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Benoit and Dayne Mystery #1
The Killer in Me
What price is too great to stop a killing spree?
Elizabeth Benoit ran for sheriff to wipe out the corruption in the good old boys network of Eckardt County, but she has yet to break in her shoes when a stranger’s body is found in a ravine. With her ex back in town, a new deputy detective on the edge of losing control, and a crooked ex-sheriff out for revenge, Elizabeth’s resources are stretched thin. And then the second body drops.
Fearing a serial killer on the loose, Elizabeth launches an investigation that lays bare more than one family secret: The Kauffmann matriarch is full of advice, but her progeny have a mean streak that leaves a path of destruction in their wake. The Meyer patriarch has his own agenda, and the Kauffmanns have been a thorn in his ambition for too long.
Elizabeth and her deputies are about to face off against odds that are not in their favor. Only one source can tip the scales, but will she sell her soul for his help?
Elizabeth Benoit ran for sheriff to wipe out the corruption in the good old boys network of Eckardt County, but she has yet to break in her shoes when a stranger’s body is found in a ravine. With her ex back in town, a new deputy detective on the edge of losing control, and a crooked ex-sheriff out for revenge, Elizabeth’s resources are stretched thin. And then the second body drops.
Fearing a serial killer on the loose, Elizabeth launches an investigation that lays bare more than one family secret: The Kauffmann matriarch is full of advice, but her progeny have a mean streak that leaves a path of destruction in their wake. The Meyer patriarch has his own agenda, and the Kauffmanns have been a thorn in his ambition for too long.
Elizabeth and her deputies are about to face off against odds that are not in their favor. Only one source can tip the scales, but will she sell her soul for his help?
356 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 14, 2021
580 people are currently reading
423 people want to read
About the author
Winter Austin
26 books246 followersAs a Note, I do not use AI in any way to write my books. Lots a sweat equity goes into my writing, not computer generated.
Winter Austin perpetually answers the question: “were you born in the winter?” with a flat “nope.” Having returned to her hometown, Winter has stepped into the chaotic world of a full-time wife, mom, author, and employee.
A lifelong Mid-West gal, Winter rediscovered her love of her beloved Iowa with its hot summers and snowy winters. She grew up listening to the captivating stories told by relatives around the table or a campfire. Since becoming a published author, she learned a mindset of a glass half-empty personality makes for a perfect suspense/thriller author. Taking her ability to verbally spin a vivid and detailed story, Winter translated that into writing deadly romantic thrillers. Combining her love of all things rural, agricultural, and military, she’s turned her small town life upside down.
Winter Austin perpetually answers the question: “were you born in the winter?” with a flat “nope.” Having returned to her hometown, Winter has stepped into the chaotic world of a full-time wife, mom, author, and employee.
A lifelong Mid-West gal, Winter rediscovered her love of her beloved Iowa with its hot summers and snowy winters. She grew up listening to the captivating stories told by relatives around the table or a campfire. Since becoming a published author, she learned a mindset of a glass half-empty personality makes for a perfect suspense/thriller author. Taking her ability to verbally spin a vivid and detailed story, Winter translated that into writing deadly romantic thrillers. Combining her love of all things rural, agricultural, and military, she’s turned her small town life upside down.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
June 27, 2023
An edge of your seat thrill ride that keeps you guessing all the way until the end. I absolutely enjoyed this book from page 1 until the conclusion. I cannot wait to read the next book in the series.
July 27, 2023
This is a fast-paced thriller but it's rather overcomplicated for me. There are a heck of a lot of secondary characters in it, when I think we should have had more focus on the two main female characters, who are both interesting enough to warrant that. There's also a lot of history of family feuds etc which muddied the waters. As usual with these thrillers one of the main characters has had something terrible happen to her to explain her move to a new part of the country (deep sigh - please, authors, think of other reasons why female characters need to move!), and this is a shame. However, all in all, an okay read but I don't think I'll be following the series.
July 10, 2021
Winter Austin is a first-rate suspense author, who uses skillful, twisty storytelling that will entertain readers to the very last page.
Read full review in the 2021 Summer issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2021 Summer issue of InD'tale Magazine.
August 18, 2023
THIS HAD WAY TOO MANY CHARACTERS WITH PERSONAL PROBLEMS, SO MANY PROBLEMS THAT THEY ALMOST OVERSHADOWED THE REST OF THE STORYLINE. WITH THE BIG CAST OF CHARACTERS TO KEEP UP WITH IT WAS CONFUSING AT TIMES. BUT EVEN WITH ALL THAT I FOUND IT VERY ENJOYABLE ANYWAY. ;D
August 29, 2021
Ms. Austin is an author that I have been following since I read her McIntire County Series and since then I have been reading all of her books. She’s a very talented writer her creativity along with her dialogue will entrap you until the end. This story has many characters that I had to make sure I remembered since it seemed that everyone was related to everyone and they all played a vital part.
In this first story Elizabeth “Ellie” Benoit was asked to run for Sheriff of Eckardt County by her ex-brother-in-law and the mayor for Three Points. There was so much corruption in the county starting with the current Sheriff. The first thing she does is clean house of the deputies that didn’t leave of their own free will. Now she is able to focus on cleaning Eckardt County but soon after the Sheriff has a homicide on her hands. Ellie is going to be hit with so many critical fires and many more homicides that she wonders what in the world she got herself into. I also wondered if she thought she made the right decision in being Sheriff but she’s not a woman that gives up easily and will trench through this battle with full gear on.
Lila Dayne was a homicide detective in Chicago and now she is ready to start a new beginning. She is a very talented detective and she is put to the test on her first day as a Deputy. It was evident that something horrific happened to her while in Chicago and her scarring was still healing physically, emotionally and mentally. She is also going to be tested with being somewhat open with the Sheriff and also with some of the deputies that she works with. Lila is going to have to learn quickly that the small town really doesn’t care for out of towners and especially with a battle between two major families, Meyers and Kauffmann. There is one Deputy that she does take under her wing she might now want to get close to anyone just in case she has to move to another city, county or state. I loved seeing how she was able to take control of certain situations but at the same time she still needed time to heal mentally and emotionally.
Ex-Sheriff Kelley Sheehan was crooked as they came but his days of being Sheriff are over. There is only one thing about this whole ordeal, what exactly is he guilty of. There are 4 current deaths and one attempted murder that Sheriff Benoit and her deputies are investigating. I was trying to figure out how these cases had to do with the ex-Sheriff and as I continued reading the pieces started to fall into place but there were a couple of questions I had as they were unfolding. How did an unsolved death and the feud of two families have anything to do with the current events? Kelley was a man that was arrogant and thought he was untouchable but sooner or later everyone will fall.
I know that Ellie had her reserve about hiring Dayne thought maybe she wasn’t ready to be investigating this type of events so soon after what she went through. Her fellow co-workers also have their reservation of Deputy Dayne but she proves them that no matter what she has good instincts and is able to dissect a situation with her superior expertise. The Sheriff station is going to go through so many up and downs but as long as they work together and communicate everything that is happening, they will be able to solve these crimes. They will be able to finally arrest the people that are involved with the murders and other crimes.
The Killer in Me, Benoit and Dayne Mystery Series, is an excellent read that I enjoyed immensely. This storyline was solved within 4 days so be prepared to have action packed pages that will blow your mind away. Sorry again I will warn you to become familiar with all the characters because they all play a particular part in this story. I can’t wait to read what Ms. Winter has in store in her next book in this series, Hush, My Darling.
Received ARC from the author in exchange for an Honest Review
In this first story Elizabeth “Ellie” Benoit was asked to run for Sheriff of Eckardt County by her ex-brother-in-law and the mayor for Three Points. There was so much corruption in the county starting with the current Sheriff. The first thing she does is clean house of the deputies that didn’t leave of their own free will. Now she is able to focus on cleaning Eckardt County but soon after the Sheriff has a homicide on her hands. Ellie is going to be hit with so many critical fires and many more homicides that she wonders what in the world she got herself into. I also wondered if she thought she made the right decision in being Sheriff but she’s not a woman that gives up easily and will trench through this battle with full gear on.
Lila Dayne was a homicide detective in Chicago and now she is ready to start a new beginning. She is a very talented detective and she is put to the test on her first day as a Deputy. It was evident that something horrific happened to her while in Chicago and her scarring was still healing physically, emotionally and mentally. She is also going to be tested with being somewhat open with the Sheriff and also with some of the deputies that she works with. Lila is going to have to learn quickly that the small town really doesn’t care for out of towners and especially with a battle between two major families, Meyers and Kauffmann. There is one Deputy that she does take under her wing she might now want to get close to anyone just in case she has to move to another city, county or state. I loved seeing how she was able to take control of certain situations but at the same time she still needed time to heal mentally and emotionally.
Ex-Sheriff Kelley Sheehan was crooked as they came but his days of being Sheriff are over. There is only one thing about this whole ordeal, what exactly is he guilty of. There are 4 current deaths and one attempted murder that Sheriff Benoit and her deputies are investigating. I was trying to figure out how these cases had to do with the ex-Sheriff and as I continued reading the pieces started to fall into place but there were a couple of questions I had as they were unfolding. How did an unsolved death and the feud of two families have anything to do with the current events? Kelley was a man that was arrogant and thought he was untouchable but sooner or later everyone will fall.
I know that Ellie had her reserve about hiring Dayne thought maybe she wasn’t ready to be investigating this type of events so soon after what she went through. Her fellow co-workers also have their reservation of Deputy Dayne but she proves them that no matter what she has good instincts and is able to dissect a situation with her superior expertise. The Sheriff station is going to go through so many up and downs but as long as they work together and communicate everything that is happening, they will be able to solve these crimes. They will be able to finally arrest the people that are involved with the murders and other crimes.
The Killer in Me, Benoit and Dayne Mystery Series, is an excellent read that I enjoyed immensely. This storyline was solved within 4 days so be prepared to have action packed pages that will blow your mind away. Sorry again I will warn you to become familiar with all the characters because they all play a particular part in this story. I can’t wait to read what Ms. Winter has in store in her next book in this series, Hush, My Darling.
Received ARC from the author in exchange for an Honest Review
September 13, 2023
I found the basic story was quite interesting, but it kept getting pushed aside by all of the other distracting side stories that were constantly taking place. It would have been better to have more focus on the main story line.
January 7, 2026
4.5 stars rounded up
the first in a series we are met with the newly appointed sheriff Elizabeth Benoit, some are relieved while others refuse the let go of the old and let in someone else...but the corruption that Sheehan drug the town through was something the majority of the people couldn't overlook anymore. What Elizabeth doesnt know is that as soon as she becomes sheriff her whole world will upend. First with most of the department walking in solidarity to Sheehan then with a string of calls about an abandoned house...and finally a body then another...both unidentified by anyone in the department. With the opening of a new factory they embark on the new employees there to see if it may be one of them. Then another body is found. This isn't a coincidence the closer Elizabeth gets the more corrupt it seems and tied to a long withstanding family feud, and her newly appointed deputy fights the urge to lose it all after leaving a very bad situation...what will come of Elizabeth and Lila?
the first in a series we are met with the newly appointed sheriff Elizabeth Benoit, some are relieved while others refuse the let go of the old and let in someone else...but the corruption that Sheehan drug the town through was something the majority of the people couldn't overlook anymore. What Elizabeth doesnt know is that as soon as she becomes sheriff her whole world will upend. First with most of the department walking in solidarity to Sheehan then with a string of calls about an abandoned house...and finally a body then another...both unidentified by anyone in the department. With the opening of a new factory they embark on the new employees there to see if it may be one of them. Then another body is found. This isn't a coincidence the closer Elizabeth gets the more corrupt it seems and tied to a long withstanding family feud, and her newly appointed deputy fights the urge to lose it all after leaving a very bad situation...what will come of Elizabeth and Lila?
March 2, 2023
Rating: 5 Stars!!
Review:
Thank you to Travelling Page Tours for sending me this FREE E-Copy to review for them before the launch of Book 3's Book Tour next week!! This was only my 2nd time reading a Mystery Novel/Series by Winter Austin so i kind of knew what to expect which this series is so far my FAVORITE of hers.
The Characters were still so interesting and enjoyable to read about. Elizabeth Benoit is definately my favorite by far.
The Setting was beautifully described which made me feel like i was actually in the book while reading, especially when the scenery was described.
Overall another Phenomenal Book in this Suspense Series by Winter!! Can't wait to read Book 3 very soon!!
Review:
Thank you to Travelling Page Tours for sending me this FREE E-Copy to review for them before the launch of Book 3's Book Tour next week!! This was only my 2nd time reading a Mystery Novel/Series by Winter Austin so i kind of knew what to expect which this series is so far my FAVORITE of hers.
The Characters were still so interesting and enjoyable to read about. Elizabeth Benoit is definately my favorite by far.
The Setting was beautifully described which made me feel like i was actually in the book while reading, especially when the scenery was described.
Overall another Phenomenal Book in this Suspense Series by Winter!! Can't wait to read Book 3 very soon!!
February 22, 2023
The Killer in Me
by Winter Austin
4.5 stars
Elizabeth aka Ellie Benoit ran for sheriff to get the good old boys out of Eckardt County but even before she can settle in a body is found. In this small-town Ellie has obstacles left and right and she decided to bring a deputy from Chicago named Lila. Ellie is determined to find out who murdered the first one but as they get closer more bodies start dropping. Ellie has a big puzzle to figure out with her trusty deputies to help.
This book will keep you guessing who did it and keeps throwing twists in, you end up meeting a handful of characters that have a big part in all of it.
Super-fast-paced, I got a little lost at one point because I felt like it just kept going boom here's this and oh what this and this and just kept throwing. In the end, it wrapped itself up in a cute little bow and made me smile at how it all came together in the end. With twists and turns and different characters popping up it is sure to give you a run. Pay attention maybe take notes, I need to reread again just to make sure I got certain characters right then on to the second.
by Winter Austin
4.5 stars
Elizabeth aka Ellie Benoit ran for sheriff to get the good old boys out of Eckardt County but even before she can settle in a body is found. In this small-town Ellie has obstacles left and right and she decided to bring a deputy from Chicago named Lila. Ellie is determined to find out who murdered the first one but as they get closer more bodies start dropping. Ellie has a big puzzle to figure out with her trusty deputies to help.
This book will keep you guessing who did it and keeps throwing twists in, you end up meeting a handful of characters that have a big part in all of it.
Super-fast-paced, I got a little lost at one point because I felt like it just kept going boom here's this and oh what this and this and just kept throwing. In the end, it wrapped itself up in a cute little bow and made me smile at how it all came together in the end. With twists and turns and different characters popping up it is sure to give you a run. Pay attention maybe take notes, I need to reread again just to make sure I got certain characters right then on to the second.
June 18, 2023
The Killer in Me is a crime thriller that is suspenseful and engrossing. The story is told in third person POV and is intense, thrilling, gritty. It is a chilling tale of murder, mayhem, vengeance and mystery that will have you sitting on the edge of your seat and turning on all the lights. The cast of characters are complex and likeable or not.
Grab a copy because you don’t want to miss out. Prepare to be enthralled by Winter’s writing skills.
Grab a copy because you don’t want to miss out. Prepare to be enthralled by Winter’s writing skills.
March 2, 2023
Thank you Travelling Pages tours and the author for providing me with a digital copy of this book!
I really enjoyed this book. It was a quick and easy read and I really enjoyed the story line. I like there is more than one character and they play an equal part of importance.
There was a lot of characters introduced in this book so it took me a while to remember who everyone was and was having a hard time keeping up with who was who.
Overall, this was a great crime solving mystery and I’m excited to read the next one.
I really enjoyed this book. It was a quick and easy read and I really enjoyed the story line. I like there is more than one character and they play an equal part of importance.
There was a lot of characters introduced in this book so it took me a while to remember who everyone was and was having a hard time keeping up with who was who.
Overall, this was a great crime solving mystery and I’m excited to read the next one.
September 9, 2025
The Killer in Me is a story of a woman that gets elected as the sheriff of a small town. She has no excuse for the job and is replacing a long time sheriff who did not appear to be honest. She is quickly drawn into a series of murders. She must solve the cases and find the link to how the cases are related. The story is well done and is an enjoyed read..
August 1, 2024
This book....
Was like watching a really good movie! It had my rapt attention! Characters were intense, and the plot was beyond simple.... so complex. Loved the pace of the story. Looking forward to reading another by this author.
Was like watching a really good movie! It had my rapt attention! Characters were intense, and the plot was beyond simple.... so complex. Loved the pace of the story. Looking forward to reading another by this author.
July 3, 2023
A killer tale
Great characters throughout this fast paced tale with twists and turns guaranteed to maintain the readers interest from b the first word to the last.
Great characters throughout this fast paced tale with twists and turns guaranteed to maintain the readers interest from b the first word to the last.
October 19, 2024
Darn good reading
Good read
Good characters.
Nice story.
Sequel might be better.
Hopeful reading is good
Not a bad series to read at the beach
Good read
Good characters.
Nice story.
Sequel might be better.
Hopeful reading is good
Not a bad series to read at the beach
June 21, 2023
Hooked me from the start
The Killer In Me is a stand alone crime thriller that hooked me right away! Newly elected sheriff determined to clean up the corruption left by her predecessors along with a new but experienced investigator both fighting to establish their roles. Strong and determined, they make a good team. Right away, they have a murder of a young girl dumped in their laps.
The action is non-stop, but believable, takes place over a few days, not like the “hour” in the TV shows. Introduction of many characters was a little confusing but coming from a small town, totally relatable.
Will definitely be looking for some more works by this author.
The Killer In Me is a stand alone crime thriller that hooked me right away! Newly elected sheriff determined to clean up the corruption left by her predecessors along with a new but experienced investigator both fighting to establish their roles. Strong and determined, they make a good team. Right away, they have a murder of a young girl dumped in their laps.
The action is non-stop, but believable, takes place over a few days, not like the “hour” in the TV shows. Introduction of many characters was a little confusing but coming from a small town, totally relatable.
Will definitely be looking for some more works by this author.
September 3, 2023
A Really Good Book
I enjoyed reading this book and felt the premise was true to life with likeable characters.. Good character development and ending.
I enjoyed reading this book and felt the premise was true to life with likeable characters.. Good character development and ending.
June 22, 2023
Captivating Story
It is well written and it kept my attention to the end. Her use of language is excellent and the story is an easy read.
It is well written and it kept my attention to the end. Her use of language is excellent and the story is an easy read.
June 20, 2023
Great story
Really enjoyed the development of the story. It was really great getting to know the character s and the issues with each one.
Really enjoyed the development of the story. It was really great getting to know the character s and the issues with each one.
June 20, 2023
Loved this book!
Great cast of characters, with a new sheriff in town, family feuds, a new deputy investigator with her own secret backstory. Can't wait to read the next book!
Great cast of characters, with a new sheriff in town, family feuds, a new deputy investigator with her own secret backstory. Can't wait to read the next book!
August 11, 2023
Interesting enough to have me ready to check out book two
The book started off slowly and I wasn’t sure I really liked any of the main characters. I stuck with it and things picked up well in the end with an exciting climactic moment and good twist in the mystery. I’m hopeful with some basics established the next book will move better.
The story arc pace is uneven and some scenes are unnecessarily convoluted. Once we get into the meat of the crime story the intensity and interest picked up. There are still threads left dangling and some plot points don’t make sense. Maybe book two will hold some answers.
The book started off slowly and I wasn’t sure I really liked any of the main characters. I stuck with it and things picked up well in the end with an exciting climactic moment and good twist in the mystery. I’m hopeful with some basics established the next book will move better.
The story arc pace is uneven and some scenes are unnecessarily convoluted. Once we get into the meat of the crime story the intensity and interest picked up. There are still threads left dangling and some plot points don’t make sense. Maybe book two will hold some answers.
August 15, 2023
Awesome!
Great beginning to a procedural series. Lots of plot twists, but they are believable. The cast of characters are fully developed, with lots of depth. The bad guys aren't stereotypes; they are real people. I look forward to reading more of this series.
Great beginning to a procedural series. Lots of plot twists, but they are believable. The cast of characters are fully developed, with lots of depth. The bad guys aren't stereotypes; they are real people. I look forward to reading more of this series.
September 12, 2023
Who!
Very good read , but the names ! I had to resort to writing them down like a family tree. Apart from that good storyline and liked the characters . Kept me reading when I should have been cleaning.
Very good read , but the names ! I had to resort to writing them down like a family tree. Apart from that good storyline and liked the characters . Kept me reading when I should have been cleaning.
November 15, 2023
A very intriguing story
Lots of overlapping and conflicting information on this story. It was a difficult mystery to unravel. I will definitely read more from this author.
Lots of overlapping and conflicting information on this story. It was a difficult mystery to unravel. I will definitely read more from this author.
September 15, 2021
4.25stars--THE KILLER IN ME is the first instalment in Winter Austin’s contemporary, adult BENOIT AND DAYNE MYSTERY murder, suspense series focusing on small-town Sheriff Elizabeth “Ellie’ Benoit, and former Chicago police officer Lila Dayne.
Told from third person perspective THE KILLER IN ME focuses on a series of murders in the small town of Eckardt County, murders in the wake of the ousting of a corrupt police department. Elizabeth Benoit’s return to Eckardt County comes with the new position of sheriff, a position in which she is hoping to dismantle years of corruption at the hands of the former people in charge but when several bodies begin surfacing in and around Elizabeth’s jurisdiction, Elizabeth needs all hands on deck in an effort to take down a potential serial killer, taking aim at the people she has sworn to protect.
Meanwhile, former Chicago PD police officer Lila Dayne, arrives in town just in time to jump head first into the first of four murder investigations but informing the families pushes Lila over the edge, bringing with it memories she won’t soon forget. Struggling to move on from a past without any closure, hoping for a much slower pace than her previous assignment, Lila’s ongoing pain and physical reminders, are too often at the forefront on her current investigation,
THE KILLER IN ME introduces the players in Winter Austin’s Benoit and Dayne Mystery series: Sheriff Elizabeth Benoit, Deputy Lila Dayne, Deputy Rafe Fontaine, Deputy Ben Fitzgerald, Deputy Brent Meyer, and Deputy Kyle Lundquist, as well as Elizabeth’s ex-husband, Delta force specialist Joel Fontaine, ME Dr. Olivia Remington-Thorpe, and former Eckardt County Sheriff Kelley Sheehan. The requisite evil has many faces.
Winter Austin pulls the reader into a complex story of betrayal and vengeance, power and control, murder, mayhem, greed and extreme dysfunctional family dynamics. The premise is intriguing, haunting, twisted and tragic; the characters are impassioned and determined. We learn some of the history between Elizabeth, her ex-husband Joel, and his brother Rafe, as well as a little bit about the past events that forced Lila from Chicago to Eckardt County, a past that is likely to follow Lila wherever she goes.
www.thereadingcafe.com
Told from third person perspective THE KILLER IN ME focuses on a series of murders in the small town of Eckardt County, murders in the wake of the ousting of a corrupt police department. Elizabeth Benoit’s return to Eckardt County comes with the new position of sheriff, a position in which she is hoping to dismantle years of corruption at the hands of the former people in charge but when several bodies begin surfacing in and around Elizabeth’s jurisdiction, Elizabeth needs all hands on deck in an effort to take down a potential serial killer, taking aim at the people she has sworn to protect.
Meanwhile, former Chicago PD police officer Lila Dayne, arrives in town just in time to jump head first into the first of four murder investigations but informing the families pushes Lila over the edge, bringing with it memories she won’t soon forget. Struggling to move on from a past without any closure, hoping for a much slower pace than her previous assignment, Lila’s ongoing pain and physical reminders, are too often at the forefront on her current investigation,
THE KILLER IN ME introduces the players in Winter Austin’s Benoit and Dayne Mystery series: Sheriff Elizabeth Benoit, Deputy Lila Dayne, Deputy Rafe Fontaine, Deputy Ben Fitzgerald, Deputy Brent Meyer, and Deputy Kyle Lundquist, as well as Elizabeth’s ex-husband, Delta force specialist Joel Fontaine, ME Dr. Olivia Remington-Thorpe, and former Eckardt County Sheriff Kelley Sheehan. The requisite evil has many faces.
Winter Austin pulls the reader into a complex story of betrayal and vengeance, power and control, murder, mayhem, greed and extreme dysfunctional family dynamics. The premise is intriguing, haunting, twisted and tragic; the characters are impassioned and determined. We learn some of the history between Elizabeth, her ex-husband Joel, and his brother Rafe, as well as a little bit about the past events that forced Lila from Chicago to Eckardt County, a past that is likely to follow Lila wherever she goes.
www.thereadingcafe.com
September 13, 2021
Winter Austin is a new to me to read author but she won’t stay that way. For me or for you if you pick up the first book in the Benoit and Dayne Mystery, The Killer in Me. This author is now on my TBR list with hoping the next book is published sooner rather than later.
Elizabeth Benoit is excellent as the newly elected Sheriff of Eckardt County. Who knew that the heartland of America was so full of corruption along with wheat and corn? She has her work cut out for her she thinks but all in the community are unprepared for the young murder victim that is found. From there the story only accelerates. Since the murder is solved in less a\than a week the action nonstop. However, it is done in a manner that is believable in police procedure.
Lila Dayne joins the department the first day relocating from Chicago. She has a story to tell of her own but the author holds back much of her past. The bit and pieces that are revealed make this an intriguing character. She is one of many interesting characters who all are connected in ways that she isn’t yet. The character and community study is as a compelling part of the story as the murder investigation.
I stayed up way to late to finish this book, finding that I could be surprised, maybe more than the Sheriff was when all the pieces fell into place and the culprits are caught. Now I am off to see what other books has written. Action, suspense, police story fans should not miss The Killer in Me.
An ARC of the book was given to me by Tule Publishing which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Elizabeth Benoit is excellent as the newly elected Sheriff of Eckardt County. Who knew that the heartland of America was so full of corruption along with wheat and corn? She has her work cut out for her she thinks but all in the community are unprepared for the young murder victim that is found. From there the story only accelerates. Since the murder is solved in less a\than a week the action nonstop. However, it is done in a manner that is believable in police procedure.
Lila Dayne joins the department the first day relocating from Chicago. She has a story to tell of her own but the author holds back much of her past. The bit and pieces that are revealed make this an intriguing character. She is one of many interesting characters who all are connected in ways that she isn’t yet. The character and community study is as a compelling part of the story as the murder investigation.
I stayed up way to late to finish this book, finding that I could be surprised, maybe more than the Sheriff was when all the pieces fell into place and the culprits are caught. Now I am off to see what other books has written. Action, suspense, police story fans should not miss The Killer in Me.
An ARC of the book was given to me by Tule Publishing which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
October 22, 2025
2.5. Fair character development but confusing family feud ("he's a third cousin") until about page 300, and then I gave up. A witness tells the sheriff that a earlier a homicide victim got in a car with a male when it was expected to be a female. And that was it! The cops just let him go. Not a single question. Was he old, young, heavy, thin? What race? Yes, you want to save for later who the surprise culprit is but that was ridiculous. Write yourself out of it partway: Witness says, "I couldn't really see him because of sun glare on the windshield, only his hands on the wheel. But they were definitely male." A reader might forgive a lack of questions then: "What race? Strong hands of a worker or thin hands of teen?" The whole situation was unbelievable for a so-called experienced investigator from the big city. I did skip to the end to see who was guilty; even then I wasn't sure who was who since there were so many characters. So, the author lost me and I won't be carrying on with the series.
October 17, 2021
What a cracking start to what promises to be an intense series!
The Killer in Me is easy to get in to and hard to put down. I put everything on hold to keep reading and I don't regret it. There's mystery, murder and surprises, which always gets my vote, not to mention corruption and long standing fueds. I'd love to say I guessed everything straight away but I didn't, I had suspicions though (changed my mind a few times too!)
It's good to see some strong female characters. Sheriff Elizabeth Benoit and Deputy Lila Dayne form a good relationship and both show strength when needed.
This could possibly be read as a standalone but there are unanswered questions for Lila.
I'd class this as an adult read, one to have a cozy evening in with.
The Killer in Me is easy to get in to and hard to put down. I put everything on hold to keep reading and I don't regret it. There's mystery, murder and surprises, which always gets my vote, not to mention corruption and long standing fueds. I'd love to say I guessed everything straight away but I didn't, I had suspicions though (changed my mind a few times too!)
It's good to see some strong female characters. Sheriff Elizabeth Benoit and Deputy Lila Dayne form a good relationship and both show strength when needed.
This could possibly be read as a standalone but there are unanswered questions for Lila.
I'd class this as an adult read, one to have a cozy evening in with.
April 27, 2024
The Killer in Me ~ Benoit and Dayne Mystery #1 by Winter Austin
New author to me whom I found via Booksprout and this is my honest review.
Eckardt County is looking for a new sheriff, and Elizabeth Benoit wants to run for sheriff to wipe out the corruption that's in town.
A fast-paced mystery that keeps you hooked from the very first page, this book kept me engaged throughout.
I do recommend this book to all.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
New author to me whom I found via Booksprout and this is my honest review.
Eckardt County is looking for a new sheriff, and Elizabeth Benoit wants to run for sheriff to wipe out the corruption that's in town.
A fast-paced mystery that keeps you hooked from the very first page, this book kept me engaged throughout.
I do recommend this book to all.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 30, 2023
This is book 1 in a psychological mystery series, Benoit and Dayne. Elizabeth runs for sheriff in her home town because the good old boys network has become corrupt and unlawful. Soon after the election they find a dead woman near town and it involves two prominent families. Elizabeth and her deputies are about to face off against odds that are not in their favor. Only one source can tip the scales, but will she sell her soul for his help?
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