by Karen Fenech
Narrator: Christina Traister
Length: 7 hours and 32 minutes
Genres: Romantic Suspense
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Narration: 4 cups
FBI special agent Paige Carson hoped she’d be able to start a new life in small-town South Carolina. But when a senator’s sister is murdered and a blank postcard is left next to the body, Paige realizes that a killer from her past has found her—and is sending her a very personal message.
From the moment he hired her, FBI special agent in charge Sam McKade knew Paige was hiding something. Prompted by this recent threat, she finally opens up: one year ago, she caught the eye of suspected serial killer Todd Thames. Now he’s come back to pull her into his game, whether she wants to play or not.
As the danger increases, Paige and Sam give in to their growing attraction, and he vows to protect her no matter the cost. But the murderer will stop at nothing to get to his intended prey, and the strong arm of the law—and the shelter of her new love—may not be enough to save her.
Breath of Malice written by Karen Fenech and narrated by Christina Traister delivered an interesting romantic suspense filled with danger and sweet moments. With a serial killer on the loose can you ever really be safe?
When FBI agent Paige Carson catches a serial killer’s attention, she along with her special needs sister find themselves living (hiding) in a small South Carolina town. This is not their first move but Paige was hoping it would be their last. Reality soon comes crashes down when she realized the killer has found her again.
Paige works for Special Agent Sam McKade, who suspects that Paige has been hiding something. When Paige realizes the threat has returned she takes a chance and opens up to Sam. Together they work the case and confront the attraction they feel for each other.
The mystery and suspense in Breath of Malice kept me engaged as Fenech delivered several nail-biting twists. Fenech did a great job of sharing Paige’s fear and terror brought on by this twisted villain. I struggled a little with Paige as a person. Some of the decisions she made both in the case and with her sister irked me. While, the author allowed me to understand I disagreed. This may have affected the romantic aspect of the story for me.
The serial killer Thames was the perfect villain and the way he torments Paige will make your skin crawl. He seems to be everywhere and know everything! I love this type of edge of your seat threat. The entire storyline regarding his career and subsequent stalking was nicely developed.
The relationship that developed between Sam and Paige fell flat for me, even if I found them well suited. Normally I am ok with insta-love in romantic suspense, but in Breath of Malice there was not enough air to fan the flames, Sadly I did not become caught up in their chemistry. There were moments that were sweet and felt genuine but that sizzle was missing.
Christina Traister narrated and I enjoyed listening to her. She gave each character a unique voice and set the tone of the story. I would definitely consider books narrated by her.
Breathe of Malice was a good, quick, engaging listen but not necessarily one I will remember a year from now.
Audiobook review of Breath of Malice by Karen Fenech #romanticsuspense Share on X
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Vickie Hartwell
Can’t wait to read this!!!!!
kimbacaffeinate
Yay! I hope you love it Vickie 🙂
Bea
That’s disappointing; I have it in my TBR pile.
kimbacaffeinate
Well maybe you will feel their connection Bea. I look forward to your thoughts on it 🙂
Mandi
Nice review Kim! But it seem like a sad cover, anw, I love the romantic suspense too.
kimbacaffeinate
Yes but if I was being hunted by a serial killer the cover would fit 🙂
AngelErin
I’m glad you enjoyed this one, even though the romance aspect was a miss for you. Sounds like it is a good suspense novel though. I’ll definitely have to give it a go sometime! Great review Kim!
kimbacaffeinate
Thanks Erin. I love this genre and liked the suspense angle
Ashley Montgomery
I love romantic suspense because it combines my two favorite genres. Sorry the romance side didn’t hold up it’s end of the deal on this one.
kimbacaffeinate
It is one of my favorite genres too Ashley, Thanks, it was still a good listen just no swoon.
blodeuedd
Such a sad cover
kimbacaffeinate
Hmm, yes someone stalking me would make me sad
Melliane
It sounds nice and an interesting investagation there
The Bibliophile Babe
Always frustrating when chemistry falls flat!
kimbacaffeinate
Agreed..thanks!
Melissa (Books and Things)
While it’s sad that there were problems with Paige, it does sound like the villain was “good”. 🙂 This one might make my list of thrillers even though it isn’t memorable. Still sounds like a good read/audio.
kimbacaffeinate
It was a nice escape
anna (herding cats & burning soup)
Very eye catching cover. I do like some nail biting twists in rom-suspense. That can be a lot of fun. I’ll have to check out the narrator. She’s not one I’ve tried.
kimbacaffeinate
I have been on a bit of a thriller/suspense kick of late and while the romance didn’t excited me, I enjoyed the thriller aspect
Angela Adams
Sounds like a great suspense with only a touch of romance. Thanks for the post.
kimbacaffeinate
Thanks Angela
Christy LoveOfBooks
I’m always down for some good stalking. ;D
kimbacaffeinate
LOL…crazy girl
Mary Kirkland
Sometimes the chemistry just isn’t there which takes a bit away from the story.
kimbacaffeinate
It did, but I enjoyed the other aspects.
Lorna
This sounded right up my ally until you said the romance fell flat for you. And not liking her as a character that much is another minus for me. Sorry it wasn’t a better read for you!
kimbacaffeinate
Thanks Lorna, I liked her, I just thought she made some poor decisions.
Cyn
This sounds like an interesting suspenseful read! That’s too bad the romance/connection fell a little flat, but I do love a good, well-written villain (despite them being kind of scary, haha). Lovely review, Kim!
kimbacaffeinate
Thanks Cyn, yes I enjoyed the villain and suspense
Laurel-Rain Snow
I always enjoy a good romantic suspense novel. Too bad their connection fell flat, but the rest of it sounds tempting. Thanks for sharing.
kimbacaffeinate
Yes, but thankfully the suspense angle kept me engaged.
Jonetta (Ejaygirl)
Would you say the suspense part of the story overcompensated for the lackluster romance?
kimbacaffeinate
Yes, I enjoyed myself and was caught up in the suspense thread.
kindlemom1
This does sound good and I like that it made you on edge. Great review Kim and Happy Friday! I hope you have a wonderful weekend.
kimbacaffeinate
Have a great weekend Ali!