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Cause of Death
She hunts monsters.
I am one.
The only question is, which one of us will break first?
Every serial killer has an MO.
Mine is a little more selective.
I kill those who aren't afraid of consequences, whose money and influence put them beyond the law's reach.
Each person is chosen with purpose, each death earned.
However, my rules mean nothing when someone starts copying my work, twisting it into something grotesque. Bodies begin to pile up, each one more brutalized than the last.
Even worse, the gruesome spectacle attracts the eye of Detective Sawyer. She has a gift of seeing through lies, reading deception the way predators sense weakness. She's cold. Intelligent. Impossible to fool.
Working beside her is a dangerous game.
She's falling for the man I'm pretending to be.
I'm becoming obsessed with the woman who could one day destroy me.
The copycat is escalating one step at a time.
Detective Sawyer's getting closer and closer to the truth.
And I’m caught between two identities—the killer hiding beneath the surface, and the man who's terrified he might actually be falling for her, too.
Detective x Serial killer romance
Dual POV
Slow burn
I am one.
The only question is, which one of us will break first?
Every serial killer has an MO.
Mine is a little more selective.
I kill those who aren't afraid of consequences, whose money and influence put them beyond the law's reach.
Each person is chosen with purpose, each death earned.
However, my rules mean nothing when someone starts copying my work, twisting it into something grotesque. Bodies begin to pile up, each one more brutalized than the last.
Even worse, the gruesome spectacle attracts the eye of Detective Sawyer. She has a gift of seeing through lies, reading deception the way predators sense weakness. She's cold. Intelligent. Impossible to fool.
Working beside her is a dangerous game.
She's falling for the man I'm pretending to be.
I'm becoming obsessed with the woman who could one day destroy me.
The copycat is escalating one step at a time.
Detective Sawyer's getting closer and closer to the truth.
And I’m caught between two identities—the killer hiding beneath the surface, and the man who's terrified he might actually be falling for her, too.
Detective x Serial killer romance
Dual POV
Slow burn
248 pages, Paperback
Published January 30, 2026
16 people are currently reading
32 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
February 2, 2026
Very kindly I was sent an ARC copy by the author, I enjoyed this book my only small qualm was that I felt it jumped too quickly from the enemy stages to the lovers and I felt a slight disconnect, could probably have done with a couple filler chapters to make it feel more believable to me. But none the less it’s a well thought out storyline and I’m intrigued to see what book 2 brings!
February 13, 2026
I need book two immediately!
February 7, 2026
My first ARC ✨
Really really enjoyed this one, it made you love and hate the main characters all at the same time. So many complex emotions while reading, had me questioning everything LOL, cannot wait to read the next book in the series!!!
Really really enjoyed this one, it made you love and hate the main characters all at the same time. So many complex emotions while reading, had me questioning everything LOL, cannot wait to read the next book in the series!!!
February 13, 2026
Wow! I went into this read blind, so I wasn’t sure what to expect, but it wasn’t that! First, I’d like to say thank you for the advanced copy. This was my first ARC, which I was excited to receive, and boy it was a great book to start off with. Now, to give a review without spoilers. When I first started the book, I thought it was giving vibes like the Ruinous Love series by Brynne Weave, then it started to feel more like a love story. But then the tables turn again and you kind of get a vibe like “You” by Caroline Kepnes. This story had me at the edge of my seat, staying up through the night, just to see what would happen. I knew this was the first book in a series, so it wouldn’t wrap up here, but man does it leave you wanting more! I can’t wait for the next book in the series. Thank you, Isobel Bishop, for a great story! Please don’t make us wait too long for the next book. LOL. I’m ready for more!
February 1, 2026
Okay, so mindfuck series but make it somehow more twisted it feels wrong that I absolutely fell in love with Tom i kinda agree with hot morals an im not sorry about it. Shay annoyed me up on her high horse seriously why did she not agree with him. ffs girl! im honestly mad about the cliffhanger I need more now and to knit hour things end you can leave a book life that if him & shay don't end up together and you put me through that ending for nothing I may have to send Tom after you.
February 10, 2026
ARC Review ✨
Ok to start off, I really really loved this book. I flew through it. I really enjoyed the writing, it was the perfect amount of detail, not so much to the point where you just want the story to move on, but enough so it's easy to picture. I really loved all the complex emotions this book gave me. The characters were deep, and the spice was great.
I'm going to order this on Amazon right now actually so I have a physical copy because this was truly a great read ☺️ I'm super excited to finish off the series and see where it goes!!
Slight SPOILERS
The only thing I'd wish for would have been a little more information on Shay putting together the pieces of the murders before she connected them to Tom, like her mind while she's working on it without him nearby. I also wish we got a little more push from Shay when it came to her building a relationship with Tom, because there was that enemies to lovers trope. But this is just me nit picking. I'm hoping we can get a little more information on Tom's past, his relationship with Shay, and Julia in the next one! OH and another thing I LOVED, was how calculated Tom was. He wasn't like those stereotypical smart guys in TV shows where they magically know the answer to everything, or voice everything. He's very quiet and calculated and doesn't make immediate and rash decisions until he is absolutely desperate, which was one of my favorite things about him honestly. I loved that he thought things through, and I loved the way he cared for Shay. Tom's definitely crazy, but honestly I felt really bad for him, and the way the author wrote this, I actually wanted Tom to win and be with Shay (I'm a lover girl at heart🥲)
Ok to start off, I really really loved this book. I flew through it. I really enjoyed the writing, it was the perfect amount of detail, not so much to the point where you just want the story to move on, but enough so it's easy to picture. I really loved all the complex emotions this book gave me. The characters were deep, and the spice was great.
I'm going to order this on Amazon right now actually so I have a physical copy because this was truly a great read ☺️ I'm super excited to finish off the series and see where it goes!!
Slight SPOILERS
The only thing I'd wish for would have been a little more information on Shay putting together the pieces of the murders before she connected them to Tom, like her mind while she's working on it without him nearby. I also wish we got a little more push from Shay when it came to her building a relationship with Tom, because there was that enemies to lovers trope. But this is just me nit picking. I'm hoping we can get a little more information on Tom's past, his relationship with Shay, and Julia in the next one! OH and another thing I LOVED, was how calculated Tom was. He wasn't like those stereotypical smart guys in TV shows where they magically know the answer to everything, or voice everything. He's very quiet and calculated and doesn't make immediate and rash decisions until he is absolutely desperate, which was one of my favorite things about him honestly. I loved that he thought things through, and I loved the way he cared for Shay. Tom's definitely crazy, but honestly I felt really bad for him, and the way the author wrote this, I actually wanted Tom to win and be with Shay (I'm a lover girl at heart🥲)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 2, 2026
Cause of Death is a dark, compelling read that hooked me quickly and kept me turning pages. Isobel Bishop does a great job building a tense, unsettling atmosphere, and the story leans into some of my favorite tropes—morally gray characters, dangerous minds, and the uneasy pull between people who probably shouldn’t trust each other.
I really enjoyed both the main female and male characters and found their dynamic intriguing, especially given the subject matter and stakes. That said, I did find myself wishing we got more of their relationship development on the page. The chemistry and potential are absolutely there, and I wanted to see more moments where that connection had time to breathe and evolve in real time rather than feeling implied or rushed past. I wouldn't call it enemies to lovers, more like coworkers to lovers to enemies.
The book does end on a cliffhanger, which left me equal parts frustrated and excited—in the best way. I’m really hoping the next installment dives deeper into his psyche and explores more of the other serial killer as well, because those elements feel ripe for further development and psychological depth.
Overall, Cause of Death is a strong start with an intriguing premise, dark themes, and characters that left me wanting more—which, honestly, is exactly why I’ll be continuing the series. If you enjoy dark romance, suspense, and morally complex characters, this one is definitely worth checking out.
I really enjoyed both the main female and male characters and found their dynamic intriguing, especially given the subject matter and stakes. That said, I did find myself wishing we got more of their relationship development on the page. The chemistry and potential are absolutely there, and I wanted to see more moments where that connection had time to breathe and evolve in real time rather than feeling implied or rushed past. I wouldn't call it enemies to lovers, more like coworkers to lovers to enemies.
The book does end on a cliffhanger, which left me equal parts frustrated and excited—in the best way. I’m really hoping the next installment dives deeper into his psyche and explores more of the other serial killer as well, because those elements feel ripe for further development and psychological depth.
