Author Kate Wiley has a winner in this series starring Margo Phalen. She is the daughter of the prolific serial killer, Ed Finch. Although her life was drastically changed when Ed was arrested, she has overcome many obstacles to become a homicide detective.
She and her partner, Wes Fox, are dealing with several cases including a serial killer case with a suspect that is well connected. Also her father requests she visit him as he has something to tell her. Hoping he will disclose where more of his victims are buried, she is shocked instead when he tells her a secret that will have Margot revisiting her past with horrific consequences.
With plenty of drama, great characters and the traumatic internal feelings of Margot keep the tension high and this book very enjoyable. Thank you Netgalley and Storm Publishing for the arc. This voluntarily review is my personal opinion.

This was so good! I love not knowing what's going on while immersed in palpable tension! I only wish Margot was not all the time mentioning her trauma. This gets a little irritating. A creepy thriller whose conclusion just makes the reader absolutely impatient for the last book and the whole truth! I really enjoyed it!
I received a digital copy of this novel from NetGalley and I have voluntarily written an honest review.

Margot’s story is so interesting to me because it goes beyond just being the child of a serial killer. She’s also a detective who is still trying to find the victims of her father. And realistically, I know it would be extremely unlikely that she would be allowed to be this involved in the case in the real world because of the conflict of interest, her stories are still wildly entertaining. Add to that the insane amount of baggage this poor woman has, and you have a woman that is pulling herself in a million directions. This book made things a hell of a lot more interest with the sudden shift in the relationship between Margot and Will. The closer she gets to finding all the previously undiscovered victims of Ed Finch, the closer she gets to Will. But her baggage gets in her way. There’s so much going on in this story, but in a really good way. I’m bummed out that the next book in the series is the end of it, but I also can’t wait to read it. There’s a lot of storylines to tie up: Ed Finch’s last victims, her relationship with Will, her relationship with Justin, the documentary, and of course, we can’t forget about that as of yet unsolved cases between the Rigas and the Redwood Killer, both of which may involve someone close to Margot. I’m excited to see how this will all end!

Huge thanks to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for sending me this ARC for review! All of my reviews are given honestly!

In the blurb at the back of the book is the line ‘if you raced through this book and want to know when the final book in the series is out….’ And I have never entered my details so quickly! This book was another tour de force from Wiley. I was hooked from book 1 of the series and this book is possibly the best yet. You don’t need the previous 3 books to read this one, but the series is so good that I would strongly recommend it so you can have all the gloriousness! Margot is investigating an incident as a police officer, working with the FBI to uncover the victims of her serial killer father and juggling relationships. This is packed full of mystery, gore, procedure and excellent fodder for thinking and stirring the imagination.

Part of a series featuring Detective Maggie Phalen. Gripping thriller but rather an abrupt ending. Obviously need to read the next one.

Another great read from Kate Wiley.

Imagine growing up and thinking you had a normal childhood only to find out your father is a serial killer.

How do you come away from that? Margot became a detective and works with the FBI on the side.

The FBI needs Margot to get her father to talk while sitting on death row. Margot would rather not see him but she decides she will do whatever it takes to find her father’s victims even if she has to use herself as bait.

Margot is a strong female character who shows she has personal problems too and she’s not at all perfect.

Alluring and gripping!!!!

I loved every second of this book. My earlier issue with this series was how there wasn't much progress in the overarching plot. But this one did pick up the pace.

We have Margot who continues her visit to her father where she learns he has an accomplice. I liked how they didn't drag this segment around much and even brought it a biting end. The other cases also saw progress with the story taking a cliche but realistic route of unpunished crime of the privileged. The increased presence of Wes in this book kept it engaging.

I want to compliment the author especially on the internal monologue. Most times it gets boring, repetitive and I end up skipping them when it gets too long. The internal dialogues of Detective Phalen here have a traumatic edge to it that makes it very real. It shows that she has a long road ahead.

I would truly recommend this series to all. Can't wait for the last book in the series.

I thank NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the E-Arc and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I love this series. Margot is a wonderfully complex character with deep flaws but willingness to grow. Her demons are all too real with a serial killer father who toys with her as he slowly reveals information that keeps her coming back to visit. She only has one other family member - a brother, David. I’ve been wanting to get some insight into him, as we know now in the series how she feels about her serial killer father but not a whole lot about how her brother is faring. Unsurprisingly, he’s as troubled as she is, but in different ways (of course). Margot just isn’t sure how deeply traumatized David is - can he be like their father? The evidence gives her pause as she works to unwind a crime that is too close to home. Edge of the seat, can’t-put-the-book-down tension, along with some really good writing, kept me engrossed and impatient for the next in the series.

Thank you to Storm Publishing, Netgalley, and the author, for early access to this captivating police procedural.

I have loved this whole series and don’t want the next one to be the end! I love every part of these stories and they keep you wanting to know more about what is coming next!! Between her father, her partner and the cases they are trying to solve you can’t put these books down once you start them! Thank you so much NetGalley for the arc!

Kate Wiley has done it again. Another great chapter in Margot Phalen's and her partner Wes.

Fantastic read, absolutely no spoilers, just highly recommend.

Can't wait for the next installment!

My thanks to Netgalley and Storm Publishing for giving me the opportunity to read an advanced digital copy in return for an honest review.

This is an action packed thriller you don’t want to put down. I devoured this book in just a couple of sittings, and it’s a must read!

Margot and her partner Wes are in the middle of an investigation where they are confronting her serial killer father for answers. Between that and her past resurfacing, it only adds more challenges to the investigation.

I love the characters, this is very well written and I can’t wait to find out how the conclusion will be.

Thank you so much to Storm Publishing for the eARC in exchange of my honest review.

I didn't discover this series until book 3 but it has a great premise and made me want to read more. The characters keep evolving and we learn more about old and new crimes. The dual focus between Ed's victims and the search for the Redwood Killer keep the story moving briskly. The flashbacks paint a larger picture and give insight and connection to current cases, as we learn more about Ed and his family. The story is captivating with some intriguing twists.

Another great good in the series! Not my favorite one but defiantly recommend! Love the characters in this series

The daughter of a notorious serial killer, Margot Phalen is doing her upmost to distance herself from her father who's currently serving life in San Quentin. A detective with San Francisco PD, she wants nothing to do with him but every time she breaks a little bit further away he drags her back.

I love the partnership between Margot and Detective Wes Fox and in this novel they're caught up in a murder investigation at the same time as her brother arrives in town needing a place to stay. These novels are just the right side of dark with a slow drip of information and a knockout ending that will leave you wanting to grab the next one straight away...it can't come soon enough for me

The fourth in Kate Wiley's brilliant Margot Phalen series of novels I wouldn't say its essential to read the previous novels before this one but I'd definitely recommend it.

My thanks to Storm Publishing for the early read, all opinions expressed are my own

Oh my goodness, "In the Blood" completely took my breath away! As a fan of thrillers, I found this book an absolute gem, and I couldn't put it down from the moment I started reading. This is the fourth instalment in the Detective Margot Phalen series, and let me tell you, Kate Wiley does not disappoint.
Margot's story is heartbreaking yet riveting. As the daughter of the infamous serial killer Ed Finch, she's spent her entire life constructing walls to shield herself from the haunting shadows of her past. That sense of isolation is palpable, and I could sympathise deeply with her desire to keep everyone—and everything—at a distance, especially her partner, Detective Wes Fox. Their chemistry is electric, and the playful banter between them adds a refreshing dynamic that keeps the story engaging.
The plot takes a sinister turn when Margot’s brother shows up, and that’s when the real tension starts to mount. The moment I noticed blood on his shoes, it sent chills down my spine. Was I being paranoid right alongside Margot? Or was this twisted legacy of her father creeping back into her life? The stakes felt so real, and I found myself gasping out loud at some of the twists and turns. There were moments of sheer shock as well as heart-wrenching revelations that caught me off guard.
I also loved the character of Leon; he brought a unique flair to the story. Each character is so well-developed, and their struggles add layers to the overarching narrative. The twist about Ed having an accomplice still on the loose was a gut punch that kept me on the edge of my seat. The exploration of whether darkness runs in families is a theme that resonated deeply, and it left me pondering the psychological nuances long after I turned the last page.

Kate Wiley’s writing is dark, emotional, and incredibly raw. I've often found myself reading well into the night because I just couldn't bear to stop. This book perfectly blends suspense and character-driven storytelling, proving that I am hooked on Margot and her journey.
If you enjoy thrillers that twist and turn while also tugging at your heartstrings, you absolutely must read "In the Blood." I can’t wait for the next book in the series—I need to know what happens next! I highly recommend this series not just to fans of the genre but to anyone looking for a memorable reading experience. Bravo, Kate Wiley!

This is my first book with this author but definitely not my last! Suspense and a compelling storyline held my interest to the very end! Good development of the characters and was left wanting for more! Glad there is another book planned for this series!

In the Blood is the fourth instalment in Kate Wiley’s Detective Margot Phalen series. The narrative follows Detective Margot Phalen as she confronts the haunting legacy of her father, Ed Finch, a notorious serial killer. The plot intensifies when her brother, Justin, re-enters her life, urging her to participate in a documentary about their father. Complications arise as Margot notices blood on Justin’s shoes coinciding with the discovery of a nearby body, leading her to question whether her family’s dark past is resurfacing. There is also a serial killer who leaves his victims in the Redwoods and a crime where a local girl has been set on fire and burnt, so Wes and Margot are busy trying to track down the perpetrators of both crimes.
I love the characters, and like all her books, Kate Wiley has done it again with a fascinating storyline. If you love a masterfully written book that you cannot put down once you start, then this series is for you. I cannot wait for the final book in this series to see how it concludes, although sadly, I could read more about Margot and Wes. Thanks to NetGalley and to the publishers of this book for giving me a free advance copy to preview, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Thank you netgalley and Storm Publishing for this arc.

We are on book 4 of Margots story and I can't wait to get to the conclusion next book. Filled with twists and turns that keep you hooked and guessing. Still really enjoying this series.

In the Blood is the fourth book of the detective Margot Phalen. It is a sad story with several twists. Margot and Wes are working to solve an attempted murder when they find that one suspect is very close to an authority. Would they be able to close the case? Or the protection of the authority will prevent further investigation. Simultaneously, Margot keeps visiting her father in the maximum-security prison of San Quentin. Ed Flinch gives the name of his accomplice. During the questioning of Ed Flinch's accomplice, Margot suffers a new trauma. Her life is not easy lately.

Once again I started reading a book only to discover, after a few chapters, that said book is part of a series. The 4th book in the series to be precise. 📚
Now, I could have stopped reading right there, and circled back to the first book, but I was already heavily invested in the characters and just wanted to carry on. So carry on I did, and boy am I glad! 😊
In the Blood is a fast paced, gripping thriller that pulls you in and does not let go. It's dark, and it's twisty, and it's oh so enjoyable. The majority of the characters are likeable, but there are the obligatory loathsome ones too. And there's a wee dog. 🐶
It didn't matter to me that I hadn't read the previous books, I picked up plenty of background information in this one. I might even skip straight on to the next one when it is released, now that I know it will bring the series to its conclusion.
Many thanks to Storm Publishing and Netgalley for the digital ARC.