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CSI Reilly Steel #4
The Watched
From the USA TODAY bestselling author. Quantico-trained forensic investigator Reilly Steel is back in the country of her birth. Unsure about both her future and her position within the Dublin police force, Reilly hopes that a relaxing stay at the Florida beach home of her old FBI mentor Daniel Forrest will help get her thoughts together.
When Daniel's son, policeman Todd, is called to the scene of a murder he is stopped in his tracks. Not just because of the grotesque and theatrical nature of the crime but because he recognizes the victim.
In an attempt to find swift resolution on her old friend's behalf, Reilly finds herself drawn into the investigation.
And when another disturbing murder occurs soon after, she can't help but feel that she has come across something like this before. But where?
And will Reilly's brief hiatus in the US force her into a decision about her future in Dublin, and the unfinished business she has there?
When Daniel's son, policeman Todd, is called to the scene of a murder he is stopped in his tracks. Not just because of the grotesque and theatrical nature of the crime but because he recognizes the victim.
In an attempt to find swift resolution on her old friend's behalf, Reilly finds herself drawn into the investigation.
And when another disturbing murder occurs soon after, she can't help but feel that she has come across something like this before. But where?
And will Reilly's brief hiatus in the US force her into a decision about her future in Dublin, and the unfinished business she has there?
344 pages, Paperback
First published February 4, 2014
1729 people are currently reading
1097 people want to read
About the author
Casey Hill
33 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 104 reviews
May 26, 2016
I'm not sure how I feel about this book overall. There were some very good aspects to the book and although I 've only read book 1 I loved Reilly being back in the US, great to see her story taken forward in that sense. It was an enjoyable read but I just felt there were too many murders in the book and didn't really buy into the murderer and his reasoning. Also it was missing a big confrontation at the end between the murderer and the investigators so just felt a little let down by it. Although on the positive side you did see things from both the killer's and the investigators point of view. I would have rated it four overall, if not for being let down in those aspects - so eventually rated it 3.5.
May 19, 2015
Not my favorite in the series
Unlike the first few books this one doesn't seem to spend much time actually solving crimes. It is missing a lot of the lab/police procedural story I enjoyed in earlier books. There is more focus on emotional and personal story with some bizarre murders mixed in. Then Reilly seemingly randomly stumbles upon the killers identity and wraps everything up.
Unlike the first few books this one doesn't seem to spend much time actually solving crimes. It is missing a lot of the lab/police procedural story I enjoyed in earlier books. There is more focus on emotional and personal story with some bizarre murders mixed in. Then Reilly seemingly randomly stumbles upon the killers identity and wraps everything up.
April 1, 2014
I have blown through four Reilly Steel books in a week, thanks to midnight/2AM/5AM feedings, and have really enjoyed them. Procedural, quick, and smart--with none of the overblown cop cliches. Bonus--super cheap on Kindle.
November 2, 2023
C S Why?
This Reilly Steele CSI serial killer thrilla is set against the tropical backdrop of a Tampa film festival. So, here is how the Villain would have pitched the idea for The Watched in Hollywood:
Hey baby, loves ya! You're looking fabulous, come by my beach house and I'll do the cooking. We'll kick back some Coronas and you can call me your old mentor. Now everybody loves gory slasher stories, ami right? Of course! If you're into forensics you wanna see guts strewn everywhere in technicolor. Yeah Scorcese!! With a bit of McG. I know just the thing.
Take that up and coming blonde Reilly Steele who's getting so popular but imagine her out of gloomy provincial Ireland. Set her up for an American audience! Solves a bunch of grusome murders and gets a steamy pretty love interest off on her holiday. Maybe with some science and emotional backstory shit, you know, people love that stuff. Build some tension, throw in FBI obstacles, a redhead, an aspiring stuntbabe, lesbians. And hey! Even if it's a bomb we can write the whole trip to Florida off as an expense.
