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Emerald City #1
The Recipient
Sergeant Wade McKinnon knows who killed Samantha the moment he arrives at her crime scene. Problem is, he watched her killer die a year ago.
A year after serial killer Michael Rhodes is executed and allowed to donate part of his brain as an organ transplant, Wade gets called to a murder scene that shares uncanny similarities to those of the late Michael Rhodes. Other similar killings happen around Seattle, and Wade seems to be the only person still alive who knows enough about Michael Rhodes’s murders to be able to replicate them. When evidence found at one of the crime scenes points to Wade as the killer, he races to find the real culprit before it’s too late to clear his own name.
Elle is overjoyed when her husband, Brian, gets a second chance at life when he receives a partial brain transplant after suffering a debilitating stroke at the age of thirty-seven. Their lives seem to return to normal, but Elle notices a disturbing change in Brian’s behavior. When Elle learns that her husband’s brain cell transplant came from Michael Rhodes, she fears that Brian now has the mind of a serial killer.
A year after serial killer Michael Rhodes is executed and allowed to donate part of his brain as an organ transplant, Wade gets called to a murder scene that shares uncanny similarities to those of the late Michael Rhodes. Other similar killings happen around Seattle, and Wade seems to be the only person still alive who knows enough about Michael Rhodes’s murders to be able to replicate them. When evidence found at one of the crime scenes points to Wade as the killer, he races to find the real culprit before it’s too late to clear his own name.
Elle is overjoyed when her husband, Brian, gets a second chance at life when he receives a partial brain transplant after suffering a debilitating stroke at the age of thirty-seven. Their lives seem to return to normal, but Elle notices a disturbing change in Brian’s behavior. When Elle learns that her husband’s brain cell transplant came from Michael Rhodes, she fears that Brian now has the mind of a serial killer.
314 pages, ebook
First published June 8, 2017
4106 people are currently reading
4239 people want to read
About the author
Audrey J. Cole
22 books1,169 followersAudrey J. Cole is a USA TODAY bestselling thriller author. She resides in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and two children. Before writing full time, she worked as a neonatal intensive care nurse for eleven years. She’s also a pilot's daughter.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 407 reviews
May 7, 2022
Someone is copying the murders of the notorious serial killer Michael Rhodes, a serial killer who had been convicted, was in jail, and then died by execution. The serial killer had killed eleven women and shot a police officer to death.
Now a copy-cat killer is killing women in the exact same manner of the deceased serial killer, and the body account continues. No defensive wounds on victims, the victims rendered incapacitated, tazered, and injected with a shot of blood thinner to make the victims bleed out faster.
A complicated and very personal case, the wrong person is put in jail. Sergeant Wade McKinnon, seems to be the only person still alive who knows enough about Michael Rhodes murders to be able to replicate them. (He is the one who put Rhodes away.)
Enter another character, Brian (a judge). Brian receives a partial brain transplant after suffering a debilitating stroke at the age of thirty-seven. Brian, a sweetheart, a professional man with a well to do rich family, has been undergoing a disturbing change in behavior. Brian's wife, Elle, thinks he is having an affair. Later, through a letter they receive in the mail, she learns that her husband’s brain cell transplant, actually came from Michael Rhodes the serial killer that was executed! She fears that Brian now has the mind of a serial killer after receiving some of his brains cells. Can that be true...even possible? The doctors say this has never happened in the handful of patients the procedure has been done on - they doubt if it's possible! So, is there truly a copy-cat killer on the loose?? Is it Wade? Brian? Someone else??
What a wild ride this one is! I thought I had everything figured out towards the beginning of the book. Uh, not so much, there happens to be much more uncovered by the end!
Clean mystery, no foul language, no sex, a suspenseful thriller with a quick pace.
Audio book has dual narrators for male and female characters, Marcio Catalano and Veronica Pace. Both narrators do a good job of realism and their delivery and synchronization are perfect.
Now a copy-cat killer is killing women in the exact same manner of the deceased serial killer, and the body account continues. No defensive wounds on victims, the victims rendered incapacitated, tazered, and injected with a shot of blood thinner to make the victims bleed out faster.
A complicated and very personal case, the wrong person is put in jail. Sergeant Wade McKinnon, seems to be the only person still alive who knows enough about Michael Rhodes murders to be able to replicate them. (He is the one who put Rhodes away.)
Enter another character, Brian (a judge). Brian receives a partial brain transplant after suffering a debilitating stroke at the age of thirty-seven. Brian, a sweetheart, a professional man with a well to do rich family, has been undergoing a disturbing change in behavior. Brian's wife, Elle, thinks he is having an affair. Later, through a letter they receive in the mail, she learns that her husband’s brain cell transplant, actually came from Michael Rhodes the serial killer that was executed! She fears that Brian now has the mind of a serial killer after receiving some of his brains cells. Can that be true...even possible? The doctors say this has never happened in the handful of patients the procedure has been done on - they doubt if it's possible! So, is there truly a copy-cat killer on the loose?? Is it Wade? Brian? Someone else??
What a wild ride this one is! I thought I had everything figured out towards the beginning of the book. Uh, not so much, there happens to be much more uncovered by the end!
Clean mystery, no foul language, no sex, a suspenseful thriller with a quick pace.
Audio book has dual narrators for male and female characters, Marcio Catalano and Veronica Pace. Both narrators do a good job of realism and their delivery and synchronization are perfect.
March 8, 2021
4 stars audio
2.5 meh stars story
2.5 meh stars story
October 12, 2018
I don't hand out five star ratings basically ever. But I believe that this book is fully deserving of such a rating.
What. A. Book. It took me a little while to get into it (probably because I have a problem with trying to read multiple books at once, so as soon as I freed myself up, it got gripping), but it grabbed me about 50 pages in and never let go.
The premise was interesting and could've easily been screwed up by becoming too far-fetched, but Cole expertly worked her way through the book until arriving at the tense conclusion. I've been recommending it to basically anyone that will listen to me blab for long enough.
Thank you to Goodreads (and to Cole) for the free Kindle version in exchange for my honest review. I can't wait to read more by her.
What. A. Book. It took me a little while to get into it (probably because I have a problem with trying to read multiple books at once, so as soon as I freed myself up, it got gripping), but it grabbed me about 50 pages in and never let go.
The premise was interesting and could've easily been screwed up by becoming too far-fetched, but Cole expertly worked her way through the book until arriving at the tense conclusion. I've been recommending it to basically anyone that will listen to me blab for long enough.
Thank you to Goodreads (and to Cole) for the free Kindle version in exchange for my honest review. I can't wait to read more by her.
July 10, 2017
Absolutely brilliant! This is a perfect blend between a riveting thriller and a hint of futuristic, science fiction. With the only thread between a serial killer’s body count being his own brain, even though he is long gone. I loved getting to know each of the characters, watching as the evidence piled up and trying to decide whether a partial brain transplant would be enough, or if the killer was someone else entirely. The author did a brilliant job of keeping you guessing, as well as keeping you on your toes, as the main character rushes to prove their innocence, if they even are.
Cole has a way with thrilling reads, and really knows how to write the perfect amount of detail to really keep you right in the mix of the happenings. I felt as though I was there myself, trying to collect the evidence, guessing what was next and trying to decipher the clues. Enough detail is written in every chapter to make it very realistic and very easy to jump right in and enjoy.
We were also given a good number of characters, each with plenty of detail and personality, to really give us the opportunity to connect with the story and fully enjoy it, as it unfolds. There a a blend of those whom you will connect with, in either love or hate, straight away and some who sneak about in the corners, giving you only snippets of detail into their lives, until exactly the right moment.
The pace was great. It really kept me entranced in the story and I loved being kept on the edge of my seat, but not feeling rushed. It was written perfectly.
Overall, this is definitely a thriller that is not to be missed. It is exciting and thought-provoking, as well as very unique. I highly recommend it.
**I received an arc and chose to provide my honest review.
Cole has a way with thrilling reads, and really knows how to write the perfect amount of detail to really keep you right in the mix of the happenings. I felt as though I was there myself, trying to collect the evidence, guessing what was next and trying to decipher the clues. Enough detail is written in every chapter to make it very realistic and very easy to jump right in and enjoy.
We were also given a good number of characters, each with plenty of detail and personality, to really give us the opportunity to connect with the story and fully enjoy it, as it unfolds. There a a blend of those whom you will connect with, in either love or hate, straight away and some who sneak about in the corners, giving you only snippets of detail into their lives, until exactly the right moment.
The pace was great. It really kept me entranced in the story and I loved being kept on the edge of my seat, but not feeling rushed. It was written perfectly.
Overall, this is definitely a thriller that is not to be missed. It is exciting and thought-provoking, as well as very unique. I highly recommend it.
**I received an arc and chose to provide my honest review.
March 22, 2019
(2.5) The book was ok...frankly I thought all the characters were so stereotypical and the plot just was too simple. There were no twists or turns and you knew exactly what was going to happen next. However, one redeeming quality to this novel was the description of the writing. It made me squirm in my seat because I could almost see the scenes happening in front of me.
It was a well written book none the less but the CREATIVITY was just not there.
It was a well written book none the less but the CREATIVITY was just not there.
March 7, 2021
Book 82 of 2021
Just finished this book, which I read for book club, and I have to say, it was good. Not great or mind blowing, because the big reveal left more questions than answers.
Just finished this book, which I read for book club, and I have to say, it was good. Not great or mind blowing, because the big reveal left more questions than answers.
September 21, 2025
I really enjoyed this one, mostly because I'm a sucker for a great crime thriller, but also, the story takes place in my most favorite place, Seattle! I liked the storyline a lot but loved all the references to and about Seattle and its surrounding areas. With this being the first book in the Emerald City thriller series, I definitely look forward to continuing onto the next book because of the location, but also because this is solid storytelling.
April 6, 2019
Starts out somewhat promising but falls apart badly near the end. Avoid.
Being a debut work I could overlook some things, but too much in this book doesn't make any sense, is poorly written and/or is a (borderline) cheat.
Could go on and on, but suffice to say that this book isn't very good, it's chock-full plot cheats, generic characters and unexplained plot points.
Set your expectations low if you intend to read it.
I see there's a prequel and other books by this author, but seeing the caliber of this book has convinced me I need to look somewhere else.
No idea how it has one of the highest ratings on GR.
Being a debut work I could overlook some things, but too much in this book doesn't make any sense, is poorly written and/or is a (borderline) cheat.
Could go on and on, but suffice to say that this book isn't very good, it's chock-full plot cheats, generic characters and unexplained plot points.
Set your expectations low if you intend to read it.
I see there's a prequel and other books by this author, but seeing the caliber of this book has convinced me I need to look somewhere else.
No idea how it has one of the highest ratings on GR.
February 28, 2024
I really enjoyed this thriller.
This is my first audiobook from this author and I definitely want to read more! It actually reminds me of something John Marrs would write, so if you like him, I think you’ll like this author.
So for the story:
You have a male police officer hunting down a serial killer
You have a judge and a judge’s wife
You have a partial brain transplant
You have a bunch of dead women
You have a dead, convicted serial killer
Check it out!
This is my first audiobook from this author and I definitely want to read more! It actually reminds me of something John Marrs would write, so if you like him, I think you’ll like this author.
So for the story:
You have a male police officer hunting down a serial killer
You have a judge and a judge’s wife
You have a partial brain transplant
You have a bunch of dead women
You have a dead, convicted serial killer
Check it out!
July 10, 2017
Wow! Wow! Wow!
This book is so creative, intriguing, and entertaining! This book keeps you in suspense and fully engaged to the very last page!
So I missed the sign up for this review tour, but was contacted a few days ago to fill a spot that a blogger who had an emergency and had to pull out. I was a bit worried that I wouldn’t be able to finish reading the book and write the review in time. However, after starting this book I was instantly glued to it and couldn’t put it down! Who needs three days??? I read it in less than two days lol. And honestly, I probably would have finished it in one sitting if I didn’t have to go to work lol.
This book is about Michael Rhodes, a serial killer in Seattle, known as the Seattle Slasher, who tormented the city until Sergeant Wade McKinnon and his partner arrested him. Unfortunately, Wade’s partner was killed during Rhodes’ apprehension. Six years later Rhodes is executed and it finally seems like justice has been served. However, only one year later, Wade arrives at a crime scene that has the M.O. and Signature of Rhodes. How can this be? Rhodes was put to death. There’s no way he could have engineered this. So many questions arise and it’s not long before the evidence starts piling up and pointing to Wade as the Copycat Killer.
Elle is the wife of Brian, who at the young age of thirty-seven suffered from a stroke. Brian receives a partial brain transplant which allows him to fully recover and have a second chance at life. Elle is thrilled to have her husband back, but she starts noticing Brian behaving oddly that she’s not so sure her husband is the one who came back after the stroke. Elle begins to research her husband’s donor and learns that Rhodes, the Seattle Slasher was her husband’s brain cell donor. Is it possible that Brian has become Rhodes? Is Brian the Copycat Killer? Now fearing the worst, she teams up with Wade to find out who the real Copycat Killer is and if her husband is somehow involved.
This book was such a chilling and intriguing read! I was totally captivated by the story and couldn’t wait to solve the case and learn the identity of the Copycat Killer.
I love a good mystery, suspense book and this one takes the cake!
I really liked the main characters, Elle and Wade. They were honest, hardworking, realistic, and relatable. I felt ties to both and wanted things to workout in each of their lives.
I loved the storyline! So creative and riveting! I’ve always been curious about the warrior gene and the Klinefelter Syndrome in serial killers so I was fascinated to see this take on brain cells possibly causing killer fantasies.
The storyline flows and is well written with such detailed scenes.
I used to live in Seattle so I was excited that this book takes place there. I love reading books that are set in locations that I’m familiar with. I feel closer to the story and the characters when I feel like I’ve walked in their shoes.
This book is fast paced. It takes off right from page one and keeps you fully engaged through the last page!
There are some surprises, and lots of twists and turns that will keep you guessing to the very end! But no spoilers here!
All in all, I really enjoyed reading this book and I would absolutely recommend this book to all mystery and suspense lovers! You won’t regret reading this book!
**Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book and have voluntarily provided an honest, and unbiased review in accordance with FTC regulations.**
This book is so creative, intriguing, and entertaining! This book keeps you in suspense and fully engaged to the very last page!
So I missed the sign up for this review tour, but was contacted a few days ago to fill a spot that a blogger who had an emergency and had to pull out. I was a bit worried that I wouldn’t be able to finish reading the book and write the review in time. However, after starting this book I was instantly glued to it and couldn’t put it down! Who needs three days??? I read it in less than two days lol. And honestly, I probably would have finished it in one sitting if I didn’t have to go to work lol.
This book is about Michael Rhodes, a serial killer in Seattle, known as the Seattle Slasher, who tormented the city until Sergeant Wade McKinnon and his partner arrested him. Unfortunately, Wade’s partner was killed during Rhodes’ apprehension. Six years later Rhodes is executed and it finally seems like justice has been served. However, only one year later, Wade arrives at a crime scene that has the M.O. and Signature of Rhodes. How can this be? Rhodes was put to death. There’s no way he could have engineered this. So many questions arise and it’s not long before the evidence starts piling up and pointing to Wade as the Copycat Killer.
Elle is the wife of Brian, who at the young age of thirty-seven suffered from a stroke. Brian receives a partial brain transplant which allows him to fully recover and have a second chance at life. Elle is thrilled to have her husband back, but she starts noticing Brian behaving oddly that she’s not so sure her husband is the one who came back after the stroke. Elle begins to research her husband’s donor and learns that Rhodes, the Seattle Slasher was her husband’s brain cell donor. Is it possible that Brian has become Rhodes? Is Brian the Copycat Killer? Now fearing the worst, she teams up with Wade to find out who the real Copycat Killer is and if her husband is somehow involved.
This book was such a chilling and intriguing read! I was totally captivated by the story and couldn’t wait to solve the case and learn the identity of the Copycat Killer.
I love a good mystery, suspense book and this one takes the cake!
I really liked the main characters, Elle and Wade. They were honest, hardworking, realistic, and relatable. I felt ties to both and wanted things to workout in each of their lives.
I loved the storyline! So creative and riveting! I’ve always been curious about the warrior gene and the Klinefelter Syndrome in serial killers so I was fascinated to see this take on brain cells possibly causing killer fantasies.
The storyline flows and is well written with such detailed scenes.
I used to live in Seattle so I was excited that this book takes place there. I love reading books that are set in locations that I’m familiar with. I feel closer to the story and the characters when I feel like I’ve walked in their shoes.
This book is fast paced. It takes off right from page one and keeps you fully engaged through the last page!
There are some surprises, and lots of twists and turns that will keep you guessing to the very end! But no spoilers here!
All in all, I really enjoyed reading this book and I would absolutely recommend this book to all mystery and suspense lovers! You won’t regret reading this book!
**Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book and have voluntarily provided an honest, and unbiased review in accordance with FTC regulations.**
February 13, 2022
From the type of books I like to read, a page turner and not boring. I got immersed in that book. Looking forward to read the rest of the books of the Emerald City Thriller.
March 28, 2023
I enjoy this author’s writing style when I want an uncomplicated thriller or mystery. She goes just enough into extemporaneous details. This book is about a serial killer, but it isn’t overly violent. The serial killer was executed years prior so it seems we have a copycat who is committing the crimes eerily similar. The detective/sergeant is a troubled alcoholic but likable character. There is also a very wealthy female protagonist, and after awhile, these two people cross each others’ paths. It is a very quick, but interesting story. I continue to seek out her books, and haven’t found any yet that I didn’t like!
April 20, 2023
I'm not a fan of some of the writing in this police crime investigation/mystery. While the style was simple, (which is not a problem in itself), I felt many sections in the first half needed more polished editing, whilst he writing was much tighter in the second half. The narration is third person and is written from several points of view. I really enjoyed the plot and needed to read to the end to discover the outcome. The story was fast paced, with twists and turns and quickly became addictive. I have the set of five books in this series, so I'll be reading more from this author.
September 18, 2025
THIS WAS SO GOOD!?
If you love reading a fast paced crime thriller with a sprinkle of domestic suspense, read this now.
If you love reading a fast paced crime thriller with a sprinkle of domestic suspense, read this now.
September 27, 2025
Haven’t been shocked by a book like this in a long time!! So good.
November 6, 2025
3.75 stars. It was pretty good and a quick read.
August 11, 2022
A good book with good characters, parts predictable but overall a good listen.
June 25, 2024
A highly entertaining crime thriller if you can completely suspend belief the entire time.
Sergeant Wade McKinnon is desperately trying to catch the copycat killer of the Seattle Slasher. The killings bare extraordinary similarities to the deaths five years ago, in which the killer was caught and executed for the crimes. When evidence is found that links Wade to the murders, it seems someone is trying to frame him. Wade McKinnon has to be the worst cop I've ever read. Granted I'm no detective and neither is the author but I'm sure there isn't a police officer on earth who would call in a victims car to be processed for evidence and then SIT IN THE CAR potentially destroying any evidence. His bumbling nature was endearing but infuriating.
A dual timeline followed Elle, a woman with no discernible job who is married to Scrooge McDuck and spends her days sailing on his boat and flying in his plane. Oh and she is a world class cook. If the cop was ridiculously unrealistic then so was this woman. Equally, her husband is a thirty nine year old supreme court judge, who is back in court about a year after having brain surgery.
I genuinely enjoy Audrey J. Cole's writing and her books are always entertaining and downright funny at times. They are so over the top and I give her props for creativity. The reveal of the mystery toxin make me really laugh out loud. How on earth did the killer get that toxin? I genuinely have no clue.
Sergeant Wade McKinnon is desperately trying to catch the copycat killer of the Seattle Slasher. The killings bare extraordinary similarities to the deaths five years ago, in which the killer was caught and executed for the crimes. When evidence is found that links Wade to the murders, it seems someone is trying to frame him. Wade McKinnon has to be the worst cop I've ever read. Granted I'm no detective and neither is the author but I'm sure there isn't a police officer on earth who would call in a victims car to be processed for evidence and then SIT IN THE CAR potentially destroying any evidence. His bumbling nature was endearing but infuriating.
A dual timeline followed Elle, a woman with no discernible job who is married to Scrooge McDuck and spends her days sailing on his boat and flying in his plane. Oh and she is a world class cook. If the cop was ridiculously unrealistic then so was this woman. Equally, her husband is a thirty nine year old supreme court judge, who is back in court about a year after having brain surgery.
I genuinely enjoy Audrey J. Cole's writing and her books are always entertaining and downright funny at times. They are so over the top and I give her props for creativity. The reveal of the mystery toxin make me really laugh out loud. How on earth did the killer get that toxin? I genuinely have no clue.
June 27, 2019
This was my first but not my last book written by this author. I enjoyed this and it certainly throws up the odd shocker here and there to retain your interest. I liked her characters as well, although I wanted to punch Wade a couple of times ! I'll be getting hold of the next in the series for sure. However, the 3rd one is only a 64 page novella and I'll pass on that one as I don't really bother with books with fewer than 200 pages. The premise of this story was really fascinating regarding the brain cell donation.........I found it really interesting.
There were a few mistakes, although her presentation over all was pretty good. For some reason she referred to a room key and then said there were no fingerprints on "them" as opposed to "it." Quite a peculiar error. She then writes, "Only a few of people were listed....." and I found this sentence sounded odd as well, "She had consumed her life with work and started to become depressed." This sentence lost a word, ".......when the man grabbed her by hair" and this one is yet another strange-sounding one, "Wade heard Judge Mitchell's gun and knife clamor against the concrete floor."
She wrote fiance and not fiancee and spoilt the final page for me when she wrote peaked and not peeked but that was it for the mistakes. It made a lovely change not to encounter missed commas or misplaced apostrophes.......that's sheer bliss for me so well done indeed to all concerned.
There were a few mistakes, although her presentation over all was pretty good. For some reason she referred to a room key and then said there were no fingerprints on "them" as opposed to "it." Quite a peculiar error. She then writes, "Only a few of people were listed....." and I found this sentence sounded odd as well, "She had consumed her life with work and started to become depressed." This sentence lost a word, ".......when the man grabbed her by hair" and this one is yet another strange-sounding one, "Wade heard Judge Mitchell's gun and knife clamor against the concrete floor."
She wrote fiance and not fiancee and spoilt the final page for me when she wrote peaked and not peeked but that was it for the mistakes. It made a lovely change not to encounter missed commas or misplaced apostrophes.......that's sheer bliss for me so well done indeed to all concerned.
April 30, 2020
This review is based on an ARC audiobook and I wanted to leave an honest review.
Wow, mind blowing, thought provoking and totally awesome reading. This story really keeps you guessing, the detail and description of the crimes makes your imagination run wild. The characters are perfect for this type of story and I found myself thinking at times, oh no, run, run, don’t get caught just as I am caught up in the story. Brilliant piece of writing.
The narration is wonderful, having male and female sharing this story really work well. Both narrators are very clear and actually you think due to the amount of different voices that there’s more than two.
Really really enjoy this book.
Wow, mind blowing, thought provoking and totally awesome reading. This story really keeps you guessing, the detail and description of the crimes makes your imagination run wild. The characters are perfect for this type of story and I found myself thinking at times, oh no, run, run, don’t get caught just as I am caught up in the story. Brilliant piece of writing.
The narration is wonderful, having male and female sharing this story really work well. Both narrators are very clear and actually you think due to the amount of different voices that there’s more than two.
Really really enjoy this book.
January 22, 2024
An unusual twist in the serial killer genre. It appears the Seattle Slasher is striking again. But wait. He was EXECUTED...
The detective, broken, alcoholic and mourning the death of his partner Cody by the Seattle Slasher, is on the case. He's convinced of the impossible: it IS the Slasher. But how?
What a ride! And NO spoilers!
I received a free copy of the book from the author, and I am thrilled to be able to give you my honest review!
The detective, broken, alcoholic and mourning the death of his partner Cody by the Seattle Slasher, is on the case. He's convinced of the impossible: it IS the Slasher. But how?
What a ride! And NO spoilers!
I received a free copy of the book from the author, and I am thrilled to be able to give you my honest review!
December 7, 2018
Gifted this book by the author and voracious readers and what a cracker it was. Excellent characters plus a beauty of a story line. Will definitely be reading more from her. Thank you for a good read.
November 11, 2022
4.5⭐️
Audrey is such a great writer, I had no choice but to read this book in two sittings, despite being in a very solid book slump previous to picking it up. I love how she gave you little clues to her plot twists, and boy were they good plot twists. Genuinely had my heart racing in parts!
Audrey is such a great writer, I had no choice but to read this book in two sittings, despite being in a very solid book slump previous to picking it up. I love how she gave you little clues to her plot twists, and boy were they good plot twists. Genuinely had my heart racing in parts!
June 4, 2025
Police Sergeant Wade McKinnon knows who killed Samantha the moment he shows up to the crime scene. The problem is, her killer was executed a year ago. Now there is a copycat taking up where he left off, and the police don’t have any leads. Across town, Elle is more and more convinced that her husband is hiding something….
This was another fast paced thriller by Audrey J Cole! When this book started, I was able to figure things out pretty quickly and I thought “surely that’s not the big twist, right? It’s so obvious.” And Ms. Cole said “hold on to your butts!” And boy was I surprised! What a fun roller coaster ride this was, and full of action from beginning to end. Yes, one does have to suspend some disbelief but that’s all part of the fun. Told in alternating chapters between Wade the cop and Elle the suspicious wife, I found both characters equally interesting and compelling. This story reminded me very much of Freida McFadden, both in the amount of twists and easy readability. I can’t imagine why this author isn’t getting more hype because her books are (so far) all hits for me! This book is the first in a series featuring this police department, and I’m excited to read the rest. I recommend this author!
4.5⭐️
This was another fast paced thriller by Audrey J Cole! When this book started, I was able to figure things out pretty quickly and I thought “surely that’s not the big twist, right? It’s so obvious.” And Ms. Cole said “hold on to your butts!” And boy was I surprised! What a fun roller coaster ride this was, and full of action from beginning to end. Yes, one does have to suspend some disbelief but that’s all part of the fun. Told in alternating chapters between Wade the cop and Elle the suspicious wife, I found both characters equally interesting and compelling. This story reminded me very much of Freida McFadden, both in the amount of twists and easy readability. I can’t imagine why this author isn’t getting more hype because her books are (so far) all hits for me! This book is the first in a series featuring this police department, and I’m excited to read the rest. I recommend this author!
4.5⭐️
March 1, 2021
I have a weakness for crime thrillers, I literally finished this book in one sitting and still wished for more.
What a stunning book! Some parts were predictable, like I said I have a weakness for crime thrillers and I have read plenty so I could easily predict what was going to happen next but the way everything was delivered still blew me away. Wow!
So the story is written/ told using linear narrative. Meet Sergeant Wade McKinnon, our protagonist.
Sgt. Wade is a hard working, dedicated member of the police force. He is "unarguably'' handsome (as he describes himself) and has zero tolerance for bullshit his only con is that he is a recovering alcoholic. 3 years ago Sgt. Wade arrested the notorious Seattle Slasher, or so he thought.
The book starts off with Sgt. Wade being called to take over a new case. It is now 4 years since he arrested Micheal Rhodes AKA The Seattle Slasher and a year after Micheal Rhodes was executed on death row. The moment Sgt. Wade arrives at the crime scene he understands why this case was handed over to him -- the murder scene shares uncanny similarities to those of the late Michael Rhodes. How, when the guy is supposed to be dead? No one can figure this out and more bodies continue to drop.
Sgt. Wade has to solve this mystery before more bodies drop and he is even more motivated when he is framed for all these murders? Who do you arrest when al leads lead to a dead guy? where do you begin to look? Could the answer lie in the past? A missed witness? A missed piece of information? Did they even arrest the right guy back then?
Chilling. Breathtaking. Upsetting are the words that come to mind when I think about this book. It's a must read. The more you read the pieces will start to fall in place but I promise you, the ending is still a jaw dropper.
What a stunning book! Some parts were predictable, like I said I have a weakness for crime thrillers and I have read plenty so I could easily predict what was going to happen next but the way everything was delivered still blew me away. Wow!
So the story is written/ told using linear narrative. Meet Sergeant Wade McKinnon, our protagonist.
Sgt. Wade is a hard working, dedicated member of the police force. He is "unarguably'' handsome (as he describes himself) and has zero tolerance for bullshit his only con is that he is a recovering alcoholic. 3 years ago Sgt. Wade arrested the notorious Seattle Slasher, or so he thought.
The book starts off with Sgt. Wade being called to take over a new case. It is now 4 years since he arrested Micheal Rhodes AKA The Seattle Slasher and a year after Micheal Rhodes was executed on death row. The moment Sgt. Wade arrives at the crime scene he understands why this case was handed over to him -- the murder scene shares uncanny similarities to those of the late Michael Rhodes. How, when the guy is supposed to be dead? No one can figure this out and more bodies continue to drop.
Sgt. Wade has to solve this mystery before more bodies drop and he is even more motivated when he is framed for all these murders? Who do you arrest when al leads lead to a dead guy? where do you begin to look? Could the answer lie in the past? A missed witness? A missed piece of information? Did they even arrest the right guy back then?
Chilling. Breathtaking. Upsetting are the words that come to mind when I think about this book. It's a must read. The more you read the pieces will start to fall in place but I promise you, the ending is still a jaw dropper.
November 7, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
My November read from my 12 months of Christmas from J last year!
So good!! Not so much a who done it - because we know who it is - but the twists and turns were 👌🏼
While it wasn’t a guessing game, it was extremely well written. I liked all the characters & the story flowed well - even tho there were a few repeated aspects.
It was a very clean read, and if anyone has that reader on your list you’re not sure about (even the younger crowd getting into mystery!) - I would highly recommend this one! It’s a 5 book series and I’m guessing a good one as a whole! I just added the next 4 to my Amazon cart 😂😂
Book 99
My November read from my 12 months of Christmas from J last year!
So good!! Not so much a who done it - because we know who it is - but the twists and turns were 👌🏼
While it wasn’t a guessing game, it was extremely well written. I liked all the characters & the story flowed well - even tho there were a few repeated aspects.
It was a very clean read, and if anyone has that reader on your list you’re not sure about (even the younger crowd getting into mystery!) - I would highly recommend this one! It’s a 5 book series and I’m guessing a good one as a whole! I just added the next 4 to my Amazon cart 😂😂
Book 99
May 29, 2022
Fast paced, easy reading thriller. Detective, recovering alcoholic promoted to Sargeant is brought back in on the Seattle serial killer that he thought was dead by lethal injection one year prior. But, new cases with same MO reappears. You suspect early in the book who the culprit is but there are things still to learn. In the end it is a race to bring him in before someone else is killed. There are no clues abs then clues are hidden.
October 27, 2020
My Musings
Wow, this book kept me on the edge of my seat through the entire gruesome tale. I loved the fast pace and the intriguing plot. Glad I found this on Kindle Unlimited. Happy ☺reading 📚!
Wow, this book kept me on the edge of my seat through the entire gruesome tale. I loved the fast pace and the intriguing plot. Glad I found this on Kindle Unlimited. Happy ☺reading 📚!
December 12, 2024
I received this for free to review on BookBub.
This has such a different concept and started out so strong but I had the whole plot figured out by Ch 5 which was so disappointed. It was set up great but the execution wasn't there. I WOULD suggest it to someone who is maybe just starting in mysteries.
This has such a different concept and started out so strong but I had the whole plot figured out by Ch 5 which was so disappointed. It was set up great but the execution wasn't there. I WOULD suggest it to someone who is maybe just starting in mysteries.
March 19, 2023
Not sure how many stars to give this book! It was an intense heart stopping thriller about a serial killer😬😬. It was clean but disturbing. Nice twist on whodunnit.
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