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It Started With a Murder
When a teenage girl is murdered on The Saber-Ocean View's most dangerous stretch of street-Detective Michael Tough is pulled into a hunt for a killer who is always one step ahead. But nothing prepares him for Becky Conway, a heroin-addicted prostitute whose heartbreaking involvement in the case will change both of their lives forever.
As more young women vanish and bodies begin to appear, Michael uncovers a disturbing pattern-one that suggests there may be not one, but two predators stalking the city. Each new clue drags him deeper into a web of violence, exploitation, corruption, and betrayal.
For Becky, survival means facing the brutal world she's been trapped in since she was a girl. For Michael, solving the case means risking everything-including his career and his sense of justice-to protect the vulnerable woman who becomes central to the investigation...and to his heart.
Gritty, emotional, and intensely suspenseful, It Started With a Murder is a gripping crime thriller about broken lives, second chances, and the unexpected paths that lead us home.
As more young women vanish and bodies begin to appear, Michael uncovers a disturbing pattern-one that suggests there may be not one, but two predators stalking the city. Each new clue drags him deeper into a web of violence, exploitation, corruption, and betrayal.
For Becky, survival means facing the brutal world she's been trapped in since she was a girl. For Michael, solving the case means risking everything-including his career and his sense of justice-to protect the vulnerable woman who becomes central to the investigation...and to his heart.
Gritty, emotional, and intensely suspenseful, It Started With a Murder is a gripping crime thriller about broken lives, second chances, and the unexpected paths that lead us home.
373 pages, Paperback
Published December 11, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
January 5, 2026
♥️♥️♥️ A Dark Case with a Beating Heart ♥️♥️♥️
It Started With a Murder is more than a crime thriller—it’s a raw, emotional journey through the lives left in the shadows. Richard M. Enns weaves relentless suspense with deep compassion, especially through the haunting portrayal of Becky Conway. The mystery grips tightly, but it’s the fragile humanity beneath the violence that lingers long after the final page.
It Started With a Murder is more than a crime thriller—it’s a raw, emotional journey through the lives left in the shadows. Richard M. Enns weaves relentless suspense with deep compassion, especially through the haunting portrayal of Becky Conway. The mystery grips tightly, but it’s the fragile humanity beneath the violence that lingers long after the final page.
January 6, 2026
Grit, Grace, and Unforgettable Characters
Dark, intense, and deeply human, It Started With a Murder stands out for its emotional depth as much as its suspense. The dual perspectives of hunter and hunted, protector and survivor, create a powerful narrative about broken people searching for redemption. This is a crime story that doesn’t just thrill—it resonates.
Dark, intense, and deeply human, It Started With a Murder stands out for its emotional depth as much as its suspense. The dual perspectives of hunter and hunted, protector and survivor, create a powerful narrative about broken people searching for redemption. This is a crime story that doesn’t just thrill—it resonates.
December 28, 2025
A Crime Story That Feels Grounded in Reality
One thing I appreciated throughout this book was how grounded everything felt. The investigation doesn’t rely on unbelievable coincidences or over-the-top action. Instead, it unfolds through persistence, mistakes, intuition, and hard truths. That realism made the danger feel more immediate and the outcome more meaningful.
One thing I appreciated throughout this book was how grounded everything felt. The investigation doesn’t rely on unbelievable coincidences or over-the-top action. Instead, it unfolds through persistence, mistakes, intuition, and hard truths. That realism made the danger feel more immediate and the outcome more meaningful.
December 28, 2025
The Emotional Weight Adds Real Depth
This isn’t just about finding a killer — it’s about the emotional toll the work takes on everyone involved. Michael carries the case with him, and you can feel how it begins to affect his judgment, his sleep, and his sense of right and wrong. That emotional strain added a lot of depth to the story
This isn’t just about finding a killer — it’s about the emotional toll the work takes on everyone involved. Michael carries the case with him, and you can feel how it begins to affect his judgment, his sleep, and his sense of right and wrong. That emotional strain added a lot of depth to the story
December 28, 2025
Becky’s Survival Feels Earned, Not Convenient
What stood out to me is that Becky doesn’t suddenly become strong or fearless. Her survival is cautious, fragile, and uneven — exactly how it should be. She doesn’t trust easily, and she shouldn’t. That consistency in her character made her journey believable.
What stood out to me is that Becky doesn’t suddenly become strong or fearless. Her survival is cautious, fragile, and uneven — exactly how it should be. She doesn’t trust easily, and she shouldn’t. That consistency in her character made her journey believable.
December 28, 2025
A Dark Mystery That Respects Its Subject Matter
The book tackles prostitution, addiction, and violence with seriousness and care. These themes are never treated casually. I felt the author respected the gravity of the subject matter, which made the story far more impactful than a typical crime novel.
The book tackles prostitution, addiction, and violence with seriousness and care. These themes are never treated casually. I felt the author respected the gravity of the subject matter, which made the story far more impactful than a typical crime novel.
December 28, 2025
A Crime Novel That Stays With You After the Last Page
This isn’t the kind of book you forget once it’s finished. The characters, especially Becky, linger in your mind. Long after I closed the book, I kept thinking about how many real lives mirror hers and how rarely their stories are told with this much care.
This isn’t the kind of book you forget once it’s finished. The characters, especially Becky, linger in your mind. Long after I closed the book, I kept thinking about how many real lives mirror hers and how rarely their stories are told with this much care.
December 29, 2025
A Crime Story That Feels Uncomfortably Real
What made this book hit hard for me was how close to reality it feels. There’s no glamour in the crimes, no heroic shortcuts. The streets are ugly, the choices are messy, and the consequences linger. It reads like a story inspired by things that could actually happen, which made it more gripping and unsettling
What made this book hit hard for me was how close to reality it feels. There’s no glamour in the crimes, no heroic shortcuts. The streets are ugly, the choices are messy, and the consequences linger. It reads like a story inspired by things that could actually happen, which made it more gripping and unsettling
December 29, 2025
Becky Is Written With Rare Authenticity
Becky’s character feels lived-in, not invented. Her fear, mistrust, and survival instincts come across naturally, without over-explaining her trauma. I appreciated that she isn’t portrayed as helpless or suddenly “fixed.” Her strength is quiet and earned, which made her story resonate deeply.
Becky’s character feels lived-in, not invented. Her fear, mistrust, and survival instincts come across naturally, without over-explaining her trauma. I appreciated that she isn’t portrayed as helpless or suddenly “fixed.” Her strength is quiet and earned, which made her story resonate deeply.
December 29, 2025
The Investigation Feels Earned, Not Convenient
I liked how the case unfolds through steady police work, interviews, missed leads, and gradual realizations. There’s no sudden genius leap that solves everything. Instead, the story shows how difficult and frustrating real investigations can be, especially when dealing with corruption and silence.
I liked how the case unfolds through steady police work, interviews, missed leads, and gradual realizations. There’s no sudden genius leap that solves everything. Instead, the story shows how difficult and frustrating real investigations can be, especially when dealing with corruption and silence.
December 29, 2025
A Story That Gives Victims a Voice
This book does something important by refusing to reduce the victims to background details. Each disappearance feels personal, and that makes the danger feel urgent. It reminded me that behind every crime headline is a real person with a story that deserves to be told
This book does something important by refusing to reduce the victims to background details. Each disappearance feels personal, and that makes the danger feel urgent. It reminded me that behind every crime headline is a real person with a story that deserves to be told
December 29, 2025
Michael Tough’s Moral Conflict Drives the Story
Michael’s internal struggle is just as compelling as the external mystery. Watching him wrestle with rules, ethics, and compassion added tension in a different way. He’s not trying to be a hero — he’s trying to do what feels right in a system that doesn’t always support that.
Michael’s internal struggle is just as compelling as the external mystery. Watching him wrestle with rules, ethics, and compassion added tension in a different way. He’s not trying to be a hero — he’s trying to do what feels right in a system that doesn’t always support that.
January 4, 2026
From the opening pages, this book pulled me into a dark, unsettling world that felt frighteningly real. The murder on The Saber immediately sets the tone, and I felt the danger of that street in every scene that followed. What stood out most to me was how the author balanced a gripping mystery with deep emotional storytelling, especially through Michael Tough’s perspective.
January 6, 2026
When Justice Becomes Personal
This novel pulls you into a city where danger hides in plain sight and morality is anything but simple. Detective Michael Tough’s pursuit of the truth feels urgent and painfully real as the lines between duty, justice, and empathy blur. Enns delivers a tense, layered story that challenges the reader to see victims not as statistics, but as lives worth fighting for.
This novel pulls you into a city where danger hides in plain sight and morality is anything but simple. Detective Michael Tough’s pursuit of the truth feels urgent and painfully real as the lines between duty, justice, and empathy blur. Enns delivers a tense, layered story that challenges the reader to see victims not as statistics, but as lives worth fighting for.
January 8, 2026
A Story That Treats Victims as Human
One of the strongest aspects of this book is how it refuses to reduce victims to plot points. The murdered girls are treated with seriousness and respect, and Becky’s story in particular is handled with compassion. That humanity made the mystery far more powerful for me.
One of the strongest aspects of this book is how it refuses to reduce victims to plot points. The murdered girls are treated with seriousness and respect, and Becky’s story in particular is handled with compassion. That humanity made the mystery far more powerful for me.
January 12, 2026
A Crime Novel That Values Empathy
What stood out to me most in this book is its strong sense of empathy. The author doesn’t just focus on catching a killer—he focuses on the people affected along the way. Becky’s story, in particular, is told with care and dignity, making the novel emotionally impactful.
What stood out to me most in this book is its strong sense of empathy. The author doesn’t just focus on catching a killer—he focuses on the people affected along the way. Becky’s story, in particular, is told with care and dignity, making the novel emotionally impactful.
January 13, 2026
Michael Tough Feels Earned, Not Idealized
Michael isn’t portrayed as a perfect hero, and that’s what makes him compelling. His mistakes, doubts, and moral conflicts feel authentic. Watching him navigate a broken system while still trying to protect someone vulnerable made the story feel grounded and real.
Michael isn’t portrayed as a perfect hero, and that’s what makes him compelling. His mistakes, doubts, and moral conflicts feel authentic. Watching him navigate a broken system while still trying to protect someone vulnerable made the story feel grounded and real.
December 28, 2025
The Relationship Development Feels Natural
The bond that develops between Michael and Becky doesn’t feel rushed or forced. It grows slowly, built on trust, shared danger, and mutual understanding. I appreciated how careful the author was not to turn it into something unrealistic or sentimental
The bond that develops between Michael and Becky doesn’t feel rushed or forced. It grows slowly, built on trust, shared danger, and mutual understanding. I appreciated how careful the author was not to turn it into something unrealistic or sentimental
December 28, 2025
Atmospheric and Emotionally Heavy in a Good Way
The mood of this book is heavy, but it suits the story. The darkness of the streets, the fear in the air, and the emotional weight carried by the characters all blend together seamlessly. It’s immersive without being overwhelming.
The mood of this book is heavy, but it suits the story. The darkness of the streets, the fear in the air, and the emotional weight carried by the characters all blend together seamlessly. It’s immersive without being overwhelming.
December 28, 2025
A Thoughtful Ending That Fits the Story
The conclusion felt realistic rather than neatly wrapped up. Not everything is fixed, and not every wound is healed — and that felt right for this story. It left me with a sense of closure while still acknowledging the lasting impact of what happened.
The conclusion felt realistic rather than neatly wrapped up. Not everything is fixed, and not every wound is healed — and that felt right for this story. It left me with a sense of closure while still acknowledging the lasting impact of what happened.
December 28, 2025
Tension That Builds Through
Atmosphere, Not Gimmicks Instead of constant action scenes, the tension comes from the atmosphere — late-night streets, unanswered questions, and the growing realization that time is running out. That slow, steady pressure kept me turning pages.
Atmosphere, Not Gimmicks Instead of constant action scenes, the tension comes from the atmosphere — late-night streets, unanswered questions, and the growing realization that time is running out. That slow, steady pressure kept me turning pages.
December 28, 2025
Michael Tough Is Complicated in the Right Ways
Michael isn’t always likable, and I appreciated that. His frustration sometimes makes him blunt or reckless, but those flaws make him feel authentic. He’s trying to do the right thing in a world that makes it difficult.
Michael isn’t always likable, and I appreciated that. His frustration sometimes makes him blunt or reckless, but those flaws make him feel authentic. He’s trying to do the right thing in a world that makes it difficult.
December 28, 2025
A Story That Doesn’t Look Away From Consequences
Actions in this book have lasting consequences. Trauma isn’t forgotten, and justice doesn’t magically heal everything. That honesty gives the ending emotional credibility, even if it’s not entirely comforting.
Actions in this book have lasting consequences. Trauma isn’t forgotten, and justice doesn’t magically heal everything. That honesty gives the ending emotional credibility, even if it’s not entirely comforting.
December 28, 2025
The Mystery Kept Me Engaged Until the End
Even as the emotional story unfolded, I stayed fully engaged with the mystery itself. The clues are layered, and the reveal felt logical rather than forced. I enjoyed piecing things together alongside Michael
Even as the emotional story unfolded, I stayed fully engaged with the mystery itself. The clues are layered, and the reveal felt logical rather than forced. I enjoyed piecing things together alongside Michael
December 28, 2025
A Crime Novel With a Strong Moral Core
This book asks difficult questions about responsibility, protection, and what justice really means. Michael’s choices aren’t easy, and the book doesn’t pretend they are. That moral tension adds richness to the narrative
This book asks difficult questions about responsibility, protection, and what justice really means. Michael’s choices aren’t easy, and the book doesn’t pretend they are. That moral tension adds richness to the narrative
December 28, 2025
A Serious, Thoughtful Entry in Crime Fiction
By the time I finished, I felt like I had read something substantial — not just entertainment, but a story with weight and purpose. It’s a dark read, but a rewarding one, especially for readers who appreciate depth in their crime novels.
By the time I finished, I felt like I had read something substantial — not just entertainment, but a story with weight and purpose. It’s a dark read, but a rewarding one, especially for readers who appreciate depth in their crime novels.
December 29, 2025
Dark Without Being Overwhelming
Despite the heavy subject matter, I never felt emotionally exhausted while reading. The author balances darkness with moments of humanity and quiet reflection. That made the book easier to absorb while still delivering its emotional impact.
Despite the heavy subject matter, I never felt emotionally exhausted while reading. The author balances darkness with moments of humanity and quiet reflection. That made the book easier to absorb while still delivering its emotional impact.
January 1, 2026
Becky Conway’s presence changed the entire tone of the book for me. Her fear, her guarded hope, and her constant fight to survive made the story feel painfully real. I didn’t just want the killer caught—I wanted her to live
January 8, 2026
Michael Tough’s Moral Struggle Feels Authentic
Michael isn’t just chasing a killer—he’s constantly questioning himself and the system he works within. His inner conflict between rules and responsibility felt believable, and it added emotional tension to every decision he made.
Michael isn’t just chasing a killer—he’s constantly questioning himself and the system he works within. His inner conflict between rules and responsibility felt believable, and it added emotional tension to every decision he made.
January 8, 2026
Dark Without Being Sensational
The subject matter is heavy, but the author never leans on shock for effect. The darkness comes from realism rather than exaggeration, which made the story unsettling in a thoughtful way.
The subject matter is heavy, but the author never leans on shock for effect. The darkness comes from realism rather than exaggeration, which made the story unsettling in a thoughtful way.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews