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Kenzie Gilmore #9
Gilt Edge
Not yet published
Expected 17 Mar 26A string of brutal murders. A killer obsessed with ancient justice. A world where power is measured in blood and steel.
When Miami’s elite collectors of Eastern antiquities start turning up dead—each slain with an authentic samurai sword—investigative journalist Kenzie Gilmore is drawn into a case unlike any other. No longer with The New York Times, Kenzie is back in Miami, where her true crime podcast has made her a rising star.
But as she and Detective Reid Garrett navigate a web of illicit dealings and honor-bound traditions, they uncover whispers of a radical group seeking to reclaim what was stolen centuries ago.
The killer, an expert in samurai lore, seems to be executing a form of ancient justice, challenging the duo to a game of wits steeped in Eastern philosophy.
When Miami’s elite collectors of Eastern antiquities start turning up dead—each slain with an authentic samurai sword—investigative journalist Kenzie Gilmore is drawn into a case unlike any other. No longer with The New York Times, Kenzie is back in Miami, where her true crime podcast has made her a rising star.
But as she and Detective Reid Garrett navigate a web of illicit dealings and honor-bound traditions, they uncover whispers of a radical group seeking to reclaim what was stolen centuries ago.
The killer, an expert in samurai lore, seems to be executing a form of ancient justice, challenging the duo to a game of wits steeped in Eastern philosophy.
Kindle Edition
First published February 24, 2026
29 people want to read
About the author
Biba Pearce
42 books256 followersBiba Pearce is an award-winning, internationally published crime author, known for crafting gripping, atmospheric mysteries. She is the bestselling author of multiple series including DCI Rob Miller, Kenzie Gilmore and Shrap Nelson. Her work has been recognized by the Feathered Quill and the CWA Debut Dagger awards, and The Marlow Murders was named Best Crime Fiction Book at the 2024 Indie Excellence Book Awards.
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Website: bibapearce.com
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
Review of advance copy
Wow what can I say! This was a free download from Biba Pearce, I am normally unable to download any free books as I can't seem to get them from my laptop to go anywhere else, took me ages to download and move, then lost the other 3 free books I had managed to get onto kindle but on moving this the other 3 disappeared, gone forever without me reading them, sigh..
Anyway this book was absolutely amazing!! Kept me reading through the night. Lt Reid Garrett and his sidekick, well one of them, Officer Diaz, have been called out by the gardener of a very swanky expensive property in Miami as he had arrived for work and found his employer dead on the floor of his private museum with a very large sword standing upright through his stomach, or in that area anyway. But there was no blood. Aha says Reid then he didn't die on this sparklingly clean floor then. The very rich dead man was Malcolm Hargreave who founded and owned a large pharmaceutical company, and who was getting divorced and had a son. The cameras had all been turned off and when the gardener arrived the front door was open.
Back at base Reid's sort of girlfriend Kenzie Gilmore, she's a reporter but now freelance, well they do seem to have a relationship but it didn't seem to extend to the bedroom, actively that is, she has written a piece for her podcast about the private vaults of stolen art, how antiques are disappearing into the hands of the ultra wealthy. And Reid thinks well this guy had a museum full of antiquities and paintings and a lot of japanese stuff, all bought loot? Yep it transpires.
Then Reid finds himself with another dead millionaire and then another. His list of suspects is non-existent and Kenzie wants to join an online group who are trying to act like professionals looking into these murders and to find the killer, which is the last thing Reid needs right now, plus he fears for her life if she joins. But she does. She's left wondering if one of these men could be the killer, and is her life at stake. Well the plot thickens and just when Reid thinks he has the right man, another dead millionaire crops up.
The tension in this book is palpable and just when you think you know who it might be something happens to blow that out of the water, but the end does appear to be in sight as Kenzie has persuaded some of the online group to help her find out who the killer is, by meeting up, in the dark, in some place... I won't give the game away but it truly was a good book. Am not sure I would read another one in this series though, the tension played havoc with my sleep...just saying Ms Pearce, just saying. Actually guys it is probably best to avoid reading it at bedtime as there are a lot of gruesome descriptions in here. Just saying.
Anyway this book was absolutely amazing!! Kept me reading through the night. Lt Reid Garrett and his sidekick, well one of them, Officer Diaz, have been called out by the gardener of a very swanky expensive property in Miami as he had arrived for work and found his employer dead on the floor of his private museum with a very large sword standing upright through his stomach, or in that area anyway. But there was no blood. Aha says Reid then he didn't die on this sparklingly clean floor then. The very rich dead man was Malcolm Hargreave who founded and owned a large pharmaceutical company, and who was getting divorced and had a son. The cameras had all been turned off and when the gardener arrived the front door was open.
Back at base Reid's sort of girlfriend Kenzie Gilmore, she's a reporter but now freelance, well they do seem to have a relationship but it didn't seem to extend to the bedroom, actively that is, she has written a piece for her podcast about the private vaults of stolen art, how antiques are disappearing into the hands of the ultra wealthy. And Reid thinks well this guy had a museum full of antiquities and paintings and a lot of japanese stuff, all bought loot? Yep it transpires.
Then Reid finds himself with another dead millionaire and then another. His list of suspects is non-existent and Kenzie wants to join an online group who are trying to act like professionals looking into these murders and to find the killer, which is the last thing Reid needs right now, plus he fears for her life if she joins. But she does. She's left wondering if one of these men could be the killer, and is her life at stake. Well the plot thickens and just when Reid thinks he has the right man, another dead millionaire crops up.
The tension in this book is palpable and just when you think you know who it might be something happens to blow that out of the water, but the end does appear to be in sight as Kenzie has persuaded some of the online group to help her find out who the killer is, by meeting up, in the dark, in some place... I won't give the game away but it truly was a good book. Am not sure I would read another one in this series though, the tension played havoc with my sleep...just saying Ms Pearce, just saying. Actually guys it is probably best to avoid reading it at bedtime as there are a lot of gruesome descriptions in here. Just saying.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Wow, Biba Pearce strikes again and has me reading far into the night.
Lieutenant Reid Garrett and his brilliant, hand picked team at the Sweetwater PD, had been called out to an art gallery, the owner was a wealthy collector of Japanese artifacts, the owner's body was found in the temperature controlled gallery at what looked to be a ritualistic murder, a Japanese sword through the heart, his body posed but no blood......the body had been moved. Lying by the body was a newspaper article written by Reid's girlfriend, Kenzie Gilmore, when she was a reporter for the NYT, the article was about ancient Asian artifacts being sold on the black market.
Kenzie had desperately wanted to join the police force but an injury at the end of her training made that impossible, investigative journalism was the next best thing, she could use the skills that she had learned at the academy and she was able to act as a consultant at Sweetwater PD.
Kenzie was good at her job, she also ran a very popular crime podcast. With the help of her friend Raoul, who is an expert at digging deep into the dark web, Kenzie is determined to help Reid solve this murder.
Further murders occur, different methods but with the same theme, Japanese artifacts, there were many collectors of these artifacts, who will be next? the killer leaves no clues.
With Raoul's help, Kenzie is accepted into a deeply hidden web group who investigate crime, non of the members are known to one another, everything is strictly secret, but will Reid approve ?
As in all the brilliant books in this series, Kenzie, much to the distress of long suffering Reid, manages to get herself into all sorts of trouble, including putting her life on the line, can Reid be her saviour once more or has Kenzie gone too far ?
I love the relationship between Kenzie and Reid, he loves her, and desperately wants to protect her but he know that he has to give her a free rein and hope for the best, Kenzie walking a tight line between what she can reveal in her journalism and her podcast and what must be kept under wraps. a well deserved five stars and highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this book and my review is voluntary.
Lieutenant Reid Garrett and his brilliant, hand picked team at the Sweetwater PD, had been called out to an art gallery, the owner was a wealthy collector of Japanese artifacts, the owner's body was found in the temperature controlled gallery at what looked to be a ritualistic murder, a Japanese sword through the heart, his body posed but no blood......the body had been moved. Lying by the body was a newspaper article written by Reid's girlfriend, Kenzie Gilmore, when she was a reporter for the NYT, the article was about ancient Asian artifacts being sold on the black market.
Kenzie had desperately wanted to join the police force but an injury at the end of her training made that impossible, investigative journalism was the next best thing, she could use the skills that she had learned at the academy and she was able to act as a consultant at Sweetwater PD.
Kenzie was good at her job, she also ran a very popular crime podcast. With the help of her friend Raoul, who is an expert at digging deep into the dark web, Kenzie is determined to help Reid solve this murder.
Further murders occur, different methods but with the same theme, Japanese artifacts, there were many collectors of these artifacts, who will be next? the killer leaves no clues.
With Raoul's help, Kenzie is accepted into a deeply hidden web group who investigate crime, non of the members are known to one another, everything is strictly secret, but will Reid approve ?
As in all the brilliant books in this series, Kenzie, much to the distress of long suffering Reid, manages to get herself into all sorts of trouble, including putting her life on the line, can Reid be her saviour once more or has Kenzie gone too far ?
I love the relationship between Kenzie and Reid, he loves her, and desperately wants to protect her but he know that he has to give her a free rein and hope for the best, Kenzie walking a tight line between what she can reveal in her journalism and her podcast and what must be kept under wraps. a well deserved five stars and highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this book and my review is voluntary.
February 18, 2026
Gilt Edge, Biba Pearce’s ninth book in the Kenzie Gilmore series. I have enjoyed reading it. Part of my pleasure is because police procedurals are my favorite genre currently. With two different searches for the same murderer, it felt as if I had access to more of the puzzling over evidence as well as more of the action. One of the two searches was the official police investigation led by Reid; the other was led by the investigative journalist, Kenzie. Some of the issues involved in the relationship between the two leaders adds another dimension to the plot.
Usually I read a series in chronological order. However, this time I haven’t. It doesn’t seem to make a big difference to me in this series, so I can vouch for the truth that each book could be read as a standalone book. However, I do want to find out what happens next so I will continue reading and enjoying them all.
I recommend reading this book. I would never do some of the dangerous things Kenzie does, but I can ponder the possible motives of whoever “dunnit” and experience a little excitement when I read about her.
I received Gilt Edge as an ARC. My review of the book is only influenced by my own opinions.
Usually I read a series in chronological order. However, this time I haven’t. It doesn’t seem to make a big difference to me in this series, so I can vouch for the truth that each book could be read as a standalone book. However, I do want to find out what happens next so I will continue reading and enjoying them all.
I recommend reading this book. I would never do some of the dangerous things Kenzie does, but I can ponder the possible motives of whoever “dunnit” and experience a little excitement when I read about her.
I received Gilt Edge as an ARC. My review of the book is only influenced by my own opinions.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Gilt Edge by Biba Pearce is book 9 in the Kenzie Gilmore series set in Miami. Reid Garrett heads up the murder team at the Sweetwater PD. Kenzie was a newspaper investigative reporter but now is a freelance journalist and a podcaster. Reid is called to a murder, the scene set to create a spectacle. Kenzie is linked to the murdered man when an article by her about illegal art collections and historical artefacts is found in his house. But then more murders follow. The story flowed at a fast pace and certainly held my interest. I like the characters. They are down to earth and easy to become involved with. This is a great series and this story kept me on my toes, weaving in and out. It kept me up way past my bedtime as I couldn’t put the book down till I finished.
Review of advance copy received from Author
What have Detective Reid Garrett and Kenzie Gilmore run into this time? As if their partnership/relationship hasn’t had it’s ups and downs before; it seems that, only through the combination of their incredible skills, are they able to resolve the most bizarre situations. This time it appears that a “samurai” killer is on the loose killing antique Japanese sword collectors with authentic samurai swords. As Reid and his team gather up clues trying to find the what, where, when and why of now multiple killings, Kenzie is exposing the murders piece by piece through her true crime podcast. Another thriller from this excellent author as the Reid-Kenzie are on the trail of justice. Highly recommend this next adventure in this great series.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Investigative journalist Kenzie Gilmore is pulled into a baffling homicide that appears linked to missing—and possibly stolen—Japanese artifacts. Teaming up with her boyfriend, Detective Reid Garrett, Kenzie follows a trail that leads deep into a world where history and justice collide.
As more bodies surface, the stakes rise and the danger closes in. To stop the killings, they must unravel a mystery rooted in the past—before the next victim falls.
A gripping page-turner packed with nonstop action, compelling characters, and edge-of-your-seat suspense. A must-read for fans of high-stakes crime thrillers.
As more bodies surface, the stakes rise and the danger closes in. To stop the killings, they must unravel a mystery rooted in the past—before the next victim falls.
A gripping page-turner packed with nonstop action, compelling characters, and edge-of-your-seat suspense. A must-read for fans of high-stakes crime thrillers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Gilt Edge is book number 9 in the Kenzie Gilmore series.
In this installment, we find Kenzie and homicide cop/boyfriend Reid Garrett tossed into a murder mystery involving Japanese culture & possible stolen artifacts.
Reid does his usual routine of by-the-book police work, but soon discovers Kenzie's podcast and her involvement in an online chatroom of true crime amateur detectives is important to solving the case.
As usual, there's no shortage of action and suspense, and try as she might not to, Kenzie still somehow manages to find herself in the deep end of it.
I received an ARC of the book; this is my own review.
In this installment, we find Kenzie and homicide cop/boyfriend Reid Garrett tossed into a murder mystery involving Japanese culture & possible stolen artifacts.
Reid does his usual routine of by-the-book police work, but soon discovers Kenzie's podcast and her involvement in an online chatroom of true crime amateur detectives is important to solving the case.
As usual, there's no shortage of action and suspense, and try as she might not to, Kenzie still somehow manages to find herself in the deep end of it.
I received an ARC of the book; this is my own review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Well, is this a cracking story or what. I was engrossed from the beginning, right through to the ending I didn’t see coming. I loved it. I do like this author’s stories, they are always full of intrigue, making sure you are enthralled all the way through. What delight are we getting next I wonder, cannot wait to find out. Highly recommended.
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Review of advance copy received from Author
Every one of the Makenzie Gilmore books has an excellent plot but Biba Pearce really outdid herself this time. This book, while maintaining its realism, has the most twisted plot I think she has come up with to date. It is very fast paced and I just couldn't put it down. Beyond that, it is quite thought provoking and will stay with you long past the final page.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I thoroughly enjoyed this story, action from start to finish, but with a little help Kenzie got there in the end.
February 23, 2026
Mackenzie finds herself in the middle of several murders she is following on her podcast. Reid is hard at work along with his team to solve the cases. Will they be successful? I loved this book!
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews