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Fox County Forensics #5
Lady Killer
Opposites attract when a forensic investigator dying to fit in teams up with a detective with a major case of wanderlust.
Maya Ross has worked hard to cultivate a tough, no-nonsense reputation as ‘one of the guys’ in a male-dominated field. As lead investigator, she’s at the peak of her career – and she can’t admit to anyone that it’s making her deeply unhappy.
When femme, gorgeous Detective Arlen Rose blows into town on a killer’s trail, she’s everything Maya never knew she needed – and the answer to the gnawing emptiness inside her. They team up to catch the prolific serial killer before he strikes again, but the closer they get to him, the sooner Arlen will move on.
Can they bring the Rideshare Creep to justice, or will their own hearts become casualties of the chase?
Maya Ross has worked hard to cultivate a tough, no-nonsense reputation as ‘one of the guys’ in a male-dominated field. As lead investigator, she’s at the peak of her career – and she can’t admit to anyone that it’s making her deeply unhappy.
When femme, gorgeous Detective Arlen Rose blows into town on a killer’s trail, she’s everything Maya never knew she needed – and the answer to the gnawing emptiness inside her. They team up to catch the prolific serial killer before he strikes again, but the closer they get to him, the sooner Arlen will move on.
Can they bring the Rideshare Creep to justice, or will their own hearts become casualties of the chase?
208 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 11, 2021
71 people are currently reading
135 people want to read
About the author
Cara Malone
68 books478 followersI write stories that explore the thrills – and challenges – of falling in love as a woman-loving woman, including the bestselling Lakeside Hospital medical romance series and Rainbow Award honorable mention The Rules of Love.
My books are for you if you’re a fan of contemporary romance, if you love strong women who aren’t afraid to be vulnerable, and if you like a little heat with your sapphic love stories.
Grab a free copy of Mind Games on my website, CaraMalone.com
My books are for you if you’re a fan of contemporary romance, if you love strong women who aren’t afraid to be vulnerable, and if you like a little heat with your sapphic love stories.
Grab a free copy of Mind Games on my website, CaraMalone.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
July 11, 2024
3 stars
Fine, I guess. Weaker than the previous one, despite wrapping up the previous case. I simply liked those MCs better.
Fine, I guess. Weaker than the previous one, despite wrapping up the previous case. I simply liked those MCs better.
June 28, 2023
Great series! Overall I would give the series 4⭐️
November 12, 2021
Another doozy in the F.C.F. series - this one featuring Maya (lead forensic investigator) and Arlen (new hot-shot detective). The rideshare abductor/killer is consuming Maya especially since her co-worker Elise's abduction and subsequent rescue and the emotional impact Elise is dealing with. Clark is getting desperate and everyone hopes he'll screw up. The case is weighing on the whole group then add the politician daughter's death and Mona's parole and it's a rollercoaster ride. Sparks fly between our main characters but work and the case should come first - will Clark be caught and the ladies have a HEA? There's drama, angst, red herrings, romance and heat plus a few loose strings to have the reader wondering is this TBC? To really enjoy the series, the books should be read in sequence. Easily recommend. Great job Ms. Malone.
I rec'd a copy from the author and this is a completely voluntary and unbiased review.
I rec'd a copy from the author and this is a completely voluntary and unbiased review.
March 18, 2023
Final one of the series: excellent stuff. As always, double crime, one done and dusted in each book, the other lasted over all 5. Loved the characters even if felt a little contrived. Recommended.
December 2, 2021
So. I didn't really enjoy this series as a whole, but Clark's story is what kept me going. He's the most interesting character in all the books, and I found I was sad when his chapters ended. I'm glad he got more page time in this book. Otherwise the books are very thin, and focus too much on the (not believable) romance when there's this awesome plot line I wanted to thicken. I'm very excited to read the Clark novella though.
November 16, 2021
This is number five and final book of the Fox County Forensics series and was a great finale for the series.
Maya Ross has worked hard to become the lead forensic investigator, but there’s something missing in her life. Then Detective Arlen Rose arrives in town to pursue the famous rideshare serial killer. Maya and Arlen never imagined that while they team up to bring down the rideshare creep, they would find what they didn’t know they needed. Will they be able to keep their growing relationship alive and finally catch the serial killer?
As every book of the series, this can be read as a standalone but I suggest to read the previous books, not only because they are great books, but because helps to know a bit more of the life in Fox County and we get to know about the other characters.
This had me hooked from the first page. There are intriguing characters and a page-turning plot makes this a book you can’t put down. Another thing to look forward to is the strong leading ladies, who undoubtedly make it even more enjoyable.
Has been a very good series, got me at the edge of my seat the entire time. We got to know a lot of beloved characters, as is the turn of Maya and Arlen. This one also delivered and was good to see Clark finally face justice. On one hand that’s great, on the other sadly, this means is the end of the series. Also, I’d recommend the freebie related before this one, it’s a short story to know a little more about Clark and what’s wrong with him.
It was great to see the other couples a lot more in this one, talking about teamwork. This was one of my favourite things about this story.
I liked both characters very much. Undeniably opposites do attract, as Maya and Arlen did in this one. They had great chemistry and although is understandable why they hit it off so quickly, I felt it was a little too quick.
If you like good, relatable characters, a good mystery to solve and a beautiful romance, this book and this series is definitely for you.
I received an ARC copy of the book from the author and voluntarily leaving my review
Maya Ross has worked hard to become the lead forensic investigator, but there’s something missing in her life. Then Detective Arlen Rose arrives in town to pursue the famous rideshare serial killer. Maya and Arlen never imagined that while they team up to bring down the rideshare creep, they would find what they didn’t know they needed. Will they be able to keep their growing relationship alive and finally catch the serial killer?
As every book of the series, this can be read as a standalone but I suggest to read the previous books, not only because they are great books, but because helps to know a bit more of the life in Fox County and we get to know about the other characters.
This had me hooked from the first page. There are intriguing characters and a page-turning plot makes this a book you can’t put down. Another thing to look forward to is the strong leading ladies, who undoubtedly make it even more enjoyable.
Has been a very good series, got me at the edge of my seat the entire time. We got to know a lot of beloved characters, as is the turn of Maya and Arlen. This one also delivered and was good to see Clark finally face justice. On one hand that’s great, on the other sadly, this means is the end of the series. Also, I’d recommend the freebie related before this one, it’s a short story to know a little more about Clark and what’s wrong with him.
It was great to see the other couples a lot more in this one, talking about teamwork. This was one of my favourite things about this story.
I liked both characters very much. Undeniably opposites do attract, as Maya and Arlen did in this one. They had great chemistry and although is understandable why they hit it off so quickly, I felt it was a little too quick.
If you like good, relatable characters, a good mystery to solve and a beautiful romance, this book and this series is definitely for you.
I received an ARC copy of the book from the author and voluntarily leaving my review
July 11, 2022
Elise and Dylan's story is still my favorite. But I do also love two people trying to resist their feelings. And that moment of 'Okay, so you're leaving. So what? Why can't we enjoy the time we have?' That did me in. It was like they both knew what they were inviting, the way you might make excuses for anything you want to do but don't feel like you can justify, and so you find a way to do the thing without admitting you're doing it. I, for one, am happy they failed.
I'm glad Clark finally got caught, and without anyone else dying, but this really paints a picture of how law enforcement works. And damn, it sucks. As a true crime lover, I have seen this play out in high profile cases, serial killers, and others. Even the dumb criminals can get away with a lot, and the police are held back by so much that allows these people to continue doing what they are doing. It is really unfortunate. So is this trope that Cara had going the whole time of one member of the couple in each book inevitably ending up in danger, but we won't talk about that. (There are worse things than being slightly predictable)
I am also really good that nothing happened to Bridget's family. Whatever the perils of poverty and teen pregnancy, nothing compared to Clark and the danger he posed to the father of two young children. I really thought that dude was done for. Admittedly, he overreacted to Clark's presence, but maybe that was for the best.
Maybe I should go read the first book now??
I'm glad Clark finally got caught, and without anyone else dying, but this really paints a picture of how law enforcement works. And damn, it sucks. As a true crime lover, I have seen this play out in high profile cases, serial killers, and others. Even the dumb criminals can get away with a lot, and the police are held back by so much that allows these people to continue doing what they are doing. It is really unfortunate. So is this trope that Cara had going the whole time of one member of the couple in each book inevitably ending up in danger, but we won't talk about that. (There are worse things than being slightly predictable)
I am also really good that nothing happened to Bridget's family. Whatever the perils of poverty and teen pregnancy, nothing compared to Clark and the danger he posed to the father of two young children. I really thought that dude was done for. Admittedly, he overreacted to Clark's presence, but maybe that was for the best.
Maybe I should go read the first book now??
November 10, 2021
I got an ARC in exchange of an honest review.
Another solid by Malone: 4.00; as always, good characters and good plot. Maybe the characters felt a bit flat, this time? Not as rounded as on her other books. I don’t know, they just felt different, I didn’t get as invested in them as I did with the other couples. They also went kinda fast by traditional standards, they said “I love you” awfully quickly. I mean, they didn’t go from zero to sixty in two seconds, but they kinda did. Maybe not two seconds, maybe ten, but still, it felt a bit rushed.
It was cool to see how all the other couples were doing, and (If you haven’t read the previous books, SPOILER ALERT!!!) I just love how she handles Elise’s recovery. A lot of TV shows, movies and books just sweep all that aftermath under the rug, like getting kidnapped or almost killed doesn’t make an impact on the person, and Malone makes sure to let us see that while Elise is better, she’s still not completely ok.
All in all, pretty good book, I really recommend it.
Another solid by Malone: 4.00; as always, good characters and good plot. Maybe the characters felt a bit flat, this time? Not as rounded as on her other books. I don’t know, they just felt different, I didn’t get as invested in them as I did with the other couples. They also went kinda fast by traditional standards, they said “I love you” awfully quickly. I mean, they didn’t go from zero to sixty in two seconds, but they kinda did. Maybe not two seconds, maybe ten, but still, it felt a bit rushed.
It was cool to see how all the other couples were doing, and (If you haven’t read the previous books, SPOILER ALERT!!!) I just love how she handles Elise’s recovery. A lot of TV shows, movies and books just sweep all that aftermath under the rug, like getting kidnapped or almost killed doesn’t make an impact on the person, and Malone makes sure to let us see that while Elise is better, she’s still not completely ok.
All in all, pretty good book, I really recommend it.
May 13, 2022
In ‘Lady Killer’ lead forensic investigator Maya Ross falls head over heels for Detective Arlen Rose. They work together to bring down Clark, AKA the Rideshare Creep. No one has heard from him in six months since Elise was rescued in the basement cell he was holding her captive. They are worried there are more victims out there that they haven’t found, or that he has skipped town. I enjoyed this book. It was cute, a quick read like the rest of the series. If I had to list the books in this series in order of how much I liked them this book would be second. My list would go:
1. Chain Reaction (Book 4)
2. Lady Killer (Book 5)
3. Radio Silence (Book 2)
4. Dark Skies (Book 3)
5. Mind Games (Book 1)
I didn’t not enjoy any of the books, I just wish there were a little more “meat” to the story. And a lot more spine-tingling, keep you on the edge of your seat thrill.
1. Chain Reaction (Book 4)
2. Lady Killer (Book 5)
3. Radio Silence (Book 2)
4. Dark Skies (Book 3)
5. Mind Games (Book 1)
I didn’t not enjoy any of the books, I just wish there were a little more “meat” to the story. And a lot more spine-tingling, keep you on the edge of your seat thrill.
June 23, 2022
“‘Be mine,’ Maya said. ‘Let down your walls and let me love you, for as long as we’ve got. What do you have to lose?’ ‘My heart?’ Arlen suggested. ‘I’ll be gentle with it,’ Maya promised. ‘And we’ll let each other go when the time comes. I just don’t want to know that I only have a piece of you, for however long we’ve got. I want all of you, please, Arlen.’”
Heroine: Arlen Rose
Heroine: Maya Ross
The conclusion to the series was enjoyable. We finally get to see what happens with the elusive Clark who has been out of reach from the Fox County PD. Arlen was brought in on special assignment to bring him to justice. She was absorbed into the friend group where she orbits Maya. It was not much of a fight once the two admitted to feelings. But whatever they have will be temporary.
Cliffhanger – no (book #5 in series)
POV - Arlen & Maya
Heroine: Arlen Rose
Heroine: Maya Ross
The conclusion to the series was enjoyable. We finally get to see what happens with the elusive Clark who has been out of reach from the Fox County PD. Arlen was brought in on special assignment to bring him to justice. She was absorbed into the friend group where she orbits Maya. It was not much of a fight once the two admitted to feelings. But whatever they have will be temporary.
Cliffhanger – no (book #5 in series)
POV - Arlen & Maya
November 9, 2021
Maya, the lead investigator from the Forensics department, is becoming lonely and unhappy as each of her colleagues have found what she's really looking for, their soul mates. But that all begins to change when Arlen, a new detective, comes to town looking for the serial killer.
As with the other books in this series, there are two major stories: the wonderful budding love story between the two main characters, and the problem solving of catching the killer. This is not a gory book/series. Cara is an insightful writer, whether she is giving us glimpses of a killer's psyche or making us believe in the power of friendship, romance and happily ever after. What a great ending, for now, to this exciting series! 😉
As with the other books in this series, there are two major stories: the wonderful budding love story between the two main characters, and the problem solving of catching the killer. This is not a gory book/series. Cara is an insightful writer, whether she is giving us glimpses of a killer's psyche or making us believe in the power of friendship, romance and happily ever after. What a great ending, for now, to this exciting series! 😉
November 11, 2021
This is the next book in the Fox County series. Arlen and Maya team up the try to catch the rideshare kidnapper and killer Clark Langston.
The book has murder and kidnapping involved as well as love. The author winds the story around all the characters and makes for an interesting read. Arlen comes to town toi help catch Clark and leave but fate and Love step in.
The characters are very good with Arlen and Maya the main ones but Clark Langston is also portrayed as cunning but more lucky and then pathetic.
There os a POV from each character and the portrays them well.
I received this book as an ARC from the author in exchage for an hhonest review.
I recommend this book for romance and mystery lovers. There is a lot of both and it kept my interest.
The book has murder and kidnapping involved as well as love. The author winds the story around all the characters and makes for an interesting read. Arlen comes to town toi help catch Clark and leave but fate and Love step in.
The characters are very good with Arlen and Maya the main ones but Clark Langston is also portrayed as cunning but more lucky and then pathetic.
There os a POV from each character and the portrays them well.
I received this book as an ARC from the author in exchage for an hhonest review.
I recommend this book for romance and mystery lovers. There is a lot of both and it kept my interest.
November 16, 2021
Nice!
Cara Malone brought us a nice wrapup to the Fox County series, and the tale of the Rideshare killer. The characters, Arlen and Maya are strong, confident, and determined to catch the guy. At the same time, what about their growing, undeniable attraction for each other? What about love and commitment? What about the fact that Arlen is only in Fox County till this case is solved? Trust me - Malone answers all the questions, solves all the mysteries, and wraps it all up in a nice, nice package. Worth reading … so read it!
Cara Malone brought us a nice wrapup to the Fox County series, and the tale of the Rideshare killer. The characters, Arlen and Maya are strong, confident, and determined to catch the guy. At the same time, what about their growing, undeniable attraction for each other? What about love and commitment? What about the fact that Arlen is only in Fox County till this case is solved? Trust me - Malone answers all the questions, solves all the mysteries, and wraps it all up in a nice, nice package. Worth reading … so read it!
December 8, 2021
Was this the final book in the series?
I enjoy romantic suspense novels, and this series has made me wonder if a queer mecca like Fox County could exist. The crime rate there is high, but there are plenty of wlw in the area. =) The books have a nice blend of female public servants, women in STEM, diversity, and likeable characters, so readers are bound to have at least one favorite in the ensemble. The suspense is lighter than in a lot of scary thrillers, and that will allow for appreciation by a larger reading audience.
I enjoy romantic suspense novels, and this series has made me wonder if a queer mecca like Fox County could exist. The crime rate there is high, but there are plenty of wlw in the area. =) The books have a nice blend of female public servants, women in STEM, diversity, and likeable characters, so readers are bound to have at least one favorite in the ensemble. The suspense is lighter than in a lot of scary thrillers, and that will allow for appreciation by a larger reading audience.
November 14, 2021
I loved the ending to the series. Maya and Arlen work well together and have wicked chemistry. Clark is on the run but isn’t doing well at it.
I enjoy the mysteries and drama in the series. I recommend the series and Lady Killer. Fox Country has a great little police force and they all seem to work well together. I’m looking forward to reading Malone’s future stories.
I received an Advance Release Copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I enjoy the mysteries and drama in the series. I recommend the series and Lady Killer. Fox Country has a great little police force and they all seem to work well together. I’m looking forward to reading Malone’s future stories.
I received an Advance Release Copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
November 9, 2021
Another well written story from Ms Malone in the Fox County Forensic Series. Helpful to have read the previous ones as background story. Maya is working hard in trying to catch the rideshare killer. When Arlen is brought in to help romance blossoms. Really enjoyed the book and an easy read. Would highly recommend.
November 13, 2021
Wow!
I thoroughly enjoyed this final book in Cara Malone's "Fox County Forensics" series. Each book can be read as a stand alone, but the characters become so much more when you follow them in a series. Add a bonus, at the end of the book is a link to a short story about the "villain" in the series. It's worth the extra download! Put this series on your list read list.
I thoroughly enjoyed this final book in Cara Malone's "Fox County Forensics" series. Each book can be read as a stand alone, but the characters become so much more when you follow them in a series. Add a bonus, at the end of the book is a link to a short story about the "villain" in the series. It's worth the extra download! Put this series on your list read list.
January 29, 2022
boring. there's not that much depth here. i think this was only written for the sake of the only two single characters throughout the series finally getting together. and the suspense ain't even thrilling because we get alternating povs with the killer himself and it leaves no room for readers to guess what's gonna happen next.
March 18, 2023
Superman he’s not.
Detective Arlen Rose is on the trail of Clark, the Rideshare Killer. Although she knows she’s going to move on when the case is over she’s getting closer to Forensic Investigator Maya Ross and making friends with the entire team. As the investigation continues and the tension builds the close knit group are becoming family. Great series with a great cast.
Detective Arlen Rose is on the trail of Clark, the Rideshare Killer. Although she knows she’s going to move on when the case is over she’s getting closer to Forensic Investigator Maya Ross and making friends with the entire team. As the investigation continues and the tension builds the close knit group are becoming family. Great series with a great cast.
July 13, 2023
I'm glad that I'm finished with this book for a few reasons. One this allows me to now read the book I originally wanted to read that mentioned this series and I had to start and finish this before I could bring myself to read the book I wanted. But also glad because as much as I enjoyed each one of these books, but needed a change.
March 28, 2024
Ah! They finally caught him! The rideshare creep and killer is finally behind bars and justice is served. But there are 2 more books to this series so I feel like things are about to get rough. Maya and Arlen on the other hand, perfect for each other. I’m loving the dynamic of each couple within the crime/thriller book. Definitely a fast paced read and one you don’t put down.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 15, 2021
Good book
A good story about a man that wants a friend that he can manipulate. How his upbringing made him a criminal. Then there is the women who work the scenes and try to bring him down. As the women work closely together they find a strong love for each other but one doesn't want to commit full. A beautiful love story that comes together
A good story about a man that wants a friend that he can manipulate. How his upbringing made him a criminal. Then there is the women who work the scenes and try to bring him down. As the women work closely together they find a strong love for each other but one doesn't want to commit full. A beautiful love story that comes together
November 21, 2021
Best yet
Such a great book. The story was evening paced and I never felt like then couples relationship was rushed. It was great to see snippets from the other couples throughout as well. Can’t wait for more!
Such a great book. The story was evening paced and I never felt like then couples relationship was rushed. It was great to see snippets from the other couples throughout as well. Can’t wait for more!
November 26, 2021
Good mystery/suspense
Good main characters, nasty villains, romance! Everything you need in a good WLW romantic suspense story. Hope to see more volumes in this series. Really enjoyed it. I definitely recommend it.
Good main characters, nasty villains, romance! Everything you need in a good WLW romantic suspense story. Hope to see more volumes in this series. Really enjoyed it. I definitely recommend it.
April 19, 2022
Very dark, compared to some of the others in the series and other series by this auth0r, but I like how it tries to delve into the killers mind as well as the detectives working on the case. I really loved this whole series. Recommend them all.
April 25, 2022
3.5*
I enjoyed the dynamic of this duo, as with the other relationships in this series, the pair move fast. As to be expected.
There was a good amount of tension and build up, especially with Clark.
It was another safe read. I did enjoy the series.
I enjoyed the dynamic of this duo, as with the other relationships in this series, the pair move fast. As to be expected.
There was a good amount of tension and build up, especially with Clark.
It was another safe read. I did enjoy the series.
January 13, 2023
Emotional suspenseful
Loved the characters and how the were woven into the story. What does real family and friendship look like? This story warms the heart with its friendship but breaks 💔 the heart with family.
Loved the characters and how the were woven into the story. What does real family and friendship look like? This story warms the heart with its friendship but breaks 💔 the heart with family.
April 10, 2023
Loving Fox County
The relationship between Maya and Arlen was an absolute treat. Seeing their relationship develop and grow around the suspense of solving murders was amazing. Justice being served as the cases were closed was icing on the cake.
The relationship between Maya and Arlen was an absolute treat. Seeing their relationship develop and grow around the suspense of solving murders was amazing. Justice being served as the cases were closed was icing on the cake.
April 26, 2023
I didn't really enjoy this series as a whole. Too much insta-love and quickly resolved crimes. Clark's story had some promise but his chapters unfortunately never delved deeper into his childhood, his relationship with his mother and his mental problems.
September 16, 2023
Great Series!
Cara Malone continues to provide great entertainment with this series. Each book has its own mystery, it’s own love story, & of course it’s own Happy Ending. I can’t wait to read the next one!!!
Cara Malone continues to provide great entertainment with this series. Each book has its own mystery, it’s own love story, & of course it’s own Happy Ending. I can’t wait to read the next one!!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews