Wings of Mayhem

The Mayhem Series #1

by Sue Coletta

Shawnee Daniels breaks into the home of Jack Delsin, a white-collar criminal accused of embezzling money from his employees’ retirement fund. In Robin Hood-esque fashion, her intention is to return their hard-earned cash, but she stumbles across a shocking spectacle. Jack has secrets, evil secrets, secrets worth killing over.

A deadly game of cat-and-mouse torpedoes Shawnee’s life. Can she outrun the killer, prove she’s innocent of murder after Jack sets her up to take the fall, and protect those she loves before he strikes again?

Genres: Mystery, Thriller, Thriller Suspense, Crime

300 pages, ebook

First published May 27, 2017

About the author

Sue Coletta is an award-winning crime writer and an active member of Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, and International Thriller Writers. Feedspot and Expertido.org named her Murder Blog as “Best 100 Crime Blogs on the Net.” She also blogs at the Kill Zone (Writer's Digest "101 Best Websites for Writers") and Writers Helping Writers.

Sue lives with her husband in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire and writes two psychological thriller series, the Mayhem Series and Grafton County Series, and true crime/narrative nonfiction.

When Sue's not writing, she teaches a virtual course about serial killers for EdAdvance in CT and a condensed version for her fellow Sisters In Crime. She's appeared on the Emmy award-winning true crime series, Storm of Suspicion, and three episodes of A Time to Kill on Investigation Discovery (airs: summer, 2023).

Learn more about Sue and her books at: https://suecoletta.com

Reviews

[Vicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first book by Sue Coletta and when I heard she was an expert on crime, I did not know what I was expecting. This book was amazing. I followed every word diligently. I wanted to stay involved, I wanted to keep reading and I wanted Shawnee safe.

I read this for Mystery Thriller Week. I am so happy I chose this book. It took crime and serial killer into a new dimension. An amazing story with an evil, evil killer.
My full review will be posted on February at The Page Turner

[Carrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great premise for a book: a cat burglar by night, a cybercrimes specialist by day. Kind of like Dexter meets The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. Fast-paced with lots of twists and turns. Sometimes light (the scenes with Shawnee and her best friend), sometimes dark (the scenes with the serial killer), Wings of Mayhem will keep you turning the pages until the end.

[Sherry Fundin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cat burglar, a cop, and a serial killer meet up in this brutal tale of love, loss and revenge that held me spellbound until the end.

See more at fundinmental

[Susan Hampson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a story that gets right under your skin and makes every nerve ending raise every hair on your body. I have read about some pretty scary serial killers but I think that The Creator, or Jack as he is known by work colleagues and the justice system, has to rank up there amongst the most horrific and memorable.
Shawnee Daniels has been ‘making a difference’ with a little justice of her own when the courts systems hands are tied and the bad guys are getting richer from unsuspecting victims. She had so far evaded discovery, as her normal quick thinking has always saved her. Shawnee has a regular job through the day but at night she is a bit of a Robin Hood cat burglar.  That is until she breaks into the wrong house and the cat burglar becomes the hunted mouse.
What a super story this is but be warned there are some very horrific scenes of violence and one especially heart breaking scene that has really stuck with me. I still aren’t sure of Shawnee, brilliant character, but just wanted to shake her at times to jolt her into what was happening round her. This is a story that takes you straight into the heart of things with an already well established killer, so the action is instinct, the tension is high and stopping reading is just impossible. Gripping entertainment.
I wish to thank the author for an e-copy of this book which I have reviewed honestly and fairly.

[Cynthia · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the first page to the last you are captivated from one page to the next as the story unfolds with a cat burglar on the prowl breaking into a home of a man that steals money. She plans on steal from him selling what she takes and giving it back to those innocent people. What takes place next will leave you spellbound, shock, horrified, screaming for her to put it all back and run, run as fast as you can. She thinks she is safe, making it out alive with no one the wiser but she is very wrong. He knows who she is and he is on the hunt to get back what she took playing a game of cat and mouse this is one cat burglar who is scared out of her wits. Those she loves and hold dear are now in the sights of a very evil man. It is anyone’s guesses who will be left standing when he gets done what he is doing.

Ms. Coletta narration was great, I loved her northern accent it really fit Shawnee. I have listened to other audios of hers but I think this one is the best so far. She really knows how to pull you in making you buy into the story, leaving you hanging on the edge, making you feel the danger, leaving you with her heart in your throat, yelling at the characters demanding they get their act together. I love her character voice, you always know who is talking and what they are feeling. I love the emotion you can hear in her voice as she pulls you in holding you spellbound waiting for the next shoe to drop. The volume never changes, if any breaks were taken I could not tell. There were no repeating of words, no background noises just a very clean and clear audio that I got lost in. I do not think I would have felt the same way had I read it because the narrator really pulls out all the stops given you an emotional listen, making you feel the excitement, pain, sorrow, scared that each character is going through.

The author really gives a wonderful read with a very well thought out story covering everything. When that camera flashed I could picture each thing she saw in my mind. I set there with my mouth wide open asking myself what in the heck she had gotten herself into now. There was no way for her to come clean and lord my heart went out to his victims. There is one that I wanted to grab and pull right out of the book. I kept saying no no no you can’t do that no no no go back oh lord that poor women. The suspense, danger, and excitement just about killed me. I couldn’t put this book down I had to know what was happening. Oh those poor bodies oh the things he did what a mess. I really liked the ending how it all played out. I loved the mystery and thought when it was over why didn’t I think of that. I felt the killer deserved it and so much more. This is one story that will keep you spellbound until the end. I know I will not forget it for some time to come. It is also one I most likely will listen to again.

[S.K. Nicholls · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wings of Mayhem is a book you will not let go of until the last page is read. Gripping, lightning paced action leads you through a storm of murder upon murder. Silence of the Lambs came to mind after a short jaunt into the first few pages. Not quite as cerebral, but filled with the same terrorizing suspense at the turn of nearly every page.

Police Department computer hacker by day, cat burglar by night, Shawnee Daniels leads a double life and pulls a heist she soon regrets when she ends up with a serial killer’s trophy box. Her life and habits closely parallel that of this most artistically sadistic serial killer who also leads a double life. They both love animals, him dogs, her cats. They challenge and tease each other in an emotional game of wit and courage where the stakes rise at every turn. Bone chilling descriptions of the serial killer’s MO resound, framing a most formidable foe.

There are twists and turns throughout, leaving Shawnee clueless who to trust. She’s a young woman with issues and, at times, I wanted to yank her by the hair and ask, “Are you crazy?” And truth is, yes, she is, a little bit so, in a way you can’t help but love. Jack Delsin is a serial killer Shawnee understands so well but, in the end, you’ll wonder who really wins the game.

Sue Coletta has carefully crafted characters with agency, an ability to make decisions, affect the story and drive the plot. Wings of Mayhem is a multi-dimensional psychological crime thriller that will curdle your blood. Gruesome and graphic. Not to be read with the lights off.

[Mae Clair · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wings of Mayhem is a read that will keep you glued on the edge of your seat. From page one, straight through to the end, this is a pulse-pounding novel of non-stop suspense. Shawnee Daniels, computer specialist/hacker for the police department by day, moonlights as a cat burglar, stealing from those who have wronged others.

During her most recent heist she inadvertently runs afoul of a serial killer when she steals his trophy box. What follows is a nerve-wracking game of cat and mouse pitting Shawnee against a sadistic executioner. The author does a superb job of layering on the tension, allowing the reader to see into the minds of both Shawnee and the killer. This is the kind of book that sucks you in to the exclusion of all else. I was actually jumpy while reading if someone so much as tried to talk to me! Probably because there are so many twists and turns along the way, many gritty and raw.

Coletta has a strong handle on all of her characters, but I have to give a special nod to Shawnee Daniels, a highly unusual protagonist. I can’t say enough how much I liked her character. Shawnee has flaws, quite a few, but that’s what makes her resonate so strongly with the reader. This is a stand-alone thriller, but if it’s also the first book of a series, I look forward to many more Mayhem adventures!

I received a gifted copy of this book from Crossroad Press in exchanged for an honest review.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book introduces you to Shawnee Daniels, leading a double life and - being immune to feedback is suboptimal when a serial killer is near.

With The Wings of Mayhem, Sue Coletta has once again created an incredibly chilling thriller with a stubborn young woman stalked by a serial killer. It is a very compelling read, inevitably drawing you in as the story proceeds. Sue Coletta paints a clear picture of the main characters' mindsets - making the readers acquainted with them - while the story evolves. I was drawn rather close to Shawnee (despite her stubbornness) and Levaughn. The characters are very complex, believable with their flaws and virtues; sometimes too believable for comfort. The story is cleverly elaborated and has a great flow. Sue Coletta's thorough research shows; you find proof throughout the story

This is a book for you if you like psychological suspense, thrillers with serial killers, stubborn characters, and if you are a fan of excellently researched topics.

Highly recommended!

[J.A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leave the light on while you're reading!

It's been a while since I've read a thriller, but Sue Coletta certainly delivered in this heart-pounding thriller. I loved Shawnee's complex inner struggles as she consulted on cyber crimes during the day and chose cat burglary as her evening occupation. That alone spoke volumes about her character, and I enjoyed every step she took in this fast-paced story.

I'm a fan of Chelsea Cain, Lisa Unger, and now Sue Coleta. I look forward to more from this talented author.

[Murder in Common · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chosen as one of my recommended summer reads: MurderinCommon.com
http://wp.me/p3XU1u-4qW

[Benjamin Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sue Coletta is AMAZING. Review to follow.

[Don Gerstein · Rating 2 out of 5]

Due to the wonderful recommendations on the site, I believed I was in for an incredible read. Unfortunately, “Wings of Mayhem” was more of a disappointment. Here’s why, without spoilers:

The main character, Shawnee – police hacker who moonlights as a cat burglar – possesses motivations that don’t always ring true. This causes one to question the entire story, and makes it nearly impossible to identify with the protagonist. The plot revolves around Shawnee discovering the identity of a serial killer during a breaking and entering. Unfortunately, the killer finds out who she is, and the rest of the book deals with his threats to kill her unless she returns his property (one piece in particular). I am good with that, but can’t wrap my head around Shawnee being worried that she might be arrested and prosecuted for her crimes. Her reluctant manner allows the killer to continue murdering additional victims. This is the same woman who believes a hit-and-run driver who killed her parents was not an accident but a planned murder, yet is unable to transfer those feelings of right and wrong to a vicious psychopath.

Be aware that I am the one using the term “psychopath.” It is not used in the book, and the eventually revealed reasons for his killing spree are difficult to believe. Threatening Skype messages to Shawnee only go so far to heighten tension, and eventually the fear seeps away. Other characters are not much more than mere sketches, although Shawnee’s roommate Nay (who ranges from sweet to airhead) seems to be the type of person who Shawnee would normally not associate with. In fact, Shawnee complains about her in almost every encounter, and while these scenes reveal Nay’s character, the interplay becomes annoying after a while.

There are numerous instances where the author walks a thin line or steps over it in the area of police procedures. One example: A woman who is an acquaintance of the lead detective is attacked and left for dead. Shawnee knows the killer (known as The Creator) did this. She asks her boyfriend-detective if he thinks The Creator was responsible, giving the reason that because he is the lead detective on the case, The Creator chose to target the victim. The detective considers this, and later orders police protection for the victim while she is in the hospital because she may be able to identify The Creator. The detective disregards the known facts, such as where The Creator usually attacks/kidnaps victims, what he does to them, and so on. In other words, this attack is nothing like The Creator’s “work,” yet the detective proceeds as if it is and directs not one, but two officers to be outside the victim’s hospital room.

Ms. Coletta’s writing shows promise but can interrupt the reader’s flow when her chosen verbs, adjectives and adverbs are used in place of more appropriate words or terms. A few instances: “The last couple of days didn’t exactly glean me extra sleep” or “On my way toward the side door a loud crash crippled my stride.” While a reader can understand sentences like these, the use of “glean” and “crippled” in these examples are not grammatically correct. Even though there are many more examples like these in the book, the author does provide some descriptive passages from time to time: “One might think I was leading her to the execution chamber by the way her sandals gripped the floor.” It is too bad that more descriptions like this one are not included in the book.

Overall, Ms. Coletta demonstrates that she does have talent. There is no doubt that this book is chockful of action, and runs at a fast pace. Many of her conversations are very realistic, and her plot moves along in a logical fashion. While I am not a fan of writers who move from first to third person, the author pulls it off in this story. On the other hand, much of that logic and the story is built around Shawnee’s thinking, which ranges from jarring to totally unbelievable. I did slog through all the way to the last page, hoping it might get better, but the climax and big reveal at the end only felt contrived and unreal. Two-and-a-half stars.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary electronic copy of this book.

[Olga Miret · Rating 4 out of 5]

A female protagonist with a secret life, a few issues and a pretty special serial killer I’m writing this review as part of Rosie’s Book Review Team. Thanks to Rosie Amber and to the author, Sue Coletta, who provided me with a free copy of the novel in exchange for an honest review.
I hadn’t read any books by the author before but the description of this novel, the first in a new series, caught my attention. I read thrillers often and it’s sometimes difficult to come across a book that finds a new angle on the subject or has something to offer to make it worthwhile for the avid reader of the genre. In this particular book, the main protagonist of the novel, Shawnee Daniels, is pretty special. She is a forensic computer analyst working for the police by day, but she has a double life and is a cat burglar by night. But although we learn that she used to be a fully-fledged cat  burglar at some point, she’s now a Robin Hood-like figure, stealing from baddies (mostly rich people who’ve committed fraud or come into their money by other devious means) to give to good causes. (Later in the novel somebody tells her that turns her into a vigilante, although she does not use violence and is a complete novice to things like firearms. I understand their argument but I’m not fully convinced.) In one of her nocturnal excursions, she picks ups valuables (gold, diamonds, a puzzle box and other trinkets) from a fraudster’s house. Rather than leaving with her booty she can’t help herself, and making good the well-known adage, her curiosity gets her into a whole lot of trouble. She discovers the hidden lair of the latest serial killer, ‘the Creator’. The description of what this murderer does to his victims (very twisted and extreme) made me think of one of the other reviewers in the team who used to teach Anatomy. Indeed this is not for readers who like tame mysteries, as there is explicit violence and a great deal of detail.
The story is told mostly from Shawnee’s point of view, in the first person, although towards the end we have some chapters from one of the detective’s point of view, Levaughn Samuels, a very attractive cop and Shawnee’s love interest. Indeed the novel is not only a hardboiled psychological thriller, but it has elements of romance (with some sex and all, not the most explicit I’ve ever read but not squeaky-clean either), with a somewhat idealised Leavaughn (he’s not only attractive, but loves Shawnee despite not knowing her very well, and accepts her, no matter how much she lies or the things she hides for him, and he’s OK with her shady life too. And yes, he’s there to protect her, even when she resists his best efforts).
Shawnee is a fascinating character. I hope we’ll get to learn more about her in future books, because although we get some snippets of information (we know her parents died and she was brought up in foster homes where bad things happened, and we learn that she later became a cat burglar and is very good at it. She’s also great with computers), but a lot remains unexplained. She appears strong and savvy, but she’s emotionally frail, has low self-esteem and she alternates between being self-confident to the point of boastfulness, and presenting as insecure at other times. She makes terrible decisions, and at times I wanted to shake her for being so selfish and egotistical, only interested in her survival.  Because of her insistence in dealing personally with everything and not confessing to her double life to protect herself, other people suffer, and are put at great risk, even her loved ones. Her self-control goes to pieces when the serial killer kills one of her cats, and she becomes totally undone when the Creator attacks her best friend (who is a bit of a comedy character, by turns the voice of her conscience but at others completely reckless). Even then, she has a talent for making her troubles worse by talking too much and being rush.
The serial killer, Jack Delsin, is also fascinating, although we only get to know him indirectly, through his actions that at times are also very puzzling. In many ways, Jack and Shawnee are mirror images and parallel characters. Jack has his reasons (I won’t share any major spoilers but when you read the book you’ll see what I mean) for what he does, he is an ‘artist ‘and takes pride in his work (and this is reflected in the comments by some of the policemen and the FBI agent), he also has a hidden life, and loves dogs (Shawnee has her cats). He also enjoys the game of cat and mouse and the challenge(or cat and dog) and is very skilled at tracking people and reading and understanding them. The connection between the two becomes clearer towards the end and it goes some way to explaining Shawnee’s attitude and her comments at the end of the novel (sorry, I can’t say more).
I enjoyed the story, the match of the main characters’ wits ensures plenty of surprises, twists and turns, and there isn’t a moment’s boredom as the pace is relentless. I’d recommend it to readers who enjoy thrillers with a fair share of explicit detail and violence, characters who’ll keep them on their toes, and an element of romance. You’ll be scared and worried, it will make you think, and it even has its comedic moments (two bad decisions don’t make a good one, and taking your friends with you is perhaps not advisable if you’re a cat burglar).  I wasn’t always convinced by the character’s changes and inconsistencies, and I felt that the element of romance and the role Levaughn ends up playing undermined the strength of the main character (I liked the ending but…). The series has plenty of room to explore the main characters’ psyche and there are unresolved issues and mysteries that will make us come back for more. I have the feeling that it will go from strength to strength.

[Sally Cronin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This first book in the Mayhem collection certainly gets the series off to a fast paced and thrilling start.

Shawnee Daniels is a complex character with a difficult past and an interesting present with a foot in both camps each side of the crimimal world. Trust does not come easily apart from her best friend, but slowly her heart opens to love and a relationship that complicates her life even further.

She is definitely independent and stubborn even in the face of a dangerous game of cat and mouse with a serial killer. As she becomes more entangled with his killing spree and protecting her own secret life, she not only endangers herself but those around her. The violence escalates and it is a race against time to catch the killer before Shawnee loses more of those she loves, her career, her freedom and very likely her life.

The main characters are excellently portrayed and the plot moves at a rapid pace towards a showdown that has you on the edge of your seat. Clearly well researched both in police procedures and the mindset of a serial killer, it will be enjoyed by readers of crime thrillers and action packed novels.

[Angie Schmidt · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW. This book is quite a ride! I received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review. I loved it! The storyline is fast paced, suspense filled, twists and turns I never expected it to take! I have already read Hacked, the fantastic 2nd book in this series, so now just have to wait for the 3rd one!!

[Paul Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spoiler Alert: Wings of Mayhem
I told you before that Sue Phillips Coletta is a writer to watch, and Wings of Mayhem (Book One of the Mayhem Series,Crossroad Press, June 2016,), Sue Phillips Coletta’s second published novel, proves my point.

Coletta’s writing has matured, especially when she writes from the first-person female protagonist’s POV. Coletta’s language is as uniquely beautiful, as full and rich and supremely confident, as her characters, primarily when she writes about what she knows best: women and crime. Her prose seems to lack that same confidence, however, when she describes men, especially gay men. Maybe that’s only because she’s not as comfortable writing third-person narration as she is writing first person.

Shawnee Daniels, Shawn to her friend Nadine, is a cat-burglar. Shawnee’s day job is the chief cyber-crime consultant for the local police department. At night, Shawnee still burgles. But now she burgles only rich bastards who steal from the poor to teach them a lesson. Shawnee, like a female Robin Hood, steals back from those bastards and donates the proceeds, less her small commission, to the helpless victims of white collar crimes. It’s become Shawnee’s mission in life and her way of making up for her past misdeeds.

When Shawnee sneaks into Jack Delsin’s up-scale house in Bear-Clave Estates to steal $30,000 in cash and jewelry, she discovers Delsin is more than a simple retirement fund embezzler. Delsin is actually the brutal serial killer known as “The Creator” who butchers women and stretches their rib cages to look like angels’ wings. Because Shawnee finds this evidence, plus an antique wooden puzzle box, during a breaking and entering (B & E) escapade, she doesn’t dare tell police. Instead, she confides in BFF Nadine.

If anyone deserves to die, it’s Nadine. People that stupid and self-centered don’t deserve to live. Nadine may mean well, but she’s a disaster waiting to happen. Unfortunately, Nadine and Shawnee have been best-female friends since childhood. Shawnee’s long-term emotional commitment to Nadine turns Nadine into a target. Delsin strikes at Shawnee through Nadine. He slits Nadine’s throat, but Shawnees finds her in time and Nadine survives.

For one street-savvy chick, Shawnee lets her emotions too often get in the way of her better judgment. Instead of striking back hard at Delsin after Delsin kills one of Shawnee’s beloved cats, Shawnee acts like a nervous wreck. She’s conflicted about her relationship with homicide cop Levaughn Samuels. If Shawnee’s honest with Levaughn, he’ll have to arrest her for burglary. If she remains silent, Levaughn could become Delsin’s next victim. What’s a girl to do? Shawnee makes a whole bunch of bad decisions that place her and her closest friends in harm’s way.

There are times while reading you’ll wonder if Shawnee is also too stupid to live. That’s what Coletta wants you to think. She wants readers to feel the fear as Shawnee’s life becomes even more complicated with every twist and turn. She turns up the heat and readers sweat right along with the characters in this fast-paced novel.

There are still a few loose ends that Coletta leaves hanging at the end of the novel, but I expect she’ll answer all our questions in future books of The Mayhem Series. I look forward to learning more about Shawnee Daniels and her family and friends in Book Two.

[donna j caldwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good

I really enjoyed this book, so far it's only the second book of hers that I've read but they are very good. Can't wait to read series 2

[Denise H · Rating 5 out of 5]

This author knows how to make the creepy-crawly, depraved, diabolical villains come to life. With each thrilling scene you can sense the villain’s presence and feel the evil seeping thru the pages. And with each chilling word you read, prepare for the tiny hairs on your arms and the nape of your neck to rise. Coletta’s writing immerses you into a world that will take your breath away and hold you in suspense from the very first page to the last and leave you wanting more. She expertly navigates the psyche of the bad guy to give her readers a fantastic tale of murder and mayhem mixed with great leading characters that are likeable and easy to relate to. It is easy to become so engrossed in her books that you lose all sense of time and do not even realize it until you reach the end.

I love the complexity of her character, Shawnee Daniels…working for the police as a computer forensics specialist by day and unable to resist her past, as a cat burglar by night. She likes the adrenaline rush, living on the edge. She is refreshing and full of life and I really enjoy her snarky comments and inner monologue. She is truly a force to reckon with. It gets even better when she takes her best friend’s advice and starts seeing Detective Levaughn Samuels causing her personal and professional lives to collide. To make things even more complicated her cat burglar activity puts her directly in the sights of a serial killer who has put her at the top of his list. On one of her jobs, she discovers his identity and takes something precious to him and he will do anything to get it back. Aside from herself, she has put both her best friend and boyfriend in the direct line of fire. She now has to match wits with a killer, keep her nightly activity from being exposed, keep her friends safe, try to stay alive and keep herself out of jail.

This is a fast-paced, adrenaline pumping read that will keep you on your toes. It is full of unexpected twists and turns, an evil villain that will make your skin crawl, charismatic leading characters, witty banter and a touch of romance. It has a nice balance of light and dark, neither overwhelming the other throughout the story. I am looking forward to seeing what kind of villain Shawnee will go up against in the next book.

[Babus Ahmed · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shawnee Daniels is a gifted cat burglar by night and a police IT forensic investigator by day. Tragic events in her early life means Shawnee has led a troubled life and her burglary skills are a consequence of that. Shawnee has long left behind a life where she stole for her own personal gain and steals now from those who defraud others to even the score.

During one such night time cat burglary she finds herself in a home where the occupant hasn't only stole funds but has a mysterious room with a padlock. This serves as a challenge and once Shawnee realises what is hidden behind the door she becomes a target for a ruthless killer.

Unknowingly she takes a box containing something the killer wants back and so ensues an elaborate cat and mouse game resulting in bloodshed as the killer relentlessly pursues her.

The strength of this fast paced,high octane thriller lies in the many twists and turns in the plot and in Shawnee's eccentric character. She really stands out as an original protagonist. I enjoyed reading a strong female lead with a good sense of humour.

Shawnee's past is colourful and there's much to learn about her family and her love of cats just added another dimension of enjoyment for me. However, be warned as not all the animals on the book remain safe from the bloodshed.

The added complication of Shawnee's love life added nothing for me as I didn't find the male characters in the book as strong or as appealing as Shawnee and her best friend Nadine. However, despite my disnterest in romance on this occasion I still really enjoyed this crime/mystery/suspense thriller, which gripped me from the very start.

Easy to read and impossible to put down, this is one thriller in am glad I picked up.

I chose to review this book from the Rosie Amber's book review team book list and was gifted a review copy from the author.

[Shelley Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shawnee Daniels is a computer forensics specialist by day and a cat burglar by night. I loved how the author managed to blend the two ‘roles’ so well. You get an insight into the talented specialist (or hacker!) as she uses her computer skills to aid the detectives, and then the flip side of her secret life of breaking and entering.

Unlike some psychological thrillers where you don’t find out who the bad guy is until the end, we are introduced to the serial killer from the start, observing events from his point of view in certain chapters and getting a ‘feel’ for the man behind the murders. Even though we know who the big bad is, we are left in the dark as to his motives until the end.

The pace waxes and wanes throughout the book. Just when you think you’ve caught your breath, there is another twist and the pace increases. The author has a beautifully imaginative and descriptive way with murder scenes! I cringed at certain points – just like I do when watching CSI – and then shouted and bawled at Shawnee when she did something stupid or life-threatening.

Sue Coletta creates characters with heart and soul, and Shawnee Daniels has this in abundance. I loved her fire, passion, and loyalty. She doesn’t take any crap from anyone, and I loved this about her. Detective Levaughn is a perfect character to compliment Shawnee’s fiery temperament, and they make a good team.

I loved Nadine – as BFFs go, she is great. The scenes between the two women were humorous and heartwarming – I especially loved their crawl through the heating ducts!

There are twists that I didn’t see coming and a nicely wrapped up ending. If you are a fan of riveting thrillers, then Wings of Mayhem is for you.

I purchased the eBook via Amazon and reviewed it as part of Rosie Amber’s Book Review Team.

[Staci Troilo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to admit, I was concerned when the protagonist discovered the identity of the serial killer in the first scene. I mean, come on, the whole point of a mystery/thriller is the whodunit aspect, right?

Wrong.

Don't worry about being bored because you know who the killer is. That's the least of the issues facing the heroine in Sue Coletta's WINGS OF MAYHEM. This is a nonstop whirlwind of edge-of-your-seat action that will leave you breathless from page one to the very last word. I'm already waiting for the sequel.

The heroine, Shawnee, is a breath of fresh air for the reader. Not your traditional damsel in distress or even your tough-as-nails female cop. No, Shawnee has a few special traits all her own, and when juxtaposed with her so-sweet-your-teeth-hurt best friend, it's a pairing that's endearing. When she starts dating the uber-hot detective? It's a match you can't tear your eyes away from.

Throw these characters in with a sadistic serial killer whose motives are impossible for even a Fed to unravel and so much action and apprehension that your heartbeat sets a new speed record... well, what more can I say? As Shawnee's best friend would tell you, it's a frickety-fracken good book. Woot!

Seriously, the pacing is fast and the plot is solid. The characters are ones you'll love and want to revisit. This is a book I highly recommend.

[Joe Broadmeadow · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the true pleasures of reading is finding that truly unique story. In Wings of Mayhem, Sue Coletta shines in both telling the story and crafting language to make it compelling.
The book is not for the faint of heart. A sadistic serial killer is after the main character Shawnee Daniels. She's taken something important from him and he wants it back. He's willing to use all his sinister skills to get it.
Coletta is a master at building each scene to a crescendo then, with just a brief moment to catch your breath and slow your heart rate, she plunges you into the terror and suspense once again.
Wings of Mayhem, Book One of the Mayhem series, stands alone as an outstanding thriller. The potential for a blockbuster series is a bonus. If you love a psychological crime thriller, this is the book for you.
Remember the name, Sue Coletta, she will be writing your favorite nightmares for years to come. I will never look at a Raven's feather the same way ever again

[Jaymee Woolhiser · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is only one word out there that can sum up Sue Coletta's latest work, Wings of Mayhem: Chilling. Right down to the bones, chilling. Coletta gives the reader not only a wild, squeamish ride, but she also accomplishes something most authors miss. Through a mastery of writing and just enough description to make the skin crawl, Coletta is not afraid to take the reader exactly where they do not want to go. There is something worth commending in an author who isn't afraid to write the darkness that can lurk within humanity, especially one who does it so well as Coletta.

Prepare yourself to yell at your book in true horror and thriller fashion. Once you get started you'll be on Coletta's hook and she won't let you off until she is well good and ready!

[C.S. Boyack · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I read the author's first book and while I really enjoyed it. I loved this book! Coletta stepped up her game with this story, and I really enjoyed the complex characters in this one. I like the way the main character, Shawnee, is faced with two options, one bad - the other worse. I had genuine concern how she was going to pull all this off. The intrigue is deep, from a serial killer to framing a semi-innocent person, to protecting a completely innocent victim this book has it all. Bravo Ms. Coletta and I look forward to more of Shawnee and crew.

[Emily Dickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book!! So I started out with Hacked which is a little out of order but I have to tell you I have not yet been left down with this author. Shawnee is a fantastic character who is well developed and very likeable. The book has lots of action and just draws a reader. I didn't put this book down until the very end. The secondary characters are also likeable and I enjoyed them just as much as the main character. The story had lots of twists and the I was completely happy with the way the book ended. Can't wait to see what trouble she gets into next. I am giving my honest review voluntarily of this book that I received from the author.

[Paul Brazill · Rating 5 out of 5]

When cat burglar Shawnee Daniels accidentally discovers the lair of a serial killer known as The Creator, her complicated life quickly becomes even more complicated- and much more dangerous.

Sue Coletta’s Wings Of Mayhem is an engrossing and fast-paced crime thriller with a gripping plot that twists and turns tighter than a corkscrew.

A hell of a ride!

[Ripley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a full throttle hair straight back read from the first to last chapter. The characters are intriguing and well suited to the story. One of the best books I've read recently and can hardly wait for the next one.

[John Maberry · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first book by Sue Coletta that I've read . Used to see a lot of her on Google + (I miss that app).
If you liked the Criminal Minds TV show, you’ll like this novel. Well, to be fair, it’s not simply about the brutal nature of the killings nor finding the killer. The author reveals him early on. The police are after the unknown serial killer, but that’s not the dominant part of the story. It’s like this, the protagonist works as a consultant for a police department by day and a cat burglar by night.

She and the killer soon begin a very dangerous interaction. That’s what keeps the story going—her risk of becoming a victim of a man who kills people slowly and displays them for the world to see in public places.

Despite the gore, there is some humor and nascent romance complicated by her role working for the police, some of whom may believe she’s involved with the deaths. Lots of twists, some surprises and only a few red herrings.

The only pause from giving a fifth star in this review is some implausibility I find with elements of the story. I won’t go into them because that would entail spoilers. That won’t keep me from reading more novels in the Mayhem series--which I do plan on doing.

[Claire O'Sullivan · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Wings of Mayhem" was un-put-downable. I literally did nothing today but read this book.

The author hits another one out of the park with this dark thriller that differs in tone and characterization from the main character, her love interest, and even depth she is able to give a creepy sick killer. This is the first in the series and I look forward to reading the next, and the next, and the next ...

A serial killer and a detective, what do they have in common? Why, the main character of course, thief extraordinaire, Shawnee.

Shawnee has something the serial killer wants (besides her death). And he will stop at nothing to get it.

[Barbara Scutt · Rating 2 out of 5]

Creep but good

This took me awhile to read as I kept putting it down because having the point of view of the killer was off-putting for me. I'm currently not a fan of switching points of view I prefer it to be single narrator of either a first-person or third-person.

Because you already know who the bad guy is and who the heroine is, it's all about how is it going to end. Periodically, I was the person in the audience, who is screaming at the TV "No don't do that!"

The ending was both quick and abrupt with the lead in for the next book or subplot somewhere.

I already have book 2 but I think I need something light next.