Fruit Loop Killer: A Mark Jeremy Novel

by Terry Cavanaugh

When darkness creeps into Bell Station and every shadow whispers secrets of murder, Chief Mark Jeremy finds himself entangled in a web of ritualistic killings that threaten to tear his city apart. Haunted by personal demons and pushed to the edge by a serial killer known only as Fruit Loop, Jeremy’s life is about to change forever. With betrayal lurking in every corridor and the stakes escalating to the very soul of justice, will he uncover the truth before it consumes him—and everyone he loves?
Walk with him through the mystery.

269 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 24, 2025

Reviews

[Wes · Rating 4 out of 5]

The sophomore release from author Terry Cavanaugh is a modern day murder mystery that doesn’t bog the reader down with lengthy exposition and criminal analysis as it follows the Chief of a small town police department after the discovery of a grisly murder. For what it may lack in substance to some, this wholesome whodunit offers some of the best readability I’ve come across in a newly released novel without any political ideologues or references. The almost 300 page caper is a breeze to read and while some of the characters can come off a little one note, the reader always knows where they stand with Mark Jeremy.

[Martti Orson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished Fruit Loop Killer, and I have to say, it completely grabbed me from the first page. Terry Cavanaugh has a knack for blending psychological tension with a dark, almost cinematic mystery. Chief Mark Jeremy is one of the most complex protagonists I’ve read in a while, haunted by his own demons, yet relentless in his pursuit of justice. The way Cavanaugh paints the city of Bell Station is almost a character in itself; every shadow and alleyway feels alive, sinister, and unpredictable.

The serial killer, ominously named Fruit Loop, is terrifyingly clever, and the ritualistic killings are described in a way that keeps you on edge without feeling gratuitous. What I loved most was how the plot constantly twisted, with betrayals and shocking revelations lurking around every corner. I was genuinely unsure who to trust until the very end, which made the climax both satisfying and chilling.

This isn’t just a story about catching a killer, it’s about the toll that darkness takes on those trying to fight it, and Cavanaugh doesn’t shy away from showing the psychological weight on Chief Jeremy. The pacing is tight, the suspense relentless, and the emotional depth surprisingly strong for a thriller of this type.

If you enjoy intense, character-driven mysteries that are equal parts smart and chilling, Fruit Loop Killer is absolutely worth diving into. I finished it in two sittings, and I’m still thinking about it days later.

[Kaitie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ok, so writing a book is impressive. And, while not groundbreaking, the killer and all of that had some potential. However, this book cannot possibly have been through an editor or betas readers. The writing was stilted and there were many, many typos and inconsistencies. The lack of contractions made much of the dialogue sound unnatural, there were missing quotation marks, misused words, and in various parts details were switched, such as Betty being called Mary, the main character saying his last name is Jacob instead of Jeremy, and the Fruit Loop killer changing to the Froot Loop killer more than a few times.

Also, almost every woman was portrayed as either a nagging harpy or an oversexed animal, ripping their shirts off and baring themselves to our main character for no reason. I couldn't suspend enough disbelief to make it work. Disappointing.

[Estelle Gaia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely chilling and unforgettable! This book had me hooked from the very first page. Chief Mark Jeremy is a complex and compelling character, and the villain ‘Fruit Loop’ is the stuff of nightmares. A must-read for fans of crime thrillers!

[Martin B. · Rating 2 out of 5]

Fruit Loop Killer is another Terry Cavanaugh book in the same vein as Twisted.  It’s an easy read with much of the same positive characteristics as Twisted: fast pacing, serial murder, and well-maintained tension, and plenty of twist and turns. But also some of the same failings: one-dimensional characters, inconsistencies, and typos, which mar the finished product.

[Jennie Spriggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Great Beginning to a New Series

Fruit Loop Killer is a great beginning to a new series. Cavanaugh weaves believable characters into a tightly constructed plot. Fruit Loop Killer is a true thriller that has the reader guessing until the exciting conclusion. I’m looking forward to the next Mark Jeremy adventure.