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Killing Spree
When a Serial Killer Gets a Taste for Blood. . . Years ago, the Seattle police were baffled by the Schoolgirl Murders. The killer staged the scenes, dressing his female victims in school girl uniforms and saddle shoes. No woman in Seattle felt safe, until they caught the man responsible, and the case was forgotten. . . He Only Wants to Do One Thing. . . Across the country, a killing spree is taking place. The first victim is attacked in a taxi by a mysterious stranger. The next is found strangled in a changing room. A hitchhiker is left by the side of the road, his identity brutally stolen. The murders are so bizarre, so random, no one would think to connect them. . . Kill and Kill Again. . . Only Seattle writer Gillian McBride sees the disturbing coincidences between all the murders--and it's hitting too close to home. Somehow, she is the link between past and present--and to a twisted serial killer who shows no signs of stopping. With each terrible piece of a sinister puzzle, a psychopath is carrying out a master plan--a killing spree that needs a final trophy to be fully complete. . . Praise for the Novels of Kevin O'Brien "Another taut page-turner."-- Seattle Post-Intelligencer "Imaginative, well written. . .add this book to your summer reading list." -- Times Record News (Wichita Falls, Texas)
529 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2007
116 people are currently reading
657 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
February 11, 2017
Superb, the writing and the storyline was definitely a page turner... Amazing ending, Loved it!!!
June 28, 2011
3 AND 1/2 STARS
Killing Spree is an improvement from the last O'Brien title, but only marginally. What made this outing better was the two lead characters, Gillian and Ethan, who are probably the most unlucky people on the face of the earth... The gambling husband leaves Gillian to hide from the mob and the police and now they're after not only her, but her 14 year-old son. If that isn't bad enough, Ethan is discovering he is gay and getting bullied in school, his only friend turns his back on him, and to top it off, a serial killer is recreating the murders from Gillian's published novels. Okay, a little to much thrown in, yes, but it was a lot of fun to read. Way too many red herrings and characters, too.
I'm giving Kevin an assignment for his next book; watch the film, Dead Calm. There are only 3 people in the entire movie and it's one of the most chilling, susupenseful thrillers ever made. It's all about great characters and an awesome premise. If Kevin thinks outside the box a little, his work will be outstanding once again. He just needs the story to catch up with his superior technical writing. Besides a few continuity errors and a handful of typos, I had a good time with this one. As always, I'm looking forward to his next book.
Killing Spree is an improvement from the last O'Brien title, but only marginally. What made this outing better was the two lead characters, Gillian and Ethan, who are probably the most unlucky people on the face of the earth... The gambling husband leaves Gillian to hide from the mob and the police and now they're after not only her, but her 14 year-old son. If that isn't bad enough, Ethan is discovering he is gay and getting bullied in school, his only friend turns his back on him, and to top it off, a serial killer is recreating the murders from Gillian's published novels. Okay, a little to much thrown in, yes, but it was a lot of fun to read. Way too many red herrings and characters, too.
I'm giving Kevin an assignment for his next book; watch the film, Dead Calm. There are only 3 people in the entire movie and it's one of the most chilling, susupenseful thrillers ever made. It's all about great characters and an awesome premise. If Kevin thinks outside the box a little, his work will be outstanding once again. He just needs the story to catch up with his superior technical writing. Besides a few continuity errors and a handful of typos, I had a good time with this one. As always, I'm looking forward to his next book.
August 15, 2018
I enjoyed the story line! It was a little slow at first and took me a lot longer to read than I intended, but after around the halfway point, I couldn't put it down. There were quite a few twists and turns that kept me guessing "whodunnit".
September 25, 2015
Worst book from this author. The main charactor really needed blinds in her home. The main charactor and her son made such stupid choices I had a hard time reading this without hating them.
March 26, 2018
Ive always heard stories where so many good writers never seem to get a chance to be published and then that makes me wonder how garbage like this gets green lighted over other much superior writers. This may be the worst book I've ever read. Characters who do the dumbest things over and over, characters who don't matter to the story, unrealistic situations and behaviors, and we spend more time with a kids homosexual fantasies than we do with any sort of detective work or suspenseful situations. I still wonder........how did this garbage get published? Im normally not so cruel even for a bad book, but this just went beyond ludicrously horrendous. Ugh. Will not read this subpar "thriller" writer again.
July 29, 2016
This was my first book to read of Kevin O'Brien's and I can't say that I was overly disappointed. He did a good job of keeping me guessing up until the very end. My only two complaints: it got a little draggy...there were a couple of times I found myself wondering if the book was ever going to actually end. The other was the random, love interest thrown in half way through...who's introduced as the neighbors boyfriend initially no less...but it's all good because (SPOILER!!!!) she dies. Like wtf? How is that setting an example for your kid? Mr. O'Brien would have done well to leave the random love interest out.
September 2, 2008
This book was nowhere near as good as I thought it would be. I've read three other books by Kevin O'Brien that were really good, and this one was far below those. It felt sloppy and like he had hurried through the writing. He made one huge mistake that I just can't understand. He completely got the time zones mixed up by saying that it was 2 hours later in Seattle than it was in Chicago. How did no one catch that error???
October 9, 2024
it was long & drawn out. i don’t know why the school girl murders had to be rehashed so many times. i don’t know why the things had to even be part of the book. it took forever to read it & my hand hurt from holding the book by the time i was done. i guess it was ok overall
August 6, 2011
Definately not my favorite of Kevin O'Brien's books. It was very slow-paced and had too much background information going on that did play some role in the plot, but it still bogged down the book.
May 25, 2013
My first shot at a Kevin O'Brien, and quite possibly my last. Loaded with ridiculous contrivances and red herrings. Maybe one more try at redemption...
April 11, 2025
omg. What a drag! I literally just started skimming pages at 68%. This book is horrible! The MC and her son are just dumb as a bag of rocks. They lack complete common sense and I'm so damn tired of the MC being whiny and an uppity b!@#$ all the damn time. And Ethan being gay? Okay. I get it. He's gay. Move on, Mr. O'brien. You don't need to make full chapters on his gayness. He's gay. Check! Next! And don't get me started on the errors. Best Western. Now it's called Loyal Inn? Geezus. Ever heard of an editor? Never reading from this author again. I wasted my time so you don't have to. Skip this read. It'll save your life and money.
January 9, 2020
I’ve read several of his books and each one has been highly entertaining despite the plethora of murders. The plots are not to be taken too seriously even though this, and many of his other books, deal with a serial killer.
Most of the characters are normal everyday people with the odd one or two deranged murderers. The plots rely heavily on his easy writing style which is fast and furious with several twists and turns. He's never going to with a Booker prize but what the hell, it’s just a fun experience being absorbed into his books.
Most of the characters are normal everyday people with the odd one or two deranged murderers. The plots rely heavily on his easy writing style which is fast and furious with several twists and turns. He's never going to with a Booker prize but what the hell, it’s just a fun experience being absorbed into his books.
August 5, 2017
Ending was good. Serial killers are not my favorites due to too many characters enter the story. Overall it was a confusing but good story: there was the mob after her disappeared husband and then her own realization that her murder stories were happening in real life. Nice friend with cop connections helps.
September 2, 2024
I love Kevin Obrien. His books always have me on the edge of my seat and thoroughly spooked. This one started a little slow for me. But, I got halfway through and I could not put it down. This one definitely had me guessing who the killer was. Just when I thought I had it figured out, I was wrong. So good.
August 9, 2017
Everything Keith writes has been great. I loved this one as well they are suspenseful and you don't always figure out who done it right off the bat. Read his books if you like mystery/thrillers. I don't do spoilers cause you have to read for yourself
September 7, 2018
i absolutely loved this book! there was so much suspense in multiple areas that i felt like i was watching a thriller film! wonderful, wonderful. i'll most likely read it again, later on, because it was just that good!
March 6, 2019
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I had thought I had this story figured out several times, but Kevin O'Brien threw enough curves that my guesses were always wrong. The final result was a pleasant surprise for me. If you are looking for a good thriller, definitely give this story a try.
January 22, 2024
this is really very typical of kevin o'brien's books (single mom with gawky, awkward teenage son, both of whom will be violently assaulted before the book is over) but it was enjoyable enough. i love these things.
January 28, 2018
I loved this book!! It was different!! Great story!!
August 8, 2018
Kevin O’Brien never disappoints!
January 21, 2019
Good read. Keeps your interest to the end. Couple of plots going on at once, but it comes together. this is the first time I read an O'Brien novel. will try another
February 15, 2019
I love Kevin O'Brien book but this one was predictable. Some twists and turns but not his normal thrills a minute
August 29, 2022
i cant stop putting his books down
September 14, 2014
For some reason, it feels kind of odd to give 4 stars to an O'Brien novel. The previous 4 I've read were all easily 5-star books, but "Killing Spree" just didn't seem quite up to snuff when compared with the others.
I'm not saying that "Killing Spree" is bad. Not at all. It's actually a lot better than most popular fiction out there, and had this been the first O'Brien novel I have ever read, I might have been a little more giving in my rating choice; it's still exciting, it's still clever, and it still manages to keep the reader guessing through a bunch of unique twists and turns.
The problem here though, is that when compared with newer novels, the plot comes off as a little weak. O'Brien's villain isn't very evil or scary. Oh, he's capable of a lot of heinous things, but unlike the bad guys in "Unspeakable" or "Tell Me You're Sorry", he's just not that fearsome. Also, unlike those previously mentioned books, he was much too easy to figure out. Sure, there were a few times when I second guessed my original suspicions of who he was, but really, there were just too many things pointing to him. So when he was officially revealed, it didn't come as much of a shock or surprise.
I often wonder what would happen if O'Brien changed up his writing formula a bit. I'm all for strong, female leads, and for murders and mystery, but what would happen if we were introduced to a male lead? What if it was more of a thriller? Like a race against time to solve a puzzle? Or an action-packed shoot-em-up kind of thing? Hey, I'm not complaining here (I'm already pondering which one of his I'm gonna read/buy next), yet I think if he branched out somewhat and tried a new genre, he could really excel, giving writers like Cussler and DuBrul a run for their money.
I'm not saying that "Killing Spree" is bad. Not at all. It's actually a lot better than most popular fiction out there, and had this been the first O'Brien novel I have ever read, I might have been a little more giving in my rating choice; it's still exciting, it's still clever, and it still manages to keep the reader guessing through a bunch of unique twists and turns.
The problem here though, is that when compared with newer novels, the plot comes off as a little weak. O'Brien's villain isn't very evil or scary. Oh, he's capable of a lot of heinous things, but unlike the bad guys in "Unspeakable" or "Tell Me You're Sorry", he's just not that fearsome. Also, unlike those previously mentioned books, he was much too easy to figure out. Sure, there were a few times when I second guessed my original suspicions of who he was, but really, there were just too many things pointing to him. So when he was officially revealed, it didn't come as much of a shock or surprise.
I often wonder what would happen if O'Brien changed up his writing formula a bit. I'm all for strong, female leads, and for murders and mystery, but what would happen if we were introduced to a male lead? What if it was more of a thriller? Like a race against time to solve a puzzle? Or an action-packed shoot-em-up kind of thing? Hey, I'm not complaining here (I'm already pondering which one of his I'm gonna read/buy next), yet I think if he branched out somewhat and tried a new genre, he could really excel, giving writers like Cussler and DuBrul a run for their money.
May 29, 2012
A 7/5! at first i admit it was a bit slow and by the 4th chapter I couldn't put it down. Excellent job Kevin! It took awhile to figure out why it was called Killing Spree.
Imagine a teenager in their first year, and a mother who is a published thriller writer. There is either a copycat killer or a highschool killer on the loose and everytime they decide they will kill their victim the way that it was published in one of her books. Who is it, that is what Gillian has to figure out, but at whose expense? Will Gillian find out too soon or will her loved ones pay the price. I warn you now the ending is quite sweet. I am really enjoying the next one and started it today, TERRIFIED also by Kevin O'Brien. Everytime I have a book in my hand I have a colleague regardless whom the author is "what are you reading now"?
Imagine a teenager in their first year, and a mother who is a published thriller writer. There is either a copycat killer or a highschool killer on the loose and everytime they decide they will kill their victim the way that it was published in one of her books. Who is it, that is what Gillian has to figure out, but at whose expense? Will Gillian find out too soon or will her loved ones pay the price. I warn you now the ending is quite sweet. I am really enjoying the next one and started it today, TERRIFIED also by Kevin O'Brien. Everytime I have a book in my hand I have a colleague regardless whom the author is "what are you reading now"?
February 1, 2013
This was a pretty good read that kept me guessing "who done it" all the way to the end. I'm not sure I liked it as much as "Terrified" but it was still a good read. I'll be checking out more Kevin O'Brien thrillers for sure.
Hard to put down because you want to get to the next chapter and see if your hunch is right.
Characters- interesting mix and a good sized cast of characters.
Thrill Factor- 7/10. Good twists, several turns, but didn't make me want to check under the bed or sleep with the lights on... then again... it takes a lot to scare me.
Plot- If you like to be kept guessing- you'll love it.
Not a bad read at all, I recommend it to anyone that likes a good suspense without too much gore. It has chapters that make you want to keep reading and chapters that are good places to stop and take a break. I like that in a book. ;)
Hard to put down because you want to get to the next chapter and see if your hunch is right.
Characters- interesting mix and a good sized cast of characters.
Thrill Factor- 7/10. Good twists, several turns, but didn't make me want to check under the bed or sleep with the lights on... then again... it takes a lot to scare me.
Plot- If you like to be kept guessing- you'll love it.
Not a bad read at all, I recommend it to anyone that likes a good suspense without too much gore. It has chapters that make you want to keep reading and chapters that are good places to stop and take a break. I like that in a book. ;)
January 31, 2009
Killing Spree was a fun book to read. I found myself wondering if the author had ever had an experience similar to that of the main character. She's a murder mystery novel writer too and someone's killing people in nearly exactly the same manner as what's written in the book.
I really enjoyed the characters in this story, though I remember liking O'Brien's other characters as well. My favorite character was Ethan, the son of the main character. I felt like I really got to know him. You know a story is good when you find yourself thinking about it throughout the day. At one point, a good friend is implicated in the murders and I just kept thinking, "It can't be" so-and-so!
I'm looking forward to starting The Last to Scream this weekend.
I really enjoyed the characters in this story, though I remember liking O'Brien's other characters as well. My favorite character was Ethan, the son of the main character. I felt like I really got to know him. You know a story is good when you find yourself thinking about it throughout the day. At one point, a good friend is implicated in the murders and I just kept thinking, "It can't be" so-and-so!
I'm looking forward to starting The Last to Scream this weekend.
April 22, 2010
Although I found this novel fairly average in most respects, I was very engrossed with the read. The plot wasn't terribly original and it lost most of its mystery about three-quarters of the way in, but O'Brien managed to successfully create suspicion over several characters, thereby prolonging the "aha" moment for me.
The writing was adequate, yet unremarkable; the characters a little under-developed; and some scenes bordering on cliche. However, the work is solid based on entertainment value alone.
An author finds the murder scenes from her various novels being re-enacted on her friends and acquaintances. She launches a personal investigation, with the help of her friend Ruth, a former police detective to discover the truth behind the murders.
The writing was adequate, yet unremarkable; the characters a little under-developed; and some scenes bordering on cliche. However, the work is solid based on entertainment value alone.
An author finds the murder scenes from her various novels being re-enacted on her friends and acquaintances. She launches a personal investigation, with the help of her friend Ruth, a former police detective to discover the truth behind the murders.
February 18, 2011
I really enjoyed the story in this book, however, parts of it didn't really wrap up as well as I expected. The story was scary (it had me up late reading and every noise I heard outside had me convinced there was someone out there) and it was well written but it was pretty easy for me to determine who the killer was once he was introduced.
In the end, I was left wondering about a few things that happened and exactly who did what and why. The author expected us to assume that the killer had done some things, which he probably had, but it didn't make sense in the storyline that he had done them.
In the end, I was left wondering about a few things that happened and exactly who did what and why. The author expected us to assume that the killer had done some things, which he probably had, but it didn't make sense in the storyline that he had done them.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews