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Benoit and Dayne Mystery #3
Straight for the Kill
Déjà vu brings a chill in the case that will make or break more than just her career.
Sheriff Elizabeth Benoit’s worst nightmare returns when her deputies discover a young woman killed in the same circumstances as a death from 25 years earlier. That previous victim was Elizabeth’s best friend and Deputy Kyle Lundquist’s older sister. Elizabeth has spent a quarter of a century trying to nail the crooked ex-sheriff she knows is involved up to his elbows in this unresolved crime. She has a thick file of clues, but it’s going to take irrefutable proof to put both cases to bed.
Deputy Detective Lila Dayne draws on all her investigative skills, but still she can’t pin down their main suspect. Then prominent members of the community begin to disappear—clearly, there’s a bigger vendetta at play. Despite the legal consequences of being too close to the case, Elizabeth can’t keep away now.
When Elizabeth’s sister goes missing, it’s a no-holds-barred race against time in the showdown that’s been brewing in Eckardt County for decades.
Sheriff Elizabeth Benoit’s worst nightmare returns when her deputies discover a young woman killed in the same circumstances as a death from 25 years earlier. That previous victim was Elizabeth’s best friend and Deputy Kyle Lundquist’s older sister. Elizabeth has spent a quarter of a century trying to nail the crooked ex-sheriff she knows is involved up to his elbows in this unresolved crime. She has a thick file of clues, but it’s going to take irrefutable proof to put both cases to bed.
Deputy Detective Lila Dayne draws on all her investigative skills, but still she can’t pin down their main suspect. Then prominent members of the community begin to disappear—clearly, there’s a bigger vendetta at play. Despite the legal consequences of being too close to the case, Elizabeth can’t keep away now.
When Elizabeth’s sister goes missing, it’s a no-holds-barred race against time in the showdown that’s been brewing in Eckardt County for decades.
330 pages, Paperback
Published January 26, 2023
18 people are currently reading
52 people want to read
About the author
Winter Austin
26 books243 followersAs a Note, I do not use AI in any way to write my books. Lots a sweat equity goes into my writing, not computer generated.
Winter Austin perpetually answers the question: “were you born in the winter?” with a flat “nope.” Having returned to her hometown, Winter has stepped into the chaotic world of a full-time wife, mom, author, and employee.
A lifelong Mid-West gal, Winter rediscovered her love of her beloved Iowa with its hot summers and snowy winters. She grew up listening to the captivating stories told by relatives around the table or a campfire. Since becoming a published author, she learned a mindset of a glass half-empty personality makes for a perfect suspense/thriller author. Taking her ability to verbally spin a vivid and detailed story, Winter translated that into writing deadly romantic thrillers. Combining her love of all things rural, agricultural, and military, she’s turned her small town life upside down.
Winter Austin perpetually answers the question: “were you born in the winter?” with a flat “nope.” Having returned to her hometown, Winter has stepped into the chaotic world of a full-time wife, mom, author, and employee.
A lifelong Mid-West gal, Winter rediscovered her love of her beloved Iowa with its hot summers and snowy winters. She grew up listening to the captivating stories told by relatives around the table or a campfire. Since becoming a published author, she learned a mindset of a glass half-empty personality makes for a perfect suspense/thriller author. Taking her ability to verbally spin a vivid and detailed story, Winter translated that into writing deadly romantic thrillers. Combining her love of all things rural, agricultural, and military, she’s turned her small town life upside down.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
February 7, 2023
25 years ago Sheriff Elizabeth Benoit there was an unsolved mystery that was too close to home. Elizabeth's best friend and her Deputies sister. Now there is another case that has links to the past cases, can Elizabeth figure it out in time or will it be too late.
Lila Dayne is doing her best to assist on the case. She wasn't around when the initial death occurred, will she be able to give her take on the case no matter how difficult it maybe?
This is a really intriguing series. I like all the characters and the way the author cleverly drops little hints but as a reader you are not sure where the story is going. Elizabeth is a complex character who sets the tone for her deputies. I really enjoy the connection as detectives between Elizabeth and Lila, it really adds to the story.
Lila Dayne is doing her best to assist on the case. She wasn't around when the initial death occurred, will she be able to give her take on the case no matter how difficult it maybe?
This is a really intriguing series. I like all the characters and the way the author cleverly drops little hints but as a reader you are not sure where the story is going. Elizabeth is a complex character who sets the tone for her deputies. I really enjoy the connection as detectives between Elizabeth and Lila, it really adds to the story.
January 28, 2023
This is book 3 in a series. However, this could be read as a standalone. There will be bits and pieces that might be confusing so I do feel it best to read the books in order.
I read this book in just under 5 hours in one sitting. It's gripping and will have it's hooks in you from the start. Prepare accordingly with your favorite beveridge, a snack, and a blanket. You're not going to want to put this book down.
Elizabeth Benoit is still a fairly new sheriff and, while she's seen her share of things going on in her little county over the past couple of years, she was not prepared for a 25 year old bandaid to be ripped off. Elizabeth's best friend, who is also Deputy Kyle Lundquist's sister, was murdered 25 years ago. The case had essentially gone cold until recent events started looking a lot like what occurred back then. Deputy Detective Lila Dayne is on the case as an outsider, not really being privy to the previous event.
Is it possible that Elizabeth can finally put away the dirty, crooked former sheriff? His hands could be all over this but then there are new but old faces popping back up in town too.
I can't say enough about this book but I also don't want to spoil anything. Just do yourself a favor and carve out the time you need to read this one in one sitting!
I read this book in just under 5 hours in one sitting. It's gripping and will have it's hooks in you from the start. Prepare accordingly with your favorite beveridge, a snack, and a blanket. You're not going to want to put this book down.
Elizabeth Benoit is still a fairly new sheriff and, while she's seen her share of things going on in her little county over the past couple of years, she was not prepared for a 25 year old bandaid to be ripped off. Elizabeth's best friend, who is also Deputy Kyle Lundquist's sister, was murdered 25 years ago. The case had essentially gone cold until recent events started looking a lot like what occurred back then. Deputy Detective Lila Dayne is on the case as an outsider, not really being privy to the previous event.
Is it possible that Elizabeth can finally put away the dirty, crooked former sheriff? His hands could be all over this but then there are new but old faces popping back up in town too.
I can't say enough about this book but I also don't want to spoil anything. Just do yourself a favor and carve out the time you need to read this one in one sitting!
March 1, 2023
Thank you, Partners @iasuspensewriter and @travelling.pages.tours for my #giftedbook. I'm excited to be a part of this #booktour!
Thrillers are my favorite. Straight for the Kill is the third book in the Benoit and Dayne series. While I am diving in a bit late (as I often do), I encourage readers to read the series in order. There are several characters and I think knowing their backstories would have helped me keep them straight in my head. Having said that, I couldn't put this book down.
The pace of this book is perfect, the author does a great job of moving the story along with building tension. The tension adds depth to this crime procedural. I will be circling back to read the first two books because I have questions I think they'll answer.
Overall, the author does an amazing job of creating a complex story filled with twists and turns the readers won't see coming. I highly recommend it!
Thrillers are my favorite. Straight for the Kill is the third book in the Benoit and Dayne series. While I am diving in a bit late (as I often do), I encourage readers to read the series in order. There are several characters and I think knowing their backstories would have helped me keep them straight in my head. Having said that, I couldn't put this book down.
The pace of this book is perfect, the author does a great job of moving the story along with building tension. The tension adds depth to this crime procedural. I will be circling back to read the first two books because I have questions I think they'll answer.
Overall, the author does an amazing job of creating a complex story filled with twists and turns the readers won't see coming. I highly recommend it!
March 5, 2023
Rating: 5 Stars!!
Review:
Thank you to Travelling Page Tours and Winter Austin for this FREE ARC COPY to review for them as part of the book tour being next week!!
The Characters were so interesting and enjoyable to read about. Elizabeth is still my favorite. I wasnt too sure about Lila since she came off headstrong in the beginning but thankfully toward the end of the book she got better.
The Setting was beautifully described which made me feel like i was actually in Eckardt County while reading especially when the scenery was described.
I do wish there was a Book 4 in this series even tho this book's ending seemed to wrap everything up. Overall another Phenomenal Mystery Story in this Crime Series!! Can't wait to read more by Winter in the future!!
Review:
Thank you to Travelling Page Tours and Winter Austin for this FREE ARC COPY to review for them as part of the book tour being next week!!
The Characters were so interesting and enjoyable to read about. Elizabeth is still my favorite. I wasnt too sure about Lila since she came off headstrong in the beginning but thankfully toward the end of the book she got better.
The Setting was beautifully described which made me feel like i was actually in Eckardt County while reading especially when the scenery was described.
I do wish there was a Book 4 in this series even tho this book's ending seemed to wrap everything up. Overall another Phenomenal Mystery Story in this Crime Series!! Can't wait to read more by Winter in the future!!
June 10, 2023
As book three in this series, readers may feel somewhat out of their depth and a little confused when it comes to the obvious carryover threads for many of the characters, as this tale seemingly picks up very soon (if not immediately) after the last one ends.
Read full review in the 2023 June issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2023 June issue of InD'tale Magazine.
January 27, 2023
If you love murder stories, suspense, mystery…this book is for you! Trying to catch a killer, even YEARS later? Count me in! This book kept me on my toes and I loved the entire read. Kept me interested I didn’t realize how fast I made it through this book. The characters, the plot..all great. And I love a book with tons of dialogue and this book delivered that. Super quick read for me because I couldn’t put it down! I’ll be checking out more of this authors work!
February 22, 2023
So this is book 3. However, I haven't read the first two books and I was just fine.
I was a bit confused in some parts. But over all I had my nose stuck in this book til I finished! I read it in a few hours. I just couldn't stop! It was like watching a good TV series (in my head of course haha) that I didn't want to get up and go potty because I would miss the important parts!
The way that this is written, you feel like it will cool off and give you a 10 second break and then you very quickly see how wrong you are!
I was a bit confused in some parts. But over all I had my nose stuck in this book til I finished! I read it in a few hours. I just couldn't stop! It was like watching a good TV series (in my head of course haha) that I didn't want to get up and go potty because I would miss the important parts!
The way that this is written, you feel like it will cool off and give you a 10 second break and then you very quickly see how wrong you are!
February 12, 2023
Straight For The Kill by Winter Austin
5 Star Review
This is the third book in the Benoit and Dayne Mystery series. If you’ve read any of the books in this series you will not want to miss this third installment in this series, because it will tie together the mystery that has been haunting Sheriff Elizabeth Benoit and Deputy Kyle Lundquist since Book #1, The Killer in Me by Winter Austin. This book starts right off with a murder and an attack that resembles the exact same death of Sheriff Elizabeth Benoit’s best friend (one of whom was Kyle Lundquist’s sister). As you move through the story you will be constantly questioning who is a “good guy” and who is involved in the cover-up of the death from 25 years prior. Whom can you trust, who is covering up their part in Sheriff Elizabeth Benoit’s friend’s deaths, and is this related to the new murder case on the 25-year anniversary of the past case? Is ex-sheriff Kelley Sheehan really involved as Sheriff Elizabeth Benoit has always suspected, and why is her sister Marnie acting so strangely? Find out more when you pick up this third book in the Benoit and Dayne Mystery series! You will not want to put it down!
Reviewed by @BrandyJoRymer
5 Star Review
This is the third book in the Benoit and Dayne Mystery series. If you’ve read any of the books in this series you will not want to miss this third installment in this series, because it will tie together the mystery that has been haunting Sheriff Elizabeth Benoit and Deputy Kyle Lundquist since Book #1, The Killer in Me by Winter Austin. This book starts right off with a murder and an attack that resembles the exact same death of Sheriff Elizabeth Benoit’s best friend (one of whom was Kyle Lundquist’s sister). As you move through the story you will be constantly questioning who is a “good guy” and who is involved in the cover-up of the death from 25 years prior. Whom can you trust, who is covering up their part in Sheriff Elizabeth Benoit’s friend’s deaths, and is this related to the new murder case on the 25-year anniversary of the past case? Is ex-sheriff Kelley Sheehan really involved as Sheriff Elizabeth Benoit has always suspected, and why is her sister Marnie acting so strangely? Find out more when you pick up this third book in the Benoit and Dayne Mystery series! You will not want to put it down!
Reviewed by @BrandyJoRymer
January 30, 2023
4.5 stars: STRAIGHT FOR THE KILL is the third instalment in Winter Austin’s contemporary, adult BENOIT AND DAYNE murder, suspense thriller series focusing on small-town Sheriff Elizabeth “Ellie’ Benoit, and former Chicago police officer turned deputy Lila Dayne. STRAIGHT FOR THE KILL can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.
Told from third person perspectives (Lila and Elizabeth) STRAIGHT FOR THE KILL focuses on the twenty-five year old, Eckardt County unsolved murder of Deputy Kyle Lundquist’s sister and Sheriff Elizabeth Benoit’s best friend Brendette Lundquist. With the approach of Halloween and the anniversary of the death, Deputy Detective Lila Dayne, Kyle’s co-worker and girlfriend, makes it her mission to uncover the truth. While Sheriff Elizabeth Benoit is in recovery from a recent appendectomy, Lila, without permission, opens up the cold case files but a ghost from the past pulls Lila into a current and familiar murder scene eerily reminiscent of what happened years before. Three girls: one dead, one missing, and another fearing for her life refuse to tell what happened or why until Sheriff Benoit is pulled into the investigation with more murder suspects, secrets and lies than the Sheriff’s office is capable of handling. As the body count grows, a strange cult-like aura emerges but are the clues pointing to a cult, or something more sinister involving one of their own. Battling in her recovery, Sheriff Ellie Benoit, along with her boyfriend Deputy Rafe Fontaine struggle with the direction of the investigation, a direction with many familiar faces that hits too close to home.
There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters, many of whom we have met the previous story lines including: Elizabeth’s sister Marnie; Deputy Kyle Lundquist; Deputy Rafe Fontaine; Deputy Ben Fitzgerald, Deputy Brent Meyer, Deputy Corey Young; ME Dr. Olivia Remington-Thorpe and her husband Dr. Dominic Thorpe, dispatcher Georgia Schmidt, and former Eckardt County Sheriff Kelley Sheehan; Elizabeth’s childhood friend Seraphina Russell and her mother Caroline; the local riff-raff, victims, and survivors. The requisite evil has many faces.
STRAIGHT FOR THE KILL is another detailed, complex and fascinating journey into murder and vengeance, secrets and lies, power and control, mystery and obsession. The premise is dramatic,intriguing, and intense; the characters are numerous, determined, and charismatic.
Www.thereadingcafe.com
Told from third person perspectives (Lila and Elizabeth) STRAIGHT FOR THE KILL focuses on the twenty-five year old, Eckardt County unsolved murder of Deputy Kyle Lundquist’s sister and Sheriff Elizabeth Benoit’s best friend Brendette Lundquist. With the approach of Halloween and the anniversary of the death, Deputy Detective Lila Dayne, Kyle’s co-worker and girlfriend, makes it her mission to uncover the truth. While Sheriff Elizabeth Benoit is in recovery from a recent appendectomy, Lila, without permission, opens up the cold case files but a ghost from the past pulls Lila into a current and familiar murder scene eerily reminiscent of what happened years before. Three girls: one dead, one missing, and another fearing for her life refuse to tell what happened or why until Sheriff Benoit is pulled into the investigation with more murder suspects, secrets and lies than the Sheriff’s office is capable of handling. As the body count grows, a strange cult-like aura emerges but are the clues pointing to a cult, or something more sinister involving one of their own. Battling in her recovery, Sheriff Ellie Benoit, along with her boyfriend Deputy Rafe Fontaine struggle with the direction of the investigation, a direction with many familiar faces that hits too close to home.
There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters, many of whom we have met the previous story lines including: Elizabeth’s sister Marnie; Deputy Kyle Lundquist; Deputy Rafe Fontaine; Deputy Ben Fitzgerald, Deputy Brent Meyer, Deputy Corey Young; ME Dr. Olivia Remington-Thorpe and her husband Dr. Dominic Thorpe, dispatcher Georgia Schmidt, and former Eckardt County Sheriff Kelley Sheehan; Elizabeth’s childhood friend Seraphina Russell and her mother Caroline; the local riff-raff, victims, and survivors. The requisite evil has many faces.
STRAIGHT FOR THE KILL is another detailed, complex and fascinating journey into murder and vengeance, secrets and lies, power and control, mystery and obsession. The premise is dramatic,intriguing, and intense; the characters are numerous, determined, and charismatic.
Www.thereadingcafe.com
February 1, 2023
I received this arc of Straight for the Kill in exchange for my honest review. This is the third book in Winter Austin’s series Benoit and Dayne Mysteries. I found the book to be so well written and is my favorite in the series. The book had so many twists and surprises that I was constantly trying to figure out who was the killer. As in the previous books, the main characters include Sheriff Ellie Benoit, Deputies Lila Dayne, the other deputies and Ellie’s sister Marnie. We’ve known that Ellie’s best friend and deputy Kyle Lundquist’s sister was killed under mysterious circumstances 25 years earlier and she has been driven to discover the truth. In this book, Lila discovers a body of a young girl whose death resembles that of Ellie’s friend. This girl shared an apartment with two other girls who are now in danger.
Lila is having trouble figuring out who the killer is as it appears to be linked to the murder 25 years earlier. In addition, back then there was an accident involving another of Ellie’s best friends and it appears the deaths are all linked. Lila has tried to keep Ellie and Kyle out of the investigation as both are too close to the situation. Ellie is recovering from an emergency appendectomy but she has forced herself to join in the investigation. The deputies are trying to keep all the involved parties safe and discover who is guilty.
I enjoyed the interactions between the various deputies and families of the victims. The characters were well written. I found myself sympathetic to the various aspects of the characters’ pasts and also to how they reacted to the new scenarios. The author was too clever for me as I tried to guess who the killer was. Winter was always a step or so ahead of me. I rate this 5 stars and like the first two books, I highly recommend it.
Lila is having trouble figuring out who the killer is as it appears to be linked to the murder 25 years earlier. In addition, back then there was an accident involving another of Ellie’s best friends and it appears the deaths are all linked. Lila has tried to keep Ellie and Kyle out of the investigation as both are too close to the situation. Ellie is recovering from an emergency appendectomy but she has forced herself to join in the investigation. The deputies are trying to keep all the involved parties safe and discover who is guilty.
I enjoyed the interactions between the various deputies and families of the victims. The characters were well written. I found myself sympathetic to the various aspects of the characters’ pasts and also to how they reacted to the new scenarios. The author was too clever for me as I tried to guess who the killer was. Winter was always a step or so ahead of me. I rate this 5 stars and like the first two books, I highly recommend it.
February 3, 2023
Wow! What a book. I don’t think it is over for Elizabeth and Lila. The whole thing had been going on for too long for it just to be over now. But I guess we will see in the next one.
Elizabeth Benoit, County Sheriff, is haunted by the deaths of her friends. When the anniversary is recognized by another young girl turning up dead in a similar fashion, Elizabeth must confront the ghosts of the past and the evils of the present. The only problem is that she is laid up because of recent emergency surgery and the lead detective has declared that half the sheriff’s department can’t be involved in the investigation due to close ties to the original victims.
Enter Lila Dayne. Recent transplant to the area and the Deputy Detective in charge of the case. As much as she needs to maintain the departmental distance from the current case, the players are too interwoven. Lila has to overcome her own demons to successfully solve this case. As Lila and Elizabeth race against the clock and unseen players to keep loved ones safe, the realization that those loved ones just might be the bad guys sets in. Will they lose everything and everyone as they work to put a stop to the evil haunting the county since they were kids?
Once you figure out all the players, the action and pace keeps you on the edge of your seat and pages turning. Kept secrets and promised threats keep these two finding twists and turns, never knowing who they can trust. Will finding the killer bring everything to a conclusion? We don’t know. So many questions were answered, some many secrets uncovered, but was everything and all the players?? Looking forward to the next installment to find out!! Great read!
Elizabeth Benoit, County Sheriff, is haunted by the deaths of her friends. When the anniversary is recognized by another young girl turning up dead in a similar fashion, Elizabeth must confront the ghosts of the past and the evils of the present. The only problem is that she is laid up because of recent emergency surgery and the lead detective has declared that half the sheriff’s department can’t be involved in the investigation due to close ties to the original victims.
Enter Lila Dayne. Recent transplant to the area and the Deputy Detective in charge of the case. As much as she needs to maintain the departmental distance from the current case, the players are too interwoven. Lila has to overcome her own demons to successfully solve this case. As Lila and Elizabeth race against the clock and unseen players to keep loved ones safe, the realization that those loved ones just might be the bad guys sets in. Will they lose everything and everyone as they work to put a stop to the evil haunting the county since they were kids?
Once you figure out all the players, the action and pace keeps you on the edge of your seat and pages turning. Kept secrets and promised threats keep these two finding twists and turns, never knowing who they can trust. Will finding the killer bring everything to a conclusion? We don’t know. So many questions were answered, some many secrets uncovered, but was everything and all the players?? Looking forward to the next installment to find out!! Great read!
February 13, 2023
Elizabeth Benoit has returned back to her home town, newly divorced and elected as Sheriff she is trying to balance the roles and people in her life. There has always been a nagging memory from her past which she can not let go of, when her best friend turned up dead and the police just swiped it under the carpet since coming back, she has been destined to find out who killed her.
One Halloween night a body turns up exactly where her friend was found can she keep her emotions under wrap and help solve who is the killer. Lila has come back from her ordeal and the first case she gets is to investigate the murder of a school girl but as she works through the investigation she finds links to her boyfriend Kyle and the sheriffs best friend but what dirty will be uncovered in the small town.
I am glad to be back into Eckhart County with Elizabeth and Lila, this story can be read as a stand alone but there are some references to the previous book just as in the relationship aspects of the flow. This does not disappoint as right off in the first chapter you are drawn into the story and I enjoyed discovering the past of Elizabeth and understanding why she return to the town of her childhood. This story draws you more into the inner workings of the town and understand the relationship between all the major characters. I loved the twists and turners, trying to piece together all the elements and getting to see inside the relationship of Rafe and Elizabeth.
I can’t wait to read the next book and see what these brilliant characters get involved with going forward and how each of the lead relationships work out and progress along the way.
One Halloween night a body turns up exactly where her friend was found can she keep her emotions under wrap and help solve who is the killer. Lila has come back from her ordeal and the first case she gets is to investigate the murder of a school girl but as she works through the investigation she finds links to her boyfriend Kyle and the sheriffs best friend but what dirty will be uncovered in the small town.
I am glad to be back into Eckhart County with Elizabeth and Lila, this story can be read as a stand alone but there are some references to the previous book just as in the relationship aspects of the flow. This does not disappoint as right off in the first chapter you are drawn into the story and I enjoyed discovering the past of Elizabeth and understanding why she return to the town of her childhood. This story draws you more into the inner workings of the town and understand the relationship between all the major characters. I loved the twists and turners, trying to piece together all the elements and getting to see inside the relationship of Rafe and Elizabeth.
I can’t wait to read the next book and see what these brilliant characters get involved with going forward and how each of the lead relationships work out and progress along the way.
January 27, 2023
Eckardt County has had a certain unsolved case for decades now. The current sheriff Elizabeth, has spend a good part of her career trying to lock up those she knows are involved. She lost her best friend and she knows the ex-sheriff is guilty some how. She just doesn't have the hard evidence to make it stick though! The death of a young girl in similar circumstances, brings back a chilling feeling of deja vu that opens up the old case again 25 years later. With two dead in the cold case and another dead now, the community is in a state of unrest. When a key witness is kidnapped, the bigger picture starts to unfold. But then prominent members of the community start disappearing, including Elizabeth's sister, and it's time to put these cases to bed once and for all. Unfortunately for Elizabeth she just had surgery, so stepping back and letting Detective Lila take the lead is needed, but she can't keep away. She doesn't want to! Lila is worried about the legal consequences of those to close to the case, but she's having trouble lining the clues up to a suspect. Trying not to get tunnel vision with the two cases is hard when all fingers are pointing to crooked town officials. This book is backed full of suspense. I didn't realize when I started this book that it was part of a series, so I read it as a stand alone. The book did reference some stuff that happened in the previous book, but I was able to understand where the characters were coming from in most cases. I am excited to read the other parts to the set though! It will give me a clearer view. But the book was great alone! I wouldn't recommend reading it alone, but it can be done. I personally want the rest of the stories!!
January 28, 2023
A gripping and suspenseful crime thriller which kept me hooked from start to finish. Having read and enjoyed the previous books in this series, I am familiar with the main characters, Elizabeth Benoit and Lila Dayne. I was looking forward to reading about their next case, and I was not disappointed. When a young woman is killed in the same circumstances as a death from twenty five years earlier, it’s more than a case of Déjà vu for Sheriff Elizabeth Benoit. The previous victim was Elizabeth’s best friend and Deputy Kyle Lundquist’s older sister, and Elizabeth has never stopped trying to catch her killer. Elizabeth is convinced that the crooked ex-Sheriff was involved in the crime, but although she has a thick file on him she knows she needs irrefutable proof.
Due to the legal consequences of Elizabeth being too close to the case, Deputy Detective Lila Dayne takes charge. However, she can’t seem to pin down their main suspect despite using all her investigative skills. When prominent members of the community begin to disappear, Elizabeth is back on the case, but things turn personal when her sister then goes missing. Benoit and Dayne must catch the killer, and end up in a showdown that’s been brewing for decades in Eckardt County. The storyline had me turning the pages well into the night, and the plot twists kept me guessing as to the outcome of the story. The descriptive narrative brought both the setting and characters vividly to life, making me feel immersed in the story. This was a real page turner of a novel, and one which I recommend.
Due to the legal consequences of Elizabeth being too close to the case, Deputy Detective Lila Dayne takes charge. However, she can’t seem to pin down their main suspect despite using all her investigative skills. When prominent members of the community begin to disappear, Elizabeth is back on the case, but things turn personal when her sister then goes missing. Benoit and Dayne must catch the killer, and end up in a showdown that’s been brewing for decades in Eckardt County. The storyline had me turning the pages well into the night, and the plot twists kept me guessing as to the outcome of the story. The descriptive narrative brought both the setting and characters vividly to life, making me feel immersed in the story. This was a real page turner of a novel, and one which I recommend.
January 27, 2023
Straight for the Kill (Benoit and Dayne Mystery Book 3) by Winter Austin is the newest addition to a top-notched small town police thriller series. It is a completely absorbing read that I found impossible to put down. Interesting it does not take long to see where this story is going. Still, it is a hard one to nail down. There is the present case but also ghosts from a past cold case too. Then there is even more.
Eckardt County Sheriff Elizabeth Benoit is somewhat sidelined after a surgery but her investigative deputy detective, Lila Dayne is hot on the case. The murder in this case is one so very similar to one from twenty-five years ago. That murder case was Deputy Kyle Lundquist’s older sister and Elizabeth’s best friend’s death. Solving this case will bring the it all full circled. There is more than one guilty person in this story and the truth comes hard with danger and injury. I must say I was surprised by some of the players involved. Yet the entire story when it is revealed sounds as if it is what could have really happened.
This book kept me reading becoming completely involved in solving the case along with Lila, Kyle, Elizabeth and Rafe. Now I can hardly wait for the next book because I don’t think Sheriff Elizabeth Benoit and team are finished cleaning up Eckardt County quite yet.
An ARC of the book was given to me by Tule Publishing which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Eckardt County Sheriff Elizabeth Benoit is somewhat sidelined after a surgery but her investigative deputy detective, Lila Dayne is hot on the case. The murder in this case is one so very similar to one from twenty-five years ago. That murder case was Deputy Kyle Lundquist’s older sister and Elizabeth’s best friend’s death. Solving this case will bring the it all full circled. There is more than one guilty person in this story and the truth comes hard with danger and injury. I must say I was surprised by some of the players involved. Yet the entire story when it is revealed sounds as if it is what could have really happened.
This book kept me reading becoming completely involved in solving the case along with Lila, Kyle, Elizabeth and Rafe. Now I can hardly wait for the next book because I don’t think Sheriff Elizabeth Benoit and team are finished cleaning up Eckardt County quite yet.
An ARC of the book was given to me by Tule Publishing which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
March 4, 2023
History is repeating itself in Eckardt County. A young woman has been found murdered with similar circumstances as a death from 25 years ago. Sheriff Elizabeth Benoit’s best friend and Deputy Kyle Lundquist’s sister was the victim of the past, and now with files of clues and determination to prove the former sheriff’s involvement, it’s going to take a whole lot of work to put the cases to rest.
Deputy Detective Lila Dayne knows there’s something she’s missing with this case, but can’t put her finger on it. Suddenly, people are disappearing, and despite having a personal stake in the case Sheriff Benoit can’t stay out of it now, especially after one of the missing people is her sister.
This book jumps right into the trouble and gets digging you deeper and deeper. It was a fun, suspenseful ride most of the time.
It is well written and thought out. I found a few spots at the beginning that I kept sticking to, but it’s a me problem, not a book problem. This is the first of the series I have read and I definitely think reading the others could give me more information and insight into the characters, but overall, I think it’s not a huge deal to jump in right here.
I’m definitely looking forward to reading more from the Eckardt County Sheriff’s Department moving forward and seeing how Benoit and Dayne solve the next crime!
This book jumps right into the trouble and gets digging you deeper and deeper. It was a fun, suspenseful ride most of the time.
It is well written and thought out. I found a few spots at the beginning that I kept sticking to, but it’s a me problem, not a book problem. This is the first of the series I have read and I definitely think reading the others could give me more information and insight into the characters, but overall, I think it’s not a huge deal to jump in right here.
I’m definitely looking forward to reading more from the Eckardt County Sheriff’s Department moving forward and seeing how Benoit and Dayne solve the next crime!
January 27, 2023
This was a great gripping crime Thriller. I just couldn't put it down. It is 3rd book in the Benoit and Dayne Mysteries. It can be read as a standalone however I get the feeling if you read the series you get better understanding of the characters which is what I plan on doing. The author has wrote a story that is full of twists and turns so you never know what's coming. There are loads of secrets and shady characters to keep you guessing about who is commiting these crimes.
When a young woman is found murdered on Halloween that is bad enough but when the resemblance is uncanny to a murder that happened 25 years ago on that same date things take a sinister turn.
Is that killer still active? Is it a copycat? One thing that Deputy Dayne knows is they need to find this person fast. However things aren't that simple. With it being a small town everyone knows everyone and with the current sherrif and another deputy having links to one of the previous victims it's hard to find people who can look at this case with unbiased eyes. Add to this the deception and lies being told by people further up the chain of command and it makes this already tricky and dangerous case even harder.
Who can Deputy Dayne trust? Who can work on this case that doesn't have some link to the previous case? Who is involved and how will they react when they realise that Dayne is on their trail?
This is definately a read you won't be able to put down
When a young woman is found murdered on Halloween that is bad enough but when the resemblance is uncanny to a murder that happened 25 years ago on that same date things take a sinister turn.
Is that killer still active? Is it a copycat? One thing that Deputy Dayne knows is they need to find this person fast. However things aren't that simple. With it being a small town everyone knows everyone and with the current sherrif and another deputy having links to one of the previous victims it's hard to find people who can look at this case with unbiased eyes. Add to this the deception and lies being told by people further up the chain of command and it makes this already tricky and dangerous case even harder.
Who can Deputy Dayne trust? Who can work on this case that doesn't have some link to the previous case? Who is involved and how will they react when they realise that Dayne is on their trail?
This is definately a read you won't be able to put down
January 28, 2023
4.5 Stars
Straight For the Kill is the third gripping instalment in the Benoit and Dayne Mystery series by Winter Austin. It is another edgy and engrossing story full of all the twists and turns that I love about a great thriller. Again, Ms. Austin had had me on the edge of my seat, guessing the whole way through.
This is the third book in the series, and even though it could technically be read as a standalone as the author does touch on previous events, I really recommend reading the previous two book before starting on this one, as experiencing what has happened previously will definitely enhance your reading experience of this book, as well as the series as a whole.
This book has all the ingredients required to keep me completely immersed in this gripping crime thriller. With murder, mayhem, mystery, suspense, intrigue, tension, intensity, and drama really makes for a gritty read.
With buried secrets things take a complicated turn when skeletons start to come to light. Elizabeth Benoit and Lila Dayne will have their work cut out for them here, as they try to get to the bottom of it all.
Can’t wait to see what happens next!
Happy Reading…
Thank you, Winter Austin!
Straight For the Kill is the third gripping instalment in the Benoit and Dayne Mystery series by Winter Austin. It is another edgy and engrossing story full of all the twists and turns that I love about a great thriller. Again, Ms. Austin had had me on the edge of my seat, guessing the whole way through.
This is the third book in the series, and even though it could technically be read as a standalone as the author does touch on previous events, I really recommend reading the previous two book before starting on this one, as experiencing what has happened previously will definitely enhance your reading experience of this book, as well as the series as a whole.
This book has all the ingredients required to keep me completely immersed in this gripping crime thriller. With murder, mayhem, mystery, suspense, intrigue, tension, intensity, and drama really makes for a gritty read.
With buried secrets things take a complicated turn when skeletons start to come to light. Elizabeth Benoit and Lila Dayne will have their work cut out for them here, as they try to get to the bottom of it all.
Can’t wait to see what happens next!
Happy Reading…
Thank you, Winter Austin!
January 28, 2023
Straight for the Kill is book number 3 in the Benoit and Dayne Mystery series by Winter Austin. In this installment, Sheriff Benoit’s past comes back to haunt her when a body is found that shows strong similarities to previous murders. One previous murder was someone close to Benoit which motivates the sheriff even further. As more members of the community disappear, Deputy Dayne and Sheriff Benoit must use all of their abilities to find the killer. Then, Sheriff Benoit’s own sister goes missing. Can Benoit and Dayne find the killer in time to save Benoit’s sister, or does the killer get away? Find out in Straight for the Kill.
Just like the previous books, the characters are relatable with very realistic feelings. The reader can feel the emotions of the characters. This book is a gripping read full of twists and turns. I did not want to put the book down and it left me wanting more from Winter Austin.
The series just keeps getting better and better. Each book could be read as a standalone as Winter Austin does a fantastic job of ensuring the reader knows the important aspects in each backstory. It is a page turning, at the edge of your seat, police thriller. I highly suggest picking up a copy.
Just like the previous books, the characters are relatable with very realistic feelings. The reader can feel the emotions of the characters. This book is a gripping read full of twists and turns. I did not want to put the book down and it left me wanting more from Winter Austin.
The series just keeps getting better and better. Each book could be read as a standalone as Winter Austin does a fantastic job of ensuring the reader knows the important aspects in each backstory. It is a page turning, at the edge of your seat, police thriller. I highly suggest picking up a copy.
January 29, 2023
This has its crazy good moments and its not so good moments. I liked the idea of the story but the delivery left me with a lot of thoughts. I struggled to stay focused in the middle and actually keep reading after that. There are so many times I thought “what is wrong with these characters?” because they keep starting sentences telling someone information then just run away after the first few words. Does the Sheriff even know this town and its occupants? Why is a Deputy running the show and telling the higher ups what to do and how to act? Some of this one I understood but not her mean streak, secrets and just overall pushiness to her senior officers and others. The ending felt like the author was going for too much shock factor and trying to tie loose ends up that just don’t make sense. I did mention good moments and those were the beginning while trying to figure out the original murder. I thought this book is going to be good! The ending also brought action, suspense and drama that really picked the pace back up.
Overall this is an okay story. It held my interest for a bit but mostly I just wanted it to end. I have not read the other books in this series. Maybe that would have helped with some of the actions of the characters.
Overall this is an okay story. It held my interest for a bit but mostly I just wanted it to end. I have not read the other books in this series. Maybe that would have helped with some of the actions of the characters.
March 2, 2023
Sheriff Elizabeth Benoit is recovering from emergency surgery and is at home trying to recoup but life does not stand still in a small town that is shrouded with secrets. As she sits at home, murder and kidnapping are taking place just like the one that happened 25 years ago to her best friend. The similarities are uncanny! Not only is she trying to solve the 25 year old case but now this new one as well. Secret calls, a camp in the woods, and the Good Ol’ Boys Club is not helping to make things any easier. Deputy detective Lila Dayne who is an outsider to the town is hitting brick walls with every turn and needs the help of the locals who don’t want to hash up old crimes or feelings. Prominent members of the small town begin to disappear and then Elizabeth’s sister has gone missing. Will they be able to find her in time or just her dead body at the end of the day? Packed with mystery and intrigue this is such a great book. Strong female leads and a bit of romance and sizzle add to the story that kept me on the edge of my seat! The setting is so like a small town and the locals behave just like those in my town hiding the truth to keep their own noses out of trouble! A definite must read!
March 5, 2023
My sincere thanks to the author @iasuspensewriter & @travelling.pages.tours
for my digital copy of the book.
I was first introduced to this series when I read Book 2, about a year ago; I really enjoyed it, so I have been looking forward to reading this one!
Just like before, I really enjoyed this complex thriller! The author sets up an intense storyline with a really large cast of complicated characters, with shared histories and backstories. Just like when I read the second book, I had to write down the character names and a brief description so I could keep them straight! But the storyline drew me in from the first page and I quickly became engaged in the fast-paced drama and found myself rushing to see how it ended! The characters are likable and I worried about their safety!
Read this if you enjoy thrillers with:
*a police presence
*strong female characters
*a gory murder scene (though not graphically described!)
*likable main characters
*characters with back stories
*small town atmosphere
*a touch of romance
Note: You can read this book as a stand-alone, but I wish I had started with book one. Now that three books are out, I would certainly have binge-read the entire series!
for my digital copy of the book.
I was first introduced to this series when I read Book 2, about a year ago; I really enjoyed it, so I have been looking forward to reading this one!
Just like before, I really enjoyed this complex thriller! The author sets up an intense storyline with a really large cast of complicated characters, with shared histories and backstories. Just like when I read the second book, I had to write down the character names and a brief description so I could keep them straight! But the storyline drew me in from the first page and I quickly became engaged in the fast-paced drama and found myself rushing to see how it ended! The characters are likable and I worried about their safety!
Read this if you enjoy thrillers with:
*a police presence
*strong female characters
*a gory murder scene (though not graphically described!)
*likable main characters
*characters with back stories
*small town atmosphere
*a touch of romance
Note: You can read this book as a stand-alone, but I wish I had started with book one. Now that three books are out, I would certainly have binge-read the entire series!
January 28, 2023
Straight for the Kill
By: Winter Austin
Let me tell you, I have never been so grateful for a snowy day in my life. I don’t know how I would have survived if I had needed to be productive while I was reading this book. This definitely grabbed me from the first page and didn’t let me go until the very end. I loved the last book I read by Winter Austin, Hush my Darling, and I never imagined that her next book would be even better. This is filled with twists and turns and I definitely never saw the ending coming. I loved the development of the characters and their depth, with each book I read in the Benoit and Dayne series the characters become even more multilayered and complex. This time, I loved the aspect that the killer harkened back to a series of deaths when the major characters were children. I also loved that this book dealt with the ups and downs of small town life. The sheriff’s department definitely had a lot of skeletons that had been buried to deal with.
I definitely think this book is amazing - I read it in one day and almost in one complete sitting! I cannot wait to read more of these characters!
By: Winter Austin
Let me tell you, I have never been so grateful for a snowy day in my life. I don’t know how I would have survived if I had needed to be productive while I was reading this book. This definitely grabbed me from the first page and didn’t let me go until the very end. I loved the last book I read by Winter Austin, Hush my Darling, and I never imagined that her next book would be even better. This is filled with twists and turns and I definitely never saw the ending coming. I loved the development of the characters and their depth, with each book I read in the Benoit and Dayne series the characters become even more multilayered and complex. This time, I loved the aspect that the killer harkened back to a series of deaths when the major characters were children. I also loved that this book dealt with the ups and downs of small town life. The sheriff’s department definitely had a lot of skeletons that had been buried to deal with.
I definitely think this book is amazing - I read it in one day and almost in one complete sitting! I cannot wait to read more of these characters!
January 28, 2023
Straight for the Kill is the third book in the amazing Benoit and Dayne Mystery series. To say I really enjoyed the other books written by Winter is an understatement.
This is a chilling crime thriller series that is as intriguing as it is suspenseful. This gripping tale will have you on the edge of your seat. A tale of murder and mayhem, vengeance and power, mystery and obsession that will have you sitting on the edge of your seat. There is a cast of many characters that are fully realised and complex.
When a body shows up Sherriff Elizabeth Benoit is chilled to the bone. She knows that it is the same as her best friend’s murder years earlier. Between herself and Deputy Detective Lila Dayne catching the bastard is harder than it ought to be.
As the author writes “it’s a no-holds-barred race against time in the showdown that’s been brewing in Eckardt County for decades”.
I’ve said it before, and I will say it again that this is one series you don’t want to pass by. Prepare to be captivated by Winter’s writing skills.
After this book Winter is now cemented as one of my favourite authors.
This is a chilling crime thriller series that is as intriguing as it is suspenseful. This gripping tale will have you on the edge of your seat. A tale of murder and mayhem, vengeance and power, mystery and obsession that will have you sitting on the edge of your seat. There is a cast of many characters that are fully realised and complex.
When a body shows up Sherriff Elizabeth Benoit is chilled to the bone. She knows that it is the same as her best friend’s murder years earlier. Between herself and Deputy Detective Lila Dayne catching the bastard is harder than it ought to be.
As the author writes “it’s a no-holds-barred race against time in the showdown that’s been brewing in Eckardt County for decades”.
I’ve said it before, and I will say it again that this is one series you don’t want to pass by. Prepare to be captivated by Winter’s writing skills.
After this book Winter is now cemented as one of my favourite authors.
January 28, 2023
Straight for the Kill is the third book in the Benoit and Dayne mystery series. It is a gripping mystery with a Halloween theme that I struggled to put down.
Dayne immediately notices when a new murder bears a strong resemblance to a couple of cold cases that have been haunting many of her colleagues and friends for decades. It’s vital that they catch the killer this time, before the trail runs cold, but it won’t be easy. Benoit is meant to be resting after an operation, but can’t sit this one out.
I particularly enjoyed how this book focused on siblings. The dynamic between Elizabeth and Marnie is particularly interesting, with Marnie’s involvement in the original case and Elizabeth balancing her professional and personal responsibilities.
This book gets five stars from me! Definitely a dark story but there are plenty of lighter character moments to provide balance. I’d recommend reading this series in order - there are a lot of characters to get to know. But they do fill you in on what you need to know as you go along so you can dive in here if you prefer!
Dayne immediately notices when a new murder bears a strong resemblance to a couple of cold cases that have been haunting many of her colleagues and friends for decades. It’s vital that they catch the killer this time, before the trail runs cold, but it won’t be easy. Benoit is meant to be resting after an operation, but can’t sit this one out.
I particularly enjoyed how this book focused on siblings. The dynamic between Elizabeth and Marnie is particularly interesting, with Marnie’s involvement in the original case and Elizabeth balancing her professional and personal responsibilities.
This book gets five stars from me! Definitely a dark story but there are plenty of lighter character moments to provide balance. I’d recommend reading this series in order - there are a lot of characters to get to know. But they do fill you in on what you need to know as you go along so you can dive in here if you prefer!
January 28, 2023
This is the first Mystery I have read in a long time and OMG I am so glad I did! I was totally hooked from the very first sentence right to the very last word. This is a totally captivating read filled with interesting characters and a fantastic storyline that will keep you hooked and on the edge of your seat the whole way. Elizabeth and Lila are such strong determined women who will let nothing stop them from getting to the truth! You will be on their side every step of the way. I found myself wanting to know more about some of the other characters as well, Rafe and Kyle for example, so I will definitely be finding the rest of the books in this series. This is the 3rd book of this series and I do think that it can be read as a standalone because I totally enjoyed it and followed along with no issue even though I had not read the previous books. I will however be going back and reading the previous books because of how much I truly enjoyed this one. This amazingly talented author definitely has a new fan in me! I just can't wait to read more!!
February 28, 2023
Straight for the Kill by Winter Austin is available now in Paperback and eBook
⭐️⭐️⭐⭐ Book Review
Twenty-five years ago Sheriff Benoit’s best friend was murdered. While recovering from surgery members of the community begin to disappear. When Benoit’s sister goes missing the race against the clock begins.
Straight for the Kill is the third installment in the Benoit & Dayne Mystery series. Although Straight for the Kill is part of a series it can easily be read as a standalone with no confusion. Winter Austin writes deadly romantic thrillers that will not disappoint. Full of suspenseful twists and turns Austin has you sitting on the edge of your seat the entire book. Just when you thought you had the mystery figured out she throws another wrench in the plot. I am a “judge a book by the cover” kind of gal and the cover drew me in on this one but I was sold after the first few chapters. The plot was seamless, moving from scene to scene, keeping the reader engaged. I won’t hesitate in the near future to pick up another mystery written by Winter Austin.
⭐️⭐️⭐⭐ Book Review
Twenty-five years ago Sheriff Benoit’s best friend was murdered. While recovering from surgery members of the community begin to disappear. When Benoit’s sister goes missing the race against the clock begins.
Straight for the Kill is the third installment in the Benoit & Dayne Mystery series. Although Straight for the Kill is part of a series it can easily be read as a standalone with no confusion. Winter Austin writes deadly romantic thrillers that will not disappoint. Full of suspenseful twists and turns Austin has you sitting on the edge of your seat the entire book. Just when you thought you had the mystery figured out she throws another wrench in the plot. I am a “judge a book by the cover” kind of gal and the cover drew me in on this one but I was sold after the first few chapters. The plot was seamless, moving from scene to scene, keeping the reader engaged. I won’t hesitate in the near future to pick up another mystery written by Winter Austin.
March 5, 2023
This is the 3rd book in the Benoit and Dayne Mystery series. I did not read the first 2 books and while this can be read as a standalone, I wish I would have read the other 2 as it does have reference to the history of Dayne and Benoit. So it left me wanting to know what happened to them in the prior books and how they got to where they got. This book has a lot of twists and turns and why I kept reading, I wanted to get down to the truth about what happened 25 years ago. Especially because while reading the book you thought that you had everything figured out and then you were hit with another twist which sent you in a direction that you never expected. So it really left you shocked to find out the truth and how corruption can go so deep that people you never expected would actually become the allies and not the bad guys like you expect. The author did such a good job really hiding the truth about each character and not really leaving many clues, until the end where everything pieced together.
February 5, 2023
I honestly don't know where to begin with this one. It had me hook, line, and sinker from the very beginning of the novel. Overall I rate it 4.5 stars - somewhere between I REALLY like this novel and I LOVE this novel. This is book three of the Benoit and Dayne Mystery series and I am pretty sure the only reason it wasn't a 'love' was because I have never read the first two booked.
The writing in Straight for the Kill is amazing. It weaves the web of mystery surrounding the murder very well. I really enjoyed the character and character development. It did take me longer than a week to read it a little at a time due to having kiddos and a full time job, but I did not want to put it down ever. Every time I had to I thought about it often.
If you want an edge of your seat mystery - this book is for you. I couldn't recommend it enough. From here, I am going to be going back to find book one and reading the series from the very beginning.
The writing in Straight for the Kill is amazing. It weaves the web of mystery surrounding the murder very well. I really enjoyed the character and character development. It did take me longer than a week to read it a little at a time due to having kiddos and a full time job, but I did not want to put it down ever. Every time I had to I thought about it often.
If you want an edge of your seat mystery - this book is for you. I couldn't recommend it enough. From here, I am going to be going back to find book one and reading the series from the very beginning.
February 26, 2023
I love when a thriller involves a cold case that was never solved, it is like a bonus in that there is another case tied into the story line that also needs solving. Sheriff Benoit is on medial leave, at least that was the doctors orders. But when there is a murder invoking déjà vu and an old friend is back in town to visit her mother, time is racing against them and all hands need to be on deck to stop the killer before there are more bodies. Family, friends and siblings are all suspects at this point and retracing the past may be what they need to solve what seems to be happening all over again. This was a very fast read and I loved the story line and characters. Often jumping from person to person, this novel kept you guessing as to who was the real killer. I will be looking to read more Benoit and Dayne Mysteries. Thank you to Travelling Pages Tours for the invite and to the author for the free novel. This review of my own opinion and accord.
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