The Killing Tide

Alexa Chase #2

by Kate Bold

THE KILLING TIDE (An Alexa Chase Suspense Thriller—Book 2) is book #2 in a new series by mystery and suspense author Kate Bold, which begins with THE KILLING GAME (Book #1).

Alexa Chase, 34, a brilliant profiler in the FBI’s Behavioral Analysis Unit, was too good at her job. Haunted by all the serial killers she caught, she left a stunning career behind to join the U.S. Marshals. As a Deputy Marshal, Alexa—fit, and as tough as she is brilliant—could immerse herself in a simple career of hunting down fugitives and bringing them to justice.

But with her last case a big success, the FBI and the Marshals have decided to make their joint-task force permanent. Alexa, reeling from her own traumatic past and her PTSD of hunting serial killers, has no choice: she will now have to work with an FBI partner she dislikes and hunt down serial killers whose jurisdiction intertwines with that of the U.S. Marshals. Alexa finds herself forced to confront the thing she dreads the most—entering a killer’s mind.

Two federal judges are murdered, and startling evidence points to the work of a serial killer with a vendetta. But the judges have tried and convicted hundreds of people over their long careers, and with the suspect list a mile long, Alexa is in the race of her life to find the killer before he kills another judge on his list.

And when the next victim offers a shocking twist, it throws everything Alexa thought she knew into doubt.

Is this truly a vendetta? Or is this killer far more diabolical then he seems?

To find this diabolical killer, Alexa will have to do what she fears most—enter his twisted mind, before he can strike again. It’s a life-and-death game of cat and mouse, and it’s winner takes all. But will the darkness swallow her whole?

A page-turning and harrowing crime thriller featuring a brilliant and tortured Deputy Marshal, the ALEXA CHASE series is a riveting mystery, packed with non-stop action, suspense, twists and turns, revelations, and driven by a breakneck pace that will keep you flipping pages late into the night.

Genres: Audiobook, Thriller, Mystery, Crime, Mystery Thriller, Fiction, Suspense

232 pages, ebook

First published November 23, 2021

About the author

Bestselling author Kate Bold is author of the ALEXA CHASE SUSPENSE THRILLER series, comprising six books (and counting); of the ASHLEY HOPE SUSPENSE THRILLER series, comprising six books (and counting); of the CAMILLE GRACE SUSPENSE THRILLER series, comprising eight books (and counting); of the HARLEY COLE SUSPENSE THRILLER series, comprising ten books (and counting); of the KAYLIE BROOKS SUSPENSE THRILLER series, comprising five books (and counting); and of the EVE HOPE SUSPENSE THRILLER series, comprising five books (and counting). Kate loves to hear from you, so please feel free to visit www.kateboldauthor.com to join the mailing list, receive free ebooks, hear the latest news, and stay in touch.

BOOKS BY KATE BOLD

EVE HOPE SUSPENSE THRILLER

IN HIS BLOOD (Book #1)

IN HIS SIGHTS (Book #2)

IN HIS REACH (Book #3)

IN HIS MIND (Book #4)

IN HIS WAY (Book #5)

(and counting)

KAYLIE BROOKS SUSPENSE THRILLER

LAST BREATH (Book #1)

LAST CHANCE (Book #2)

LAST WISH (Book #3)

LAST SHOT (Book #4)

LAST MISTAKE (Book #5)

(and counting)

HARLEY COLE SUSPENSE THRILLER

NOWHERE SAFE (Book #1)

NOWHERE LEFT (Book #2)

NOWHERE TO RUN (Book #3)

NOWHERE LIKE THIS (Book #4)

NOWHERE GIRL (Book #5)

NOWHERE TO HIDE (Book #6)

NOWHERE CERTAIN (Book #7)

NOWHERE PURE (Book #8)

NOWHERE SOUND (Book #9)

NOWHERE SANE (Book #10)

(and counting)

CAMILLE GRACE SUSPENSE THRILLER

NOT ME (Book #1)

NOT NOW (Book #2)

NOT WELL (Book #3)

NOT HER (Book #4)

NOT NORMAL (Book #5)

NOT AGAIN (Book #6)

NOT SAFE (Book #7)

NOT TODAY (Book #8)

(and counting)

ALEXA CHASE SUSPENSE THRILLER

THE KILLING GAME (Book #1)

THE KILLING TIDE (Book #2)

THE KILLING HOUR (Book #3)

THE KILLING POINT (Book #4)

THE KILLING FOG (Book #5)

THE KILLING PLACE (Book #6)

(and counting)

ASHLEY HOPE SUSPENSE THRILLER

LET ME GO (Book #1)

LET ME OUT (Book #2)

LET ME LIVE (Book #3)

LET ME BREATHE (Book #4)

LET ME FORGET (Book #5)

LET ME ESCAPE (Book #6)

(and counting)

Reviews

[Rich · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was the the second book I have read by this author and the second one in this series. I thought The first book was pretty good. I thought this book had a good start to it and and caught my attention. I thought the story started to flow at a slower pace as it moved along-it lost some of its steam . This book did couple of things I am not wild about-one it was way over done what each partner was thinking about the other partner-becomes page filler I really dont care and the second thing was I don't want to what the bad guy is thinking or doing or planning keep me in the dark like michael Connelly-keep it to the pursuit. When you start doing thos with the bad guy they start looking cartoonish. I just thought some of the dialogue at times was bland and that the story itself just lost the original spark-it could have gone in many directions-so in the end I felt meh about this book. I do ot think I will read rhe next book in the series. I guess give it a spin if you are low on reading material.

[Wonda · Rating 2 out of 5]

Just like any other Detective/FBI novel, without bringing something to the series worth reading! No love story, barely a personal life and the cases are just reruns of other things...

[Dana Kissell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Easy audiobook. Liked the first one better. But still good detective series.

[Sonja (っ◔◡◔)っ · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Partner. Yes, for a first time in a long while, something sounded right.”

AH. Again, Kate bold can do no wrong. This book is the perfect sequel. Again with the heavy criminal minds vibes and I’m so here for this whole series. I love how we got the judge’s pov’ and it was pretty intense the whole time. This book is so good ahh. I hope Alexa actually gets therapy and it helps her in the third book, bc after everything she’s traumatized and just throwing herself into work and not really letting herself process the shock and horror of losing her partner. I love Stu and Alexa’ relationship in this book, and I love the ending for them. Stuart being the funniest character should be normalized because he really made this book the amazing book it is!!

[Cindy B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ending is a complete surprise from my presumption - always a good thing. Engaging characters and a plot that ‘keeps on giving.’ Narrator is clear and adds to the entertaining. The surprise is not that you can’t figure out (throughout) who the criminals are. But there it is! Clean.

[Lee M Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

I started at what is to be the beginning of the Alexa Chase series with The Killing Game by Kate Bold. The writing style is easy to follow and the small cast characters are easy to follow. As an audio book edition, John Fisher provides no vocal characterization of each person. He does however, read the book with a clear expressive voice.

As a critique of the book character, Alexa Chase, I found her to be too hotheaded and headstrong to be very long lived in law enforcement. She has mellowed a little in this second installment. Her mellowing is only by Stuart as an external influence and memories of her own mentor that taught her that catching criminals takes patience and out thinking the 'bad guy'. Rushing into the situation several times without backup makes for a very short life. And parts of this installment almost prove that need for caution.

As I had assumed with the first installment, Kate is planning on writing a large number of prequels to this series using events of Alexa's previous life.

I found the antagonist, introduced in the last couple chapters, to have a unique but universal motivation to do the things he does without a rational mind. Perhaps he could have had a better counselor than Alexa who just has her practice deep breathing exercises.

I purchased three of the six Alexa Chase series books as a package deal on Chirp. I am interested enough in the character development of Alexa to try the other two installments.

BTW - To audio book readers of this series, turn off your Amazon Alexa while listening to this book on your stereo or bluetooth speaker. The response interruptions get to be really annoying.

[Amber · Rating 1 out of 5]

Round up to 1 star.

Truly the most awful audiobook I've ever heard. First, this is the second in a series. I listened to the first book over winter break and it was a nice escapism as I was on my bike trying to block out my children after being home with them for 11 days. So, I thought why not listen to the second? Oh boy. Already the second book is predictable and repetitive. Alexa Chase is supposed to be the most amazing BAU FBI agent ever but that has never been highlighted. She "thought too much" like the high profile serial killers she hunted in the BAU which is why she took a job change and worked now for the US Marshalls. I have heard nothing that makes her even an above-average police offer. This killer she hunted in this book was awful and predictable as well. Nothing you didn't guess right away. And they had his perspective in the book which also made it feel like the author was trying to gather sympathy for him? No thanks.

But worse than the book was the narrator (not the same narrator from book one). I have never heard anyone so terrible. It sounded like the book was being read by Hank Hill (from the brilliant hit animation King of the Hill) after his 6th grade English teacher called on him in class. Monotone and terrible reading. When the narrator attempted inflection, it was always in the wrong part.

Awful. I am never this outspoken about a book I didn't like because I give huge props to the author for even writing a book and getting it published. What an amazing accomplishment! However, I'm not convinced this was not written by ChatGPT.

[Sav · Rating 3 out of 5]

While not the most gripping or memorable thriller of all time, I was pleasantly surprised by The Killing Tide. I was very critical of the first book in the series, mostly because I felt the characters in that book were underdeveloped, unlikable, and honestly kind of cheesy; the second book had a lot to make up for if there was any chance of redemption. I'd started The Killing Tide knowing that if the writing hadn't significantly improved from the previous one, I would have to give up on finishing the series. I was ultimately satisfied enough and will eventually continue onto the next.

To begin with, a lot of the issues I'd previously had with main character Deputy Marshal Alexa Chase were not so much a problem for me this time around. She was a lot easier for me to root for as a much more respectful and open collaborator with her partner, Special Agent Stuart Barrett. This approach was much more enjoyable as I felt it allowed me to connect more with each of them.

The hunt for the main suspect felt more exciting this time, too; it had the element of mystery that Killing Game didn't. Whereas we knew all along who the perpetrator was in Killing Game, it's a complete unknown in Killing Tide. The plot centers around the detective work Alexa and Stuart put into identifying and aprehending their suspect, whose character and motivations were a lot more fully fledged out and multi-dimensional than in the previous book.

I did have to roll my eyes as early in the book Alexa confronts a serial killer she was responsible for putting in prison. He refers to her (the former FBI agent and current US Marshal) as his "hero," making this the second serial killer in as many books to outwardly admire and idolize her in this way. A bit of cop-aganda is expected in a book like this, but I mean, come on...

Overall, I enjoyed this book more than I had expected to. Since I consider Killing Tide to be a big improvement from its predecessor, I would be willing to give then next in the series a chance.

[Daniel Dickerson · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story itself was really good, but it was let down by the narration this time. Hearing the deadpan, disgruntled tonality of a probably 50-60 something year old dude trying to voice a couple early 30s agents, along with a serial killer who’s supposed to be unhinged yet dangerously charming, kinda took some of the immersion away. No inflections nor change of tone at all, just, “😑😐😑” the whole way through. My guy very much had that, “I’m only doing this to pay off my 40 foot long, low tide edition camper with the buffalo hide leather seats”, energy.

Luckily though, the next 4 books had a different narrator onboard, one who actually tried and absolutely ATE.

[Mike Strong · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Killing Tide is the second book in Kate Bold's Alexa Chase series. Alexa is a deputy U.S. marshal with a particular knack for thinking like a serial killer. Though the book continues some of the narrative points presented in the first installation, it is not required that you read the first book as the author does a succinct and appropriate job at filling the reader in on the missing pieces without making individuals who did read feel bored. The story is fast-paced and relatively short, but I still found myself wandering while listening to it. I don't know if that was the fault of the narrator or of the plot. Either way, I'm not in a rush to move on to the third book.

[Ashley Hedden · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Killing Tide (Alexa Chase #2) was a great read by Kate Bold. Alexa Chase's last case was a big success. The FBI and Marshals have decided to make their joint-task a permanent one. Alexa is reeling from her own traumatic past and the PTSD she has gotten from hunting down serial killers. There are two federal judges that are murdered and the evidence points to a serial killer with a vendetta. But the list of possible suspects is miles long with all the people they have convicted. I enjoyed reading this book and can't wait to read more by the author.

[Claudete Takahashi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alexa will be challenged with finding a serial killer who apparently is murdering in order to, according to his twisted view, put right wrongdoings from the past. Will she be able to solve the case before the case gets back to her memories and bite her? A good plot, full of action that keeps the reader's attention from the beginning.
As a member of the author's ARC team, I downloaded a free copy of this book through BookFunnel and this is my honest opinion.

[Ricki · Rating 3 out of 5]

Never read the first in this series and based on this one, wouldn't go back to read it. It was a bit slow except for the driving of her FBI Partner who loves driving fast.

They drive all over the Phoenix area and some surrounding towns hunting down the possible killer of two judges, a prosecutor and a water treatment worker (wait what?) A little too much filler in the storyline and not enough "meat"

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not suprised

Alexa and Stuart make a great team. I hope they are able to continue to work together. This chapter was rough on them, looking for that certain criminal amongst so many others is not an easy challenge. Being honest they put away a few bad guys that were sitting low and probably wouldn't have been caught. But, I don't remember them catching the right guy which really is disappointing.

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book 2
I like the stories and many of the characters - but Alexa is a rather unlikeable main character for me. I find myself not liking her reactions or believing her in law enforcement. I like the rest of the characters but her intent belief that she’s the only person who can do or solve anything is a little redundant even by the second book.

[Jennifer Peer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great follow up to Book 1 in the Alexa Chase series. Kate Bold pulls you in with the opening and keeps you there until the very end. Great pace and lots of action.

**I received this book in exchange for an honest review. **

[Kay Oestmann · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love these profile mysteries. Quick reads involving the main character a
US Marshall with many ghosts in her past and an FBI temporary partner with ghosts of Iraq.
Together they profile and arrest, while seeemingly forming a new partnership.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fresh off of re-capturing notorious serial killer, Drake Logan, US Deputy Marshal Alexa Chase is nice again teaming up with FBI Agent Stuart Barrett. This time they are on the hunt for a vigilante killer. Can they find him before he kills again? Enjoying this series by Kate Bold.

[Talia Wisecarver · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ll be honest I liked book 1 better than book 2. Book 1 gave us a personal connection with Alexa and her partner and so we were upset with the killer. I don’t think we had that in book 2. Still a great book and will continue the series

[Madison Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

More murder in this one compared to the first book. Slower paced but once you get to chapter 20 or so, the suspects start to pick up. Twister ending but so smart with the way she wrote this book.
Good read as long as you stay with it.

[Krysti Tauer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story that grows.

I love these sort of books. I did not see who the perp was. Took them a bit to figure it out too and it made sense. The difficulty a cop/fed would have with a new partner, the growing trust between them. I like that. I hope to read the next book.

[Brooke · Rating 2 out of 5]

I find the writing in these books to be pretty boring and surface level, but yeah I keep reading them. I cannot say why I do except for the book is free to listen on Spotify. For fans of thriller, it is a short and simple story. I find the plot lines a bit far fetched, but still entertaining.

[Ciara Hartman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Listened to this on KU. I wasn’t a fan of book 1 in this series, but decided to give book 2 a chance and I’m glad I did! It was a fun ride trying to figure out who was on a rage filled rampage, killing judges and attorneys etc. Lots of dead ends before finally getting it right. It was a good book!

[Faye Cline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review

A very good book with an exciting plot of law enforcement figuring out who the killer is and then taking him down. Great plot with some insights into the difficulties law enforcement face doing their job. Definitely a page turner!

[Amanda Federico · Rating 3 out of 5]

[3⭐️] Listened to the audiobook version for this one and let’s just say the narrator isn’t it. Completely monotone and not attention grabbing. Story tho was good and easy to follow. Glad Alexa and Stuart are finally getting along!

[Joy Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very enjoyable story to read...it grabs your attention to the very end.

[Cindy · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great read

Loved this book. Lots and lots of emotion and twists and turns. A bit Gorey but necessary for the story

[Ron Bongivengo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good read. would have like to give it a 4.5

[Liz McMahon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was very good but very similar to the first. Same idea with different names and a slightly different story line.