Sense of Evil

Bishop/Special Crimes Unit #6

by Kay Hooper

Kay Hooper is the brightest new star of suspense fiction. Now the New York Times bestselling author who's built a reputation for keeping her readers' pulse in the red zone delivers a thriller that will stun the senses -- all six of them. This time a psychic special agent and a gritty cop must stop a brutal killer with a chilling M.O. and an unstoppable...Sense of Evil.

The victims are always the same: beautiful, successful, and blond. Someone was able to coax these intelligent and confident women away from safety. Someone was able to gain their trust long enough to do the unthinkable. Their shocking murders have terrified the inhabitants of a small, peaceful town where such heinous crimes are simply not supposed to happen.

Police Chief Rafe Sullivan knows he has to find answers fast before another woman is lured to her death -- but Sullivan literally doesn't have a clue. And when the FBI sends one of their top profilers to help, he's more than a little surprised that his new partner is nothing like the straight-by-the-book "suit" he expects.

Special Agent Isabel Adams is tough, fearless, determined, and every bit Sullivan's equal. She's also psychic. And blond.

Skeptical of his new partner's ability to get inside the mind of a killer, Sullivan can't deny that Isabel has tuned in to the killer's wavelength, and is following the twisted thoughts of a murderer obsessed with stalking, seduction, and death. But in getting so close, Isabel has set herself up as the next victim. Now, with time running out, she and Rafe will find themselves forced to take the greatest risk of all, because this psychopath is playing for keeps and Isabel is the perfect trophy.

Unable to turn back, Isabel may have already gone too far. Smart, savvy, and confident, she may find that the very qualities that have kept her alive could turn out to be her undoing. For Isabel has entered the world of a cold-blooded monster who kills without mercy and eludes every sense but one... the sense of evil.

Genres: Mystery, Paranormal, Romance, Romantic Suspense, Suspense, Fiction, Thriller

357 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published August 19, 2003

About the author

Kay Hooper (aka Kay Robbins) was born in California, in an air force base hospital since her father was stationed there at the time. The family moved back to North Carolina shortly afterward, so she was raised and went to school there.

The oldest of three children, Kay has a brother two years younger and a sister seven years younger. Her father and brother are builders who own a highly respected construction company, and her mother worked for many years in personnel management before becoming Kay's personal assistant, a position she held until her untimely death in March 2002. Kay's sister Linda works as her Business Manager, Events Coordinator, and is playing a major role in the creation and operation of The Kay Hooper Foundation.

Kay graduated from East Rutherford High School and attended Isothermal Community College — where she quickly discovered that business classes did not in any way enthrall her. Switching to more involving courses such as history and literature, she also began to concentrate on writing, which had been a longtime interest. Very quickly hooked, she asked for a Christmas typewriter and began seriously working on her first novel. That book, a Regency romance titled Lady Thief, sold to Dell Publishing in 1980. She has since published more than 60 novels and four novellas.

Kay is single and lives in a very small town in North Carolina, not far from her father and siblings. Deigning to live with her are a flock of cats — Bonnie, Ginger, Oscar, Tuffy, Felix, Renny, and Isabel — of various personalities who all like sleeping on manuscripts and whatever research happens to be spread across Kay's desk. And living amongst the many felines are two cheerfully tolerant dogs, a shelter rescue, Bandit, who looks rather like a small sheepdog, and a Sheltie named Lizzie.

Reviews

[Stef Rozitis · Rating 2 out of 5]

In some ways a clever pot twist, however it was ruined by being in a book full of pop-psychology and a surprisingly old-fashioned view of gender for the 21st century. If I was to play a drinking game I would get a drink every time a (female) character was said to have issues with power and control, every time a cop slept with a journalist and every-time relationships were mentioned in a reverential tone as being in the centre of everything. If all the repetitive psychobabble was cut out the book would be half the length and the emerging romance/s in the novel (don't want to give too much away) were to me tedious and a little bit depressing. Compulsory heterosexuality on a pedestal (despite the fact there were a couple of "other" sexualities alluded to in the book).

I wonder if all the pop psychology was seen as necessary to explain the paranormal in the book (the paranormal itself I thought was quite well handled- over explained but well portrayed. For me there were too many characters and I needed a cheat sheet at the back or something to remember who was who. The denouement was relatively convincing in terms of the world-view of the book. The scary and gory factor was there but either kept from excess or I am getting hardened to stuff like that.

At least Isabel continued to be a strong character even after being involved with someone who tried to "protect" her in a stifling way.

I read it out of curiosity: I won't read the 6,000 others in the series even if I come across them.

[Eve · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sense of Evil by Kay Hooper
Series: Bishop/Special Crimes Unit #6
The "Evil" Trilogy, #3
Mystery, Thriller & Suspense / Psychological Thrillers / Paranormal

Two investigators, Isabel Adams and Hollis Templeton, have special abilities but they have not come to master those abilities just yet. Still the FBI's Special Crimes Unit sends them to work the case of serial killer who kills blond women in Hastings (Isabel is also blond, btw). Sorry, but I just don't believe that the FBI would send two unreliable amateurs to solve murders!
It was getting painful to read how these agents try to use their abilities and how hopeless they are at preventing further murders. I felt like the plotline, characterizations, and romance were all sidelined by repeated explanations of the why's and how's of psychic work. What's the point in including these "special" abilities when Isabel and Hollis could not actually use them??!!
Besides there were too many characters running around and I have no idea why some of them were even introduced or what they had to do with the story.

Try Dream Man by Linda Howard instead.

[Brian Steele · Rating 4 out of 5]

I tend to wary of Mystery novels. I usually just don't care, and I'm not into the mundane plots. However, I have a soft spot for any tales concerning FBI Agents... and these are FBI Agents with Psychic Powers? I am SO there!

My first book by Kay Hooper, and I'm pretty well hooked. A lot of the normal, cliched Mystery stuff is here, but was able to fly right through it thanks to the interesting angle. This same angle (the supernatural) seems to be why a number of readers don't care for the series. I honestly think these books would do better with fans of Jim Butcher's "Dresden Files" and other Urban Fantasy.

In any case, I will be tracking down more tales of The SCU.

[Namita · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the sixth book in the Bishop series and even though I liked it , there was something missing . Usually her books have a good amount of romance which was missing and there was not enough character development of the main character Rafe. I did like the protagonist FBI agent Isabel Adams who is smart , beautiful , sexy and bold . I was also glad to read more about Hollis Templeton and hope she gets her own book soon. Overall an ok read , as the mystery was good and the whodunit caught me completely by surprise . I would give it 3 1/2 stars

https://chloesbooksblog.wordpress.com

[Maura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Police chief Rafe Sullivan is in over his head tracking down a serial killer of successful, blonde women in his small town. So he asks for help from the Special Crimes Unit of the FBI. So he's surprised when Isabel Adams, a blonde and psychic agent comes in. Isabel is clairvoyant, able to pick up the voices of places and people in order to figure out what happened. She, Rafe along with his team and her partner Hollis Templeton (from Touch of Evil) do what they can to track down a killer who is a "visionary" killer, and clearly not what anyone expects him to be.

Here, the suspense was absolutely awesome, and there was no way to see the twist at the end coming. Nope, no way. There's a fairly decent police procedural thing happen and sprinkled into it are mini-cases where different women (some blonde, some not) have gone missing and the police have to figure out whether they're victims or not. It was also really cool to see Hollis trying to adjust to her new ability and I'm hoping she gets a book of her own. The dynamic between Rafe and Isabel was pretty good, but their chemistry felt a bit lukewarm really. They worked well together and discovering that Rafe was psychic and that's what the blood visions were all about was a nice little addition. I think they had a better working relationship than they did a romance, since the suspense really took the front burner here and their romance was really unimportant to the story (except for the end-result with the shielding, but that could have been a friendship thing too). So I'm likely to consider this a 3.5, mostly because it didn't have the strong combo of romance and suspense that I was looking for.

[Micky Cox · Rating 4 out of 5]

A paranormal FBI group helps locals solve difficult murders and this time one of the members of the group is on the killer's list. A very good twist in this layered plot. Although you see it coming, you don't clearly see it. Great character development and interactions between the characters. I'm actually listening to this series rather than physically reading it and I'm enjoying the various readers quite a lot. They add a bit to the characters personalities that solidifies who they are.

[Holly Stone · Rating 3 out of 5]

this is the last of the "evil" trilogy three separate women, three separate towns. All psychic all part of the Special Crimes Unit I would recommend this trilogy if you've never read a Kay Hooper book before, as I think all of her books may be able to be read as stand alone novels as well as series books. I may be looking for more of these in the very near future.

[Donna · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the third book by this author that I've read. I like her stories, but I haven't been pulled into them like other books have in this same genre. I'm not quite sure why. I like the MC and the clairvoyant angle. Overall, I liked the story, I just didn't love it. But one great thing about this was that I felt like I should have seen the ending coming, but I didn't. It completely fit though. So 3 stars.

[KIM · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am rereading this series to refresh myself before reading the last 2 books in the series, a Christmas present to myself. This was/is one of my favorites. I really liked the characters and was actually surprised by the ending. I’m enjoying getting to numbers 19 and 20.

[Moshi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am hooked on this series!

[Tamye Whitener · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Intense Thriller!

I couldn't stop listening and I couldn't stop trying to figure out who the killer was. I did make a few close guesses. But, I never guessed the complete truth. What a captivating journey.

The narrator did an outstanding job of breathing life into a set of relatable characters you can't help but feel for.

I highly recommend this book.

[Marla · Rating 3 out of 5]

My first Kay Hooper story and I love the BCU and Bishop's team.

Serial killers, FBI agents, psychic powers and romance...what's not to love about these books!

[Kathie Bryant · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so glad that I am not a blonde. This book gave me the creeps!

[Kerry sullivan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well bugger me sideways I didn't see that one coming. That ending was not only a shock but also a bit out of left field but made a good book great.

[Trevol · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 Stars
Arg! If not for the ending, it would have been an enthusiastic 3 stars. This was my shaping up to be my favorite of the series so far until then.

The Good
- It could be my like of characters with just enough snark and sass talking, but I took to Isabel instantly. She is my favorite heroine in this series to date and she is perfectly matched by her romantic foil. Easily my favorite leads so far. Most of the others have just been well. . . there. Nothing particularly likable or unlikable about them.
- I enjoyed the role a character from the first book in the first trilogy had in this story.
- As always I'm fascinated by the personality and relationships of the book's main psychic and the effects they have on their unique powers.

The Bad
- The ending: The linking of lesbianism and gender identity to deviancy did not sit well with me at all. A quick glance at the publication date shows why. My thinking on the topic has evolved a lot since then and I'm not sure if I would have found it quite so distasteful at the time.
The rest are quirks that have kept me from enjoying the series more from the beginning.
- The explanations of psychic abilities are never handled well. They always feel awkward and shoehorned in.
- The Bishop interludes feel pointless. They often turn out to be info dumps or name drops and location mentions of agents who I can't or haven't remembered by the time it becomes relevant. They, also, tease the fact Bishop knows something you don't know, neener. He knows what's going to happen, but he can't do anything about it. Ooh spooky. You don't learning anything you can't from his calls to the field agents. And the calls do a better job of setting up the suspense and anticipation than the POV sections.

[Judith · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well, this one has it all. It has a serial killer who is delusional, a band of psychics, a love interest including partners who are scarred by previous experiences, and murder after murder.

Special Agent Isabel Adams, an FBI profiler, is also part of an elite, secret team of psychics. The members have different psychic skills and are all trained to use them effectively. Adams is called in by Sheriff Rafe Sullivan when he realizes his small department is not equipped to handle a serial killer. The FBI team works with the Sheriff's office to profile the killer and follow leads.

Rafe is skeptical about the psychic part, but "open-minded". Isabel and others on the team explain how their powers work, when they first knew they had them, how the powers can help with the investigation. I have to give Hooper credit for developing quite a complicated story about these powers.

It doesn't take a psychic, though, to see that Rafe and Isabel are going to be the romantic interest here. We follow them as they circle around each other, and as they touch - when they touch actual sparks fly. All this is explained by psychic energy.

I am grateful that we only heard from the killer a few times. When a novel features a serial killer talking about being "chosen" and needing to accomplish certain things, I find it tiring. These delusional killers are so much the same, whoever writes the book. They are pure evil, have no redeeming qualities, and are self-obsessed, of course.

And if I were fair, I'd rate the book higher for the consistency of plot, the development of the story, the tightness of the writing. But I am no fan of romantic suspense or the supernatural or the same old serial killer. This is the kind of book I call airplane reading or escape reading. It works for that.

[Barb Chansky · Rating 3 out of 5]

Yet another surprise discovery from my many book boxes; I remember somewhat enjoying Hooper's romances in my younger days. so, I guess this book either came in a bundle of the other used books by her that I got, or I just decided to get it because it was written by her (honestly can't recall now). Anyway, it was another one in a big pile of books on my nightstand that I read on Friday nights before nodding off to sleep; I just randomly pulled it out, got intrigued by the blurb, and decided to give it a try. Even though it's the sixth book in a series (something I discovered along the way), it's OK on it's own, because every book has a separate story - but, still, enough references to the previous events that make the whole series more enjoyable if you start from the beginning.

The violence is a bit much for my blood (yeah, I know, serial killers, duh! - but still), and the mystery answer was, frankly, out there and not wholly satisfactory (again, maybe only to me), but the whole series really captured my imagination - hence, my mention of the surprise discovery...the characters are extremely appealing; their desire to use their special talents to fight evil is simply admirable, and, despite their paranormal abilities, they are very (as the kids say now a day) relatable. The best arc in the story was the shield (again, even though it's a paranormal mystery, you can clearly see that Kay used to write romance) - very sweet, and very human...and the quotes about evil, the necessity for all of us to fight it on our level, and the devastation that evil brings even when it is defeated - these are all absolute classics! I am definitely off to the first book!

[Leigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

By the sixth book in a series, oftentimes a reader has a good sense of the author and can fairly accurately predict what kinds of twists and turns will be coming in the story. If not the specific twist, then the general idea of what will happen. Which casually-mentioned character ends up being the villain, where the group will go next, who ends up being a surprisingly helpful resource. That kind of thing. I had thought that I'd reached that point with Kay Hooper and the Special Crimes Unit - I was completely mistaken.

Sense of Evil is so sneaky, so deceptive. The reader thinks they understand what all the pieces are that are in play, and suddenly there's a twist so shocking that they go reeling.

After reading Sense of Evil the first time, I was completely blown away. I then went back and reread it, trying to see if there was some subtle clue that I missed that would have helped me figure out the who's-who mystery of it all. I am so impressed with Kay Hooper and how all the details were blended together in such a seamless way that you could make dozens of guesses and each one feels equally plausible. In this way, Hooper keeps the reader on the edge of their seat from the first page to the very last.

I love the superb way Hooper blends the mundane and the paranormal until it all seems like real life. The characters are so well-developed, and the cameos of characters from other books always spices things up! I am eager to read the next book in the series.


Read this and more of my reviews at:
www.memoirsofabookwyrm.com

[Deyth Banger · Rating 4 out of 5]

"April 6, 2018 –
40.0% "16 out of 22

....

Her style reminds me for Jeffrey Deaver"
April 6, 2018 –
40.0% "Probably it's bit evil the whole point and the thought about it."
April 6, 2018 –
20.0% "In the world which we live people think that they can do it better and they are damn good... until they face it... fail it and they in the end give up."
April 6, 2018 –
20.0% ""“I’m not distracted. She has to be next.”

The other one’s more dangerous. That agent. Isabel. She’s different. She sees things. We need her out of the way.

“I can do her later. This is the one I have to do next.”

This one can’t hurt us."

- All characters.. think that they are greater and better than whats going to happen... until they face it... Reminds me for today's world...."
April 6, 2018 –
20.0% ""I’m the only one who’s telling you the truth.

“I don’t believe you.”

That’s because they’ve twisted your thinking, those women. Those blondes. They’re making you weak.

“No. I’m strong. I’m stronger than they are.”

You’re a wimp. A useless wimp. You let yourself get distracted.""
April 6, 2018 –
20.0% "2 out of 22

...

At the beginning it sounds like a typical work... but the more deeper you go the chapters get odd and some of them Kay Hooper middle them by using words like...

"He wondered idly if she had any idea the last item on today’s list was to die."

- Typical style of James Patterson"
April 6, 2018 – Shelved
April 6, 2018 – Started Reading"

[Lizabeth Tucker · Rating 4 out of 5]

FBI Special Agent Isabel Adams goes to Hastings, South Carolina, to help Police Chief Rafe Sullivan find a serial killer who has butchered three beautiful, smart, savvy, blonde women. Matching the description of the victims, Isabel knows the killer will be coming after her, but not immediately. After all, he's the reason that she joined the FBI.

Isabel is accompanied by FBI Special Investigator Hollis Templeton (last seen as a victim in TOUCHING EVIL), still working on using her skills as a medium. Complications ensue when Rafe's worry and concern for Isabel cuts her off from her gifts at a most inopportune time.

Whoa. A complicated solution, a killer who is a victim in many ways, and a pair of stubborn people who need to work through their personal problems in order to find the killer. Another winner. While I figured out, finally, what was going on, I missed who it was. Gotta love a thriller that keeps me guessing until the reveal. More so when the writer manages to make me feel sorry for who it turned out to be and why. Yes, I'm tap dancing here in an effort to not reveal all the good, juicy bits.

I was fascinated by the small piece about the various types of serial killers. So much so that I immediately started a bit of internet research to learn more. I also love when we check in with others in Bishop's Unit. 4 out of 5.

[Sharon Kallenberger Marzola · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sense of Evil does a good job of blending a mystery with believable romance and the paranormal, making it a fascinating addition to the Bishop series. From its intriguing plot twists to its unexpected conclusion, this novel keeps readers hooked until the very end.

My favorite part of Sense of Evil is its mystery element. The mystery unfolds in a way that keeps me guessing as each clue is revealed, adding complexity to the story. The unexpected ending is a testament to the author's skill in crafting suspenseful plotlines that defy expectations.

The romantic subplot between Police Chief Rafe Sullivan and Special Agent Isabel Adams is another favorite of the book and the series. Their chemistry is natural from the start and adds an emotional aspect to the story.

I love the paranormal aspect of the series it adds an unusual dimension to the characters. However, there are moments when Isabel's explanations about the various gifts can slow down the story's pacing. While these details are a part of the world-building, they occasionally detract from the overall momentum and sometimes make me want a break.

Overall, Sense of Evil is a gripping tale that will appeal to fans of mystery, romance, and the supernatural alike. The main characters are one of my favorite couples in the series. They make me want more at the end.

[Mel Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first read from Kay Hooper and after this experience I know there will be may more.

What. A. Ride. I loved so much of this. Hooper had a fantastic way of using psychology, criminology, and aspects of the paranormal to create interesting and rich lore about psychic powers and potential uses for them in the real world. The explanations of the powers and their development allow it to feel as if it could happen and did not require as much suspended beliefs stories with these themes tend to.

I found myself caring about all of the characters and enjoying their representations thoroughly. Each is rich and has clear motivations and passions. Isabel has become a top heroine for me. I loved her wit, intelligence, growth, and strength.

The plot is great. There's a few twists and reveals that are done very well. I wish the last major one had gotten more time and was built out more. The last bit of this story felt quicker than I would have liked.

If you're into murder mystery, psychology, psychics and special abilities, and love a good thrill I highly recommend this one!

[Meg Frank · Rating 1 out of 5]

Awful. Starts out interesting with the gruesome murder and then the FBI profilers show up and it comes to a pitiful crawl while they discuss for at least 3/4 of the book how they are psychic and now the sheriff is psychic and now they’re in love and his psychic abilities are blocking the drop dead gorgeous psychics ability. And the other gorgeous FBI agent can see the dead but can’t hear them. And it never occurs to her to learn how to read lips. The best part of the book is when they reveal the killer who is the female cop who had been working alongside them and she says “all of your psychic ability and no one figured out it was me’. Exactly! The only reason they figured it out was when she stabbed one of them. And the profile was that it was a male that the victims trusted but no one thought that it could be a gasp! woman! And then they congratulated themselves for catching the killer when it only happened because she attacked them. God awful.

[Cathy P · Rating 3 out of 5]

One of my less favorite.

This ie one of my least favorite of the series. The romance completely changed did not make sense. The H thinks he's falling in love with the h when they've never had a deep conversation, they never flirted, they never anything. There's no build-up to the relationship. A lot of these books are like that, but this one is worse. The mystery itself is really interesting. The killer is put of left field. I think the reason I continue with the series is because the scenarios are fascinating. This is told mostly from h's POV, but there are multiple voewpoints.

[Hash Black · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well written mystery thriller worth every second spent reading it. The characters were so lively, three-dimensional and strikingly realistic that they practically burst from the pages and into real life. And the plot twist in the end... now that, I didn't see coming.

However, I denied this book the fifth star as some scenes felt a bit too cheesy. They made the novel feel a bit a more like a romance story rather than a mystery thriller.

Still, I really enjoyed reading this, and I'd highly recommend it!

[Bonnie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book started out strong and I was turning pages, but pretty soon it became difficult to follow, with too many characters introduced. I couldn't remember who was doing what and why. It could be partly me. I love Kay Hooper, but she kinda lost me on this one. My mind kept wandering while reading, wanting something to happen and her inept characters to learn something and move on. The first 2 in books in the Evil Trilogy were amazing and suspenseful. This one was kinda of confusing to follow.

[Joelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

honestly better twists and turns than most thrillers of this type, but i’m not a big fan of the final reveal. i’d suspected the culprit at about 40% but was thrown off by a reaction that only makes sense by using a trope i don’t find fulfilling.

and tbh, it was far less condemning of the sexuality displayed than it could have been, though a few simple rewrites could have made it non judgmental at all but what do i know.

[Jennifer · Rating 2 out of 5]

This one was...even less. Too much jargon. Too much "textbook" terms, situations, research...blah blah blah. It bogged down the story - a lot. I couldn't get behind Isabel and Rafe. Maybe I could if they were more human than textbook. I just wasn't feeling it.

However, I did like that she brought in Hollis Templeton. That was a great wrap up. I liked that...a lot.

[Amie's Book Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kay Hooper's books are all fabulous reads.

She writes fast-paced mysteries with a supernatural bent.

The team dynamics are perfection and the sexual tension just adds to the story.

I highly recommend these books. They are perfect for reading at the beach or for spending the day curled up in front of the fireplace.

[Allyson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Twisty

I did not see that coming. It was great to see Hollis again. I hope I get to see her in future books a little further along in her training. I'm really hoping the next books keep to the characters already introduced. I'm starting to have a hard time keeping track and remembering them all.