"The Killer's Daughter" by Kate Wiley is a gripping and intense crime thriller that had me hooked from the very beginning. As a crime junkie who enjoys delving into true crime stories through various mediums, this book was right up my alley. The dedication "For all the girls who took out big books on serial killers from the library way too young, this one is for you" immediately resonated with me and set the tone for the dark and twisted tale that unfolded.
The dual narration and timelines in the story added depth and complexity to the narrative, with one timeline focusing on the chilling perspective of Ed Finch, a notorious serial killer, and the other following Margot Phalen, a homicide detective who is also Ed's daughter. The contrast between Ed's dark and twisted mindset as a killer and his seemingly caring nature towards his family was both unsettling and compelling. Margot's struggles with her past and her present investigation into a brutal murder case added layers to the story, showcasing her strength and resilience in the face of her father's heinous crimes.
The fast-paced nature of the book kept me on the edge of my seat, with moments of intense suspense and shocking revelations that had me eagerly turning the pages. The character development was well done, especially in the interactions between Margot and her fellow detectives, adding depth to the story and leaving room for future exploration in the series. Kate Wiley's storytelling kept me engaged and invested in the outcome, leading to a satisfying and thrilling read that left me wanting more.
The author expertly balanced the dark and disturbing elements of the story, providing enough insight into Ed's psyche without crossing into gratuitous violence. The intricate plot, the constant tension, and the intricate investigation details all came together to create a riveting and unforgettable reading experience. "The Killer's Daughter" is a must-read for fans of true crime, mystery, and thrillers, offering a compelling narrative that will keep you guessing until the very end. I cannot wait to see where the next book in the series takes Margot and how her story unfolds. This book is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a dark and compelling crime thriller that will leave you wanting more.

Thank you to Netgalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Wow-I really enjoyed this book so well-written with a great plot, and good characters. A recommended must-read.

This was SO GOOD! It's a great detective procedural crime drama with complex characters, it features a multitude of plot lines that come together naturally and and some moments might give you the creeps - especially the chapters from daddy's perspective. It's like a really good Criminal Minds episode and I devoured it!

I finished it this morning - because I couldn't really read it at night as it made me uneasy at times and I struggle with sleep enough without outside influences, and I NEED the next book in the series! Not all plot lines get resolved but the book ends in a nice natural way, no great cliffhanger, yet I still want to spend more time with detective Phalen and her colleagues. I still need to put my thoughts in order for a proper review, but I just had to shout about how good this novel was!

It's a brilliant book and it's so well-written, especially when it comes to the characters and their development. Even the secondary characters are fully fleshed-out (even though some are stereotypical for the crime procedural genre). There were some things that bothered me - mainly how repetitive some parts were or the over-explaining in some parts, but these things are not a big part of the book, which is why this is such a good 5-star read and I cannot wait for the next novel!

Like other reviewers, I didn't expect this to be so heavily police procedural. I expected more of a psych thriller and that's down to the packaging of the book. I enjoyed the beginning but it became very quickly like watching the TV crime shows where we get 30 minutes of content with 30 mins of commercials. And yes, the end was pretty poor. You could tell the author polished the first half but ran out of steam for the second half. I found Wes hard to like given his misogynistic views and sleeping around. It's also very cheesy to know that Margot is going to end up with him at some point. Unfortunately, all police procedurals have this romance trope now and I'm not a fan. I just hope Margot uses protection because he must be riddled with STIs!
What I did like very much was the swearing. It's become so taboo to swear in thrillers these days because the US audience can't handle it (despite most of us swearing like troopers all day long you hypocritical bunch!) that I really enjoyed the realistic swearing. It's how everyone I know talks, and I'm sick of authors writing clean thrillers just to avoid a low rating. No cop I know would ever say "Gosh darnit" instead of, well, you know.
A promising debut book!

Thank you to NetGalley for ARC in return for my review.

Margot is a homicide detective that is hiding her past. She’s shut off that part of her but the past can only stay hidden for so long!

Enjoy the rollercoaster ride and the twists in this book. I was disappointed with the ending being so abrupt but would recommend this author overall.

This is my first book by this Author and after reading this offering won't be my last

When Homicide Detective Margot Phelan was 15 her father was found to be a serial killer with a least 76 victims to his name .
Even though she had no knowledge of her father's crimes she has always carried an element of guilt .
Along with her partner , Wes , she has found her latest crime scene puzzling - a family photo shows mother , father , daughter and son.....
but the victims are mother , father and two girls - where is the son ? who is the other girl. ?
Her focus is soon disrupted for she has received a phone call from her father's lawyer - her father wants her to visit him in prison where he
just might tell her where victim number 77 ??? can be found .Just what is he playing at , can he trusted to tell the truth and why now ?
Her sense of justice is strong , she needs to solve the puzzling case of the home invasion and put her feelings regarding her father to one side and give victim 77's family the answers they deserve and final closure.

This is a page turning thriller , fast paced with twists and turns around every corner ,with a strong lead character who despite her serial killing father had managed to make a life for herself seeking justice for others

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own

Thank you NetGalley, the author and publisher for this copy in return for my honest review.

I really enjoyed this book and it was interesting that it was told from dual perspectives and dual timelines. A fast paced story that keeps you guessing.

Enjoyed this book, the relationship between margot and wes was great, I just felt the ending let it down. It felt rushed and I know its to Lead on to the next in the series it just left so many unanswered questions. I hate not knowing what happened hopefully the next one will give me the answers. Not sure I would have read if I knew it was a series as I would have waited for the next one. I hope the next one solves the crimes of this one
Thanks

Thank you netgalley and Storm publishing for an arc of this book in exchange for a honest review

This book is about margot who is the daughter of a famous serial killer named ed finch and is a homicide detective, margot is trying to forget her past but one day she gets a call from her father's lawyer and learns that ed is back and on death row at san quentin, her father has a message that he is willing to share some long held secrets but she has to visit him in order to find out.

I really enjoyed this book, it was perfectly paced and was never boring nor overwhelming and it had me hooked from the beginning, it felt like i was reading an episode of criminal minds and i loved that aspect. It was super easy to read as well, i also really loved margot as a character and her relationship with her partner wes it was really fun to read. The ending was a bit fast paced and i didn't expect the ramirez case to end like it did, I'm really happy and excited that this is going to be a series and i can't wait for the 2nd book to see where the story goes.

The intro to the book gets it right when it says “For all the girls who took out big books on serial killers from the library way too young, this one is for you.” Because this is THE perfect book for true crime girlies. A lot of references to other real life killers, and while this may just be my take, there’s a lot of similarities between the fictional Ed Finch and The Golden State Killer (Joseph James DeAngelo) and BTK (Dennis Rader). Grab this one on Kindle Unlimited for free when it comes out Monday March 25th or head to any book seller and get a physical copy!

***I was given the chance to read this book as an advance reader copy, thanks to Storm Publishing and NetGalley! ***

Kate Wiley's "The Killer's Daughter" has caused quite a stir in the world of thriller novels. With its engrossing storyline and intricate character development, it’s no wonder that it has captivated the minds of readers worldwide. In this post, we delve into the essence of this novel, focusing on three key aspects.

"The Killer's Daughter" unfolds in a world of suspense and intrigue, where the daughter of a notorious serial killer grapples with her father's dark legacy. The plot is a roller coaster ride of emotions and unexpected twists, keeping readers on their toes from start to finish. Wiley exhibits a remarkable ability to weave a complex web of narrative that is as enthralling as it is chilling.

Wiley's skill in character development truly shines in "The Killer's Daughter." The protagonist, a woman haunted by her father's past, is a deeply relatable character. Her struggle with her identity, her father's crimes, and her own sense of self is beautifully portrayed. The supporting characters are equally well-drawn, each adding a unique dimension to the narrative.

Wiley's writing style in "The Killer's Daughter" is a perfect match for the storyline. Her ability to create suspense and maintain tension throughout the novel is commendable. Her descriptive prose enhances the atmosphere of the story, pulling readers into the dark and thrilling world she has created. Wiley balances the fast-paced plot with thoughtful introspection, providing a well-rounded reading experience.

"The Killer's Daughter" by Kate Wiley is a gripping thriller, a testament to Wiley's talent as a storyteller. With its compelling plot, well-rounded characters, and enthralling writing style, it stands as a remarkable addition to the genre. For fans of thrillers and suspense novels, this is a must-read, a journey into the depths of a killer's legacy and a daughter's struggle to escape it.

An intense, gripping, formidable and eery thriller!

Margot Phalen, a detective with the San Francisco Police Department, is called to the scene of a family massacre. At the same time, her own world starts to unravel when she receives an unexpected phone call drawing her back into the orbit of her father, notorious serial killer Ed Finch.

Boy, am I thrilled to hear that this is the first in what will be a series of books all featuring detective Margot Phalen! The book is well-plotted and well-written, a smart, thought-out, intense thriller shifting seamlessly between Margot‘s present-day police work (with some very eery cases) and her father‘s crime spree. The Ramirez case was a bit obvious in its (creepy) conclusion, but the entire book was intensely gripping and still managed to thoroughly hook me.

I also really enjoyed how Margot and her fellow police officers were written. Though Margot is obviously damaged, she is still a competent, no-nonsense character you want to root for, and I cannot wait to read more about her and her cases in the future.

TW for sexual assault and child abuse.

Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

What an absolute thriller this is!

Detective Phalen has a dark past. One that should would rather forget. But she can't because her father, the classified killer wants to see her. He has something to tell her. Something about another victim that has never been found. Should she entertain it?

There are three murders in this novel and the first one starts off with a bang. The whole family is murdered except a little boy, the son. What is going on? Who has committed such a heinous crime?

As detective phalen works on three cases at the same time and tries to get her father to give out information you heart will be pounding. I couldn't wait to get to the end!

Thank you to net galley and the publisher for this arc

Amazing! This is one of those reads that has you gasping out loud at moments. It grips you from page one and takes you on a wild horrifying rollercoaster ride start to finish. Jaw dropping moments throughout, this read is not for the feint of heart. Dark and deep and absolutely terrifying. This one was nightmare inducing and a fast paced unputdownable thriller!

The first in a new detective series centered on Margot Phalen. few know that Margot is the daughter of an infamous serial killer. As she investigates a brutal family killing, she learns her dad has been transferred to a prison close to her. He promises he will tell her about more bodies he is responsible for if she comes to visit. Margot doesn’t want to see him, but also wants justice for the women he killed.

This was so good! It truly was one that I could not stop reading because I had to know what happened. I thought it was perfect from the way the past was tied in and the investigating of the new crimes. I cannot wait for more in this series!!!

I received my copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

This book was an absolute blast to read! I finished it in no time and I absolutely can't wait for the story to continue! It came out on the 25th of March and I received it from Storm Publishing via Netgalley.

Twenty years ago Ed Finch used the Bay Area as his hunting ground, to hunt women and kill them. His daughter Margot was just a child then, but now she is a homicide detective with the San Francisco Police Department. She has desperately been trying to forget her past, even going so far as to change her name.
It's never that easy, though. She finds out that Ed is transferred back to death row at San Quentin. And he is desperate to get in contact with her again. He will give up another secret as long as she visits him. Will she open up this hideous door to her past to grant another family rest?

Fast paced, exciting, thrilling - these words just don't do justice to this brilliant book. I absolutely loved the storyline with the emotional layers surfacing through the characters making it just brilliant. The characters are worked out well and I can't wait to find out more about them. It all just fits in perfectly - the characters, the storyline, the excitement - turning this book into an amazing thriller.

5/5 ⭐

Detective Margot Phalen was just trying to put her past behind her. She’s changed her name, moved to a different city, but sometimes your past just follows you - especially when your father is one of the most prolific serial killers of your generation.
Margot hadn’t spoken to her father for more than 20 years and suddenly her father’s lawyer reaches out to her to inform her that her father wants to see her. Naturally Margot is hesitant but when her father says he will tell her about an unknown victim, she can’t help but take him up on his request.
I couldn’t help but think of the show Prodigal Son while reading this book.
I was engaged with not only the story of victim #77 but also with the case that Margot was working as well.

Looking forward to the next book in the series to find out more.

This novel was intriguing, a serial killer on death row and at times had his baby daughter sitting in the back seat in the car, while on a kill. Now grown up and a name change she is now a homicide detective and very few people know of her past and who she really is.
One evening a phone call a lawyer asking her to visit her father as he has been transferred to a local prison, quite rightly she refused so he comes back with a temptation, her father will reveal No: 77 and where she is buried.
Just the start has he got her hooked? will this be more to come as the FBI always thought there were more bodies out there.
I did find this book intriguing but there is a No:2 novel a follow up, and my only fear is that it's a different but copy of the same story.
I would like to thank NetGalley and Storm Publishing for a ARC copy to read, the review is entirely my own thoughts.

This was a well written book that grabbed my attention from the first chapter and kept my attention through the end. I enjoyed the chapters looking at the past from when Ed Finch was a serial killer still in the loose, and the present day chapters when his daughter who changed her names to Margot Phalen is a hominids detective. I do wish the look back chapters have a little more detail, even if it was just a quick description on the actually crimes committed by Ed Finch.

Such an engaging and well-constructed book! Reflecting after I finished reading, I found the title exactly right for the tone and details of the story. Detective Margot Phelan of the San Francisco Police Department is the understandably long-estranged daughter of Ed Finch, a serial killer of over seventy young women. He was captured and convicted when Margot, then Megan Finch, was only 15. While there were certainly episodes of suspense, I viewed The Killer’s Daughter as an excellent police procedural, showcasing Margot’s adeptness as an investigator while offering a portrait of the emotional challenges she continues to face as she pursues justice for victims of violence. While author Kate Wiley concludes the novel with the possibility of a sequel, the story held its own admirably without tacking on an almost contradictory cliffhanger. 4.5 stars, rounded to 5 for excellence in plot and character development.

4.5/5 (rounded up)
I really enjoyed this book, but I was able to figure it out rather quickly. I enjoyed that it was told from dual perspectives and dual timelines. This is a quick story that gets going right away. This is really well written, and I look forward to the next book in the series! I didn’t expect it to end in a cliffhanger of sorts, but am excited to see where this story goes.