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West Investigations #6
Catching the Carling Lake Killer
She’s kept her secret for years…
But now a killer knows.
Journalist Simone Jarrett and Carling Lake sheriff Lance Webb have kept their casual affair clandestine to avoid gossip. But as his feelings for Simone deepen, Lance is troubled by the knowledge that she’s hiding something. Then, after twenty years, the Card Killer strikes again. And Simone’s secret puts her in the killer’s sights. Now the two must team up to find the murderer…and save Simone’s life.
But now a killer knows.
Journalist Simone Jarrett and Carling Lake sheriff Lance Webb have kept their casual affair clandestine to avoid gossip. But as his feelings for Simone deepen, Lance is troubled by the knowledge that she’s hiding something. Then, after twenty years, the Card Killer strikes again. And Simone’s secret puts her in the killer’s sights. Now the two must team up to find the murderer…and save Simone’s life.
256 pages, ebook
First published March 2, 2023
20 people are currently reading
3937 people want to read
About the author
K.D. Richards
79 books1,248 followersK.D. is a former attorney and educator. Her books are action-packed, page-turners with strong female characters and twists that will surprise.
Follow her on bookbub https://bit.ly/2TLCA7z.
Follow her on bookbub https://bit.ly/2TLCA7z.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
January 27, 2023
10/10 worth the read! Would recommend to anyone who loves a mystery with a twist at the end!
Pros: a hot sherif as the love interest, murder mystery, great writing, keeps you entertained the whole time, and a great twist at the end!
Cons: hard time to put down the book to do basic chores such as washroom or eating!!! This book had me hanging on the edge of seat wanting to know what happens next from the first chapters! Which means again I’ve read this all in one sitting!
And now I’m going to go read all the other novels by K.D Richards I haven’t read yet! Definitely gained a fan!
Pros: a hot sherif as the love interest, murder mystery, great writing, keeps you entertained the whole time, and a great twist at the end!
Cons: hard time to put down the book to do basic chores such as washroom or eating!!! This book had me hanging on the edge of seat wanting to know what happens next from the first chapters! Which means again I’ve read this all in one sitting!
And now I’m going to go read all the other novels by K.D Richards I haven’t read yet! Definitely gained a fan!
January 25, 2023
I have been looking for an author exactly like K.D. Richards for a while now. The story was tight and full of action and suspense. I loved the way Lance and Simone's relationship was full of respect of each other and respect for their jobs. I would love to see where their story leads. I also found out that this book is part of a series. So, excuse me while I run to the bookstore to pick up the rest of the series!
April 27, 2023
I love the West Investigation series!! What a great addition!This story was intriguing and action packed from beginning to end!
January 4, 2023
Sheriff Lance and reporter Simone are investigating what could be a serial killing in Carling Lake. They’ve been having a casual affair but as they investigate together it becomes more obvious that that ‘casual’ relationship is becoming more serious. Will they find the killer before he strikes again?
What I enjoyed the most was the dual POVs so we can enjoy their relationship and the feelings as they intensify. develop. It is fun to be able to see the clues pop up for both of them. At various points we even get a short POV from the killer! It builds tension and anticipation and is quite chilling.
But this is a love story and though there is a sexy bit, it is by no means explicit. In short, this is another good addition to the Harlequin Intrigue line that I think many will enjoy.
What I enjoyed the most was the dual POVs so we can enjoy their relationship and the feelings as they intensify. develop. It is fun to be able to see the clues pop up for both of them. At various points we even get a short POV from the killer! It builds tension and anticipation and is quite chilling.
But this is a love story and though there is a sexy bit, it is by no means explicit. In short, this is another good addition to the Harlequin Intrigue line that I think many will enjoy.
January 25, 2023
This was another excellent installment of the West Investigation series! James West takes a back seat in this book because there's a new sheriff in town. While James is there to support the town of Carling Lake, Lance is the sheriff the town needs when a woman's body is found and next to her, a calling card.
Simone has returned to Carling Lake to work at the paper as an investigative reporter. She's glad no one remembers her from her time in Carling Lake as a child. She has a score to settle after witnessing the murder of a woman.
The crux? For months, Lance and Simone have been in a casual, no-strings-attached relationship. The murder just made it complicated. With Simone trying to get the story and vindicate her younger self, and Lance trying to catch a killer, their professional worlds collide in a way they never expect.
When Simone is threatened, James and Erica West protect her while Lance continues to hunt down the card killer. Will Simone be his next victim? Will their blooming relationship survive this investigation if she does? You'll want to grab Catching the Carling Lake Killer to learn the answers!
Simone has returned to Carling Lake to work at the paper as an investigative reporter. She's glad no one remembers her from her time in Carling Lake as a child. She has a score to settle after witnessing the murder of a woman.
The crux? For months, Lance and Simone have been in a casual, no-strings-attached relationship. The murder just made it complicated. With Simone trying to get the story and vindicate her younger self, and Lance trying to catch a killer, their professional worlds collide in a way they never expect.
When Simone is threatened, James and Erica West protect her while Lance continues to hunt down the card killer. Will Simone be his next victim? Will their blooming relationship survive this investigation if she does? You'll want to grab Catching the Carling Lake Killer to learn the answers!
March 23, 2023
Terrific addition to the West Investigations series. In this book, we return to Carling Lake, the scene of the previous two books in the series. Here we learn more about Sheriff Lance Webb, a critical player in Dark Water Disappearance. We also get to know Simone, a reporter for the local paper.
The book opens with a prologue that takes place twenty years earlier. Twelve-year-old Simone witnesses a serial killer's attack, but her mother doesn't believe her, and they move away shortly after that. But Simone has been haunted by what she saw, and as the twentieth anniversary of that and two other murders draws close, Simone returns to Carling Lake. She is determined to raise awareness of the victims, hoping that someone will come forward with a clue. She never expected the Card Killer to strike again.
Lance and Simone have been seeing each other secretly for several months. At first, it was just casual, with neither interested in anything permanent. There was also the potential conflict of interest in a sheriff/reporter relationship. But as time passed, their feelings for each other deepened though neither said as much. When another Card Killer murder happens after a twenty-year hiatus, Lance suspects Simone is hiding something that may be related. I loved his protectiveness and understanding that helped her open up to him about what she had seen.
I liked watching their relationship develop from casual to something deeper. Beyond their undeniable chemistry is a deep-seated respect for each other's profession. That doesn't mean they don't occasionally butt heads. Simone's tenaciousness sometimes puts her in direct opposition to Lance's job as sheriff, such as her spying on the crime scene. It also means that they can make a good team. Despite his frequent frustration with her, there is no denying that Lance wants more. I loved seeing him show Simone that he's ready to bring their relationship into the light, but they must keep her alive to do it. The ending was terrific as they were finally free to follow their hearts.
The suspense kept me glued to the pages from start to finish. I could feel Simone's fear in the prologue and her determination to right her mistake as an adult. The first of the new murders preceded a series of threats against Simone, who realized that the killer knew who she was. I loved her determination to continue her investigation and had to laugh at her ultimatum to Lance - they could work together, or she would continue on her own. He wanted to keep her close and safe. Their pursuit of information on the new and old victims and whether there were connections between them was fascinating to follow. Just when I thought I knew who it was, the author threw in a twist that upended everything. The final confrontation was a nail-biter and had me on the edge of my seat until it was over.
James West has a small part in this book, as he and Erika protect Simone when Lance can't be with her. I liked the friendship that grew between Simone and Erika and how James provides the security that gives Lance peace of mind.
The book opens with a prologue that takes place twenty years earlier. Twelve-year-old Simone witnesses a serial killer's attack, but her mother doesn't believe her, and they move away shortly after that. But Simone has been haunted by what she saw, and as the twentieth anniversary of that and two other murders draws close, Simone returns to Carling Lake. She is determined to raise awareness of the victims, hoping that someone will come forward with a clue. She never expected the Card Killer to strike again.
Lance and Simone have been seeing each other secretly for several months. At first, it was just casual, with neither interested in anything permanent. There was also the potential conflict of interest in a sheriff/reporter relationship. But as time passed, their feelings for each other deepened though neither said as much. When another Card Killer murder happens after a twenty-year hiatus, Lance suspects Simone is hiding something that may be related. I loved his protectiveness and understanding that helped her open up to him about what she had seen.
I liked watching their relationship develop from casual to something deeper. Beyond their undeniable chemistry is a deep-seated respect for each other's profession. That doesn't mean they don't occasionally butt heads. Simone's tenaciousness sometimes puts her in direct opposition to Lance's job as sheriff, such as her spying on the crime scene. It also means that they can make a good team. Despite his frequent frustration with her, there is no denying that Lance wants more. I loved seeing him show Simone that he's ready to bring their relationship into the light, but they must keep her alive to do it. The ending was terrific as they were finally free to follow their hearts.
The suspense kept me glued to the pages from start to finish. I could feel Simone's fear in the prologue and her determination to right her mistake as an adult. The first of the new murders preceded a series of threats against Simone, who realized that the killer knew who she was. I loved her determination to continue her investigation and had to laugh at her ultimatum to Lance - they could work together, or she would continue on her own. He wanted to keep her close and safe. Their pursuit of information on the new and old victims and whether there were connections between them was fascinating to follow. Just when I thought I knew who it was, the author threw in a twist that upended everything. The final confrontation was a nail-biter and had me on the edge of my seat until it was over.
James West has a small part in this book, as he and Erika protect Simone when Lance can't be with her. I liked the friendship that grew between Simone and Erika and how James provides the security that gives Lance peace of mind.
April 3, 2023
This is the 6th and final book in the “West Investigations Series” and my first time reading a book by K.D. Richards. “Catching The Carling Lake Killer” is an entertaining easy, fast-paced quick read, drama filled, action packed, secrets, mystery, mayhem, murder, suspenseful, page turner, romantic read, great characters and a great plot that most definitely held me captive. I enjoyed reading about West Investigation series that I am going to try and purchase books 1-5 in this series. Simone is a journalist and Lance is the sheriff of Carling Lake. The two have been secretly seeing each other. Simone has been hiding a secret since her childhood from Lance. As things continue to unfold the secret that Simone has been hiding is making its way to the surface and Simone finds her life is at stake and she and Lance must work together to find the killer that is after Simone. K.D. Richard is a new author to me and I am so loving her “West Investigation Series” and the romantic suspenseful aspect and if you’re new to her like I am going to do my best to pick up books 1-5 in this series. If they are anything like the final book in this I know that I am in for a treat.
I received an ARC via NetGalley HARLEQUIN - Romance (U.S. & Canada), Harlequin Intrigue and I am leaving my review voluntarily.
I received an ARC via NetGalley HARLEQUIN - Romance (U.S. & Canada), Harlequin Intrigue and I am leaving my review voluntarily.
March 7, 2023
Simone has taken a job with the local newspaper in a small town she briefly lived in growing up, where she's started a casual relationship with Logan, the sheriff. The real reason she's returned there is to investigate a murder she witnessed as a child but is still too traumatized by to discuss with anyone. It seems that the murder has returned to the town, forcing her to face the past and forcing her closer to Logan.
The book was well-paced and the mystery was entertaining, though I didn't really connect with Simone and Logan as couple. They meet prior to the beginning of the book, so we're told that they had an immediate connection and how things have progressed so far, but don't get to see it happen. For about the first third or so, we mostly see them working on the case separately, and when they're together they mostly discuss the case. I didn't dislike either character, but didn't see enough of their relationship development to get really invested in them either. The story also ended very suddenly.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, but all opinions are my own.
The book was well-paced and the mystery was entertaining, though I didn't really connect with Simone and Logan as couple. They meet prior to the beginning of the book, so we're told that they had an immediate connection and how things have progressed so far, but don't get to see it happen. For about the first third or so, we mostly see them working on the case separately, and when they're together they mostly discuss the case. I didn't dislike either character, but didn't see enough of their relationship development to get really invested in them either. The story also ended very suddenly.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, but all opinions are my own.
April 17, 2023
Simone is a Journalist who is working on the 20th anniversary piece of a cold case serial killings she secretly witnessed from 20 years ago and it appears that the person is back. Sheriff Lance is having a casual affair with Simone and its appears the Card Killer is back and is also targeting Simone as well as others now.
I enjoyed this book and watching how they worked to resolve the case. Simone was carrying a heavy secret and it possibly could help the case but put a target on her back. I mean she was young when she witness the killing and no one believed her then so what difference would it make? But now that the killer seems to have come out of retirement she's in danger. I thought it was interesting seeing how she played her part in helping solve the mystery. I loved that she was an independent women who was doing everything she could to not rely on other for her protections. There was plenty going on with the close calls and taunts that the killer was doing to Simone meaning things uneasy. Overall this was a pretty great read, I pretty much binge read it and thing you readers will enjoy this one too.
I enjoyed this book and watching how they worked to resolve the case. Simone was carrying a heavy secret and it possibly could help the case but put a target on her back. I mean she was young when she witness the killing and no one believed her then so what difference would it make? But now that the killer seems to have come out of retirement she's in danger. I thought it was interesting seeing how she played her part in helping solve the mystery. I loved that she was an independent women who was doing everything she could to not rely on other for her protections. There was plenty going on with the close calls and taunts that the killer was doing to Simone meaning things uneasy. Overall this was a pretty great read, I pretty much binge read it and thing you readers will enjoy this one too.
August 1, 2024
4 Stars
Tropes: Small Town, Serial Killer, Cop Hero, Secret Relationship
Sheriff Lance Webb and journalist Simone Jarrett have been secretly hooking up for a few months and pretending they're not falling for each other. All of those feelings start bubbling to the surface when the Card Killer, a serial killer from twenty years ago, begins his reign of terror yet again in the small town of Carling Lake. Simone has a particular connection to things: she saw the killer murder one of his victims. As the bodies begin piling up, Simone hunts the killer to redeem her past, and Lance does to save the town and the woman he loves.
Another really solid romantic suspense from Richards. Likeable characters, excellent pacing, thrilling action sequences, and fun final showdowns. This is exactly what I want from an Intrigue.
Shoutout to Susan Spain for excellent audio narration.
Tropes: Small Town, Serial Killer, Cop Hero, Secret Relationship
Sheriff Lance Webb and journalist Simone Jarrett have been secretly hooking up for a few months and pretending they're not falling for each other. All of those feelings start bubbling to the surface when the Card Killer, a serial killer from twenty years ago, begins his reign of terror yet again in the small town of Carling Lake. Simone has a particular connection to things: she saw the killer murder one of his victims. As the bodies begin piling up, Simone hunts the killer to redeem her past, and Lance does to save the town and the woman he loves.
Another really solid romantic suspense from Richards. Likeable characters, excellent pacing, thrilling action sequences, and fun final showdowns. This is exactly what I want from an Intrigue.
Shoutout to Susan Spain for excellent audio narration.
April 5, 2023
This one was a slow burn. The romance wasn't thankfully, but that's what happens when you read a series out of order. The characters already knew each other and had a situationship. The mystery in the beginning was very intricate. We all have a weird fascination with serial killers and their modus operandi. This edition into the West Investigation series focuses on a small-town killer everyone thought disappeared until another woman is found in the exact way as past victims were 20 years prior.
Simone and Lance's relationship definitely took a backseat this time. As another reviewer said, when they were together it was always about the case. The relationship stuff was towards the end.
Overall, I enjoyed this but didn't hold my interest the entire time.
Simone and Lance's relationship definitely took a backseat this time. As another reviewer said, when they were together it was always about the case. The relationship stuff was towards the end.
Overall, I enjoyed this but didn't hold my interest the entire time.
August 21, 2023
The sixth book in the West Investigation series and oh man it did not disappoint. What a twisted roller coaster ride. Sheriff Lance Webb takes center stage in this story when he teams up with the woman, he has been carrying on a secret affair with journalist Simone Jarrett to figure out who the card killer is and bring some piece to the town and the people of Carling Lake. After twenty years the Card Killer is back and Simone has secret, she has been keeping of her own. Puzzle by the fact that Simone is not being completely honest with him Lance decides to give her time to open up why they track a serial killer. I love this story it had me on edge until the very end! I Iove the West Investigation series! Looking forward to the next story!
January 25, 2023
I have been looking for an author exactly like K.D. Richards for a while now. The story was tight and full of action and suspense. I loved the way Lance and Simone's relationship was full of respect of each other and respect for their jobs. I would love to see where their story leads. I also found out that this book is part of a series. So, excuse me while I run to the bookstore to pick up the rest of the series!
September 16, 2024
This is another great entry into the West Investigations series. Readers are immediately thrown into the action with Simone and Lance having already started a friends with benefits relationship. Simone is a journalist who is able to get answers from people who normally wouldn't talk to the police. While Lance is the police sheriff trying to get to the bottom of the recent murders and see if there's a copycat killer afoot.
January 28, 2024
I enjoyed this book. It was hard to put down. Since, I read the previous book with the cliff hanger ending I just had to read this book.I was not disappointed. It was a good mystery as well as a romance.The characters were well written. The mystery runs throughout the entire book. It is not until the very last chapters that we get a conclusion.
April 1, 2023
Secrets
WOW! Just WOW !
Missing At Christmas was mine boggling, but Catching the Carling Lake Killer, truly had me jumping from left to right in each chapter. Simone Jarrett child hood secret of twenty years is the catalyst to all the drama.
WOW! Just WOW !
Missing At Christmas was mine boggling, but Catching the Carling Lake Killer, truly had me jumping from left to right in each chapter. Simone Jarrett child hood secret of twenty years is the catalyst to all the drama.
April 5, 2023
Blurb caught my eye. Kinda gave off feels for Nancy drew type of book and I was kinda right on that feeling. 5 star book . Might reread it again later on in the year. Highly recommend this book. Couldn't put it down due to the fact it kept me pulled into it
April 24, 2023
3.5 stars. It's the standard suspenseful romance, but I still enjoyed the story. For the audiobook, I appreciated the narrator's skill at distinguishing her voice so readers can tell when she had switched characters.
January 20, 2024
Mystery, romantic suspense
This was a good small town mystery with a touch of romantic suspense. I liked the dynamic of a small town sheriff and an investigating reporter working to solve these crimes. The budding romance was nice too.
This was a good small town mystery with a touch of romantic suspense. I liked the dynamic of a small town sheriff and an investigating reporter working to solve these crimes. The budding romance was nice too.
Read
March 1, 2023Romantic Suspense, Mystery & Detective, Police Procedural Mystery & Detective
Miniseries
West Investigations (Book #6)
Miniseries
West Investigations (Book #6)
Read
March 1, 2023Romantic Suspense, Mystery & Detective, Police Procedural Mystery & Detective
Miniseries
West Investigations (Book #6)
Miniseries
West Investigations (Book #6)
April 11, 2023
Recommended Reading...
April 14, 2023
Quick, easy read with plenty of intrigue
June 9, 2023
Loved it! Plenty of action from start to finish.
July 20, 2024
Hooked me in from the beginning. Lots of twists and suspense that had me eager to finish!
The ending twist I did not anticipate.
First book read by this author & will be reading more.
The ending twist I did not anticipate.
First book read by this author & will be reading more.
November 4, 2024
Nice romantic suspense read. Simone managed to not upset me and Lance wasn’t too alpha. First time reading this author and I look forward to other books.
April 17, 2024
This is a Romantic Suspense, and this is the 6th book in the West Investigations series. This book is fill of action and suspense. I enjoyed the characters in this book. I do feel that this book was very fast paced, and it made you just wanted to keep reading. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Harlequin Intrigue) or author (K.D. Richards) via NetGalley, so I can give an honest review about how I feel about this book. I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews