The Killing Storm

Sarah Armstrong #3

by Kathryn Casey

On aa quiet afternoon in Houston, 4-year-old Joey Warner plays in a park sandbox when a stranger approaches looking for his runaway dog. While Joey's mom, Crystal, talks on her cell phone, the stranger convinces the child to help him search. By the time Crystal turns around, her son has disappeared. Yet her reaction is odd, not what one would expect from a distraught mother. Is Crystal Warner somehow involved in her son's abduction?

Meanwhile, on a cattle ranch outside Houston, Texas Ranger and profiler Sarah Armstrong assesses a symbol left on the hide of a slaughtered longhorn, a figure that dates back to a forgotten era of sugarcane plantations and slavery. Soon, other prize-winning bulls are found butchered on the outskirts of the city, each bearing a new but similar symbol. Before long, the two investigations converge at the same time a catastrophic hurricane threatens. One of Sarah's fellow rangers, a close friend, is murdered, and the clock ticks as the storm moves in. If Sarah doesn't act quickly, the child will die.

Kathryn Casey delivers a fast-paced, exciting third case for Sarah Armstrong, one of the pluckiest and most complex female investigators to come along in a long time.

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Suspense, Thriller, Crime, Mystery Thriller

319 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2010

About the author

An award-winning journalist and a critically acclaimed bestselling author, Kathryn Casey has written eleven true crime books and is the creator of the Sarah Armstrong and Clara Jefferies mystery series. ANGEL FALLS, her first historical fiction, was inspired by the life of Ruth Robertson, who in 1949 measured the world’s tallest waterfall.

Casey’s books have been Literary and Mystery Guild selections, and DEADLY LITTLE SECRETS was made into a Lifetime movie. Her first novel, SINGULARITY, was named a Best Crime Novel Debut by Booklist, and Library Journal chose THE KILLING STORM for its annual list of Best Mysteries. Elle Magazine picked DIE, MY LOVE as one of the ten best thrillers and crime books written by a woman. True crime matriarch Ann Rule praised Casey as "one of the best," and #1 NY Times bestselling author Gregg Olsen has called Casey "a true crime great."

In addition, Casey has written more than a hundred national magazine articles and pieces for The Washington Post, the Boston Globe, and the Houston Chronicle. In 2022, Casey was featured on the top ten Netflix limited documentary series “Crime Scene: The Texas Killing Fields.” She’s appeared on dozens of television and radio programs, including The Today Show, Good Morning America, 20/20, 48 Hours, Oprah, Investigation Discovery, the Travel Channel, A&E, and other venues.

Reviews

[Debbie Oxier · Rating 5 out of 5]

I actually made myself put this one down and went to bed because I was so creeped out at the killer in the story. The author did a bang up job with the suspense, especially at the end. The lead, detective Sarah Armstrong, is racing through a hurricane, trying to reach the killer before he disposes of his victim, four year old Joey Warner, who went missing from a park while in his mother's care. I was on the edge of my seat, quietly urging Sarah to hurry before it was too late.

She is once again paired with friend and lover, David Garrity, who can't seem to fully commit to Sarah. And there's Sarah's mom and twelve year old daughter, Maggie, who live on Sarah's ranch and pretty much take care of things there.

Although Sarah is already working a case, when David asks for her help and Sarah learns the victim is a child, she gets drawn in even though her boss is against her involvement at first.

I was so totally invested in this story that it was difficult to put it aside for the night, but I had to because I couldn't take any more of the freak who'd taken Joey! Not since reading The Naked Face several years ago has a book so affected me this way.

A child snatching, a brutal storm, a strong female lead, and a terrifying killer - what more could I ask for. I can only hope the next book in the series is this good.

[Sarah Richards · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really great book. Was looking to get book two of the series except I just saw this is the 3rd book in the series.....😂 Do I go back or forward? Anyway, great read. Will also look for other novels by this author for sure!!

[Dennis Fischman · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like this series and the central characters, but the killer is a sociopath, not a person with ordinary human motivations, and that diminishes the appeal of this book.

[Theresa Leone Davidson · Rating 1 out of 5]

The most boring novel I have read this summer, possibly this year. Perhaps it would have been better to start with the first in the series, there is I suppose a chance that one is a better story, but I doubt it. I don't believe author Kathryn Casey has the talent. This is the story of a kidnapped little boy, a few prized longhorn bulls who are being shot in the head, and a category 4 hurricane heading towards Houston. It sounds like an OK premise, except for the bulls, but the writing is dull, with little to make the story suspenseful. I can't believe how long it took me to finish but honestly, reading the backs of cereal boxes was preferable, and I kept finding excuses to ignore the book. I also do not like novels with phony protagonists - this one is like a superhero, cartoonish in how she is portrayed on the one hand, silly and selfish on the other. She ignores her sobbing daughter's pleas to stay home when the hurricane is about to hit (with what is at stake a better author could have made this plausible; Casey does not), and she is plagued by doubts about her lover's intentions - Oh, does David, who even though I KNOW just isn't all that into me, love me, or will he return to his wife??? Yup, there's the way to write a strong female character. I also do not like loose ends - that thirty thousand, where did he get that money? Not from Dad. Not from the job he is not really qualified to do. And finally, I do not like writing so unbelievable that the ending (SPOILER ALERT.............) smacks of a character who is less like James Moriarity, Sherlock Holmes' nemesis, than he is like Jason Voorhees. I know Casey was going for the former but again, with writing like this, it is the latter that the reader is left with, along with the promise of more boring stories to come. I think I'll pass.

[Regina Patton · Rating 4 out of 5]

But

I really enjoyed this story. Good plot gave killer a different type of MO. Descent side story. But... It really bothers me when after a couple books into a series the author humbles up a story line and the people that are supposed to catch the mistake don't. Authors know their stories but with the number of books they write and if they have more than one story line or genre, mistakes get made. But that's why the have editors. Minor slips are no big deal. But when a mistake changes a entire part of a secondary story line especially if that line is important to one of the main characters it tends to bother me. In Singularity David has been divorced from his wife for ten years since his kid was 4. She's remarried good husband etc. In Killing Storm story lies changes to make it seem that they where together 12 years before the divorce and that it's something recent and that there is no second husband in the picture. So he leaves Sarah who he supposedly loves to try again with ex for sale of 15 year old kid. What happened to what amounts to 11 years of divorce and second husband who seemed to have been long term the way transfers where discused.

[Kay Huck · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Texas Ranger Sarah Armstrong begins investigating cattle killings with obscure writings, she doesn't dream she will be chasing a killer into the eye of a hurricane. Page-turner suspense! Love it!

[Linda]

I really started this on October 11. The date on this is date started is really the date. It was ordered from talking books. On the last book of hers, I read it was a second in the series. I seriously questioned whether this was an adult adult book... I gave it a per review and stated it was because I thought it was an adult book and could not find it or I should say my Eye helper could not find it as such. However, today I had a brainstorm and I went to my search on my tablet and asked straight out. Is this book an adult book or is it Y a book rather and the answer was yes and I found out she is basically your or that’s the series that I’m reading from is a Y a serious serious not serious. As a Y a book it’s excellent and I am concerned as to what stars I should give it. I think I’m not gonna give it any stars because it gets three or two as an adult book and it gets a five as a Y a book. I really wish That the part or talking series would notify or let you know that whether it’s a child children’s literature why or adult fiction so that we could better spend our time reading something that suited to us. Anyway, this is a good author for children or for why a children And I hope to find another adult book to read. It’s amazing. I no longer have my formula for discerning exactly what reading level of book is from a first grade all the way up to adult, but my natural instinct told me that this could not be an adult book. OK, even though there’s sex it’s still a Y a book. Things have changed since I was a little girl.

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the first book I've read by her. From what I can gather, there's a book before it and another after. I plan on reading both, since this one was good and I like the way she writes. I have one problem with this book, however. The main character is a female Texas ranger (that's not the problem!). There is a missing 4 year old boy and she goes out, driving, in a hurricane to where she thinks the kidnapper and the boy are. She leaves her pre-teen daughter & mother at home, to deal with the hurricane (rain, flooding, hail, debris flying, no electricity, etc) and goes out looking for the kid. I don't think any sensible person would do that, not in a hurricane, not alone. The rest of the story was realistic, but leaving your own child in those circumstances. . . . well, its just a book, right? And I'm not a ranger!

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Sarah Armstrong series is predictably enjoyable - not too heavy-hitting, visual writing, nicely-paced plot. A major character dies, which is sad, and I kept hoping he popped back up somewhere, still alive. My Mom read this one first, and the biggest thing she told me was that she enjoyed it right up until the end. And that was absolutely true. Not only was the final climactic scene nearly all exposition, which made it a slog at times to visualize everything - but then the ending moments with her love interest felt like it turned into her being taken advantage of. He has one last night with her, they have a passionate time, and then he tells her he's going back to his wife?! I felt a bit icky after that. So, all in all, my Mom was right - it was good, right up until the end.

[Dave · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had not read the first two books in this series, prior to seeing this one by chance.
It was set in Houston, where I was born, raised and still live.
Overall I liked it. A major hurricane is heading towards the Galveston/Houston area.
Texas Ranger Sarah Armstrong is racing the clock and the weather, to solve a kidnapping.
She is also dealing with local prize livestock being killed, with cryptic symbols drawn on their sides.
A good read. The end confrontation takes place at a park across the street from where I work downtown. That was pretty cool.
Sadly this seems to be the last book in the series. I hope for another.......

[Prapti Panda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series can't be over... I'm so frustrated about the way this book ended. I need more, want more.
I've been putting off this book for so long, just to delay ending this trilogy. Sarah Armstrong is my most favorite female detective ever!
Although the letdown of the mystery in this book was not as fierce compared to the books before, the action was heart pounding. There were times when I wanted to throw the book against the wall, to scream and shout out - that's how good Casey is.
This book can be read as a standalone, but for the full effect, you need to know the character's development arc.
Definitely would read more by Casey, if only she'd release more fiction books soon! 😭

[Roger]

The Killing Storm (Sarah Armstrong, #3), my third read/listen from author Kathryn Casey. Another well-written mystery/suspense with captivating, well-developed characters. Narrator Debbie Andreen’s talented narration again adds greatly to the book’s enjoyment. I was given an Audible copy of this book & am voluntarily reviewing it. I’ll be reading more in this series. With every book written Casey gets better & better. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).

[Patti · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars. I wanted to give 4 or 5 because it is about my hometown and my AREA of my hometown and Houstonians will understand that statement, but I just liked this book I didn't LOVE it. Maybe the characters were TOO familiar to me, which of course is not fair to the author but they seemed a little stereotyped or maybe I've just read too many books like this. Still it was a great story and very easy read.

[Barbara Blindauer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 3 in the Sarah Armstrong series. Sarah is sent to investigate the murder of a prize winning steer that has unusual drawings on it. That was the first of several murdered steers, also with unusual drawings. In addition she is called in to assist in the disappearance of 4 year old Joey Warner. To make matters worse there is a hurricane approaching Houston and Galveston. Sarah soon learns that she is dealing with a sociopath.

[Paige Turner · Rating 2 out of 5]

First book was just average. Second was a little better. This one is just lame. Too many implausibilities and the ridiculous situation with Sarah and David is just so much BS, not to mention the annoying cliff hanger. I already have the fourth and final book of this series, so I will read it now, but this series was a waste of my time. I am very surprised at all of the high ratings for all the books in it.

[Judy Savage · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exciting read!

This author keeps the reader in suspense throughout the book. She gives good, to balance the bad and keeps reader on their toes! Not a book that can be set aside. Great plot, characters, descriptions. All around exciting reading. I would highly recommend this series to other lovers of police procedurals, mystery fans, etc.

[Ann Wright · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not satisfied!

The good guy got away. The bad guy. Well. You will have to read it to figure out what happened. A storm is beating down on Houston and Ranger Armstrong is trying to piece together the murder of prize bulls and the disappearance of a four year old. As the hurricane edges closer the excitement builds and the Nobel ends. But, it’s not over.

[April · Rating 3 out of 5]

Keeps you in suspense...

Still not as fast paced as the first book but still a good read. The ending isn't as satisfying and leaves you a bit melancholy. Definitely wide open for another to be added to the series.

[Joe O'Connor · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very Good; Continuing character: Sarah Armstrong; Texas Ranger has two cases, the death and defacement of prize steers and the abduction of a missing boy, both against the backdrop of an approaching hurricane

[Candace · Rating 4 out of 5]

This could be considered a spoiler but whatever! I am so glad I suspected the correct thing. I liked this book even though I figured out pretty early that the person she talked to about the symbols was more than likely the person who took the kid. Just the way she wrote it gave me my suspicions.

[Carrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first Kathryn Casey book and I’m now a huge fan of hers! This book was hard to put down as it was full of suspense, as it also made me teary eyed during certain scenes. Definitely worth a read!

[Jo Gilbert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another block buster

Sarah Armstrong continues to amaze me. She’s one tough minded Texas Ranger where there only two females. She leads through a maze of intrigue that keeps us riveted to the end. A surprise ending for sure.

[Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book. Sarah is working on a case where giant longhorn bulls are being killed and a message is drawn on their sides. David an FBI colleague is working on a child kidnapping case. All the while a hurricane is rushing through the gulf toward Galveston and Houston.

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's really fun reading a book set in Houston. I like the female protagonist -- a Texas Ranger. Somehow this book was on my shelf -- it was the third in the series. I'm going to go back and start from the beginning.

[Roger · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good entertaining series of a lady Texas Ranger. Found this third book very good, recommend.

[Diane L. Woodbury · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent!

Well-plotted, great characters, suspense, and a satisfactory ending even if all loose ends aren't tied up neatly!! I would read the next book with pleasure!

[Holly Hilbrands · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great series, love the characters and story lines

[Ruth Reeves · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great series

I have read the three books in this series and loved all of them. Looking forward to more, hopefully! Hard to put down once started.

[Kathleen Quinn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic mystery

You will not be able to put this book down. The plot is so good and the characters so likeable. Liked the ending!

[Jean Barnett · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has been my favorite in this series this far.