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CSI Reilly Steel #2
VICTIM
Read the clues. Decode the science. Reveal the murderer.
That's Reilly Steel's mantra. Find the answers, solve the crime. But the Quantico-trained forensic investigator is finding her skills aren't enough when a ferociously intelligent killer strikes Dublin.
The modus operandi is as perplexing as it is macabre. What connects the two seemingly disparate, high-profile victims?
Their corpses refuse to give up their secrets and the crime scenes prove a forensic investigator's worst nightmare. Reilly soon suspects that she may be dealing with a killer - or killers - who know all about crime scene investigation.
The police are just as frustrated by the crimes' impenetrable nature and it's only when a third murder occurs - equally graphic and elaborate in its execution - that they discover that this particular killer is using a very specific blueprint for his crimes.
Who is the killer's next victim, the real target? And what's his endgame?
That's Reilly Steel's mantra. Find the answers, solve the crime. But the Quantico-trained forensic investigator is finding her skills aren't enough when a ferociously intelligent killer strikes Dublin.
The modus operandi is as perplexing as it is macabre. What connects the two seemingly disparate, high-profile victims?
Their corpses refuse to give up their secrets and the crime scenes prove a forensic investigator's worst nightmare. Reilly soon suspects that she may be dealing with a killer - or killers - who know all about crime scene investigation.
The police are just as frustrated by the crimes' impenetrable nature and it's only when a third murder occurs - equally graphic and elaborate in its execution - that they discover that this particular killer is using a very specific blueprint for his crimes.
Who is the killer's next victim, the real target? And what's his endgame?
398 pages, Paperback
First published November 30, 2012
1958 people are currently reading
1556 people want to read
About the author
Casey Hill
31 books292 followersCasey Hill is the pseudonym of USA Today bestselling husband and wife writing team, Kevin and Melissa Hill. They live in Ireland.
CSI Reilly Steel series:
#1 SERIAL (aka TABOO)
#2 INFERNO
#3 HIDDEN
#4 THE WATCHED
#5 CRIME SCENE
#6 TRACE
#7 AFTERMATH
#8 ENDGAME
#9 FALLOUT (coming 2021)
Subscribe to the mailing list. Enter the following link into your browser to be notified of new Casey Hill releases: http://eepurl.com/FFE2D
www.facebook.com/caseyhillbooks
www.twitter.com/caseyhillbooks
CSI Reilly Steel series:
#1 SERIAL (aka TABOO)
#2 INFERNO
#3 HIDDEN
#4 THE WATCHED
#5 CRIME SCENE
#6 TRACE
#7 AFTERMATH
#8 ENDGAME
#9 FALLOUT (coming 2021)
Subscribe to the mailing list. Enter the following link into your browser to be notified of new Casey Hill releases: http://eepurl.com/FFE2D
www.facebook.com/caseyhillbooks
www.twitter.com/caseyhillbooks
Ratings & Reviews
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 192 reviews
August 26, 2015
This is the second in the series about forensic specialist, Reilly Steel, and it is every bit as good as the first. There are some VERY gruesome deaths in this one and some descriptions (especially the one with the maggots) should not be read at meal times. My mother always said you should not read while you are eating and now I know why. The story is good and it races to a very exciting climax. The characters are interesting and realistic and the authors produce some good entertaining dialogue for them. So it was all good and I have the next book already listed TBR soon.
August 17, 2015
Now Titled "INFERNO" “The darkest places in hell are reserved for those who maintain their neutrality in times of moral crisis. - Dante Alighieri – The Comedy
I have found myself a little jewel in an author who has been around for a while, but I hadn’t had the good fortune to come across previously. Casey Hill’s CSI Reilly Steel is an honestly strong female character. No running around with guns or knives, kicking bad-guy’s behinds. Instead, Reilly is smart, dedicated, and determined, willing to work until she finds the solution to the crimes she investigates. And this crime is going to require all her dedication if she is going to be able to help detectives Chris Delaney and Pete Kennedy solve this convoluted crime.
It begins in a rather horrific manner. The body of a well-known, and well-hated, journalist is found drowned in his own septic tank. Then, as more bodies pile up, all murdered in brutal and horrific ways, Dublin goes into a panic. Who will The Punisher, as the papers are calling him, attack next? I what brutal manner will they die? One thing Reilly knows is that the murderer is absolutely meticulous. Absolutely organized. And something is so, so familiar about the scenes he so methodically designs. But what is it?
Reilly is a great character. A former California surfer girl and previous FBI ERT (Evidence Response Team) Team Leader out of the San Francisco office. She has moved to Dublin, Ireland to bring the GFU, the Garda Forensic Unit, in Dublin, up to date on sorely outdated forensic procedures. Of course, being American, and female at that, doesn’t go over well with the previous GFU leader, but be that as it may, she holds her head up and does spectacular work, no matter the idiotic behavior of some of her coworkers. She is the reason I will continue reading these stories – she is multi-layered and strong, and yet kind to everyone around her. Lovely.
The story is fast paced, wickedly clever, and a well-researched police procedural. Reilly is finally getting to know her colleagues, Delaney and Kennedy, and it is interesting to watch them begin to grow their relationships, both professionally and as possible friends. It is a well-rounded tale. This is the second in the series technically, though there is a “Volume 0” – Crime Scene: CSI Reilly Steel Prequel so technically it is the third. I hope to find the time (and money, of course) to be able to read them all. My only complaint? The editing is terrible so be prepared.
I have found myself a little jewel in an author who has been around for a while, but I hadn’t had the good fortune to come across previously. Casey Hill’s CSI Reilly Steel is an honestly strong female character. No running around with guns or knives, kicking bad-guy’s behinds. Instead, Reilly is smart, dedicated, and determined, willing to work until she finds the solution to the crimes she investigates. And this crime is going to require all her dedication if she is going to be able to help detectives Chris Delaney and Pete Kennedy solve this convoluted crime.
It begins in a rather horrific manner. The body of a well-known, and well-hated, journalist is found drowned in his own septic tank. Then, as more bodies pile up, all murdered in brutal and horrific ways, Dublin goes into a panic. Who will The Punisher, as the papers are calling him, attack next? I what brutal manner will they die? One thing Reilly knows is that the murderer is absolutely meticulous. Absolutely organized. And something is so, so familiar about the scenes he so methodically designs. But what is it?
Reilly is a great character. A former California surfer girl and previous FBI ERT (Evidence Response Team) Team Leader out of the San Francisco office. She has moved to Dublin, Ireland to bring the GFU, the Garda Forensic Unit, in Dublin, up to date on sorely outdated forensic procedures. Of course, being American, and female at that, doesn’t go over well with the previous GFU leader, but be that as it may, she holds her head up and does spectacular work, no matter the idiotic behavior of some of her coworkers. She is the reason I will continue reading these stories – she is multi-layered and strong, and yet kind to everyone around her. Lovely.
The story is fast paced, wickedly clever, and a well-researched police procedural. Reilly is finally getting to know her colleagues, Delaney and Kennedy, and it is interesting to watch them begin to grow their relationships, both professionally and as possible friends. It is a well-rounded tale. This is the second in the series technically, though there is a “Volume 0” – Crime Scene: CSI Reilly Steel Prequel so technically it is the third. I hope to find the time (and money, of course) to be able to read them all. My only complaint? The editing is terrible so be prepared.
August 17, 2015
“The darkest places in hell are reserved for those who maintain their neutrality in times of moral crisis." - Dante Alighieri – The Comedy
I have found myself a little jewel in an author who has been around for a while, but I hadn’t had the good fortune to come across previously. Casey Hill’s CSI Reilly Steel is an honestly strong female character. No running around with guns or knives, kicking bad-guy’s behinds. Instead, Reilly is smart, dedicated, and determined, willing to work until she finds the solution to the crimes she investigates. And this crime is going to require all her dedication if she is going to be able to help detectives Chris Delaney and Pete Kennedy solve this convoluted crime.
It begins in a rather horrific manner. The body of a well-known, and well-hated, journalist is found drowned in his own septic tank. Then, as more bodies pile up, all murdered in brutal and horrific ways, Dublin goes into a panic. Who will The Punisher, as the papers are calling him, attack next? I what brutal manner will they die? One thing Reilly knows is that the murderer is absolutely meticulous. Absolutely organized. And something is so, so familiar about the scenes he so methodically designs. But what is it?
Reilly is a great character. A former California surfer girl and previous FBI ERT (Evidence Response Team) Team Leader out of the San Francisco office. She has moved to Dublin, Ireland to bring the GFU, the Garda Forensic Unit, in Dublin, up to date on sorely outdated forensic procedures. Of course, being American, and female at that, doesn’t go over well with the previous GFU leader, but be that as it may, she holds her head up and does spectacular work, no matter the idiotic behavior of some of her coworkers. She is the reason I will continue reading these stories – she is multi-layered and strong, and yet kind to everyone around her. Lovely.
The story is fast paced, wickedly clever, and a well-researched police procedural. Reilly is finally getting to know her colleagues, Delaney and Kennedy, and it is interesting to watch them begin to grow their relationships, both professionally and as possible friends. It is a well-rounded tale. This is the second in the series technically, though there is a “Volume 0” – Crime Scene: CSI Reilly Steel Prequel so technically it is the third. I hope to find the time (and money, of course) to be able to read them all. My only complaint? The editing is terrible so be prepared.
I have found myself a little jewel in an author who has been around for a while, but I hadn’t had the good fortune to come across previously. Casey Hill’s CSI Reilly Steel is an honestly strong female character. No running around with guns or knives, kicking bad-guy’s behinds. Instead, Reilly is smart, dedicated, and determined, willing to work until she finds the solution to the crimes she investigates. And this crime is going to require all her dedication if she is going to be able to help detectives Chris Delaney and Pete Kennedy solve this convoluted crime.
It begins in a rather horrific manner. The body of a well-known, and well-hated, journalist is found drowned in his own septic tank. Then, as more bodies pile up, all murdered in brutal and horrific ways, Dublin goes into a panic. Who will The Punisher, as the papers are calling him, attack next? I what brutal manner will they die? One thing Reilly knows is that the murderer is absolutely meticulous. Absolutely organized. And something is so, so familiar about the scenes he so methodically designs. But what is it?
Reilly is a great character. A former California surfer girl and previous FBI ERT (Evidence Response Team) Team Leader out of the San Francisco office. She has moved to Dublin, Ireland to bring the GFU, the Garda Forensic Unit, in Dublin, up to date on sorely outdated forensic procedures. Of course, being American, and female at that, doesn’t go over well with the previous GFU leader, but be that as it may, she holds her head up and does spectacular work, no matter the idiotic behavior of some of her coworkers. She is the reason I will continue reading these stories – she is multi-layered and strong, and yet kind to everyone around her. Lovely.
The story is fast paced, wickedly clever, and a well-researched police procedural. Reilly is finally getting to know her colleagues, Delaney and Kennedy, and it is interesting to watch them begin to grow their relationships, both professionally and as possible friends. It is a well-rounded tale. This is the second in the series technically, though there is a “Volume 0” – Crime Scene: CSI Reilly Steel Prequel so technically it is the third. I hope to find the time (and money, of course) to be able to read them all. My only complaint? The editing is terrible so be prepared.
January 25, 2018
Reilly Steel's mantra, "Read the clues. Decode the science. Reveal the murderer" is easier said than done. Reilly, her GFU (Dublin's version of CSI) team, and detectives Christ Delaney and Pete Kennedy (introduced in book one) are mired in several grotesque murders with no clues and very limited scientific evidence. The police hierarchy and the press are clamoring for answers. Enter flamboyant Rueben Knight, a profiler imported from London, who sees that the crime scenes are similar to scenes from Dante's Inferno. Bodies are piling up, who's next?
This is the second book in the series and includes enough details from the first one to make it stand alone. But the personal details about Gorman (Reilly's boss) and Delaney give a deeper understanding of the personality and behavior of those two. I'm becoming quite fond of Reilly, Chris, Pete, and Lucy.
No sex
Some gruesome details about the crime scenes
This is the second book in the series and includes enough details from the first one to make it stand alone. But the personal details about Gorman (Reilly's boss) and Delaney give a deeper understanding of the personality and behavior of those two. I'm becoming quite fond of Reilly, Chris, Pete, and Lucy.
No sex
Some gruesome details about the crime scenes
August 6, 2018
Another good read in the series
December 14, 2020
4 Stars
Torn (CSI Reilly Steel, #2) by Casey Hill...
I am really enjoying this series.
Full Review to come...
Torn (CSI Reilly Steel, #2) by Casey Hill...
I am really enjoying this series.
Full Review to come...
December 6, 2018
Eventhough pretty straightforward crime solving, it is still good, especially how the persons involved were being killed
February 3, 2013
A good follow up to 'Taboo', with a creepy, smart killer, a seemingly unrelated series of shocking and brutal deaths, and some cool forensic stuff. Reilly Steel is an interesting character who is smart and attractive but not perfect, and she refreshingly lacks the bitchy attitude a lot of writers seem to attribute to women working in or with the police - she's tough but she doesn't feel the need to 'prove' herself or bust the balls of the men around her (instead she deals with the difficult ones by either playing diplomat or teasing them). Chris Delaney gets a lot more personal development in this book, and we finally get to find out what it is that was causing him the tremors and pain in 'Taboo', as well as learning that he has some painful memories in his past. Kennedy is more likeable and less brusque than in 'Taboo' (it would seem Reilly and Chris have tamed him somewhat) while still being amusingly gruff and grumpy.
The main reason I gave this book 4 stars not 5 is because I got bored of the authors' going on about Reilly's sense of smell, which is particularly sensitive and which she uses to help her analyse crime scenes. At one point, the phrase 'her trusty nose' is actually used. Um, I'm sorry, but that sounds like something Enid Blyton might have said about Timmy the Dog in the 'Famous Five' novels. And several times there were references to Reilly's 'delicate nostrils' or her 'delicate nose' and it just seemed a bit silly. It's a somewhat unusual 'specialty' to attribute to an investigator, which gives it points, but the writers just overdo it and there are far more references to Reilly and her SUPER DUPER TRUSTY NOSE than necessary.
Also, the character of Reuben (a profiler) was rather overdone, he didn't seem to add all that much to the case, and while Reilly was more amused by him and found Chris's snapping at him somewhat unfair, I think this was largely because Reuben kept flirting with her and saying nice things while making fun of Chris and Kennedy. I suspect had 'Reuben' been, say, 'Rebecca' and had constantly engaged in playful putdowns of *Reilly* while flirting unashamedly with Chris, she might have taken a rather different attitude.
But a good book overall, really deserving of 4 and a half stars, let down only by the smell thing and the unnecessary addition of Reuben.
Looking forward to the next one in the series. It would be nice if the next book delved more into Pete Kennedy's personal life - I liked reading his little asides about his wife Josie, who he evidently loves very much, and as the first book had a personal focus on Reilly, and this one on Chris, it would be nice to get a little more personal insight into Kennedy and see what kind of case might push his buttons especially, and maybe get glimpses of his personal life at home. I'll also be interested to see how Chris deals with the particular thing he found out at the end of 'Torn', and what happens with him and Reilly (the mutual attraction/'what if....' factor plays a part in 'Torn', continuing on from it's beginnings towards the end of 'Taboo')
The main reason I gave this book 4 stars not 5 is because I got bored of the authors' going on about Reilly's sense of smell, which is particularly sensitive and which she uses to help her analyse crime scenes. At one point, the phrase 'her trusty nose' is actually used. Um, I'm sorry, but that sounds like something Enid Blyton might have said about Timmy the Dog in the 'Famous Five' novels. And several times there were references to Reilly's 'delicate nostrils' or her 'delicate nose' and it just seemed a bit silly. It's a somewhat unusual 'specialty' to attribute to an investigator, which gives it points, but the writers just overdo it and there are far more references to Reilly and her SUPER DUPER TRUSTY NOSE than necessary.
Also, the character of Reuben (a profiler) was rather overdone, he didn't seem to add all that much to the case, and while Reilly was more amused by him and found Chris's snapping at him somewhat unfair, I think this was largely because Reuben kept flirting with her and saying nice things while making fun of Chris and Kennedy. I suspect had 'Reuben' been, say, 'Rebecca' and had constantly engaged in playful putdowns of *Reilly* while flirting unashamedly with Chris, she might have taken a rather different attitude.
But a good book overall, really deserving of 4 and a half stars, let down only by the smell thing and the unnecessary addition of Reuben.
Looking forward to the next one in the series. It would be nice if the next book delved more into Pete Kennedy's personal life - I liked reading his little asides about his wife Josie, who he evidently loves very much, and as the first book had a personal focus on Reilly, and this one on Chris, it would be nice to get a little more personal insight into Kennedy and see what kind of case might push his buttons especially, and maybe get glimpses of his personal life at home. I'll also be interested to see how Chris deals with the particular thing he found out at the end of 'Torn', and what happens with him and Reilly (the mutual attraction/'what if....' factor plays a part in 'Torn', continuing on from it's beginnings towards the end of 'Taboo')
April 6, 2012
Reilly Steel, Quantico-trained forensic investigator working for the Garda Forensic Unit in Dublin, is very experienced at what she does and thinks she’s seen it all. But even she raises a few eye-brows when she finds herself face to face with the remains of a journalist, found in his own sceptic tank where he has apparently been left to drown “in his own shit”.
The crime-scene offers little or no clues for the investigation and a look at the journalist’s personal and professional life by Detectives Chris Delaney and Pete Kennedy doesn’t lead to a solid motive or suspect either.
When Reilly and the two investigators are called to another obscure and horrible crime-scene it is impossible not to link this second murder to the first one. Except that the first one wasn’t really first at all. It turns out that an earlier, equally strange, murder of a retired Garda is also part of the mystery.
But with no obvious links between the three victims and no forensic clues to speak of, the investigation isn’t going anywhere fast.
The murderer obviously has an agenda and seems to be working his way towards a spectacular finale, but unless Reilly, the investigators and the irritating profiler who has been called in, can come up with a link between the victims and a motive for their murders they don’t have a chance of identifying the perpetrator, never mind stopping him.
Casey Hill, a partnership between Melissa Hill and her husband Kevin, has done it again. The first Reilly Steel thriller “Taboo” was a great read and this book more than lives up to the expectations set by its predecessor.
Filled with gruesome and disturbing murders, fascinating forensic detail as well as interesting main characters, this book is a real page-turner. I like the way we get to know each of the characters a little bit better in each book and how their personal lives tie in with the rest of the story.
I could go on and on, but not without spoiling the book for those who haven’t read it, so I won’t. I will say though that I hope the two Hills will keep their writing partnership going for a very long time.
The crime-scene offers little or no clues for the investigation and a look at the journalist’s personal and professional life by Detectives Chris Delaney and Pete Kennedy doesn’t lead to a solid motive or suspect either.
When Reilly and the two investigators are called to another obscure and horrible crime-scene it is impossible not to link this second murder to the first one. Except that the first one wasn’t really first at all. It turns out that an earlier, equally strange, murder of a retired Garda is also part of the mystery.
But with no obvious links between the three victims and no forensic clues to speak of, the investigation isn’t going anywhere fast.
The murderer obviously has an agenda and seems to be working his way towards a spectacular finale, but unless Reilly, the investigators and the irritating profiler who has been called in, can come up with a link between the victims and a motive for their murders they don’t have a chance of identifying the perpetrator, never mind stopping him.
Casey Hill, a partnership between Melissa Hill and her husband Kevin, has done it again. The first Reilly Steel thriller “Taboo” was a great read and this book more than lives up to the expectations set by its predecessor.
Filled with gruesome and disturbing murders, fascinating forensic detail as well as interesting main characters, this book is a real page-turner. I like the way we get to know each of the characters a little bit better in each book and how their personal lives tie in with the rest of the story.
I could go on and on, but not without spoiling the book for those who haven’t read it, so I won’t. I will say though that I hope the two Hills will keep their writing partnership going for a very long time.
May 25, 2018
Author Withholds Whodunnit Info
Average police procedural featuring Riley Steel, an FBI-trained forensics investigator, who now works in Ireland. The Dante’s Inferno concept as the key to a serial killing is very good, as is the murderer’s artful execution of the actual killings.
What I didn’t like was the author withholding information about characters, so I couldn’t begin to accurately guess the murderer’s identity. I expect red herrings in mysteries, but deliberate obfuscation annoys, especially when the author conceals information about a character’s very obvious physical condition. Sorry, I can’t go into details without spoilers. Finally at the 77% mark, a probable suspect is a bone thrown by the author, but as in other late-reveal books, I thought it was still too EARLY for the big reveal. That’s when I knew this would be one of those mysteries that zoooooms to the finish.
2.5 stars for not leaving loose threads.
Average police procedural featuring Riley Steel, an FBI-trained forensics investigator, who now works in Ireland. The Dante’s Inferno concept as the key to a serial killing is very good, as is the murderer’s artful execution of the actual killings.
What I didn’t like was the author withholding information about characters, so I couldn’t begin to accurately guess the murderer’s identity. I expect red herrings in mysteries, but deliberate obfuscation annoys, especially when the author conceals information about a character’s very obvious physical condition. Sorry, I can’t go into details without spoilers. Finally at the 77% mark, a probable suspect is a bone thrown by the author, but as in other late-reveal books, I thought it was still too EARLY for the big reveal. That’s when I knew this would be one of those mysteries that zoooooms to the finish.
2.5 stars for not leaving loose threads.
January 25, 2015
Casey Hill, you are fantastic!
This may sound inappropriate but I LOVED how gruesome—artistic even—the murders in the 2nd installment of the Reilly Steel series is. In fact, I enjoyed this book more than the first. This series just keep getting better! The plot and theme that the Punisher (the villain or the vigilante depending on your moral standing) chose was extremely interesting! It was definitely artful, to design the murders around Dante’s INFERNO. Hill’s description as usual was amazing; you can visualize the whole murder scene in your head clearly. The suspense was stronger in this book too.
Click here for full review: https://adelainepekreviews.wordpress....
This may sound inappropriate but I LOVED how gruesome—artistic even—the murders in the 2nd installment of the Reilly Steel series is. In fact, I enjoyed this book more than the first. This series just keep getting better! The plot and theme that the Punisher (the villain or the vigilante depending on your moral standing) chose was extremely interesting! It was definitely artful, to design the murders around Dante’s INFERNO. Hill’s description as usual was amazing; you can visualize the whole murder scene in your head clearly. The suspense was stronger in this book too.
Click here for full review: https://adelainepekreviews.wordpress....
February 26, 2014
Reilly Steel is back in the second book in the series, but the first one that I have read. She is called to a crime scene where a man is found dead in the septic tank in his back garden, starts off the way it continues with the whole book.
My first reading from this married couple Casey Hill.
It's like reading 2-3 episodes of CSI, with some gruesome reading, with the added relationships.
This book keeps at a fast pace, as you get to know the characters alongside Reilly Steel, heart pounding stuff as you need the last few chapters.
My first reading from this married couple Casey Hill.
It's like reading 2-3 episodes of CSI, with some gruesome reading, with the added relationships.
This book keeps at a fast pace, as you get to know the characters alongside Reilly Steel, heart pounding stuff as you need the last few chapters.
June 26, 2014
This is 3 stars for me, but I gave it another just because of the murder scenes. The plot and theme that the Punisher chose was extremely interesting! And the description- amazing.
Aside from the scenes, it's 3 stars because in the middle, it got very boring. The details and dialogue of the story were repetitive with the first book. It just didn't hold my attention like the first one did, and I think it's because the murders weren't as involved with the main characters as like with Taboo.
I would recommend this to those because of the murderer and the moral question it presents.
Aside from the scenes, it's 3 stars because in the middle, it got very boring. The details and dialogue of the story were repetitive with the first book. It just didn't hold my attention like the first one did, and I think it's because the murders weren't as involved with the main characters as like with Taboo.
I would recommend this to those because of the murderer and the moral question it presents.
June 6, 2014
This series keeps getting better!
In this book the killer is using Dante's Inferno as his playbook for his form of justice!
This investigation cuts close to home for one of the detectives and is faced with a moral dilemma, his job is to stop the killer, his feelings are a different story.
I can't wait to read the next book ans see where Casey Hill takes these complicated and enjoyable characters!
In this book the killer is using Dante's Inferno as his playbook for his form of justice!
This investigation cuts close to home for one of the detectives and is faced with a moral dilemma, his job is to stop the killer, his feelings are a different story.
I can't wait to read the next book ans see where Casey Hill takes these complicated and enjoyable characters!
April 3, 2021
I found this book quite enthralling. This is the first of this series I have read and I plan to go on to more immediately. A very convoluted plotline, good characterization, and amazing police work to solve these serial murders. I found a few rather odd uses of the English language, e.g., "...the skin on the back of her neck standing up..." as well as " he felt his palms clam up. ". The Dante allusions were a clever addition to the revenge motive.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 25, 2015
What I really like about these books other than the whole mystery, who done it aspect, is that the characters are realistic. They have secrets and pasts that impact them throughout their lives and affect their judgment. Only negative was the typos and incorrect words/viewpoints used.
October 26, 2018
This is a wannabe American thriller based in Ireland. There was a gruesome murder at the start but then the story became quite unbelievable. I don’t know if I will follow on with this series.
April 11, 2021
Few holes in the plot, Reilly is supposed to be intuitive but misses simple things that as a reader are glaring you in the face, an OK read.
April 7, 2022
This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart
3.5 hearts
The purpose of Thrifty Thursday is to read a book which was free (at some point).
Kindle freebie on March 30, 2021 (currently $4.99 and in Kindle Unlimited as of writing this post)
I continued the CSI Reilly Steel series since I had the next book. While Victim was significantly longer, I somehow felt less character development. The characters we already know well, Reilly, Chris, Kennedy know each other now but don't seem to work together as much. At least, they do communicate.
The case is confusing with gruesome ritualistic kills but the team is having trouble figuring out the connection between victims. The ritual aspect takes up a lot of pages but is not all that interesting to me. We do get another profiler, and I found him boring, and unhelpful. But maybe that is just me.
Reilly and her team do a great job with the forensics and trying to connect everything. Her team does extremely good work. They are far into the killer's plan before they figure it out. We get the point of view of the killer, although we don't know who he is, so we know the end game before them. The victims are not completely good guys and it is a little hard to sympathize with their torture and death.
Reilly does figure out Chris' medical issue, as he has some more problems in this investigation. Chris is also having a rough time personally which doesn't help. I enjoy these mysteries and plan to continue the series.
These are only Kindle freebies I get, or ones through author newsletters which anyone can sign up and get for free. I don't include things like Kindle Unlimited or Prime Free Reading (I do have it). Both Tantor and Audible have occasional free audios (to anyone) and I do include those. Since I one-click on 1-2 freebies a day or probably at least 5 a week, I came up with this feature to make sure I start reading them.
3.5 hearts
The purpose of Thrifty Thursday is to read a book which was free (at some point).
Kindle freebie on March 30, 2021 (currently $4.99 and in Kindle Unlimited as of writing this post)
I continued the CSI Reilly Steel series since I had the next book. While Victim was significantly longer, I somehow felt less character development. The characters we already know well, Reilly, Chris, Kennedy know each other now but don't seem to work together as much. At least, they do communicate.
The case is confusing with gruesome ritualistic kills but the team is having trouble figuring out the connection between victims. The ritual aspect takes up a lot of pages but is not all that interesting to me. We do get another profiler, and I found him boring, and unhelpful. But maybe that is just me.
Reilly and her team do a great job with the forensics and trying to connect everything. Her team does extremely good work. They are far into the killer's plan before they figure it out. We get the point of view of the killer, although we don't know who he is, so we know the end game before them. The victims are not completely good guys and it is a little hard to sympathize with their torture and death.
Reilly does figure out Chris' medical issue, as he has some more problems in this investigation. Chris is also having a rough time personally which doesn't help. I enjoy these mysteries and plan to continue the series.
These are only Kindle freebies I get, or ones through author newsletters which anyone can sign up and get for free. I don't include things like Kindle Unlimited or Prime Free Reading (I do have it). Both Tantor and Audible have occasional free audios (to anyone) and I do include those. Since I one-click on 1-2 freebies a day or probably at least 5 a week, I came up with this feature to make sure I start reading them.
February 23, 2018
This is one of the most absorbing novels I've ever read in my reading journey!
If you're a crime/detective novels fan, then this is a must-read for you!
Though I couldn't get the first book in the Reilly Steel series, I didn't find problems understanding the whole story except for Reilly Steel's past, which is still vague to me.
The idea of this novel is very gripping and incredible! The events and the plot twists are unpredictable and shocking, and the characters are awesome as well.
One of my favorite characters is (and first of all) Reilly. She's just a most of the time quiet lady who charms everyone around her. All her colleagues respect and admire her smartness and good looks.
Reuben Knight also is one of the most prominent characters in the story. I can't help chuckling and laughing at his hilarious dialogues and the way he treats Chris and Kennedy...
I admire his clever mind as well and his psychological thoughts and his demeanor. He has a huge impact on the case the cops are dealing with and he is the one trying to make connections among the victims. He is very confident and sometimes arrogant, but his charismatic character is always present in the novel.
Speaking of the victims, I've never seen someone die in this cruel and brutal way. It is just too much to take...I can't put myself in the poor victims' shoes...Of course, I wouldn't want my end to be in a septic tank...
The serial killer in this story is one of the brilliant killers I've ever encountered in crime novels. He never leaves a trace behind him that can point fingers at him. It is also astonishing to find out that all his crimes are based on a poem by Dante called "Inferno". It's such a wonderful idea to use in a crime novel and I like it so much!
What I think the novel lacks is some action or fighting scenes. I was expecting the end to be suspenseful and to see Reilly fighting with the perpetrator but she isn't even involved in the arresting, so...that was a bit disappointing!
Other than this, this novel was an amazing read and I would for sure read Casey Hill's other novels if I get the chance to do so!
If you're a crime/detective novels fan, then this is a must-read for you!
Though I couldn't get the first book in the Reilly Steel series, I didn't find problems understanding the whole story except for Reilly Steel's past, which is still vague to me.
The idea of this novel is very gripping and incredible! The events and the plot twists are unpredictable and shocking, and the characters are awesome as well.
One of my favorite characters is (and first of all) Reilly. She's just a most of the time quiet lady who charms everyone around her. All her colleagues respect and admire her smartness and good looks.
Reuben Knight also is one of the most prominent characters in the story. I can't help chuckling and laughing at his hilarious dialogues and the way he treats Chris and Kennedy...
I admire his clever mind as well and his psychological thoughts and his demeanor. He has a huge impact on the case the cops are dealing with and he is the one trying to make connections among the victims. He is very confident and sometimes arrogant, but his charismatic character is always present in the novel.
Speaking of the victims, I've never seen someone die in this cruel and brutal way. It is just too much to take...I can't put myself in the poor victims' shoes...Of course, I wouldn't want my end to be in a septic tank...
The serial killer in this story is one of the brilliant killers I've ever encountered in crime novels. He never leaves a trace behind him that can point fingers at him. It is also astonishing to find out that all his crimes are based on a poem by Dante called "Inferno". It's such a wonderful idea to use in a crime novel and I like it so much!
What I think the novel lacks is some action or fighting scenes. I was expecting the end to be suspenseful and to see Reilly fighting with the perpetrator but she isn't even involved in the arresting, so...that was a bit disappointing!
Other than this, this novel was an amazing read and I would for sure read Casey Hill's other novels if I get the chance to do so!
October 31, 2021
Reilly Steel encounters a murderer like no other. The murderer is meticulous, horridly through and utterly disturbing. Crime scenes are gut wrenching and retching. The CSI Team is tasked to find evidence that is not there and clues that are baffling. The Higher Ups insist on a FBI Profiler when the bodies increase and the nature of the murders become more bizarre. (Why don't they have their own Profilers)?
This Profiler is unique is personality and is a welcome change from the typical straight laced Men in Black persona. On the other hand his behavior towards the opposite sex - mainly Reilly was downright gross and not at all humorous. He is an irritating man. He may be good at his job, but his mannerisms are plain off putting. There is NO WAY his behavior would be tolerated in the US.
This was written in 2012. WAY before the Me Too Movement but gee whiz, the amount of overt sexual harassment accepted as "whatever" was also cringe worthy. Dubliners, please tell me this is not the accepted way male professionals talk and act towards female co-workers. Or any woman. Just eww.
I did enjoy the way the author seamlessly progresses length of time. This is no CSI television show where the crimes are solved quickly. This is a good, solid mystery with realistic forensic detecting . Casey Hill's characters are well developed and enjoyable.
This Profiler is unique is personality and is a welcome change from the typical straight laced Men in Black persona. On the other hand his behavior towards the opposite sex - mainly Reilly was downright gross and not at all humorous. He is an irritating man. He may be good at his job, but his mannerisms are plain off putting. There is NO WAY his behavior would be tolerated in the US.
This was written in 2012. WAY before the Me Too Movement but gee whiz, the amount of overt sexual harassment accepted as "whatever" was also cringe worthy. Dubliners, please tell me this is not the accepted way male professionals talk and act towards female co-workers. Or any woman. Just eww.
I did enjoy the way the author seamlessly progresses length of time. This is no CSI television show where the crimes are solved quickly. This is a good, solid mystery with realistic forensic detecting . Casey Hill's characters are well developed and enjoyable.
August 1, 2022
TORN is an engaging and often riveting tale. As one bizarre murder follows another in Dublin, several detectives, including the ever-questioning Reilly Steel, are left with more and more questions. A profiler is brought in and he comes up with a highly plausible reason as to why the murderer is using his particular methods of killing, but why these particular victims are being chosen to meet such torturous endings takes a while to fit together. As the body count mounts, the answer as to why these people are being killed becomes increasingly clear, but it is a discovery that comes too late to help those on the killer's list. The most frightening part of the mystery is determining exactly who it is who is committing these strangest of murders. Until they discover that one, lives will continue to be in danger. It is only when the last potential victim is abducted that the detectives learn who the killer is and where he and his soon-to-be latest killing are. The hunt becomes an all-out race and the denouement involves an intense standoff and a highly uncertain ending.
I enjoyed TORN. Along with being well paced it is full of diverse, believable characters. I would be very happy to read more books in this genre by Casey Hill.
I enjoyed TORN. Along with being well paced it is full of diverse, believable characters. I would be very happy to read more books in this genre by Casey Hill.
Read
March 28, 2020The USA Today bestselling forensic mystery series
Read the clues. Decode the science. Reveal the murderer. That's Reilly Steel's mantra. Find the answers, solve the crime.
But the Quantico-trained forensic investigator is finding her skills aren't enough when a ferociously intelligent killer strikes Dublin. The modus operandi is as perplexing as it is macabre. What connects two seemingly disparate, high-profile victims?
Their corpses refuse to give up their secrets and the crime scenes prove a forensic investigator's worst nightmare. Reilly soon suspects that she may be dealing with a killer - or killers - who know all about crime scene investigation.
It's only when a third murder occurs - equally graphic and elaborate in its execution - that they discover that this particular killer is using a very specific blueprint for his crimes. Who is the killer's next victim, the real target? And what's his endgame?
Books in these series are standalone and can be read in any order but are best enjoyed in sequence.
Didn't finish. Not interested.
Read the clues. Decode the science. Reveal the murderer. That's Reilly Steel's mantra. Find the answers, solve the crime.
But the Quantico-trained forensic investigator is finding her skills aren't enough when a ferociously intelligent killer strikes Dublin. The modus operandi is as perplexing as it is macabre. What connects two seemingly disparate, high-profile victims?
Their corpses refuse to give up their secrets and the crime scenes prove a forensic investigator's worst nightmare. Reilly soon suspects that she may be dealing with a killer - or killers - who know all about crime scene investigation.
It's only when a third murder occurs - equally graphic and elaborate in its execution - that they discover that this particular killer is using a very specific blueprint for his crimes. Who is the killer's next victim, the real target? And what's his endgame?
Books in these series are standalone and can be read in any order but are best enjoyed in sequence.
Didn't finish. Not interested.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 11, 2018
I haven't read part 1 in the series so at the start there are alot of characters and information to take in if you're unfamiliar with them. Luckily the writing is fast paced and you get to know Reilly Steel and her team of investigators soon enough.
The story is mostly told from two perspectives; one is Reilly Steel and the other is from the detectives Pete Kennedy and Chris Delaney. Multiple perspectives will follow and they all entwine wonderfully within the story to unravel the mystery and kept me on my toes and thinking along with the characters.
The MO of the killer reminds me of Jigsaw from the Saw franchise. Mainly because he's teaching his victims a lesson after they somehow wronged him or a certain person he cares about, by bending the rules or by taking advantage of flaws in the system.
I couldn't put this book down because I hád to know the solution to this case. I don't read alot of murdermysteries, but after this book I might start to read them more often.
The story is mostly told from two perspectives; one is Reilly Steel and the other is from the detectives Pete Kennedy and Chris Delaney. Multiple perspectives will follow and they all entwine wonderfully within the story to unravel the mystery and kept me on my toes and thinking along with the characters.
The MO of the killer reminds me of Jigsaw from the Saw franchise. Mainly because he's teaching his victims a lesson after they somehow wronged him or a certain person he cares about, by bending the rules or by taking advantage of flaws in the system.
I couldn't put this book down because I hád to know the solution to this case. I don't read alot of murdermysteries, but after this book I might start to read them more often.
February 4, 2017
A Bloody Killer in Ireland
This was a book with just one storyline about an odd serial killer. It took a long time for the police to connect the killer to the variety of gruesome killings. There were vivid descriptions of the mutilated bodies. They finally get some help from an expert, who quickly parallels the horrible deaths to punishments in the different rings of hell in Dante's Inferno. I also read the first book in the series and they were similar - built about an American, Rielly Steele, who moves to Ireland and joins the force to try to teach them advanced investigative techniques. I gave it four stars because it did not have much excitement or intrigue, things I really look for. Also I have read a similar book before centering on the rings of hell.
This was a book with just one storyline about an odd serial killer. It took a long time for the police to connect the killer to the variety of gruesome killings. There were vivid descriptions of the mutilated bodies. They finally get some help from an expert, who quickly parallels the horrible deaths to punishments in the different rings of hell in Dante's Inferno. I also read the first book in the series and they were similar - built about an American, Rielly Steele, who moves to Ireland and joins the force to try to teach them advanced investigative techniques. I gave it four stars because it did not have much excitement or intrigue, things I really look for. Also I have read a similar book before centering on the rings of hell.
October 26, 2021
This crime thriller is set in the Republic of Ireland, which makes an interesting change, and the blurb on the cover sounded intriguing, so I thought I would give it a try. It took me a while to warm to it, mainly because there was clearly quite a lot of back story (this book is book 2 of a series) and it was referred to frequently enough to make me wish I had read book 1 in the series first. In addition, the main character is a female forensic scientist who is clearly quite feisty and very intelligent (which is good) but is also clearly very physically attractive and the book spends far too much time dwelling on the latter.
I was glad that I persevered because the book is intriguing, and I will probably go back and read the first book, which is happily available in Kindle Unlimited.
I was glad that I persevered because the book is intriguing, and I will probably go back and read the first book, which is happily available in Kindle Unlimited.
February 22, 2023
"𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙜𝙤𝙚𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙙 𝙖𝙨 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙨𝙡𝙤𝙬𝙡𝙮 𝙙𝙧𝙤𝙬𝙣 𝙞𝙣 𝙨𝙚𝙬𝙖𝙜𝙚 𝙤𝙧 𝙘𝙝𝙤𝙠𝙚 𝙤𝙣 𝙡𝙚𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙡 𝙛𝙪𝙢𝙚𝙨, 𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙖𝙡𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙙𝙖𝙧𝙠 𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙛𝙞𝙣𝙚𝙨 𝙤𝙛 𝙖 𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙮 𝙨𝙥𝙖𝙘𝙚 𝙨𝙪𝙧𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙙 𝙗𝙮 𝙝𝙪𝙢𝙖𝙣 𝙛𝙞𝙡𝙩𝙝? 𝘿𝙞𝙙 𝙝𝙚 𝙠𝙣𝙤𝙬 𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙢𝙪𝙧𝙙𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙧?
𝘿𝙞𝙙 𝙝𝙚 𝙝𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙮 𝙞𝙙𝙚𝙖 𝙬𝙝𝙮 𝙝𝙚 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙗𝙚𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙨𝙪𝙗𝙟𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙨𝙪𝙘𝙝 𝙥𝙪𝙣𝙞𝙨𝙝𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩?"
🆃🅷🅾🆄🅶🅷🆃🆂💭
If you're into crime novels with a lot of action, then this book is for you. It's full of thrill, suspense, and even some gore in it!
Some parts of this book are disturbing and may be hard to read, especially if you do not like reading about the topic of rape, mutilation, and torture,but if you can stomach it, then I think it is well worth the read. Don't let the tough topics deter you from reading this book because it's a great one. It is a must-read for fans of crime fiction.
𝘿𝙞𝙙 𝙝𝙚 𝙝𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙮 𝙞𝙙𝙚𝙖 𝙬𝙝𝙮 𝙝𝙚 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙗𝙚𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙨𝙪𝙗𝙟𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙨𝙪𝙘𝙝 𝙥𝙪𝙣𝙞𝙨𝙝𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩?"
🆃🅷🅾🆄🅶🅷🆃🆂💭
If you're into crime novels with a lot of action, then this book is for you. It's full of thrill, suspense, and even some gore in it!
Some parts of this book are disturbing and may be hard to read, especially if you do not like reading about the topic of rape, mutilation, and torture,but if you can stomach it, then I think it is well worth the read. Don't let the tough topics deter you from reading this book because it's a great one. It is a must-read for fans of crime fiction.
June 14, 2020
3.75 stars. A good premise and I liked the way the characters were drawn. The suspense was drawn out well for me and I was actually rooting for the bad guy by the end. I knocked off 1/4 star for poor editing, my pet peeve. Two glaring examples... First scene with Knight he rummages then a “man purse” for a pen then picks up his pad and leaves at the end of the scene. I thought he was gonna come back but he didn’t. Towards the end Luke fights with Rick and Rick (the captive) is referred to as the captor. I read the whole fight scene over to be sure I hadn’t missed a major turning point. Annoying.
June 28, 2020
Hmmm!
Good story and, once again, great characters, just so disappointing that the first 20% of the story contained a recipe (in full detail!) and Chris's shaving routine!!!
I hate when writers wander into full details on trite matters!
BUT ... The story was good and it took a bit longer for me to figure it out.
Reilly Steel is damn good at her job and is now showing how gutsy she can be,
as are her young team, especially against Chief O'Brien.
I've not watched any CSI tv program's since starting this series of stories, they are fascinating but Reilly leads the way right now!
Good story and, once again, great characters, just so disappointing that the first 20% of the story contained a recipe (in full detail!) and Chris's shaving routine!!!
I hate when writers wander into full details on trite matters!
BUT ... The story was good and it took a bit longer for me to figure it out.
Reilly Steel is damn good at her job and is now showing how gutsy she can be,
as are her young team, especially against Chief O'Brien.
I've not watched any CSI tv program's since starting this series of stories, they are fascinating but Reilly leads the way right now!
May 27, 2021
It was a quick read simply because you really want to know what happens. I was a little disappointed over the source material for the serial killers methods - felt a bit cliché and over used in literature, something a bit obscure would of been more interesting.
However, I did find myself rooting for the killer towards the end and was a bit irritated over how the last scene involving him ended.
I didn't realise it was a trilogy when I picked it up so you can totally read it as a stand alone, but the references to the previous book will make you want to pick that one up too.
Overall, a good read.
However, I did find myself rooting for the killer towards the end and was a bit irritated over how the last scene involving him ended.
I didn't realise it was a trilogy when I picked it up so you can totally read it as a stand alone, but the references to the previous book will make you want to pick that one up too.
Overall, a good read.
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