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Margot Phalen FBI #3
As Long As She Lives
An addictive new thriller that will have you reading late into the night…
Margot has spent years hunting monsters. Now one of them has found her.
Carissa Withers—the Black Widow of Berkeley—has two months left on death row. Six husbands dead. A decade of calculated murder. Now Withers claims there were more, and she wants to tell Margot all about them.
Margot specializes in coaxing the truth from killers. She knows manipulation when she sees it. This could be a desperate ploy to delay the inevitable. But what if Withers is telling the truth?
The interview should be straightforward. Get the confession. Close the case. Move on.
Instead, there’s something about Carissa that gets under Margot’s skin. As the daughter of one of America’s most prolific serial killers, she’s spent her career proving she’s nothing like him. This case makes her wonder if she knows her own family at all. As the execution clock counts down and new evidence surfaces, soon she’s asking questions she’s been avoiding all her life about the people she loves most.
Margot has spent years hunting monsters. Now one of them has found her.
Carissa Withers—the Black Widow of Berkeley—has two months left on death row. Six husbands dead. A decade of calculated murder. Now Withers claims there were more, and she wants to tell Margot all about them.
Margot specializes in coaxing the truth from killers. She knows manipulation when she sees it. This could be a desperate ploy to delay the inevitable. But what if Withers is telling the truth?
The interview should be straightforward. Get the confession. Close the case. Move on.
Instead, there’s something about Carissa that gets under Margot’s skin. As the daughter of one of America’s most prolific serial killers, she’s spent her career proving she’s nothing like him. This case makes her wonder if she knows her own family at all. As the execution clock counts down and new evidence surfaces, soon she’s asking questions she’s been avoiding all her life about the people she loves most.
278 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 17, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 142 reviews
September 2, 2026
2.5-Stars ^ 3.0-Stars for "As Long A She Lives"
I Nearly "Liked It"
I listened to Book 01 "Tell Me Her Name" but it was a 1-Star DNF @ 41% and I returned the book to Audible.
BUT, Three 5-Stars and two 4-Stars reviews by GR friends of Book 03 "As Long As She Lives" tempted me to try again with this author - maybe I was not concentrating, or whatever, when I listened to Book 01?
So I bought Book 03, listened to the first 52% in one sitting and thought, "This is looking pretty good!" However, my poor oldbrain mind has been out of whack lately and I didn't pick up anything, not even my headphones, for another four days (no wonder I am 8 books behind on my Reading Challenge at the moment!).
When I did, I heard the remaining 48%, again in one sitting, but I was left somewhat bewildered by the ending. I won't mention any "why's" or ask any "what's" here, but I'll just say I was disappointed, because I thought I was 'more-or-less' enjoying the book!
Oh dear, poor old bugger, I hear you say - yeah, that might well be the case, but I 'read', ie, listen, for enjoyment and while I experienced 3-Stars+ enjoyment in the first half, enough to continue the book and not enact the dreaded DNF, I didn't get too many Stars of enjoyment out of the second half. Therefore my overall rating is 2.5-Stars ^ 3.0-Stars -
'I Nearly Liked It' and I wish I had liked it more!
I thought the narration by Lauryn Allman was average to good - it seemed to vary in tone and character interpretation at times and certainly not in the class of, say, January LaVoy. This comment may have been influenced by my being less than impressed by Allman's reading of Book 01.
I want to reiterate a personal point that will be obvious to regular readers: I never sneer at 3-Stars ratings, because I consider 3-Stars to be a very sound rating. It represents 60.0% of the available rating points using the Amazon/Goodreads system. It is neither just a lucky relation of a 2-Stars rating, nor an unlucky relation of a 4-Stars rating. If one wants to make a point for 1/2-Stars, etc, it can be done in the same manner I have adopted in this review.
If you think your rating should be more than 40% (2-Stars), but not as much as 60%(3-Stars) make your point in the text of your review and then deal with the round down/round up dichotomy you have created!
Kate Wiley - Margot Phalen FBI 03 - As Long As She Lives - 2026
Audible Direct: 09:03 Hours - Narrator: Lauryn Allman
Commenced: August 24, 2026 - Finished August 28, 2026
Heard: 09:03 Hours - Balance: 00:00 Hours
I Nearly "Liked It"
I listened to Book 01 "Tell Me Her Name" but it was a 1-Star DNF @ 41% and I returned the book to Audible.
BUT, Three 5-Stars and two 4-Stars reviews by GR friends of Book 03 "As Long As She Lives" tempted me to try again with this author - maybe I was not concentrating, or whatever, when I listened to Book 01?
So I bought Book 03, listened to the first 52% in one sitting and thought, "This is looking pretty good!" However, my poor old
When I did, I heard the remaining 48%, again in one sitting, but I was left somewhat bewildered by the ending. I won't mention any "why's" or ask any "what's" here, but I'll just say I was disappointed, because I thought I was 'more-or-less' enjoying the book!
Oh dear, poor old bugger, I hear you say - yeah, that might well be the case, but I 'read', ie, listen, for enjoyment and while I experienced 3-Stars+ enjoyment in the first half, enough to continue the book and not enact the dreaded DNF, I didn't get too many Stars of enjoyment out of the second half. Therefore my overall rating is 2.5-Stars ^ 3.0-Stars -
'I Nearly Liked It' and I wish I had liked it more!
I thought the narration by Lauryn Allman was average to good - it seemed to vary in tone and character interpretation at times and certainly not in the class of, say, January LaVoy. This comment may have been influenced by my being less than impressed by Allman's reading of Book 01.
I want to reiterate a personal point that will be obvious to regular readers: I never sneer at 3-Stars ratings, because I consider 3-Stars to be a very sound rating. It represents 60.0% of the available rating points using the Amazon/Goodreads system. It is neither just a lucky relation of a 2-Stars rating, nor an unlucky relation of a 4-Stars rating. If one wants to make a point for 1/2-Stars, etc, it can be done in the same manner I have adopted in this review.
If you think your rating should be more than 40% (2-Stars), but not as much as 60%(3-Stars) make your point in the text of your review and then deal with the round down/round up dichotomy you have created!
Kate Wiley - Margot Phalen FBI 03 - As Long As She Lives - 2026
Audible Direct: 09:03 Hours - Narrator: Lauryn Allman
Commenced: August 24, 2026 - Finished August 28, 2026
Heard: 09:03 Hours - Balance: 00:00 Hours
August 17, 2026
Three books in, and the series is just getting started.
Carissa Withers, the so-called Black Widow of Berkeley, has two months left on death row after being convicted of murdering her six husbands. Now she's claiming there were more victims - and she wants to tell FBI Special Agent Margot Phalen all about them. Margot isn't just investigating cold cases for the FBI, she is also the daughter of one of the most prolific serial killers the country has ever seen. What starts as a straightforward interview between the two women soon turns into an investigation into cold cases and buried secrets, all while Margot is forced to confront questions about her family she has spent her entire life avoiding.
Three books into Kate Wiley's Margot Phalen FBI series (which follows Margot's earlier detective series, which is absolutely worth reading first as well), what could easily have started to feel formulaic instead remains fresh and absolutely gripping. Wiley keeps finding new ways to explore Margot's complicated relationship with serial killers and, inevitably, with her own family history.
Once again, I could not stop reading. The combination of an intriguing female serial killer, the ongoing investigation into a killer still at large whose crimes have haunted Margot since book one, and Margot's own family issues gives the story plenty of momentum, while Margot herself remains the main reason I keep coming back to this series. She is one of my favorite crime-solving crime-solving protagonists, and I will happily keep following her from one case to the next.
One thing worth noting: while the main case involving Carissa Withers is definitely a standalone, it's worth reading the series in order.
With perfect pacing, complex characters, and multiple mysteries (not all of which are solved by the book's end), As Long As She Lives is another addictive addition to the series - chilling, fresh, and absolutely unputdownable. At this point, I have officially stopped pretending I'm going to pace myself with these books. Is it too soon to impatiently wait for the next installment?
Many thanks to Storm Publishing for providing me with an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
"As Long As She Lives" was published on August 17, 2026, and is available now.
Carissa Withers, the so-called Black Widow of Berkeley, has two months left on death row after being convicted of murdering her six husbands. Now she's claiming there were more victims - and she wants to tell FBI Special Agent Margot Phalen all about them. Margot isn't just investigating cold cases for the FBI, she is also the daughter of one of the most prolific serial killers the country has ever seen. What starts as a straightforward interview between the two women soon turns into an investigation into cold cases and buried secrets, all while Margot is forced to confront questions about her family she has spent her entire life avoiding.
Three books into Kate Wiley's Margot Phalen FBI series (which follows Margot's earlier detective series, which is absolutely worth reading first as well), what could easily have started to feel formulaic instead remains fresh and absolutely gripping. Wiley keeps finding new ways to explore Margot's complicated relationship with serial killers and, inevitably, with her own family history.
Once again, I could not stop reading. The combination of an intriguing female serial killer, the ongoing investigation into a killer still at large whose crimes have haunted Margot since book one, and Margot's own family issues gives the story plenty of momentum, while Margot herself remains the main reason I keep coming back to this series. She is one of my favorite crime-solving crime-solving protagonists, and I will happily keep following her from one case to the next.
One thing worth noting: while the main case involving Carissa Withers is definitely a standalone, it's worth reading the series in order.
With perfect pacing, complex characters, and multiple mysteries (not all of which are solved by the book's end), As Long As She Lives is another addictive addition to the series - chilling, fresh, and absolutely unputdownable. At this point, I have officially stopped pretending I'm going to pace myself with these books. Is it too soon to impatiently wait for the next installment?
Many thanks to Storm Publishing for providing me with an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
"As Long As She Lives" was published on August 17, 2026, and is available now.
September 15, 2026
Margot is with a team from the FBI that investigates cold cases that they suspect were victims of serial killers already locked up and waiting on death row, and Margot if very good at talking to these monsters of society, that might have something to do with her own serial killer father, but when she receives a letter from a female serial killer Carissa Withers, known as the Black Widow of Berkley who is just about to be put to death she is intrigued there were no cases on their desk that could be linked to her but she will go and see her.
The meeting is organized but there is only a very short time that Margot has to interview Carissa and what she discovers will make Margot think seriously about whether she is telling the truth and also makes her think about her own family.
Margot ends up in Florida talking to a detective that had something to do with Carissa’s first victim and this opens up perhaps one that she hadn’t bought up before her execution and then she gets a call from her brother David and goes to Phoenix what she discovers is shocking and only makes her think what this could all mean for her family.
This is another fabulous installment in this series and I loved it and very much and I looking forward to the next one with a hint of maybe closure on another case that Margot has been looking into when it affected her partner Wes not long ago. The author pulled me in and kept me turning the pages, I think Margot is one of the best after all she has been through, I do highly recommend this one and the series.
My thanks to Storm Publishing and Netgalley for my copy to read and review.
The meeting is organized but there is only a very short time that Margot has to interview Carissa and what she discovers will make Margot think seriously about whether she is telling the truth and also makes her think about her own family.
Margot ends up in Florida talking to a detective that had something to do with Carissa’s first victim and this opens up perhaps one that she hadn’t bought up before her execution and then she gets a call from her brother David and goes to Phoenix what she discovers is shocking and only makes her think what this could all mean for her family.
This is another fabulous installment in this series and I loved it and very much and I looking forward to the next one with a hint of maybe closure on another case that Margot has been looking into when it affected her partner Wes not long ago. The author pulled me in and kept me turning the pages, I think Margot is one of the best after all she has been through, I do highly recommend this one and the series.
My thanks to Storm Publishing and Netgalley for my copy to read and review.
August 1, 2026
I couldn’t put this book down. Definitely one of my favorite Margot books. I can’t wait to for the next book. The ending of this one left two major plots open. I can’t wait. The Carissa Withers case was so interesting. I wish we knew more but also understand kind of why we don’t.
Great read! Can’t wait for the next book.
Great read! Can’t wait for the next book.
August 3, 2026
At this point, I've officially decided Kate Wiley is an auto-read author for me.
While this is part of a series, I think the author does a fantastic job weaving in just enough background that new readers won't feel lost. That said...the series is so good that I'd still recommend reading it in order to fully appreciate Margot's journey. I devoured this in less than 24 hours because I simply couldn't put it down. The pacing is fantastic, the suspense builds beautifully, and every chapter seemed to reveal another piece of the puzzle. I especially loved that we continue learning more about Margot's life, both past and present. Those glimpses into her personal story add so much depth and make me even more invested in where this series is headed. The interviews with Carissa had me completely hooked. Is she telling the truth? Is she manipulating everyone one last time? I was questioning everything right alongside Margot, and I loved every minute of it.
And then...that ending.
Kate Wiley really looked at us, smiled, and said, "Here's TWO cliffhangers. Good luck waiting for the next book." 😭😂 I immediately needed the sequel. If you love profiler stories, serial killer psychology, morally complex characters, and thrillers that balance an addictive case with an equally compelling ongoing character arc, this series absolutely deserves a spot on your TBR. I cannot wait to see where Margot's story goes next.
While this is part of a series, I think the author does a fantastic job weaving in just enough background that new readers won't feel lost. That said...the series is so good that I'd still recommend reading it in order to fully appreciate Margot's journey. I devoured this in less than 24 hours because I simply couldn't put it down. The pacing is fantastic, the suspense builds beautifully, and every chapter seemed to reveal another piece of the puzzle. I especially loved that we continue learning more about Margot's life, both past and present. Those glimpses into her personal story add so much depth and make me even more invested in where this series is headed. The interviews with Carissa had me completely hooked. Is she telling the truth? Is she manipulating everyone one last time? I was questioning everything right alongside Margot, and I loved every minute of it.
And then...that ending.
Kate Wiley really looked at us, smiled, and said, "Here's TWO cliffhangers. Good luck waiting for the next book." 😭😂 I immediately needed the sequel. If you love profiler stories, serial killer psychology, morally complex characters, and thrillers that balance an addictive case with an equally compelling ongoing character arc, this series absolutely deserves a spot on your TBR. I cannot wait to see where Margot's story goes next.
August 31, 2026
Thank you to Net Galley and Storm Publishing for the ARC of this title.
When I started reading this book I didn’t realize it was part of a series. I did enjoy the writing and Margot is a very likable character. She’s very intelligent and so good at her job. I may go back and read the first two books so that this makes more sense. But with just reading this book, it was a solid story.
When I started reading this book I didn’t realize it was part of a series. I did enjoy the writing and Margot is a very likable character. She’s very intelligent and so good at her job. I may go back and read the first two books so that this makes more sense. But with just reading this book, it was a solid story.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this brilliant book in an amazing series
margot is back and shes received a letter from a prisoner in chinchilla.... a womans prison.... the woman in question carissa withers aka the black widow of berkeley
carissa is on death row and her termination is due very soon.... the warden of the prison isnt allowing anyone to visit her but the fbi are granted one hour and only that hour...
margot has her work cut out for her as normally they have months to build a picture up and now they are going in blind because why would someone contact them for no reason....
ohhh man this book has you sitting on the edge of your seat with all the drama that enfolds within the pages of this book...so many red herrings and clues
i cant get enough of this author and her books and i await the next book avidly
margot is back and shes received a letter from a prisoner in chinchilla.... a womans prison.... the woman in question carissa withers aka the black widow of berkeley
carissa is on death row and her termination is due very soon.... the warden of the prison isnt allowing anyone to visit her but the fbi are granted one hour and only that hour...
margot has her work cut out for her as normally they have months to build a picture up and now they are going in blind because why would someone contact them for no reason....
ohhh man this book has you sitting on the edge of your seat with all the drama that enfolds within the pages of this book...so many red herrings and clues
i cant get enough of this author and her books and i await the next book avidly
July 25, 2026
DANG Kate Wiley, you did it again.
At this point, picking up a Margot Phalen book feels less like starting a new novel and more like clocking in with the FBI, except thankfully I get snackies and don't have to interview serial killers myself.
This time, Margot is pulled into a case that feels completely different from the previous books. Instead of chasing a serial killer who's still out there, she's sitting face-to-face with one. Carissa Withers, the infamous "Black Widow of Berkeley," is on death row when she suddenly claims she has more victims than anyone ever knew but she'll only tell Margot the truth.
What I loved most about this case is that it isn't your typical "go catch the bad guy" thriller. It's a psychological game of chess. Every interview had me wondering whether Carissa was finally telling the truth or just manipulating everyone around her one last time.
I've also grown so attached to Margot, her team, and even the little slice-of-life moments with Wes. Those quieter scenes give you a chance to breathe before the next "well... that's horrifying" moment, and they make the characters feel like real people instead of detectives who exist only to solve murders.
Now I just have one question... Kate, are we done? Or are you planning to feed my Margot addiction? Because if this is the end, I'm going to need to file a complaint. There are still so many stories left to tell, and I'm absolutely not ready to say goodbye to this crew.
If you've made it this far into the series, this book absolutely delivers. Great characters, another fascinating case, and enough psychological cat-and-mouse to keep me glued to the pages.
Now please excuse me while I sit here hoping Book #4 magically appears so I can keep on reading about my (bestie) Margot.
Thank you Netgalley for this amazing ARC!
At this point, picking up a Margot Phalen book feels less like starting a new novel and more like clocking in with the FBI, except thankfully I get snackies and don't have to interview serial killers myself.
This time, Margot is pulled into a case that feels completely different from the previous books. Instead of chasing a serial killer who's still out there, she's sitting face-to-face with one. Carissa Withers, the infamous "Black Widow of Berkeley," is on death row when she suddenly claims she has more victims than anyone ever knew but she'll only tell Margot the truth.
What I loved most about this case is that it isn't your typical "go catch the bad guy" thriller. It's a psychological game of chess. Every interview had me wondering whether Carissa was finally telling the truth or just manipulating everyone around her one last time.
I've also grown so attached to Margot, her team, and even the little slice-of-life moments with Wes. Those quieter scenes give you a chance to breathe before the next "well... that's horrifying" moment, and they make the characters feel like real people instead of detectives who exist only to solve murders.
Now I just have one question... Kate, are we done? Or are you planning to feed my Margot addiction? Because if this is the end, I'm going to need to file a complaint. There are still so many stories left to tell, and I'm absolutely not ready to say goodbye to this crew.
If you've made it this far into the series, this book absolutely delivers. Great characters, another fascinating case, and enough psychological cat-and-mouse to keep me glued to the pages.
Now please excuse me while I sit here hoping Book #4 magically appears so I can keep on reading about my (bestie) Margot.
Thank you Netgalley for this amazing ARC!
August 18, 2026
Margot Phalen grew up with a monster that she called Dad. So, she has a unique ability or insight into a serial killer's mind. She sees things others might overlook. Carissa Withers, the Black Widow of Berkley, wants to see Margot because she claims she has more victims that no one knows about. She has specifically asked for Margot and her only. She only has a few months left to live before her execution, so, needless to say, Margot is not quite sure she believes her. What she learns from Carissa will chill your core.
This book had me hooked from the first chapter, which is usually the case in this series. I inhaled it in less than 24 hours forgetting about sleep just so I could get to the end. With every page, the tension and suspense built to the point that I wanted to scream at the book. Then, as is this author's style, she left me with a cliffhanger that made me literally scream and moan asking why did you do this to me? Bring on the next book sooner rather than later.
Thank you to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This book had me hooked from the first chapter, which is usually the case in this series. I inhaled it in less than 24 hours forgetting about sleep just so I could get to the end. With every page, the tension and suspense built to the point that I wanted to scream at the book. Then, as is this author's style, she left me with a cliffhanger that made me literally scream and moan asking why did you do this to me? Bring on the next book sooner rather than later.
Thank you to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 1, 2026
I’ve really enjoyed the Margot Phalen series, and As Long As She Lives was another solid addition. The premise immediately hooked me - a death row serial killer claiming she has more to confess - and the psychological back-and-forth between Margot and Carissa made for a tense, compelling read.
The mystery unfolded at a good pace, with enough twists to keep me guessing without feeling overcomplicated. I’ve become really invested in Margot’s life and the people around her, so I enjoy the way the series continues to develop those relationships alongside the investigations. It adds an extra layer to the story and makes me even more eager to pick up the next book.
The only reason this wasn’t quite a five-star read for me is that I felt the ending wrapped up a little too quickly, and I wanted a bit more from a couple of the reveals. Even so, it was an engaging, fast-paced thriller that kept me turning the pages, and I’m already looking forward to the next Margot Phalen book.
The mystery unfolded at a good pace, with enough twists to keep me guessing without feeling overcomplicated. I’ve become really invested in Margot’s life and the people around her, so I enjoy the way the series continues to develop those relationships alongside the investigations. It adds an extra layer to the story and makes me even more eager to pick up the next book.
The only reason this wasn’t quite a five-star read for me is that I felt the ending wrapped up a little too quickly, and I wanted a bit more from a couple of the reveals. Even so, it was an engaging, fast-paced thriller that kept me turning the pages, and I’m already looking forward to the next Margot Phalen book.
August 23, 2026
Margot receives a letter from a female serial killer who'll be executed in a short time and who wants to speak to her. Carissa, the inmate, has an interesting and seductive personality and although she seems to have a reasonable explanation for every kill she has done, Margot sees in her the same traits she observes in the male serial killers. She relishes to tell about how she killed people and wants to be remembered and praised about it. The thing is Margot still suffers from PTSD and this case will have her treading a very thin line between reality and her fears. As Long as She Lives has a good plot, is well written, it's fast-paced, but it ends in a major cliffhanger, which makes me ask the author to please, please, deliver the next book asap.
I thank Ms. Wiley, her publisher, and NetGalley for this ARC.
I thank Ms. Wiley, her publisher, and NetGalley for this ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Another outstanding installment in the Margot Phalen FBI series! If you’ve been following me for a while, you already know I am a sucker for a good serial killer series, and Kate Wiley never disappoints.
As Long As She Lives is dark, tense, and packed with the kind of slow building suspense that kept me completely invested from beginning to end. Every chapter raised the stakes, making it impossible to put down.
I definitely recommend reading this series in order so you can fully appreciate Margot Phalen’s character growth and everything she is been through. That said, Kate Wiley does a wonderful job providing enough background that new readers won’t feel lost if they decide to jump in here.
Whether you are already a fan of the series or looking for your next gripping FBI thriller, do yourself a favor and add this one to your TBR. You won’t regret it.
Thank you so much to Storm Publishing and Kate Wiley for my eARC via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
As Long As She Lives is dark, tense, and packed with the kind of slow building suspense that kept me completely invested from beginning to end. Every chapter raised the stakes, making it impossible to put down.
I definitely recommend reading this series in order so you can fully appreciate Margot Phalen’s character growth and everything she is been through. That said, Kate Wiley does a wonderful job providing enough background that new readers won’t feel lost if they decide to jump in here.
Whether you are already a fan of the series or looking for your next gripping FBI thriller, do yourself a favor and add this one to your TBR. You won’t regret it.
Thank you so much to Storm Publishing and Kate Wiley for my eARC via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
July 25, 2026
Pub Date Aug 17 2026
ARC: Storm Publishing & NetGallery
Book 3 of Margot Phalen FBI Series
FBI Margot Phalan works with incarcerated serial killers to help solve cold cases. She receives a letter from death row inmate Carissa Withers who wants to get things off her chest before her time ends.
This book is another great addition to this book series. The pacing flowed very well, the plot was addicting and knowing more about Carissa past was interesting.
They even mention the other serial killer running a muck with their own chapters.
Beware it ends on a cliffhanger!!
ARC: Storm Publishing & NetGallery
Book 3 of Margot Phalen FBI Series
FBI Margot Phalan works with incarcerated serial killers to help solve cold cases. She receives a letter from death row inmate Carissa Withers who wants to get things off her chest before her time ends.
This book is another great addition to this book series. The pacing flowed very well, the plot was addicting and knowing more about Carissa past was interesting.
They even mention the other serial killer running a muck with their own chapters.
Beware it ends on a cliffhanger!!
August 3, 2026
Dla mnie najsłabsza cześć so far. Bardzo nudna było kilka wątków ale żaden nie został zamknięty wyjaśniony zabrakło mi tu głębi plot twist czegokolwiek. Za duży chaos za mało odpowiedzi. Ja rozumiem że to cześć większej historii ale to był totalny filler nic z tego nie wynikało.
Było to inne niż poprzednie książki przez co nudniejsze a potencjał bardzo zmarnowany
Było to inne niż poprzednie książki przez co nudniejsze a potencjał bardzo zmarnowany
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
As Long As She Lives by Kate Wiley
Synopsis /
Margot has spent years hunting monsters. Now one of them has found her.
Carissa Withers—the Black Widow of Berkeley—has two months left on death row. Six husbands dead. A decade of calculated murder. Now Withers claims there were more, and she wants to tell Margot all about them.
Margot specializes in coaxing the truth from killers. She knows manipulation when she sees it. This could be a desperate ploy to delay the inevitable. But what if Withers is telling the truth?
The interview should be straightforward. Get the confession. Close the case. Move on.
Instead, there’s something about Carissa that gets under Margot’s skin. As the daughter of one of America’s most prolific serial killers, she’s spent her career proving she’s nothing like him. This case makes her wonder if she knows her own family at all. As the execution clock counts down and new evidence surfaces, soon she’s asking questions she’s been avoiding all her life about the people she loves most.
My Thoughts /
First and foremost, a huge THANK YOU to NetGalley, Storm Publishing and author, Kate Wiley for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.
I spy with my little eye….
A new Margot Phalen FBI Thriller!!
What the eyes see and the ears hear, the mind believes.
-- Harry Houdini
For this reader, author Kate Wiley remains flawless — at least when it comes to her Margot Phalen series.
In the "original" five book series (Detective Margot Phalen) Wiley introduces the reader to Margot as a homicide detective with the San Francisco Police Department. The central (and chilling) hook of the series is Margot's backstory – she's the daughter of America's most prolific serial killer, Ed Finch. She has spent her life trying to outrun his shadow, changed her name, and made amends by catching monsters, only for her imprisoned father to continuously drag her into a psychological cat-and-mouse game.
Now readers get to enjoy the next era – with Wiley seamlessly transitioning Detective Margot Phalen into an FBI Special Agent working with the FBI's cold case team.
In As Long As She Lives, the stakes again become deeply personal when Phalen is pulled into the orbit of Carissa Withers. Withers, an inmate on death row, has only months to live before a lethal injection will end her life. In what might be thought of as a 'delay' tactic, Withers reaches out to the FBI with a teaser…. There are more bodies she's buried that haven't yet been found.
What makes the plot truly shine is that it avoids the formulaic pitfalls of a standard procedural. Instead, it evolves into an intense, psychological duel of manipulation. Margot's mission is straightforward: extract the locations of the missing victims and close the case. However Carissa, a master manipulator who has absolutely nothing to lose, weaponizes Margot’s darkest secret—the fact that she is the daughter of Ed Finch, one of America's most notorious serial killers.
Wiley has proven time and time again that her character development is nothing short of masterful. She excels at crafting realistic, multidimensional characters who evolve through deep motivations, rich backstories, and gripping external conflicts. Through evocative details and a razor-sharp style, Wiley breathes life into every scene, pulling the audience into the lived experience of her characters.
Her style of writing is essentially the literary equivalent of a high-speed chase. It works because it prioritises momentum and visceral reactions over flowery prose; using short, punchy sentences and ending off chapters on little cliffhangers; creating a 'just one more page' loop that makes the book impossible to put down.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to one of my favourite publishers, Storm Publishing 💗 for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date is currently set for August 17, 2026.
Synopsis /
Margot has spent years hunting monsters. Now one of them has found her.
Carissa Withers—the Black Widow of Berkeley—has two months left on death row. Six husbands dead. A decade of calculated murder. Now Withers claims there were more, and she wants to tell Margot all about them.
Margot specializes in coaxing the truth from killers. She knows manipulation when she sees it. This could be a desperate ploy to delay the inevitable. But what if Withers is telling the truth?
The interview should be straightforward. Get the confession. Close the case. Move on.
Instead, there’s something about Carissa that gets under Margot’s skin. As the daughter of one of America’s most prolific serial killers, she’s spent her career proving she’s nothing like him. This case makes her wonder if she knows her own family at all. As the execution clock counts down and new evidence surfaces, soon she’s asking questions she’s been avoiding all her life about the people she loves most.
My Thoughts /
First and foremost, a huge THANK YOU to NetGalley, Storm Publishing and author, Kate Wiley for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.
I spy with my little eye….
A new Margot Phalen FBI Thriller!!
What the eyes see and the ears hear, the mind believes.
-- Harry Houdini
For this reader, author Kate Wiley remains flawless — at least when it comes to her Margot Phalen series.
In the "original" five book series (Detective Margot Phalen) Wiley introduces the reader to Margot as a homicide detective with the San Francisco Police Department. The central (and chilling) hook of the series is Margot's backstory – she's the daughter of America's most prolific serial killer, Ed Finch. She has spent her life trying to outrun his shadow, changed her name, and made amends by catching monsters, only for her imprisoned father to continuously drag her into a psychological cat-and-mouse game.
Now readers get to enjoy the next era – with Wiley seamlessly transitioning Detective Margot Phalen into an FBI Special Agent working with the FBI's cold case team.
In As Long As She Lives, the stakes again become deeply personal when Phalen is pulled into the orbit of Carissa Withers. Withers, an inmate on death row, has only months to live before a lethal injection will end her life. In what might be thought of as a 'delay' tactic, Withers reaches out to the FBI with a teaser…. There are more bodies she's buried that haven't yet been found.
What makes the plot truly shine is that it avoids the formulaic pitfalls of a standard procedural. Instead, it evolves into an intense, psychological duel of manipulation. Margot's mission is straightforward: extract the locations of the missing victims and close the case. However Carissa, a master manipulator who has absolutely nothing to lose, weaponizes Margot’s darkest secret—the fact that she is the daughter of Ed Finch, one of America's most notorious serial killers.
Wiley has proven time and time again that her character development is nothing short of masterful. She excels at crafting realistic, multidimensional characters who evolve through deep motivations, rich backstories, and gripping external conflicts. Through evocative details and a razor-sharp style, Wiley breathes life into every scene, pulling the audience into the lived experience of her characters.
Her style of writing is essentially the literary equivalent of a high-speed chase. It works because it prioritises momentum and visceral reactions over flowery prose; using short, punchy sentences and ending off chapters on little cliffhangers; creating a 'just one more page' loop that makes the book impossible to put down.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to one of my favourite publishers, Storm Publishing 💗 for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date is currently set for August 17, 2026.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Amazing. I need more.... ASAP!
Full review to come.
Like every other book Kate Wiley has written, this one was amazing.
As soon as I got the invite to read this, I dropped everything else in my life and started reading. I love this series!
There was a lot going on in this 3rd installment of the Margot Phalen FBI series and a lot to take in.
First, we had Carissa, a female serial killer who wanted to see Margot before she was executed. Carissa wrote Margot a letter asking her to come see her before her execution to get a few things cleared up. After a bunch of red tape and negotiating with Chowchilla Prison, Margot was allowed to go see Carissa, but there were many stipulations in place. Margot had to come alone and only had one hour to learn what Carissa had to share. Obviously, one hour wasn't enough, and Margot left the meeting, having learned a few things but having many questions left unanswered.
Carissa was an interesting character, and despite having a few chapters dedicated to her past, I really wish we could have had more time with her also.
In the meantime, we have Margot taking a quick trip home to have some time with Wes, who we didn't see nearly enough of in this book.
Next, Margot's brother David calls her saying he's not doing so well, so Margot flies off to Phoenix to find David and try and help him. When she gets there, David looks like he's on death's door and is living in a hoarder type situation. Margot spends a few days trying to clean David's place while David sleeps in Margot's hotel. While sleeping David starts saying some pretty messed up things which makes Margot think back to the time when he showed up to her place with what she thought was blood on his shoes but David explained away as being paint.
Margot also flies to Florida to try and put to rest some of the things Carissa disclosed to her. She meets up with Lieutenant Mike, who is a bonafied creep bag, but knew Carissa in the past, and while there gets put into a shady situation by Creepy Lt. Mike. I have questions regarding a certain red-headed officer in Florida and am keen to see if that was just a one-off or if it turns out to be something in the future.
From there, Margot flies back to Phoenix to try to sort some things out with David and finds his apartment empty and totally cleaned up and refreshed, with no clue where her brother went.
During all of this, we have chapters and little bits and pieces of our Israel Keyes type killer up in Alaska doing his serial killer thing.
So there was a lot to unpack and follow along with. I found this book to be more of Margot on her own than we've seen in the past, which was interesting. I flew through this book in one sitting and honestly couldn't get enough. I wish it had been longer and that we could have seen more of Margot with Carissa and Margot with Wes.
My only complaint is that now I'm feeling like I didn't get enough and need more, and now I have to wait for the next book to be written and released.
As always, I recommend this book to anyone and everyone and encourage readers to check out the Detective Margot Phalen series, which has 5 amazing books, followed by the first two Margot Phalen FBI books.
Thank you to Netgalley, Storm Publishing, and of course, the talented Kate Wiley for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Full review to come.
Like every other book Kate Wiley has written, this one was amazing.
As soon as I got the invite to read this, I dropped everything else in my life and started reading. I love this series!
There was a lot going on in this 3rd installment of the Margot Phalen FBI series and a lot to take in.
First, we had Carissa, a female serial killer who wanted to see Margot before she was executed. Carissa wrote Margot a letter asking her to come see her before her execution to get a few things cleared up. After a bunch of red tape and negotiating with Chowchilla Prison, Margot was allowed to go see Carissa, but there were many stipulations in place. Margot had to come alone and only had one hour to learn what Carissa had to share. Obviously, one hour wasn't enough, and Margot left the meeting, having learned a few things but having many questions left unanswered.
Carissa was an interesting character, and despite having a few chapters dedicated to her past, I really wish we could have had more time with her also.
In the meantime, we have Margot taking a quick trip home to have some time with Wes, who we didn't see nearly enough of in this book.
Next, Margot's brother David calls her saying he's not doing so well, so Margot flies off to Phoenix to find David and try and help him. When she gets there, David looks like he's on death's door and is living in a hoarder type situation. Margot spends a few days trying to clean David's place while David sleeps in Margot's hotel. While sleeping David starts saying some pretty messed up things which makes Margot think back to the time when he showed up to her place with what she thought was blood on his shoes but David explained away as being paint.
Margot also flies to Florida to try and put to rest some of the things Carissa disclosed to her. She meets up with Lieutenant Mike, who is a bonafied creep bag, but knew Carissa in the past, and while there gets put into a shady situation by Creepy Lt. Mike. I have questions regarding a certain red-headed officer in Florida and am keen to see if that was just a one-off or if it turns out to be something in the future.
From there, Margot flies back to Phoenix to try to sort some things out with David and finds his apartment empty and totally cleaned up and refreshed, with no clue where her brother went.
During all of this, we have chapters and little bits and pieces of our Israel Keyes type killer up in Alaska doing his serial killer thing.
So there was a lot to unpack and follow along with. I found this book to be more of Margot on her own than we've seen in the past, which was interesting. I flew through this book in one sitting and honestly couldn't get enough. I wish it had been longer and that we could have seen more of Margot with Carissa and Margot with Wes.
My only complaint is that now I'm feeling like I didn't get enough and need more, and now I have to wait for the next book to be written and released.
As always, I recommend this book to anyone and everyone and encourage readers to check out the Detective Margot Phalen series, which has 5 amazing books, followed by the first two Margot Phalen FBI books.
Thank you to Netgalley, Storm Publishing, and of course, the talented Kate Wiley for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 21, 2026
★★★★☆
I have had such a great run with this series, so diving into the third instalment felt like stepping straight back into familiar territory after rating the first two books 4.5 and 4 stars.
In this one, FBI profiler Margot Phalen is called to interview Carissa Withers, known as the Black Widow of Berkeley, who has only two months left on death row for murdering six husbands. Withers claims there are more victims to confess to, but she will only speak to Margot. While Margot suspects manipulation designed to delay the execution date, Carissa’s revelations quickly begin unearthing dark family ties and questions Margot has spent her life running from as the daughter of a serial killer herself.
What stood out to me most was how Kate Wiley uses Margot not as the sole focus, but as an anchor to tell the stories of these horrific crimes. Carissa's narrative completely fascinated me. She was so complex that I could never quite figure her out, to the point where I genuinely wished we had a whole book dedicated to her perspective, particularly during her marriages. While I understand why certain cards had to be kept close to the chest for suspense, I still found myself wanting more time inside her head.
The overarching mystery also took a significant step forward here. In my review of book two, I mentioned feeling frustrated that the overarching thread was lingering without much movement, so I was relieved that we finally received substantial pieces of that puzzle. Hopefully, it becomes the central focus of book four rather than dragging across several more instalments, because my patience only goes so far.
My main critique centres on the subplot involving Margot’s brother, David. His storyline feels a bit abrupt when it surfaces, and I found it strange how quickly everyone seemed willing to consider that he could also be a serial killer on very little actual proof. On a more personal note, I really wanted more of Wes. When Margot was dealing with her brother and Wes offered to come down and support her, I caught myself groaning out loud that she brushed him off with a stubborn "I'm fine" instead of letting him help.
While the Carissa Withers case works reasonably well as a standalone investigation, with just enough background woven in so newcomers won't feel lost, I still recommend reading the series in order. The ending leaves two major plot threads wide open, and you would miss out on the emotional weight of Margot's family history without that foundation. I am definitely eager to see where the next book takes us.
Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the ARC.
I have had such a great run with this series, so diving into the third instalment felt like stepping straight back into familiar territory after rating the first two books 4.5 and 4 stars.
In this one, FBI profiler Margot Phalen is called to interview Carissa Withers, known as the Black Widow of Berkeley, who has only two months left on death row for murdering six husbands. Withers claims there are more victims to confess to, but she will only speak to Margot. While Margot suspects manipulation designed to delay the execution date, Carissa’s revelations quickly begin unearthing dark family ties and questions Margot has spent her life running from as the daughter of a serial killer herself.
What stood out to me most was how Kate Wiley uses Margot not as the sole focus, but as an anchor to tell the stories of these horrific crimes. Carissa's narrative completely fascinated me. She was so complex that I could never quite figure her out, to the point where I genuinely wished we had a whole book dedicated to her perspective, particularly during her marriages. While I understand why certain cards had to be kept close to the chest for suspense, I still found myself wanting more time inside her head.
The overarching mystery also took a significant step forward here. In my review of book two, I mentioned feeling frustrated that the overarching thread was lingering without much movement, so I was relieved that we finally received substantial pieces of that puzzle. Hopefully, it becomes the central focus of book four rather than dragging across several more instalments, because my patience only goes so far.
My main critique centres on the subplot involving Margot’s brother, David. His storyline feels a bit abrupt when it surfaces, and I found it strange how quickly everyone seemed willing to consider that he could also be a serial killer on very little actual proof. On a more personal note, I really wanted more of Wes. When Margot was dealing with her brother and Wes offered to come down and support her, I caught myself groaning out loud that she brushed him off with a stubborn "I'm fine" instead of letting him help.
While the Carissa Withers case works reasonably well as a standalone investigation, with just enough background woven in so newcomers won't feel lost, I still recommend reading the series in order. The ending leaves two major plot threads wide open, and you would miss out on the emotional weight of Margot's family history without that foundation. I am definitely eager to see where the next book takes us.
Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the ARC.
August 14, 2026
3⭐ because of the second storyline!
I have enjoyed the Margot Phalen series, and was looking forward to this one. Unfortunately, it didn't quite work for me the way the others have.
This installment was a little different than previous books. Margot receives a letter from Carissa Withers. Carissa is on death row, and her date is coming up very soon. She murdered 6 husbands, but wants to talk to Margot to share more information. She tells Margot about other murders that she was responsible for, but were ruled an accident. She also asks Margot to talk to the detective that was looking into the first murder she supposedly committed. Margot meets with the detective, and he always suspected that Carissa was responsible for the death of an undercover cop.
Along with this, we have an anonymous killer in Alaska. The chapters switch back and forth, between Margot and Carissa, to this killer. I found I was much more interested in this storyline, and thought it might connect to Carissa- but I was wrong.
And then we have Margot worrying about her brother David. He has had a hard life after the arrest of their serial killing father. HE calls Margot out of the blue to say he needs her help. However, when Margot gets to Arizona, he is in rough shape, and non communicative. He says some strange things in his sleep that has Margot thinking he might be a killer. Then he disappears.
So... Margot is still a very strong character, and I continue to like her. The relationship between she and Wes is nice, but does not overshadow the story.
This fell flat for me due to the fact that I was not invested at all in Carissa's story. And the "twist" was not shocking. It seemed to be more "filler" than an actual story. Add to that the second storyline, that was more interesting, but gave no clues about the person. And her suspicion of David just seemed to come out of nowhere. And I really like my mysteries, even in series, to have a conclusion. This one ended on a cliffhanger and deals with the second story line. This might have worked for me if somehow Clarissa's story was connected- but it was not. So it all felt very disjointed.
I will read the next book, because I have really liked the others, and I want to see where this is going. I am really an outlier on this review, and all opinions are my own!!
Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the ARC. This is my honest and voluntary review.
I have enjoyed the Margot Phalen series, and was looking forward to this one. Unfortunately, it didn't quite work for me the way the others have.
This installment was a little different than previous books. Margot receives a letter from Carissa Withers. Carissa is on death row, and her date is coming up very soon. She murdered 6 husbands, but wants to talk to Margot to share more information. She tells Margot about other murders that she was responsible for, but were ruled an accident. She also asks Margot to talk to the detective that was looking into the first murder she supposedly committed. Margot meets with the detective, and he always suspected that Carissa was responsible for the death of an undercover cop.
Along with this, we have an anonymous killer in Alaska. The chapters switch back and forth, between Margot and Carissa, to this killer. I found I was much more interested in this storyline, and thought it might connect to Carissa- but I was wrong.
And then we have Margot worrying about her brother David. He has had a hard life after the arrest of their serial killing father. HE calls Margot out of the blue to say he needs her help. However, when Margot gets to Arizona, he is in rough shape, and non communicative. He says some strange things in his sleep that has Margot thinking he might be a killer. Then he disappears.
So... Margot is still a very strong character, and I continue to like her. The relationship between she and Wes is nice, but does not overshadow the story.
This fell flat for me due to the fact that I was not invested at all in Carissa's story. And the "twist" was not shocking. It seemed to be more "filler" than an actual story. Add to that the second storyline, that was more interesting, but gave no clues about the person. And her suspicion of David just seemed to come out of nowhere. And I really like my mysteries, even in series, to have a conclusion. This one ended on a cliffhanger and deals with the second story line. This might have worked for me if somehow Clarissa's story was connected- but it was not. So it all felt very disjointed.
I will read the next book, because I have really liked the others, and I want to see where this is going. I am really an outlier on this review, and all opinions are my own!!
Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the ARC. This is my honest and voluntary review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Talk about being left hanging...... As Long As She Lives is the thrilling third book in the fantastic Margot Phalen FBI series! Margot Phalen hunts killers for a living. She is an FBI agent and the daughter of a serial killer. She knows how to make them talk, and, in this book, Carissa Withers—the Black Widow of Berkeley has asked to speak to her prior to her execution. Carissa wants to come clean about some things and while doing so, manages to get under Margot's skin. I have to admit that this book got a little under my skin!
This book grabbed my attention from the very beginning. I enjoy how Margot wrestles with her past and having a serial killer as a father. This current case brings up some issues for her and her looking at those in her life in a different life. Speaking of her life, I also enjoyed seeing some of her personal life and thought that Kate Wiley did a great job depicting Margot's personal and professional lives.
I found this book to be just as good as the first two books in the series. If you have not read Tell Me Her Name or The Wolf at the Door, I highly recommend them. While this book is the third in the series, As Long As She Lives will work nicely as a stand-alone novel. As with the other books in the series, this book was wonderfully written, well thought out, riveting, addictive, perfectly paced, and brimming with tension. This one left me hanging and I can't wait to read the next book in this amazing series.
Thank you to Storm Publishing and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
This book grabbed my attention from the very beginning. I enjoy how Margot wrestles with her past and having a serial killer as a father. This current case brings up some issues for her and her looking at those in her life in a different life. Speaking of her life, I also enjoyed seeing some of her personal life and thought that Kate Wiley did a great job depicting Margot's personal and professional lives.
I found this book to be just as good as the first two books in the series. If you have not read Tell Me Her Name or The Wolf at the Door, I highly recommend them. While this book is the third in the series, As Long As She Lives will work nicely as a stand-alone novel. As with the other books in the series, this book was wonderfully written, well thought out, riveting, addictive, perfectly paced, and brimming with tension. This one left me hanging and I can't wait to read the next book in this amazing series.
Thank you to Storm Publishing and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Agent Margot Phalen is on her own this time, as her FBI cold case team doesn't have the funding to bring everyone with her to talk to Carissa Withers. She's the first serial killer to be executed since the death penalty was reinstated, and she wants to meet with Margot before her time is up. She killed several husbands before being caught, and she now confesses that they weren't the first deaths she was responsible for. But okay, that's not too surprising. Margot passes along the details to her team, and that should be that. Except that Carissa mentioned a specific detective involved in one of those cases and asked Margot to contact him. He apparently had his suspicions about her, but no evidence to back them up. Margot reaches out, and then the book goes on a strange second-half journey to Florida, where she assists him in questioning suspects in an old case involving a fellow officer.
Sure, it's connected to Carissa, but it felt like the story was mostly over, and then it suddenly picked up again with the detour to Florida. The pacing just felt off, especially because in between, Margot takes a separate detour to Phoenix when she's contacted out of the blue by her brother David, asking for help. He's in terrible shape and about to be evicted, and it resurrects all the old suspicions she never wanted to face about him.
And in between all of that, the reader sees from the perspective of that unknown perpetrator leaving kill kits around the country. But after several narrative chapters, we learn nothing new. We already know they relied on random opportunities as they traveled for business, enabling them to leave the kits all over the US for quick accessibility. But I found myself skimming through those sections because there was too much inner dialogue and no action. I really hope the author is going somewhere with this storyline after drawing it out for so long. I'm counting on a big payoff, so I hope she doesn't let us down!
My thanks to Netgalley and Storm Publishing for the advanced reading copy of this book.
Sure, it's connected to Carissa, but it felt like the story was mostly over, and then it suddenly picked up again with the detour to Florida. The pacing just felt off, especially because in between, Margot takes a separate detour to Phoenix when she's contacted out of the blue by her brother David, asking for help. He's in terrible shape and about to be evicted, and it resurrects all the old suspicions she never wanted to face about him.
And in between all of that, the reader sees from the perspective of that unknown perpetrator leaving kill kits around the country. But after several narrative chapters, we learn nothing new. We already know they relied on random opportunities as they traveled for business, enabling them to leave the kits all over the US for quick accessibility. But I found myself skimming through those sections because there was too much inner dialogue and no action. I really hope the author is going somewhere with this storyline after drawing it out for so long. I'm counting on a big payoff, so I hope she doesn't let us down!
My thanks to Netgalley and Storm Publishing for the advanced reading copy of this book.
August 20, 2026
Margot Phalen is fast becoming one of my favourite crime beaters, and I am completely invested in this series.
When FBI Special Agent, Margot Phalen saw the envelope from Chowchilla Women's Prison she knew that her day wasn't going to be a good one.
Carissa Withers was on death row for murdering six husbands and almost getting away with it, but now her time was up, she had a date for her execution and she had requested to see Margot in person. Margot belonged to a special unit that closed cold cases, did Carissa want to confess to other unsolved crimes or was she just stalling for time.
Margot was good at her job, she knew how the killers thought, her own father had been the most prolific serial killer that the FBI had ever apprehended so Margot's life hadn't been easy until her ex partner Wes Fox, who was now a teacher, came into it. Margot 's escape from the stress of the FBI was the home that she and Wes had built together, along with their growing number of rescue animals.
Carissa was known as The Black Witch of Berkeley for a reason, Margot and her team usually had a months to set up a case, how much information could Margot extract from the devious and clever Carissa in the one hour that she was allowed ? did Carissa need to confess before she died or was Carissa about to lead them up the garden path yet again ?
This book could possibly be read as a standalone but I would seriously urge reading the series in sequence. you will find drama, fast action, suspense and mounting tension, you will read the backgrounds of Margot and the wonderful, diverse team that she works with, you will understand the close relationship between the driven Margot and the patient, understanding and supportive Wes. incidentally, I love the witty but loving texts that fly between Margot and Wes.
This book is open ended and I for one, can't wait for the next instalment.
Thank you Storm Publishing and Net Gallery for this ARC, my review is totally voluntary.
When FBI Special Agent, Margot Phalen saw the envelope from Chowchilla Women's Prison she knew that her day wasn't going to be a good one.
Carissa Withers was on death row for murdering six husbands and almost getting away with it, but now her time was up, she had a date for her execution and she had requested to see Margot in person. Margot belonged to a special unit that closed cold cases, did Carissa want to confess to other unsolved crimes or was she just stalling for time.
Margot was good at her job, she knew how the killers thought, her own father had been the most prolific serial killer that the FBI had ever apprehended so Margot's life hadn't been easy until her ex partner Wes Fox, who was now a teacher, came into it. Margot 's escape from the stress of the FBI was the home that she and Wes had built together, along with their growing number of rescue animals.
Carissa was known as The Black Witch of Berkeley for a reason, Margot and her team usually had a months to set up a case, how much information could Margot extract from the devious and clever Carissa in the one hour that she was allowed ? did Carissa need to confess before she died or was Carissa about to lead them up the garden path yet again ?
This book could possibly be read as a standalone but I would seriously urge reading the series in sequence. you will find drama, fast action, suspense and mounting tension, you will read the backgrounds of Margot and the wonderful, diverse team that she works with, you will understand the close relationship between the driven Margot and the patient, understanding and supportive Wes. incidentally, I love the witty but loving texts that fly between Margot and Wes.
This book is open ended and I for one, can't wait for the next instalment.
Thank you Storm Publishing and Net Gallery for this ARC, my review is totally voluntary.
August 21, 2026
As Long as She Lives by Kate Wiley is the third in the Margot Phalen FBI series, which followed The Detective Margot Phalen series. It has been a wild ride with a woman who is consumed by serial killers spends all her waking hours, and some of her sleeping hours, hunting them. This obsession came from the fact that her, now dead, father had been a prolific one. The story have several plots lines: Carissa Withers has contacted her from death row. She’d like to talk and give the names of several other of her victims. Carissa has been convicted of killing several of her rich husbands in a crime much of the populace was in support of. She had been a trophy wife, mostly to rich, older men. It took some finagling to arrange the meeting and it would be limited to one hour. In it she named three other, earlier, victims, making one special request: please contact of particular police detective and let him know, personally, that she had copped to this crime. He had been suspicious. The other storyline is following an anonymous serial killer as he stalked and killed his prey.
Margot is a great character and the plot in this book is a good one, if complicated. She has a live-in, a man who used to be her partner. When they both retired from the PD, he became a high school teacher, she went on to a special task force with the FBI. Her colleagues at the FBI with just as talented as she, and almost as driven. Margot is mostly a lone wolf. This is a frightening story, although when would serial killers not be. The story has layers, past and present. Some might call Margot paranoid. She probably is, but with reason. It is the second this overall series I have read and I find them to be beyond engaging. As a procedural it is top notch.
I was invited to read As Long As She Lives by Storm Publishing. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #StormPublishing #KateWiley #AsLongAsSheLives
Margot is a great character and the plot in this book is a good one, if complicated. She has a live-in, a man who used to be her partner. When they both retired from the PD, he became a high school teacher, she went on to a special task force with the FBI. Her colleagues at the FBI with just as talented as she, and almost as driven. Margot is mostly a lone wolf. This is a frightening story, although when would serial killers not be. The story has layers, past and present. Some might call Margot paranoid. She probably is, but with reason. It is the second this overall series I have read and I find them to be beyond engaging. As a procedural it is top notch.
I was invited to read As Long As She Lives by Storm Publishing. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #StormPublishing #KateWiley #AsLongAsSheLives
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
📚BOOK REVIEW📚
AS LONG AS SHE LIVES — Kate Wiley
Publishes 8/17/26
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you to @netgalley, @stormbook_co, and @katewileyauthor for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
———
FBI profiler Margot Phalen has built her career interviewing the country’s most dangerous killers. But when death row inmate Carissa Withers—the “Black Widow of Berkeley”—claims she’s committed more murders than anyone knows, Margot is assigned one final interview before the execution.
What starts as a routine confession quickly becomes personal, forcing Margot to question everything she believes about her family, her father, and herself.
———
From the first chapter, I was hooked. The tension never lets up, and I kept saying, just one more chapter. Margot is a compelling main character, chasing a killer while trying to outrun her own family’s past.
The interviews between Margot and Carissa were the highlight for me. Every conversation felt like a chess match, and I was never sure if Carissa was telling the truth, manipulating Margot, or both.
What I loved most is that this isn’t just about solving murders—it’s about uncovering the truth. The mysteries surrounding Margot’s brother, the Alaska Killer, and the Bucket Man kept me just as invested as the main case and left me excited for the next book.
I also appreciated the way the story explores family, identity, and whether we’re defined by our past or our choices. That emotional depth makes it stand out from a typical crime thriller.
———
✅ What Worked
• Chilling prison interview scenes
• Excellent psychological tension
• Complex, well-developed main character
• Moral gray areas throughout
• Strong, steady pacing
———
❌ What Didn’t Work
• Some secondary characters could have been more developed.
• More procedural than action-heavy.
• The ending felt abrupt—I wanted one more chapter.
AS LONG AS SHE LIVES — Kate Wiley
Publishes 8/17/26
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you to @netgalley, @stormbook_co, and @katewileyauthor for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
———
FBI profiler Margot Phalen has built her career interviewing the country’s most dangerous killers. But when death row inmate Carissa Withers—the “Black Widow of Berkeley”—claims she’s committed more murders than anyone knows, Margot is assigned one final interview before the execution.
What starts as a routine confession quickly becomes personal, forcing Margot to question everything she believes about her family, her father, and herself.
———
From the first chapter, I was hooked. The tension never lets up, and I kept saying, just one more chapter. Margot is a compelling main character, chasing a killer while trying to outrun her own family’s past.
The interviews between Margot and Carissa were the highlight for me. Every conversation felt like a chess match, and I was never sure if Carissa was telling the truth, manipulating Margot, or both.
What I loved most is that this isn’t just about solving murders—it’s about uncovering the truth. The mysteries surrounding Margot’s brother, the Alaska Killer, and the Bucket Man kept me just as invested as the main case and left me excited for the next book.
I also appreciated the way the story explores family, identity, and whether we’re defined by our past or our choices. That emotional depth makes it stand out from a typical crime thriller.
———
✅ What Worked
• Chilling prison interview scenes
• Excellent psychological tension
• Complex, well-developed main character
• Moral gray areas throughout
• Strong, steady pacing
———
❌ What Didn’t Work
• Some secondary characters could have been more developed.
• More procedural than action-heavy.
• The ending felt abrupt—I wanted one more chapter.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
FBI Special Agent Margot Phalen had long focused on the monsters of society, interviewing killers in prison, among other things. She worked cold cases with a special FBI unit, with huge success. When she received a letter from convicted killer, Carissa Withers, saying she wanted to see Margot, had much to tell her, Margot was dubious. She could easily tell when people were lying; was this just a way to get a stay of execution? With only two months until her scheduled death, Carissa was cutting things fine.
Margot found out about three more deaths by speaking with the killer - she needed more time to find evidence, but there was none left. Meeting with a detective from Carissa's long ago past, gave her chills. Why did Carissa want Margot to contact him?
Managing to spend some time with Wes, Margot's beloved, always helped set her clock. Him, and their animals - the "seniors" - who were given kindness and care in their last few years, gave her peace. But when she received a phone call from her brother, David, who said he needed her help, her life was jolted once again...
As Long As She Lives is the 3rd in the Margot Phalen FBI series by Kate Wiley and it was brilliant! I'm so glad I've found this author - well written, intense and gritty characters, perfectly paced scenes; all add up to an excellent crime thriller which I loved. I'm already looking forward to #4. Highly recommended (and I suggest reading this series from the beginning)
With thanks to NetGalley & Storm Publishing for my digital ARC to read and review.
Margot found out about three more deaths by speaking with the killer - she needed more time to find evidence, but there was none left. Meeting with a detective from Carissa's long ago past, gave her chills. Why did Carissa want Margot to contact him?
Managing to spend some time with Wes, Margot's beloved, always helped set her clock. Him, and their animals - the "seniors" - who were given kindness and care in their last few years, gave her peace. But when she received a phone call from her brother, David, who said he needed her help, her life was jolted once again...
As Long As She Lives is the 3rd in the Margot Phalen FBI series by Kate Wiley and it was brilliant! I'm so glad I've found this author - well written, intense and gritty characters, perfectly paced scenes; all add up to an excellent crime thriller which I loved. I'm already looking forward to #4. Highly recommended (and I suggest reading this series from the beginning)
With thanks to NetGalley & Storm Publishing for my digital ARC to read and review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (4.75/5)
Kate Wiley might officially be my new favorite thriller author. Seriously...holy cow. As Long As She Lives completely consumed me, and I read it in a single sitting because there was absolutely no way I was putting it down.
This latest installment follows Margot as she's tasked with interviewing Carissa Withers, the infamous "Black Widow of Berkeley".....who has just two months left on death row. Convicted of murdering six husbands, Carissa suddenly claims there were even more victims, and she's willing to confess everything...but only to Margot. What starts as a straightforward interview quickly spirals into something much bigger, forcing Margot to confront painful truths about her own past and the legacy of being the daughter of one of America's most notorious serial killers.
Kate Wiley has such a knack for writing thrillers that are impossible to stop reading. The pacing is relentless, every chapter leaves you wanting one more, and the tension never lets up. I was completely invested in both the mystery and Margot's personal journey, and I loved how the emotional stakes were woven into the investigation. The twists kept coming, but they never felt overdone...they fit perfectly with the story and kept me guessing without feeling unrealistic.
What I love most about this series is that it's more than just a mystery. Margot is such a compelling protagonist, and with every book I become more invested in her story. This installment raised the stakes in the best way possible and left me desperate to know what happens next.
Needless to say, I'm already counting down until the next book because I need it like yesterday.
***Thank you NetGalley & Storm Publishing for this ARC in exchange for my honest review***
Kate Wiley might officially be my new favorite thriller author. Seriously...holy cow. As Long As She Lives completely consumed me, and I read it in a single sitting because there was absolutely no way I was putting it down.
This latest installment follows Margot as she's tasked with interviewing Carissa Withers, the infamous "Black Widow of Berkeley".....who has just two months left on death row. Convicted of murdering six husbands, Carissa suddenly claims there were even more victims, and she's willing to confess everything...but only to Margot. What starts as a straightforward interview quickly spirals into something much bigger, forcing Margot to confront painful truths about her own past and the legacy of being the daughter of one of America's most notorious serial killers.
Kate Wiley has such a knack for writing thrillers that are impossible to stop reading. The pacing is relentless, every chapter leaves you wanting one more, and the tension never lets up. I was completely invested in both the mystery and Margot's personal journey, and I loved how the emotional stakes were woven into the investigation. The twists kept coming, but they never felt overdone...they fit perfectly with the story and kept me guessing without feeling unrealistic.
What I love most about this series is that it's more than just a mystery. Margot is such a compelling protagonist, and with every book I become more invested in her story. This installment raised the stakes in the best way possible and left me desperate to know what happens next.
Needless to say, I'm already counting down until the next book because I need it like yesterday.
***Thank you NetGalley & Storm Publishing for this ARC in exchange for my honest review***
August 18, 2026
✨ BOOK REVIEW ✨
ARC - OUT NOW
4 ☆
this book is the third book in the margot phalen FBI series but there are five books, before this, detective margot phalen series, so i have spent the past two weeks getting acquainted with margot phalen and her chaotic life and job and i am OBSESSED with her and these books!
『 plot 』
margot phalen has spent all her adult working life hunting killers and coming face to face with them, she has a knack for getting the truth out of them. normally the FBI arrange to speak with serial killers that they believe some cold cases might be linked to, however carissa withers, the black widow of berkley, reaches out to margot and wants to tell her some things before she is executed.
it should be easy, speak to carissa, get the confession, close the cases and move on. however, margot finds herself questioning things with her own family, that she might not want to know the answers to.
『 my thoughts 』
how kate wiley writes these thrillers is fantastic, there is so much going on that the story never feels slow, and you are just constantly gripped to what is going to happen next.
there is always an element of mystery, always something unsolved that you want to know the answer to but at the same time, the suspense is exciting and you find yourself wanting to be in the dark (for now)
margot’s team on the fbi are so interesting in their own unique ways, and help establish a more rounded and developed story.
i highly recommend starting this series from the very beginning, margot’s character is one worth getting to know, as well as the other characters, as they are all prevalent to the books. there is also always a interconnecting murder story that isn’t solved in just one book and develops over the span of a few books.
ARC - OUT NOW
4 ☆
this book is the third book in the margot phalen FBI series but there are five books, before this, detective margot phalen series, so i have spent the past two weeks getting acquainted with margot phalen and her chaotic life and job and i am OBSESSED with her and these books!
『 plot 』
margot phalen has spent all her adult working life hunting killers and coming face to face with them, she has a knack for getting the truth out of them. normally the FBI arrange to speak with serial killers that they believe some cold cases might be linked to, however carissa withers, the black widow of berkley, reaches out to margot and wants to tell her some things before she is executed.
it should be easy, speak to carissa, get the confession, close the cases and move on. however, margot finds herself questioning things with her own family, that she might not want to know the answers to.
『 my thoughts 』
how kate wiley writes these thrillers is fantastic, there is so much going on that the story never feels slow, and you are just constantly gripped to what is going to happen next.
there is always an element of mystery, always something unsolved that you want to know the answer to but at the same time, the suspense is exciting and you find yourself wanting to be in the dark (for now)
margot’s team on the fbi are so interesting in their own unique ways, and help establish a more rounded and developed story.
i highly recommend starting this series from the very beginning, margot’s character is one worth getting to know, as well as the other characters, as they are all prevalent to the books. there is also always a interconnecting murder story that isn’t solved in just one book and develops over the span of a few books.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The third book in the "Margot Phalen FBI" series with Agent Margot and her team, and once again, I absolutely loved it!
I have enjoyed every book in this series so far, and this one was no exception. It was another incredibly twisted, complicated, and captivating story that kept me guessing until the very end.
This time, Agent Margot goes back to an old case involving Carissa, a woman who has been married multiple times over the years and has killed her husbands. Before her execution, Carissa contacts Agent Margot personally to confess to even more murders that she was never connected to.
But that is only one part of the story!
We are still trying to catch the other killer who first appeared in the very first book, and we are no closer to finding out who he really is. On top of that, new suspicions arise about Margot’s brother and whether he could be following the same dark path as their father.
I honestly love how the author manages to bring so many different clues, secrets, doubts, and storylines together without making the plot feel overwhelming. There is always something happening and something new to discover.
Each book in this series feels like a new adventure, but at the same time, the stories continue to build on everything that came before. I especially love the psychological side of these books.
Another fantastic addition to the series, and I cannot wait to see what happens next with Agent Margot and her team!
A huge thank you to NetGalley and Kate Wiley for giving me the opportunity, for the third time, to join Agent Margo on another unforgettable adventure. ❤️
I have enjoyed every book in this series so far, and this one was no exception. It was another incredibly twisted, complicated, and captivating story that kept me guessing until the very end.
This time, Agent Margot goes back to an old case involving Carissa, a woman who has been married multiple times over the years and has killed her husbands. Before her execution, Carissa contacts Agent Margot personally to confess to even more murders that she was never connected to.
But that is only one part of the story!
We are still trying to catch the other killer who first appeared in the very first book, and we are no closer to finding out who he really is. On top of that, new suspicions arise about Margot’s brother and whether he could be following the same dark path as their father.
I honestly love how the author manages to bring so many different clues, secrets, doubts, and storylines together without making the plot feel overwhelming. There is always something happening and something new to discover.
Each book in this series feels like a new adventure, but at the same time, the stories continue to build on everything that came before. I especially love the psychological side of these books.
Another fantastic addition to the series, and I cannot wait to see what happens next with Agent Margot and her team!
A huge thank you to NetGalley and Kate Wiley for giving me the opportunity, for the third time, to join Agent Margo on another unforgettable adventure. ❤️
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I am a fan of Kate Wiley's Margot Phalen books. As Long As She Lives follows Margot while she interviews serial killer, Carissa Withers—the Black Widow of Berkeley, She has killed six husbands that are known, but now she claims there are more deaths and she will only talk to Margot. Carissa is on death row, two more months to go, can she be trusted to reveal all, or is this just a game to delay?
This is a well written, a psychological cat and mouse game between Carissa and Margot. We are still learning more about Margot as the series moves along. Margot is fighting against her past, her father being a serial killer, she continues to need to prove herself. Carissa is also an interesting character, it was good getting a glimpse of her past.
There are some other things going on in addition to Carissa, Margot’s brother, David, is having some issues which send Margot to Phoenix. The Alaska Killer, and the Bucket Man cases also take up some time and she detours from Carissa. We do get to spend a little time with Wes, I would enjoy more of him and Margot.
This being the third installment in the series, it can be read as a stand-alone, the author does give some background, but I would definitely recommend reading in series order. There is alot of backstory and it flows from book to book. As Long As She Lives is a character driven thriller/mystery with a flawed but compelling main character. I highly recommend. There are some unresolved issues which I can't wait to read about in the next book.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher, Storm Publishing, for an ARC. The opinions in this review are my own.
This is a well written, a psychological cat and mouse game between Carissa and Margot. We are still learning more about Margot as the series moves along. Margot is fighting against her past, her father being a serial killer, she continues to need to prove herself. Carissa is also an interesting character, it was good getting a glimpse of her past.
There are some other things going on in addition to Carissa, Margot’s brother, David, is having some issues which send Margot to Phoenix. The Alaska Killer, and the Bucket Man cases also take up some time and she detours from Carissa. We do get to spend a little time with Wes, I would enjoy more of him and Margot.
This being the third installment in the series, it can be read as a stand-alone, the author does give some background, but I would definitely recommend reading in series order. There is alot of backstory and it flows from book to book. As Long As She Lives is a character driven thriller/mystery with a flawed but compelling main character. I highly recommend. There are some unresolved issues which I can't wait to read about in the next book.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher, Storm Publishing, for an ARC. The opinions in this review are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is the third installment in the Margot Phalen FBI series. Having read the second book previously, I was excited to have the opportunity to review this one as an ARC and continue on the journey with FBI agent Margot Phalen. However, this one missed the mark for me and here is why…
This one felt like a hodgepodge of storylines and had no real direction. It starts with known serial killer, Carissa Withers, reaching out to Margot via a letter to request her presence for an interview, where she wishes to reveal murders she had committed that were not previously linked to her. Carissa is on death row and only has a few weeks left, so time is of the essence for Margot and her team to interview. Unlike the previous book in this series, the story of Carissa (both past and present) ends fairly early on in the book and the story moves to Margot having to visit her drug addicted mess of a brother in Arizona, where she learns that he may have hidden secrets of his own. She’s then pulled to Florida to work a previous murder case that Carissa was possibly involved in with a detective who is extremely unlikable. Like I said, hodgepodge.
The only redeeming part of this book is the continuation of receiving bits and pieces of the “bucket killer” (as I’m calling him). His storyline was intriguing in the last book and his arc has me hooked, anticipating more.
Overall, this one was just a miss for me. Since I loved book two so much, I decided to not let this installment deter me from the series, and I am looking forward to the fourth book.
Thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for this digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This one felt like a hodgepodge of storylines and had no real direction. It starts with known serial killer, Carissa Withers, reaching out to Margot via a letter to request her presence for an interview, where she wishes to reveal murders she had committed that were not previously linked to her. Carissa is on death row and only has a few weeks left, so time is of the essence for Margot and her team to interview. Unlike the previous book in this series, the story of Carissa (both past and present) ends fairly early on in the book and the story moves to Margot having to visit her drug addicted mess of a brother in Arizona, where she learns that he may have hidden secrets of his own. She’s then pulled to Florida to work a previous murder case that Carissa was possibly involved in with a detective who is extremely unlikable. Like I said, hodgepodge.
The only redeeming part of this book is the continuation of receiving bits and pieces of the “bucket killer” (as I’m calling him). His storyline was intriguing in the last book and his arc has me hooked, anticipating more.
Overall, this one was just a miss for me. Since I loved book two so much, I decided to not let this installment deter me from the series, and I am looking forward to the fourth book.
Thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for this digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Margot Phalen FBI series:
I like the writing style of this author, her characters, and her interesting story lines. It's easy to get immersed in her stories and many have become oe-sitting reads for me. Source: NetGalley and Storm Publishing.
AS LONG AS SHE LIVES, #3 - Interesting. Intriguing. Immersing. The story continues with new cases, problems, and worries. 4*
TELL ME HER NAME, #1 - I love the Margo Phalen books by Ms. Wiley. She's now FBI and things are still as interesting, intriguing, immersing, and entertaining as the previous five Phalen books. And she has chickens! 5*
THE WOLF AT THE DOOR, #2 - I enjoy the writing style of the author and her characters in this series. Interesting. Intriguing. Immersing. Not gory and a touch of humor, along with plenty of serial killers. 5*
Detective Margot Phalen Series:
THE KILLER INSTINCT, #3 - I did not know this is the third book of a series and it did not matter. There was little rehashing of the previous stories. Interesting and immersing, the story lines set a good pace with good characters and realistic dialog. The Detective and her partner have a good relationship and there is no silly drama or silly self-doubt. Of course, there is a bit of mental issues but Margot is normal. 4*
OUT OF THE WOODS, #5 - It seems that somehow I missed the fourth book of this series, darn. Again, it did not matter since this final addition to the series is awesome. Everything about it was great: The story lines; the characters; the emotions; the happenings; the corruption finale. 5*
I like the writing style of this author, her characters, and her interesting story lines. It's easy to get immersed in her stories and many have become oe-sitting reads for me. Source: NetGalley and Storm Publishing.
AS LONG AS SHE LIVES, #3 - Interesting. Intriguing. Immersing. The story continues with new cases, problems, and worries. 4*
TELL ME HER NAME, #1 - I love the Margo Phalen books by Ms. Wiley. She's now FBI and things are still as interesting, intriguing, immersing, and entertaining as the previous five Phalen books. And she has chickens! 5*
THE WOLF AT THE DOOR, #2 - I enjoy the writing style of the author and her characters in this series. Interesting. Intriguing. Immersing. Not gory and a touch of humor, along with plenty of serial killers. 5*
Detective Margot Phalen Series:
THE KILLER INSTINCT, #3 - I did not know this is the third book of a series and it did not matter. There was little rehashing of the previous stories. Interesting and immersing, the story lines set a good pace with good characters and realistic dialog. The Detective and her partner have a good relationship and there is no silly drama or silly self-doubt. Of course, there is a bit of mental issues but Margot is normal. 4*
OUT OF THE WOODS, #5 - It seems that somehow I missed the fourth book of this series, darn. Again, it did not matter since this final addition to the series is awesome. Everything about it was great: The story lines; the characters; the emotions; the happenings; the corruption finale. 5*
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