This is a debut novel, a murder mystery set in Texas which was atmospheric and contained a cast of interesting characters. It’s hard to believe that this is Sherry Rankin’s first book. It was so well written and intricately plotted.
Colly is returning to her late husband’s family with her grandson Satchel, having lost her daughter and husband in unexplained circumstances.
She is a cop but taking time out after what has happened and has been asked by her brother in law, also a cop, to investigate some murders. The youngest brother in the family, Willis, who has spent many years in prison for killing a young boy 20 years previously, has been released but has subsequently died after being suspected of a further child’s murder.
Russ, her brother in law, wants her to review the cases and work out whether Willis was really guilty of the crimes of which he was accused. Did he murder two children?
Nothing is as it seems and there are many suspects and clues but these don’t seem to add up. Colly finds it difficult to work out what is going on. Her grandson is traumatised and she has to fit in the investigation around him which proves hard. When she is targeted and warned off the case matters really start to hot up. She feels there has been a miscarriage of justice but will the real killer silence her before she discovers their identity?
This was a great mystery with interesting characters. I raced through the book, savouring the descriptions of the remote Texas plains and customs whilst really getting to know Colly and her family.
So much so that at the end I felt keen to know more about Colly and Satchel and wondered if “The Killing Plains “ might be the start of a series. Definitely recommended.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for my advance copy.

Thank you NetGalley, Thomas And Mercer, and Rankin for the ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review. The Killing Plains was a decent book, there was a fair amount of talking and filler through the book that seemed unnecessary until the end. Once I hit about 70% the way through, the book really picked up and I couldn’t put it down. The parts from the beginning of the story that seemed unnecessary, really came to light at the end! I felt frustrated for the main character, Colly, because even she admits that most of the information she’s uncovered, seemed useless at first. Rankin did a great job tying everything together in the end, there was a reason for everything. Some authors tie everything up with a little bow in the end and it’s too good to be true, but not Rankin. She ties everything up, then leaves you with one heck of a twist you won’t see coming! 4 stars for the writing, the character development, and the twist! I’d love to read more from this author!

Sherry Rankin's debut mystery novel sets a dark tone immediately in the prologue and keeps you turning pages until you hit the big reveal. Character development is strong and dialogue feels authentic; I'd definitely enjoy reading more of Colly's investigations. I found it interesting that a prominent character copes with sun sensitivity, and it's simply part of the character and treated realistically, not milked for plot points.

The Killing Plains draws you surely but slowly into an atmospheric read that once hooked you wont want to put the book down.

A series of murders has taken place in the American midwest in a small town of Crescent Bluff.

All fingers point at Willis Newland who was just released from prison for an identical murder.

Colly Newland retired dectective begrudglingly agrees to look into the case.

Everyone knows everyone and the secrets mount up into a tangled web of deceit.

Sherry Rankin takes the reader down a path full of twists and turns complete with red herrings.

Her writing is very descriptive and all the characters are well defined whether you like the person or not.

I thoroughly enjoyed the mystery of the book and all it entailed but I will leave the rest of the journey up to the reader.

I cant wait to see where Sherry Rankin takes us next.

Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the privilege to read and review The Killing Plains.

This is a well written and intricately plotted thriller, about family loyalty and trust, with a host of interesting characters. Some were likeable but others not so much! I loved the small town Texas setting with the descriptions of the towns and landscapes. The pacing and the plotting left my head spinning as I struggled to remember the names of so many characters. I really liked Colly, she is tough and determined to find out the truth but there is a vulnerability there too. This is a very good thriller which I would recommend. Thanks to Net Galley for my ARC.

The Killing Plains is a gripping crime thriller set against the harsh, unforgiving backdrop of the American Midwest. This haunting tale of secrets, lies, and small-town dynamics opens with the chilling discovery of a boy’s body, clutching the skin of a hare’s head in his hand. The town quickly turns its suspicions to Willis Newland, a man freshly released from prison after serving twenty years for an eerily similar murder. But as Detective Colly Newland begins to investigate, the question arises—what if the town is wrong?

Rankin masterfully crafts a complex narrative that delves deep into the tangled lives of Crescent Bluff’s residents. The story is told through multiple perspectives, each adding layers of depth and intrigue, as Detective Newland unearths long-buried secrets that connect the recent murder to the past. The small-town setting, where everyone knows everyone yet harbours hidden truths, amplifies the tension and stakes.

The pacing is exquisite, with each chapter leaving you eager for the next twist. As threats against Colly intensify, the story builds towards a nail-biting climax, leaving readers guessing until the very end. Rankin’s evocative descriptions bring the desolate plains to life, perfectly mirroring the bleak and menacing tone of the narrative.

For fans of suspenseful, character-driven mysteries, The Killing Plains is an unmissable read. Sherry Rankin’s ability to weave a multi-layered plot with compelling characters ensures this book will keep you on the edge of your seat until its final pages.

Read more at The Secret Book Review.

⭐️ 4.5/5 Stars - 📚 The Killing Plains by Sherry Rankin

📖 Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Sherry Rankin’s The Killing Plains is an atmospheric thriller that plunges readers into the unforgiving landscape of West Texas, where danger and secrets simmer beneath the surface. As a thriller enthusiast, I was hooked from the first page – Rankin masterfully crafts a suspenseful read.

Set against the stark beauty of the plains, the novel follows Detective Colly Newland as she’s pulled into a chilling murder investigation that mirrors a crime from twenty years earlier. A boy is found dead, and all fingers point to Willis Newland, just released from prison for an identical murder. But Colly isn’t convinced – and the deeper she digs, the more tangled the web of secrets becomes.

The pacing is spot-on, with each chapter ending in a way that makes it impossible to stop reading. Rankin’s descriptive writing brings the desolate, windswept plains to life, creating a haunting sense of isolation that mirrors the unease coursing through the story.

Colly is a brilliantly complex protagonist – determined, vulnerable, and relentless in her pursuit of the truth. Her personal stakes in the case add emotional weight, while the supporting cast adds layers of intrigue (and suspicion!). The townspeople, each with something to hide, make for an unsettling backdrop that keeps the reader guessing.

Just when you think you’ve cracked the case, Rankin throws in a twist that turns everything upside down. The surprises are well-executed and feel organic to the plot, making the final reveal all the more satisfying.

💭 If you love atmospheric thrillers with rich character development, unexpected twists, and a strong female lead, The Killing Plains is a must-read. I’m already looking forward to more from Sherry Rankin!

📌 The Killing Plains releases 1 February 2025.
📚 For more reviews, visit instagram.com/liisalovesreading

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Review: A well written mystery with great characterization and amazing visual renderings. So why only three stars? Someone with this kind of talent needs to make the whodunnit more intricate. As it was, by the 20% mark, you should pretty easily be able to figure out who is doing it and why. Yeah there are familial secrets and sudden clashes with the townsfolk, but those are obivious red herrings that tend to markedly separate the guilty party.

One of the better mysteries I have read without the constant olde english verbosity or the man-crushing.

The Killing Plains is a gripping thriller that takes place in Texas after a series of unfortunate events and two murders. In an effort to clear her son’s name regarding the murders, the family matriarch insists that her daughter in law, a former cop, comes to their town to conduct a separate investigation. Colly brings her grandson with her while she investigates. The child has been through a great deal of trauma and that doesn’t stop during the course of the investigation. Colly worries about the course her young grandson is on as well as having to decide if she can trust what information is being delivered by her deceased husband’s family members. Everywhere she looks there are conflicts with the investigation. The tangled family web runs deep! The story is a little slow to start in my opinion, but takes off running mid-book. I felt that the ending wrapped up rather quickly with a lot of details being explained after the fact. I would have liked to see some of the details emerging more during the investigation. All in all a good read!

I enjoyed this book immensely. This is Sherry Rankin's first published book. I think it was well written and it had a twist. Part of me figured it out, but it was still a great book. I recommend this book to anyone who loves thrillers and a good mystery. I can't wait to see what Sherry Rankin comes up with next. I will definitely be reading it.

This was a typical whodunnit, with quite a collection of possible subjects. I enjoyed the storyline at times, and at other times, I felt it dragged. Good ending, though!

Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book for an honest review

This is a well written good old fashioned thriller mystery . The plot keeps you guessing as the clues are revealed. I recommend this book and give it 4 stars

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this compelling eARC.

Sherry Rankin’s “The Killing Plains” is a gripping and atmospheric novel that plunges readers into the heart of a desolate landscape where secrets and danger lurk beneath the surface. As a book reviewer with a penchant for thrillers and mysteries, I found this book to be a masterclass in suspense and storytelling.

“The Killing Plains” is set in the vast, unforgiving plains of the American Midwest, where a series of brutal murders disrupts the quiet life of a small town. Rankin expertly weaves a complex narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The plot unfolds through multiple perspectives, each adding depth and intrigue to the story. The pacing is impeccable, with each chapter ending on a note of suspense that compels you to keep reading.

Rankin’s writing is both evocative and immersive. She paints a vivid picture of the stark, haunting beauty of the plains, making the setting almost a character in itself. The tension is palpable, and the sense of isolation and vulnerability is expertly conveyed. The book’s twists and turns are well-crafted, keeping readers guessing until the very end.

The characters in “The Killing Plains” are richly drawn and multifaceted. The protagonist, a determined and resourceful detective, is particularly compelling. Her personal struggles and relentless pursuit of justice add emotional depth to the narrative. The supporting characters, from the enigmatic townsfolk to the chilling antagonist, are equally well-developed, each contributing to the story’s complexity.

Rankin excels at delivering unexpected twists that challenge readers’ assumptions and keep the plot fresh. Just when you think you have figured out the mystery, she throws in a curveball that changes everything. These twists are not only surprising but also seamlessly integrated into the storyline, enhancing the overall impact.

“The Killing Plains” stands out for its originality and creativity. Rankin’s ability to blend elements of psychological thriller, crime fiction, and atmospheric storytelling is impressive. The novel’s unique setting and the intricate web of secrets and lies make it a standout in the genre.

“The Killing Plains” is a must-read for fans of thrillers and mysteries. Sherry Rankin has crafted a novel that is both chilling and captivating, with a plot that keeps you hooked from start to finish. Her skillful storytelling and deep understanding of human nature make this book a memorable and rewarding read.

Whether you’re a seasoned mystery reader or new to the genre, “The Killing Plains” is sure to leave a lasting impression. This was my first book by this author, but it definitely won't be my last!

Title: The Killing Plains
Author: Sherry Rankin (Debut Author)
Genre: Mystery Thriller
Publisher: Thomas & Mercer
Pub Date: February 1, 2025
My Rating: 3 Stars
Pages: 365

Crescent Bluff, West Texas is a place where; everybody knows everyone - their families as well as their secrets’. So when a young man is found dead with the skin of a hare’s head everyone knows who killed him—as Willis Newland was just released from prison after serving twenty years for an identical murder.

Retired Detective Colly (Columbus) Newland reluctantly agrees to investigate a case that seems to involve the whole town, including her dead husband’s extended family.

I wanted to give Willis the benefit of the doubt but the snake as thick as your arm did freak me out.
Also want to give support to debut author however to me this was an okay read – which doesn’t mean it wasn’t good. In fact, I checked reviews and saw that many readers love this story.

Which reminds me ~
The difference between an amazing story and a so-so one depends on who is reading it!

Want to thank Thomas & Mercer for this early eGalley.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for February 1, 2025.

I love a good mystery, especially one that I can't pick the killer.

This felt like a good old fashioned mystery thriller, with enough character development and clues thrown in to keep you engaged and guessing. I enjoyed how we slowly learned more about our main characters background and her motivations for her decisions.

4 stars! Definitely recommended.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

Easy to figure out early on, but not a deal breaker in terms of finishing. I liked the main character.

Thanks to Netgalley for the free copy in exchange for an honest review

I really liked this book. It wasn't the usual modern day fare. More like the older, better, thriller books. (I seriously dislike the trends seen in modern mysteries/thrillers.)

I picked the bad guy from early on. Mostly because of a hint I read in another review. It's a bit spoilerish but of all the red herrings in this book, and there were a lot, there could have been some suspicion directed towards the actual culprit.

I also liked the inclusion of the Mcdonald Triad and the brain scans. Though they are more likely to be indicators of trauma in a child than predictions of future violence. I'm really glad the author didnt leave his or her audience with the belief that bedwetting or pyromaniac tendencies automatically indicates psychopathy.

A few things I disliked:

The amount of suspects. Literally everyone in the book was either a suspect or lying about pretty significant things.

The sidekick (Avery?) was spoiled and borderline useless. I don't understand why she existed, other than that one scene where she explains her past. Which was a thumb piece to broaden the story. I don't think her behavior would have been tolerated anywhere in real life.

I dont like the MC's motivation. And I don't like how Satchel was treated. Why even bring the kid? If he couldn't handle being separated for a short period, she should have stayed home with him. He should have been a higher priority than he was and all that didnt fully make sense. Why transfer him to an entirely new school for a week? Then transfer back? I know he was a plot point but still

This was such a fantastic read. It had so many twists and turns and honestly kept me on my toes the entire time.

I would think I had figured out who did it and then a curveball would come along with new information and I'd have to start over. Near the end, I did have it down to 2 choices, but just couldn't choose between then. But when it was revealed, everything clicked into place. I def hope this is the start of a series!

Such an amazing read. I loved it sooo much.
The Book was a little bit slow at the beginning but after a few chapters, everything changed it turned to be so engrossing and keeping you at your toes. It was so amazing how everything came to make sense by the end and the author laid all the evidences to help connect the dots and .making everything so clear.

5/5


My first ARC from netgalley so grateful for it hope for more

It was overall a good mystery set in west Texas with a likeable protagonist and I thought it was well plotted and paced with good readability
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for letting me review book