⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Deadly Evidence - Clea Koff

The first book in this series was good - but this second book was INCREDIBLE!

Clea has really found her groove now - and reading this straight after her first novel - the characterisation has developed beautifully.

So good to follow the journey of both Jayne and Steelie - and I can’t wait for the next instalment whenever that will be.

The pages turned themselves in this novel - and is perfect for a one sitting read!

Breathtaking, pacey and intriguing - this has it all…..add it to your TBR pile now.

What a great follow up book this was to the first one (although it can very much be read as a standalone book). I did seem to think that there was more storyline this time than waffle as you got into the storyline much more quickly compared to book 1. Good characters and a storyline that kept you guessing right until the very end over who was responsible.

As others have said, it helps if you have read the previous book in this series. I spent the first chapters wondering who these people were and what their job was. There are cryptic references to the past which did not mean anything to me and I personally found the conversations about dating juvenile and a lot of the descriptions overdone. Later in the book, the plot started to make more sense, though I still didn't really engage with the characters. There is lots of running around and lots of people from different agencies (I don't understand the US system) acting on flimsy evidence. The crime investigation was strange (ever heard of a cadaver dog?) and location could have been anywhere, though from the language you get that is the US.
So I`ll give this author a miss in the future, despite the book keeping me engaged enough to want to finish it
Thanks to Net Galley for the ARC

Back in LA, Jayne and partner Steelie are called to the campus of UCLA where a body has been found. Identifying the victim as a missing student, the pair have to work with both the LA cops and also the FBI to solve the case. As Jayne's relationship with an FBI agent hots up, she is also in danger herself as she fits the profile of the victims.
There is lots to love in the set-up of this book. I love the focus on forensic anthropology and the search for missing persona however I found the motivation a little contrived and the links felt stretched. It is an exciting thriller but, for me, I'm not sure if it's truly memorable.

I enjoyed most of this book, and possibly should have read her first book (Silent Evidence) first.

This was the second book featuring female forensic anthropologists Steelie and Jayne. set in Los Angeles. As a Kathy Reichs 'lover' I wondered if I would enjoy this pairing but I am glad I stuck with them. The girls are tough characters and the story is excellent.

Thanks to Net Galley and Avon Books for the chance to read and review.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC of Deadly Evidence by Clea Koff in return for my honest review.
This is the second book in the series and although it can be read as a standalone I would however recommend reading the first book Silent Evidence first to give you the back stories and the relationship between the main characters not only that its a great read, as is Deadly Evidence with plenty of twists and interesting characters its a must read, can’t wait for the next book.

Having read a previous book by Clea Koff, I was delighted to be able to read the sequel and this story is even better. Great pathology work with a lot of suspense and jeopardy as the pathologists themselves are targeted. Very readable and enjoyable.

This is the second book in a series, which I didn't realise at first. I would recommend reading the first book to get the backstory on the characters. This book can be read on it's own, but reading the first book would have helped me understand the relationships between characters better. Jayne and Steelie work for an agency that helps match unidentified bodies to missing people. They are working alongside the police and the FBI to investigate a murder on a college campus.

To be honest I struggled with this book. I was hoping for more focus on forensics and the investigation, but actually it seemed to focus more on the main character and how she is managing her PTSD and a blossoming romance with a colleague.

The murder storyline was intriguing but could have been better. It all wrapped up very neatly and quickly, leaving me feeling a bit disappointed.

Probably my fault for not reading the first book beforehand, but I wanted more about the murders and less about the detective's love life! I did like how factual the investigative parts seemed, and how the author had firsthand knowledge from being a forensic anthropologist.

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.