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WRITTEN IN BLOOD: A Serial Killer's Daughter Thriller
The daughter of a serial killer knows death better than anyone, and it's coming for her again.
Izzy Carter has spent twenty-five years outrunning her father's legacy, a legacy drenched in blood. The night his horrifying crimes were exposed nearly destroyed her, and the shadow of that terror still haunts her. Now a relentless private investigator, Izzy channels her past into helping others find justice, hoping to atone for sins that were never hers to begin with.
Bestselling author Benson Fielding is battling more than writer’s block. A dark night spirals into something far more sinister, and then he vanishes without a trace.
Evan Colwell knows something is terribly wrong, but the police won't listen. Desperate, he turns to Izzy for help. Their partnership is rocky, their chemistry undeniable, but as they dig deeper, they uncover secrets that tie them to something darker than either imagined.
When the danger strikes close to Benson’s inner circle, the clock starts ticking. Izzy and Evan must unravel a deadly puzzle before another body falls.
Murder, obsession, and long-buried secrets collide in Written in Blood —a pulse-pounding thriller that won’t let you sleep.
Download now and stay up late... if you dare.
Izzy Carter has spent twenty-five years outrunning her father's legacy, a legacy drenched in blood. The night his horrifying crimes were exposed nearly destroyed her, and the shadow of that terror still haunts her. Now a relentless private investigator, Izzy channels her past into helping others find justice, hoping to atone for sins that were never hers to begin with.
Bestselling author Benson Fielding is battling more than writer’s block. A dark night spirals into something far more sinister, and then he vanishes without a trace.
Evan Colwell knows something is terribly wrong, but the police won't listen. Desperate, he turns to Izzy for help. Their partnership is rocky, their chemistry undeniable, but as they dig deeper, they uncover secrets that tie them to something darker than either imagined.
When the danger strikes close to Benson’s inner circle, the clock starts ticking. Izzy and Evan must unravel a deadly puzzle before another body falls.
Murder, obsession, and long-buried secrets collide in Written in Blood —a pulse-pounding thriller that won’t let you sleep.
Download now and stay up late... if you dare.
- GenresMystery
258 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 24, 2025
About the author
Dawn Merriman
37 books274 followersDawn Merriman lives in northeastern Indiana on a small pig farm with her husband and teenage children. She enjoys animals, auctions, reading, snorkeling and writing small town murder mystery novels. Dawn Merriman completed her first novel in Middle School and a few others in High School and college. She won 1st place in the Northeast Indiana Young Writers short story contest in 1990. After a writing hiatus to raise her children, she published her debut novel, "How Murder Saved My Life" in 2019.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
January 6, 2026
DNF 56%
The premise of this book is kind of good except for the fact that it’s a cheap knockoff of Misery. Unfortunately, the serial killer aspect, which might’ve saved the plot, isn’t the main premise.
The characters are bland, there’s way too many POV changes that are mostly unnecessary. The FMC is somewhere in the realm of 38 but acts like a hormonal teenager with her client. She’s all tough and knowledgeable one minute then dumb as a box of rocks the next. There’s no differentiation in tone for different characters at all and the romance is so forced it’s awkward AF.
There’s also a serious lack of editing and it’s distracting. The lack of contractions, especially in dialogue, is a personal pet peeve that always makes a fiction book feel clunky and too “proper” for a modern setting.
The premise of this book is kind of good except for the fact that it’s a cheap knockoff of Misery. Unfortunately, the serial killer aspect, which might’ve saved the plot, isn’t the main premise.
The characters are bland, there’s way too many POV changes that are mostly unnecessary. The FMC is somewhere in the realm of 38 but acts like a hormonal teenager with her client. She’s all tough and knowledgeable one minute then dumb as a box of rocks the next. There’s no differentiation in tone for different characters at all and the romance is so forced it’s awkward AF.
There’s also a serious lack of editing and it’s distracting. The lack of contractions, especially in dialogue, is a personal pet peeve that always makes a fiction book feel clunky and too “proper” for a modern setting.
August 21, 2026
I didn't like this book as much as most by Dawn Merriman, was it the massacre of a song by a singer I like? Nah, but won't be listening to that song for a bit. (LOL)
The story is good, a girl whose father is a serial killer, ran off after getting caught out and she grows up in a small town with her grandparents, but is tormented by the others so lonely. She has a cop boyfriend that she seems to not be that in to, although he is, she falls for a Paramedic, she has a grown up daughter. The mystery of the missing writer brings her father to call her and since she is a PI, she was hired to help find the writer. I presume she will get paid. Is it enough to read more? Not sure. Maybe later.
The story is good, a girl whose father is a serial killer, ran off after getting caught out and she grows up in a small town with her grandparents, but is tormented by the others so lonely. She has a cop boyfriend that she seems to not be that in to, although he is, she falls for a Paramedic, she has a grown up daughter. The mystery of the missing writer brings her father to call her and since she is a PI, she was hired to help find the writer. I presume she will get paid. Is it enough to read more? Not sure. Maybe later.
July 6, 2025
Fantastic first book in Izzy Carter series
I was excited to read this book in a new series by Dawn Merriman. I felt like I got to know and care about the characters quickly. The plot moved well and there were no dull moments in this book. I can’t wait to see what happens next in Izzy’s life. Thank you for an extremely enjoyable book! 💜
I was excited to read this book in a new series by Dawn Merriman. I felt like I got to know and care about the characters quickly. The plot moved well and there were no dull moments in this book. I can’t wait to see what happens next in Izzy’s life. Thank you for an extremely enjoyable book! 💜
June 25, 2025
Just gets better and better!
The new series from Dawn has started off great with Izzy looking for a missing writer. The book is full of action that keeps getting better with each chapter. Looking forward to the next book in this series.
The new series from Dawn has started off great with Izzy looking for a missing writer. The book is full of action that keeps getting better with each chapter. Looking forward to the next book in this series.
June 28, 2025
Sooooo good!
I really liked this book! Izzy is a Private Investigator, and is working the case of a missing writer. Her background is pretty twisted and I can see parts of cropping up in future books. I can’t wait for more Izzy books!
I really liked this book! Izzy is a Private Investigator, and is working the case of a missing writer. Her background is pretty twisted and I can see parts of cropping up in future books. I can’t wait for more Izzy books!
July 1, 2025
Exciting start to another terrific series!
Such a great cast of well written characters. Izzy especially, with her dark traumatic past and her sometimes dangerous PI life. Can't wait to see her in action in book 2!
Such a great cast of well written characters. Izzy especially, with her dark traumatic past and her sometimes dangerous PI life. Can't wait to see her in action in book 2!
July 24, 2026
What an intriguing story!
This first book in the Izzy Carter Mysteries series was an enjoyable read. The characters, particularly Izzy, Evan, Grandma Boo and Grandpa, we're interesting and likeable.
Dawn Merriman wove an enthralling tale. I'm looking forward to book two.
This first book in the Izzy Carter Mysteries series was an enjoyable read. The characters, particularly Izzy, Evan, Grandma Boo and Grandpa, we're interesting and likeable.
Dawn Merriman wove an enthralling tale. I'm looking forward to book two.
June 27, 2025
Izzy is a totally lovable character. I enjoyed meeting her and reading about her adventure.
July 11, 2025
What a great way to start a series. So many interesting characters and a storyline that keeps you reading. I love Izzy and can't wait to see what will come next for her.
July 11, 2025
Yes!
So much yes! I really needed a fresh new series. And oh my goodness does this hit the spot. The book was fun, thrilling and made me smile at just the right times! Fantastic!
So much yes! I really needed a fresh new series. And oh my goodness does this hit the spot. The book was fun, thrilling and made me smile at just the right times! Fantastic!
July 22, 2025
Great Start to a New Series
I really enjoyed this 1st book in the new Izzy Carter Mystery series, can’t wait for the next one. Read it in less than a day.
I really enjoyed this 1st book in the new Izzy Carter Mystery series, can’t wait for the next one. Read it in less than a day.
October 16, 2025
leaves you wanting more
Love this Izzy Carter book can’t wait for next book. This series is going to be great. Great main characters
Love this Izzy Carter book can’t wait for next book. This series is going to be great. Great main characters
October 21, 2025
great new series
Love all of Dawn Merriman’s books. This one doesn’t have a paranormal spin but is just as good as the other series. Can’t wait to read more Izzy Carter books.
Love all of Dawn Merriman’s books. This one doesn’t have a paranormal spin but is just as good as the other series. Can’t wait to read more Izzy Carter books.
April 16, 2026
Love Dawn Merriman!!!! read this book!
This book is just as incredible as her other books! Read it!!! All of her characters have amazing connection and intersection.
This book is just as incredible as her other books! Read it!!! All of her characters have amazing connection and intersection.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews