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Touch of Evil #3
Awakening Sin
A new sin awakens in the next gripping psychological suspense novel by USA Today Bestselling Author Kennedy Layne…
When a body is found, displayed crudely in the middle of a deserted rural road, the world is captivated by the gruesome murder. Media descends on a small town in the middle of West Virginia, desperate to uncover the one question everyone wants to know: Who killed a mother of two, beloved wife and friend, and pillar of her community?
Former FBI consultant Brooklyn Sloane and her team have spent the first half of the year taking cold cases that were once shelved to collect dust. They have always left the active investigations for law enforcement to solve, but as the case morphs into a media frenzy, a disturbing phone call changes everything.
Drawn into the dark mind of a killer, Brook and her team arrive at the crime scene where the case takes a stunning turn. The one thing they are absolutely certain of is that a serial killer is emerging from the ashes of his victims, and he's finally come out to play.
When a body is found, displayed crudely in the middle of a deserted rural road, the world is captivated by the gruesome murder. Media descends on a small town in the middle of West Virginia, desperate to uncover the one question everyone wants to know: Who killed a mother of two, beloved wife and friend, and pillar of her community?
Former FBI consultant Brooklyn Sloane and her team have spent the first half of the year taking cold cases that were once shelved to collect dust. They have always left the active investigations for law enforcement to solve, but as the case morphs into a media frenzy, a disturbing phone call changes everything.
Drawn into the dark mind of a killer, Brook and her team arrive at the crime scene where the case takes a stunning turn. The one thing they are absolutely certain of is that a serial killer is emerging from the ashes of his victims, and he's finally come out to play.
303 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 27, 2022
781 people are currently reading
618 people want to read
About the author
Kennedy Layne
156 books661 followersKennedy Layne is a USA Today bestselling author. She draws inspiration for her romantic thrillers in part from her not-so-secret second life as a wife of a retired Marine Master Sergeant. He doubles as her critique partner, beta reader, and military consultant. Kennedy also has a deep love for cozy mysteries, thrillers, and basically any book that can keep her guessing until the very end. They live in the Midwest with their menagerie of pets. The loyal dogs and mischievous cats appreciate her writing days as much as she does, usually curled up in front of the fireplace.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
October 6, 2022
The team really seems to be working well at this point. Even the new girl seems to be fitting in. The case most of them went to work was a bit crazy! It seemed like they didn't make much movement on it and them bam! All of them knew who the killer was at the same time and one of their own was in danger. I was glad that every one got there in time to save them and that the bad guy was caught and will be punished.
Brook's brothers actions were crazy at the end. I'm sort of glad things didn't work out for him, but worry about the person that is left, things won't be easy for them going forward.
Brook's brothers actions were crazy at the end. I'm sort of glad things didn't work out for him, but worry about the person that is left, things won't be easy for them going forward.
May 2, 2022
Awakening Sin😈
Wow, just wow…that story was amazing and intense and unexpected in a good way🤩
Brook and her team are called in by the governor to help with a case in a small town, after the unsub contacts Brook directly. Unfortunately, their arrival isn’t soon enough and another woman goes missing before they have enough information to catch the unsub. But the truth of who did it will catch you by surprise as well as the ending😳
Loved it and I’m super excited to see what Brook and her team’s next adventure will entail😍
Wow, just wow…that story was amazing and intense and unexpected in a good way🤩
Brook and her team are called in by the governor to help with a case in a small town, after the unsub contacts Brook directly. Unfortunately, their arrival isn’t soon enough and another woman goes missing before they have enough information to catch the unsub. But the truth of who did it will catch you by surprise as well as the ending😳
Loved it and I’m super excited to see what Brook and her team’s next adventure will entail😍
December 1, 2025
4 – 4.5 Stars
Evil touches our lives every day.
We don’t always see it, hear it, or touch it…but it’s there all the same.
Follow along as Brooklyn Sloane, a former consultant for the FBI, takes on cold cases that are thrown on a random desk to gather dust without a second thought to the victims’ families left behind. She knows all too well what it’s like to be the one left with nothing but unanswered questions. Her renowned career as a federal profiler was built on apprehending only the most notorious serial killers who made the front page of the national newspapers. Unfortunately, she failed to bring to justice the one who stained her soul—her very own brother. He is still out there hunting, but she fully intends to be the one who ends his reign of terror.
Awakening Sin is the third book in the Touch of Evil Series by Kennedy Layne.
Touch of Evil is a gripping blend of psychological intrigue, suspense, and raw emotion and follows Brooklyn Sloane, a former FBI consultant turned private investigator, as she tackles cold cases and confronts her own haunting past.
Brooklyn is a standout FMC – she’s intelligent, determined, and yet deeply flawed. Her relentless pursuit of justice, particularly as she hunts for her estranged brother, who is a cunning serial killer, definitely added extra intrigue as well as a deeply personal layer to the overarching story. Ms. Layne seems to easily manage to delve into Brooklyn’s psyche while also maintaining the tension of the mysteries.
Each book is a carefully crafted puzzle, with twists and turns that kept me guessing until the very end. The dark, moody tone is balanced by moments of vulnerability and humanity, making the characters feel real and very relatable. Ms. Layne’s writing is sharp and evocative, painting vivid scenes that draw you into the world of crime and justice.
It’s a must-read for anyone who enjoys a story that challenges the mind and tugs at the heartstrings. Prepare to be captivated - and maybe even a little haunted - by this unforgettable series.
Happy Reading…
Evil touches our lives every day.
We don’t always see it, hear it, or touch it…but it’s there all the same.
Follow along as Brooklyn Sloane, a former consultant for the FBI, takes on cold cases that are thrown on a random desk to gather dust without a second thought to the victims’ families left behind. She knows all too well what it’s like to be the one left with nothing but unanswered questions. Her renowned career as a federal profiler was built on apprehending only the most notorious serial killers who made the front page of the national newspapers. Unfortunately, she failed to bring to justice the one who stained her soul—her very own brother. He is still out there hunting, but she fully intends to be the one who ends his reign of terror.
Awakening Sin is the third book in the Touch of Evil Series by Kennedy Layne.
Touch of Evil is a gripping blend of psychological intrigue, suspense, and raw emotion and follows Brooklyn Sloane, a former FBI consultant turned private investigator, as she tackles cold cases and confronts her own haunting past.
Brooklyn is a standout FMC – she’s intelligent, determined, and yet deeply flawed. Her relentless pursuit of justice, particularly as she hunts for her estranged brother, who is a cunning serial killer, definitely added extra intrigue as well as a deeply personal layer to the overarching story. Ms. Layne seems to easily manage to delve into Brooklyn’s psyche while also maintaining the tension of the mysteries.
Each book is a carefully crafted puzzle, with twists and turns that kept me guessing until the very end. The dark, moody tone is balanced by moments of vulnerability and humanity, making the characters feel real and very relatable. Ms. Layne’s writing is sharp and evocative, painting vivid scenes that draw you into the world of crime and justice.
It’s a must-read for anyone who enjoys a story that challenges the mind and tugs at the heartstrings. Prepare to be captivated - and maybe even a little haunted - by this unforgettable series.
Happy Reading…
March 17, 2025
I love the team; I love the team soooo much. It really is scratching that itch I've had for a good team setting.
Brook trying to keep her distance yet wanting to be a part of the team always makes me sad but happy because that means she will hopefully one day.
and we got our receptionist, Kate Lin. I'm not too sure how to feel about her since we've just been introduced but I think she'll fit in, we'll see how it goes next book.
Bit remains an absolute gem; I love his loyalty to Brook. The whole team is but Bit is like a golden retriever. still rooting for him and little T.
I'm going to be honest; I'm so relieved I haven't gotten romance vibes between Theo and Brook, I just haven't felt anything there and was worried he was a potential love interest. Now to be fair there's been no romance in these books so far.
BUT THAT ENDING WITH ELLIOT!! please tell me I'm not the only one seeing something blooming, am I crazy (probably a yes but we move-)
also, Jacob! his chapters are ones I look forward to a lot, this man is like a puzzle and it's fascinating every piece we get.
I'm so curious on if he cares for Brook in some way, like in some kind of sick way. I would love to see how he'd react if Brook got hurt or kidnapped or something.
ngl lie I was hoping we'd get more of Matt Henley, I have a feeling he'll come into play eventually. Maybe.. (there's a lot of character's I have a feeling something is building with, Kyle from the law place, Colin her new neighbor.)
Also she mentioned adding to her list of killers to keep an eye on, she said two was on that list already, one being her brother obviously but I wonder who the second is...
onto the next book :)
Brook trying to keep her distance yet wanting to be a part of the team always makes me sad but happy because that means she will hopefully one day.
and we got our receptionist, Kate Lin. I'm not too sure how to feel about her since we've just been introduced but I think she'll fit in, we'll see how it goes next book.
Bit remains an absolute gem; I love his loyalty to Brook. The whole team is but Bit is like a golden retriever. still rooting for him and little T.
I'm going to be honest; I'm so relieved I haven't gotten romance vibes between Theo and Brook, I just haven't felt anything there and was worried he was a potential love interest. Now to be fair there's been no romance in these books so far.
BUT THAT ENDING WITH ELLIOT!! please tell me I'm not the only one seeing something blooming, am I crazy (probably a yes but we move-)
also, Jacob! his chapters are ones I look forward to a lot, this man is like a puzzle and it's fascinating every piece we get.
I'm so curious on if he cares for Brook in some way, like in some kind of sick way. I would love to see how he'd react if Brook got hurt or kidnapped or something.
ngl lie I was hoping we'd get more of Matt Henley, I have a feeling he'll come into play eventually. Maybe.. (there's a lot of character's I have a feeling something is building with, Kyle from the law place, Colin her new neighbor.)
Also she mentioned adding to her list of killers to keep an eye on, she said two was on that list already, one being her brother obviously but I wonder who the second is...
onto the next book :)
December 22, 2024
Family isn’t always what you think
Brook and team are sent to help with an active case where the killer reached out to her with taunts. The team is excited to be in the field and this story really shows how their bond is developing in work and personal feelings as they all want to also help her with the brother is a problem. Graham faces tough decisions but stands firm to protect them. The killer is a surprise and found out in a masterful demonstration of the teams different skills. Bit was my favorite for this book and I enjoyed how Theo is seeing Brooks humor more and more. Jacob’s POV at the end was creepy and fantastic in his abilities. I can’t wait for more cases and turn with this team!
Brook and team are sent to help with an active case where the killer reached out to her with taunts. The team is excited to be in the field and this story really shows how their bond is developing in work and personal feelings as they all want to also help her with the brother is a problem. Graham faces tough decisions but stands firm to protect them. The killer is a surprise and found out in a masterful demonstration of the teams different skills. Bit was my favorite for this book and I enjoyed how Theo is seeing Brooks humor more and more. Jacob’s POV at the end was creepy and fantastic in his abilities. I can’t wait for more cases and turn with this team!
November 13, 2024
Another great entry in this series. The team takes on its first active case. They normally work on cold cases. The story and crimes were very interesting. It was also very interesting to see the team interact and work out in the field. I was riveted reading how solved the case. There was also a glimpse of Brook's brother. This part of the story line is very interesting. I also find the way they author switched between characters and the past in different chapters to be very compelling. I would recommend this book and the series which I believe should be read in order for the best reading experience.
May 6, 2022
Whew. The beginning and middle of these books are always thrilling and captivating but the endings are crazy..
Brooklyn and her team are pulled into an active investigation of a murder. From the shear depravity of how the victim was killed Brooks profiler instincts tell her this was the killers first victim but it wont be his last.
This is such a unique series and you feel on edge through every book in the series like Brook on when and where her brother is going to turn up and what he is going to do.
Such a good series and cant wait for the next thrilling ride.
Brooklyn and her team are pulled into an active investigation of a murder. From the shear depravity of how the victim was killed Brooks profiler instincts tell her this was the killers first victim but it wont be his last.
This is such a unique series and you feel on edge through every book in the series like Brook on when and where her brother is going to turn up and what he is going to do.
Such a good series and cant wait for the next thrilling ride.
April 21, 2025
This book wastes no time pulling you in—right from the start, the pacing is strong and the characters are well established, making it easy to connect with them as the mystery unfolds. Thinking I had a handle on who the killer was thanks to some cleverly placed breadcrumbs… only for more clues to drop that had me second-guessing — spoiler: I was wrong!
The foreshadowing around Brook's brother? Totally jaw-dropping. Can’t wait to see what’s next!
The foreshadowing around Brook's brother? Totally jaw-dropping. Can’t wait to see what’s next!
November 6, 2023
Amazing Series
Riveting! Love the stories and the flawed characters. Brook and her team go to W Virginia to work on a live case. A man is taking women and killing them in a small small town. Brook says it is someone local. Of course Brooks serial killer brother could also be lurking….
Riveting! Love the stories and the flawed characters. Brook and her team go to W Virginia to work on a live case. A man is taking women and killing them in a small small town. Brook says it is someone local. Of course Brooks serial killer brother could also be lurking….
January 22, 2024
Exciting read!
This is the first time I have read this author and I plan on reading more of her books. The story was detailed and took several twists and turns. The story kept me involved and holding my breath to see what was happening next. I kept turning page after page to find out who was the killer. Great book in my view.
This is the first time I have read this author and I plan on reading more of her books. The story was detailed and took several twists and turns. The story kept me involved and holding my breath to see what was happening next. I kept turning page after page to find out who was the killer. Great book in my view.
January 23, 2024
The authors writing flows with absolute precision. I love everything about her books. She weaves a perfect balance between suspense and dynamic, well developed characters. She geneiously develops a story that has your jaw drop to the ground when everything slowly unravels to the exciting conclusion.
January 23, 2024
Excellent
This is the first of the series I have read and I look forward to reading more novels written by this author. The characters she has created are people you start your care about. The writing is excellent and I admit I didn’t figure out the murderer u til near the end. That’s a first for me.
This is the first of the series I have read and I look forward to reading more novels written by this author. The characters she has created are people you start your care about. The writing is excellent and I admit I didn’t figure out the murderer u til near the end. That’s a first for me.
February 12, 2024
A very creepy mystery thriller featuring Brooklyn Sloane, former FBI analyst now heading up an agency specializing in cold cases. Tasked with helping local law enforcement tracking down a serial killer terrorizing a small town, Brook comes to realize her nemesis, her estranged brother who is also a serial killer, is tracking her.
June 13, 2022
awesome
What can I say? I love this series. I love the solving of the crime with teamwork cause the team is awesome. I love the simmering whatever it is with Graham in the background-I want more of that. I am so into the brother always in the story even though he isn’t part of it.
What can I say? I love this series. I love the solving of the crime with teamwork cause the team is awesome. I love the simmering whatever it is with Graham in the background-I want more of that. I am so into the brother always in the story even though he isn’t part of it.
February 1, 2023
If you like J. D. Robb, this is a must read.
That her whole team ( minus Kate) figured out who the unsub was simultaneously, only means that they have been paying attention. The fact is, Brook is very good at paying attention to detail, and piecing all the Facts together.
That her whole team ( minus Kate) figured out who the unsub was simultaneously, only means that they have been paying attention. The fact is, Brook is very good at paying attention to detail, and piecing all the Facts together.
January 11, 2024
Evil is there.
A fascinating cat and mouse thriller. A sadistic killer has murdered a woman in a small town. The team travel there and try to find the culprit. Great characters and storytelling.
A fascinating cat and mouse thriller. A sadistic killer has murdered a woman in a small town. The team travel there and try to find the culprit. Great characters and storytelling.
March 21, 2024
Great book!
This is a great series and it definitely keeps me in suspense. The only critique I have is the author doesn’t know when to use whom instead of who. It’s a minor mistake but a little irritating. Otherwise I really love the series!
This is a great series and it definitely keeps me in suspense. The only critique I have is the author doesn’t know when to use whom instead of who. It’s a minor mistake but a little irritating. Otherwise I really love the series!
September 14, 2024
I'm still obsessed with this series!
I'm still obsessed with this series as it continues in Awakening Sin (Touch of Evil Book 3) by Kennedy Layne. Be prepared to read all night as this book keeps ones interest rivited!
I'm still obsessed with this series as it continues in Awakening Sin (Touch of Evil Book 3) by Kennedy Layne. Be prepared to read all night as this book keeps ones interest rivited!
October 6, 2024
Did not figure out killer. Amazing read. Got hooked from 1st in series. If you enjoy reading a series that holds suspense and characters that are interesting this series should be at the top of your list.
March 7, 2025
Wow this one is good
Brook and her team work to find a killer. They know the killer has lived there his whole life so he's hiding in plain sight. The families of that small town will never be the same. Brook's brother comes to town too.
Brook and her team work to find a killer. They know the killer has lived there his whole life so he's hiding in plain sight. The families of that small town will never be the same. Brook's brother comes to town too.
March 11, 2025
Estou gostando da série, embora já não aguente mais o personagem Jacob Walsh ou as minúcias sobre onde alguma personagem guarda seu celular. Os livros são cativantes, tanto que já estou partindo para o quinto da série, e o suspense também é na medida certa.
August 23, 2025
This is a fantastic series! Brooklyn and her team are investigating another case with a twisted killer. This was a page-turner for me. I recommend starting with book one since Brooklyn's story is ongoing through these books.
October 3, 2025
Point of brother?
Found the book somewhat disjointed. Many different cases were being profiled at the same time and I became confused. The ending really was two parts, one concerning the book and another unrelated but forced fit.
Found the book somewhat disjointed. Many different cases were being profiled at the same time and I became confused. The ending really was two parts, one concerning the book and another unrelated but forced fit.
October 12, 2025
Ehh. I’m over these books. I wanted the brother sister serial killer fbi agent vibe and got a half story that has too many characters and none of the drama I started the series for. There are 14 of these I’m not waiting that long to find out what happens to the storyline that I wanted.
May 8, 2022
A marvelous mystery with outstanding characters
June 11, 2022
The tension gets more gripping with each instalment of this series.
Intriguing from start tp finish another brilliant ride
Intriguing from start tp finish another brilliant ride
December 29, 2022
Interesting and quite gripping - I read the first three in a row and it's definitely a series I'll return back to
January 21, 2023
How well do u know your neighbors
Excellent storyline. With interesting main characters through out the series. One story finished in the book yet building on the next.
Excellent storyline. With interesting main characters through out the series. One story finished in the book yet building on the next.
January 14, 2024
Fast-paced action
Brooke and her investigative firm track down a kidnapper who tortures his victims. The plot keeps you guessing who the unsub is.
Brooke and her investigative firm track down a kidnapper who tortures his victims. The plot keeps you guessing who the unsub is.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews