YOU CAN KILL (Laurel Snow Thriller 4) by Rebecca Zanetti-review

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Google Play / Chapters Indigo /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 22, 2024

A string of brutal murders is leaving a grisly trail across the Pacific Northwest—and drawing rising star FBI profiler Laurel Snow back into a treacherous case and a twisted personal drama she can’t escape . . .

The first body is torn apart, blood and flesh discovered across both state and federal lands. As the victims multiply, a pattern emerges—each is related to past cases investigated by Laurel Snow, with the assist of Huck Rivers, Washington Fish and Wildlife captain. When friends and loved ones are targeted, things become even more chillingly personal.

As Laurel and Huck team up again to navigate the gruesome and increasingly bizarre killings, they must also keep a safe distance from Laurel’s half-sister, Abigail, a dangerously clever sociopath. Ever since their father reappeared in town, Abigail has been convinced she must protect Laurel from his malignant narcissism—a scourge she’s sure they’ve both inherited. Huck is not spared either as a shocking development in the case touches his own life.

With the murders, and the suspects, multiplying around them, and the lives of everyone in their orbit at stake, only Laurel’s sharp analytic skills, Huck’s deep gut instincts, and their growing bond will enable them to face the demons within and the threats without—before they’re next on an elusive killer’s hit list .

•••••

REVIEW:  YOU CAN KILL is the fourth instalment in Rebecca Zanetti’s contemporary, adult LAUREL SNOW suspense thriller focusing on FBI Special Profiler Laurel Snow. YOU CAN KILL can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty but I recommend reading the series in order for back story and cohesion as there is an ongoing plot line throughout.

WARNING: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.

Told from several omniscient third person perspectives including Laurel, following several interconnected pathways, YOU CAN KILL continues to focus on Laurel Snow’s investigation into the father she never knew, and a half sister whose proclivities are questionable and dark. Someone is taking aim at the women of Genesis Valley, and Laurel begins to suspect an escaped serial killer is purposely making her life difficult. All of the victims are blonde, and may or may not have a connection to our story line heroine, and as the numbers increase, so too do the accusations against Laurel and the man that she loves. Meanwhile a social media journalist, one who has a past with Huck Rivers, fuels the accusations with her attempts at revenge, revenge that make her a target of a crazed serial killer.

The world building is complex and detailed as we are up close and personal with Laurel and Huck, victims and killers, suspects and madness. Laurel Snow believes she knows the people responsible but outside interference and a need for vengeance threaten Laurel’s investigation when the people at the top, take over.

The relationship between Captain Huck Rivers and FBI profiler Laurel Snow continues to be both professional and personal. Laurel and Huck’s romance is more than a passing, as they begin to make plans for a future together in Genesis Valley.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and questionable secondary and supporting characters including many of whom we met in the previous story lines: Laurel’s half sister Dr. Abigail Caine, their father Pastor Zeke Caine; Laurel’s mom Deidre, podcaster Rachel Raprenzi, as well as several locals, victims, and survivors.

YOU CAN KILL is a story of secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, madness and murder, social and pathological behaviors. The premise is thrilling, dramatic, haunting and twisted; the characters are animated, tragic and brutal.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews

You Can Run
You Can Hide
You Can Die

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author Rebecca Zanetti has worked as an art curator, Senate aide, lawyer, college professor, and a hearing examiner – only to culminate it all in stories about Alpha males and the women who claim them. She writes contemporary romances, dark paranormal romances, and romantic suspense novels.
Growing up amid the glorious backdrops and winter wonderlands of the Pacific Northwest has given Rebecca fantastic scenery and adventures to weave into her stories. She resides in the wild north with her husband, children, and extended family who inspire her every day—or at the very least give her plenty of characters to write about.

Website  * Facebook * Amazon * Goodreads