The Rapist Killer: Unleashed: Dr. Tessa Lorde Book One

by Ruby Sloane

In a high-stakes psychological crime thriller, Dr. Tessa Lorde, a renowned psychiatrist and forensic profiler, becomes entangled in a chilling investigation as a serial killer dubbed "The Rapist Killer" targets powerful men known for their infidelities. When the first victim, a U.S. Congressman, is found murdered in his office, Dr. Lorde is called in to help the FBI find their murderer. But as the body count rises, Tessa discovers a shocking all the victims are the husbands of women in her therapy group for wives of these rich and famous men excused by the adoring public from their indiscretions.

Described by witnesses as a woman in blood red high heels, the FBI has to wonder if the killer is one of Dr. Lorde’s own patients. As the killer's methodical approach reveals a twisted sense of justice, Tessa wrestles with her allegiance to her patients while trying to identify the murderer of their husbands. The lines between victim and perpetrator blur as she races against time to prevent the next strike. With her patients' secrets on the line and her involvement on the FBI task force, Tessa must navigate a web of deceit, obsession, and vengeance that threatens to consume them all.

In this gripping tale of retribution and justice, the ultimate question how far will the killer go to exact her vengeance?

393 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 30, 2026

About the author

Ruby Sloane is a Texas-based indie author whose work blends emotional fiction, romantic mystery, psychological suspense, and small-town storytelling. Drawing inspiration from her years counseling abused & neglected children in the foster system and her deep connection to Texas communities, her novels explore resilience, secrets, survival, hope, and the bonds that shape us.

Her growing body of work includes When I Was a Dragon, The Lighthouse Letters, Suzanne’s Locket, and The Rapist Killer trilogy. Her books have reached readers internationally across multiple countries.

At the heart of Ruby’s storytelling is a commitment to emotional realism and community-centered fiction. Her stories explore the relationships, secrets, struggles, and resilience that exist beneath the surface of ordinary lives. Whether writing emotional fiction, romantic mysteries, or psychological suspense, she strives to preserve the feeling of small towns—the way communities remember, protect, heal, and sometimes quietly carry generations of hidden truths.

Reviews

[Rachel Browning · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, I did not see that coming! What a story. “The Rapist Killer Unleashed” by Ruby Sloane is an intense, fast-paced thriller that completely hooked me. The premise alone is gripping, with someone targeting the husbands of Dr. Tessa Lord’s patients and claiming it as vengeance and justice. As Tessa works alongside an FBI task force to track down the killer, the tension keeps building in all the right ways. The twists caught me off guard, and I genuinely couldn’t put it down. Suspenseful, dark, and seriously addictive.

[Desi Stowe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dr. Tessa Lorde is a forensic psychologist for the FBI, working on a string of high-profile murders of men known to have prolific affairs that may or may not be consensual in nature. The FBI is working around the clock off a potential hit list. The book is engaging and keeps you right to the end. Though I suspected the plot twist, I could never be sure, which kept me turning pages past my bedtime.

Caveat: Despite the title, for a serial killer/sexual assault book, this ranks lower on the scale of gore and graphic nature.

[Bridget Hall · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first ARC book and had never heard of this author. This was a fun read if you are like me and enjoy FBI or serial killer books. Do not let the book name deter you. Is a villain always bad, you decide :) I am not someone who needs trigger warnings but I figured with the title I would post it. I look forward to reading more from Ruby Sloane
Trigger warnings: mild violence in crime scene description only, title is a play on words.  Less than 10 mild swear words.  

[Brandy Hernández - Hamil · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Rapist Killer

Omg what a good read. I knew something was up mid way and was happy when I was right at the end!

[Torey · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great, addicting read. The story was well thought out and very interesting, keeping me hooked the whole way through.