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Overkill: A Lou Thorne Thriller
Louie Thorne is “an indelible protagonist”(Kirkus Reviews), and she’s back in this seventh installment of the bestselling Shadows in the Water series.
The phone rings in the middle of the night and Konstantine knows the news will be bad even before he answers it. When his childhood friend begs for his help in finding his missing daughter, Konstantine recruits Louie Thorne and her unique talents to locate the girl.
But the search for the girl takes Louie to Tokyo, uncovering an intricate human trafficking operation owned by Konstantine’s most formidable rival: Riku Yamamoto, the notorious and ruthless leader of Japan’s largest crime organization.
Konstantine must ask himself if he is willing to start a gang war in order to help his old friend. For Louie, there is no question. Now that she has seen what Yamamoto does to the women and children he takes, she will not stop until she’s destroyed him.
This engrossing crime thriller with a touch of the supernatural is perfect for fans of Dexter and Stephen King.
The phone rings in the middle of the night and Konstantine knows the news will be bad even before he answers it. When his childhood friend begs for his help in finding his missing daughter, Konstantine recruits Louie Thorne and her unique talents to locate the girl.
But the search for the girl takes Louie to Tokyo, uncovering an intricate human trafficking operation owned by Konstantine’s most formidable rival: Riku Yamamoto, the notorious and ruthless leader of Japan’s largest crime organization.
Konstantine must ask himself if he is willing to start a gang war in order to help his old friend. For Louie, there is no question. Now that she has seen what Yamamoto does to the women and children he takes, she will not stop until she’s destroyed him.
This engrossing crime thriller with a touch of the supernatural is perfect for fans of Dexter and Stephen King.
312 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 21, 2022
31 people are currently reading
19 people want to read
About the author
Kory M. Shrum
53 books648 followersUSA TODAY bestselling author Kory M. Shrum has published more than thirty books, including the bestselling Shadows in the Water series.
She hosts two podcasts—Who Killed My Mother?, a true-crime podcast about her mother’s tragic death, and A Well Cared For Human, focused on practical strategies for wellbeing and personal transformation.
She also publishes poetry under the name K.B. Marie.
When not writing, speaking, or pursuing one of her 300 hobbies, she can usually be found under thick blankets with snacks. The kettle is almost always on.
She lives in Michigan with her equally bookish wife, Kim, and their rescue dog, Max.
She hosts two podcasts—Who Killed My Mother?, a true-crime podcast about her mother’s tragic death, and A Well Cared For Human, focused on practical strategies for wellbeing and personal transformation.
She also publishes poetry under the name K.B. Marie.
When not writing, speaking, or pursuing one of her 300 hobbies, she can usually be found under thick blankets with snacks. The kettle is almost always on.
She lives in Michigan with her equally bookish wife, Kim, and their rescue dog, Max.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
September 12, 2024
5 Stars
Overkill is the seventh Lou Thorne Thriller and seventh book in the Shadows in the Water series by my new favourite author, Kory M. Shrum. I have come to the conclusion that Bookbub has a lot to answer for, on one hand it is a fantastic way to ‘find’ new books/authors to read- but on the other hand I end up spending my entire yearly book budget in a matter of a few months lol. But if it weren’t for Bookbub, I would never have found Ms. Shrum’s books, which would have been a real tragedy, because she really knows how to weave a riveting tale.
This is an awesome urban fantasy with so much going on- in a fantastic way. With plenty of action, adventure, mystery, danger, a different realm aspect, suspense, tension, intrigue, drama, the mafia, serial killers, agendas, ‘hunting’, team work, friendship, family, investigation, time factors, gripping scenes, intense developments, twists, romance, and so, so, so much more- you really need to read it to fully appreciate this gem of a series as I doubt my words can really do this series the justice that it deserves.
Louie Thorne is the daughter of assassinated DEA agent, Jack Thorne. He, along with her mother, were murdered by a drug cartel when she was just a young child- his death scarred her, in more ways than one. She has bided her time honing her skills, becoming a force to be reckoned with- one so powerful that the ‘bad guys’ will never see her coming. In the process of wreaking revenge, she builds a terrifying reputation that will strike fear into the hearts of her enemies- and it’s her secret ‘ability’ that gives her the upper hand- and gives this whole series a completely unique and addictive quality. So much action. With a lot of violence. And a huge helping of adventure. Resulting in a serious book addiction- while also set this book/series apart from others, and this is a book ‘high’ that will be hard to beat.
I developed this addiction to Ms. Shrum’s stories when I stumbled on the Shadows in the Water series -> picking up one book, which then led to two, which then had me devouring the whole series, back-to-back (11 books) in a matter of days. Now I am on tenterhooks, excitedly anticipating the release of Book #12, which can’t come quickly enough for my liking lol.
Each book in this series follows on from the previous one – with each instalment having its own ‘story’, but also adding to what has come before, thereby building a much bigger picture along the way- so the series really needs to be read in the correct sequence, to fully appreciate it- and prevent any kind of confusion. The books are available individually if you wish, as well as in Boxed Sets- which, again, is really great value for money.
The Series consists of:
-Shadows in the Water (Book #1)
-Under the Bones (Book #2)
-Danse Macabre (Book #3)
-Carnival (Book #4)
-Devil’s Luck (Book #5)
-What Comes Around (Book #6)
-Overkill (Book #7)
-Silver Bullet (Book #8)
-Hell House (Book #9)
-One Foot in the Grave (Book #10)
-Blood Rain (Book #11)
-First Light (Book #12 -> coming soon)
If you love highly original urban fantasies with plenty of action and adventure- then this is definitely a series you will want to sink your teeth into- but be prepared to develop a (Kory M.) Shrum addiction!
Happy Reading…
Thank you, Kory M. Shrum!
Overkill is the seventh Lou Thorne Thriller and seventh book in the Shadows in the Water series by my new favourite author, Kory M. Shrum. I have come to the conclusion that Bookbub has a lot to answer for, on one hand it is a fantastic way to ‘find’ new books/authors to read- but on the other hand I end up spending my entire yearly book budget in a matter of a few months lol. But if it weren’t for Bookbub, I would never have found Ms. Shrum’s books, which would have been a real tragedy, because she really knows how to weave a riveting tale.
This is an awesome urban fantasy with so much going on- in a fantastic way. With plenty of action, adventure, mystery, danger, a different realm aspect, suspense, tension, intrigue, drama, the mafia, serial killers, agendas, ‘hunting’, team work, friendship, family, investigation, time factors, gripping scenes, intense developments, twists, romance, and so, so, so much more- you really need to read it to fully appreciate this gem of a series as I doubt my words can really do this series the justice that it deserves.
Louie Thorne is the daughter of assassinated DEA agent, Jack Thorne. He, along with her mother, were murdered by a drug cartel when she was just a young child- his death scarred her, in more ways than one. She has bided her time honing her skills, becoming a force to be reckoned with- one so powerful that the ‘bad guys’ will never see her coming. In the process of wreaking revenge, she builds a terrifying reputation that will strike fear into the hearts of her enemies- and it’s her secret ‘ability’ that gives her the upper hand- and gives this whole series a completely unique and addictive quality. So much action. With a lot of violence. And a huge helping of adventure. Resulting in a serious book addiction- while also set this book/series apart from others, and this is a book ‘high’ that will be hard to beat.
I developed this addiction to Ms. Shrum’s stories when I stumbled on the Shadows in the Water series -> picking up one book, which then led to two, which then had me devouring the whole series, back-to-back (11 books) in a matter of days. Now I am on tenterhooks, excitedly anticipating the release of Book #12, which can’t come quickly enough for my liking lol.
Each book in this series follows on from the previous one – with each instalment having its own ‘story’, but also adding to what has come before, thereby building a much bigger picture along the way- so the series really needs to be read in the correct sequence, to fully appreciate it- and prevent any kind of confusion. The books are available individually if you wish, as well as in Boxed Sets- which, again, is really great value for money.
The Series consists of:
-Shadows in the Water (Book #1)
-Under the Bones (Book #2)
-Danse Macabre (Book #3)
-Carnival (Book #4)
-Devil’s Luck (Book #5)
-What Comes Around (Book #6)
-Overkill (Book #7)
-Silver Bullet (Book #8)
-Hell House (Book #9)
-One Foot in the Grave (Book #10)
-Blood Rain (Book #11)
-First Light (Book #12 -> coming soon)
If you love highly original urban fantasies with plenty of action and adventure- then this is definitely a series you will want to sink your teeth into- but be prepared to develop a (Kory M.) Shrum addiction!
Happy Reading…
Thank you, Kory M. Shrum!
March 17, 2022
I hadn't realized how much I was missing Louie! Kory once again does an excellent job of bringing these now beloved characters back together again with several stories woven in all together. I like that Dani and Piper are doing well, both in their relationship and in their professional lives. And yes, it's high time for Piper to learn how to defend herself!
Be prepared to just keep turning pages because the action is once again non stop!
Spoiler alert
I don't usually have a problem with Kory's stories, but I have to admit I was put off by how she ended this one. I don't agree with Louie NOT bringing Konstantine to the birthday party. Lou is 27 years old now, not 16 and she needs to be acting a lot more mature. The small lie Konstantine tells her was to protect her and should have been discussed with him immediately after Lou took care of Riku at Blood Lake. Kiss Kiss and make up and then head off to the party. He should not of been left to wonder what was going on and basically leave him sitting in a corner with his face to the wall like he was being punished, which he was. The man had gone above and beyond to take care of her, and I don't feel the leaving him out of the celebration of Lou's small party of close friends should not have included the one person she truly loves.
Besides ... Lou is not above "little lies" ... heck, she tells the rest of the gang that Konstantine can't attend because he's "working". Which is a convenient way of not having to explain why she didn't bring him along.
Be prepared to just keep turning pages because the action is once again non stop!
Spoiler alert
I don't usually have a problem with Kory's stories, but I have to admit I was put off by how she ended this one. I don't agree with Louie NOT bringing Konstantine to the birthday party. Lou is 27 years old now, not 16 and she needs to be acting a lot more mature. The small lie Konstantine tells her was to protect her and should have been discussed with him immediately after Lou took care of Riku at Blood Lake. Kiss Kiss and make up and then head off to the party. He should not of been left to wonder what was going on and basically leave him sitting in a corner with his face to the wall like he was being punished, which he was. The man had gone above and beyond to take care of her, and I don't feel the leaving him out of the celebration of Lou's small party of close friends should not have included the one person she truly loves.
Besides ... Lou is not above "little lies" ... heck, she tells the rest of the gang that Konstantine can't attend because he's "working". Which is a convenient way of not having to explain why she didn't bring him along.
March 22, 2022
This 7th book in the Lou Thorne adventures does not disappoint. So much goes on, so many characters from past books that I worry and care about that it's hard not to include massive spoilers but I shall do my best.
In each book Lou has evolved and changed as have the characters around her. I really enjoy seeing this as characters shouldn't stay static and these changes are logical responses to events that happen to them. We learn new things about them, we see them in different ways, yet they are still the characters we meet and enjoy in earlier books. It makes this a true series and not a collection of adventures that can be read out of order.
There's no exception to that in this one. The Lou, King, Mel and rest of the company of this book are still the same characters we meet in earlier books but better versions of themselves. We know more about them; we are better at guessing at their reactions; we know what they do what they do.
These characters are alive and readers can care about them and know them. That is part of Author Shrum's gift. Not only are the stories good - the plots complex, the settings realistic enough to navigate around in, the words well woven, but the characters are tangible, believable ones.
That's why I return to reading each Lou Thorne book as they come out.
They're that good.
I was gifted an early copy of this book and have chosen to review it.
In each book Lou has evolved and changed as have the characters around her. I really enjoy seeing this as characters shouldn't stay static and these changes are logical responses to events that happen to them. We learn new things about them, we see them in different ways, yet they are still the characters we meet and enjoy in earlier books. It makes this a true series and not a collection of adventures that can be read out of order.
There's no exception to that in this one. The Lou, King, Mel and rest of the company of this book are still the same characters we meet in earlier books but better versions of themselves. We know more about them; we are better at guessing at their reactions; we know what they do what they do.
These characters are alive and readers can care about them and know them. That is part of Author Shrum's gift. Not only are the stories good - the plots complex, the settings realistic enough to navigate around in, the words well woven, but the characters are tangible, believable ones.
That's why I return to reading each Lou Thorne book as they come out.
They're that good.
I was gifted an early copy of this book and have chosen to review it.
March 14, 2022
A suspense packed treat! 💓
Get ready for oodles of adrenaline and lots of emotions in this one. We have a few different plotlines of intrigue going on that are equally fun and suspenseful for the reader. Filled with the usual cast of characters that are more family than just friends at this point, and a few shady faces along the way. Strange goings on start happening with Lou, her power and Blood Lake in La Loon. Hopefully she will still be able to help out her friends on all these different things. People are in trouble and counting on her. Bad people need to be hunted. Shadows are her weapon of choice, and the darkness is everywhere. I for one wouldn't want to be on her bad side 😉. I love this character and all of her friends!!! I already can't wait to see what's up next in this highly addictive series.
Get ready for oodles of adrenaline and lots of emotions in this one. We have a few different plotlines of intrigue going on that are equally fun and suspenseful for the reader. Filled with the usual cast of characters that are more family than just friends at this point, and a few shady faces along the way. Strange goings on start happening with Lou, her power and Blood Lake in La Loon. Hopefully she will still be able to help out her friends on all these different things. People are in trouble and counting on her. Bad people need to be hunted. Shadows are her weapon of choice, and the darkness is everywhere. I for one wouldn't want to be on her bad side 😉. I love this character and all of her friends!!! I already can't wait to see what's up next in this highly addictive series.
March 21, 2022
This is Book 7 in the series. There has been a lot of backstory and world development in previous books. It would be most enjoyable to start at the beginning of the series and read them in order to have a better understanding and appreciation of the characters and world.
Lou Thorne continues her vendetta against serial killers, aided by her associates Mel, Dani, King, Piper, Konstantine, and Jabbers. In addition to fighting serial killers, Japanese gangsters, a dangerous stalker, and a very disturbed young woman, she is fighting the flu and Jabbers is not there to greet her at La Loon. Non-stop action, tension, relationship issues, a whole gamut of problems and issues to be overcome. Fortunately, Lou is up to the task.
Lou Thorne continues her vendetta against serial killers, aided by her associates Mel, Dani, King, Piper, Konstantine, and Jabbers. In addition to fighting serial killers, Japanese gangsters, a dangerous stalker, and a very disturbed young woman, she is fighting the flu and Jabbers is not there to greet her at La Loon. Non-stop action, tension, relationship issues, a whole gamut of problems and issues to be overcome. Fortunately, Lou is up to the task.
March 24, 2022
The Lou Thorne Series is brilliant and Overkill does not disappoint. All of the main characters have an agenda of their own which become intermingled with each other. Central to it all is Lou, who is unwell and struggling to keep up with her inner compass, putting herself in dangerous situations as she strives to be her best and rescue those in need. An excellent, well-written Thriller. These get better and better. Well recommended. I received a complimentary copy and voluntarily leave an honest review.
March 27, 2022
Boy Howdy! What a great reading experience with Lou, Konstantine, King, everyone else and let me not forget to mention Jabbers. No summary of the book here. Simply know if you have read any of this series this seventh book continues the quality of writing, increases the depth of the characters and provides enough suspense with all the events going on to fully satisfy. If you haven't read any of this series, I recommend starting with book one as getting to know these characters with all their challenges throughout the series is worth your time.
April 19, 2022
The hits keep coming with Lou Thorne!
Action? Check. Adventure? Check! Alien cat friends? Double check!! Friends that have each other's backs? Check, check, and check! The story gets deeper and the characters keep growing. And, of course, the bad guys keep dying. That is how you know this series is so great!
Get some answers to questions you have had about Piper, Lou, and Konstantine. Enjoy all the amazing locations with vibrant descriptions. Feel like you are helping Lou and the gang get rid of some really bad people.
I loved this book!
Action? Check. Adventure? Check! Alien cat friends? Double check!! Friends that have each other's backs? Check, check, and check! The story gets deeper and the characters keep growing. And, of course, the bad guys keep dying. That is how you know this series is so great!
Get some answers to questions you have had about Piper, Lou, and Konstantine. Enjoy all the amazing locations with vibrant descriptions. Feel like you are helping Lou and the gang get rid of some really bad people.
I loved this book!
March 21, 2022
Lou is up against a ruthless opponent is this one. He is crazy smart and very dangerous. The gang in New Orleans has their hands full with stalkers and runaways. There's lots going on, Konstantine is holding things back and the gang are keeping secrets. Will they fall apart? It's an action-packed story that will keep you reading into the wee hours of the morning. I loved it.
I received this book for free and wished to leave a review.
I received this book for free and wished to leave a review.
March 21, 2022
I never realized how much I like Jabbers until Lou can’t find her. This is an unexpected chapter in Lou’s story. She realizes many things about herself and Konstantine. There are several story arcs in this book spread amongst the different characters. They don’t all cross in the end except that Lou helps each of her friends with their mysteries. I loved this book as much as I love this series…immensely!
March 22, 2022
I love Louie Thorne
Lou takes vengeance on those who harm the helpless, especially women and children. She experiences an episode of being sick probably from overdoing and not taking care of herself. Konstantinos, her lover, wants to take care of her and lies to her.
The rest of her group are working on things themselves that are both interesting and suspenseful.
I received this book as an ARC and loved it so much that I bought a copy as well. I highly recommend this book.
Lou takes vengeance on those who harm the helpless, especially women and children. She experiences an episode of being sick probably from overdoing and not taking care of herself. Konstantinos, her lover, wants to take care of her and lies to her.
The rest of her group are working on things themselves that are both interesting and suspenseful.
I received this book as an ARC and loved it so much that I bought a copy as well. I highly recommend this book.
April 22, 2022
A new Lou Thorne book. Yay. I love this series so much. Konstantine has his hands full trying to care for a sick Lou who is grumpy because (a) she is never sick (b) it is interfering with killing a nasty pedophile mobster and (c) she is worried about Jabbers. The New Orleans crew are helping Mel find a girl she saw in a vision dream who may be in trouble and Piper has her very own case – a stalker. Or is it something more dangerous.
March 23, 2022
The phone rings in the middle of the night and Konstantine knows the news will be bad even before he answers it. When his childhood friend begs for his help in finding his missing daughter, Konstantine recruits Louie Thorne and her unique talents to locate the girl.
Wow another amazing book .
Great characters ,action packed inspirational.
This is hot do not miss out.
Wow another amazing book .
Great characters ,action packed inspirational.
This is hot do not miss out.
March 26, 2022
This is a fabulous addition to the Shadows in the Water Series. This UF/PNR thriller has action, adventure, sex trafficking, rescuing innocents, and a mystery concerning Jabbers, as well as Lou's illness and recovery. The main and secondary characters are developed, likable, relatable, and are like family. I love this series. I voluntarily read an ARC and this is my honest review.
March 29, 2022
Brilliant series. Once started, I couldn’t stop this one. I dare you!
I’ve fallen for Lou Thorne. Great characters, so full of action, twists and turns, breathtaking moments. How does this author manage to write such excellent stories?
I received this book as an arc and this review is entirely voluntary.
I’ve fallen for Lou Thorne. Great characters, so full of action, twists and turns, breathtaking moments. How does this author manage to write such excellent stories?
I received this book as an arc and this review is entirely voluntary.
March 14, 2022
This is an excellent series that keeps getting better. The MC is evolving, become more humane. This installment showcased many of the secondary characters, which added interest.
Solid plot, wonderful world building . I highly recommend.
Solid plot, wonderful world building . I highly recommend.
March 22, 2022
Another good read
Or heroine is as great as always, but a bit more vulnerable. Several stories and characters blending in together to save victims, in a magical way, set in New Orleans. Great characters and believable fantasy.
Or heroine is as great as always, but a bit more vulnerable. Several stories and characters blending in together to save victims, in a magical way, set in New Orleans. Great characters and believable fantasy.
April 3, 2022
What an amazing story that won’t let you down. Louie receives a call from a friend to help find a missing person. Full of suspense and never ending action. If anyone will be able to solve the mystery , she will. Ready for the next.
April 12, 2022
Overkill
Fabulous as always! Lou Thorne is my favourite kick ass and take names kinda gal, but with one big difference.
She travels in the dark to save the day! She is utterly absolutely and utterly amazing!
Fabulous as always! Lou Thorne is my favourite kick ass and take names kinda gal, but with one big difference.
She travels in the dark to save the day! She is utterly absolutely and utterly amazing!
April 17, 2022
The author has outdone herself on this one. For anyone out there following Lou Thorne, who would believe that she would get sick - and what about the disappearance of Jabbers - so many mysteries to be solved.
April 24, 2022
Another great story of Lou
I really enjoy reading this series. I enjoy the supernatural element that envelopes Lou, and the cast of characters she surrounds herself with. Looking forward to the next one!
I really enjoy reading this series. I enjoy the supernatural element that envelopes Lou, and the cast of characters she surrounds herself with. Looking forward to the next one!
July 8, 2022
Omg this author (Kory M Shrum) never disappoints. If you have time to spare, please start this series about Lou Thorne. Such a Unique crime fighter, starting from her 1st book Shadows in the Water. This series is one I read every year, and I must admit that I have the audio versions also.
May 20, 2023
Overkill was another good adventure for Lou Thorne and her supporting cast. This one was a little slow at times but Miss Shrum (author) makes it just exciting enough to keep the pages turning. Starting book #8 in the series next.
March 24, 2022
Just take my word for it!
Don’t want to ruin the book plot for you. Just take my word for it. Another great Louie Thorne read!
Don’t want to ruin the book plot for you. Just take my word for it. Another great Louie Thorne read!
March 27, 2022
Great as always
Just finished the lasted Louie book and excited to find out the next book is out in June 😍 can't wait
Just finished the lasted Louie book and excited to find out the next book is out in June 😍 can't wait
November 21, 2023
Lou Thorne thrillers are long, but terrific reading. Paranormal Lou centers on sex trafficking low-life and saves lots of young girls. Lou gets sick for the first time.
December 24, 2023
Not missing a beat
Feel in love with Louie in the first book and I am always waiting for the next book fron Shadows in the Water!
Feel in love with Louie in the first book and I am always waiting for the next book fron Shadows in the Water!
January 9, 2024
I really enjoy this series. I find Lou fascinating and like seeing her relationships develop.
May 16, 2024
Another excellent installment in the Lou Thorne saga! 4.5
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews