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Detective Carrie Blake #1
Deadly Truth
What happens when you're stuck between a rock and a hard place and your brother is involved...
NYPD Homicide detectives Carrie Blake and Tom Elway have a talent for finding serial killers. Since they’ve been partnered up two years ago, they’ve taken down four. But these days, New York City’s gotten harder, its shadows longer and darker—and more and deadlier killers are stalking its streets.
These two cops—one a third-generation cop who loves law and procedure, the other a maverick who barely toes the line—are the best of the best, chasing the worst of the worst. And this time, the trail is going to lead them way too close to home for Carrie’s comfort.
Her decorated older brother Carl hasn’t been the same since his partner Benny was brutally attacked by a perp while on duty. When a series of vigilante-style murders rocks Manhattan, the trail leads straight to Carl.
Caught between family loyalties and loyalty to the law, Carrie can’t deny the evidence. The deeper they dig into this case, the uglier the story gets—one of broken dreams, betrayal, revenge, ritualized murder, and a terrifying drug known as the Devil’s Breath.
Can they uncover the truth before more people die, or will the devil they chase steal their very lives?
An incredible edge of your seat page turner that will have you guessing right til the very end.
NYPD Homicide detectives Carrie Blake and Tom Elway have a talent for finding serial killers. Since they’ve been partnered up two years ago, they’ve taken down four. But these days, New York City’s gotten harder, its shadows longer and darker—and more and deadlier killers are stalking its streets.
These two cops—one a third-generation cop who loves law and procedure, the other a maverick who barely toes the line—are the best of the best, chasing the worst of the worst. And this time, the trail is going to lead them way too close to home for Carrie’s comfort.
Her decorated older brother Carl hasn’t been the same since his partner Benny was brutally attacked by a perp while on duty. When a series of vigilante-style murders rocks Manhattan, the trail leads straight to Carl.
Caught between family loyalties and loyalty to the law, Carrie can’t deny the evidence. The deeper they dig into this case, the uglier the story gets—one of broken dreams, betrayal, revenge, ritualized murder, and a terrifying drug known as the Devil’s Breath.
Can they uncover the truth before more people die, or will the devil they chase steal their very lives?
An incredible edge of your seat page turner that will have you guessing right til the very end.
298 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 27, 2021
220 people are currently reading
113 people want to read
About the author
Cole Baxter
46 books369 followersCole Baxter loves writing psychological suspense thrillers. It's all about that last reveal that he loves shocking readers with.
He grew up in New York, where there crime was all around. He decided to turn that into something positive with his fiction.
His stories will have you reading through the night--they are very addictive!
Sign up for Cole's VIP Reader Club and find out about his latest releases, giveaways, and more. Copy and paste this link to sign up: http://eepurl.com/dqL8yT
He grew up in New York, where there crime was all around. He decided to turn that into something positive with his fiction.
His stories will have you reading through the night--they are very addictive!
Sign up for Cole's VIP Reader Club and find out about his latest releases, giveaways, and more. Copy and paste this link to sign up: http://eepurl.com/dqL8yT
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
April 25, 2022
I enjoyed this crime thriller about murders and how Detective Carrie Blake and Tom Elway attempt to find out the truth. But it’s not simple at all. Who to suspect, what is really the truth? But how...? Carrie certainly doesn’t know what to believe and is torn between the law and family.
I liked the characters – Carrie and Tom – but some of the others were not so likeable – their boss, for example (it always amazes me how the worse /most incompetent are in higher positions. The politics are also terrible – more important than the truth, it seems.
The descriptions set the scene of an awful place to live in some cases – the drugs, the alcohol, the crime...although, there was a positive side, too. Overall, it did seem a depressing place to work and live, but, I suppose, that’s the nature of city crime novels.
The writing style was good; if a little repetitious and convoluted in parts.
I would say that this book is worth reading for those who like stories about crime.
I liked the characters – Carrie and Tom – but some of the others were not so likeable – their boss, for example (it always amazes me how the worse /most incompetent are in higher positions. The politics are also terrible – more important than the truth, it seems.
The descriptions set the scene of an awful place to live in some cases – the drugs, the alcohol, the crime...although, there was a positive side, too. Overall, it did seem a depressing place to work and live, but, I suppose, that’s the nature of city crime novels.
The writing style was good; if a little repetitious and convoluted in parts.
I would say that this book is worth reading for those who like stories about crime.
January 9, 2022
I really struggled with this book. This was a very complex plot, which usually I really enjoy, but I found it very hard to get into this book and could not relate to the characters. It all felt like it was just taking to long to go anywhere.
January 21, 2022
Deadly Truth is the first book in the Detective Carrie Blake series and Cole Baxter has once again proved he has a twisted mind. I don't know how he comes up with these page turning mysteries and I hope he never stops. I read this book nonstop from the first page until the last and with every twist and turn in the investigation I was on the edge of my seat wondering how the story would end. The writing is well done, the characters are well developed and this serial killer mystery is packed with plot twists, suspense, and so much more. I look forward to reading the next book in this series. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.
December 27, 2021
Well…Cole Baxter has done it again. Another sick and twisted tale of murder and mayhem. I don’t know how Cole Baxter comes up with this stuff but he never ceases to amaze me. The characters are scary as all get out. The plot twists and turns keep you guessing from page to page. As in most Cole Baxter stories, there is no happily ever after but… There is redemption. You don’t want to miss this one. It’s definitely going to keep you up at night… Grab your copy today. (I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book and literally could not put it down!)❤️
March 5, 2022
Unexpected twists!
It took me a couple chapters to really get involved in this one. I can't pinpoint exactly why, but once I did get involved, I couldn't put it down. It's a relatively short read that is well written. I may have found a new author of thrillers to read. Can't wait to get started on the next to see if it keeps me hooked.
It took me a couple chapters to really get involved in this one. I can't pinpoint exactly why, but once I did get involved, I couldn't put it down. It's a relatively short read that is well written. I may have found a new author of thrillers to read. Can't wait to get started on the next to see if it keeps me hooked.
December 30, 2021
super
Really enjoyed reading this book. Great story a drug I’ve never heard of used to control someone . Set in New York a serial killer .Exciting car chases and interesting characters great story.
Really enjoyed reading this book. Great story a drug I’ve never heard of used to control someone . Set in New York a serial killer .Exciting car chases and interesting characters great story.
January 3, 2022
Strange
Not sure it will hit my top ten list. Felt a little drawn out at times. Lacked the intrigue that usually accompanies multiple murders.
Not sure it will hit my top ten list. Felt a little drawn out at times. Lacked the intrigue that usually accompanies multiple murders.
May 9, 2022
Very good.
I really enjoyed this book. At times it was a little drawn out, but very enjoyable. Lots of action and it had me guessing till the end.
I really enjoyed this book. At times it was a little drawn out, but very enjoyable. Lots of action and it had me guessing till the end.
June 12, 2025
It was good
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews