What do you think?
Rate this book
Emily Slate #1
His Perfect Crime
A strange box is unearthed deep in the woods of the Appalachian Mountains. What’s discovered inside will rock a small town to its core.
FBI Special Agent Emily Slate is no stranger to tragedy. After losing her husband three months ago, then botching the biggest case of her career, she’s barely hanging on to the only job she’s ever wanted. But a new case in the mountains of northern Virginia might just be her one chance to redeem herself.
Emily arrives in the town of Stillwater to find the body of a woman with her eyes sewn shut, crammed inside a box half the size of a casket. The only problem is, no one knows who this woman is, and no one has reported her missing.
As Emily begins to unravel the layers of this complex case, it becomes clear the woman’s savage murder wasn’t unique. She’ll have to risk everything if she wants to get to the bottom of the mystery, and stop the killer from claiming their next victim.
But what she doesn’t know is that an even more sinister secret lurks at the root of these murders. One which puts Emily herself in the crosshairs.
This could be Emily’s finest moment, or her last.
Eye See You, Agent Slate.
Secrets are meant to stay buried.
Better turn back before you find yourself among them.
FBI Special Agent Emily Slate is no stranger to tragedy. After losing her husband three months ago, then botching the biggest case of her career, she’s barely hanging on to the only job she’s ever wanted. But a new case in the mountains of northern Virginia might just be her one chance to redeem herself.
Emily arrives in the town of Stillwater to find the body of a woman with her eyes sewn shut, crammed inside a box half the size of a casket. The only problem is, no one knows who this woman is, and no one has reported her missing.
As Emily begins to unravel the layers of this complex case, it becomes clear the woman’s savage murder wasn’t unique. She’ll have to risk everything if she wants to get to the bottom of the mystery, and stop the killer from claiming their next victim.
But what she doesn’t know is that an even more sinister secret lurks at the root of these murders. One which puts Emily herself in the crosshairs.
This could be Emily’s finest moment, or her last.
Eye See You, Agent Slate.
Secrets are meant to stay buried.
Better turn back before you find yourself among them.
260 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 16, 2022
3352 people are currently reading
2234 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 284 reviews
June 17, 2022
This was a really excellent book. The author was able to not only write a good detective novel but he also made the protagonist a woman. I really enjoy works where a woman have a strong lead.
What about those characters? They were spectacular; you really could imagine who they were and that’s how well written stories are done. .
Incredibly fast paced! If you look at the dates, you’ll notice it was a one day read. I just couldn’t put it down!
I can’t wait till the second one comes out because it will be fantastic I’m sure.
What about those characters? They were spectacular; you really could imagine who they were and that’s how well written stories are done. .
Incredibly fast paced! If you look at the dates, you’ll notice it was a one day read. I just couldn’t put it down!
I can’t wait till the second one comes out because it will be fantastic I’m sure.
June 10, 2022
“That’s what we call the long, long game. ”
Another winner! 5 Stars!
Right from the beginning the atmosphere was frightening and the tension grew as the story went on.
This book is brilliantly paced… and from the very first page, I found myself engrossed in the read!I had to remember to breathe, it was so gripping! UNPUTDOWNABLE!!
I can't come up with enough superlatives to express how thoroughly?completely ?hugely?immensely? I enjoyed reading this novel. It's everything I could have wished for and much more.
-His Perfect Crime #1 is taut, a slow-burning crime-thriller fiction.
With compelling characters, cleverly written dialogue, and a riveting narrative that freezes your blood at times, Alex Sigmore has weaved murder, humor, personal relationships, and mystery, thriller, suspense and intrigue with masterful dexterity.
It’s been a long time I was not reading crime stories, it too near to reality. But, Emily Slater series is fantastic! I just love the way Alex has created so much suspense and intrigue! And above all, I like it that it’s not the typical crime, detective/cop criminal, with gruesome details nor is it a psychological crime thriller. I can’t stand the tortures, both physical and mental (shudders). I’m marvelled at what Eric(Oops) Alex aka Eric Warren, a proficient and excellent SciFi author, has accomplished. He is El Maestro, as I always said from the beginning!
His first dabs in this genre is magnificent! Can’t wait for The Collection Girls #2 release! I highly recommend this series.
Another winner! 5 Stars!
Right from the beginning the atmosphere was frightening and the tension grew as the story went on.
This book is brilliantly paced… and from the very first page, I found myself engrossed in the read!I had to remember to breathe, it was so gripping! UNPUTDOWNABLE!!
I can't come up with enough superlatives to express how thoroughly?completely ?hugely?immensely? I enjoyed reading this novel. It's everything I could have wished for and much more.
-His Perfect Crime #1 is taut, a slow-burning crime-thriller fiction.
With compelling characters, cleverly written dialogue, and a riveting narrative that freezes your blood at times, Alex Sigmore has weaved murder, humor, personal relationships, and mystery, thriller, suspense and intrigue with masterful dexterity.
It’s been a long time I was not reading crime stories, it too near to reality. But, Emily Slater series is fantastic! I just love the way Alex has created so much suspense and intrigue! And above all, I like it that it’s not the typical crime, detective/cop criminal, with gruesome details nor is it a psychological crime thriller. I can’t stand the tortures, both physical and mental (shudders). I’m marvelled at what Eric(Oops) Alex aka Eric Warren, a proficient and excellent SciFi author, has accomplished. He is El Maestro, as I always said from the beginning!
His first dabs in this genre is magnificent! Can’t wait for The Collection Girls #2 release! I highly recommend this series.
May 6, 2022
Hanging around, wanting book 2. This is a first time author for me and book 1 in his new FBI Emily Slater series. I definitely want to see where we are going. It kept me turning pages and I totally enjoyed the thought process of the investigation through Emily eyes and her Detective Coll shooting ideas off each other. We have our small town arrogant Sheriff but Detective Coll helps put up with that. This is a mystery, leading down several paths and I enjoyed following them. I did feel a little lost in the beginning, we are sort of like Detective Coll, waiting for her to share so we know what had happened and why. She definitely grows on you and her geek expert Zara is a hoot, brought some smiles and joy :). The ending brought a conclusion to the killer and to some minor stories, but leaves you scrambling with whats to come. Thank you Booksprout, Alex Sigmore for the arc. I freely volunteer my thoughts and services.
August 27, 2024
Would have been a five except that ending
Okay this guy is trying to give her important information, and her brilliant mind says, ignore him. Then she meanders up to see him and Code Blue. Just the dumbest actions and it almost ruined the book entirely for me. so frustrating. Yes there were certain issues, like a gunshot and a knife wound but she should have talked to him the first time he,asked. And now it was too too late and answers just slipped through her fingers. I was so excited to read the next one but that frustrated me so much I don't know. It just is annoying. I do like the writing, and Liam is a good man, and Emily was brilliant until she wasn't. Didn't make sense to me. Really different type of serial killer story too. I honestly read it but I still don't really get it. I may habe to reread the ending.
Okay this guy is trying to give her important information, and her brilliant mind says, ignore him. Then she meanders up to see him and Code Blue. Just the dumbest actions and it almost ruined the book entirely for me. so frustrating. Yes there were certain issues, like a gunshot and a knife wound but she should have talked to him the first time he,asked. And now it was too too late and answers just slipped through her fingers. I was so excited to read the next one but that frustrated me so much I don't know. It just is annoying. I do like the writing, and Liam is a good man, and Emily was brilliant until she wasn't. Didn't make sense to me. Really different type of serial killer story too. I honestly read it but I still don't really get it. I may habe to reread the ending.
August 7, 2022
That’s what we call the long, long game. ”
Another winner! 5 Stars!
Right from the beginning the atmosphere was frightening and the tension grew as the story went on.
This book is brilliantly paced… and from the very first page, I found myself engrossed in the read!I had to remember to breathe, it was so gripping! UNPUTDOWNABLE!!
I can't come up with enough superlatives to express how thoroughly?completely ?hugely?immensely? I enjoyed reading this novel. It's everything I could have wished for and much more.
-His Perfect Crime #1 is taut, a slow-burning crime-thriller fiction.
With compelling characters, cleverly written dialogue, and a riveting narrative that freezes your blood at times, Alex Sigmore has weaved murder, humor, personal relationships, and mystery, thriller, suspense and intrigue with masterful dexterity.
It’s been a long time I was not reading crime stories, it too near to reality. But, Emily Slater series is fantastic! I just love the way Alex has created so much suspense and intrigue! And above all, I like it that it’s not the typical crime, detective/cop criminal, with gruesome details nor is it a psychological crime thriller. I can’t stand the tortures, both physical and mental (shudders). I’m marvelled at what Eric(Oops) Alex aka Eric Warren, a proficient and excellent SciFi author, has accomplished. He is El Maestro, as I always said from the beginning!
His first dabs in this genre is magnificent! Can’t wait for The Collection Girls #2 release! I highly recommend this series.
Another winner! 5 Stars!
Right from the beginning the atmosphere was frightening and the tension grew as the story went on.
This book is brilliantly paced… and from the very first page, I found myself engrossed in the read!I had to remember to breathe, it was so gripping! UNPUTDOWNABLE!!
I can't come up with enough superlatives to express how thoroughly?completely ?hugely?immensely? I enjoyed reading this novel. It's everything I could have wished for and much more.
-His Perfect Crime #1 is taut, a slow-burning crime-thriller fiction.
With compelling characters, cleverly written dialogue, and a riveting narrative that freezes your blood at times, Alex Sigmore has weaved murder, humor, personal relationships, and mystery, thriller, suspense and intrigue with masterful dexterity.
It’s been a long time I was not reading crime stories, it too near to reality. But, Emily Slater series is fantastic! I just love the way Alex has created so much suspense and intrigue! And above all, I like it that it’s not the typical crime, detective/cop criminal, with gruesome details nor is it a psychological crime thriller. I can’t stand the tortures, both physical and mental (shudders). I’m marvelled at what Eric(Oops) Alex aka Eric Warren, a proficient and excellent SciFi author, has accomplished. He is El Maestro, as I always said from the beginning!
His first dabs in this genre is magnificent! Can’t wait for The Collection Girls #2 release! I highly recommend this series.
June 26, 2023
I made it about 30% before giving this one up. I stopped to do some things around the house, have tried to go back to the book 4 times and can't make myself read more. I sort of want to know what happened to Emily to know why she is back after desk duty and getting shafted a bit from the FBI in small ways, like her lodging and other petty things. Yet, I also hate the chip that seems to be on Emily's shoulder. Her beef with the police chief makes sense, he was an ass from the start, but Detective Coll, seems like a nice guy who really wants to help her, yet she treats him like shit. Even after Emily bested the chief, I can't make myself keep reading to find out if he is on on things, by what he did with the dead girl. In the end, this one isn't for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 16, 2022
I enjoyed this suspenseful story. This is a new author for me which I enjoyed and look forward to reading more from this author in the future. This is a well written story that has twists and turns that left me sitting on the edge of my seat. This is a story that is fast paced and full of action. It has characters that bring the story to life and have great growth throughout. They are connectable characters that I had no problem picturing myself with them. I enjoyed how this story was hard to put down but easy to read. I highly recommend this book.
June 19, 2022
Emily Slate is a young female FBI agent with a past, sent out to investigate a body that has been found in a small town called Stillwater in Virginia. The body has been stuffed into a case, and had its eyes sewed shut, something that marks it as not a normal murder case.
As a result, the local Police, not used to something of this calibre, call in the FBI.
However, Emily is met with the usual hostility that the FBI gets due to inter-departmental relationships and jurisdiction of cases, and the Chief of Police dismisses her based on her appearance as well as her being from the FBI.
Slate is surprised to find an ally in the local detective though, Liam Coll, who is more interested in solving the case than politics.
This is a brutal crime, with the person, a woman by her appearance, having had her bones broken to fit her into the container she is in, before her eyes were sewed shut, and she was buried in the ground. There is no evidence of this woman due to the decontamination of the body, and even more intriguing is that no one has reported a woman missing that matches her description.
As Slate starts to investigate, she uncovers even more troubling things, and this case becomes more and more intriguing. With her only ally being her best friend at the FBI, Zara Foley, and unsure of anyone else she can really trust, especially at Stillwater, Slate has to try and discover who this woman is, as she is not the first, and might not be the last. Making things worse is that Slate lost her husband only 3mths earlier, and is struggling with trying to cope with this loss. Having had a disastrous episode already with her job as a result of coming back to work too soon after the death, this is now a last ditched effort to redeem her career or else.
Sigmore has created a brilliant story, the opening sequence is utterly captivating and draws you in so you just don’t want to stop reading. His main character Emily Slate is exceptionally well written, as the young female FBI agent, used to getting strange looks because she appears so young, which used to be a bonus when she worked undercover, but now works against her at crime scenes. However, she is the consummate professional, and has a keen mind, with a good eye for detail. One of the things I really liked about this book right off, was that Slate was wearing appropriate footwear (good boots), so often in shows and even books, Female FBI and Detectives are portrayed as wearing high heels, or inappropriate footwear at crime scenes, which a real Detective or Investigator would never do.
The other thing I really liked about this book was the attention to detail as far as the crime scenes, with the Police and Slate and how they operated and investigated things. Having been a Police Officer for over a decade, one of the things that frustrates me most in these books is a lack of attention to detail, or a lack of understanding of even simple procedure, and Sigmore has made a real effort to create a story that has that realistic edge to it.
There are some great characters in this book other than Slate, Liam Coll is brilliant as the underappreciated Detective in this small town. The collection of uniformed officers is what you expect in a small town, from the usual uninterested (I loved the Officer who sat behind her desk every day, reading a book, but guarding the door), to the lazy and sometimes moronic, to the over-achievers. There are some other wonderful characters, Slate’s Boss is brilliant, there is the Chief of Stillwater, and there are some others I won’t mention as I don’t want to give away spoilers. One of the stand-outs is Slates’ best friend Zara, who makes for a great side kick in this story, and a way to build the background of Slate’s characters as well.
Sigmore has done a brilliant job of creating a thrilling tale, one that is creepy at times (as you want with this sort of book), with all the elements you want for a mystery/thriller, but underlying this, is some outstanding world-building of not just the main story, but Slate’s characters as well. As we get to know Slate, we also get to realise that there are some fascinating aspects to her past.
This is an outstanding Mystery/Thriller, if you are a fan of Patterson or Connolly, you will absolutely love this (I have already started book 3 as I can’t put them down). Not to be missed!!
As a result, the local Police, not used to something of this calibre, call in the FBI.
However, Emily is met with the usual hostility that the FBI gets due to inter-departmental relationships and jurisdiction of cases, and the Chief of Police dismisses her based on her appearance as well as her being from the FBI.
Slate is surprised to find an ally in the local detective though, Liam Coll, who is more interested in solving the case than politics.
This is a brutal crime, with the person, a woman by her appearance, having had her bones broken to fit her into the container she is in, before her eyes were sewed shut, and she was buried in the ground. There is no evidence of this woman due to the decontamination of the body, and even more intriguing is that no one has reported a woman missing that matches her description.
As Slate starts to investigate, she uncovers even more troubling things, and this case becomes more and more intriguing. With her only ally being her best friend at the FBI, Zara Foley, and unsure of anyone else she can really trust, especially at Stillwater, Slate has to try and discover who this woman is, as she is not the first, and might not be the last. Making things worse is that Slate lost her husband only 3mths earlier, and is struggling with trying to cope with this loss. Having had a disastrous episode already with her job as a result of coming back to work too soon after the death, this is now a last ditched effort to redeem her career or else.
Sigmore has created a brilliant story, the opening sequence is utterly captivating and draws you in so you just don’t want to stop reading. His main character Emily Slate is exceptionally well written, as the young female FBI agent, used to getting strange looks because she appears so young, which used to be a bonus when she worked undercover, but now works against her at crime scenes. However, she is the consummate professional, and has a keen mind, with a good eye for detail. One of the things I really liked about this book right off, was that Slate was wearing appropriate footwear (good boots), so often in shows and even books, Female FBI and Detectives are portrayed as wearing high heels, or inappropriate footwear at crime scenes, which a real Detective or Investigator would never do.
The other thing I really liked about this book was the attention to detail as far as the crime scenes, with the Police and Slate and how they operated and investigated things. Having been a Police Officer for over a decade, one of the things that frustrates me most in these books is a lack of attention to detail, or a lack of understanding of even simple procedure, and Sigmore has made a real effort to create a story that has that realistic edge to it.
There are some great characters in this book other than Slate, Liam Coll is brilliant as the underappreciated Detective in this small town. The collection of uniformed officers is what you expect in a small town, from the usual uninterested (I loved the Officer who sat behind her desk every day, reading a book, but guarding the door), to the lazy and sometimes moronic, to the over-achievers. There are some other wonderful characters, Slate’s Boss is brilliant, there is the Chief of Stillwater, and there are some others I won’t mention as I don’t want to give away spoilers. One of the stand-outs is Slates’ best friend Zara, who makes for a great side kick in this story, and a way to build the background of Slate’s characters as well.
Sigmore has done a brilliant job of creating a thrilling tale, one that is creepy at times (as you want with this sort of book), with all the elements you want for a mystery/thriller, but underlying this, is some outstanding world-building of not just the main story, but Slate’s characters as well. As we get to know Slate, we also get to realise that there are some fascinating aspects to her past.
This is an outstanding Mystery/Thriller, if you are a fan of Patterson or Connolly, you will absolutely love this (I have already started book 3 as I can’t put them down). Not to be missed!!
September 23, 2024
Received as an ARC, this is an honest review. For FBI Agent Emily Slate, her personal life and professional job are in turmoil; the deep grief over her husband's death nearly costing her job and one thing Emily has that is keeping her sane. The harrowing discovery of a woman's body, buried in northern Virginia woods could be the case Emily needs to prove she is still worthy of her job. At first it seemed an open and shut case... until it wasn't, bringing a tsunami down upon the town of Stillwater and influential citizens of Police Chief William Burke and lawyer Rex Fuller; whom both men have dark secrets they never expected Emily Slate or Detective Liam Coll to unravel in searching for the truth behind Victoria Wright's case. A case that's takes Emily and Liam from Stillwater to the town of Soft Bend, a haunting revelation there has them racing against the clock as the cold, methodical killer gets closer to claiming more victims if he is not stopped. The reason behind the woman in the box is poignantly gut-wrenching and all the more terrifying. And an odd encounter with an unknown woman shatters what Emily thought she knew of her husband's death, leaving her desperate for answers. Eric Warren's first foray into the mystery/thriller genre under the pen name Alex Sigmore is gorgeous, immersive and deeply thought provoking with realistic, complex characters that memorably get under your skin you won't soon forget. Highly recommended.
June 13, 2022
I binged this book in two days! Alex Sigmore is an amazing author. In the beginning of the book you can really feel the setting and how cold it is that morning.
He really goes into detail and you think you’re there. I love a good thriller that makes me go “what the heck!?!” At the end and that’s how this ended.
Emily Slate is a great character. You really feel a connection to her.
It makes me want to pick up the next book. I did sign up for his mailing list to get the short story for Emily Slate because I NEED MORE!!
Also I need to know if Emily and Liam become a thing and what happened to Matt?!?!
He really goes into detail and you think you’re there. I love a good thriller that makes me go “what the heck!?!” At the end and that’s how this ended.
Emily Slate is a great character. You really feel a connection to her.
It makes me want to pick up the next book. I did sign up for his mailing list to get the short story for Emily Slate because I NEED MORE!!
Also I need to know if Emily and Liam become a thing and what happened to Matt?!?!
July 5, 2022
Wow! Spectacular read! Once I started I couldn’t put it down. The plot was well written. I loved this author’s style of writing. I loved Emily and Liam together. They made a great crime solving team. I hope they’ll be teamed up again in future stories. Both characters were well developed and easily relatable. I’d love to know more of Emily’s back story. I definitely didn’t see the ending coming. Shocked to find out who the killer was. I can’t wait to read more from this author!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book.
June 10, 2022
As a first time outing on the genre, Alex Sigmore has done a brilliant job in creating a very well-done whodunit mystery. It's not usually in my genre of reading, but I was happy to read this advanced copy for the author, as he'd already proven himself.
The characters are very real, the intensity is close to nail-biting, and the storytelling is superb. I will most certainly check out the next books in the series.
The characters are very real, the intensity is close to nail-biting, and the storytelling is superb. I will most certainly check out the next books in the series.
June 10, 2022
He is hoping he can pull of a perfect crime. What is the crime he is planning to do? Will he even do the crime? Will anyone learn about his crime? See what crime he commits and whether he gets away with it
November 23, 2024
i’m supposed to believe that she is an fbi agent and has been one for at least what 4 years????
also hated the fact that her husband died barely 3 months ago and she was already catching feelings for a new guy😵💫😵💫
also hated the fact that her husband died barely 3 months ago and she was already catching feelings for a new guy😵💫😵💫
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 10, 2022
Loved it - great twists and really awesome action! Looking forward to what’s next from this author.
August 9, 2022
Excellent
This book was action packed.,Well written and so interesting I forgot my glass of wine! You will like this, if you enjoy reading good detective stories, that leave you guessing til the very end.
This book was action packed.,Well written and so interesting I forgot my glass of wine! You will like this, if you enjoy reading good detective stories, that leave you guessing til the very end.
June 18, 2025
I read The Darkest Game by this author and absolutely loved it. I decided to pick up another one of their books and this one did not disappoint!
4 1/5 Stars 🌟
4 1/5 Stars 🌟
January 5, 2023
My favorite new mystery series. Pulls you in for a rollercoaster of suspense and excitement. Can’t wait to read books that follow
June 28, 2025
This book started extremely strong but ultimately fell flat by the end. The premise had promise. FBI Special Agent Emily Slate, reeling from personal and professional failure, takes on an impossible case to redeem herself. Unfortunately, the story lacked depth across all fronts.
The first 20% was the most exciting part, but after that, the pacing became monotonous, and the tension never fully landed. The reveal of the killer was underwhelming, like opening a flat pop. The writing felt more like a primetime TV crime procedural than a gripping thriller, not overly intellectual, emotional, or captivating.
Where the book struggled most was emotional connection. The characters lacked depth, making it hard to feel any of the tension or urgency they were meant to convey. Because of that, the stakes never felt high enough to pull me in completely.
Would I recommend it? It’s a decent, straightforward read for those who enjoy medium-paced, no-frills crime fiction with minimal characters and an easy-to-follow plot. But if you’re looking for a thriller with depth, strong tension, or emotional impact, this one might not hit the mark.
Final Thoughts: Not a bad read, just lacked tension and depth, a middle-of-the-road thriller that had potential but didn’t fully deliver.
The first 20% was the most exciting part, but after that, the pacing became monotonous, and the tension never fully landed. The reveal of the killer was underwhelming, like opening a flat pop. The writing felt more like a primetime TV crime procedural than a gripping thriller, not overly intellectual, emotional, or captivating.
Where the book struggled most was emotional connection. The characters lacked depth, making it hard to feel any of the tension or urgency they were meant to convey. Because of that, the stakes never felt high enough to pull me in completely.
Would I recommend it? It’s a decent, straightforward read for those who enjoy medium-paced, no-frills crime fiction with minimal characters and an easy-to-follow plot. But if you’re looking for a thriller with depth, strong tension, or emotional impact, this one might not hit the mark.
Final Thoughts: Not a bad read, just lacked tension and depth, a middle-of-the-road thriller that had potential but didn’t fully deliver.
Read
June 13, 2022I don't normally read police stories , mysteries, or thrillers as I am a science fiction fantasy fan. But this book just pulled me in and I couldn't put it down. I LOVED the character of Emily Slate. She was very relatable and human, not perfect, but trying her best. The other characters, especially Coll were good as well. I didn’t like the chief from the get go. The interactions between the characters were realistic.
The story kept you guessing what is gonna happen next. It was unpredictable and full of intrigue and mystery. It was entertaining and very easy to read. No clues were found with the body so how is she going to find the murderer? Guess you will have to read the book to find out. I know that who I thought was the murderer wasn't and I was surprised at who it turned out to be.
I recommend the book and look forward to reading the next book in the series. At least, I hope it will be a series.
The story kept you guessing what is gonna happen next. It was unpredictable and full of intrigue and mystery. It was entertaining and very easy to read. No clues were found with the body so how is she going to find the murderer? Guess you will have to read the book to find out. I know that who I thought was the murderer wasn't and I was surprised at who it turned out to be.
I recommend the book and look forward to reading the next book in the series. At least, I hope it will be a series.
May 27, 2022
A suspenseful story with interesting characters and an exciting plot. A wonderfully written mystery and a great start to a new series.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 5, 2024
I wanted to like this book, but it just felt flat. The writing felt very high school, and the actual plot line and mystery just weren’t anything new. The characters were likable and the story was not bad, but it was hard to get past the writing style. Not bad but simply not great.
May 28, 2025
An absolutely thrilling read
Emily Slate is everything I hoped she would be! She’s an FBI agent with principles. She’s an agent who truly wants to work with local LEOs, not prove her superiority. And she’s something of an underdog: small of stature and young-looking for her age, with trauma & loss in her recent past. Yet despite all that her primary focus is still justice for the victim.
I loved the murder mystery Emily was sent to solve. It was disturbing and unique with plenty of twists & turns. The adversarial attitude of the local police chief created just the right amount of tension. Then there was the budding partnership Emily builds with local detective Liam Coll. Their mutual attraction was obvious but never detracted from their focus on the job.
There’s an overarching story woven into the background of this book surrounding the recent death of Emily’s husband, and the mystery is left dangling to entice readers to continue on to book 2. But I doubt most readers will need that nudge. The story’s too good to put off diving into the next installment.
Emily Slate is everything I hoped she would be! She’s an FBI agent with principles. She’s an agent who truly wants to work with local LEOs, not prove her superiority. And she’s something of an underdog: small of stature and young-looking for her age, with trauma & loss in her recent past. Yet despite all that her primary focus is still justice for the victim.
I loved the murder mystery Emily was sent to solve. It was disturbing and unique with plenty of twists & turns. The adversarial attitude of the local police chief created just the right amount of tension. Then there was the budding partnership Emily builds with local detective Liam Coll. Their mutual attraction was obvious but never detracted from their focus on the job.
There’s an overarching story woven into the background of this book surrounding the recent death of Emily’s husband, and the mystery is left dangling to entice readers to continue on to book 2. But I doubt most readers will need that nudge. The story’s too good to put off diving into the next installment.
April 19, 2023
4 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Ohh now this book grabbed my attention. I haven’t listened to a lot of FBI books but the ones I have, I have enjoyed a great deal.
Emily is doing penance for her last case so she shipped off to the Appalachian Mountains when the remains of a woman are found.
Emily is dealing with some personal issues, as well as some career ones, hence why she is in this small town.
She is just trying to do her job, but with push back from the Sheriff it's a little hard. It’s a good thing she has made friends with one of the detectives. He is more than willing to help and when the Sheriff pushes back Detective Coll isn’t ok with that.
It’s a great story and I was invested.
The narration was great, she sounds a little young but for the character it sooo works. I did like the voices she gave some of the characters. It wasn't over done at all, it was just right.
Ohh now this book grabbed my attention. I haven’t listened to a lot of FBI books but the ones I have, I have enjoyed a great deal.
Emily is doing penance for her last case so she shipped off to the Appalachian Mountains when the remains of a woman are found.
Emily is dealing with some personal issues, as well as some career ones, hence why she is in this small town.
She is just trying to do her job, but with push back from the Sheriff it's a little hard. It’s a good thing she has made friends with one of the detectives. He is more than willing to help and when the Sheriff pushes back Detective Coll isn’t ok with that.
It’s a great story and I was invested.
The narration was great, she sounds a little young but for the character it sooo works. I did like the voices she gave some of the characters. It wasn't over done at all, it was just right.
November 23, 2022
interesting read.
FBI agent, working to get not only her career back on track with the agency but her personal life as well following the death of her husband. She gets assigned to a case that has her matching witts with a smart killer. Her way is obstructed by the local sheriff who also has something to hide. She catches her killer, uncovers a crooked sheriff, but learns that her husband may have been murdered. Where does this leave her now? Hope the next book gives a clue….
FBI agent, working to get not only her career back on track with the agency but her personal life as well following the death of her husband. She gets assigned to a case that has her matching witts with a smart killer. Her way is obstructed by the local sheriff who also has something to hide. She catches her killer, uncovers a crooked sheriff, but learns that her husband may have been murdered. Where does this leave her now? Hope the next book gives a clue….
March 21, 2024
This is a new author for me. The book was fast paced, engrossing, and an intriguing murder mystery. I could not put it down from the first chapter. The killer was psychotic, with no true remorse, or feelings. The FBI agent was trying to get her life, and job back together. She had faced the death of her husband, and almost messed up a major case. This is her second and last chance to prove she is stable, and ready. It was so great seeing her go through the tough steps, to a good outcome. Plus I love an epilogue. 5 stars.
November 21, 2022
Great first book of a series!
I read slot (4 or 5 books a week). This book moves quickly with a main character who is easy to relate to. Not perfect with a back story slowly intertwined into this intense story line. I will be starting number 2 in the series in about 5 minutes. I can't wait to see how Sara and Liam fit into Emily's next case. ( You need to read the book to find out who they are).
I read slot (4 or 5 books a week). This book moves quickly with a main character who is easy to relate to. Not perfect with a back story slowly intertwined into this intense story line. I will be starting number 2 in the series in about 5 minutes. I can't wait to see how Sara and Liam fit into Emily's next case. ( You need to read the book to find out who they are).
February 13, 2023
1,000+ Amazon Reviews
-An FBI agent, Emily struggling with work and personal issues, is sent out alone to check on a murder (requested by the locals).
What I liked:
-Very good character
-Good supporting character and also an asshole sheriff
-Good story with a few twists and turns
-Story did not get bogged down with police procedurals
What I didn't like:
Nothing, it was very good.
-An FBI agent, Emily struggling with work and personal issues, is sent out alone to check on a murder (requested by the locals).
What I liked:
-Very good character
-Good supporting character and also an asshole sheriff
-Good story with a few twists and turns
-Story did not get bogged down with police procedurals
What I didn't like:
Nothing, it was very good.
June 20, 2023
Great start to a series. Recently disgraced detective has to pick up a case in a small town. She stumbles upon a very twisted killer. The story is well written and the characters cleverly developed with some intriguing hints as to what may happen. Very unexpected twist which i did not see coming but that was nonetheless very believable- excellent read
December 11, 2022
great start to a series!!
FBI Agent Slate is assigned a murder in a small Virginia town. She is in trouble and this case could help her get her career back. Detective Liam from the town helps her but he puts his own career in jeopardy doing it. Fast paced and hard to put down. I am looking forward to the next books in the series!!
FBI Agent Slate is assigned a murder in a small Virginia town. She is in trouble and this case could help her get her career back. Detective Liam from the town helps her but he puts his own career in jeopardy doing it. Fast paced and hard to put down. I am looking forward to the next books in the series!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 284 reviews