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The Texter
Fallen San Francisco homicide detective, Jack Slaughter, closes the door on the home where his perfect family had been brutally snatched from him. Moving across the city, he works as a private investigator to fund his own investigation into what happened to his family—who killed his little girl, Zoë, and where is his wife, Leah?
Every three months for the last three years, Jack receives a simple text telling him where he can find his missing wife. There’s a body at each location, but none of them are Leah.
Jack hates missing person’s cases, but they’re his bread and butter. He only takes the case to find Carl Boyd's missing wife because the details of her disappearance closely match Leah’s. He hopes by finding Bonnie Boyd, he'll find his own wife.
The Butcher
Following the leads in the Bonnie Boyd case, Jack discovers that for the last three years, someone has been killing women all over the city, a fact Jack’s ex-partner and still best friend, Ray Navarro, has neglected to tell him. The city has a serial killer and officials haven’t been able to find a single lead on the person they’ve dubbed The Butcher.
Could Bonnie Boyd’s disappearance be linked to The Butcher? More important, was Leah one of The Butcher’s victims? Could he have gone so far as to murder a child?
With every clue Jack weaves together, the more his own life unravels.
~*~
San Francisco, California
Wednesday
“Is it her? Is it Leah?”
Jack Slaughter’s heart hammered a hole in his chest as he watched the rail-thin form of the newly-made detective, Paul Travers, stride toward him. If he could read the man’s expression and body language, Travers seemed more amused by Jack’s presence than annoyed.
When Jack started lifting the crime scene tape to duck under it, Travers pushed him back with a firm hand on his shoulder.
“You gotta stop turning up like this, Jackie.” Travers’ flippant voice grated on Jack, almost as much as the man’s ruddy complexion and brassy hair. His voice edged on being just a bit too high and too nasal to want to listen to for long. Jack didn’t know how his best friend and former partner, Ray Navarro, could stand it.
With a hand still on his shoulder, Travers nudged Jack back. He made a shooing motion with his other hand. “Why don’t you just go on home and let the professionals do their jobs?”
Travers’ condescending tone made Jack want to punch him in the throat.
“Where’s Ray?” He followed Travers’ gaze over the man’s shoulder and saw Ray standing over the victim’s body several yards away. It appeared to have been positioned at the foot of a tall pine at the dead-end of the road. “I want to talk to him.”
Travers caught his gaze and looked back. “Go home, Jackie. You don’t belong here.” He emphasized the word you. They both knew why Jack was no longer Ray’s partner, nor on the force.
Ignoring the little pissant, Jack shouted over the man’s shoulder. “Ray!” His friend looked up and gave a quick wave to acknowledge he’d seen Jack. He finished up with a CSI, then made his way over.
“What are you doing here, Jack?” When Ray reached up to shake hands, Jack palmed his cell phone into Ray’s.
“I told him to go home . . . partner.”
In Jack’s opinion, Travers seemed to take every opportunity to rub it in that he now occupied Jack’s former position. It didn’t escape his notice that Ray also cringed at the word partner. Jack knew his leaving the force had been a blow to his friend too.
He gazed directly into Ray’s eyes, trying to keep the anxiety he felt from his voice. “I got another one.”
“Jack—” Ray sighed, gazing down at the phone’s screen to the open text—Spreckels Lake.
Since the very first text he’d received—You’ll find your wife in the Panhandle—there had never been anything more than the next location. The texts came every three months, as if on schedule. Every one of them led Jack to a body, but none of them were Leah. If the texter was trying to drive him crazy, it was working. But he couldn’t risk that the guy was crying wolf. Even after three years, Jack still showed up . . . just in case.
Ray handed back the phone then threw his hands onto his hips. Jack could almost hear the gears working in his friend’s head as he gazed around Spreckels Lake with obvious concentration.
This was a beautiful location. Jack remembered bringing his family here, but pushed the memory from his mind. He gazed away from the water, trying to breathe. He knew the answer, but he had to ask it anyway. “Is it her?” Even he heard the waver in his voice.
“You gotta let me do my job, man. You gotta trust me. If this was Leah, you know I’d tell you.”
“I know, but—”
“No buts, Jackie,” Travers cut in, edging up closer to him as if posturing. “You’re not a cop anymore. You don’t belong here. Go home.”
Jack starred at Travers with a look he hoped said, go ahead and touch me again, pissant, I dare you. He must have got his point across because Travers hesitated before stepping away, his back noticeably erect.
“I’m sorry. Paul’s right. You don’t need to be here. It’s not her.” Ray’s voice remained calm. Jack knew the tone, as he often used it to try defusing situations with suspects and distraught families.
“You’re just a distraction, Jackie.”
“Paul!” Ray’s warning tone made Travers jump, as it did those around them.
In his heart, Jack knew when a victim’s family turned up on a crime scene, or tried insinuating themselves into an investigation, it only disrupted the process. More times than he could count, the time he’d spent dealing with the family would have been better served on the investigation.
Jack shrank away from the crime scene tape, his energy evaporating. “You’re right, Ray. I’m sorry. I just can’t risk that the one time I don’t respond to the text, it really will be Leah.”
“I know, Jack. I know.” Ray put his hand on Jack’s shoulder this time, drawing Jack’s attention. “But this isn’t her. Go ho—” Ray stopped short, both knowing Jack hadn’t been home since that night three years ago. “Go back to your place. I’ll stop by after my shift. We’ll talk then, okay?”
Jack looked past Ray’s shoulder to the lifeless body. He watched as technicians carefully placed a protective tarp over the victim, telling him the CSIs had retrieved all the scene evidence they needed and now waited for the coroner’s removal.
Dumping the body at the lake had been a bold move. Even at this dead-end in the road, Golden Gate Park attracted a huge number of people, homeless and visitors alike. Someone had to have seen something.
“Can you use an extra hand?”
“Sorry, Jack. You know I can’t. I gotta get back. I’ll see you later, at your place.”
“Don’t bother.” Jack didn’t have to look back to know Ray watched to make sure he was leaving.
From behind him, he heard Travers ask, “What’s with that guy?”
“Lay off, Paul,” Ray said. “You’d react the same way if your daughter had been murdered and your wife was still missing.”
~*~
REVIEWS
SLAUGHTERED by K.A. Lugo kept me turning pages until well into the early hours of the morning. Not till my eyes burned and refused to focus did I pause for a few hours sleep. I found myself sneaking in a chapter (or three) at work in my - dare I say - obsession to finish the end. You don't have to race to enjoy the tortured character of Jack Slaughter as he tries to navigate a serial killer, his personal pathos, and a missing housewife. No, you can probably give this sultry San Francisco suspense a slow read. I probably will on my second run. Maybe it was the San Francisco setting, or the private investigator office on the edge of Chinatown, or K.A. Lugo's tense prose, or maybe it was all of it together, that put in the mind of the greats like The Maltese Falcon, Chinatown, Seven, and my personal favorite: The Usual Suspects. But no matter the cause, this one's an EXCELLENT read and I'm looking forward to the next book. ~ Becky Flade Author Blog, author of A Love Restrained
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A cast of strong, individualized characters and an atmospheric narrative reminiscent of Dashiell Hammett gives Ms. Lugo's new series a promising start. The author has done her research into San Francisco well, making the area come alive with grit and detail . . . "Slaughtered, is an entertainingly emotional rollercoaster ride with a gritty new conflicted detective. ~ Janice Martin, InD'Tale Magazine
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Slaughter Slays!!!
As a new and devoted fan of the Slaughter series, I can testify to the compelling seduction of K. A. Lugo's vividly dark world of ex-detective, now private eye, Jack Slaughter. His heartache is palpable, his attention to detail is incomparable, and his drive to solve a case is unstoppable! K. A. Lugo has sucked me into Jack's world with wonderful characters, descriptive landscapes, and intoxicating suspenseful mysteries! I'm hooked and breathlessly awaiting Jack's next case! ~ Tonya M, Amazon
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"K.A. Lugo writes a thrilling tale with Slaughtered...I haven't read anything by this author before, and what a hidden gem. I enjoyed it so much, that I have now followed the author and look for more books to read. Slaughtered is part of the Jack Slaughter Thrillers series, and this is volume one, and I will definitely read the next ones that follow. Jack is living on the edge, determined to find the answers he so desperately seeks. KA Lugo is an amazing writer, and tells a grandly suspenseful story. Just when the reader thinks they know what is going to happen, something unexpected crosses Jack's path. A very unpredictable story, my favorite kind! Slaughtered is a definite recommendation..."- Amy at Amy's Bookshelf Reviews, Goodreads, Amazon
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Follow the thrilling investigations of Jack Slaughter, in "Slaughtered" by K.A. Lugo. The story takes you from a man's hope in finding his family through dangerous leads. Slaughter goes along with the clues that lead him to several surprises. The book is a well-written, and fascinating read. ~ Laureen Diephof, Amazon
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I liked the plot. Slaughtered by K.A. Lugo. This is a well written thriller. Not my usual read, but I was enjoying it so much that I couldn’t put it down. I liked the pace, the sense of place and the plot. What does a man like Jack Slaughter do when his family is wiped out in the cruelest way. His baby murdered and his wife missing? He sets out for revenge. Jack is a strong well drawn believable character and I was rooting for him all the way through. This is the first of a series of page turners from this author to unravel the mystery of what has happened to Jack’s wife. With unexpected twists and turns that kept me glued and the end did not disappoint. A great read that I would recommend to readers’ of thrillers and other genres. ~ Cathy Mansell, author of A Place to Belong, Amazon
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What a man must do to start over...Jack lost his wife, child, and will to live in one cruel act that took them all away from him. Now as he tries every day to figure out what to do he is still tormented by the man that murdered his family. Receiving text messages that lead him to crime scenes where more horrific acts have occurred reminds Jack he must go on and get the monster behind these crimes. Working as a private detective Jack solves mysteries that are not riveting but life sustaining for him financially. However, every day he is working with his old partner and friends from the force to figure out a pattern for the murders which are at the very core the work of a serial killer. Jack feels the pattern pulling at him and while he works on it in the space he barely lives in the pattern is coming to light a little more every day. Yet there is the killer staying one step ahead of him and reminding him that the chase is as much of this game as the resolution. When Jack does put the pieces together it shocks him more than anyone but will there be a person who will believe him considering his inability to convince anyone that this is not about revenge and all about resolution? Mary Gramlich, Amazon
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Just wanted you to know that my mother and I have both read your book. All we can say is, “When will book #2 be released?!!” Will it be available on Amazon? We are hooked, LOVED the ending. You are an amazing writer. The book was very easy to read and we finished it in just a few days. We both really enjoyed the references to SF landmarks and Monterey. The characters and storyline were very well developed and we seriously didn’t want to put it down. I stayed up reading way past my bedtime, but that’s a true testament to a great book! We’re going to read some of your romance novels while we wait for Witness to come out. ~ TMS, private email review
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Jack Slaughter is a fantastic character. The novel is brilliant and so well-written. I loved it, fast-paced, tension, page-turning all the time. I really cannot wait to read the next chapter in this man's life. 5 stars the whole way. ~ M Bradford, Facebook comment
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Riveting!
I read this book in one day as I couldn't put it down. Great character development, engrossing story to the very end. Can't wait to read #2! ~ AudreyP, Amazon
I read this book in one day as I couldn't put it down. Great character development, engrossing story to the very end. Can't wait to read #2! ~ AudreyP, Amazon
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Fantastic book!
This book was one that definitely kept me reading nonstop. I love good murder mysteries and this was certainly among the best of the best. Usually I read similar themes by different authors but this one was riveting with the horrific manner the former cop lost his family and the way he was led into a job finding a man's wife and ultimately solving another crime. Of course it ended in a manner that makes me look forward to the next book. This author surely has my attention. ~ Ruth, Amazon
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Jack is a well developed character that totally gave me a closeness that made me feel compassion for his story, his sadness, his pain . . . Let me warn you. You are in for a suspenseful treat! The author delivered three suspenseful story lines masterfully. This is a good opener to the Jack Slaughter Thrillers. I enjoyed the beautiful description of the California scenery. The detailed description of the city and sights gave the story a vivid illustration for me. I love that the author’s description wasn’t so wordy or so detailed as to cause the story to drag. I admired Jack’s resilience and drive. His story was relayed in detail where it seems to have no resolution to his spiral of depression but he steps outside of his own pain to assist in finding a local serial killer and solving the case of missing Bonnie Boyd. Yes the author leaves us with a cliffhanger on this one but a story such as Jack’s can’t be wrapped up in one book. I am looking forward to reading more about him! A warning to reader, the book does contain crude language and some of the murder scenes may be unsuitable for some. I enjoyed this story and look forward to reading the next book in the series. Highly recommended! ~ Long and Short Reviews and Amazon
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Jack Slaughter is an awesome character, one that I certainly could identify with if given the same circumstances. The author provides realistic scenes that captured me in the beginning. This is a page-turning fast-action, well-written story that I absolutely enjoyed! I am looking forward to the next book in the series. ~ Patricia, Booksprout
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down to earthGreat book from this new (to me) author. I love a good mystery book and this one was perfect. It’s full of emotion, suspense, mystery and action. I found that I was drawn into the story from the get-go with the characters being so well written that you can’t help but place yourself in their situation and think what you would do and then compare. It’s very realistic and down to earth. If you enjoy a good exciting book that takes you on a wonderful journey, then grab this book. ~ Sharon, Amazon Vine Voice
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This is a gritty detective novel with a complicated hero and a great storyline with enough twists and turns to keep you reading to the end. ~ Glenys, Gooreads
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Slaughtered will twist and turn you to the final page. ~ Anita Rodgers, Goodreads, author of the Dead Dog Trilogy
Gripping and emotional! ~ Sue Coletta, author of the Grafton County and Mayhem series, Amazon
This isn’t the typical genre I read, so I have nothing to compare it to. Regardless, the story captured my attention from the beginning . . . The story unfolds in such a mystery that I never knew who the killer was. I suspected at times, but I was wrong. It kept me guessing up until the end. The pace was methodical, and every detail of the story was mapped out . . . I am rating Slaughtered 4.5 Boundless Stars, and it was a great crime thriller. ~ Sara, Boundless Book Reviews, Amazon, and Goodreads
This is one that 'had me' at the cover. And then I read the synopsis! I really enjoyed this fast past thrilling suspenseful story. This one may not be for the faint of heart as the crime(s) are a bit creepy (not graphic) But, that just makes a good thriller . . . Jack is well he's just Jack all hunkiness broody and grieving and all around a character to capture your attention . . . waiting for the next Jack Slaughter Thriller. ~ My Reading Journeys
Slaughtered is filled with mystery and suspense from the first word until the last. Jack will have you racing all over town with him trying to find this serial killer and looking for the missing woman Bonnie and his wife as well . . . Slaughtered is one of those books that will have you guessing from the moment you pick it up and it will have you trying to figure out who the killer is but loving to hang on to its secrets and not letting go until the very end and even then it still has a few secrets up its sleeve leaving you wanting more. I can’t wait for the next book in the Jack Slaughter Thrillers to see what Jack has in store for us and hopefully we will find out more about his wife in future books as I have this feeling that the Jack Slaughter Thrillers are not going to give up any of its secrets easily. I would recommend Slaughtered to anyone who loves a good mystery with lots of suspense. ~ The Avid Reader
What a roller-coaster ride . . . I can’t put the book down; can’t turn the pages fast enough the story has evolved and gotten really good . . . Great characters, lots of action . . . and a book good enough that you can’t put it down. ~ Kathy, Our Town Book Reviews, Amazon, and Goodreads
Hard-Edged Thriller
K.A. Lugo hits a homerun . . . This story grabs the reader from the start and its one fast and intense ride, so hold on tight! Jack is a character you can’t help but empathize with and root for. His grief comes across sharp and painful . . . This story held a lot of surprises for me and the unmasking of the killer leaves more questions than answers . . . There are some gruesome and graphic descriptions of murder scenes that the weak kneed reader may struggle with, but it’s relevant to the story. I highly recommend this to all readers and fans of thrillers, suspense and police procedural plots will enjoy the hard-edged and sordid backdrop of this story. The characters are realistic and believable. The plot and dialogue flow smoothly and fit the characters and their personalities. ~ Sherri Bryant, The Bookworm News and Reviews, Amazon
Grim tale, but interesting characters.
I enjoyed this story. There are some gruesome bits, lots of angst, and an interesting method of sleuthing. Jack was a character torn apart by his past. His way of coping was questionable, but he did have good friends to help, and deep down, he was a good person. With all the action and mystery, I kept turning the pages to find out who was responsible along with Jack. ~ Christine Woinich, Iron Canuck, Bookbub, Goodreads, and Amazon
This is such an excellent read! It definitely lives up to its genre, with twists and turns, and lots of murderous details to keep you guessing. I found it very well written and exciting, from start to finish. I loved the main character. He was very real and down to earth . . . The Butcher was created brilliantly. We were always left with just that bit more we wanted or needed to know to be able to suss out who the mastermind might be. I liked that, as I love to be left trying to put the clues together and finding out there was a twist I hadn’t expected. The author did this brilliantly and really made the book interesting throughout. Overall, this was a great thriller. ~ Bri Wignall, Goodreads
Great start to a series
Jack is someone we can really relate to right from page one. The story itself is as compelling as the characters, the mystery one that holds you until the very end. Highly recommended and can't wait for the next in the series. ~ Troy Lambert, Amazon, author of Stray Ally
I love a good murder mystery and this one was no exception. There was a lot of research and it was evident that the author is very familiar with the San Francisco area. I felt like I was there, experiencing what Jack was. The writing was such that I didn't want to put it down. If you love a well-written mystery, then this one is for you! ~ Kathleen Kelly, Amazon
Suspense at its best! “Slaughtered” is a suspenseful story that cannot be put down. Jack and Ray are believable characters who have heart and a special realism about them that makes readers want to know them more. This is a very dark piece not for the fair of heart. There is murder lurking everywhere and they are particularly gruesome this time. Travers is the perfect anti-hero whom fans will love to hate. Some scenes are written with wit to lift the gloom that reigns supreme over this macabre story. There is a chilling twist to the story that will haunt readers for days after finishing this novel. There are still unresolved threads in this tale that could be solved in the next novel that is Jack Slaughter’s life. This is the first book in a new series that promises to keep the reader on the edge of their seat until the last page is turned. ~ Belinda Wilson, Amazon
Fantastic! I didn’t want to put it down from the beginning to the end. Jack and Ray were great and when I like the characters I want to keep reading more books about them. I loved the ending so I’m ready for the next one. I hope it’s in the works. I’m not very patient. ~ Jill Schatz, Goodreads
There are some other things happening that I do not mention because they only add a bit of tense undertone to the story – such as Ray’s new partner who makes it plain that he does not like Jack. (The feeling is returned whole-heartedly.) The main characters are well developed. There are only a few secondary characters, but they are so well described that I feel as though I know them as well as Jack does. I found some parts of the story to be predictable, however, there was a time or two that I was blindsided. The author kept me on my toes as I followed Jack’s every lead, wondering if I could figure it out before he does. In the end, the case is solved, but I am left with the urge to jump into the next Slaughter story immediately. (Which, of course, I cannot do since it is nowhere near the publishing date. Grrrr!) Yet from experience, I know that any author that leaves me wanting more is one that I want to keep an eye on in the future. Lugo is a new voice to the Thriller genre, and I predict this voice will grow louder with time. ~ Detra Fitch, Huntress Reviews
Mystery and torment, this book keeps you turning the pages. This book is, simply put, a page tuner. From the very first page, Slaughtered, book 1 in the Jack Slaughter thriller series by K.A. Lugo will have you hooked. Author, K. A. Lugo wastes no time in taking you right into the action and the world of Jack Slaughter . . . the story will keep you invested to read to the end. Jack is a likeable character and his former partner and friend, Ray is a solid character. I was able to picture some of the characters in my mind as I read as the writer, while not being overly descriptive paints great imagery with words. ~ Jessica Crooks, Amazon
Slaughtered is one of those books you blow through. You read it so fast you have to go back and double check that you didn't skip anything. The reason? Because the story is so intense that you can't put it down. The plot is engaging and entertaining. There is plenty of wit to break up the suspense without making the book a comedy. The author beautifully wrapped up the main plot but left me dangling off a cliff with the last sentence. I can't wait for book 2. ~ Cheyenne Hernandez, Goodreads
Full disclosure. . . I am a romance reader. I don't like suspense or murder or blood and guts. But this book is excellent. This author has written many spectacular villains, and did not disappoint this time. It is because of the history of thoroughly villainous antagonists that I agreed to try and read this book. In a somewhat twisted turn of events, I didn't expect to like the protagonist. But I did . . . human failings and all. While I have never been to San Francisco, the locations covered in the book aren't the traditional scenes you would expect. This leads the reader to feel that the story isn't "set" in San Francisco; Rather, the story is happening where the characters live - that happens to be San Francisco. My one complaint is that it ends on a cliffhanger. And I don't have access to the next book in the series yet. It in no way detracts from the story told, but leaves me metaphorically shaking my fist at the author. Probably because, being a romance reader, I like my happily ever after. I did not find it an easy read, but it was absolutely worth it. I highly recommend it to anyone, even the (like me) squeamish! ~ Kate, Goodreads
I am happy to say that this was wickedly wonderful and so well-crafted that once I started reading I could not stop. Excellent writing, superb plotting, well fleshed out believable characters, more than one string to follow, mysteries solved but an elusive thread still hanging at the end of the story left me well satisfied but also eager to pick up the next book in the series as soon as it is available. I am invested in Jack and hope to find out more about him, what his future holds and just what happened to his wife on the night his life so spectacularly changed. ~ Cathy Geha, Goodreads
K. A. Lugo has gone ultra-dark on this central part of a multi-layered plot. Still the depiction of over a dozen bodies is so haunting that one keeps flipping the pages to find out what will happen, wondering if the perpetrator will somehow almost miraculously solve this unspeakable crime! These stories have a soft side as the author adds that compassionate, human element that doesn’t just see each victim as a number but as a person with connections to place, time and other people. Jack is sharp but what he misses is amply provided by his partner Ray. A parish priest is the listening, caring individual who is objective enough to speak truth to Jack in the presence of unspeakable grief. But beware! The four parts of this plot will not be resolved as the reader expects. It’s only when Ray’s wife disappears that the action ramps up and all the clues to discover the serial killer, Butch, begin to unite! K. A. Lugo writes romance novels under another name but here demonstrates how competently and deftly she pens a crime thriller! This is a must read that this reviewer highly recommends!!! ~ Viviane Crystal, Crystal Book Reviews and Amazon
This book was awesome. I could not put it down, so when I came to the ending, I thought...What? Oh no! ! L.J., reader by email
The suspense starts at the very beginning and builds to a dramatic ending. Throughout the plot the reader wants the answers to the two major question, who killed his family and why, and does the serial killer have any thing to do with his personal loss. The plot is well drawn to build the suspense. A strong 4.5. ~ Bob, Amazon
You kept the story moving forward the whole time and kept it super interesting with multiple subplots. Your entire writing style is totally up my alley. You have the perfect protagonist for your writing style. You have an honest grittiness to it that will keep readers coming back just for your voice . . . Each character had his/her own identity and the pace was damn near perfect. I have a hard time reading books that are overly flowery or descriptive in painting a scene, and yours was the perfect balance of creating a vivid image in my head without slowing down the pace of the reading or offering any superfluous details . . . This is a GREAT book . . . OH!!!! AND OMG, THAT ENDING!!! ~B.A.R., reader by email
A page turning thriller that won't let you put it down.
K.A. Lugo delivers a dynamic masterpiece that has you laughing at a one-liner one minute, and tearing up over the state of Jack's family the next. The plot is deceptive, making you think it's a standard tale with a knowable ending, but with turn after turn and never where you expect it, you are kept guessing and suprised. Lugo wraps up the story nice and neat before leaving a nailbitting cliffhanger that has me constantly checking her social media pages for updates on book #2. ~ Cheyenne Hernandez, Amazon
Slaughtered is one of those books that will hook you on page 1 and reel you in for the duration. I was hooked at Is that Leah? I felt his pain and despair at having lost people he loved but was determined to find his wife no matter what. After looking into the case of a missing wife, Jack discovers that his case and the case of a serial killer on the loose are related. There are twists and turns in this story that make the long and winding road look like a straight-away. I thoroughly enjoyed Slaughtered and give it 5 stars. Hurry up Ms. Lugo and write the next one! I can’t wait! ~ Karen, Goodreads
Excellent book, kept me up reading the story which followed and kept you engaged. Action-packed. Page-turner. ~ lprestridge, BookBub
Kept me on the edge of my seat. Can't wait for the next one. ~ Carolyn, Goodreads
This story is easy to follow. There are some graphic scenes that are difficult to read due to content . . . The storyline is somewhat interesting . . . The characters are believable with distinct personalities. Thought-provoking and snarky dialogue . . . I am interested in other works by this author. ~ Bookzilla, Amazon top 1000 reviewer
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Gripping and emotional! ~ Sue Coletta, author of the Grafton County and Mayhem series, Amazon
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Jack Slaughter is an awesome character, one that I certainly could identify with if given the same circumstances. The author provides realistic scenes that captured me in the beginning. This is a page-turning fast-action, well-written story that I absolutely enjoyed! I am looking forward to the next book in the series. ~ Dr Patricia Eroh, Amazon and Goodreads
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This isn’t the typical genre I read, so I have nothing to compare it to. Regardless, the story captured my attention from the beginning . . . The story unfolds in such a mystery that I never knew who the killer was. I suspected at times, but I was wrong. It kept me guessing up until the end. The pace was methodical, and every detail of the story was mapped out . . . I am rating Slaughtered 4.5 Boundless Stars, and it was a great crime thriller. ~ Sara, Boundless Book Reviews, Amazon, and Goodreads
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A true detective novel with a storyline that will hook you... ~ Glenys O'Connell, author of Saving Maggie
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This is one that 'had me' at the cover. And then I read the synopsis! I really enjoyed this fast past thrilling suspenseful story. This one may not be for the faint of heart as the crime(s) are a bit creepy (not graphic) But, that just makes a good thriller . . . Jack is well he's just Jack all hunkiness broody and grieving and all around a character to capture your attention . . . waiting for the next Jack Slaughter Thriller. ~ My Reading Journeys
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Slaughtered is filled with mystery and suspense from the first word until the last. Jack will have you racing all over town with him trying to find this serial killer and looking for the missing woman Bonnie and his wife as well . . . Slaughtered is one of those books that will have you guessing from the moment you pick it up and it will have you trying to figure out who the killer is but loving to hang on to its secrets and not letting go until the very end and even then it still has a few secrets up its sleeve leaving you wanting more. I can’t wait for the next book in the Jack Slaughter Thrillers to see what Jack has in store for us and hopefully we will find out more about his wife in future books as I have this feeling that the Jack Slaughter Thrillers are not going to give up any of its secrets easily. I would recommend Slaughtered to anyone who loves a good mystery with lots of suspense. ~ The Avid Reader
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What a roller-coaster ride . . . I can’t put the book down; can’t turn the pages fast enough the story has evolved and gotten really good . . . Great characters, lots of action . . . and a book good enough that you can’t put it down. ~ Kathy, Our Town Book Reviews, Amazon, and Goodreads
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Hard-Edged Thriller
K.A. Lugo hits a homerun . . . This story grabs the reader from the start and its one fast and intense ride, so hold on tight! Jack is a character you can’t help but empathize with and root for. His grief comes across sharp and painful . . . This story held a lot of surprises for me and the unmasking of the killer leaves more questions than answers . . . There are some gruesome and graphic descriptions of murder scenes that the weak kneed reader may struggle with, but it’s relevant to the story. I highly recommend this to all readers and fans of thrillers, suspense and police procedural plots will enjoy the hard-edged and sordid backdrop of this story. The characters are realistic and believable. The plot and dialogue flow smoothly and fit the characters and their personalities. ~ Sherri Bryant, The Bookworm News and Reviews, Amazon
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Deep, dark and haunting. This describes Jack and his life since his daughter was murdered and his wife disappeared. Jack isn't given a chance to move on and heal. It's painful to go through this with him. Especially as, although we join Jack three years on from his tragedy, it's still fresh in his mind......and a crazy man texts him places where a body turns up! I love his tenacity, how he can't and won't give up. It makes for a strong main character, one with many issues but an ingrained need to find his wife no matter what. This is a brilliant thriller that's multi-layered and has you gripped all the way through. Plenty of twists and turns that keeps you turning the pages. An adult thriller, full of suspense. ~ Archaeolibrarian
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This was a thrilling, pulse-pounding adventure from page one . . . the mystery grabbed my attention and dragged me along all the twists and turns. The intrigue behind not only the mystery at hand, but Jack’s tragic past kept me turning pages, and I ended up liking and relating to Jack more than I thought I would . . . Plus, there’s one heck of a cliffhanger, and I feel like that particular mystery is going to be dragged out over multiple books, which sucked a bit because I really want to know what happened. All in all though, this was a great thriller and a promising new series. ~ Sharing Links and Wisdom
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Author K.A. Lugo tells this perfect whodunit with gusto with a thrilling and engrossing pace from the first scene to the last. I enjoyed Jack’s heart-to-heart talks with the parish priest who married Leah and him and with his friend, Ray, who fills in some information. Scenes sink the reader into authentic San Francisco. Jack lives above a restaurant in China Town. When he speaks with people, he holds back his dark despair, but as a reader, I related. I highly recommend Slaughtered, an addictive mystery and as intricately detailed as it is tantalizingly page-turning. Book 2 is in the works, and I anticipate another winner by talented K.A. Lugo. ~ Kathleen Rowland, Amazon, author of The Donahue Cousins series
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Grim tale, but interesting characters.
I enjoyed this story. There are some gruesome bits, lots of angst, and an interesting method of sleuthing. Jack was a character torn apart by his past. His way of coping was questionable, but he did have good friends to help, and deep down, he was a good person. With all the action and mystery, I kept turning the pages to find out who was responsible along with Jack. ~ Christine Woinich, Iron Canuck, Bookbub, Goodreads, and Amazon
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This is such an excellent read! It definitely lives up to its genre, with twists and turns, and lots of murderous details to keep you guessing. I found it very well written and exciting, from start to finish. I loved the main character. He was very real and down to earth . . . The Butcher was created brilliantly. We were always left with just that bit more we wanted or needed to know to be able to suss out who the mastermind might be. I liked that, as I love to be left trying to put the clues together and finding out there was a twist I hadn’t expected. The author did this brilliantly and really made the book interesting throughout. Overall, this was a great thriller. ~ Bri Wignall, Goodreads
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A riveting mystery! This story has a great storyline and is well written and fast-paced. I cannot wait for the next book in this series. ~ Heather, Amazon, Goodreads and Bookbub
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Great start to a series
Jack is someone we can really relate to right from page one. The story itself is as compelling as the characters, the mystery one that holds you until the very end. Highly recommended and can't wait for the next in the series. ~ Troy Lambert, Amazon, author of Stray Ally
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I love a good murder mystery and this one was no exception. There was a lot of research and it was evident that the author is very familiar with the San Francisco area. I felt like I was there, experiencing what Jack was. The writing was such that I didn't want to put it down. If you love a well-written mystery, then this one is for you! ~ Kathleen Kelly, Amazon
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Suspense at its best! “Slaughtered” is a suspenseful story that cannot be put down. Jack and Ray are believable characters who have heart and a special realism about them that makes readers want to know them more. This is a very dark piece not for the fair of heart. There is murder lurking everywhere and they are particularly gruesome this time. Travers is the perfect anti-hero whom fans will love to hate. Some scenes are written with wit to lift the gloom that reigns supreme over this macabre story. There is a chilling twist to the story that will haunt readers for days after finishing this novel. There are still unresolved threads in this tale that could be solved in the next novel that is Jack Slaughter’s life. This is the first book in a new series that promises to keep the reader on the edge of their seat until the last page is turned. ~ Belinda Wilson, Amazon
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Slaughtered is a well paced thriller by KA Lugo. It starts with a murder, one in a series of murders, that somehow tie to the life of Jack Slaughter. A former police detective, Slaughter's life fell apart with the death of his daughter and the disappearance of his wife. These bodies are apparently being staged to taunt him. Readers are taken on a thrilling ride as Jack gets closer to discovering who the killer is, and the motivation behind the kills. I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes a really juicy murder mystery. It's an excellent read, which will curly your toes and tingle your spine. I couldn't put it down! ~Dellani Oakes, author of So Much It Hurts
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Fantastic! I didn’t want to put it down from the beginning to the end. Jack and Ray were great and when I like the characters I want to keep reading more books about them. I loved the ending so I’m ready for the next one. I hope it’s in the works. I’m not very patient. ~ Jill Schatz, Goodreads
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There are some other things happening that I do not mention because they only add a bit of tense undertone to the story – such as Ray’s new partner who makes it plain that he does not like Jack. (The feeling is returned whole-heartedly.) The main characters are well developed. There are only a few secondary characters, but they are so well described that I feel as though I know them as well as Jack does. I found some parts of the story to be predictable, however, there was a time or two that I was blindsided. The author kept me on my toes as I followed Jack’s every lead, wondering if I could figure it out before he does. In the end, the case is solved, but I am left with the urge to jump into the next Slaughter story immediately. (Which, of course, I cannot do since it is nowhere near the publishing date. Grrrr!) Yet from experience, I know that any author that leaves me wanting more is one that I want to keep an eye on in the future. Lugo is a new voice to the Thriller genre, and I predict this voice will grow louder with time. ~ Detra Fitch, Huntress Reviews
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Mystery and torment, this book keeps you turning the pages. This book is, simply put, a page tuner. From the very first page, Slaughtered, book 1 in the Jack Slaughter thriller series by K.A. Lugo will have you hooked. Author, K. A. Lugo wastes no time in taking you right into the action and the world of Jack Slaughter . . . the story will keep you invested to read to the end. Jack is a likeable character and his former partner and friend, Ray is a solid character. I was able to picture some of the characters in my mind as I read as the writer, while not being overly descriptive paints great imagery with words. ~ Jessica Crooks, Amazon
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Full disclosure. . . I am a romance reader. I don't like suspense or murder or blood and guts. But this book is excellent. This author has written many spectacular villains, and did not disappoint this time. It is because of the history of thoroughly villainous antagonists that I agreed to try and read this book. In a somewhat twisted turn of events, I didn't expect to like the protagonist. But I did . . . human failings and all. While I have never been to San Francisco, the locations covered in the book aren't the traditional scenes you would expect. This leads the reader to feel that the story isn't "set" in San Francisco; Rather, the story is happening where the characters live - that happens to be San Francisco. My one complaint is that it ends on a cliffhanger. And I don't have access to the next book in the series yet. It in no way detracts from the story told, but leaves me metaphorically shaking my fist at the author. Probably because, being a romance reader, I like my happily ever after. I did not find it an easy read, but it was absolutely worth it. I highly recommend it to anyone, even the (like me) squeamish! ~ Kate, Goodreads
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K. A. Lugo has gone ultra-dark on this central part of a multi-layered plot. Still the depiction of over a dozen bodies is so haunting that one keeps flipping the pages to find out what will happen, wondering if the perpetrator will somehow almost miraculously solve this unspeakable crime! These stories have a soft side as the author adds that compassionate, human element that doesn’t just see each victim as a number but as a person with connections to place, time and other people. Jack is sharp but what he misses is amply provided by his partner Ray. A parish priest is the listening, caring individual who is objective enough to speak truth to Jack in the presence of unspeakable grief. But beware! The four parts of this plot will not be resolved as the reader expects. It’s only when Ray’s wife disappears that the action ramps up and all the clues to discover the serial killer, Butch, begin to unite! K. A. Lugo writes romance novels under another name but here demonstrates how competently and deftly she pens a crime thriller! This is a must read that this reviewer highly recommends!!! ~ Viviane Crystal, Crystal Book Reviews and Amazon
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This book was awesome. I could not put it down, so when I came to the ending, I thought...What? Oh no! ! L.J., reader by email
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The suspense starts at the very beginning and builds to a dramatic ending. Throughout the plot the reader wants the answers to the two major question, who killed his family and why, and does the serial killer have any thing to do with his personal loss. The plot is well drawn to build the suspense. A strong 4.5. ~ Bob, Amazon
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You kept the story moving forward the whole time and kept it super interesting with multiple subplots. Your entire writing style is totally up my alley. You have the perfect protagonist for your writing style. You have an honest grittiness to it that will keep readers coming back just for your voice . . . Each character had his/her own identity and the pace was damn near perfect. I have a hard time reading books that are overly flowery or descriptive in painting a scene, and yours was the perfect balance of creating a vivid image in my head without slowing down the pace of the reading or offering any superfluous details . . . This is a GREAT book . . . OH!!!! AND OMG, THAT ENDING!!! ~B.A.R., reader by email
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A page turning thriller that won't let you put it down.
K.A. Lugo delivers a dynamic masterpiece that has you laughing at a one-liner one minute, and tearing up over the state of Jack's family the next. The plot is deceptive, making you think it's a standard tale with a knowable ending, but with turn after turn and never where you expect it, you are kept guessing and suprised. Lugo wraps up the story nice and neat before leaving a nailbitting cliffhanger that has me constantly checking her social media pages for updates on book #2. ~ Cheyenne Hernandez, Amazon
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Slaughtered is one of those books that will hook you on page 1 and reel you in for the duration. I was hooked at Is that Leah? I felt his pain and despair at having lost people he loved but was determined to find his wife no matter what. After looking into the case of a missing wife, Jack discovers that his case and the case of a serial killer on the loose are related. There are twists and turns in this story that make the long and winding road look like a straight-away. I thoroughly enjoyed Slaughtered and give it 5 stars. Hurry up Ms. Lugo and write the next one! I can’t wait! ~ Karen, Goodreads
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Excellent book, kept me up reading the story which followed and kept you engaged. Action-packed. Page-turner. ~ lprestridge, BookBub
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Kept me on the edge of my seat. Can't wait for the next one. ~ Carolyn, Goodreads
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Fast-pacedThis story is easy to follow. There are some graphic scenes that are difficult to read due to content . . . The storyline is somewhat interesting . . . The characters are believable with distinct personalities. Thought-provoking and snarky dialogue . . . I am interested in other works by this author. ~ Bookzilla, Amazon top 1000 reviewer
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very good. enjoyed this very much will be looking out for the next one. ~ Martin, Amazon
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Gotta have it!!! Hurry - write faster! Gotta find out what happened to her!
ReplyDeleteAhh! Wanting to punch the pissant myself! Can't wait to find out where Leah is!
ReplyDeleteA great opening chapter. Love the characters, they drew me in straight away. We have the conflict with the two men, Jack, and Travers. Then we're left wondering why
ReplyDeleteJack is not on the force anymore. The texts message about Jack's wife are sinister and intriguing.
Someone certainly has it in for Jack Slaughter and we want to know more.
Loved it.