Thanks to bookouture and netgalley for this arc. This is the first book in a new series by D.K HOOD, THE SPECIAL AGENT BETH KATZ, what a start it is too......
Beth Katz has a secret, a really dark secret, but no one must ever find out. When special agent beth katz is shipped off to rattlesnake creek after a particularly gruelling case, her superiors thinks that she needs some time out. Beth is partnered with Dax Styles who is also a bit of a lone wolf., will they be able to work together? As Styles and Katz jump into their first investigation, can beth keep her secret under wraps? If not the whole thing could come crashing down around her.. Rattlesnake Creek appears to be in the middle of nowhere, but a predator is killing young children, how are they doing it?????
I was definately hooked , it had me gripped straight away, i couldnt tear myself away, i love the settings in the mountains, love bear the k 9. I cant wait for book 2, i highley recommend

"Twisted Pursuit" offers a chilling thriller set against the backdrop of a dark pine forest, where the protagonist, Beth Katz, is a complex character driven by her tumultuous past. The author skillfully weaves together elements of suspense, mystery, and vigilante justice to create an engaging story.

The premise of the book is intriguing, and the eerie atmosphere of the quiet town and its surrounding forest is vividly described, drawing readers into the setting. Beth Katz's background as the daughter of a serial killer adds depth to her character, as she navigates her role as both an FBI agent and a vigilante seeking revenge for her traumatic upbringing.

The plot is filled with suspenseful moments that keep the reader guessing about the identity of the serial killer. The dynamic between Beth and her partner, Dax Styles, adds another layer of tension to the narrative, as they work together while occasionally conflicting on their methods. The twists and turns of the investigation contribute to the book's overall suspense, making it difficult to put down at times.

However, the pacing of the story can be uneven, with moments of intense action followed by slower, more introspective passages. Some of the character motivations and decisions may stretch credibility at times, affecting the immersion in the story. Additionally, while the book attempts to delve into Beth's psychological struggle, her internal conflict and development could have been explored in greater depth to create a more empathetic connection with the reader.

The climax of the story promises a face-off with the killer, but the resolution feels rushed and lacks the impact that the buildup deserves. The final confrontation doesn't quite deliver the anticipated payoff, leaving some loose ends and unanswered questions.

In conclusion, "Twisted Pursuit" is a decent thriller that successfully generates suspense and intrigue. While it has its moments of excitement and engages with the darkness of its characters, the pacing and character development prevent it from reaching its full potential. Fans of crime thrillers might find this book worth a read, but it falls slightly short of being a truly exceptional entry in the genre.

.I will read the next book but I am unsure if I can fully invest in such a shades of grey main character. I do love the Kane and Alton series by DKHood, so hopefully I’ll end up enjoying this series just as much. Thanks to the authors, publisher and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review

Love this authors Kane and Alton series, so of course I needed to check out the new Special Agent Beth Katz series. This is definitely a different perspective on the traditional police procedurals I typically read. This was a fast paced read with lots of twists and turns.
I look forward to seeing where this series will go.

Wow! What a good story. I love that the author created a female killer even though she is supposed to be on the good side of the law.

The relationship between the two FBI agents is fantastic and really makes you like their characters.

Can’t wait to dig into the second book in the Beth Katz series.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and author for this eARC.

This is my first read by this author and the premise of an FBI Agent who has her own dark secrets really appealed to me. I have to say this book didn't disappoint at all and really hit the mark. I really liked the two main characters here and enjoyed following them as they hunt for a serial killer. They may have different ideas, methods and ways of working and I thought as a pairing they worked well and complemented each other. I loved the references to Beth's dark side and how she controls it and can't wait to find out more about this. The story is well written, very. descriptive which is fitting and the pacing in my opinion is spot on. The author has created and portrayed the main characters so vividly they jumped out of the pages and became alive in my mind when reading. For me, the story had the best beginning, it certainly grabbed my attention and I was hooked and drawn in right away. I love books that start with a bang where I know I'm onto something very, very good and this book is exactly that. I loved the plot line which I think is very well thought out and executed and sadly all too believable and realistic in todays society. It went off in a surprising way which threw me and just made me want to know more and what was going to happen next. I enjoyed this book that much I requested the second one when I was less than half way through this one, and that never happens! All in all a great start to a new series, I'd recommend this if you like crime thrillers just that little bit different. Loved this book, I can't fault it in any way, it exceeded my expectations.

5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I haven't been this excited for a new series in awhile! It exceeds expectations. The characters are complex and unique. It blends seamlessly with the Kane and Alton books. There was a revelation in the very beginning that blew me away and the story kept getting better. I'm already completely invested in the characters. The mystery is dark and twisted. The killer viewpoint scenes are well written. There's a lot to love about this story and I'm off to read book two.

I am a big fan of the Kane & Alton series so I had high hopes for this new series. I’m glad to say I wasn’t disappointed. Although a different style to the the Kane & Alton series I still really enjoyed it. Fast paced and strong lead characters I couldn’t read it quick enough. I really like the references to Black Rock Falls and Snakeskin gully and the people from the other series. I can’t wait to read the next instalment.

You know you're sold on an author’s work when you open a collection on your Kindle before you've even started her new series. That said as a huge fan of the author’s Kane and Alton series I did wonder if I would enjoy it as I'm always a bit suspicious when an author departs from a long running series, but I’d no need to fret.
We were introduced to the Tarot Killer in the Kane & Alton series and I remember thinking at the time that we’d be hearing more about them, so I was delighted that just 5% into the new series we get to meet her.
Betg Katz is an FBI agent working in DC but soon she's transferred to the Rattlesnake Creek field office.
We are back on familiar territory, rural Montana, serial killers, a favourite cafe and even a resident K-9, Bear.
A brilliant rollercoaster of a ride ensues as Beth and her new partner Dax Styles hunt the Pied Piper killer.
A great main plot with a subplot that's got so much to give and the added joy of the crossover of some characters from the original series too.
How lucky am I that I'm about to jump straight into the next instalment Shadow Angel.

This book is very well written, very easy to read and highly entertaining. The characters are fantastic, and the main character is a smart and strong woman that I like reading about. There are some grotesque scenes, so beware.

This is the first book in the Detective Beth Katz series. Interesting storyline that had great potential but for me it lacked something. It felt like there was too much emphasis on Beth’s vigilante ways and “untouchable” attitude then on the actual storyline and it took from the plot for me as I found it a little unbelievable when it came to that aspect. I didn’t really feel there was a suspense factor or any big twists which is a must in a storyline like this. I really liked Beth and Dax as characters and together they’re a great duo. The narration was engaging and held my attention. The FBI procedural side of the storyline was really interesting and really well developed when it came to profiling etc. It was an interesting listen but just lacked a few things to me and going forward if the theres as much emphasis on Beth’s “vigilante” ways I’m not sure I’d be as inclined to want to read anymore of the series unfortunately.

Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to listen to and review #DarkAngel

This was an interesting book, quite a different kind of crime solving. Beth is certainly a challenging heroine. I am looking forward to the next book in the series. 📖📖

New series from this author and it has a way to go to equal Kane and Alton. Some familiar characters mixed with the new.

Thanks for Netgalley and Bookouture for access to this arc in exchange for my honest review.

Well, an FBI agent who's also a serial killer ! What's there not to like ? It was an amazing read following Detective Beth and her partner trying to track down a pedophile ! Those monsters deserve the worst ! I'm VERY happy with how the book ended. I'm impatient to read more adventures of hers and how she will continue to reconcile her serial killer needs with her job as an FBI agent.

Dark Angel (Detective Beth Katz Book 1)
By D.K. Hood
Audiobook Narrated by Lauryn Allman
Pub Date: 12 Sep 2023
Bookouture / Bookouture Audio
General Fiction (Adult) | Mystery & Thrillers
Rating: 5/5

D.K. Hood's Dark Angel is book one in the Beth Katz series. This plot is an engrossing and compulsively readable FBI agent crime thriller, earning it a perfect 5/5 rating from me.

It follows FBI agent Beth Katz as she navigates a complex case with intense suspense and unexpected twists. One wrong move could mean disaster - making it a heart-stopping journey as each decision leads to thrilling consequences.

Beth Katz, a special agent with the FBI, is the daughter of a serial killer. As a vigilante, she hunts down criminals who commit brutal murders and kills those she feels deserve to die. In Rattlesnake Creek, Beth and Dax Styles are called to investigate the discovery of a young girl's dead body in the woods. The murdered girl, Brooklyn, was last seen with her friend Skylar one week ago, but where is Skylar? The scene reminds Beth of an another unsolved case in which two young girls were abducted, but only one body was recovered. As Beth and Dax dive deeper into the investigation, they realize that this is much more than a simple murder case - it is an exploration of a pedophile's mind, and a search for a killer who will finally be held accountable for their crime.

Thank you NetGalley, Bookouture and Bookouture Audio for sharing this book and audiobook with me. The book and audiobook were so riveting that I read and listened to them in one sitting. The book/audiobook is one of the most outstanding crime thrillers I have encountered in a long time. This is an absolute must for crime and thriller fans!

Welcome to Rattlesnake Creek, the first installment in a brand-new series by D.K. Hood, set in the picturesque mountains of Montana. FBI Agent Beth Katz, after being reprimanded for her controversial methods in her previous case, is exiled to Rattlesnake Creek. There, she teams up with Agent Dax Styles to bring down a serial killer who preys on local girls in their quiet community, setting the stage for a gripping read.

Though Beth is a skilled FBI agent, she is also known as the Tarot Card Killer, a vigilante who relentlessly tracks down serial killers. Her ability to disguise herself has made it difficult for authorities to pinpoint her gender, height, or build. However, working with Dax as a team, Beth is forced to question her one-sided justice methods and follow the rules more closely. She finds that working with a partner sheds new light on herself as she grapples with the conflict between her need to bring her own brand of justice and playing by the book. Her character takes shape in the midst of these struggles, leaving readers intrigued as to what comes next.

Fans of the Kane and Alton series will thoroughly enjoy this spin-off series. For readers who have already read the Kane and Alton series (and awaiting the next book), the Tarot Card Killer plot might already be familiar to you, as it was first introduced in book 16, Her Bleeding Heart. The Rattlesnake Creek series connects to Kane and Alton through the characters as well when Wolf and his team arrives as the ME and forensic experts.

The good news is that both Book 1 and Book 2 in the series will be released on September 12th, and as a reviewer, I was lucky to receive ARC copies of both books. I eagerly anticipate reading the rest of this series and seeing what's next for Beth and Dax as they work to bring justice to the people of Rattlesnake Creek.

Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for my approval to read and review this book.

This is DK Hood's new series featuring Beth Katz. The location is a small mining town in Montana. The writing and descriptions of the characters and locations made me think I could see the places and the faces. I really enjoyed the plot and it is full of twists and turns. The ending was a huge surprise for me. It is set on a serial killer that murders one girl and sells the other girl. No more spoilers from me as you will have to read the book for yourself.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

An indulgence every bit as tasty as an ice cream sundae, this series has it all - especially for fans of police procedurals with strong female leads who have seen traditional justice fall short of the mark enough times that they are willing to impart their own, which ENDURES that a guilty murder won't be back to kill others in 5-10 years of government supplied housing, food and healthcare.

Dear readers, for those of us who enjoy a bit of quick (and permanent) justice meted out with our police procedural, you need to read this author, and in particular, this series!

Wow! This was a fun ride, in that there are familiar characters. But this is the start of a new series for D K Hood and I am hooked!
An FBI agent who also is a serial killer! It keeps you on the edge of your seat to see whether the dark side will win.
Looking forward to the next book already!

In D.K. Hood's Kane and Alton Series, we are introduced to the Tarot Card Killer - a serial killer who avenges wrongs and takes out those who really deserve it... or at least in his/her mind. In the new Beth Katz Series, author D.K. Hood explores the Tarot Card Killer further with several of the characters from the Kane and Alton Series making cameos. After a successful takedown in DC, Beth Katz is re-stationed to Montana to partner with a Dax Styles, another lone wolf FBI agent. Set it the rugged, and beautifully written Montana landscape., Katz and Styles are called in by local police to discover who is murdering and abducting young girls - in pairs. Fast paced and with excellent narrative, this new series is one to be excited about! Thank you to Bookouture for an advanced reader of this book. The opinions expressed are my own.

Crime thriller police procedurals are my absolute favourite genre so a new series where an FBI agent is a serial killer sounded right up my street. The plot was clever and the short chapters made it fast-paced and exciting. The characters were well written but I especially loved Styles and his dog Bear. My only negative is that I found a lot of the dialogue repetitive and corny. I’m still debating whether to continue the series because of this.

Thank you Netgalley, DK Hood and Bookouture for this ARC.