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McKenna Mystery #1
The Gift
A sullen boy, a tormented woman, a breathless man, a thousand pieces of shattered green glass. On a missing persons case in a small Massachusetts town, Grace comes face to face with an unlikely criminal. Armed with only a handful of clues, she sets out to unravel a local family’s deathly secret. Sharing the streets with someone only she knows to be a killer is unsettling to say the least, but when her off-the-books investigation generates more questions than answers, the list of people she can trust grows dangerously short. It’s a race to solve the mystery before the trail goes cold and a killer walks free. Join the hunt for an elusive killer who’s primed to strike again.
224 pages, ebook
First published January 3, 2017
1086 people are currently reading
1906 people want to read
About the author
Kate Anslinger
26 books238 followersKate is the author of the Grace McKenna Mystery series and The Town Series. She’s also penned several standalone novels and co-authored a nonfiction book or two. In addition to her life as a novelist, Kate is a ghostwriter, book coach, and a veteran of the United States Air Force. Her debut novel Saving Jason, touches upon the struggles of PTSD, a topic that is near and dear to her heart. Kate lives on the North Shore of Boston with her husband, two daughters and golden retriever pup.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 143 reviews
August 9, 2017
Quite good
Excellent writing, that draws you in quickly. A young female detective whom gets visions when she looks in the eyes of someone who has committed a crime. This books really good and at least she's in the right profession...
Excellent writing, that draws you in quickly. A young female detective whom gets visions when she looks in the eyes of someone who has committed a crime. This books really good and at least she's in the right profession...
March 25, 2021
Detective Grace McKenna has a secret. She's been blessed .. or cursed... with a gift. She can look at a person's eyes and if they've done anything nefarious, she will see visions of the victim .. and the culprit. Makes it a little difficult with her job. How does she explain that so-and-so killed someone .. when no one knows the victim is even missing?
That's what Grace is dealing with today. A teenage girl hasn't been in touch with her family in two days. Luckily, she's only been staying with a friend and is soon home safe and sound. But in speaking to the girl and wrapping up her case, she sees something in the girl's eyes that lead her to making tough decisions to solve a case on her own.
This is an entertaining read with appealing, solidly written characters. There's plenty of action, especially as McKenna crosses a few lines that she shouldn't have. There's a bit of romance as McKenna and another cop start a friendship that may become more. Telling him of her secret may stop whatever is brewing right in her tracks. The plot is well-written and I look forward to following this series.
Many thanks to the author / Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA / Netgalley for the digital copy of this crime mystery with paranormal overtones. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
That's what Grace is dealing with today. A teenage girl hasn't been in touch with her family in two days. Luckily, she's only been staying with a friend and is soon home safe and sound. But in speaking to the girl and wrapping up her case, she sees something in the girl's eyes that lead her to making tough decisions to solve a case on her own.
This is an entertaining read with appealing, solidly written characters. There's plenty of action, especially as McKenna crosses a few lines that she shouldn't have. There's a bit of romance as McKenna and another cop start a friendship that may become more. Telling him of her secret may stop whatever is brewing right in her tracks. The plot is well-written and I look forward to following this series.
Many thanks to the author / Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA / Netgalley for the digital copy of this crime mystery with paranormal overtones. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
November 5, 2020
Where has Kate Anslinger been all of my life? WOW ... I absolutely adored this book. I can't believe it took me so long to open this, which is book 1 in the Grace McKenna series. I just finished (and absolutely DEVOURED it in 24 hours) and I can't wait to crack book #2 open.
The premise of this story - a gifted young detective who can look into someone's eyes and see evil - should really be made into a Netflix series. The book was incredibly well written, fast paced and had all the perfect elements of a solid mystery/thriller. I have no idea why more people aren't reading her novels and it is now my goal to spread the word about this incredibly talented author. This isnt gory or graphic like other novels I normally read, but I actually appreciated the fact that it wasn't the main focus.
I also loved her characters - Grace was strong and extremely likeable. Her relationship (spoiler alert!) with Mark is also incredibly charming. I cannot wait to see where their story line goes. I hope they'll formulate a stronger, kick-ass partnership in future novels!
Thank you, Kate, for sending me book 1 and 2. I am grateful for the opportunity to read and review your novels!
The premise of this story - a gifted young detective who can look into someone's eyes and see evil - should really be made into a Netflix series. The book was incredibly well written, fast paced and had all the perfect elements of a solid mystery/thriller. I have no idea why more people aren't reading her novels and it is now my goal to spread the word about this incredibly talented author. This isnt gory or graphic like other novels I normally read, but I actually appreciated the fact that it wasn't the main focus.
I also loved her characters - Grace was strong and extremely likeable. Her relationship (spoiler alert!) with Mark is also incredibly charming. I cannot wait to see where their story line goes. I hope they'll formulate a stronger, kick-ass partnership in future novels!
Thank you, Kate, for sending me book 1 and 2. I am grateful for the opportunity to read and review your novels!
August 4, 2023
Started out good but deteriorated
I liked the storyline very much but the 2nd half of the book wasn't as good as the first. It was just off. I think that Grace is a great character and with a little bit of experience I am sure the writing will get better. It wasn't until the end that it went off course. The Daughter. The Mother, the Father and the teacher. They all came together in a tragic way. But she sees so many bad people when she looks in their eyes. I wonder if that's true. The ending was a twist though. I did like that. I will read her again.
I liked the storyline very much but the 2nd half of the book wasn't as good as the first. It was just off. I think that Grace is a great character and with a little bit of experience I am sure the writing will get better. It wasn't until the end that it went off course. The Daughter. The Mother, the Father and the teacher. They all came together in a tragic way. But she sees so many bad people when she looks in their eyes. I wonder if that's true. The ending was a twist though. I did like that. I will read her again.
December 31, 2020
I want to think Kate Anslinger for sending me these for a honest review and I want to thank a friend for the refel. Right away this book sucks you in. What more can you ask for. You have a young female Detective with a ability to see visions of the crime a person committed when she looks in there eyes. Plus she has a Adorable pup named Brody and ends up adopting a cute kitty. It was a fast pace and easy to keep track of the different characters. I loved the ending. Never seen it coming. Not sure what took me so long to pick it up. Now, i cant stop. Im already starting book 2. Buried secrets . Definitely recommend this one for those true crime, with a little bit of Medium mixed in.
RATING:🐕🐕🐕🐕🐶
RATING:🐕🐕🐕🐕🐶
January 8, 2017
If you want a book that's easy to put down- this is not the book for you. From the moment I began reading I was immediately drawn into the author's characters and the town of Bridgeton. The plot is filled with mystery and had me turning pages quickly to see what happens next. The writing was well polished, there were unforeseen twists, and it left me wanting a part 2!
August 30, 2020
Well Executed & Intriguing Concept!
A good indicator of a good read for me is when you are so relieved there’s another book in the series upon completing the first!
Admittedly, I was able to predict every plot twist and that ending but I never let that deter or disappoint me because part of the fun of completing any read is to find out if you’re correct and if you’re as clever as the writer to pick up on their clues. ;) (Or perhaps I’ve just watched too much “Murder, She Wrote” since I was a child.)
As of late I’ve been reading a lot of dense nonfiction and some sobering historical fiction so this gripping, effortless read was so refreshing and so welcome. I especially enjoy and appreciate when the main protagonist is so likable. Author Kate did an excellent job placing you in that small town vibe and I felt as if I were walking every snow-crunching step Grace took, feeling giddy with a possible new love interest, and following her along on every clandestine hunt for clues and able to see what she saw when she peered into the eyes of evil.
The writing was exquisite with some of the most beautiful and haunting descriptions that will stay with me. I was sincerely drawn in from that first scene and it has left me wanting more. I mean if this doesn’t grab you I don’t know what will: ”The visions kept coming, flashes of crime that infiltrated Grace’s mind. The red-haired woman’s naked body being pulled and dropped into a pool of murky water. Her red hair fanning out above the smooth black pool, making her look like a mystical mermaid. Her eyes were closed, a look of peace masking a face that had just witnessed her own murder. And then a flash of her sinking.” Wow!
Also, I know you’re not supposed to judge a book by its cover but I have to remark that that cover art, done by graphic designer Maria Aiello, is so haunting and stunning and the selection will make sense upon reading the story.
I sure look forward to delving into the next book in the series and especially resuming where that ending left off. . .
A good indicator of a good read for me is when you are so relieved there’s another book in the series upon completing the first!
Admittedly, I was able to predict every plot twist and that ending but I never let that deter or disappoint me because part of the fun of completing any read is to find out if you’re correct and if you’re as clever as the writer to pick up on their clues. ;) (Or perhaps I’ve just watched too much “Murder, She Wrote” since I was a child.)
As of late I’ve been reading a lot of dense nonfiction and some sobering historical fiction so this gripping, effortless read was so refreshing and so welcome. I especially enjoy and appreciate when the main protagonist is so likable. Author Kate did an excellent job placing you in that small town vibe and I felt as if I were walking every snow-crunching step Grace took, feeling giddy with a possible new love interest, and following her along on every clandestine hunt for clues and able to see what she saw when she peered into the eyes of evil.
The writing was exquisite with some of the most beautiful and haunting descriptions that will stay with me. I was sincerely drawn in from that first scene and it has left me wanting more. I mean if this doesn’t grab you I don’t know what will: ”The visions kept coming, flashes of crime that infiltrated Grace’s mind. The red-haired woman’s naked body being pulled and dropped into a pool of murky water. Her red hair fanning out above the smooth black pool, making her look like a mystical mermaid. Her eyes were closed, a look of peace masking a face that had just witnessed her own murder. And then a flash of her sinking.” Wow!
Also, I know you’re not supposed to judge a book by its cover but I have to remark that that cover art, done by graphic designer Maria Aiello, is so haunting and stunning and the selection will make sense upon reading the story.
I sure look forward to delving into the next book in the series and especially resuming where that ending left off. . .
June 19, 2019
A terrific story with a perfect mix of some supernatural and suspense. This story was a bit out of the norm for me but I am so glad I gave it a shot. Between the terrific writing and unique characters I did not want to put this down. To write a character with Grace’s abilities and have her mesh with the story and other characters must be tough and this author did it beautifully. A story I’d recommend to anyone looking for something different and well written. One you will not want to put down.l
April 18, 2017
Detective Grace McKenna was born with a unique gift which she ultimately uses to further her career in law enforcement.
Surrounded by strong secondary characters and embroiled in a plot that features twists and turns The Gift is a book that will live in the reader's head long after it has been enjoyed.
Surrounded by strong secondary characters and embroiled in a plot that features twists and turns The Gift is a book that will live in the reader's head long after it has been enjoyed.
June 25, 2019
Excellent read!!
May 5, 2025
Grace has a gift--when she first meets someone, she sees things about them she'd rather not know. Helpful sometimes as a cop, but not always pleasant. She's called to the home of an over-achieving high school girl who is missing. There's something off there, and she still can't back off when the girl comes home, claiming her phone died. Grace knows that more is involved, and it involves a missing teacher. There are a few holes in the plot, but the idea of a person being able to see straight through someone was intriguing.
February 8, 2025
I found it intriguing to imagine a police officer who could see a person's deepest secrets by looking into their eyes. Seeing how this insight gives her an advantage when solving cases was interesting. Not sure I would like this gift though, it would be far too unsettling! An enjoyable, unique story.
September 27, 2023
Didn’t love the writing in this book. I found myself comparing it to the Jesse Hunt series by Blake Pierce and it just didn’t compare to that series.
January 23, 2024
excellent read!!
Very well written with a great story line. I’m excited to read about all of the cases Grace McKenna takes on and how she uses her gift to help others
Very well written with a great story line. I’m excited to read about all of the cases Grace McKenna takes on and how she uses her gift to help others
November 29, 2025
My first read by this author. Great 5 star read! I’ll be reading more of this author.
June 23, 2019
Great read
Loved the book. It was a little too slow starting out, but I stayed in and it got much better. I definitely recommend this book. But wait, where is the next one? It leaves you hanging, but there's nothing showing a book follows.
Loved the book. It was a little too slow starting out, but I stayed in and it got much better. I definitely recommend this book. But wait, where is the next one? It leaves you hanging, but there's nothing showing a book follows.
April 10, 2021
Well I actually liked this. The ideas used within it we unique. I found the big reveal of her gifts to her love interest to be a little bit of a let down and I would of thought that more people would know about her unique gifts. You can't keep things like that a secret without a lot of money and resources. The story line was good and I like the way she uses her powers. I feel like her mum is abusing her gifts slightly by making her check out her dates even with her background but that's just me. I'll try to check out the rest of the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 17, 2020
The first book in a series and I loved it!! Can't wait to finish up the series and see how this all plays out. Definitely one I would recommend.
June 11, 2019
I won this Kindle edition book in a GoodReads
Giveaway. Thank you to everyone involved.
This is a book you cannot put down!!
Giveaway. Thank you to everyone involved.
This is a book you cannot put down!!
March 1, 2017
Well written, with a good storyline. Ended with a potential sequel hinting.
February 26, 2017
I read another one of Kate's books and was so excited to try out her new one "The Gift." It was so great. From the first page to the last I couldn't put this book down.
I am a big Paranormal reader and this was just what I was looking for. Grace seemed so real to me and the small town she worked in was almost a character itself.
I loved the twists and turns and hope she will write another book with Grace and her gift!
I am a big Paranormal reader and this was just what I was looking for. Grace seemed so real to me and the small town she worked in was almost a character itself.
I loved the twists and turns and hope she will write another book with Grace and her gift!
July 29, 2025
The Gift is the first book in Kate Anslinger’s McKenna Grey series, and it immediately pulled me in with its emotional depth and suspenseful pace. The story introduces McKenna Grey, a military veteran turned detective, who discovers she has an unexpected and haunting ability—she can experience the final moments of the dead. This “gift” becomes both a burden and a path forward as she is drawn into solving a chilling case involving a missing girl.
The emotional layers in this story really stood out to me. McKenna isn’t just chasing clues—she’s facing her past, struggling with the weight of her gift, and trying to make sense of what it all means. I loved how real she felt, especially in moments of self-doubt and determination.
As the mystery unfolded, I found myself completely wrapped up in the twists and turns. Kate Anslinger did a beautiful job balancing heartache, suspense, and just the right touch of the supernatural. I’m so glad this is the first in a series because I can’t wait to follow more of McKenna’s journey. The Gift is a compelling and emotional start to what I know will be an unforgettable series.
The emotional layers in this story really stood out to me. McKenna isn’t just chasing clues—she’s facing her past, struggling with the weight of her gift, and trying to make sense of what it all means. I loved how real she felt, especially in moments of self-doubt and determination.
As the mystery unfolded, I found myself completely wrapped up in the twists and turns. Kate Anslinger did a beautiful job balancing heartache, suspense, and just the right touch of the supernatural. I’m so glad this is the first in a series because I can’t wait to follow more of McKenna’s journey. The Gift is a compelling and emotional start to what I know will be an unforgettable series.
November 17, 2018
The minute I started reading, I was hooked. This book was great, with an interesting main character that uses her unique gift to solve crimes. A well written female detective is hard to come by, which I’m happy to say was accomplished in this book.
I did have a few issues, however. The timeline was choppy; switching between fall leaves and winter snow with almost no warning. I also had a problem with how often the word “giggled” came up. It was the only word used to describe amusement, which was hard to overlook.
I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book so I could give an honest review.
I did have a few issues, however. The timeline was choppy; switching between fall leaves and winter snow with almost no warning. I also had a problem with how often the word “giggled” came up. It was the only word used to describe amusement, which was hard to overlook.
I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book so I could give an honest review.
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January 26, 2023Boring, boring and trite. I can’t believe I wasted my time reading this. I kept hoping it would improve.
I thought this book was very poor. Started out with an okay introduction. But soon ran out of steam. The main character was insular and boring. She met people and as soon as she shook their hand or looked in their eyes she saw what violence they had done to others, mostly women. Who knew a small town could breed so many criminals? Her big date with her friend’s nephew was a joke…yet another peadophile. Too silly for words. The big ending was seriously weak…the girl inadvertently killed her mother…it was an accident but she got into Harvard…hurrah!!
I thought this book was very poor. Started out with an okay introduction. But soon ran out of steam. The main character was insular and boring. She met people and as soon as she shook their hand or looked in their eyes she saw what violence they had done to others, mostly women. Who knew a small town could breed so many criminals? Her big date with her friend’s nephew was a joke…yet another peadophile. Too silly for words. The big ending was seriously weak…the girl inadvertently killed her mother…it was an accident but she got into Harvard…hurrah!!
November 9, 2020
Imagine if you can tell if someone is good or evil by just looking at their eyes; would that be exciting or scary? Our main character, Grace, has this unique gift, and guess what? She is also a detective. I like her a lot because she remains strong, inspiring, and relatable even with her talent. The plot is wonderfully written, and the rest of the characters are appealing. It is a quick read for me, and with my reading slump and all these past few weeks, this book put me back on track. I enjoyed it a lot; romantic, mysterious, enthralling, and a real page-turner. I am off to Book 2!
February 5, 2018
I liked the book, especially the main character. Some of the other characters seemed to give nice head fakes. Kept me on my toes, and just when you think that things are getting predictable, they aren't.
Good twists, and nice unraveling at the end. Well worth the read time!
Good twists, and nice unraveling at the end. Well worth the read time!
January 25, 2023
GRACE HAVING SYNESTHESIA IS PART GIFT AND PART CURSE, I DON'T THINK I'D WANT IT. FILLED WITH UNEXPECTED SURPRISES, SOME I DIDN'T SEE COMING. THERE WERE A FEW LOOSE ENDS WHICH CARRIES OVER TO THE NEXT BOOK BUT THE MAIN CASE DOES END. ;D
March 11, 2019
I enjoyed this book very much. It was an easy read that was hard to put down. I would definitely recommend if you enjoy thrillers/ mysteries.
October 10, 2024
free ebook
she has a gift , if she looks into someones eyes and they did something bad she can see pieces of visions of it
her mom was raped, she told her when she was a teen
she became a cop. the visions are hard for her
a teen girl goes missing (she was adopted), but was at a friends house. she comes home and meets the cop, but the cop gets visions that the girl murdered her art teacher who is having affair with her dad.
a lady that works at the pd set her up on a blind date with her nephew. when she met him she had visions of him doing something to a under age girl
she confronts him and he confesses he raped the babysitter 2 yrs prior
when she gets back to work the next day his aunt keeps at her about the date till she finally snaps and tells her hes a rapist. the aunt of course doesnt believe her and got real mad
the art teacher is not in her house. she fed the cat who was starving. the door was unlocked and she just went in.
the girl didnt know the teacher was her mom, she thought her dad was having affair with her (he was) and the lady fell off the cliff
but the adopted mom went down to where she landed and killed her
so the adopted mom got arrested and the dad and 2 daughters moved out of town
the cop told the cute cop her secret of visions, and they are dating
the cop that was mad at her at work got the truth about her rapist nephew so they are friends again
i like this series! i got the first 3 free so im looking forward to reading the other 2!
she has a gift , if she looks into someones eyes and they did something bad she can see pieces of visions of it
her mom was raped, she told her when she was a teen
she became a cop. the visions are hard for her
a teen girl goes missing (she was adopted), but was at a friends house. she comes home and meets the cop, but the cop gets visions that the girl murdered her art teacher who is having affair with her dad.
a lady that works at the pd set her up on a blind date with her nephew. when she met him she had visions of him doing something to a under age girl
she confronts him and he confesses he raped the babysitter 2 yrs prior
when she gets back to work the next day his aunt keeps at her about the date till she finally snaps and tells her hes a rapist. the aunt of course doesnt believe her and got real mad
the art teacher is not in her house. she fed the cat who was starving. the door was unlocked and she just went in.
the girl didnt know the teacher was her mom, she thought her dad was having affair with her (he was) and the lady fell off the cliff
but the adopted mom went down to where she landed and killed her
so the adopted mom got arrested and the dad and 2 daughters moved out of town
the cop told the cute cop her secret of visions, and they are dating
the cop that was mad at her at work got the truth about her rapist nephew so they are friends again
i like this series! i got the first 3 free so im looking forward to reading the other 2!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 6, 2019
This book is a 4.5 star read for anyone with an appetite for Indie authors and books. The Gift should be accompanied by a caution label as anyone who picks this up will be guaranteed to keep reading until the last page is devoured. Chapters are fast paced and most end on cliff hangers so exciting that you will be swept up in uncovering Grace’s next psychic sighting.
This book expertly combines supernatural elements, like second sight, with a thriller plot that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat. I am crossing my fingers that the author is planning a sequel as the green pickup driver needs to be taken down, Grace McKenna style.
I have spent some time at conferences in Massachusetts and a secondary benefit for me was reading/ hearing the Boston accents, smelling the brine of the sea and enjoying the atmosphere created in small town “Bridgeton”.
This book was very Unputdownable and kept me up way past my bedtime, too scared to turn off my light. Read it if you dare!
I’m thankful to the author for providing me with a copy to review after meeting me randomly on Twitter.
Looking forward to reading more from this author. Hats off to Indie authors everywhere.
This book expertly combines supernatural elements, like second sight, with a thriller plot that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat. I am crossing my fingers that the author is planning a sequel as the green pickup driver needs to be taken down, Grace McKenna style.
I have spent some time at conferences in Massachusetts and a secondary benefit for me was reading/ hearing the Boston accents, smelling the brine of the sea and enjoying the atmosphere created in small town “Bridgeton”.
This book was very Unputdownable and kept me up way past my bedtime, too scared to turn off my light. Read it if you dare!
I’m thankful to the author for providing me with a copy to review after meeting me randomly on Twitter.
Looking forward to reading more from this author. Hats off to Indie authors everywhere.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 143 reviews