A body is discovered on a collage campus in this excellent fast paced thriller with good characters I especially like the interaction between Jayne and Steelie. Plenty of twists and turns to keep you interested. This is the second book in the series I will dig out the first book then look forward to more books in the series. Thanks to Avon books UK and Netgalley for this review ARC.

Clea Koff’s Deadly Evidence is a chilling, fast-paced mystery that blends forensic science with suspense. I received a copy from Avon Books UK via Netgalley, and it came out a few days ago. I haven't read book 1 in the series, but you don't need to te understand this story.


When a body is discovered on a college campus, forensic experts Jayne Hall and Steelie Lander are called in to identify the victim. What initially seems like a straightforward case quickly spirals into something far more sinister. As Jayne and Steelie uncover disturbing clues, they realize the murder is just the beginning—and the killer isn’t finished yet. When a second body is found, bearing eerie similarities to the first, the duo finds themselves in a deadly game of cat and mouse, racing against time to stop a murderer before more lives are lost.

Koff’s expertise in forensic anthropology shines through in every detail, making the investigative process feel authentic. The dynamic between Jayne and Steelie is a great — both are brilliant in their field, yet deeply human, navigating personal struggles alongside their professional challenges.

With twists that keep you on edge, a richly atmospheric setting, and a mystery that unfolds with precision, Deadly Evidence is a must-read.

5/5 ⭐️

Thank you NetGalley and Avon Books for this eCopy to review

I recently read Deadly Evidence by Clea Koff, and it was a thrilling and intense experience. This novel, the second in the Jayne Hall & Steelie Lander series, masterfully blends forensic science with a gripping murder mystery.

The story picks up with forensic experts Jayne Hall and Steelie Lander, who are still recovering from a previous encounter with a serial killer. Their return to work is marked by the discovery of a body on a college campus. As they delve into the investigation, they uncover clues pointing to a serial killer. The tension escalates when another body is found, sharing similarities with the first victim. Jayne and Steelie find themselves in a race against time to stop the killer before more lives are lost .

Koff's writing is both chilling and captivating. The detailed forensic work adds a layer of authenticity to the story, making it a fascinating read for anyone interested in crime and investigation. Jayne and Steelie's characters are well-developed, and their personal struggles add depth to the narrative. The plot twists kept me on the edge of my seat, and the suspense was palpable throughout.

Deadly Evidence has a compelling storyline, strong characters, and a fascinating portrayal of forensics. It's a must-read for fans of crime thrillers and forensic mysteries.

3⭐️⭐️⭐️



✨ crime fiction with a thrill.
It was more on the investigation side. I don’t like the plot but definitely not the worst. It’s just me that doesn’t like the story.


Thankyou for the opportunity on this arc for a honest review.

Bodies, Clues, and Killer Instincts—This Sequel Doesn’t Miss

In Deadly Evidence, the second book in Clea Koff’s Jayne and Steelie series, forensic experts Jayne Hall and Steelie Litchfield return in a tense, fast-paced thriller. When body parts are discovered in LA, the duo uncovers a chilling pattern that points to a serial killer—and a case that quickly turns personal.

Koff’s real-life forensic background adds authenticity, while the deep bond between Jayne and Steelie grounds the story in heart. Gritty, smart, and emotionally rich, this sequel amps up the stakes without losing its soul. What is not to love about these books! I can’t wait for more!

This is a gripping, intelligently written forensic thriller with heart. Perfect for fans of crime fiction that digs deep.

Thank you, NetGalley, the author, and the publisher, for an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I thought the book was not bad, it surely was interesting to read about forensic anthropology involved in this detective case and it’s very cool that the author herself is a forensic anthropologist which uses her knowledge and experience to write this series. Each page I read, it got me hooked to know who really done it.

It was quite smart how the author has included some snippets of the murderer’s perspective in a few chapters which sure has built up some suspense and makes the reader know why the suspect is doing what they are doing.

This book is definitely one of those series where you need to read the first book prior because there were some parts of the story where I was like “Huh?” And the characters have mentioned some stuff that happened in the past (from the first book) to which I had no idea what had happened because Jayne gets told to be careful when she’s out and I’m not sure what the connection is between her and the murderer. I honestly had no clue that this was the second book of a book series before signing up to this ARC on NetGalley so I definitely need to read the first book to know what happened.

This is a second book in a series - it just about works as a standalone, but I definitely would have benefitted from reading the first one beforehand.
I found the first half a little slow and difficult to get into, I enjoyed it more once the pace ramped up.
Overall, for me it was an ok read, I'd have preferred more of the faster pace and to have read the first one to have better character knowledge.
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the arc ebook.

The second in the series featuring Jayne and Steelie who as forensic anthropologists have formed an agency to find missing people, either dead or alive. I hadn’t read the first book and although there were references to it, it didn’t detract from this stand alone story. A body of a missing student is discovered in the grounds of the UCLA and so begins a search to discover the perpetrator. Two local detectives are investigating but due to the unusual method of death, the FBI also become involved. Scott from the FBI and Jayne have been flirting for some time and both are keen to move the relationship forwards. As the investigation progresses, Jayne who suffers from PTSD becomes paranoid about her safety and not without good reason. An excellent story that involved all six main characters in a well woven way. These characters, but especially Jayne and Steelie are all different, interesting and endearing. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more from this excellent author.

This was such a fast paced read and I was completely hooked and raced through this in only 2 sittings ....I just couldn't stop!

Thank you so much NetGalley and Avon Books for the chance to read the ARC of this book and to discover a new (to me) great author!

I didn't read the first book in the series so I was not sure what to expect from this... all I can say is that I absolutely loved it! Such a good layered story, with great characters you can't help loving. The mystery is very dark and emotional, the link between the victims (and Jayne!) very interesting and unique. The tension building through the story reaches very high levels in the second half of the book, which I had to read in one sitting as I couldn't let myself put the book down.

I definitely need more of this and I will be keeping my eyes peeled for the next book in the series!

Having not read any of this authors books before I didn’t know what to expect, but I was delighted- a captivating, compelling page turner! Will definitely be reading more of Cleo’s novels. Once a body is found on campus police and forensic experts work together to find the killer.

A great second instalment in this series.
While this can be read perfectly well as a standalone read I recommend that you read the first in the series, Silent Evidence, to get the most out of the subplot. Deadly Evidence opens where Silent Evidence finishes.
A body is found on a university campus, and Agency 32/1 is called to help in the investigation. The brilliantly tense main plot hurtles along, delivering a read you won't want to put down. It delivers both a motive and a villain I never saw coming. The subplot develops nicely, with promises of more to come.
I've thoroughly enjoyed both this and the first book in the series and look forward to more to come.

I have a fascination with forensic anthropology and so Deadly Evidence had to be a book that I read; even though the author was new to me. I enjoyed the detail so much that I am now off to read the first book.

If you like detailed investigations into what could so easily be real life (and given Klea Koff's background it is likely so) then this is a book you must treat yourself to and make the time to read in one sitting.

Jayne and Steelie are forensic anthropologists working their own agency 32/1 which helps to identify the missing when they turn up either dead or alive.

Called to a body on a university campus they are pulled into an active investigation which puts them into the firing line. While they try and help the FBI identify the victim and prevent the killer striking again they are in danger.

This was the second in the series and I think I would have benefited from reading the first book before this one. There is a romantic subplot involving Jayne and one of the FBI agents which I would have liked to have seen the beginning of.

I was still able to enjoy the story, the plot was well thought out and I liked the characters. The book also benefits from the authors own experience as a forensic anthropologist as it brings an authenticity to her writing.

Fans of Kathy Reichs ‘Bones’ will enjoy this.

I enjoyed reading this book especially the main characters - Jayne, Steelie, Scott and Eric. Jayne Hall and Steelie Lander are forensics anthropologists and co-owners of an agency 32/1, which specialise in missing people. Special Agents Scott Houston and Eric Ramos are called to a scene on a college campus, where a body has been discovered. Scott and Eric ask Jayne and Steelie for their help with their case. They dig deeper into the background and learn there is a second student missing. What happens next is the second student is found dead and the case spirals into more discoveries, which lead them to learning some chilling secrets when they learn of the culprit's name and background. It was well written and it kept me glued to the book as I wanted to reach the dramatic reveal!!

whenever i read books like this i always have to do a googling to find out more about American agencies and what and why they either work together or they dont. this isnt a problem because i find it so interesting when i go through a book and it leaves me with a bit more knowledge.
this book felt very authentic. like we were almost reading a real crime because the details and realness to it felt well fleshed out. its a good book for working through the crime, to searching for missing persons identification and then all that comes next. and when there appears to be more at play than just the first body found it takes on a whole new thrill to reveal what happening. but again there is nothing shoved in your face or twisty for the sake of it, it simply felt like we really were following a relatable journey of discovery and reveals until the end.
i do think i want to read the first book as its feels like these are characters that you will want to get to know and follow throughout the series. i didnt feel like i couldnt keep up though. but this is only a good thing as i love a good series to follow so it looks like ive found a new one.

The second in the series and I feel I would have benefitted from reading the first one. A good and twisted storyline linked to the two anthropologists but a lot of American acronyms to contend with

Those who read the first book will be pleased to see that the characters of Jayne and Steelie have been rounded out a bit more but don't worry If you didn't- this will be fine as a standalone. The pair, forensic anthropologists are working against time to find a serial killer. It's a familiar plot element but the characters are good and it does twist around a bit. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. A good read.

Thanks to NetGalley for the eARC copy of this book.
I will be honest I struggled with this book as it was the second one in a series and without having read the first one, some of this book did not make sense to me. It may have been that I had not read the first book, but I found the number of characters a struggle to keep up with. I also found the plot and story line difficult to follow as it jumped from scene to scene and had a variety of different plots that seemed to come out of no where.
The writer was clearly very knowledgeable and this was apparent in her writing, which made it easier to read this book.
I would definitely recommend reading the first book before this one.

This is the second book in the series and I had not read the first one but I was able to enjoy the book nevertheless. Set in LA Steele and Jane are Forensic Anthropologists and a body has been dug up on a Campus then another is found, multiple agencies get involved now all working together. There are some interesting characters good twists ,a good read .Thankyou to NetGalley for my ARC.