When a rising country star is found dead in the Missouri Ozarks, sheriff’s detective Katrina “Hurricane” Williams must confront the possibility that the man she loves is involved… crime scene, his strong reaction to seeing the victim is as baffling as a pretty corpse surrounded by tree stumps …
Until Katrina learns that Billy was involved with Rose. The sheriff’s refusal to confide in her, coupled with his erratic behavior, not only puts a strain on their already complicated relationship, it hobbles her homicide investigation. With Billy going rogue, Katrina can’t rely on anyone but herself. Secrets and suspects abound, even in the singer’s own family, and the key to the murder may lie in the lyrics of what is now her swan song …
Praise for Robert E. Dunn
“This tale of deceit, corruption and betrayal from Dunn is long on violent action … Fans of Clint Eastwood’s spaghetti westerns will find a lot to like.”
—Publishers Weekly on Dead Man’s Badge
“Brutal, vivid, and unforgettable … a modern-day western morality tale in crime-novel wrapping with a blood-red bow. This one will haunt you.”
—Lee Goldberg, #1 New York Times bestselling author, on Dead Man’s Badge
“This is hardboiled fiction at its best. We’re talking Elmore Leonard territory. A fantastic read and I hope there’s more to come.”
—Hunter Shea on A Living Grave
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This is the first book I’ve read in this series and I know I will be getting the others. Even though it is not the first in the series, I had no trouble enjoying it as a stand alone. I loved the characters and the story.
The characters were relatable and real and felt like people I could meet anywhere. I can’t wait to see what’s next for Katrina.
Sheriff’s Detective Katrina Williams is called “Hurricane” for a reason. Suffering PTSD from her army days, she is angry all the time, and has severe trust issues. She’s seeing a therapist as a condition for keeping her job. Her boss just happens to be Sheriff Billy Blevins …. her boyfriend.
While Katrina is investigating the theft of valuable walnut trees, she stumbles across the body of Sharon Rose, an up and coming country western singer. She has been shot in the head ..execution style.
What she discovers during this murder exploration, she finds that Billy knew the young girl … but exactly how well did he know her? Katrina finds pictures of them together, his guitar is in her house. But Billy isn’t talking. Is he somehow connected to her death?
Secrets and suspects abound, even in the singer’s own family, and the key to the murder may lie in the lyrics of what is now her swan song …
I started reading this series when the first book was published … and I am so glad I did. This has been a terrific series with a seriously flawed female detective taking center stage. She’s had quite a ride since the early days. I highly recommend starting at the very beginning.
This is a well written crime fiction with memorable characters. Plenty of suspects holds the reader’s attention .. right up to the exciting finale.
Many thanks to the author / Kensington Books / Netgalley for the digital copy of this crime fiction. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
SImple, direct review — Read this series!!! You won’t be diappointed.
Thank you #netgalley and #kensington for the eARC.
A Killing Secret by Robert Dunn
This is the 4th book in this series and can be read as a stand alone with no problems however I know I’d like to go back and read the first books if even to better understand the protagonist and her issues. Well written story with fleshed out characters kept my attention and I will be looking for more from this author! Thank you Netgalley and Kensington Publishing for this book and allowing me to leave my opinion.
A Killing Secret by Robert E. Dunn
Katrina Williams #4
Katarina is still dealing with the ghosts of her past but she is moving forward with her life and seems slightly more in control in this book than she was in the last one. I get her and really admire her ability to have survived all that she has and keep going. I am hoping this won’t be the end of the series!
Sent out to follow up on a claim of the theft of timber leads Katarina to a fresh crime scene where she finds not only the loss of high end furniture grade trees but also the body of a young woman murdered and dumped there. Who killed Rose Sharon and why? Katarina calls in the situation and then begins to look for clues to who might have killed this beautiful young woman and why it happened.
Needless to say, it is not enough to solve one murder mystery and find a timber thief…nope…Katarina ends up in quite a few volatile situations that see her bruised and battered as she follows leads hoping to find out more. She learns of a: protection racket, a timber theft ring, stalker, rapist…and more. She continues to deal with her past, hold herself apart and wants for things she seems afraid to verbalize.
This is a complex, dark, gritty story that I could not put down once I began reading. I love the way the author draws all of the little and large pieces of the story together while building to the finale. I also enjoyed learning more about Missouri – the state my daughter and her husband live in.
Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Will I read more by this author? Definitely
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Lyrical Underground for the ARC – This is my honest review.
5 Stars
A very complex mystery, sometimes hard to follow, involving the murder of a young singer. Sheriff’s Detective Katrina Williams is called to the site where expensive walnut trees have been illegally harvested. There she finds the body of a young woman, Rose Sharon, who is just beginning to make her mark in the country western music scene. Katrina, former military, will work a case that involves members of the small community as well as the sheriff, her boss and friend. The former sheriff is called back to assist and the current sheriff, Billy Blevins, seems to be running his own investigation. Katrina finds more questions than answers as danger follows while she moves from clue to clue to take down the killer. I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (by paytonpuppy)