Skip to main content

Member Reviews

I have loved this whole series and don’t want the next one to be the end! I love every part of these stories and they keep you wanting to know more about what is coming next!! Between her father, her partner and the cases they are trying to solve you can’t put these books down once you start them! Thank you so much NetGalley for the arc!

Was this review helpful?

Kate Wiley has done it again. Another great chapter in Margot Phalen's and her partner Wes.

Fantastic read, absolutely no spoilers, just highly recommend.

Can't wait for the next installment!

My thanks to Netgalley and Storm Publishing for giving me the opportunity to read an advanced digital copy in return for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

This is an action packed thriller you don’t want to put down. I devoured this book in just a couple of sittings, and it’s a must read!

Margot and her partner Wes are in the middle of an investigation where they are confronting her serial killer father for answers. Between that and her past resurfacing, it only adds more challenges to the investigation.

I love the characters, this is very well written and I can’t wait to find out how the conclusion will be.

Thank you so much to Storm Publishing for the eARC in exchange of my honest review.

Was this review helpful?

I didn't discover this series until book 3 but it has a great premise and made me want to read more. The characters keep evolving and we learn more about old and new crimes. The dual focus between Ed's victims and the search for the Redwood Killer keep the story moving briskly. The flashbacks paint a larger picture and give insight and connection to current cases, as we learn more about Ed and his family. The story is captivating with some intriguing twists.

Was this review helpful?

Another great good in the series! Not my favorite one but defiantly recommend! Love the characters in this series

Was this review helpful?

The daughter of a notorious serial killer, Margot Phalen is doing her upmost to distance herself from her father who's currently serving life in San Quentin. A detective with San Francisco PD, she wants nothing to do with him but every time she breaks a little bit further away he drags her back.

I love the partnership between Margot and Detective Wes Fox and in this novel they're caught up in a murder investigation at the same time as her brother arrives in town needing a place to stay. These novels are just the right side of dark with a slow drip of information and a knockout ending that will leave you wanting to grab the next one straight away...it can't come soon enough for me

The fourth in Kate Wiley's brilliant Margot Phalen series of novels I wouldn't say its essential to read the previous novels before this one but I'd definitely recommend it.

My thanks to Storm Publishing for the early read, all opinions expressed are my own

Was this review helpful?

Oh my goodness, "In the Blood" completely took my breath away! As a fan of thrillers, I found this book an absolute gem, and I couldn't put it down from the moment I started reading. This is the fourth instalment in the Detective Margot Phalen series, and let me tell you, Kate Wiley does not disappoint.
Margot's story is heartbreaking yet riveting. As the daughter of the infamous serial killer Ed Finch, she's spent her entire life constructing walls to shield herself from the haunting shadows of her past. That sense of isolation is palpable, and I could sympathise deeply with her desire to keep everyone—and everything—at a distance, especially her partner, Detective Wes Fox. Their chemistry is electric, and the playful banter between them adds a refreshing dynamic that keeps the story engaging.
The plot takes a sinister turn when Margot’s brother shows up, and that’s when the real tension starts to mount. The moment I noticed blood on his shoes, it sent chills down my spine. Was I being paranoid right alongside Margot? Or was this twisted legacy of her father creeping back into her life? The stakes felt so real, and I found myself gasping out loud at some of the twists and turns. There were moments of sheer shock as well as heart-wrenching revelations that caught me off guard.
I also loved the character of Leon; he brought a unique flair to the story. Each character is so well-developed, and their struggles add layers to the overarching narrative. The twist about Ed having an accomplice still on the loose was a gut punch that kept me on the edge of my seat. The exploration of whether darkness runs in families is a theme that resonated deeply, and it left me pondering the psychological nuances long after I turned the last page.

Kate Wiley’s writing is dark, emotional, and incredibly raw. I've often found myself reading well into the night because I just couldn't bear to stop. This book perfectly blends suspense and character-driven storytelling, proving that I am hooked on Margot and her journey.
If you enjoy thrillers that twist and turn while also tugging at your heartstrings, you absolutely must read "In the Blood." I can’t wait for the next book in the series—I need to know what happens next! I highly recommend this series not just to fans of the genre but to anyone looking for a memorable reading experience. Bravo, Kate Wiley!

Was this review helpful?

This is my first book with this author but definitely not my last! Suspense and a compelling storyline held my interest to the very end! Good development of the characters and was left wanting for more! Glad there is another book planned for this series!

Was this review helpful?

In the Blood is the fourth instalment in Kate Wiley’s Detective Margot Phalen series. The narrative follows Detective Margot Phalen as she confronts the haunting legacy of her father, Ed Finch, a notorious serial killer. The plot intensifies when her brother, Justin, re-enters her life, urging her to participate in a documentary about their father. Complications arise as Margot notices blood on Justin’s shoes coinciding with the discovery of a nearby body, leading her to question whether her family’s dark past is resurfacing. There is also a serial killer who leaves his victims in the Redwoods and a crime where a local girl has been set on fire and burnt, so Wes and Margot are busy trying to track down the perpetrators of both crimes.
I love the characters, and like all her books, Kate Wiley has done it again with a fascinating storyline. If you love a masterfully written book that you cannot put down once you start, then this series is for you. I cannot wait for the final book in this series to see how it concludes, although sadly, I could read more about Margot and Wes. Thanks to NetGalley and to the publishers of this book for giving me a free advance copy to preview, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Was this review helpful?

Thank you netgalley and Storm Publishing for this arc.

We are on book 4 of Margots story and I can't wait to get to the conclusion next book. Filled with twists and turns that keep you hooked and guessing. Still really enjoying this series.

Was this review helpful?

In the Blood is the fourth book of the detective Margot Phalen. It is a sad story with several twists. Margot and Wes are working to solve an attempted murder when they find that one suspect is very close to an authority. Would they be able to close the case? Or the protection of the authority will prevent further investigation. Simultaneously, Margot keeps visiting her father in the maximum-security prison of San Quentin. Ed Flinch gives the name of his accomplice. During the questioning of Ed Flinch's accomplice, Margot suffers a new trauma. Her life is not easy lately.

Was this review helpful?

Once again I started reading a book only to discover, after a few chapters, that said book is part of a series. The 4th book in the series to be precise. 📚
Now, I could have stopped reading right there, and circled back to the first book, but I was already heavily invested in the characters and just wanted to carry on. So carry on I did, and boy am I glad! 😊
In the Blood is a fast paced, gripping thriller that pulls you in and does not let go. It's dark, and it's twisty, and it's oh so enjoyable. The majority of the characters are likeable, but there are the obligatory loathsome ones too. And there's a wee dog. 🐶
It didn't matter to me that I hadn't read the previous books, I picked up plenty of background information in this one. I might even skip straight on to the next one when it is released, now that I know it will bring the series to its conclusion.
Many thanks to Storm Publishing and Netgalley for the digital ARC.

Was this review helpful?

This is my first time reading Kate Wiley and did not realize this was part of a series. Now I’m hooked so I’ll have to go back and read the first few books to get more background info on the characters. Detective Margot Phalen, her family, coworkers, and inner demons, make for (an at times) wild ride. The current and flashback storylines keeps you interested and wanting to know more. Only gripes are that I got tired of reading about Margot’s numerous cups of coffee.

Thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the opportunity to read this book!

Was this review helpful?

This is the 3rd book in the detective Margot Phelan, daughter of serial killer Ed Finch. This has to be one of my favourite series. Ed Finch is serving life in prison for murdering many women.. Margot has changed her name. Trying to distance herself away from Ed.
I like the way it's written, as in you never know what margot is going to say or do next.. she also gets herself in danger much more than she should .
From jail Ed holds all the power and will only speak to margot and he will tell her where the bodies are buried. But will he?. I couldnt turn the pages fast enough,highly recommend. Can't wait for the next one 5🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Was this review helpful?

In the Blood is the fourth book in the Detective Margot Phalen series(looks like there will be one more after this one to finish the series off) and I just really enjoy it so much. I just love Margot and Wes(yes I ship them). Each book brings so much to the series and I am so excited to see how it ends. Since it ends in a cliff hanger(if you read any of the others you are not shocked to hear this) I will be not so patiently waiting for the next one!

Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for giving me the opportunity to read an advance copy in exchange for a honest review.

Was this review helpful?

Another good read by Kate Wiley. For me, the pace of the book was not so fast like the previous three, and I kind of settled into reading this one. Detective Margot is coming into her own, accepting her past and facing her nightmares. The reader is also getting answers along the way. I am looking forward to the last book in this series.

Was this review helpful?

♥️Diverse and likeable cast of characters
♥️Great character development of the familiar faces
♥️Plenty of domestic drama
♥️Left wanting more with lots to look forward to in the final book of the series

Was this review helpful?

Another awesome offering from Storm publishing. Thanks to Storm and Netgalley for this heart stopping eARC.

Kate Wiley writes a captivating police procedural with In The Blood. I love the Detective Margot Phalen character, and I will miss her as this series ends in the book after this one.

Margot and her partner Will go up against their biggest threat ever, and it involves corruption at the very highest echelon of the police department in this 5 star captivating read.

This one ends on a cliffhanger and you will DEFINITELY want to read her final book in this series. Mystery lovers, do yourself a favor and pick up a copy of this novel, you won't regret it.

Was this review helpful?

In The Blood by Kate Wiley is the fourth book in the Detective Margot Phalen series. Oh my goodness, this book was so good. When will the next one be out!!?? As stated, In The Blood is a gripping thriller from start to finish. I didn’t know where this story was going, who was involved, or what would happen next. The chemistry between Margot and her partner, Wes, is great. Their characters are well-developed, and I love the banter they share. Leon is a great character as well. There were some gasp-out-loud moments and some very sad moments.

The premise of this story is as the daughter of notorious serial killer Ed Finch, Margot has spent decades escaping her past—changing her name and appearance and building walls no one can breach except her partner, Detective Wes Fox, whose growing closeness threatens the isolation she depends on.

When her troubled brother shows up needing a place to stay, pressuring her to participate in a true crime documentary about their father, Margot’s carefully controlled world begins to unravel. Then she notices blood on her brother’s shoes just as a body is discovered in a dumpster near her home. Is she being paranoid, or might the monstrous legacy of her father be closer than she ever imagined?
A visit to her imprisoned father delivers another gut punch: Ed had an accomplice who’s still free—and still hunting.
I am hooked on this series and these characters. In The Blood is a thrilling page-turner, and I cannot wait for the next book.

I would highly recommend this series, this book, and this author.

#InTheBlood #NetGalley @Stormbooks_co

Was this review helpful?

Another wild ride for Margot! A woman set on fire with a possible link to the Redwood Killer and the biggest crime lord in San Francisco. Ed is playing games again and Margot's brother, Justin/David, makes an unannounced appearance at her apartment which causes her no end of stress. Wes is supportive as always and I really hope that relationship develops further, he's good for and to her. Plenty of twists and turns. A fast paced, well written thriller. I was really disappointed to see that this is the penultimate book in the series. If this series ran to 20 books I'd read every single one. Truly fantastic!
Thanks to Netgalley, Storm Publishing, and Kate Wiley for the free ARC. All opinions are my own

Was this review helpful?