When a body is discovered in a field in Iowa, the police uncover fourteen additional corpses ranging from 20 years old to recent. The remains point to a serial killer with an MO the authorities have seen before–Ed Oliphant, a man who has been in prison for over 20 years . . . and is Special Agent Kaely Quinn’s father. After several failed interview attempts to discover if Ed has been training … someone to be a copycat killer, the police turn to Kaely in St. Louis.
Kaely promised herself she would never step foot in her hometown or set eyes on her father again. She’s always refused to confront her past, but if she wants to prevent any more deaths, she must come face-to-face with the man she’s hated for years.
As more bodies are discovered, Kaely races against time and her own personal turmoil to uncover the killer. Will this most personal case yet cost Kaely her identity and perhaps even her life?
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Dead End by Nancy Mehl is an outstanding novel. I have enjoyed every minute in the Kaely Quinn Profiler series, and I’m really sad my time with Kaely Quinn is over. I have been waiting for Ed Oliphant’s appearance since book 1, Mind Games, and let me tell you, Nancy Mehl delivered! Ed Oliphant is 98% terrifying and 2% amazing. I very much appreciate Kaely’s profiler persona — she really is quite intelligent and talented — but what I enjoyed the most in book 3 was seeing Kaely as a daughter who had to confront her father and their past. I also really liked how Kaely and Noah’s friendship blossoms into a great romance. All I can say is it’s about time! LOL! And, the mystery is awesome. Readers, let me tell you, I thought I knew whodunnit but my guesses were completely wrong. I love it so much when I’m thrown by a murder mystery. It makes the novel that much more fun. Dead End is an absolute home run, and I highly recommend this excellent read.
One of the big questions this novel forces the reader to wrestle with is are ALL humans — psychopaths included — capable of being saved? The simple Christian response is, “Of course!” But life is not that easy nor that black and white. Psychopaths do not feel as typical humans do. They are not capable of feeling love or compassion or guilt the way you or I do. Essentially, they are the god of their own worlds. When you know this about psychopaths, the answer to salvation becomes a little bit harder to answer. My response is that anyone is capable of being saved, not because of anything people necessarily do or say, but because of Jesus Christ. Sin is sin, no matter what. Do I think it is easier for a person who can feel love or compassion or guilt to come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ? Yes! But, then I remember what Jesus says in Matthew 19:26: “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Even a psychopath is capable of salvation because Jesus can do anything! I’m not going to tell you how Mehl responds to this tough question, but I will tell you that the “answer” is remarkable and something I won’t soon forget!
Dead End is highly captivating, thoroughly engaging, and exceptionally satisfying. This is a novel you won’t want to put down. Purchase yourself a copy of this book today. You will not be disappointed that you did.
***Note*** While Dead End can easily be read as a standalone novel, I highly recommend reading each book in the series. I have enjoyed watching as Kaely grows as a profiler, friend, and Christian over the course of the three stories. In my opinion, the impact of book 3 is better because I read the books in order.
I purchased a copy of this novel in eBook form from Amazon.com on March 31, 2020, to review. In no way has this influenced my review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.
I could sum up my review of ‘Dead End’ easily with just one adjective—BRILLIANT. But being a woman of many words, I find the phrases spine-tingling, heart palpitating, suspenseful, and deliciously creepy, add quite adequately to the mix!
FBI agent, Kaely Quinn, is one of the most unorthodox heroines to ever grace the pages of a novel with her unconventional methods of profiling criminals. Kaely—both courageous and vulnerable—tough, yet wounded by the heinous crimes committed by her father, an infamous serial killer. As she is faced to confront her haunting past, will it bring emotional healing or destruction to Kaely?
This award worthy story with as many twists and turns as a maze, is guaranteed to leave the reader in a frantic frenzy trying to figure out who’s-doing-it and why! Just when I thought I had it nailed, the author pulled another clever twisty on me and off I went chasing another theory. It humbles me to say that my days as an amateur sleuth are fast coming to an end as I never did crack the case. 😉 With just the right dash of romance and a spiritual thread of redemption and forgiveness throughout, ‘Dead End’ is definitely one not to be missed!
*I was given a complimentary copy of this novel from Bethany House in exchange for my honest opinion. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.*
After learning her father was a serial killer, Kaely is driven to become a profiler for the FBI. Her goal is to help locate killers before they kill again.
A copycat killer was on the loose, mimicking the styles of Kaely’s father. When the FBI assigns her to go to the penitentiary and profile her dangerous father to gain info on the copycat, her PTSD symptoms are revived and kindled by a copycat who also wants her dead.
This story is very well written and is highly recommended to readers of psychological thrillers.
This week, I finished Dead End, the last in the Kaely Quinn series by Nancy Mehl.
I absolutely devoured this series. It was action packed, fast paced, and always kept me guessing. This is a three book series that definitely needs to be read in order.
Although I loved the series, I must warn you it is a little darker than some I have read lately. I would compare it to the TV show Criminal Minds. The other thing is that I really liked Kaely’s character, but she is complex and a bit different. I found her very interesting and enjoyed learning more about her story. However, I would not consider her to be a character very many would find relatable.
Excellent! A great story and ending to the series.
Loved the ending to this series! Make sure you read them all. Soooooo good!
Wow! Edge of your seat suspense that I couldn’t wait to see who was the culprit. Fast paced and moved along where I didn’t want to put it down. Definitely going on my favorites list.
If you like intense romantic suspense, with the emphasis on suspense, this Kaely Quinn, Profiler series by Nancy Mehl may be the one for you. I just finished the third and final book, Dead End. Personally, Mehl has taken me to the end of my ability to endure with her Kaely character. Kaely is very focused on her work and will let nothing get in the way of her catching the worst criminals. Even if her methods are unorthodox. Unfortunately, her pride threatens her relationships with God and her special coworker, Noah.
Noah and Kaely travel to Iowa to interview Kaely’s father, an infamous serial killer, in hopes of stopping a new serial killer. While Kaely may be the only hope to get the Raggedy Man to talk, will she self-destruct before the mission is accomplished?
Noah grows by leaps and bounds in this novel, but I almost want to tell Noah he’s headed down a dead-end path.
Never did I see the ending coming.
I appreciated that Mehl shows
equal parts evil and good in this fictional crime-chiller story. Mehl shows that man’s depravity comes from the pit itself. Only God can combat that kind of horrendous opposition, and we must be fully equipped. As such, there is a lot of Scripture included in this book.
Who will Kaely rely on- herself, her unusual friend, God, and or Noah?
Noah knows God doesn’t always rescue His people. Grab this book and grab your closest huggable as you read super-speed to discover whether Kaely can survive.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book from the author and publisher through NetGalley. This in no way influenced my opinions, which are solely my own.
Her past just came back to haunt her…
I’ve been waiting for this book, I think since reading the first Kaely Quinn Profiler novel. I just knew that when Kaely’s past decided to reemerge as her present things would get exciting, and a lot more chilling. Dead End was definitely all of that and exceeded my expectations.
There were so many twists and turns to this story that I could barely keep up with all of the danger and drama from page to page. There are red herrings and switches-on-switches. And just when you think you’ve got it all solved, nope, you find out you were totally off…or were you? Nancy Mehl is certainly a master at weaving tales of psychological unrest that take her characters to the brink and completely engross readers.
Those psychological elements really do make the story. They take the plot out of the realm of the average romantic suspense novel and into something much better. Kaely’s internal battles are just as important to the plot as her desperate race to catch a killer.
As you can probably tell I really enjoyed Dead End, trying to guess the killer’s identity, which I sort of did though the motivation came as a surprise, and just the general creepiness of the book’s ambiance. Good stuff! But then, I could expect nothing less from a Nancy Mehl novel…
(I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are entirely my own)
Dead End was BY FAR the best book in the series. I’m so glad we had the opportunity to end with this story!
I’ll be honest, this series is a little different for the genre, and I had a hard time coming to like Kaely Quinn in the first novel. I enjoyed the story enough that I had to continue. Mehl really won me over in the second book, but the third was terrific. If you’re unsure, hang in there. This ride is worth it.
A copycat killer is on the loose.
Kaely’s father is the original serial killer, and a new addition to his signature points back to her. Is she in danger or is someone trying to send her a message? Is her father behind this, or is a rogue UNSUB trying to garner FBI attention? This installment of the series will keep you guessing until the very end. It has a wealth of interesting characters, as well as plenty of twists and turns. Just when you think you’re on to the bad guy, Mehl will throw a wrench in your theory!
I found myself really rooting for Kaely and Noah, but I wasn’t sure they were going to get the happy ending I was hoping for. No spoilers here. You’ll have to read it to find out! The character development in this book is really profound. We see some unique things done well in both characters. Also, Mehl handles the spiritual component of forgiveness with such realness and eloquence. She wrestled with some hard things, and I commend her for displaying faith in a way that never came across as pushy or unrealistic. It was raw, and I liked it.
All in all, I would definitely recommend this book. While I don’t endorse this method, it could even be read as a stand-alone. Also, can we discuss the physical cover of this book? The texture is to die for. I don’t have any other books like it!
Dead End by Nancy Mehl is book 3 in the Kaely Quinn Profiler series. Each of the books in this series has been amazing. This book is a mesmerizing conclusion to the series. The only problem— I want more books! Ms Mehl has created such deep, fascinating characters with very real flaws and idiosyncrasies. This book places them all at their breaking point when Kaely has to face her serial killer father. So much suspense and unexpected twists. Readers of suspense will not be disappointed. I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own.
I loved this book! Kaely Quinn Profiler has been one of my favorite series and this is the perfect way to end it. Dead End centers around finding a Copycat Killer who targets young women by using the methods of the infamous serial killer known as the Raggedy Man. Kaely Quinn’s father is the Raggedy Man who has previously been mentioned but this book finally allows us to see the two of them together. I won’t soon forget the scenes between Kaely and Ed Oliphant because they allowed me to fully understand the deep emotional trauma that she’s felt these many years. Dead End also has a reunion between Kaely and the real person behind her imaginary confidant Georgie and there’s a satisfying resolution in the relationship of Kaely and FBI Special Agent Noah Hunter. They’ve been professional colleagues, supportive friends, and now, there seems to be so much more. “He’d seen the best and the worst that she had to offer. And he was still here.” Oh, I am really going to miss Kaely and Noah!
Most of all, I’m going to miss the strong faith element that Nancy Mehl has included in these books. Dead End specifically stresses the reality of spiritual warfare and the evil forces that surround us. How often do we overlook the constant threat of evil in our lives?
If you enjoy psychological thrillers filled with spiritual themes and Christian romance, you will want to read Dead End! I am looking forward to more great reading from this author.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. There was no obligation for a positive review. These are my honest thoughts.
I think, just maybe, I may have read 99% of Nancy Mehl’s books. Curious, I looked up how many books Mehl has written, thirty or so, and the year her books began to be published; only saw two I believe I may have missed. With only miss two out of thirty missed, it says a lot about her stories. It says she writes good ones, really good ones.
Dead End is the third, and final, novel in the Kaely Quinn series; I’m hoping Kaely Quinn makes her appearance in the next series. FBI Special Agent has some rather unusual, but effective detective techniques; techniques that got her thrown out of Quantico. She’s also the daughter of of the infamous serial killer Ed Oliphant, a fact that still haunts her by day and visits her dreams by night.
Kaely hasn’t seen her father since she was 12 years old; that’s how old she was when Oliphant was caught. Her mother changed their names, Kaely and her brother, moving them far enough away to be free to grow up without harassment. Even so the spector of being found out, of someone learning who she really was loomed large.
The FBI knew; maybe not everyone in her department but those who needed to know, they knew and they saw how Kaely struggles. It’s why she wanted to be a profiler, to figure out what creates serial killers, to stop them. Now Kaely is faced with doing something she’d said would never happen; she has been asked by her superiors to visit her father in prison.
It seems someone is copying Ed Oliphant’s MO, right down to his “tell” which was something tightly held secret from the public. The killer knows. And when the killer begins to taunt Kaely the danger to her becomes much more insidious.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and am under no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions therein are solely my own, and freely given.
This was a fantastic edge-of-your-seat conclusion to Kaely’s story. The author did a great job at portraying characters who are real and who struggle with issues that are relatable to many of us.
If you love a good clean mystery that also has a message of love, forgiveness and healing, you will want to read this book.
**I was given a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher and Netgalley. All opinions expressed are my own.**
The conclusion to the Kaely Quinn books was amazing. Kept me turning pages and a rollercoaster ride of emotions and suspense. Unexpected twists and turns. Kept me guessing who the “copycat” was.
Dead End is the third book in Nancy Mehl’s Kaely Quinn Profiler series. Kaely works in law enforcement, profiling and catching serial killers. She’s also the daughter of a serial killer, something that has shaped her life and career (for better and worse). And he’s back. At least, there is another serial killer on the loose, and he’s using her father’s signatures.
The suspense aspect of the plot was excellent. It’s obvious that Kaely’s father isn’t the killer: he’s safe in jail. So who is it? It must be someone who knows her father well, but who? I had my suspicions, and they were wrong. That made it a nailbiting read that was hard to put down.
Kaely isn’t always an easy character to relate to. She has her strengths: she’s intelligent, dedicated, and good at her job. But those are also her weaknesses: she can’t detach from her job, and she sometimes puts her own physical and mental health at risk to break the case. She comes across as mostly normal, but that hides a lot of inner insecurities and awkwardness.
Some of that awkwardness comes through in her faith. She’s been forced to seek answers to some of the hard questions about Christianity: can God save even the vilest sinner? Does anyone ever get so far from God that they can’t be saved? Does she have to forgive her father for his sins? Yes, there were strong faith aspects, and they were a strength of the story.
The writing was generally strong, although there were a couple of annoying instances when the point of view character discovered something but the reader didn’t know what. I guess that was supposed to add suspense. It kept me reading, but it did irritate me. My view is that if we’re in the viewpoint character’s head, we should be part of the conversation and not have the salient points blurred out for us to discover later.
But that’s a minor point in an otherwise excellent romantic suspense novel. It is the third book in the series, but can easily be read as a standalone—while there are a few references to earlier events, they are minor (and won’t spoil the earlier books if you accidentally read them out of order).
Thanks to Bethany House Publishers and NetGalley for providing a free ebook for review.
Dead bodies are expected in crime/suspense novels but this story has investigative nuances that are surprisingly original. Dead End is the third in a series but it stands alone and is an absolute page turner.
Dead End is unlike other suspense books I have read to date. Nancy Mehl has drawn readers in with her lead character, Kaely Quinn, and her background story. Kaely is first introduced to readers in Mind Games and then Fire Storm where Kaely’s family history and work is slowly revealed within suspense filled tales.
Here, in the third installment, Kaely is having to face her greatest fear, seeing her father. She is also helping to solve what the police are calling copycat killings. Kaely goes into the case with her eyes open, but what is really exposed is her heart. Nancy Mehl did a great job of showing what happened to Kaely in her youth and how that shaped who Kaely is today. There are overtones of spiritual warfare and how that can be real and impact a person. The other theme in the book is forgiveness, shown by how hard Kaely finds doing so in regard to her father.
Noah, Kaely’s partner, is beside her as she seeks to help stop the killing of women and bring the perpetrator to justice. What Kaely doesn’t count on is the personal road to healing that she must travel. Noah and Kaely have had moments where they thought they had more than a friendship and I think Nancy handled their future quite well in the nail-biting novel.
Readers can read this as a standalone, though I think they will enjoy it if they read the first two books in the series. Will there be future books in the series? I couldn’t tell, and there is no sneak peek into what is coming next from the author in the back. The series is very high octane with suspense, danger, exploring spiritual warfare and the reality of God. In one way, I can see this being the final book but in another I would hate to stop reading of Kaely’s unique way of helping solve mysteries. Either way enjoy the book Dead End!
3.5stars
“Punishing the children for the sin of the parents.”
What kind of sick message was this killer sending, putting the words of Scripture inside the mouths of his victims? It was already nearly incomprehensible that Kailey Quinn’s father could have possibly trained a protege. But hard evidence was pointing in that direction.
As an F. B. I. Special Agent, Kailey knows how to analyze behavior, but to be asked to interview her own father . . . a convicted psychopathic serial killer? At a risk to her own psyche, she agrees, teaming with the one man whom she trusts more than any other, Noah Hunter. But even Noah has his doubts about Kailey’s clarity of mind; can she prove him otherwise . . . or will this encounter with the infamous Ed Oliphant become a “dead end”? It’s a race against time, for young women are continuing to die.
“In the dark of night, I’ll be there. I love you so, and I’ll never let you go.” This book will leave many of Mehl’s readers requesting an encore performance from these two memorably unique teammates.
F.B.I. Profiler Kaely Quinn’s father, Ed Oliphant, who’s in prison has a copycat killer. However, crimes with his MO have been committed lately. When the authorities fail to gather information from him about his copycat killer, they solicit Kaely’s help. Mrs. Mehl kept me on the edge of my seat wondering if Kaely’s fragile psychological state might cause her to snap and whether or not her father might try to kill her during the visit. Kaely works hard on a strategy to get the better of her father during the meeting, but can she pull it off? Then in a twist there’s a murder for Kaely and her associate, Noah, to solve. All the while they care for each other, but aren’t allowing those feelings to surface.
As with all of Mrs. Mehl’s books, this is an incredible read. Kaely’s problems seem insurmountable, but she has a strong faith in God. Her relationship with Noah runs into one obstacle after another with both of them so bogged down in past heartaches they can’t see beyond them. However, their determined spirits give them a chance for love if they can save Kaely’s life and her sanity. I highly recommend this book for those who enjoy mystery, suspense, romance and crime novels. It’s one of the best.