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FBI Agent Kate Walsh #3
Mad Jack
Something sinister lurks behind the perfect homes and well-manicured lawns of Mulberry Grove. Wealthy tech investor Jack Harlow, known to the FBI as Mad Jack, has been running a personal development program for the past ten years. Locals call it a cult. Few leave, and those who try, end up dead under mysterious circumstances. Six couples in all over the last five years.
FBI Agents Kate Walsh and Declan James are sent in undercover, posing as a married couple interested in the program. Out of her normal FBI profiler role, Kate is challenged by Jack Harlow’s instant recognition of her insecurities. Even her relationship with Declan is under the microscope.
Kate and Declan must work together to figure out who is friend and foe in the tight-knit community where nothing is as it seems. When Kate is targeted similarly to the other women, she and Declan’s lives are on the line. Can the two stop a killer before they become the next victims or will Jack Harlow continue to wreak havoc in the community?
FBI Agents Kate Walsh and Declan James are sent in undercover, posing as a married couple interested in the program. Out of her normal FBI profiler role, Kate is challenged by Jack Harlow’s instant recognition of her insecurities. Even her relationship with Declan is under the microscope.
Kate and Declan must work together to figure out who is friend and foe in the tight-knit community where nothing is as it seems. When Kate is targeted similarly to the other women, she and Declan’s lives are on the line. Can the two stop a killer before they become the next victims or will Jack Harlow continue to wreak havoc in the community?
- GenresThriller
326 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 12, 2022
361 people are currently reading
124 people want to read
About the author
Stacy M. Jones
45 books147 followersStacy M. Jones is a criminologist turned crime novelist whose thrillers pulse with a realism that only decades working with law enforcement can bring. That firsthand experience fuels her fiction, stories rooted in authentic criminal psychology, human complexity, and high-stakes emotion.
Since 2018, Stacy has written four series, ranging from gritty FBI thrillers and hard-boiled private eye mysteries to her lighter paranormal cozy series. Her series include the completed cozy paranormal Harper & Hattie Magical Mystery Series, the completed hard-boiled PI Riley Sullivan Mystery Series, the FBI Agent Kate Walsh Thriller Series and the new Connor Fitzgerald Thriller series.
Stacy holds master’s degrees in forensic psychology and journalism and for now calls Little Rock, Arkansas home,though her storytelling always carries a trace of her upstate New York roots.
To join Stacy's Mystery Readers Club & access her Starter Library, which includes three novellas - "Harper's Folly", "The 1922 Club Murder" and "The Curators" - hit subscribe at http://www.stacymjones.com/
Since 2018, Stacy has written four series, ranging from gritty FBI thrillers and hard-boiled private eye mysteries to her lighter paranormal cozy series. Her series include the completed cozy paranormal Harper & Hattie Magical Mystery Series, the completed hard-boiled PI Riley Sullivan Mystery Series, the FBI Agent Kate Walsh Thriller Series and the new Connor Fitzgerald Thriller series.
Stacy holds master’s degrees in forensic psychology and journalism and for now calls Little Rock, Arkansas home,though her storytelling always carries a trace of her upstate New York roots.
To join Stacy's Mystery Readers Club & access her Starter Library, which includes three novellas - "Harper's Folly", "The 1922 Club Murder" and "The Curators" - hit subscribe at http://www.stacymjones.com/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
February 14, 2022
Kate and Declan are on another mission to infiltrate what the FBI believes is a cult in a housing development. They are posing as a married couple, though there is something 'missing' in their behavior and some people are sensing it. This could cause problems. As they look into the murders of five different couples from the housing development, another couple is killed. What is going on here? The HOA president seems to be the 'leader' but he wouldn't dirty his hands with murder. Who else is involved and why? Another great story in this series. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
April 14, 2023
Kate & Declan pose as husband and wife and move into Mulberry Grove, a suburban community where wealthy tech investor and motivational guru, Jack Harlow, resides. Here, he hosts an exclusive club where members live in the community and pay membership fees to advance. Some call it a cult. No one leaves and those who do, end up dead.
It was fun seeing Declan & Kate pose as a married couple. There is already some chemistry that hasn’t been addressed and I enjoyed the sizzling friction. Both are excellent investigators, and getting into the inner circle of Harlow’s club isn’t easy.
The more they investigate, the closer they get to uncovering information about the group. However, the risk of discovery increases at every turn. This was suspenseful with twists, dark secrets, and danger at every turn.
I recommend the audiobooks. Claire Duncan does a great job of giving voice to both Kate & Declan and the rest. Her pacing, tone and multiple voices enhance the tale, making listening a solid choice. I am hoping Tantor continues to bring this series to audio.
If you’re looking for an edge of your seat crime thriller that will keep you guessing, you’ll want to start the FBI Agent Kate Walsh series. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
It was fun seeing Declan & Kate pose as a married couple. There is already some chemistry that hasn’t been addressed and I enjoyed the sizzling friction. Both are excellent investigators, and getting into the inner circle of Harlow’s club isn’t easy.
The more they investigate, the closer they get to uncovering information about the group. However, the risk of discovery increases at every turn. This was suspenseful with twists, dark secrets, and danger at every turn.
I recommend the audiobooks. Claire Duncan does a great job of giving voice to both Kate & Declan and the rest. Her pacing, tone and multiple voices enhance the tale, making listening a solid choice. I am hoping Tantor continues to bring this series to audio.
If you’re looking for an edge of your seat crime thriller that will keep you guessing, you’ll want to start the FBI Agent Kate Walsh series. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
February 25, 2022
Mad Jack is the first novel by Stacy M. Jones that I read, but it’s made me a Stacy fan.
This book is a must read if you are into FBI suspense/thrillers with a strong female protagonist. The characters are so lifelike that the temporary suspension of disbelief was never an issue for me. All the characters reminded me of people I once knew. Kate and her partner, Declon, who go undercover as a married couple, to take down Jack Harlow, the diabolical cult leader, reminded me of agents I once knew. This is a story that could have been taken from yesterday’s newspapers. The dialog is snappy and keeps this story moving forward at breakneck speed. Mad Jack isn’t a page turner, it’s a page burner, a read that you will find impossible to put down. It’s none stop action from beginning to end. This story will keep you glued to the edge of your seat from the first page to the last page. The way this story ends will blow you away, I know that the ending blew me away. Mad Jack came to a satisfying conclusion, but it left me wanting more, more of Kate and Declon. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series to find out what the future has in store for them. Of course, I will go back now and read all the books in this series that led up to this one.
If you only read one FBI suspense/thriller this year, you need to make that one book, Mad Jack.
This book is a must read if you are into FBI suspense/thrillers with a strong female protagonist. The characters are so lifelike that the temporary suspension of disbelief was never an issue for me. All the characters reminded me of people I once knew. Kate and her partner, Declon, who go undercover as a married couple, to take down Jack Harlow, the diabolical cult leader, reminded me of agents I once knew. This is a story that could have been taken from yesterday’s newspapers. The dialog is snappy and keeps this story moving forward at breakneck speed. Mad Jack isn’t a page turner, it’s a page burner, a read that you will find impossible to put down. It’s none stop action from beginning to end. This story will keep you glued to the edge of your seat from the first page to the last page. The way this story ends will blow you away, I know that the ending blew me away. Mad Jack came to a satisfying conclusion, but it left me wanting more, more of Kate and Declon. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series to find out what the future has in store for them. Of course, I will go back now and read all the books in this series that led up to this one.
If you only read one FBI suspense/thriller this year, you need to make that one book, Mad Jack.
April 10, 2025
I admit normally I'm skeptical about undercover stories, especially going as a couple, it usually gets awkward, or they lie to each other or something along those lines, but this was done so so well.
I adore Kate and Declan's partnership, they're not afraid to communicate! they don't wait ten chapters to finally talk something out, nor did they hide things, it's refreshing.
The cast of characters were great, was not expecting who the killer was (that could just be me though lol). Spade continues to be an intriguing one, I hope we learn more about him at some point.
AND Kate and Declan's in this one was ooh hot. I can't wait to see if anything comes of it in the next book.
It was a little fast past towards the end, but it made sense and was obviously done that way because everything was unraveling.
Speaking of next book, definitely excited for it!
I adore Kate and Declan's partnership, they're not afraid to communicate! they don't wait ten chapters to finally talk something out, nor did they hide things, it's refreshing.
The cast of characters were great, was not expecting who the killer was (that could just be me though lol). Spade continues to be an intriguing one, I hope we learn more about him at some point.
AND Kate and Declan's in this one was ooh hot. I can't wait to see if anything comes of it in the next book.
It was a little fast past towards the end, but it made sense and was obviously done that way because everything was unraveling.
Speaking of next book, definitely excited for it!
July 16, 2024
Mediocre at best. Undecided about continuing series.
April 21, 2025
A great series.
February 15, 2022
This story has Kate and Declan going undercover to discover information about killings which have happened in this development and also learning how Jack handles the operation of his on-site program. Kate and Declan were not having a great deal of luck breaking into Jack's circle. They got success when Kate made inroads into possibly being hired to take photos. for Jack. Kate went to an interview and later she and Declan were invited to an introductory seminar regarding his program. They went to the initial one and later they were invited to become members and were told about an introductory meet and greet where they would meet other members. Unfortunately, things did not go as planned.
Following that event, they learned that similar things had happened with other couples. This occurrence was also the thing that linked all of the killings together. Once Kate and Declan made a plan to take Jack down, another individual came into the picture.
To discover what Jack's hold on people was, what event led to Jack's demise and who the other party involved was, then you need to read this book. You won't be disappointed.
I received an ARC and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Following that event, they learned that similar things had happened with other couples. This occurrence was also the thing that linked all of the killings together. Once Kate and Declan made a plan to take Jack down, another individual came into the picture.
To discover what Jack's hold on people was, what event led to Jack's demise and who the other party involved was, then you need to read this book. You won't be disappointed.
I received an ARC and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
February 15, 2022
Another gripping, edge-of-your-seat assignment for Kate and Declan! Is it a personal development course, or is it a cult? People are being murdered and our intrepid duo goes undercover to put a stop to it.
That may not be all that's "undercover".
Jones's characters are back in book three of this page-turning series and not only is the danger cranked, but the steam is up a couple of notches too. Danger, risks, and intrigue are everyday occurrences for our heroes; the sexual tension is building to a fever pitch too. Jones is an expert at taking all the threads and weaving them into a story you will not put down till the last words on the page. It's one of the reasons that I keep coming back to her books. Well, that and the fact that I love the characters and don't want to miss a moment of their adventures.
This is Book Three in the Kate Walsh series, but never fear, you can easily read it as a standalone - if you wish - but you won't; you'll want to catch up with all Kate's exploits. Trust me!
[I was fortunate to receive an Advance Reader Copy of the book from the author, with no obligation to review. The opinions expressed herein are given freely and are entirely my own.]
That may not be all that's "undercover".
Jones's characters are back in book three of this page-turning series and not only is the danger cranked, but the steam is up a couple of notches too. Danger, risks, and intrigue are everyday occurrences for our heroes; the sexual tension is building to a fever pitch too. Jones is an expert at taking all the threads and weaving them into a story you will not put down till the last words on the page. It's one of the reasons that I keep coming back to her books. Well, that and the fact that I love the characters and don't want to miss a moment of their adventures.
This is Book Three in the Kate Walsh series, but never fear, you can easily read it as a standalone - if you wish - but you won't; you'll want to catch up with all Kate's exploits. Trust me!
[I was fortunate to receive an Advance Reader Copy of the book from the author, with no obligation to review. The opinions expressed herein are given freely and are entirely my own.]
February 14, 2022
What a terrific read this was. Kate and Declan are undercover in a residential area to try to infiltrate a personal development program run by a charismatic man called Jack. Several couples have been murdered and the common thread is that they were members of Jack's program. As it turns out, all the couples were trying to leave the program.
The story was gripping and the look into this program was fascinating. Each layer seems to involve donating more and more money and seems to serve to make women more subservient to their husbands and also lose lots of weight in a too quick and unhealthy manner. Jack quickly realised Kate is more strong-willed than other women so the battle of wits is intriguing.
This flowed along so quickly and I really didn't want to put it down. I love the interaction between Kate and Declan and this case becomes more personal for them both than ever before. It will be interesting to see how the dynamic is impacted in future books.
It's full of tension building up to a great ending. I am so thankful for recently discovering this series and I look forward to many more to come.
The story was gripping and the look into this program was fascinating. Each layer seems to involve donating more and more money and seems to serve to make women more subservient to their husbands and also lose lots of weight in a too quick and unhealthy manner. Jack quickly realised Kate is more strong-willed than other women so the battle of wits is intriguing.
This flowed along so quickly and I really didn't want to put it down. I love the interaction between Kate and Declan and this case becomes more personal for them both than ever before. It will be interesting to see how the dynamic is impacted in future books.
It's full of tension building up to a great ending. I am so thankful for recently discovering this series and I look forward to many more to come.
February 14, 2022
I am a devout fan of anything Stacy M. Jones. I wait for release day with such anticipation. The reason is this book right here…Mad Jack! Wow, wow, wow! Cults are fascinating enough, but what about going undercover and infiltrating an established cult with a history of unsolved murders, drugs, and sexual trysts? The subject matter by itself is interesting, but then add that FBI Special Agents, Kate and Declan, need to pretend to be married. Whew! This is one of those books that makes you cancel all your plans. You just need to find out how this all shakes out. The “who did it” and “why” may not be what you think.
February 15, 2022
Could not put this book down!
This third book in the Kate Walsh FBI series is indeed a page turner! Kate and her partner Declan infiltrate a cult to solve a series of murders. Working undercover and pretending to be a married couple does provide some interesting problems for the very proper, professional and somewhat uptight Kate, whilst Declan is his marvellously laid back and wisecracking self. As they delve deeper into the cult the danger to themselves increases exponentially, as do the number of possible suspects! I was on the edge of my seat with my pulse escalating at each turn of the page leading up to a cracker of an ending and that for me makes a thoroughly satisfying read.
This third book in the Kate Walsh FBI series is indeed a page turner! Kate and her partner Declan infiltrate a cult to solve a series of murders. Working undercover and pretending to be a married couple does provide some interesting problems for the very proper, professional and somewhat uptight Kate, whilst Declan is his marvellously laid back and wisecracking self. As they delve deeper into the cult the danger to themselves increases exponentially, as do the number of possible suspects! I was on the edge of my seat with my pulse escalating at each turn of the page leading up to a cracker of an ending and that for me makes a thoroughly satisfying read.
February 15, 2022
Interesting plot - a 'personal improvement' group that acts more like a cult.
Payments are required to move up in the group but also participants must acknowledge intensely private personal truths.
There have been some murders in the community - couples who belong to the group.
Kate and Declan go undercover to find out what is happening to the members of the group.
Excellent as usual.
Payments are required to move up in the group but also participants must acknowledge intensely private personal truths.
There have been some murders in the community - couples who belong to the group.
Kate and Declan go undercover to find out what is happening to the members of the group.
Excellent as usual.
February 23, 2022
I have read all of the books in this series but this one is very different. It deals with a cult. It is very explicit with sexual practices, threats & brainwashing tactics a cult uses to keep people staying with "the family". It is very well written though I found it not easy for me to read about. It may not be a good fit for some people with emotional issues. It is a story I could not put down, eager to know how Kate & Declan fulfill their assignment without becoming victims themselves.
March 1, 2022
Declean and Kate are back. This time they are thrown into small town USA, but there's a major twist. While pretending to be a married couple they find themselves struggling to gain inroads into a cult like community. As the story unfolds declean and Kate must face not only years of repressed feelings of desire and possibly love for one another while doing everything they can to be believed and still remain safe to figure out who is killing couples in the program ran by a man named jack holwell.
August 30, 2022
Great story, stepford wives and husbands in a strange cult like neighborhood, who to trust, you definitely don't want to make the wrong choice, or you could end up dead! Great characters and so many twists and turns and then the big surprise at the ending, last person I suspected but a thrilling story and a wild ride. Really enjoyed the book, highly recommend to anyone who likes mysteries or suspense.
October 21, 2024
Great Series
Love the characters. Kate is the best, she is smart and strong personality. They go undercover to a cult who advertises as a self help, be all you can be, improve yourself group. Of course it costs all of the members savings and they give up everything and everyone in their lives to live in this cult. Kate and DeClan are posing as a married couple who want to become members of the cult. Fast paced and fun book.
Love the characters. Kate is the best, she is smart and strong personality. They go undercover to a cult who advertises as a self help, be all you can be, improve yourself group. Of course it costs all of the members savings and they give up everything and everyone in their lives to live in this cult. Kate and DeClan are posing as a married couple who want to become members of the cult. Fast paced and fun book.
February 14, 2022
This was such an enjoyable book! The series keeps getting better with each new installment. The storyline of Kate and Declan going undercover to investigate a cult was very interesting. Their relationship as partners and friends is evolving. It’ll be interesting to see how they’ll navigate through those changes and how their partnership will be impacted.
February 15, 2022
This is a brilliant read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
February 23, 2022
Once again, another great installment to the Kate and Declan series. This time they are undercover as a married couple trying to bring down a nefarious cult leader. Lots of twists and turns. I enjoyed watching Kate’s and Declan’s relationship evolve. Looking forward to seeing what is next for them.
March 23, 2022
Mad Jack
Stacy has a gift. She can write a fantastic novel. Declan are Kate are paired together to solve a series of murders. But first they have to discover what you are hiding behind closed doors . Can they discover your secrets? Start at the beginning and you will not want to put this book down.
Stacy has a gift. She can write a fantastic novel. Declan are Kate are paired together to solve a series of murders. But first they have to discover what you are hiding behind closed doors . Can they discover your secrets? Start at the beginning and you will not want to put this book down.
February 14, 2022
This was a great addition to this series Kate and Declan need a vacation but they must go undercover in a cult to weed out the leader Lots of suspense twist and turns this is my favorite so far in this series
February 14, 2022
Talk about being outside your comfort zone. That is actually where Kate found herself. And boy oh boy does it make for some wonderful reading. We get to see a side of Kate she does not usual show. Very good story and well written. I recommend highly.
March 22, 2022
book three
I loved the book. Well written and a good steady forward pace. Building sexual tension. Also several plot twists. Quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. Thank you
I loved the book. Well written and a good steady forward pace. Building sexual tension. Also several plot twists. Quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. Thank you
May 26, 2022
This was amazing!
Fantastic writing, as usual! A clever and creative plot, full of action, suspense, humor and romance. I can not wait for more of this series, as more surprises are bound to entertain this reader! Well done!
Fantastic writing, as usual! A clever and creative plot, full of action, suspense, humor and romance. I can not wait for more of this series, as more surprises are bound to entertain this reader! Well done!
April 29, 2023
Truly enjoyable
This was a twist on what could be a real life scenario. Power hungry people with the gift to say what ever it takes to prove they are superior. Couldn't be more true.
This was a twist on what could be a real life scenario. Power hungry people with the gift to say what ever it takes to prove they are superior. Couldn't be more true.
May 9, 2023
Outstanding
Kate and Declan are under cover pretending to be married. Couples have been murdered in the past it seems they were not really investigated very well because everyone is afraid of Jack. Good characters believable storyline.
Kate and Declan are under cover pretending to be married. Couples have been murdered in the past it seems they were not really investigated very well because everyone is afraid of Jack. Good characters believable storyline.
August 5, 2023
Love this series!
I just finished this novel- number three in the series. I really enjoy the strong female main character. And, the twists just keep coming. I’d call this an FBI thriller.
I just finished this novel- number three in the series. I really enjoy the strong female main character. And, the twists just keep coming. I’d call this an FBI thriller.
November 19, 2023
Another good Sarah Walsh FBI mystery. Sarah & Declan need to infiltrate a cult run by crazy Jack. Tough going since it is obvious they don’t fit the personality type to get drawn in to this murderous mess. Enjoy this read. It goes by quickly.
March 18, 2024
Very slow - read on KU
The last 25% was interesting. It was slow up until that point. She also needs a better editor. There were some errors, but some sentences were just written in a confusing manner.
The last 25% was interesting. It was slow up until that point. She also needs a better editor. There were some errors, but some sentences were just written in a confusing manner.
February 16, 2025
excellent
This is the best of this series in terms of depth. The major and minor characters are fairly complex, and pretty human. Interesting plot. Good twist or two! Now for book 4.
This is the best of this series in terms of depth. The major and minor characters are fairly complex, and pretty human. Interesting plot. Good twist or two! Now for book 4.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews