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The Killing Hour #1
Before the Killing
(Previously published as Before the Killing by Marjory Kaptanoglu)
A time-travel tale of love and murder…
In 1973, 19-year-old Cassie returns to her home town in coastal Massachusetts after her first year away at college. The next day, her boyfriend, Julian, is implicated in a brutal killing.
“Once I started I couldn’t put it down!” -Bookshelf Adventures
Seven years later, a freak occurrence gives Cassie a unique time-traveling ability. She can cast her consciousness back to a younger version of herself, allowing her to re-live that earlier time with the benefit of foreknowledge.
"A cleverly plotted fantasy thriller with a strong cast of characters." -The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
Cassie, who has never gotten over her feelings for Julian, asks herself the question, what if he was innocent? Now she has a way to go back in time and witness what actually happened.
“Mystery fans will love this plot device, which takes a straightforward whodunit to an otherworldly level." -The BookLife Prize
In witnessing the truth, she inadvertently reveals herself to the killer, who begins to pursue her in past and present both. With no evidence beyond what she’s seen during time travel, how can she hope to bring the killer to justice before she becomes the next victim?
Margie Benedict's "prose is crisp and purposeful, charged with feeling, and always attuned to what will engage readers in each moment." (The BookLife Prize) Click to purchase Before the Killing—book one of the BEFORE Series—and begin traveling into the deepest, darkest recesses of time today.
A time-travel tale of love and murder…
In 1973, 19-year-old Cassie returns to her home town in coastal Massachusetts after her first year away at college. The next day, her boyfriend, Julian, is implicated in a brutal killing.
“Once I started I couldn’t put it down!” -Bookshelf Adventures
Seven years later, a freak occurrence gives Cassie a unique time-traveling ability. She can cast her consciousness back to a younger version of herself, allowing her to re-live that earlier time with the benefit of foreknowledge.
"A cleverly plotted fantasy thriller with a strong cast of characters." -The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
Cassie, who has never gotten over her feelings for Julian, asks herself the question, what if he was innocent? Now she has a way to go back in time and witness what actually happened.
“Mystery fans will love this plot device, which takes a straightforward whodunit to an otherworldly level." -The BookLife Prize
In witnessing the truth, she inadvertently reveals herself to the killer, who begins to pursue her in past and present both. With no evidence beyond what she’s seen during time travel, how can she hope to bring the killer to justice before she becomes the next victim?
Margie Benedict's "prose is crisp and purposeful, charged with feeling, and always attuned to what will engage readers in each moment." (The BookLife Prize) Click to purchase Before the Killing—book one of the BEFORE Series—and begin traveling into the deepest, darkest recesses of time today.
200 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 10, 2021
About the author
Margie Benedict
12 books13 followersAward-winning novelist Margie Benedict writes emotionally resonant, genre-defying fiction rooted in the power of second chances. From coastal suspense to time-twisted mysteries and sweeping speculative worlds, her stories follow characters who rise, reclaim their agency, and rewrite their destinies.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
June 3, 2021
3-4 stars.
That was a rather sweet story that had nothing to do with serial killers! It’s an interesting crime mystery/sci-fi blend. Through a quirk of fate (you just have to go with it) 26 year old Cassie finds herself in a life-like dream of events from when she was 19. The dream is so vivid and engages all her senses, it astounds her. It happens again and she experiences another slice of her past. Is this dreaming? Or could it be time travel? She decides to test it and realises, astoundingly, that she is travelling back in time although she cannot effect any changes in the past reality - she can only observe. This turns out to be a good thing when someone tries to kill her!
26 year old Cassie decides to use her secret power to learn what really happened seven years ago when her boyfriend was accused of murdering the stunningly beautiful Teresa who lived nearby and quite a few lives were changed forever. So Cassie does some strategic time travelling and learns the awful truth. This brings its own dangers to her real self as she must negotiate lies and cover ups.
As I said it’s a sweet story and not very violent although I wouldn’t say it was a cosy mystery. Cassie was a lovely character who still struggled with the events of 7 years ago. She learns some hard truths as people she trusted turn out to be not what they seem. The plot was engaging and didn’t drag anywhere. I seem to enjoy time travel stories and also I don’t seem to need a rational explanation for it all. It’s best just to accept the premise and go with the story. I’ve read a few like this now and have enjoyed them all. I have not read anything by this author before but it seems there might be a follow up book which I would be keen to read. I received an advance review copy for free from BookSirens and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
That was a rather sweet story that had nothing to do with serial killers! It’s an interesting crime mystery/sci-fi blend. Through a quirk of fate (you just have to go with it) 26 year old Cassie finds herself in a life-like dream of events from when she was 19. The dream is so vivid and engages all her senses, it astounds her. It happens again and she experiences another slice of her past. Is this dreaming? Or could it be time travel? She decides to test it and realises, astoundingly, that she is travelling back in time although she cannot effect any changes in the past reality - she can only observe. This turns out to be a good thing when someone tries to kill her!
26 year old Cassie decides to use her secret power to learn what really happened seven years ago when her boyfriend was accused of murdering the stunningly beautiful Teresa who lived nearby and quite a few lives were changed forever. So Cassie does some strategic time travelling and learns the awful truth. This brings its own dangers to her real self as she must negotiate lies and cover ups.
As I said it’s a sweet story and not very violent although I wouldn’t say it was a cosy mystery. Cassie was a lovely character who still struggled with the events of 7 years ago. She learns some hard truths as people she trusted turn out to be not what they seem. The plot was engaging and didn’t drag anywhere. I seem to enjoy time travel stories and also I don’t seem to need a rational explanation for it all. It’s best just to accept the premise and go with the story. I’ve read a few like this now and have enjoyed them all. I have not read anything by this author before but it seems there might be a follow up book which I would be keen to read. I received an advance review copy for free from BookSirens and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 14, 2021
This was such a fast and consuming read. Once I started I couldn’t put it down!
Cassie discovers an ability to place her consciousness into her past self. This allows her to get some valuable knowledge about the murder that her boyfriend, Julian was accused of seven years ago.
The tale is told very well, allowing for the reader to forget that they are reading at all; so swept up in the mystery. The characters were well written and I felt very much involved in how the story unfolded.
I really like the way the author wrote this twisted time-travel story. Making it vaguely plausible while still giving it the obvious, fantasy feel.
I’m very interested now in continuing this series and seeing what else the author has in store for me.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
For this and more reviews, visit my blog at:
https://bookshelfadventures.home.blog/
Cassie discovers an ability to place her consciousness into her past self. This allows her to get some valuable knowledge about the murder that her boyfriend, Julian was accused of seven years ago.
The tale is told very well, allowing for the reader to forget that they are reading at all; so swept up in the mystery. The characters were well written and I felt very much involved in how the story unfolded.
I really like the way the author wrote this twisted time-travel story. Making it vaguely plausible while still giving it the obvious, fantasy feel.
I’m very interested now in continuing this series and seeing what else the author has in store for me.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
For this and more reviews, visit my blog at:
https://bookshelfadventures.home.blog/
April 16, 2026
A woman haunted by a hometown murder returns years later to uncover the truth, only to realize her memories are flawed and a killer is still watching her.
It was an interesting read, but it felt more like an outline than a fully immersive story. As a short sci-fi thriller, it jumps straight into the action without much buildup, which makes it move quickly but limits its depth.
The sci fi element didn’t carry much weight, it mainly helped the fmc piece together information without affecting the timeline in any meaningful way. I found myself wishing for more development, but it was still engaging enough to keep me reading until the end!
Thank you DP - Digital Publishers for a copy of this book in return of my honest review 🫶🏽
It was an interesting read, but it felt more like an outline than a fully immersive story. As a short sci-fi thriller, it jumps straight into the action without much buildup, which makes it move quickly but limits its depth.
The sci fi element didn’t carry much weight, it mainly helped the fmc piece together information without affecting the timeline in any meaningful way. I found myself wishing for more development, but it was still engaging enough to keep me reading until the end!
Thank you DP - Digital Publishers for a copy of this book in return of my honest review 🫶🏽
July 9, 2026
I think I got this as part of a Chirp Friday freebie audiobook deal. I didn't look into it, I just wanted to see what it was about.
When she returns from college, Cassie is incredibly devastated to see that her long term boyfriend was cheating on her with a local girl. She and Julian were together for years and when she finds out the woman he was cheating with was brutally murdered, she doesn't lie to the police like he requests. But when she's given the surprising gift of time travel, she goes back to find out what's been plaguing her for years.
This was actually pretty captivating. I didn't see the time travel element mixed in, but it made for a great story. This was a great listen!
⭐⭐⭐
When she returns from college, Cassie is incredibly devastated to see that her long term boyfriend was cheating on her with a local girl. She and Julian were together for years and when she finds out the woman he was cheating with was brutally murdered, she doesn't lie to the police like he requests. But when she's given the surprising gift of time travel, she goes back to find out what's been plaguing her for years.
This was actually pretty captivating. I didn't see the time travel element mixed in, but it made for a great story. This was a great listen!
⭐⭐⭐
May 11, 2022
Nice little mystery. Had a couple of surprises.
There was a time travel element that surprised me.
Overall a good read ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Just a reminder I don't write book descriptions in my reviews as that is readily available on the books, and with retailers.
There was a time travel element that surprised me.
Overall a good read ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Just a reminder I don't write book descriptions in my reviews as that is readily available on the books, and with retailers.
February 10, 2021
This is a clever story combining crime and time travel in a fresh way. I was genuinely intrigued as to how the plot was going to end and couldn't wait to get there. Characters were well developed, relationships were realistic, and the pacing was perfect. I can't discuss the plot or the book much more than that without introducing spoilers -- so you are just going to have to read it yourself! ;-)
I received a free review copy from Book Sirens in return for an honest review, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received a free review copy from Book Sirens in return for an honest review, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 25, 2023
Story felt too "simple." Felt more like an outline for a book than a complete story. Good premise but didn't really engage me.
February 13, 2023
Unique Murder Mystery Romance!!
We meet Cassie as she returns home from college, eager to see her boyfriend Julian. A murder occurs this night; and Julian is not where he said he would be. Then he asks Cassie to say she was with him. She knows he is a good guy, and believes he is NOT the killer. But she will not lie.
Years later an occurrence allows her glimpses into the past. As she figures out how to try to get specific questions answered, she creates her “Rules for Time Travel”. She seems to be able to see the past, but not affect the outcomes. This is a unique story which will leave you guessing, and draw you in to where you must also know the truth of what happened. Exciting and entertaining I’d definitely recommend this story.
***** I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book *****
We meet Cassie as she returns home from college, eager to see her boyfriend Julian. A murder occurs this night; and Julian is not where he said he would be. Then he asks Cassie to say she was with him. She knows he is a good guy, and believes he is NOT the killer. But she will not lie.
Years later an occurrence allows her glimpses into the past. As she figures out how to try to get specific questions answered, she creates her “Rules for Time Travel”. She seems to be able to see the past, but not affect the outcomes. This is a unique story which will leave you guessing, and draw you in to where you must also know the truth of what happened. Exciting and entertaining I’d definitely recommend this story.
***** I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book *****
November 26, 2021
It was a very simple storyline.
A girl has the ability to go back to any specific point and relive that point of time.
The writing style is very simple. Not a lot of fluff, not too many details to confuse the reader.
It makes an easy read.
It seems like it might be a debut novel by a new writer or even written by a young adult.
What I liked about the book
1. Interesting concept
2. Concept represented well without too many other confusion
3. Creates a curiosity in reader to learn what happens next
4. Clean book. The crimes were not excessively gory or very detailed bloody descriptions. There was not a lot of sex.
What I did not enjoy
1. In places the grammar seemed off. Some past and present tense combined
2. I like HEA and this was not really a happy ending
A girl has the ability to go back to any specific point and relive that point of time.
The writing style is very simple. Not a lot of fluff, not too many details to confuse the reader.
It makes an easy read.
It seems like it might be a debut novel by a new writer or even written by a young adult.
What I liked about the book
1. Interesting concept
2. Concept represented well without too many other confusion
3. Creates a curiosity in reader to learn what happens next
4. Clean book. The crimes were not excessively gory or very detailed bloody descriptions. There was not a lot of sex.
What I did not enjoy
1. In places the grammar seemed off. Some past and present tense combined
2. I like HEA and this was not really a happy ending
June 4, 2021
Time-travel with romance, thrills, suspense and a touch of romance!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I absolutely loved this book. What an interesting take on time-travel this book was, without making it sci-fi, more romance/thriller/mystery.
First book I have read of this author, and it definitely will not be my last.
With an unexpected twist, that I did not see coming!
Loved the characters ... loved the way this book was written.
There is so much I'd like to say about this book, but I do not want to put in any spoilers ... all I can say - read this book, you will not be sorry that you did!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I absolutely loved this book. What an interesting take on time-travel this book was, without making it sci-fi, more romance/thriller/mystery.
First book I have read of this author, and it definitely will not be my last.
With an unexpected twist, that I did not see coming!
Loved the characters ... loved the way this book was written.
There is so much I'd like to say about this book, but I do not want to put in any spoilers ... all I can say - read this book, you will not be sorry that you did!
March 11, 2023
Cassie returns from college and the next day her boyfriend becomes the chief suspect for a murdered girl found on a local beach. All the evidence points to his guilt and Cassie refuses to give him an alibi for the evening.
Jump forward a number of years and Cassie is back home when a meteorite falls to earth in her yard. A spark from the hot rock causes Cassie to discover that she can travel back in time. Using this new 'gift' she plans to find out exactly what happened on the night of the murder.
An interesting concept and a novel use of the traditional time travel theme. The plot is not overly complicated but still packs a twist or two before the murderer is finally unmasked.
Jump forward a number of years and Cassie is back home when a meteorite falls to earth in her yard. A spark from the hot rock causes Cassie to discover that she can travel back in time. Using this new 'gift' she plans to find out exactly what happened on the night of the murder.
An interesting concept and a novel use of the traditional time travel theme. The plot is not overly complicated but still packs a twist or two before the murderer is finally unmasked.
July 6, 2026
I can't understand why people were excited by the elements of time travel. In reality, it halted the story's forward momentum. I thought the story was contrived and uninteresting.
I listened to this while cleaning the house, or I would never have finished it. It was obvious who the murderer was about one-third of the way through the story.
What a depressing tale. I won't be continuing the series.
Killing Hour – No More
(7/2026) 1. Before the Killing (2021) (as by Marjory Kaptanoglu)
May 25, 2021
A mild mystery with minimal action that, for me, just used this time travel in a simpler way to discover facts than normal mysteries discover them. This twist didn't damage the story and super cheap twists were not employed, like traveling back in time made her the killer. (Cringe!) A couple of tangents developed, so the book had some depth.
The story moved well enough that I was not disappointed when I got to the end.
The story moved well enough that I was not disappointed when I got to the end.
September 29, 2021
4.5 Stars since it I cant seem to figure out how to do that I gave it five on here. Its a very good story and went in a couple of directions that I did not see coming. If you like thrillers and do not mind a little time travel or love time travel and are ok with a thriller mixed in then you should read this book. I am a fan of both genres so it was right up my alley. I cant wait to read the next book!
January 27, 2021
I loved it. This was so different from the first books i read by the author. I loved it, i know already said that but I read it in 3 days which given I didn't have a lot of time to read says a lot. I just couldn't put it down. I had to know what happened. No spoilers so I hope you love it too. I just can'tt tell you why though.
May 16, 2021
Great
Wow. I adore the concept of time travel to unravel a murderer. Cassie accidentally touches a piece of meteorite that gives her the power to travel in the past. She frequently travels back in time to clear her doubts about Julian's involvement in Teresa's murder. What she discovers every time she goes back in time leaves her stunned! Plenty of twists in the tale. Excellent.
Wow. I adore the concept of time travel to unravel a murderer. Cassie accidentally touches a piece of meteorite that gives her the power to travel in the past. She frequently travels back in time to clear her doubts about Julian's involvement in Teresa's murder. What she discovers every time she goes back in time leaves her stunned! Plenty of twists in the tale. Excellent.
August 24, 2021
One of a kind dream time-travel crime solving book. I didn't expect to have this kind of effect on me. It's worth reading at least once. It has an original story with a little bit of a predictable story and a little bit of last-minute fact springing, but it's still fun to read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 4, 2021
Happier Before I Read This
A young woman suspects her boyfriend of cheating. When the woman who she thought was her rival winds up murdered and the boyfriend asks her to be his alibi she is convinced of the worst.
This book was tedious. The characters are boring and the circumstances contrived. It is predictable and completely devoid of suspense. Did not like.
A young woman suspects her boyfriend of cheating. When the woman who she thought was her rival winds up murdered and the boyfriend asks her to be his alibi she is convinced of the worst.
This book was tedious. The characters are boring and the circumstances contrived. It is predictable and completely devoid of suspense. Did not like.
November 7, 2022
A bit different but once I accepted and went with the whole time travel idea, it was rather interesting filled with good development and twists. There were a few times I found myself a bit lost but quickly was able to jump right back into the story with little effort.
This was a free audiobook I saw offered today, 11/6/22. It is worth listening to in downtime. 👍
This was a free audiobook I saw offered today, 11/6/22. It is worth listening to in downtime. 👍
February 28, 2023
Audiobook. Hoopla. The main character is able to travel back in time to try to prevent a murder. I enjoyed this one. There was some bad language and murder of course but nothing too graphic or disturbing. They live in the town of Broomwitch, so witches were mentioned but nothing pertaining to witchcraft.
June 4, 2026
A book that can hold your attention when nothing else is working is definitely doing something right!
Before the Killing by Margie Benedict completely pulled me out of my reading slump. This fast-paced thriller hooked me from the beginning with its unique time-travel element, nonstop tension, and emotional moments that genuinely hit hard. It was entertaining, bingeable, and kept me on edge from start to finish. If you love quick, addictive thrillers with mystery, suspense, and heart, this one is absolutely worth picking up.
Before the Killing by Margie Benedict completely pulled me out of my reading slump. This fast-paced thriller hooked me from the beginning with its unique time-travel element, nonstop tension, and emotional moments that genuinely hit hard. It was entertaining, bingeable, and kept me on edge from start to finish. If you love quick, addictive thrillers with mystery, suspense, and heart, this one is absolutely worth picking up.
June 13, 2021
Great read
I enjoyed this book a lot in that you knew had done the deed about halfway through it but wanted to continue reading to see how the person was going to be caught. It keep me turning pages.
I enjoyed this book a lot in that you knew had done the deed about halfway through it but wanted to continue reading to see how the person was going to be caught. It keep me turning pages.
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November 28, 2021A lot of imagination
I really enjoyed this story but wasn't sure I would believe this could ever happen if real life, but it gave the story a totally different scenario. I am very interested in reading another one of her stories.
I really enjoyed this story but wasn't sure I would believe this could ever happen if real life, but it gave the story a totally different scenario. I am very interested in reading another one of her stories.
January 9, 2022
Totally engrossing
A truly enthralling and engrossing novel. Fast moving and thoroughly exciting novel which keeps the reader intrigued and wondering what really happened. Recommended reading for any murder mystery lovers.
A truly enthralling and engrossing novel. Fast moving and thoroughly exciting novel which keeps the reader intrigued and wondering what really happened. Recommended reading for any murder mystery lovers.
February 17, 2023
This was very good! A really enjoyable thriller, exceptional well written! Jumping between present & the past, a real adventure following the main character as she tried to find the murderer. Good pace & action, bit of a twist! A really good read!
July 3, 2023
The premise of this book was great- I just wish it had a little more “meat” to the plot. All the ideas were there, I just felt they could have been fleshed out a bit better. Overall, the story was great and enjoyable. Definitely twisty! Pretty easy read.
March 25, 2024
This was kind of an interesting premise for a story. The time traveling was an cool way of telling the story. It would have been a better plot if things could have been changed, but that opens a whole new can of worms.
June 28, 2026
CHIRP AUDIOBOOK
This is actually a pretty interesting storyline. A woman travels back in time and receives enough clues to solve a murder mystery. I would have rated it at five stars, except for so much abrasive language, which added nothing to the story.
This is actually a pretty interesting storyline. A woman travels back in time and receives enough clues to solve a murder mystery. I would have rated it at five stars, except for so much abrasive language, which added nothing to the story.
November 20, 2021
I just don’t know what to think
Some serious swearing and blasphemy adds clouds to serious crimes, that seem to have been treated in an almost flippant unbelievable way.
Some serious swearing and blasphemy adds clouds to serious crimes, that seem to have been treated in an almost flippant unbelievable way.
November 26, 2021
Very good
I enjoyed reading this book great deal. The story was interesting and kept me wanting to read more. I'd recommend.
I enjoyed reading this book great deal. The story was interesting and kept me wanting to read more. I'd recommend.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews