Fatal Pattern

The King Legacy #2

by Kate Angelo

A hyper-intelligent stalker attacks forensic psychologist Dr. Tori Crew at knifepoint, shattering the fierce independence she's built since her parents' unsolved murder. Forced into an off-the-books criminal investigation, Tori must push her expertise—and her fiercely guarded heart—to the breaking point as a killer's pattern emerges.

Homicide Detective Blade St. James has been Tori's friend and protector since childhood. Haunted by his own past of parental abandonment, Blade is determined to build a stable life and find the peace that always seems just out of reach. But when Tori's life is threatened, his protective instincts shift into overdrive. As they are plunged deep into a conspiracy with roots in her past, the boundary of their friendship blurs as danger closes in and their hearts reveal a truth they can no longer deny. Can they unmask the sophisticated serial killer before they become the final, fatal piece in the pattern?

In this pulse-pounding, nonstop suspense thriller, Kate Angelo delivers jolting plot twists and swoony romance that will suck listeners in until the last page.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Suspense, Romance, Mystery, Fiction, Christian, Mystery Thriller

368 pages, Paperback

First published September 15, 2026

About the author

Thanks for stopping by! I'd love for you to subscribe to my newsletter so we can stay in touch! Bonus, all newsletter subscribers are automatically entered into all my giveaways! Visit my website to join: https://kateangelo.com/

A LITTLE ABOUT KATE...
Kate Angelo once sold a lion to a circus in Shreveport after her mom realized lions weren’t great house pets. Growing up, Kate was a bookworm, dog groomer, exotic pet wrangler, horse trainer, cowgirl, and teenage pool shark. After aging out of foster care, Kate cultivated her inner computer nerd and worked as a web programmer. It was during a visit to Australia that Kate encountered Jesus and left the corporate world to pursue a life in ministry.

From her home in Southwest Missouri, Kate serves alongside her husband, strengthening and encouraging marriages and families as the Vice President of their nonprofit. After raising their 5 children, Kate and her husband are now fluent in both sarcasm and eye rolls—a language they plan to teach their grandkids.

Kate is a Romantic Suspense author, coffee addict, tech guru, productivity enthusiast, expert knitter, avid boater, dog lover, prayer warrior, and known klutz. With Willow the long-haired chihuahua taking up half her desk space, Kate writes thrilling stories with flawed characters who encounter hope and healing while ducking danger along the way.

Reviews

[theliterateleprechaun]

Fatal Pattern was an emotionally and cognitively engaging read for me! 


I believe it’s author Kate Angelo’s best work yet. 


This 5-star romantic suspense thriller centers around the parable of the sower and the seed in Matthew 13 and highlights the wisdom of the harvest. I love how Kate Angelo encourages readers to look at this parable in light of what God has orchestrated in the lives of Behavioral Analyst Dr. Tori Crew and Homicide Detective Blade St. James. 


I was most impressed with the author’s ability to bring the rich tapestry of human psychology alive and reachable; she gave readers access into Blade and Tori’s minds. Because I followed along with their thought process, I was engaged in a mystery that I couldn’t set down! My intellect was tickled with the fractal geometry spotlight and I loved the adrenaline rush of the thrill of the chase. My eyes were opened to the realities of the foster care system and I could see how the past strongly influences the present and the future. 


If you love to be more than entertained when you read, this one’s for you. It’s book two of a series, but can be read alone. 


I was gifted this copy and was under no obligation to provide a review. 

["Avonna]

Check out all my reviews at: https://www.avonnalovesgenres.com

FATAL PATTERN (The King Legacy Book #2) by Kate Angelo is a fast-paced, emotional roller coaster of a Christian romantic suspense that delivers more answers tied to the over-arching criminal conspiracy plot from The King Legacy book #1, Girl Lost, and a new romance between two members of the previously introduced group of friends. I recommend reading book one first because of the large amount of crossover between the two books.

Dr, Tori Crew has a stalker. Detective Blade St. James has been Tori’s protector since childhood when they were taken into Stryker’s Warriors program for troubled and or delinquent children. As the stalker escalates, Tori and Blade receive information that this may all tie back to Tori’s childhood and the murder of her parents.

The conspiracy is even deeper than they imagined. Her parent’s deaths are leading them to clues that grow into a serial killer investigation and conspiracy in local law enforcement agencies that tie into organ harvesting which almost got their friends killed previously. But who can they trust, and will their discoveries lead them to the killer or their own deaths?

This second book in The King Legacy series is full of surprises and twists. The characters and the over-arching suspense plot from book one around a criminal conspiracy involved in organ harvesting keeps the plot moving with an ever-increasing sense of dread and peril. The killer’s fascination with fractals made an interesting, and to me, unique plot point. Both Tori and Blade had not only a serious investigation to solve but also had to face many of their childhood traumas to move forward and move from friendship to couple. The romance is a slow-burn romance with no sex scenes due to this being a Christian romantic suspense. The author ties the scripture verse in the preface of the story to the denouement perfectly and does not make the reader feel as if they are being preached at throughout the story. There are still more questions to be answered, and I look forward to reading more books in this series.

I highly recommend this thrilling Christian romantic suspense addition to The King Legacy series.

[Dana]

Every single page was a page turner for me. Wow 😮 Kate Angelo has blown me away with this book. I thought book 1 was amazing but Fatal Pattern was something else. We have a serial killer, some mathematical genius stuff I had no clue about it was super cool. I can’t even put into true words here what I feel because this book was a super interesting subject: art and patterns and mu*der had me on the edge of my seat from beginning to the epilogue!!! Like really!!

10 stars ⭐️

I received a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to give a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are all my own.

[MJSH]

Kate Angelo knocks it out of the park (again)! From the first page to the last, I was completely enraptured and on the edge of my seat, frustrated that I physically couldn't read faster but wanting to slow down to savor all the nuisances in the story. This is psychological thriller plus romantic suspense at its best.

I loved getting to know Blade and Tori better. They had an incredible history of trust, friendship, and complete understanding of each other that spanned decades. Blade's steadfast loyalty and faithfulness grounded Tori when her world started falling apart with a stalker and a clue into her parents' murder. I loved watching Tori work as a profiler and analyst and Blade as a brilliant detective. Jett and Harlee's tech expertise came in handy and catching up with Corbin and Luna was fun. The story had three different but converging subplots that left me slack-jawed at the plot twists. Faith thread in Blade and Tori's lives felt raw and real.
What a heart-pounding chase for justice in the face of deep corruption and evil. I can't wait for the next book in the series!

I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Revell via Interviews and Reviews and NetGalley. I was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own.

[Lisa]

Angelo has hit another home run with this story that has a delicious creep-factor to it. From the beginning, readers identify at least one villain, but the actual diabolical killer stays hidden until the end. I was clueless until right before Angelo revealed this person. That’s the way a suspense book should be. The main characters, Tori and Blade, are likeable, have great chemistry, and don’t do stupid things. The suspense is solid throughout, and the romance is just right for this genre. This story moves at a good pace, with nothing over the top happening. It’s believable with just the right amount of tension. While part of a series, you won’t miss anything critical if you read this book first. The first story provides some backstory, but the novel is a self-contained mystery. Excellent read.

[Carolyn Bryant]

Fatal Pattern is an unputdownable psychological thriller packed with perfectly timed twists, masterfully building suspense with every chapter. The fast paced, multi-layered plot, that expertly balances fascinating investigative skill with simmering romantic tension, hooked me early and kept me invested and guessing to the end. I was intrigued by the mind-boggling fractal mathmatics the author so deftly wove into the story. I enjoyed the flashback element that added depth without stalling the flow of the story. The compelling cast of characters is headlined by strong, determined heroine behavioral analyst Dr. Tori Crew and protective hero Detective Blake St. James. I love this couple and how their romantic relationship developed. This is an incredible read, and I look forward to the next book in the King Legacy series.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley with no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Vickie]

Dr. Tori Crew has a stalker determined to kill her and Detective Blade St. James is determined to protect her at any cost. The city also has a serial killer wreaking havoc and leaving weird clues with fractals and patterns that require the expertise of many on their team at the MMA Academy. The one person that they cannot depend on for help during this novel is Stryker, their mentor and teacher who is lying in a coma in the hospital. So, without Stryker, the team has to follow the clues that lead them on a chase that gets more dangerous as they get closer to the truth. This is a complex and multi-layered romantic suspense with definite elements of thriller interspersed within the compelling story. With family relationships, secrets from the past and a vicious serial killer involved, this book held me captive and kept me turning the pages. I wanted everything to be okay for all of my favorite and very lovable characters, but throughout most of the book, I did not see how that was even possible. There was constant danger and threats, non-stop action and red herrings mixed in with a multitude of possible suspects. I enjoyed following the clues and guessing but it was the big reveal at the end that showed me I was going in the wrong direction, just as I think the author cleverly planned it. This is the second book in the King Legacy series and will be more enjoyable if you read the first book before this one, but it can be read and understood as a standalone. Five stars for action, five stars for drama, five stars for the characters, and ten stars for the ending that you will have to read to believe! Loved this book and highly recommend it for those who enjoy books with a faith foundation that is unputdownable.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.

[Lizzy Hite]

So good! So many twists and turns, and I loved the characters and their arcs. And what was that cliffhanger, ack…definitely need the next book!

~~I received an early copy of this book from the publisher and was not required to leave a positive review.~~

[Debbie]

"Fatal Pattern" is a Christian romantic suspense. It's the second book in the series. Even though this book had different main characters than the first book, I felt like I was missing a lot of information because I hadn't read it. For example, the main criminal of the first book was killed while in prison. I only knew of one criminal in that case (whom Tori and Blade had just interviewed in prison, the interview cut short due to a lockdown). I assumed he was dead until they went to talk with him again! Also, people and the author kept commenting about how Tori and Blade's shared past gave them a close bond but this past wasn't described until near the end. Anyway, I'd recommend reading these books in order.

While there was suspense from repeated attacks by Tori's stalker, the pacing felt slow. The author included a lot of unnecessary details, like a description of every car Blade drove around. When they interviewed a prisoner who knew about the death's of Tori's parents, he talked about how interested he was in fractals. They dismissed his comments as delay tactics. Then Blade saw a fractal painting during another interview (about a murder), and Tori dismissed it as a distraction. After yet another interview where fractals were mentioned, they finally caught on. Basically, it just seemed like they didn't catch on to significant things very quickly.

The main characters were complex, well-developed, and likable. Tori and Blade worked well together since they'd known each other for many years. It took events and some nudges from friends before they realized that they cared about each other romantically and not just as close friends. They also had to work through their childhood traumas as the current events brought up things that started in their pasts. They worked together to interview people, look at crime scenes, and make profiles to solve the current killings and the cold case of her parents' murders. In the process, they peeled back how deep the corruption in the area had gotten (which is an ongoing part of the series).

There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this interesting suspense novel.

I received a free ebook advanced reader copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

[Heather Pickett]

Get ready for every idiom in the book for author Kate Angelo's Fatal Pattern! Your socks will be knocked off, you'll be biting your nails, you'll be on the edge of your seat, and more.
Dr. Tori Crew and Detective Blade St. James are longtime friends. He's determined to protect her from a ruthless stalker. Not only is the suspense first class, but the way the Lord is woven into the action and their love story is truly wonderful. Get ready for goosebumps, both swoony and suspenseful. Plus it has my favorite, an epilogue!
My thanks for the complimentary copy of this book. My opinion is entirely my own.

[Ethelann]

Fatal Pattern is the second book in the King Legacy series and it did not disappoint!
There is a stalker after Dr. Tori Crew and when she is attacked by him it shatters her independent streak totally. Forced to do an off the books criminal investigation, Tori must pushed herself to the breaking point as a killer’s pattern emerges. And the only person she fully trusts to help her is her childhood friend Blade St. James.

Homicide Detective Blade St. James is haunted by his own past of abandonment by his parents, and just wants to have some stability and peace in his life. But when Tori’s life is threatened, his protective instincts rise and he knows he can't leave her to go it alone. As they realize it all deals with her past, their friendship starts to change into something more. But as danger closes in their hearts reveal the truth they can no longer deny. But can they unmask the serial killer and find out the reason for his obsession before they become the final, fatal piece in the pattern?

[Joni Truex]

"Reckoning could wait. Healing came first." This powerful, suspenseful story led me down trails with turns and dead ends. Inspirational, moving, high stakes and a bit of romance kept me reading page after page. Definitely worth the read. This book was provided through NetGalley for me toread. The thoughts expressed here are my own opinions.

[Anne Rogers]

Fatal Pattern is not a novel which gently introduces its characters and eases the reader into the story. Oh no. It begins with a wham with forensic psychologist Dr Tori Crew being grabbed at knifepoint by the stalker who has been threatening her. Homicide detective Blade St. James arrives just in time to save Tori. Or did he? The stalker could easily have killed her, but although he cut her badly enough to leave her bleeding, he leaves her alive. And this isn't the only time when Tori finds herself far, far too close to ending up dead.

Blade has been Tori's friend since they were both kids. She grew up traumatised by hearing the murder of her parents while she cowered in a bedroom closet. He was abandoned by his parents. They have had a connection ever since their teens, but although others see the romantic spark between them, they fail to do so. But now, with Tori's life in imminent danger. they must find out why. Who is her stalker? Why were her family killed, and who murdered them? Things turn out to be darker and more deeply buried than they could ever have imagined. And their off-the-books investigation could have serious, even lethal, complications for more than just themselves. Can they find the truth before it's too late? And just who can they trust in the process? Will they finally realise their mutual attraction? (Not a spoiler: yes, they will.)

This is a book with which you won't be able to wile away a few peaceful hours reading. This one requires focus and concentration. At times I found it a bit confusing and difficult to keep up with. And at the beginning I didn't really warm to the lead characters. Especially Blade. I particularly disliked his relationship with Kiara. She was loving, generous, kind and giving, and he was closed, evasive and untruthful. Later in the story he is more aware of how poorly he had treated her, but it felt very overdue. Kiara was very gracious and sacrificial in more ways than one and I hope that she has a lovely happy-ever-after story of her own - even if we never get to find out about it. She was far too nice and too interesting a character to be merely 'the girlfriend who must be disposed of so that the leading lady gets her man'!

This is a complicated story with lots of action and plot twists. Some of the latter are more like plot cyclones with some astounding revelations as things move forward at express-train-like speeds. Although this installment is satisfactorily rounded up by the end of the book and feels complete (I hate books which end on utter cliffhangers with no resolution, after I've read about 350 pages!), it is very clear where things are going in book 3 of The King Legacy series. And I will definitely be following as I am fascinated to find out how things play out.

Overall, an excellent read for lovers of truly gripping suspense with lots of plot twists and some awkward paths to romance! Just note that it may take you a while to warm to Blade.


NOTE: I read a pre-publication version supplied by the publisher. No review was required. All comments and opinions above are entirely my own.

[Kay Garrett]

FATAL PATTERN by Kate Angelo is the enthralling, edge-of-your-seat peril story of Dr. Tori Crew and Detective Blade St. James as the work together to evade personal attacks, work on solving who the Mandelbrot Killer is and bring corruption within the legal system down.

Tori, at 4-years-old, witnessed her parents murder. She was found hiding in a closet and remembers nothing about the attack or her family. Shuffled in the foster system, it was her 9th family that finally made her feel loved. It was an attack under a bridge that brought Blade to her rescue. It’s a bond that’s only grown stronger through the years – the one constant in her life. It’s taken determination and hard work to get to where she’s at. Even now on a break, she’s still working on a book that’s taken her to see Damien Sullivan, ex-police officer now serving time. Who knows she might even get information on her parent’s murders.

Broward County Detective Blade St. James had a rough childhood. He’d been tossed aside when it became troublesome to have kept him. But even as a troublesome youth, he still knew right from wrong. When he heard that scream that night, he knew immediately someone was in trouble and he would do all within this power to help – even if it did send him to juvenile prison. He’d do it again in a heartbeat. He’s still willing to lay down his life for Tori. It was Stryker King and the Kingdom MMA Gym that saved them both starting them off in the right direction in life.

Now, Stryker is in a coma in the hospital, Tori has a stalker that’s advanced to physical threats and Blade is still playing the part of protector. Is the stalker and investigating Damien’s bizarre clues connected? How do Keplerian fractals figure in with it all? Do all the clues appear to lead to the fact that at least part of the police organizations are crypt? Who can they trust besides each other? Will Blade’s five-month relationship be “the one”? Or will parting words open up eyes to the truth? Can Tori find out more details about what happened to her parents, why and whodunit? Will more revelations be reveals come to light? Can some answers only lead to more questions? Who is the Mandelbrot Killer?

FATAL PATTERN is a magnificent, page-turner story that keeps you peeled to the pages. Kate Angelo gives us a book of high-octane danger, suspense, determination, seeking answers, true friendship, overcoming and sweet romance. FATAL PATTERN is absolutely a FIVE STAR book that I can highly recommend to everyone. While the second book in the King Legacy series, it can most definitely be read as a standalone book.

I received an ARC of this book with no requirement or expectations of a review. All opinions are completely my own.
#FatalPattern #KingLegacy #KateAngelo #suspense #RevellFiction

[Ekaurbook]

Genre : Romantic Suspense & Mystery Thriller

My rating : ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Brief : 

Forensic anthropologist Dr. Dani Walsh has dedicated her life to uncovering the stories hidden within cold, forgotten bones, determined to speak for victims who no longer have a voice. When human remains surface in the rugged wilderness, Dani discovers a terrifying, recurring hallmark that links the gruesome discovery to an active serial predator. As the body count threatens to rise, Dani realizes her forensic breakthroughs have placed her directly in the crosshairs of a ruthless killer.

To stay alive and bring the predator down, Dani must work alongside Deputy US Marshal Luke Thorne. Tasked with protecting Dani while pursuing justice, Luke is focused, protective, and determined to keep her safe despite the lethal danger closing in on every side. As past traumas resurface and romantic tension kindles between them, Dani and Luke race against time through hostile terrain, desperate to decipher the killer’s signature before Dani becomes the final piece of the fatal pattern.

My opinion : 

Fatal Pattern is an electrifying, high-octane romantic suspense novel that pulls you in on the opening page and never lets up. The book strikes a brilliant balance between meticulous forensic procedural details and heart-stopping, visceral danger.

What makes the story work so effectively is the magnetic dynamic between Dani Walsh and Luke Thorne. Dani is intelligent, resolute, and refreshingly capable under pressure, bringing genuine emotional authenticity and technical expertise to the investigation. Luke serves as the perfect protector counterpart, offering steady strength and quiet loyalty without ever diminishing Dani's independence. Their bond develops naturally amid high-stakes pressure, providing a warm emotional core that grounds the terrifying manhunt.

The pacing is relentless, moving seamlessly from grim forensic discoveries to white-knuckle tactical confrontations. Kate Angelo excels at weaving carefully hidden clues, credible forensic anthropology, and sharp twists that keep you guessing the mastermind's true identity right up to the climax. Underneath the adrenaline-fueled investigation lies a moving thread of faith, healing, and courage in the face of fear. If you love fast-paced suspense filled with forensic science, high stakes, and clean, heart-pounding romance, this book is an easy five-star recommendation.

Thank you so much to author Kate Angelo and PartnersinCrimeTours for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review!

[Jeanne Alfveby Crea]

Oh, my goodness, what was I thinking? I'm reading about a potential serial killer on a dark and rainy night by myself at the lake! Truth be told, I just couldn't stop, and I read until I finished Fatal Pattern after 4 am! I absolutely loved Girl Lost, the first book in The King Legacy series by Kate Angelo, so naturally I could not wait to read Fatal Pattern, book 2 in the series.

Dr. Tori Crew, a forensic psychologist, is being stalked, and the stalker gets a drop on her. The first line of the book "The cold edge of the blade kissed Tori Crew's throat, drawing a rivulet of blood that began its descent down her neck. "Don't move." The whisper brushed against her ear."

"Homicide Detective Blade St. James has been Tori's friend and protector since childhood." While everyone else sees that they belong together, Tori and Blade don't see it. I really enjoyed their journey.

While the crimes are horrific, the focus of the storytelling is on the relationships in the story and how they solve (and overcome) the murders (past and present), and the corruption. Thanks to their mentor Stryker, a former cop who was led to help teens who fell through the cracks, with physical and spiritual training, he taught them to stay strong and stay focused. They became family. Thanks to him, they are amazing adults who work together to solve unsolved crimes. Excellent story of unraveling the truth and second chances. I loved it!

It was great to catch up with Tori, Blade, Corbin, Luna, Stryker, Jett, Harlee, Trinity, and Summer from the first King Legacy story.

I was shocked not once but twice with the twists and turns of the story. Author Kate Angelo is an amazing storyteller. There is one loose end that I hope will become book 3? I highly recommend this series!

Thank you to the publisher Revell and Net Galley for allowing me to read an early copy. All opinions are my own.

[Chelsie]

I was fascinated by the concept of fractals and patterns, and how the author tied that into an intricate web of crimes that have been going on for decades. This was a very fast paced read even though there were a few storylines that were tying together to solve this crazy case. Dr. Tori Crew has never stopped investigating her parents murders and so when she gets the chance to interview an inmate who was supposedly there that night, she jumps at the chance. Walking away with more confusion than answers, Crew feels it was for nothing. Waste of time, waste of Blade's time and what are the chances she will get that chance ever again, or that Sullivan will ever give coherent answers? When Blade asks her to potentially consult on a very odd case that he has been assigned, she jumps at the chance to get back working again. Crew has always been able to see things others easily miss or disregard. What she uncovers at the crime scene seems a little too ironic. Sullivan was spouting off about fractals and patters, and what she found is exactly that. With each interview, it seems that everything is tied back to these mathematic like equations but how can so many and yet so little people know about this? The more they uncover, the more they realize that Sullivan wasn't just rambling nonsense he may hold the key to everything including Crew's past. There was so much packed in this novel and it was such an amazing psychological read! I loved learning about fractals and they really are fascinating. Thank you to the author and publisher for the complementary novel. This review is of my own opinion and accord.
Favorite lines from the novel, "Ted Bundy was charming and handsome. Jeffrey Dahmer looked like an accountant. Dennis Rader was a church deacon." "Unfortunately, monsters tend to look disappointingly ordinary."

[Tammy Lunsford - Escape to Books By Tammy]

I have been waiting on this 2nd book in the The King Legacy series for a while. It was well worth the wait. I am rarely speechless (or in this case wordless), but I am having a hard time putting words to the page of just how fantastic this book was to me. There are not enough stars to properly rate it. The first book was great, but the author has really upped her game with this one. I inhaled this book, stopping only when I had to stop reading.

Dr. Tori Crew has a very scary stalker intent on doing her harm. She has always been independent to a fault, but this stalker has struck fear in her heart. However, this does not prevent her from continuing on her quest to get answers about her parents' murder when she was a small child. She is bound and determined to find out who and why her parents were murdered.

Detective Blade St. James is a protector with a capital P. He has protected Tori for years, and now his protection efforts will have to be amped up. He struggles with abandonment issues, but it does not keep him from doing his job well.

The pace in this book was unrelenting, never giving the reader time to catch your breath as one thing after another happens. I felt like I needed an oxygen tank on standby. The action was unstoppable. Every puzzle piece just added more complexity to an already complex mystery, but the author just kept digging and adding more to the story. I was beyond shocked with each new reveal. This is an intense story with many moving parts, but you will never lose sight of what is going on, but you will be shocked. Now I have wait again for book 3. Give me strength.

Thank you to Revell, NetGalley and the author for ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Narelle]

I enjoyed reading Fatal Pattern, the second book in Kate Angelo’s The King Legacy series. Tori is a behavioral analyst who’s being terrorised by a stalker. The escalating danger is triggering her severe childhood trauma from years ago that started when her parents were murdered. Tori receives new information on the double homicide and she’s determined to discover the truth about why her parents were killed.

Blade is a police detective in Florida who needs Tori’s assistance with a homicide case. Blade and Tori are close friends who share a complicated history, going back to when they were troubled teens. They both spent time in foster care and were mentored by Stryker at his gym. Tori turns to Blade for help and protection.

I loved the twists and turns in the suspense plot that kept me guessing. Danger from unknown sources follows Tori and Blade. They have multiple mysteries to solve, including a series mystery that deepens as the story progresses.

Blade and Tori’s friendship is put under pressure by difficult circumstances and I appreciated how their sweet friends-to-more romance played out. They’re both reluctant to trust and have to deal with their emotional baggage, including abandonment issues. The story includes justice and forgiveness themes.

I recommend Fatal Pattern to romantic suspense readers who like high octane psychological thrillers with a friends-to-more romance, forced proximity, unknown danger, a stalker, murder mysteries, and relevant faith elements exploring the importance of justice.

Many thanks to Revell and NetGalley for the advanced reader copy.

[Annette]

This was a compelling romantic suspense novel about a criminal profiler and a police Detective. Dr Tori Crew is used to dealing with criminals as she profiles them for her job but when she is pursued by a stalker her life becomes complicated and dangerous.
It seems her family were murdered 28 years earlier and a dirty cop serving time in prison has information which might give Tori closure about their killers. With the help of her friend Detective Blade St John she pursues all the leads whilst trying to evade the man who is trying to kill her.
This was quite a complicated plot, obviously following on from an earlier book which I hadn’t read meaning that I sometimes felt I was not quite up to speed with all the characters and I was not quite sure about what had happened to some of the main protagonists such as Stryker in the previous novel- he spends the majority of this book in a coma.
However despite that I enjoyed “Fatal Pattern “and read it very quickly- I particularly liked the smouldering romance building between Blade and Tori. There was a lot of action too- the novel was very fast paced which served to hold my attention.
I would certainly be keen to read the next book in the series now that I have got to know the characters and have invested time in them- Tori and Blade were definitely sympathetic and I was hoping all would work out for them.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for my advance copy.

[Rebecca]

4.5 stars
"Their deaths were part of a design. Mathematical precision. Divine geometry, you could say."

Barely dodging serious injury after an encounter at knifepoint, presumably by the man who had been stalking her, behavioral analyst Dr. Tori Crew barely has the chance to take a deep breath. Time is of the essence when Detective Blade St. John, both friend and on this occasion also her rescuer, immediately utilizes her expertise at the scene of a homicide, carried out by another knife wielding criminal. As the two carefully observe the horrific scene, a pattern emerges among the chaos, almost like . . . . . . . art?

As if Tori's stalker, and their unusual homicide case wasn't enough to assemble a full plate, Tori and Blade are also methodically working off the books to solve a case gone off the rails many years earlier; the murders of Tori's parents when she was only four years old.

Even with its complex layers and devious twists and turns, this plot never dead ends. Much like the geometric designs, or fractals as defined in the story, the connections remain dangerously tight; destined to form "fatal patterns". A fascinating book with a brilliant blueprint and perfectly drawn characters!

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book from the author and publisher. I also purchased a copy. The opinions stated above are entirely my own.

[Paula Shreckhise]

This story starts out with a startling scene and progresses into an unusually puzzling case, because it connects to the unsolved murder of Behavior Analyst Tori Crew’s parents. Teamed with detective Blake St. James, Tori uses her skills to connect several cases.
The Fatal Pattern emerges as fractal art. I have been fascinated by fractals for many years. They seem to be the foundation of God’s creation. Ms. Angelo uses them in a unique way to turn a mysterious story on its head.
Tori and Blake have encountered something much bigger than they thought possible. They discover things about themselves that are unexpected, drawing them closer together and testing their faith and their resolve. But that faith is so much a part of them that they seek God at every turn. And hope and trust are at the forefront.
There are tie-ins to the first book in the series and hints of things to come in the next book. This series focuses on the members of a group of kids, now grown, who were mentored by Stryker King.
Fast-paced and compelling, this one grabbed me from the start.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell on behalf of the author and via NetGalley. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.*

[Dani Urban]

Fatal Pattern by Kate Angelo is a must have read! It combines the deadly and thrilling adventure of catching a serial killer while also including a romance between two friends. I love the friends-to-lovers trope. Both main characters have issues. where their parents are concerned. Dr. Tori lost both of her parents due to murder. She's then targeted and forced to continue working off the books. That's when things go from dangerous to deadly pretty quickly. Then, there's her friend, Detective Blade, who suffers from a lack of parents in his life. Yet, somehow he is doing just fine and with Dr. Tori he finds direction, work, and romance. My heart broke for these two main protagonists on how they have suffered. Plus, the mystery of her unsolved parents' death makes, a stalker on her trail, and threats along the way only make this novel more appealing. I am such a huge fan of anything crime fiction and romance. This novel has it all. Kate Angelo's writing is clear, concise, and engaging. The scenes keep readers on edge and the characters make the heart swoon. Fierce, clever, heartfelt, and romantic Fatal Pattern is a must have for all romantic suspense fans.

I received this copy from the publisher. This is my voluntary review.

[Tina Lowery]

Honestly, reading Fatal Pattern, by Author Kate Angelo, was absolutely like finding pellets of gold in a freezing North Carolina stream. The emotions that are felt after finding those gems can range between amazing, joyful, freeing and simply awesome!  From the first scene until the very last page of Fatal Pattern, my head was spinning while I felt fear, anger, hope and even determination to see this through to the end.   Dr. Tori Crew was strong, full of spirit, hope and preparing to fight by putting her trust in God alone.  Yet, as my heart banged out a brave, little staccato rhythm to these events, I read about Tori’s experiences and her skills.  But, most of all, I understood her faith and her heart.  Finally, throughout these pages as Tori, Blade and the rest of her friends work together to find the truth, God is reminding them He is right at their side.  Step by step God is directing our steps on His chosen path.  I give this ARC 5 out of 5 stars as I genuinely delighted in Tori and Blade's relationship as it grew.  This book was written with heart and Author Kate Angelo generously shares that through the written word!!

[Mark]

I admit I got lost a bit on some of the talk of fractals and patterns...and even Googled fractals, but I still enjoyed this book. Blade (what a cool name) and Tori were very likable characters, and it made the story all the more interesting that they had been carrying a torch silently for each other for so long.

The plot was genius and intricate, but also easy enough to follow. And there were some definite surprises, such as a surprise named Niko...but I won't give that away, except to say I was so surprised I might say I was shocked.

There is a lot of drama, action, and suspense in this book. And it is one where you aren't always sure who the bad guys are.

This story also had the added bonus of having a cold case at the center of it, rooted in Tori's past.

Fatal Pattern had a very climatic ending that had me on the edge of my seat, even though I figured the good guys were going to win.

This was a very enjoyable suspenseful read that left me looking forward to the next book in the series.

Special thanks to the author for an advance copy of this novel. I was under no obligation to provide a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.

[Ashley]

Girl Lost, the first book in this series, was one of my favorite reads last year, so to say I was excited for this sequel is an understatement. Fatal Pattern was so good! I think I liked it even more than Girl Lost, which is saying something!

This starts off with an intense and compelling opener that had me hooked and holding my breath. The intrigue and suspense just kept climbing from there, making this a truly unputdownable read.

Tori and Blade were really likable characters. I loved the banter between the old friends. And I loved seeing how they were there for each other when they needed it.

The mysteries were intricate and layered, which kept me guessing. I was surprised on multiple occasions by the turn of events. I didn’t see it coming at all! I’m not much of a math person, but I thought the talk about fractals was fascinating!

I loved this book and highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys good twisty mysteries with a dash of romance. I’m very eager for the next book. With the way this one ended, it can’t come out soon enough.

I received a copy of this book via NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.

[Alyssa Amey Madjeski]

I wrote the following paragraph the night I finished Fatal Pattern by Kate Angelo. I figured I would write a “better” review later. But I don’t know if I could do any better having had time to think about it. So here you have my unfiltered, raw opinion after closing the last page:

I have NO WORDS. It's 11:30pm. I need to wake up at 5am. I don't even care. I'm here in a puddle of happiness and awe. This book is incredible.
Definitely one of my top suspense reads this year.
It will stop your heart and make you swoon in the next breath. Fascinating characters who have been through it. A high stakes investigation spanning decades that never lags for a second. Adorable romance with just the right pacing. No words. No notes. Suspense at its finest.

And I still have no words and no notes. The mystery was so interesting. The characters so compelling. There’s emotion and faith and jaw dropping twists. I’d been waiting for this sequel since last year and it did not disappoint. Highly recommended to all suspense/thriller lovers!

I received a complementary copy of this book from the author and publisher. I was not required to review. My opinions are my own.

[Lisa]

Wow! This was a great mystery and romantic suspense story that has plot twists, red herrings, and complex characters. I was engaged in the story from the first word to the very last. It just kept getting better and better the more I read. I cannot wait to see what Tori and Blade will uncover in the next book.

Tidbits and Tropes:
found family
mathematical genius
friends to more
forced proximity
danger
psychological thriller
faith and forgiveness elements

This is the second book in the King Legacy series, and you should read the first book in order to understand what has happened in the past. I loved seeing the past characters and how they played a part in the story. I highly recommend this if you are wanting a book similar to Nancy Mehl, DiAnn Mills, or Elizabeth Goddard.

Content Notes: brutal murders (not a lot of detail), childhood trauma

I received a copy of the book from Revell, JustRead, and NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions are my own.

[Joan]

I liked this engaging thriller. It starts off with action and rarely lets up. Angelo's writing style is succinct, with no extra words. That means the plot moves along quickly. Even so, Angelo has the skill of writing intense scenes, drawing out all the emotional depth of an event. She is good at creating and building psychological tension and has the ability to produce emotion filled descriptions of attacks and other interactions. The spiritual content is subtle and not an essential part of the plot.

Reading Angelo's novel was an emotional experience as I was repeatedly pulled into the plot by the intensity of Angelo's writing. It was interesting to learn about fractals, a feature of the murderer's complete method of committing and celebrating murder And the best part is that a thread is left dangling at the end so I will be watching for the sequel.. I recommend this engaging and informative intense thriller.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book through Partners in Crime Book Tours. My comments are an independent review.

[Loretta Eidson]

Kate Angelo’s relentless intensity and suspenseful action make it impossible to put this novel down. Her well-developed characters struggle to stay alive while behavioral analyst Dr. Tori Crew searches for the truth of her parents’ murders. Why is the case sealed? And why is someone trying to kill her?
Her friend, homicide detective Blade St. James has his own battles to fight as he strives to overcome his painful past caused by his parents' abandonment. He feels like damaged goods and can’t see himself in a stable relationship until he finds peace.
When someone attacks Tori at knifepoint, his protective radar goes up, and he must keep his childhood friend safe at all costs. Non-stop attacks leave them wounded and fighting for their lives. Why is the department skittish about releasing information? Is there anyone they can trust? Can they believe the story of a prison inmate?
This is a five-star novel. Don’t miss out.