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Holly Jennings #3

The Preference

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San Diego homicide detective Holly Jennings is back in The Preference and she is hunting the most sadistic killer she's faced yet.

Do You Prefer Red or White?

It's a simple question... When couples from Las Vegas to Colorado Springs receive an e-mail with an offer to win a free trip to Napa Valley by simply stating their preference of either red or white wine, little do they know the killing spree their "preference" sets in motion.

He calls himself The Connoisseur...

He stalks and murders young, beautiful red headed or blonde women depending on "his clients" preference. The Connoisseur is methodical, sadistic and with a need to seek what he considers justice for himself.

Homicide detective Holly Jennings wants nothing more than to nail The Connoisseur. However, when his next victim doesn't fit his Modus Operandi, Holly has to consider the possibility of two killers, a copycat, or a hunter who may actually know how to outwit her. Ella Jennis is a brunette and from a wealthy winery family out of Temecula, Ca. When disturbing photos of Ella in captivity surface on the internet, Holly is certain that time is running out to save the latest preference.

A.K. Alexander is a New York Times bestselling author. She lives in San Diego with her family.

269 pages, ebook

First published July 13, 2015

115 people are currently reading
133 people want to read

About the author

A.K. Alexander

27 books164 followers
A.K. Alexander writes gritty thrillers that will keep you looking over your shoulder. She explores the darker side of storytelling with daring, frightening, and suspenseful novels. These books are written for those readers who like to be thrilled and kept in the dark up as the suspense mounts with each turn of the page. Mingling her love of horses with a world of deceit, violence and desire, A.K. brings to life engaging murder mysteries.

Her gripping books are impossible to put down, featuring strong characters with complicated lives. A.K.’s books have appeared on The Wall Street Journal’s and Amazon’s Kindle bestseller lists.

A.K. Alexander is a pen name for Michele Scott. Under her own name, Michele writes contemporary fiction and mystery romance. To learn more about the author, visit her website at www.michelescott.com

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5 stars
102 (40%)
4 stars
94 (37%)
3 stars
42 (16%)
2 stars
11 (4%)
1 star
2 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
Profile Image for Linda.
1,262 reviews18 followers
January 7, 2022
Is it nature or nurture that creates a serial killer? In the case of this story, I think it's both. Damon was certainly one nut job serial killer. Most of his issues stem from a traumatic childhood, but I think he was born with some of that already in him. People can have traumatic childhoods and grow up into a "normal" functioning human.

I didn't care for the way the narrator spoke as the killer Damon. I found it really annoying. Beyond that, it was a good and intense story about a very psychotic killer. I liked the fighting spirit of Jenna. A good story.
Profile Image for Caroline 'relaxing with my rescue dogs'.
2,737 reviews43 followers
July 31, 2022
Came into this series new so need to catch up as sounds really interesting. The lead detective had issues to say the least, but they were different issues to normal - very female and it worked.

Loved the valley girl accents and all the other narration.

Really worked both the story and narration.
Profile Image for Tulay.
1,202 reviews2 followers
August 31, 2015
Good thriller.

From being chapter to last chapter fast moving thriller. Was Damon Clements born evil or nurtured evil? Maybe both? Story will continue in the next book, many questions not answered.
410 reviews
March 24, 2021
What makes a killer?

The question, “what makes a killer” is one that has to be answered with each incident! People kill for a variety of reasons. This book chronicles a killer who was “made” by his mother and stepfather!
15 reviews
March 13, 2020
Love the Holly Jennings Series!

I enjoyed this one immensely! All the threads continuing in Holly Jennings’ life as well as a great murder mystery! Great job again!!!
Profile Image for cathey dalton.
206 reviews4 followers
December 8, 2023
Reads a little slow, coulda been me. Bad guy gets away, coulda happened?
Profile Image for Leslie Tabor.
2 reviews
March 28, 2025
Enjoyed! I like a good series and this one ticks all the boxes. Think this was 3 in the series.
Recommend
Profile Image for Linda Strong.
3,878 reviews1,708 followers
August 19, 2015
THE PREFERENCE (HOLLY JENNINGS, BK 3) by A. K. ALEXANDER

I found this author some time ago on Goodreads. The books had terrific covers and the blurbs were enticing. This is the 3rd in this series and I've actually read them all .. and in order. Most of the time I am not that lucky.

Detective Holly Jennings is back with a new case. Blonde and Redheaded women are being murdered rather brutally. They all seem to be random since there's nothing to connect them to each other. Friends and family are as baffled as the police. Whoever this guy is, he's escalating at a rapid pace. The first woman had one hand severed, the next woman had both her hands removed.

The book is fine as a stand alone, as far as the hunt for the human monster. There are a lot of personal issues that Holly is dealing with which is a continuation from Books 1 and 2. So, as usual, I highly recommend starting at the beginning.

The murder mystery leaves no cliff-hanger... but there is room for another in the series.

I liked the book, I like the characters, and I like the running story line. Leaves me wanting more.
Profile Image for Bridger Bitches.
590 reviews27 followers
August 18, 2015
This book can be read as a standalone. But I would recommend reading the first two Holly Jennings books first.



A.K. Alexander keeps you invested in her characters. You become intrigued by the characters and their stories. What is going to happen? How are they involved? What will the killer do next? The research and the way the books are written make you feel like you are in the story right alongside the detectives. The attention to detail and clues to solve this case will leave you on the edge of your seat. There is some romance in these books but I feel that it was right amount. Not too much that you feel like you are reading a romance novel but just enough that you not only love the plot you get to know the interworking’s of the characters. If you are a suspense thriller fan- I will go to say not only is this book for you but this author is for you-there are plenty of twists and turns and what is really going on to keep you invested.

4 Stars

♦ EVE ♦
Profile Image for Melissa.
652 reviews18 followers
August 12, 2015
Thrills, Mystery and Suspense!
This book is amazing! It's the first book that I've read in the Holly Jennings series but I am definitely going back to read the first two Holly Jennings novels. This book is INTENSE! There is so much mystery, and suspense. I was sucked into the story right away and could not put it down! The plot is intriguing, and never predictable, a total edge of your seat read. I just love Holly she is a smart, savvy, kick-ass woman. "The Connoisseur is a particularly twisted, and sadistic killer and I felt like I was stuck in a super charged episode of Criminal Minds (one of my absolute favs btw) I won't say more or leak any spoilers but I will say that I will be watching for more from this author and definitely recommend this read. I was given a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Vicki Willis.
1,036 reviews69 followers
May 8, 2017
I originally picked this book (series) because it was set in San Diego, where I live. The author did a good job at using the setting and highlighting lots of common landmarks. The story good. It was a fast paced book with lots of action. I haven't read all the books in the series and was able to follow just fine. The one thing that bothered me was Holly's husband. He was so whiny and wimpy. He constantly worried about her, but it was like the author wanted him to be a "good guy" so he didn't nag her about things. He was annoying and unrealistic. The end was good and left a cliffhanger that follows a storyline that goes through all of the Holly books.
Profile Image for Dominique.
Author 33 books71 followers
January 8, 2016
I'm giving this book four stars but for grammar and editing it deserves two. The mistakes in this book shows it did not get a good cleaning from an editor. Maybe it did see an editor. Maybe it didn't but it was poorly done. The storyline however was very good. A bit rushed at times and some scenes just fell flat. So for storyline I'll give it four stars but it truly deserves two. Better editing next time!
4 reviews
August 14, 2015
I absolutely LOVE the Holly Jennings series by A.K. Alexander. Suspense and mystery, but always a great hook at the end. Well written with great character development. The Preference had me spellbound!
Profile Image for Rebecca Hollingsworth.
866 reviews8 followers
August 16, 2015
Fast Paced Thriller

She does it again in this fast paced thriller featuring Holly Jennings.. I absolutely love this authors ability to get you into the story right at chapter one and keep you there until the very last word.
Profile Image for Amy.
1,328 reviews
August 23, 2015
This is the third book in the Holly Jennings series and what a read!
A.K. Alexander has written another outstanding suspenseful thriller.
A mystery that you can not put down and leaves you wanting more!
5 reviews
August 23, 2015
Great Read

I thought the book was well written and suspenseful. I still do wonder about Jack if he really was spying on his daughter. I would like to read another in the series of books.
34 reviews
October 16, 2015
The Preference

I really liked this story with it's fast pace and dilemma's given to the main character Holly. There are so many strange, sick people out there. This could have been a Criminal Minds plot. I look forward to reading more about Holly and her exploits.
10 reviews1 follower
March 25, 2016
Blah



It was an OK story. So much more could have been done with the character of Damon. I was very disappointed and only finished it because I started it.
1 review1 follower
April 4, 2016
Bloody brilliant

Loved it, tense yes- but a great read...

Just for for it if you like reading then why not! Just do it
Profile Image for CAROLYN L BERG.
14 reviews
June 16, 2016
Loved it

This was one great thriller, very interesting and suspenseful. I have become a Holly Jennings fan and can't wait to start the next book.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews

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