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Touch of Evil #6
Fleeing From Sin
Former FBI consultant Brooklyn Sloane is about to walk into her favorite café wanting nothing more than her usual morning caramel macchiato when she notices a bloody handprint on the window. Anyone else would have instructed the barista to call the police, picked up her favorite beverage off the counter, and then walked the rest of the way to the office.
Brook isn't just anyone, though. She recognizes the signature of a serial killer who used to haunt the city over three years ago before he abruptly disappeared into the restless wind. He had been known to stalk his victims for weeks before abducting and killing them. Their bodies had never been found, but he'd made sure that their loved ones knew of their demise with a single, bloody handprint...at the very place that they had gone missing.
Brook has one objective—draft a profile to find the killer before he strikes again. But as the team dives deeper into the case and into the lives of the previous victims, a twist in the investigation finally reveals itself. The killer has been dead ever since the previous killings had stopped. Are they chasing a copycat killer or something far worse?
Brook isn't just anyone, though. She recognizes the signature of a serial killer who used to haunt the city over three years ago before he abruptly disappeared into the restless wind. He had been known to stalk his victims for weeks before abducting and killing them. Their bodies had never been found, but he'd made sure that their loved ones knew of their demise with a single, bloody handprint...at the very place that they had gone missing.
Brook has one objective—draft a profile to find the killer before he strikes again. But as the team dives deeper into the case and into the lives of the previous victims, a twist in the investigation finally reveals itself. The killer has been dead ever since the previous killings had stopped. Are they chasing a copycat killer or something far worse?
305 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 9, 2023
623 people are currently reading
500 people want to read
About the author
Kennedy Layne
156 books661 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 41 reviews
August 17, 2024
Just not a great book all around.
It was poorly written which was distracting. There were sentences that said things like “when I entered through the entrance” and other gems like that. It wasn’t a particularly long book but it was too long. We didn’t need to hear about everyone putting on their coats, taking sips of coffee, and taking bites of food. It’s just not interesting.
I also didn’t find any of the characters that interesting. I don’t feel the urge to read the next book to find out what happens with them.
When the villain was narrating they said that they gave each woman a chance to prove that she was a good person, I would have wanted to hear more about what exactly that entailed.
It was poorly written which was distracting. There were sentences that said things like “when I entered through the entrance” and other gems like that. It wasn’t a particularly long book but it was too long. We didn’t need to hear about everyone putting on their coats, taking sips of coffee, and taking bites of food. It’s just not interesting.
I also didn’t find any of the characters that interesting. I don’t feel the urge to read the next book to find out what happens with them.
When the villain was narrating they said that they gave each woman a chance to prove that she was a good person, I would have wanted to hear more about what exactly that entailed.
June 28, 2024
overwrought
The storyline was good. There was an interesting plot with some good suspense. However, the obsessively overwritten descriptions were distracting. The number of times the wearing or not wearing of winter gloves, the bitter cold, the dress coat, Skittles, tea … didn’t have any bearing on the story nor add to deeper understanding of the characters.
The storyline was good. There was an interesting plot with some good suspense. However, the obsessively overwritten descriptions were distracting. The number of times the wearing or not wearing of winter gloves, the bitter cold, the dress coat, Skittles, tea … didn’t have any bearing on the story nor add to deeper understanding of the characters.
July 24, 2024
A thrilling ride!
Interesting and well rounded characters. I liked the twists and turns. The supporting cast was interesting but not very deep. The investigation was well thought out and not easily predictable. Definitely worth a read! If the brother doesn’t creep you out you can’t be.
Interesting and well rounded characters. I liked the twists and turns. The supporting cast was interesting but not very deep. The investigation was well thought out and not easily predictable. Definitely worth a read! If the brother doesn’t creep you out you can’t be.
June 24, 2023
This one was interesting on many different levels.
First we had the crime, really didn't expect the killer to be who they were, nor their hunting grounds or why. I really liked how Brook got to know those at the hunting grounds and brightened a couple peoples days in the process. I was glad that the killer was caught and before they had another victim. I hate knowing that whatever punishment they get will not be enough.
Second is Brook's people on her team. First we have Kate who is getting ready to fly the nest. And while Brook is proud of her, you know she wants to keep her talent in house. Then there is the odd closeness that developed between Theo and Kate when he stopped by her condo. I'd love to see these 2 become BFF's and share their lives, especially Brook, she needs someone that she can lay it all out for. Lastly Bit. I loved how fiercely protective Brook is of him and how with one phone call she closed ranks around Bit and is doing what she can to protect him.
Third is Brook's relationship with the General. Didn't expect him to introduce Brook to his mother, nor the way the mother maneuvered her way into meeting Brook early and with a unique proposition. I think Brook should say yes, but understand her reservations.
Fourth we have Jacob, it always comes down to him with Brook and this series. I find myself very intrigued by his play at the end. You know he has something else up his sleeve, we'll just have to wait to find out what.
On a side note...Bit adds skittles to hot chocolate??? Just the thought of that grosses me out!
First we had the crime, really didn't expect the killer to be who they were, nor their hunting grounds or why. I really liked how Brook got to know those at the hunting grounds and brightened a couple peoples days in the process. I was glad that the killer was caught and before they had another victim. I hate knowing that whatever punishment they get will not be enough.
Second is Brook's people on her team. First we have Kate who is getting ready to fly the nest. And while Brook is proud of her, you know she wants to keep her talent in house. Then there is the odd closeness that developed between Theo and Kate when he stopped by her condo. I'd love to see these 2 become BFF's and share their lives, especially Brook, she needs someone that she can lay it all out for. Lastly Bit. I loved how fiercely protective Brook is of him and how with one phone call she closed ranks around Bit and is doing what she can to protect him.
Third is Brook's relationship with the General. Didn't expect him to introduce Brook to his mother, nor the way the mother maneuvered her way into meeting Brook early and with a unique proposition. I think Brook should say yes, but understand her reservations.
Fourth we have Jacob, it always comes down to him with Brook and this series. I find myself very intrigued by his play at the end. You know he has something else up his sleeve, we'll just have to wait to find out what.
On a side note...Bit adds skittles to hot chocolate??? Just the thought of that grosses me out!
October 28, 2024
A page turner
Well that certainly took on a twist I didn't expect.
I was already transfixed and then everything started happening at once.
Extremely well done, and there go my plans for day, as I need to read the next book immediately to get answers.
Well that certainly took on a twist I didn't expect.
I was already transfixed and then everything started happening at once.
Extremely well done, and there go my plans for day, as I need to read the next book immediately to get answers.
January 9, 2023
Fleeing from Sin😈
Oh my gosh, this next book in the Touch of Evil series is amazing🤩 Brook stumbles upon a bloody handprint on the door of her regular coffee shop. Being a profiler she is up to date with all active and inactive serial killer profiles and she recognises this unsub’s signature of the handprint.
I really enjoyed this story. I will admit I’m usually pretty good at figuring out who the guilty party is, but this time I honestly had no idea - which also makes the read that much better for me, suspense wise🙃 That said I was a little shocked at the ending but I’m looking forward to the next one now to see what happens next😳
Oh my gosh, this next book in the Touch of Evil series is amazing🤩 Brook stumbles upon a bloody handprint on the door of her regular coffee shop. Being a profiler she is up to date with all active and inactive serial killer profiles and she recognises this unsub’s signature of the handprint.
I really enjoyed this story. I will admit I’m usually pretty good at figuring out who the guilty party is, but this time I honestly had no idea - which also makes the read that much better for me, suspense wise🙃 That said I was a little shocked at the ending but I’m looking forward to the next one now to see what happens next😳
January 14, 2023
so good
Love this series! They get better as the team becomes more like a family. It’s great reading about how they work together on each case. Then the underlying Jacob tension and the whole thing with Graham….ok, I want more Graham.
Love this series! They get better as the team becomes more like a family. It’s great reading about how they work together on each case. Then the underlying Jacob tension and the whole thing with Graham….ok, I want more Graham.
January 13, 2023
That ending. Cant wait for the next book!!
August 31, 2024
Gotta leave Jacob
Dress coat made its debut on page 15. LOL She hasn't made it to the office yet and it appears again on page 22. It appears 33 times in the book.
Winter boot has entered the chat at page 28. It's February in DC.
Theo is back to being half African American and Caucasian. He was half Asian in the previous book. LOLOL
Still saying manilla. Smh And weird word choices again. I really want to see this through but all these ridiculous details and incredible jumps Brook makes on her profiles of the unsubs is getting tiresome. The whole Ridgeway thing was idiotic.
It's too bad. I do want to know what happens with Jacob and between Brook and Graham. But I'm done. I will check out the other books and just search for Jacob's name. And Graham's. Maybe.
Dress coat made its debut on page 15. LOL She hasn't made it to the office yet and it appears again on page 22. It appears 33 times in the book.
Winter boot has entered the chat at page 28. It's February in DC.
Theo is back to being half African American and Caucasian. He was half Asian in the previous book. LOLOL
Still saying manilla. Smh And weird word choices again. I really want to see this through but all these ridiculous details and incredible jumps Brook makes on her profiles of the unsubs is getting tiresome. The whole Ridgeway thing was idiotic.
It's too bad. I do want to know what happens with Jacob and between Brook and Graham. But I'm done. I will check out the other books and just search for Jacob's name. And Graham's. Maybe.
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.
Fleeing From Sin is the sixth 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.
Fleeing From Sin is the sixth 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…
October 12, 2024
I am of two minds about this book - but as this is the first in this series I have read, maybe that is why. On the one hand, you have a very good narration style, protagonists who are a bit different, to be sure, a good plot, and the - I think - ongoing cat-and-mouse game between Brook and her brother. On the other hand, this "game" is what I find so unrealistic, as well as the background of some of Brook's co-workers. But as I said, coming into a series on Book 6 may explain why I am missing a lot of the backstory.
However, despite this, and not least thanks to a great narration, this book was full of suspense, letting me as the reader guess in line with the team about who the murderer is until the end.
Now going to get the first volumes in this series, because yes - I loved it.
However, despite this, and not least thanks to a great narration, this book was full of suspense, letting me as the reader guess in line with the team about who the murderer is until the end.
Now going to get the first volumes in this series, because yes - I loved it.
December 26, 2024
Getting closer
Brooke and team are back for an active and cold case that has combined. Work relationship, friendships, and romantic relationships develop as Theo makes a decision about his girlfriend and Brook gets closer to Graham. The FBI sent a team to work with Brook, but they continued to try and cause havoc or harm so the ways Brook handled that was amazing. Of course Jacob was present in action and then majorly present at the end. This was a good story with great moments for the personal lives of Brook and Graham, Theo, Sylvie and Bit…especially how protective Brook was for Bit! Ready to see what Jacob is up to and hopefully for a HEA for Graham and Brook!
Brooke and team are back for an active and cold case that has combined. Work relationship, friendships, and romantic relationships develop as Theo makes a decision about his girlfriend and Brook gets closer to Graham. The FBI sent a team to work with Brook, but they continued to try and cause havoc or harm so the ways Brook handled that was amazing. Of course Jacob was present in action and then majorly present at the end. This was a good story with great moments for the personal lives of Brook and Graham, Theo, Sylvie and Bit…especially how protective Brook was for Bit! Ready to see what Jacob is up to and hopefully for a HEA for Graham and Brook!
March 16, 2025
Sigo lendo os livros da série, porque aprecio o gênero de histórias de investigação criminal. Óbvio que nunca consigo adivinhar os culpados, mas faz parte. Não é muito diferente dos anteriores, porque as personagens centrais são as mesmas. Brook continua procurando seu irmão enquanto desvenda o mistério da vez. Parece que finalmente alguém revisou o texto para evitar as constantes repetições de palavras e expressões. No final das contas, não posso deixar de admitir que gosto muito também de livros que têm sequências. Desde que sejam histórias e personagens interessantes. Alguns eu abandonei depois do primeiro. Aqui pretendo seguir.
April 6, 2024
Amazing!
Full of psychological suspense, mystery, and upheaval. Brooklyn is a beautiful criminal profiler whose brother is a sadistic monster. While in the midst of solving her investigatory businesses' current case and fending off her hearts desire, Brooklyn spends her nights drinking cheap Moscato and curating the murder board she hopes will benefit her in capturing her murderous brother. Moderately paced with well created characters, all of which have room for expansion, and decent dialogs.
Full of psychological suspense, mystery, and upheaval. Brooklyn is a beautiful criminal profiler whose brother is a sadistic monster. While in the midst of solving her investigatory businesses' current case and fending off her hearts desire, Brooklyn spends her nights drinking cheap Moscato and curating the murder board she hopes will benefit her in capturing her murderous brother. Moderately paced with well created characters, all of which have room for expansion, and decent dialogs.
December 1, 2024
outstanding Characters
Love the series. Brooks long time search for her serial killer brother is suspenseful while she and her crew solve a variety of investigations. The Handprint killer had just struck again at the coffee shop that Brook went to each morning. This killer had been dormant for 3 years. The FBI had not discovered a thing during the original investigation. Now Brooks company was investigating. Those are the other characters that are brilliant. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
Love the series. Brooks long time search for her serial killer brother is suspenseful while she and her crew solve a variety of investigations. The Handprint killer had just struck again at the coffee shop that Brook went to each morning. This killer had been dormant for 3 years. The FBI had not discovered a thing during the original investigation. Now Brooks company was investigating. Those are the other characters that are brilliant. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
February 17, 2023
Different Motivation
A killer on a mission resumes after a three year absence. Can Brook and her team catch him before more lives are lost?
This is not a bad read. Too many characters and clunky dialogue. The alternating narration adds little except when done by the unsub and Brook's killer brother. The killer was motivated by something different other than sexualsadism or mommy issues. Pretty good.
A killer on a mission resumes after a three year absence. Can Brook and her team catch him before more lives are lost?
This is not a bad read. Too many characters and clunky dialogue. The alternating narration adds little except when done by the unsub and Brook's killer brother. The killer was motivated by something different other than sexualsadism or mommy issues. Pretty good.
April 26, 2025
Fleeing from Sin delivers another engaging entry in the series, with all the character dynamics and plot twists fans have come to expect. That said, I found myself a bit bogged down by the amount of recapping. I get that it’s meant to help first-time readers catch up, but as someone who’s followed the entire series, it felt repetitive and disrupted the flow. Still, just when I started to get frustrated, that ending hit—what a cliffhanger! Things have seriously just kicked up a notch.
February 18, 2023
Loving this series
I recently started reading this series and have kept buying the next and the next. So very well written, engaging, great characters and definitely not easy endings to figure out. But you don't want to put it down til the end...and then you wish it hadn't ended already! Thank goodness for the next books!
I recently started reading this series and have kept buying the next and the next. So very well written, engaging, great characters and definitely not easy endings to figure out. But you don't want to put it down til the end...and then you wish it hadn't ended already! Thank goodness for the next books!
March 22, 2025
Really enjoy this series
I find myself trying to slow down reading this series as I don't want it to end. Brook is the main character but her entire team brings more to the story. Once again I had no idea who the killer wad until they figured it out. There is a shocking event at the end!
I find myself trying to slow down reading this series as I don't want it to end. Brook is the main character but her entire team brings more to the story. Once again I had no idea who the killer wad until they figured it out. There is a shocking event at the end!
December 28, 2025
Lots of typos and inconsistencies—more than usual in this series. How they latched onto the main setting wasn’t clear either. This one felt particularly formulaic. It’s an entertaining series, but the more I read, the more frustrating the writing style becomes (and the typos!). I did not need to know whether every character was wearing gloves.
March 1, 2023
Kept me interested
Great story, kept the energy and excitement moving. Enjoyed knowing the characters from previous books. The characters were well developed and maintain and their personality. A good read.
Great story, kept the energy and excitement moving. Enjoyed knowing the characters from previous books. The characters were well developed and maintain and their personality. A good read.
May 10, 2024
Great read
This book is the first I have read by this author. I will definitely be reading more in this series. I had no clue as to who the killer could be. I was surprised when he was revealed. The ending has some shock value to it.
This book is the first I have read by this author. I will definitely be reading more in this series. I had no clue as to who the killer could be. I was surprised when he was revealed. The ending has some shock value to it.
May 15, 2024
Psychological Thriller
Another great read from author Kennedy Lane. In depth characters which continue to grow throughout this series. Another case for Brooklyn Sloan and her team of investigators makes a fantastic story.
Another great read from author Kennedy Lane. In depth characters which continue to grow throughout this series. Another case for Brooklyn Sloan and her team of investigators makes a fantastic story.
April 16, 2025
Another wonderful read. I’m very much enjoying this series. Even though my dreams have been full of serial killers which is NOT OKAY 😂. I love the logic and work up behind these cases and can’t wait for the next! (Especially with the plot twist at the end of this book!!)
April 28, 2025
Love this series, the story is getting really good. I am on to number 7, can't read anything else till I get this series caught up. It is really good and you have to figure out who done it, hopefully before they do.
September 3, 2025
Another fantastic book from Kennedy Layne.
This series is SO good. The characters are realistic, admirable even with their flaws. The story line is so captivating, it takes my breath away. I can’t wait to buy the next book in the series.
This series is SO good. The characters are realistic, admirable even with their flaws. The story line is so captivating, it takes my breath away. I can’t wait to buy the next book in the series.
January 18, 2023
Another brilliant instalment, a cold case that becomes an active case.
The CLIFFHANGER! Is it October yet???
The CLIFFHANGER! Is it October yet???
January 20, 2023
Excellent book
Kennedy layne is an expert at writing crime mystery books. Once you start to read it is hard to put the book down. I have enjoyed this series of books.
Kennedy layne is an expert at writing crime mystery books. Once you start to read it is hard to put the book down. I have enjoyed this series of books.
September 6, 2024
two words ….
the ending
the ending
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews