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Allison Campbell Mystery #1
Killer Image
“[A] cleverly revealing psychological thriller . . . delves into the deadly motives, twisted emotions and secret intrigues of Philadelphia’s Main Line” (Hank Phillippi Ryan, Mary Higgins Clark Award–winning author).
As Philadelphia’s premier image consultant, Allison Campbell helps others reinvent themselves, but her most successful transformation was her own after a scandal nearly ruined her. Now she moves in a world of powerful executives, wealthy, eccentric ex-wives, and twisted ethics.
When Allison’s latest Main Line client, the fifteen-year-old Goth daughter of a White House hopeful, is accused of the ritualistic murder of a local divorce attorney, Allison fights to prove her client’s innocence when no one else will. But unraveling the truth brings specters from her own past. And in a place where image is everything, the ability to distinguish what’s real from the facade may be the only thing that keeps Allison alive.
“An edgy page-turner that pulls the reader into a world where image is everything and murder is all about image . . . Great start to a new series.” —Erika Chase, author of the Ashton Corners Book Club Mysteries
“An intriguing psychological thriller. The book reminded me of Jonathan Kellerman’s Alex Delaware series I loved the book, it’s dark and hopeful at the same time. Five stars out of five.” —Examiner
“Wit, charm, and deliciously clever plot twists abound . . . The author has a knack for creating characters with heart, while keeping us guessing as to their secrets until the end.” —Mary Hart Perry, author of Seducing the Princess
“Nancy Drew gets a fierce makeover in Wendy Tyson’s daringly dark, yet ever fashion-conscious mystery series, beginning with Killer Image.” —Deborah Cloyed, author of What Tears Us Apart
As Philadelphia’s premier image consultant, Allison Campbell helps others reinvent themselves, but her most successful transformation was her own after a scandal nearly ruined her. Now she moves in a world of powerful executives, wealthy, eccentric ex-wives, and twisted ethics.
When Allison’s latest Main Line client, the fifteen-year-old Goth daughter of a White House hopeful, is accused of the ritualistic murder of a local divorce attorney, Allison fights to prove her client’s innocence when no one else will. But unraveling the truth brings specters from her own past. And in a place where image is everything, the ability to distinguish what’s real from the facade may be the only thing that keeps Allison alive.
“An edgy page-turner that pulls the reader into a world where image is everything and murder is all about image . . . Great start to a new series.” —Erika Chase, author of the Ashton Corners Book Club Mysteries
“An intriguing psychological thriller. The book reminded me of Jonathan Kellerman’s Alex Delaware series I loved the book, it’s dark and hopeful at the same time. Five stars out of five.” —Examiner
“Wit, charm, and deliciously clever plot twists abound . . . The author has a knack for creating characters with heart, while keeping us guessing as to their secrets until the end.” —Mary Hart Perry, author of Seducing the Princess
“Nancy Drew gets a fierce makeover in Wendy Tyson’s daringly dark, yet ever fashion-conscious mystery series, beginning with Killer Image.” —Deborah Cloyed, author of What Tears Us Apart
316 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 26, 2013
91 people are currently reading
1335 people want to read
About the author
Wendy Tyson
24 books384 followersWendy Tyson is an author, lawyer, and former therapist whose background has inspired her thrillers and mysteries. As Liv Andersson, she writes thrillers, including Little Red House. As Wendy Tyson, she is the author of several mystery series, including the Amazon bestselling Greenhouse Mystery Series. Wendy’s short fiction has appeared in literary journals and crime anthologies, and she has written for The Big Thrill and The Thrill Begins, International Thriller Writers’ online magazines. Wendy is a member of International Thriller Writers, Mystery Writers of America, and Sisters in Crime. She and her husband live in the beautiful Green Mountains of Vermont with their sons and three dogs.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews
June 20, 2013
Wendy Tyson's debut, Killer Image, portrays a fascinating psychological thriller from multiple points-of-view, although namely Allison Campbell's, a Philadelphia image consultant. When Allison is coerced into taking on Maggie, a teenage client for the daughter of a politician seeking reelection, she finds herself sucked into a recent murder investigation of a local divorce attorney seemingly killed in a ritualistic manner. Maggie's relationship with the attorney's son and her rebellious nature make her a prime suspect, but Allison believes her innocent.
Tyson's tight writing keeps the story compelling, and although romance takes a back seat to the mystery, there's enough to satisfy the romantic suspense seekers. The psychological tension is a live wire in this story. Tyson leads you into the dark, domestic entanglements of Philadelphia's upper crust through a trail of clues that will keep you guessing until the end.
Tyson's tight writing keeps the story compelling, and although romance takes a back seat to the mystery, there's enough to satisfy the romantic suspense seekers. The psychological tension is a live wire in this story. Tyson leads you into the dark, domestic entanglements of Philadelphia's upper crust through a trail of clues that will keep you guessing until the end.
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November 4, 2015DNF @ 12%
This has been on my Currently Reading shelf for almost two weeks and no matter how much I tried to enjoy the book, it just feel flat for me. It's starting to feel like a chore, so I just have to DNF this.
(Yes, I am allowed to DNF books at 12%. I'll do what I want to do whenever I want to.)
September 1, 2013
Killer Image is the debut novel by Wendy Tyson. I thought her murder mystery was extremely well written and I loved her detailed character descriptions. She makes it so easy for you to visualize each character. This book was a real page turner for me and kept me on the edge of my seat. I look forward to reading more novels by this talented author
January 16, 2016
After a traumatizing experience with one of her previous clients Psychologist Allison Campbell has taken her career in a new direction. She has become an image consultant helping adults with everything from self esteem to current fashion. She works with those at crossroads in their lives. She moves in a world of powerful executives, wealthy, and eccentric ex-wives. Women heading back into the workforce after a divorce or the children are off to school, anxiety of public speaking, and general confidence boosting. Creating a better public image for her clientele. She works with adults 13 no children 13 until now.
Congressman and White House hopeful Hank McBride and his wife Sunny have convinced her she is their 15 year old daughter 19s only hope. Maggie doesn 19t fit the cookie cutter image of a politician 19s daughter and her behavior and Goth sense of style needs to be rectified immediately and they will pay a large sum of money to Allison if she can make it happen. After meeting Maggie, Allison breaks her own rule, hoping she can help Maggie because she realizes there is much more to her story than poor fashion sense and teenage angst. But she never expected the girl would be accused of the ritualistic murder of a local divorce attorney.
While Allison tries to prove Maggie 19s innocence it reignites a lot of memories of another young girl she tried to help and failed. As much as she wants to let go of the past and not get any further involved in the murder investigation she can 19t help herself from landing right in the middle of it all.
Dollycas 19s Thoughts
This was so not what I expected this story to be. It is edgy and dark and absolutely fantastic. What a debut for this new series!!
The plot has many layers. The characters so well created. There are so many twists and turns, it is an emotional roller coaster ride. I am really impressed Allison Campbell. A very smart protagonist with the ability to really think on her feet. I am anxious to see her continue to evolve in future stories.
This subject matter could be a bit heavy but the author tempers that with a touch of romance and a bit of humor. When I was first approached about this book I was expecting a cozy mystery. This is definitely not a cozy mystery. I would call it the 1Cedge of your seat 1D kind of book and a book you should plan to read all at one time because it is extremely hard to put down.
Congressman and White House hopeful Hank McBride and his wife Sunny have convinced her she is their 15 year old daughter 19s only hope. Maggie doesn 19t fit the cookie cutter image of a politician 19s daughter and her behavior and Goth sense of style needs to be rectified immediately and they will pay a large sum of money to Allison if she can make it happen. After meeting Maggie, Allison breaks her own rule, hoping she can help Maggie because she realizes there is much more to her story than poor fashion sense and teenage angst. But she never expected the girl would be accused of the ritualistic murder of a local divorce attorney.
While Allison tries to prove Maggie 19s innocence it reignites a lot of memories of another young girl she tried to help and failed. As much as she wants to let go of the past and not get any further involved in the murder investigation she can 19t help herself from landing right in the middle of it all.
Dollycas 19s Thoughts
This was so not what I expected this story to be. It is edgy and dark and absolutely fantastic. What a debut for this new series!!
The plot has many layers. The characters so well created. There are so many twists and turns, it is an emotional roller coaster ride. I am really impressed Allison Campbell. A very smart protagonist with the ability to really think on her feet. I am anxious to see her continue to evolve in future stories.
This subject matter could be a bit heavy but the author tempers that with a touch of romance and a bit of humor. When I was first approached about this book I was expecting a cozy mystery. This is definitely not a cozy mystery. I would call it the 1Cedge of your seat 1D kind of book and a book you should plan to read all at one time because it is extremely hard to put down.
July 30, 2013
Killer Image is a breath of fresh air in a genre that has been monopolized by 'series' authors who have frankly gotten lazy, predictable and a bit boring. This novel, the first of hopefully many more for author Wendy Tyson, is filled with strong character development, realistic dialog and subtle details that often brought I smile to my face and kept me turning the pages. As one with a history of working with teenaged girls, I found the storyline of Allison's past career in an adolescent treatment facility to be a realistic portrayal of institutionalized living. If you are an avid reader in search of crisp writing with subtle humor and great imagery, do yourself a favor by reading this book. You will not be disappointed.
July 27, 2013
An excellent debut novel from Wendy Tyson that leaves us wanting for MORE. A reluctant detective, image consultant Allison Campbell is pulled into a complicated situation that she can't fix by making it "look good" as she can with her clients' images. Fast paced and engrossing, this is the kind of book you sit down with and hungrily finish before you realize it!
September 11, 2021
The mystery is pretty good, and Allison is a quality lead. However, I felt that every character in this story had a complicated, overdone, and maudlin backstory. There were too many details about everyone’s past that took away from details about the present case.
October 13, 2013
I received a complimentary copy of this book as a part of a book tour in exchange for a fair and honest review. I rated it 5 out of 5 stars.
When I first signed on to review Killer Image by Wendy Tyson, I thought I would be reviewing a “cozy mystery”. While Killer Image is indeed a mystery, it’s also so much more; it’s a second chance romance, and it’s a psychological thriller. A well developed heroine, interesting and somewhat quirky secondary characters and good dialogue kept me turning the pages to discover what would happen next. Set in both upscale and rundown neighborhoods in modern day Philadelphia, Ms. Tyson gives us her story from multiple points of view.
A successful Image Consultant and owner of her own business, Allyson Campbell, works for executives and ex-wives who need to reinvent themselves to enter the work place and society. When a local congressman and his wife, ask Allison to take their teenage daughter, Maggie, on as a client, Allison’s first impulse is to say no, she only works with adults. Begging Allyson for help, and offering a more than healthy fee, the congressman refuses to take no as an answer. Agreeing to meet with Maggie, to see if they can work together, Allyson soon finds herself neck deep in a murder investigation where her client is the prime suspect.
Ms. Tyson does an excellent job developing her characters and letting us get to know them through glimpses into their own points of view. While Allyson remains the central character, and primary point of view, we get to know Vaughn, her young African American assistant, who’s got major secrets of his own, Mia Campbell, Allyson’s former mentor and former mother in law, who at first is a person of interest in the murder investigation, Jason Campbell, Allyson’s ex-husband who wants a second chance and Maggie McBride, the Goth dressed teenage girl, who is at the center of both the murder investigation and a reluctant trip down memory lane for Allyson.
Ms. Tyson’s world building is well done and is a major part of this first book in the series. Allyson has secrets, some major fears and unconscious desires she needs to address. While trying to get to know her reluctant client, Allyson finds herself questioning her “career choice” and how well she knows the people in her life. Realizing she needs to face her past, Allyson is also forced to deal with her family issues and what caused her to walk away from a career as a psychologist.
Will Allyson and her group of assistants discover the identity of the real killer before both Maggie and Allyson become the killer’s next victims? Will Allyson give romance a second chance? You’ll have to read Killer Image to find out, I loved it and can honestly say that this is one of the few mysteries I’ve read where I actually had tears in my eyes at the end of the story. I can’t wait to read what happens to Allyson and all of the people in her life next.
When I first signed on to review Killer Image by Wendy Tyson, I thought I would be reviewing a “cozy mystery”. While Killer Image is indeed a mystery, it’s also so much more; it’s a second chance romance, and it’s a psychological thriller. A well developed heroine, interesting and somewhat quirky secondary characters and good dialogue kept me turning the pages to discover what would happen next. Set in both upscale and rundown neighborhoods in modern day Philadelphia, Ms. Tyson gives us her story from multiple points of view.
A successful Image Consultant and owner of her own business, Allyson Campbell, works for executives and ex-wives who need to reinvent themselves to enter the work place and society. When a local congressman and his wife, ask Allison to take their teenage daughter, Maggie, on as a client, Allison’s first impulse is to say no, she only works with adults. Begging Allyson for help, and offering a more than healthy fee, the congressman refuses to take no as an answer. Agreeing to meet with Maggie, to see if they can work together, Allyson soon finds herself neck deep in a murder investigation where her client is the prime suspect.
Ms. Tyson does an excellent job developing her characters and letting us get to know them through glimpses into their own points of view. While Allyson remains the central character, and primary point of view, we get to know Vaughn, her young African American assistant, who’s got major secrets of his own, Mia Campbell, Allyson’s former mentor and former mother in law, who at first is a person of interest in the murder investigation, Jason Campbell, Allyson’s ex-husband who wants a second chance and Maggie McBride, the Goth dressed teenage girl, who is at the center of both the murder investigation and a reluctant trip down memory lane for Allyson.
Ms. Tyson’s world building is well done and is a major part of this first book in the series. Allyson has secrets, some major fears and unconscious desires she needs to address. While trying to get to know her reluctant client, Allyson finds herself questioning her “career choice” and how well she knows the people in her life. Realizing she needs to face her past, Allyson is also forced to deal with her family issues and what caused her to walk away from a career as a psychologist.
Will Allyson and her group of assistants discover the identity of the real killer before both Maggie and Allyson become the killer’s next victims? Will Allyson give romance a second chance? You’ll have to read Killer Image to find out, I loved it and can honestly say that this is one of the few mysteries I’ve read where I actually had tears in my eyes at the end of the story. I can’t wait to read what happens to Allyson and all of the people in her life next.
November 7, 2024
I'm not a big reader of 'chick lit' - the only book I can think of that I really enjoy within the genre is Bridget Jones' Diary by Helen Fielding - but I'm not sure whether I would actually completely refer to this book as 'chick lit', after reading it. I enjoy a good mystery, and this definitely has more of the mystery/investigative element to it, than the typical elements of a 'chick lit' book.
Allison Campbell is an image consultant in Philadelphia, and when she takes on a new client - Maggie McBridge, the troubled daughter of a congressman - she finds herself tangled up in recent nearby murders. What I enjoyed about the book in regards to Allison is that the author really revealed a lot of Allison's past, and explained why she became what she is today. It was nice to have that much background information and history on a character. However, as so much seemed to be focused on the past, I felt I didn't know the modern day Allison very well. She also switched between being quite shallow (although I suppose it is her job to notice people's appearance...) to selfless very quickly.
As for the other characters - I liked that Vaughan had such a nicely built back story for someone who was essentially a rather minor character for the majority of the book. Maggie, however, was annoying and a complete and utter cliché of the teenage rebel. Goth? Check. Overuse of teen slang? Check. Moody and sully? Check.
As for the mystery part of the book - I did enjoy it, but some clues just seemed far too convenient. The murders involved Satanic ritual (hence why they blamed the teenage Goth), and while visiting someone Allison believes may be implicated in the crime, she spots a book on Satan worship. Just sitting on the bookshelves, along with the celebrity biographies and coffee table books. It just seemed a bit ridiculous to be honest. As well as this, some characters and ideas were just suddenly introduced, giving the reader no time to try and work the case out for themselves - which is always the fun part of a mystery novel.
Overall, I really liked the way Wendy Tyson built up a detailed background story for a couple of her characters, but felt that some of it could have been brought forward to the present. The story was good fun, but there was no room for the reader to try and guess the killer for themselves.
I received a copy of this book for free from the publisher, via Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review. This review was originally posted on my former blog, Rinn Reads.
Allison Campbell is an image consultant in Philadelphia, and when she takes on a new client - Maggie McBridge, the troubled daughter of a congressman - she finds herself tangled up in recent nearby murders. What I enjoyed about the book in regards to Allison is that the author really revealed a lot of Allison's past, and explained why she became what she is today. It was nice to have that much background information and history on a character. However, as so much seemed to be focused on the past, I felt I didn't know the modern day Allison very well. She also switched between being quite shallow (although I suppose it is her job to notice people's appearance...) to selfless very quickly.
As for the other characters - I liked that Vaughan had such a nicely built back story for someone who was essentially a rather minor character for the majority of the book. Maggie, however, was annoying and a complete and utter cliché of the teenage rebel. Goth? Check. Overuse of teen slang? Check. Moody and sully? Check.
As for the mystery part of the book - I did enjoy it, but some clues just seemed far too convenient. The murders involved Satanic ritual (hence why they blamed the teenage Goth), and while visiting someone Allison believes may be implicated in the crime, she spots a book on Satan worship. Just sitting on the bookshelves, along with the celebrity biographies and coffee table books. It just seemed a bit ridiculous to be honest. As well as this, some characters and ideas were just suddenly introduced, giving the reader no time to try and work the case out for themselves - which is always the fun part of a mystery novel.
Overall, I really liked the way Wendy Tyson built up a detailed background story for a couple of her characters, but felt that some of it could have been brought forward to the present. The story was good fun, but there was no room for the reader to try and guess the killer for themselves.
I received a copy of this book for free from the publisher, via Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review. This review was originally posted on my former blog, Rinn Reads.
October 14, 2013
In her debut novel Killer Image, author Wendy Tyson weaves a riveting multi-faceted tale of mystery and romance interwoven with a psychological thriller twist, that keeps the reader sitting on the edge of their seat. Set in the ritzy Main Line section of Philadelphia, this fast paced story follows the investigative adventure of Allison Campbell, an image consultant turned amateur sleuth, as she tries to clear her teen client, Maggie McBride, who has been accused of the ritualistic murder of a local divorce attorney.
Killer Image is filled with an intriguing cast of characters who all have skeletons in their closet, haunting pasts and long held secrets; mix in some dysfunctional family drama and a subtle romance; and enough clues and suspenseful twists and turns, and you have a gripping tale that will keep the reader drawn in and guessing how the the murder mystery will be solved. The author draws upon her hometown knowledge to provide a richly detailed description of Philadelphia's Main Line and surrounding areas as the backdrop to this intricate and edgy storyline that has many layers and takes the reader on one heck of a thrill ride.
Killer Image is an entertaining mystery that is hard to put down and will leave the reader wanting to follow Allison's next adventure.
Killer Image is the first book in the Allison Campbell Mystery series.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author / publisher in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Chick Lit Plus Blog Tours.
http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot...
Killer Image is filled with an intriguing cast of characters who all have skeletons in their closet, haunting pasts and long held secrets; mix in some dysfunctional family drama and a subtle romance; and enough clues and suspenseful twists and turns, and you have a gripping tale that will keep the reader drawn in and guessing how the the murder mystery will be solved. The author draws upon her hometown knowledge to provide a richly detailed description of Philadelphia's Main Line and surrounding areas as the backdrop to this intricate and edgy storyline that has many layers and takes the reader on one heck of a thrill ride.
Killer Image is an entertaining mystery that is hard to put down and will leave the reader wanting to follow Allison's next adventure.
Killer Image is the first book in the Allison Campbell Mystery series.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author / publisher in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Chick Lit Plus Blog Tours.
http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot...
September 29, 2013
File under: don't judge a book by its cover. The copy I read has a stylized fashion-plate drawing on the cover, so I was expecting a fluffy, frivolous "mystery" in which the burning question is less whodunit and more will she get the guy. Instead, KILLER IMAGE is a relatively dark murder mystery, full of plot twists and secrets.
As a main character, Alison Campbell is interestingly flawed. The secondary characters are nicely fleshed out, although they did seem a bit more like caricatures than actual people at times. Take, for example, the paraplegic brother of Alison's assistant, who - after years of reading and TV but no actual detective training - manages to not only solve the case but is subsequently hired to consult for the police department. Or the ghost of patients past who has haunted Alison throughout the story who turns out to have (confusingly) died in a car crash (rather than in some sort of brothel-related accident, as Alison had always supposed), leaving behind a doppelgänger daughter with Alison's name. Such details took away from the story rather than enhancing it, because, even though it would be nice to think so, things rarely end wrapped up with a neat little bow. But the main story arc is satisfying and the conclusion took shape in a strong and believable way. I especially loved the bit at the end where Alison's abandoned clients swooped in and saved the day. (Okay, that part might not have been so believable...but it was fun.)
As a main character, Alison Campbell is interestingly flawed. The secondary characters are nicely fleshed out, although they did seem a bit more like caricatures than actual people at times. Take, for example, the paraplegic brother of Alison's assistant, who - after years of reading and TV but no actual detective training - manages to not only solve the case but is subsequently hired to consult for the police department. Or the ghost of patients past who has haunted Alison throughout the story who turns out to have (confusingly) died in a car crash (rather than in some sort of brothel-related accident, as Alison had always supposed), leaving behind a doppelgänger daughter with Alison's name. Such details took away from the story rather than enhancing it, because, even though it would be nice to think so, things rarely end wrapped up with a neat little bow. But the main story arc is satisfying and the conclusion took shape in a strong and believable way. I especially loved the bit at the end where Alison's abandoned clients swooped in and saved the day. (Okay, that part might not have been so believable...but it was fun.)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 27, 2016
This wasn’t a bad book but it was far from great.
The plot – the satanic appearing murder of a win-at-all-costs divorce lawyer by the Goth daughter of a Senate candidate – was good.
There were places where the narrative felt disjointed, as if paragraphs were missing. And places where they were out of sequence, like in the last chapter where Allison notes that a girl she had worked with earlier had gotten out of Philadelphia before she’s told the girl moved to Colorado.
An extensive cast of characters, many with similar names (ones beginning with S or M mainly) and similar looks, made keeping them straight hard. Adding to this problem, some of them appeared early in the book, disappeared until they popped up for a brief appearance around the middle, and disappeared again until almost the end.
Clues, too, seemed to appear out of nowhere, yet the reader never got a clear picture of where they came from or how the main characters tied them together to identify the killer. Tyson got around that by having the killers pretty much spill their guts to Allison.
Two stars only because I can’t rate it 1½ – disappointing.
And that’s why I won’t be back for more of these books.
The plot – the satanic appearing murder of a win-at-all-costs divorce lawyer by the Goth daughter of a Senate candidate – was good.
There were places where the narrative felt disjointed, as if paragraphs were missing. And places where they were out of sequence, like in the last chapter where Allison notes that a girl she had worked with earlier had gotten out of Philadelphia before she’s told the girl moved to Colorado.
An extensive cast of characters, many with similar names (ones beginning with S or M mainly) and similar looks, made keeping them straight hard. Adding to this problem, some of them appeared early in the book, disappeared until they popped up for a brief appearance around the middle, and disappeared again until almost the end.
Clues, too, seemed to appear out of nowhere, yet the reader never got a clear picture of where they came from or how the main characters tied them together to identify the killer. Tyson got around that by having the killers pretty much spill their guts to Allison.
Two stars only because I can’t rate it 1½ – disappointing.
And that’s why I won’t be back for more of these books.
April 17, 2015
First read from this author and absolutely loved it.
Allison Campbell helps others as a image consultant who helps others feel good about themselves. Her assistant is Vaughan - her right hand man. Allison has a lot of secrets and one of them is when she was starting out as a therapist helping others, she was helping a desperate girl - Violet. Allison is haunted by dreams of never ever helping Violet and feels responsible for her death.
I love Allison's attitude and they way she handles some of her demanding clients and is never pushed into anything she doesn't want to do. You will also meet Mia, who is Allison's former mother-in-law. You gotta love Mia.
This book is just full of lovable characters that you will want to continue reading about. Above all, this is a mystery of who is doing the Satanic ritual killings.
A great book not to be missed..On to the 2nd one in this series!
Allison Campbell helps others as a image consultant who helps others feel good about themselves. Her assistant is Vaughan - her right hand man. Allison has a lot of secrets and one of them is when she was starting out as a therapist helping others, she was helping a desperate girl - Violet. Allison is haunted by dreams of never ever helping Violet and feels responsible for her death.
I love Allison's attitude and they way she handles some of her demanding clients and is never pushed into anything she doesn't want to do. You will also meet Mia, who is Allison's former mother-in-law. You gotta love Mia.
This book is just full of lovable characters that you will want to continue reading about. Above all, this is a mystery of who is doing the Satanic ritual killings.
A great book not to be missed..On to the 2nd one in this series!
July 13, 2016
I was a little apprehensive about reading this novel. So many of the last few mystery/psychological thrillers seem to have the same dull and predictable plot and outcome that they become tedious to even read through anymore. Wendy's book was the opposite of that experience. It was engaging, thought provoking, keep you on the edge of your seat, cannot put the book down good. A true psychological thriller that kept you guessing all the way till the end.It was fast paced with enough twists and turns that kept you wanting more without becoming unrealistic and boring.Alot of books I read fall short on really defining and giving life to their secondary characters, but Wendy did a fabulous job giving them enough detail and really breathing life into them. It's hard to believe this is her first novel. I cannot wait to see what this author does next.
January 11, 2015
Another local new author - this is wonderful - put her on my list with Jon McGoran. The twists and turns in the mystery were perfectly timed. The characters so well developed right down to the secondary characters you get a whole perspective of the character and Main line Philadelphia. I thought I knew who the killer was but wasn't quite satisfied with my guess and I loved that. It wasn't obvious, but also wasn't completely out of left field - Wendy Tyson hit the right notes in this book. A very nice and refreshing romantic subplot also adds to the books depth. Overall, this was a great debut novel and a first book introduction to a great series. I have the next in this series "Deadly Assets" - can't wait to start it.
October 10, 2013
This one started out kind of slow for me and I was really wondering if I could even finish it. Well, I was able to finish it, because halfway through it really gets interesting. Allison really starts to look into the two murders that have occurred and that her teenage client Maggie is accused of committing. She knows that Maggie could not have committed these vicious murders and her and her assistant, Vaughn set out to prove it. There are a lot of secrets revealed in this book, other than who the killer is. I am glad that I finished this book as it kept me on the edge of my seat. Great job.
I received a complimentary copy of this book for my honest review.
June 15, 2013
I loved this book. I am new to Good Reads and amazed how in touch we can be with authors! Wendy Tyson has written a great book. It is fast paced and intriguing. The book never let's you down. I read it in two sittings! I will follow this series. KILLER IMAGE by Wendy Tyson takes place on the Main Line in Philadelphia, the next big food city!
October 7, 2013
I got half way through this book and had to give up. I just could not make myself care about the characters. I love a good mystery but this was too all over the place and frankly a little boring. Sorry but this book was not for me.
August 21, 2016
When Allison Campbell agrees to work with a troubled teen, she opens a Pandora's box that will have you reading long into the night. The characters are fascinating, and the twists and turns kept me guessing until the very end. I definitely recommend this book!
July 22, 2016
Really enjoyed this story - so many great characters, lots of nasty and ugly stuff. I will try to be first in line for Wendy Tyson's next publication.
Buy it you will enjoy it.
Buy it you will enjoy it.
July 25, 2021
Although I had read some of Wendy Tyson’s books in a different series, I was totally unprepared for the deep way this book would affect me. There are several themes here that touched a chord; for example, the theme of motherless daughters, whether motherless by death, illness or abandonment and that of change, the fact we all have the ability to change for the better or choose not to, and the ramifications of our decision. Also, being a retired teacher and having the opportunity to work with and get to know so many children over the years, I was touched by how well the author demonstrated just how much one caring adult can influence and help a child, some in ways never realized until many years later. Additionally, the character development was superb, especially that of the main character. It gave me the feeling that I would really recognize and like Allison Campbell if I were to meet her in person. Then, there was the satisfying ending that tied all of the story together and left me with the feeling that I must read the next and the next book in this series. This is one of those books I will never forget!
November 18, 2025
I hadn’t read anything by Wendy Tyson before, and I was a bit uncertain whether I would resonate with an image consultant character but Allison Campbell was a relatable, strong woman. I enjoyed how the author delved into Allison’s past so the reader can understand how events from years before still haunt her now.
I found it a bit confusing trying to remember who all the male characters were at times but I didn’t experience that as much with the female characters. Maybe that’s because I felt like their personalities came across more easily to me.
I loved how both Allison and Maggie learned from each other and I thought the stray dog added a fun element to the story.
Allison felt like a detective at times and I had to remind myself that she had a different role, but I enjoyed how she put the pieces together to identify what had happened. I was kept guessing until the end and think that Allison could leave the image consultant business in the capable hands of her colleague while she sets up as a private investigator!
I’m giving Killer Image ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ and am looking forward to reading more books by Wendy Tyson.
I found it a bit confusing trying to remember who all the male characters were at times but I didn’t experience that as much with the female characters. Maybe that’s because I felt like their personalities came across more easily to me.
I loved how both Allison and Maggie learned from each other and I thought the stray dog added a fun element to the story.
Allison felt like a detective at times and I had to remind myself that she had a different role, but I enjoyed how she put the pieces together to identify what had happened. I was kept guessing until the end and think that Allison could leave the image consultant business in the capable hands of her colleague while she sets up as a private investigator!
I’m giving Killer Image ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ and am looking forward to reading more books by Wendy Tyson.
April 11, 2024
Powerfully Good
My first Wendy Tyson book but will not be my last. Wendy created a powerful story of abuse, loss, murder, anger, etc....without disturbing graphics or shock inducing dialogue. But don't take this to mean there wasn't substance....I have gentle tears rolling down while I write this (finished the book right before).
Wendy writes characters you want to know. You can feel the heart, the good, the bad and the ugly....The background of her - I assume - regular characters are spelled out and you can feel them. The "guest" characters are so we'll defined they seem real!
As fir the murder...my guess was so off base it makes me laugh. Wendy keeps you guessing...and when all is revealed you think...makes sense (although I still like my guess)
I recommend this. Not fluffy fun reading but also not a read that will give you nightmares or make you squeamish. I hope you give it a try - worth your time!
My first Wendy Tyson book but will not be my last. Wendy created a powerful story of abuse, loss, murder, anger, etc....without disturbing graphics or shock inducing dialogue. But don't take this to mean there wasn't substance....I have gentle tears rolling down while I write this (finished the book right before).
Wendy writes characters you want to know. You can feel the heart, the good, the bad and the ugly....The background of her - I assume - regular characters are spelled out and you can feel them. The "guest" characters are so we'll defined they seem real!
As fir the murder...my guess was so off base it makes me laugh. Wendy keeps you guessing...and when all is revealed you think...makes sense (although I still like my guess)
I recommend this. Not fluffy fun reading but also not a read that will give you nightmares or make you squeamish. I hope you give it a try - worth your time!
November 10, 2025
Killer Image by Wendy Tyson is an absolute triumph in the thriller genre! From the very first page, Tyson’s masterful storytelling pulled me into a web of suspense, richly layered with multiple POVs that add depth and intrigue to an already captivating narrative. The prose is sharp, vivid, and flawlessly paced, creating an unrelenting drive to uncover each twist and turn. The plot is brilliantly constructed—every revelation took me by surprise, yet felt perfectly earned. The characters are complex and compelling, with motivations that keep you guessing and invested at every turn. This book is a thrilling rollercoaster of secrets, deception, and psychological depth that leaves a lasting impression. For fans of intricate, edge-of-your-seat thrillers, Killer Image is an absolute must-read. It earns every one of its five stars with flying colors—I couldn’t put it down!
November 24, 2025
I have not read any of Wendy Tyson's books before this one, but I have added her name to my continue to read.
Wendy Tyson weaves such intricate tales of abuse, loss, and murder without relying on graphic shock value. Which in itself is hard.
As you continue reading, all her characters come alive, and you end up wanting to dive deeper into their stories, feeling their journeys in your heart. The way she crafts her characters resonates so profoundly that you almost forget they’re fiction!
Lastly, that murder twist! Wendy has a knack for keeping us guessing until the final reveal. It’s the kind of story that stays with you, making you think, even while keeping things accessible.
Wendy Tyson weaves such intricate tales of abuse, loss, and murder without relying on graphic shock value. Which in itself is hard.
As you continue reading, all her characters come alive, and you end up wanting to dive deeper into their stories, feeling their journeys in your heart. The way she crafts her characters resonates so profoundly that you almost forget they’re fiction!
Lastly, that murder twist! Wendy has a knack for keeping us guessing until the final reveal. It’s the kind of story that stays with you, making you think, even while keeping things accessible.
March 28, 2019
it definitely took me longer than i anticipated to read “killer image” but all in all, it was a phenomenal debut book for Wendy Tyson. I look forward to checking out her other work. i’m a sucker for a good mystery and this delivered an interesting twist. i genuinely felt for allison campbell and found myself tearing up out of both joy and sadness during the last chapter.
February 24, 2025
A new fave author and series
I stumbled on this first in a series and am happy I did so. Very interesting characters, a few twists and turns, and a story that doesn’t go quite where I thought it would go. Looking forward to following up and reading more by this author and continuing this series!
I stumbled on this first in a series and am happy I did so. Very interesting characters, a few twists and turns, and a story that doesn’t go quite where I thought it would go. Looking forward to following up and reading more by this author and continuing this series!
November 4, 2017
This was a good book. I bought this one to read, since I won Book 2 Deadly Assets. I was drawn in to the suspense, humor and love of the characters. I am glad I purchased to get a knowledge base of the characters. I look forward to reading more of Ms. Tyson's books.
March 1, 2018
Awesome read
A lot of stories here mostly sad, but each entangled with each other. In a fight for justice, Allison Campbell learns what it truly means to face your past and reinvent yourself for the betterment of the future.
A lot of stories here mostly sad, but each entangled with each other. In a fight for justice, Allison Campbell learns what it truly means to face your past and reinvent yourself for the betterment of the future.
September 21, 2019
This audiobook, replete with damaged characters and murder mysteries, captured my interest and kept me listening to the story almost the whole night. Now I see that this is the first of a series, so I am off to check the library's collection to get the next audiobook in the series.
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