Did I mention plenty of young beautiful people in bikinis? And wacky incredibly unlikely, sophisticted killings, some involving buckets of acid and kinky costumes? A Whodunit with Microscopes. Loadsa repetition in case attention lapsed and people didn't catch something impotant. Oo! and sexual tension!? It's set in Clearwater but don't worry: there won't be a single negative reference to Scientology. Maybe Tom Cruise would-? No-? OK I haven't thrown you the best bit yet.
Time travel! Readers are ready for-? no-? Well ok I was just joking. Ha ha! We'll overlook the reality that even the simplest of successful murders or films requires a lot of groundwork and preparation. We'll throw some Reilly slo-mo ten mile jogs on beach sand, no one will notice that one bad guy can never pull off all these incredibly contrived scenes within hours of one another, getting them all perfect on the first take. Without raising any suspicion! But how? Oh erm. Give him an unusual weapon. Maybe a cattle prod? Yeah! Like that Guadalcanal Diary song! I've got a cattle prod! Got a cattle prod! Daddy I'm a man who loves his work! With scientific shit and glamor and a love interest. Ha ha!
Hey, where are you going? You think it's a fun idea but it'll never hang together? Thanks for the beer? What do you mean thanks for the laughs? No! Don't go! I was actually serious that this- grrrr.
Foey.
I'll show them.
This Reilly Steele CSI serial killer thrilla is set against the tropical backdrop of a Tampa film festival. So, here is how the Villain would have pitched the idea for The Watched in Hollywood:
Hey baby, loves ya! You're looking fabulous, come by my beach house and I'll do the cooking. We'll kick back some Coronas and you can call me your old mentor. Now everybody loves gory slasher stories, ami right? Of course! If you're into forensics you wanna see guts strewn everywhere in technicolor. Yeah Scorcese!! With a bit of McG. I know just the thing.
Take that up and coming blonde Reilly Steele who's getting so popular but imagine her out of gloomy provincial Ireland. Set her up for an American audience! Solves a bunch of grusome murders and gets a steamy pretty love interest off on her holiday. Maybe with some science and emotional backstory shit, you know, people love that stuff. Build some tension, throw in FBI obstacles, a redhead, an aspiring stuntbabe, lesbians. And hey! Even if it's a bomb we can write the whole trip to Florida off as an expense.
Did I mention plenty of young beautiful people in bikinis? And wacky incredibly unlikely, sophisticted killings, some involving buckets of acid and kinky costumes? A Whodunit with Microscopes. Loadsa repetition in case attention lapsed and people didn't catch something impotant. Oo! and sexual tension!? It's set in Clearwater but don't worry: there won't be a single negative reference to Scientology. Maybe Tom Cruise would-? No-? OK I haven't thrown you the best bit yet.
Time travel! Readers are ready for-? no-? Well ok I was just joking. Ha ha! We'll overlook the reality that even the simplest of successful murders or films requires a lot of groundwork and preparation. We'll throw some Reilly slo-mo ten mile jogs on beach sand, no one will notice that one bad guy can never pull off all these incredibly contrived scenes within hours of one another, getting them all perfect on the first take. Without raising any suspicion! But how? Oh erm. Give him an unusual weapon. Maybe a cattle prod? Yeah! Like that Guadalcanal Diary song! I've got a cattle prod! Got a cattle prod! Daddy I'm a man who loves his work! With scientific shit and glamor and a love interest. Ha ha!
Hey, where are you going? You think it's a fun idea but it'll never hang together? Thanks for the beer? What do you mean thanks for the laughs? No! Don't go! I was actually serious that this- grrrr.
Foey.
I'll show them.
December 6, 2017
The previous Reilly Steel novel was a rather gentle tale of kidnapped children. Well, don't relax because Hill has done a 180 here. Reilly is visiting America when she gets caught up in the hunt for a serial killer who likes to recreate gruesome death scenes from movies. The gore is copious, the murders quickly escalating, and the police force is basically running around in circles. Reilly and her retired mentor Daniel (who has a personal stake in the case) are brought in to work with Daniel's son Todd, also a CSI, and a possible love interest for Reilly. (Who knows what the future will bring? She still has unexpressed feelings for Chris back in Ireland.)
The plot was pretty over-the-top, the descriptions of St. Pete not quite accurate (it's near my neck of the woods) and the gore was the equal of any slasher movie. But the story did move along swiftly, and it had some exciting twists and turns. If you have a strong stomach you may enjoy this one.
The plot was pretty over-the-top, the descriptions of St. Pete not quite accurate (it's near my neck of the woods) and the gore was the equal of any slasher movie. But the story did move along swiftly, and it had some exciting twists and turns. If you have a strong stomach you may enjoy this one.
February 2, 2025
The Watched by Casey Hill is a gripping thriller that takes you on a rollercoaster ride. An "artistic" madman is on loose, killing one person after another. Each more gruesome than earlier.
Reilly Steel, a Quantico-trained forensic investigator, comes for a relaxing stay in Florida. But finds herself caught in the middle of these disturbing murders.
The story is filled with suspense. It manages to keep you hooked until the last. And just when you thought, it's time to catch the "artist," the story has another twist. It keeps you on your toes (should I say fingers?) throughout.
The pace, however, is slow. It felt boring for most part. I kept hopping through the pages, without even missing the thriller. Quite a lot of story wasn't actually revolving around the mystery.
Pages with the murderer plotting his act were laid out in detail. And I felt those were the most interesting parts of the story.
Reilly Steel, a Quantico-trained forensic investigator, comes for a relaxing stay in Florida. But finds herself caught in the middle of these disturbing murders.
The story is filled with suspense. It manages to keep you hooked until the last. And just when you thought, it's time to catch the "artist," the story has another twist. It keeps you on your toes (should I say fingers?) throughout.
The pace, however, is slow. It felt boring for most part. I kept hopping through the pages, without even missing the thriller. Quite a lot of story wasn't actually revolving around the mystery.
Pages with the murderer plotting his act were laid out in detail. And I felt those were the most interesting parts of the story.
December 14, 2020
5 Stars
The Watched (CSI Reilly Steel Book #4) by Casey Hill...
I am really enjoying this book.
Full review to come...
The Watched (CSI Reilly Steel Book #4) by Casey Hill...
I am really enjoying this book.
Full review to come...
May 30, 2017
Not the best of the series, but still a decent thriller. Reilly Steel is back in the US visiting her old FBI mentor and, almost inevitably, gets caught up in a series of murders. All of them are based around classic movies, a good set up. One early quibble though was that there is a film festival in town - and it took a whole department of investigators an awful long time to make the link.
Much of the book involved an introspective Steel wondering about her place in life. Stay in the US or head back to Dublin? Her mentor's son or her on-off boyfriend back home? Character development takes up an awful lot more of the novel than detection.
My other major uneasy moment was when Steel cracked the case with a flash of insight, based on nothing more than a chance remark. She didn't solve it based on evidence and logic, just simply got the answer. It felt a little too easy.
Overall though the novel is well written and the series of murders is well plotted. But ultimately he characters make this one readable rather than the plot.
Much of the book involved an introspective Steel wondering about her place in life. Stay in the US or head back to Dublin? Her mentor's son or her on-off boyfriend back home? Character development takes up an awful lot more of the novel than detection.
My other major uneasy moment was when Steel cracked the case with a flash of insight, based on nothing more than a chance remark. She didn't solve it based on evidence and logic, just simply got the answer. It felt a little too easy.
Overall though the novel is well written and the series of murders is well plotted. But ultimately he characters make this one readable rather than the plot.
March 26, 2015
'Watched' is the third book I have read from the team Casey Hill. I must say I am a little disappointed. I felt like it lacked the complexity and action of 'Taboo' or 'Hidden'. First of all, I did not like that Reilly Steel was just helping out in this book - she was not the main character, and she appeared weak compared to previous books. She lacked the usual strength and charisma that surrounded her persona. Secondly, I felt like a big proportion if the book was spent on personal/romantic events, on Daniel, Todd, instead of focusing on the investigation itself. I was waiting for a good, breath-stopping, action-packed investigation but it never happened. I was waiting and waiting and suddenly Steel realises who the killer is and the book is over.
I felt annoyed with the characters and their decision-making. The book just did not deliver my expectations this time. I think it would have been a better idea to place the killer in Dublin and leave out Todd and Daniel althogether.
I felt annoyed with the characters and their decision-making. The book just did not deliver my expectations this time. I think it would have been a better idea to place the killer in Dublin and leave out Todd and Daniel althogether.
November 13, 2015
After reading the first three of Casey Hill's CSI Reilly Steel books, I discovered I had the fourth one on my Kindle already. The beginning trilogy scored two-out-of-three in the category of good reads. The third one was terrible; the first two had a lot of errors. So why not give it one more chance?
On to "The Watched", book four...some things just jumped out as I read. The reference to burritos for lunch, then the coworker "put down his chopsticks"; reference to Reilly Steel's coworker in Dublin that combined the first name of one with the last name of the other. There were other errors, and lots of vague parts...not clearly defined, confusingly written. LOTS of twists and surprises and not all were welcome. (EVERYONE was affected by the crime scenes, causing even the most experienced investigator to vomit. That got old, too.)
Still a pretty good read if you like fluff with gory parts. If you're looking for great literature, stay FAR away.
On to "The Watched", book four...some things just jumped out as I read. The reference to burritos for lunch, then the coworker "put down his chopsticks"; reference to Reilly Steel's coworker in Dublin that combined the first name of one with the last name of the other. There were other errors, and lots of vague parts...not clearly defined, confusingly written. LOTS of twists and surprises and not all were welcome. (EVERYONE was affected by the crime scenes, causing even the most experienced investigator to vomit. That got old, too.)
Still a pretty good read if you like fluff with gory parts. If you're looking for great literature, stay FAR away.
April 11, 2023
I thought this was a little over the top for gruesome murders. I wasn't sure if I was going to be able to finish reading it. I do love the characters and the previous books with CSI Reilly. I did get confused when Bradley went to a taco truck and had chili beef and then "tossed his chopsticks into the box". I must have missed something. I think someone else might have had Chinese takeout but it wasn't Bradley. The story will keep you guessing about the killer.
November 27, 2014
I've enjoyed this series and bought the 4th after finishing the third. This one is much more disturbing and it completely ignores the big teaser at the end of book 3, the main reason I bought it. I was also disappointed by the poor editing of the kindle version that even had the name of a major character completely wrong.
November 27, 2021
This book is so different from the earlier books from the series (which I really liked) that it’s hard to believe they’re written by the same author(s). Disjointed, implausible, and shallow—not to mention getting the geography and many other things about Tampa Bay wrong.
April 21, 2014
Excellent!!
February 1, 2015
Found the chapters very repetitive and the suspects forgettable - including the actual killer.
April 11, 2020
Loved all her other books and loved the characters but this one was a bit gory for me and lots of printed mistakes
May 19, 2020
Due to a mistake, Reilly has been forced on leave, so she decides to go stay with her mentor, Daniel in Florida. She has been a little homesick for the US, so this may help her decide where she wants to go in the future. Of course, Reilly's vacation doesn't turn into a vacation. When Daniel's goddaughter is brutally murdered, Reilly steps in to help with the forensics. Someone is finishing the scenes in horror movies where the camera pans away and uploading them to the Internet. Again, the forensics is top-notch and Reilly is one of those characters you feel like you know personally. I'm not sure how I feel about Todd though, because I am pulling hard for Chris! If you are a fan of Kathy Reichs then you can't miss this series. As soon as I finished this one, I immediately downloaded the next and started reading!
June 7, 2020
Worth reading
I am enjoying this journey through Reilly's career as she continues to face off serial killers. The stories tend to be well written and logical through the first 80%. The climaxes are exciting and fun to read. There seems to be a continuing problem of following police procedure. At some point, Reilly becomes the hero but at the expense of logic. The author tries to cover the discrepancies with one or two sentences but I am left wondering why the police around her are completely incompetent. It would be great to have solid police work along with the heroine work of Reilly together. That would make this a 5 star series.
I am enjoying this journey through Reilly's career as she continues to face off serial killers. The stories tend to be well written and logical through the first 80%. The climaxes are exciting and fun to read. There seems to be a continuing problem of following police procedure. At some point, Reilly becomes the hero but at the expense of logic. The author tries to cover the discrepancies with one or two sentences but I am left wondering why the police around her are completely incompetent. It would be great to have solid police work along with the heroine work of Reilly together. That would make this a 5 star series.
October 14, 2020
Film maker
A change of scenery for Reilly steel on vacation.
But drawn into a catalogue of crimes and supporting a dead friend. The crimes certainly were creative and detailed and came thick and fast. Leaving everyone involved bone tired, exhausted and bewildered.
Really enjoyed this book with the change of scenery meeting new characters but also with the foundations laid from the other previous books in the series.
So worth reading this series in sequence to understand the relationships between the characters.
I did not work out who had committed the crimes. Really good read and page turner.
A change of scenery for Reilly steel on vacation.
But drawn into a catalogue of crimes and supporting a dead friend. The crimes certainly were creative and detailed and came thick and fast. Leaving everyone involved bone tired, exhausted and bewildered.
Really enjoyed this book with the change of scenery meeting new characters but also with the foundations laid from the other previous books in the series.
So worth reading this series in sequence to understand the relationships between the characters.
I did not work out who had committed the crimes. Really good read and page turner.
April 9, 2021
What a Wild Ride!!!
Now that was a plot extraordinaire! Devilishly gruesome, and creatively so... almost art of the film variety. I won't divulge anything here but my goodness, the author couple outdid themselves here. Reilly and Daniel are amazing and again there is more backstory on them. Some very nice depictions of Florida Gulf Coast life. Makes me curious about southern cornbread and Cuban food. My only criticism is the awkward scene changes at times in the book. No separation; it just comes out of nowhere and leaves one very perplexed.
Now that was a plot extraordinaire! Devilishly gruesome, and creatively so... almost art of the film variety. I won't divulge anything here but my goodness, the author couple outdid themselves here. Reilly and Daniel are amazing and again there is more backstory on them. Some very nice depictions of Florida Gulf Coast life. Makes me curious about southern cornbread and Cuban food. My only criticism is the awkward scene changes at times in the book. No separation; it just comes out of nowhere and leaves one very perplexed.
September 10, 2018
Enjoyable Reading - Series Must Read
I have enjoyed all four books that I have read in this series. Author makes you feel like you are in the mix - it’s fast paced yet you will be able to keep the characters straight. You will bond with characters and not want to stop reading. I am anxious to read next book in series. What happens next???? Who knows - most enjoyable reading!!!!
I have enjoyed all four books that I have read in this series. Author makes you feel like you are in the mix - it’s fast paced yet you will be able to keep the characters straight. You will bond with characters and not want to stop reading. I am anxious to read next book in series. What happens next???? Who knows - most enjoyable reading!!!!
June 13, 2020
'ART' of Directing to Kill
Gruesome murder, not one, not two, but multiple ones. The police department along with the Forensic Team are running helter shelter to find out who on earth is hell bent on carrying such dreadful murders, that too in the name of being 'Artistic '. Reilly Steel along with her mentor and his son try to bind the tid-bits of clues to reach to the most wanted.
Thriller for sure.
Gruesome murder, not one, not two, but multiple ones. The police department along with the Forensic Team are running helter shelter to find out who on earth is hell bent on carrying such dreadful murders, that too in the name of being 'Artistic '. Reilly Steel along with her mentor and his son try to bind the tid-bits of clues to reach to the most wanted.
Thriller for sure.
June 14, 2020
Creepy, Scarey, A Little Predictable
I am enjoying reading the series by this writing team of husband and wife. Sadly after the fourth book they appear to have started formulating...gosh I hope not. Yes they racked up a gruesome body count, tried not to focus on each murder too much or would have to be classifed in horror category. If these are CSI books they are starting to blow that theme with less technical and adding murders and sex. shame shame
I am enjoying reading the series by this writing team of husband and wife. Sadly after the fourth book they appear to have started formulating...gosh I hope not. Yes they racked up a gruesome body count, tried not to focus on each murder too much or would have to be classifed in horror category. If these are CSI books they are starting to blow that theme with less technical and adding murders and sex. shame shame
July 15, 2019
Did not enjoy this as much as the other Casey Hill book I listened to - set in the US was fine but when the lead characters in their role as CSI make decisions that seem ridiculous, and defy the protocols that we are told they abide, by the story became a bit far-fetched. Will try another one though.
February 8, 2020
Good continuity and story line
I like the Reilly Steele books. She is good at her job and bringing the case together. Not sure about her live life, but sure that will all be explained in due time. I like Reilly + she's smart, good at her job, if a little unsure about her abilities.
Definitely recommend the series
I like the Reilly Steele books. She is good at her job and bringing the case together. Not sure about her live life, but sure that will all be explained in due time. I like Reilly + she's smart, good at her job, if a little unsure about her abilities.
Definitely recommend the series
July 16, 2020
A return Stateside for our heroine, but trouble seems to all around her and those she cares for. Reluctantly drawn into another serial investigation, her efforts and relationships leave her even further troubled than before she left the damp skies of Dublin.
Good read that continues the previous chapters in this series. Recommended.
Good read that continues the previous chapters in this series. Recommended.
August 17, 2020
Fab-u-luss!
Reilly does it again, this time in her homeland.
Meeting up with her mentor, Daniel and his son, Todd, to solve a crime involving a gruesome serial killer.
Reilly was looking forward to a peaceful time in the US but the brutal murder of Daniel’s god-daughter drew her expertise into the case.
Nuff said ... read the book!
Reilly does it again, this time in her homeland.
Meeting up with her mentor, Daniel and his son, Todd, to solve a crime involving a gruesome serial killer.
Reilly was looking forward to a peaceful time in the US but the brutal murder of Daniel’s god-daughter drew her expertise into the case.
Nuff said ... read the book!
January 16, 2021
A Good One
The Watched, A Reilly Steel book that takes place back in the good ole US of A. I enjoy CSI Reilly Steel books especially when she is in the US.
The ones in Ireland aren't bad either. This one, #4, was very exciting especially toward the end. If you are a fan of thrillers, this is the book for you.
The Watched, A Reilly Steel book that takes place back in the good ole US of A. I enjoy CSI Reilly Steel books especially when she is in the US.
The ones in Ireland aren't bad either. This one, #4, was very exciting especially toward the end. If you are a fan of thrillers, this is the book for you.
March 8, 2021
I was unhappy ar first. The anticipated gore of the first murder was so bad that I closed the book and decided not to go back to it. I wondered about the sanity of the author. I went to a different book but couldn’t get interested in it so the next day I went back to Watched. I did finish it and I did like the investigators but I don’t recommend this book if you have a weak stomach.
September 29, 2021
I'm glad it's a series
I'm so glad this is a series !!I'm going to be sad when I complete this series. The books keep getting better and better. The pandemic has helped me find new authors to read (Casey Hill). Also I was able to get caught up on my reading. This series is great because it holds your attention and it's a fast read. I won't spoil any of the book.
I'm so glad this is a series !!I'm going to be sad when I complete this series. The books keep getting better and better. The pandemic has helped me find new authors to read (Casey Hill). Also I was able to get caught up on my reading. This series is great because it holds your attention and it's a fast read. I won't spoil any of the book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews