtful that the secret will remain that for long. And suddenly, there are more bodies! Someone very much wants to keep the true story of what happened that Halloween night on the mountain and in the cave a secret, and will go to any lengths to do that. The combined forces of investigators Sheriff Jenna Alton and Chief Deputy Dave Kane, ME Shane Wolfe, Forensic Anthropologist Norrell, Deputies Rio and Rowley are on the case and determined to break the wall of silence - along with the remarkably identical stories from that fateful night - that the suspects have erected around themselves. Recommended for fans of the series and fans of the genre.
I really could simply copy and paste the same part of my previous reviews here, because I always have to repeat myself in saying how fantastic this series is, how great the story telling by this author is and how wonderful the recurring characters are. :) I will try my best though to find other words to describe my admiration for this excellent series. ;)
As per usual, the author takes me on a roller coaster of a journey in Black Rock Falls. The story is, once again, filled with suspense and action , but also always softened a bit by some lovely passages to give the reader time to take a breath.
Killers still don't seem to understand they don't stand the slightest change in escaping Jenna, Dave and the teams clutches. On the contrary the team expands and grows even stronger.
On the other hand I do hope the killers will keep coming to the village, because otherwise it would mean the end of the series and I am not ready for this by far.
Another perfect story in this amazing series. 6 stars
O….. M…… G this killer…. They have an itch to scratch and the only satisfaction for that itch is a kill… and those kills are brutal. The killer knows the victims so these poor individuals are in for a nasty surprise!
The Black Rock Falls team has some a little different to deal with in this latest instalment from D.K. Hood. A twenty year old cold case that no one knew happened… or rather not everyone knew happened. Someone knows the truth about a pair of teen lovebirds who disappeared many years ago and that person will stop at nothing to ensure the truth remains buried, unlike the victims who reappear after mudslides and flooding.
The killer didn’t leave their thirst for blood in the past – like I said they’ll stop at nothing to protect themself, including killing in Serial Killer Central Black Rock Falls. I’ve got to say one of the deaths is horrific, not just by the imagery Hood paints me at the time but also Wolfe’s clinical and diagnostic analysis as part of the PM. Bejesus this killer is bloodthirsty!
Hood has set the team an ambitious challenge with this cold case and I loved watching them rise to the occasion. The way Hood gave me insights into both the victims’ movements and the killer’s psyche is unnerving. I was filled with fear as I followed the victim to their death and getting into the killer’s mind gave me the heebie jeebies!!! Cracking crime thriller for Hood!
When a heavy storm hits Black Rock Falls, it brings a trail of destruction. Sheriff Jenna Alton never expects to find college sweethearts Abby Jaye and Cole Peters floating among the wreckage in the river. Missing for twelve years following an end-of-school party, no clues were ever found. As Jenna and her deputy David Kane speak to the pair’s classmates, they’re struck by how startlingly similar their stories are. They all say that nothing suspicious happened that night—they describe the open fire, the cans of cheap beer and the way Abby and Cole seemed totally in love before they disappeared. Their accounts are word-for-word identical, Jenna suspects the friends are keeping a deadly secret, and she’s determined to find out what it is. Days later, Marissa, who still lives in town with her husband and young children, is found dead at a remote farm miles from her family home just hours after answering Jenna’s questions. As Jenna inspects the isolated barn, gun shots ring out nearby. Heart pounding, she receives a panicked phone call from the youngest member of her team. She races to the forest, praying that her friend is still alive. I can’t believe this is book twenty four & it still feels as fresh as the first. I Jenna & her team & feel I’ve really got to know them throughout the series. Another well written page turner, which I found hard to put down, there’s secrets, danger & I was often on the edge of my seat but there were also lighter moments with witty banter & more insights into Jenna & Dave’s private lives. Roll on book twenty five I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for providing this book, with my honest review below.
I hadn’t read a D.K. Hood novel before, let alone one from the Detectives Kane and Alton series, but seeing the absolute adoration many had for this series and for her writing, I was excited to read Tears on Her Grave. The premised was absolutely fascinating to start, with two teenagers found mummified after a flood and Sheriff Jenna and Deputy Kane trying to solve their cold cases. On top of that, the writing was well done, giving me enough background so that I didn’t feel like half the book was obviously catching me up on the background of this extensive series while also not leaving me feeling left behind for not having read it.
My opinion is that I completely understand the adoration after having read this, and look forward to all the new books that are going to be added to my to read list. If Tears on Her Grave is an indication, I’ll be getting deeper into a series that treats its characters with care while also ramping up the tension masterfully. The mysteries in this were especially well done, with Jenna and Kane’s relationship acting as a nice break to the mysteries of the teens, why the old Sheriff had no records about them going missing, and why their friend group was hiding ‘what they did’ (and what actually happened).
If you haven’t read D.K. Hood’s books and enjoy a strong thriller, you’ll really love this one. And if you are familiar, then I’m guessing you’ll devour this as soon as you can!
What can I say that I’ve not said before about this brilliant series. Number 24 and it’s as good and fresh a read as number 1 was, with the added joy of feeling like you’re meeting up with old friends, friends whose lives I’ve become totally invested in. Another brilliantly original plot as the team investigate the cold case of two college students who disappeared 12 years ago one Halloween. A cold case that’s suddenly become warm as nature has released their bodies. This instalment has a different feel to it than the others too. Firstly it feels smaller and more intimate as, apart from a few brief interactions with Kalo, all the characters are in the immediate Black Rock Falls team this time, and there is a bit of a ‘locked in’ feel too, a favourite of mine, as we are presented with a finite number of possible villains from the off. As always the main plots hurtles along with breakneck speed keeping you guessing, while the subplots bubble along nicely with the development of a new character we met in Their Frozen Bones, new life, and hints at new relationships too. Life is about to change for Jenna & Dave and I’m hoping that when we next meet them baby Kane will have arrived.
Tears on Her Grave by DK Hood. Detectives Kane and Alton book 24. I really did enjoy this book. I love this series. I do like kane, Alton, Rowley and Rio. I liked wolfe and Emily his daughter. I love how the characters come alive in my head. I'm looking forward to the next book. I would definitely recommend this book.
Blurb. Stepping into the dark cave just a short distance from the safety of her college friends, the blonde-haired girl immediately senses danger. A tall figure steps out of the shadows, and she knows there’s no time to run…
When a heavy storm hits Black Rock Falls, it brings a trail of destruction. Sheriff Jenna Alton is more than prepared, but she never expects to find college sweethearts Abby Jaye and Cole Peters floating among the wreckage in the river. Missing for twelve years following an end-of-school party, no clues were ever found and the couple’s devastated parents gave up hope that their beloved children would ever come home. Could the fraternity pin clutched tightly in Abby’s hand be the key to finding out what really happened that night?
As Jenna and her deputy David Kane speak to the pair’s classmates, they’re struck by how startlingly similar their stories are. They all say that nothing suspicious happened that night—they describe the open fire, the cans of cheap beer and the way Abby and Cole seemed totally in love before they disappeared. Their accounts are word-for-word identical, Jenna suspects the friends are keeping a deadly secret, and she’s determined to find out what it is.
Days later, Marissa, who still lives in town with her husband and young children, is found dead at a remote farm miles from her cozy family home just hours after answering Jenna’s questions. Jenna’s pulse races as she realizes the killer could be one of the group, and so could their next victim…
As Jenna inspects the isolated barn, gun shots ring out nearby. Heart pounding, she receives a panicked phone call from the youngest member of her team. She races to the forest, praying that her friend is still alive. But with a deadly storm brewing overhead, and a twisted killer on the loose, will she make it in time to save another life from being taken?
Title: Tears on Her Grave Author: D. K. Hood Series: Detectives Alton and Kane #24 Publisher: Bookouture Genre: Crime Thriller Pub Date: December 17, 2024 My Rating: 4.59 Stars Pages: 350
Husband and wife team of Sheriff Jenna Alton and Deputy, David Kane have their hands full with a twelve year old cold case in Black Rock Falls.
The disappearance of college sweethearts Abby Jaye and Cole Peters has been a mystery for twelve years. They went missing while attending a Halloween party near Whispering Caves.
Present day when the river water recedes after a flood their bodies are found floating in the river. Additional their bodies have been mummified so they carried a lot of evidence on their clothing etc. and investigators were able to find traces of their original gravesite. Their parents had given up any hope but now that they have been found and the fraternity pin clutched in Abby’s hand might be a major clue as to what really happened that night.
When Jenna and David talk to the friends who also attended the party, it soon becomes obvious that their stories are too similar- in fact some of their retelling is word-for-word the same. It appears the friends are keeping a deadly secret. Their secret is revealed however someone know there is more to it especially when Melissa and Lily two of the friends who were there now turned up dead,
Another great story!! As one reader put it ~ Killers still don't seem to understand they don't stand the slightest change in escaping Jenna, David.
Those of us who have been following these two are delighted that Jenna is pregnant. They have an adorable five-year adopted son Tauris whom we were introduced to in early stories. Now anxious what Book #25 will bring!
A Big Thank You to NetGalley and Bookouture for this eGalley. Publishing Release Date scheduled for December 17, 2024.
A flood cause two bodies to be washed down from the caves. Cole and Abby died twelve years ago and were assumed to have run away together. The original investigation was lacklustre at best and Sheriff Jenna Alton is determined to find the killer as her predecessor should have done... Tears On Her Grave is the 24th book in the Kane and Alton series of serial killer thrillers set in America. It would work as a stand alone novel but there have been plenty of personal and professional developments for the law enforcement team over this extensive series. The book begins on Halloween 12 years ago with a group of young adults going to a party. Cole and Abby sneak off and come to a violent end courtesy of an axe. Now the terrible weather causes their mummified bodies to be washed out of their sandy grave in the caves. Jenna is appalled by the lack of investigation by the previous sheriff who supposed the pair had run away. Most of the college friends are still in town so Jenna makes it her mission to uncover the truth. But the killer is also still around and determined to silence the weakest links in the group to preserve their heinous secret. There are some chapters that show the killer and victim perspectives and this increase the tension and mystery. The majority of the book focuses on the law enforcement team, led by Jenna and Dave. The investigation is constrained a little by Jenna's pregnancy and Dave's over protectiveness but these do not stand in the way of getting to the truth. Some of the forensic and attack details are quite graphic and vividly described but this served to emphasise the danger. Tears On Her Grave is a tense thriller in a prolific and confident series.
Kane and Alton are back and as the remnants of a heavy storm float away two bodies are discovered in the water. Bodies belonging to college students Cole and Abby, who went missing twelve years ago.
But Sheriff Alton is disgusted and dismayed to learn there is no hint of a missing person's investigation and can't understand how two college kids could go missing from a bigger group of friends out in the woods without anyone noticing or seemingly caring. Apart from their own parents who have long since given up hope of seeing their children again.
However, a very pregnant Jenna and her husband and deputy Dave are quick to learn who they were with that night and start to ask questions. Only they seem to be getting the same answers back. Almost as if they've been rehearsed and it turns out theirs a good reason for that. As the killer has the group convinced, Cole killed Abby and that Cole was then killed in self-defence.
Only, it's all a lie and when the killer realises his friends are starting to wobble and aren't sticking to the story. Everything unravels.
As they will do anything to keep their secret safe. Even if that means murdering again and targeting the sheriff and her team.
And with danger at every turn, a sense of foreboding and twists you won't see coming. This is a fantastic addition to the series, and I was hooked from start to finish.
My thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read Tears on Her Grave. ☺️
This book had an interesting premise, but it fell a little short for me. The story features two dead bodies recovered after missing for 12 years, and a cover up by a group of college friends. Okay, I find this somewhat plausible. But then one of them is also a psychopath who murders randoms, but he/she/they thought it was a good idea to kill people close to them and orchestrate a convoluted cover up? Why did anyone go along with this?
Fast forward to Deputy Kane and Sheriff Alton investigating 12 years later, and every person involved continues to cover it up even when the facts don’t add up to what they were told. And then they threaten a lawsuit for harassment. Brilliant. You already appear guilty as sin, but go ahead and paint giant targets on your backs for being asked basic questions about a homicide.
My biggest problem with this book was the synopsis on the back. It’s pretty clear that it was either AI generated or written by a moron who didn’t read the book. It mentions Marissa and her husband and children, but Marissa is an unmarried loner. And the last paragraph about a barn and gunshots? What is that? There was a barn and there was a gunshot, but they were completely unrelated to each other. This synopsis was sloppy and made me question the overall quality of a series that feels constantly rushed to publish.
Sheriff Jenna Alton and her husband and partner Deputy Dave Kane are investigating a twelve year old cold case. Abbey Jaye and Cole Peters have been missing for twelve years, but after a heavy storm and floodm their bodies have been found floating in a river, their bodies mummified. When Dave and Jenna interview their friends that were with them the night they went missing, it seems like they had all rehearsed what they told Dave and Jenna. Their statements were nearly all word for word perfect.
This is another fast-paced and captivating read. I feel like I know Jenna, Dave and the rest of the team like old friends now.I'm always pleased to see them, and disappointed when I'm finished as I know I have to wait for the next book. It was great that we met Johnny Raven, the newest member to join the team, again. I think he will be a great asset and might already have a new love interest. I thoroughly enjoyed this story even though it was different being a cold case to the ones we normally get. I'm also excited to read the next instalment of this fantastic series.
Published 17th December 2024
I would like to thank #NetGalley #Bookouture and the author #DKHood for my ARC of #TearsOnHerGrave in exchange for an honest review/
Crime series are my thing and I know I say this a lot, but this is a series I look forward to the next one. As soon as I have finished the current one. Alton and Kane have a unique background with no one knowing exactly who they were. Even the other. It is never the focus of the books, but it is always plays a little part in how they investigate and live their lives.
This installment has bodies pop up from an old missing person’s case. I like that there were chapters from the killer as he continued his killing spree. It set up a cat and mouse game between the police, the group of friends involved in the original murders and the killer. Yes, another serial killer. In a different sort of way, but that is another unique piece of the series. Black Rock Falls continues to be serial killer central.
Even with the limited number of suspects, I found I waffled over identifying the killer. I was gripped from the start. With an easy to read writing style and such likable main characters, I flew through this installment of the series. The caves and Black Water Falls set an atmospheric background to go hand and hand with the case.
I put this series high on my list of recommended crimes series because once you read one, you will be addicted.
When a severe storm hits Black Rock Falls the unexpected often can be found washed down the river - what isn't expected are the mummified bodies of two students who went missing twelve years previously .
Sheriff Jenna Alton and her Deputy David Kane start their investigation re-interviewing their classmates who all tell a similar story - too similar stories . Jenna knows something is going on , they just need someone to crack and give a true account of events so long ago . What they didn't expect is for one such interviewee to herself suffer at the hands of a murderer shortly after her interview . As Jenna investigates the site of the latest murder shots ring out - are her colleagues under fire ? who is doing the shooting ? What follows is a gripping fast paced murder mystery , overshadowed by events from the past - can Jenna and David find the killer before they strike again I enjoyed the setting of these books in a small town surrounded by sparsely populated mountains and forests - where anything can happen with few if any witnesses
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my copy of this book.
12 years ago two teens disappeared on Halloween. Now their bodies have turned up in black rock falls. With the group of friends they’d been with repeating the same story word for word, sheriff Jenna Alton and Deputy Dave Kane have their work cut out for them. When old friends turn up dead the connection to the old case needs investigating.
I can’t express how much I love this series. This was another fast paced, exciting story. The characters are so well written that I feel I know them in real life! I’m finding myself excited to meet Jenna and Dave’s baby! Another psychopath killer in town and what a great amount of suspense. I was kept guessing right up until the end. The introduction of Raven as a permanent character is great, and looking forward to reading more about him. As always I read this one too quickly and now I need to wait (not so) patiently for the next one. I can’t recommend this one, and all of them enough! Must read!
This saying comes to mind in the latest D.K Hood book Tears on Her Grave. When the bodies of two college students who vanished 12 years ago wash up during recent flooding, the Black Rock Falls team go to work to solve this cold case. Focused on the group of friends who went into the mountains at Halloween with the couple when they vanished, new, gruesome murders occur, one by one, members fo the group were being taken out before they could crack and spill what they really did that fateful night in the forest.
As the team uncover evidence, how far will this killer go to keep their secrets???
This story has all the local Black Rock Falls team with the help of Kalo’s expertise to dig into backgrounds and other research. Raven is also back and will no doubt start to feature more in future books.
This felt like a quick read, over before I knew it. It was engaging as you wondered just how it would end and was filled with the personal moments that keep the personal stories of the main characters progressing.
A deadly secret floated to the surface, and now a group of friends who have kept silent about that night 12 years ago are on edge. Someone wants the secrets of that night to stay buried forever and will stop at nothing to keep those silent who want to talk about it. You soon see that these so-called friends are not very trustworthy. It has become an every man for himself or herself situation.
This bone chilling thriller kept me up late into the night as I frantically turned the pages. I am never disappointed in a Kane and Alton mystery. This one was top notch. The mystery was phenomenal as the author slowly allowed more clues to surface with each chapter. I was gritting my teeth the entire time while trying to play detective myself and pinpoint the vicious killer.
Bravo to Ms. Hood for another astounding installment to a completely addictive series. Put aside everything before you begin this book because it will suck you in from the first few chapters.
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Once again, D.K. Hood delivers a pulse-pounding mystery that keeps you guessing until the very end. Sheriff Alton and Deputy Kane are at their best as they unravel the chilling secrets behind a twelve-year-old disappearance, all while battling a deadly storm and a cunning killer.
The story grabs you right from the opening scene and doesn’t let go. The mix of small-town charm and the sinister undercurrent of Black Rock Falls is as captivating as ever. The characters are vivid and relatable, from the determined Jenna to the tight-knit group of classmates hiding dark secrets.
The pacing is flawless, with just the right amount of tension and action to keep you glued to the pages. And the twists? Absolutely brilliant—they’ll leave you stunned.
If you’re a fan of gripping mysteries with heart-pounding action and unforgettable characters, this is a must-read. Five stars, without a doubt!
This series is still going strong. This latest story involves a cold case revolving around a couple who went missing 12 years ago. They were college sweethearts and when they weren't found, it was assumed that they ran away together. Now their bodies have turned up in the river and there are few police records of the disappearance. So, it is like Jenna and her team are starting from scratch to figure out what happened.
However, they have a clue in that Abby had an item clutched in her hand. And of course, good old police work as they start investigating the group of friends who admitted to being on the mountain the night Abby and Cole went missing.
As the team gets closer to determining the killer, there are a couple more horrendous killings. While I was able to guess at the gender of the killer rather easily, it was surprising who it turned out to be. I love the addition of the consultant and look forward to seeing more of him in future stories.
Another brilliant plot when the team investigate a cold case of a couple college students who disappeared 12 years ago on Halloween. This has a different vibe to it than the others. There seems to be a more intimate setting with Jenna and Dave showing feelings and love about their future as they go forward. As they investigate the homicides of the college students Dave never wavered about his concerns of Jenna being 7 months pregnant. The story moves quickly keeping you full invested as they close in on what took place that night in the forest. It was great to see Johnny Raven (the newest deputy) being introduced again in the mix with his K9. He is setting up to train more K9s which will be a fantastic addition to future books! I can’t wait to see more of him! Hmmm…does Emily (Wolfe’s daughter) and Johnny feel a spark of interest? Looking forward to the next book!
Tears on Her Grave (Detectives Kane and Alton Book 24) by D.K. Hood Publisher: Bookouture Genre: Mystery & Thrillers Expected Publication Date: December 17, 2024
Tears on Her Grave is the 24th book in the Detectives Kane and Alton series by D.K. Hood and it did not disappoint! This book can be enjoyed as a standalone mystery or as part of the series. I feel like each book gets better than the previous one!
This book was fast paced and had me on the edge of my seat. I did not want to stop reading this book! I love the characters and I found the story to be absolutely captivating! This book was intense and I loved every minute of it!!! There were so many moments was I was scared for the characters that I’ve come to love.
I highly recommend reading Tears on Her Grave!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.