The Trap

Kyra and Jake Investigation #4

by Carol Ericson

Can they outplay The Player?

When a fourth copycat killer strikes, Detective Jake McAllister and Kyra Chase race to find the mastermind behind LA's serial murders. Now there's a new lead, but to protect the woman he loves, Jake must reveal a crucial secret about Kyra's past—the real reason The Player wants her dead. Exposing the truth could turn this investigation on its head…and force this notorious criminal to make one final move.

Genres: Romance, Romantic Suspense, Suspense, Mystery, Contemporary

256 pages, ebook

First published June 10, 2021

About the author

Best-selling, award-winning romance author, Carol Ericson, has written more than 65 books, mostly romantic suspense for Harlequin Intrigue. Also indie pubbed, Carol is working on a spicy popstar romcom series about five members of a boyband. A California girl and graduate of UCLA, Carol lives near the beach with her husband and their giant dog. For more information about Carol’s books, please visit her website at www.authorcarolericson.com and follow her on Instagram @author.carol.ericson

Reviews

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Terrific conclusion to the series. The book opens as yet another copycat killer strikes. This time, the killer left a witness, something against The Player's rules. Jake, Kyra, and the rest of the task force are determined to put an end to his reign of terror. The tension increased with each book as they pursued not just the copycat but the one pulling the strings. In this book, we can feel that they are finally drawing close.

Throughout the series, Jake and Kyra's relationship grows closer and stronger. Both learned to trust each other on and off the job. At the same time, their attraction deepened to love. But to have a future together, Jake must keep Kyra alive. When Quinn's death exposes a long-concealed secret, Jake understands the depth of Kyra's peril. I understood Quinn's need to protect Kyra, but I also agreed with Jake that she deserved to know the truth. I loved that his innate need to be honest with her overcame his protectiveness and that he trusted her to be able to handle the news. I ached for Kyra's heartbreak and loved her determination to do something with the information. I loved Jake's support for whatever she wanted to do with it.

The further the investigation goes, the more Jake suspects that the truth is closer than anyone knew. I thought I had it figured out in the previous book, but I couldn't have been more wrong. An unexpected twist in Quinn's autopsy sends the investigation down a new path. At the same time, Kyra's search for the truth brings the Player out of hiding. The final confrontation was a nail-biter as the Player attempted to finish what he started twenty years earlier. I loved Kyra's presence of mind when she figured it out and her part in the outcome. Jake's arrival was edge-of-the-seat close and led to a great conclusion.

I liked the epilogue, with Jake, Kyra, and Jake's daughter Fiona discussing what happened before the subject changed to Jake and Kyra's relationship. I laughed out loud at Fiona's request and Jake's reaction.

[Lynn Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

The stunning conclusion we never suspected! With the final book in her Kyra and Jake Investigation series Carol Ericson saved the best for last as lies and secrets unravel and bring the storyline to a powerful end. This has been an intense series filled with heartwarming characters as danger circled around them with every new killer who surfaced. I really enjoyed it!

Jake and Kyra grow closer every day as the world around them falls apart and danger comes knocking on their door.

I highly recommend this series to anyone who enjoys a fast paced mystery filled with a hint of romance and tons of action.

[Tammy Lunsford - Escape to Books By Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! What a conclusion to an awesome, nail biting series!!! The team is searching for the fourth copycat killer. They are positive that the original killer known as The Player is pulling the strings of these crazed killers. They are just not certain what he wants. You can feel the tension seeping off of the pages as they get closer to finding the true culprit/mastermind behind these depraved acts of murder.

Kyra is determined to remember what happened that night so many years ago when her mother was killed. The past and present are about to collide. The shocking conclusion will leave you shocked to your core. This series is top notch! I highly recommend this book and this whole series. You need to read them in order from #1 to this book #4. Trust me.... once you read #1, you will have to move to #2, then #3 and finally to this book #4. You will not be able to wait. I feel like I have been running a race trying to help them out. Carol Ericson knows how to write an intriguing and suspense-filled mystery! The characters are likeable, and easy to get to know. After reading all three of these books, I feel as if I know them personally. Kyra is my favorite character as she is an overcomer. She is a strong woman who overcame the odds with a little help from other adults, but she is the woman she is today because of her past.

If you like a good serial killer mystery, you will be not be able to put this one down!

[R J Mckay · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for a review.

After reading the Kyra and Jake Investigation series of books, I couldn’t help comparing it to standing on a beach and watching a storm develop. Slowly, as the wind blew stronger and the waves grew higher, the intensity of the storm would grow. That’s just like the series of books Carol Ericson wrote. Each book built the tension and power of the series, until the final thunderous conclusion.
It was a thrill ride to accompany Kyra and Jake, and the rest of the task force, as they pieced together the bits and pieces of clues to find the real Player, the man behind all the recent killings as well as those 20 years earlier. No one wanted to believe that someone within the police department could be behind such a heinous killing spree, but even retired detective Roger Quinn had once believed the person responsible was far closer to home than anyone realized. Now with Quinn gone, Kyra and Jake are determined to find the person responsible and put them behind bars.
I do hope we get to see a book in the future about Cool Breeze and his ongoing search for his missing sister?

[Virginia Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fourth copycat serial killer carrying out his deadly agenda--precious lives lost--the original madman, "The Player" still on the loose--is time running out for investigators Jake McAllister and Kyra Chase? "The Trap" is the long-awaited , stunning conclusion to author Carol Ericson's "A Kyra and Jake Investigation Series". Victim's Advocate and task force consultant Kyra Chase has a tragic connection to "The Player--her own mother was one of his victims. Detective Jake McAllister and the other members of the task force are pushing themselves--and each other--to bring the killing spree of the malevolent mastermind and his murderous mimics to an end. As the team delves further into the mounting evidence, painful truths--some unbearably close to home--come to light. The sizzling attraction between Kyra and Jake has grown into a deep affection, and they are now close partners on and off the job. If they survive, can their relationship bear the bright light of revelation? They trust each other, but can they trust those around them? Carol Ericson is a masterful teller of romantic suspense tales, and I highly recommend this thrilling, well-written series.

Book Copy Gratis Author

[Rosemary K · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Player is ramping up his reign of terror when he sends out the fourth copycat killer to terrorize the city. Jake and Kyra are ready. He won't escape justice. The Player's need to eliminate loose ends puts Kyra in more danger. Jake is determined to keep her safe. He now knows the secret Quinn has kept hidden for twenty years. Jake, also, understands why The Player has kept track of Kyra. I couldn't stop reading The Trap. The Player has gone too far! I had to know his identity. Kyra has dealt with so much. I wanted her to get the closure she needs. Now that she's found love with Jake, Kyra deserve a family and a happy future. The ending is shocking. I never saw it coming. Carol Ericson wrote an amazing series. It was suspenseful and scary. What a wild ride!
I received a copy of this book which I voluntarily read and reviewed. My comments are my honest opinion.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't want this to be the conclusion! This is a really well done series. I got to see Kara grow, use her brain and learn to trust. I totally love the way Jake and her tried to be honest in their relationship when all was going down in a handbasket. (Sorry but B&N stops anything that has a cuss or abbreviated cuss) I digress, I just knew who it was, I knew. I was wrong, she (author) merrily led me down red herring lane and I skipped along. Well done. No one is perfect, police are human too and the things we do in the name of love, I got your back Quinn. Could start a new series, about the precinct I would love to hear more about Lori and what about Cool Breeze's sister? Sigh, mystery, romance, suspense! Thank you so much for the arc!. I freely volunteer my thoughts and opinions.

[Valri Western · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have loved this series! Being able to follow the same characters through 4 books and one serial killer case was fabulous! All the twists and turns, the ups and downs, all came down to this final book. Each book was unique and added great layers but it really came to this book where the actual killer was revealed. I did figure out who it was about 3 chapters before it was revealed but the author did a great job of keeping the suspense and questions throughout the series. I hope we get more of these longer series that follow the same characters! I didn't want to say goodbye to Jake and Kyra! They were so great! Both of them changed a lot over the 4 books and made a great couple. However, the case was the main focus of the story and it was a great one.

[Belinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow just wow..This book had me saying Oh Crap several times. Kyra and Jake are still trying to bring The Player down. They have to deal with another minion along the way. Kyra is grieving and trying to come to terms with things going on. When the last copycat is taken down it is time to look for The Player and find him. Kyra decides to take some therapy to help her discover who it is...I have to say I had one guy on the police force picked up and was surprised that I was wrong.I was totally off base..But I finally figured it out about the time I am sure other readers did..this book was a fantastic ending to this great series!!

[Donna Hatridge · Rating 5 out of 5]

When a new copycat killer strikes, Jake and Kyra must turn up the heat on the investigation into who is behind these copycat murders. The twist and turns that are uncovered will put Kyra's life in danger and lead us to an unexpected revelation of just who The Player is. Intrigue, deception, and a broken rule. The romance between Jake and Kyra also heats up in this book. I have enjoyed reading all 4 books in this series and look forward to reading more from this author.

[Laurie Gommermann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exciting conclusion
Kyra and Jake are narrowing in on The Player as he starts to make mistakes. If you like a well written, unique story of a serial killer who escapes detection for over 20 years. Learn the connection between The Player and Kyra. Will he finally capture his only witness? Will she survive?

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an entertaining, well-written book. Kyra Chase and Detective Jake McAllister are after another copycat killer, as well as the mastermind. The stakes are higher than ever. A secret is revealed about Kyra and things become very personal. The book was fast-paced, held my interest and hard to put down. I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more books by this author.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spectacular ending to an intriguing 4 book series. Another copy cat killer in this one but it has more of a focus on the original killer. Book was well written, flowed smoothly and was hard to put down. I loved seeing how Kyra and Jake's relationship has grown over the 4 books.

[Valeri Sullivan (vsulvn29) · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘In with the butterflies, out with the bees.’

A thrilling and fitting end to the Kyra and Jake Investigation series. The Player is finally revealed in spectacular fashion with a HEA for the crime fighting duo I’ve grown really attached too!

[Colleen Coughlin]

This is a series of four titles. Each works as a stand alone BUT the entire series is worth the read as it enhances the reading experience. Good characters, nice romance, intriguing mysteries in each book.

[Harlequin Books]

Categories
Romantic Suspense, Crime Thriller, Police Procedural Mystery & Detective
Miniseries
A Kyra and Jake Investigation (Book #4)

[Harlequin Books]

Categories
Romantic Suspense, Crime Thriller, Police Procedural Mystery & Detective
Miniseries
A Kyra and Jake Investigation (Book #4)

[Margaret Denman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun read. Suspense and romance.

[Latesha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed the conclusion to this series. It had me guessing until the very end. I just wish a few more details had been explained in the story.

[KerryO · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great ending to an excellent series. The Player was well disguised until the very last pages!