Crushed

Detective Ellie MacIntosh #5

by Kate Watterson

Crushed: the next sizzling thriller in Kate Watterson's Ellie MacIntosh series, for fans of Allison Brennan and Sandra Brown

What do you think?

The strange message, inked on a homicide victim, makes Detective Ellie MacIntosh's blood run cold.

What do you think now?

Worse, it is soon followed by a message on a second victim in the same location. MacIntosh realizes this is personal--a challenge directed at her and her volatile partner, Jason Santiago. As a cat and mouse game with a conscienceless killer emerges, the detectives start to fear that they have met their match.

His deranged obsession is costing lives, and soon he contacts MacIntosh personally to taunt her. Ellie must race against time to try to solve the unsolvable before it is too late.

Genres: Mystery

352 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 30, 2018

About the author

Writing as both Emma Wildes and Katherine Smith, Kate Watterson has over thirty published books to her credit, plus five Eppie nominations, one Eppie win for best historical erotic in 2007, a RWA Lories win, WisRWA 2005 final for best historical romance, and is a CAPA nominee. She loves suspense and to write erotic stories in the genre is a special treat.

Reviews

[Debbie Oxier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Detective Ellie MacIntosh and partner, Jason Santiago, are called to a murder scene where they find a strange message written in ink on the victim's arm. What do you think? When a second victim turns up with another message intended for the detectives, they know they are being challenged by the killer. When he sends Ellie flowers and starts calling her, it becomes personal. Its obvious the killer is fixated on her. Jason is determined to protect Ellie no matter what so he takes up residence on her couch. Together, they rush to catch the bad guy before he can kill again.

I love this series. Jason and Ellie make a great team in spite of their differences. Jason is oftentimes hard to get along with and doesn't always play by the rules. Ellie is hard working, focused, and can sometimes take things too seriously. I look forward to the next book in the series.

[Claudia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well, I didn't look carefully and entered this series with Book #5...I could tell there had been lots of character development in the previous books, and back stories, but could easily follow the mystery and the relationships. Evil stalker wants to impress Dect. Ellie MacIntosh...and does.

[norcalgal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not gonna lie - for me, this novel was all about the resolved sexual tension between Ellie and Jason (finally!). I must admit I haven't read the first book in this series, but have read every novel beginning with Book 2. Maybe that's why I've 'shipped "Jellie" since I started the Ellie MacIntosh series. I'm on pins and needles to see where the author takes this relationship in future books!!!

As for the who-dun-it? I had a sneaky suspicion it had to be someone who lives or works in Ellie's condo building. I actually thought it was a maintenance guy or building superintendent, but since no such person was ever introduced in this book, I guess that's why it ended up being the neighbor. But as to that, I really, really, really hated that for two smart, intuitive homicide detectives, neither Ellie nor Jason ever suspected Mr. Nichols. I mean, c'mon - they had a physical description of their main suspect, and never once thought of the next door neighbor whose physical appearance they've seen multiple times?! (sigh) It just defies belief that the police never looked into all of the condo's residents as part of their normal police investigation. It was a contrived plot point to deliberately not have this happen, otherwise, Mr. Nichols's profession and childrens' schools would have come to light that much sooner (and brought an end to the novel that much sooner).

But, as I previously stated, this novel was all about the "Jellie" for me, so I forgive Kate Watterson. Of course, if the couple's personal relationship ever ends for any reason, all bets are off. Never forget, never forgive...

[taylor · Rating 3 out of 5]

this was the first book of the series i’ve read, and i plan on going back and reading them all. this can be read obviously as a stand alone but i think there were some references i would better understand, had i read them in order. i think the plot was great, gave me like criminal minds episode vibes. however i think it was bit anti-climatic, there was only like 2 pages of actual confrontation with the killer and half of it was jason beating the crap out of them. i just would of liked a better ending. overall it was a good book and i do recommend.

[Chris Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

This a detective/crime story with elements of romance. Normally i will not read detective story because I hate the characters rehashing the details between each other while trying to solve the crime. However, the author added three detectives and a psychologist to the mix of main people. Excellent story with the right amount of twisted and turns and personal stories away from the crime to build characters' depth. I so want to read more of this series. Great book.

[Cynthia Fisher · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. It was a simple read, but a page turner nonetheless.
Since I haven't read the four previous books on the character Ellie MacIntosh, I may have missed some important points. Overall, I recommend the book for a quick read.

[emyrose8 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whew! Stayed up late to finish it. Crime was a doozy, although I had my suspicions on who the killer was.

Note- some swearing, romantic encounters, but not graphic, and of course a serial killer

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story but it seems a little rushed to already have a baby in the mix.

[Jinianne Gorg · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty good. The absolute was so NOT a surprise.

[Rachel Gruber · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a decent thriller but the end felt slightly rushed

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pulled this book from the neighborhood free lending library and it was a fun read.

[Cecilia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed reading the book and went straight to the next one. Finished both in 2 days and I cannot wait for the next one in the series. I want to know about the next case and how they move on with their relationship.

[gloria.pagan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book! A page turner I couldn't put down. It had me guessing who the killer was until the very end. Surprise twist in the end of the book I didn't see coming. I can't wait to see what happens next with Ellie's and Santiago's relationship.