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Detective Margot Phalen Series #4
In the Blood
Her father was one of the most prolific serial killers in American history. Now Detective Margot Phalen must face a chilling what if it runs in the family?
As the daughter of notorious serial killer Ed Finch, Margot has spent decades escaping her past—changing her name, her appearance, and building walls no one can breach, except her partner, Detective Wes Fox, whose growing closeness threatens the isolation she depends on.
When her troubled brother shows up needing a place to stay, pressuring her to participate in a true crime documentary about their father, Margot’s carefully controlled world begins to unravel. Then she notices blood on her brother’s shoes just as a body is discovered in a dumpster near her home. Is she being paranoid, or might the monstrous legacy of her father be closer than she ever imagined?
A visit to her imprisoned father delivers another Ed had an accomplice who’s still free—and still hunting. As Margot investigates, she must confront the question that’s haunted her entire how much of her father’s darkness might she carry within herself?
Dark, gripping, and emotionally raw, this taut thriller will have you reading late into the night. Perfect for fans of Karin Slaughter, Tana French, and Lisa Gardner.
As the daughter of notorious serial killer Ed Finch, Margot has spent decades escaping her past—changing her name, her appearance, and building walls no one can breach, except her partner, Detective Wes Fox, whose growing closeness threatens the isolation she depends on.
When her troubled brother shows up needing a place to stay, pressuring her to participate in a true crime documentary about their father, Margot’s carefully controlled world begins to unravel. Then she notices blood on her brother’s shoes just as a body is discovered in a dumpster near her home. Is she being paranoid, or might the monstrous legacy of her father be closer than she ever imagined?
A visit to her imprisoned father delivers another Ed had an accomplice who’s still free—and still hunting. As Margot investigates, she must confront the question that’s haunted her entire how much of her father’s darkness might she carry within herself?
Dark, gripping, and emotionally raw, this taut thriller will have you reading late into the night. Perfect for fans of Karin Slaughter, Tana French, and Lisa Gardner.
326 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 14, 2025
102 people are currently reading
163 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 115 reviews
May 20, 2025
I am loving this series and this one is no exception, in this one Margot finds herself pushed into visiting her serial killer father Ed Finch again, something that she said she would never do again but when he dangles clues she must get the answers and then her young brother turns up on her doorstep asking her to do a documentary with him about their father, not to mention the murders from the park that she is still working on and then another horrific attack on a woman, this one will keep you turning the pages.
Margot is struggling big time in this one and there seems to be more and more happening, her partner Wes Fox is a rock someone that she knows she can lean on, could there be more to the relationship other than a work one, Margot is way too busy to find out at the moment, the tension mounts and Margot never stops uncovering clues to solve the cases, and of course meeting her father is very hard, where will it all end?
I loved this one and I do highly recommend it and the series, Margot is a fabulous character, there is so much, it is filled with suspense and so many emotions, Wes is the best partner for Margot and the next one will be the last, and I can’t wait to read it, I can’t wait to see how everything turns out. A fabulous story.
My thanks to Netgalley and Storm Publishing for my copy to read and review.
Margot is struggling big time in this one and there seems to be more and more happening, her partner Wes Fox is a rock someone that she knows she can lean on, could there be more to the relationship other than a work one, Margot is way too busy to find out at the moment, the tension mounts and Margot never stops uncovering clues to solve the cases, and of course meeting her father is very hard, where will it all end?
I loved this one and I do highly recommend it and the series, Margot is a fabulous character, there is so much, it is filled with suspense and so many emotions, Wes is the best partner for Margot and the next one will be the last, and I can’t wait to read it, I can’t wait to see how everything turns out. A fabulous story.
My thanks to Netgalley and Storm Publishing for my copy to read and review.
May 20, 2025
In The Blood is book 4 in the Detective Margot Phalen series by Kate Wiley. This is a fantastic series that I am reading for the first time. I jumped in at book 4 and found my way as Kate Wiley does a great job of filling the reader in on what has happened in previous books. I will definitely be reading this series from now on as it's one of the best out there! Margot is the daughter of one of the most notorious serial killers, Ed Finch. He is currently in prison and will be for the rest of his life. Margot has changed her name and appearance to get as far away from that life as possible. There are some things you just can't change though. Margot struggles with letting people get close to her, both emotionally and physically. She has her father's teachings ingrained in her. and finds herself always taking a different route, to stay unpredictable in your day to day activities, to always check the backseat before getting in your car, etc. Margot avoids social situations like dinner out, movies, concerts, etc. Luckily, Margot has her work and she's very good at it.
Margot's brother, Justin, drops in to try to convince her to take part in a documentary about her father. Justin wants to do it because he'll get paid nicely and if he can convince Margot to take part, he'll get even more. The case that Margot is working on involves a serial killer and some things remind her of her Dad's ways. Could he be involved in some way? Did he have a partner who was never caught? Why did Margot see blood on her brother's shoes the same day that a body was discovered in a dumpster close to her apartment? Could Justin be more like their father than she knows? The FBI wants Margot's help as they want her to visit Ed and get information from him about a partner. Margot doesn't want to visit her father, but knows that she must get that information to solve the case. Will Ed cooperate with Margot? Will he tell her something about Justin that she doesn't want to hear?
In The Blood is a fantastic thriller that keeps the suspense building until you just can't put the book down. There are a few series that I look forward to reading with each new book and this series will be added to that list. The ending will leave you wanting more and book 5 is going to be awesome! In The Blood is out now and should not be missed if you love a good thriller. I rate In The Blood 5 stars with my highest recommendation. I'd like to thank NetGalley and Storm Publishing for an advanced copy of In The Blood in exchange for a fair review. #InTheBlood
Margot's brother, Justin, drops in to try to convince her to take part in a documentary about her father. Justin wants to do it because he'll get paid nicely and if he can convince Margot to take part, he'll get even more. The case that Margot is working on involves a serial killer and some things remind her of her Dad's ways. Could he be involved in some way? Did he have a partner who was never caught? Why did Margot see blood on her brother's shoes the same day that a body was discovered in a dumpster close to her apartment? Could Justin be more like their father than she knows? The FBI wants Margot's help as they want her to visit Ed and get information from him about a partner. Margot doesn't want to visit her father, but knows that she must get that information to solve the case. Will Ed cooperate with Margot? Will he tell her something about Justin that she doesn't want to hear?
In The Blood is a fantastic thriller that keeps the suspense building until you just can't put the book down. There are a few series that I look forward to reading with each new book and this series will be added to that list. The ending will leave you wanting more and book 5 is going to be awesome! In The Blood is out now and should not be missed if you love a good thriller. I rate In The Blood 5 stars with my highest recommendation. I'd like to thank NetGalley and Storm Publishing for an advanced copy of In The Blood in exchange for a fair review. #InTheBlood
March 30, 2025
The second this came from the publisher I dropped everything and started reading it immediately!
I am so invested in these characters that I am going to be very sad when the series wraps up in the next (fifth) book. That said, I’m very excited to see where everything winds up and to get some final answers to all of my questions! Definitely read the first three books before reading this one — there’s a lot of backstory and character development and buildup that you shouldn’t miss!
* thanks so much to Storm Publishing for the NetGalley review copy. IN THE BLOOD publishes May 24, 2025.
I am so invested in these characters that I am going to be very sad when the series wraps up in the next (fifth) book. That said, I’m very excited to see where everything winds up and to get some final answers to all of my questions! Definitely read the first three books before reading this one — there’s a lot of backstory and character development and buildup that you shouldn’t miss!
* thanks so much to Storm Publishing for the NetGalley review copy. IN THE BLOOD publishes May 24, 2025.
May 15, 2025
4.5 stars
In The Blood Kate Wiley is the fourth in the Detective Margot Phalen series.
First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Storm Publishing for sending me a widget, and of course the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
First, discovering that there is only one more book in this series is both a relief and a disappointment. Relief because I am reading some series that seem never-ending, and it's hard to stop. Disappointment, because this is one of the good ones.
Margot is a wonderful character. She is a woman who has grown up in a horrendous situation, and became a strong, woman because of it. Yes, her anxiety issues are a problem, but she has learned to deal with them. She has a problem with intimacy, but is learning to deal with that too. She continues to be in therapy -- good for her! I even love and appreciate her relationship with Wes.
The plot was really interesting, as it looks like things are being tied together. I liked the chapters about Margot's brother and his relationship with their father.
These books are very well paced, fast and entertaining.
Anyway, I am looking forward to the next book, maybe more so because it's the last.
For a more complete review of this book and others (including the reason I chose to read/review this book, my own synopsis of the book, and its author information), please visit my blog: http://katlovesbooksblog.wordpress.com/
April 27, 2025
In The Blood is book four of the Detective Margot Phalen series. I'd say you could read this as a stand-alone, but it is a continuation of the previous books. So I would start at the beginning so you get a feel for the characters and story.
With the Redwood Killer still at large, Detective Margot Phalen and her partner Detective Wes Fox are called to investigate a new case. After being called to check out a car that's been set alight, a figure appears to be walking towards them, a person who has been badly burnt. When crime boss the untouchable Riga is linked to the crime Phalen realises how difficult her case has just become.
I enjoyed this just as much as the previous book. I love how it switches pov between Margot in the present and her serial killer father in the past. It gives you an insight into the notorious Ed Finch's life before he was caught. We get to see what made him tick, what his motives are, and how he works. Margot and Wes's characters are so likeable. They Both care about each other so much and throughout this book, I kept questioning when are they going to get together! They need to.
All the plot threads in this one were easy to follow and I loved seeing how they all played out and came together at the end. I loved the shock cliffhanger ending.
I can't wait for the next and last book in this series.
Thank you, Storm Publishing for my ARC of this book.
My opinions are my own.
With the Redwood Killer still at large, Detective Margot Phalen and her partner Detective Wes Fox are called to investigate a new case. After being called to check out a car that's been set alight, a figure appears to be walking towards them, a person who has been badly burnt. When crime boss the untouchable Riga is linked to the crime Phalen realises how difficult her case has just become.
I enjoyed this just as much as the previous book. I love how it switches pov between Margot in the present and her serial killer father in the past. It gives you an insight into the notorious Ed Finch's life before he was caught. We get to see what made him tick, what his motives are, and how he works. Margot and Wes's characters are so likeable. They Both care about each other so much and throughout this book, I kept questioning when are they going to get together! They need to.
All the plot threads in this one were easy to follow and I loved seeing how they all played out and came together at the end. I loved the shock cliffhanger ending.
I can't wait for the next and last book in this series.
Thank you, Storm Publishing for my ARC of this book.
My opinions are my own.
September 8, 2025
In the Blood is the fourth installment in the Margot Phalen series, and against all odds, this series has completely won me over. Margot, the scarred daughter of serial killer Ed Finch, has managed to rise above the heavy stigma of her past and carve out a “relatively” normal life.
What really stood out to me in this book is the inclusion of scenes with Margot’s brother. Having always been a loner with almost no friends, it’s touching to see her slowly build a connection with someone who shared the same traumatic childhood, even though he hasn’t come through it as unscathed as she did. Their interactions added an emotional nuance to the otherwise unemotional detective & I'm here for it 100%. And I have to say—I’m glad Margot comes out of this installment with yet another friend I wholeheartedly approve of.
This time around, Margot is on the hunt for one of her father’s accomplices—someone who not only enabled him but actively took part in his horrific crimes. With each book, Wiley peels back another layer of the past, and that gradual reveal is one of the series’ most unique strengths. It keeps you turning the pages and leaves you eager for more.
On top of all that, I love the chemistry between Margot and her work partner, Wes. Their dynamic is sharp, grounded, and filled with potential—I can’t wait to see more of them working side by side on future dark, twisted cases.
Thank you NetGalley, Kate Wiley & Storm Publishing for the arc!
What really stood out to me in this book is the inclusion of scenes with Margot’s brother. Having always been a loner with almost no friends, it’s touching to see her slowly build a connection with someone who shared the same traumatic childhood, even though he hasn’t come through it as unscathed as she did. Their interactions added an emotional nuance to the otherwise unemotional detective & I'm here for it 100%. And I have to say—I’m glad Margot comes out of this installment with yet another friend I wholeheartedly approve of.
This time around, Margot is on the hunt for one of her father’s accomplices—someone who not only enabled him but actively took part in his horrific crimes. With each book, Wiley peels back another layer of the past, and that gradual reveal is one of the series’ most unique strengths. It keeps you turning the pages and leaves you eager for more.
On top of all that, I love the chemistry between Margot and her work partner, Wes. Their dynamic is sharp, grounded, and filled with potential—I can’t wait to see more of them working side by side on future dark, twisted cases.
Thank you NetGalley, Kate Wiley & Storm Publishing for the arc!
April 14, 2025
This is an action packed thriller you don’t want to put down. I devoured this book in just a couple of sittings, and it’s a must read!
Margot and her partner Wes are in the middle of an investigation where they are confronting her serial killer father for answers. Between that and her past resurfacing, it only adds more challenges to the investigation.
I love the characters, this is very well written and I can’t wait to find out how the conclusion will be.
Thank you so much to Storm Publishing for the eARC in exchange of my honest review.
Margot and her partner Wes are in the middle of an investigation where they are confronting her serial killer father for answers. Between that and her past resurfacing, it only adds more challenges to the investigation.
I love the characters, this is very well written and I can’t wait to find out how the conclusion will be.
Thank you so much to Storm Publishing for the eARC in exchange of my honest review.
May 21, 2025
"In the Blood" by Kate Wiley is a suspenseful 5-star read! SFPD homicide detectives Margot Phalen and Wes Fox are back in the fourth installment of this gripping series. The duo is called to a chilling scene where a victim has been set on fire. With time working against them, they race to bring the attacker to justice. Meanwhile, the Redwood Killer remains at large, and Ed—Margot’s serial killer father—dangles new information that he knows will draw her back to visit him in prison.
If you're a fan of the series, you'll love this book just as much as the first three. If you haven’t read the earlier installments, you’ll miss a lot of important background by starting here—so I recommend beginning with “The Killer’s Daughter.” Like the previous books, most of the story unfolds in the present, but there are also chapters set in the past that explore Ed’s disturbing relationship with Justin, Margot’s brother.
Margot continues to wrestle with emotional trauma, though at times her internal struggles are mentioned a bit too often. She and Wes are juggling multiple cases, and the author does an excellent job of keeping you guessing about the killer’s identity. Now all that’s left is to wait for the next book—which will bring this amazing series to a conclusion!
Thanks to Storm Publishing, Kate Wiley, and NetGalley for providing me with the opportunity to read this ARC and share my honest review.
If you're a fan of the series, you'll love this book just as much as the first three. If you haven’t read the earlier installments, you’ll miss a lot of important background by starting here—so I recommend beginning with “The Killer’s Daughter.” Like the previous books, most of the story unfolds in the present, but there are also chapters set in the past that explore Ed’s disturbing relationship with Justin, Margot’s brother.
Margot continues to wrestle with emotional trauma, though at times her internal struggles are mentioned a bit too often. She and Wes are juggling multiple cases, and the author does an excellent job of keeping you guessing about the killer’s identity. Now all that’s left is to wait for the next book—which will bring this amazing series to a conclusion!
Thanks to Storm Publishing, Kate Wiley, and NetGalley for providing me with the opportunity to read this ARC and share my honest review.
