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Touch of Evil #4
Possessed by Sin
A deadly sin turns into a violent obsession…
In an abandoned warehouse on the outskirts of a rural town in Northern Illinois, three brutalized bodies were discovered in different stages of decomposition. The crime scene produced no evidence, police had no leads, and the killer vanished back into the murky shadows.
Until eight years later…
When evil that has been dormant within the community begins to stir, former FBI consultant Brooklyn Sloane is brought onto the case. What she and her team discover is far darker and more twisted than they have ever dealt with before, igniting an urgent manhunt to catch a cold-blooded killer.
But this killer is smart, cruel, and has been one step ahead of them the entire time. When Brook begins to unearth the truth, a shocking revelation changes the course of the investigation. She finds herself racing against the clock when the killer is determined to possess another soul, and this time the victim might be a little closer to home
In an abandoned warehouse on the outskirts of a rural town in Northern Illinois, three brutalized bodies were discovered in different stages of decomposition. The crime scene produced no evidence, police had no leads, and the killer vanished back into the murky shadows.
Until eight years later…
When evil that has been dormant within the community begins to stir, former FBI consultant Brooklyn Sloane is brought onto the case. What she and her team discover is far darker and more twisted than they have ever dealt with before, igniting an urgent manhunt to catch a cold-blooded killer.
But this killer is smart, cruel, and has been one step ahead of them the entire time. When Brook begins to unearth the truth, a shocking revelation changes the course of the investigation. She finds herself racing against the clock when the killer is determined to possess another soul, and this time the victim might be a little closer to home
340 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 18, 2022
652 people are currently reading
609 people want to read
About the author
Kennedy Layne
243 books673 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 59 reviews
July 27, 2023
Not my favorite
I have loved all of the previous books but this one was slow ANF hard to get into. I love the characters but this one just didn't amaze me. A girl has been found dead with religious markings carved into her body. It resembles a murder where four women were found the same way 8 years ago. They end up in the middle of another small town and tons of suspects. Around the 54% mark it started picking up. He kidnaps Sylvie and is getting ready to.... You'll have to read the book. she does repeat a lot of stuff in each book, which is annoying to me, but can allow you to read without really reading the other ones. But I don't recommend that. Read them in order to truly understand what Brook is chasing and why. Great series.
I have loved all of the previous books but this one was slow ANF hard to get into. I love the characters but this one just didn't amaze me. A girl has been found dead with religious markings carved into her body. It resembles a murder where four women were found the same way 8 years ago. They end up in the middle of another small town and tons of suspects. Around the 54% mark it started picking up. He kidnaps Sylvie and is getting ready to.... You'll have to read the book. she does repeat a lot of stuff in each book, which is annoying to me, but can allow you to read without really reading the other ones. But I don't recommend that. Read them in order to truly understand what Brook is chasing and why. Great series.
August 21, 2022
Brooklyn Sloane is contacted by a Detective who she worked with in the past, to come to a small town in Illinois where the murder of young woman just happened. The current murder looks like it has ties to 3 murdered women from 8 years ago.
As the murders seems to point to religious nature, specifically possible possession (not given anything away as that's the title of book) her teams reaction is quite comical. Once they get to the very small town and rent a house where a elderly person just passed, there are some funny scenes. I find I like some humor mixed in with such serious subject matters as serial killers :)
Another page turner along with still getting some more back story on the history of Brook and her still on the loose serial killer brother Jacob.
As the murders seems to point to religious nature, specifically possible possession (not given anything away as that's the title of book) her teams reaction is quite comical. Once they get to the very small town and rent a house where a elderly person just passed, there are some funny scenes. I find I like some humor mixed in with such serious subject matters as serial killers :)
Another page turner along with still getting some more back story on the history of Brook and her still on the loose serial killer brother Jacob.
March 31, 2025
When I tell you I look forward to each book in this series, I mean it.
I know it took me a bit to finish this one, but I have a bad habit of reading multiple books at once, sometimes I need a certain itch scratched so I jump around. I actually had just sat down and finished the rest of this book in one sitting and I'm eager to start the next.
Now! the plot in this one was interesting enough, I loved the small-town vibes. Coop was my favorite one-off characters in this one. I loved Brook getting him Virginia's family contacts, it's a small thing but I think it show's Brook's character.
This book felt like...Brook having to realize that she cares for the team, she can't hold them at arm's length like she'd been trying, they wiggled their way into her heart and carved a place there and it was honestly perfect seeing that realization. like yes finally! Brook deserves it. I just wanna wrap her in a blanket and have game nights and cocoa surrounded by love.
I love the team; it's honestly everything I've been looking for in a team aspect to these types of books. Despite these books centering Brook, it's nice getting chapters for the team because we get more insight to them and also lets us feel the team dynamic more.
// "Dinner." Graham murmured as he reached out to tuck a strand of her hair behind her ear. "One meal. That's all. Free from gunfire, I promise." //
Y'all not me wanting to kick my feet while giggling at this whole interaction- like please the utter giddy-ness I had reading this whole segment with these two is crazy, maybe it's the slow burn, I haven't read a good slow burn in a minute so...
and I'm so curious about hinted characters to the story, I have a feeling we'll be seeing them again.
And Jacob....Jacob, he's on the move and being his usual sneaky sneaky self. Also, that little mention that has me really CURIOUS..what happened when Brook was 8?
Onto the next book!
I know it took me a bit to finish this one, but I have a bad habit of reading multiple books at once, sometimes I need a certain itch scratched so I jump around. I actually had just sat down and finished the rest of this book in one sitting and I'm eager to start the next.
Now! the plot in this one was interesting enough, I loved the small-town vibes. Coop was my favorite one-off characters in this one. I loved Brook getting him Virginia's family contacts, it's a small thing but I think it show's Brook's character.
This book felt like...Brook having to realize that she cares for the team, she can't hold them at arm's length like she'd been trying, they wiggled their way into her heart and carved a place there and it was honestly perfect seeing that realization. like yes finally! Brook deserves it. I just wanna wrap her in a blanket and have game nights and cocoa surrounded by love.
I love the team; it's honestly everything I've been looking for in a team aspect to these types of books. Despite these books centering Brook, it's nice getting chapters for the team because we get more insight to them and also lets us feel the team dynamic more.
// "Dinner." Graham murmured as he reached out to tuck a strand of her hair behind her ear. "One meal. That's all. Free from gunfire, I promise." //
Y'all not me wanting to kick my feet while giggling at this whole interaction- like please the utter giddy-ness I had reading this whole segment with these two is crazy, maybe it's the slow burn, I haven't read a good slow burn in a minute so...
and I'm so curious about hinted characters to the story, I have a feeling we'll be seeing them again.
And Jacob....Jacob, he's on the move and being his usual sneaky sneaky self. Also, that little mention that has me really CURIOUS..what happened when Brook was 8?
Onto the next book!
May 7, 2023
Brook is still dealing with her brother getting a bit too close in this one, it feels like it makes her jumpy, yet she has a very good reason to be very wary. He even manages to send a message to Brook that is odd during this one.
The case that Brook and her crew work on take her near her home town and has both cold case and current elements to it. They slowly start to chip away at things, aware that Sylvie is the perfect victim type and try to keep her close. Sadly towards the end, Sylvie and the bad guy come into contact and not in a good way. I'm glad that Brook was able to figure things out and save Sylvie. Not sure what I think about the assist Brook got or the direction things might be going with Graham.
The case that Brook and her crew work on take her near her home town and has both cold case and current elements to it. They slowly start to chip away at things, aware that Sylvie is the perfect victim type and try to keep her close. Sadly towards the end, Sylvie and the bad guy come into contact and not in a good way. I'm glad that Brook was able to figure things out and save Sylvie. Not sure what I think about the assist Brook got or the direction things might be going with Graham.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 4, 2024
Oh, oh my, oh my!!! Another heart-thumping round in this book. It has tons of twists and turns that will keep you guessing right to the end! I'm starting Book 4 now and looking forward to more excitement.
August 17, 2024
4 stars
Didn't enjoy this one quite as much as the others, but I can't put a finger on why.
It definitely wasn't a bad book.
Didn't enjoy this one quite as much as the others, but I can't put a finger on why.
It definitely wasn't a bad book.
July 20, 2022
Possessed by Sin😈
Possessed by Sin is the fourth book in the Touch by Evil series and is sooooo good❣️Brook and her team are called in to help with an active case when it appears three murders from close to a decade ago appear to have started up again….is this the case of a copycat or is the serial killer still at large?
I really enjoyed this story…as I get to know the characters more and their backgrounds become clearer, I find I’m more immersed in the story but also I’m enjoying the team dynamics and how everyone has their roles in how they work together. Close to the end, a start to a “relationship” for Brook is starting to evolve, so I’m intrigued to see how things shape up😍
Possessed by Sin is the fourth book in the Touch by Evil series and is sooooo good❣️Brook and her team are called in to help with an active case when it appears three murders from close to a decade ago appear to have started up again….is this the case of a copycat or is the serial killer still at large?
I really enjoyed this story…as I get to know the characters more and their backgrounds become clearer, I find I’m more immersed in the story but also I’m enjoying the team dynamics and how everyone has their roles in how they work together. Close to the end, a start to a “relationship” for Brook is starting to evolve, so I’m intrigued to see how things shape up😍
April 18, 2023
I’m completely invested in this series. It is so dang good. The cast of characters are fabulous. Theo, Bit, Sylvia, Graham, Brook and Jacob. So much going on in this series. The running thread is riveting, while each book has a case to be solved while trying to simultaneously dodge and catch Jacob. I’m so bummed I have to wait for November for book 5. And crossing my fingers that it’s not over after that.
If you love mystery, suspense and crime thrillers…I highly recommend checking this series out NOW!
Fans of Lisa Regan, Debra Webb, Wendy Dranfield, BR Spangler, Helen Phifer (you get my drift) will LOVE!
If you love mystery, suspense and crime thrillers…I highly recommend checking this series out NOW!
Fans of Lisa Regan, Debra Webb, Wendy Dranfield, BR Spangler, Helen Phifer (you get my drift) will LOVE!
December 2, 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.
Possessed by Sin is the fourth 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.
Possessed by Sin is the fourth 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…
August 30, 2024
Enjoyed the storyline
Loved the first books. This one has a bunch of errors that are taking away the enjoyment. And by errors, I mean grammar, sentence confusion, wrong word choice, and also POV confusion.
For POV confusion, for instance, Chapter 17 is Theo's POV. But there is a sentence in there about the dance club setup that is clearly Brook's POV. "Brook could only imagine what the control room looked like behind the deejay booth." I had stopped reading and came back and read that, and a couple of paragraphs later, it switched to Theo, and I had to jump to the beginning of the chapter to see whose POV it was.
For word choice: pallet is used instead of palette. Jarring.
There is a LOT of this going on. This one is sloppily edited, and it's annoying.
I'm really only reading these for Jacob. LOLOL
Loved the first books. This one has a bunch of errors that are taking away the enjoyment. And by errors, I mean grammar, sentence confusion, wrong word choice, and also POV confusion.
For POV confusion, for instance, Chapter 17 is Theo's POV. But there is a sentence in there about the dance club setup that is clearly Brook's POV. "Brook could only imagine what the control room looked like behind the deejay booth." I had stopped reading and came back and read that, and a couple of paragraphs later, it switched to Theo, and I had to jump to the beginning of the chapter to see whose POV it was.
For word choice: pallet is used instead of palette. Jarring.
There is a LOT of this going on. This one is sloppily edited, and it's annoying.
I'm really only reading these for Jacob. LOLOL
December 23, 2024
Growing pains
Brook and team are back on the road and this time we have religious symbols, years between murders, decades old secrets, lost friendships and a haunted? House in the mix. The team dynamic is better with each case and Sylvie really stood out with her development. Theo is a great balance to Brook and Bit is a great member who is so necessary but also quirky. The villain was not expected, but also not surprising. Jacob of course was present but in the outer rims of the story. Graham came in clutch at the end and brought a potential game changer to the relationship dynamics for him and Brook! Another great read and I am excited to see the potential of a romance, what Jacob has planned, and what happened that missing month when Brook was 8!!
Brook and team are back on the road and this time we have religious symbols, years between murders, decades old secrets, lost friendships and a haunted? House in the mix. The team dynamic is better with each case and Sylvie really stood out with her development. Theo is a great balance to Brook and Bit is a great member who is so necessary but also quirky. The villain was not expected, but also not surprising. Jacob of course was present but in the outer rims of the story. Graham came in clutch at the end and brought a potential game changer to the relationship dynamics for him and Brook! Another great read and I am excited to see the potential of a romance, what Jacob has planned, and what happened that missing month when Brook was 8!!
April 22, 2025
I felt the author decided to rehash the main characters and how they came to be the team they are. Understandable, I suppose, if you haven’t been reading the series in order—but for those of us who have, it felt more like déjà vu than depth.
The plot had its moments of intrigue, looping in ways that kept me on my toes, however, the characters seemed trapped in rinse-and-repeat drama, and while the tension simmered nicely at times, I found myself just wanting it all to end. Not because it was awful, but because it felt like being stuck.
The plot had its moments of intrigue, looping in ways that kept me on my toes, however, the characters seemed trapped in rinse-and-repeat drama, and while the tension simmered nicely at times, I found myself just wanting it all to end. Not because it was awful, but because it felt like being stuck.
February 7, 2023
TOO MUCH RAMBLING EXPLANATIONS OF THINGS THAT DON'T REALLY MATTER. I WISH THE MISSING KILLER BROTHER HAD ENDED IN THE LAST BOOK. I WOULD'VE LIKED JUST A COMPLETELY NEW CASE AND NOT HAVE TO DEAL WITH THE MISSING BROTHER. I GUESS I'M TIRED OF THAT STORYLINE, SEEMS EVERYONE IS CHASING THE ONE-ARMED MAN (shades of the Fugitive). ALSO, WHY SO MUCH OF WHATS WITH. . . . AND WHY__ THEN NEVER FINISH WHAT THEY WERE GOING TO SAY. ;<
February 17, 2023
Meh
This convoluted story follows the investigation of Brook and her team. They are called into investigate the murder of a young woman that may be related to three previous murders. Brook's brother is a serial killer and enjoys toying with her while stalking his next victim.
Too many characters and prose rife with many non essential, uninteresting details congest and bore. Not interesting other than the portions with the evil brother.
This convoluted story follows the investigation of Brook and her team. They are called into investigate the murder of a young woman that may be related to three previous murders. Brook's brother is a serial killer and enjoys toying with her while stalking his next victim.
Too many characters and prose rife with many non essential, uninteresting details congest and bore. Not interesting other than the portions with the evil brother.
January 5, 2024
Another great book in a fantastic series
Love the Brooke Sloan books. She is strong and great stories that move quickly. I would love her to kill or apprehend her brother and be done with him. Hopefully soon. He team is great and love their interaction. Looking forward to the next book.
Love the Brooke Sloan books. She is strong and great stories that move quickly. I would love her to kill or apprehend her brother and be done with him. Hopefully soon. He team is great and love their interaction. Looking forward to the next book.
May 6, 2024
Thriller
Brooklyn Sloan is still trying to track her serial killer brother, Jacob. In the mean time, she has bills to pay and employees to keep busy. Called into a case of yet another possible serial killer, Brook and her team will have many twists and turns to unravel. Can they catch a killer berths kills again! A great read that will keep you turning the pages. A great read.
Brooklyn Sloan is still trying to track her serial killer brother, Jacob. In the mean time, she has bills to pay and employees to keep busy. Called into a case of yet another possible serial killer, Brook and her team will have many twists and turns to unravel. Can they catch a killer berths kills again! A great read that will keep you turning the pages. A great read.
April 15, 2025
Fourth book in the series down!! This is the first one that I had an inkling of who the serial killer could be so I am clearly learning something. Super enjoyable, and interesting to see how the plot line evolved. Also surprise romance at the end?? Wrong genre but PLEASE sign me up I’m begging for it to work
July 25, 2022
awesome
I am so in love with this series. Love the characters and how close they are becoming. Love the side thing with Graham. And the whole Jacob thing. So much fun!!! Can’t wait for more.
I am so in love with this series. Love the characters and how close they are becoming. Love the side thing with Graham. And the whole Jacob thing. So much fun!!! Can’t wait for more.
September 30, 2022
Posessed
I have loved the previous books in the series and they were 5 star worthy. This book felt like a placeholder story.
I want to see the edge of your seat, jump scare that ìs Ms. ĹAYNE'S normal style.
I have loved the previous books in the series and they were 5 star worthy. This book felt like a placeholder story.
I want to see the edge of your seat, jump scare that ìs Ms. ĹAYNE'S normal style.
January 30, 2023
A new favorite to add to my collection.
Brook Sloan is smart, tenacious, and be gone competent. Her team is well matched. Graham is well matched to her. The story is complex enough to suit anyone's taste. I couldn't put it down.
Brook Sloan is smart, tenacious, and be gone competent. Her team is well matched. Graham is well matched to her. The story is complex enough to suit anyone's taste. I couldn't put it down.
February 3, 2023
Engaging read
This is one of those books that grab you immediately and keep you interested in the plot. The author does a nice job fleshing out the characters, a couple of spelling errors added to the fun
This is one of those books that grab you immediately and keep you interested in the plot. The author does a nice job fleshing out the characters, a couple of spelling errors added to the fun
November 25, 2023
worth the time to read
I like to figure out who-done-it. There were a lot of characters involved, so I had to go back and re-read who they where at times. Over all a good who -done - it
I like to figure out who-done-it. There were a lot of characters involved, so I had to go back and re-read who they where at times. Over all a good who -done - it
January 22, 2024
Another Win
I admit it took me some time to get through the book, but it paid off. I am officially obsessed with Jacob and I can't wait to see what reveals next of both himself and Brooks past. Adding heat between Graham and Brook is a nice touch! On to Touch of Evil Book 5.
I admit it took me some time to get through the book, but it paid off. I am officially obsessed with Jacob and I can't wait to see what reveals next of both himself and Brooks past. Adding heat between Graham and Brook is a nice touch! On to Touch of Evil Book 5.
March 28, 2024
Hooked
Since beginning this series I can honestly say I'm addicted! Brook & her crew are enthralling & captivating personalities! Ill be reading Kennedy Layne books for as long as she writes!! Dig in it won't be time wasted
Since beginning this series I can honestly say I'm addicted! Brook & her crew are enthralling & captivating personalities! Ill be reading Kennedy Layne books for as long as she writes!! Dig in it won't be time wasted
November 22, 2024
Kept Me Guessing…
Blake and her team take on another strange serial murder case, exorcisms gone wrong. There is a diverse suspect group to winnow down and always in the background Blake is searching for her brother, Jacob Walsh, himself a known serial killer.
Blake and her team take on another strange serial murder case, exorcisms gone wrong. There is a diverse suspect group to winnow down and always in the background Blake is searching for her brother, Jacob Walsh, himself a known serial killer.
November 24, 2024
Exciting Series
The overall goal of Brooks life is to catch her psycho serial killer older brother. As former FBI profiler consultant, specializing in serial killers, each book followers her journeys. I highly recommend!
The overall goal of Brooks life is to catch her psycho serial killer older brother. As former FBI profiler consultant, specializing in serial killers, each book followers her journeys. I highly recommend!
March 9, 2025
Twisted killer
Brooke and her team are brought in to solve a ritualistic murder. They get much more than they bargained for and one of the team ends up in danger. I worry about what Jacob is going to do with what Brooke is about to do. No spoilers here.
Brooke and her team are brought in to solve a ritualistic murder. They get much more than they bargained for and one of the team ends up in danger. I worry about what Jacob is going to do with what Brooke is about to do. No spoilers here.
March 11, 2025
Cumpre o papel de entreter. Não sei até quando terei de aguardar uma solução para esse chatésimo Jacob Walsh. Também dispensaria os detalhes das descrições sobre, por ex., onde a personagem guarda o celular ("bolso esquerdo do casaco"), totalmente irrelevantes.
April 23, 2025
This book was great. Loved the story and the characters are the best. There is hope in the story with a story line I hope continues. We will see in the future. I am on to the next one in the series. Love this author, glad I found her.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews