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A Permanent Mark
A contract killer. A wife in mourning. Will she find out who wanted her husband dead before she meets the same fate?
Kendall Murphy dreams of having a family to call her own. But when her husband dies in a hit-and-run, her life turns into a nightmare. After authorities fail to locate the reckless driver her heart is ripped to pieces and she breaks down completely when an old flame shows up...
As the months go by and the pain of loss slowly subsides, Kendall deals with her grief by finding solace in her ex. But when the detective discovers that the death was a murder-for-hire, suddenly everyone from her new lover to those closest are under suspicion. And it may only be a matter of time before the assassin strikes again...
Can Kendall trust anyone, or will misplaced loyalty make her the next victim?
Kendall Murphy dreams of having a family to call her own. But when her husband dies in a hit-and-run, her life turns into a nightmare. After authorities fail to locate the reckless driver her heart is ripped to pieces and she breaks down completely when an old flame shows up...
As the months go by and the pain of loss slowly subsides, Kendall deals with her grief by finding solace in her ex. But when the detective discovers that the death was a murder-for-hire, suddenly everyone from her new lover to those closest are under suspicion. And it may only be a matter of time before the assassin strikes again...
Can Kendall trust anyone, or will misplaced loyalty make her the next victim?
250 pages, Paperback
First published February 13, 2020
482 people are currently reading
420 people want to read
About the author
H.K. Christie
54 books473 followersH. K. Christie watched horror films far too early in life. Inspired by the likes of Stephen King, Jodi Picoult, true crime podcasts, and a vivid imagination she now writes suspenseful thrillers. When not working on her latest novel, she can be found eating & drinking with friends, walking around the lakes, or playing with her favorite furry pal.
She is a native and current resident of the San Francisco Bay Area.
The MARTINA MONROE series featuring Private Investigator Martina Monroe and her unofficial partner, Detective August Hirsch of the Cold Case Squad, is a nail-bing crime thriller series full of suspense. If you like high-stakes games, jaw-dropping twists, and embattled seekers struggling to do right, then you’ll love the thrilling Martina Monroe series.
The SELENA BAILEY series is a collection of suspenseful stories detailing one young woman's turbulent path to becoming a top-notch, kick-ass private investigator. If you like thrilling twists, dark tension, and smart and driven women, then you’ll love this new dark thriller series. A Permanent Mark is a suspenseful murder mystery featuring a grown-up Selena Bailey.
www.authorhkchristie.com
The MARTINA MONROE series featuring Private Investigator Martina Monroe and her unofficial partner, Detective August Hirsch of the Cold Case Squad, is a nail-bing crime thriller series full of suspense. If you like high-stakes games, jaw-dropping twists, and embattled seekers struggling to do right, then you’ll love the thrilling Martina Monroe series.
The SELENA BAILEY series is a collection of suspenseful stories detailing one young woman's turbulent path to becoming a top-notch, kick-ass private investigator. If you like thrilling twists, dark tension, and smart and driven women, then you’ll love this new dark thriller series. A Permanent Mark is a suspenseful murder mystery featuring a grown-up Selena Bailey.
www.authorhkchristie.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
June 16, 2020
First off I am so sorry for the late review. Been a bit busy
Anyway onto it!!
So I saw loads for good reviews for this book so picked it up through kindle unlimited and so glad I did. Normally it can take me a month to get through a book but I finished it in 10 days and a few of them I didn’t get a chance to read
In a hit and run Kendall finds out her husband was ran over and night not make it. She got the devastating news at the hospital he didn’t make it.
No Kendall is alone. But what Kendall finds out that her husbands deaths was a pod hit. Who would do such a thing?
Kendall ends up bumping into a old friend/flame. Yet does she know she will fall in love with him. Could it be luke to get what he let go? Could it be a friend? Could it be family? Who would want the most nicest man dead?
Things only get worse when Kendall and luck become persons of interest. Could they of done it?
Anyway I’m not really good at doing reviews so I’ll just say I really enjoyed it and defo going to read more of this author
Highly recommend
Anyway onto it!!
So I saw loads for good reviews for this book so picked it up through kindle unlimited and so glad I did. Normally it can take me a month to get through a book but I finished it in 10 days and a few of them I didn’t get a chance to read
In a hit and run Kendall finds out her husband was ran over and night not make it. She got the devastating news at the hospital he didn’t make it.
No Kendall is alone. But what Kendall finds out that her husbands deaths was a pod hit. Who would do such a thing?
Kendall ends up bumping into a old friend/flame. Yet does she know she will fall in love with him. Could it be luke to get what he let go? Could it be a friend? Could it be family? Who would want the most nicest man dead?
Things only get worse when Kendall and luck become persons of interest. Could they of done it?
Anyway I’m not really good at doing reviews so I’ll just say I really enjoyed it and defo going to read more of this author
Highly recommend
October 10, 2024
Quick read.
Hooked from the beginning. There came a time where I thought I knew the truth but turned out I was wrong. Kept me interested the whole book.
Hooked from the beginning. There came a time where I thought I knew the truth but turned out I was wrong. Kept me interested the whole book.
November 1, 2025
Predictable
I really started out liking this book a lot but then it became totally predictable. A decent read just not a real page turner or shocking ending.
I really started out liking this book a lot but then it became totally predictable. A decent read just not a real page turner or shocking ending.
February 20, 2020
The book begins from the perspective of the killer and bounces between each character in the story. Kendall’s husband was killed by a hit and run driver, but was it planned or was it an accident? The story was suspenseful with the police tracking the killer and trying to determine who put the hit out on George, Kendall’s husband, and why the hit was taken out. Kendall’s previous boyfriend Luke seemed a little suspicious to me and I didn’t really like him as a person. He seemed kind of wishy washy with no real backbone. The story was good, but it felt kind of anticlimactic at the end. I liked the ending with Kendall wanting to find a new career by helping women in domestic abuse situations. I received an ARC and I voluntarily reviewed this book.
February 13, 2020
I received a free copy of this novel in exchange for my fair and honest review.
This book was an enjoyable read. The action and suspense began immediately and it kept you on your toes throughout. I found it to be a page turner as I flipped through each characters perspective wondering who was responsible for the death of Kendall’s husband.
Positives: I loved the suspense and the consistent storytelling. The characters are relatable and enjoyable. They all have mostly rounded personalities and it allows you to not only get attached to them, but also to wonder what their part in the mystery will be. I found the writing to be easy to follow despite the storyline and the changing perspectives. The story may have been predictable by the end, but I expect this with any novel of it’s kind. It was still a fun read nevertheless.
Negatives: honestly, I don’t have too many bad things to say. I’m usually not a huge fan of the changing character perspectives, but they were easily broken up and simple to follow. The story was predictable at a certain point, but most mysteries are if you’ve been reading the genre long enough. My only complaint would be that the story felt a bit rushed at the end and ***(spoiler, possibly)*** the killer didn’t feel as introduced or developed as the other characters so it provided a bit of a twist, but also felt a little underwhelming.
With that being said - I loved the book. I also loved the inclusion at the end with a small note on her other novels because I found a backstory to one of my favorite characters of the novel is available! I look forward to reading the authors other works after having read A Permanent Mark.
This book was an enjoyable read. The action and suspense began immediately and it kept you on your toes throughout. I found it to be a page turner as I flipped through each characters perspective wondering who was responsible for the death of Kendall’s husband.
Positives: I loved the suspense and the consistent storytelling. The characters are relatable and enjoyable. They all have mostly rounded personalities and it allows you to not only get attached to them, but also to wonder what their part in the mystery will be. I found the writing to be easy to follow despite the storyline and the changing perspectives. The story may have been predictable by the end, but I expect this with any novel of it’s kind. It was still a fun read nevertheless.
Negatives: honestly, I don’t have too many bad things to say. I’m usually not a huge fan of the changing character perspectives, but they were easily broken up and simple to follow. The story was predictable at a certain point, but most mysteries are if you’ve been reading the genre long enough. My only complaint would be that the story felt a bit rushed at the end and ***(spoiler, possibly)*** the killer didn’t feel as introduced or developed as the other characters so it provided a bit of a twist, but also felt a little underwhelming.
With that being said - I loved the book. I also loved the inclusion at the end with a small note on her other novels because I found a backstory to one of my favorite characters of the novel is available! I look forward to reading the authors other works after having read A Permanent Mark.
February 24, 2020
Preface: I received a free copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Explicit content: Some sexual content, violence, death
This book is pretty forgettable, to the point where I finished it less than a week ago and am having a difficult time remembering more than the broad strokes. Overall, it's just your average mystery/police procedural. Character's husband dies, character wants to know whodunnit, police investigate, ex comes back into life, ex is a suspect, the end. Not a whole lot going on.
The police stuff is pretty cliche (they do, of course, enhance an image from a video at some point), and the pacing ends up being weird - they nab the contract killer almost immediately, but take forever to figure out who he's working for. There's a time skip just to give the main relationship more plausibility. A lot of threads are introduced that never really go anywhere (why does the grandma have dementia? Why is the police detective interested in our hero? What's the PI/cop connection? etc.). Most of the main characters are pretty flat.
The one interesting thing is that the main love interest becomes a suspect like 50% of the way through the novel, so both the reader and main character are wondering if he's really behind it all, or if he's innocent. That's really the only point of tension in the story, but it's done decently well.
Overall, this is pretty run-of-the-mill. If you enjoy the genre and aren't looking for anything too different, it's fine, but if you care about themeing or character development, give this a pass.
Explicit content: Some sexual content, violence, death
This book is pretty forgettable, to the point where I finished it less than a week ago and am having a difficult time remembering more than the broad strokes. Overall, it's just your average mystery/police procedural. Character's husband dies, character wants to know whodunnit, police investigate, ex comes back into life, ex is a suspect, the end. Not a whole lot going on.
The police stuff is pretty cliche (they do, of course, enhance an image from a video at some point), and the pacing ends up being weird - they nab the contract killer almost immediately, but take forever to figure out who he's working for. There's a time skip just to give the main relationship more plausibility. A lot of threads are introduced that never really go anywhere (why does the grandma have dementia? Why is the police detective interested in our hero? What's the PI/cop connection? etc.). Most of the main characters are pretty flat.
The one interesting thing is that the main love interest becomes a suspect like 50% of the way through the novel, so both the reader and main character are wondering if he's really behind it all, or if he's innocent. That's really the only point of tension in the story, but it's done decently well.
Overall, this is pretty run-of-the-mill. If you enjoy the genre and aren't looking for anything too different, it's fine, but if you care about themeing or character development, give this a pass.
Read
August 18, 2025he stole a 90 yr old mans car from his driveway (the owner didnt notice till the police asked )
he did a hit and run and killed a man he was hired to kill
the man who hired him wasnt happy the man didnt die at once, he was taken to the hospital but he didnt make it
his widow was devastated. she loved him very much
the detective told her he would find out who did this
her x boyfriend showed up when she was having drinks after the wake in a restaurant. she wants nothing to do with him. he knew her husband died, but she figured he found out from work, he worked in the same co as her husband
her grandma and sister encourage her to go out with him so she does. they didnt know she dated him when he was separated from his wife. they went to bed then he went back to his wife
his wife is dead and he is determined to get her back
the man they arrested for hit and run killing her husband is now being charged with murder when they found out he had been waiting for her husband to come out for his run and followed him
now they searched her house and want to question her more. her sister insists she get a lawyer
she doesnt understand what is going on
first they thought it was her boyfriend, and her
and it turned out her husbands brother killed him to get the money their mom is leaving after she dies
but finds out shes in the will too so he tried to kill her twice and got caught
the hit man put a hit on him and he was killed in jail
she moved in with the boyfriend
he did a hit and run and killed a man he was hired to kill
the man who hired him wasnt happy the man didnt die at once, he was taken to the hospital but he didnt make it
his widow was devastated. she loved him very much
the detective told her he would find out who did this
her x boyfriend showed up when she was having drinks after the wake in a restaurant. she wants nothing to do with him. he knew her husband died, but she figured he found out from work, he worked in the same co as her husband
her grandma and sister encourage her to go out with him so she does. they didnt know she dated him when he was separated from his wife. they went to bed then he went back to his wife
his wife is dead and he is determined to get her back
the man they arrested for hit and run killing her husband is now being charged with murder when they found out he had been waiting for her husband to come out for his run and followed him
now they searched her house and want to question her more. her sister insists she get a lawyer
she doesnt understand what is going on
first they thought it was her boyfriend, and her
and it turned out her husbands brother killed him to get the money their mom is leaving after she dies
but finds out shes in the will too so he tried to kill her twice and got caught
the hit man put a hit on him and he was killed in jail
she moved in with the boyfriend
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 17, 2020
A contract killer. A wife in mourning. Will she find out who wanted her husband dead before she meets the same fate?
Kendall Murphy dreams of having a family to call her own. But when her husband dies in a hit-and-run, her life turns into a nightmare. After authorities fail to locate the reckless driver her heart is ripped to pieces and she breaks down completely when an old flame shows up...
As the months go by and the pain of loss slowly subsides, Kendall deals with her grief by finding solace in her ex. But when the detective discovers that the death was a murder-for-hire, suddenly everyone from her new lover to those closest are under suspicion. And it may only be a matter of time before the assassin strikes again...
Can Kendall trust anyone, or will misplaced loyalty make her the next victim?
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believeable.
Great suspense and found myself second guessing every thought I had continuousluy.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Kendall Murphy dreams of having a family to call her own. But when her husband dies in a hit-and-run, her life turns into a nightmare. After authorities fail to locate the reckless driver her heart is ripped to pieces and she breaks down completely when an old flame shows up...
As the months go by and the pain of loss slowly subsides, Kendall deals with her grief by finding solace in her ex. But when the detective discovers that the death was a murder-for-hire, suddenly everyone from her new lover to those closest are under suspicion. And it may only be a matter of time before the assassin strikes again...
Can Kendall trust anyone, or will misplaced loyalty make her the next victim?
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believeable.
Great suspense and found myself second guessing every thought I had continuousluy.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 9, 2020
In the blink of an eye you could lose someone you dearly love. No guarantee for tomorrow. When Kendall lost George I felt her pain deep in my heart. He was killed by a hit and run. Or was he?
At the funeral Kendall noticed Luke was in attendance. An ex lover that had crushed her heart before she married George. Was it a coincidence?
Months later she ran into Luke again. She did not want to be around him. He invited her to meet for coffe. She wanted to refuse but with her grandmother and sister there she had no other choice than to agree. Was it another coincidence?
Detectives Marcus and Gates are hot on the trail of Irwin who they suspect killed George.
As the pieces of the puzzle begin to fall in place with new evidence there are more suspects. Kendall, Luke, Howard or someone else? Who wanted George dead and why?
Unexpected turn of events that will keep you second guessing yourself as to who the killer is.
Thank you Hidden Gems for a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
At the funeral Kendall noticed Luke was in attendance. An ex lover that had crushed her heart before she married George. Was it a coincidence?
Months later she ran into Luke again. She did not want to be around him. He invited her to meet for coffe. She wanted to refuse but with her grandmother and sister there she had no other choice than to agree. Was it another coincidence?
Detectives Marcus and Gates are hot on the trail of Irwin who they suspect killed George.
As the pieces of the puzzle begin to fall in place with new evidence there are more suspects. Kendall, Luke, Howard or someone else? Who wanted George dead and why?
Unexpected turn of events that will keep you second guessing yourself as to who the killer is.
Thank you Hidden Gems for a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
February 11, 2020
Thank you Hidden Gem for the ARC, I am happy to voluntarily review this book. You never know what can happen. Here today, gone tomorrow. Kendall is devastated when her husband dies as a result of a hit and run accident. As things unfold you begin to doubt those around Kendall, because you are the only one that knows that George’s death is the result of a contract hit. Detective Rogers feel that he needs to bring closure to Kendall after he experience her brutal reaction to the her loss. I can understand this kind of loss and the pain it bring. With dogged determinate Detective Gates and Rogers pursue the driver and as more clues come out it no longer looks to them as a random hit and run.
This book was a great ups and downs and twist and turns until the end. Can you finally figure out the who and why. You think you know but do you really? Great Book! Sorry reader I do not give away the story you will have to read it yourself.
This book was a great ups and downs and twist and turns until the end. Can you finally figure out the who and why. You think you know but do you really? Great Book! Sorry reader I do not give away the story you will have to read it yourself.
February 14, 2020
Kendall Murphy's family is small. It consists of Grandma, her sister Janine, and her husband George. It gets even smaller when George dies after being involved in a hit-and-run.
The police quickly apprehend the driver, but their case isn't very strong. Months go by, and Kendall reconnects with an old flame. Just when she thought she could love again, the police discover evidence proving the accident wasn't an accident at all. It was a murder for hire.
Everyone becomes a suspect and Kendall doesn't know who to trust. Time is running out to find out who hired the hit.
After receiving a free copy of the book, I'm choosing to review it. The book was a little too predictable and simple. Kendall falls madly in love with the ex who broke her heart a decade ago. The ex of only a month. She's torn because it's only been six months since George died. Then Luke, the ex, becomes a suspect. If you're not expecting that to happen, you haven't read enough. It's a stale story, with nothing fresh or innovative in the telling.
The police quickly apprehend the driver, but their case isn't very strong. Months go by, and Kendall reconnects with an old flame. Just when she thought she could love again, the police discover evidence proving the accident wasn't an accident at all. It was a murder for hire.
Everyone becomes a suspect and Kendall doesn't know who to trust. Time is running out to find out who hired the hit.
After receiving a free copy of the book, I'm choosing to review it. The book was a little too predictable and simple. Kendall falls madly in love with the ex who broke her heart a decade ago. The ex of only a month. She's torn because it's only been six months since George died. Then Luke, the ex, becomes a suspect. If you're not expecting that to happen, you haven't read enough. It's a stale story, with nothing fresh or innovative in the telling.
February 14, 2020
Suspenseful who dun it - A new author to me and not a normal genre for me but it kept me turning pages and what more can you ask. This story is about Kendall Detective Rogers. Kendall loses her husband. He died suddenly of a hit and run driver and she is beside herself with grief. As the reader we learn who, what and where and it’s hard to know who Kendall can trust. Detective Rogers feel that he needs to bring closure to Kendall after he experience her brutal reaction to the her loss. Knowing this kind of loss, some of this was difficult to read for me. The detectives peruse the driver and as more clues come out it no longer looks to them as a random hit and run. Good read.
February 22, 2020
I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a free copy. I always love a good book that keeps you on the edge of your seat, and keeps you guessing. I believe a good mystery will lead you in the wrong direction, which is when it'll have a twist you aren't necessarily expecting. This book does a good job at leading you into a different direction. The further along in the book I got, the harder it was to put down. I look forward to reading more from this author, as this was a very good read.
February 13, 2020
A contract killer, a family devastated by a hit and run, in the blink of an eye, their lives changed forever. A great crime drama and mystery read. A well written story line, strong characters and suspense and mystery that keeps the reader turning the pages to find out what happens.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 17, 2020
This is the 1st book I've read written by H.K. Christie; she has done a great job at writing a good book; I can’t wait to read more of her books.
The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
February 21, 2020
I received this book through another author's promotion in exchange for an honest review. Kendall loses her husband I am accident by a hit and run, but later it's found to be a contract kill.Well written, well developed characters and a good plot line. An easy read, holds your interest, an enjoyable read!
May 1, 2020
Loved it. I really like crime/thriller books and this did not disappoint. There are times when you think one person did it, than you think another person did it, to finally find that someone else did it. I really liked the main character Kendall. I hope there is another book following what happens to Kendall’s new job opportunity (trying not to give spoilers here).
March 25, 2024
I really like H.K. Christie’s books but this one isn’t my favorite. However, it was an easy and fast read. I did figure out the book before half way but I will never not finish a read I’ve started, just because ya never know! The chapters were separated by the main characters, but in a third persons point of view. So to me, it just felt like a run on book with no breaks.
August 2, 2025
I thought I had read every book this author has written but I somehow missed this one. So glad I found this story! The characters took turns telling the story from their perspective and the storyline was engaging. I had a hard time putting the book down. Love this author books and this one did not disappoint.
March 5, 2020
Intriguing
Another terrific, suspenseful story by HK Christie. Kept me engaged and guessing for the entire book. Interesting, well-defined characters, made me feel like I knew them.
Another terrific, suspenseful story by HK Christie. Kept me engaged and guessing for the entire book. Interesting, well-defined characters, made me feel like I knew them.
June 22, 2024
Decent read
I've followed the Martina Monroe series and enjoyed every episode. I had no idea that the Selena Bailey series came before. I will be following this series to see how it transitions into one of my favorite series. Hopefully it will follow the same cohesiveness.
I've followed the Martina Monroe series and enjoyed every episode. I had no idea that the Selena Bailey series came before. I will be following this series to see how it transitions into one of my favorite series. Hopefully it will follow the same cohesiveness.
July 27, 2025
Quick read for a summer weekend!
This is the first book I have read from this author. I thoroughly enjoyed it and will be reading more. Whole somewhat predictable, I would still highly recommend.
This is the first book I have read from this author. I thoroughly enjoyed it and will be reading more. Whole somewhat predictable, I would still highly recommend.
November 26, 2025
I've enjoyed several of HK.Christie's books. This was no exception. It has the suspense, drama and thrill of the hunt to keep you on your toes. Im looking forward to completing one of the other series that I have previously read.
June 25, 2024
Another excellent read 😁
August 24, 2024
Loved this book
July 22, 2025
A real whodoneit!
Great story line and cast of characters. If you enjoy mystery this is for you! Don’t miss it.
Get it now.
Great story line and cast of characters. If you enjoy mystery this is for you! Don’t miss it.
Get it now.
July 25, 2025
Good story
Really held my interest. I wanted Howard to be the bad guy. Too bad the other one got off easy. Selena was an interesting character, very likeable.
Mmm
Really held my interest. I wanted Howard to be the bad guy. Too bad the other one got off easy. Selena was an interesting character, very likeable.
Mmm
July 26, 2025
3.5. A good read
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews