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A killer from his past threatens his future. Will a decade-long chase end in justice or disaster?

Special Agent Aidan O’Reilly is haunted by the one that got away. And even after another year of silence, he still can’t shake his failure to nail the sociopathic madman responsible for over fifty shocking murders. But his guilt becomes a shot at redemption when the murderer returns, naming the detective in a personal note pinned to a fresh kill.

With meticulously clean crime scenes and a nosy reporter on the loose, O’Reilly and his new partner scramble to uncover the next target’s location. But when the psychotic fiend strikes close to the embattled FBI man’s home, O’Reilly is up against a clock counting down to a very intimate death.

Can he catch the infamous butcher before the body count rises?

A Killer's Mark is the pulse-pounding first novel in the O’Reilly Files serial killer thriller series. If you like strong protagonists, wild twists and turns, and powerful reveals, then you’ll love Angela Kay’s adrenaline-laced story.


Previously published as I Can Kill.

314 pages, Paperback

First published March 30, 2018

163 people are currently reading
118 people want to read

About the author

Angela Kay

11 books171 followers
Equipped with a professional writing degree from Augusta State University, Angela Kay always had the imagination and passion of a writer. She has written many, many short stories in her lifetime, most of which won't ever see the light of day!

During college, her playwright professor had urged her to submit her one-act play to a 2009 playwright contest. To her shock and glory, she was one of 23 across the United States to win for her one-act entitled “Digging Deeper.” Because of this, she was able to spend a week in Atlanta at the Horizon Theater Company.

She'd begun writing her first novel, The Murder of Manny Grimes in 2009 during a creative writing college course. The first draft was well-received by her peers and professor. After seven years of writing and re-writing, the final draft of Manny Grimes became so unrecognizable and so different from the direction she initially went in. Finally, finding the nerves to show it to the public, Angela published it in 2016 with ThomasMax Publishing. A year later, she followed it up with a second book, Blood Runs Cold.

Angela’s third book, an FBI thriller, was released in March of 2018. I Can Kill was a finalist in the American Book Fest.

Angela draws her inspiration from international bestselling author, Steven James, as well as Agatha Christie and James Patterson.

Aside from writing, Angela enjoys watching TV and movies. Her favorite entertainers include James Stewart, Bing Crosby, Paul Newman, Mark Wahlberg, Bryan Adams, and Jeremy Camp.

Angela lives in Augusta, Georgia with her crazy calico, Maggie.

You may visit Angela at www.angelakay.org and www.facebook.com/angelakaysbooks.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
Profile Image for Laura Furuta.
2,047 reviews28 followers
August 11, 2018
I Can Kill
By: Angela Kay
5 out of 5 stars

The story I Can Kill by Angela Kay is a thrilling crime book. It is a story that I loved reading. From the very beginning, I was drawn in and I didn’t want to put it down until I had read the last page. The atmosphere of suspense is such that I was on the edge of my seat wondering what was going to happen next. There is a game that is being played and lives are in the balance. I loved reading about the character of FBI Special Agent Aidan O’Reilly. He is a man determined to stop the serial killer called The Carnations Killer. His search and hunt for the killer could be almost considered an obsession. Aidan is a character that you can get behind and I wanted him to succeed. He wants to protect the public as well as those he cares for. I also enjoyed reading about Shaun Henderson. He is a special agent who is partnered with Aidan. Shaun is someone that Aidan talks to and he offers advice to when needed. Frustration with the lack of an arrest makes the stress and tension levels high in this story. Will Aidan and Shaun catch The Carnations Killer? This story has characters facing danger. While reading I felt like I was trying to put together a puzzle to solve the mystery of who the killer is. I also enjoyed reading about many of the other characters and their interactions with Aidan and Shaun. Each one contributed to the story in their own way. This is a well-written page-turner that will keep you guessing. It is a book that I would highly recommend reading.
Profile Image for Maura.
2,185 reviews6 followers
August 28, 2018
Lately I have discovered the TV channel that shows murders and people who snapped and wives who hold knives. When I say "I discovered" I mean my husband watches it obsessively and I have caught a few episodes in between books. I also listen to the MFM podcast which deconstructs those shows and retells in their own words.

Why do I share this with you? Because this book WAS KICK A** and the writing was such that I could both picture it and hear it as I was reading. You know what's going on in the first couple of pages, the amazing thing is that the way this is written kept my attention the whole way through.

Did I suspect and guess and strategize the whole way though? You bet!! Was I surprised and thrilled and freaked out at times? Indeed!! Will I retell the story to my husband as if I watched on one of his shows?. YEP!!!

This is a great thriller with a fantastic story line. It's the first book I've read by this author and it will absolutely not be the last.

Profile Image for Katie Kearney .
1,123 reviews6 followers
August 24, 2018
I Can Kill By Angela Kay. This story had me completely hooked from page one. The author does an incredible job of detailing everything enough to have it come alive before your eyes. This story has everything you want in a thriller story, keeping you on the edge of your seat. With its twists and turns it keeps you guessing. The characters are complex and believable and the storyline is well written. It’s a fast paced story but not rushed. This is my first book by this author but definitely not my last. I love a book that makes me lose track of time! I’m giving this book a five star review and highly recommend it to everyone.
Profile Image for Angela.
8,597 reviews123 followers
August 26, 2018
5 Stars

I Can Kill is a brilliant thriller by Angela Kay. The intense psychological aspects of this story are superb, I was completely gripped by the storyline, on the edge of my seat, heart palpitating and reading as quickly as my eyes would allow, to find out how it all plays out. There are thrills and chills galore in this unsettling, somewhat dark and violent story. The attention to detail and overall production is one of the best serial killer stories that I’ve read this year. This may be the first book of Ms. Kays that I have read, but it certainly won’t be the last- I really can’t wait to dive into some more of her work, because this author certainly knows how to write a superb story!
The story is told from several points of view, which really helps to give a well-rounded, fully balanced, and close-up account- which paints a much bigger and more detailed picture for us to enjoy. The mystery in this book has my mind reeling with possibilities, I had several scenarios running through my head as I looked for clues and tried to piece everything together. But, Ms. Kay really made this quite an unpredictable story to unravel, and the ending was both surprising and incredibly satisfying.
I loved the characters- they really were very cleverly crafted- with their own quirks, flaws and fully realised personalities. They were very believable and entirely realistic. Aiden and Shaun were fantastic work partners, who made the ‘investigation’ all the more interesting. Cheyenne and Aiden were great together and I loved how the author portrayed how the pressure and stress of Aiden’s work took a toll on their relationship- it made them more relatable and likeable. Aiden and Shaun are pitted against a cunning, careful, meticulous, confident, and sadistic killer in a chilling and dangerous game of cat and mouse. The killer singles out Aiden and taunts him in many ways, at every opportunity. It is a real game of wits- but with an end game that has deadly consequences. Will Aiden and Shaun be able to figure it out before it’s too late? And if they do- at what cost? You really need to read this brilliant thriller and discover all the chilling details for yourself- you really won’t regret it!
The ending leaves a small opening for more of Aiden vs. the Carnation Killer- which I really hope the author will use to give us another thrilling tale. But the prospect of Shaun and Laura to have their own story is also an exciting prospect for me. I can’t wait to see what Ms. Kay does next!
Outstanding!!

Thank you, Ms. Kay!
Profile Image for Liz.
1,327 reviews19 followers
August 29, 2018
I Can Kill is an electrifying thriller from Angela Kay. I have never had the pleasure of reading her work before, but I can say without a doubt that this will not be my last time doing so. Thrillers are hard books, in my opinion, to write. There is a fine line between needing a lot of information to make the thrill easy to follow, get lost in, and enjoy, and the overwriting that sometimes becomes an issue with thriller novels. You need the details, but you don’t need to know what kind of laundry soap the character uses. Some of the most seasoned and well known authors make do this all the time and it really affects my ability to enjoy the story. Angela Kay manages to paint the scenes with great detail, so that you feel as if you are watching this unfold in real life. But even better is that she doesn’t overdo it. I wasn’t confused or bored one moment while reading the book.

The novel is told from the points of view of several different people. This helps you see things from every different angle and makes the novel flow flawlessly. There were twists and turns throughout that kept me guessing and shocked from beginning to end. The characters themselves are realistic and relatable, a very positive attribute for the novel.

Aiden and Shaun are partners in putting together the pieces of an investigation of a sadistic killer. Things are becoming more and more dangerous for them, especially when the killer decides that Aiden is a new target of his. Every bit of the stress of the job is affecting the relationship between Cheyenne and Aiden. Much like in real life we tend to bring home our frustrations with everyday work and take it out on our partner. It isn’t fair but in the end it can make us stronger and deepen the love for the person. This added a completely new dimension to the story. The ending is not at all like how you think it would end. Better than in fact, well in my case anyway. I am especially excited to get the next book and hope that we get to see the love story of Shaun and Laura, as well as the case of the Carnation Killer. I hope it isn’t too long of a wait! I am now in a serious book hangover and in need of the next thriller to devour!
Profile Image for E.A..
952 reviews28 followers
August 31, 2018
I Can Kill by Angela Kay was a criminal mind like thriller that had me hook from start to finish.

My first read by this author, I didn't quite know what to expect. I love crime thrillers, and I find that some books are hit and miss. And I can tell you, this book was a hit. Though I did manage to figure out the big surprise at the end, I wasn't able to deduce the killer. I was slightly shocked, but the more I thought about it, the more I piece the little clues together.. Bravo.. I love books that shock and surprise me like that.

Aidan was a strong solid main character, he carried the story and for me was realistic. Not only was the way he investigated realistic, but Aidan as a human was. We get to see the shadows behind his eyes, the nightmares that formed from unsolved cases, and the way a case gets in your head and messes with your sanity. It depicts how keeping it in, isn't healthy, and that believe it or not, communication is a key into helping ease those shadows and pain.

The story itself was suspenseful, frustrating, mind bending and entertaining. There was no dead air. The timeline matched with what a realistic investigation would be like. Months, not days. We gets glimpse into the killers POV, but never enough for you to finger out who it is. The way he is written is chilling, it only feeling I get from him is, emptiness, just emptiness. It's a dreaded feeling and for a second there I thought this book was going to end on a cliffhanger.. I think I probably would have tossed my kindle out the window.. it didn't... but.. something tells me this isn't the end.

Overall this book was a fantastic mystery thriller, and as I said it has major Criminal Minds feels, if you are familiar with that show, you know where I'm coming from, and know this book isn't all that tame. There is graphic violence, if you are triggered, or sensitive about that stuff, be forewarned.

I give this book my super high recommendation and my stamp of approval. This book is worth your time, believe me, you will not see it coming.

Happy Reading

-E.A. Walsh
Profile Image for Debi.
1,135 reviews6 followers
August 29, 2018
I Can Kill by Angela Kay

5 Stars

I had to take a break after reading this story..OMG and WOW...I feel like I worked as hard as Aiden and Shaun did in this story.

I love love love these kinds of stories but they have to be interesting enough to grab my attention or I will get bored easy and miss out on important information. This one...no way could I get bored...this author found a way to not only keep my interest but drag me right into the center of this book.

I never had a clue who was behind everything, I tried to pin it to a couple along the way but I could never make it fit and it was driving me crazy. I read from about 33% non stop to the end, I mean like walking around reading it because I was afraid I'd miss something, and that's not saying I wasn't hooked before that, I was but sleep called and I had to put it down for the night.

I don't think this story is over, I was shocked at the ending because I really thought it was going to go a whole different direction and I am just convinced there is more to come somewhere down the line, somehow, some way….

This being my first read by this author has me so excited to read more from her, she handled this type of story so perfectly and I hope there are more like it that she has available. I highly recommend this book and this author.

LOVED LOVED LOVED IT!!!!
Profile Image for Sunday.
1,024 reviews4 followers
August 31, 2018
I Can Kill by Angela Kay
Five Stars

I Can Kill is a psychological thriller by Angela Kay. This is the first book I have read by this author, so I wasn’t sure what to expect. This book had me on the edge of my seat from beginning to end. The details of this storyline were both chilling and suspenseful. The characters are realistic and relatable. This book had me hooked from the very first page and I really couldn’t put it down until I read the last page. This book had me guessing as to who the killer was throughout, which is a great attribute to this author. The story is told in two points of view, which gave it the right amount of information to keep me guessing till the very end.
FBI Special Agent Aidan O’Reilly is bound and determined to catch the serial killer labeled as The Carnation Killer by the press. With the help of his partner, Shaun Henderson, also a Special Agent, they follow the clues. The stress that come to these agents while tracking serial killers is abundant. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a great thriller. I look forward to reading for from this author in the future.
Profile Image for Michelle Austin.
2,835 reviews44 followers
August 28, 2018
I Can Kill was a thrilling 5 star read.

Once I started I couldn’t put it down. We start out with a murder that has a special message attached to it for Agent O’Reilly.

When Aidan goes to the scene his worst fear is realized, The Carnations Killer is back. This is a case he has been working on for years. The killer has a pattern of attacking blonde women and is very brutal and sadistic with them. He than poses them with white carnations.

Aidan is determined to find the killer this time and put an end to this nightmare. He is so absorbed in the case that it starts to affect his relationship. When someone close to Aidan is taken he and his partner Shaun are on a timeline to find her. Will they get to her in time? Or will the killer strike again?

This was a read that really had me thinking the whole time and I loved it. My mind was all over the place trying to figure things out. There are twists and turns and scenes that will get your heart pumping. Angela Kay does a great job with the details of the story, she pulls you right in with her writing. I look forward to reading more from her. 1-click and get started today on this great read.
3,106 reviews34 followers
August 30, 2018
I Can Kill by Angela Kay is an intense and exciting story about a killer who is determined to wreak his havoc and a special agent determined to put an end to his madness.
Aidan has spent years chasing a single killer. His final words taunting him day after day as the bodies pile up.
When the killer rises once more Aidan forms an alliance with Shaun, a special agent working within the killers new hunting ground.
In a race against time Shaun and Aidan try to track their where the killer might pop up and next. Any number of people will be at risk if they don’t find him soon.

Intrigued just from the description I found myself hooked by this book instantly. I was constantly trying to figure out who the killer was and where they might strike next. My heart was racing through much as this book as the tension built throughout. This is a new author for me but I was captivating by her writing style immediately. She knows how to grab your attention and make sure not to let go. A very good book and well worth reading.
Profile Image for Katie.
2,260 reviews15 followers
August 28, 2018
I Can Kill
By Angela Kay
4 stars

First off I loved the cover for this book, something about it just caught my eye, and then I read the blurb and was even more intrigued so I couldn’t wait to dive straight into the story. It’s not my usual genre to read but I am always up for reading something different. The suspense running throughout this story was great, I literally felt like I was on the edge of my seat the whole way through. The authors’ writing was exciting and my interest was kept from beginning to end.
I liked Aidan, his no nonsense attitude was great to read about. He is absolutely determined to find the person responsible for the murder/murders he is investigating.
There were some gruesome parts to this story which I fully expected so I will be honest and say I skimmed over some as I am quite squeamish but the author got the level of detail right, not too over the top!
A great, thrilling read from a new to me author. I will definitely be looking forward to reading more from Angela Kay in the future.
Profile Image for Erin.
716 reviews2 followers
September 1, 2018
I give I Can Kill by Angela Kay, 4 stars.

FBI Special Agent Aidan O'Reilly has been haunted by a killer they call the Carnations Killer for 10 years. And now it looks like he's back again. This consumes him and he is determined to catch this guy. With the help of his partner, Shaun Henderson, will he be able to finally stop this person? Or will he keep on killing?

This is a very good suspense book in the likes of Jefferery Deaver. The story itself keeps you on edge the whole time and it is quite interesting to see how this affects Aidan. He feels a sense of responsibility to catch this killer, to the point it consumes him. The other characters are just as good and they are very dimensional. These could easily be people you know. You get pulled into this world the author has written and cannot get out until you see just what happens next.

For those who like a good suspense novel about trying to catch a killer, this book is for you.
Profile Image for Felicia  Bates.
617 reviews7 followers
August 30, 2018
I was really excited when I came across Angela Kay’s I Can Kill as I am a huge fan of psychological thrillers and serial killer novels.
I was drawn to this story immediately, right as the story kicks off you are met with a sense of curiosity and urgency as we are introduced to Aiden. The storyline keeps you on the edge of your seat with twists and turns that keep you guessing. Try as I might, I couldn’t figure this one out on my own.
I loved the perspectives and different views in which this novel was written and feel that the characters were complex but never over the top. Angela Kay hit all of my favorite aspects of a good mystery and while she is a new to me author, I am looking forward to exploring more of her work.
149 reviews
August 31, 2018
I Can Kill by Angela Kay was a thrilling novel. The book brings in the story from different characters. The book grabs you from the beginning and you wont want to put it down. I generally read romance and sci-fi, but this book left me wanting more. I really enjoyed the character development and feltv like I really knew these characters. This is my first book by Angela Kay, but it definitely will not be my last! I really love this author. I give this book 5 stars.
Profile Image for Jenni.
6,483 reviews81 followers
August 25, 2018
I Can Kill by Angela Kay is crime thriller that draws you in and the suspense is so thick  you could cut it with a knife. I was on the edge of my seat as I watched the game played  out where lives are at stake and has become one man’s obsession. This story is one  where you are sitting with the main players of law enforcement trying to puzzle out  who dunnit. This well written story is a definite page turner with lots of twists and  turns that keeps you guessing. The characters are complex but believable and the  storyline is well written. The story is fast paced and jammed packed to the brim but in  no way did it feel rushed. I enjoy a good murder mystery thriller and Angela hit all the  good spots with this one. 
Profile Image for Lyndsey.
1,085 reviews4 followers
August 27, 2018
I Can Kill by Angela Kay
5 stars

Can I give this all the stars? I haven't been this engrossed in a mystery book in so long. I was hooked from the first page. I had no clue who was behind it all and was shocked!
These characters, while we are thrown into a scene from the get go, we slowly learn a little about them as the story unfolds. I cant say enough of how good this story was but I cant give anything away as its all part of figuring out who's behind all these murders.
And that ending.....do we get more on these people?! Say yes!
Profile Image for Cynthia.
2,383 reviews8 followers
August 8, 2022
This book was intense, well written, and kept me guessing. I never knew what was going to happen but i would find myself thinking what character could be the killer. I really enjoyed this and will be reading the rest of the books.
1,405 reviews10 followers
August 28, 2018
What a fantastic mystery! It grabbed my attention immediately. I could not put this book down. I anticipated from the summary that I would like this book but it surpassed my expectations. Well written and it kept me on the edge of my seat. Loved it!!
Profile Image for Bobbi Wagner.
5,025 reviews65 followers
August 11, 2018
This is my first book by this author and I enjoyed it from beginning to end. I enjoyed the twists and turns that left me on the edge of my seat just waiting to see what would happen next. The characters as they were all a little different verses the typical killers. I enjoyed the details she put into this story that made me feel as if I was right there with the characters. Her writing style is easy flowing and I found the book to be fast paced and engaging. I highly recommend this book.
Profile Image for Lori Carlson.
47 reviews33 followers
March 12, 2018
I Can Kill by Angela Kay is an exciting FBI Thriller that kept me on the edge of my seat to the final scene. Kay weaves a chilling tale of a serial killer known as the Carnations Killer who delights in taunting FBI Special Agent Aidan O'Reilly, who has been chasing this psychopath for ten years and across numerous states. With over fifty known kills under his belt and back from a hiatus, the killer has moved his hunting grounds close to Aidan's home turf and this time, Aidan has sworn to finally catch him. The killer's MO is sadistic and cruel. He kidnaps blonde women, brutally beats them over a period of a week and then strangles them. He leaves them in easy to find locations, posed and dressed in a black dress with white carnations placed upon their bodies. Aidan is haunted by the women who've been murdered. His job is affecting his sleep and his relationship with his girlfriend. The killer is meticulous and clever. He never leaves clues, no fingerprints or fibers. As Aidan and his partner Shaun Henderson work the case, the killer continues to taunt Aidan with messages left at crime scenes. They finally get a big break in the case, but only because the killer has upped the ante - he's kidnapped Aidan's girlfriend and left a big clue behind. Can Aidan discover who the killer is and find Cheyenne before she becomes the Carnations Killer's latest victim?

This is the third Kay novel I've read and she continues to delight me with her intricate characters, clever twists and surprise endings. I've yet to guess who the killer is until all the clues are in and she has revealed the killer. I am a huge fan of serial killer novels and this one does not disappoint. I love that Kay allows us into the mind of the killer and we get to witness his interactions with his victims as well as with his family. Oh yes, he has a wife, a daughter and holds down a job. Kay also does a wonderful job of character building with Aidan O'Reilly and those who interact with him - his girlfriend, his partner, and his bosses. Her scenes are well-written and described, sometimes almost too graphic and chilling (not for me, but for those who may be squeamish though). You can tell that Kay definitely did her homework on this novel. Although this is a quick read (306 pages), do not be fooled by it's shortness in length. This novel is jammed packed with twists and turns and lots of surprises. I highly recommend this novel. 

Note: I was given a free copy of this novel for a fair and honest review.
Profile Image for Momma Says: To Read or Not to Read.
3,441 reviews113 followers
March 29, 2018
Things that go bump in the night, the monster under the bed - put away the childhood fears because Angela Kay has given us the truly scary. The real life monster that manages to function and fit well into society, have a family, be that good buddy you can confide in, all while carrying out horrifying acts of depravity without anyone being the wiser.
I Can Kill is intense and gripping with a steadily rising tension that kept me on the edge of my seat. I love that the author gives us both sides of the coin with her characters. Not only do we get FBI Agent Aidan O'Reilly's obsessive need to catch this killer, but we also get pulled into his personal life and how that obsession affects his relationship. Then, we get both sides of the Carnations Killer, who is absolutely ruthless with his victims and then is the loving father and husband at home. That contrast is very well done and serves to raise the creep factor that much higher. One of my favorite things about this type of story is trying to figure out who the killer is before the reveal, and I did have guesses, but this one got me. The story is fast paced and with so much going on, I was so caught up in the story that I didn't even see that one coming. I have to add that I am impressed with how clean this story is. There are some scenes containing graphic violence, but the author doesn't rely on a multitude of foul language or detailed intimate scenes to fill pages. It's just good, clean story-telling, which is quite refreshing in this day and age.
To sum it up, I Can Kill is another great thriller from this author and I can't wait to see what she does next. This is my third read by Angela Kay and her talent for thrillers has made her one to watch for this reader.
Profile Image for Dawn.
1,571 reviews19 followers
April 5, 2018
I chose to read this book after receiving a free e-copy. All opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased.

This is the third novel I’ve read by Angela Kay. I really liked her first two novels but I Can Kill is my favorite so far. Aidan O’Reilly is an FBI agent who has been tracking a serial killer, The Carnations Killer, for 10 years. The killer shows up for a few months, killing blondes and taunting Aidan, and then disappears until he shows up somewhere else for a few months. He even asks for Aidan by name because he thinks Aidan is a competent opponent.

The characters are well developed. I could feel Aidan’s mounting tension as he tries to find The Carnations Killer before there’s another murder. I like that his girlfriend supports him and once he confides in her, she has faith in him.

I Can Kill is full of suspense and twists. The reader gets to get a glimpse into the mind of the serial killer while not knowing his identity, which I didn’t figure out. This is a real page-turner and I definitely recommend it. I can’t wait for her next novel!
Profile Image for Brittany Kristina.
83 reviews3 followers
January 5, 2023
Angela Kay has created a movie in my head with this suspenseful novel. As a lover of CSI and Criminal Minds I was excited to see what this book held in store for me and it sure did not disappoint! She keeps you on the edge of your seat right from the start of the novel to the end! I would highly recommend to anyone who loves a good mystery!
Profile Image for Andra Shaw.
1,313 reviews11 followers
March 6, 2020
I Can Kill is a remarkable suspense thriller. You are on the edge of your seat, turning pages to figure out who is the serial killer. Each time I thought I had him figured out, it was a no go. Of course, once I did, I was talking to the agents trying to help them do so before the next kill. Some twists make you gasp and become quite verbal with your WTF just happened?! I found myself telling the characters my thoughts on matters. I even had some not so kind words for the killer at times, especially after I figured out his identity, which was no small feat. Parts of this book are not easy to read as they detail the murder and torture of the killer's targets, women, and one non-human.

The characters are believable and engaging. Special Agent Aidan O'Neill has been after this sociopath for ten years, and the deaths of the women the killer murdered haunt him. It is personal to Aidan. His longtime girlfriend, Cheyenne, is afraid she will lose him to his obsession over finding this killer. Shaun is Aidan's very stable and practical partner and friend. He has Aidan's back and wants this killer just as badly, only without the obsession. Laura is Cheyenne's sister and is on the periphery of the story. You have to wonder if Laura is the featured character in an upcoming book. I am pretty neutral about the media and do not get into the current fray. However, news reporter Jordan Blake is a straight-up ass! An arrogant one at that. There is a point in the story when you feel sorry for him, and then my feelings for him and his cohorts become neutral until there is a twist in the story. His Uncle Thomas Blake is the head of the news station and seems like a good guy until he is not so much a good guy.

I Can Kill is a very entertaining, suspense thriller. I did not want to put it down but had to sleep and go to work. Angela Kay does a phenomenal job developing her characters and an engaging storyline.

I look forward to reading more from this author.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Heather.
1,551 reviews9 followers
September 26, 2018
**Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure in hopes of an unbiased opinion, a review was not a requirement.**

I Can Kill by Angela Kay is a standalone story. In this book, we’re introduced to FBI agent Aidan O’Reilly. A serial killer he has hunted in the past has appeared again and left a note for him. Aidan is drawn back into hunting down the serial killer who seems to make no mistakes and enjoys taunting Aidan.

I really liked Aidan’s character, but with reading all three of Angela Kay’s books back to back, I noticed similar characteristics between Aidan and Jim Delong, for example not sleeping. It seems like these men would be able to focus on the little things in a case if they slept. Something else they have in common is their choice in a partner. Much like Jim’s wife doesn’t like him being a detective, Aidan’s girlfriend doesn’t like him working in the field. Can I ask a question here, why do women date and/or marry a man knowing what he does for a living and then want him to quit/change jobs? It’s one thing if this is a new profession but another if it’s one that was already happening. Sorry, that has nothing to do with the book, just something I’ve always wondered. ;-)

I liked Aidan and I liked Shaun, who he partnered with and hope there are more stories to come. This story allows you to follow along in the investigation. But the story also has points of view from the killer so we get to see something different than the investigation. This review is hard for me to write because I struggled to get into the story, and that just makes no sense to me. I think I’m in a little book slump, so I’m definitely going to reread it again in a few months and see if I can connect better with the characters and the storyline! This has every element in a psychological thriller that I love. I’d definitely recommend reading this book and this author. She’s written three books so far and her writing continues to grow and get stronger!

Rating: 4 stars (for now)!
Profile Image for Elizabeth.
842 reviews7 followers
September 1, 2018
Angela Kay's I Can Kill is amazing!!! It is the first time I have read anything by her, and I am blown away. The story is super intense and suspenseful, and one night made it hard for me to fall asleep. It was very realistic and well written. The characters are brilliantly written, and I was on the edge of my seat. Even once you discover who the killer is, the suspense doesnt stop there. Things just get more disturbing. I loved that the story alternated between character views, but without giving away the identity of the ruthless killer. Highly recommend this book, and look forward to reading more by Kay.
FBI Agent Aidan has been hunting the Carnations Killer for nearly 10 years. He is teetering on obsessed, and if he isn't careful, he may loose his life over it. The Carnations Killer is toying with Aidan, leaving him messages and calling him on his phone. He is taunting him, "I can kill, and you cant catch me." And he is right. For 10 years, he has been torturing and brutally murdering women, and then vanishing without a trace. Aidan is waiting for him to make a mistake, slip up, leave traceable evidence. And its driving him nuts. He finds a lead, and follows it, hoping he doesn't come up empty handed.
Profile Image for Stephen Hawkins.
37 reviews1 follower
July 27, 2021
The charcters that Angel Kay so brilliantly weaved through this web of suspence were quite fantastic. I was on the edge of my seat pretty much all the way through the book. Probably because it was one of the first crime thrillers I have ever read. I usually prefer something a little lighter but to be honest, the somewhat gruesome killer and the way the author weaved his family life into the story sort of took the edge off. Thats not to say that it didnt keep me in suspense most of the way through because it absolutely did. It was an enjoyable journey masterfully pieced together by Angela Kay who has a few more books in the series. I will definitely be checking those out later.

I wont give anything away about the details of the story, just to say that its a very well written thriller with brilliantly developed characters that I could imagine without any scary feelings welling up within me. I think in part due to the way the tension rises throughout the story. Especially related to the carnation killer himself. I will definitely be reading more from this author as I really like this type of growing suspense and tension story. A little at a time as the story unfolds is what I like in any book. Well done and thanks to the author for this brilliantly written work.
Profile Image for Nellie Steele.
Author 126 books514 followers
July 29, 2021
The Carnations Killer is back in action and it’s up to Agent Aiden O’Reilly to catch him.

After a hiatus, a serial killer returns to kill again. He leaves a note for FBI Agent O’Reilly on the body of his latest victim. O’Reilly is back on the case, searching for a killer who’s claimed at least fifty lives, if not more.

When a local reporter continues to receive tips from the killer, all eyes turn to him as the prime suspect. Can Agent O’Reilly sort through the illusions and find the real killer or is the real killer already staring him right in the face?

A Killer’s Mark is a riveting psychological crime thriller complete with taut action scenes coupled with deep character development. Written from multiple perspectives, Ms. Kay expertly switches voices between killer and other characters. The chapters told from the killer’s perspective are particularly chilling.

A Killer’s Mark is a well-written page-turner with a gripping storyline filled with plenty of twists to keep readers interested.

There is descriptive violence that may prove too much for those who prefer a lighter read. The level of detail is fitting for the genre, though.
Profile Image for Kaitlynn Taylor.
781 reviews6 followers
August 31, 2018
I Can Kill- Angela Kay

5-stars

Wow! Wow! Wow! I Can Kill by Angela Kay is a phenomenal thriller read that I completely devoured in one sitting! It was riveting, haunting, captivating, addicting and so unbelievably suspenseful! I loved it from start to finish. I don’t normally read books in this genre and now I’m really questioning why, this book is one of the best books I’ve read this year. Angela Kay took me on such a crazy journey with this read, I was constantly wondering about what would happen next, literally sitting on the edge of my seat!

It’s not every day you read a book that leaves you feeling so emotional even after reaching the end, I still feel completely mind blown! I loved how this story was told in many POV’s including the carnation killer’s, it made it so much more entertaining then I already found it to be and I loved how well the story flowed, it was absolutely seamless!

This was my first book by this author, but it will not be my last, I look forward to reading more from this author in the near future!
Profile Image for Claire Self.
264 reviews22 followers
November 15, 2019
I received this book in exchange for an honest book review. I have given I Can Kill by Angela Kay five out of five stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Another great book written by Angela Kay! Such an incredibly thrilling crime story which had me drawn in from the very first chapter. One thing that I’ve noticed about Kay’s stories is that there is no waiting around, right from the beginning something happens to grasp your attention and makes you intrigued to find out what is going to happen next. The suspense built between these pages of the book were unsettling, all I wanted to do was to finish this book in one sitting so I could find out how it was all going to unravel. FBI Special Agent Aidan O’Reilly was a very strong, interesting character whom I enjoyed learning and reading about. We learn about his past with The Carnations Killer, as he has a lot of unsolved cases which give him chilling nightmares and he will not stop until he catches the person behind the name. I really liked the strong partner relationship between Aidan O’Reilly and Shaun Henderson. It felt very realistic to how I can imagine agents to act and be with one another in real life, I enjoyed reading about their relationship bond. They deal with a lot of stress throughout this book however they are so determined between the two of them to catch The Carnations Killer that they never gave up nor would they. I really enjoyed reading from both Aidan O’Reilly and the serial killer’s POV, one of my favourite narratives that a book can have. It was very chilling to read from the serial killers POV and it had me on the edge of my seat and I almost fell off of my seat once I found out who the suspect was! I was quite oblivious to whom was behind the serial killings over the past years which I really liked as there’s nothing better than an author being able to outsmart your observations and judgements of what’s going to happen to what actually does happen. I think this is definitely one of my all time favourite genres as I’ve started to see a pattern of the past few books I’ve read have mostly been about crime thrillers.
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