by Alexandra Ivy
Series: The Agency #4
Narrator: Jim Frangione
Length: 10 hours and 38 minutes
Genres: Romantic Suspense
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Heat Level:
Narration: 4.5 cups Speed: 1.3x
ONCE, SHE GOT AWAY
The body lying on a cold steel slab bears all the hallmarks of the Chicago Butcher. There’s a cruel slash across her throat, deep enough to sever the carotid artery, and a small crescent carved into her right breast. Her delicate features are painfully familiar to Ash Marcel, once a rising star in the Chicago PD. But though the victim resembles his former fiancée, Remi Walsh, he knows it’s not her.BUT THIS TIME
Though Remi escaped a serial killer five years ago, her father died trying to save her. Grief and guilt caused her to pull away from the man she loved. Now Ash is back in her life, insisting that Remi is still in danger.IT’S A DEAD END . . .
Someone is targeting women who look just like Remi. With or without a badge, Ash intends to unmask the Butcher. But the killer isn’t playing games any longer. He’s moving in, ready to finish what he started, and prove there’s nothing more terrifying than a killer’s obsession . . .
Going into The Intended Victim by Alexandra Ivy, I didn’t realize it was fourth in the Agency series, but it appears each has its own case and thankfully, I had no issues. Narrated by Jim Frangione the author has us hunting down a serial killer…
Caffeinated reasons to grab the Intended Victim…
The Chicago Butcher
- Five years ago the serial killer dubbed the “Chicago Butcher” terrorized the city until the murders abruptly stopped.
- Now it appears the butcher is back but he has changed his M.O. All the victims appear to resemble Remi Walsh, the victim who got away!
The Characters
- Ash, a former police detective remembers the murders all to well. They cost him everything including the girl. He’s determined to keep her safe and stop the killer. If he is lucky he just might win back the girl.
- Remi Walsh lost her father at the hands of the Butcher and is determined to protect the man she loves.
- Ash’s brother Chicago PD Detective Jax Marcel is working the Chicago Butcher case and trying to keep his brother in check.
The Romance
We get a second chance romance as Ash and Remi are reunited. He is there to protect her and hopes to solve the case. The romance was sweet, and as often happens tragedy tore them apart. The two felt genuine and I was rooting for them.
The Case
Ivy spun a well crafted mystery with plenty of twists and clues to keep both the characters and this listener guessing. The use of flashbacks and reemerging memories felt realistic as did the clues. The author threw in a couple of red herrings and possible suspects.
The Narration
Jim Frangione narrates and quickly became the voice of these characters. His interpretation of Ash reminded me of a private dick in a black and white film. His female voices were well crafted and his tone and pacing enhanced the tale.
The Recommendation
If you enjoy mysteries with a side dish of romance, The Intended Victim was a clever listen. I enjoyed it and hope to go back and listen to the previous Agency audiobooks.
If you enjoy mysteries with a side dish of romance, The Intended Victim was a clever listen narrated by Jin Frangione #MurderMystery #RomanticSuspense #Audiobook 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
MarthaE
This sounds like a series I might like. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Katherine
I really like when a romantic suspense romance is a second chance romance because they tend to develop so quickly that having history makes it a bit more realistic. This sounds really good and definitely like a book I’d like to read!
Stephanie@Fairday's Blog
It’s always a good sign if you enjoy the fourth book in a series and want to go back and read the ones before it. 🙂 What a cover and it sounds intense! Thanks for sharing.
Nadene
I love this genre. I will have to look into this series.
Lily B
love a good mystery with twists and turns and the characters sound fantastic.
Anne - Books of My Heart
I enjoy this sort of genre and have read this author once before, different series. Thanks for sharing!
Debbie S Haupt
Oh this is so up my alley Kim and it’s nice to know you can dive into book 4 without feeling you’re missing something vital. I have only listened to Jim narrate JR Ward’s BDB series but it might be nice to take him out of character. I can see his voice reminding you of a black and white noir mystery. Thanks Kim this is definitely going on my list
sherry fundin
just looking at the cover i knew this was one for me. love everything about it and your review
Lover of Romance
I just love a good mystery that has a good romance thrown into the mix. There is something about a solid mystery that really appeals so well.
Great review and glad you enjoyed this one.
kindlemom1
This sounds good,. I’ve thought about reading a really good thriller or even horror just to get out of myself but maybe that isn’t what I need right now? I don’t know. I need something different for sure.
Cindy
I Love the sound of this and all of your 5 reasons are why I am going to grab this one. Thanks for sharing Kimberly!
Melliane
It’s usually a hit or miss for me and this author but I don’t think I knew about this book