When an unidentified woman is found partially decomposed in the stomach of a Burmese python, along with a 9mm bullet, the search is on to find out who she is, and who murdered her.
This leads Reid and his team to a ring of unscrupulous human traffickers to whom life is cheap and extreme violence is their preferred way of doing business.
While writing notorious crime boss Maria Lopez’s memoirs, Kenzie uncovers a thirty-year-old secret that could get her killed.
Not only has she put herself in the cartel’s sights, but she’s also captured the attention of a very powerful adversary who will stop at nothing to prevent the secret getting out.
Biba 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.
This book has confirmed for me why Biba Pearce is fast becoming one of my favourite writers, it has everything and a bag of chips. A twenty foot python with a human form inside it was what greeted Reid Garrett of the Sweetwater PD and it was just another facet in what was to be a long and dangerous investigation. Kenzie Gilmore, an investigative journalist for the Herald, worked closely with Reid, Reid wanted another kind of close but Kenzie was determined to stay just friends but there was definitely something smoldering between them. Kenzie had made a deal with the police and with notorious, powerful cartel boss, Maria Lopez, she would interview Maria in prison with a view to writing her life story, in exchange Maria would divulge information that the police department desperately wanted to bring down a huge drug cartel. When Kenzie, with the help of her new cyber savvy assistant, uncover some unimaginable information that will astound everyone and cause a huge political upset her life was in danger, Pandora's box was about to explode. This story is action packed, it has nail biting suspense, there is drug trafficking, human trafficking, arson, kidnap, unrequited love, and anything else that Biba Pearce can throw into the mix, she had really knocked it out of the ball park with this one, so much so that I was reading far into the night, I can't wait to see what is on the cards next for Kenzie and Reid, there is a promise of much more to come. A well deserved five stars. I received a free copy of this book and my review is voluntary.
Wow should be six stars and definitely the best read I have had this year. Straight in and no looking back just turning page after page! This is the continuing story of Kenzie Gillmore mystery series but can be read as a one off although I would say read them all you won’t be disappointed. The book starts with police detective Reid being called to a twenty foot python with what appears to be a human inside. The story then turns into a master piece of a story with Kenzie interviewing and carrying out and writing memories for crime boss of the Mexican cartel Maria Lopez put behind bars by both Kenzie and Reid. Between Kenzie and Reid the story cleverly pivots between Reid and what appears to be human trafficking and a very clever Maria Lopez where both action suspense keeps you glued firmly to the story line and is so dramatic you will need supplies to stop you from getting up and glued to the story. “This is the best book i have read to date by far!” Simple terrific as always from Biba.
Kenzie and Reed, reporter and cop, working together to solve/report crime in Miami. A body is found inside a 20’ python and the mystery begins roof Reed. Kenzie on the other hand is traveling to a prison to meet with a convicted female dropout cartel boss to write her memoirs. As push comes to shove the two stories become entangled and that’s when the trouble begins. With an awesome cast of characters, non stop action, intrigue, murder, mystery and a terrific story line this read will make you lose sleep as you won’t be able to put it down.
Multiple mysteries with non-obvious links - 4 stars
Kenzie Gilmore is an accomplished crime reporter with the Miami Herald. Her on-again, off-again boy friend is Reid Garret who is a lieutenant with Sweetwater police department (West of Miami). Together, Kenzie and Reid trade tips. For this adventure, I kept waiting for Kenzie and Reod to commit to each other; this relationship was an additional mystery.
Burnout starts with an adult human body found inside a python in the Everglades. The story accelerates by involving human trafficking, murder, drugs, and various mayhem.
Through a news researcher and police-to-DEA contacts, we learn that there is a possibility of organized crime having a hand in the action. A Miami Herald investigator finds a National political connection as they check out a person who runs a Mexican drug cartel.
Medical assistance was required after almost half of the police interactions, not only from physical violence but also heat exhaustion plus some not so stray bullets.
This fast-paced adventure has plenty of surprise twists and misdirection contributing to sustain suspense and uncertainty. Burnout was a fast, fun read.
After book 3, I was thrilled to find out there were two more books coming with Kenzie, the investigative reporter, and Reid, head of the Sweetwater P.D., also a very good investigator - the very reason why these two can work so well together. This book #4 has an opening page that grabs you with a very dark murder, and then more murders and attempted murders will follow. Are there more than one murderer? It kept surprising me with a tangled web of lies, deceit and murder without conscience. Much of this action packed mystery reaches a conclusion, but I look forward to book 5 to discover who is leaking info, and where a certain person has disappeared to. There are other facts I believe will be discovered which will be print-worthy for sure, IF, in fact, Kenzie will actually allow the whole truth of this sordid tale to be printed. Yes, there is more to this story yet to come, and I can hardly wait to read it! 5 stars again! More kudos to you, Biba Pearce!
Burnout is book 4 of the Kenzie & Reid series by Biba Pearce. This series is set in Miami. Kenzie is a journalist and Reid is a Lieutenant in the police. A woman’s body is found inside a 20 ft python at the beginning of the book, and this sets off a tense and shocking investigation. At the same time, Maria Lopez, head of a drugs cartel, is playing with the police. It is certainly a gripping read and I found it hard to put down. The descriptive writing really pulled me in.
I'm really enjoying the Kenzie Gilmore series, and I thought this book was an excellent addition to the series — up until the last page. The book ends on a cliffhanger, which is usually an automatic 1-star for me. I knocked off 2 stars from what would have been a 5-star rating. As it happens, I had the next book in the series lined up ready to read. Otherwise, I wouldn't have continued with the series.
I have enjoyed this story as much as JD Robb’s, Death series…all 57 of them! I’ve read the Kenzie Gilmore series back to back and I’m ready for more! Excellent writing, intelligent twists with jaw dropping follow through. A touch of romance, class and human emotion that allows the reader to relate to each character introduced. Thank you! I needed a series like this!
Again, Kenzie finds herself needing rescue by Reid, always available. So many twists involving the mastermind Maria Lopez, never a trustworthy advocate. Kenzie is a great reporter, exposing the meanest and brutal gangsters, to the dismay of Reid, who chases the same meanies. They compliment each other, yet are unable to be themselves honestly. Very engaging storyline, needing more followers enjoying their escapades.
An edge of the seat thriller which portrays Kenzie and Reid's relentless pursuit of justice. The remains of a woman found inside a python. A human trafficking ring with hardened killers. Arson which destroys Reid's home and the surrounding environment. Kenzie's life is also in grave danger. I loved this page turner.
Pythons, human trafficking, arson, all here to get Reid and Kenzie on track to uncover the evil doers and justice done. It's a fast-paced, action-packed, gut-wrenching story that will have you loosing sleep because you just can't close the book until it's done. Highly Recommended. I received this as an ARC and this is my honest review.
I love Biba's books but the Kenzie & Reid series is excellent! This book has it all, I couldn't put it down and I love that Kenzie has a knack for attracting trouble! Nail biting scenes kept me reading till my eyes hurt. Keep them coming, Biba!
I received an ARC and I'm voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Before I read the.next book, I always tell myself that ill leave this series alone and go read something else,.but then I get sucked right into the next book. It really helps to keep going from book to book in the series, its so interesting. These.stories are full of drama along with a possibility of a romance hanging in.the.background. Good.stuff!
Oh wow what an unputdownable book, as per the first two, frustrating though I really wish Kenzie would open up about her feelings for Reid and submit- looking forward to their next adventure together and hopefully will end up getting together 😊
a row kind of like a binge watch on Netflix only with books! Not usually a reader of detective series but really like the characters, and well written -
4.75/5⭐: Definitely the best book of the series so far, very hard to put down. This was a very fast paced read to the point it almost felt rushed. I'm really hoping the next book puts Kenzie and Reid together permanently, so over the suspense.
Oh no my kindle needs to recharge. It seems to take forever. Finally I finished all the twists came to a conclusion. I can breath again!!! On to the next book
Kenzie and Reid are together again working to solve a gruesome murder in the Glades. Neither of them knew where this investigation was going to lead them.
I have enjoyed all of the previous Kenzie Gilmore books and plan to read the subsequent books as well as Biba Pearce's other series because the author educates while she entertains. Burnout is especially relevant to citizens of western nations because Pearce highlights the current issue of human trafficing.