How can you outrun a killer you won’t see coming? “Wow. I think I just fell head over heels in love with a fictional character. Tess Winnett is one of the smartest FBI agents and profilers I have come across yet and with analytical skills to rival Sherlock Holmes. Hats off to Leslie Wolfe for easily the best thriller I have read in this genre for many, many years!” – Manie Kilianon, five stars … many years!” – Manie Kilianon, five stars review on Amazon.
The crimes: bewildering
After a high-profile model is found dead, FBI Special Agent Tess Winnett finds it hard to accept the findings that it was suicide and pushes for an investigation. But as she delves into the case, she uncovers things she never expected to find.
The evidence: disturbing
As the killer embarks on a crime wave of terrifying scale, each new crime scene leads to more questions than answers. With little information and even less evidence, Tess must connect the dots of a deadly scenario with a large number of potential victims.
The contest: ominous
As even the closest held secrets are revealed, Tess is slowly and irrevocably drawn to the only conclusion she can make: she’s not the one in charge; the Taker of Lives controls the game, the players and even the course of her own investigation.
And she knows that if she doesn’t find him soon, another beautiful, young girl will die tonight, and the blood will be on her hands.
The Taker of Lives might be closer than you think. Who’s watching you sleep tonight?
The best-selling author of The Watson Girl is back with another suspenseful, gripping crime thriller. If you’re a fan of David Baldacci, Melinda Leigh, and James Patterson, you will enjoy Leslie Wolfe’s engrossing police procedural that will keep you reading until dawn.
Praise for Taker of Lives
“A mystery with one of the biggest surprise villains when the killer is caught.”
“If you like suspense, thrillers and dynamic twist and turns, you won’t be disappointed.”
“The author paints a gripping and mesmerizing detective story in a very vivid and convincing way.”
“An outstanding read. Highly recommended.”
“Clever and unexpected, “Taker of Lives” has more surprises than a box of chocolates!”
“A mystery through & through!!”
What Readers and Reviewers Are Saying About Leslie Wolfe
“Wolfe’s strong female characters, who all appear to be flawed, never disappoint.”
“The action is immediate and nonstop, and just when you think you have it all figured out, Wolfe tosses in a twist so masterful that it’ll make your head spin.”
“Wow… Leslie Wolfe is an incredible story teller. Can’t wait for more of Agent Tess Winnett.”
“Leslie Wolfe has a wonderful ability to make you feel as if you were right there watching the events unfold in this fast paced and nail-biting thriller.”
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I enjoyed this book very much. It was well written and had just enough action and suspense to keep me reading into the night. I was a little ‘bummed’ to find out this was the 4th in a series. I’m a ‘read it in order’ person and now I’m conflicted as to whether or not to go back and read the first three I’ve read Ms Wolfe’s other series of Holt/Baxter and enjoyed those very much.
My only personal opinion of “Taker of Lives” is that in our society, it is truly sad that someone can be SO jealous of others’ successes that it twists minds to killing those people. The profile Tess Winnett gave was scary. It could fit a lot of people today and some that are in authority positions. Quoted from her book: “He’s a malignant narcissist lusting for power and recognition, who is enraged by anyone getting the public’s attention more than he does.” If that doesn’t scare you…..
Another book you just can’t put down. Very well written. I’d recommend
This book is a stand alone but you can feel the continuation in the story.
I fell in love with Tess Winnet in book 1. I received the audio version of this book as an ARC and to be read the book is wonderful but to listen to it makes the characters come alive. It was like watching a movie in my mind. I would definitely recommend this book and audio book to anyone who is a fan of Leslie Wolfe or who loves a great mystery story!
I received this audio book as an ARC and voluntarily give this review as my honest opinion.
In this fourth installment, FBI Special Agent Tess Winnett is hot on the heels of a serial killer while still trying to outrun the bad memories and secrets of her past. This case, and this unsub, is unlike any Tess has come up against, and she gets more and more frustrated as body after body is found. The race is on to save the final victim, before she turns up dead as well, and the killer disappears without a trace forever.
WOW! Wolfe has done it, again! She really knows how to bring the pulse-pounding, heart-stopping suspense. I could not seem to put this book down. Wolfe draws you in and keeps you enthralled from the first page to the last. Every time she comes out with a new book, I am reminded why she is one of my favorite psychological suspense, serial killer thriller authors!
Taker of Lives is part police procedural and part inside the mind of a killer. We do get a few clues to the killer’s identity along the way, and I had it figured out fairly early, but that didn’t diminish my enjoyment of the story. Figuring out the killer is only half the fun as we get a close-up look at how Special Agent Tess Winnett works the case and the lengths she’ll go to stop The Taker. There is a good bit of internet and dark web discussion, but most things are explained well enough for this technologically challenged reader to follow. All in all, the book is well-written with interesting characters and the story moves along at a fast clip.