The Killing Canvas

Briar Calloway #3

by Georgia Wagner

While a sadistic predator turns wealthy mansions into slaughterhouses, Briar Calloway faces a terrifying reality: her serial killer husband has broken out of prison, not to kill her, but to help her hunt the competition.

FBI Agent Briar Calloway’s life is built on a single, terrifying achievement: she put her husband, the notorious serial killer Adrian Calloway, on death row. But when the sirens wail at the Supermax and Adrian vanishes from his cell, Briar’s fragile peace shatters. She isn't just the hunter anymore—she’s the Bureau’s prime suspect.

But Adrian hasn't fled the country. He’s in D.C., watching, waiting, and leaving twisted breadcrumbs for Briar. He isn't the one killing—someone else is. A brutal new predator is slaughtering families in their homes, a "Goldilocks" killer who uses their own possessions to end them. And Adrian is offended by the amateur’s lack of artistry.

Caught between a vengeful Internal Affairs director hellbent on proving her guilt and a husband who views murder as a love language, Briar is forced into a deadly game. Adrian offers a trade: he’ll turn himself in, but only if she solves his riddle and catches the new killer first.

To clear her name, Briar must enter the mind of the monster she married to hunt the monster she doesn't know—before she becomes the final trophy.

He didn’t escape to kill. He escaped to play.

Genres: Thriller

370 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 25, 2026

About the author

Having worked on projects with New York Times Bestsellers and USA Today bestsellers, Georgia Wagner recently hit #1 bestseller with her newest series. Location and character are two big factors for Georgia, and getting those right allows the story to flow seamlessly onto the page. And flow it does, because Georgia is so prolific a new term is required to describe the rate at which nerve-tingling stories find their way into print.

When not found attached to a laptop, Georgia likes spending time in local arboretums, among the trees and ponds. An avid cultivator of orchids, begonias, and all things floral, Georgia also has a strong penchant for art, paintings, and sculptures. A many-decades-long passion for mystery novels and years of chess tournament experience makes Georgia the perfect person to pen the Artemis Blythe series. That's where it all started, but the drive to craft thrilling mystery tales soon demanded new characters in new locations.

Where will she take us next?

Reviews

[Syren]

Personally, book 2 will probably remain my favorite, but this one was pretty good. Pulling Adrian into the picture this way was a different angle.
There's still things I don't like writing wise, but the book is good. I feel like there's a lot of elements that weren't explored as much.
This book sees Briar still grappling with herself and her life and feeling like all she brings to people is a storm of chaos. Another serial killer on the loose and Adrian escaping a super max to.....help? But why? Solve the riddle....
Since last book there was something I was suspicious about, and I was right about it. However, it was still somewhat interesting to watch it play out and to see Adrian's role in everything. His constant presence through all the books, physical or otherwise, is interesting. To see his machinations is a good plot point.
Perhaps it's just my love of a mystery/murder novel but something about these books has me coming back.
This book is dark, and there really isn't a lot of light. I almost feel bad because Briar just lives in such a dark world.

[Candy Galindo]

I can't wait for the author to write more of these books. each book is action packed with a new murderer featuring of course FBI agent briar calloway and her serial killer husband on death row. this series is fantastic. I plan on reading some of her other books until new ones in this series are released

[Breia]

Oddly the best book in the series which I don't really know how that's possible. That never happens! I feel like this is the end of the series and I would be fine with it but also it could go on forever and ever with Jax. I am SO glad my sister in law told me about this series. Mom is reading it too but it is gardening season so she's behind.

[Janell Beamon]

This isn't fiction, this is fantasy.

I just completed this book, It is book three to date in this series. Initially I was so excited to read about characters Briar, Taz and Ford but this book quickly hinged on fantasy. Yes, stretching realism is necessary but this went over the top. The feats that Briar performed became almost laughable in the degree of ridiculousness. Might as well make her a cartoon character. Truly performing super human actions while violating any semblance of true FBI protocol ( any law enforcement out there I'm sure would be dumbfounded). This storyline became so unbelievable towards the end I actually wanted her to fail ( would have been more believable). Sorry, have no interest in book 4.

[Meredith]

Quick and entertaining read, binged the 3 book series in a few days. Loved the premise. There are a few things in the series that do get under my skin. For example, in one book she and her partner go to a crime scene and touch things. Why in the world would you touch things at a crime scene if you’re supposed to be an FBI agent. You would know better, right? So that sort of stuff kind of irritated me. But literally that’s my only complaint. And in a few of the books, she lets out breaths that she didn’t know she was holding. IYKYK! 😂😂. Anyway, if you’re not a purist and a total realist and just want fun FBI dark and twisty book, I highly recommend this series.

[Joan]

Well, not sure how I feel about this one.
I truly think Briar is completely broken and still under the influence/control of Adrian. I am leaning towards Stockholm syndrome, she loves and hates him. He is constantly in her head and drives her thoughts and actions.
These are intense and mentally twisted but you can't seem to stop reading.
I am still extremely sad/mad about Ford and now she is dragging more of her small circle into her hell.
So now he has put himself back into her life and I am waiting for her to mentally shatter. How she hasn't had to have therapy is beyond me.

[Cindi Russell]

Incredible characters and Incredible story line.

Please tell me there will be more books in this series. I am completely addicted to the characters in these books, and I desperately need more! I must live in a fantasy world, because I want a sociopathic serial killer and a woman who is so fractured she is falling apart one shard at a time, to have a chance at love again. With each other.

[Melissa Vasbinder]

This was absolutely the best book out of the series so far! Book one had me hooked. Book 2 was okay but lacked the allure that comes with the interactions and chemistry of Briar and Adrian. Book 3 had me second guessing everything and everybody, and sucked me right back in.

The ending!! Ugh.. Did not see that coming. To have the endless love and devotion of a serial killer *SWOON*

Kidding obviously. Kind of.

[Sam]

So many errors

I enjoyed the first two books of this series and I even liked this one for the most part. But so many errors. Errors that should not have been. Paraphrased "I got into the vehicle, no light, good." Then two paragraphs later "if I get out the light will show me." Uhh what? This is of course only one example. So slow down. Read it again. Hire a proof reader.

[Diane]

Riveting Series!

So many great Georgia Wagner books and series too. This Briar Calloway series has so many edge of the seat moments. Cleverly written and the characters are well developed. I can’t wait for the next in the series to be released!

[Sheila Hayden]

unbelievable!

This is an intense book involving serial killers. It’s almost unreal but when you know how serial killers act it is believable. There is a lot of violence and gore so beware

[Jenny Fumarolo]

Fun series and a quick read. I enjoyed Book 1 and Book 3 the most. The plot moves quickly and keeps you guessing. Briar Calloway is the Bonekeepers Wife as well as an FBI agent with a photographic memory. She is just an intriguing as her ex-husband.

[Sharon Irvin]

nail biting read

This one grabs you by the throat and leads you through plot twists that barely let you stay on your feet! This would be an incredible movie.
Read it you won’t regret it

[Heather]

Read on Kindle. Definitely a page turner that had me guessing until the last few chapters and the way the trilogy ends is pretty awesome. I definitely don’t understand how Briar gets beaten both physically and mentally and still manages to survive life!

[Chaos]

Oh my lord!!! How twisted is this?!?!? Like absolutely insanity. I was so angry and so frustrated and so annoyed!!! Some absolutely twisted crap. Like mind completely blown. Yeah this series is amazing! Twisted, crazy, and out there but amazing all the same

[Melissa Graham]

I need a 4th book

I need a 4th book... Like seriously. I understand not carrying on in a series. But I need this tied up in a bow. I need answers about Ford. I need Jax and Lyla reunited. I need Bria to deal with her trauma. And Grayson needs to crawl in a hole. I need closure?

[Geraldine Durand-Colaire]

read it!

Great series. I really enjoyed it. One of the best murder series I’ve read. Briar is amazing, and one of the best. Adrain may be a terrible human being but I love his move for Briar. She will always be protected by him

[Kathy]

Suspenseful, emotional

One of my new favorite authors. She definitely drags you in and makes it difficult to put the story down. A totally gripping edge of your seat tale of murder. A convicted serial killer that has escaped

[Caleshe Voges]

The saga continues!

This has to be one of my favorite series in a long time! It is well written and structured, easy to follow but still with twists that leave you scratching your head! I’m still secretly hoping for Ford and Briar to become a couple.

[V]

Really love this series

I'm going to need more Briar novels soon! It's dark and gritty but exactly what I like! Georgia is an intriguing author.

[Tempest Pageau]

Best Series

Its the best series I have read so far in my life and I have read many of thousands of books. I read the first three in 48 hours.

[Chelsey DiBacco]

I need more!! Loved the series!!

[Lynne]

Not as good as the previous two books in this series tbh. I bit repetitive and lacking interest at times.

[Oralia Menottis]

I could not put this book down. It was written so well and the story line was on point. Highly recommend.

[Dena Deyoung]

Five starS

Great series. This book kept me on the edge of my seat. I can't wait for the next one!! Big five stars!

[taffykathiegmail.com]

There is always a way out

Quite a gripping story! You feel like you are right there experiencing what Briar feels, both intellectually & physically, There is a surprise ending.

[Chanda Shae Curry]

What a smooth monster

Narcissistic to the core.. Broken, betrayed but resilient..Angry, jealous and a touch of narcissism.. when you read this book, you will figure it out.

[Jennie Steckler]

I loved the whole
Series!! Great read.

[Donna]

Oh Wow!!!

This book was absolutely fascinating. It was a fast paced, I can’t put it down, read. I can’t wait to read more from Georgia Wagner.

[Tiffany McDonald]

Great series so far. Quick and easy to read. Can’t wait for more