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Killer Urge
A hiker is killed in a public park—seemingly a random act of violence. With no leads to follow, the case stalls until a tip comes in. Kevin Mathers, an outside consultant known for bringing down a serial killer, is called to help.
As Kevin uncovers new clues, the police question whether the murder was an isolated incident. Then more bodies begin to appear—each death connected, in some way, to the first killing. Kevin and the homicide team chase every lead, only to find the investigation turning dangerously personal when the killer strikes close to home in a spasm of murderous rage.
Relentless in his pursuit, Kevin finally comes face-to-face with the killer in a heart-stopping fight to the finish—an unthinkable showdown in the very park where it all began.
" If you're from Philly and up for a hard-boiled why-dunnit, you might want to avoid the Roxborough environs, while you read this galloping narrative, spiked with first-person glimpses into the mind of an unlikely killer. Kevin isn't a cop, but his part in the earlier apprehension of a serial murderer has left him with hero status, a homicide detective for a best friend, and incentive not to turn away from a murder in Fairmont Park until the perp has been brought to justice. Fasten your seat belt as Steven Fisher takes you along for the ride." - Helen Foster, author of Tidal Overlook, Lost Graces, and The Silent Hen
"KILLER URGE, Steven Fisher’s second thriller, plunges you into the mind of a serial killer and the race to end the murders. Set in vividly realized Philadelphia, it follows Detective Kevin as suspense builds with every twist. Smart, gripping, and impossible to put down, KILLER URGE will keep you turning pages long past bedtime." - Judith Partelow, author of Passion & Selected Poems
“Fisher presents misguided villainy at its best, where nothing is as it seems in this fast paced, unexpected action-packed thriller, leaving the reader guessing who will be the next victim.” - Jennifer Bourland, author of Hidden Shadow
As Kevin uncovers new clues, the police question whether the murder was an isolated incident. Then more bodies begin to appear—each death connected, in some way, to the first killing. Kevin and the homicide team chase every lead, only to find the investigation turning dangerously personal when the killer strikes close to home in a spasm of murderous rage.
Relentless in his pursuit, Kevin finally comes face-to-face with the killer in a heart-stopping fight to the finish—an unthinkable showdown in the very park where it all began.
" If you're from Philly and up for a hard-boiled why-dunnit, you might want to avoid the Roxborough environs, while you read this galloping narrative, spiked with first-person glimpses into the mind of an unlikely killer. Kevin isn't a cop, but his part in the earlier apprehension of a serial murderer has left him with hero status, a homicide detective for a best friend, and incentive not to turn away from a murder in Fairmont Park until the perp has been brought to justice. Fasten your seat belt as Steven Fisher takes you along for the ride." - Helen Foster, author of Tidal Overlook, Lost Graces, and The Silent Hen
"KILLER URGE, Steven Fisher’s second thriller, plunges you into the mind of a serial killer and the race to end the murders. Set in vividly realized Philadelphia, it follows Detective Kevin as suspense builds with every twist. Smart, gripping, and impossible to put down, KILLER URGE will keep you turning pages long past bedtime." - Judith Partelow, author of Passion & Selected Poems
“Fisher presents misguided villainy at its best, where nothing is as it seems in this fast paced, unexpected action-packed thriller, leaving the reader guessing who will be the next victim.” - Jennifer Bourland, author of Hidden Shadow
225 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 13, 2026
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7 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
February 9, 2026
I went into The Killer Urge really excited because the premise sounded fantastic. The plot itself had so much potential — it promised suspense, emotion, and depth. Unfortunately, the execution didn’t quite live up to that strong concept.
One of the biggest issues for me was the repetition. Certain words and phrases were used over and over, sometimes in the same paragraph, which made the writing feel redundant. There were also a few word choices that felt strange or out of place, and when they were repeated multiple times, it became distracting rather than impactful.
The pacing and focus of the story also felt uneven. The romantic storyline developed very quickly — almost immediately after the sister’s death and even before the funeral — which felt rushed and somewhat unrealistic. At times, it seemed like the protagonist was more focused on her love life than on finding her sisters killer, which made the emotional priorities feel off.
There were several fully developed scenes and extended conversations that didn’t seem necessary to move the story forward. Many of them weren’t especially interesting or entertaining, which made parts of the book drag. Tightening these sections would have strengthened the overall narrative.
Structurally, the paragraphs and information felt scattered. Details were sometimes jumbled or repeated rather than presented in a clear, cohesive way. The flow could have benefited from stronger organization and more streamlined storytelling.
That said, the core idea behind the story was compelling. With sharper editing, less repetition, and more focused character development, this could have been a much stronger and more gripping thriller.
Overall, the concept was great — the delivery just didn’t quite match the promise.
One of the biggest issues for me was the repetition. Certain words and phrases were used over and over, sometimes in the same paragraph, which made the writing feel redundant. There were also a few word choices that felt strange or out of place, and when they were repeated multiple times, it became distracting rather than impactful.
The pacing and focus of the story also felt uneven. The romantic storyline developed very quickly — almost immediately after the sister’s death and even before the funeral — which felt rushed and somewhat unrealistic. At times, it seemed like the protagonist was more focused on her love life than on finding her sisters killer, which made the emotional priorities feel off.
There were several fully developed scenes and extended conversations that didn’t seem necessary to move the story forward. Many of them weren’t especially interesting or entertaining, which made parts of the book drag. Tightening these sections would have strengthened the overall narrative.
Structurally, the paragraphs and information felt scattered. Details were sometimes jumbled or repeated rather than presented in a clear, cohesive way. The flow could have benefited from stronger organization and more streamlined storytelling.
That said, the core idea behind the story was compelling. With sharper editing, less repetition, and more focused character development, this could have been a much stronger and more gripping thriller.
Overall, the concept was great — the delivery just didn’t quite match the promise.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is a gripping, fast-paced thriller that had me hooked from the very first chapter. What begins as a seemingly random murder in a public park quickly spirals into something much darker and more complex. Steven Fisher does a fantastic job of building tension as Kevin Mathers and the homicide team chase down leads, only to discover that the killer’s motives run deeper than anyone imagined.
I loved the procedural detail combined with the psychological edge—it feels authentic without ever slowing the pace. The twists kept me guessing, and just when I thought I had it figured out, the story took another sharp turn. The stakes rise with every chapter, culminating in a heart-stopping showdown that had me turning pages late into the night.
If you enjoy crime thrillers with relentless suspense, layered characters, and a killer who’s as unpredictable as they are terrifying, The Killer Urge is a must-read. It’s tense, smart, and utterly addictive.
My thanks to Steven Fisher, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
I loved the procedural detail combined with the psychological edge—it feels authentic without ever slowing the pace. The twists kept me guessing, and just when I thought I had it figured out, the story took another sharp turn. The stakes rise with every chapter, culminating in a heart-stopping showdown that had me turning pages late into the night.
If you enjoy crime thrillers with relentless suspense, layered characters, and a killer who’s as unpredictable as they are terrifying, The Killer Urge is a must-read. It’s tense, smart, and utterly addictive.
My thanks to Steven Fisher, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you for the opportunity to preview Killer Urge. Fantastic work! I read this in one sitting. Now this is. A series but I missed the first novel. No biggy because you catch on quickly to the background of our lead character.
Kevin was in love with a serial killer unknowingly. That chapter has ended and now he is a hero in his hometown of Philadelphia.
But a sudden killing brings Kevin to wonder if in fact this murder of a woman could be the work of a serial killer.
This book is told by all the characters in the book which really sets the stage for this story.
All the characters are introduced and you get the background information about them and their relationship with the murder and Kevin.
Great plot and great story. 5 stars for me!
Kevin was in love with a serial killer unknowingly. That chapter has ended and now he is a hero in his hometown of Philadelphia.
But a sudden killing brings Kevin to wonder if in fact this murder of a woman could be the work of a serial killer.
This book is told by all the characters in the book which really sets the stage for this story.
All the characters are introduced and you get the background information about them and their relationship with the murder and Kevin.
Great plot and great story. 5 stars for me!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thanks to NetGalley and Atmosphere Press for an advance reader copy. If you want a synopsis, click on the book.
This is clearly a follow-up book but it still works as a standalone novel. I found the premise that the main character has become an expert after identifying one serial killer to the extent that his services are keenly sought by the Police Department a bit hard to swallow but, hey, it's a fiction. Despite this, I enjoyed the book which is told from the perspective of characters in the story. It's a good, easy read and there are twists to keep your attention.
This is clearly a follow-up book but it still works as a standalone novel. I found the premise that the main character has become an expert after identifying one serial killer to the extent that his services are keenly sought by the Police Department a bit hard to swallow but, hey, it's a fiction. Despite this, I enjoyed the book which is told from the perspective of characters in the story. It's a good, easy read and there are twists to keep your attention.
March 7, 2026
What a gripping, suspenseful and twisty thriller I was thoroughly engrossed in this story from start to finish. The characters were all likeable except for the serial killer (who I didn't guess who it was until towards the crux of the story) and what a jaw dropping twist as to the killers identity.
This story was such a quick and intriguing read (whilst being really sad in parts) and I devoured it in one sitting. I look forward to the next installment in the series.
Thankyou to Net galley and Atmosphere Press for an early arc of this book.
This story was such a quick and intriguing read (whilst being really sad in parts) and I devoured it in one sitting. I look forward to the next installment in the series.
Thankyou to Net galley and Atmosphere Press for an early arc of this book.
January 2, 2026
I had the opportunity to read this as an ARC. I really enjoyed it, 5 stars from me. Reading the point of views from each character kept me entertained. I recommend this book!
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews