Second Girl

by Kate Bold

“This is an excellent book… When you start reading, be sure you don’t have to wake up early!”
—Reader review for The Killing Game
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Rookie FBI Agent Sierra Knight follows her murdered mother’s footsteps in joining the FBI, determined to solve her cold case. Armed with a box of unsolved murder files, Sierra must hunt an elusive killer across years of history. But stirring up the past may just leave her to be targeted herself…

When successful women are found murdered and posed facing away from mirrors, FBI Agent Sierra Knight discovers a killer who's hunting echoes of remembrances past. Racing to decode the pattern behind the victims, can Sierra stop him before another accomplished woman is forced to turn her back on her own success forever?

First, Sierra will have to face her mother’s secretive past, learning things about her she never knew—and may never want to know.

Should the past be left alone?

SECOND GIRL is the first book in a long-anticipated new series by #1 bestselling mystery and suspense author Kate Bold, whose bestseller NOT ME (a free download) has received over 3,000 five star ratings and reviews.

The Sierra Knight mystery series delivers heart-pounding tension through intricate plots packed with stunning revelations. With her razor-sharp instincts and relentless pursuit of justice, Sierra navigates twisted criminal minds while keeping readers on edge until the final page. Fans of Lisa Gardner, Karin Slaughter, and Patricia Cornwell are sure to fall in love.

Future books in the series are also available!

“This book moved very fast and every page was exciting. Plenty of dialogue, you absolutely love the characters, and you were rooting for the good guy throughout the whole story… I look forward to reading the next in the series.”
—Reader review for The Killing Game
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“Kate did an amazing job on this book and I was hooked from the first chapter!”
—Reader review for The Killing Game
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“I really enjoyed this book. The characters were authentic, and I see the bad guys as something we hear about daily on the news... Looking forward to book 2.”
—Reader review for The Killing Game
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“This was a really good book. The main characters were real, flawed and human. The story went along quickly and wasn't mired in too many unnecessary details. I really enjoyed it.”
—Reader review for The Killing Game
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“Alexa Chase is headstrong, impatient, but most of all brave with a capital B. She never, repeat never, backs down until the bad guys are put where they belong. Clearly five stars!”
—Reader review for The Killing Game
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“Captivating and riveting serial murder with a twist of the macabre… Very well done.”
—Reader review for The Killing Game
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“WOW what a great read! Talk about a diabolical killer! Really enjoyed this book. Looking forward to reading others by this author as well.”
—Reader review for The Killing Game
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“Page turner for sure. Great characters and relationships. I got into the middle of this story and couldn’t put it down.

Genres: Mystery, Thriller, Amazon, Crime

201 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 2, 2026

About the author

Bestselling author Kate Bold is author of the ALEXA CHASE SUSPENSE THRILLER series, comprising six books (and counting); of the ASHLEY HOPE SUSPENSE THRILLER series, comprising six books (and counting); of the CAMILLE GRACE SUSPENSE THRILLER series, comprising eight books (and counting); of the HARLEY COLE SUSPENSE THRILLER series, comprising ten books (and counting); of the KAYLIE BROOKS SUSPENSE THRILLER series, comprising five books (and counting); and of the EVE HOPE SUSPENSE THRILLER series, comprising five books (and counting). Kate loves to hear from you, so please feel free to visit www.kateboldauthor.com to join the mailing list, receive free ebooks, hear the latest news, and stay in touch.

BOOKS BY KATE BOLD

EVE HOPE SUSPENSE THRILLER

IN HIS BLOOD (Book #1)

IN HIS SIGHTS (Book #2)

IN HIS REACH (Book #3)

IN HIS MIND (Book #4)

IN HIS WAY (Book #5)

(and counting)

KAYLIE BROOKS SUSPENSE THRILLER

LAST BREATH (Book #1)

LAST CHANCE (Book #2)

LAST WISH (Book #3)

LAST SHOT (Book #4)

LAST MISTAKE (Book #5)

(and counting)

HARLEY COLE SUSPENSE THRILLER

NOWHERE SAFE (Book #1)

NOWHERE LEFT (Book #2)

NOWHERE TO RUN (Book #3)

NOWHERE LIKE THIS (Book #4)

NOWHERE GIRL (Book #5)

NOWHERE TO HIDE (Book #6)

NOWHERE CERTAIN (Book #7)

NOWHERE PURE (Book #8)

NOWHERE SOUND (Book #9)

NOWHERE SANE (Book #10)

(and counting)

CAMILLE GRACE SUSPENSE THRILLER

NOT ME (Book #1)

NOT NOW (Book #2)

NOT WELL (Book #3)

NOT HER (Book #4)

NOT NORMAL (Book #5)

NOT AGAIN (Book #6)

NOT SAFE (Book #7)

NOT TODAY (Book #8)

(and counting)

ALEXA CHASE SUSPENSE THRILLER

THE KILLING GAME (Book #1)

THE KILLING TIDE (Book #2)

THE KILLING HOUR (Book #3)

THE KILLING POINT (Book #4)

THE KILLING FOG (Book #5)

THE KILLING PLACE (Book #6)

(and counting)

ASHLEY HOPE SUSPENSE THRILLER

LET ME GO (Book #1)

LET ME OUT (Book #2)

LET ME LIVE (Book #3)

LET ME BREATHE (Book #4)

LET ME FORGET (Book #5)

LET ME ESCAPE (Book #6)

(and counting)

Reviews

[Kim Garza · Rating 2 out of 5]

Boring stuck through it just to finish. Main character always needs a pep talk to say she's able to do the job just like mommy.

[Susan Lane · Rating 2 out of 5]

Listened to audio. Terrible narration. Storyline decent, but many repeated words and thoughts.

[Gail · Rating 5 out of 5]

One day

I not only read this in one day, but one sitting. I've read other Kate Bold series. I am looking forward to reading more about Sierra Knight FBI agent.

[Avid · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed. This was a free download. I had no idea what I was walking into & it didn't disappoint. It has a bit of a Marvel Avengers feel to it set back in an era where women were kept.

There are plenty of twists and it becomes much more than a case of mistaken identity.

It leaves off on a 'cliffhanger' of sorts. It doesn't exactly conclude as it sets up for the second book in the series. This was the only negative in the book, however, even if you don't move on... it still ends at a decent point.

Recommended 👍

[Paige Alexander Alexander · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like the protagonist and feel that the connection she has with her new partner is realistic, comfortable, and well suited to the story. Their dynamic feels natural and adds to the investigation without overshadowing the main plot.

I did enjoy the connection to her mother and the influence her mother has had on her life, however, the constant comparisons between them became a little repetitive. The protagonist herself frequently compares her own actions and abilities to her mother's, and others do the same, which started to make her appear a little less confident and somewhat immature in her professional role. I felt this storyline could have been explored with a little more subtlety rather than being referenced so often.

Some aspects of the storyline were a little unrealistic, particularly being placed into the field on her very first day and the level of success she achieves so quickly. However, I understand that the author was trying to create immediate excitement and keep the pace moving rather than allowing the story to take too long to develop.

The crime itself was believable, as was the reasoning behind the murders. The investigation, arrest, and overall process felt legitimate and realistic, which helped keep me engaged.

There were a fair number of editing issues throughout the book, which became distracting, especially inconsistencies around one character's name.

Overall, this was a fast-paced, well-written, and enjoyable light crime read. It is a good choice for crime enthusiasts looking for something entertaining and easy to follow.

[Maryann Hornbaker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sierra Proves Herself

Sierra has moved from the BAU to the FBI following in her mother’s footsteps. Her mother was killed in the line of duty but the killer was never caught. Now Sierra has a chance to rectify that, but first she has to prove herself worthy of her new position.

Sierra is teamed up with Jeremy, a veteran FBI agent. On her first day they are assigned a strange case where a Judge is killed posed in front of a mirror. With no apparent motive, they start checking her background and before you know it it’s the next day and there’s another murder this time. It’s a medical scientist in the same position. The only thing these two women have in common is that they are women and they have no children or have no children in their home. After working through all their cases, they can’t seem to find any true leads, except that both women were prominent in their fields. with little to nothing to go on, they had their work cut out for them. It was a pleasure to see that the author allowed Jeremy to work with Sierra, even though she was a newbie at this.

My only fault with this story line is that it all happened on her first 4 days on the job. Now!!!! REALLY!!!

[Adele · Rating 1 out of 5]

Synthesized voice for audio. Poorly produced. Odd pauses. Referred to "the 2000s" as "the two zero zero zeros."

Writing was stilted and some words and phrases were used so often I knew what would be said next. Main character not fleshed out well; her main issue was mentioned so many times it became boring - too repititious. I rolled my eyes countless times. Perhaps because of the synthesized voice, perhaps the writing.

I'll try a different book by the author. Just to see if the writing improves.

[Annette Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Indescribable

Wow ! This girl can write a story A twist and turn Every page. She has the Tenacity, Strength, And And the mind-like no other.1 of my favorite series In psychological thrillers Is Blake Pierces (Riley Paige series). After reading this story I would say Blake pierce Has Some serious competition I can't Wait To read The next book in the sierra night Series. I also can't Wait To read The next book!

[Colleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

interesting

Rookie Agent Sierra Knight is ready to face her new job at the FBI. I’m not sure if she’s there to catch criminals or to live up to her mother’s reputation. This is a good book. I just get irritated with people who are interested more in themselves and what they can do than in getting the job done pour the job’s sake. Sierra Knight falls into that category.

[Liza · Rating 3 out of 5]

As usual for Kate Bold books, the lead female character is trying to solve the murder of a family member (her mother but could be a sister or friend). The stories are never really bad or really good but readable.

[Josephine Pizzimenti · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great storyline

To be honest this is a good book but Sierra, the lead character really annoyed me. Almost put me off with her constant comparison and need. I persevered simply to find out who the killer was

[Neera Kapahi · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book is fast paced and a riveting read. Special Agent Sierra Knight joined the FBI and is following in her deceased mother’s footsteps.

When a serial killer is targeting a certain type of woman and staging them in a particular way, she and her partner have their work cut out for them.

[Faye Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Kate Bold masterpiece

I love Kate Bold. Truly. Her writing style is beautiful, every word is where it should be, allowing the story to simply unfold in front of you. This story was no different. A beautiful page turner that had me up way past my bedtime.

[Maureen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting characters and a plot that moves well.

I didn’t like bringing in a character at the last minute to solve the case. The ending seemed rushed. I also got a bit tired of hearing Sierra idolizing her mother.

But overall an inter and easy read.

[Linda Hine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Continuous page turner

First time reader, and enjoyed every page.
Characters were realistic and well developed.
Found this thru kindle challenge and appreciate it.
Look forward to reading more.

[Frank · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great procedural on FBI agent

First assignment is behavioral analysis unit. Unteresting case, great characters. And more to come . and lots of other series to boot.

[Bookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

A suspensefully brilliant story with a continuous sequence of chilling events due to a plausibly believable reason!

[sheila m · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good read!

Enjoyed the book. A quick read and interesting characters. I will read more by this author, Kate Bold. Good job on the writing.

[Gregory L Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good and need to read the rest in the series!

[Deborah Ferrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book

It was a good book from beginning to emd. All the characters kept you hooked and wanting to turn the next page.

[Kathy Miller · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good story, but with the grammar and punctuation issues, it distracts from the quality of the story. It was also written in a rather juvenile way.

[Kaz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really do like this author! Good story line and well written