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I was having an affair with murder.

There. I admit it.

And there was no program for me—no rehab or clinic. I couldn’t deny my obsession, my fantasy. Murder.

It was only a matter of time before someone died. And I knew I wouldn’t be able to stop after just one.

So, when the temptations had become too intense, I risked everything for one little taste. Immediately, my life was filled with twists and turns and thrills—the seductive arms of a dark society embracing my desires, relentlessly drawing me in until I'd lost sight of who I was.

But my husband is a police detective and some of my nightly adventures have showed up on his desk. My newfound world, my fantasies, they've bled into my family's lives. No matter what I try, I’m tangled up in a deep web of lies, telling one after another to throw off the suspicions of the man I love and save who we are.

I know people live for the idea that their fantasies can come true. The question I began to ask was should they?

416 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 7, 2015

1238 people are currently reading
1380 people want to read

About the author

B.A. Spangler

3 books2 followers
also writes as Brian Spangler and B.R. Spangler

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5 stars
284 (27%)
4 stars
328 (32%)
3 stars
266 (26%)
2 stars
93 (9%)
1 star
46 (4%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews
Profile Image for Susan May.
Author 313 books616 followers
October 2, 2015
I've read a couple of Brian Spangler's books, and I can share that he is getting better and better. Killing Katie is a female version of Dexter and an engaging, well written thriller.

In fact, I think I liked this as much as when I first read Dexter. It's just as original. What starts out as a seemingly straightforward story turns into a series of twists and turns and random connections that play out very satisfyingly.

The dark web part of the book is also fascinating and the characters are really engaging. Even though this is the first of a series, the ending is not left up in the air. I can't wait to read the next in the Killing Katie series. This is one thriller that deserves a wide audience. Highly recommended from a very demanding reader.
Profile Image for Montzalee Wittmann.
5,213 reviews2,340 followers
October 14, 2017
Killing Katie (An Affair With Murder #1) by Brian Spangler is a good but but certainly different, which is good! I can't say I have ever read a book from this point, and it was very intriguing. Worth the read, good book!
Profile Image for Hollie.
1,680 reviews
November 23, 2015
A creative and fast paced thriller

I was in the mood for a unique thriller and this book certainly did the trick. It was fast paced from beginning to end. I liked the characters and that the plot wasn’t overly predictable. It was quite far-fetched and unrealistic at times but that never kept me from enjoying it. It was also offered on kindleunlimited so that’s another plus. I'll definitely be checking out more of this writers work.
Profile Image for Autumn.
2,341 reviews47 followers
July 8, 2015
I received this book to give an honest review.

First off the cover and the synopsis called to me on this one. When I started reading the first thing that popped in my mind was this sounds like it is going to be like the TV show Dexter. In some ways I could see it being like that as we learn more about Amy's fantasies and who the people are that become her victims.
Amy is a normal housewife, her husband is an officer and everything seems to go good for them the only thing is her husband doesn't realize that Amy fantasizes literally about killing people and one in particular her best friend. She has been like this since she was little and as we read on there is some back story to why Amy is the way she is.
When Amy actually meets someone who is willing to help her out at first she is skeptical and she has every reason to be. Heck I was to, because there is no way I am going to be telling anyone I am looking up ways to kill folks. I don't care who you are if there is a way it is coming back to me than nope you will not find out.
Then when we find out who exactly he is it is like wow why didn't I think of that, it was a nice little twist to the story, though because of this it starts a domino effect.
Amy's husband being an officer of the law he seemed a bit off to me. It seems he questioned Amy a whole lot which I could understand him doing but it seemed to be over the top at times. Like he was almost controlling but didn't come quite across that way.
This story has some twists and turns and it makes for a great story to be told. I do want to read book two in this series to see how far is Amy willing to go with her fantasies.
I liked this author's writing style and plan on reading more from him.
Profile Image for Doseofbella.
195 reviews42 followers
September 7, 2015
Killing Katie (ebook)
By: B.A. Spangler
Published By: Kindle Press
Copy Courtesy of Librarything Member Giveaway
Reviewed By: tk

In this intense thriller you will meet a wonderful mother of two, and beautiful wife named Amy Sholes. She loves her family and her life, but something is missing. Through the years Amy has fantasized about killing her best friend. She has made all the intricate details to compliment her wanting to commit murder. She would never carry out the dirty deed, after all its her best friend. So if she won’t kill her best friend…who would she kill to finally fulfill her hearts desire. Did I mention her husband is a police officer?

A spectacular jaw dropping novel. I had many moments that a plot twist would throw me in another direction and leave me in awe of this imaginative author. Brian Spangler weaves a tale that is easy to follow and yet adds so many interesting surprises along the way you wonder how could one person possible bring so many variables in one story.

I agree with the age restrictions of 14 years old and up. This is a thriller in every sense.
A great addition to any library.

5/5
Profile Image for Emily.
951 reviews56 followers
August 11, 2019
Four stars for this quirky, surprising read! This free Kindle download was more engaging than I anticipated, an easy-to-read page turner with several twists and turns I never saw coming. The main character, Amy, was sort of a female Dexter, with a twisted and murderous past. The deep-seated, suppressed experiences from her childhood for her adult desires were disturbing when revealed -- probably the only thing I didn't care for in the book, just a bit too sick even for me, and I like dark novels. The ending surprised me, as I figured Amy would have enough of murder and want to stay on the straight and narrow after all that happened in this book. But now there's a reason for the next installment in this series, which I may just have to spend $4.99 to read!
Profile Image for Gmaharriet.
476 reviews4 followers
October 17, 2015
This book needed a good editor. She describes a woman's blouse as "corn-blue, ruffled...". Um, maybe cornflower-blue? Same page twice "I quickly answered," just jumped out at me as repetitive.

Over lunch her best friend tells her that she thinks her husband (the friend's husband) is having an affair. She didn't even ask why her friend thought that was so. Some friend, huh? or maybe the author is a guy. A woman doesn't say something like that and drop the subject. A female best friend doesn't hear something like that without a sympathetic comment and asking more about what's going on.

I couldn't finish this.
Profile Image for Kira Simion.
918 reviews143 followers
Want to read
November 23, 2015
You know it's bad when you want to read a story with the title "Killing Katie." My sister is named Katie lol...
Profile Image for Lynn Mccarthy.
661 reviews28 followers
October 27, 2015
The Author gave me a copy of this book because I really wanted to read it and couldn't get my hands on it so glad he is a kind hearted man and gave me a chance to read his book.
This is the first book I have read by this Author and just loved it, its a new twist on a murder mystery novel for me.
This is the story of Amy who thinks and dreams about murder all the time the down side her husband is a police office (if he only knew what goes through her head).
Lots of twists to the story.
Hopefull I can get the next book I want to know more about Amy.
A Good Book read it.

Thank you Brian Spangler for letting me read your brilliant novel.
Profile Image for  Jody - Wicked Dark Reads.
1,096 reviews258 followers
July 18, 2015
You have got to pick this book up

Wow, what an awesome read. I could not put this book down. I'm not kidding from the first sentence to the very last, you will be on the edge of your seat reading this suspense filled book. It only took me a day and a half , and that was only because I had to sleep, LOL! Seriously don't pass this awesome read up, you'll be glad you picked it up. I highly recommend this book to all you thriller and suspense readers, or newbies to this genre. Great work Brian!!
Profile Image for Alex ♈.
1,568 reviews1,405 followers
dnf
June 17, 2019
What a cool premise - female vigilante!
But... her husband (then bf) cheated on her, confessed it and she forgave him. Not a smart and strong woman, IMO.
Plus she called this OW names, but at the same time forgave and accepted a cheater?! All OW's fault?
Are you freaking kidding me?
Best way to spoil a female character.
Pathetic.

Goodbye!
Profile Image for Nancy Walker.
Author 3 books6 followers
June 27, 2019
Now I know why the Kindle book was free. I got as far as page 97 and stopped reading. It's a twisted, badly-written book. I enjoyed the characters in the M/C's family but her, not so much.
Profile Image for Jon.
26 reviews10 followers
September 17, 2015
Overall this was an enjoyable read, whilst seeming straightforward did throw several curveballs at me and kept me on my toes while it went, which helped keep the book fresh and made me look forward to picking it up each time I had an opportunity.

I did have some issues with it that probably dropped it a star though.

Primarily I spent most of the book finding the lead character's motives unbelievable. I just couldn't get behind the idea of a happily married, middle-class woman and mother of two harbouring secret desires to become a murderer for no discernible reason. It constantly pulled me out of the story. I am usually one to be able to suspend my disbelief, which you really have to to get the most out of lots of media, but I just couldn't find the ability to do so here, and it hampered my enjoyment quite a bit.

Also I felt it took too long to get going - although when it did I was totally hooked. The majority of the second half was fantastic as her plans come together and then inevitably start to unwind in a way she (or I) couldn't possibly imagine. Which was great.

Finally, it was clear that this was going to be part of a series, so it made the ending a tad unfulfilled. Things were either tied up into very neat (perhaps too conveniently neat) bows, or left as loose ends that I imagine will be cleared up in the next book in the series, which left me with a lot of questions. But I guess that's part of the territory when starting off a series rather than a self-contained vision.

But aside from these issues, I really enjoyed it. It was well written, the characters (aside from my reservations mentioned) were very believable and well formed, and the plot took some very unexpected and delightful turns along the way.

If you can suspend your disbelief as to the motives for this killer then this is a great thriller to go for. I shall be picking up the sequel to see where this goes next.

(Note: I was given this book in exchange for an honest review).
Profile Image for Doreena.
457 reviews
September 3, 2015
Holy Moly!!! When I was approached by the fantastic author, Brian Spangler to read Killing Katie, I was a little unsure what to expect. However, this book was absolutely and pleasantly totally surprising.
This book has drama, and twists and turns galore. If you're looking for a great read, Killing Katie is a great choice.

I was given this book for review by the author, thank you Mr. Brian Spangler.
Profile Image for Nancy.
213 reviews115 followers
November 17, 2017
I really enjoyed this book and I had a hard time putting it down. The premise of the book intrigued me and after I read a preview of the book I knew I had to read it. It did not disappoint. It is a really fun book to read. Brian Spangler really knows how to weave a tangled web. I am anxiously waiting for the next book.
Profile Image for Robyn.
652 reviews6 followers
August 30, 2015
Great book that was difficult to put down! I loved the strong and slightly disturbed female character, who is a little bit of a Dexter along with being a victim too. The author left enough questions and teasers to have me hurry to his next book in the series. Dark and suspenseful, but a fun read.
Profile Image for Kathy.
221 reviews26 followers
August 19, 2015
I was pretty excited to start this because of the whole story of a woman who wants to be a murder. A little different from from the norm, starts out a little slow, and has a little too many side stories and details. It didn't really do it for me like I thought it would, so I was left disappointed.
Profile Image for Candida.
1,283 reviews44 followers
November 19, 2021
Runs in her family

I almost put this book down. I had such a hard time getting into the story. I have to say that I admired the relationship Amy has with her husband and I really didn't want her to mess that up. The back story was the most interesting part of the book. What a messed up situation.
Profile Image for Shelby Lamb.
Author 18 books107 followers
April 2, 2017
Very cool if you are morbid af like me lol. Loved it.
1,537 reviews5 followers
September 15, 2018
Unexpected

Even though the title lays out the story, you are still a little shocked by the truth of this plot. Cop as a spouse, kids, and mom has a thirst for murder. This has heart, and a vicious truth of her childhood rears it ugly head. Will she, or won't she become the killing machine she's dreamed of?
Profile Image for Kathy.
13 reviews
July 12, 2019
The blurb for this book is misleading; she’s not an established serial killer a la Dexter like it makes it sound (and what interested me) and when she finally does commit the crime she’s so sloppy about it you’re hoping that she’ll get caught. I found myself really disliking the characters and actually rooting for their demise. And their daughter is nicknamed Snacks and literally every time she was mentioned I thought they were talking about a dog.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Phelicia Jones.
75 reviews9 followers
August 12, 2018
Killing Katie Grabs You In The Beginning

Killing Katie is interesting book, it’s story line is like nothing I ever read before. The book grabs you in the beginning and you want to see what happens next and then I’m sorry Brian but in the middle of the book everything just slowly dies out. I went from wanted to see what happens to just finishing the book to see the end results. Only gave three stars, will finish the series...
Profile Image for Nicola.
788 reviews22 followers
July 9, 2015
I was given a copy of this book in return for an unbiased review.
Killing Katie drew me with the first few sentences "MURDER. I’M OBSESSED. I can’t stop thinking about it." To me, the thought that someone thinks like that while baffling, is intriguing. Then to discover that it is a young married mother took me aback, yet made me want to learn more.
Spangler created a believable character contemplating unbelievable acts. As you got to know Amy and the Nerd you could not imagine her being anything but a murderer. That is until she interacted with her friends and children. She was a true mixed bag of a character, which I believe most of us are. Very few people know ALL sides of a person.
There were times when I did need to suspend my disbelief. Without giving anything away, the encounter with the homeless man began in a manner that was very easy to picture. In my opinion however it escalated very quickly, and I'm not sure I could relate the incident with the character I was beginning to know.
Dreams and flashbacks, interactions with the seedy side and dinners with her husband the police officer. Throughout all of these scenarios Amy held my interest and had me wanting to learn more.
I felt that Killing Katie was writer very well. I read it fairly quickly, mainly because I wanted to know what was going to happen next. It was an easy read. At times I was looking for a little more - more emotion, more background, more reaction (really? A police officer not batting an eye when he figures out his wife is a murderer?). This however will not deter me from looking for the next book about Amy.
Profile Image for J Earl.
2,337 reviews111 followers
August 12, 2015
In Killing Katie Brian Spangler has started what may well be the next great series. The protagonist is presented with all of her flaws as well as her strengths, though it may sometimes be difficult to know whether something is a flaw or a strength, or perhaps both.

The twists are unexpected for the most part with only a few minor ones being potentially expected. I did feel the story started a little slow but I also think it was necessary to set up the premise, especially being the first book in (I hope) a long series.

The idea of pulling for a murderer is just foreign enough to make reading the story a partially guilty pleasure. I think, though, by the end of the book we understand better how she came to be who she is and thus find it easier to pull for her.

I would highly recommend this to anyone who likes character driven mysteries or thrillers. For those who like a wide range of genres I think this book will also be appealing. Quick, read this book so you can be ready for book 2!

Reviewed from a copy made available via LibraryThing.
Profile Image for Tina.
1,298 reviews9 followers
November 30, 2025
😊

The synopsis of this book, to me gives the impression that Amy is a talented well versed serial killer already. Now she is but she isn't. As the book starts she hasn't even committed a murder yet. The hunger is there, has been since she was a child. For as long as she can remember she wanted to kill her best friend Katie, but she wouldn't and couldn't ever do it. It was a fantasy. One that she put down on paper. Designs on Katie's murder. When something horrendous happens due to Amy's actions she questions whether becoming a murderer is the best option, but can she quell the urge after getting her first taste? And why is her relationship with her mother so strained?

I liked this book, it's different in a lot of ways I think. It's not perfect, the writing isn't perfect but the subject matter is so intriguing that none of that matters. I may invest in book two to see where Amy goes next!
Profile Image for Debra  Lucas.
256 reviews31 followers
June 15, 2016
GET THIS BOOK NOW!!!
Killing Katie: An Affair With Murder is the definitive hit novel of the year! You won't be able to put this one down, so set aside some time to sit down, and enjoy your "Affair With Murder". Amy has learned a lot in her life and not always by choice. But now she'll have the chance to put some of those skills to use. Working one case at a time, Amy will be doing what needs to be done. I thought of her as a kind of Robin Hood for justice. I never would've guessed that I'd find murder to be so satisfying!
B. A. Spangler, the fine author, asked me to read his novel and write an honest review of Killing Katie. I absolutely loved it!!! Although, it is not the kind of book I normally read, I'm so glad I didn't miss out on this story!! I am anxious to start reading A Painful Truth: An Affair With Murder Book 2.
Profile Image for Kat Brownell.
393 reviews13 followers
March 31, 2018
This book was laughably worthless. None of the characters was interesting, or even 3-dimensional. The main character spends the entire book talking to herself, out loud, in public, like a crazy person. She also learns absolutely nothing as her life falls apart due to her own choices. I'm pretty sure the author has never met a 5 year old in his life - he writes about Snacks like she's 2. And my god the metaphors! I've never seen anything like it.
I snapped at the power button like a yapping dog. What? Did you just pick the first metaphor that popped into your head.
Steve finally came back to me, his eyes clearer than before, as if an epiphany had been discovered like a gold nugget by a desperate miner. Two metaphors in one sentence? Impressive.
The writing of this book was truly, truly awful.
Profile Image for Cassandra Wilson-Sparks.
167 reviews10 followers
July 4, 2015
*I received this in exchange for an honest review.
Wow! I absolutely LOVED this book!! I love vigilante books, especially when it is a woman who is the vigilante. It was made even better by the fact that she’s married to a detective on the police force. Amy has always had these day dreams of killing, and finally starts to gain the courage to go through with it. Once she decided to go for it, she of course only wants to kill criminals. Even though it was a good thought…it starts a domino effect that spirals out of control extremely fast! It turns into a roller coaster ride that you will love going on. I can’t wait to see the next installment of this series! A huge 5 STARS!!!!
Profile Image for Cyndi Lovette.
42 reviews2 followers
Read
August 3, 2015
This is the first book that I have read by this author and I can't wait to read the others in this series. It will be interesting to see how long Amy will be able to hide her fantasies for killing from her police officer husband. Also looking forward to finding more out about her childhood with her mother and is there more to Nerd.
All I can say is read the book because I am not one to tell you everything, point by point.
You will not be disappointed.
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