Scarred by Sin

Touch of Evil #15

by Kennedy Layne

Prepare for long-buried secrets to claw their way into the light in the latest Touch of Evil novel by USA Today Bestselling Author Kennedy Layne…

A quiet Indiana town is shaken to its core when a landscaping crew clearing the overgrown Ellingham estate uncovers human remains scattered in pots and garden beds throughout a crumbling greenhouse. Reclusive Gwenyth Ellingham has lived alone on the property for years, socially withdrawn, prone to strange episodes, and unable to manage her affairs. When her aging uncle petitions for guardianship to settle years of unpaid taxes and clear the land for sale, the ground finally gives up its secrets.

Forensics discover eight sets of bones. Seven belong to young women who vanished nearly thirty years ago. The eighth, buried deeper, belongs to Gwenyth’s father, botanist Nestor Ellingham, who disappeared during the same period.

FBI consultant Brooklyn Sloane and her team take over the cold case, revealing an unsettling pattern. The killer had complete access to the property, moved through the grounds with familiarity, and used the greenhouse as a personal graveyard. But Nestor’s presence among the victims raises a terrifying question. Was he the predator who got what he deserved, or was he killed because he discovered the horrifying truth hidden in his own soil?

The Ellingham family’s past is filled with conflicting stories, fractured relationships, and a daughter whose memories are clouded by trauma or mental illness. Brook and her team must determine whether the monster who created this graveyard is long dead…or still lurking in the shadows of a place where fear took root decades ago.

Genres: Thriller, Mystery

262 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 8, 2026

About the author

Kennedy Layne is a USA Today bestselling author. She draws inspiration for her romantic thrillers in part from her not-so-secret second life as a wife of a retired Marine Master Sergeant. He doubles as her critique partner, beta reader, and military consultant. Kennedy also has a deep love for cozy mysteries, thrillers, and basically any book that can keep her guessing until the very end. They live in the Midwest with their menagerie of pets. The loyal dogs and mischievous cats appreciate her writing days as much as she does, usually curled up in front of the fireplace.

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Reviews

[robin pollack · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would have given 5 stars except for the ending

I really love this series and I love all of the characters. I feel like we are family and have been going through it all together. The amazing changes and growth of Brook and her relationship with her team and especially the General are just incredible and exciting to see.

I’m not going to include any spoilers, because I really hate that when someone tells more and gives away the story, but I will say that so many things have happened and, yes, it ends with a great cliffhanger, but truthfully I can’t wait for the next book and it’s not coming out for a while. Definitely read this and the entire series!

[Ame · Rating 2 out of 5]

Heavy AI signatures

I have long suspected AI was being used to write or edit this series, and this has progressively gotten more obvious as the series went on, glaringly so in this book. It’s a shame as I believe Layne started writing prior to AI and has chosen to go this route in order to churn out 30+ books in 5 years. The stories themselves are fine, but the AI language and phrasing is distracting. This series could have been amazing, but instead it’s just another stereotypical book that seems to be rampant these days.

[Darcy · Rating 3 out of 5]

The ending to this one drove me nuts! Mostly because I want Brook to best Jacob and it looks like she might have just done that, but we won't know for sure until the next book.

The case Brook and the crew worked on seemed really grisly at first. But as they figured things out, not so much. Instead jealousy and maybe a bit of evil was at the core. I was glad that they figured things out and were able to do so in a way that made sure the bad guy will pay.

[Brandi Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chef's kiss

I was completely surprised when the book auto loaded in kindle because I forgot I ordered it and had been moping about my favorite authors not writing fast enough for my liking. Story was excellent. Ending makes me want to kick someone in the face. Do we really have to wait until next year for the conclusion!? UGH!

[Denise Fisher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book.

Other series books tend to go downhill towards the end, slower, just not as exciting or interesting. These books do not. Twists in the plot regarding the main story of the books sneak up on you, changing the ‘who done it’ over again till the end of that. Keep on reading, it’s worth it!

[Dawn Gee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written mystery

This mystery has some twist and turns that will shock you. This is a sad story but there are some funny scenes with Bit he always makes me laugh. Brook figures out who the killer is and finds herself in danger. The book ends with another cliffhanger regarding Jacob.

[Maureen ~Bitch Can Write A Book · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVE this series so much. The characters and the development is amazing. Each book gets us closer to the monster that lurks through each book. The end made me gasp and I can’t wait to see what happens.

[Sharon Bell tabbert · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my top favorite series. I love Brook and her "family". I really didn't like the ending on this one, now I have to wait for the next one which is like in a year! What will happen? Is all I will be thinking of for a year. Check it out, its a really great series.

[Jasmine Breeden · Rating 4 out of 5]

The penultimate book

The last chapter was the best part of the book but leaves you with a lot of anticipation for the next one. The case that they worked on in this one wasn't as engaging but it was interesting to see how Brook was doing pregnant

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, another fascinating story

I am so invested in this series and I can't wait for the next book. It can't come fast enough. I've enjoyed several of her series after reading the first book in this one.

[Patricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

TOUCH OF EVIL

WHAT!!!! I CAN'T BELIEVE I READ THROUGH 15 BOOKS TO FIND OUT THAT THE NEXT BOOK, THE FINAL CONFRONTATION, THE PART I'VE BEEN MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO... IS NOT RELEASED UNTIL NEXT YEAR!!!

[Laura Poppenwimer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book kept me on the edge of my seat, seemed much more complex than prior plots. It ended with a huge cliffhanger and I will be in suspense until the next book is released. Of course, I preordered it.

[Allena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another five star read with a twist I never saw coming.

[Sparty · Rating 5 out of 5]

oooh

Ok. Great story as usual. But omg the ending….i have to wait?!? Noooo! I need to know now. This is torture

[natasha zaragoza · Rating 4 out of 5]

that ending and i have to wait so long for the next one! 😭

[Joan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot believe I am coming to the end of this series. I have enjoyed it so much. I cannot wait for the next and possibly the final book in the series.

[Sandra L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely Love this Series It is So Hard to Say For the Next Book to be released

[Joann Findley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good

[Jacqueline Dresow · Rating 5 out of 5]

one of the best of this series

Despite Brook's pregnancy, not bogged down with personal stuff. Good mystery, I didn't want to put this down. Maybe a bit predictable.