What do you think?
Rate this book
Detective Alyssa Wyatt #6
The Hunting Grounds (Detective Alyssa Wyatt) #6
The knife slashed one way across her mouth, then the other, silencing both her words and her thoughts.
Things like this weren’t supposed to happen in little towns, not even in ones named Slaughterville. Yet, here she was, her life bleeding out onto her kitchen floor…
When Jennie Killingbeck goes missing driving back to her home in Albuquerque from Colorado, Detective Alyssa Wyatt and the squad quickly swing into action to bring her home, alive.
But the missing persons case takes a twisted turn when FBI Agent Ryker Newlin walks into their station. For the past six years, the FBI have been trying to track down a killer dubbed ‘The Sunset Slayer’ – known for brutally murdering young, beautiful red-haired women and mutilating them with an ‘X’ across their lips.
The Sunset Slayer has taken lives in Oklahoma, Nebraska, and Texas, and upon seeing Jeanine’s familiar red hair on the news reports, Ryker is here to warn the Albuquerque PD that they might have a serial killer operating in their midst.
Finding a killer in the desert of New Mexico won’t be easy, but both Alyssa and Ryker are determined to bring an end to this vicious psychopath’s killing streak … before another young woman’s body appears.
Things like this weren’t supposed to happen in little towns, not even in ones named Slaughterville. Yet, here she was, her life bleeding out onto her kitchen floor…
When Jennie Killingbeck goes missing driving back to her home in Albuquerque from Colorado, Detective Alyssa Wyatt and the squad quickly swing into action to bring her home, alive.
But the missing persons case takes a twisted turn when FBI Agent Ryker Newlin walks into their station. For the past six years, the FBI have been trying to track down a killer dubbed ‘The Sunset Slayer’ – known for brutally murdering young, beautiful red-haired women and mutilating them with an ‘X’ across their lips.
The Sunset Slayer has taken lives in Oklahoma, Nebraska, and Texas, and upon seeing Jeanine’s familiar red hair on the news reports, Ryker is here to warn the Albuquerque PD that they might have a serial killer operating in their midst.
Finding a killer in the desert of New Mexico won’t be easy, but both Alyssa and Ryker are determined to bring an end to this vicious psychopath’s killing streak … before another young woman’s body appears.
330 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 18, 2025
70 people are currently reading
744 people want to read
About the author
Charly Cox
6 books1,050 followersCharly Cox is the bestselling author of the Detective Alyssa Wyatt series and holds a Bachelor's Degree in English and Secondary Education. Born in the South, raised in the Midwest, Charly now resides in the Southwest in the Land of Enchantment, Green Chile capital of the world, with her husband. When not writing or planning sinister evils with her antagonists, she enjoys reading, traveling, spending time on or near the water, and visiting her son in Arizona.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
December 3, 2025
Story 4.5 stars. Narration 5 stars
I’ve been waiting for what it seems like a long time to read this book and I’ll be waiting until the next one comes out. I’ve listened to all of these books(if I remember correctly), and I’ll continue to use my hoarded Audible tokens for each new release. Narration by Kate Zane was perfection as usual. Her male voices are even differentiated by character to the point you remember the voice from one book to the next. So well done!
And Wow can the author tell a good story. I can honestly say that I didn’t figure out the whodunnit at any point. I went back and forth among the suspects until the end. My favorite thing to say about a mystery! It’s about a serial killer who strikes in main character Alyssa’s police jurisdiction. When a female special agent who’s been working on the cases for five years begins working with Alyssa’s group, things start to ramp up in the investigation. As usual, I enjoyed both Alyssa’s workers and her family. We didn’t get a whole lot of time with her family which I missed, but we did get a lot of time with her work friends which I enjoyed. I especially liked the FBI agent. I’d like to see her come to work there in some capacity. It should be noted that these aren’t romances. Alyssa has grown children and is very happily married. You could read these in any order, but book one is a good starting point so you would know a lot more about all the characters before going on in the series. Besides, book one is probably her best. It’s been awhile, but that’s my memory. At any rate, if you love a good mystery/suspense story these could be your next favorite reads.
Trigger warning for extreme violence at times.
I’ve been waiting for what it seems like a long time to read this book and I’ll be waiting until the next one comes out. I’ve listened to all of these books(if I remember correctly), and I’ll continue to use my hoarded Audible tokens for each new release. Narration by Kate Zane was perfection as usual. Her male voices are even differentiated by character to the point you remember the voice from one book to the next. So well done!
And Wow can the author tell a good story. I can honestly say that I didn’t figure out the whodunnit at any point. I went back and forth among the suspects until the end. My favorite thing to say about a mystery! It’s about a serial killer who strikes in main character Alyssa’s police jurisdiction. When a female special agent who’s been working on the cases for five years begins working with Alyssa’s group, things start to ramp up in the investigation. As usual, I enjoyed both Alyssa’s workers and her family. We didn’t get a whole lot of time with her family which I missed, but we did get a lot of time with her work friends which I enjoyed. I especially liked the FBI agent. I’d like to see her come to work there in some capacity. It should be noted that these aren’t romances. Alyssa has grown children and is very happily married. You could read these in any order, but book one is a good starting point so you would know a lot more about all the characters before going on in the series. Besides, book one is probably her best. It’s been awhile, but that’s my memory. At any rate, if you love a good mystery/suspense story these could be your next favorite reads.
Trigger warning for extreme violence at times.
September 12, 2025
Detective Alyssa Wyatt and FBI agent Ryker Newlin investigate the case of the Sunset Slayer who has killed six red haired women leaving slash mark x’s across their lips.
This was a pretty twisted thriller. It was well written with an interesting plot and characters.
Thanks NetGalley and Hera Books for the chance to read this amazing eARC that will be released September 18, 2025!
This was a pretty twisted thriller. It was well written with an interesting plot and characters.
Thanks NetGalley and Hera Books for the chance to read this amazing eARC that will be released September 18, 2025!
December 7, 2025
Another sit in the edge of your seat read!
October 19, 2025
Review coming soon…
September 18, 2025
Charley Cox delivers suspenseful crime thrillers that will keep you on the edge of your seat as Alyssa and her team hunt down killers, kidnappers and more. While each book contains its own case for those who enjoy getting to know the team, I recommend starting from the beginning.
The Hunting Grounds delivers another dark, nail-biting hunt to catch a killer. Once again, Cox also provides multiple perspectives, including those of a victim and the killer. The case begins when Detective Wyatt and her team investigate a missing person’s case. Jennie Killingbeck never made it home after visiting friends. She and her team are surprised when FBI Agent Ryker Newlin arrives and shares that Jennie fits the victim profile of a multi-state killer she has been hunting.
Cox provided plenty of twists that kept me guessing, and I quickly devoured The Hunting Grounds. I enjoyed meeting Newlin and hope we work with her again. Detective Wyatt and her team prove invaluable, and as always, I love the way this team works together using each of their skill sets.
If you enjoy crime procedurals with a focus on characters and perspectives from the perpetrators, you’ll want to begin the Detective Alyssa Wyatt series today.
This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
The Hunting Grounds delivers another dark, nail-biting hunt to catch a killer. Once again, Cox also provides multiple perspectives, including those of a victim and the killer. The case begins when Detective Wyatt and her team investigate a missing person’s case. Jennie Killingbeck never made it home after visiting friends. She and her team are surprised when FBI Agent Ryker Newlin arrives and shares that Jennie fits the victim profile of a multi-state killer she has been hunting.
Cox provided plenty of twists that kept me guessing, and I quickly devoured The Hunting Grounds. I enjoyed meeting Newlin and hope we work with her again. Detective Wyatt and her team prove invaluable, and as always, I love the way this team works together using each of their skill sets.
If you enjoy crime procedurals with a focus on characters and perspectives from the perpetrators, you’ll want to begin the Detective Alyssa Wyatt series today.
This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
December 22, 2025
3.5 ✨
Even thought the true twisted-ness of her story telling was prevalent, this wasn’t a favorite of mine. There were so many characters that it felt impossible for me to keep up with. When there are so many characters the whole story gets confusing. I did choose this as my audiobook for the month so that might’ve helped with the confusion on the characters, but regardless, it was still confusing nonetheless.
Even thought the true twisted-ness of her story telling was prevalent, this wasn’t a favorite of mine. There were so many characters that it felt impossible for me to keep up with. When there are so many characters the whole story gets confusing. I did choose this as my audiobook for the month so that might’ve helped with the confusion on the characters, but regardless, it was still confusing nonetheless.
September 7, 2025
I have been a huge fan of this series ever since I read the first book. Book #6 is fantastic!! Fast-paced and continued character development. Plus I loved the introduction of a new character. Can’t wait for book #7!!
December 14, 2025
It’s been a long minute since our last escapade with Alyssa and her team—over two years, in fact. So-o-o-o…was it worth the wait?
Oh my, yes…
Cox wastes exactly zero seconds before pushing the adrenaline into the red zone in a Prologue that takes us back six years in time. Brooklyn Knox is a young teacher spending a routine evening trying to grade papers at home. Unfortunately, what ISN’T routine in Small Town, USA, is locking your doors…
In the blink of an eye, violence erupts—and that’s only the Prologue... 🫢
Fast-forward to the present. Detective Alyssa Wyatt is peeved. One of her teams’ latest captures is getting a far more lenient sentence than he deserves from the district attorney for his participation in a heinous crime against an elderly woman, and it surely doesn’t feel like justice has been served. When her superior summons Alyssa and her partner, Cord, to his office regarding their current missing persons case, it already feels the next few days are going to get a whole lot worse.
Captain Hammond has been approached by Special Agent Ryker Newlin from the FBI’s Behavioral Analysis Unit. When Special Agent Newlin caught word of Alyssa’s latest case, she couldn’t help but note the physical similarities of the missing woman to the multiple victims of a serial killer she’s been trying to catch for the past five years. Up until now, the woman in Alyssa’s case has only been presumed missing, but Newlin is nearly certain she’s probably already dead, a likely victim of her elusive UNSUB. She’s there to work with Alyssa and her team to try and catch a monster before he has the opportunity to strike again. As much as Alyssa hopes Newlin is mistaken, she has a sinking feeling in her gut that she’s not, a feeling that is soon substantiated when her missing person turns up dead and bearing the same telltale wounds on her battered corpse.
The race to find a crazed killer is on.
Cox is in fine form after a slight sabbatical, delivering another high-octane thriller that will keep you flipping pages as Alyssa and her stalwart team of experts comb through old case files and gather new clues, methodically winnowing in on a suspect who has eluded the FBI for five long years. Special Agent Ryker Newlin is a nice addition to our regular team. She’s headstrong, whip-smart and comes with a hint of intriguing backstory all her own, hinting that she may recur in future volumes, and I, for one, would be down for that.
Loaded with twists and turns as the team closes in on their quarry, The Hunting Grounds will keep you guessing until the very end.
Highly recommended!
Oh my, yes…
Cox wastes exactly zero seconds before pushing the adrenaline into the red zone in a Prologue that takes us back six years in time. Brooklyn Knox is a young teacher spending a routine evening trying to grade papers at home. Unfortunately, what ISN’T routine in Small Town, USA, is locking your doors…
In the blink of an eye, violence erupts—and that’s only the Prologue... 🫢
Fast-forward to the present. Detective Alyssa Wyatt is peeved. One of her teams’ latest captures is getting a far more lenient sentence than he deserves from the district attorney for his participation in a heinous crime against an elderly woman, and it surely doesn’t feel like justice has been served. When her superior summons Alyssa and her partner, Cord, to his office regarding their current missing persons case, it already feels the next few days are going to get a whole lot worse.
Captain Hammond has been approached by Special Agent Ryker Newlin from the FBI’s Behavioral Analysis Unit. When Special Agent Newlin caught word of Alyssa’s latest case, she couldn’t help but note the physical similarities of the missing woman to the multiple victims of a serial killer she’s been trying to catch for the past five years. Up until now, the woman in Alyssa’s case has only been presumed missing, but Newlin is nearly certain she’s probably already dead, a likely victim of her elusive UNSUB. She’s there to work with Alyssa and her team to try and catch a monster before he has the opportunity to strike again. As much as Alyssa hopes Newlin is mistaken, she has a sinking feeling in her gut that she’s not, a feeling that is soon substantiated when her missing person turns up dead and bearing the same telltale wounds on her battered corpse.
The race to find a crazed killer is on.
Cox is in fine form after a slight sabbatical, delivering another high-octane thriller that will keep you flipping pages as Alyssa and her stalwart team of experts comb through old case files and gather new clues, methodically winnowing in on a suspect who has eluded the FBI for five long years. Special Agent Ryker Newlin is a nice addition to our regular team. She’s headstrong, whip-smart and comes with a hint of intriguing backstory all her own, hinting that she may recur in future volumes, and I, for one, would be down for that.
Loaded with twists and turns as the team closes in on their quarry, The Hunting Grounds will keep you guessing until the very end.
Highly recommended!
October 28, 2025
Detective Alyssa Wyatt is doing everything they can to stop a suspected serial killer and hopefully bring back a victim alive. The Hunting Grounds creates a highly explosive pulse-quickening thrill of a read. Charlie Cox has become one of my favorites in the mystery suspense genre.
*Thank you to Paratext Publicity and @hera for sharing this title with me!
Follow me on
✿KTBookReviews✿Instagram✿Twitter✿Facebook✿TikTok
*Thank you to Paratext Publicity and @hera for sharing this title with me!
Follow me on
✿KTBookReviews✿Instagram✿Twitter✿Facebook✿TikTok
September 1, 2025
My favorite investigator duo is back! I feel like I've been waiting forever for this book, and I'm so glad that the author decided to continue with the series. I loved every minute of this chilling thriller! The intensely engaging storyline, nail-biting suspense, and great cast of characters had me flying through the pages at the speed of a freight train. I love the new addition of FBI's Ryker Newlin. She fit right in with the team like she's always belonged, and I hope that the author will bring her back in future books. But that ending...I thought I knew; I really did. Until Cox threw me a curveball that I never saw coming. And it was a shocker! Fingers crossed that the series doesn't end here. I look forward to these books like I look forward to pizza nights. Loved it! Highly recommend this book and series!
Thank you to Hera Books for granting me a digital ARC via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review!
Thank you to Hera Books for granting me a digital ARC via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review!
November 20, 2025
9.5/10
Cox does it again!!!
.5 down because the last name and town name are too on the nose… something a teen thriller would do, not someone as accomplished as Cox. But otherwise, excellent as usual!
Cox does it again!!!
.5 down because the last name and town name are too on the nose… something a teen thriller would do, not someone as accomplished as Cox. But otherwise, excellent as usual!
October 30, 2025
Literally the only thing wrong with this book is that the title doesn't fit. Like, LITERALLY the only thing. As usual, this had me crying, the way Alyssa Wyatt thrillers always make me do.
January 18, 2026
Always love these books, another great one
December 4, 2025
Loved book 6!
September 30, 2025
Another great read! This series is a favorite of mine and this did not disappoint. Fast paced and so great to get back to characters I love. This serial killer thriller will keep you guessing until the very end.
If you have not read this series…I highly recommend you check it out.
If you have not read this series…I highly recommend you check it out.
August 29, 2025
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.
Charly Cox returns with a chilling installment in her Alyssa Wyatt series, and The Hunting Grounds might be her most psychologically intense yet. Set against the stark backdrop of New Mexico’s desert, this novel plunges readers into a serial killer investigation that’s as emotionally harrowing as it is procedurally gripping.
When Jennie Killingbeck vanishes on her drive back to Albuquerque, Detective Alyssa Wyatt and her team mobilize quickly. But the case takes a sinister turn with the arrival of FBI Agent Ryker Newlin, who suspects the infamous “Sunset Slayer” may be behind the disappearance. Known for targeting red-haired women and leaving a grotesque signature—an “X” carved across their lips—the killer has haunted multiple states. Now, the hunt intensifies in Slaughterville, a town whose name feels disturbingly prophetic.
Alyssa Wyatt remains a compelling lead—resilient, intuitive, and emotionally grounded. Her dynamic with Ryker Newlin adds a fresh layer of tension and collaboration, as both wrestle with the psychological toll of chasing a predator who thrives on ritualistic brutality. Cox’s portrayal of law enforcement isn’t just procedural—it’s deeply human, exploring trauma, fear, and the moral weight of justice.
Cox’s prose is taut and evocative, with visceral imagery that doesn’t shy away from the horror of the crimes. Yet she balances this with empathy, especially in her depiction of victims and their families. Themes of vulnerability, obsession, and the fragility of safety in small-town America are woven throughout, making the novel resonate beyond its genre trappings.
The Detective Alyssa Wyatt is refreshingly unique in that the series depicts brutal crimes, yet somehow the author always germinates seeds of hope and renewal in this series - due to this aspect, this ardent fan hopes this stellar police procedural / psychological thriller series continues!
The Hunting Grounds is a meditation on the cost of justice and the shadows that linger in its pursuit. For fans of crime fiction that blends procedural precision with emotional intelligence, Cox delivers a standout entry that lingers like desert heat.
Charly Cox returns with a chilling installment in her Alyssa Wyatt series, and The Hunting Grounds might be her most psychologically intense yet. Set against the stark backdrop of New Mexico’s desert, this novel plunges readers into a serial killer investigation that’s as emotionally harrowing as it is procedurally gripping.
When Jennie Killingbeck vanishes on her drive back to Albuquerque, Detective Alyssa Wyatt and her team mobilize quickly. But the case takes a sinister turn with the arrival of FBI Agent Ryker Newlin, who suspects the infamous “Sunset Slayer” may be behind the disappearance. Known for targeting red-haired women and leaving a grotesque signature—an “X” carved across their lips—the killer has haunted multiple states. Now, the hunt intensifies in Slaughterville, a town whose name feels disturbingly prophetic.
Alyssa Wyatt remains a compelling lead—resilient, intuitive, and emotionally grounded. Her dynamic with Ryker Newlin adds a fresh layer of tension and collaboration, as both wrestle with the psychological toll of chasing a predator who thrives on ritualistic brutality. Cox’s portrayal of law enforcement isn’t just procedural—it’s deeply human, exploring trauma, fear, and the moral weight of justice.
Cox’s prose is taut and evocative, with visceral imagery that doesn’t shy away from the horror of the crimes. Yet she balances this with empathy, especially in her depiction of victims and their families. Themes of vulnerability, obsession, and the fragility of safety in small-town America are woven throughout, making the novel resonate beyond its genre trappings.
The Detective Alyssa Wyatt is refreshingly unique in that the series depicts brutal crimes, yet somehow the author always germinates seeds of hope and renewal in this series - due to this aspect, this ardent fan hopes this stellar police procedural / psychological thriller series continues!
The Hunting Grounds is a meditation on the cost of justice and the shadows that linger in its pursuit. For fans of crime fiction that blends procedural precision with emotional intelligence, Cox delivers a standout entry that lingers like desert heat.
September 12, 2025
2.5/5 + the title is misleading and has nothing in common with the MO
Maybe my mistake was not reading the previous 5 books of the series -- but if I had, I wouldn't have come this far for sure.
Alyssa Wyatt is a lead detective currently investigating a missing person case - a young girl failed to return home after meeting with friends. Well, investigating is an incredibly strong word, to be honest. She does something, I guess, with a huge team on her side, including, as always, an IT genius. Her team is her family, while she is close with her real family as well.
So, the team investigates the missing person case, when an FBI agent appears saying that 99% this is a homicide case, because there is a serial killer on the loose killing the women who look EXACTLY THE SAME. Their similarity is so uncanny that all of the victims may be mistaken for family members.
Are they followed, stalked, or are all the victims random? Who is the woman from the first chapter and why...? Who is he? Is the main suspect the one they are looking for, or is it the other one who just so happened to randomly appear during the questioning of a family member of the latest victim? Or is it someone else?
Female leads' guts are telling them - they know for sure who did that, but why remains a mystery.
So, now, they investigate together. Or do they?
The book is fast-paced and easy to read. I get the popularity and high ratings, because the book has all the good detective has. But not everything from the good detective is included in this book. There are a lot of unnecessary details, a lack of emotional depth within most of the characters, and tons of misleading hints.
But what I hate the most is the revelation. Basically, our great team could do nothing but one thing (which could have been done much earlier), with the outcome staying the same. With no changes at all.
I know some people who will LOVE this book, but I am just not one of them. Still, I would love to discuss it with my book club, just to share my complaints with them.
Maybe my mistake was not reading the previous 5 books of the series -- but if I had, I wouldn't have come this far for sure.
Alyssa Wyatt is a lead detective currently investigating a missing person case - a young girl failed to return home after meeting with friends. Well, investigating is an incredibly strong word, to be honest. She does something, I guess, with a huge team on her side, including, as always, an IT genius. Her team is her family, while she is close with her real family as well.
So, the team investigates the missing person case, when an FBI agent appears saying that 99% this is a homicide case, because there is a serial killer on the loose killing the women who look EXACTLY THE SAME. Their similarity is so uncanny that all of the victims may be mistaken for family members.
Are they followed, stalked, or are all the victims random? Who is the woman from the first chapter and why...? Who is he? Is the main suspect the one they are looking for, or is it the other one who just so happened to randomly appear during the questioning of a family member of the latest victim? Or is it someone else?
Female leads' guts are telling them - they know for sure who did that, but why remains a mystery.
So, now, they investigate together. Or do they?
The book is fast-paced and easy to read. I get the popularity and high ratings, because the book has all the good detective has. But not everything from the good detective is included in this book. There are a lot of unnecessary details, a lack of emotional depth within most of the characters, and tons of misleading hints.
But what I hate the most is the revelation. Basically, our great team could do nothing but one thing (which could have been done much earlier), with the outcome staying the same. With no changes at all.
I know some people who will LOVE this book, but I am just not one of them. Still, I would love to discuss it with my book club, just to share my complaints with them.
September 14, 2025
When a woman goes missing driving back to Albuquerque, Detective Alyssa Wyatt and her team are determined to find her alive. Things take a turn when FBI Agent Ryker Newlin arrives, showing more than a passing interest in the case. For six years, she has been searching for a suspected serial killer known as The Sunset Slayer whose M.O. is to slash a letter X across their lips. The missing woman, Jennie Killingbeck, fits the description of the type of woman he favours and Ryker hopes that, for the first time, she could be close to catching him. With the killer showing no sign of stopping, can Alyssa and Ryker work together to end the bloodshed?
It has been a couple of years since the previous Alyssa Wyatt book and so I was pleased to see that Charly Cox had written another. Alyssa has become one of my favourite fictional detectives, her relationship with her detective partner, Cord, being one of the many plus points in what is a well-written, captivating series. We now have FBI Agent Ryker Newlin added into the mix and it was refreshing to see the police working well alongside the FBI as there is often a tendency to see plenty of friction between the two departments. I hope we get to see more of Ryker!
The Hunting Grounds has a dark, twisted plot with an equally twisted killer who is hiding in plain sight, going about his daily business, leaving his secrets literally locked away. We see a sharp contrast between the man who could not face rejection and so, as a result, embarked on a life of brutality and the woman who despite what she has had to endure, continues to display tenacity at the highest level. The plot moves at a quick pace leaving you dreading him finding his next victim.
I am so glad to have Alyssa Wyatt back and I hope we meet again soon.
It has been a couple of years since the previous Alyssa Wyatt book and so I was pleased to see that Charly Cox had written another. Alyssa has become one of my favourite fictional detectives, her relationship with her detective partner, Cord, being one of the many plus points in what is a well-written, captivating series. We now have FBI Agent Ryker Newlin added into the mix and it was refreshing to see the police working well alongside the FBI as there is often a tendency to see plenty of friction between the two departments. I hope we get to see more of Ryker!
The Hunting Grounds has a dark, twisted plot with an equally twisted killer who is hiding in plain sight, going about his daily business, leaving his secrets literally locked away. We see a sharp contrast between the man who could not face rejection and so, as a result, embarked on a life of brutality and the woman who despite what she has had to endure, continues to display tenacity at the highest level. The plot moves at a quick pace leaving you dreading him finding his next victim.
I am so glad to have Alyssa Wyatt back and I hope we meet again soon.
October 3, 2025
Book #6 in the Detective Wyatt series and WOW! from the very first chapter, I was completely under its spell and did not put it down for a second.
Alyssa and her partner Cord are tasked with the disappearance of Jennie Killingbeck. When an FBI agent, Agent Ryler appears, seemingly from nowhere with the theory that the missing woman may be linked to a case she has been on for 5 years, Alyssa listens and takes the decision for herself and her team to work with her and try to capure the so called 'Sunset Slayer'.
Each of the killers victims all have a distinctive trademark.... an X slashed across their mouths.
As well as the development of the characters, I loved the dynamic between Wyatt and Ryker. Two strong, formidable and highly motivated woman who refuse to 'cock' fight and combine their skills, knowledge and stubbornness to work the case as a solid unit.
I was also really pleased that Alyssa's family were still within the plot. Having watched her children grow throughout the series so far, it felt so natural for them to still be there in the background.
The relentless, fast pacing had my heart beating at full pelt, not resting until the very last word was read.
Packed to the rafters with twists, turns, and spins, the unpredictability was insane. I was constantly second guessing myself and throwing near on every character in the cells before another twist was thrown in to change my mind, yet again.
The dark, chilling, gritty, and sometimes grotesque scenes were superbly written, I could actually feel the damp darkness and fear emitting from the pages.
*was anyone else singing 'Hot dog, jumping frog... Albuquerque' every time the name was mentioned? No, just me then 🤣
Huge thanks to Netgalley and Hera Books for the ARC.
Alyssa and her partner Cord are tasked with the disappearance of Jennie Killingbeck. When an FBI agent, Agent Ryler appears, seemingly from nowhere with the theory that the missing woman may be linked to a case she has been on for 5 years, Alyssa listens and takes the decision for herself and her team to work with her and try to capure the so called 'Sunset Slayer'.
Each of the killers victims all have a distinctive trademark.... an X slashed across their mouths.
As well as the development of the characters, I loved the dynamic between Wyatt and Ryker. Two strong, formidable and highly motivated woman who refuse to 'cock' fight and combine their skills, knowledge and stubbornness to work the case as a solid unit.
I was also really pleased that Alyssa's family were still within the plot. Having watched her children grow throughout the series so far, it felt so natural for them to still be there in the background.
The relentless, fast pacing had my heart beating at full pelt, not resting until the very last word was read.
Packed to the rafters with twists, turns, and spins, the unpredictability was insane. I was constantly second guessing myself and throwing near on every character in the cells before another twist was thrown in to change my mind, yet again.
The dark, chilling, gritty, and sometimes grotesque scenes were superbly written, I could actually feel the damp darkness and fear emitting from the pages.
*was anyone else singing 'Hot dog, jumping frog... Albuquerque' every time the name was mentioned? No, just me then 🤣
Huge thanks to Netgalley and Hera Books for the ARC.
October 13, 2025
ANOTHER FIVE STAR READ FROM CHARLY COX.
The Alyssa Wyatt series is one of the best crime procedural thrillers out there. This series needs to be out there in bookstores everywhere. I have read all of the books associated with this series. They are all amazing. The Hunting Ground was no exception. The fast pace of the book grabs you from the beginning! The continued bonding of Alyssa and her partner Cord is a great storyline. It reminds me of me and my guy best friend. We can still finish each other’s sentences!
The procedural aspect of the book allows you to look inside good detective work, forensics and how the case all comes together. Everyone plays a part. That brings me to another reason these are five-star reads. The cast of characters! They are so well developed. They are all good cops. They do their job and they catch bad guys. These books remind me of the show “The Closer” that used to be on with Kyra Sedgewick. I want to see Joe and Hal and Alyssa and Cord and Hammond all come to live on the screen! This would be such a great female led show!
Back to the book: getting the killer’s perspective along with Alyssa’s really adds a sense of creepiness and mystery. The other part of the these books that appeals to me and adds depth to the story is the balance of family and a career. The true love and support Alyssa receives from her family is such a great heartwarming part of the connection I feel with these characters.
NOW...Let’s talk ENDINGS!! OHHH BOY! The twist at the end of this one! I had no clue, but I loved watching all the pieces fall into place. What a thrilling ride!
The Alyssa Wyatt series is one of the best crime procedural thrillers out there. This series needs to be out there in bookstores everywhere. I have read all of the books associated with this series. They are all amazing. The Hunting Ground was no exception. The fast pace of the book grabs you from the beginning! The continued bonding of Alyssa and her partner Cord is a great storyline. It reminds me of me and my guy best friend. We can still finish each other’s sentences!
The procedural aspect of the book allows you to look inside good detective work, forensics and how the case all comes together. Everyone plays a part. That brings me to another reason these are five-star reads. The cast of characters! They are so well developed. They are all good cops. They do their job and they catch bad guys. These books remind me of the show “The Closer” that used to be on with Kyra Sedgewick. I want to see Joe and Hal and Alyssa and Cord and Hammond all come to live on the screen! This would be such a great female led show!
Back to the book: getting the killer’s perspective along with Alyssa’s really adds a sense of creepiness and mystery. The other part of the these books that appeals to me and adds depth to the story is the balance of family and a career. The true love and support Alyssa receives from her family is such a great heartwarming part of the connection I feel with these characters.
NOW...Let’s talk ENDINGS!! OHHH BOY! The twist at the end of this one! I had no clue, but I loved watching all the pieces fall into place. What a thrilling ride!
November 4, 2025
The Hunting Grounds by Charly Cox
Detective Alyssa Wyatt #6
~ Riveting read ~ Couldn’t put it down till the end ~ Excellent addition to the series ~
What I liked:
* Alyssa: police detective, mature, wise, tenacious, excellent leader, team player, loving wife & mother, unflappable, – I like her as a person, admire her and would like her as a friend
* The team: professional, cohesive, supportive, diligent, seem to be normal hard working police detectives that work long hours to solve cases
* FBI Agent Ryker Newlin: assigned to Alyssa’s group to work on an ongoing serial killer case, fits in well, wonder if she will be seen again in the future
* Learning what the trigger was for the serial killer, getting glimpses into his thinking, and being able to thoroughly dislike him and hope that Karma, or the team, will take him down
* The police procedural aspects of the story
* The plot, pacing, setting, and writing
* The twists, turns, red herrings, and surprises
* Alyssa’s family: loving, supportive, there for one another
* Hoping that there will be another book in the series
* Being glad that I chose NOT to read this book before I went to sleep and read a short romance so I could start this story in the morning light
* All of it except…
What I didn’t like:
* Who and what I was meant not to like
* Thinking about the pain of those killed and the loved ones that deal with their loss
* Wondering what creates monsters that have no remorse for the evil they do
Did I like this book? Yes
Would I read more by this author? Yes
Thank you to NetGalley and Hera for the ARC – This is my honest review.
5 Stars
Detective Alyssa Wyatt #6
~ Riveting read ~ Couldn’t put it down till the end ~ Excellent addition to the series ~
What I liked:
* Alyssa: police detective, mature, wise, tenacious, excellent leader, team player, loving wife & mother, unflappable, – I like her as a person, admire her and would like her as a friend
* The team: professional, cohesive, supportive, diligent, seem to be normal hard working police detectives that work long hours to solve cases
* FBI Agent Ryker Newlin: assigned to Alyssa’s group to work on an ongoing serial killer case, fits in well, wonder if she will be seen again in the future
* Learning what the trigger was for the serial killer, getting glimpses into his thinking, and being able to thoroughly dislike him and hope that Karma, or the team, will take him down
* The police procedural aspects of the story
* The plot, pacing, setting, and writing
* The twists, turns, red herrings, and surprises
* Alyssa’s family: loving, supportive, there for one another
* Hoping that there will be another book in the series
* Being glad that I chose NOT to read this book before I went to sleep and read a short romance so I could start this story in the morning light
* All of it except…
What I didn’t like:
* Who and what I was meant not to like
* Thinking about the pain of those killed and the loved ones that deal with their loss
* Wondering what creates monsters that have no remorse for the evil they do
Did I like this book? Yes
Would I read more by this author? Yes
Thank you to NetGalley and Hera for the ARC – This is my honest review.
5 Stars
November 30, 2025
4.7☆
I've read a couple of books from this series and I feel like I should've followed through bc this latest one was AMAZING.
Ngl, compared to some others, this detective team doesn't feel as dynamic as I wish it could be. Maybe it was less banter or less girl boss stubbornness? Regardless, it the team still kept me at the edge of my seat with the constant questioning and updates as evidence came in pouring.
This latest narrative brought in FBI agent with a BAU background and I LOVED IT. Anything with behavioral analysis lets the investigation process become more analytical as the storyline develops from page one. The questions and prompts by FBI agent Ryker pushes the investigation to figure out how fo move forward in various angles. And tbh, I really do enjoy how Detective Alyssa gets along with her, bc we clearly do not need another female territorial battle.
While there were two suspects that the team was pursuing, any avid crime fiction reader knows that it wont be that easy. They are connected but it comes with a hefty price of hiding the real mastermind. Honestly didn't expect the reveal of the criminal through a random family moment by a character that truly was just outright ridiculous but it somehow had a warm effect.
The conclusion of how the criminal came about with years of deception and manipulation wasn't too shocking. But the intensity of trying to find him definitely filled the pages well and I should probably pick up the remaining books in this series while waiting for the next one.
I've read a couple of books from this series and I feel like I should've followed through bc this latest one was AMAZING.
Ngl, compared to some others, this detective team doesn't feel as dynamic as I wish it could be. Maybe it was less banter or less girl boss stubbornness? Regardless, it the team still kept me at the edge of my seat with the constant questioning and updates as evidence came in pouring.
This latest narrative brought in FBI agent with a BAU background and I LOVED IT. Anything with behavioral analysis lets the investigation process become more analytical as the storyline develops from page one. The questions and prompts by FBI agent Ryker pushes the investigation to figure out how fo move forward in various angles. And tbh, I really do enjoy how Detective Alyssa gets along with her, bc we clearly do not need another female territorial battle.
While there were two suspects that the team was pursuing, any avid crime fiction reader knows that it wont be that easy. They are connected but it comes with a hefty price of hiding the real mastermind. Honestly didn't expect the reveal of the criminal through a random family moment by a character that truly was just outright ridiculous but it somehow had a warm effect.
The conclusion of how the criminal came about with years of deception and manipulation wasn't too shocking. But the intensity of trying to find him definitely filled the pages well and I should probably pick up the remaining books in this series while waiting for the next one.
January 9, 2026
Man oh man! I've been waiting for a long time for the sixth installment of Charly Cox's Detective Alyssa Wyatt series to be released and it sure did not disappoint! I will say that this book was a solid 4 🌟 read up until the very end with the reveal of the killer but that ending pushed it right up to 5 🌟 status (which I do not give liberally!) Phew! I did not see that ending coming and I highly doubt any reader will.
Charly Cox has a masterful way of telling a story, sprinkling little bits of details in every chapter, offering various points of view, and adding lighter moments to bring humanity to the characters and storyline which are otherwise very dark and intense. I love how even in the midst of tracking a serial killer, we get glimpses of Detective Wyatt's family (which, in the end, somehow always seem to play into the main storyline). The cast of characters at the Albuquerque Police Department are all delightful and this book introduces FBI Special Agent Ryker, who fit right in and whom I really enjoyed. I hope she returns in future books!
The audiobook narrator, Kate Zane, who's narrated the first five books in the series, is Brilliant and completely brings the book to life. I could listen to her all day.
I could go on and on, but if you're reading this, do yourself a favor and read this book. But if you haven't read the first five books (which is not necessary to enjoy this one), trust me when I tell you to DO IT! Start with "All the Pretty Girls" and go from there. You will not regret it!
Charly Cox has a masterful way of telling a story, sprinkling little bits of details in every chapter, offering various points of view, and adding lighter moments to bring humanity to the characters and storyline which are otherwise very dark and intense. I love how even in the midst of tracking a serial killer, we get glimpses of Detective Wyatt's family (which, in the end, somehow always seem to play into the main storyline). The cast of characters at the Albuquerque Police Department are all delightful and this book introduces FBI Special Agent Ryker, who fit right in and whom I really enjoyed. I hope she returns in future books!
The audiobook narrator, Kate Zane, who's narrated the first five books in the series, is Brilliant and completely brings the book to life. I could listen to her all day.
I could go on and on, but if you're reading this, do yourself a favor and read this book. But if you haven't read the first five books (which is not necessary to enjoy this one), trust me when I tell you to DO IT! Start with "All the Pretty Girls" and go from there. You will not regret it!
November 2, 2025
This is the latest in the Detective Alyssa Wyatt series by Charly Cox. It can be read stand alone.
“The knife slashed one way across her mouth, then the other, silencing her words. The last thought she had as the knife plunged down was that at least it would be all over soon.”
This is a gritty, gruesome procedural crime drama that is the pure definition of “just one more chapter”. Every time I wanted to stop I’d turn the page and see whose perspective the next chapter was from and I couldn’t stop!
Wyatt and team are investigating the disappearance of a young woman which quickly turns into a search for a serial killer, when more evidence is brought to them by the FBI.
A multiple POV telling which I always love. This kept me guessing through the entire book. Who is the serial killer? Even though one of the POVs was the serial killer I didn’t know who it was. I had suspicions of course, but those weren’t solidified until the end.
I really enjoyed Wyatt’s character. She’s smart, witty and pulls no punches with her investigative nature. I could feel the camaraderie between her team even though this was the first book of the series I have read.
I will definitely be going back to Cox’s backlist and reading more. Absolutely recommend! This book is out now. Go grab it!!
Thank you to @charlycoxauthor and @paratextpr for the gifted copy.
“The knife slashed one way across her mouth, then the other, silencing her words. The last thought she had as the knife plunged down was that at least it would be all over soon.”
This is a gritty, gruesome procedural crime drama that is the pure definition of “just one more chapter”. Every time I wanted to stop I’d turn the page and see whose perspective the next chapter was from and I couldn’t stop!
Wyatt and team are investigating the disappearance of a young woman which quickly turns into a search for a serial killer, when more evidence is brought to them by the FBI.
A multiple POV telling which I always love. This kept me guessing through the entire book. Who is the serial killer? Even though one of the POVs was the serial killer I didn’t know who it was. I had suspicions of course, but those weren’t solidified until the end.
I really enjoyed Wyatt’s character. She’s smart, witty and pulls no punches with her investigative nature. I could feel the camaraderie between her team even though this was the first book of the series I have read.
I will definitely be going back to Cox’s backlist and reading more. Absolutely recommend! This book is out now. Go grab it!!
Thank you to @charlycoxauthor and @paratextpr for the gifted copy.
September 3, 2025
Detective Alyssa Wyatt is on the hunt for a missing woman, and her case may be related to a serial killer that the FBI and Agent Ryker Newlin have been tracking for years. The red-haired victims are found with their mouths slashed and their throats cut. They unexpectedly get along well together as they pull their resources to stop this perpetrator once and for all.
I unfortunately knew pretty early on who was going to be responsible, as many sharp-eyed readers probably will. That didn’t keep me from enjoying the story, because it’s well-written and I wanted to see how the characters were going to figure it out. There are plenty of red herrings to distract you, so pay attention.
There’s a good balance between Alyssa’s work and home life in the story, and the scenes with her son are achingly familiar to anyone who’s been through similar ordeals. Her character has always been relatable, but as my son is also in his first year of college, adjusting to living on campus, I could truly feel what they were going through. I really hope the author’s not done with this series, but if she is, this was the perfect way to bring it to a close.
I unfortunately knew pretty early on who was going to be responsible, as many sharp-eyed readers probably will. That didn’t keep me from enjoying the story, because it’s well-written and I wanted to see how the characters were going to figure it out. There are plenty of red herrings to distract you, so pay attention.
There’s a good balance between Alyssa’s work and home life in the story, and the scenes with her son are achingly familiar to anyone who’s been through similar ordeals. Her character has always been relatable, but as my son is also in his first year of college, adjusting to living on campus, I could truly feel what they were going through. I really hope the author’s not done with this series, but if she is, this was the perfect way to bring it to a close.
November 21, 2025
In The Hunting Grounds, Charly Cox’s newest crime thriller, Alyssa Wyatt is back in action! I loved everything about this book! From the camaraderie in the early scenes as Alyssa and her team at the Albuquerque Police Department catch up on their personal lives, to the mysterious and intriguing details of the Missing Persons Case they’re investigating.
The case itself takes a turn when they meet FBI Agent Ryker Newlin who presents a chilling connection between their missing persons case and a serial killer she’s been hunting for years. A serial killer who now seems to be preying on women in New Mexico.
What happens when two strong women and a team of motivated detectives set out to take a killer down? Page-turning revelations and twists that don’t stop until the very last page. Dubbed the Sunset Slayer by the media, this villain is especially disturbing as he targets red-haired women and slashes an X across their lips…
Why? Is he trying to silence them?
Just wait and see because Ms. Cox takes us deep into the mindset of one of her most twisted serial killers yet, and she doesn’t stop until we discover who the killer is…
Or we think we do…
The case itself takes a turn when they meet FBI Agent Ryker Newlin who presents a chilling connection between their missing persons case and a serial killer she’s been hunting for years. A serial killer who now seems to be preying on women in New Mexico.
What happens when two strong women and a team of motivated detectives set out to take a killer down? Page-turning revelations and twists that don’t stop until the very last page. Dubbed the Sunset Slayer by the media, this villain is especially disturbing as he targets red-haired women and slashes an X across their lips…
Why? Is he trying to silence them?
Just wait and see because Ms. Cox takes us deep into the mindset of one of her most twisted serial killers yet, and she doesn’t stop until we discover who the killer is…
Or we think we do…
September 15, 2025
I received an ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I just finished The Hunting Grounds and it was absolutely thrilling! From the moment Detective Alyssa Wyatt starts investigating Jennie Killingbeck’s disappearance, the stakes feel razor-sharp. The isolation of Albuquerque’s desert adds a chilling, oppressive atmosphere—and when FBI Agent Ryker Newlin arrives with his knowledge of the “Sunset Slayer,” the tension escalates to nearly unbearable levels.
What hooked me was the dynamic between Alyssa and Ryker. Both are determined, layered characters working against time - and a serial killer - who chooses young red-headed women and leaves a mutilating “X” across their lips. It's gruesome, disturbing, and utterly gripping.
On top of that, the story is filled with twists and turns that kept me completely glued to the pages. Just when I thought I had figured something out, another reveal would come along and pull the rug out from under me. It’s that unpredictability that made the book even more addictive.
The pacing is fast and relentless, but there's enough depth to let the story breathe and keep you emotionally invested in the victims, the investigators, and the race to stop more deaths. The narrative balances procedural detail and suspense in a way that compels you to keep turning the pages.
A dark, nail-biting crime thriller full of twists that will keep you guessing until the very end. If you love atmospheric, page-turning serial killer mysteries with strong, determined protagonists, this one’s a must-read.
I just finished The Hunting Grounds and it was absolutely thrilling! From the moment Detective Alyssa Wyatt starts investigating Jennie Killingbeck’s disappearance, the stakes feel razor-sharp. The isolation of Albuquerque’s desert adds a chilling, oppressive atmosphere—and when FBI Agent Ryker Newlin arrives with his knowledge of the “Sunset Slayer,” the tension escalates to nearly unbearable levels.
What hooked me was the dynamic between Alyssa and Ryker. Both are determined, layered characters working against time - and a serial killer - who chooses young red-headed women and leaves a mutilating “X” across their lips. It's gruesome, disturbing, and utterly gripping.
On top of that, the story is filled with twists and turns that kept me completely glued to the pages. Just when I thought I had figured something out, another reveal would come along and pull the rug out from under me. It’s that unpredictability that made the book even more addictive.
The pacing is fast and relentless, but there's enough depth to let the story breathe and keep you emotionally invested in the victims, the investigators, and the race to stop more deaths. The narrative balances procedural detail and suspense in a way that compels you to keep turning the pages.
A dark, nail-biting crime thriller full of twists that will keep you guessing until the very end. If you love atmospheric, page-turning serial killer mysteries with strong, determined protagonists, this one’s a must-read.
December 7, 2025
The Hunting Grounds is an absolutely phenomenal read—one of those rare thrillers that grabs you by the throat from page one and refuses to let go. Charley Cox crafts a world that feels both hauntingly atmospheric and intensely alive, blending sharp suspense with an emotional depth that elevates every chapter.
What makes this book so amazing is the way the tension never once slips. Every detail feels deliberate, every twist is timed with surgical precision, and the characters—raw, flawed, and incredibly human—pull you deeper into the story with every revelation. Cox’s writing is immersive and cinematic, the kind that paints scenes so vividly you can almost hear the forest creak around you.
By the time I reached the final pages, I felt that perfect mix of satisfaction and shock that only the best thrillers deliver. It’s a masterful, pulse-pounding novel that stands out in the genre, and I can’t recommend it enough. If you’re craving something gripping, atmospheric, and brilliantly executed, The Hunting Grounds is an absolute must-read.
What makes this book so amazing is the way the tension never once slips. Every detail feels deliberate, every twist is timed with surgical precision, and the characters—raw, flawed, and incredibly human—pull you deeper into the story with every revelation. Cox’s writing is immersive and cinematic, the kind that paints scenes so vividly you can almost hear the forest creak around you.
By the time I reached the final pages, I felt that perfect mix of satisfaction and shock that only the best thrillers deliver. It’s a masterful, pulse-pounding novel that stands out in the genre, and I can’t recommend it enough. If you’re craving something gripping, atmospheric, and brilliantly executed, The Hunting Grounds is an absolute must-read.
September 8, 2025
Thank you to Hera books and Netgalley for this ARC copy. All opinions are solely my own .
⭐️⭐️⭐ Gripping premise, uneven delivery
This thriller starts strong with a chilling scene and a compelling setup—a missing woman, a determined detective, and a serial killer with a disturbing signature. The New Mexico setting adds a haunting vibe, and the pacing keeps things moving.
But while the plot is intense, the characters felt a bit flat, and the graphic violence sometimes overshadowed emotional depth. It’s a decent read for fans of gritty crime stories, but it didn’t fully land for me.
⭐️⭐️⭐ Gripping premise, uneven delivery
This thriller starts strong with a chilling scene and a compelling setup—a missing woman, a determined detective, and a serial killer with a disturbing signature. The New Mexico setting adds a haunting vibe, and the pacing keeps things moving.
But while the plot is intense, the characters felt a bit flat, and the graphic violence sometimes overshadowed emotional depth. It’s a decent read for fans of gritty crime stories, but it didn’t fully land for me.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews