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Keys to Love #5
Unlocking Darkness
USA Today Bestselling Author Kennedy Layne brings you the thrilling conclusion to the Keys to Love series that will leave you wondering...who can you truly trust?
Mitch Kendall was welcomed home after sixteen years by a murder investigation that plagued every member of his family. He wanted the dark cloud lifted that hung over his return, so he did the only thing he could—he called in a favor from an old friend.
Allie Delaney spent most of her adult life building her career as a special investigator solving cold cases for the New York Police Department. She loves her city and would never consider leaving the bright lights, but she was willing to take a well-deserved vacation to pay back an old friend.
While Mitch and Allie work together to hunt down a rural serial killer, their attraction spirals out of control. As they begin to mix business with an intense pleasure, they draw nearer to a malevolence that has been secreted away for over a decade. They might find themselves wishing the sins of the past had stayed buried when the evil in the darkness reaches out for them.
Series Blurb: Their homecoming wasn't so welcoming. Four brothers and one sister each gave twelve years of their lives to serve their country and fulfill their family's legacy of service. As each of them return to their home of record, they weren't prepared for what awaited them--an unforgiveable sin that has been hidden for twelve long years. Secrets and lies are concealed in the dark shadows of the very town they were raised in, and the Kendall family will have no choice but to rely on one another to unravel the sinister evil that they all hold the keys to unlock.
Mitch Kendall was welcomed home after sixteen years by a murder investigation that plagued every member of his family. He wanted the dark cloud lifted that hung over his return, so he did the only thing he could—he called in a favor from an old friend.
Allie Delaney spent most of her adult life building her career as a special investigator solving cold cases for the New York Police Department. She loves her city and would never consider leaving the bright lights, but she was willing to take a well-deserved vacation to pay back an old friend.
While Mitch and Allie work together to hunt down a rural serial killer, their attraction spirals out of control. As they begin to mix business with an intense pleasure, they draw nearer to a malevolence that has been secreted away for over a decade. They might find themselves wishing the sins of the past had stayed buried when the evil in the darkness reaches out for them.
Series Blurb: Their homecoming wasn't so welcoming. Four brothers and one sister each gave twelve years of their lives to serve their country and fulfill their family's legacy of service. As each of them return to their home of record, they weren't prepared for what awaited them--an unforgiveable sin that has been hidden for twelve long years. Secrets and lies are concealed in the dark shadows of the very town they were raised in, and the Kendall family will have no choice but to rely on one another to unravel the sinister evil that they all hold the keys to unlock.
180 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 13, 2018
76 people are currently reading
78 people want to read
About the author
Kennedy Layne
158 books661 followersKennedy Layne is a USA Today bestselling author. She draws inspiration for her romantic thrillers in part from her not-so-secret second life as a wife of a retired Marine Master Sergeant. He doubles as her critique partner, beta reader, and military consultant. Kennedy also has a deep love for cozy mysteries, thrillers, and basically any book that can keep her guessing until the very end. They live in the Midwest with their menagerie of pets. The loyal dogs and mischievous cats appreciate her writing days as much as she does, usually curled up in front of the fireplace.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
June 11, 2019
She’s my Queen of Military and suspense... I won’t lie, I drew this book out as I knew it was the end but damn it was worth it!
Epic conclusion to an epic series! Saying no more.. READ IT, LOVE IT
Epic conclusion to an epic series! Saying no more.. READ IT, LOVE IT
November 13, 2018
Wow, did not see that one coming! A serial killer has been literally getting away with murder for more than a decade and the small town wants justice. Mitch returns to his home town, only to be involved in a serial killer’s murders as acting Sheriff. He calls in a favour from Allie, a woman he’s known for years and who is also an FBI profiler. He’s hoping she might be able to profile quicker than the current profiler after events occur, but he doesn’t realise her plan until she’s already put it into action.
Can they be a couple in the midst of this crisis and still keep their friendship intact or can they be more, all whilst a murderer is running around their small town? Such a great story and loved the conclusion❣️
Can they be a couple in the midst of this crisis and still keep their friendship intact or can they be more, all whilst a murderer is running around their small town? Such a great story and loved the conclusion❣️
January 9, 2021
Not usually my kind of series
Because of my really enjoying Kennedy's lighter reading Paramour Bay series and having to wait for the next book, I decided to try another of her series, this one. At first I thought that I wouldn't enjoy it due to the killing and violence, but she is such a good character builder and I pretty much fell in love with her characters instantly. She really makes you want to keep reading so you can find a hopefully happy ending of sorts and since it was only a relatively short series I decided to give it a try. I am glad I did. Will I switch my normally sweet happily ever after books for this new genre, probably not, but it kept my interest and made me a speed reader, lol. Sometimes it seemed like watching a horror movie with my hands over your eyes, but I had to get to the ending which was worth the wait
Because of my really enjoying Kennedy's lighter reading Paramour Bay series and having to wait for the next book, I decided to try another of her series, this one. At first I thought that I wouldn't enjoy it due to the killing and violence, but she is such a good character builder and I pretty much fell in love with her characters instantly. She really makes you want to keep reading so you can find a hopefully happy ending of sorts and since it was only a relatively short series I decided to give it a try. I am glad I did. Will I switch my normally sweet happily ever after books for this new genre, probably not, but it kept my interest and made me a speed reader, lol. Sometimes it seemed like watching a horror movie with my hands over your eyes, but I had to get to the ending which was worth the wait
November 22, 2018
Loved It!!!
We finally get to find out who the killer is in the last book of the series. Mitch and Allie met while in the Marines 16 years ago and have remained friends. The had a one night stand a year ago and decided they would remain friends only. She is a profiler and he ask for her help in finding the serial killer in his town. Their chemistry is definitely more than friendly. This author is so very good at writing mystery and suspense and had me guessing throughout this series on who the killer was. I grew to love the town and will miss the Kendall’s and the town residents.
We finally get to find out who the killer is in the last book of the series. Mitch and Allie met while in the Marines 16 years ago and have remained friends. The had a one night stand a year ago and decided they would remain friends only. She is a profiler and he ask for her help in finding the serial killer in his town. Their chemistry is definitely more than friendly. This author is so very good at writing mystery and suspense and had me guessing throughout this series on who the killer was. I grew to love the town and will miss the Kendall’s and the town residents.
April 2, 2020
It’s a winner
Series and story, this is a winner. I did not see the killer at all through each book or how the book ended. My heart about broke her the end with that explosive moment, but man did it build into the pacing and climax of this whole series. Mitch is my favorite brother and his relationship with Allie while he worked as sheriff was perfection.
The story answered all aspects except for three things....why was the property being bought up, what/why was billy acting the way he did and does Irish ever really open up and get his hea.
Series and story, this is a winner. I did not see the killer at all through each book or how the book ended. My heart about broke her the end with that explosive moment, but man did it build into the pacing and climax of this whole series. Mitch is my favorite brother and his relationship with Allie while he worked as sheriff was perfection.
The story answered all aspects except for three things....why was the property being bought up, what/why was billy acting the way he did and does Irish ever really open up and get his hea.
November 14, 2018
I really liked this series.
It was so good to FINALLY know who was the serial killer who lasted through 5 books. It wasn't who I thought it'd be. :) this was Mitch and Allys story. It wasn't as romantic as I'd have hoped. It seemed a little distant, if that makes sense. There was no "great attraction" it was more of old flame came back together sorta deal. The ending was great though, I felt sorry for the dad in the end, I kinda wished he'd have found someone.
It was so good to FINALLY know who was the serial killer who lasted through 5 books. It wasn't who I thought it'd be. :) this was Mitch and Allys story. It wasn't as romantic as I'd have hoped. It seemed a little distant, if that makes sense. There was no "great attraction" it was more of old flame came back together sorta deal. The ending was great though, I felt sorry for the dad in the end, I kinda wished he'd have found someone.
November 17, 2018
Mitch & Allie
This was a great series! It's the second series of Kennedy Layne's books I've read. I will say she has a great way with making you care for her characters. I'm glad each family member and this little town made it through.it It wont be the last series of hers I read either . ☺
This was a great series! It's the second series of Kennedy Layne's books I've read. I will say she has a great way with making you care for her characters. I'm glad each family member and this little town made it through.it It wont be the last series of hers I read either . ☺
November 17, 2018
This well-crafted tale of love and suspense has come to a fitting end. Kennedy Layne did a masterful job of keeping the reader guessing who the serial killer was. Mitch and Allie work to solve the case of the Blythe Lake killer, and they also work their way into each other’s happily ever after. All of the brothers have found their soul mates, and the town is now safe.
May 14, 2019
A must read series
I’m sorry, but I didn’t take the time to write a review of the first four books in the Keys to Love series. Why, you may ask.... Well, I wasn’t going to take the time away from starting the next book in the series. It is just that good! This is a must read series!!!
I’m sorry, but I didn’t take the time to write a review of the first four books in the Keys to Love series. Why, you may ask.... Well, I wasn’t going to take the time away from starting the next book in the series. It is just that good! This is a must read series!!!
July 2, 2019
Edge of my seat excitement!
The conclusion to the series was as full of everything you could want in a Romantic Suspense as you could ask for - romance, steamy passion (while not over the top with details!), angst, mystery, plot twists, Suspense & of course the HEA that all the characters deserve! Well done, Kennedy Layne, as always!
The conclusion to the series was as full of everything you could want in a Romantic Suspense as you could ask for - romance, steamy passion (while not over the top with details!), angst, mystery, plot twists, Suspense & of course the HEA that all the characters deserve! Well done, Kennedy Layne, as always!
September 16, 2021
so good
What an awesome conclusion. I have been guessing through the whole series and never knew who it was. Now I want to go back and see if if can figure it out from what I must have missed. Besides the conclusion of the murders, it was a great love story. So happy for Mitch and Allie. Love this family so much.
What an awesome conclusion. I have been guessing through the whole series and never knew who it was. Now I want to go back and see if if can figure it out from what I must have missed. Besides the conclusion of the murders, it was a great love story. So happy for Mitch and Allie. Love this family so much.
November 23, 2018
Good series
I enjoyed reading this series (as I have her others) but this last book was too long and drawn out for me which is indicated by the lower rating. I will continue to read books written by this author as she is extremely creative.
I enjoyed reading this series (as I have her others) but this last book was too long and drawn out for me which is indicated by the lower rating. I will continue to read books written by this author as she is extremely creative.
November 24, 2018
Loved this series and sad to see it come to an end. But what a great finish to this series! You've done it again Kennedy Layne! I never saw that one coming!! Thanks for another suspenseful read.
December 9, 2018
Great Read
Mitch is back as the sheriff of hos home town and trying to solve the mystery of the serial killer, he calls his friend Allie to help since she works for the FBI. Let me tell you once they find out who the killer is, I was shocked.
Mitch is back as the sheriff of hos home town and trying to solve the mystery of the serial killer, he calls his friend Allie to help since she works for the FBI. Let me tell you once they find out who the killer is, I was shocked.
December 17, 2018
I loved this series, I can visualise the Characters and what they look like and how the description of town comes to mind. I found the plot interesting with its twists and turns. I’m rather sad the series is over as I enjoyed it so much.
November 25, 2019
What a read
I bacame wrapped up in this series and couldn't put it down. I waited till the last to do my review. I usually have these figured out early, this one I missed all the way. This is a new author for me but I will be seeking out more.
I bacame wrapped up in this series and couldn't put it down. I waited till the last to do my review. I usually have these figured out early, this one I missed all the way. This is a new author for me but I will be seeking out more.
January 18, 2022
Overall a good series. The last two books with cuss words, drop to a three star for me. It really didn’t go into why the killer was motivated to be what he was an why for a decade. The strongest character was the father, with
wisdom and insight of what his children needed made the story.
wisdom and insight of what his children needed made the story.
November 15, 2018
Great
A great ending to a lovely series! I couldn’t wait to find out who the killer was! I was not expecting the ending
A great ending to a lovely series! I couldn’t wait to find out who the killer was! I was not expecting the ending
November 25, 2018
The killer is finally revealed! I have to admit, I didn't see that coming. Wish we had a little more insight as to why he felt the way he did, but good ending.
3 1/2 stars
3 1/2 stars
November 27, 2018
We finally find out who the killer is, and no, I didn't see that coming. Love Mitch. He has been one of my favorites of the series.
April 22, 2025
The final book in the Keys To Love series comes to an explosive conclusion in more ways than one.
This was an amazing series with memorable characters and a well thought out storyline.
This was an amazing series with memorable characters and a well thought out storyline.
May 7, 2022
I was waiting to see how this series would end and goodness me what a finale!
Mitch had been the glue that held his family together so I was delighted to read his story and discover who was responsible for the killings.
A very well written book which I thoroughly enjoyed.
Mitch had been the glue that held his family together so I was delighted to read his story and discover who was responsible for the killings.
A very well written book which I thoroughly enjoyed.
Want to read
March 11, 2024Purch Amz Jan 9, 2022
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews