The Killing Hands

Sophie Anderson #4

by P.D. Martin

Just as Aussie FBI profiler Sophie Anderson is settling into her job in the L.A. bureau, she's pulled into a case that's different from anything she's ever seen—the victim has had his throat ripped out. But what weapon could have caused such devastating injuries? And who is the John Doe?

Sophie and her team are dealing with a skilled killer, someone who leaves virtually no forensic evidence. When the team links the body to an Asian criminal organization, things get even more mysterious. The victim has been missing for fifteen years, so where has he been and why has he returned? More important, who wanted him dead?

As L.A.'s underworld rears its ugly head, Sophie will have to draw on her experience and her developing psychic skills to find a brilliant killer who's carved a trail of death in organized crime across the U.S. He leaves only one thing behind him—horrifying murder scenes.

Genres: Mystery, Crime, Thriller, Mystery Thriller, Fiction, Romance

400 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

About the author

P.D. Martin--Phillipa Deanne Martin--was born in Melbourne, Australia, and developed a passion for crime fiction and storytelling at an early age. This interest was backed up with formal education through a bachelor of behavioral sciences (with majors in psychology and criminology) and a postgraduate certificate in professional writing (creative writing).

Phillipa also writes children's and young adult fiction under Pippa Dee.

Follow this author on Facebook - www.facebook.com/pdmartinauthor
www.facebook.com/PippaDeeAuthor

Reviews

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

FBI Profiler Sophie Anderson thought she had seen it all – but this latest case had her baffled. It seemed as though the victim wasn’t murdered with the “normal” run-of-the-mill weapons; nothing made sense at all. And when it was discovered that the victim had been missing, presumed dead, for the past fifteen years, and had also been a member of the Asian criminal organisation, the Yakuza, the FBI, along with every other agency were suddenly deeply involved – racing against time, as a massive crime war seemed set to erupt.

As the investigation deepened, Sophie found her love of kung-fu was giving her answers. But those answers were also forming new, more terrifying questions. The most professional of kung-fu experts knew there was an art in the field called The Ten Killing Hands, and suddenly Sophie found herself learning much more than she had before; there were new murders coming to light with a similar MO – cold cases which had had investigators puzzled. Did she have a serial killer on her hands?

So when partner Ramos, and Sophie found themselves in grave danger, there was the immediate worry of whom to trust. The whole investigative team needed to come up with answers – fast! Or there would be more murders. Could they stop the crime gangs and find the killer before it was too late?

This is the 4th in the Sophie Anderson series, and Aussie author P.D. Martin doesn’t disappoint once again. Sophie is an Aussie from Melbourne, transferred to Quantico in the first novel, Body Count. The incredible pace of these novels, the tension, twists and turns are brilliant. I have no hesitation in recommending this novel to all thriller lovers out there….read and enjoy!

[Andrea Corley · Rating 5 out of 5]

For a more in depth review, please visit my blog, Chorley Chronicals!

I first read this book a few years ago without even knowing that it was part of a series, and I must say that I absolutely loved it without any of the history. Now, I must also tell you that I have never re-read a book, that is until now! This is the first book that I have ever even had the desire to re-read, but I thought that since I now know the history, that it would make The Killing Hands that much better, and I was right!!

I have quickly fell in love with P.D. Martin, and I will keep saying that I am deeply saddened and become more anxious with the completion of each book, because that means I am that much closer to the final book in the Sophie Anderson series! Too often I find that as the series progresses, my interest in the books begin to diminish, but that isn't even close to the case with this series! After book 4, I still find myself dying to start the next book as soon as I finish the one that I'm reading! It's not often that I finish a whole series so close together, but with Soph, I just can't help myself.

I find P.D. Martin's writing to be so informational and entertaining. She writes with such intensity and uniqueness, that it's hard for me not to get lost in her writing. I find equally impressive that even though she's Australian, there doesn't seem to be any language barriers. Yes, I am aware that Australian's do speak English...what I mean is that by reading her books, you would never believe that Martin is from Australia (other than the fact that her main character is!!) Extensive research had to have been done in order for her to write this book, and I appreciate her passing the information along in her writing!

Other reviews that I have read discussed their troubles with reading this book and feeling like it was slower than the other books, but I must say that I enjoyed this book more than I enjoyed book 3, Fan Mail. I found the plot to be unique and riveting, not to mention thoroughly enjoyable!

Overall, I think that I have found myself a new favorite author, and I really hope to see her release something else in the very near future! I enjoy the extra tid bits of knowledge that I get from reading each of her books, because I certainly learn something new with every book of Martin's that I read!

Original Review from First Time Read:
This is not a book that I would typically have picked up and started reading, but oddly enough it was in my bathroom basket when nothing else was and once I got started, I couldn't put it down! It was really an awesome thriller that kept you on your toes and wondering what was going to happen! It has been awhile since I read this book, but I just got a Kindle and could remember that this book's author had another book coming out and decided to search and find it! I am really picky about what books I read but I can honestly say that I cannot wait to find another book to start by this author! I put off my search to write a review so I cannot wait to find my next great read!!! I recommend this without a shadow of a doubt! I didn't realize it until after I read it, but this book is part of a series, but I was able to easily identify what was going on with the story without reading any of the books published prior!

[Coral · Rating 5 out of 5]

FBI Profiler and Kung Fu mix, in this 'who done it'

The Killing Hands centers around an FBI Profiler, Agent Sophie Anderson, working out of the L.A. Bureau. She is assigned to do a profile of an unusual murder of an unknown Asian man.
When the murdered man is identified as using false identification and turns out to be the missing son of a key figure of the Yakuza, an Asian Organized Crime Family in China, Agent Sophie finds herself following a trail originating from China and now doing business in the US.
Many government agencies work together from US to China to solve this for hire murder.
The name of this book is a Kung Fu technique you will learn about as you follow Agent Anderson in working out a profile of the hired killer.
This book is a page turner with a mixture of technical information and the personal lives of the people involved.

[Sheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Killing Hands (P.D. Martin)
The Killing hands is a murder mystery with a bit of a twist. Sophie Anderson is an FBI pro-filer from Australia. She has a few unique qualities, not only is it rare for an Australian to be in the FBI, she also is knows Kung Fu, and has psychic abilities. She uses these skills to try to solve crimes.

When a victim is found dead, with virtually no forensic evidence, Sophie along with other experts are on the scene. Soon they are wondering if this victim could have ties to the Asia Mafia. With her ability to see visions, some of the victim, some of the perpetrator, makes for an interesting plot. Well written story that kept me up late into the night. I intend to read more work from Ms. Martin.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yes, some of the premise of this series is a little outlandish. But if you’ve gotten this far, you’ve completely bought in. Within this context, the main character is a straight up badass, and this book gets to really highlight some of her unique traits and interests. The pacing of the book started off a little slow, but picked up quickly and I found I couldn’t put it down at the end. The move away from some of the previous books and the murderer’s club was a little sad for me but I found myself thoroughly enjoying this story, as well as the new characters! And the return of some old favorites :)

Definite fave series for me, I can’t wait to read the rest!

[Kristen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I very much enjoyed the character of Agent Anderson. The pace of this book fluctuated a lot. One minute it would be exciting, I would be flying through the page, the next if felt like I was reading fluff. Because of this wavering from enjoyment to slight boredom, it can only be 3 stars for me.
I read this book out of order in the series but was still able to make sense of the characters and notes hinted at previous books.
I wouldn’t be tempted to re-read this book or recommend it unfortunately. Could be a great read for someone into martial arts, mystery, and a hint of psychic abilities.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

Keeps up the great rating for this author.

[Rachel Groves · Rating 4 out of 5]

We join Sophie Anderson in the fourth book of the series, now working as an FBI officer in the field in LA. She's still using her profiling skills but she's also out on the streets getting stuck into the case.

This time she's investigating a murder that seems to have a lot more to it than some random attack and she soon realises the killer is a hired hitman who is an expert in martial arts. Sophie must draw on her own Kung Fu knowledge and works with the LA police to uncover the shadowy world of organised crime famillies. There's a strong Chinese and martial arts element to this story making it yet again a very different case to the ones that have come before.

Sophie is an Aussie, working for the FBI in America and she also has an ability to see paranormal visions/dreams from the perspective of the killer and victims in the cases she is investigating. The paranormal aspect doesn't dominate the stories but rather is an added element. This is definately a crime/thriller first and foremost.

The plot continues to develop and unfold throughout the book, leaving me guessing until the very last chapters. There's several elements to the plot and it keeps you interested to the end.

Yet another cracking installment in the Sophie Anderson series. I just need more books please!

[Sunnie]

THE KILLING HANDS doesn’t quite have the pace and suspense of P.D. Martin’s previous books. Because Sophie is working with a gang task-force, it is necessary for the author to give the reader an overview of the structure and remit of the various agencies that investigate gang-related crime in L.A. This does slow down the plot a little. However, Martin’s usual thorough research and attention to detail do make for informative reading.

In THE KILLING HANDS we meet Sophie’s parents who visit her and there is an interesting development in her private life as well. But we will have to wait for the next book to discover where that will take her. By doing this Martin has deftly avoided one of the biggest pitfalls of a series; a character who never moves on from where they started in book one.
P.D. Martin has become one of my favourite Australian crime fiction writers and THE KILLING HANDS has done nothing to change my opinion.

[Bernie · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is the 4th novel in the Sophie Anderson series by Australian author PD Martin. The central character is an Australian working as an FBI profiler. The story moves along well and seems to give an insight in to the law enforcement and gang culture of LA. Being the fourth in the series there is previous history which dealt with well enough without re telling the previous books. However I did find the style hard going. There was in my opinion too much description which was superfluous. Detail of desk and the cut of clothes and so on, perhaps I me getting old and grumpy.
The central character has visions that relate to the people involved in the case. It’s a bit like digital rewind that is always incomplete and not really helpful.

However I picked the up book cheap and it made sense in the end. Not sure if will hunt down the rest I haven’t had a vision about that yet.

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Usually when you read a thriller with a police detective as a main character, the character is mostly always male so it was a wonderful change to see a female in the role of a arse-kicking cop.

The Killing Hands main character is a woman named Sophie Anderson who not only stands her own against men but is also a highly trained martial arts athlete.

This training comes into use when her latest case involves strange fatal injuries that she thinks might be caused by fatal martial arts moves.

Even though this is the 4th book in the Sophie Anderson series and my first to read of Miss Martins', I could follow it well. It doesn't seem to be a series that you need to read in order.

[Laura Lucy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I discovered this author and the Sophie Anderson series a little over a month ago and sped through the first three books. The Killing Hands is the fourth in the series. I had a harder time getting into this one. Rather than chasing a traditional serial killer, Sophie is hunting down a hit man in this one. The story focuses on Asian gangs which just don't hold my attention the same way a good, old fashioned serial killer does. :) Still a good read from one of my new favorite authors. The book picked up momentum for me about half way in.

[Georgiann Hennelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sophie Anderson is an FBI profiler. She just transferred to the L.A. bureau. Sophie is pulled into a case thats different from anything she,s ever seen- the victims throat was ripped out. But what weapon could have caused the injuries and who is the John Doe? Sophie and her team are dealing with a skilled killer. The victim belonged to an Asian criminal organization. He,s been missing for fifteen years. Where has he been ? why has he come back? who wanted him dead? Thats up to Sophie and her team to figure out.

[Patt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fourth in the series about FBI profiler,Sophie Anderson. This book was good , but not my favorite in the series. I certainly learned more about martial arts than I ever thought I'd want to know! Sophie is now in the FBI's LA office and this case involves LA gangs,especially the Asian Boyz and the Japanese Yakuza. Sophie is shot during this book, and we meet her parents who come to her bedside from Australia. Things are also heating up between Sophie and Darren. Looking forward to the next book

[Angela Verdenius · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good mystery, very much detaild in the tracking of killers through the perspective of the profiler. I did find it heavy going for awhile, mainly because of the detailed kung fu moves which area a main feature of the book, but it was also very interesting. Even better, the author has studied criminology and profiling, so that always makes me feel as though the book is based more on truth than fiction...if that makes sense LOL. I'll have to check out the earlier books.

[Erica · Rating 3 out of 5]

I felt the story was interesting, but completely unbelievable. As a long time martial arts practitioner I felt the description of martial arts were written by someone who had no real knowledge other then second hand. It made me rill my eyes every time the main character described her experiences. Otherwise a good story, a bit predictable but good.

[Jackie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh police procedural with the twist of a psychic investigator. Unfortunately, I've seen more exciting episodes of "Dragnet." Not terrible, but I won't go out of my way to look for this author again.

[Angie Martzall · Rating 3 out of 5]

Highly entertaining, detailed enough to keep the plot interesting, and characters that one can relate to that seem like old friends as you continue to read about their lives in this series of books by P.D. Martin.

[Jeanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yeah just got word I won this first read...can't wait to read it.

[Lynn Stadel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great murder mystery, that takes a new spin on how to kill someone without leaving any marks on a body. Makes you wonder how on earth they did it? Read this book and you will find out.

[Waheed]

I avoid the reading on crimes and like to spend time in fiction an dclassical literature.

[Kelly Barhorst · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another well put together Sophie Anderson story. It keeps your attention while having a nice combination of action and personal romance.

[Deedra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Second book I have read from Martin. Love that I'm hanging onto the end to find out whodunit. Great for CIS/NCIS fans or anyone who likes forensics/paranormal material.

[Louisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book, one that I won from the author on facebook, and I just really enjoyed reading it, and now I have all the books, and I'm happy :)

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want more! Love her work.

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the twist with the kung fu background. Interesting.

[Geeta Sharma · Rating 2 out of 5]

Eh. At least the sex made up for it.

[Kristin · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a first for this author and series- I had a hard time getting through this book. But I will go on next book in the series hopefully it's better.

[Delina · Rating 5 out of 5]

good book

[Woman In Gold · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was fantastic. i couldn't put it down.