Dark Hearts (Special Agent Beth Katz #3), by D.K. Hood

Eight stars

D. K. Hood exemplifies her abilities with this thriller collection. Hood creates a stunning story that is sure to keep the reader fixated on learning how things develop while relaxing throughout the experience. FBI Special Agent Beth Katz has kept her secret from everyone as she keeps hunting for serial killers across Montana. While Special Agent Katz has been working to find a local serial killer another case crosses her desk, as a number of women have gone missing during violent robberies. While Special Agent Katz looks for answers, she realises that the pressure of the job has left her vulnerable, perhaps too much so, and her secret might soon come to the surface. Hood delves deeper into her newest protagonist to present a great novel.

Cassidy Wilder is frantically looking for cover, knowing that every second counts. While the woods is a reasonable place to hide, the man who has abducted her is hot on her heels and before long, he will find her and exact a punishment even she could not fathom.

A convenience store robbery leads to a number of people dead and Cassidy Wilder abducted from the scene. FBI Special Agent Beth Katz would not normally take the case, pressure is being put on the Field Office in rural Montana to help solve the case. Spanning a number of counties, the law enforcement officials have not been working well together, forcing Special Agent Katz and her partner, Dax Styles, to corral the sheriffs together to get answers. While visiting the Wilder household, a few blocks from the crime scene, Special Agent Katz feels for the family and vows that she will do all she can to ensure that Cassidy returns home safely.

Looking through all the evidence on hand, Special Agent Katz is horrified when she watches the CCTV footage. The killer is calm as he shoots people around the store, as though this is all a game to him. Cassidy appears horrified violently taken from the store and shoved into the back of a truck. Comparing the other cases to this latest one, the parallels are eerie. Each of the other women who were abducted from the scene have turned up dead, their underwear missing, as though this is some odd trophy. Special Agent Katz realises that there is a time limit before Cassidy will also be killed and discarded.

A shocking discovery turns the case on its head and Special Agent Katz worries there is more to come. It is only when one of the bodies of the discovered women has a name written in blood that the case opens up. A strong lead has Special Agent Katz and Styles questioning themselves and just how much they know about the case, as well as one another. All they can decipher is that there is a killer out there, in plain sight, with more attacks surely on the horizon. They must stop this killer before the body count rises exponentially. Hood grips the reader with her storytelling and kept me wondering until the final page.

D.K. Hood has done a fabulous job with this series, painting a dark and powerful scene for the reader to enjoy. While the narrative flows well, there are strong undertones of the darker side that is Special Agent Beth Katz. As the story gets more intense, Katz and those around her find themselves caught in a web, questioning everything that is taking place. With a momentum build in the narrative, the reader finds themselves affixed to the story and all its facets. The character development is great, allowing the reader to learn a little more about those who are part of this collection, while also getting a crossover feel from others who work in Black Rock Falls, home to Hood’s other series that is just as captivating. I am eager to see where Beth Katz and those around her will go and what backstory will emerge that will explain more of her darker aspects.

Plot twists are present in all of these novels, this one especially. The series is gaining traction and Hood is adding more to her stories to help shape them for the curious reader. Twists emerge that no one could have seen coming, which adds depth and intensity to the stories, all while keeping the reader wondering what is to come. I await the next novel in the series and how D.K Hood will present it for series fans.

Kudos, Madam Hood, for another great book that checked all the boxes.

Shadow Angel (Special Agent Beth Katz #2), by D. K. Hood

Eight stars

In another of her series, D. K. Hood shows her abilities with yet another strong thriller collection. Exciting to the core, Hood develops a stunning story that has all the needed elements to keep the reader hooked well into the night. FBI Special Agent Beth Katz has a secret, though she is able to keep it under wraps as she hunts for serial killers. Someone has been killing local women and Katz chooses a risky means of catching the killer, putting herself and the case in danger. However, she seeks results, which cannot be found without some hard work on her part. Hood does well with this piece and keeps the reader hooked.

A dark and deserted cabin is quiet, though the eeriness pervades the area. A young woman‘s body is cold to the touch, though her cherry lips and pinkish cheeks show that she was once quite the looker. No longer, and for someone, this is the greatest prize of all.

It is the circling murder of crows that calls attention to the abandoned cabin in the woods. FBI Special Agent Beth Katz arrives on scene near Rattlesnake Creek, Montana. Alongside her, Dax Styles, the rebellious partner who gets results. Special Agent Katz knows that there is something off though she cannot put her finger on it. She knows that ther is a killer out there, but Montana is large. Still, she senses that this is not the only body and that the killer has a plan. Locating them will take more work that she might have imagined.

When Cassie Durham goes missing, her friends are in a panic. She was last seen at a bar, but her friends say that she is highly responsible. Once Cassie’s lifeless body is located, her rouged cheeks and painted eyelids are nothing like the photos of her that Special Agents Katz and Styles have seen. Could this killer be turning their kills into personal playthings?

After another body turns up, Special Agent Katz turns to the darker side to pick up whispers about a potential suspect. She is sure luring the killer out of hiding will simply take patience. Choosing to go undercover, Special Agent Katz hopes to locate someone watching her and strike before any other women are found dead. When someone appears to be following her, Special Agent Katz thinks that she has her man. However, she must decide if this is a time to bring him to justice or use her own rules, as a serial killer herself. Hood weaves things together masterfully and keeps the reader in suspense.

I have come to really enjoy the work that D.K. Hood puts into her novels. A fan of her larger and more complex series, I readily reached for this collection when it became available. I love the detail and narrative flow, which always keeps me wondering as I flip pages to get some answers. The story’s momentum pushes things along and keeps me eager to see where things are headed, as I try to juggle the story and Special Agent Beth Katz’s own personal narrative. The characters are well placed and keep me hoping to discover their own backstories and development. I hope more find their way into the next novel, so I can delve a little deeper

Plot twists are plentiful in this piece, which has an unpredictable protagonist at its centre. These twists keeps things from being too presumptive and I can never tell where things might go next. Hood has created a strong story, as well as a sturdy series that I hope stands up for many novels to come. I am eager to see where things might go and who will be next to cross Beth Katz.

Kudos, Madam Hood, for surprising me with every new idea.

Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:

https://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/

A Song for the Dead (Detectives Kane and Alton #21), by D.K Hood

Eight stars

D.K. Hood offers up another stunning piece with some twists, sure to impress series fans. In a story that provides all the needed elements for success, Hood picks up the thread and presents well-developed cliffhangers. When a young woman goes missing, Sheriff Alton is asked to investigate, though there are no clear clues. It will take discovery f another heinous crime to see a theme developing over this time of year. Could this be someone who uses Hallowe’en as a reason to commit violent crimes? Sheriff Alton and her team will have to delve deeply into the case and find clues to solve it swiftly. Hood dazzles once more with this piece.

Stepping out of the shower after work, she sees a message etching into the steam-covered mirror. “I’m going to kill you’.” A chill runs down her spine, but she does not even have time to scream before she’s thrust into darkness

It’s Halloween and Black Rock Falls is revved up for the celebration. This is short lived for Sheriff Jenna Alton and her partner, Deputy Dave Kane, as a woman is reported missing. When they arrive at the rural home, they see an obvious struggle and blood in the bathroom. Freya Richardson is gone and the scene is clearly one of a major crime.

There are no leads about where Freya could be and Sheriff Alton has reached a dead end. It’s only when the bodies of three women are found in the forest that things take a turn. Wrapped in blankets, these women have been missing for various lengths of time. The faces of the victims are all quite similar, and Freya resembles them as well. The kidnapper could be a killer who has gone quiet for the last number of years and his connection to Hallowe’en is eerie.

Working non-stop to locate the killer and Freya, Sheriff Alton has done all she can but cannot stop turning over every lead. Her worry grows when a friend calls and says that there is an intruder in the house. With Kane alongside her, Sheriff Alton leads the way to the house, as a killer is likely targeting his next victim. Will they arrive in time and capture the serial killer before more blood is shed? Hood does well spinning this tale and kept me reading well into the evening to get to the answers.

D.K. Hood has done well with this series, the first twenty novels part of a binge ate last year. With this latest novel, I was able to pick up where things left off and there was no lapse in the tension. A strong narrative keeps the reader on their toes and provides building momentum throughout. I have always enjoyed how things grow and what small pieces are left to blow in the wind for series fans to enjoy as they wait for another novel. With strong central and peripheral characters, Hood develops story arcs that keep me wanting to know more, while also noticing great development that is sure to build as books are added to the already strong series.

There is no end to the great aspects this series has to offer. Small-town policing has been a theme in many of the novels I have read over them last while, each with their unique approaches. Hood builds great plot twists and keeps things moving throughout the series. There are many moments of unexpected action and Hood uses this to keep the reader excited. I am eager to see what’s next and how things will develop with ease. Patience is not a virtue I have as a reader, but I will have to distract myself for the time being.

Kudos, Madam Hood, for never letting me down in my reading experience.

Where Hidden Souls Lie (Detectives Kane and Alton #20), by D.K. Hood

Eight stars

D.K. Hood offers up another stunning piece with some twists, sure to impress series fans. In a story that pulls on all the thriller and heart strings, Hood provides true perfect outlet for a handful of well-developed cliffhangers. When a young woman turns up in the forest, telling of being buried alive, Sheriff Jenna Alton tries to protect her. However, someone has been hunting them both and what follows could spell disaster, should Sheriff Alton not reach the rest of her team in short order. Hood weaves a tale like no other and leaves the reader gasping aloud.

Opening her eyes, all she can see is darkness, soil damp on her cheek. She’s been through an ordeal like no other. While she tries to break free from her containment, she can do little. All she hears is his laughter and the sound of him walking away, She is alone and will soon succumb if she cannot get out.

A shallow grave filled with bones is discovered on the outskirts of Black Rock Falls. Sheriff Jenna Alton goes to investigate, only to find that a small body is in the hole. While she scours the area for clues, Sheriff Alton is knocked out during a freak accident. When she is able to recover, she has fallen down into the river and away from anyone she knows. After righting herself and making it to shore, Sheriff Alton comes upon a young woman, who appears dirty and dishevelled. Her story is horrific—kidnapped from her foster home—and she has completely lost track of time. Armed with little other than her wits, Wanda opens up to Jenna and they forge a strong bond before long. Could the kidnapper return to claim Wanda and cause issues for Sheriff Alton, who is away from her team and cannot reach them?

Lost in the forest, violence soon arrives and Wanda is forcefully removed from the area, leaving Jenna to rush for cover. With night falling, she finds herself still out of contact with the others, but also now prey for the kidnapper, as well as any fauna who may be looking for food. Cold and worried, Jenna can only think of Dave and her new family, all of which could be for naught if this is not solved soon.

After a faceless body turns up in the water, deputies wonder if this could be Jenna. While Deputy Dave Kane refuses to believe that it is her. Kane must find Alton or the worst will come down for him and the household he is trying to keep together. No one can push deep enough into his mind to rid him of the thoughts that envelop him, which makes matters worse.

Racing not only to find the kidnapper, but also protect young women who have been taken from their foster homes, Sheriff Alton and Deputy Dave Kane work independently, but in tandem, to pull themselves well outside of their comfort zones to save others. This is sure to be one of the most intense killers they have hunted up to now, but there is no hope of resting, as this killer is always looking for new meat. Hood stuns with the details and story ideas that emerge throughout.

D.K. Hood has done well with this series. While I am now caught up, I cannot wait to see what Hood will do next with the series that never appears to have an end date. Strong narrative moments keep the reader on their toes and provides a stunning level of momentum throughout. I can only hope that Hood keeps her ideas coming and provides stunning cliffhangers for all to see.

Characters have never been lacking, nor has their development. Jenna Alton and Dave Kane have done well to keep the reader on their toes, as they learn more about these two. Their separation and possible familial destruction when Jenna was missing proved incredibly intriguing and added depth to their development. There are also strong moments for secondary characters to envelop, trolling their own stories throughout the piece. These characters are not wallflowers, but have lives and flavours of their own.

There is no end to the wonders that this series has to offer. Plot points keep the reader on their toes and does not let go until the final reveal. While some might think that each book can be read on its own, with plot development that ends by the final page, I would ask why anyone would want to shortchange themselves by skimping. I devoured the series and loved every moment, hoping others would have the same ideas. I can only wit and hope now, trusting their there will be more action before too long. However, patience has never been my strong suit.

Kudos, Madam Hood, for a great piece that leaves me wanting even more.

Their Wicked Games (Detectives Kane and Alton #19), by D.K. Hood

Eight stars

D.K. Hood provides another stunning thriller that is sure to impress all those who take the time to read it. With strong storylines and multi-faceted characters, Hood entertains effectively, while never letting the reader get too comfortable. After bodies are found outside of town with crossbow bolts through the torso. Sheriff Jenna Alton and Deputy Dave Kane are back in the thick of things, feeling that there is a strong connection to a killer they put away a number of years ago. Is this a copycat or has the killer been communicating with the outside to get a devotee involved in the business? Alton and Kane will stop at nothing until they find out the truth once and for all. Hood finds new ways of impressing fans once more.

As the dark overtakes the pine forest, she hopes that she is able to get to her destination. When a snapping twig alerts her to the trees around her, she realises that there are others close by. Panic sets in as she learns that someone is watching her. By the time the snapping intensifies, it’s apparent she will not leave the woods alone, or alive.

A rural path outside of Black Rock Falls contains three bodies, bloodied and laying for all to see. The bolts from crossbows removed with the gaping wounds still open. Shiny coins cover the eyes of the victims, alerting many that something ceremonial took place. Sheriff Jenna Alton and Deputy Dave Kane answer the call, feeling that there is something familiar about this presentation. It’s a serial killer they locked away on death row years ago.

Sheriff Alton notices the signs that the killer likely knew the victims, based on the placement of the bodies, These three teens were part of a crossbow team, but what could they have done to harm anyone to the point of being killed?

This will require a visit to the serial killer, James Earl Stafford, to get answers and clues and to how to catch this new killer.

Stafford offers no answers and leaves Sheriff Alton to surmise that there is a copycat killer out there, trying to emulate the incarcerated serial killer’s work. The sheriff will have to take action to protect her town, but knows little about what she can do to ensure their safety. Parents worry about their children and there is nothing that Sheriff Alton can do to calm them. As the team is now in the crosshairs of the killer, Alton, Kane, and the rest will have to watch their backs or risk dying themselves. Hood does well to keep the action high and the twists plentiful throughout this piece.

D.K. Hood has a great following and has dazzled readers for many years. Her stories are full of great action and the narrative flows with ease. Momentum adds to the experience as the reader is sure to get swept up with all that is taking place. Strong themes emerge and keep the reader enthralled.

Character development is key to the series and this piece is no exception. While Alton and Kane have their own development throughout, the secondary characters are sure to show some of their colours as things progress through the piece. There is always something for the reader to enjoy as they learn more about all those who grace the pages of the book.

Plot development is how Hood keeps the series fresh. Even when revisiting the stories of past killers, the angles are new and provide something intriguing for the reader to consider. I am eager to see how Hood will keep presenting these stories and never leave the reader to feel things have gone stale. I want to see what’s to come and how the chill factor will remain high throughout the upcoming novels. While I have been bingeing for a while now and loving every moment, I am almost caught up and will have to wait to see what D.K. Hood has to surprise me with, one book at a time. But, there’s still one more until I get t that point.

Kudos, Madam Hood, for a great piece that leaves me wanting even more.

Now You See Me (Detectives Kane and Alton #18), by D.K. Hood

Eight stars

D.K. Hood never stops with the intense storytelling found throughout this series. Another seasonal piece has the reader taken into the core of Black Rock Falls, where killers seem to have come out of the woodwork since Sheriff Jenna Alton arrived in town. When a local bartender goes missing, Sheriff Alton and her second-in-command, Deputy David Kane, arrive to investigate. It would appear that someone has been targeting those whose vehicles stop working. When more missing persons cross the police blotter, Alton and Kane know that there is something going on and the holiday season is the worst time to break bad news. A killer, an odd ritual, and a game of Christmas cat and mouse all play a part in this chilling novel. Hood knows how to keep the reader attentive until the very end.

With a car that is not working and the outside temperatures dropping, relief comes across her when a passer-by stops to offer some assistance. When they are on their way, thankfulness turns to panic as the locks click and she notices the others in the vehicle with her. This is not what she expected and things are about to get much worse.

Maisy Jones is one of the most beloved members of the Black Rock Falls business community, as well as being one mean pint puller. Working the bars, Maisy has made many people happy with her stories and positive attitude. When her ice-covered vehicle is found one day, suspicions are soon raised. No one has seen or heard from her, which causes a great deal of panic. Sheriff Jenna Alton and Deputy Dave Kane arrive on scene, only to find someone has tampered with the mechanical system. This was sabotage and one can only wonder if Maisy has been kidnapped.

As Alton and Kane scour the area, they locate a backpack, hoping that it will hold clues to Maisy’s whereabouts. It is not hers, but rather a teaching assistant’s who did not show up to work. Now, with two missing persons, Alton and Kane begin to fear that someone has been targeting locals for reasons unknown. Amping up the search, no clues emerge and everyone’s is left wondering what’s happened.

Panic follows as the hunt intensifies for the two missing persons. It’s soon apparent that there are others who have fallen off the grid, as Christmas approaches. A clue leads Alton and Kane to the town’s holiday display, but the answers are too implausible to fathom. Could this killer be more sadistic than many who have come to Black Rock Falls?

With a killer surely targeting locals and possibly walking the same streets, Sheriff Alton must use all her resources to locate this killer before they strike again. Merry is not how one would describe the sentiment around town, but determined is certainly one way of putting it. Hood offers up another stellar piece that pulls out all the stops for a successful final scene.

D.K. Hood has a large following, largely due to her stunning crime thrillers. While I am late to the party, I have used a significant binge to catch up to the great novels that encompass this series. Hood provides strong narrative basis to develop her stories, all of which build and add momentum throughout the experience. I could not put this book down, which is much like many of the others in the series, as I needed to know what would happen next.

Character development builds in this series, both for the protagonists and supporting cast. Having binged the first eighteen novels in the collection, I am more apt to see quick growth and some of the nuances that Hood has implanted over the years. Still, the development is to be applauded and has helped me better understand those who find their way onto the page. One off characters are also a great addition to the mix, flavouring things for all to enjoy. Story arcs are created and solved with the handful of key characters, all of whom have something to say for themselves.

The series relies on strong plot development in and around Black Rock Falls. I have never had issue with how Hood handles this, as she knows just the right twists to add in order to keep things on the level. Pulling on a number of ideas, the stories come to life and force the reader to hang on every word, as there is little time for wondering. I am eager to see what is to come, as we are almost at a point that I am caught up with the storytelling and yet there has been no lagging. Repetition seems a curse word for Hood, who is always fresh with her ideas and presentation. What is to come? I will have to keep reading to discover it all.

Kudos, Madam Hood, for a holiday thriller that did not disappoint.

Chase Her Shadow (Detective Kane and Alton #17), D.K. Hood

Eight stars

D.K. Hood has the magic to lure readers in with a strong series and evolving plot lines. I have been on a hardcore binge to read these novels and have barely taken time to breathe. Another novel set close to Hallowe’en, Hood weaves a tale about a woman whose husband’s military team disappeared and were presumed dead. When his ghost appears to her, many think it is her grief taking over. After she is found murdered, Sheriff Jenna Alton must investigate. More bodies deepen the mystery about this military unit and how a killer has been using this to fuel an apparent vendetta. Hood proves sensational once more!

She wakes all of a sudden with the sense that he is back, or at least his presence. It is still the dead of night, but she senses something eerie, unlike the way things felt before. Someone is peering at her and there is no time to wait. Her life is on borrowed time….

With Halloween back in Black Rock Falls, the celebrations are in full swing. While Sheriff Jenna Alton and her deputy David Kane want to take part in the festivities, they must attend a lodge outside town, when a frantic call comes into the office. Willow Smith’s body awaits them, signs of being murdered. Willow is a military widow with a husband whose entire military unit went missing years ago. All are presumed dead, but no one can confirm this. Sheriff Alton discovers a distinct purple medal in Willow’s hand, though it is not clear if this was clutched during the incident or left there as a calling card.

As Alton and Kane begin trying to piece the crime together, it becomes apparent that Willow was suffering quite a bit. She had been telling people that she saw her husband’s ghost and communicated with him. This explained the silent calls that she received in the dead of night. Many felt this was her grief overtaking Willow’s daily life, but it could be a key piece of evidence for the investigation.

Another body appears in a ravine, adding concern to the case. Another purple medal is lodged in the victim’s hand. The killer appears to be using this as a sign and this is another wife of the missing unit. Could it be a sign that someone has a vendetta against the unit or knows where they went?

It all boils down to the missing soldiers, a mystery in and of itself. Did they make it back alive or are they somewhere on the field of battle? While probing the rural surroundings, Sheriff Alton finds herself isolated from others. She hears a sound and has a tingling up her spine. Has the killer locked her in their sights? Hood keeps the action high and the suspense like no other book in the series!

D.K. Hood has made waves with this series, accentuating key elements necessary for a collection of strong thriller novels. Her narrative provides a solid foundation for the rest of the story’s success, keeping series fans enthralled as they try to decipher all the clues provided. Wholesome in its small-town nature, the story is far from a cozy piece, with murder at the core of each story. This novel was no exception, tapping into a military flavouring that highlights the past life Dave Kane led. Hood weaves a mystery with police procedural pillars to erect a fabulous read for the attentive reader.

Character development has never waned in this series, as both protagonists have a plethora sitting in their pasts. Hood not only focuses her attention on them and trying to unravel the secrets they had before arriving in Black Rock Falls, but also peppers the story with secondary characters who have lives of their own. Hood has never kept the reader out of the loop, though she does provide breadcrumbs for all to wonder more about those who prop up the larger and more complex characters. This story does offers some military flavouring and hints at the past Dave Kane had in Special Forces, which only adds to the depth of intrigue found within its pages.

The series relies on strong plot points to keep the mystery moving and the police procedural nature of the story front and centre. Hood is able to provide all the needed elements without becoming repetitive, even seventeen novels into the series. I marvel at the detail she provides and how she can transform the apparently sleepy town of Black Rock Falls, Montana into what has been referred to as ‘serial killer central’. I am eager to plunge deeper into the series and see where things are headed, as Hood has never disappointed.

Kudos, Madam Hood, for keeping things on pace towards further greatness.

Her Bleeding Heart (Detectives Kane and Alton #16), by D.K. Hood

Eight stars

D.K. Hood keeps the series rushing along, providing high-octane action and sustained thrills throughout. Hood has kept this series strong and moving, as characters and plot lines evolve throughout the collection of novels. When Black Rock Falls suffers severe weather, Sheriff Jenna Alton is forced to make some serious choices. A killer has been luriking around, killing and leaving a calling card for the authorities to ponder. How will it all play out, as Alton tries to get to the bottom of it all? Hood proves a great writer once more with this piece.

The rain has turned from a wonderful meteorological event to something nasty, soaking her to the skin. She rushes out of the large house and hides behind a vehicle, hoping that no one will find her. However, as fast as a flash of lightning, he discovers her hiding spot and she’s compromised once more. The hunt is on and someone’s going to perish in the puddles.

The rain has gone from a pleasant change to being a complete disaster. Roads are closed and landslides have kept Back Rock Falls isolated from the rest of Montana. When Sheriff Alton receives a call, the panic in the caller’s voice lets her feel that this could be another crime. A woman’s body is found in the river and it does not look like an accident.

When Sheriff Alton and Deputy Dave Kane rush to the scene, they see the lifeless body and its position screams of being dumped. Tattered clothes and hair all over, as well as an odd clue, a jack of hearts, tucked into her underwear. This calling card could be essential in discovering the killer’s identity, though the motive is still far from being clear.

It is only a few days until another body turns up, this time stuffed in the back of a vehicle. Her neck is covered in red welts and she is nothing like the previous victim. However, a playing card is again stuffed into the victim’s clothes, proving that there could be a pattern. Could there be a third victim out there, perhaps as yet targeted?

Shut out from the outside world, Sheriff Alton and her deputies begin analysing the clues they have. This could be the work of a serial killer the FBI has been hunting for going on a decade. If so, this notorious killer has come to Black Rock Falls on a mission, but they’ve yet to clash with Sheriff Alton, one woman in authorities who does not shy away from serial killers or the dangerous work they do. With a few potential suspects, Sheriff Alton will have to crack the case wide open. Hood provides all the ingredients for a successful series once more with this novel.

D.K. Hood has paved the way for her own success with this series, pulling on all the right elements. Her narrative foundation is strong and ever-evolving, so series fans never need to feel they are in a repetitive loop. Ideas mesh well with the quick pace this series offers, leaving the reader from getting too settled. Serial killers may gravitate towards Black Rock Falls, but no two stories are alike and Hood keeps the action intense throughout.

Character development has never been an issue with this series as the protagonists evolve before the attentive reader. Surrounded with a number of strong secondary characters, Hood offers up a plethora of activity for all to enjoy,. With more characters becoming regulars, story arcs emerge and force the reader to pay closer attention, never sure what is about to happen. There was an interesting subplot with Dave Kane’s memory loss and the examination of his connection to Jenna, as well as the memories of all they have been through since Kane arrived in Black Rock Falls. While not central to the story, it did provide some intriguing moments. The richness of their development and means by which they flavour the narrative hep keep the reader involved in all that is taking place.

Action is heightened through the number and depth of the plot twists that occur throughout the story. This series has never lacked in confusing spins and Hood does well to keep them new and somewhat fresh. The series prides itself on the small town feel and powerful plot developments. I can only hope there are new ideas percolating in the series, for Hood has never stopped keeping the reader on the edge of their seat.

Kudos, Madam Hood, for making the momentum of this series forcing the reader to keep up with the pace.

Kiss Her Goodnight (Detectives Kane and Alton #15), by D.K. Hood

Eight stars

D.K. Hood fuels this series with great action and numerous plot twists. The stories are increasingly better crafted and keep the reader connected to the many story arcs Hood has built since its outset. While Sheriff Jenna Alton and Deputy Dave Kane have been enjoying a lull in crime rates, they are jolted into action when a body is found in a playground. A new killer is in Black Rock Falls and they are ready to make an impact. Scrambling for clues, this is a killer with an agenda, forcing Sheriff Alton to adjust her skills before it’s too late.

The night is quiet and this is usually no issue as she locks up the local café. However, tonight she has a chill running up her spine, with any noise leaving her jumping. Hoping she will make it home safely, she quickens her pace. Someone is hiding in the shadows with a plan for her tonight.

A three month lull in crime has left Sheriff Jenna Alton and her senior deputy, Dave Kane, focussed in their big day. Hoping to be able to hand over the reins during their honeymoon, Alton and Kane are jolted out of their reverie when a body appears in the local playground. Dressed only in a flimsy nightgown and a sick mask, Sherrif Alton tries to decipher how the victim’s presentation may serve as a clue.

There are disturbing red punctures along the victim’s spine, leaving many to wonder if this was part of the pre-death torture. This reminds Alton of a recently incarcerated serial killer, leaving her to wonder if there is a copycat on the loose. Alton and Kane will be forced to visit him in order to get some insights.

Another body appears a few days later, solidifying the fact that there is a new killer in Black Rock Falls, hunting for women. Alton must get ahead of this or fear that the killings will never end. Kane and the others on the team are working hard to solve this with clues, but hitting a wall up to now.

When a third body turns up with some forensics that would help, Alton rushes to follow the clues to a rural set of caves. This could hold all the answers, but also lead Sherrif Alton into the killer’s trap. Hood stuns with her details and action throughout.

D.K. Hood has made many inroads with this series, which mixes serial killers with a great police procedural foundation. The narrative flows with ease and keeps the reader moving, as things turn from smooth sailing to the choppiness of troubled waters. Hood has made it her goal to pull the reader into the middle of the story, refusing to let them go until the final reveal. I cannot wait to see what twists await me with the next novels in this collection.

Character development proves essential to the series, both protagonists and secondary characters. Hood does not differentiate in the effort she appears to put into those who grace the pages of this collection, keeping the reader hooked with the various developments and emergence of fresh faces to flavour the story. I cannot wait to see how the core group will grow and how things will go with these new storylines, brought in by those who play a part in the novel.

Hood does a great job building up the action and tossing in a twist or two to set things alight. She has a wonderful way of weaving it all together, keeping the reader in a degree of suspense as things progress. I have become obsessed with the series and cannot wait to see what its to come, as I make my way through each novel at lightning speed!

Kudos, Madam Hood, for entertaining me to no end.

Pray for Mercy (Detectives Kane and Alton #14), by D.K. Hood

Eight stars

D.K. Hood keeps the action high and the. mystery suspenseful with yet another book. The stories keep getting better and I am always looking for the twists that Hood adds to keep the series fresh. When a number of elderly women turn up murdered, Sheriff Jenna Alton and her team begin their investigation. While all this is taking place, an acquaintance from Deputy Dave Kane’s past emerges in Black Rock Falls, causing both professional and personal strain for some. Juggling all of this, Sheriff Alton will have to rely on her deputies to find a killer, who appears to be targeting a specific group. Hood develops the series to make it on that is unputdownable!

A noise downstairs startles her awake, requiring a trip to the main level. When she arrives, a door has been left open, one she was sure had been shut before bed. Closing it and returning upstairs, there is an odd feeling in the bedroom, where two eyes peer out at her. Before she can scream, all is muffled and there is no chance for help any longer.

After an overnight message is left at the sheriff’s office, Sheriff Jenna Alton and her senior deputy, Dave Kane, make their way to a small home on the outskirts of Black Rock Falls. What they discover is the body of Agnes Wagner, a pillar of the community. She is in a pool of blood, with stab wounds all over her body. The question remains, who would knowingly attack Agnes and what was the motive?

No witnesses and little trace evidence leave Sheriff Alton baffled as to what could have happened. Speaking to a local contractor who had done work for Agnes, Alton discovers little. It is only when she and Kane are called to the scene of a car crash that another body, that of Agnes’ best friend, is discovered, mangled.

The connection between these two women has Sheriff Alton wondering if these are targeted kills. Her worries intensify when one of her team members is found, unconscious, with blood all over him and a knife, a third body completing the montage. Could Alton have misjudged one of her own and let a killer into the sheriff’s office? The clues are making that a distinct possibility.

While Alton tries to put the pieces together, an acquaintance from Kane’s past makes her way to town and is hired by the mayor as the newest deputy. Sheriff Alton is less than impressed, particularly when the woman has little skill or obvious interest in taking things seriously. When she, too, disappears, some wonder if the job was too much for her. However, there could be more to it. Hood dazzles once again with a strong addition to the series.

D.K. Hood has almost perfected her serial killer series with novels of this calibre. Set in a small Montana community, things are both cozy and confusing, which adds depth to an already strong narrative. The action leaves little room for the reader to lag behind, as the story’s momentum dictates being highly attentive. I have long enjoyed this pace and hope it continues as the series keeps progressing

Character development remains essential to the series and Hood offers it up without hesitation. A core collection of characters that keeps growing work well together, but all harbour their own secrets and pasts. The long sought connection between Alton and Kane appears to be emerging, though there are rocky moments that add flavouring to the story arc many have been anticipating. I can see a number of changes are on the way and Hood has done really well to action them with small nuances between her characters. Patience will be required, but my eagerness will help along the way.

The series relies on killers who have motives and rationale that is not entirely clear from the outset. Hood weaves these plot twists in the narrative effectively and provides the reader with a great addition to the series. There will always be loose ends to tie off, but Hood does not let them dangle for too long, hoping the reader will pick up on the subtleties she provides. This series has me hooked and keeps getting better. I cannot wait to see how things will go from here.

Kudos, Madam Hood, for penning another unputdownable book!

Don’t Look Back (Detectives Kane and Alton #13.5), by D.K. Hood

Eight stars

D.K. Hood has developed a strong series through the use of full novels, to delve into a number of poignant topics. This is the second novella in the series that seek to explore backstories of the protagonists. While D.K. Hood warns not to read them as prequel stories, she does look to the past in order to explain the present. This piece is all about the life of Jenna Alton, before she arrived in Black Rock Falls. Working undercover as DEA Agent Avril Parker, things go awry and a raid ensues, making sure Parker is the target of a cartel. Seeking to reinvent herself, Parker becomes Jenna Alton and arrives in Montana, ready to effect change.

Avril Parker has been building a case, working undercover, as a DEA agent for four year. Now it’s time to act and take down a highly dangerous member of the cartel she’s infiltrated, her husband, Michael. While she has been the dutiful wife, she knows that there is a major event taking place, one that could be the raid she has been working towards.

Realising just how bad things have become, Avril waits for dark, when everything is supposed to go down. In a lightning attack, DEA agents storm the property, leaving Michael and others in senior positions within the cartel scrambling to negotiate plea bargains.

With her life in danger, Avril will have to undergo significant changes in Witness Protection. A new face, new body, and definitely a new name. With a lead on placing her in a small Montana community, Avril is transformed into Jenna Alton, a former Baltimore PD hot-shot looking for a new life. She agrees to the change, as long as she can blend in.

Arriving in Black Rock Falls, Montana, Jenna Alton seeks to make a name for herself and secure the role of sheriff. It’s little crime and a cozy community to boot. Jenna is happy with the move and eager to set down some roots, while trying to keep her law enforcement career going. A great novella by Hood to fill in many of the Jenna Alton gaps.

D.K. Hood has yet to stop with her slew of powerful thriller stories, rich with action and series development. Offering up a chance to fill in the gaps of Jenna. Alton’s past and how she evaded the cartel, Hood provides a solid narrative to guide the reader through this shorter piece, without cutting out the details or action. The momentum of the piece helps push things along and leaves the reader wanting more, as the story connects with the start of the series in Black Rock Falls.

Character development has long been a cornerstone to the series, which is offered up throughout. This prequel-type piece offers the reader the needed backstory to better understand Jenna Alton’s past life and the reason she is so secretive about it. While there has been mention of a cartel hunting for her, it is only with this piece that the truth comes out for all to see. Much like the previous novella that expounded on the life of Dave Kane, this one offers the other protagonist’s life story and does so masterfully.

The series relies on major twists and story arcs to fuel its momentum. While D.K. Hood has been working on backstory here, she does offer up some great moments of action and a few twists. Things in this piece connect well with the series I have come to love. I am eager to find more breadcrumbs embedded in the narratives, as they relate to the past lives of both Alton and Kane. Hood seems to never run out of ideas, as my binge continues with this series. I cannot wait to see what’s to come.

Kudos, Madam Hood, for another quick break from the intense story writing this series has provided to dedicated fans.

Fallen Angel (Detectives Kane and Alton #13), by D.K. Hood

Eight stars

D.K. Hood has effectively built this series with all the elements needed for a strong thriller collection. Elaborating on many of the story arcs presented in the previous dozen novels, Hood provides the reader with something strong and. well-plotted. The series has come so far and yet still has a ways to go. When a crime writers’ convention come to Black Rock Falls, the town is excited. Sheriff Jenna Alton and her senior deputy, Dave Kane, are eager to have so many new faces around town, particularly the author who has been spinning tales about murder in their Montana community. When a literary agent turns up dead, Alton and Kane are alerted to troubles and can only hope they will choke off the spree before it gets too intense. Hood weaves quite the story here with her lucky thirteenth novel in this collection.

As she watches the scenery around her, she must hurry, as things are getting dark. When the sound of footfalls behind her break her concentration, the intensity increases. Worried for her safety, she picks up the pace, but is soon overtaken and before she can alert anyone else, her surroundings fade.

Black Rock Falls is home to a crime writers’ convention, using the newly built ski lodge and hotel as its setting. Faces from across the industry appear, ready to sell their ideas to authors or present new twists on long-developed ideas. However, there is not only a sense of joy when a young literary agent disappears from the hotel and is soon found dead. Her body, pale and lodged under the ice, tells a story of something sinister and macabre. This was no accident, though Sheriff Jenna Alton will have to investigate to find out just what happened.

Working with her senior deputy, Dave Kane, they find an earring, which might prove to be a clue worth building upon. Trying to keep the guests calm and in their rooms, many speculate that this is all part of the conference, a murder mystery to solve. When a second body is discovered in one of the chalets, Alton and Kane know that there is something nefarious going on. They try to contain it before things get too out of hand, discovering a second earring. Could this be a clue to identifying the killer?

While interviewing guests, Alton and Kane try to discover a motive or a possible suspect, particularly when they hear that arguments had taken place not long before either victim was found. When a flash blizzard descends on the Montana community, both Alton and Kane realise that they are in close confines to the killer. A distressing call and another piece of evidence turns the hunt for a killer into a race for safety, with many more possible victims who could be targeted in the blink of an eye. Can the killer be caught before things turn serial? Hood develops this stunning addition to the series and keeps the reader on their toes.

D.K. Hood has not stopped perfecting her serial killer series, based in the small community of Black Rock Falls, Montana. There seems to be little Hood has not done or is willing to do. Working with a strong narrative base, Hood finds ways to keep the reader on their toes and provide a crescendo in the action until things climax with a final reveal. This series relies on great narrative development and utilising strong ideas to propel things forward. Thirteen books and counting proves that something must be going well.

Character development is another essential element for keeping the series fresh. With a core collection of characters who work well together, Hood has been able to develop strong advancement throughout. This keeps the reader intrigued with how things are going. While Kane and Alton both have pasts veiled in secrecy, they are coming out of their shells and appear to be connecting with one another on a more personal level. This is something series fans have been hoping for and they can now see it coming to fruition, though there are many other storylines that flourish with this momentum.

The series relies on unpredictable factors and strong plot points. Hood has been able to pace them effectively, without releasing too much in any one book. The stories flow well and appear to have a strong sense of development, building on one another without being too intertwined, so as to leave the reader lost if this miss something. I will always encourage readers to begin at the start of a series, though there are portions of each book that could allow for standalone reading. That said, who would want to miss out from all the building action? Hood has so much more to say, including another novella reading to read next. I cannot wait to see how things will fit together.

Kudos, Madam Hood, for perfecting the art of thriller writing!

Lose Your Breath (Detective Kane and Alton #12.5), by D.K. Hood

Eight stars

D.K. Hood has developed a strong series to date, as many of my reviews have helped show. While she has used full novels to delve into a number of topics, this is the first of two novellas that seek to explore backstories of the protagonists. While D.K. Hood warns not to read them as prequel stories, she does look to the past in order to explain the present. This piece is all about the life of Dave Kane, before he ever found his way to Black Rock Falls. In it, Kane is called into service to help exfiltrate the daughter of a high-ranking US official, after her kidnapping on the streets of Jerusalem. As Kane tries to work with the target, he realises that what he holds dear may have changed and that he wants a new and exciting life outside of the Secret Service and as a military sniper. Hood paints that picture well and provides the reader with a stellar short piece of writing.

After a long day of work, she leaves the office and rushes to her old vehicle, parked along a deserted street in Jerusalem. The US Embassy is a great place to work, but she loves the downtime too. When she looks up into the rearview mirror, she sees two eyes staring back at her. Before she can gasp, a man pulls her out of the vehicle and the time of horror begins.

Annie Parkes is missing and her father’s connection to POTUS makes finding her essential. Enter, David Kane, the pseudonym of a highly-trained operative with skills like no one else. His solitary nature makes him the ideal candidate, as no one will miss him should the mission fail. That said, this mission cannot fail and Annie must be saved before the kidnappers can kill her, as they promise to do.

While working to locate her, Kane finds himself feeling more than simply patriotic duty to help POTUS. When he locates her, Kane and Annie share a connection. Kane vows to protect her and to find out who has plotted the abduction. That will take time and determination, which Kane has always found useful.

What follows is a connection between Annie and Kane that defies a simple rescue. Their connection will pull them together, to the point that when tragedy strikes, Kane wonders if he can go on. Hood fills in many gaps for her protagonist in this great novella. A great addition to the series!

D.K. Hood has not stopped creating strong stories that are rich with action and series development. A powerful narrative offers the reader a rich story, filled with details that help to create a better understanding from Kane’s point of view. Well-paced writing keeps the reader hooked with what is taking place throughout.

Character development is key to the series’ success, which is helped with this piece. Dave Kane’s backstory is key to better understanding the man he is today and how his past wounds shape his future successes. While there is mention of Annie in passing throughout the series, Hood takes the time to offer a thorough explanation of Annie’s personal side and how Kane’s connection to her shapes his policing in Black Rock Falls.

The series relies on major twists and story arcs. Hood chooses backstory development, rather than plot twists, with this piece. There is an ongoing need to fill in gaps, which Hood addresses with ease. I enjoyed this piece, understanding why it is better not to treat it as a prequel piece. Rich with references that will add depth and flavoring to the ongoing series, I was happy to get this novella read as I delve deeper into the world of Kane and Alton. Another novel awaits me, so I can find out a little more.

Kudos, Madam Hood, with a nice break from the intense story writing the dozen novels have offered series fans.

Cross My Heart (Detectives Kane and Alton #12), by D.K. Hood

Eight stars

D.K. Hood provides a strong series, adding to it with a stellar novel here. Building on past stories and adding great ideas for future novels, Hood creates a wonderful reading experience. A killer has been hunting people with a crossbow and sending chills throughout the community. Sheriff Alton and Deputy Kane rush to help, discovering that the killer has been emulating someone they put away in years past. The killings ramp up and the terror increases as Hallowe’en creeps closer. Hood keeps things on track to stay of the highest quality and provides the reader with a sensational experience.

With sounds of footsteps echoing in her house, she wakes and wonders. A sight outside the window provides an additional chill as a shadow lurks just out of the moonlight. Outside, a man waits for her to realize, a crossbow pointed in her direction. She sees a flash of lightening before the figure disappears, leaving her wondering what’s to come.

The body of a man is found in the dense forest around Black Rock Falls, a crossbow bolt rammed in the head. Sheriff Jenna Alton arrives at the scene and sees a number of similarities to a past case she worked. The weapon and locale are

eerily familiar, but that killer has been securely kept in prison for years already. This adds to the confusion and worry:

Jenna presumed this must be a copycat killer. During the town’s Hallowe’en festival, all is confirmed as two tourists are murdered along the trail in the same crossbow fashion. It appears they were chased and hunted down, before being killed by a skilled hunter. Sheriff Alton turns to the man she put away, hoping that he can help shed some light on the killing and how to catch the perpetrator.

Bracing herself, Jenna faces him head on and hopes for some answers. However, it appears as though he knows more than he will share, hoping their past prior to incarceration will spark anew. When he agrees to help, things take a turn and the prison guards drag him off before he can share too much.

An emergency sends Sheriff Alton and Deputy Dave Kane into the forest to investigate. There, a killer comes face to face with them and shows just how cunning he can be. In a moment of weakness, neither Kane nor Alton are ready for what awaits them and the killer’s motives come to life. Now, it will be a race to see if they can survive and bring justice to pass. Hood does a great job at keeping the reader hooked.

D.K. Hood does not stop with these great serial killer stories. The narrative provides a strong guide to keep the story moving in a forward direction. I cannot wait to see what is to come, as Hood never appears to run out of ideas. This story builds on a past piece, but shows some of its own individuality. Hood keeps the momentum going and the reader highly entertained.

Character development is key to the series’ success, which has proven to be key to many of the novels. Jenna Alton and Dave Kane have numerous layers, all of which are developed effectively. Their ongoing connection keeps series fans wondering when things might transpire. Secondary characters stay rooted and provide a form of entertainment, linking to the protagonists easily, while also engaging the reader stories to provide something substantive.

The series relies on major twists and story arcs. Hood never disappoints with her development, building on the past while looking to the future. The suspense this creates is sure to impress the reader, particularly series fans. These novels continue and the series has not waned.

I am always excited about where things are headed.l, particularly as each story appears to build on the tension fostered by the last few novels.

Kudos, Madam Hood, as you keep things exciting and intriguing.

Be Mine Forever (Detectives Kane and Alton #11), by D.K. Hood

Eight stars

D.K. Hood keeps up this high calibre series with another winning novel. Building on past story arcs and developing new ones for readers to enjoy, Hood provides a stellar experience. When a teenage girl goes missing, citizens of Black Rock Falls begin a search party. Sheriff Jenna Alton is keen to see things resolved soon. When the girl’s vehicle turns up, things soon take a dire turn and a body is found. Sheriff Alton and her team try to piece together what is happening, particularly when other girls go missing. Could there be a duo working to rid the town of teen girls, or is this an obsessed single killer? Hood pulls out all the stops to ensure that this series will keep getting better.

When the clouds appear over Black Rock Falls, Montana, it looks like quite the storm. Laurie Turner is worried, as she tries to navigate the roads, but is soon assuaged when she sees a familiar face pull up in the vehicle next to her. Little does Laurie know, this smiling face will be one she soon associates with horror as as a pit of darkness opens.

Laurie’s father, Dr. Turner, soon reported her missing and is pressing Sheriff Jenna Alton to take action. When Laurie’s abandoned truck turns up, Sheriff Alton fears the worst and a search party begins scouring the town for any sign of Laurie. A body soon emerges, later identified as Laurie. Things soon spiral out of control, an emotional rollercoaster rushing into town, uninvited.

While Dr. Turner paints himself as being a stable father, Sheriff Alton and her team soon learn the darker side of the man. Rages and strict rules are all Laurie knows, as well as ranting about a mother who abandoned her. Laurie’s departure now makes more sense, though her murder still remains a mystery.

With the suspicion that someone in town is the killer, Alton and her senior deputy, Dave Kane, begin to piece things together, all in hopes that the killer’s identity will come to the surface. In the shadows, someone is planning another kidnapping, with similar outcomes. All this comes to fruition when another cheerleader goes missing.

With the intel they have, it seems as though there is a duo targeting cheerleaders, though Alton and Kane refuse to rush to conclusions. Whoever is out there, it is something worth investigation a little more, all to stop the killings, with motives that remain a mystery. Hood weaves a great tale that keeps the reader turning pages well into the night.

D.K. Hood does not rest as she develops strong mysteries with stellar police procedural undertones. The narrative remains strong as things take the story in many directions. I cannot help but wonder what is awaiting in the coming novels, as these have been so strong and left the reader to stay abreast of the action, or risk getting lost in the dust. Story arcs emerge and develop with ease, keeping the reader on the edge of their seats until the final reveal.

Character development is central to success in this series and D.K. Hood knows how to keep things fresh and evolving. Jenna Alton and Dave Kane have great layers, with missing links that need exploration. There is also the connection between them that keeps series fans guessing. Strong secondary characters provide entertainment and link the protagonists with ease, while also keeping the reader engaged with what awaits them in novels to come. Each novel adds more, while also keeping the questions emerging.

The series has found success with its plot twists and story arcs. There is always something happening that I did not see coming, providing excitement while I devour these novels. I cannot help but want more, not that Hood is holding out, but I love the style and seek further discovery. The novels are still coming and the series shows no sign of waning, leaving me eager to see where Hood will take things and how she plans to get there.

Kudos, Madam Hood, for making it a priority to showcase great writing.

Promises in the Dark (Detectives Kane and Alton #10), by D.K. Hood

Eight stars

D.K. Hood lets things smoulder in the latest addition to the Kane and Alton series. The reader is treated to more wonderful narrative and strong story development, both of which have been cornerstones of this police procedural series. When a house fire rages out of control, it’s soon discovered that one of the children is unaccounted for. Sheriff Jenna Alton and her team learn that the girl has been kidnapped, though the fire was not a diversion, but a punishment. Now, it’s time to find the kidnapper and get to the root of the issues that led to a family’s death. What follows is a harrowing game to find a killer and determine what has created such a horrifying set of events in a small community. Chilling and yet fire-hot, D.K. Hood does it once more with this novel.

While bound and stuck in the back seat of a vehicle, a teenage girl watches as her home explodes before her. No one else appears to have escaped and she sees all she loves lost in a ball of fire. Turning to the driver in front, Sophie Wood sees someone laughing and cackling, promising that there is more to come. All she can do is pray that she will remain safe.

When Sheriff Jenna Alton arrives on scene, she wonders what led to this horrifying fire at the Wood’s home. Three charred bodies lay in front of her, their lives burnt to a crisp, but one is missing. The body of the teenage Sophie is nowhere to be found. Arson is immediate suspected, meaning that there is a a killer out there who appears to have Sophie in their clutches, Alton knows that this will be the team’s primary focus, though there is a great deal to assess.

When Sophie’s body is discovered a few days later in the water, Sheriff Alton knows that this killer is out to play a deadly game. There is a plan and the teenage angle plays into it. When Sheriff Alton delves a little deeper into the lives of the family, she finds a link between the suspected killer and her own Deputy Dave Kane. Now, armed with the intel, she must not only be on the look out for the killer, but also try to ensure Kane does not get pulled in to the middle of it all, as well as the safety of his being in Black Rock Falls.

After another teenage girl is taken, it shows a connection to the larger plan and solidifies just what the killer has been doing. It takes a trip to a small community, where outsiders are not welcome and women must know their place, to solidify that something is amiss. These are dangerous people and even Dave Kane cannot outsmart them for too long. Working every angle and trying to stay one step ahead, Sheriff Alton will have to act swiftly to prevent more deaths and further emotional harm. A great story that has all the elements for success.

D.K. Hood has kept up her high quality work with this series, pulling the reader into the middle of a great story that has more to offer than meets the eye. I loved the strong narrative approach and how the reader becomes part of the investigation. The momentum of the piece is guided well and provides the reader with something on which they can connect, while remaining a conscious overseer of all that is taking place. The series prides itself on this quick storytelling and Hood does not disappoint.

Character development is key to keeping the story strong, with Hood also eager to add depth to her characters and some additional means of connecting them all together. While she has added some strong secondary characters, the core Alton and Kane are still evolving, both as individuals and a. team. I am eager to see what is to come and how it will all work out, as there is a great deal of storyline that teases at something Kane-Alton related. We have yet to see the spark many are expecting. I surmise Hood has a plan and patience is key.

The series has successes with strong plot lines and well-paced storylines, all of which keep the reader in the middle of the action. D.K. Hood has fostered a great connection with her readers and the characters, providing entertainment at every page flip. The stories keep delving deeper into the world of serial killers, but also the growth of the town and the characters who inhabit Black Rock Falls and environs. I am always eager to read more of this series, which appears to be branching out and getting even better the more books are added, which is a definite rarity in the genre.

Kudos, Madam Hood, for never shirking on great reads full of exciting possibilities.

Her Shallow Grave (Detectives Kane and Alton #9), by D. K. Hood

Eight stars

D.K. Hood provides a gripping story from the opening pages. In a piece that is as strong as many others in the series, the author positions a depraved killer in the middle of small-town Montana, where Sheriff Jenna Alton and her team are ready to hunt them down. Body parts are hanging from tree limbs, like holiday decorations, but something is surely wrong as Sheriff Alton tries to keep the townsfolk calm. All the while, a killer has been capturing young women with tattoos and keeping them until their usefulness has waned, at which time they become the next piece of public art. With a chilling rush to find the killer and the captive women, Alton will have to pull out all the stops. Hood does a masterful job once more!

Laying in the dark, chilled to the bone and in pain, a young woman awaits her fate. When she hears footsteps above her, she can only hope that someone is here to help. However, once the cellar door creaks open, she knows that it is her captor, ready for another round of games.

While Black Rock Falls is gearing up for the winter season, the small Montana community has other things to draw its attention. Body parts are tied to trees, left dangling for all to see. A quick call to Sheriff Jenna Alton has her rushing to investigate, her team in tow.

While Sheriff Alton cannot stomach what she’s seeing, a gruesome piece of holiday public art, she is soon called away to another site of body parts, frozen solid. What is most baffling of all is that there are no reports of missing persons in the area. Has Black Rock Falls become the place some killer or killers have chosen to discard of the remains of murder victims?

When more bodies emerge, it becomes a macabre game of cat and mouse for Sheriff Alton, who is determined to get to the bottom of it. Meanwhile, in a secluded house, The Preacher has been collecting women who have unique tattoos on parts of their body. His interest is not sexual, but he is sure to treat the women in such a way that they will not challenge his authority. When they are done serving a purpose, these women will have a place outside, where countless others have been placed.

While trying to work the case with her lead deputy, Dave Kane, Sheriff Alton is confronted by a woman who takes offence to the closeness she shares with her second-in-command. As Kane wants no trouble, he chooses to back away from the woman, but things take a turn and the case at hand soon becomes secondary as Alton is placed in a precarious position. With a killer on the loose and a stalker in the shadows, Black Rock Falls is rife with issues and in need of the law. D.K. Hood does a splendid job with this piece.

D.K. Hood has not waned in her writing since I began these books not long ago. She present crisp mysteries that never seem to slow and provides wonderful perspectives through her detailed narratives. A strong foundation leads the reader throughout and there is little time to rest, as the action is high from one chapter to another. In a series that keeps getting better, D.K. Hood delves deep into the disturbing psyche of many a killer to present superior stories for all to enjoy.

Increased character development provides series fans with something about this they can talk, as Jenna Alton and Dave Kane continue to evolve. Their professional lives mesh well, though it is a personal angle that gets some time in the limelight during this piece, something many have been hoping for over the last number of books. I was eager to see this, even when some pitfalls introduced themselves into the middle of the story. I am eager to see how the author will foster the ongoing closeness of Alton and Kane, as well as many of the other characters whose secondary roles still have them actively supporting the series along the way.

There are some wonderfully developed plot lines in this story, many of which work to connect past issues with those in the present. Hood weaves quite a tale and offers enough twists that there is never a lack of suspense for the attentive reader, while also finding new ways to make Black Rock Falls home to an oddly plentiful group of serial killers. I am eager to see how things will keep progressing, as well as some of the new story arcs that are sure to emerge before long.

Kudos, Madam Hood, for keeping the spine tingles with each book you present.

Her Broken Wings (Detectives Kane and Alton #8), by D.K. Hood

Eight stars

D.K. Hood demands all the reader has, without the promise of letting go from the opening pages of this book. In a story that tackles a number of issue, the author takes the reader on an adventure like no other and keeps the tension high, with a great deal of momentum building throughout the various twists and turns. What begins as an emergency call in the middle of the night soon snowballs and leaves the reader feeling gripped to each line, until the mystery comes together. Sheriff Jenna Alton, Deputy Dave Kane, and the rest of the team are pulled into the middle of it all, leaving only when things fall into place on the final pages of this well-crafted book. I could not ask for more, though D.K. Hood always delivers in this great addition to the series.

When an emergency call pierces the still night, Sheriff Jenna Alton is ready. She arrives at the scene, hoping that things will be swiftly handled, but the sight of Lucas Robinson laying in bed, surrounded by his own blood, is enough to raise her hackles. When his wife, Carol, is seen shivering in the corner and explaining that some random shooter committed the crime, Alton and her deputy, Dave Kane, realise that they have another case where the killer may be on the loose and ready to wreak havoc.

After commencing the investigation, Sheriff Alton learns that Lucas Robinson was having an affair, which is nothing too shocking to her. Robinson’s dalliances may have fuelled the need to ‘get him out’ once and for all. When the man’s mistress is later found murdered, Alton and Kane know that they have a murderer on their hands, likely seeking some form of revenge. All eyes turn to Carol Robinson. But there’s more to the story.

After a remote ranch is the scene of more bloodbath, Alton and Kane have their team attend, where they can be sure something is going on and that the killer is not from around here. The clues and the means of killing are unlike anything that either of them has seen since their days working for the feds, a time both have kept from the locals during their years of service in Black Rock Falls, Montana.

Asked to help explore a cold case as well, Alton and Kane have their hands full trying to keep the community calm and under control. They split their time as best as possible, it there is something niggling in their minds about the disappearance of a family, long thought dead, while the remaining son re-emerges on an indigenous reservation with no recollection.

With Halloween just around the corner and many visitors making their way to town for the festivities, Alton and Kane must devise a plan to capture the killer before more lives are lost, while also trying to piece together their cold case. However, the killer seems to be in the middle of the investigation, knowing the next move before it is done, forcing Alton and Kane to wonder if the killer is amongst them. A chilling tale by D.K. Hood that only adds to the greatness of the series.

D.K. Hood has kept me hooked from the opening book and I have not stepped back in the week I have been devouring these stories. The place of her narrative is surely one reason, as she weavers great writing inside a powerful topic. The strength of the writing is linked to the strong foundation it sets for the other elements to thrive, keeping the reader wondering until the final reveal in the closing pages of the book. I can see direction, purpose, and overall development with each chapter, as the story has a clear trajectory towards a final a chilling determination.

Evolving character development leaves series fans impressed with how things have come to pass and where they might be headed. Hood knows how to spin a backstory and keep it coming, as she provides strong characters who have much to say. Alton and Kane continue to play front and centre roles in the development area, providing the reader with something on which they can rely whenever they open a new book. I can hope that there will be some great development in the coming novels, as some portions of their lives remain under developed to date. Hood never seems to shirk on this responsibility and I can only hope that more is soon to come.

A strong plot is supported by repeated twists to keep the reader on their toes. I can see a great deal happening in this piece related to story arcs from their past and threads left for future ideas. Hood weaves her story so well that the reader cannot help but want to know more as they manage the details of this piece repeatedly and effectively. This series has pulled me in from the opening pages and I still cannot read enough. I hope to see much for Jenna Alton and Dave Kane soon, as Hood keeps providing the reader with more to enjoy, never tiring of her craft

Kudos, Madam Hood, for making this fun while also keeping the story from going stale.

Break the Silence (Detectives Kane and Alton #7), by D.K. Hood

Eight stars

D.K. Hood grabs the reader’s attention from the outset and refuses to let go. The story takes on some interesting perspectives and builds from there, adding murder and mystery along the way. Detective Jenna Alton is in the middle of it all, trying to piece together the apparent suicide of a young woman, while whispers of a sports team and sexual assault adds to the mess. When members of the team are subsequently found dead, the line between accidental and pre-meditated death begin to blur, as Alton calls on her deputy, Dave Kane, to use some of his skills to make sense of it all. While they delve deeply into this college and the secrets it entails, there are moment of doubt about their investigation that come to the surface. A great addition to the series by D.K. Hood that has me eager to forge on.

Chrissie Lowe knew something was wrong when the loud music and blurred vision at the party overtook her, leaving her in a panicked state. Had she made a poor choice to attend? What would happen to her if she could not get out? When a door closes and locks behind her, Chrissie can only imagine what awaits her, as she is far from able to scream for help.

Chrissie’s body is found the next day, curled in a ball. Long cuts along her arms makes this appear to be some suicidal release, though not everyone can believe that. Sheriff Jenna Alton is called to investigate what might have happened to Chrissie at this college party, as well as who might have pushed her to the brink.

The marks on the body and the state in which Chrissie was found lead Sheriff Alton to feel as though someone is holding back. As the investigation begins, news of a potential sexual assault the night of the party help add fuel to Chrissie’s need for finality, but there are still some large questions that do not preclude murder. When more bodies, this time of college athletes who attended the party, emerge, Alton is sure there is something going on that merits more attention to the investigation.

As answers are not forthcoming and Alton needs them to solve this case, she calls on her second-in-command, Deputy Dave Kane, to help. He has a knack for getting intel when people feel at ease, as well as in the most covert manner. They decide to use one of the team’s newest deputies as an undercover agent, sending him in posing as a college athlete, in hopes that this will help open up the communication and get answers that are desperately needed. What emerges is a long and horrid list of secrets that could have everything to do with the deaths, but might also show that college life is much more troubling than a simple underage kegger. A killer must be out there, but how to coax the truth out of those who prefer a wall of silence? Hood does well to engage the reader in some mind games within these pages.

D.K. Hood keeps things moving in this series, telling her stories in a simple manner. Narrative flow is both simple and complex, as the reader is taken down many a rabbit hole to discover the truth. The story moves swiftly, forcing the reader to keep up or be lost in the pages of wonderful description. There is. New depth and flavouring to this small Montana community with the pen of D.K. Hood, who never ceases to amaze with her storytelling.

Ongoing character development provides series fans with keen ways to see how the protagonist have grown, as well as what is to come in this series. Both Alton and Kane have some moments of reflection to their younger days, though it is the astute way in which Hood develops the one-off characters that makes the story. College life comes to the surface here, though few are able to pinpoint the exact moment Hood turns this from a simple murder mystery into a commentary on college life and the troubles found therein. I have quite enjoyed how she uses characters to advance the plot and narrative, but am keen to see what is to come with those who appear repeatedly in the series.

Developing a strong plot is the only way this book will survive amongst the many in the genre. Hood does so effectively with keen moments of description and the twists she adds in to keep things sharp and moving forward. The unpredictable nature of some moments keeps the reader on their toes and provides superior writing that all can enjoy. I can only hope that there will be more stories that have just as much impact as this piece, which kept me guessing until the final pages of the book. Hood has a great series on her hands and I can only hope that there will be more novels of equal calibre as I move forward with the series.

Kudos, Madam Hood, for your endless ideas that captivate the reader.

Whisper in the Night (Detectives Kane and Alton #6), by D.K. Hood

Eight stars

D.K. Hood keeps up her high quality storytelling while peppering this instalment with dark twists, all to capture the reader’s attention. The story delves into some familiar territory, as readers continue to ponder how a small Montana community could be rife with murder and serial killers, but also provides unique perspectives and styles. A girl goes missing from her home after complaining of nightmares, while her family is perplexed. When she ends up dead, the town takes notice, though it is the next missing girl and a suspected ‘Shadow Man’ that has Sheriff Alton and Deputy Kane realising the danger on their hands. With some military-style boobytraps erected to cause further damage, both know this is one killer whose motives run deeper than a little mayhem. While Alton and Kane seek to rectify the situation, they discover that things are anything but simple. Hood dazzles and keeps the momentum going with this piece.

Plagued with nightmares, Lindy Rosen finds herself waking up in tears for weeks on end. Her family is worried for her, especially when they can find nothing in her room to piece it all together. When the fifteen-year-old goes missing from her bedroom one day, things move to the next level and the Rosen family seek the assistance of Sheriff Jenna Alton.

While Sheriff Alton is puzzled, she brings in her second-in-command, Deputy Dave Kane, to assist. Things take another turn when a video emerges from the kidnapper, demanding that Lindy be found in the next 24 hours or she will die. Alton and Kane realise that they have a game of cat and mouse here, though the stakes are as high as they get.

Working every angle, Sheriff Alton and her team seek out every possibility to find Lindy, going so far as to coming upon some of the kidnapper’s military tricks. As they are unsuccessful, a video emerges, explaining that Lindy has been killed. This causes havoc for the entire Black Rock Falls community.

When a second teenaged girl goes missing, the clock begins anew. The similarities are a little worrying; as both girls had been complaining of nightmares. As Alton and Kane begin pushing forward to locate this kidnapper/killer—now dubbed The Shadow Man—they learn that things may not be as they seem, pushing the narrative into some unique situations in the hunt to find the next girl before time runs out. Chilling and exciting in the same breath, D.K. Hood knows how to spin a story with ease.

D.K. Hood keeps impressing with this series, told in a simple and straightforward manner. The narrative flows and keeps the reader along for quite the ride, while there is surely a great deal to digest within its pages. A solid foundation allows for things to build from there, taking little time to expound on minutiae and keeping the intensity high as Black Rock Falls is the setting for yet another gruesome crime.

The ongoing character development provides series fans with a wonderful ability to track Hood’s interests in her protagonists. There is some personal growth and a great deal of professional emergence in this piece, which is sure to keep the reader on their toes as they discover the connection between Sheriff Jenna Alton, Deputy Dave Kane, and others. The way in which Hood develops her characters is both intriguing and alluring, as nothing is quite as it seems throughout this piece.

The plot development is key to this piece, as Hood wastes no time in keeping her series fans in check. The constant evolution of crime and murder in Black Rock Falls, is not lost on the series fan, but it is the complexity that develops, keeping the reader wondering what is to come. I was keen on the addition of new things to keep Alton and Kane on their feet, and well as the hints that this could easily be something that adds layers to the story. I always enjoy how Hood makes the most of her characters and their situations, which is seen yet again. Eager for more and hoping that Hood does not lose the momentum in the next novel.

Kudos, Madam Hood, for you never seem to be out of ideas with this series.

Where Angels Fear (Detectives Kane and Alton #5), by D.K. Hood

Eight stars

D.K. Hood shows her versatility with storytelling, a sure way to capture the reader’s attention. The story in this novel shows solid development of the larger themes in the series, as well as constant action. After a young woman stumbles into Black Rock Falls, she has a horrible tale to share. An axe-wielding man captured another young traveller in the middle of a blizzard. Now, Sheriff Jenna Alton and her team will have to follow the leads, as more reports of abductions and missing vehicles come to light. All the while, Jenna has her own personal issues connected to a past she hoped would stay hidden forever. A great addition to the series that shows Hood’s superior abilities.

Ella Tate arrives in Black Rock Falls, bloodied and broken, with a story to share. While travelling on a stretch of highway just out of town, she and her friend were ambushed by a man with an axe, who dragged Sky away. Ella barely escaped and has come for help, though the raging blizzard has left any trace of the crime buried under the snow.

Once Sheriff Jenna Alton learns of the case, she rushes out to investigate, only to discover that the list of missing persons around Black Rock Falls includes many young people who have disappeared along this stretch of road, missing without a trace. Is there a serial killer out there, waiting and hunting when people stop along the highway?

After Sky’s sweater turns up in town, Sheriff Alton realises that she has a killer in plain sight, which leads her out to a building on the outskirts of town. Bringing Deputy Dave Kane with her, they uncover something as horrible as Ella’s original story. While they are both trying to put their lives back together, the case leaves them grasping at straws to keep their personal lives together. Black Rock Falls is about to be shaken by this case, with little hope of recovering. D.K. Hood keeps the reader on edge throughout this piece, a stellar addition to the series.

D.K. Hood never fails to impress and this book continues to pull me in with its steady pace. Great narrative description and detailed development of the story arcs keep the reader front and centre with this piece. Hood builds on some momentum from last novels and adds some new flavouring and develops some of the core elements of a police procedural in a small town. The series, while still new, has taken on exciting twists and turns, with Hood always spicing things up for the attentive reader.

Character development continues, as there were some moments that both protagonists needed to reflect on their pasts as well as their connection to one another. Alton has to explore her life in hiding, while Kane tries to piece together his memory loss and everything he left behind before arriving in Black Rock Falls. This development, as well as the introduction of new ‘one off’ characters is sure to provide a strong foundation for series growth that the reader can enjoy,

There are some great plot points that develop in this piece, bridging some of the earlier novels to what is sure to be an exciting new era in Black Rock Falls. Hood spins wonderful twists to keep readers focussed on the novels, while also leaving some threads dangling for ‘what if’ moments to entice series fans. Comments continue about how Alton and Kane’s time in town have surely brought many serial killers and criminals out of the woodwork, but Hood always has something to keep things exciting, even if small Montana communities seem to be getting much of the bloodshed. I am eager to see how the series will keep growing, as Hood does not seem to be stopping her writing in this series. I am hooked and cannot wait for more Kane and Alton!

Kudos, Madam Hood, for winning me over with this series.

The Crying Season (Detectives Kane and Alton #4), by D.K. Hood

Eight stars

D.K. Hood proves her worth yet again in a piece that keeps the attentive reader on edge. Great storytelling mixes with wonderful development, leaving little to the imagination and a great deal of action on which to feast. When a body turns up in the wooded area around town, it appears that the killer has been keeping things off the radar for quite some time. However, this is anything but usual for Sheriff Jenna Alton and her team, with a killer out there, targeting couples and using tracking software to plot their next strike while stalking prey. Chilling and intriguing in the same breath, Hood dazzles yet again.

When hiking season arrives in Black Rock Falls, Montana, everyone takes notice. There is an upsurge in visitors and the paths are full of people wishing to explore. When a hiker comes across a skull along one of the paths, red flags emerge and Sheriff Jenna Alton is called to the scene. Bringing her second-in-command, Deputy Dave Kane, Alton realises that a brutal killer could be hiding in plain sight.

This shocking discovery is only the beginning, when another body, that of a man, is found tied to a tree and full of bullets. Might these be two lone incidents, or could the killings be connected, proving that there is a targeting killer out there? It seems as though the victims were together and could open the door to a motive.

Working as many leads as the forensics allow, Alton and Kane provide the townsfolk with some reassurance that they will get to the bottom of things, but the truth is much more problematic. When more bodies turn up, it appears that couples are targeted and tracking software is being used to choose victims. It will take great effort and some dedication out in the woods to piece things together, though the killer is getting more brutal with each new act. Alton and Kane are seasoned at all of this, but even they are not ready for what awaits them and the ramifications that flow from it all. Hood provides yet another strong piece that will keep readers flipping pages well into the night.

D.K. Hood keeps the reader front and centre once more with this piece. Providing a strong narrative foundation, the story flows well from there, captivating the attention of the interested reader. Short chapters tease and provide needed momentum to push along and read ‘just a little more’ as there story ramps up in intrigue. This proves to be a great addition to the early part of this series, leaving me wanting more to unwrap additional themes and story arcs.

Character development continues to be a cornerstone in this piece, as both Kane and Alton share tidbits of their pasts. I can only hope that they will keep things moving, as the reader is sure to enjoy learning all there is to know about these two. The strong cast of secondary characters help add depth to the book and keep me wanting more, as the flavours of the subplots keep things from getting too predictable.

Plots emerge and develop with ease in this piece. While there are comments within about how Black Rock Falls could have become so full of murder investigations, there is a slight eagerness for the reader to learn of so many incidents, as well as how Sheriff Alton will navigate through them. A great pacing of the story’s numerous twists keeps the story fresh and lively, while leaving room for some forks in the road throughout the piece. I am eager to see how Black Rock Falls develops as a locale, using key plot points to keep things on edge and sharp for the curious series fan. Moving through this series, I have discovered some great things that keep me coming back for more. Hood has me hooked and keeps providing a strong outlet for additional enjoyment.

Kudos, Madam Hood, for always knowing how to shape the story to keep readers enthused.

Follow Me Home (Detectives Kane and Alton #3), by D.K. Hood

Eight stars

As I keep moving through this series by D.K. Hood, I remain excited. The author has me gripped with this police procedural series set in small-town USA, where a sheriff and her deputies tackle intense and highly complex cases. When the body of a man appears in a house up for sale, Sheriff Jenna Alton and her second-in-command, Deputy Dave Kane, find that poisoning is the likely culprit. There is more to the story, as the man appears to have been involved with a nefarious group. When another man with close ties to the first is killed, a connection between them begins to emerge, as well as the fact that a vigilante killer is out there trying to right wrongs. With Alton and Kane on on their trail, the roadblocks continue, as they both begin to ponder whether the crimes committed by the now victims deserve the sort of retribution that is taking place. Justice must prevail, but at what cost? Hood keeps things moving with this third novel in the series.

Amos Price is found in his own blood, dead from numerous injuries. The crime scene is a house for sale and there are no other clues as to who might have committed the crime, though his odd tinge of blue leaves Sheriff Jenna Alton to suspect poisoning and then being bludgeoned to death.

As the investigation begins, Sheriff Alton and her lead deputy, Dave Kane, discover some disturbing information about Amos. He has been tied to the disappearance of a number of girls over the last few years, in and around Black Rock Falls, Montana. Before long, another body emerges, that of Ely Dorsey. It would seem that both men are tied to these kidnapping and substantial evidence comes to light about a pedophile ring who abducted and assaulted many young women and girls over the years.

Sifting through the ever-mounting pile of evidence, Alton and Kane realise that the killings are motivated by these past crimes, but that the vigilante nature of the murders means the killer or killers are still at large. In a small community, this worries Sheriff Alton and she puts all her efforts into finding the answers before more bodies end up at her feet.

When Kane begins to receive messages from the killer, it’s a new form of concern. Is this a taunting with hopes of being caught, or could there be a larger trap involved? As Sheriff Alton begins to zero in on the truth, she is tossed for a loop. Where does the truth lie and how will it all be revealed? Hood keeps the reader hooked with this chilling thriller.

D.K. Hood proves unique in the genre worth her strong stories and writing style that is sure to capture the reader’s imagination. Using a strong narrative and quick development techniques, Hood provides the reader with something tangible and yet masterful in the same breath. The flow of the story is clear, with just enough to keep the reader wondering as they move from chapter to chapter.

Character development continues to be a cornerstone in this piece. The development of both Jenna Alton and Dave Kane proves decent, with some of their backstories emerging for all to see. Yet, there is still much about them that remains shrouded in mystery. Add to that, their personal connections growing with each case, there is sure to be some co-mingling before long, which could add another layer to the already great story arcs.

A plot that appears simple, but blossoms as the story progresses, keeps the reader on their toes throughout the experience. This piece has two parallel crime developments, which keeps the reader wondering as all is revealed. I can only hope that Hood is able to keep up this momentum, which has worked well to date and shows a great control of the story, its characters, and the themes she wishes to present. I am eager to see how things will keep progressing, as twists and cliffhangers leave the reader wondering what is to come.

Kudos, Madam Hood, for never letting the momentum wane.

Don’t Tell a Soul (Detectives Kane and Alton #1), by D.K. Hood

Eight stars

Eager to embark on this series by D.K. Hood, I remember the strong first novel of hers I read. Hood does a fabulous job at painting a picture the reader can easily visualise and provides superb support throughout the mystery. This was no exception and proves to be a great start to what looks like a well-established series. David Kane is hired as a new deputy in a small Montana community, but brings a great deal of work and personal experience to the job. When a killer strikes and appears to have Sheriff Jenna Alton on the radar, Kane is quick to act, though he must soon learn to follow the chain of command. When more bodies emerge, Alton enlists Kane’s expertise to help solve the case before too many others fall victim. D.K. Hood opens this series with a bang and has me eager to read more.

David Kane has seen a great deal during his life in law enforcement, including the murder of his wife and child at the hands of some lowlifes. In hopes of convincing them that he is also dead, Kane travels under the radar to reinvent himself. He ends up in the small community of Black Rock Falls, Montana, where crime is less intense and the people seem friendlier. While he does not always remember the way things are in small communities, Kane will soon have to learn that Sheriff Jenna Alton is the one who calls the shots, leaving him to play the role of subordinate.

After Alton and Kane are called to the scene of the remains a body stuffed in a barrel, they can be sure that someone is out to sends d a message. Kane uses his past skills to try honing in on the suspect, but with little knowledge of the community, no one comes to mind. However, Sheriff Alton has some people she’d like to explore a little more and begins laying out her plan for Deputy Kane to follow, which leads to some dust-ups as they begin their working relationship.

While the body has significantly deteriorated, there are two missing person that fit the bill. As Sheriff Alton seeks to make sense of it all, she is targeted in an attack, from which she barely escapes with Kane’s assistance. Could this be a means to pushing them off the scent of the killer and the larger case? Anything seems possible as the intensity builds.

Asking the tough questions may be good police work, but if it leads to Sheriff Alton’s murder, it may all be for naught. Kane must work with his new boss, while dodging the many questions posed of him by the locals, all while trying to make sense of the killer’s motive. A great start to this series that has me ready to delve deeper with the next book.

I always enjoy mysteries and police procedurals, particularly when they stray from the traditional cookie-cutter layout. D.K. Hook does well to differentiate herself from those stories and offers up something intriguing and off the beaten path. The narrative momentum keeps the reader engaged and leaves little for them to wonder, as things get heated quickly and take numerous turns. The writing is quick paced and well-supported, keeping the reader wondering

Character development is key in the series debut novel, as it sets the tone for what is to come. Hood provides a strong backstory for both protagonists without revealing too much. The opening interaction between Alton and Kane is strained, but it leaves much in the way of imagination and possible future connections that could benefit everyone in Black Rock Falls.

Plot points develop with ease as the story gets stronger and more intense. The twists develop when needed and yet never block the overall movement of the story to a climactic finish. I can only hope things that start as riveting as the series progresses, something that a few who recommended these novels told me would come soon.

Kudos, Madam Hood, for a great debut!

Dark Angel (Detective Beth Katz #1), by D.K. Hood

Eight stars

First and foremost, a large thank you to NetGalley, D.K. Hood, and Bookouture Audio for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.

Always eager to try a new author’s work, I turned to D.K. Hood. This is a great crime thriller with some intriguing backstory about the protagonist, sure to impress the reader. In a story that works with serial killers, online presence, and a secret best kept under wraps, Hood weaves a tale that kept me listening until I could get to the end, leaving nothing to chance. A well-paced thriller that proves Hood is at the top of her game!

Beth Katz has a family secret; that her father is a serial killer and has helped push her into be a vigilante. After earning her spot in the FBI, Beth has taken it upon herself to find serial killers and end their terror by killing them herself. She is careful and leaves calling cards, though no one is aware of this.

When another killer is found dead, Special Agent Beth Katz is in the middle of it, though her cover is not blown. Higher-ups feel that she is in need some some stress relief and she is reassigned to a small community in Montana to cool her heels and reset. Disgruntled by the decision, Beth mopes, but agrees to the temporary reassignment, which might help keep her cover.

Working with her new partner in Montana, Dax Styles, Special Agent Katz is called to the scene when the body of a missing schoolgirl is found in a field. Brooklyn Daniels was last seen with her friend a week ago, before the girls went missing. The scene sends shivers up Special Agent Katz’s spine, as she knows this layout from notes in a cold case she’s studied. Two girls go missing and one turns up dead soon thereafter. This is the world of some one who is able to earn the trust of children, deemed the Pied Piper.

While trying to locate Brooklyn’s killer, there is another mystery in the middle of all this. Where is the second girl and what is the killer doing with that victim. Trolling online sources, Katz and Styles realise that there could be some sinister things going on, including slavery or prostitution rings. Trying to lure the Pied Piper out of hiding will be essentials, though Special Agent Katz will have to try to keep from killing him as well, which is surely trying her patience with every passing moment. Every moment counts and with the killer out there, Katz will have to work with Styles not only to find a killer, but try to bust. the motive wide open to bring closure to many families. D.K. Hood is masterful with this piece and kept me wanting to know more the further I made it into the book.

I love books that centre around serial murder and strong crime thrillers. D.K. Hood has all the elements to a successful novel and utilises many of the tools at her disposal. A strong narrative foundation propels the book forward and keeps the story sharp. Hood offers up some great tidbits that not only help solidify this story, but lays the groundwork for what will surely be a strong series. Characters, both presented and developed, keep the story moving, while also adding something interesting to the reading experience. Beth Katz has a lot going on and the reader gets a great insight into her struggles, as well as capabilities. The plot points were placed perfectly to keep the reader guessing and on their toes. What proved even more interesting was Hood’s analysis, not only of serial killers, but how children are preyed upon with ease in this tech-savvy world. I am eager to get my hands on more in the series, which appears to have a second book on its way soon. There is much more to discover with Katz, as well as her new residence in rural Montana.

Kudos, Madam Hood, for piquing my interest with ease.