I’ve been on a suspense murder-mystery kick and dove into the second FBI Kate Walsh audiobook. Miami Ripper, by Stacy M. Jones, takes us to Miami Beach, where someone is killing and mutilating women. Narrated by Claire Duncan, Agents Walsh and James must catch a killer before he chooses his next victim….
by Stacy M. Jones
Series: FBI Agent Kate Walsh #2
Narrator: Claire Duncan
Length: 10 hours and 3 minutes
Genres: Suspense Thriller
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Narration: 4 cups Speed: 1.5x
A killer is stalking high-priced escorts and leaving a trail of bodies in empty mansions along Miami Beach's intracoastal waterway. When the crimes become too much for the locals to handle, FBI Agents Kate Walsh and Declan James must find a killer walking among the city's elite.
Amid the glamour and money is a seedy underbelly that runs through the city like an electrical current. Young women are enticed into relationships with older men where sex and money are traded-creating a power dynamic that leaves the woman vulnerable and susceptible to a killer.
Agents Walsh and James must figure out who to believe in a city where everyone has an agenda, and even the local cops seem to have something to hide. A devastating break in the case reveals the potential killer, but the chase is on to find out who is harboring and potentially helping him. Can Agent Walsh use her profiling skills to figure out his plan before the next victim is found or will terror keep reigning in the city?
The FBI is called in to assist when a string of murders occurs in mansions listed for sale. The victims are high priced escorts and women in arrangements with rich men who support their lavish lifestyles.
This was an interesting case, as we got to know Walsh and James better. They had to navigate a police department, politically empowered individuals, and opposition.
It was interesting learning about these women’s lifestyles and the men who abuse them. Jones gave a realistic look at sugar daddies and high paid escorts, while also shedding light on why these young women enter these relationships. She did this while weaving a case with plenty of suspects and very little clues.
From the beachfront homes to the privileged lifestyles, the story built in intensity with plenty of twists. Walsh has great instincts and James often felt the need to protect her. I enjoyed their interaction and think they played off each other well. There is an underlining chemistry that I am hoping is developed.
I appreciated the details and look forward to more cases with Kate & Declan. This is the second novel in the series and will work as standalone. Now that we know the players, I felt this was a stronger book than The Founders.
Claire Duncan narrates and brings both Kate & Declan to life. Her male voices are pleasant and I enjoyed the different voices she brought to suspects and secondary characters. Her voice for Kate captures her personality and strengths.
About Stacy M. Jones
Stacy M. Jones was born and raised in Troy, New York, and currently lives in Little Rock, Arkansas. She is a full-time writer and holds masters’ degrees in journalism and in forensic psychology. Stacy offers three series – the hard-boiled PI Riley Sullivan Mystery Series, the FBI Agent Kate Walsh Thriller series, and the paranormal mystery Harper & Hattie Magical Mystery Series.
About Claire Duncan
Claire Duncan is a multi-award-winning actress and narrator living in New York City. She has performed Off-Broadway, regionally, and in national tours, and appeared in the Drama Desk–nominated revival of The Threepenny Opera. She received a Best Actress Award for her work as Rosetta in the dark comedy Rosetta's Blues, which debuted at Cannes, and has played the lead in a dozen other indie films. As a singer, she had the honor of performing at Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center, and toured the country as a travel host and writer for Visit The USA. She grew up in Canada to a Texan mother and British-born father, and holds an Honors Bachelor of Science in psychology, linguistics, and English from the University of Toronto. Claire's broad career has shaped her into an exceptional and flexible voice artist. You can hear her on Nickelodeon and Cartoon Network, in hundreds of national commercials, and as the narrator of over fifty audiobooks, specializing in mystery, romance, and YA.
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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
Katherine
There are so many thriller series that I haven’t heard of and this is one of them! I like that this improved from the first book and the narration really worked.
Kimberly
Thanks Katherine. Yep, I fear we will never clear our TBR piles… always new books to discover.
Wendy
I’d love to know more about the relationships between women and sugar daddies.
Kimberly
It was interesting to see why these young women did it.
Rolé @ Hooked By That Book
This sounds gripping. Great review.
Kimberly
Thanks Role
Nikki - Notes of Life
This sounds like one I would enjoy.
Kimberly
I hope you pick it up Nikki.
Sophia Rose
Sounds like an interesting background element about the kept woman-sugar daddy- as well as the murder mysteries.
Kimberly
Yep, I cannot image being owned by someone… even if it meant not being responsible for expenses.
Maureen @ Maureen's Books
This sounds like a very interesting read. I’m glad you enjoyed it.
Kimberly
Thank you Maureen.
Anne – Books of My Heart
This is my go-to genre when I’m stressed or happy or anything. I’ll have to check this one out. Hard to believe than murder and police mysteries are comforting but they are. I like the conclusion and a feeling that a rule of law will prevail.
Kimberly
I couldn’t agree more 🙂
DEBBIE HAUPT
Okay yes I can see myself reading/listening to this too. I also have been on a thriller streak lately.
Kimberly
Happy to share!
Ailyn Koay
Would be fun if there are men escorts too :/ Is this a jack ripper copycat or something much darker ?
Kimberly
I guess you could compare, but not as gory.
Ailyn Koay
fair point, thanks for replying. I do like a good jack ripper rip off