Fatal Pattern

The King Legacy #2

by Kate Angelo, Connie Shabshab (Reader)

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

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

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

1 pages, Audio CD

Expected publication September 15, 2026

About the author

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

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

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

Reviews

[Anne Rogers · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

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

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

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

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


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

[Tina Lowery · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[Loretta Eidson · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[Randi Sampson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love a suspense read that keeps me guessing... and this one absolutely did just that. Just when I thought I had things figured out, another twist would come in that would make me second guess everything I thought I'd known... and I was absolutely here for it. Right from the start, we are thrown into the sense of danger and that truly didn't let up for long during the story... and I found myself at the edge of my seat wondering how everything was going to play out. There was a lot going on in this story, and at times it took me a bit to sort it all out, but the payoff was absolutely worth it. I can't say too much without giving anything away, but trust me, you're going to want to experience all these twists for yourself. If you enjoy Christian suspense, this is one not to be missed!

**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.

[Rae · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Fatal Pattern" by Kate Angelo is a gripping thriller that delivers on mystery and suspense. The novel unfolds in a series of cleverly woven plot twists that keep the reader guessing until the very end. Angelo masterfully crafts a world where every clue matters and no character is without depth.

The pacing is spot on, giving readers the perfect blend of tension and revelation. Fans of intricate mysteries will appreciate the care Angelo takes in building a truly immersive atmosphere. Overall, "Fatal Pattern" is a compelling read for anyone looking for a smart and satisfying thriller.

I receive complimentary books from various sources, including NetGalley, authors, and others. I am not required to write a positive review, and I have not received any compensation for my thoughts

[Carolyn Bryant · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

All the "feels" with all the chills" is Fatal Pattern in a nutshell.
This is definitely a complex story with lots of twists and unexpected events.
Several times I shouted, "No!" aloud. My husband would laugh and ask if there was a plot twist? Once I just sat there taking it in for a few minutes.
I loved seeing Tori and Blake realizing truth in the mystery as well as in themselves and in their relationship.
The second in The King Legacy series Fatal Pattern can be read as a stand alone. However, you'll find yourself wanting to go back and read book one: Girl Lost.
💯 reccommend.. especially if you enjoy clean, mystery/thrillers that don't water down the thiller or mystery part but has a faith base.
Excited already, for book three.

[Allyson Anthony · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the first page, Fatal Pattern drew me straight in and didn't let go until the end. Complete with a serial killer, a stalker, Tori's parents' unsolved murders, Blade's abandonment by his parents, and Stryker's flashbacks, Tori and Blade's story has nonstop suspense, twists and turns, faith, and action. Angelo also added fractal mathematics, an interesting subject, into Fatal Pattern. The characters were well-written, the banter was awesome, and the plot was engaging in this page-turner thriller. I cannot wait for book 3.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Alison Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I did not know what a fractal was until this book, and the storyline is so deep and twisted because of how those fractals are part of the story. I feel like I need to read it again to understand even more, which means I think this is a fabulous read. I wish I could give this higher than a 5 star rating!

[Lizzy Hite · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

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