Splitting Souls

by Kaylynn Hunt

Detective Gideon Barton, an African American investigator in Lawton, Oklahoma, is thrust into the darkest case of his career when a string of brutal murders sends shockwaves through the community. As the body count rises, Chief Saranson—a man ruled by ego and prejudice—refuses to see the pattern, forcing Gideon to fight for the integrity of the investigation and the victims who can no longer speak for themselves.

When the FBI steps in, Profiler Shania Brindle joins the case and begins to uncover haunting connections— a link that draws Gideon closer to the killer than he ever imagined. As disturbing truths come to light, Gideon must navigate the thin line between justice and obsession, confronting not only the mind of a murderer but the hidden fractures within his own soul.

Splitting Souls is a taut, emotionally charged thriller that delves into the complexities of identity, corruption, and redemption—where every revelation cuts deep, and the most dangerous secrets are the ones buried in plain sight.

148 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 25, 2025

About the author

Kaylynn Hunt is a Detroit-based author known for her diverse literary works, including novels like *Complicated Simplicity*, *The Freestyle Cypher*, HWY 725 and *Satisfaction Guaranteed*.

Her storytelling spans romance, mystery, and urban fiction, showcasing her creativity and versatility. Kaylynn often blends complex characters with dramatic twists. Hunt's writing often reflects themes of love, sacrifice, and resilience, resonating with readers who enjoy emotionally engaging narratives.

She is also recognized for challenging norms in her writing style and storytelling. Kaylynn balances her writing career with family life and draws inspiration from her personal journey, encouraging others to pursue their dreams at any stage of life.

For PR please contact: publishing.skylarpublications@gmail.com

Reviews

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

The people of Lawton, Oklahoma will never be the same! This book came out the gate swinging with grisly crime scene descriptions that grab you by the collar from page one and refused to let go. This story was dark, gripping and everybody in Lawton is terrified (for good reason).

Gideon is doing everything in his power to catch this serial killer, but the Gemini Killer stays one step ahead at every turn. The cat and mouse tension is relentless, and it keeps the stakes high from start to finish.

I love seeing Shania pop up again! Kaylynn Hunt weaves her characters through her stories so effortlessly & every time Shania appears, it adds an extra layer of excitement and continuity that fans will absolutely love.

And that jaw-dropping ending? I did not see that coming. The final twist left my jaw on the floor because Kaylynn definitely set this up for a book 2, and I can’t wait! If you enjoy well written, suspenseful reads with a serial k!ller terrorizing a town, definitely pick this one up! Thank you PGDR & Kaylynn Hunt for an eARC.

[adoseof.adri · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was so good! I like how the story jumped right in on page 1. It was a good mix of personal character development and the plot and even better when it all came together.

I NEED book 2! There’s no way I can carry on like this.

[BrownBookNerd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now wait a damn minute! What did I just read!!!
Yall go ahead and add this to your Kindle tbr. If you love playing detective while reading these thrillers, this one is for you. I promise you won't figure this one out. It's fast paced and gets straight to the action quick. It starts off with a bang!
The ending still got me in shock 😳 This was too good!!

Thank you to the author and PGDR for the opportunity to read this early! 🩷

[Ari · Rating 5 out of 5]

Went in blind... finished in an hour.

And I just have to say that ending was soooooooo disrespectful!!! 😭😭 like Kaylynn why would you do that to us 😩

Overall, this was a short and very intriguing story. I was literally locked in from beginning to end and couldn't put it down. I kept having to know what was gonna happen next. Excellent thriller read! Thank you so much Kaylynn and PDGR for the advanced reader copy 🤎

[Alisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

NOW WHY WOUD YOU END THIS BOOK LIKE THAT? This was such a short and thrilling read. I felt like I was on the edge of my seat the entire time and trying to be a detective. Per usual, all of my guesses were completely wrong and now I'm stuck looking crazy. It felt like an episode of Criminal Minds in my brain and I could picture everything going on. I need book two RIGHT NEOWW!!


Thank you to the author and PGDR for this advanced copy.

[Brooke · Rating 3 out of 5]

3/5 Stars

Thank you so much to Kaylynn Hunt for the ARC!!

This was such a nice change of pace compared to the holiday books I have been reading lately!! I havent read a thriller in a hot minute so this was a great palette cleanser.

While i did enjoy the premise of the story, there isn't much pulling me to read the next part. I feel like the plot twist just wasnt really enough to keep me engaged. This was really well written though!! I just don't think i was really drawn into the plot twist or where the story was going unfortunately.

[Shunita O · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got this as an ARC read and the reader was too stun to speak. Imagine investigating a series of murders and their MO is women who are pregnant with twins. The crazy thing is somehow you are connected but how? Coined the Gemini Killer by the news and you think it is a play on words. But it is not and soon will learn why that name is not just a name the news made up, when I tell you my mouth flew open at the cliffhanger. This book was so good and kept you engaged because we all wanted to know who was the killer. Whew chile, when is book 2 coming? This book is not out yet, it drops on November 25th.

[Toya Davis-Stokley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just wow Kaylynn!!! This thang had me sitting on the edge of my chair, with my heart racing the entire read! You did that honey!! 🥰👏🏾

Detective Gideon Barton is working the case of his life, trying to figure out who and why these murders are happening in this small ass town! He is quickly putting pieces together, but his stubborn chief won’t let him make it with the additional tools he needs.

Enter Agent Jacoby who jumps in to assist Gideon with the case. They easily fall into a good groove, and are able to make some headway, but they still need help as more bodies turn up. Profiler Shania is sharp and uncovered things that they missed. However, when she learns details of Gideon’s past, it cracks this thing wide open and turns it on its head!! 😮🤯 Serita!! 💔🥹

Now I just know you didn’t build me up, and just end it like that? Ma’am, we gone fight! 👀 Ughhh…. 🤬 Can’t wait for the conclusion, as this was so damn good! This story will live rent free in my mind for a hot minute. 👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾

[Donnakay'sBookWorld · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow!!! This was a wonderful thriller, full of detective and mystery vibes that will keep you intrigued and guessing. I enjoyed seeing the detectives try to put the pieces together, and loved making my own theories trying to solve the case. The ending left me flabbergasted. I couldn't believe there wasn't another page to turn for the story to continue. I'll be patiently waiting for a part two because I need answers!!

Thank you to the author, Kaylynn Hunt and PGDR for the arc!!

[Vonetta Evans · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review

This book started out on go and it did not let up. It was very engaging and had me questioning almost everyone to find out who the killer was. When the killer is revealed and the connection was made I wanted to know what happened in the past and what was the motive for the actions of the present. I truly hope there is another book because the way this ended, all I can say is WHAT!!!! If this is just the beginning I can't wait to see what is next and where this goes. I will say it is a little dark and very descriptive with the scenes so check your triggers but overall I enjoyed this read.

[Ebony Essence · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Kaylynn Hunt and PGDR for this ARC.

Now Kaylynn why? Just why did you have to do me like that. The shock on my face when i was trying to flip the page. This short story gave all the mystery and detective vibes with a really good plot and twist. The pace kept me going to stay hooked. Is there going to be a book 2 or do I need to use my imagination?

[Toni Larue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed this read

Splitting Souls by Kaylynn Hunt is a gripping crime thriller that pulls you in from the first chapter. The tension, profiling elements, and twists reminded me of the vibe you get from Criminal Minds.

If you enjoy fast‑paced investigations and character‑driven suspense, you’ll definitely enjoy this one.

[J.R. Mason · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ma'am!

Now you KNOW you need to catch these hands for leaving this book like that! I don't even wanna see you out eating breakfast til the 2nd book has been completed. I SAID what I SAID!

[Sherley's Reading Corner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This was a great read.

Splitting Souls is a short read that took me about an hour to finish. It was a thrilling, chilling, and heart-pounding read that kept me on my toes.

From the very first page, this book grabs your attention, and it will be hard to look away. I loved that the author jumped straight into the action. There is no slow build or long setup because she immediately pulls you into the world and before you know it, you are racing toward the end with your heart in your throat. These are the types of thrillers I love!

Despite the fast pace, the author does a really good job creating characters that you will actually care about. I really felt connected to the main character Detective Gideon Barton and when something threatened him and his family, I was so emotionally invested that my heart was pounding y’all! This is not easy to do in a fast-paced, short read, so I have to applaud the author for that.

Now, let’s talk chapter 9! That reveal…a complete shocker! My jaw was on the literal floor and then after I picked it up, I was jumping up and down with excitement and anticipation of how the story would end. So good!

Do yourself a favor and get this book. It was sooooo good! And that ending?! I was not expecting that. My goodness! I need more!!! 10/10 I definitely recommend Kaylynn Hunt’s Splitting Souls! I absolutely loved it. This was a fun, twisty, surprising and satisfying read.

[Jessica Womble · Rating 4 out of 5]

Splitting Souls by Kaylynn Hunt (releasing Nov 25) was my first read by this author, and WOW…she did not come to play. Set against the tense backdrop of Oklahoma, Detective Gideon is on the hunt for a serial killer targeting pregnant women, chillingly dubbed the Gemini Killer by the media.

From the very first page, this story grabbed me by the throat and never eased up. The pacing stays full throttle, the tension is relentless, and the emotional depth woven into every chapter kept me fully invested.

As Gideon races against the clock, the case begins to unravel in ways that hit far too close to home. With every reveal, every twist, every jaw-dropper—I was even more hooked. Hunt delivers a thriller that’s equal parts gripping, heartbreaking, and impossible to put down. Dark, twisty, emotional, and totally bingeable. That ending tho 💥

[Kiki · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨ARC REVIEW✨

4 ⭐️’s



Thank you to Pretty Girls Do Read and Kaylynn Hunt for this arc copy of Splitting Souls, y review will be truthful and unbiased!


This is the second book I have read by this author and another one that I really enjoyed! This book was action packed and to the point and it truly felt like I was watching an episode of Criminal Minds; and I liked the connection in some sense to the show with the main characters name being Gideon!

Throughout this whole book I was trying to figure out the clues the same way the cops were in the book and then even when it unfolded I didn’t see it coming and I’m still slightly confused at the end but I really hope a second book is coming because I definitely want more after the way it ended.

If you want something quick and interesting and something that will have you on the edge of your seat, then read this book when it releases tomorrow!

[Nay · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was pleasantly surprised with this book! I’m usually a romance girly but this story brought me back to the days I used to binge watch Snapped and The First 48! Everytime I thought I knew where the story was headed, I was thrown off! There are so many twists and turns in this book. I loved the pace of this story. It wasn’t rushed, but gave you enough to draw you in and keep you there. It ended on a cliff hanger, but that just made me more excited for the next book! There's a bit of romance in this one as well with Gideon and his wife. I love a protective MMC! There’s also a bit of racism as the story takes place in yt Oklahoma, but it just made me root for Gideon even more! Shania is brilliant and Chief Saranson needs to be fired! I finished this book in 1.5 days because I couldn’t put it down!

[Ieshia Shephard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Welcome to Lawton, Oklahoma. Population low and if you blink you might miss it. The place where it is quiet until it’s not! In comes a series of crimes that NO ONE saw coming and the young black Detective Barton is on the case to figure out what’s going on! Along the way, the mystery builds on why pick this small town and what’s the connection! You find out that this is closer to “home” than it may appears. IRONY is the hidden link! Outside help is enlisted & you know once you hear the name Shania Brindle, things are about to get flipped upside down!!! Come allow Kaylynn Hunt to have your mouth hanging on the floor from beginning to end! 😉
#GeminiKiller #kaylynnhuntbooks #prettygirlsdoread #pgdr #lawtonok

[ZaKiyyah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like an Intense Episode of Law & Order — I Couldn’t Put It Down!

Splitting Souls by Kaylynn Hunt is an AMAZING story! I was hooked and intrigued from the very beginning! It follows Detective Gideon Barton as he tries to solve brutal murders while dealing with corruption, prejudice, and secrets that had me INVESTED.

The best way I can describe this book is like a very intense episode of Law & Order—full of mystery, suspense, and trying to piece everything together before the next twist hits.

The cliffhanger at the end though…Whew! I was gasping, cussing, and screaming “WTF happened?!” 😩
I’m choosing to believe this only means book 2 is in the works…I HOPE! This would honestly make such a good short movie. If you love crime thrillers that keep you locked in, definitely check this one out.

[Lexx · Rating 4 out of 5]

WHEW 🤯 Kaylynn Hunt never fails to pull something wild out her bag!! Thank you to Pretty Girls Do Read and the author for the advanced copy 🫶🏾

Something is AFOOOOT in Lawton and it’s up to the local police & Agent Barton to figure out who’s going around doing the unaliving and kidnapping. This was a thrilller FASHO! I couldn’t put it down because I NEEEDED to know what was going on. The plot twist was twisty and that cliffhanger? Intoxicatingly maddening 😭😅 Hopefully we’ll be getting a part two 👀

[Chanel “Nellie” · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick read, went in blind.
This dark suspense thriller novella was so freaking good!
It had me hooked from the beginning to the end!
I had an idea of how it was going to end and honey Kaylynn had other plans.

I can’t even describe the way I’m feeling right now.
The intensity was just unbelievable.
Now the ending definitely pissed me off. It still gets 5 stars because it kept me hooked! Period!

This would be a very good short limited series on Netflix.

Thank you for the arc!

[Lo Shaw · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you’re into crime/thrillers please read this. This was a NTMA and I enjoyed this story so much. It pulled me in from the very beginning. Heart palpitations and anticipation of who was behind it all. The suspense and build up was everything. Think Law & Order and Criminal Minds. And the ending will have your mouth hanging open and in the authors DMs.

[Keria J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

*ARC Review*

I DEVOURED THIS BOOK!!! & I’m more of an Urban Romance typa gworl!

I was deep in this book you hear me! Splitting Souls doesn’t just tell a story, it drags you into one. Everything moves fast and unexpectedly; the clues, suspects, revelations. Hell, there were times when I found myself mentally scrambling to keep up because it was so good. If you like your novels with tension, twists, and a little bit of heartbreak under the surface — this is your next read. This is definitely a book all my thriller gworls need to read. ADD IT TO YOUR TBR NEEEOOOOWW!
🫶🏾🩵

[Chelsie Kiana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five stars across the board! This book had me drawn in from page one. Had life not been moving definitely would’ve finished it in one sitting. This is my first Kaylynn hunt read and I will definitely be back! I had my predictions early on and I was right but the book was so well written it didn’t come off as “predictable” if that makes sense. She definitely knows how to keep you on edge from start to finish.

Thank you Kaylynn & PGDR for the opportunity to jump into this ARC 🫶🏽

[Brandy Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to PGDR I received the Arc of this book. When I say this book had me playing detective not realizing the clues was given in plain sight. That ending though. The Gemini Killer was a double entendre.

[Teaa Alway · Rating 5 out of 5]

I normally don't do thriller but I guess I need to do more if they are like this. I was interested and trying to guess who was the bad guy. The ending had me on the edge of my seat. I need a book 2 please 🙏

[ShicaSheek · Rating 4 out of 5]

Splitting Souls is a gripping fast-paced, mystery thriller that dives right into action and never lets up. Detective Gideon Barton is chasing down a serial killer with a very chilling pattern, and as the investigation deepens, the case starts to unravel in ways that hit far too close to home. Every twist, every reveal, every shock pulled me in deeper. It felt like I was watching an episode of FBI: Oklahoma, and I was riding shotgun trying to solve the case with the team.

Clear your schedule before starting this one! Once you dive into it, you’re not doing anything else until you’re on the very last page and then………..Kaylynn hangs you out to dry wanting more! 😊

Kudos!

[Faiza · Rating 4 out of 5]

Omg this book is so good that I had to finish it in one go without even putting it down for a sec. The way it’s written and so well executed. I just loved every bit of it. It’s a short good easy read where you’ll enjoy yourself

[Jada 🥀 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like true crime, murder mystery, & solving crimes? This is the book for you! Will you help Detective Barton solve these heinous crimes? You might want to hurry though.
He just received another call that there’s another body found.

[Gabby Penn Farmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m up wayyy past my bedtime reading this book.
It was worth losing sleep over.
This is now my favorite by Kaylynn!
That ending tho… ma’am! Don’t do me like that!
My heart was pumping from the first page to the last. Excellent read.