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Kill Her
Tragedy strikes the quiet town of Sweet Home, Oregon when star high school athlete, Braden Haines, is discovered dead. As the community reels from this shocking loss, Officer Lacey James is thrust into the harrowing investigation. Following closely on the heels of a recent fatal car accident involving another popular student, tensions run high, as Lacey delves into a tangled web of secrets and lies to uncover the motive behind Braden’s tragic death.
As Lacey peels back the layers of deception, she uncovers disturbing clues. Blocked messages, troubled relationships, and hidden desires all point to a chilling reality—a bombshell accusation regarding another missing teen.
Fans of Kendra Elliot, Lisa Regan, and Mary Burton will love Kill Her, the riveting fifth installment of the award-winning Lacey James series!
Readers have this to say about the Lacey James
“A must-read for avid mystery lovers!”
“I’m really loving the characters in the Lacey James series!”
“Buckle up for a thrilling read.”
As Lacey peels back the layers of deception, she uncovers disturbing clues. Blocked messages, troubled relationships, and hidden desires all point to a chilling reality—a bombshell accusation regarding another missing teen.
Fans of Kendra Elliot, Lisa Regan, and Mary Burton will love Kill Her, the riveting fifth installment of the award-winning Lacey James series!
Readers have this to say about the Lacey James
“A must-read for avid mystery lovers!”
“I’m really loving the characters in the Lacey James series!”
“Buckle up for a thrilling read.”
314 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 28, 2025
43 people are currently reading
45 people want to read
About the author
Chris Patchell
22 books275 followers Chris Patchell is an award-winning USA Today Bestselling Author who started writing to curb the homicidal urges she experienced during her Seattle commute. She writes gripping suspense thrillers set in the Pacific Northwest, including bestsellers Deadly Lies, In the Dark, and her most recent collection of small-town crime thrillers, the Lacey James Series. Her writing has won several awards, including a Next Generation Indie Book Award, several Readers’ Favorite Awards, a BookFest Award, an IndieReader Discovery Award, and a Pacific Northwest Literary Award.
When she’s not writing, you can find Chris reading, hanging out with her family, watching football, and struggling to keep up with her workout regime, all while shushing her incessantly yapping Yorkies. She lives in Oregon with her husband and two kids.
Connect with Chris through her author newsletter: https://www.chrispatchell.com/newslet...
When she’s not writing, you can find Chris reading, hanging out with her family, watching football, and struggling to keep up with her workout regime, all while shushing her incessantly yapping Yorkies. She lives in Oregon with her husband and two kids.
Connect with Chris through her author newsletter: https://www.chrispatchell.com/newslet...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
February 21, 2025
Kill Her by Chris Patchell has such a pretty cover for an ugly story. I am excited to be back with Lacey James, being led step by step through her investigation into the death of Braden Haines, a star high school athlete. It isn’t long before another teen goes missing, and Lacey is uncovering secrets that will expose the truth.
Lacey’s personal life has changed and she struggles to deal with the issues that arise. I am happy for the change and I hope things smooth out for her. That she and Caleb can resolve their issues for the sake of the children. All too often they get caught up in the chaos.
The pastor reallllllly ticked me off. If I could of reached through my ereader, I would have punched his lights out.
Kill Her by Chris Patchell unfolded as if I was watching an ID TV episode. The realistic characters, with plenty to love and others to be disgusted by, and the realistic situations had me flipping through the pages, having to know who did what to who. I was also watching the Super Bowl, but Kill Her was unputdownable and I couldn’t look away. If you love a good mystery, Lacey James is sure to capture your attention.
For a small town, Sweet Home is always hopping with action and I’m sure Lacey will be presented with another mystery to solve in the near future. I’ll be along for the ride.
I want to thank Chris Patchell for the opportunity to read Kill Her.
See more at http://www.fundinmental.com
Lacey’s personal life has changed and she struggles to deal with the issues that arise. I am happy for the change and I hope things smooth out for her. That she and Caleb can resolve their issues for the sake of the children. All too often they get caught up in the chaos.
The pastor reallllllly ticked me off. If I could of reached through my ereader, I would have punched his lights out.
Kill Her by Chris Patchell unfolded as if I was watching an ID TV episode. The realistic characters, with plenty to love and others to be disgusted by, and the realistic situations had me flipping through the pages, having to know who did what to who. I was also watching the Super Bowl, but Kill Her was unputdownable and I couldn’t look away. If you love a good mystery, Lacey James is sure to capture your attention.
For a small town, Sweet Home is always hopping with action and I’m sure Lacey will be presented with another mystery to solve in the near future. I’ll be along for the ride.
I want to thank Chris Patchell for the opportunity to read Kill Her.
See more at http://www.fundinmental.com
January 29, 2025
Well…
That was BRILLIANT!
Knocked the air clean out of me.
This story pulled me in, keeping me tangled up in a web of suspense and intrigue until the very last few pages.
Seems slightly criminal that I have just recently discovered Chris Patchell and her writing— I will certainly be making up for lost time.
That was BRILLIANT!
Knocked the air clean out of me.
This story pulled me in, keeping me tangled up in a web of suspense and intrigue until the very last few pages.
Seems slightly criminal that I have just recently discovered Chris Patchell and her writing— I will certainly be making up for lost time.
October 23, 2025
Received as an ARC, this is an honest review. For the small town of Sweet Home that's already enduring the sudden loss of a local teen Shane Garcia; it seems for officer Lacey James and her colleagues have kicked a hornets nest of secrets buried deep within a town Lacey thought she knew. On the surface, Shane's death was open and closed but when another young man, Braden Haines leaves behind a cryptic note after his death; Lacey cannot ignore something far more mysterious could be why Braden had to do what he did. These two teens' deaths have connections back to a young woman - Megan Locke, a foster teen who has talent as an artist... yet seemingly vanished into the wind - as of she'd never existed. What happened to this teenage girl become the linchpin Lacey and the rest of Sweet Home's police force need to unravel Megan's secret... as it shine a light of much darker things happening into shadows within such a close knit community that Sweet Home is.
Author Chris Patchell's superb series keeps getting better with each book.
Highly recommended.
Author Chris Patchell's superb series keeps getting better with each book.
Highly recommended.
January 31, 2025
“Wow what a thrilling read!” you just can't put the book down.
Another terrific story continuing in this amazing “Lacy James Series”
In the quiet sleepy town of Sweet Home Oregon, off duty officer Lacey is called out to a tragic and fatal accident, where a promising high school student Braden Haines had crashed and died. Lacey isn’t aware that when as she starts the investigation, that this will be her toughest case yet.
Quickly following the accident, another high school and close friend of Braden commits suicide leaving a note saying “It’s all my fault!” This prompts leads Lacey and pushes her to investigate the many unanswered questions, deceptions and troubled relationships which drives Lacy on to find out the truth. Wrapped into all of this and with Lacy being pregnant and separated from her husband Caleb and partner now lover, tensions between the three make this such a tense and life like mystery thriller you will not want to stop reading. The story and investigation starts slowly and builds up to one hell of an gripping but happy ending! A must read especially if you have read others in this fantastic series
Another terrific story continuing in this amazing “Lacy James Series”
In the quiet sleepy town of Sweet Home Oregon, off duty officer Lacey is called out to a tragic and fatal accident, where a promising high school student Braden Haines had crashed and died. Lacey isn’t aware that when as she starts the investigation, that this will be her toughest case yet.
Quickly following the accident, another high school and close friend of Braden commits suicide leaving a note saying “It’s all my fault!” This prompts leads Lacey and pushes her to investigate the many unanswered questions, deceptions and troubled relationships which drives Lacy on to find out the truth. Wrapped into all of this and with Lacy being pregnant and separated from her husband Caleb and partner now lover, tensions between the three make this such a tense and life like mystery thriller you will not want to stop reading. The story and investigation starts slowly and builds up to one hell of an gripping but happy ending! A must read especially if you have read others in this fantastic series
February 3, 2025
A fabulous and well written story.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, it was one of those must read to the end of the story type.
I haven’t read any of the previous books, wish I had, but will certainly search out books from this author.
Detective Lacey is a thorough, determined and stubborn, now heavily pregnant woman. She sees things others may think insignificant, as vital clues.
She gets help from mysterious texts, following the trail they lead to.
There are so many hidden secrets in this place, and finding the ones needed for the case prove difficult, so many possibilities with other crimes surfacing.
As well as the police work, there is the emotional issues going alongside all this, showing you the intricacies of family, children, ex partners to new ones. This gives you also the chance to see Lacey as a real human being, baggage and all.
Once I’d finished the book, I wanted to talk about it, how one piece of information lead to little breakthroughs and so on.
I would definately recommend this book and author.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, it was one of those must read to the end of the story type.
I haven’t read any of the previous books, wish I had, but will certainly search out books from this author.
Detective Lacey is a thorough, determined and stubborn, now heavily pregnant woman. She sees things others may think insignificant, as vital clues.
She gets help from mysterious texts, following the trail they lead to.
There are so many hidden secrets in this place, and finding the ones needed for the case prove difficult, so many possibilities with other crimes surfacing.
As well as the police work, there is the emotional issues going alongside all this, showing you the intricacies of family, children, ex partners to new ones. This gives you also the chance to see Lacey as a real human being, baggage and all.
Once I’d finished the book, I wanted to talk about it, how one piece of information lead to little breakthroughs and so on.
I would definately recommend this book and author.
Read
February 4, 2025This may be book 5 in the Sweet Home series but it is my first, and I anticipate more hours spent with Lacey, Eli, Amber, and the residents of the southern Willamette Valley. Kill Her is eminently enjoyable without having to read the previous books.
Several things kept this from being a 5* - there's no measure of time passing. Supposedly the narrative takes place in October when Lacey is 7 months pregnant however Halloween seems to be an elusive future event. In actuality Lacey behaves as someone further along in pregnancy.
Lacey chases after threads in the investigation but only once does she talk with the high school friends of the victims.
The emerging romance between Lacey and Eli is not a recommendation for adult relationships. Have they never left high school?
I recommend this book but don't get too caught up in the side stories plausibility. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Several things kept this from being a 5* - there's no measure of time passing. Supposedly the narrative takes place in October when Lacey is 7 months pregnant however Halloween seems to be an elusive future event. In actuality Lacey behaves as someone further along in pregnancy.
Lacey chases after threads in the investigation but only once does she talk with the high school friends of the victims.
The emerging romance between Lacey and Eli is not a recommendation for adult relationships. Have they never left high school?
I recommend this book but don't get too caught up in the side stories plausibility. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 12, 2025
Sweet Home police officer Lacey James has many complexities in her life - pregnancy, marital separation, burgeoning romance, and then further complexities in case work when the team are called out to the suicide of a High School football star, Braden Haines. The investigation uncovers a missing girl, the perceived accidental death of a close friend of Braden’s a few weeks before this latest incident and further dramas with High School associates of the deceased football stars. To add to the complexities, when her Police Chief suffers a heart attack, Lacey is placed in the position of acting Chief over her colleagues, one of which is her love interest.
There are plenty of twists and turns to this story and the many different situations are believable and well handled by the author. A very good read.
There are plenty of twists and turns to this story and the many different situations are believable and well handled by the author. A very good read.
February 18, 2025
(I received an advanced copy of "Kill Her")
I'm read a lot of Chris Patchell's books and was excited to receive this advanced copy to read. I had read all the Lacey James series to this point and was happy to see the series continue. Patchell has this way of engaging a reader immediately and bringing you into the story as if you were a bystander in everything that is happening. There were more characters in this book than I remember in previous Lacey James books but it wasn't hard to keep track of them...and you instantly were invested in all the characters (even if you didn't like them). The language Patchell uses is familiar...as if you are hearing the story from a friend at a coffee shop which makes Patchell's book so enjoyable to read. The story is incredibly tragic a but Patchell tells it in such a way that you simply can't put it down.
I'm read a lot of Chris Patchell's books and was excited to receive this advanced copy to read. I had read all the Lacey James series to this point and was happy to see the series continue. Patchell has this way of engaging a reader immediately and bringing you into the story as if you were a bystander in everything that is happening. There were more characters in this book than I remember in previous Lacey James books but it wasn't hard to keep track of them...and you instantly were invested in all the characters (even if you didn't like them). The language Patchell uses is familiar...as if you are hearing the story from a friend at a coffee shop which makes Patchell's book so enjoyable to read. The story is incredibly tragic a but Patchell tells it in such a way that you simply can't put it down.
February 5, 2025
It's been a long time since I last read one of Chris Patchell's books. Officer Lacey James is on the case again, and she is also very pregnant, but she will give it her all. A well-known athlete was found dead then followed by a road accident that soon had Lacey investigating these tragedies.
Lacey is a very determined officer, and she will leave nothing unturned.
As with all stories, the main protagonist also has a life, and the author does have the knack of bringing that into the story.
Please be aware it does focus on abuse and religion, which you have to be careful of when writing, but this is a good read, and I would recommend having a go at reading this author as she does have the knack of bringing everything together nicely.
Lacey is a very determined officer, and she will leave nothing unturned.
As with all stories, the main protagonist also has a life, and the author does have the knack of bringing that into the story.
Please be aware it does focus on abuse and religion, which you have to be careful of when writing, but this is a good read, and I would recommend having a go at reading this author as she does have the knack of bringing everything together nicely.
March 4, 2025
The heroine in this book is a VERY pregnant deputy sheriff who, after the sheriff suffers a heart incident, becomes acting chief.
I mention this because Ms. Patchell has done a very good job of making me feel (or, at least, come close to feeling) what a person in such an advanced stage of pregnancy suffers: her back, her feet, her susceptibility to hunger and a sudden need for a bathroom -- all of which she endures while trying to figure out if a missing teenage girl is dead or alive and whether or not her community has suffered two suicides by young males or whether actually one of them might have been a murder!
Prepare to be plunged back into the confusion and mixed feelings of teen-aged angst, as well as into the confusion and mixed feelings of the adults who love them!
I found the characters well-drawn, most -- but not all -- of them likable, and the plot-line interesting and its resolution not at all obvious.
A good mystery as well as an honest look at the struggles many, perhaps even most, families have to go through at some time in their lives.
I mention this because Ms. Patchell has done a very good job of making me feel (or, at least, come close to feeling) what a person in such an advanced stage of pregnancy suffers: her back, her feet, her susceptibility to hunger and a sudden need for a bathroom -- all of which she endures while trying to figure out if a missing teenage girl is dead or alive and whether or not her community has suffered two suicides by young males or whether actually one of them might have been a murder!
Prepare to be plunged back into the confusion and mixed feelings of teen-aged angst, as well as into the confusion and mixed feelings of the adults who love them!
I found the characters well-drawn, most -- but not all -- of them likable, and the plot-line interesting and its resolution not at all obvious.
A good mystery as well as an honest look at the struggles many, perhaps even most, families have to go through at some time in their lives.
February 2, 2025
Another amazing book!
I found Chris Patchell by chance. Now I read anything she publishes. The Lacey James series is one of my absolute favorites. Lacey is a mother, cop and friend who openly acknowledges all of her short comings, and fights for all of her victims. I love that you see the balance of being all of those things above, and you also see the challenges she faces in the work place. This was such a heart wrenching story, but it shows the lengths people will goto, to get what they want. Chris Patchell’s writing style is fantastic and will keep you in the edge of your seat.
I found Chris Patchell by chance. Now I read anything she publishes. The Lacey James series is one of my absolute favorites. Lacey is a mother, cop and friend who openly acknowledges all of her short comings, and fights for all of her victims. I love that you see the balance of being all of those things above, and you also see the challenges she faces in the work place. This was such a heart wrenching story, but it shows the lengths people will goto, to get what they want. Chris Patchell’s writing style is fantastic and will keep you in the edge of your seat.
April 17, 2025
Best One in The Series
Got this one free in return of an honest review. Once I realized it was part of a series, I went and found the first four to read first. While I enjoyed them all, this one really did it. All of the books can be read alone but honestly it just gives you a better over all understanding of everything they all went through to do them in order. I don’t know if the author intends to continue Laceys story in the future, this one wraps up everything in her personal life well. But if she continues, I wouldn't mind catching up with Lacey, Amber, Eli and heck maybe even Caleb!
Got this one free in return of an honest review. Once I realized it was part of a series, I went and found the first four to read first. While I enjoyed them all, this one really did it. All of the books can be read alone but honestly it just gives you a better over all understanding of everything they all went through to do them in order. I don’t know if the author intends to continue Laceys story in the future, this one wraps up everything in her personal life well. But if she continues, I wouldn't mind catching up with Lacey, Amber, Eli and heck maybe even Caleb!
January 30, 2025
Page Turner! Chris Patchell provides an intense mystery and the feels. Officer Lacey James has a lot going on in her life, pregnant, divorce, 3 children, new love interest and family struggles with her sister. She deals with her life issues and strives to put together all the pieces with High School football star tragic accident, then another starts suicide and a missing girl. Twist, turns and surprises. Chris Patchell never disappoints. Highly recommend. Thank you for the advance copy. I freely share my honest thoughts and opinions. #KillHer #LaceyJames #ChrisPatchell #BookFunnel
February 1, 2025
This is a great mystery/thriller book by Chris Patchell. It belongs to the Lacey James series. In this book, Officer Lacey James is thrust into the murder/death of a popular high school student. This is the second death now. Another popular student died in a car accident just before this. The quiet town of Sweet Home, Oregon, is rattled. Lacey works through the case, layer by layer, exposing everything in her way to the truth. It is well written and kept me interested throughout the book. I received an ARC copy from the author and this is my honest review.
February 13, 2025
I love a good thriller and this series is so so addictive. Lacey James is such an awesome character, strong, reliable, determined and tough enough to do what must be done. It’s a great read that covers the complexity of suicide, missing persons, romance, death, high school drama, family drama and so much more. The author does a great job of drawing us in with the mystery, the suspense, the intrigue and the twists and turns that kept me glued to the pages and on the edge of my seat. It’s a gripping, chilling and enthralling read and so, so good!
February 18, 2025
Lacey James investigates the suicide of a teenager which threatens to tear lives apart.
This is an exciting addition to the Lacey James series. Lacey is a young police officer in a small town in Oregon, juggling her life as a mother of two, her relationship with her soon-to-be ex, and her feelings for a fellow officer.
When a popular young high school senior commits suicide, it opens an investigation which is bound to tear lives apart.
I look forward to more books in this series.
This is an exciting addition to the Lacey James series. Lacey is a young police officer in a small town in Oregon, juggling her life as a mother of two, her relationship with her soon-to-be ex, and her feelings for a fellow officer.
When a popular young high school senior commits suicide, it opens an investigation which is bound to tear lives apart.
I look forward to more books in this series.
January 20, 2025
What a book!!! A quiet town until there is an accident killing an high school athlete and then another popular athletes suicide. Then Megan disappears. What is happening? The investigation leads to family secrets, mysterious text messages. Lacey digs into the investigation. Combine this with Lacey’s pregnancy, her children, her upcoming divorce, and her new relationship- you know you are in for a great read!
February 16, 2025
I really enjoyed this because there was a plot that kept me turning the pages.
The secondary plot line of Lacey's private life, with all of it's challenges provided a good foil to the drama in the main storyline.
This was the first I'd read in the series and it worked well as a standalone - I'll be looking forward to reading more of these.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The secondary plot line of Lacey's private life, with all of it's challenges provided a good foil to the drama in the main storyline.
This was the first I'd read in the series and it worked well as a standalone - I'll be looking forward to reading more of these.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 27, 2025
This was quite enjoyable. It worked great as a standalone. I hadn't read the earlier books but it didn't impact my enjoyment.
I really liked the small town full of secrets vibe and there were more nasty things in the woodwork here than I was expecting. I like the character of Lacey, determined and with a complicated personal life. The buildup to the final scenes was great and had me turning page after page to get to the end.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I really liked the small town full of secrets vibe and there were more nasty things in the woodwork here than I was expecting. I like the character of Lacey, determined and with a complicated personal life. The buildup to the final scenes was great and had me turning page after page to get to the end.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 22, 2025
Lacey James does not quit on an investigation. A car that crashed and killed a young teen, a teen suicide and a missing girl in a foster home. Lacey is pregnant and even though it slows her down she is relentless. Someone sends Lacey pictures of the missing girl from an untraceable phone. This is another page turning thriller from Chris Patchell.
February 2, 2025
Wow! This story was full of twists and turns. The main character, Lacey, is such a strong force that is so persistent. The supporting characters are great as well. Everything fit together so perfectly, and I am running to read the rest of the series!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 15, 2025
The fifth installment in the Lacey James series, Kill Her, did not disappoint. It begins about 6 months after the last adventure. Several things happen. But how and why are they related? This book reads easily and moves quickly. Both things to keep you interested and want to keep reading.
I am hoping for more Lacey James books to come!!
I am hoping for more Lacey James books to come!!
February 16, 2025
So glad I stumbled To this author's work. I've read every book in this series and I'm now branching out. Consider me a new fan! Wish I could have waited for audio, but... I could not.
Another great installment. The tension between Eli & Caleb and Lacey in a seat of authority were all fun parts to keep this story moving.
Another great installment. The tension between Eli & Caleb and Lacey in a seat of authority were all fun parts to keep this story moving.
February 22, 2025
I always look forward to a Chris Patchell book and she has never disappointed me. This book was a real page turner for me. I am not even going to attempt to discuss this book as I see no way to do so without revealing too much of the story. It was an excellent story with plenty of surprising twists and turns. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
I received an ARC of this book. My opinion is freely given.
I received an ARC of this book. My opinion is freely given.
February 1, 2025
Chris Patchell has written a pulse-pounding, nail-biting story. I couldn’t stop reading until I reached the end - and I wasn’t disappointed. Pick up “Kill Her” today; you won’t regret it.
I received an advance copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving this review.
I received an advance copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving this review.
February 2, 2025
Oh, simply wow. Officer Lacey James is one of those main characters that you just instantly feel a connection to and it only grows as the story continues. This one has a few twists that will keep you on your toes while you read. Simply phenomenal.
February 13, 2025
Wow! This book has so many twists and turns, just when you think you have it figured out another twist comes along to throw you off! Loved this book and felt like the main characters were very likable. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 17, 2025
wow
Such an intense and involved story. Chris Patchell deserves to have all her books made into movies. I love how work and the personal relationships are intertwined in her books. You won’t want to miss this.
Such an intense and involved story. Chris Patchell deserves to have all her books made into movies. I love how work and the personal relationships are intertwined in her books. You won’t want to miss this.
March 4, 2025
Heartbreaking
A good thriller that touched on the messed up teenage lives. Teenage years are extremely hard. Navigating everything, making rash decisions without the capacity to make the right ones.
A good thriller that touched on the messed up teenage lives. Teenage years are extremely hard. Navigating everything, making rash decisions without the capacity to make the right ones.
January 20, 2025
As always an interesting story by this author, which grabs your interest right from the start.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews