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Carolina McKay #2
Her Killer Confession
How can she save anyone when she can’t save herself? Detective Carolina McKay survived a serial killer and saved the town she used to call home. Now she finds herself more alone than ever... until a stranger knocks on her door. A desperate father seeking to exonerate his son has no one else to turn to. To prove the confession was forced, Carolina must battle corrupt cops, drug dealers, prostitutes, and reclusive crazies. She wanted the truth, but what she uncovers is worse. Decades worth of unexplainable murders that point to a sadistic serial killer. And Carolina just stepped onto his turf.
Praise for the Carolina McKay
"Unable to put down. Breathless excitement! Carolina is hard to love and impossible not to, with her guts and flaws showing. Every book seems better than the one before. Excellent reading!
"This is a fantastic read!!! Carolina McKay is a kick ass character that draws you in, in the first few paragraphs. I thought I had it figured out and then the twists and turns started.... If you’re looking for a great new series from a fantastic author... THIS is it!"
" Love this series! Feels like I am back with old friends when I read these books. The action is non stop, the characters are developed and seem real, and wow at the ending! Great read!"
" Awesome ending! Never saw it coming. A grab you by the seat of your pants type of story. Such a variety of characters, with a bit of humor thrown in. Loved it!"
"VERY well written, the storyline grabs you with the first paragraph and just keeps getting better. I thought I had it figured out, then the twists and turns started!!! Excellent read !!"
"Plot twists galore. Excellent book. Writing was super. The storyline was gripping and intense. I just couldn't put if down. I would definitely recommend this book and author to all."
"Absolutely awesome. To say I loved it would be an understatement ."
" A new favorite author. This s a brisk, hard to put down read."
Praise for the Carolina McKay
"Unable to put down. Breathless excitement! Carolina is hard to love and impossible not to, with her guts and flaws showing. Every book seems better than the one before. Excellent reading!
"This is a fantastic read!!! Carolina McKay is a kick ass character that draws you in, in the first few paragraphs. I thought I had it figured out and then the twists and turns started.... If you’re looking for a great new series from a fantastic author... THIS is it!"
" Love this series! Feels like I am back with old friends when I read these books. The action is non stop, the characters are developed and seem real, and wow at the ending! Great read!"
" Awesome ending! Never saw it coming. A grab you by the seat of your pants type of story. Such a variety of characters, with a bit of humor thrown in. Loved it!"
"VERY well written, the storyline grabs you with the first paragraph and just keeps getting better. I thought I had it figured out, then the twists and turns started!!! Excellent read !!"
"Plot twists galore. Excellent book. Writing was super. The storyline was gripping and intense. I just couldn't put if down. I would definitely recommend this book and author to all."
"Absolutely awesome. To say I loved it would be an understatement ."
" A new favorite author. This s a brisk, hard to put down read."
292 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 16, 2020
About the author
Tony Urban
66 books220 followersA professional photographer, writer and fan of general weirdness (both real and imagined), Tony has traveled tens of thousands of miles seeking out everything from haunted locations, UFO crash sites and monsters like Bigfoot and the Mothman. In a previous life, he worked in the independent movie industry but he finds his current career much more exciting.
Tony's first writing memory involves penning a short story about taking a road trip with his best friend and his dog (two different creatures) to watch KoKo B Ware in a professional wrestling event in Pittsburgh. He wrote that epic saga while in the 3rd grade and it was all downhill from there. His first books were a series of o)eat travelogues but recently his zombie apocalypse series, "Life of the Dead" has been a bestseller online and grossed out readers all over the world. His ultimate goal in life is to be killed by a monster thought by most to be imaginary. Sasquatch, werewolves, chupacabras, he’s not picky. If that fails, he’d enjoy making a living as a full time writer. Which of those two scenarios is more likely is up to the readers to decide.
Please sign up for my mailing list at:
http://eepurl.com/P8lc9
Tony's first writing memory involves penning a short story about taking a road trip with his best friend and his dog (two different creatures) to watch KoKo B Ware in a professional wrestling event in Pittsburgh. He wrote that epic saga while in the 3rd grade and it was all downhill from there. His first books were a series of o)eat travelogues but recently his zombie apocalypse series, "Life of the Dead" has been a bestseller online and grossed out readers all over the world. His ultimate goal in life is to be killed by a monster thought by most to be imaginary. Sasquatch, werewolves, chupacabras, he’s not picky. If that fails, he’d enjoy making a living as a full time writer. Which of those two scenarios is more likely is up to the readers to decide.
Please sign up for my mailing list at:
http://eepurl.com/P8lc9
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
June 14, 2025
Drew Strickland and Tony Urban continue their collaborative effort with another strong story in this series. Set in the rural parts of West Virginia, former Detective Carolina McKay finds herself on the outs with family and living life on the edge. When she is asked to help investigate and exonerate a young man who is serving time for murder, she balks at the request, but soon realises that she has little else to fill her time. She tries to examine all the evidence and get to the heart of the matter, even if no one is ready to admit the killer may still be at large. Strickland and Urban show that their joint efforts were not pure luck with another strong novel.
After some troubling times, Carolina McKay is not sure how to move forward. She was able to survive a serial killer's grasp and has returned to the small West Virginia town she could not flee fast enough in the past. After a spat with her mother, Carolina is on her own, literally, trying to make ends meet and showing signs of addiction to the medication she was given for a gunshot wound. Carolina is unsure what to do with herself, until she is startled by a knock on her van window that opens up some possibilities.
A father begs for her help with a case that seems insurmountable. The man's son confessed to killing a young woman he knew, but now wants to come clean that he was pressured into taking the fall. Carolina has little to do and agrees to serve as a private investigator on this matter. Working any lead she can and tapping into the knowledge that Sheriff Elven Hallie might have, Carolina makes some headway, albeit incremental.
While trying to prove her client's innocence, Carolina will have to wade through a slew of people with lots to hide and few inklings to shed light on the truth. Still, she refuses to back down until it all comes out, even if that means sullying a reputation or two in the process. There is something not entirely right here and people keep making reference to some mythical person who lives in the woods. Carolina McKay needs to get answers, but her addiction and those who want her muted have a grip over her, perhaps creating a permanent silence. Strickland and Urban serve up quite the story that never takes a moment to rest until the final page turn.
While I enjoy Drew Strickland's writing—especially his Elven Hallie series—I am just getting to know Tony Urban's style and presentation. This collaborative effort has been a success and I am eager to keep discovering all there is to learn. The narrative speeds along, enthralling the reader from the outset. Characters are crafted to keep things progressing and flavour the novel’s foundation throughout. Plot points keep the reader curious and provides surprises for the dedicated reader to discover, as Carolina McKay comes into her own. While I know Elven Hallie and Drew Strickland’s portrayal of his protagonist, I am eager to see how Carolina McKay will make her own mark and pull readers in throughout the series.
Kudos, Messrs. Strickland and Urban, for developing a series I can see getting better with each new book.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
After some troubling times, Carolina McKay is not sure how to move forward. She was able to survive a serial killer's grasp and has returned to the small West Virginia town she could not flee fast enough in the past. After a spat with her mother, Carolina is on her own, literally, trying to make ends meet and showing signs of addiction to the medication she was given for a gunshot wound. Carolina is unsure what to do with herself, until she is startled by a knock on her van window that opens up some possibilities.
A father begs for her help with a case that seems insurmountable. The man's son confessed to killing a young woman he knew, but now wants to come clean that he was pressured into taking the fall. Carolina has little to do and agrees to serve as a private investigator on this matter. Working any lead she can and tapping into the knowledge that Sheriff Elven Hallie might have, Carolina makes some headway, albeit incremental.
While trying to prove her client's innocence, Carolina will have to wade through a slew of people with lots to hide and few inklings to shed light on the truth. Still, she refuses to back down until it all comes out, even if that means sullying a reputation or two in the process. There is something not entirely right here and people keep making reference to some mythical person who lives in the woods. Carolina McKay needs to get answers, but her addiction and those who want her muted have a grip over her, perhaps creating a permanent silence. Strickland and Urban serve up quite the story that never takes a moment to rest until the final page turn.
While I enjoy Drew Strickland's writing—especially his Elven Hallie series—I am just getting to know Tony Urban's style and presentation. This collaborative effort has been a success and I am eager to keep discovering all there is to learn. The narrative speeds along, enthralling the reader from the outset. Characters are crafted to keep things progressing and flavour the novel’s foundation throughout. Plot points keep the reader curious and provides surprises for the dedicated reader to discover, as Carolina McKay comes into her own. While I know Elven Hallie and Drew Strickland’s portrayal of his protagonist, I am eager to see how Carolina McKay will make her own mark and pull readers in throughout the series.
Kudos, Messrs. Strickland and Urban, for developing a series I can see getting better with each new book.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
June 25, 2021
Well written, good storyline. But will warn you, its pretty gory at the end! If you aren't a fan then you might want to pass this by.
February 13, 2025
Carolina McKay is back but unfortunately is still mentally unstable and reliant on pain medication to make it through the day. This case starts with Cyrus Mankey's desperate plea to exonerate his son who had been coerced into signing a confession in regard to the killing and decapitation of a 14-year-old girl. Following the trail, she encounters conspiracy and cover-ups.
When new victims come to light and a whisper of a local legend called der Todesbringer (the bringer of death) enters the fray, Carolina starts to question the beliefs and sanity of those in Monacan, West Virginia. The townsfolk and corrupt police appear to be mere pawns in a much larger game.
Another brilliant thriller by Urban and Strickland, made even more intense with an element of horror. Carolina McKay is a realistic investigator with her everyday problems accentuating the believability of the character. The novel finishes with a "cliffhanger" that you just have to move on to the next one.
When new victims come to light and a whisper of a local legend called der Todesbringer (the bringer of death) enters the fray, Carolina starts to question the beliefs and sanity of those in Monacan, West Virginia. The townsfolk and corrupt police appear to be mere pawns in a much larger game.
Another brilliant thriller by Urban and Strickland, made even more intense with an element of horror. Carolina McKay is a realistic investigator with her everyday problems accentuating the believability of the character. The novel finishes with a "cliffhanger" that you just have to move on to the next one.
March 4, 2021
Good & Dark Crime Thriller
Very good story, with some surprise twists. I do feel like this needs a trigger warning for graphic violence and torture, as there are a couple parts that were hard to read. I thoroughly enjoy Carolina as a character, her many flaws setting her apart and somehow make her relatable, endearing, and alarming all at the same time. Looking forward to book 3.
Very good story, with some surprise twists. I do feel like this needs a trigger warning for graphic violence and torture, as there are a couple parts that were hard to read. I thoroughly enjoy Carolina as a character, her many flaws setting her apart and somehow make her relatable, endearing, and alarming all at the same time. Looking forward to book 3.
February 18, 2025
⭐️: 2.25
I remembered enjoying the first book a lot and went into book 2 with high expectations. I seem to have forgotten one of the cornerstones of this FMC which is that she abuses oxycodone. There were so many moments throughout the book that she would pop 3 pills but still manage to function and have nearly no consequences because of it. While the ending is satisfying because the big bad is uncovered, it felt beyond belief for the FMC to survive the final showdown. The book in true fashion ends on a bit of a cliffhanger. I don't think I'm likely to continue reading the 3rd book at this point.
Heads up, this book is quite gory and covers topics that are difficult to read like decapitation, child abuse, sexual assault, murder, etc.
Characters: 5
The FMC is pretty unlikable with addiction problems that make it unbelievable how she's able to function as a private eye in any capacity.
Atmosphere/setting: 7
Set in West Virginia. The small town atmosphere of the murder investigation was appropriate.
Writing style: 5
Very descriptive, but gruesome
Plot: 5
While there was some intrigue at the beginning, but the ending felt overly dramatic.
Intrigue: 5
Logic: 1
Relationships: 3
Entertainment: 5
Total: 2.25
I remembered enjoying the first book a lot and went into book 2 with high expectations. I seem to have forgotten one of the cornerstones of this FMC which is that she abuses oxycodone. There were so many moments throughout the book that she would pop 3 pills but still manage to function and have nearly no consequences because of it. While the ending is satisfying because the big bad is uncovered, it felt beyond belief for the FMC to survive the final showdown. The book in true fashion ends on a bit of a cliffhanger. I don't think I'm likely to continue reading the 3rd book at this point.
Heads up, this book is quite gory and covers topics that are difficult to read like decapitation, child abuse, sexual assault, murder, etc.
Characters: 5
The FMC is pretty unlikable with addiction problems that make it unbelievable how she's able to function as a private eye in any capacity.
Atmosphere/setting: 7
Set in West Virginia. The small town atmosphere of the murder investigation was appropriate.
Writing style: 5
Very descriptive, but gruesome
Plot: 5
While there was some intrigue at the beginning, but the ending felt overly dramatic.
Intrigue: 5
Logic: 1
Relationships: 3
Entertainment: 5
Total: 2.25
February 26, 2024
The Horrible and the Miserable
In the dying coal country of West Virginia it's easy to accept that a ritual killer lives in plain sight. That entire villages believe the monster is entitled to his prey - young girls, every four years. One day a dying man decides his son deserves a last effort and hires Carolina McKay to investigate his son's murder conviction. Because his son didn't do it. He was framed and is in prison for one of the ritual murders.
Or is this just a delusional fantasy from a guilt-ridden father? Carolina is barely recovered from her discovery that her chosen father, an old friend who has been more present than her birth Dad, was more than anyone ever knew. She's wounded in ways that seem to drive forward, grimly determined to stay where she's not wanted. She will keep asking questions until she has a clear picture of what this strange little town is hiding. She will keep going until the Horrible is known. So what about the Miserable? They likely will stay unchanged.
In the dying coal country of West Virginia it's easy to accept that a ritual killer lives in plain sight. That entire villages believe the monster is entitled to his prey - young girls, every four years. One day a dying man decides his son deserves a last effort and hires Carolina McKay to investigate his son's murder conviction. Because his son didn't do it. He was framed and is in prison for one of the ritual murders.
Or is this just a delusional fantasy from a guilt-ridden father? Carolina is barely recovered from her discovery that her chosen father, an old friend who has been more present than her birth Dad, was more than anyone ever knew. She's wounded in ways that seem to drive forward, grimly determined to stay where she's not wanted. She will keep asking questions until she has a clear picture of what this strange little town is hiding. She will keep going until the Horrible is known. So what about the Miserable? They likely will stay unchanged.
March 28, 2023
Carolina goes through a horrific ordeal when a dying old man asks her to prove his son innocent of a horrific crime - a ritualized, occultic murder of a young girl. She makes one horrifying discovery after another, trying to track the truth behind the mythology of an evil being that seems to demand much more than she imagined, and those who believe in and serve this evil actively. Through twists and turns and danger, with her addiction becoming more disabling, she perseveres through crooked cops, weird characters, violent people, broken families.
Again, the book is riddled with small grammatical errors and incomplete sentences plus paragraphs that have abrupt changes of topic in the middle, hence 4 stars and not 5. The book is a bit more meandering than the first one. The title of the book doesn't match the book cover nor the title on the pictured book cover. There is a cliffhanger aat the end, and it matches up to some extent with what started this one off to begin with.
Again, the book is riddled with small grammatical errors and incomplete sentences plus paragraphs that have abrupt changes of topic in the middle, hence 4 stars and not 5. The book is a bit more meandering than the first one. The title of the book doesn't match the book cover nor the title on the pictured book cover. There is a cliffhanger aat the end, and it matches up to some extent with what started this one off to begin with.
May 21, 2023
Another serial killer story- the author must really like those. Super gory and disgusting in places.
Not sure how Carolina McKay survives all the oxy and passing out in the storyline but she is persuaded to look into the case of a fathers belief that his son Declan was unjustly convicted of killing and decapitating a 14 year old girl. He seems like an aw-shucks type of kid and has convinced his father Curtis that he's innocent. The killing happened in an adjoining county and the sheriff Bando is unhelpful.
Carolina is like a dog with a bone and keeps looking even after having been kidnapped, drugged and almost killed. Turns out there are close to 20 missing girls over the years and she is determined to get to the bottom of it.
The goriness is tough to get through.
Not sure how Carolina McKay survives all the oxy and passing out in the storyline but she is persuaded to look into the case of a fathers belief that his son Declan was unjustly convicted of killing and decapitating a 14 year old girl. He seems like an aw-shucks type of kid and has convinced his father Curtis that he's innocent. The killing happened in an adjoining county and the sheriff Bando is unhelpful.
Carolina is like a dog with a bone and keeps looking even after having been kidnapped, drugged and almost killed. Turns out there are close to 20 missing girls over the years and she is determined to get to the bottom of it.
The goriness is tough to get through.
September 21, 2025
Loving this series! In this particular book the violence was next level (not a fan of straight up horror). Also there aren’t many women that just don’t give a damn about the way they look and not showering on the regular (however, I know she has problems). These authors are great! The character development was so good (even had me lol a few times with their phenomenal descriptions). Keep them coming, guys.
February 6, 2021
Bizarre
Yep Bizarre! It's the one word that says just about everything. What grim imaginations these authors have. A touch flare, a little macabre murder and a bumbling excuse for a ex cop, unlicensed P.I. For Carolina's sake I certainly hope she acquires or hones a few more skills. They just help her live longer.
Yep Bizarre! It's the one word that says just about everything. What grim imaginations these authors have. A touch flare, a little macabre murder and a bumbling excuse for a ex cop, unlicensed P.I. For Carolina's sake I certainly hope she acquires or hones a few more skills. They just help her live longer.
September 8, 2021
Her Killer Confession
Tony, Drew, I live in southern West Virginia and I know that the people of West Virginia can be a little weird. However!
This is beyond any thing, any story, any legend that I have ever heard of. I love your heroine. She gets it done through pain and addiction and dumdass luck. I like it.
Tony, Drew, I live in southern West Virginia and I know that the people of West Virginia can be a little weird. However!
This is beyond any thing, any story, any legend that I have ever heard of. I love your heroine. She gets it done through pain and addiction and dumdass luck. I like it.
January 12, 2023
Another winner!
I really like Carolina, the gutsy, flawed main character in this series. The bad guys in this story will keep you awake at night and double checking your doors. These two authors create scenes of mayhem that play in your head like a movie that you don't soon forget after reading! Thank you both for the ride and I'm on to the next in the series.
I really like Carolina, the gutsy, flawed main character in this series. The bad guys in this story will keep you awake at night and double checking your doors. These two authors create scenes of mayhem that play in your head like a movie that you don't soon forget after reading! Thank you both for the ride and I'm on to the next in the series.
August 17, 2025
This was one sick and twisted book but…
Carolina McKay takes on a client to help his son clear his name in a gruesome murder. As we find out, there’s a long, horrible trail of young girls being murdered.
This book has so many crimes and very few suspects. Carolina won’t give up until she gets the answers.
Carolina McKay takes on a client to help his son clear his name in a gruesome murder. As we find out, there’s a long, horrible trail of young girls being murdered.
This book has so many crimes and very few suspects. Carolina won’t give up until she gets the answers.
October 29, 2020
Her Killer Confession
This second book in this series was much better than book one. I love all the suspense and thrills. Can't wait to read the next book in the series. I highly recommend this book.
This second book in this series was much better than book one. I love all the suspense and thrills. Can't wait to read the next book in the series. I highly recommend this book.
February 22, 2021
Another great story in this series. Carolina find herself with the task of clearing a killer's name at the request of his father. Something has got to go wrong, right?
Start this series today, you will not be sorry.
Start this series today, you will not be sorry.
May 18, 2021
Great Book
This is a very interesting series.
I like the fast paced action, twists, and turns.
The characters are well developed and I feel like I KNOW them.
On to the next good book!
This is a very interesting series.
I like the fast paced action, twists, and turns.
The characters are well developed and I feel like I KNOW them.
On to the next good book!
January 30, 2022
This one is quite good. When Carolina is asked to help free an innocent man, she finds herself caught up in a scenario that seems almost impossible. Very well done, with an interesting twist that you won't see coming.
May 24, 2022
Holy moly!
This was the kind of book that had you talking extra breaks at work so you could read a few more pages. The main character both frustrates you and has you cheering. And the killer.... wow. Did NOT expect such twists. Read this book!
This was the kind of book that had you talking extra breaks at work so you could read a few more pages. The main character both frustrates you and has you cheering. And the killer.... wow. Did NOT expect such twists. Read this book!
February 10, 2023
Her killer confession
This was a good story you don't want to believe in bogeyman but there's some truth out there gosh I couldn't put this book down this girl has some cat in her nine lives
This was a good story you don't want to believe in bogeyman but there's some truth out there gosh I couldn't put this book down this girl has some cat in her nine lives
April 6, 2023
The Boogeyman keeps striking
This was a great suspense novel but its. Not for the faint if heart. It's one if the weirdest and violent stories I can think of. But darn good story. She got her man, again.
This was a great suspense novel but its. Not for the faint if heart. It's one if the weirdest and violent stories I can think of. But darn good story. She got her man, again.
March 23, 2024
Her killer confession
Lord have mercy. This book would make a good movie. Lots of twists and turn. Blood guts, more blood, if things make u sick don't read this book. Going to read the next book
Lord have mercy. This book would make a good movie. Lots of twists and turn. Blood guts, more blood, if things make u sick don't read this book. Going to read the next book
September 29, 2024
Loved this book, but had to take away 2 stars for the death of Denton. Shame on you, Tony for killing him off.
Edit: I was wrong. Upgraded back to 5 stars. Denton truly was a bad guy. Glad his dad never found out.
Edit: I was wrong. Upgraded back to 5 stars. Denton truly was a bad guy. Glad his dad never found out.
February 7, 2021
Ghastly
The evil in this story reminded me of the evil in Silence of the lambs. The boogeyman here might well make Hannibal Lector a wimp
The evil in this story reminded me of the evil in Silence of the lambs. The boogeyman here might well make Hannibal Lector a wimp
April 30, 2021
Boogie man
It all boils down to the beliefs of ignorant people to believe as long as they let him have one girl every 4 years the town would be safe
Silly
It all boils down to the beliefs of ignorant people to believe as long as they let him have one girl every 4 years the town would be safe
Silly
August 7, 2021
Stunning
Couldn't put it down. Characters were so vividly written. Plot was so unreal, kept me guessing til the very end. Definitely recommend this series. On to the third
Couldn't put it down. Characters were so vividly written. Plot was so unreal, kept me guessing til the very end. Definitely recommend this series. On to the third
September 17, 2021
These books get better and better!
I love this series! Just finished the first and second, and can’t wait to read the next one. Very good plot, lots of action.
I love this series! Just finished the first and second, and can’t wait to read the next one. Very good plot, lots of action.
September 17, 2021
Liars never stop lying
What a great murder mystery! You are sucked in right away in the who done it, until you realize it has been going on for years. Who is covering things up?
What a great murder mystery! You are sucked in right away in the who done it, until you realize it has been going on for years. Who is covering things up?
October 16, 2021
Sick
This was a book with no regard for the reader's gag reflex. Maybe the grossest book ever written. It is rare that I write reviews but felt the need to forewarn others!
This was a book with no regard for the reader's gag reflex. Maybe the grossest book ever written. It is rare that I write reviews but felt the need to forewarn others!
May 9, 2022
Great
This book was great from beginning to the end Carolina is a great character this story had surprises and twist couldn't stop reading was her to put down
This book was great from beginning to the end Carolina is a great character this story had surprises and twist couldn't stop reading was her to put down
June 23, 2022
Loved the series, reading more on Caroline!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews