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Margot Phalen FBI Series #1
Tell Me Her Name
Not yet published
Expected 18 Feb 26She profiles killers for a living. The man she loves just became a prime suspect.
When FBI special agent Margot Phalen enters a prison interview room, she knows how to make killers talk. She’s spent six years coaxing confessions from men already behind bars, uncovering the victims no one knew existed. Missing girls whose cases went cold. Families still searching for answers.
It’s dark work, but she can do it. She learned from the best. Her father was a serial killer.
But while on location interviewing a killer who targeted child beauty pageant contestants, she gets a call that almost breaks her. A teenage girl has been murdered in Margot’s small California hometown, and her partner Wes—the last person to see the victim alive—is under arrest. The evidence is damning. The timeline is impossible to explain.
Margot’s entire life depends on being able to read killers. What if she’s wrong about the one person she’s let into her carefully guarded world? The only man she’s ever trusted?
Some cases hit too close to home. This one might destroy everything she has.
An utterly gripping crime thriller that will have you holding your breath until the final confession. Perfect for readers who love Lisa Regan, A.J. Rivers and Robert Dugoni.
When FBI special agent Margot Phalen enters a prison interview room, she knows how to make killers talk. She’s spent six years coaxing confessions from men already behind bars, uncovering the victims no one knew existed. Missing girls whose cases went cold. Families still searching for answers.
It’s dark work, but she can do it. She learned from the best. Her father was a serial killer.
But while on location interviewing a killer who targeted child beauty pageant contestants, she gets a call that almost breaks her. A teenage girl has been murdered in Margot’s small California hometown, and her partner Wes—the last person to see the victim alive—is under arrest. The evidence is damning. The timeline is impossible to explain.
Margot’s entire life depends on being able to read killers. What if she’s wrong about the one person she’s let into her carefully guarded world? The only man she’s ever trusted?
Some cases hit too close to home. This one might destroy everything she has.
An utterly gripping crime thriller that will have you holding your breath until the final confession. Perfect for readers who love Lisa Regan, A.J. Rivers and Robert Dugoni.
335 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication February 18, 2026
81 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
January 18, 2026
ARC: NetGallery / Storm Publishing
I really enjoyed this book. It was fast paced and had me hooked from the very beginning. I couldn’t put the book down!
The case follows Margot as she works with convicted serial killer Ricky as he sits in prison convicted of murdering pageant girls in an attempt to uncover the identity of his accomplice.
Another case closer to home that Margot isn’t working on. Gets involved due to her partner being a prime suspect to a murder of a teenager girl and ends in a cliffhanger!
The whole vibe reminded me of Criminal Minds and The Hunting Party with the FBI flying around on their own private plane.
Also includes a cliche where the female agent / detective has a serial killer dad. But that doesn’t stop me from reading those crime thrillers!
I really enjoyed this book. It was fast paced and had me hooked from the very beginning. I couldn’t put the book down!
The case follows Margot as she works with convicted serial killer Ricky as he sits in prison convicted of murdering pageant girls in an attempt to uncover the identity of his accomplice.
Another case closer to home that Margot isn’t working on. Gets involved due to her partner being a prime suspect to a murder of a teenager girl and ends in a cliffhanger!
The whole vibe reminded me of Criminal Minds and The Hunting Party with the FBI flying around on their own private plane.
Also includes a cliche where the female agent / detective has a serial killer dad. But that doesn’t stop me from reading those crime thrillers!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Before I started this one, I didn't know it was part of a series. But it didn't matter I understood it perfectly because some things were explained without spoiling the previous ones.
This is a police procedural which I really love! The pace is fast, every sentence is important so no nonsense. This is why I read this book in a day. I devoured this one, ate it up.
The characters are well developed and you come to like them. It is beautifully written, so it was like I was there on the farm. Than the end, need to read the next one!
I really recommend this one and I probably read some other books in this series.
This is a police procedural which I really love! The pace is fast, every sentence is important so no nonsense. This is why I read this book in a day. I devoured this one, ate it up.
The characters are well developed and you come to like them. It is beautifully written, so it was like I was there on the farm. Than the end, need to read the next one!
I really recommend this one and I probably read some other books in this series.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
5* That KW is such a prolific writer makes me forgive the utter cliffhanger this 1st tale in Margot Phelan's new series ends in.
Though this tale comes out around 6 months after the 5th and last book in the original Margot Phelan series, it starts 6 years later. Margot and Wes are settled about 3 hours outside of San Francisco and she's still working for law enforcement, now for the FBI manager that'd wanted to poach her, Andrew. A guy she's got a complex relationship with.
Wes is a sports coach and part-time volunteer local law enforcement officer. They're raising rescue dogs, cats and chickens, living a quiet life. They're happy, she's off the booze, more trusting and learning to not be paranoid and listen to her late dad's teachings. She's succeeding with some but not all, which in fact, ends up helping her out professionally and personally. In some ways, she's her father's daughter and always will be. It's her superpower.
Then Wes gets arrested when a local student last seen in his company is found dead, and he's the only suspect. This happens whilst Margot is away on the case of a jailed pageant photographer serial killer, trying to find the bodies of more little girls that are unaccounted for, and who fit the guy's M.O.
Margot is torn between her home, her lover and her job. A job she excels at and gets results at. What ensues is an excellent tale where she's torn between people and places, and doing the right thing, but for whom?
It's a very good tale but we find out absolutely almost nothing about the current-day killer. We find out some troubled and sad things about the jailed killer, Ricky, and Margot ends up unwittingly finding his accomplices, with things coming good for one person/victim; a possible breakthrough in Ricky's past killings, but also the possibility of more time away from Wes and her new, mostly healthy, happy life.
At the end, her cop's - to use the word loosely - antenna finds a clue that will completely exonerate Wes. It felt a little too convenient and easy, but we'd been in the current killer's mind by this point and she's lucky that the timing of her discovery wasn't worse and that she didn't become his next victim. From the synopsis of the next book, it sounds like it's already written and will be out soon. It, too, sounds like it'll have 2 storylines running concurrently. I can't wait.
ARC courtesy of NetGalley and Storm Publishing for my reading pleasure.
Though this tale comes out around 6 months after the 5th and last book in the original Margot Phelan series, it starts 6 years later. Margot and Wes are settled about 3 hours outside of San Francisco and she's still working for law enforcement, now for the FBI manager that'd wanted to poach her, Andrew. A guy she's got a complex relationship with.
Wes is a sports coach and part-time volunteer local law enforcement officer. They're raising rescue dogs, cats and chickens, living a quiet life. They're happy, she's off the booze, more trusting and learning to not be paranoid and listen to her late dad's teachings. She's succeeding with some but not all, which in fact, ends up helping her out professionally and personally. In some ways, she's her father's daughter and always will be. It's her superpower.
Then Wes gets arrested when a local student last seen in his company is found dead, and he's the only suspect. This happens whilst Margot is away on the case of a jailed pageant photographer serial killer, trying to find the bodies of more little girls that are unaccounted for, and who fit the guy's M.O.
Margot is torn between her home, her lover and her job. A job she excels at and gets results at. What ensues is an excellent tale where she's torn between people and places, and doing the right thing, but for whom?
It's a very good tale but we find out absolutely almost nothing about the current-day killer. We find out some troubled and sad things about the jailed killer, Ricky, and Margot ends up unwittingly finding his accomplices, with things coming good for one person/victim; a possible breakthrough in Ricky's past killings, but also the possibility of more time away from Wes and her new, mostly healthy, happy life.
At the end, her cop's - to use the word loosely - antenna finds a clue that will completely exonerate Wes. It felt a little too convenient and easy, but we'd been in the current killer's mind by this point and she's lucky that the timing of her discovery wasn't worse and that she didn't become his next victim. From the synopsis of the next book, it sounds like it's already written and will be out soon. It, too, sounds like it'll have 2 storylines running concurrently. I can't wait.
ARC courtesy of NetGalley and Storm Publishing for my reading pleasure.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Tell Me Her Name by Kate Wiley is such a creepy and emotional psychological thriller. The protagonist, Margot Phalen, is an FBI special agent specializing in profiling killers and stands as a pillar of strength and resilience. Yet, her personal ties to crime run deeper than most. A haunting legacy left by her father, a serial killer.
Wes, her partner, becomes a prime suspect in a murder case that hits perilously close to home. The author creates great tension throughout the story, weaving Margot’s professional life with her emotional struggles. The pacing is perfect, with moments of suspense balanced against tender interactions, like the charming phone conversation between Margot and Wes that showcases their relationship’s tender side. These moments of levity make the characters feel real and relatable, adding depth to the narrative’s darker themes. The plot unfolds with a strong sense of urgency. The twists and turns are unpredictable, keeping me on the edge of my seat as Margot navigates the murky waters of crime and deception.
Overall, Tell Me Her Name is an amazing novel that combines elements of suspense, psychological depth, and emotional resonance. It’s a book that lingers long after the last page is turned, and I am looking forward to more in this series. I would recommend this book for fans of thrillers that delve into the darker aspects of the human psyche.
#TellMeHerName #NetGalley @Stormbooks_co
Wes, her partner, becomes a prime suspect in a murder case that hits perilously close to home. The author creates great tension throughout the story, weaving Margot’s professional life with her emotional struggles. The pacing is perfect, with moments of suspense balanced against tender interactions, like the charming phone conversation between Margot and Wes that showcases their relationship’s tender side. These moments of levity make the characters feel real and relatable, adding depth to the narrative’s darker themes. The plot unfolds with a strong sense of urgency. The twists and turns are unpredictable, keeping me on the edge of my seat as Margot navigates the murky waters of crime and deception.
Overall, Tell Me Her Name is an amazing novel that combines elements of suspense, psychological depth, and emotional resonance. It’s a book that lingers long after the last page is turned, and I am looking forward to more in this series. I would recommend this book for fans of thrillers that delve into the darker aspects of the human psyche.
#TellMeHerName #NetGalley @Stormbooks_co
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you @NetGalley for access to this book!
Tell Me Her Name is a story that follows an FBI agent who follows serial killers, connecting cold cases that may not have been "owned" by those incarcerated. Margot, the agent, has left the big city for a small-town life which feel like the perfect escape, especially when you’re trying to leave the weight of these cold cases behind, until it isn’t. The tension between doing a demanding job away from home and protecting your home sits at the heart of this story.
This is a beautifully written psychological thriller, layered with twists you truly don’t see coming. The author plants hints along the way, making you earmark details as they arise, but never enough to give anything away. This allows the story to unfold in a way that feels both surprising and earned. The atmosphere is slow-burning and unsettling, pulling you in while keeping you constantly on edge.
Perhaps the most tantalizing part is how many questions remain unanswered by the end. There are so many stones left unturned and storylines untold. The story ends, and rather than feeling frustrating, it feels intentional to set the stage perfectly for the teased sequel coming soon. This is a gripping, thoughtful read that lingers, leaving you wanting more and ready for the next installment!
#NetGalley
Tell Me Her Name is a story that follows an FBI agent who follows serial killers, connecting cold cases that may not have been "owned" by those incarcerated. Margot, the agent, has left the big city for a small-town life which feel like the perfect escape, especially when you’re trying to leave the weight of these cold cases behind, until it isn’t. The tension between doing a demanding job away from home and protecting your home sits at the heart of this story.
This is a beautifully written psychological thriller, layered with twists you truly don’t see coming. The author plants hints along the way, making you earmark details as they arise, but never enough to give anything away. This allows the story to unfold in a way that feels both surprising and earned. The atmosphere is slow-burning and unsettling, pulling you in while keeping you constantly on edge.
Perhaps the most tantalizing part is how many questions remain unanswered by the end. There are so many stones left unturned and storylines untold. The story ends, and rather than feeling frustrating, it feels intentional to set the stage perfectly for the teased sequel coming soon. This is a gripping, thoughtful read that lingers, leaving you wanting more and ready for the next installment!
#NetGalley
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is a new series for the character Margot Phalen, who now works as a special agent for the FBI. Her department specializes in tying probable victims to known killers who didn’t previously claim those victims as their own. They are currently focused on a man whose victims were child beauty pageant contestants. He has several known victims, but the FBI is hoping Margot can make him confess to more.
While she’s away visiting the killer in jail in Montana, her partner, Wes, is tending their ranch and working as a PE coach at the local high school. But when he calls to check in, Margot hears something she never expected – he’s been arrested for the murder of one of the students. He took the girl home when her car wouldn’t start, and no one saw her again. Margot knows it’s all a misunderstanding – Wes is a volunteer deputy! But then again, her father was a serial killer for years, and she had no idea. Is it happening all over again?
This new series looks to be as good as the previous one, with a mix of new and familiar characters. The killers are as creepy and disturbing as ever, while Margot is newly settled and content. I was surprised by the eclectic mix of animals she’s rescued and collected, but I think they’re doing her some good! She’s as tough and stubborn as ever, and I don’t think the readers would have it any other way.
While she’s away visiting the killer in jail in Montana, her partner, Wes, is tending their ranch and working as a PE coach at the local high school. But when he calls to check in, Margot hears something she never expected – he’s been arrested for the murder of one of the students. He took the girl home when her car wouldn’t start, and no one saw her again. Margot knows it’s all a misunderstanding – Wes is a volunteer deputy! But then again, her father was a serial killer for years, and she had no idea. Is it happening all over again?
This new series looks to be as good as the previous one, with a mix of new and familiar characters. The killers are as creepy and disturbing as ever, while Margot is newly settled and content. I was surprised by the eclectic mix of animals she’s rescued and collected, but I think they’re doing her some good! She’s as tough and stubborn as ever, and I don’t think the readers would have it any other way.
January 16, 2026
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and at the start I was worried I wasn’t going to. I will preface this review by saying there is a lot of information given to you at the start, which if you’ve read more of this authors work around this character you may not enjoy, but for those who haven’t it’s really helpful in submerging yourself into the story.
This book is definitely for someone who enjoys an internal monologue. We get a lot of the thought processes of Margot as the scenario is happening. I liked how rational it was and it didn’t lead to insane situations that weren’t realistic to the plot which can happen with thrillers.
I enjoyed that we had the separate POVs as the story unfolded to add some extra layers to the plot, it also helped to break up some of the internal monologue that was becoming dense in areas. I always love an insight into the mind of the murderer and their motivations.
The way the storyline unfolded wasn’t what I was expecting from the blurb but I really enjoyed it nonetheless. I think Lucy may be my favourite character overall, I was devastated when she was missing.
I am definitely going to pick up the next book. I need to know what happens next. Especially if they can recover from the judgment of a small town.
Thank you to Storm Publishing for the arc of this book. This is my honest opinion.
This book is definitely for someone who enjoys an internal monologue. We get a lot of the thought processes of Margot as the scenario is happening. I liked how rational it was and it didn’t lead to insane situations that weren’t realistic to the plot which can happen with thrillers.
I enjoyed that we had the separate POVs as the story unfolded to add some extra layers to the plot, it also helped to break up some of the internal monologue that was becoming dense in areas. I always love an insight into the mind of the murderer and their motivations.
The way the storyline unfolded wasn’t what I was expecting from the blurb but I really enjoyed it nonetheless. I think Lucy may be my favourite character overall, I was devastated when she was missing.
I am definitely going to pick up the next book. I need to know what happens next. Especially if they can recover from the judgment of a small town.
Thank you to Storm Publishing for the arc of this book. This is my honest opinion.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Utterly gripping from start to finish
This is a phenomenal start to a new series featuring Margot Phalen, while also feeling like a natural continuation of the original series. Set six years after the events of series one, the story revisits Margot at a point where her skills, scars, and emotional stakes feel deeper and more complex than ever.
Although this is technically the first book in a new series, it can absolutely be read as a standalone. That said, readers who are familiar with the earlier books will get even more out of it—the history adds extra weight to Margot’s choices, relationships, and inner conflict.
The premise is chilling and intensely personal, and the tension never lets up. The psychological depth, tight pacing, and relentless suspense meant I genuinely couldn’t put it down—I read the entire book in one day. Every chapter pulls you further in, constantly making you question what you think you know.
Dark, smart, and emotionally charged, this is crime fiction at its best. A compulsive page-turner that proves this series is off to an outstanding start, while rewarding long-time readers at the same time. I can’t wait to see where Margot’s story goes next.
Highly recommended.
Utterly gripping from start to finish
This is a phenomenal start to a new series featuring Margot Phalen, while also feeling like a natural continuation of the original series. Set six years after the events of series one, the story revisits Margot at a point where her skills, scars, and emotional stakes feel deeper and more complex than ever.
Although this is technically the first book in a new series, it can absolutely be read as a standalone. That said, readers who are familiar with the earlier books will get even more out of it—the history adds extra weight to Margot’s choices, relationships, and inner conflict.
The premise is chilling and intensely personal, and the tension never lets up. The psychological depth, tight pacing, and relentless suspense meant I genuinely couldn’t put it down—I read the entire book in one day. Every chapter pulls you further in, constantly making you question what you think you know.
Dark, smart, and emotionally charged, this is crime fiction at its best. A compulsive page-turner that proves this series is off to an outstanding start, while rewarding long-time readers at the same time. I can’t wait to see where Margot’s story goes next.
Highly recommended.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I read a lot of series, and Margot Phalen has become one of my favorite characters in all of them. She’s such a complex character, far above the average protagonist in a police procedural. I was so bummed when the previous series ended, so I was ecstatic when I learned she would be continuing in another one (with Will as a bonus!) This one was different in the other ones in that now we get a glimpse into her interpersonal relationships, which she kept at arms length in her previous stories. Now that Ed is no longer a concern, she’s allowed herself the freedom to be, and to do that with other people. When you consider her character arc over all the books, she’s a completely different person, but it all feels very organic. Which is what made me want to throw the book across the room when Will gets arrested. “But they’ve come so far!” Us writers, we really like to think of the worst thing we can do to our characters, and then we twist the knife in a little more. That’s exactly what Kate Wiley did with this one. The pacing, the tension, on freaking point! I’m so excited that she’s back and I can’t wait to read the next book in the series!
Huge thanks to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for sending me this ARC for review! All of my reviews are given honestly!
Huge thanks to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for sending me this ARC for review! All of my reviews are given honestly!
January 11, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC of Tell Me Her Name by Kate Wiley
Having read and loved several of the previous books in the Margot Phalen series, I went into this one with high expectations and it did not disappoint. This was a gripping and emotionally charged thriller that drew me in from the opening chapter and kept its hold right to the end.
Kate Wiley creates characters that are written with empathy and strength, making it impossible not to root for them as the truth slowly emerges. I particularly enjoyed Margot’s dynamic with Wes and her team have followed this through several books. The characters don’t feel jaded and keep bringing me back for more.
The pacing is spot on, balancing tension with reflective moments, and the shifts between past and present are handled with confidence, revealing layers of the story at exactly the right time. As a long term reader of this series, it was a pleasure to return to familiar ground while still feeling that the story was fresh, current and full of surprises.
A powerful, well crafted and deeply absorbing read that reinforces why this series is such a favourite of mine. A very easy five stars.
Having read and loved several of the previous books in the Margot Phalen series, I went into this one with high expectations and it did not disappoint. This was a gripping and emotionally charged thriller that drew me in from the opening chapter and kept its hold right to the end.
Kate Wiley creates characters that are written with empathy and strength, making it impossible not to root for them as the truth slowly emerges. I particularly enjoyed Margot’s dynamic with Wes and her team have followed this through several books. The characters don’t feel jaded and keep bringing me back for more.
The pacing is spot on, balancing tension with reflective moments, and the shifts between past and present are handled with confidence, revealing layers of the story at exactly the right time. As a long term reader of this series, it was a pleasure to return to familiar ground while still feeling that the story was fresh, current and full of surprises.
A powerful, well crafted and deeply absorbing read that reinforces why this series is such a favourite of mine. A very easy five stars.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
When I received the ARC of “Tell Me Her Name”, I thought it was the start of a series. It is, but it isn’t. Kate Wiley is starting a new series that stars one of her previous creations, Margot Phalen, in a new situation. Now, she is an FBI agent.
After finishing this incredible novel, I’m trying to decide, do I just start here, or do I go back and catch up? I’m leaning to the latter. Not just because the character is interesting, but because the writing is so good. And by the way, if you are new to Agent Margot Phalen like I was, don’t worry, this is a great standalone novel and catches you up on the character’s life before.
Kate Wiley’s writing is dark and crisp. Just as close to perfection as you can get. I found myself hanging on every written word.
Nothing but the highest praise for Kate Wiley and Special Agent Margot Phalen. Not only do I plan on going back to catch up, but I’m definitely in for this new series. Do yourself a favor and join in with me.
I received this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an unbiased review.
After finishing this incredible novel, I’m trying to decide, do I just start here, or do I go back and catch up? I’m leaning to the latter. Not just because the character is interesting, but because the writing is so good. And by the way, if you are new to Agent Margot Phalen like I was, don’t worry, this is a great standalone novel and catches you up on the character’s life before.
Kate Wiley’s writing is dark and crisp. Just as close to perfection as you can get. I found myself hanging on every written word.
Nothing but the highest praise for Kate Wiley and Special Agent Margot Phalen. Not only do I plan on going back to catch up, but I’m definitely in for this new series. Do yourself a favor and join in with me.
I received this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an unbiased review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing.
FBI agent Margot Phalen comes face to face with an imprisoned serial killer trying to find new victims and bring peace to their families. Meanwhile, her partner West is accused of murdering a young woman in the rural town where they live. Margot tries to juggle both situations.
As I discovered, this book is the beginning of a new series featuring a protagonist from a previous one. That doesn't prevent you from reading it independently because the author gives enough references to understand Margot's background; in fact, she is a complex and fascinating character thanks to this.
The story never loses interest because the author knows how to perfectly alternate moments of tension and action with the few moments when Margot allows herself to let her guard down, especially with Wes.
Of course, after several twists and turns, the ending leaves us waiting for more books in a series that will not disappoint those who have read the previous ones and will hook those who did not know it before.
FBI agent Margot Phalen comes face to face with an imprisoned serial killer trying to find new victims and bring peace to their families. Meanwhile, her partner West is accused of murdering a young woman in the rural town where they live. Margot tries to juggle both situations.
As I discovered, this book is the beginning of a new series featuring a protagonist from a previous one. That doesn't prevent you from reading it independently because the author gives enough references to understand Margot's background; in fact, she is a complex and fascinating character thanks to this.
The story never loses interest because the author knows how to perfectly alternate moments of tension and action with the few moments when Margot allows herself to let her guard down, especially with Wes.
Of course, after several twists and turns, the ending leaves us waiting for more books in a series that will not disappoint those who have read the previous ones and will hook those who did not know it before.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Although the first in a new series, the novel features characters from a previous series when Margot Phelan was a homicide detective in San Francisco. Sufficient backstory is given for this to work well without reading all of the first series.
FBI Agent Margot Phelan now works on a cold case team that concentrates on incarcerated serial killers and attempts to identify unknown, or additional, victims. Here, the team investigate a former photographer who identified his young victims through beauty pageants. Meanwhile Margot's partner Wes, a local high school sports teacher, is arrested when a student is murdered.
Margot has to manage two stressful situations at the same time, her attention divided between her case and proving Wes innocent. The novel manages this well, and the action shifts between the two main story lines. The ending doesn't resolve everything and there is a lot more to come from this series. Overall, this is an engaging novel with well developed characters and some good story lines.
FBI Agent Margot Phelan now works on a cold case team that concentrates on incarcerated serial killers and attempts to identify unknown, or additional, victims. Here, the team investigate a former photographer who identified his young victims through beauty pageants. Meanwhile Margot's partner Wes, a local high school sports teacher, is arrested when a student is murdered.
Margot has to manage two stressful situations at the same time, her attention divided between her case and proving Wes innocent. The novel manages this well, and the action shifts between the two main story lines. The ending doesn't resolve everything and there is a lot more to come from this series. Overall, this is an engaging novel with well developed characters and some good story lines.
January 11, 2026
📚Book Review: Tell Me Her Name
Author: Kate Wiley
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Genre: Crime thriller
Pages: 335
Coming February 18, 2026
📚My Book Review:
Tell Me Her Name by Kate Wiley is a crime thriller, from the Margot Phalen FBI Series.
This was an outstanding book to read. It kept me on the edge of my seat and engaged. The main characters were likable and as a reader, you worry about what will happen next to them. There were twists and turns and multiple point of views which are great in a thriller. The ending was a great twist and the author leaves you wanting to know more. No spoilers but there will be another book coming to continue the story.
My rating is a strong 5 stars! If you like FBI crime thrillers about serial killers, this book is for you! I can’t wait for the next book in the series!!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Margot Phalen is the daughter of a serial killer. She is a FBI agent and gets to work mostly from home. She is going to visit a killer in prison and see if she can find out if he has more kills than they know about. There are families that don’t have closure. While away, Margot’s live in boyfriend, who was her partner on the police force, is accused of murdering a student. She is being torn in two different directions, her job and her boyfriend. Then someone shoots at their house and then their barn is set on fire. She can’t believe she was wrong about the man she let into her life.
There is a cliffhanger. Told in Margot’s point of view for over 90% of the story. Action. Suspense. I was totally shocked at the end. First time reading this author. It took me a little bit to get into it.
* VOLUNTARILY READ AND REVIEWED FOR NETGALLEY *
There is a cliffhanger. Told in Margot’s point of view for over 90% of the story. Action. Suspense. I was totally shocked at the end. First time reading this author. It took me a little bit to get into it.
* VOLUNTARILY READ AND REVIEWED FOR NETGALLEY *
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is the first in a new Margot Phalen series.
Margot works remotely for the FBI, and Wes is a coach at a local high school.
A young girl at the high school is killed, and Wes is the last person to have seen her.
I did enjoy this book immensely. Margot is happy with Wes, and working with the FBI on cold cases, trying to track if the serial killers have other victims that they haven't admitted to killing.
The tension that Margot feels, being torn between her work and trying to find the real killer of the student is contagious. I felt on edge throughout the book, even though I knew that Wes is innocent.
Looking forward to the next book in this new series. I really like Margot, she is a strong woman.
Margot works remotely for the FBI, and Wes is a coach at a local high school.
A young girl at the high school is killed, and Wes is the last person to have seen her.
I did enjoy this book immensely. Margot is happy with Wes, and working with the FBI on cold cases, trying to track if the serial killers have other victims that they haven't admitted to killing.
The tension that Margot feels, being torn between her work and trying to find the real killer of the student is contagious. I felt on edge throughout the book, even though I knew that Wes is innocent.
Looking forward to the next book in this new series. I really like Margot, she is a strong woman.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is the first book I’ve read by this author, and it certainly won’t be the last. Although the story starts off slowly, it remains engaging throughout, and I found it hard to put the book down. I wasn’t aware that there was another series featuring the same main character, but that didn’t detract from the reading experience at all, as just enough background information is provided to easily follow the story. The characters are well developed, the writing style is smooth and easy to read, and there is plenty of suspense to keep you hooked. I’m definitely interested in reading the other series and am already looking forward to the next book in this one.
I received an advance review copy via Netgalley/Storm Publishing and I’m leaving a voluntary and honest review.
I received an advance review copy via Netgalley/Storm Publishing and I’m leaving a voluntary and honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is the return of Margot Phalen, after the death of her father and now comfortably settled down with Will. It is now 6 years on. Margot is investigating a serial killer of pageant girls, and what she uncovers is startling. Meanwhile, Will is arrested for murder, which has repercussions for everyone. The uncovering of the truth in both cases makes for gripping reading. I enjoyed my time with the new Margot as she is more balanced and caring. The twist near the end was brilliant and I look forward to reading the next book in this new series. Thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for providing an ARC for me to read and freely review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This spinoff picks up a few years after the end of Margot's previous series. Margot herself has grown as a character, making her even more likeable. Although she's now officially an FBI agent, the overall feel of this series is largely the same. It follows the familiar format of investigating a cold case attributed to a convicted killer but not proven, plus a current case that seems it will be the ongoing subplot for this series. The author is so good at creating compelling characters and cases, getting into the mind of the killer so deeply it feels real. It's dark and suspenseful and charged. Can't wait to see what happens next!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I have read all five books in this series so I could not wait for the next installment, and it did not disappoint – one of my favorite series!
Margot Phalen is an FBI profiler with special insight – her father was a serial killer! This time, her partner is also arrested to add to the excitement! What will Margot do?
I LOVE this series with Margot and all her quirks – they are a fast-paced easy to read thriller that always keeps me guessing until the end – this time following two serial killers that had lots of twists and turns to keep me interested! These books are dark and suspenseful, and I love them – can’t wait for the next book in the series!
Margot Phalen is an FBI profiler with special insight – her father was a serial killer! This time, her partner is also arrested to add to the excitement! What will Margot do?
I LOVE this series with Margot and all her quirks – they are a fast-paced easy to read thriller that always keeps me guessing until the end – this time following two serial killers that had lots of twists and turns to keep me interested! These books are dark and suspenseful, and I love them – can’t wait for the next book in the series!
January 15, 2026
4.5/5 for this well written novel! Margot, daughter of a serial killer, is a FBI agent who works cold cases - mostly with serial killers. Ricky has murdered several little girls, but Margot's team has 6 more girls they'd like him to admit to killing. While working this case, Wes, Margot's husband, is arrested for the murder of one of his students. Torn between what is happening at home and her cold case, Margot must find time for both her love and her work. Well written with characters I quite like this story is fast paced and right up my alley. Am so glad NetGalley gave me the opportunity to discover a new author who's work I very much enjoy!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
There's a lot to like about Tell Me Her Name. The scintillating start to a new series. A fascinating FBI team. A masterful mystery. Honestly, the only issue I have with the book is the fact FBI special agent Margot Phalen can be exasperating at times. There are moments when she's the last person on earth you want walking around with a weapon. Some of the things she does (or says) left me with an incredulous shaking of the head. I found myself liking the other members of her team better than her. However, despite that, I found the mystery extremely engaging. Wiley delivers a satisfying conclusion with an interesting introduction to the evildoer in the next Phalen book.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
First time reading Kate Wiley and it’s an immediate add to cart for everything she writes. Tell Me Her Name delivers layered suspense that unfolds at just the right pace, giving the reader exactly what they need, exactly when they need it.
The multiple POVs add an intriguing extra layer, making the story even more compelling as each perspective reveals new pieces of the puzzle. The way this book quietly sets up what’s next has me counting down for book two—I can’t wait to see where this series goes.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!
The multiple POVs add an intriguing extra layer, making the story even more compelling as each perspective reveals new pieces of the puzzle. The way this book quietly sets up what’s next has me counting down for book two—I can’t wait to see where this series goes.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Another great read in the series featuring FBI agent Margot Phelan. A very satisfying psychological thriller, with plenty of twists and filled with suspense, everything you want in a good book! The characterisation is good, Wes is really coming to the fore and Margot is as intuitive as ever. I loved the ending, leaving me wanting more and I am really looking forward to the sequel, hopefully coming soon. I can highly recommend the series. Thanks to Net Galley for my ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is a new spin-off Margot Phalen Series. Margot is now an FBI agent working cold cases looking for more victims of incarcerated serial killers. We are six years in the future from the last Margot Phalen Detective book. This is an intense book. We are following along 2 different serial killers. It’s a roller coaster journey with lots of twists and turns.
January 10, 2026
Good FBI profiler book. I had not read the others in the series but was easily able to understand the story line so it can be read as a stand alone. Suspenseful and mysterious enough so to keep you engaged and wanting to find out what happens. Will continue reading more from this author.
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