A Killer's Daughter

Agent Nadine Finch #1

by Jenna Kernan

Salt water ripples around the drifting couple, their blood mingling with the current. A length of twine encircles the woman’s slender wrist, tying them to one another. Now they’ll be together forever.

When two bodies are found floating in the shallows off the Florida coast, the hallmarks of the crime are terrifyingly familiar to FBI forensic psychologist Dr Nadine Finch. The circle carved around the female victim’s wedding ring finger is identical to the wounds Nadine’s own mother inflicted on her victims. But her mother is on death row where she can’t hurt anyone. Is this a disturbing coincidence, or a twisted copycat?

Nadine quickly identifies the victims as a young local couple, new parents with their whole future ahead of them. Who would want to harm them? With two heartbroken families reeling, and no witnesses or forensic evidence, Nadine has no choice but to tap into her own dark past to delve inside this killer’s mind. If she can’t make her team listen, she knows more lives will be lost.

Then another couple are found in the Manatee River, their throats cut—and another circle carved around the woman’s ring finger. Desperate to act, Nadine must face her demons head on and visit her mother in prison. When her mother whispers a name Nadine hasn’t heard for years, the case takes a terrifying turn, and returning home after her bleak visit, the bag of bloodied clothes left on Nadine’s bed tells her someone is watching her every move…


As time runs out, can Nadine catch the killer—or will she be the next victim of this dark family legacy?


An unputdownable thriller that will have you racing through the pages until the final, jaw-dropping twist. Perfect for fans of Rachel Caine, Lisa Gardner and Mary Burton.

Genres: Thriller, Psychological Thriller, Mystery, Crime, Mystery Thriller, Serial Killer, Suspense

397 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 11, 2021

About the author

Thank you for finding me on GoodReads.

Find my social media links here: https://linktr.ee/jennakernan

Here's a bit more about me...

Publishers Weekly bestselling author, Jenna Kernan has written over forty novels, most recently penning domestic thrillers. Her debut thriller, A Killer's Daughter, won the bronze medal in popular fiction from the Florida Book Awards in 2021. Jenna’s 2022 domestic thriller, The Ex-Wives, won the gold medal in the same category. The Nurse, was released in 2023, The Patient's Daughter released in 2024, and The Fake Mother in 2025. Her thrillers are intense, unsettling, and gripping with unexpected twists and turns.
Jenna began her writing journey penning historical romance, paranormal romance and romantic suspense. Find them here: https://www.jennakernan.com/books-1
A member of International Thriller Writers, Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, Florida Mystery Writers and Novelists, Inc. and a natural redhead living with her husband on Florida’s Gulf Coast, Jenna has recently increased her sunblock to SPF 50.

Jenna offers a FREE BOOK as a welcome gift to new VIP Readers. Subscribe here: https://mailchi.mp/jennakernan/grippi...

Visit Jenna at www.jennakernan.com

Follow Jenna here ...
BookBub: jenna-kernan
Twitter: @jennakernan
Instagram: jenna-kernan
Facebook: AuthorJennaKernan or join her newsletter at www.jennakernan.com

Reviews

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Killer’s daughter is suspenseful with a lot of action. Everyone seems guilty, so Nadine doesn’t know who she can trust. Nadine is a smart and independent woman. She is trying to solve the case while also dealing with her past and having flashbacks of her mother. Nadine’s mother is a serial killer and this case seems like it could be a copycat to Nadine. Nadine doesn’t give up even when she has to work alone. Nadine doesn’t have many friends. Her only friend and the man she has feelings for both look guilty. Who can Nadine trust? It seems that the murderer is trying to send messages to Nadine and Nadine is worried that she will turn into a murderer. Nadine starts talking to her mother again even though it is difficult for her because she hopes it will help the case.

Thank you Bookouture and NetGalley for A Killer’s Daughter.

Full Review: https://justreadingjess.wordpress.com...

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well!! This would have to be the best psychological thriller I’ve read in a long time!

Dr Nadine Finch had been called in to create a profile on the killer in the latest murders along the Florida coastline, two murders of a young couple, joined together in eternity by a rope. But the horror Nadine felt wasn’t just at the senseless deaths of these two people; the familiarity of the crime took her back to her childhood in a terrifying fashion. But Nadine’s mother was on death row, unable to hurt anyone anymore…

Detective Clint Demko was newly arrived in the area and when he and Nadine partnered to solve the case, neither told the other of their pasts. Nadine was used to trusting no one – no reason why she would change now. But when another two bodies were found, the alarming similarities shocked Nadine to her core. Much as she didn’t want to, she obtained permission to visit her mother – Nadine hoped she would give her some answers. But nothing had changed – evil, sadistic, rotten to the core. Nadine wasn’t sure why she’d bothered.

When Nadine’s home was targeted, the FBI were finally called in. What would be the outcome in this deadly dance? More bodies – she needed answers! Her profile was so close…

A Killer’s Daughter is the 1st in the Nadine Finch series by Jenna Kernan and it was brilliant!! I had the perpetrator picked early – but I was wrong. My 2nd guess was also wrong! When the reveal came, I was shocked! I hadn’t seen that coming. Although almost 400 pages in length, I flew through them with twists, chills, suspicions – what an excellent psychological thriller! Looking forward to #2. Highly recommended.

With thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.

[Pat · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well that was certainly a very different plot, bravo for that Ms Kernan.

Let’s get the bad stuff out of the way first. For me the book started in a very inauspicious way and I was dreading what was to come. There was a lot of hand wringing by our fearful protagonist, Dr Nadine Finch (you know I hate that stuff) and quite a lot of repetition. Yes, I heard you the first time you bemoaned the fact that your mother was a serial killer and you were very nervous of people finding out. What would they think? And then there was that cringeworthy scene where she met the detective she would be working with, I mean she’s just met him and she has a “longing ache in her heart” already! Really?

And now the good stuff. The book soon improved and settled into its stride. The plot was really interesting - someone is recreating the series of murders committed by Nadine’s mother, Arleen Howler. Arleen had killed four couples over a period of years. They were all married - to other people. She seemed to have a thing against infidelity. The way they were killed and later discarded is being closely replicated now, years later. Is this a homage to Arleen? A copycat? Or, as Nadine fears, is it somehow to explicitly draw her into the investigation. Nadine is tasked to work with the police department as a profiler (not her usual gig) after the first couple is found.

From then on, she can no longer ignore the similarities between the current murders and those committed by her mother. So Nadine knows there are more killings to come but she thinks they have more time. They don’t. And, in a creepy twist, she learns that a bunch of people she works with have more in common with her than they know. How could this be? Who can she trust? As the pace escalates the coincidences stack up and Nadine knows this is all to do with her but she doesn’t quite know how. It got very suspenseful towards the end. So three stars on average but I will certainly be keen to read the author’s next book. Thanks to Netgalley, Bookouture and Jenna Kernan for proving me with a copy to review. My opinions are my own.

[Julie (JuJu) · Rating 5 out of 5]

To be released just before Valentine’s Day!!

Holy cow! This prologue is explosive and and jumps right into the brutal details! And the tension stays elevated through the entire book. Loved it!

“I’m not a monster. But I do kill people, have been for more than two decades. Mostly, I’m doing the world a favor.”

This is Book #1 in a new series from Jenna Kernan. I almost skipped over this one, because I’m not a fan of series. Some of them go on forever, plus you have the wait between book releases...too much stress, lol. And I already have so many books on my TBR list. So glad I didn’t!

Dr. Finch is a forensic psychologist, who happens to have a serial killer for a mother. Although this isn’t common knowledge among her coworkers. She’s changed her name and worked very hard to keep her personal history a secret. But someone knows, and is threatening to expose her...someone she works with.

Ms. Kernan’s comparison to Karin Slaughter is spot on! This thriller is excellently written...but vivid, grisly and descriptive. Reader beware!

There was a touch of romance between the two main characters, but nothing overly mushy. I’m definitely looking forward to reading more about Dr. Finch and Detective Demko!

Thank you to NetGalley, Jenna Kernan and Bookouture for this free digital ARC, in exchange for my honest opinion!

My Rating: 4.5 ⭐️’s (rounding up)
Published: February 11th 2021 by Bookouture
Pages: 397
Recommend: Yes

@JennaKernan @bookouture @NetGalley
#AKillersDaughter #FirstInSeries #NoRulesJustThrills #InExchangeForReview #JustFinished #NetGalley #ForensicPsychologist #CriminalBehavior #DrNadineFinch

More on the author:
https://www.jennakernan.com/

[Yvonne (the putrid Shelf) · Rating 3 out of 5]

AKiller’s Daughter was a very interesting read, and it was certainly unique. In fact, I don’t think I’ve read a plot from the child of a serial killer’s perspective before. First, I want to talk a little about what just didn’t work for me personally.

The beginning of the novel started a bit quizzically. It felt very dark and I suddenly began to question just how the events were going to play out. I was confused at times to how all this was going to impact the protagonist, Dr Nadine Finch. There was a lot of repetition of past events, I’m sure it only need to be mentioned once for the reader to grasp the enormity of how these events had shaped her. I just don’t get fully on board with this type of filling up of words, which is what it felt like. Her nervous inner monologue about her colleagues finding out who she is related to really grated on my nerves too – really what would they say? Own it, move forward and those that have a problem with it can kiss your ass!

The other thing that didn’t ring true with how Nadine was already behaving was her very insta-attraction to the detective in charge of the homicide case. She is a woman that is very unsure of her place in the world, she doesn’t trust easily and struggles to even have a working/friendship relationship. So, I’m afraid her reaction towards him seemed very left field.

This is in no means a negative review just two things that didn’t sit well with me. The good stuff going on in the novel were VERY good. The novel quickly moved along at a pace that was exciting and intriguing. A Killer’s Daughter was just that, a story about a serial Killer’s Daughter. A new Serial Killer is seemingly recreating her mother’s murders. Are they sending a message for Nadine or someone else? The murders have an obvious meaning – Her mother Arleen Howler killed couples who were involved in illicit meetings, they were married and were cheating. Nadine is very worried that she has been sought out and dragged into the investigation, as she is called in to work with the Police Department as a profiler, which she seemingly has no experience in.

A Killer’s Daughter trucks on towards the end at a very suspenseful rate. Some shocks and twists hit you like a brick and I loved how things came together at the end.

[Natalie "Curling up with a Coffee and a Kindle" Laird · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fascinating take on a serial killer book, and promises to be a great start to a series. The premise was intriguing, to have a child of a serial killer mother who unwittingly disposed of evidence of her crimes, and then report her to the authorities. Very creepy and dark throughout, although I do think it was a fairly long book and could have been condensed slightly, to keep up the impact of the plot.
Nadine Finch is a strong and capable protagonist who clearly struggles with her guilt of her childhood and her involvement. I look forward to the next installment!

[Mick Dubois · Rating 5 out of 5]

When she was 14, Nadine was the star witness in the trial that sent her serial killer mother to prison. Since then, she’s changed her name and now, she works as a forensic psychologist in Sarasota where she assumes that no-one knows her unfortunate past. When a couple is found and disposed of in the same manner as her mother used, Nadine is asked to join the team as a criminal psychologist (the difference is explained in the book) and join forces with a detective who recently joined from Metro Dade. At first, she thinks there’s a copycat about but she’s reluctant to voice that opinion as it would blow her cover. But then she discovers that she’s not the only one with a killer as parent; it’s almost a convention!



I had a few minor problems with the geographical locations of certain crimes. As those occurred in different states and at different times in past and present, I had to check out which one they were talking about at times.

I like the name ‘Nadine’ for the main character. I was in school with several girls with this name, but I haven’t heard it for a long time now and certainly not in a detective. She’s far too insecure about her past and her abilities. She’s scared that she may have inherited some ‘killer’-genes as her mother isn’t the first murderer in the family. If you’re worried about it, I’m quite certain that you don’t have it. Those who’re killers aren’t worried that they might do it, they look forward to their first kill.

‘Demko’ is also unusual, but not in name alone. He’s too attractive for Nadine’s well-being with his bewitching blue eyes and a 3-month-old puppy as a wingman. He’s easy to like and despite the suspicions the author raises against him, I can’t see him as the killer. (I write this before I finished the book, so you tell me if I’m right)

The story starts out a bit slow, but it’s a new series and you need the introduction to the main characters. Then, the suspense gets higher and higher. There are so many good and interesting diversions that almost everyone is a suspect at one time or other. I suspected several people along the road and near the end, I guessed who the real killer was but I was still shocked to find out his/her new ID.

This is an engrossing read that kept me on the edge of my (very hard) kitchen chair till very, very late. It goes straight to my best of 2021 shelf. I hope that the author will keep up the same level of suspense and quality throughout the series, but this is a feat that’s hard to follow.

I thank Netgalley and Bookouture for the free ARC they provided me with and this is my honest and unbiased review of it.

[Vanessa Menezes · Rating 4 out of 5]

When two bodies are found floating in the shallows off the Florida coast, the hallmarks of the crime are terrifyingly familiar to forensic psychologist Dr Nadine Finch. The circle carved around the female victim’s wedding ring finger is identical to the wounds Nadine’s own mother inflicted on her victims. But her mother is on death row where she can’t hurt anyone. Is this a disturbing coincidence, or a twisted copycat?

With heartbroken families reeling, and no witnesses or forensic evidence, Nadine has no choice but to tap into her own dark past to delve inside this killer’s mind. If she can’t make her team listen, she knows more lives will be lost.

Desperate to act, Nadine must face her demons head on and visit her mother in prison. When her mother whispers a name, Nadine hasn’t heard for years, the case takes a terrifying turn, and returning home after her bleak visit, the bag of bloodied clothes left on Nadine’s bed tells her someone is watching her every move…

As time runs out, can Nadine catch the killer—or will she be the next victim of this dark family legacy?

I was immediately attracted to this book because I found the premise to be extremely intriguing!

It was well written. I enjoyed the way the plot slowly develops, picking up pace as we read on. Even though it was interesting right from the start, the additional twists and surprises made it even more engaging.

For me the main highlight in this book, apart from the obvious search for the killer, was the growth and development of the main character Nadine Finch. We are able to read how her life right from her childhood has always been a struggle and her way of dealing with her mother’s crimes are pretty amazing. Her instant connection with Detective Demko and friendship with Juliette is understandable considering their similarities.

I’m glad this is the first book in the series. It was definitely an excellent start. I’m looking forward for more books involving Nadine Finch and hopefully even Detective Demko and Juliette since they make an amazing trio!

Thank You NetGalley and Bookouture for this ARC!

[Nila (digitalcreativepages) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The premise was eerie where the blurb pulled me in. A forensic profiler who was a serial killer’s daughter. And I loved author Jenna Kernan for making it completely pro women. Her mother was the serial killer. Don’t ya love that? Nature too has proved women are deadlier… 😂

Being a crime thriller, there were dead bodies and detectives. Where it varied was that the MO of the killer was similar to her mother’s. The investigation started slowly, building up its pitch as Nadine gained confidence.

What could I say about Nadine? The author developed her character with a lot of TLC where her vulnerability spoke to me. One part of me kept wondering how she found herself in the police force with such a background. That made me motor on.

The mystery and the darkness in the plotline slowly turned its screws into me. How could I stop reading? There were a few graphic sections along with hint of romance. Twists with its shocks kept me twirling. Book 1 in the series, the ending was unexpected. Quite explosive.

A fun mid-afternoon read.

[Linda Strong · Rating 4 out of 5]

Agent Nadine Finch is called in to investigate when a young woman's body is found drifting in the Sarasota Bay. Nadine pretends this is just another case .. but deep inside she knows differently.

Someone has started killing women in exactly the same way as another killer did 20 years ago..... her mother. Even though she's changed her name, she has always known that the past wouldn't be far away.

No one knows her past and she wants to keep it that way, but working closely with a detective to solve these cases is going to take a leap of faith.

But the detective has his own secrets that he's bound and determined to keep hidden.

With a unique plot and intriguing story line, A KILLER'S DAUGHTER is well written, filled with action. Suspense starting on the very first page makes this a real page turner. The characters are deftly drawn. There are twists and turns along the way that are riveting. The ending is explosive and totally unexpected.

Many thanks to the author / Bookouture / Netgalley for the digital copy of this crime fiction. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy thrillers and true crime types of books and this one was right up my ally!
This is the first book in the series, which if the series keeps up the pace and action I will definitely read all of them! Dr. Finch is a forensic psychologist, who unfortunately her mother is a serial killer. While she tries to keep that information on the down low of her colleagues. She has changed her name and worked very hard to keep that information in the past. However someone she works with is threatening to expose her.
When two bodies are found floating in the Florida coast, they are mangled and slashed. The crime is horrible but as Dr. Finch gets a closer look at the bodies there are eerie familiarities that are raising flags with her. The crimes look very similar to the crimes that Dr. Finch's mother used to commit and is now in prison for. So when Dr. Finch is asked to assist curiosity gets the best of her and she agrees to help. The twist and the turns are amazing! I enjoyed this one a lot! I would definitely recommend it if you like Sandie Jones or Christina McDonald type of books! 

[Carlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Agent Nadine Finch is a killer's daughter, but she's ensured no one knows that. When a case lands in her hands with too many similarities Nadine has to figure out who's guilty, who isn't, and attempt to stop the next killing from occurring by going back into her own past. She's kept everyone at a distance for so long, but this case makes her both want to push people farther away and pull them in closer. She'll have to rely on herself to solve this one, even though allowing her mother back into her head is making her even question herself.

A Killer's Daughter really took me by surprise, I was not prepared for the tie in of all the other members of the investigative team. How they tie in is something you'll have to find out by reading. It made the book feel so different than the usual procedural thriller, it was difficult to figure out just who might be involved and like Agent Finch, I was looking over my shoulder at every turn. Jenna Kernan takes the saying of "keep your friends close and your enemies closer" to a whole new level.

We take a deep dive into Nadine Finch's past, discovering just the type of mother she had and what her family believes to be true about the nature of being a murdered. It's a race against the clock to stop the next killing and discover if she's destined for the same path or if she can break the circle. With a well-paced plot, a unique premise, and just the right amount of action, A Killer's Daughter is a successful, intriguing police procedural that I could not put down.

ARC provided.

[The Sassy Bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

This is one of those books that are hard to review. Overall I enjoyed it, however, there were quite a few things that annoyed me. Mostly in the first half of the book. So, the good first. The story kept me hooked. The author kept me guessing until the end. Which, honestly, not to toot my horn, but I am usually very good at Sherlocking the baddies out. The author included a good amount of red herrings that kept things interesting. I also enjoyed all the character's and their budding romance/friendships.

Now, the not so good. This book was SOOOO repetitive at times. Again, more so in the first half, but good lord was it repetitive. We get it Nadone, your mother is a serial killer. 🙄😫Which leads me to my other issue. Nadine herself. How did this woman get a degree or hold down any sort of job? She was SO freaking paranoid about everything and everyone. Not to mention, just so over the top odd in some of her reactions. That entire scene with Juliette at the bar, and her reaction and behavior. I kept thinking, "this chick needs A LOT more therapy!!" That said, she got a lot better as the book moved on, thankfully.

So another mixed bag of a book. Still, I enjoyed it enough to give it a thumbs up, and to keep my eyes peeled for the next book in the series.

**ARC Via NetGalley**

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Killer's Daughter was a great start to a new series! Its edgy, & had a good plot. While most chapters were good, I enjoyed reading the flashback chapters. The cases from Nadine's past were somehow more chilling & interesting than the present day cases. The characters especially Nadine's was intriguing. The serial killer mum's story was riveting too but towards the end started to seem like she was trying to be nasty a little too hard. There were some points that were left unanswered & I will certainly be picking the next book to see what happens with Nadine's quest to put those questions to rest. There were certainly way too many coincidences for my liking even if they were engineered into the plot & addressed - that part felt a bit off. The end was twisted & had a tense chapter but wasn't shocking. In the end, knowing this was fiction it was a good book but it always feels great when a book gets as close to reason & probability. I'd love to see what Nadine get's up to with her next case!

Thank you, NetGalley, Bookouture & Jenna Kernan for an arc!

[Jazz Webb · Rating 5 out of 5]

What do you say when a book completely blows your mind? This is by far the best book I've read of 2021 and I am so excited already for May 2021 when the second book of the series is due for release.

A killers daughter follows the work of Dr Nadine Finch, who is the daughter of a serial killer (I know the title gives it away!). Nadine is a forensic psychologist working for the DA. She is asked to help assist and profile by new detective Clint Kempto. But when Nadine learns more about the specifics of the case she realises she has seen this all before, that's because the murders involve a cheating couple who have been stab mutilated tied together with rope and left in a river is exactly the same MO as her mother. She's left with a hard decision of whether to reveal her true identity to those around her, when she realises she can't trust anyone around her as anyone one of them could be the copycat killer baiting her.

First of all bravo Jenna Kernan what a book!

Nadine is the kind of strong female lead every book needs. Yes she is great at her job, has fantastic instincts but she is also not perfect. At points her job in mental health is quite ironic with how many issues she clearly has but it makes for a good read. She is clearly talented and this is demonstrated all throughout the story. Although the book is narrated in third person there are still moments where I felt Nadind was speaking directly and only to me. She undoubtedly has a love interest in Clint, but its not the focus of the story which meant we get to enjoy all the gory details of the crimes and fall outs of the investigation. Nadine clearly has unresolved guilt from knowing about her mums murders and not saying anything for years as a child. This case we get to be part of Nadine's process dealing with her inner demons as the investigation progresses.

I loved aswell that we get to be part of the investigation but its not full of interviews and information that isn't important like many crime books do. As we follow Nadine these are not parts of the investigation she would be privy to either.

The way relationships are represented in the book is done really well. Nadine and Clint have a working relationship but there is from the beginning a clear romantic element that Is established. Her relationship with Janine the M.E is interesting. With Nadine's clear trust issues she doesn't want their relationship to move out of the work colleague relationship, yet her mind is trying to push that boundary throughout the book. With both she is trying really hard to not build a connection with either, if it works well you will have to read the book.
In complete contrast her relationship with her brother is intense and intimate. With his criminal history and being incarcerated himself you would think she would distance herself from him but she seems to do the opposite. Yet her mother she can't seem to forgive and is forced to see her only once her case begins. The way the writer writes her mother is amazing. I liked her hated her and felt for her all in on sentence.


Would I recommend yes ✔ without a doubt.
I couldn't put this one down and I am hooked on the series alresdy! I did guess the killer but it may zero difference to how much I enjoyed the show down.
Fantastic book a good read, although description is a bit graphic for anyone who finds that to much maybe give this one a miss otherwise read and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

Thank you to Netgalley, Jenna Kernan and bookature for the digital advanced copy in exchange for my fair and honest opinion

[Bridget · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Killer's Daughter by Jenna Kernan is the first instalment in the FBI Agent and forensic psychologist Dr Nadine Finch series, set in Florida.

A young couple's slain bodies are found floating in shallow water off the Florida coast and have a cord tied around their wrists binding them together. Nadine is horrified as when her supervisor asks her to work on the case, it brings back unpleasant and unwanted memories. Nadine's own mother carried out similar slayings when Nadine was a child and is now on death row. Nadine must work on the case with the charismatic Detective Clint Demko who is new to the area, using her profiling talents. She was previously known as Nadine Howler but it seems that she isn't the only one with a hidden past...

In A Killer's Daughter I thought I had the perpetrator all figured out early on but I was wrong! This riveting and compulsive read certainly contained plenty of action and protagonist Nadine's backstory was cleverly woven into the main plot. There was gore, romance and oodles of tension and I flew through all of the twists, concealment and suspicion in record time. When it was the moment for the big reveal I was taken aback! I'm eagerly looking forward to the second book in this promising series.

I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Bookouture via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.

[Courtney · Rating 2 out of 5]

Unfortunately, this book was a miss for me. First off, the main characters get embroiled in a romance much to quickly. I'm not one for mixing my genres, so the whole romance part of this plot could have been negated in my opinion. Additionally, none of the characters were completely convincing, which left me wanting more. To many improbable circumstances made the plot hard to reconcile with.

Thank you to Netgalley and and Bookouture for the opportunity to receive this arc in exchange of an honest review.

[Krystin | TheF*ckingTwist · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book Blog | Bookstagram

Me, when a novel about having a serial killer for a mom goes nowhere until the 88% mark:



RTC.

⭐⭐⭐ | 3 stars


Book source: Netgalley in exchange for a review.

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

What on earth did I just read?! A killer's daughter, a potential serial killer, a little romance and a lot of twists. This was a fabulous, twisted, shocking tale that kept me turning the pages late into the evening. It's not one for the faint hearted, as it is gruesome in parts. But for lovers of Karin Slaughter and Chris Carter, then this one is right up your alley. This is book one in a new series.

Two bodies are found floating in the shallows off the Florida coast. The crime is terrifyingly familiar to forensic psychologist Dr Nadine Finch. The crime reveals hallmarks of the crimes her own mother committed when Nadine was growing up, and is now incarcerated for. Is it a copycat or just a coincidence? After being asked to help to profile the killer, Nadine is drawn into the mystery and helping to track the killer but along the way it is clear these crimes may be more personal and all signs point to Nadine.

[8stitches 9lives · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Killer's Daughter is the first instalment in the FBI Agent and forensic psychologist Dr Nadine Finch series, set in Florida. The prologue opens with the thoughts of an unnamed, unidentified killer who claims to have been doing the world a big ol' favour by ridding it of unfaithful couples for the past few decades with impunity and seemingly getting away with it. The killer sits awaiting the philandering lovers as their better halves sit at home with no idea of their partners' betrayal. The Intracoastal Waterway spanning thousands of miles along the Gulf of Mexico is not only the perfect location for adulterers to steal a sunset alongside their side piece but it it's also the perfect place to dispose of their bodies with minimum fuss or muss. Slicing arteries over and over she mutilates them before removing the wedding and engagement rings and binding the two bodies together with rope. The next morning the 6:00 am breaking news blares from the television with the disturbing story of two bodies found in the water at Sarasota's Bayfront Park. For Nadine Finch, the news hits a little too close to home and she tries to put into the back of her mind but when she is called in to help profile and identify the killer responsible for the couple's slayings the details seem almost identical...; Identical to the serial killings Nadine's mother carried out when she was a mere child and to which she was imprisoned for on death row. Detective Clint Demko joins with Nadine having been recommended her by colleagues but Nadine is doubtful of her own talents.

That is plain to see from the beginning. Barely have they started looking into the first couple when two more bodies show up and Nadine realises she must visit her mother in jail to demand answers despite having not visited or spoken to her in years. She is the only one who can shed light on this apparent copycat. But her mother isn't interested in helping the police or her daughter and remains a sadistic, evil woman who still gets a kick out of hearing of torture and death. When Nadine's home is eventually targeted and she is creeping ever closer to an accurate profile of the perpetrator, can the disturbed killer be stopped before more couples are taken out? This is a riveting, compulsive and original read with so much action and intrigue and a backstory to protagonist Nadine that is cleverly woven into the main plot. It's pacy, well written and twistier than an S-link, and I found that Kernan was impressive at managing to pull the wool over your eyes and equally so at steering you away from the real answer until the shocking reveals at the end. I find criminal profiling fascinating and it was interesting to see exactly how it can help solve a complicated multiple murder case when other methods of investigating have not done the trick. It's a captivating, utterly gripping and thoroughly entertaining opening instalment, and I hope there are many more to follow. The trauma Nadine has been through and how it has lead her to her current job will be intriguing to watch develop. Highly recommended.

[Jean Menzies · Rating 4 out of 5]

So I've rarely read a thriller that turns out to be the first in a series AND that I've decided I'll definitely be picking up the sequel. This novel was dark, yes, but I also bonded with the characters over the course of the novel, which is why I want to read on. Nadine was a little difficult to get to know at first, frustrating and sometimes infuriating, but her character arc throughout this book made it for me. The thriller elements like I already mentioned were really rather dark; I mean with a copy-cat serial killer and more than one character with a tragic past, is anyone surprised? But it really nailed that apprehension I look for in my thrillers rather than just throwing death and despair at me with no purpose. I can't wait to follow the protagonists journey in book two.

[LianaReads blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's been a while since i've read such a compelling suspenseful story.
From the title alone, we are told who the main character, Nadine Finch is, and what she can do. I was amazed of how strong and powerful her feelings are especially since she had to go back in the past and retell all those horrific crimes that her mother did, to the most small detail. All of this because there's a copy cat out in the world that tries to catch her attention.
It's a very interesting story, full of twists and turns, most of all unpredictable and even shocking at points, a novel that kept me on the edge at all times and made me wanting to high five the heroine because that's the kind of heroines i'm looking foreword in both fiction and real life.
Haunting, twisted and provoking, a must read book

[Anik - MamaBearsBookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel is about Dr. Nadine Finch, who works as a forensic psychologist in Sarasota. She is no stranger to her work because at the age of 14 Nadine was the star witness in the trial of her serial killer mother and her mother was sent to prison.

Nadine is asked to join the team that is investigating the couple that was found and disposed of in the same manner as her mother used. She is asked to join has a criminal psychologist tho.

When she starts the investigation she thinks that the killer is a copycat, but she won't say so because she doesn't want to blow her cover to the others. But then she discovers that she’s not the only one with a killer as a parent. Will she blow her cover? Will the killer be found? Is the killer a copycat?

This book was great, the details were so good and really made you think and feel like you were there. It has a little bit of everything gore/romance it was like the tv show CSI. It also had lots of twists which was awesome. It didn't take me long to read this one. I just wanted to know more about the story. I finished it in one day. I recommend this to everyone.

I would like to thank Netgalley and Bookouture for an advance copy

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The sins of the momma.. Nadine's mother was a serial killer she had to testify against as a teenager. With her mother in prison she was raised by a good aunt/family. But she has always struggled with would her genetics make her predisposed to become a killer like her mother or because she was nurtured and raised by a good woman that is her path.

Nadine grows up to become a forensic psychologist. She has done her best to hide her family dark secrets from those today. When she is asked to assist on a double homicide she cant help but to compare the current murder victims to those of her mothers. Could this be a copycat, or someone trying to draw her out into the open to expose her family legacy.

This was an engaging psychological thriller. Looking forward to the next book in the series.

[aliyyah · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars

A Killer’s Daughter by Jenna Kernan was such an interesting read!

This book is about the daughter of a serial killer who’s a forensic psychologist and notices that a new string of crimes have an eerie similarity to her mother’s murders. Desperate to stop history from repeating itself, she begins working on the case. I loved the concept of this novel and was super excited to read about the child of a serial killer. I thought it was a unique idea and I was not disappointed by the plot at all. I thought the mystery was done extremely well and all of the reveals, twists and turns that occur throughout the story kept pulling me further and further into this thriller. I was definitely kept on my toes and did not see the big reveal at the end coming at all!

While I adored the plot, the characters unfortunately fell a little flat to me. I really like Nadine but I wasn’t able to truly connect to her. However, I did highly enjoy her journey throughout the novel. At the beginning of the book, she’s closed off and distances herself from everyone but by the end we see how much she’s begun to let people into her life. In addition, we see her finally coming to terms with the fact that she’s not her mother towards the end and I thought it was a really hopeful note with which to close the story, especially since Nadine spent a long time grappling with such fears.

I like Detective Demko but he also felt a little flat to me. I would have enjoyed Nadine’s relationship with him more if there wasn’t this instant connection between the two of them and instead more of a buildup. I’m a big fan of Juliette and Nadine’s friendship with her and I hope to see more of them in the sequel.

Unfortunately, I didn’t love the writing in this. While I thought the story itself was well crafted, the execution could have been a little better in my opinion. I felt like the writing was a bit clunky at times and the story didn’t flow as smoothly as I would have liked. This definitely impacted on my enjoyment of the book.

Overall, though, this was a pretty good read.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this arc in exchange for an honest review.

[Elaine Tomasso · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would like to thank Netgalley and Bookouture for an advance copy of A Killer’s Daughter, the first novel to feature Sarasota based forensic psychologist Dr Nadine Finch.

Nadine has a new job in Sarasota, trying to hide her past and identity as the daughter of serial killer Arleen Howler, but it’s hard to hide when her first case looks very like the re-creation of Arleen’s first murder.

I thoroughly enjoyed A Killer’s Daughter which has a bit of everything, a clever plot, a well concealed perpetrator and motive, a damaged protagonist, a touch of romance, stress, tension and excitement.

The novel is told mainly from Nadine’s point of view and explores both her past and present, using her memories to reveal the trauma of Arleen’s crimes and behaviour. There is also the odd chapter from the unnamed killer’s point of view which mostly shows actions and a reverence towards Arleen. It mostly works, but is very dependent on Nadine and her reactions to events for effect. It will be interesting to see how she develops as a character when the case isn’t so personal.

The plot asks the reader to completely suspend their disbelief. I could give examples (and there are several) but that would issue spoilers, so I, personally, went with the flow and got really caught up in the sheer verve of it. I was turning the pages as fast as I could to see what was coming next. It is high octane and exciting with intriguing reveal upon reveal and event upon event.

Nadine Finch is not, in this novel, very emotionally coherent, but that’s a result of her history and not, I think, her true character. Her emotional swings and lack of trust add to the tension of the narrative and bring her experiences to life. I was impressed by the way it adds an extra dimension.

A Killer’s Daughter is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.

[Julie Lacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great start to a new series.
Nadine is asked to help with a murder investigation but she feels under qualified to be the profiler. Others have confidence in her abilities and she’s given no choice in the matter.
Nadine is introduced to Demko and there is an immediate attraction but Nadine tries to ignore it.
The murders she’s been asked to help with are close to home as the method is the same as her mother used on her victims.
Nadine’s mother is currently on death row and despite not seeing her for years, Nadine knows she has to visit her to get questions answered.
Her house is broken into and her secret is revealed to the public so Nadine thinks it can’t get any worse. However, she soon realises that those close to her are being targeted as well.
This is a gripping crime thriller with a real nail biting conclusion, and I loved it.
I look forward to finding out what’s next for Nadine.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.

[Erika Bucci | erikalaceyreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow I absolutely loved this book!!! It felt like watching criminal minds or SVU. It was fast-paced and I flew through it. I also fell in love with the characters. Highly recommends.

[Shirley McAllister · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Legacy

Exciting from beginning to end, this book is one good read. This book has more twists and turns than a country road, what a ride.

Dr. Nadine Finch, forensic psychologist, is comfortable in her job and her life. Leaving behind secrets that are in the past and need to stay there. She stays to herself and does her job never getting close to anyone for fear her secrets may be found, until now.

Two bodies are found floating in the waters of the Florida Coast, a cord wrapped around their wrists tying them together. Why is this so familiar to Dr. Finch? Why is she so distressed when her supervisor assigns her to the case? When she finds out the hot new detective on the case, the medical examiner and herself are all linked by a common thread it becomes even more bizarre. Who is the creepy court guard the is stalking her? Who can she trust and who is behind it all? In a string of murders that mirror events in her past the murderer must be found before more innocent lives are lost.

Dr. Finch wonders who to trust, it seems all those involved have secrets in their past. Is someone setting up Dr. Finch to lose her sanity? When someone breaks in her house and leaves a black trash bag on her bed she knows it is personal. This one will keep you reading and you won't guess the ending.

This was a great read, I stayed up way too late to finish it. I would recommend it.

Thanks to Jenna Kernan, Bookouture, and NetGalley for allowing me to read a copy of the book for an honest review.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being a serial killer fan, the book description for this one screamed at me to read it.

This is one book that really makes you want to start talking to other readers as there is so much I want to talk about but can't as would potentially ruin it for someone else. I thought the storyline was brilliant with so many surprises instore for not only Nadine but for the readers also.

I loved Nadine's character as there is a vulnerability about her due to who her mother is. To have to live with a label all your life can't be easy and was interesting to see how it had affected her and the rest of the family. I reckon there is so much more to come with the storyline to do with Nadine and her mother as there are so many possibilities that the author could play with.

A Killer's Daughter is an absolute must read for lovers of serial killers. Believe me when I say you have to read it for yourself to discover what surprises lurk between the pages. With each turn it had me gripped even more. This is the start of a brand new series that has got me really excited! An enthralling read that will have you on the edge of your seat.