Overall, Cause of Death is a strong start with an intriguing premise, dark themes, and characters that left me wanting more—which, honestly, is exactly why I’ll be continuing the series. If you enjoy dark romance, suspense, and morally complex characters, this one is definitely worth checking out.
February 13, 2026
Thanks for the ARC!
I went into Cause of Death expecting a gritty, "Dexter-style" dark romance, and while it definitely delivered on the atmosphere, the execution left me with more questions than answers. The book opens with a very cinematic, moody vibe, almost like a Max Payne noir film, and I was immediately intrigued by the premise of a forensic pathologist who is secretly a serial killer. However, as the story progressed, the "noir" aesthetic often slipped into "purple prose." There were pages of heavy, over-descriptive scenery that felt like filler rather than plot-driven tension.
Another big struggle was the logic of the procedural elements.
The relationship between Shay and Tom also gave me major whiplash. They went from being enemies for years to falling into bed and love within just a few chapters.
Then, in the third act, the pacing completely stalled. The "big reveal" that Shay uses to figure out Tom’s secret felt incredibly coincidental and it led to a long, dragging sequence in a basement that lost the rhythm of the first half of the book.
Ultimately, I found myself rooting for the "bad guy," which is usually the goal in dark romance, but the way the story concluded left me frustrated and confused. Between the FMC’s sudden "discovery" and a prologue that felt like it belonged in a different book, meant as a cliffhanger, I’m not sure I was supposed to be on her side or his.
Favorite Quote: We become what we fear most
I went into Cause of Death expecting a gritty, "Dexter-style" dark romance, and while it definitely delivered on the atmosphere, the execution left me with more questions than answers. The book opens with a very cinematic, moody vibe, almost like a Max Payne noir film, and I was immediately intrigued by the premise of a forensic pathologist who is secretly a serial killer. However, as the story progressed, the "noir" aesthetic often slipped into "purple prose." There were pages of heavy, over-descriptive scenery that felt like filler rather than plot-driven tension.
Another big struggle was the logic of the procedural elements.
The relationship between Shay and Tom also gave me major whiplash. They went from being enemies for years to falling into bed and love within just a few chapters.
Then, in the third act, the pacing completely stalled. The "big reveal" that Shay uses to figure out Tom’s secret felt incredibly coincidental and it led to a long, dragging sequence in a basement that lost the rhythm of the first half of the book.
Ultimately, I found myself rooting for the "bad guy," which is usually the goal in dark romance, but the way the story concluded left me frustrated and confused. Between the FMC’s sudden "discovery" and a prologue that felt like it belonged in a different book, meant as a cliffhanger, I’m not sure I was supposed to be on her side or his.
Favorite Quote: We become what we fear most
February 7, 2026
I really wanted to love this. The prose had me hooked- detective falls in love with a serial killer. It’s very Dexter Morgan/ Joe Goldberg and Mindfck series coded. Everything I would have wanted out of a serial killer romance. The story was interesting and I loved the twist and suspense at the end, but BOYYYY both Tom and Shay were getting on my nerves 😩.
!!!***spoilers & rants****!!!
Don’t read past this point if you haven’t read the book!!!!
The amount of times Shay could have just stabbed the man and ran, but obviously we wouldn’t have a book 2. For example, when she had her hands finally untied and given the needle—- she had the perfect opportunity to stab this man in the throat and be done with it 😩😩😩.
Also Tom, poor Tom, I don’t think this man realizes he is a sociopath and tries to convince himself this whole time he’s in love. I feel like Shay became more of an obsession. I felt no chemistry between the two really. They just went from co-workers to lovers in an instant with little bonding time. The part that chilled me was when Tom said, “I had hurt her…but it was too late now to feel any regrets. If I were brutally honest with myself, somewhere deep down, I didn’t feel any.”
WHAT THE FUCK DO YOU MEAN TOM 😭.
!!!***spoilers & rants****!!!
Don’t read past this point if you haven’t read the book!!!!
The amount of times Shay could have just stabbed the man and ran, but obviously we wouldn’t have a book 2. For example, when she had her hands finally untied and given the needle—- she had the perfect opportunity to stab this man in the throat and be done with it 😩😩😩.
Also Tom, poor Tom, I don’t think this man realizes he is a sociopath and tries to convince himself this whole time he’s in love. I feel like Shay became more of an obsession. I felt no chemistry between the two really. They just went from co-workers to lovers in an instant with little bonding time. The part that chilled me was when Tom said, “I had hurt her…but it was too late now to feel any regrets. If I were brutally honest with myself, somewhere deep down, I didn’t feel any.”
WHAT THE FUCK DO YOU MEAN TOM 😭.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 5, 2026
okay so… I genuinely don’t know what to say because my brain is lowkey completely cooked. I was WAY too on edge. why did I have a pulse?? why was I stressed?? I’m honestly still stressed???
and the prologue. at the end. BRO. SIR. WHAT THE ACTUAL FUCK WAS THAT???
it was so wildly not what I thought it was going to be, but somehow also… so much better??
I am ridiculously excited to keep reading because I have no fucking clue where this is going or how it’s supposed to end. I see ZERO light at the end of the tunnel 😔✋🏼like I’m fully staring at a doomed-as-hell love story and I have SO many questions. so. many. questions.
also questioning myself and my moral compass because why was I annoyed at Shay?? like objectively the ONLY reasonable one here and I was still like “ehhh give him another chance, he’s only murdered a few bad guys.” my moral compass is absolutely not pointing north 🤪🤪🤝🏼🤝🏼👍🏼🤷🏼♀️🥸
anyway. I’m unwell. obsessed. stressed. and fully strapped in for whatever emotional damage comes next.
and the prologue. at the end. BRO. SIR. WHAT THE ACTUAL FUCK WAS THAT???
it was so wildly not what I thought it was going to be, but somehow also… so much better??
I am ridiculously excited to keep reading because I have no fucking clue where this is going or how it’s supposed to end. I see ZERO light at the end of the tunnel 😔✋🏼like I’m fully staring at a doomed-as-hell love story and I have SO many questions. so. many. questions.
also questioning myself and my moral compass because why was I annoyed at Shay?? like objectively the ONLY reasonable one here and I was still like “ehhh give him another chance, he’s only murdered a few bad guys.” my moral compass is absolutely not pointing north 🤪🤪🤝🏼🤝🏼👍🏼🤷🏼♀️🥸
anyway. I’m unwell. obsessed. stressed. and fully strapped in for whatever emotional damage comes next.
February 9, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (ARC Review)
This book had me in an absolute chokehold.
A perfectly unhinged mix of dark romance, mystery, and thriller, with a morally gray MMC who gives off major something-is-not-right vibes and a FMC who immediately clocks it. Their dynamic starts off tense, uncomfortable, and borderline hostile—and honestly, that just made it better.
What really sold this for me was the plot. Yes, the spice is there (and it hits), but it never overshadows the story. The investigation, the mind games, and the slow, dangerous shift in their relationship kept me glued to the page. Think You meets Criminal Minds—dark, psychological, and addictive in the best way.
I devoured this in under three hours and could not put it down. And that ending? Absolutely rude. I love a good cliffhanger, but this one left me staring at the wall, immediately needing the next book.
If you like morally questionable characters, tension you can feel in your chest, and a story that actually balances spice with substance—add this to your TBR. I’ll be waiting (im)patiently for book two. 🖤📖
This book had me in an absolute chokehold.
A perfectly unhinged mix of dark romance, mystery, and thriller, with a morally gray MMC who gives off major something-is-not-right vibes and a FMC who immediately clocks it. Their dynamic starts off tense, uncomfortable, and borderline hostile—and honestly, that just made it better.
What really sold this for me was the plot. Yes, the spice is there (and it hits), but it never overshadows the story. The investigation, the mind games, and the slow, dangerous shift in their relationship kept me glued to the page. Think You meets Criminal Minds—dark, psychological, and addictive in the best way.
I devoured this in under three hours and could not put it down. And that ending? Absolutely rude. I love a good cliffhanger, but this one left me staring at the wall, immediately needing the next book.
If you like morally questionable characters, tension you can feel in your chest, and a story that actually balances spice with substance—add this to your TBR. I’ll be waiting (im)patiently for book two. 🖤📖
February 12, 2026
3.5⭐️
For a debut novel, Kudos to Isobel Bishop for creating an intriguing story with characters you can't get enough of. I was initiating concerns this was a Dexter retelling, but pleased to find this was not the case. Both the FMC and MMC stay true to character, which i admire. So frequently the MMC softens or the FMC quickly throws away her morals for love. While this makes for a delightful HEA, it begs the question... is that really what would happen? I found myself hooked to the story and characters, frustrated when I had to stop (I mean, do we really need to work?!).
Agreeing with other readers, the relationship appears glossed over, with long build to get there then fragments of moments or brief sentences to touch on periods of time, then ends on a cliffhanger.
The spice was low and vanilla, but fit well into the story. I also enjoy her writing style.
I look forward to the second book this summer!
For a debut novel, Kudos to Isobel Bishop for creating an intriguing story with characters you can't get enough of. I was initiating concerns this was a Dexter retelling, but pleased to find this was not the case. Both the FMC and MMC stay true to character, which i admire. So frequently the MMC softens or the FMC quickly throws away her morals for love. While this makes for a delightful HEA, it begs the question... is that really what would happen? I found myself hooked to the story and characters, frustrated when I had to stop (I mean, do we really need to work?!).
Agreeing with other readers, the relationship appears glossed over, with long build to get there then fragments of moments or brief sentences to touch on periods of time, then ends on a cliffhanger.
The spice was low and vanilla, but fit well into the story. I also enjoy her writing style.
I look forward to the second book this summer!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 11, 2026
I was kindly sent an ARC of Cause of Death by the author and I thoroughly enjoyed it!
This book is about Tom Hayes, a medical examiner that takes vigilante justice against people, who in my humble opinion definitely deserved it. He likes to blend into the crowd and he as forgettable as possible, and only has very limited social relationships with feaw colleagues and has never felt the jeed to be close to anyone. Until her.
Detective Shay Sawyer was as straight as they came, she always trusted her gut and didnt let anyone close. Especially when that person gives of vibes that make her uneasy.
Taking a chance on Tom was something Shay would never of dreamed of. What happens when she realises the killer she's been searching for is so close to home?
This book does end on a cliff hanger and I absolutely cannot wait for book 2!
This book is about Tom Hayes, a medical examiner that takes vigilante justice against people, who in my humble opinion definitely deserved it. He likes to blend into the crowd and he as forgettable as possible, and only has very limited social relationships with feaw colleagues and has never felt the jeed to be close to anyone. Until her.
Detective Shay Sawyer was as straight as they came, she always trusted her gut and didnt let anyone close. Especially when that person gives of vibes that make her uneasy.
Taking a chance on Tom was something Shay would never of dreamed of. What happens when she realises the killer she's been searching for is so close to home?
This book does end on a cliff hanger and I absolutely cannot wait for book 2!
February 12, 2026
Thank you to the author for the eARC copy of the book! 😊🖤
Cause of Death follows FMC Detective Shay Sawyer & MMC Dr. Tom Hayes M.E. While Dr. Hayes is the medical examiner he harbors a dark secret, he’s also a serial killer but, he’s selective in he only takes out the worst of the worst, criminals. Ones that the government can’t touch and ones with crimes against children. Will she figure out one of her coworkers is one of the people she’s trying to catch?
The plot of this story is very good. It feels fresh with them being coworkers. The world and story are very immersive. The relationship between the MCs is engaging and it keeps you wanting more. I can’t wait for more books in this series! 😊🖤
Detective/Serial Killer Romance
Slow Burn
Dual POVs
5 🌟/ 2.5 🌶️
Cause of Death follows FMC Detective Shay Sawyer & MMC Dr. Tom Hayes M.E. While Dr. Hayes is the medical examiner he harbors a dark secret, he’s also a serial killer but, he’s selective in he only takes out the worst of the worst, criminals. Ones that the government can’t touch and ones with crimes against children. Will she figure out one of her coworkers is one of the people she’s trying to catch?
The plot of this story is very good. It feels fresh with them being coworkers. The world and story are very immersive. The relationship between the MCs is engaging and it keeps you wanting more. I can’t wait for more books in this series! 😊🖤
Detective/Serial Killer Romance
Slow Burn
Dual POVs
5 🌟/ 2.5 🌶️
February 4, 2026
Cause of Death by Isobel Bishop
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Dark. Twisted. Addictive.
This psychological thriller/romance follows Tom & Shay and delivers major Mindf*ck series vibes. From page one to the final twist, I was locked in. The writing is tight, the tension is delicious, and the mind games? Immaculate.
If you love:
🖤 serial killer x detective
🖤 “she doesn’t know it’s him”
🖤 dark romance with psychological edge
—this one is for you.
It’s book one in the Risk Factor trilogy, and trust me, you’ll want to continue immediately.
⚠️ Check trigger warnings before diving in.
If it’s not on your TBR yet… fix that. Happy reading 📖🔥
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Dark. Twisted. Addictive.
This psychological thriller/romance follows Tom & Shay and delivers major Mindf*ck series vibes. From page one to the final twist, I was locked in. The writing is tight, the tension is delicious, and the mind games? Immaculate.
If you love:
🖤 serial killer x detective
🖤 “she doesn’t know it’s him”
🖤 dark romance with psychological edge
—this one is for you.
It’s book one in the Risk Factor trilogy, and trust me, you’ll want to continue immediately.
⚠️ Check trigger warnings before diving in.
If it’s not on your TBR yet… fix that. Happy reading 📖🔥
February 5, 2026
*ARC REVIEW! Thank you Isobel Bishop for letting me be apart of the ARC team! 😊
The storyline was good. The thought behind this was good. It had so much potential. The spicy scenes just were not cutting it for me. It was not my style for writing. I struggled with them and skimmed them at one point. The ending of the book left me wanting more detail. I felt like it was building, building, building and then just stopped. Cut off. Ended. The characters were well written. They stayed true to form. Detective Sawyer is stubborn and strong willed. Tom Hayes is very good at keeping it together with his double life until he couldn’t anymore.
The storyline was good. The thought behind this was good. It had so much potential. The spicy scenes just were not cutting it for me. It was not my style for writing. I struggled with them and skimmed them at one point. The ending of the book left me wanting more detail. I felt like it was building, building, building and then just stopped. Cut off. Ended. The characters were well written. They stayed true to form. Detective Sawyer is stubborn and strong willed. Tom Hayes is very good at keeping it together with his double life until he couldn’t anymore.
February 2, 2026
This book starts out suspenseful and doesn’t let up all the way through. There is an underlying feeling of dread. Oh, also there’s a “friendship” developing between the FMC and the MMC. I loved this book. The spicy scenes are reeeeeeeally good, though there aren’t too many. There are several twists that occur in this book that I did not see coming. At all. I could understand both main characters’ POVs about the situation, but I was more on one side than the other. Oh, what a brutal cliffhanger! I cannot wait to read book 2 of the trilogy. I would definitely recommend this book.
February 7, 2026
Please read the trigger warnings!
The story follows Detective Shay and Medical examiner Tom who work together to catch a serial killer vigilante, who is closer than Detective Shay realises.....
I didn't know what to expect going into this but Cause of death was such a page turner, and I found it to be a suspenseful and intriguing read. I loved the dynamic between the main characters and was hooked quickly to this serial killer romance. The story does end on a brutal cliffhanger but I'm really looking forward to the next installment!
The story follows Detective Shay and Medical examiner Tom who work together to catch a serial killer vigilante, who is closer than Detective Shay realises.....
I didn't know what to expect going into this but Cause of death was such a page turner, and I found it to be a suspenseful and intriguing read. I loved the dynamic between the main characters and was hooked quickly to this serial killer romance. The story does end on a brutal cliffhanger but I'm really looking forward to the next installment!
February 14, 2026
I was on the edge of my seat for the entire read! It was slow build up for me but I kept on the edge of suspension for the whole book!!! And the cliff hanger at the end was devastating 🥲 I’m most definitely looking forward to book two and seeing what happens next. The romance was good but personally I felt like they could have expanded more into but overall for book one and I hope book two will dive deeper into their relationship. I personally thought it was 3.5 ⭐️ rating. Thank you for eARC read. I can’t wait to read what happens in book two!!!
February 5, 2026
3,5/5 ⭐️
This is a dark/suspense romance between a serial killer and a cop. The mmc is a medical examiner that hides a dark side and seeing how he thinks from his pov is really interesting. The fmc is a cop and meets the mmc via work. The tension between them is strong from the start. It's interesting to read her pov as well. It's a good book that keeps you at the edge of your seat.
I received a free copy in exchange for a honest review
This is a dark/suspense romance between a serial killer and a cop. The mmc is a medical examiner that hides a dark side and seeing how he thinks from his pov is really interesting. The fmc is a cop and meets the mmc via work. The tension between them is strong from the start. It's interesting to read her pov as well. It's a good book that keeps you at the edge of your seat.
I received a free copy in exchange for a honest review
February 9, 2026
This was fascinating. I loved the tv show Dexter and this is very similar. I found this to read more like a thriller book than a romance, although that is certainly part of it. I don’t want to give spoilers so my review will be brief. That ending was really something and I cannot wait for book 2 now. I enjoyed both main characters immensely and their development. I also had some doubts about Naomi’s boyfriend and feel like he’s not quite normal. Perhaps I’m reading too much into it.
February 1, 2026
Detective FMC. Killer MMC. She falls for him and only finds out the truth months later. Betrayal, panic and choices were made.
Major Joe Goldberg vibes, unhinged tension, and twists that hit when I wasn’t ready. Red flags were flying long before the reveal and I was eating it up.
Absolutely great start to a trilogy and I need the rest because that ending cannot be left like that.
Major Joe Goldberg vibes, unhinged tension, and twists that hit when I wasn’t ready. Red flags were flying long before the reveal and I was eating it up.
Absolutely great start to a trilogy and I need the rest because that ending cannot be left like that.
February 2, 2026
I really enjoyed this! It gives Mindf*ck meets Dexter meets You (with its own dynamics of course). It was so extremely bingeable! Short and sweet, but makes you invested in the main relationship and leaves you begging for book 2 with that cliffhanger. Book 2 could go in several different directions, but I hope it’s the one I want 😉
February 2, 2026
3,75 ⭐️ First of all, thank you Isobel Bishop for the opportunity to read this book. If you liked the mind f series you’ll like this book. The first half was pure perfection and then sooo much happened that I need some time to process it. If a book leaves you this feeling then you know it’s good. Can’t wait for the next one. READ THIS BOOK
February 7, 2026
Cause of Death captured me from the beginning. I was drawn into the intricacies of the characters and how the storyline unfolded. I’m excited to see where the story goes cause I honestly don’t know how it’ll end yet and that is a rarity for me. Definitely recommend as a good slow burn suspense thriller.
February 8, 2026
This book is set up like you are watching a suspenseful t.v. show. Just when you think you have a figured out , you don't.
Isobel Bishop is very detailed in her writing , so it may feel like it's starting kinda slow, push through it. It'll be worth it. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series
Isobel Bishop is very detailed in her writing , so it may feel like it's starting kinda slow, push through it. It'll be worth it. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series
February 8, 2026
did not put down!
I read this book in one day. Now I need to know what happens next!!!
This book was so good!! It caught my attention and truly kept it there the whole time. The spice was perfect. The plot was amazing. The whole thing was really good!!
Make sure to check triggers tho!
I read this book in one day. Now I need to know what happens next!!!
This book was so good!! It caught my attention and truly kept it there the whole time. The spice was perfect. The plot was amazing. The whole thing was really good!!
Make sure to check triggers tho!
February 9, 2026
ARC Reading - I loved how the two main characters developed. I felt like I was constantly hovering between a love-hate situation as I moved through the book. I would have liked for the overall plot to move a little slower and really let the book burn in tension, who doesn’t live for delayed gratification? For a first installment, this book draws you in with shadowy arms.
February 11, 2026
This book will absolutely keep you on the edge of your seat. This book took so many twists and turns my head was spinning! There was definitely a thrill factor to this book! Things happened that I DID NOT expect at all! There is a bit of spice and as always check your trigger warnings. I loved this book and really hope for more to come!
January 31, 2026
I enjoyed the multiple dynamic shifts between the FMC and MMC, although I would have liked more time spent on the ‘enemies’ era. It’s good to an intelligent, independent FMC and I enjoyed the plot twists throughout.
Written as an ARC review!
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