May 15, 2025
would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this awesome book
he taught her how to look after herself
to see danger at every corner
to vary her routes home
how to not be vulnerable to attack
but he didnt teach her how to live with the knowledge that he was a psychopath and was now locked away in maximum prison for the rest of his life
margot was now a homicide detective, she had changed her name and became a hunter of murderers... but she also helped the FBI when it came to her father and would try to get information out of him about the murders that happened around the time of his killing spree but he never acknowledged them
margot was also busy with her own job and had numerous cases on the go at any one time... but it was the call to a burnt out car wreck that would haunt her for years to come.... they werent even sure if there was a body in the car as the heat from the fire was keeping everyone back but they were hoping for some hints to who was driving or whose car it was... they just didnt expect what would happen at the scene....
omg this book kept me reading till all hours but its the bigger story line being built for the next book and i for one cant wait, this has been a brillinat series to get into and i have to say i have a soft spot for margot and what she is going through... i have high hopes for her...
he taught her how to look after herself
to see danger at every corner
to vary her routes home
how to not be vulnerable to attack
but he didnt teach her how to live with the knowledge that he was a psychopath and was now locked away in maximum prison for the rest of his life
margot was now a homicide detective, she had changed her name and became a hunter of murderers... but she also helped the FBI when it came to her father and would try to get information out of him about the murders that happened around the time of his killing spree but he never acknowledged them
margot was also busy with her own job and had numerous cases on the go at any one time... but it was the call to a burnt out car wreck that would haunt her for years to come.... they werent even sure if there was a body in the car as the heat from the fire was keeping everyone back but they were hoping for some hints to who was driving or whose car it was... they just didnt expect what would happen at the scene....
omg this book kept me reading till all hours but its the bigger story line being built for the next book and i for one cant wait, this has been a brillinat series to get into and i have to say i have a soft spot for margot and what she is going through... i have high hopes for her...
April 11, 2025
In the Blood is the fourth instalment in Kate Wiley’s Detective Margot Phalen series. The narrative follows Detective Margot Phalen as she confronts the haunting legacy of her father, Ed Finch, a notorious serial killer. The plot intensifies when her brother, Justin, re-enters her life, urging her to participate in a documentary about their father. Complications arise as Margot notices blood on Justin’s shoes coinciding with the discovery of a nearby body, leading her to question whether her family’s dark past is resurfacing. There is also a serial killer who leaves his victims in the Redwoods and a crime where a local girl has been set on fire and burnt, so Wes and Margot are busy trying to track down the perpetrators of both crimes.
I love the characters, and like all her books, Kate Wiley has done it again with a fascinating storyline. If you love a masterfully written book that you cannot put down once you start, then this series is for you. I cannot wait for the final book in this series to see how it concludes, although sadly, I could read more about Margot and Wes. Thanks to NetGalley and to the publishers of this book for giving me a free advance copy to preview, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I love the characters, and like all her books, Kate Wiley has done it again with a fascinating storyline. If you love a masterfully written book that you cannot put down once you start, then this series is for you. I cannot wait for the final book in this series to see how it concludes, although sadly, I could read more about Margot and Wes. Thanks to NetGalley and to the publishers of this book for giving me a free advance copy to preview, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 28, 2025
I feel like everything is coming full circle and I don’t know what to do about that because I don’t want it to end!!
This is the FOURTH book in Detective Margot Phalen series and OH MY GOD!!!!
This was action packed and man did I devour it!!!
Like the other books we see Detective Margot working with her partner Wes to solve a homicide while dealing with the taunts from her serial killer father which he uses to draw her in and keep the FBI on the hook.
But again like I mentioned earlier is seems like things are coming full circle and a lot of the mysteries (both her fathers crimes and one of her current cases) surrounding what’s happening is going to be revealed!
This series is one of the first thriller SERIES to just drew me in and keep me guessing and turning the page! Each book is like a Criminal Minds episode and leaves me wanting more!!
I’m obsessed with these books and characters!!
Giant thank you to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for allowing me to ARC read this book!
This is the FOURTH book in Detective Margot Phalen series and OH MY GOD!!!!
This was action packed and man did I devour it!!!
Like the other books we see Detective Margot working with her partner Wes to solve a homicide while dealing with the taunts from her serial killer father which he uses to draw her in and keep the FBI on the hook.
But again like I mentioned earlier is seems like things are coming full circle and a lot of the mysteries (both her fathers crimes and one of her current cases) surrounding what’s happening is going to be revealed!
This series is one of the first thriller SERIES to just drew me in and keep me guessing and turning the page! Each book is like a Criminal Minds episode and leaves me wanting more!!
I’m obsessed with these books and characters!!
Giant thank you to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for allowing me to ARC read this book!
April 21, 2025
This was so good! I love not knowing what's going on while immersed in palpable tension! I only wish Margot was not all the time mentioning her trauma. This gets a little irritating. A creepy thriller whose conclusion just makes the reader absolutely impatient for the last book and the whole truth! I really enjoyed it!
I received a digital copy of this novel from NetGalley and I have voluntarily written an honest review.
I received a digital copy of this novel from NetGalley and I have voluntarily written an honest review.
August 19, 2025
This was another fab instalment to this series. I really am loving the character of Margot and I can’t wait to dive into the last one in the series so far as I have been lucky to get an ARC of.
June 28, 2025
|:: In The Blood
By Kate Wiley
Chapter Forty - Seven Page 241
1993
Petaluma, California.
5/5 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
{ Justin sat next to Ed in the front seat of the family car, staring out the window, but not really seeing anything. He was focused on the middle distance, like he would rather just disconnect from the world instead of being present in it.
Ed angled the car into the parking lot of a grocery store - their mission, in theory, was to go and collect some bits and bobs that Kim was missing to make dinner - but Ed had another reason for wanting to bring Justin along with him.
The boy’s behaviour since they'd returned from the trip was starting to make Ed uneasy. He didn't like how unreadable he had become, how he acted like he was sleepwalking through his days.}
Margot has always had a secretive side, it's always been there like a constant friend, always a companion that helped to wrap up her feelings, memories, and ghosts, and store them away for another day, for a time when she can unpack them all, maybe with her therapist. Margot only wants to move on with her life, away from her past, away from /him/ but it seems no matter what she does, it always comes back to the one person she has tried so hard to run away from.
No, she isn't running. She's choosing to walk away from him and put that part of her story behind her... But how can she do that when he pulls a string, he knows she can't ignore, to engulf her in his.. mind games, mental games, cruel, intentionally planned games of attack, forced to cause her as much pain for his enjoyment only..
Her role as a police officer, in a way, was born from that fear of /his/ legacy, the family she thought she grew up in fractured, fantastical.. ripped from her by the one person who should have helped her feel safe.. her dad. Eric Finch.
This is about way more than Eric Finch however, this is about a victim who was horrifically assaulted in the worst way and it seems that Wes and Margot are never going to solve this case when it seems like the whole world is fighting with them, hiding the pieces of the puzzle they need to find. As it slowly becomes more complicated and the past refuses to stay buried we see Margot struggle, blossom, overcome, sink, and handle situations any normal person would collapse from. She needs this more than she realizes it.. but can she do it?
Margot/Megan is so amazing to follow on her heartbreaking story of love, pain, trauma, darkness, struggle, and loyalty. I was captivated from the very first page and more than once found myself up late reading into the night with -just one more chapter. I loved Wes instantly and felt their relationship was so genuine. With Margot's past, you can tell Kate really understood the complexity of feelings revolving around romance and it was handled with care.
Even though I hadn't read the first 3 books in the series, I easily slipped into the storyline and it honestly felt like I hadn't missed anything. I still bonded with Margot and now I feel like I need to read the series to see how her journey began. I love it when you find authors like Kate, who make you feel included even though you haven't read the other books. There were enough clever details to let me believe this was the first book!
I genuinely cried out in shock about Uncle Jimmy and I felt the weight of what happened after. I also felt a dip in my stomach when the book ended. I legit kept looking for more pages hoping there would be more but there wasn't. I need to know what happens next.
Will Wes and Margot ever become something? Will Margot become Megan again? How can they ever take down the powerful family? Will Margot have to honour the deal she made for Jimmy's name? Was it really paint? Who dumped the body in the trash? What is Eric's reaction when he finds out what Megan agreed to do with Justin? CAN WE KNOW MORE ABOUT THE DOG??
So many questions. I will be signing up for the next instalment. And reading the previous books that came before this one. I need my Margot fix. Amazing book. I absolutely loved it!
A huge thank you to Kate Wiley, Storm, and Netgalley for the opportunity to read and relay my honest feedback. ::|
By Kate Wiley
Chapter Forty - Seven Page 241
1993
Petaluma, California.
5/5 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
{ Justin sat next to Ed in the front seat of the family car, staring out the window, but not really seeing anything. He was focused on the middle distance, like he would rather just disconnect from the world instead of being present in it.
Ed angled the car into the parking lot of a grocery store - their mission, in theory, was to go and collect some bits and bobs that Kim was missing to make dinner - but Ed had another reason for wanting to bring Justin along with him.
The boy’s behaviour since they'd returned from the trip was starting to make Ed uneasy. He didn't like how unreadable he had become, how he acted like he was sleepwalking through his days.}
Margot has always had a secretive side, it's always been there like a constant friend, always a companion that helped to wrap up her feelings, memories, and ghosts, and store them away for another day, for a time when she can unpack them all, maybe with her therapist. Margot only wants to move on with her life, away from her past, away from /him/ but it seems no matter what she does, it always comes back to the one person she has tried so hard to run away from.
No, she isn't running. She's choosing to walk away from him and put that part of her story behind her... But how can she do that when he pulls a string, he knows she can't ignore, to engulf her in his.. mind games, mental games, cruel, intentionally planned games of attack, forced to cause her as much pain for his enjoyment only..
Her role as a police officer, in a way, was born from that fear of /his/ legacy, the family she thought she grew up in fractured, fantastical.. ripped from her by the one person who should have helped her feel safe.. her dad. Eric Finch.
This is about way more than Eric Finch however, this is about a victim who was horrifically assaulted in the worst way and it seems that Wes and Margot are never going to solve this case when it seems like the whole world is fighting with them, hiding the pieces of the puzzle they need to find. As it slowly becomes more complicated and the past refuses to stay buried we see Margot struggle, blossom, overcome, sink, and handle situations any normal person would collapse from. She needs this more than she realizes it.. but can she do it?
Margot/Megan is so amazing to follow on her heartbreaking story of love, pain, trauma, darkness, struggle, and loyalty. I was captivated from the very first page and more than once found myself up late reading into the night with -just one more chapter. I loved Wes instantly and felt their relationship was so genuine. With Margot's past, you can tell Kate really understood the complexity of feelings revolving around romance and it was handled with care.
Even though I hadn't read the first 3 books in the series, I easily slipped into the storyline and it honestly felt like I hadn't missed anything. I still bonded with Margot and now I feel like I need to read the series to see how her journey began. I love it when you find authors like Kate, who make you feel included even though you haven't read the other books. There were enough clever details to let me believe this was the first book!
I genuinely cried out in shock about Uncle Jimmy and I felt the weight of what happened after. I also felt a dip in my stomach when the book ended. I legit kept looking for more pages hoping there would be more but there wasn't. I need to know what happens next.
Will Wes and Margot ever become something? Will Margot become Megan again? How can they ever take down the powerful family? Will Margot have to honour the deal she made for Jimmy's name? Was it really paint? Who dumped the body in the trash? What is Eric's reaction when he finds out what Megan agreed to do with Justin? CAN WE KNOW MORE ABOUT THE DOG??
So many questions. I will be signing up for the next instalment. And reading the previous books that came before this one. I need my Margot fix. Amazing book. I absolutely loved it!
A huge thank you to Kate Wiley, Storm, and Netgalley for the opportunity to read and relay my honest feedback. ::|
March 29, 2025
Now I have been hooked on this series right from the first book,'The Killer's Daughter', so you can imagine the excitement I felt when book #4 landed in my TBR pile
But, if im being brutally honest, honesty is the best policy right?, book #4 left me with a feeling of annoyance and all because of one thing and one thing only.... the ending.... or lack of.... it just stopped, bluntly with no questions answered.... arrrrrggggghhhh!
Anyway, apart from my little meltdown of being left flummoxed, as what I've come to expect from this amazing author, this was one hell of a read. But be willing to commit to it because there is so much going on if your brain veers off, you'll lose track completely!
Detective Margot Phalen is one fiesty, strong, independent woman who lives for her job, a job that she excels at. On the flip side, she is damaged by her past *no spoilers*, utterly stubborn, doesn’t trust anybody (apart from her partner Wes Fox), and is traumatised in a way that at times makes her unreasonable and unreachable.
Margot & Wes are called to a scene of a burnt out car, seemingly empty, no sign of any victims, until a charred woman walks out of the woods, barely clinging to life.
Alongside this case, Margot's brother Justin makes an unexpected appearance, which brings up strange feelings for her, making her ask the question, does what there father done run 'in the blood'?. Are their destinys already mapped out for them?
Margot's father, the infamous serial killer Ed Finch is once again dangling promises of information to her, if only she'll go back on her promise and threat to never again set foot in the prison to visit, but can she keep that promise and deny justice for the sake of her sanity?
The Redwood case that Margot is still working on, alongside Leon, is still ticking along painstakingly slowly, but do they finally have a lead that will actually get them some answers?
One thing I've loved throughout the whole series is the character development. With everything Margot has been through in her life, she has changed so much over the series, and it's been an absolute joy to read her journey. Life could never be 'normal' for someone raised by a serial killer, but Margot has used it to her advantage and grown along with it. I adore Wes and his relationship with Margot, both as a partner and friend, and can not wait for the resolution of finding out what he was trying to say!
Book #4 definitely felt like the circle was nearly fully connected, and whilst Im excited to see how it all comes together, I am absolutely gutted that the series will be coming to an end 😢.
This is most definitely NOT a stand alone. If this is the first you have picked up, drop it like a hot potato and read the first 3 first. You will not be disappointed!
Huge thanks to Netgalley and Storm Publishing for the ARC.
But, if im being brutally honest, honesty is the best policy right?, book #4 left me with a feeling of annoyance and all because of one thing and one thing only.... the ending.... or lack of.... it just stopped, bluntly with no questions answered.... arrrrrggggghhhh!
Anyway, apart from my little meltdown of being left flummoxed, as what I've come to expect from this amazing author, this was one hell of a read. But be willing to commit to it because there is so much going on if your brain veers off, you'll lose track completely!
Detective Margot Phalen is one fiesty, strong, independent woman who lives for her job, a job that she excels at. On the flip side, she is damaged by her past *no spoilers*, utterly stubborn, doesn’t trust anybody (apart from her partner Wes Fox), and is traumatised in a way that at times makes her unreasonable and unreachable.
Margot & Wes are called to a scene of a burnt out car, seemingly empty, no sign of any victims, until a charred woman walks out of the woods, barely clinging to life.
Alongside this case, Margot's brother Justin makes an unexpected appearance, which brings up strange feelings for her, making her ask the question, does what there father done run 'in the blood'?. Are their destinys already mapped out for them?
Margot's father, the infamous serial killer Ed Finch is once again dangling promises of information to her, if only she'll go back on her promise and threat to never again set foot in the prison to visit, but can she keep that promise and deny justice for the sake of her sanity?
The Redwood case that Margot is still working on, alongside Leon, is still ticking along painstakingly slowly, but do they finally have a lead that will actually get them some answers?
One thing I've loved throughout the whole series is the character development. With everything Margot has been through in her life, she has changed so much over the series, and it's been an absolute joy to read her journey. Life could never be 'normal' for someone raised by a serial killer, but Margot has used it to her advantage and grown along with it. I adore Wes and his relationship with Margot, both as a partner and friend, and can not wait for the resolution of finding out what he was trying to say!
Book #4 definitely felt like the circle was nearly fully connected, and whilst Im excited to see how it all comes together, I am absolutely gutted that the series will be coming to an end 😢.
This is most definitely NOT a stand alone. If this is the first you have picked up, drop it like a hot potato and read the first 3 first. You will not be disappointed!
Huge thanks to Netgalley and Storm Publishing for the ARC.
May 4, 2025
📚 E-ARC BOOK REVIEW 📚
In The Blood By Kate Wiley
Publication Date: May 14, 2025
Publisher: Storm Publishing
📚MY RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨
(Rounded Up To 5⭐)
Thank you to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for this #gifted e-arc in exchange for my honest review!
📚MY REVIEW:
When I was approved to read In The Blood, the upcoming fourth book in the Detective Margot Phelan series by Kate Wiley, my heart did a little flip-flop with excitement. I'm a MASSIVE fan of this series and I can tell you that this fourth installment is just as gripping and suspenseful - if not moreso - as the first three books.
If you're not yet familiar with the series, I'll give you a brief summary: Detective Margot Phelan works in the homicide division of the San Francisco Police Department and she continues to be assigned to cases in which the victims appear to be the work of a serial killer, dinner the Redwoods Killer by the media. Phelan is also the estranged daughter of Ed Finch, one of the most prolific and notorious serial killers in modern history. Ed has decided to reveal more details about his killings and his victims to the FBI -- but he'll only speak to Phelan and only if she comes to the prison in which he's housed.
Each book features the brutal cases in Margot's work as a homicide detective -- along with the revelations shared by her serial killer father. Even though we're four books into this series, nothing Wiley writes in this series feels repetitive or redundant. The story always feels new and the tension continues with each layer of the mystery uncovered -- both in her current police work and with her father's horrific history.
When I was 88% of the way into the book, I felt a jolt of excitement as I realized there was no way this series could wrap up in this book's remaining pages ...Which meant another book was coming. And I now know Book #5 will be the final book in this series. I'll just be over here, waiting with bated breath.
If you haven't yet discovered this series, I cannot recommend it enough! If you're a fan of badass female MCs, police procedurals, and tense family drama that keeps on giving -- the Detective Margot Phelan series is one that you have to jump into as soon as you can. And with four bingeworthy books available (as of May 14th!!) -- you will be so happy that you did!
#InTheBlood #KateWiley #StormPublishing #NetGalley #NetGalleyReviews #ARC #bookreviews #bookrecommendations #bookrecs #thrillerbooks #thrilleraddict #thrillerlover #thrillerreads #thrillerseries
In The Blood By Kate Wiley
Publication Date: May 14, 2025
Publisher: Storm Publishing
📚MY RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨
(Rounded Up To 5⭐)
Thank you to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for this #gifted e-arc in exchange for my honest review!
📚MY REVIEW:
When I was approved to read In The Blood, the upcoming fourth book in the Detective Margot Phelan series by Kate Wiley, my heart did a little flip-flop with excitement. I'm a MASSIVE fan of this series and I can tell you that this fourth installment is just as gripping and suspenseful - if not moreso - as the first three books.
If you're not yet familiar with the series, I'll give you a brief summary: Detective Margot Phelan works in the homicide division of the San Francisco Police Department and she continues to be assigned to cases in which the victims appear to be the work of a serial killer, dinner the Redwoods Killer by the media. Phelan is also the estranged daughter of Ed Finch, one of the most prolific and notorious serial killers in modern history. Ed has decided to reveal more details about his killings and his victims to the FBI -- but he'll only speak to Phelan and only if she comes to the prison in which he's housed.
Each book features the brutal cases in Margot's work as a homicide detective -- along with the revelations shared by her serial killer father. Even though we're four books into this series, nothing Wiley writes in this series feels repetitive or redundant. The story always feels new and the tension continues with each layer of the mystery uncovered -- both in her current police work and with her father's horrific history.
When I was 88% of the way into the book, I felt a jolt of excitement as I realized there was no way this series could wrap up in this book's remaining pages ...Which meant another book was coming. And I now know Book #5 will be the final book in this series. I'll just be over here, waiting with bated breath.
If you haven't yet discovered this series, I cannot recommend it enough! If you're a fan of badass female MCs, police procedurals, and tense family drama that keeps on giving -- the Detective Margot Phelan series is one that you have to jump into as soon as you can. And with four bingeworthy books available (as of May 14th!!) -- you will be so happy that you did!
#InTheBlood #KateWiley #StormPublishing #NetGalley #NetGalleyReviews #ARC #bookreviews #bookrecommendations #bookrecs #thrillerbooks #thrilleraddict #thrillerlover #thrillerreads #thrillerseries
August 28, 2025
Kate Wiley’s In the Blood is a razor-sharp, emotionally charged thriller that digs deep into the shadows of family legacy, trauma, and the thin line between justice and obsession. Book four in the Detective Margot Phalen series, it proves once again that Wiley knows how to keep readers turning pages long into the night.
Margot Phalen has spent her life trying to escape the legacy of her father, infamous serial killer Ed Finch—but when a string of brutal murders surfaces, she’s pulled back into his orbit. Called to investigate a particularly chilling case, Margot is forced to confront not only her father in prison but also unsettling questions about her brother, Justin, whose behavior raises dangerous suspicions. As the investigation widens, secrets emerge that blur the lines between past and present, inheritance and choice, love and betrayal.
Wiley balances relentless suspense with deep psychological nuance. Margot is a brilliantly drawn heroine—tough, wounded, and relentlessly human—while her evolving dynamic with Wes Fox adds a welcome layer of heart to the darkness surrounding them. The pacing is tight, the atmosphere electric, and the stakes higher than ever, building toward revelations that leave the reader reeling.
Though longtime fans will appreciate the continuation of Margot’s arc, Wiley also provides enough context for newcomers to follow along without confusion. Still, the emotional impact is strongest when you’ve lived through Margot’s past alongside her, making this series well worth starting from the beginning.
In the Blood is more than a police procedural—it’s a chilling meditation on what we inherit, what we choose, and how far we’re willing to go to break free. Tense, haunting, and utterly addictive, this installment cements Kate Wiley as a standout voice in modern crime fiction.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – A must-read for fans of Tana French, Karin Slaughter, and anyone who craves thrillers that are as thought-provoking as they are pulse-pounding.
Margot Phalen has spent her life trying to escape the legacy of her father, infamous serial killer Ed Finch—but when a string of brutal murders surfaces, she’s pulled back into his orbit. Called to investigate a particularly chilling case, Margot is forced to confront not only her father in prison but also unsettling questions about her brother, Justin, whose behavior raises dangerous suspicions. As the investigation widens, secrets emerge that blur the lines between past and present, inheritance and choice, love and betrayal.
Wiley balances relentless suspense with deep psychological nuance. Margot is a brilliantly drawn heroine—tough, wounded, and relentlessly human—while her evolving dynamic with Wes Fox adds a welcome layer of heart to the darkness surrounding them. The pacing is tight, the atmosphere electric, and the stakes higher than ever, building toward revelations that leave the reader reeling.
Though longtime fans will appreciate the continuation of Margot’s arc, Wiley also provides enough context for newcomers to follow along without confusion. Still, the emotional impact is strongest when you’ve lived through Margot’s past alongside her, making this series well worth starting from the beginning.
In the Blood is more than a police procedural—it’s a chilling meditation on what we inherit, what we choose, and how far we’re willing to go to break free. Tense, haunting, and utterly addictive, this installment cements Kate Wiley as a standout voice in modern crime fiction.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – A must-read for fans of Tana French, Karin Slaughter, and anyone who craves thrillers that are as thought-provoking as they are pulse-pounding.
May 13, 2025
I cannot get enough of this series!! This is book four & I am just as invested as I was at the end of book 1.
While we are still stuck with no answers from the "Redwood Killer" cases discussed in book 3, it pops up again, possibly being related to the case in this book. Margot & Wes are called to the scene of a burning car, but no body in sight... until a woman burned so badly starts to emerge from the woods. Not only is Margot always drowning in work but her personal life takes a tool on her again when she is requested to go back to visit Ed Finch, her serial killer father. And on top of that her brother, Justin re-enteres her life begging her to do a docu-series. Margot is dead set on not doing it, not wanting to rehash all the memories or waste another breath on the "legacy" that is Ed Finch. While trying to balance her personal and work life, Margot is still balancing her feelings for her partner Wes. While I did love the chemistry between them more in book 3, it lacked her for me but I am excited to see where it could go.
It will be hard to say goodbye to these characters in the next book, the final book of this series. Kate Wiley does an amazing job drawing her readers in. I never want the series to end because of it but I am excited to see how Margots story wraps up.
I want to share some of my favorite quotes;
- "The horrors persist, but so do I."
- "This would not be the first time a witness assumed something was a mannequin." I listen to a lot of Crime junkies podcast and this is a life rule of theirs, IT'S NEVER A MANNEQUIN!!
- "The thing about trauma was, it didn't leave just because you gave it time."
All my true crime-loving people need to grab this book when it's released May 14th!
———————————————————————
Thank you, NetGalley, the author and the publisher for an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
While we are still stuck with no answers from the "Redwood Killer" cases discussed in book 3, it pops up again, possibly being related to the case in this book. Margot & Wes are called to the scene of a burning car, but no body in sight... until a woman burned so badly starts to emerge from the woods. Not only is Margot always drowning in work but her personal life takes a tool on her again when she is requested to go back to visit Ed Finch, her serial killer father. And on top of that her brother, Justin re-enteres her life begging her to do a docu-series. Margot is dead set on not doing it, not wanting to rehash all the memories or waste another breath on the "legacy" that is Ed Finch. While trying to balance her personal and work life, Margot is still balancing her feelings for her partner Wes. While I did love the chemistry between them more in book 3, it lacked her for me but I am excited to see where it could go.
It will be hard to say goodbye to these characters in the next book, the final book of this series. Kate Wiley does an amazing job drawing her readers in. I never want the series to end because of it but I am excited to see how Margots story wraps up.
I want to share some of my favorite quotes;
- "The horrors persist, but so do I."
- "This would not be the first time a witness assumed something was a mannequin." I listen to a lot of Crime junkies podcast and this is a life rule of theirs, IT'S NEVER A MANNEQUIN!!
- "The thing about trauma was, it didn't leave just because you gave it time."
All my true crime-loving people need to grab this book when it's released May 14th!
———————————————————————
Thank you, NetGalley, the author and the publisher for an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 17, 2025
Don't start reading this book if you have something important to do because you won't be able to put it down, it could be read as a standalone but I seriously urge reading the series in sequence, you won't be disappointed. Kate Wiley writes such wonderful, fascinatingly complex characters, characters like Margot Phelan.
Detective Margot Phelan is the daughter who helped put her notorious serial killer father, Ed Finch, behind bars but the brutal psychopath still had a hold over Margot, who, despite changing her name, her appearance and building barriers, she couldn't seem to shake him off.
The one constant in her life was her partner, Det. Wes Fox, he was there for her every step of the way despite the high barriers that she had put up.
Margo never wanted to see her father again, her therapist was doing a good job but there was only so much that she could do.
When it came to the FBIs attention that Ed had been working with a partner, a partner who was still at large and the only person that he would speak to was Margo, Margo knew that he was playing her but she also knew that she had to do it, she just hoped that Wes was there to pick up the pieces.
This story flows beautifully between the present drama and time past when Ed was with Margot's younger brother, Justin, the brother that her father disliked.
Margo always felt responsible for Justin, life hadn't been good to him but Margot's life was about to take a downward spiral again when she began to suspect that Justin was more like her father than she thought. Throw in a indescribably brutal murder of a young woman, a video with jaw dropping revelations and you have a suspense filled action packed thriller that will leave you screaming for the, sadly, final book in the series.
Thank you Storm publishing and Net Gallery foy this ARC, me review is totally voluntary.
Detective Margot Phelan is the daughter who helped put her notorious serial killer father, Ed Finch, behind bars but the brutal psychopath still had a hold over Margot, who, despite changing her name, her appearance and building barriers, she couldn't seem to shake him off.
The one constant in her life was her partner, Det. Wes Fox, he was there for her every step of the way despite the high barriers that she had put up.
Margo never wanted to see her father again, her therapist was doing a good job but there was only so much that she could do.
When it came to the FBIs attention that Ed had been working with a partner, a partner who was still at large and the only person that he would speak to was Margo, Margo knew that he was playing her but she also knew that she had to do it, she just hoped that Wes was there to pick up the pieces.
This story flows beautifully between the present drama and time past when Ed was with Margot's younger brother, Justin, the brother that her father disliked.
Margo always felt responsible for Justin, life hadn't been good to him but Margot's life was about to take a downward spiral again when she began to suspect that Justin was more like her father than she thought. Throw in a indescribably brutal murder of a young woman, a video with jaw dropping revelations and you have a suspense filled action packed thriller that will leave you screaming for the, sadly, final book in the series.
Thank you Storm publishing and Net Gallery foy this ARC, me review is totally voluntary.
May 14, 2025
The Redwood killer is still at large, and Detectives Phalen and Fox have been pulled into a brand new case after a woman has been lit on fire - and somehow survived. Desperate to figure out who she is, who did this to her, and how this may tie into her other cases, Phalen crosses paths with an unforgiving crime family, and is pulled back yet again into the grips of her serial killer father.
*****
This is the fourth of five books in the Detective Phalen series. You could read this as a stand-alone, but it definitely is better if you've read the previous books as you miss a lot of history and context without it.
As someone who's come into the series with fresh eyes, I loved how we see how the layers of Margot's past continue to shape who she is today. Her caution, her hyper-vigilance, and her ability to bounce back from trauma after trauma in her life and work showcase how being raised by a prolific serial killer has truly shaped who she is. We also get to see how being her fathers favourite shaped how her younger brother grew up, and we get to experience it through the fathers eyes.
The dual POV between Margot in the present and her father Ed in the past, gave insight into the mind of a killer that was both intriguing and also absolutely chilling. Seeing their interactions in current day and how it pulls from who we know he is inside and who Margot sees him as added so much depth to an already interesting novel. Although the overall progress was slightly slower in this novel, so much happens at once, and sets us up for a massive finish in the fifth and final novel.
*****
Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the digital ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
*****
This is the fourth of five books in the Detective Phalen series. You could read this as a stand-alone, but it definitely is better if you've read the previous books as you miss a lot of history and context without it.
As someone who's come into the series with fresh eyes, I loved how we see how the layers of Margot's past continue to shape who she is today. Her caution, her hyper-vigilance, and her ability to bounce back from trauma after trauma in her life and work showcase how being raised by a prolific serial killer has truly shaped who she is. We also get to see how being her fathers favourite shaped how her younger brother grew up, and we get to experience it through the fathers eyes.
The dual POV between Margot in the present and her father Ed in the past, gave insight into the mind of a killer that was both intriguing and also absolutely chilling. Seeing their interactions in current day and how it pulls from who we know he is inside and who Margot sees him as added so much depth to an already interesting novel. Although the overall progress was slightly slower in this novel, so much happens at once, and sets us up for a massive finish in the fifth and final novel.
*****
Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the digital ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
May 14, 2025
In The Blood by Kate Wiley is the fourth book in the Detective Margot Phalen series. Oh my goodness, this book was so good. When will the next one be out!!?? As stated, In The Blood is a gripping thriller from start to finish. I didn’t know where this story was going, who was involved, or what would happen next. The chemistry between Margot and her partner, Wes, is great. Their characters are well-developed, and I love the banter they share. Leon is a great character as well. There were some gasp-out-loud moments and some very sad moments.
The premise of this story is as the daughter of notorious serial killer Ed Finch, Margot has spent decades escaping her past, changing her name and appearance and building walls no one can breach except her partner, Detective Wes Fox, whose growing closeness threatens the isolation she depends on.
When her troubled brother shows up needing a place to stay, pressuring her to participate in a true crime documentary about their father, Margot’s carefully controlled world begins to unravel. Then she notices blood on her brother’s shoes just as a body is discovered in a dumpster near her home. Is she being paranoid, or might the monstrous legacy of her father be closer than she ever imagined?
A visit to her imprisoned father delivers another gut punch: Ed had an accomplice who’s still free and still hunting.
I am hooked on this series and these characters. In The Blood is a thrilling page-turner, and I cannot wait for the next book.
I would highly recommend this series, this book, and this author.
#InTheBlood #NetGalley @Stormbooks_co
The premise of this story is as the daughter of notorious serial killer Ed Finch, Margot has spent decades escaping her past, changing her name and appearance and building walls no one can breach except her partner, Detective Wes Fox, whose growing closeness threatens the isolation she depends on.
When her troubled brother shows up needing a place to stay, pressuring her to participate in a true crime documentary about their father, Margot’s carefully controlled world begins to unravel. Then she notices blood on her brother’s shoes just as a body is discovered in a dumpster near her home. Is she being paranoid, or might the monstrous legacy of her father be closer than she ever imagined?
A visit to her imprisoned father delivers another gut punch: Ed had an accomplice who’s still free and still hunting.
I am hooked on this series and these characters. In The Blood is a thrilling page-turner, and I cannot wait for the next book.
I would highly recommend this series, this book, and this author.
#InTheBlood #NetGalley @Stormbooks_co
June 7, 2025
Margot Phalen returns in Kate Wiley’s IN THE BLOOD. This is Book 4 in the Margot Phalen series and it proves to be just as good as the previous three.
Margot, the daughter of notorious and prolific serial killer, Ed Finch, continues to live a very controlled, isolated life. When her brother, Justin shows up wanting her to participate in a documentary about their father, Margot is reluctant to put her life and anonymity on the line for entertainment purposes. When she is called in to investigate a spurt of murders, she grudgingly returns to the prison to see her father, hoping to get information from him. When she learns that he had an accomplice who is still out there and then sees blood on her brother’s shoes, she is again confronted with the question of nature or nurture and the genetic link she has to a serial killer. Working with her partner, Wes Fox, and rolling around in the gutter with mob bosses and sex traffickers, Margot and Wes begin to put the pieces together.
I love this series. The slowly evolving relationship developing between Margot and Wes is interesting to watch, but that is merely an aside. Margot is one tough lady who has overcome many obstacles to make a life for herself. The fact that she needs to return to her father, no matter how reluctantly, is an interesting twist to the standard serial killer stories. The writing is clear and concise which leads to a very enjoyable read. I could feel my heart pounding as the tension rose and they got closer to the truth. I can’t wait to see where Kate Wiley takes Margot next.
Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for this ARC opportunity. All opinions are my own and given voluntarily.
Margot, the daughter of notorious and prolific serial killer, Ed Finch, continues to live a very controlled, isolated life. When her brother, Justin shows up wanting her to participate in a documentary about their father, Margot is reluctant to put her life and anonymity on the line for entertainment purposes. When she is called in to investigate a spurt of murders, she grudgingly returns to the prison to see her father, hoping to get information from him. When she learns that he had an accomplice who is still out there and then sees blood on her brother’s shoes, she is again confronted with the question of nature or nurture and the genetic link she has to a serial killer. Working with her partner, Wes Fox, and rolling around in the gutter with mob bosses and sex traffickers, Margot and Wes begin to put the pieces together.
I love this series. The slowly evolving relationship developing between Margot and Wes is interesting to watch, but that is merely an aside. Margot is one tough lady who has overcome many obstacles to make a life for herself. The fact that she needs to return to her father, no matter how reluctantly, is an interesting twist to the standard serial killer stories. The writing is clear and concise which leads to a very enjoyable read. I could feel my heart pounding as the tension rose and they got closer to the truth. I can’t wait to see where Kate Wiley takes Margot next.
Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for this ARC opportunity. All opinions are my own and given voluntarily.
March 30, 2025
4.5* Excellent penultimate book in this series. Hoping there's not too long a wait for the last one.
Margot feels like she's ready to take a risk in life, finally, although not immediately - she's signalled to Wes that there's something to address, but not right now. And with no indication of when the right time will come. It works for them, as they're in tune with each other and care deeply about each other, which is especially evidenced when Wes gathers stuff that exonerates someone she'd have been heartbroken to find is/was Ed's accomplice.
The tale doesn't differ much from the previous ones, although Ed admits something that adds new direction to the cold cases. Is he lying? I thought maybe but when Margot and Andrew confront said something, a truly shocking incident happens.
I wondered if she might end up leaving her unit for the FBI, based on their seeming newfound appreciation of her. That could be how the author closes the series.
We sew Justin, her brother, formerly David, for the first time. He's as much a victim of their father but with the added issues of feeling second best all his life. But, I think there's a thawing between the siblings and a possible healing of both, as well as their almost nonexistent in-person relationship.
This was another good book in this so-down-to-earth-despite-the-premise series that doesn't rely on faux sensationalism to make it worth reading.
ARC courtesy of NetGalley and Storm Publishing for my reading pleasure.
Margot feels like she's ready to take a risk in life, finally, although not immediately - she's signalled to Wes that there's something to address, but not right now. And with no indication of when the right time will come. It works for them, as they're in tune with each other and care deeply about each other, which is especially evidenced when Wes gathers stuff that exonerates someone she'd have been heartbroken to find is/was Ed's accomplice.
The tale doesn't differ much from the previous ones, although Ed admits something that adds new direction to the cold cases. Is he lying? I thought maybe but when Margot and Andrew confront said something, a truly shocking incident happens.
I wondered if she might end up leaving her unit for the FBI, based on their seeming newfound appreciation of her. That could be how the author closes the series.
We sew Justin, her brother, formerly David, for the first time. He's as much a victim of their father but with the added issues of feeling second best all his life. But, I think there's a thawing between the siblings and a possible healing of both, as well as their almost nonexistent in-person relationship.
This was another good book in this so-down-to-earth-despite-the-premise series that doesn't rely on faux sensationalism to make it worth reading.
ARC courtesy of NetGalley and Storm Publishing for my reading pleasure.
April 3, 2025
Detective Margot Phalen is finally back. The minute I got the email telling me this book was available to read, I knew I had to start it immediately. This is without a doubt one of my favourite detective series and I have thoroughly enjoyed every book so far. Kate Wiley has written the most perfectly paced and gripping books that are full of twists and excitement, and this was no exception to that.
Wes and Margot are my favourite book duo and I am so invested in their characters. The plot in this book lived up to the high expectations I had following the previous three books. It built upon the situation we’ve seen previously with Margot’s dad, Ed Finch, and revealed even more unexpected twists regarding his case whilst giving more of a background to Margot and her brother’s childhood experiences. The other cases that Margot deals with with her partner Wes, contributed towards the gripping read and the last 15% or so of the book revealed twists that I would never have guessed.
This really was a great read and I would highly recommend it to anyone, however make sure you read the first three books in the series first as they provide a lot of background and the books do follow on from each other. I’ll be so disappointed when this series ends, I already can’t wait for the next one to be released! Thank you NetGalley and Storm Publishing for my ARC of this book, without a doubt 5* from me!
Wes and Margot are my favourite book duo and I am so invested in their characters. The plot in this book lived up to the high expectations I had following the previous three books. It built upon the situation we’ve seen previously with Margot’s dad, Ed Finch, and revealed even more unexpected twists regarding his case whilst giving more of a background to Margot and her brother’s childhood experiences. The other cases that Margot deals with with her partner Wes, contributed towards the gripping read and the last 15% or so of the book revealed twists that I would never have guessed.
This really was a great read and I would highly recommend it to anyone, however make sure you read the first three books in the series first as they provide a lot of background and the books do follow on from each other. I’ll be so disappointed when this series ends, I already can’t wait for the next one to be released! Thank you NetGalley and Storm Publishing for my ARC of this book, without a doubt 5* from me!
April 20, 2025
Margot’s story is so interesting to me because it goes beyond just being the child of a serial killer. She’s also a detective who is still trying to find the victims of her father. And realistically, I know it would be extremely unlikely that she would be allowed to be this involved in the case in the real world because of the conflict of interest, her stories are still wildly entertaining. Add to that the insane amount of baggage this poor woman has, and you have a woman that is pulling herself in a million directions. This book made things a hell of a lot more interest with the sudden shift in the relationship between Margot and Will. The closer she gets to finding all the previously undiscovered victims of Ed Finch, the closer she gets to Will. But her baggage gets in her way. There’s so much going on in this story, but in a really good way. I’m bummed out that the next book in the series is the end of it, but I also can’t wait to read it. There’s a lot of storylines to tie up: Ed Finch’s last victims, her relationship with Will, her relationship with Justin, the documentary, and of course, we can’t forget about that as of yet unsolved cases between the Rigas and the Redwood Killer, both of which may involve someone close to Margot. I’m excited to see how this will all end!
Huge thanks to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for sending me this ARC for review! All of my reviews are given honestly!
Huge thanks to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for sending me this ARC for review! All of my reviews are given honestly!
May 13, 2025
This family's secrets are next level. Being the daughter of one of the most prolific serial killers is hard for Detective Margot Phalen. She even changed her name and appearance to try and sever ties with her sadistic, narcissistic father, Ed Finch. She spends her days catching men like him, but the past still haunts her, and her father is asking for her once again.
The beginning scenes are gruesome when they are called to the scene of a vehicle fire. You can feel the tension knotting in your neck because you just know there is going to be something to tie all of this together. The author is working it all together and things are beginning to make sense in book 4 of this series, but the author is not quite finished.
I suggest that you do not start this book if you have anything else to do with your time, including work, sleep or chores. It is beyond creepy as the story goes back and forth between Ed's early years and the present. There were definitely some shocking twists, goosebumps and chills. There is still a killer on the loose, and law enforcement is baffled. There is so much going on in this book, and I am so ready for resolution. I need book #5 now.
You do not have to read the other three books, but I highly recommend it so that you can more fully understand the characters.
Thank you to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The beginning scenes are gruesome when they are called to the scene of a vehicle fire. You can feel the tension knotting in your neck because you just know there is going to be something to tie all of this together. The author is working it all together and things are beginning to make sense in book 4 of this series, but the author is not quite finished.
I suggest that you do not start this book if you have anything else to do with your time, including work, sleep or chores. It is beyond creepy as the story goes back and forth between Ed's early years and the present. There were definitely some shocking twists, goosebumps and chills. There is still a killer on the loose, and law enforcement is baffled. There is so much going on in this book, and I am so ready for resolution. I need book #5 now.
You do not have to read the other three books, but I highly recommend it so that you can more fully understand the characters.
Thank you to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 13, 2025
This is the fourth instalment of this series and the first for me. It can be read as a standalone, as I have done, but perhaps starting at the beginning would be a better option to grasp the story better.
Margot Phalen, a name change and a nose job, as she did not want any affiliation with her father, as he is a prolific killer and on death row, but somehow he still has the urge to control her from prison, and this time he has tempted her with the promise to reveal the name of the other partner in crime, although most of the time he worked alone. For Margot, she is thinking that she was right that he did have a partner, and this could be another killer off the streets, but by this time, he or she would be a few years older.
As I have missed out on the first 3 books, I soon picked up the gist of the story, and Kate Wiley has done a good job of touching base with the main story, from the beginning.
My only bugbear is that every so often, you get the one chapter from 1993 when the killings started, and then the next chapter, present time, I would prefer all authors to do a before and then present, but it doesn't seem to bother many people, as I have never seen anybody mention it.
I would like to thank Storm Publishing and Netgalley for an ARC copy to read and review, and this review is entirely my own thoughts on this book.
Margot Phalen, a name change and a nose job, as she did not want any affiliation with her father, as he is a prolific killer and on death row, but somehow he still has the urge to control her from prison, and this time he has tempted her with the promise to reveal the name of the other partner in crime, although most of the time he worked alone. For Margot, she is thinking that she was right that he did have a partner, and this could be another killer off the streets, but by this time, he or she would be a few years older.
As I have missed out on the first 3 books, I soon picked up the gist of the story, and Kate Wiley has done a good job of touching base with the main story, from the beginning.
My only bugbear is that every so often, you get the one chapter from 1993 when the killings started, and then the next chapter, present time, I would prefer all authors to do a before and then present, but it doesn't seem to bother many people, as I have never seen anybody mention it.
I would like to thank Storm Publishing and Netgalley for an ARC copy to read and review, and this review is entirely my own thoughts on this book.
May 14, 2025
I am really enjoying the ongoing series featuring Margot, a San Francisco detective who also is the daughter of America’s most prolific serial killer. This is the third book in this series and although it technically could be read alone, I think a reader would enjoy the story and characters more if they had read the previous two books. Margot is certainly a flawed individual but those flaws make her more interesting and more real. She is lured back to San Quentin prison for another encounter with her father who once again dangles tidbits of information as to his previously undiscovered tally of kills, this time mentioning an accomplice for some of them. Margot is drawn back in but has to also deal with her ongoing cases: The Redwood Killer of women who all have a connection to an escort agency and the horrific burning of another woman. Are these connected? Will she get more from talking to her father? Why has her brother turned up unexpectedly? Some of these questions will be answered in this book but some will carry over to the next one. I’ve taken a star away from this book because I find the non resolution irritating. I think I would have preferred a longer book with resolutions rather than having to remember all the characters and details for the interim time between publications.
April 2, 2025
I am in love with this series.
That’s it.
No notes.
If you want to know whether it’s worth diving into this unfolding series then the answer is yes. If you want to read me gushing over the latest instalment then read on!
I picked up The Killer’s Daughter on a whim last year and I since then I have read every new instalment the same day it was offered to me. Which is saying a lot since my TBR pile is ever growing. But I cannot resist diving into Margot’s life again.
I was so worried after the first couple of books that things might start to feel repetitive but they really haven’t. Ever new book sucks me, has be manically flipping through pages, and then desperately looking for the next book!
I am so invested in these characters. The character arcs are *chefs kiss*. So perfectly done. Their progress feels painfully realistic. Truly, the character development here needs to be studied, it is so perfectly curated.
Just as an aside, I loved San Franisco when I visited and I love google mapping the locations that are mentioned. Every time I’ve done this it has brought me to a street view that looks just as described in the book and this is such a small but wonderful detail!
Overall, in case it wasn’t already obvious, I love this series. I am devastated that it’s going to end. I know it needs to and the series will be even stronger for not dragging on. But I don’t want it to. I love this series dearly.
Massive thank you to Storm Publishing and Netgalley for the ARC.
That’s it.
No notes.
If you want to know whether it’s worth diving into this unfolding series then the answer is yes. If you want to read me gushing over the latest instalment then read on!
I picked up The Killer’s Daughter on a whim last year and I since then I have read every new instalment the same day it was offered to me. Which is saying a lot since my TBR pile is ever growing. But I cannot resist diving into Margot’s life again.
I was so worried after the first couple of books that things might start to feel repetitive but they really haven’t. Ever new book sucks me, has be manically flipping through pages, and then desperately looking for the next book!
I am so invested in these characters. The character arcs are *chefs kiss*. So perfectly done. Their progress feels painfully realistic. Truly, the character development here needs to be studied, it is so perfectly curated.
Just as an aside, I loved San Franisco when I visited and I love google mapping the locations that are mentioned. Every time I’ve done this it has brought me to a street view that looks just as described in the book and this is such a small but wonderful detail!
Overall, in case it wasn’t already obvious, I love this series. I am devastated that it’s going to end. I know it needs to and the series will be even stronger for not dragging on. But I don’t want it to. I love this series dearly.
Massive thank you to Storm Publishing and Netgalley for the ARC.
May 14, 2025
Margot and Wes are working on the Redwood Serial Killer Case, which has stalled as there are no leads, when they are requested to go to a park where a car is burning. For everyone's amazement, a very burnt woman, comes out of the woods in the park asking for help - was she in the car? Was she the driver? What happened to her? Whilst they are looking for answers Margot is requested by the FBI to return to speak to her father, the serial killer, as he has let them know he had someone helping him with the killings. As if things could not get worse, Margot's brother (whose phone calls she had been avoiding) turns up on her doorstep. Everything starts to happen fast, eventually her father says the name of the man who helped him, her brother leaves town, she decides to talk to the TV producers who will be making a series about her father's crimes, although she is not able to recognize or to admit she is having feelings again and might be "normal" in the near future. In the Blood is fast-paced, well-written, and one of those books that get you hooked from the beginning. Looking forward to reading the next book in series! Highly recommended!
I thank the author, her publisher, and NetGalley for this ARC.
I thank the author, her publisher, and NetGalley for this ARC.
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