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Kenzie Gilmore #3
Heatwave
The Miami heat can be murder…
When investigative reporter Kenzie is asked by a teenager to look into her boyfriend’s murder, she stumbles upon a secret so great that just knowing about it could get her killed.
Unable to turn a blind eye, she starts investigating and discovers how far those involved will go to keep it hidden.
Newly promoted Lieutenant Reid Garret has just pulled another youngster out of the canal with the same synthetic drug in her system.
Enough is enough.
It’s time to hunt down those responsible and get the killer product off the street. The search leads him to an old adversary who has evaded capture for the last two years, someone Reid would do anything to bring down, even if it costs him his job.
As the two cases collide, Kenzie and Reid realize they are facing their smartest and most dangerous adversary yet.
With Miami in the grips of a brutal heatwave, the heat is on to find the killer before they become his next target.
When investigative reporter Kenzie is asked by a teenager to look into her boyfriend’s murder, she stumbles upon a secret so great that just knowing about it could get her killed.
Unable to turn a blind eye, she starts investigating and discovers how far those involved will go to keep it hidden.
Newly promoted Lieutenant Reid Garret has just pulled another youngster out of the canal with the same synthetic drug in her system.
Enough is enough.
It’s time to hunt down those responsible and get the killer product off the street. The search leads him to an old adversary who has evaded capture for the last two years, someone Reid would do anything to bring down, even if it costs him his job.
As the two cases collide, Kenzie and Reid realize they are facing their smartest and most dangerous adversary yet.
With Miami in the grips of a brutal heatwave, the heat is on to find the killer before they become his next target.
- GenresThriller
298 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 12, 2022
928 people are currently reading
139 people want to read
About the author
Biba Pearce
45 books252 followersBiba Pearce is an award-winning, internationally published crime author, known for crafting gripping, atmospheric mysteries. She is the bestselling author of multiple series including DCI Rob Miller, Kenzie Gilmore and Shrap Nelson. Her work has been recognized by the Feathered Quill and the CWA Debut Dagger awards, and The Marlow Murders was named Best Crime Fiction Book at the 2024 Indie Excellence Book Awards.
Website: bibapearce.com
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Website: bibapearce.com
Instagram: @author_bibapearce
Facebook: @authorbibapearce
TikTok: @authorbibapearce
Blue sky: @authorbibapearce.bsky.social
Facebook Reader Group: facebook.com/groups/bibasthrillseekers
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
March 17, 2024
Wow! These books just get better and better. This one is packed with excitement.
April 6, 2022
Miami is locked in a heat wave, pink cocaine, a new synthetic drug on the streets, is killing partiers and both Makenzie, as lead crime reporter, and Reid, heading his new precinct, are swamped. And despite it all neither can wrap their heads around that one kiss.
The series heats up in a big way with this third installment. Fantastically twisted plotlines with conclusions I didn’t see coming. These just keep getting better.
The series heats up in a big way with this third installment. Fantastically twisted plotlines with conclusions I didn’t see coming. These just keep getting better.
April 5, 2022
Wow, Biba Pearce, where have you been all my life ? this is the first book that I have read by this author and although it is a series the author has cleverly woven in features from the previous books.
"She couldn't believe that she had kissed him like that, it had been impulsive, reckless and too darned good".
Kenzie Gilmore is senior investigative journalist on the Herald and the recipient of her kiss was her friend Reid Garret, Lt detective at the Sweetwater PD, their "will they, won't they" is a thread that , weaves it's way seamlessly through this great story, a story with two prongs that come together beautifully at the end.
When a young girl approaches Kenzie asking for her help Kenzie was impressed by how earnest she was, her boyfriend had been murdered, he had been found stabbed and with drugs in his pocket, the police weren't interested, it was drug related...........or was it ? the young girl was adamant that he wouldn't touch drugs.
At the same time Reid was watching another girl being pulled out of the creek, the third one in a month, all related to a new and dangerous drug.
Kenzie pleaded for Reid's help, could there be a link, all clues pointed to a dangerous cartel that had been in their sights for years but had Kenzie also uncovered something equally as menacing, something that was going to put her life in danger.
This story has everything, it is action packed with nail biting suspense, it involves the FEDs, salacious practices in high places,the plot twists and turns and throws out red herrings galore. Reid's team are now pulling together with one exception. Kenzie knew that she was going against Reid's wishes by going undercover, he couldn't bear to see her putting her life in danger but she was her own woman.
I loved this book, I loved the wonderful characters and I loved the surprise ending, bring on the next one.
I received a free copy of this book and my review is voluntary.
"She couldn't believe that she had kissed him like that, it had been impulsive, reckless and too darned good".
Kenzie Gilmore is senior investigative journalist on the Herald and the recipient of her kiss was her friend Reid Garret, Lt detective at the Sweetwater PD, their "will they, won't they" is a thread that , weaves it's way seamlessly through this great story, a story with two prongs that come together beautifully at the end.
When a young girl approaches Kenzie asking for her help Kenzie was impressed by how earnest she was, her boyfriend had been murdered, he had been found stabbed and with drugs in his pocket, the police weren't interested, it was drug related...........or was it ? the young girl was adamant that he wouldn't touch drugs.
At the same time Reid was watching another girl being pulled out of the creek, the third one in a month, all related to a new and dangerous drug.
Kenzie pleaded for Reid's help, could there be a link, all clues pointed to a dangerous cartel that had been in their sights for years but had Kenzie also uncovered something equally as menacing, something that was going to put her life in danger.
This story has everything, it is action packed with nail biting suspense, it involves the FEDs, salacious practices in high places,the plot twists and turns and throws out red herrings galore. Reid's team are now pulling together with one exception. Kenzie knew that she was going against Reid's wishes by going undercover, he couldn't bear to see her putting her life in danger but she was her own woman.
I loved this book, I loved the wonderful characters and I loved the surprise ending, bring on the next one.
I received a free copy of this book and my review is voluntary.
April 25, 2022
Another Hit!
“What a great Read!” another brilliant book by Biba in the Kenzie Gilmore thriller series which just get better and better. The chemistry and relationship between Kenzie and Reid is starting to build and getting stronger and with Kenzie ruthless streak causing conflicting and dangerous situations makes things between them difficult yet brings them closer.
The story is around Kenzie Gilmore a senior investigative reporter for the Herald and Reid Garret a Lt for the Sweetwater PD who has worked together on a few previous cases and are becoming a close working team which works well.
The pair investigates drug related deaths which lead to the cartel and a particular case Reid is unofficially working and tracking for personnel reasons, while Kenzie is approached by young girl asking for her help with the murder of her boyfriend. As both these may also linked to the murder of three young women killed in one month through a new “Pink Cocaine” drug both agree tom investigate. On top of this they have a dirty politician becomes evident who needs to be taken down.
However working in close friendship has its own romantic issues and conflicts.
This story which is book three in the series but can definitely be read as a one off however I would strongly suggest that you feast on all of the series.
Two storylines which intermingle with twist and turns, action galore slowly building and building to the climax of a surprising ending.
Full of everything; Feds, action, red herrings, twists and turns, suspense you name it is there and then you have Kenzie continuously putting her life at risk to get her story and her target putting Reid in conflicting situations plus her life and Reid’s in serious danger.
A well written enjoyable read and one I highly recommend.
“What a great Read!” another brilliant book by Biba in the Kenzie Gilmore thriller series which just get better and better. The chemistry and relationship between Kenzie and Reid is starting to build and getting stronger and with Kenzie ruthless streak causing conflicting and dangerous situations makes things between them difficult yet brings them closer.
The story is around Kenzie Gilmore a senior investigative reporter for the Herald and Reid Garret a Lt for the Sweetwater PD who has worked together on a few previous cases and are becoming a close working team which works well.
The pair investigates drug related deaths which lead to the cartel and a particular case Reid is unofficially working and tracking for personnel reasons, while Kenzie is approached by young girl asking for her help with the murder of her boyfriend. As both these may also linked to the murder of three young women killed in one month through a new “Pink Cocaine” drug both agree tom investigate. On top of this they have a dirty politician becomes evident who needs to be taken down.
However working in close friendship has its own romantic issues and conflicts.
This story which is book three in the series but can definitely be read as a one off however I would strongly suggest that you feast on all of the series.
Two storylines which intermingle with twist and turns, action galore slowly building and building to the climax of a surprising ending.
Full of everything; Feds, action, red herrings, twists and turns, suspense you name it is there and then you have Kenzie continuously putting her life at risk to get her story and her target putting Reid in conflicting situations plus her life and Reid’s in serious danger.
A well written enjoyable read and one I highly recommend.
April 21, 2022
Romance masquerading as a mystery - 4 stars
Kenzie Gilmore is an impulsive reporter with good instincts who works for the Miami Herald. A teenager who gives Kenzie a tip about an apparent drug-related murder provides the lead-in to this story of corruption and drugs.
Reid Garret is a Lieutenant in the Town of Sweetwater just west of Miami. He is new to this job although he has been spending time with Kenzie for a couple of years.
There is palpable chemistry between Reid and Kenzie which keeps the story focused. Kenzie goes off impetuously and Reid has to rescue her. It is almost a relationship; neither Kenzie nor Reid is willing to make a commitment. The independent news and police investigations overlap, keeping Kenzie and Reid together much of the time.
The symbiotic partnership of drug dealing and violence provides corpses and chases, tips and false leads combine with occasional visits to bars and hospitals. Miami's summer provides heat and humidity that only a native can profess to enjoy.
Late-night car chases with vehicles being pushed off the road provide pulse rising excitement. One of the best scenes has Kenzie interviewing a drug lord.
Kenzie's secondary investigation turns up a different kind of crime which wraps up quickly at the end of the story.
Kenzie Gilmore is an impulsive reporter with good instincts who works for the Miami Herald. A teenager who gives Kenzie a tip about an apparent drug-related murder provides the lead-in to this story of corruption and drugs.
Reid Garret is a Lieutenant in the Town of Sweetwater just west of Miami. He is new to this job although he has been spending time with Kenzie for a couple of years.
There is palpable chemistry between Reid and Kenzie which keeps the story focused. Kenzie goes off impetuously and Reid has to rescue her. It is almost a relationship; neither Kenzie nor Reid is willing to make a commitment. The independent news and police investigations overlap, keeping Kenzie and Reid together much of the time.
The symbiotic partnership of drug dealing and violence provides corpses and chases, tips and false leads combine with occasional visits to bars and hospitals. Miami's summer provides heat and humidity that only a native can profess to enjoy.
Late-night car chases with vehicles being pushed off the road provide pulse rising excitement. One of the best scenes has Kenzie interviewing a drug lord.
Kenzie's secondary investigation turns up a different kind of crime which wraps up quickly at the end of the story.
April 13, 2022
Excellent series. Book three was a brilliant addition to a terrific series. The chemistry between Reid and Kenzie is still simmering as they struggle to define their relationship. Two storylines that the intrepid reporter is investigating place her in great danger. Reid is investigating a new designer drug that has teenagers dying. Great twists and action that will keep you turning the pages. Excellent writing and as usual filled with suspense. Recommend both series written by Biba Pearce.
April 19, 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 found myself second guessing every thought I had continuously.
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 found myself second guessing every thought I had continuously.
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.
May 22, 2022
Another cracker from Biba Pearce. Her wonderful blend of a great plot, totally believable characters and a thrilling and chilling storyline is enough for a 5* rating. Add in her ability to combine mystery, humour and a touch of romance and I couldn’t put this down. I kept turning the pages until I’d finished…while unsuccessfully continuing to tell myself “I’ll finish reading after just one more chapter”! Too good to miss.
March 14, 2023
4.5/5⭐
SPOILER:
Another good page turner for this series. Talk about a (really) slow burn romance between Kenzie and Reid, slow is nice and all but this is (kinda) too slow. I'm glad that the cartel was taken down, now hopefully there won't be so much woe is me from Reid about Bianca, it has gotten old. It would also be nice if maybe Kenzie listened to Reid a little more when he says DANGER!!!
SPOILER:
Another good page turner for this series. Talk about a (really) slow burn romance between Kenzie and Reid, slow is nice and all but this is (kinda) too slow. I'm glad that the cartel was taken down, now hopefully there won't be so much woe is me from Reid about Bianca, it has gotten old. It would also be nice if maybe Kenzie listened to Reid a little more when he says DANGER!!!
July 17, 2024
Fast paced and enjoyable
The characters are interesting and clearly thought out. The storyline is decent and well researched. I do find Kenzie a bit annoying in her disregard for her own safety over and over with hardened criminals. She's too cavalier and not believable as she presses on to "get the story" no matter the consequences. I'd also like to see Reid and Kenzie take their relationship to another level after 3 books.
The characters are interesting and clearly thought out. The storyline is decent and well researched. I do find Kenzie a bit annoying in her disregard for her own safety over and over with hardened criminals. She's too cavalier and not believable as she presses on to "get the story" no matter the consequences. I'd also like to see Reid and Kenzie take their relationship to another level after 3 books.
April 12, 2022
Sophisticated criminals
A pedophile ring. Drug trafficking. Murder. Kenzie investigates the death of a teenage boy and a teenage girl, supposedly from drug overdose. What she discovers is shocking. I liked the fluidity of the story line and the cast of characters. This page turner is difficult to put down. A must read.
A pedophile ring. Drug trafficking. Murder. Kenzie investigates the death of a teenage boy and a teenage girl, supposedly from drug overdose. What she discovers is shocking. I liked the fluidity of the story line and the cast of characters. This page turner is difficult to put down. A must read.
July 10, 2024
Double trouble
Ms. Pearce does a surprisingly good job of nailing the Miami city scape considering she lives in the UK. Not quite accurate but good enough to build a great story. Reid and kenizie take on Mexican cartels and political elites to bring the story to the public and the criminals to justice. It's a fun ride never boring. Looking forward to the next installment! 😀
Ms. Pearce does a surprisingly good job of nailing the Miami city scape considering she lives in the UK. Not quite accurate but good enough to build a great story. Reid and kenizie take on Mexican cartels and political elites to bring the story to the public and the criminals to justice. It's a fun ride never boring. Looking forward to the next installment! 😀
November 14, 2025
Highly engaging
I really like this series. Its maddening what the reporter will do for a story at times. It seems stupid but I'm not a reporter. The.book.carries a couple.cases that are wound up together and each page has more drama than the last. I really like the characters that have developed and the situations they get caught up in. easy to get sucked into the story.
I really like this series. Its maddening what the reporter will do for a story at times. It seems stupid but I'm not a reporter. The.book.carries a couple.cases that are wound up together and each page has more drama than the last. I really like the characters that have developed and the situations they get caught up in. easy to get sucked into the story.
April 20, 2022
From the first word I was hooked. Kenzie has stumbled upon a story that will lead her deep into secrets for some in high places. She has combined her efforts with Reid and helps bring down some high profile people while also breaking open a case that has haunted him. This is a must read.
February 25, 2023
Another winner
Kenzie and Reid team up to help shut down the Mexican cartel. In the middle of it all, Kenzie stumbles on another murder that needs to be solved. Definitely a page turner.
Kenzie and Reid team up to help shut down the Mexican cartel. In the middle of it all, Kenzie stumbles on another murder that needs to be solved. Definitely a page turner.
November 4, 2023
I just recently started reading Biba Pearce Novels, and I love them. Hard to put down, and easy to read. Heatwave was a fast read, and I am really getting to know Kenzie and Reid. What a great pair. Never a dull moment with these two.
December 5, 2023
like the mystery
I keep reading the series waiting for the main characters to finally get together and it’s wearing on my patient. I like the stories and they are well written, but man, I need this to happen. Frustrating.
I keep reading the series waiting for the main characters to finally get together and it’s wearing on my patient. I like the stories and they are well written, but man, I need this to happen. Frustrating.
May 30, 2024
Engaging story and much better editing this time
I continue to enjoy the two main characters, although the "will they, won't they" subplot us getting a bit tiresome. The two main stories were well crafted with some interacting twists they made for a a fun read.
I continue to enjoy the two main characters, although the "will they, won't they" subplot us getting a bit tiresome. The two main stories were well crafted with some interacting twists they made for a a fun read.
April 14, 2022
An extremely well written story, with action from start to finish. An edge of the seat page turner.
September 1, 2022
Good read
April 14, 2023
4.5/5
June 6, 2023
Crimes
This is another action packed story that you can't put down. This story was excellent with a lot of information about the crimes. Just gotta keep reading!!!
This is another action packed story that you can't put down. This story was excellent with a lot of information about the crimes. Just gotta keep reading!!!
December 11, 2024
Good read
Really good 👍 story Relaxing intriguing and suspenseful Could not put it down Looking forward to the next story Thank you
Really good 👍 story Relaxing intriguing and suspenseful Could not put it down Looking forward to the next story Thank you
January 13, 2025
Fun, easy reading and quite gripping too!
February 4, 2025
I'm loving this series. Would recommend that you read it in sequence. The audio narration was a plus.
February 17, 2025
Another Good Read
Book was another good read. Flowed nicely and keeps one turning page after Page. Plot take downs are well written
Book was another good read. Flowed nicely and keeps one turning page after Page. Plot take downs are well written
April 16, 2025
Heatwave
Great story you can't put this book down. With the story comes some speculation that it could be a real event not that I have any proof of that
Great story you can't put this book down. With the story comes some speculation that it could be a real event not that I have any proof of that
May 6, 2025
Crazy but another 5 ⭐️ book for me!!! I loved the crime we followed and how things came together in this one
April 9, 2025
Intense and thrilling!
Fantastic, intriguing, edge of your seat story of Cartels, deception, manipulation, exploitation and murder.
Reid is gaining ground on his arch enemy Torres but needs to investigate recent deaths, linked to drugs. Kenzie is following a lead on a drug related death that is not how it first appears. They join forces and find some links to underground practices at the highest level and a Cartel showdown!
Can Reid bring Torres down and avenge Bianca's murder?
Can Kenzie find the truth?
Kenzie and Reid are great characters, I look forward to reading every book they are in. Kenzie is driven but reckless and Reid is protective of her, whilst being a brilliant detective. He has developed his budding police force into an efficient team and rooted out the bad apple. She has risen to a lead investigative reporter / journalist, who is becoming famous in her own right.
I found it hard to put this book down!
More please Biba!
Fantastic, intriguing, edge of your seat story of Cartels, deception, manipulation, exploitation and murder.
Reid is gaining ground on his arch enemy Torres but needs to investigate recent deaths, linked to drugs. Kenzie is following a lead on a drug related death that is not how it first appears. They join forces and find some links to underground practices at the highest level and a Cartel showdown!
Can Reid bring Torres down and avenge Bianca's murder?
Can Kenzie find the truth?
Kenzie and Reid are great characters, I look forward to reading every book they are in. Kenzie is driven but reckless and Reid is protective of her, whilst being a brilliant detective. He has developed his budding police force into an efficient team and rooted out the bad apple. She has risen to a lead investigative reporter / journalist, who is becoming famous in her own right.
I found it hard to put this book down!
More please Biba!
April 9, 2022
Heat Wave is book 3 by Biba Pearce in the Kenzie & Reid series. It is the first book in this series I have read, and it reads well without having read the previous books. Kenzie is the senior investigative reporter at the Miami Herald. Reid Garret is a Lieutenant in the Miami Police Department. Between the two of them, they are investigating the deaths of some young people through contaminated drugs, a drug cartel and high profile politicians and businessmen involved in the unsavoury side of Miami. A good read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews