At Any Cost

Forensic Instincts #9

by Andrea Kane

Aimee Bregman had the perfect life. She had an enviable job as head of marketing for an up-and-coming CBD-infused beer that was taking the tri-state area by storm. She had cultivated a massive social media following that showcased the beer at college campus parties and alumni events. She had an attentive, steady boyfriend and friends who believed in her. Everything was going right. But when her longtime mentor, Rita, sets up a business meeting with an important influencer, her life crashes all around her. The casual meeting over drinks suddenly devolves into a shouting match between all parties, and any chance of a new business relationship is over before it begins. Hours later, when the NYPD shows up at Aimee's apartment, questioning her about Rita's abrupt disappearance--foul play suspected--Aimee realizes she's in way over her head. Fearing that Rita has been murdered, and that she may be next, Aimee hires Forensic Instincts to keep her safe and figure out what's really going on. But neither Aimee nor Forensic Instincts realize how ruthless their adversaries are. As dangerous and powerful people are threatened with exposure, anyone is fair game for elimination. And when multiple victims die at the hands of a sociopathic serial killer, it gets harder and harder to tell where the battle lines are drawn . . . and who might die next.

Genres: Thriller, Romance, Mystery, Romantic Suspense, Audiobook, Mystery Thriller, Suspense

384 pages, Paperback

First published March 22, 2022

About the author

Coming in March 2019 from Andrea Kane: DEAD IN A WEEK.

Andrea Kane is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of twenty-nine novels, including fifteen psychological thrillers and fourteen historical romantic suspense titles. With her signature style, Kane creates unforgettable characters and confronts them with life-threatening danger. As a master of suspense, she weaves them into exciting, carefully-researched stories, pushing them to the edge—and keeping her readers up all night.

Kane’s first contemporary suspense thriller, Run for Your Life, became an instant New York Times bestseller. She followed with a string of bestselling psychological thrillers including No Way Out, Twisted, and Drawn in Blood.

Her latest in the highly successful Forensic Instincts series, Dead in a Week, adds the Zermatt Group into the mix—a covert team of former military and spy agency operatives. With a week to save a young woman from ruthless kidnappers, this globe-spanning chase, from the beerhalls of Germany, to the tech gardens of California, to the skyscrapers of China, and finally the farmlands of Croatia will keep readers guessing until the very end. The first showcase of Forensic Instincts’ talents came with the New York Times bestseller, The Girl Who Disappeared Twice, followed by The Line Between Here and Gone, The Stranger You Know, The Silence that Speaks, The Murder That Never Was, and A Face to Die For.

Kane’s beloved historical romantic suspense novels include My Heart’s Desire, Samantha, Echoes in the Mist, and Wishes in the Wind.

With a worldwide following of passionate readers, her books have been published in more than twenty languages.

Kane lives in New Jersey with her husband and family. She’s an avid crossword puzzle solver and a diehard Yankees fan. Otherwise, she’s either writing or playing with her Pomeranian, Mischief, who does his best to keep her from writing.

Reviews

["Avonna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Check out all my reviews at: https://www.avonnalovesgeners.com

3.5 out of 4 Stars (Rounded up)

AT ANY COST (Forensic Instincts Book #9) by Andrea Kane is the latest Forensic Instincts series installment. Forensic Instincts is a private investigative firm that walks a fine line between legal and illegal methods of solving their cases. These books can be read as standalones, but I have enjoyed getting to know all the members of the team throughout the series.

Aimee Bregman is the young, energetic head of marketing for a brewery that has introduced CBD-infused beer to the tri-state market. Aimee contacts her college mentor, Rita who she knows can set up a meeting with a well-known social media influencer. The meeting ends with threats rather than success. Hours later, the NYPD shows up at Aimee’s apartment to tell her Rita is missing and they found signs of foul play. Afraid for her own safety, Aimee contacts Forensics Instincts.

As Forensic Instincts protects Aimee, they discover that this is not a simple case. It involves powerful, ruthless people, big money, and a sociopathic serial killer. As the bodies multiply, so does the threat to Aimee and the entire Forensic Instincts team.

I always enjoy reconnecting with this series and catching up with all the main characters. The crime plot in this book was multi-layered and intricately plotted with a serial killer who mixed personal and professional in his killings which added to the difficulty in finding the solution. But that is also why I had difficulty accepting the solution. Claire’s gift, that she uses as a team member, I feel should have discovered the killer sooner. For me as a long-time reader of this series, this was a big plot hole, but will probably be overlooked by those not familiar with her abilities in other books.

Overall, another entertaining and exciting addition to this investigative suspense series.

[Cheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have read almost every book in this series. Each can be read as stand-alone novels. Readers become familiar with the different members of the Forensic Instincts. Which is why I do come back to these books for the team members Although, some books are stronger than others. Sadly, this was not so much the case with this book.

I liked it but was not as thoroughly engaged with it. I found that I was not emotionally connected to the characters. Therefore, my feelings toward them and what was happening did not matter to me. So, while it is nice to see the team in action solving the case, I did not have an urgent need to find out the conclusion. Overall, this is not one of my favorite books in the series but still a pretty good read.

[Kari · Rating 4 out of 5]

At Any Cost is the 9th book in the Forensic Instincts. This time around, the team is tasked with investigating the disappearance of Aimee's mentor. The answer might tie back to one of the team and involve a serial killer. These can be read as stand alones for the mystery aspect. However, by book 9, there are a couple of relationships that have progressed throughout the series. It has been nice watching them grow over the series. Some might think that by jumping into the series at this point it would spoil things.

I really enjoyed this installment. The mystery was solid with a couple of twists that kept me guessing. I have been a fan of this series overall because I love the team as a whole. I think Casey will always be my favorite. I have loved watching them grow as a team and friends. I won't spoil anything, but I do recommend this one. I also recommend the entire series.

[Darcy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one seems fairly cut and dry at the outset, but the more that the team dives into Aimee's problems the more that they see things are very odd. By the end of the book they crack open some very big crimes that have long been covered and Aimee is safe. A job well done for the gang.

[Chris Conley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even though I understand less than 10% of the technical speak in the Forensics books, I love these stories. The team and the convoluted mysteries they have to solve keep me involved from page one to the end!!

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've read all of Kane's Forensic Instincts novels. So this book was an auto buy for me, despite knowing the characters well and knowing the author repeats a lot of introduction for new readers. I'm not sure how many readers start a series this far in out of order so it gets tiresome. More tiresome is all the procedural stuff the team talks about as far as their plans and strategies. I think there's a preference to SHOW readers not TELL readers. Unfortunately a good chunk of this book made me feel antsy, not just because of the plot but because of the unnecessary but well researched background information.

This story touches upon the college admission process and the lengths wealthy parents go to secure their children at well respected universities. However, the angle is focused on the people who would be indicted for accepting bribes. No surprise Kane ties the scheme to the mob.

Meanwhile there's a vicious serial killer who is not just a mob hit man but kills for personal reasons. The identity of this person of course is revealed at the end, not before tossing a few red herrings the reader's way. I only wish the explanation behind the red herring looking suspicious was provided. The connection between the the client who hired FI and the mob baddie was somewhat surprising but the identity of the killer? I had suspicions but ....once revealed I couldn't believe how careless certain members of FI were. I would have enjoyed the book more if I got to see the college road trip Marc and Emma took. Certain details were vague while others were explained with too many words, causing me to lose focus.

I won't say I'm done, because I want to see what happens in the next book- for Ryan and Claire, Emma, Casey and Hutch....
3.25/5☆

[BB · Rating 1 out of 5]

A book modeled after the Monkeewrench crew with equally poor writing, the characters are fleshed with the thinnest of pens and were arrogant and self aggrandizing across the board. Behaviorist, tech nerd, Security specialist, clairvoyant. All one note and interchangeable, I am so surprised at the high rating of this book.
Admit to a lot of skimming, basically a could not finish book.

[Lisa Wetzel · Rating 4 out of 5]

At Any Cost by Andrea Kane is Book 9 in The Forensic Instincts Series. This is my first book by this talented author and even though this is the ninth book, it is very easy to read as a stand-alone!! I am very fascinated by this author that I want to read the other books in this series. This is a very suspenseful thriller filled with mystery and intrigue. The plot is complex but it keeps you engaged to find out what happens next! The characters are well developed and the story is fast paced but full of red herrings!! And that ending……well I did not see that one coming!!! I would highly recommend this book if you like a murder mystery with a serial killer twist!

Thank you Partners in Crime Tours, Andrea Kane and Bonnie Meadow Publishing for a gifted copy of this captivating story in exchange for my honest review.
#atanycost #andreakane #partnersincrimetours
#bonniemeadowpublishing

[Wall-to-wall books - wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

MY THOUGHTS -

So, so good! But then again... I don't think Andrea Kane could ever put out a book that was not so good! This story was interesting from page one.

Continuing with Forensic Instincts (book 9), love these guys!! And no, you do not have to read the others, each story is it's own.

Great cast of characters. If you didn't know them before, you will get to know them here, with the introduction of a few others - Aimee to name one. Throw in some great unexpected bad guys and a few dead people and you have your self a fantastic, suspenseful read!

This is forensics and investigative procedure at it's best. I have always been interested in forensics and thought that in another lifetime... maybe???

I think I'll just read the books, all the books!

Thank you Andrea for feeding my fetish! What is in store for us in book 10? :-P

I voluntarily posted this review after receiving a copy of this book from Partners in Crime Tours - Thank You!

[Lana L Fiems · Rating 4 out of 5]

The crew win again!

I have been a fan of the FI books since the beginning. There are great characters, lovely inatricate mysteries complete with red herrings and over the top computer hyjinks. Great read!

[Jill Wiseman · Rating 2 out of 5]

Really lame plot

[Pat Fayo Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

“At Any Cost” is the 9th book in the Forensics Instinct series by Andrea Kane. This is the first one I have read and really enjoyed it. Aimee is the young, naive and energetic director of marketing for a brewery that has introduced CBD induced beer to the tri-state area. To help her get connected and promote the beer, she reaches out to her college mentor, Rita. She wants Rita to introduce her to some well connected and well known social media influencers. A “meeting of the minds” seems simply easy and harmless until…….

What starts out as normal discussion quickly escalates to threats being thrown around the table. Now the meeting and the hidden agendas quickly turn ugly and delve into the deceit of the world of the rich and powerful. These persons will do anything to keep their past and present secrets hidden.

I think this book was well written. It has details of the world of corruption and of many crooked cops. Very edgy and suspenseful with a psychotic killer who is ruthless and is hell bent on revenge. The investigative techniques described were well researched and detailed.

What I did not like about the book so much was the sex. This book would have had just as much power and intrigue in itself alone. Also there is a murder scene that was pretty graphic and some readers may find it disturbing. Remember “Money can not buy happiness” … or can it?

The book will hold your interest and you will want to keep reading and reading. It is a mult-layered plot so keep your mind free. I will say the ending, for me, caught me off guard. I did not predict it correctly! Very good book!

Many thanks to #partnersincrimevbt and the author @andrea_kane for an ARC copy of this crime thriller. I have read and reviewed this book voluntarily and opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.

[Penelope · Rating 4 out of 5]

AT ANY COST, bk#9 in Andrea Kane’s Forensic Instincts Psychological Thriller Suspense series.

MY RATING GUIDE: 4 Stars.
1= dnf/What was that?; 2= Nope, not for me; 3= This was okay/cute; 3.5= I enjoyed it; 4= I LIKED IT A LOT; 5= I Loved it, it was great! (I seldom give 5 Stars).

Each book in Kane’s Forensic Instincts series can be read as standalone titles (I have especially liked the last 6). Updates on the various members of the FI team occur in each novel, even characters not featured in the current book. Becoming more visible due to their success rate, Forensic Instincts is a private investigative team which flirts the line of legal vs illegal channels when gathering information in their pursuit for answers while protecting their clients from danger. The Forensic Instincts team is staffed by an unusual group, each with their unique specialties - Claire, a clairvoyant with a history of successfully closed LE consults; her computer-tech genius male friend Ryan; FI’s driven and focused behaviorist CEO Casey; her “By-the Book” FBI outside advisor and male friend Hutch; former FBI and LE officers Marc and Patrick; new-ish and youngest member, 20yr old reformed pick-pocket Emma and a retired SAR scent hound named Hero.

AT ANY COST
Following the acrimonious conclusion of a pivotal business meeting for a creative new product, micro-brewery marketing director Aimee Bregman is terrified to discover that she is apparently a witness to undesired information. When her friend and mentor suddenly disappears and Aimee’s life is subsequently threatened, Aimee calls Forensic Instincts for protection and fast answers. But when Forensic Instincts begins digging, none of them expected to expose such an old trail of corruption and unsolved murders.

What I Liked ~
1) The Forensic Instincts series is packed with fast moving action. It read quickly; I kept flipping pages to see what would happen next.
2) The writing style is dry and procedural without wasted emotion or angst. I prefer this and believe it might appeal to men readers as well as women.
3) I liked the MCs which is important to me. They were mature and capable individuals, each an expert in their field, they cooperated as a team and they respected each other. The only individual I thought was careless, putting herself and others at unnecessary risk, was the client - and that should probably not surprise me.
4) I hadn’t guessed the antagonist by the end so that came as a surprise. Yay.

What I Liked Less ~
Psychological Thrillers generally place the reader in the mind of the antagonist, at least minimally. I’d rather not know what such individuals are thinking. It creeps me out. So I found that aspect disconcerting.

Overall, I enjoyed AT ANY COST and recommend it to readers who enjoy suspense/thriller fiction with certain dark aspects and/or read contemporary mystery thrillers with just a hint of romance.

READER CAUTION ~ Not recommended to YA readers or those who prefer Clean fiction.
VIOLENCE & TRIGGER WARNING - AT ANY COST is a Psychological Thriller dealing with a serial murder investigation. The point of view is from the killer’s dark perspective at times.
PROFANITY - Yes. Strong language is used on occasion.
SEXUAL SITUATIONS - Closed door except one very brief scene near the end.

[Robyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well another Andrea Kane book, I am determined to read all or whatever I can get from my library. This one is a Forensic Instincts, #9. Forensic Instincts is an investigation firm that moves just under the law to accomplish the goals of their clients who are generally rich. They are the ultra of the ultra in everything they do.

In this book, the victim is Aimee Bregman who is in marketing for a CBD-infused beer. This is going to be very profitable and she is a social media dream star on college campuses where the beer is flowing.

Her friend Rita sets up a business meeting that erupts into total hell with everyone yelling and screaming and leaving. After the meeting NYPD shows up at Aimee's home asking questions about Rita's whereabouts. UH OH... Fearful that she might disappear as well, she hires FI.

mee nor Forensic Instincts realize how ruthless, how connected, their adversaries are. As dangerous and powerful people are threatened with exposure, anyone is fair game for elimination. And when multiple victims die at the hands of a sociopathic serial killer, it gets harder and harder to tell where the battle lines are drawn… and who might die next.

The plot moves forward and into the reaches of the New York mob and FI discovers they are all up in this beer label. FI takes Aimee into the brownstone office building and secrets her away. But Aimee has a boyfriend Travis and so takes comfort in his arms.. but to what cost?

Romantic suspense that is fast-paced and tightly plotted. I am enjoying Ms. Kane's books but as with many series, I can see a pattern forming. Not that patterns are a bad thing, only it is there.

4 stars

Happy Reading!

[Joan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is another good novel of investigative technique featuring the collection of talented people at FI. The plot is a timely one, considering recent news about wealthy parents bribing people to have their children be accepted into preferred universities.

I like the FI novels. I like the variety of people using their interesting skills to solve the mystery of a serial killer. Being a private investigative outfit, they can hack into systems and get information much faster than the police can. What the FI team uncovers by methodical research and community discussion is much more complex than what it originally thought.

This novel seemed to have more relationship interaction between the FI people than previous ones. Also, there was too much sex for my taste, including one scene with a bit too much description. It seems the only way the FI people can relax or get rejuvenated is by sex.

This is a good novel for readers who like private investigation into murder and mayhem. And there was a twist at the end I did not see coming. Another good novel by Kane.

I received a complimentary digital copy of this book through Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours. My comments are an independent and honest review.

[Felicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Andrea Kane delivers yet another edgy, suspenseful mystery for the crew of Forensics Instincts.

It also plays into my love of “the details” with its thorough forensic investigation.

While the team has solved difficult and dangerous cases before, they have no idea what awaits them when they take on Aimee Bregman’s case. An executive for a company that deals in CBD products—mainly beer—Aimee hires FI when her mentor is murdered and her life is now in danger. The story then deep dives into the ugly, ruthless world of the rich and powerful, a college scandal, and those who’ll do anything to keep their secrets… even murder.

And if that wasn’t enough, there’s a serial killer with his own motives and lists of victims. Stepping inside his twisted mind made me look around and turn the lights on. His method of punishment and murder is not for the faint of heart.

I also enjoyed getting to know more about the FI team and the relationships between them, and go, Ryan!

Number nine in the Forensics Instincts series, At Any Cost ranks near the top of the series for me. Kane’s talent with distraction and red herrings kept me guessing right up until the end.

Enjoy!

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aimee was on top and happy with her life. Then the big blowout happened and her mentor and friend disappeared.

Not long after an important influencer was no longer in the picture. Now Aimee began to fear for her life.

She turned to Forensic Instincts for protection and answers.

I always enjoy the Forensic Instincts books. One of the reasons is the fact that I like learning something new in the books I read. FI provides that.

I waffled around a lot trying to figure out who was the ultimate bad guy. Not easy to do when there’s several of them.

Thank you, Ms Kane. I hope you’re already working on your next FI book. If we’re fortunate, we won’t have long to wait.

***Book provided without charge by PICT.***

[Holly Stone · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow, I have 2 more books to go in this series, and I can honestly say I don't want to read them because I don't want the series to end. The Forensic Instincts books are all different, but also similar enough for each book to tie into the whole series. In At Any Cost a young woman comes to the FI team fearing for her life and they must figure out who is after her and why. When 2 people she had drinks with in a bar end up either missing and or dead Aimee is terrified thinking she is next. Ryan with the help of his AI creation YODA begin looking into similar cases and find a bunch linked to the mob... Casey and her team run the gambit this time but as always they have vowed to keep their client safe....Have they bitten off more than even their combined efforts can handle this time??

[Katie Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Edit: i just had to go back and listen to the last three chapters of the book again… am I crazy or did they not fully confirm Rita’s cause of death?? I know I can “infer” the cause, but they never said why?? Was it because she said she was done with them? I woke up this morning and it was the only thing on my mind…so I spent the last hour trying to figure it out.


I enjoyed this book so much. It has such a good plot. I love the character development of the FI team. I’ve read every book in this series so far, and it’s really the reason I got into reading. They’re easy to follow and understand but are also so interesting!! I also found the idea of the CBD infused beer company so interesting. I’ve never heard of such a thing. I’d recommend, 10/10.

[Richard Becker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book in the Forensic Instincts series. Casey Woods and the gang try to help Aimee Bregman in a case where people go missing and are killed. She is determined to be in danger and they help protect her while working on her case.

There are some nice twists and turns in this case to keep the reader on his or her toes. Each member of the team works their magic to help figure out what is really going on, in a case involving celebrity, mobsters and more. Very enjoyable.

[Kathleen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another murder mystery in the Forensic Instincts series. Psycho serialkiller. Mob connections. College enrollment bribes. A moment of truth for Ryan and Clair Voyant. What a filthy piece of work is Victor, looking the other way. I wanted to see him go down at the end, but after all the time spent in his thoughts, we were denied that finale. I kinda-sorta suspected who the serial killer was.

[Dorothy Schaefer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Excellent Book

This book should be a ten star book I just loved it and was on the edge of my chair reading it the ending was great I have read all of Andreas books and I highly recommend them to everyone but this one was special Dorothy Schaefer

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it. Have read all books in this series and have loved them. I did not know who was the killer til mentioned in the storyline and I was surprised. Wasn’t aware til close to the end of the story which I love. Love all the characters in this series. Hopefully there is another one

[Marsha · Rating 1 out of 5]

Seriously? This is an organization whose main functions are security and knowledge, and they agree to have someone they have quite obviously not vetted stay in the private apartment in their office space? Wow. Who saw the "plot twist" coming?

[D · Rating 3 out of 5]

I continue to find the characters and their traits interesting but this read more like a romance novel with some mystery and plugs for jewelry than the past books in the series. Might be awhile before I read another.

[Sue Hittle · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an okay story. It tended to drag and have too many unnecessary details. Why do authors feel like all their characters have to be emotionally involved with each other? Just stick to the story line.

[Carole · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am enjoying this series. The character/client Aimee was an interesting girl and the story was quite different. I was quite surprised by who turned out to be the evil bad guy. The FI crew was pretty remarkable -- a bit unrealistic in the solving, even with Yoda though.

[Megan Sangren · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Andrea Kane books. They are quick reads, have interesting characters, and good dialogue. I loved the characters in this one, but spotted the turn of event moment pretty early on. Still a strong series and good read.

[Diane Griffin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Andrea Kane

Another fantastic story in the Forensic Instincts series! I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to the next adventure. I highly recommend!

[Terry Buford · Rating 3 out of 5]

Predictable but fun. Too much sex.