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Touch of Evil #7
Tainted by Sin
Fifteen years ago, four families, across three states, were brutally murdered in their homes. It took sixteen months for a team of federal agents to capture the serial killer responsible. For over a decade, Elijah Barone has been serving multiple life sentences in a maximum-security prison, bringing relief across the country and closure to the victims' loved ones.
Former FBI consultant Brooklyn Sloane needs a distraction from her life, both personally and professionally. In search of a much-needed break, she agrees to teach a class on criminal profiling at a local university. It is during a class assignment on successfully closed cases that the light is shined on the truth. Elijah Barone is a cold-blooded killer, but he isn't responsible for killing the Knox family, which means another killer is still stalking from the shadows.
The brutality of the murders leaves Brook unable to walk away from the case. But as she looks deeper into the past, the killer's identity all points back to someone who belongs to the Knox family. Brook knows all too well that family secrets can't remain buried. She, alongside her team, won't stop until the killer is brought to justice. Only this killer knows how to remain hidden—and he'll do whatever is necessary to silence the truth.
Former FBI consultant Brooklyn Sloane needs a distraction from her life, both personally and professionally. In search of a much-needed break, she agrees to teach a class on criminal profiling at a local university. It is during a class assignment on successfully closed cases that the light is shined on the truth. Elijah Barone is a cold-blooded killer, but he isn't responsible for killing the Knox family, which means another killer is still stalking from the shadows.
The brutality of the murders leaves Brook unable to walk away from the case. But as she looks deeper into the past, the killer's identity all points back to someone who belongs to the Knox family. Brook knows all too well that family secrets can't remain buried. She, alongside her team, won't stop until the killer is brought to justice. Only this killer knows how to remain hidden—and he'll do whatever is necessary to silence the truth.
294 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 16, 2023
626 people are currently reading
515 people want to read
About the author
Kennedy Layne
235 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 44 reviews
March 2, 2024
This book really should’ve come with a family tree diagram to help the reader follow all of the approximately one million characters and suspects involved.
I’ve realised that I will finish our this series because I am genuinely curious about the Jacob storyline. I really like that angle, but the 250 pages outside of that has been hit or miss for me throughout series.
Extra points for the side characters who are also becoming more interesting.
I’ve realised that I will finish our this series because I am genuinely curious about the Jacob storyline. I really like that angle, but the 250 pages outside of that has been hit or miss for me throughout series.
Extra points for the side characters who are also becoming more interesting.
April 12, 2023
Tainted by Sin😈
Tainted by Sin is the seventh book on the Touch of Evil series and is yet another show of this author’s splendid storytelling ability🤩
Brook once again solves a case, thought to already be solved😳 Taking a much needed break from cold cases, Brook returns to the world of academia, to teach a profiling class. Upon closer inspection of the facts of this “new to her” case, it appears there are more than enough discrepancies to reopen a portion of the case, which Brook and her team take on.
I really enjoyed this story and the new addition to the team❣️ Absolutely loved that ending and I can’t wait to see what’s in store for the team next❤️
Tainted by Sin is the seventh book on the Touch of Evil series and is yet another show of this author’s splendid storytelling ability🤩
Brook once again solves a case, thought to already be solved😳 Taking a much needed break from cold cases, Brook returns to the world of academia, to teach a profiling class. Upon closer inspection of the facts of this “new to her” case, it appears there are more than enough discrepancies to reopen a portion of the case, which Brook and her team take on.
I really enjoyed this story and the new addition to the team❣️ Absolutely loved that ending and I can’t wait to see what’s in store for the team next❤️
November 14, 2025
Good story that needs a real proof reader!
The story is good, but there are so many writing errors such as wrong words, additional words where the sentence was rewritten but the forgot to take out the extra to or there etc. I hate when sloppy work detracts from the story.
The story is good, but there are so many writing errors such as wrong words, additional words where the sentence was rewritten but the forgot to take out the extra to or there etc. I hate when sloppy work detracts from the story.
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.
Tainted by Sin is the seventh 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.
Tainted by Sin is the seventh 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…
March 12, 2024
I so enjoy this series and I'm so glad that there are more books.
With Brook now teaching a class, she gives and assignment to the students and quickly realizes that something is amiss. Brook ends up sharing her class with her team who pitch in.
I love that Brook is letting her walls down and allowing Graham into her life.
As Brook and the team leave at the request of Judith, Theo finds a replacement for the front desk assistant (I think his name is Arden). Arden quickly wins over the staff.
As Brook and her team try to work out who killed Judith's sister and her family, they find out that things aren't as they seem and that everyone is telling a lie.
What I found is all the families got a bit confusing for me and I had to stop to remember who belonged to each family.
It was surprising that Brook missed the connection that the killer's sister (Savannah) was trying to make to her about Chad.
It was pleasantly surprised that Brook knew to be there as Jacob was trying to make his escape. I was not surprised at how Jacob attempted to escape.
I am a bit nervous for Graham as Jacob said he would not rest until Brook's life was miserable.
I love that the team seems to be a bit more featured in the later books. I love them all, Theo, Sylvie & Bit.
I'm definitely curious if Elijah Barone will get a new trial due to this new twist and if so, if he will get out. I hope not since he did commit other murders.
I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.
4.5 stars
With Brook now teaching a class, she gives and assignment to the students and quickly realizes that something is amiss. Brook ends up sharing her class with her team who pitch in.
I love that Brook is letting her walls down and allowing Graham into her life.
As Brook and the team leave at the request of Judith, Theo finds a replacement for the front desk assistant (I think his name is Arden). Arden quickly wins over the staff.
As Brook and her team try to work out who killed Judith's sister and her family, they find out that things aren't as they seem and that everyone is telling a lie.
What I found is all the families got a bit confusing for me and I had to stop to remember who belonged to each family.
It was surprising that Brook missed the connection that the killer's sister (Savannah) was trying to make to her about Chad.
It was pleasantly surprised that Brook knew to be there as Jacob was trying to make his escape. I was not surprised at how Jacob attempted to escape.
I am a bit nervous for Graham as Jacob said he would not rest until Brook's life was miserable.
I love that the team seems to be a bit more featured in the later books. I love them all, Theo, Sylvie & Bit.
I'm definitely curious if Elijah Barone will get a new trial due to this new twist and if so, if he will get out. I hope not since he did commit other murders.
I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.
4.5 stars
March 12, 2024
I feel like there were 3 important things in this book that signaled big changes.
The first being the new admin person. Definitely not who I expected, but seems to work. I thought Brook my protest more. I look forward to future books to see more interaction between this new person and the team. I have a feeing they will impact more than the team thinks.
The second, Brook's side job taking her into a cold case. It was fun to see her quickly look at the file in class and while she was laying out the parameters to the students and realize they had the wrong guy. The family that was left behind was awful, all of them. It was crazy how quickly Brook and her team were able to shatter the alibi's and figure out what happened.
The third thing, always...Brook's brother, Jacob. He is just so evil and I want him be as hurt as what he did to so many. I hate how it seems like he is always 1 step ahead of Brook and the cops. But it looks like this time, it's Brook who was one step ahead! I loved how she let Jacob know. You know this will just egg him on, but still, a nice win anyway.
The first being the new admin person. Definitely not who I expected, but seems to work. I thought Brook my protest more. I look forward to future books to see more interaction between this new person and the team. I have a feeing they will impact more than the team thinks.
The second, Brook's side job taking her into a cold case. It was fun to see her quickly look at the file in class and while she was laying out the parameters to the students and realize they had the wrong guy. The family that was left behind was awful, all of them. It was crazy how quickly Brook and her team were able to shatter the alibi's and figure out what happened.
The third thing, always...Brook's brother, Jacob. He is just so evil and I want him be as hurt as what he did to so many. I hate how it seems like he is always 1 step ahead of Brook and the cops. But it looks like this time, it's Brook who was one step ahead! I loved how she let Jacob know. You know this will just egg him on, but still, a nice win anyway.
August 21, 2024
Over a span of fifteen years, four families were murdered in their home. It took months to track and capture the killer. For ten years, the killer has been serving life sentences. Brook Sloane was a former FBI consultant but now she owns S&E Investigations. Brook is teaching a class at the local university and the subject is Elijah Barone, the serial killer. While getting ready for the class, Brook notices something in one of the crime scene photos. She doesn’t believe Barone killed the last family, the Knox’s. Brook and her team head to Wisconsin and are hired by the deceased sister. The more the team digs, more secrets are uncovered. Brook will stop at nothing to find the killer.
This was a good story but I stayed confused just about the whole time. Brook is a no nonsense woman. I honestly didn’t know who the killer was going to be and I’m still a little confused about why they did it. Mystery. No action. No sex.
This was a good story but I stayed confused just about the whole time. Brook is a no nonsense woman. I honestly didn’t know who the killer was going to be and I’m still a little confused about why they did it. Mystery. No action. No sex.
October 2, 2024
Interesting End
Brooke is former FBI behavioral analyst-now part owner in a private investigation firm. while teaching a criminal investigation class, focusing on a prolific serial killer, Brooke notices an anomaly in one of the cases and realizes someone else committed that murder.
Brooke, as a character, can escape the truth that her own brother is a serial killer and every decision in her life is tied somehow to that truth.
The storyline was solid, although it dragged in the middle.
The most interesting portions surrounded Brooks Obsession with her brother . The ending was a showdown that gave the reader a twist.
Brooke is former FBI behavioral analyst-now part owner in a private investigation firm. while teaching a criminal investigation class, focusing on a prolific serial killer, Brooke notices an anomaly in one of the cases and realizes someone else committed that murder.
Brooke, as a character, can escape the truth that her own brother is a serial killer and every decision in her life is tied somehow to that truth.
The storyline was solid, although it dragged in the middle.
The most interesting portions surrounded Brooks Obsession with her brother . The ending was a showdown that gave the reader a twist.
September 2, 2024
Complicated families
The family dynamics of Brooklyn, her brother and her work family her employees, and Graham set unusual and complicated relationships. The new butler brings a whole new dimension. It will be interesting to watch what happens. The Knox family her clients were even more complicated family dynamic. Sometimes felt there should have been a diagram to keep straight who was who. No clear reason as to why the killer copied the MO of the existing serial killer.
All in all a good read.
The family dynamics of Brooklyn, her brother and her work family her employees, and Graham set unusual and complicated relationships. The new butler brings a whole new dimension. It will be interesting to watch what happens. The Knox family her clients were even more complicated family dynamic. Sometimes felt there should have been a diagram to keep straight who was who. No clear reason as to why the killer copied the MO of the existing serial killer.
All in all a good read.
March 8, 2025
Great Series,
Brook and her team are in Eau Claire, WI - a family was killed and a serial killer was tried and convicted for the crime as well as for what he did to other families. Only Brook believes that the prolific serial killer did not kill this family. She has her team investigating the killings for the real killer. Always a great read, love every book i ever read by Kennedy Layne. I hope there are many more with Brook and her team. Her brother can stay in prison and not be part of the story any longer.
Brook and her team are in Eau Claire, WI - a family was killed and a serial killer was tried and convicted for the crime as well as for what he did to other families. Only Brook believes that the prolific serial killer did not kill this family. She has her team investigating the killings for the real killer. Always a great read, love every book i ever read by Kennedy Layne. I hope there are many more with Brook and her team. Her brother can stay in prison and not be part of the story any longer.
December 27, 2024
Growth
Brook made huge strides on the personal level with her new job, trusting her team and their friendships, her romance with Graham, and her approach to her brother. The case was multifaceted and I was thrown by the murderer. The insight into the family secrets and lies was fascinating and the outcome heartbreaking. Loved the ending and excited for more stories with this team- both the crimes and the personal details!
Brook made huge strides on the personal level with her new job, trusting her team and their friendships, her romance with Graham, and her approach to her brother. The case was multifaceted and I was thrown by the murderer. The insight into the family secrets and lies was fascinating and the outcome heartbreaking. Loved the ending and excited for more stories with this team- both the crimes and the personal details!
April 28, 2025
This book draws on emotional tension and complex family dynamics, with the evolving storyline between Brook and her brother easily becoming the biggest draw to the series so far. Their relationship adds a raw, layered intensity that keeps pulling me back, and the author does a solid job of revealing just enough to keep you wanting more without giving everything away. That said, I'm starting to notice some editing errors—nothing too jarring, but does distract.
August 21, 2025
Almost got away with murder
A man is death row is trying to get a new trial and he might succeed. There is one murder scene where there is nothing at the scene to link him. The sister of that murdered victim is convinced that they have the wrong killer. She hires a private investigation firm. As the team searches for answers you go though twists and turns trying to establish proof to convict the real killer.
A man is death row is trying to get a new trial and he might succeed. There is one murder scene where there is nothing at the scene to link him. The sister of that murdered victim is convinced that they have the wrong killer. She hires a private investigation firm. As the team searches for answers you go though twists and turns trying to establish proof to convict the real killer.
October 27, 2025
A good read.
I was not able to give five stars for this book of the series. There were at least several words overlooked
during editing (not the author’s fault).
However, my biggest annoyance was trying to keep all the characters in their proper place in the family (‘s).
The firms characters however, stayed true to their original profiles. That is a reassuring trait in a series. Overall, worth the read.
I was not able to give five stars for this book of the series. There were at least several words overlooked
during editing (not the author’s fault).
However, my biggest annoyance was trying to keep all the characters in their proper place in the family (‘s).
The firms characters however, stayed true to their original profiles. That is a reassuring trait in a series. Overall, worth the read.
April 18, 2023
Another absolute page turner! This series is so good, I’m unable to put them down. I love Brook, and I’m so thrilled she gave herself permission to live a little in this book. The end was so good. I’m dying to dive into the next book.
The team she put together is so good. I love how they play off of each other. I’m hoping Bit gets his happiness. As well as Theo & Sylvia. I need more.
The team she put together is so good. I love how they play off of each other. I’m hoping Bit gets his happiness. As well as Theo & Sylvia. I need more.
September 17, 2024
surprised
I thought the story was excellent though horrific. I was confused as to why the main character never spoke up about her brother. The main story had me wondering who the unsub was and I was very surprised at the ending. I like stand alone books. I don’t want to read the next one to find out about her brother so I won’t. Otherwise, this story was great.
I thought the story was excellent though horrific. I was confused as to why the main character never spoke up about her brother. The main story had me wondering who the unsub was and I was very surprised at the ending. I like stand alone books. I don’t want to read the next one to find out about her brother so I won’t. Otherwise, this story was great.
October 29, 2024
A page turner
My rating is based on how I felt compared to other books in the series, rather than the quality of the book.
For me, I was so excited to jump into the book after the previous, but this felt anticlimactic and that we skipped a lot.
I did like the personal growth in regards to relationships of all kinds.
My rating is based on how I felt compared to other books in the series, rather than the quality of the book.
For me, I was so excited to jump into the book after the previous, but this felt anticlimactic and that we skipped a lot.
I did like the personal growth in regards to relationships of all kinds.
April 30, 2025
Love this series and the author. I feel like I am right there with the chachters. The ending of this book was a very good surprise, actually a couple great surprises happened toward the end. I am on to number 8 to see what happens. I am catching up but don't want to go to fast or I will have to wait to long for the 13th book. This is a great series, try it out.
November 29, 2025
TALKY & BORING AT TIMES (quite a few times). I'M NOT LIKING THE MAIN CHARACTER VERY MUCH I HOPE IN TIME I WILL. WELL, I GOT TO ABOUT 69% AND NOTHING CHANGED STILL TALKY AND BORING AND SO SLOW. I FINALLY FINISHED THIS LONG DRAWN OUT STORY. I DON'T THINK I WANT TO READ ANYMORE OF THIS SERIES. THE STORYLINE, THE CHARACTERS AND THE WRITING STYLE SUCKED. ;<
January 14, 2026
More typos and the use of the wrong word, such as emphasise when it should be empathise. More frustrating are the conclusions jumped to with no clear basis, and particularly the extra information given in retrospect that wasn’t given originally, in both conversations and actions. Guessing the killer is more like blindly throwing darts after being spun in circles.
April 14, 2023
The newest installment in this series did not disappoint. Good to see Graham finally broke down some of Brooke's walls. Newest addition to their office team is certainly an interesting character. Brooke finally scores over her brother, although I'm sure it won't be for long, as evil as he is, he'll definitely come up with another plan. Really looking forward to the next one in this series. Kennedy Layne doesn't disappoint in any of her series that I have read.
April 13, 2023
so good
Love how the series keeps getting better and better as we get to know all the characters better. I had no idea who did this one and was surprised. Love the Jacob interaction and love more Graham :)
Love how the series keeps getting better and better as we get to know all the characters better. I had no idea who did this one and was surprised. Love the Jacob interaction and love more Graham :)
April 20, 2023
This is a great series and book number 7 is just as good as the first one. Highly recommend. Now as it is the 7th book we are always treated to the last chapter of each book being Brooklyn's serial killer brothers POV.. This time we got a surprise twist that was a major BOOYAH.
September 9, 2024
Riviting!
I’m always impressed by profilers- their skills are amazing ! Brook managed to profile,interview,investigate put pieces of the puzzle together,keep her team together and on track…Last but not least, figure out who the unsub was ! Great work- can’t wait to read more !
I’m always impressed by profilers- their skills are amazing ! Brook managed to profile,interview,investigate put pieces of the puzzle together,keep her team together and on track…Last but not least, figure out who the unsub was ! Great work- can’t wait to read more !
April 12, 2023
An exceptional series. I was hoping to get more of Brooke's classroom and students, but I truly like d this story regardless. If it matters ,I approve the new addition to the team.
April 19, 2023
Great Ending
Love this series and the end of this book. It was great to see that Brook got one over her brother. Can't wait till the next book in this series.
Love this series and the end of this book. It was great to see that Brook got one over her brother. Can't wait till the next book in this series.
April 25, 2023
great reward on this book series
This is a great author and the books keep giving. Hooked and with twists that keep surprising you along the way. Great team back story also.
This is a great author and the books keep giving. Hooked and with twists that keep surprising you along the way. Great team back story also.
May 16, 2023
Interesting story line
I was happy with the story and continued character development. The problem was that there were a few issues that editing should have caught.
I was happy with the story and continued character development. The problem was that there were a few issues that editing should have caught.
October 5, 2023
Terrific series
This series is absolutely fantastic. Love the characters and how they fit in each book. Can't wait to read the next one...
This series is absolutely fantastic. Love the characters and how they fit in each book. Can't wait to read the next one...
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews