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The Pickleball Killer: A psychological suspense thriller
The court is a dangerous place.
Dr. Amber Cunningham is a well-respected psychologist with a seemingly perfect life and a passion for pickleball. But when her best friend, Maya, is discovered dead on the grounds of the Bayfront Pickleball Club, her world quickly begins to unravel.
Suspicion falls on a controversial new member who recently joined the club. She’s not who she says she is—but then neither is Amber. She’s managed to keep her dark past under wraps until now, but long buried secrets simmer beneath the surface.
The closer Amber gets to the truth of Maya’s death, the more dangerous things become. In desperation she confides in the other women at the club. The problem with secrets is that someone always spills them.
Now she faces the terrifying possibility that the killer is one of them.
- A compulsive thriller that will leave your heart pounding and your jaw on the floor! -
Will you enjoy The Pickleball Killer? If you read any of my favorite psychological and domestic suspense thriller authors including K.L. Slater, Shalini Boland, Kiersten Modglin, Freida McFadden, Kathryn Croft, Lisa Gardner, Louise Jensen, Gregg Olsen, Mark Edwards, or Rachel Caine, the answer is a resounding yes!
Dr. Amber Cunningham is a well-respected psychologist with a seemingly perfect life and a passion for pickleball. But when her best friend, Maya, is discovered dead on the grounds of the Bayfront Pickleball Club, her world quickly begins to unravel.
Suspicion falls on a controversial new member who recently joined the club. She’s not who she says she is—but then neither is Amber. She’s managed to keep her dark past under wraps until now, but long buried secrets simmer beneath the surface.
The closer Amber gets to the truth of Maya’s death, the more dangerous things become. In desperation she confides in the other women at the club. The problem with secrets is that someone always spills them.
Now she faces the terrifying possibility that the killer is one of them.
- A compulsive thriller that will leave your heart pounding and your jaw on the floor! -
Will you enjoy The Pickleball Killer? If you read any of my favorite psychological and domestic suspense thriller authors including K.L. Slater, Shalini Boland, Kiersten Modglin, Freida McFadden, Kathryn Croft, Lisa Gardner, Louise Jensen, Gregg Olsen, Mark Edwards, or Rachel Caine, the answer is a resounding yes!
236 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 17, 2026
About the author
N.L. Hinkens
28 books370 followersNYT and USA Today bestselling author N. L. Hinkens writes twisty psychological suspense thrillers with unexpected endings. She’s a travel junkie, coffee hound, and idea wrangler, in no particular order. She grew up in Ireland—land of legends and storytelling—and now resides in the US. Her work has won the Grand Prize Next Generation Indie Book Award for fiction, as well as numerous other awards. Join her VIP Reader Club for hot new releases, stellar giveaways, exclusive content, behind the scenes and more. https://normahinkens.com/
Pseudonym for author Norma Hinkens
Pseudonym for author Norma Hinkens
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
April 18, 2026
The Pickleball Killer: A psychological suspense thriller (Cunning Crimes Collection - Standalone Thrillers), my twentieth (236-page) read from author N.L. Hinkens, one of my favorite authors. I enjoyed the outstanding psychological thriller with its intricately woven twists and turns! Norma (N.L.) Hinkens is one of my favorite authors! “I received a complementary Kindle copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review." The gifting of this book did not affect my opinion of it. I look forward to reading more from this author. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
April 19, 2026
Here comes a twisty and captivating thriller, "The Pickleball Thriller" by N.L. Hinkens that will leave the reader guessing and glued to its pages!
Pickleball has been a relief and a savior for Dr. Amber Cummingham. It's a perfect way to exercise and spend time with her closest friends. However, when her best friend's body is found dead, everything begins to fall apart. Who would do such a thing? Does it have anything to do with Amber's hidden past? Is Amber safe?
What a truly fun read! I've read several of Hinkens's books and have enjoyed all of them, so when I was given the opportunity to read and review "The Pickleball Killer", I was beyond excited to do so!
This book is written in a mix of "Now" (present) chapters and "Then" (past) chapters, which the reader gets to explore both. Sometimes, this type of story structure can make or break a book for me. There needs to be a balance of the past while being able to keep the present moving forward. Too much of either one and the story becomes imbalanced. Luckily, in this book, the balance was perfect! There was enough of Rose's past to get a sense of what she was experiencing, and there was enough of Amber's present that kept the plot moving and interesting. I appreciate how well and thoughtfully it was done here.
Following these two storylines was extremely fun as I enjoyed both "Then" and "Now" chapters. The voices in each type of chapter was pleasing enough to make me want to continue reading. Though I did question some of Rose's past choices, I found myself flipping the pages quickly since I needed to know more! Amber kept me guessing on how I felt about her, but in the end, I very entertained by both storylines. Being a quick read, I do feel as if I knew enough about the character(s) that I didn't think anything else needed to be added.
Due to the brevity of the book, I wasn't able to connect with any character here. However, I did not come into a murder-related story thinking that I would be able to connect with any character. Therefore, it did not affect my enjoyment of the book.
Themes of grief, loss, relationships, abuse, dishonesty, trauma, and revenge can be found within the pages of "The Pickleball Killer".
Content warnings: There are murders that occur within this book, including attempted murders, and physical abuse. The author provided some details of these warnings, but not too much that made me want to turn away from the book.
Overall, I found "The Pickleball Killer" a fast-paced thriller that I could not put down! I cannot wait to see what else the author has in store! I happily rate this read 5 out of 5 stars. I would recommend it to those who enjoy quick psychological thrillers that keep you guessing until the end! This is definitely a read for adults and mature young adults.
Thank you to the author for giving me the opportunity to read "The Pickleball Killer". All opinions are my own.
BookloverBlogs17 Blog Link: https://bookloverblogs17.wordpress.co...
Pickleball has been a relief and a savior for Dr. Amber Cummingham. It's a perfect way to exercise and spend time with her closest friends. However, when her best friend's body is found dead, everything begins to fall apart. Who would do such a thing? Does it have anything to do with Amber's hidden past? Is Amber safe?
What a truly fun read! I've read several of Hinkens's books and have enjoyed all of them, so when I was given the opportunity to read and review "The Pickleball Killer", I was beyond excited to do so!
This book is written in a mix of "Now" (present) chapters and "Then" (past) chapters, which the reader gets to explore both. Sometimes, this type of story structure can make or break a book for me. There needs to be a balance of the past while being able to keep the present moving forward. Too much of either one and the story becomes imbalanced. Luckily, in this book, the balance was perfect! There was enough of Rose's past to get a sense of what she was experiencing, and there was enough of Amber's present that kept the plot moving and interesting. I appreciate how well and thoughtfully it was done here.
Following these two storylines was extremely fun as I enjoyed both "Then" and "Now" chapters. The voices in each type of chapter was pleasing enough to make me want to continue reading. Though I did question some of Rose's past choices, I found myself flipping the pages quickly since I needed to know more! Amber kept me guessing on how I felt about her, but in the end, I very entertained by both storylines. Being a quick read, I do feel as if I knew enough about the character(s) that I didn't think anything else needed to be added.
Due to the brevity of the book, I wasn't able to connect with any character here. However, I did not come into a murder-related story thinking that I would be able to connect with any character. Therefore, it did not affect my enjoyment of the book.
Themes of grief, loss, relationships, abuse, dishonesty, trauma, and revenge can be found within the pages of "The Pickleball Killer".
Content warnings: There are murders that occur within this book, including attempted murders, and physical abuse. The author provided some details of these warnings, but not too much that made me want to turn away from the book.
Overall, I found "The Pickleball Killer" a fast-paced thriller that I could not put down! I cannot wait to see what else the author has in store! I happily rate this read 5 out of 5 stars. I would recommend it to those who enjoy quick psychological thrillers that keep you guessing until the end! This is definitely a read for adults and mature young adults.
Thank you to the author for giving me the opportunity to read "The Pickleball Killer". All opinions are my own.
BookloverBlogs17 Blog Link: https://bookloverblogs17.wordpress.co...
Review of advance copy received from Author
I absolutely loved The Pickleball Killer by N.L. Hinkens. I thoroughly enjoyed reading The Pickleball Killer. It kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time. Who does not love a psychological suspense thriller with a surprise ending? Once again N. L Hinkens has shown that she is a master storyteller and continues to be one of my favorite authors to read and a must-read author for me. I love how she developed the story line and the characters. It was an incredible psychological suspense thriller and has me guessing how they were going to get away with everything that was taking place in the story. I was hooked from the first page, and it was impossible to put it down and I loved every moment on every page of this page turner. I love that the story is told from the perspective of the main character Dr. Amber Cunningham. I loved getting inside the thoughts and feelings of the character. I love all the plot twists and turns in The Pickleball Killer. I could not determine what was really going on behind the events in the story or the events of the past until they were revealed. It took me by surprise how everything and everyone was tied together in this thriller. The Pickleball Killer is the story of Dr. Amber Cunningham, a psychologist, and the story of Rose Wentworth that takes place in the past. Amber plays pickleball at the Bayfront with her teammates, the Pickle Chicks. Amber learns that her best friend, Maya Matthews was found murdered on the pickleball court with a pickleball in her mouth. All the team members are suspects in the murder, love how suspicion is cast on all the members. Shortly thereafter, another team member Tina Mahoney is found murdered with a pickleball in her mouth. Meanwhile, little blue notes are left on Amber’s windshield. The story within the story involving, Rose has her own issues. Rose is pregnant by her abusive husband. She has done everything throughout her pregnancy by herself. She meets Justine at a prenatal class, and the two of them agree to The Husband Swap Pact. They agree to make each other’s abusive husbands disappear. Justine followed through on her part of the pact, but Rose changed her mind. With an unexpected plot twist Amber’s life is put in jeopardy. All secrets were revealed and the secrets of the past are exposed. I kept trying to figure out what was going on with all the characters in the story, it appeared that everyone had something to hide and how the present was connected to the past. I love how the story details what really transpired and who was behind the mystery. My favorite part was the surprise ending, I did not see it coming and the perfect ending of The Pickleball Killer. I did not enjoy how the story kept bouncing between the present and past with each chapter, but enjoyed how everything was interconnected. It was an incredible thriller. Looking forward to reading more books by N.L. Hinkens. Looking for a great thriller, then I highly recommend The Pickleball Killer. I received an advanced copy from the author.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book is a fast, twisty thriller that kept me guessing right up to the end. If you enjoy stories where secrets slowly unravel and no one seems quite as trustworthy as they appear, this one is definitely worth picking up.
The story centers on Dr. Amber Cunningham, a respected psychologist whose life looks perfect on the surface. She spends a lot of time at the Bayfront Pickleball Club with her close group of friends. But everything changes when her best friend Maya is found dead on the club grounds. Suddenly, the friendly pickleball court feels a lot more dangerous.
As Amber tries to figure out what happened, long-buried secrets begin to surface—hers included. The more she digs into Maya’s death, the clearer it becomes that someone in her circle may be hiding the truth. And when everyone has secrets, anyone could be the killer.
The mystery itself was engaging and definitely kept me turning the pages. I enjoyed trying to piece together what really happened and who might be responsible. The story moves quickly with very short chapters and frequent shifts between past and present. While that pacing made it a quick read, it sometimes made it harder for me to feel deeply connected to the characters.
That said, I’ve enjoyed Hinkens’ previous books, and this one still delivered a suspenseful ride with plenty of twists. If you like fast-paced mysteries with secrets, friendships, and unexpected turns, The Pickleball Killer is a fun and entertaining read.
(I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed are my own.)
The story centers on Dr. Amber Cunningham, a respected psychologist whose life looks perfect on the surface. She spends a lot of time at the Bayfront Pickleball Club with her close group of friends. But everything changes when her best friend Maya is found dead on the club grounds. Suddenly, the friendly pickleball court feels a lot more dangerous.
As Amber tries to figure out what happened, long-buried secrets begin to surface—hers included. The more she digs into Maya’s death, the clearer it becomes that someone in her circle may be hiding the truth. And when everyone has secrets, anyone could be the killer.
The mystery itself was engaging and definitely kept me turning the pages. I enjoyed trying to piece together what really happened and who might be responsible. The story moves quickly with very short chapters and frequent shifts between past and present. While that pacing made it a quick read, it sometimes made it harder for me to feel deeply connected to the characters.
That said, I’ve enjoyed Hinkens’ previous books, and this one still delivered a suspenseful ride with plenty of twists. If you like fast-paced mysteries with secrets, friendships, and unexpected turns, The Pickleball Killer is a fun and entertaining read.
(I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed are my own.)
Review of advance copy received from Author
Highly entreating psychological thriller.
N. L. Hinkins latest psychological thriller, The Pickleball Killer, is one heck of a roller-coaster ride. In fact, this ride shifts track to one with steeper drops repeatedly just to keep you on your toes. Every book I’ve read from N.L. Hinkens turns into my favorite of her catalogue, and this one is no different. I loved this story.
The characters are full developed throughout the story; the suspense and mystery keep growing as the story progresses. And I challenge you to figure out who is doing the killing, I was blown away once the killer was revealed.
If you enjoy psychological thrillers, I strongly suggest reading
The Pickleball Killer. I will warn you once the story get its hooks into you – for me after the end of the second chapter- you are not going to want to set it down until you’ve read the final line of the book.
N. L. Hinkins latest psychological thriller, The Pickleball Killer, is one heck of a roller-coaster ride. In fact, this ride shifts track to one with steeper drops repeatedly just to keep you on your toes. Every book I’ve read from N.L. Hinkens turns into my favorite of her catalogue, and this one is no different. I loved this story.
The characters are full developed throughout the story; the suspense and mystery keep growing as the story progresses. And I challenge you to figure out who is doing the killing, I was blown away once the killer was revealed.
If you enjoy psychological thrillers, I strongly suggest reading
The Pickleball Killer. I will warn you once the story get its hooks into you – for me after the end of the second chapter- you are not going to want to set it down until you’ve read the final line of the book.
April 20, 2026
Amber is a Doctor of Psychology. But she also loves pickleball! But then her best friend if killed and found on the grounds of the pickleball courts. As Amber tries to solve why her friend was killed suspension falls on the new woman at the club. But as Amber tries to find answers the women at the club begin to look like they have secrets! What will she find? I read and reviewed this Advance Reader Copy of this book.
May 24, 2026
Review for audio
I loved this book! First it seemed like 2 separate stories. Dr Abbie Cunningham s best friend and pickleball team mate is found dead on their court where they play. Then we have a past story with 2 women with abusive husbands who meet in a birthing class, and hatch a Strangers on a Train plot to kill their husbands. I was wondering what the 2 stories had to do with each other? They do eventually connect and boy what I surprise it was.
I loved this book! First it seemed like 2 separate stories. Dr Abbie Cunningham s best friend and pickleball team mate is found dead on their court where they play. Then we have a past story with 2 women with abusive husbands who meet in a birthing class, and hatch a Strangers on a Train plot to kill their husbands. I was wondering what the 2 stories had to do with each other? They do eventually connect and boy what I surprise it was.
April 18, 2026
I really enjoyed this book. NL Hinkens stories..they are filled with twists, turns and unhinged characters.
She keeps you guessing on the who…and always throws in a last minute twist…at the very end.
This story goes back and forth between the past and present…past decisions lead to current dangers.
A great read that pulled me in from the very beginning until the last word…literally.
She keeps you guessing on the who…and always throws in a last minute twist…at the very end.
This story goes back and forth between the past and present…past decisions lead to current dangers.
A great read that pulled me in from the very beginning until the last word…literally.
Review of advance copy
Two abused women make a pact to kill each other's husbands, but one tries to stop, but it is too late. She changes her name and moves on. Threats to now Dr Amber Cunningham and murder on the pickleball court. A fast-paced thriller that I read in one sitting. I could not stop reading.
April 19, 2026
Solid thriller, a little predictable.
May 3, 2026
Good twisty thriller
I love a good thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat until the last page. Enjoyed this so much
I love a good thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat until the last page. Enjoyed this so much
April 13, 2026
Another great book by Hinkens! What sounds like a somewhat whimsical presence turns into a gripping and twisty thriller. Murder, multiple POVs, surprise characters, dual timelines, and more! Always a fan of her work.
ARC from author. Opinions my own.
ARC from author. Opinions my own.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews