FBI Special Agent Beth Katz finds herself once more in pursuit of serial killers. She harbors a secret unknown to her colleagues at the bureau: she is the notorious Tarot Killer, who exclusively preys on other serial killers. Utilizing her expertise in cybercrimes division, she identifies her targets and methodically removes them, all while meticulously ensuring that no evidence connects her to the crimes.

While searching for her next target, Beth stumbles upon a case involving murders in convenience stores followed by the kidnapping of young women. The details of the case awaken her darker instincts. The subsequent deaths of the kidnapped victims intensify Beth and her Stiles resolve to end this reign of terror.

Dark Hearts was a hit in nail-biting suspense, captivating the reader from beginning to end. The storyline, especially the scenes detailing Beth’s personal agenda, was laced with dark undertones. As the story deepened, the intensity mounted, drawing the reader further into the thrilling aspects of this riveting story.

In this installment, readers gain insight into what motivates Beth and the triggers of her dark side. It’s astonishing how she seamlessly integrates with her colleagues without them discovering her true persona. Despite being the daughter of a serial killer, her inner darkness remains unnoticed. Yet, there is one individual on the team Beth tries to avoid: FBI Agent Joe Wells, the bureau’s leading profiler of serial killers.

I’m truly enjoying this series. The dynamics between Beth and Stiles bring a mix of light-heartedness and emotional depth to the story. I appreciate how she can lower her defenses around Stiles. However, I’m concerned that in doing so, she might accidentally expose her secret. The developing bond between Stiles and Beth is captivating. One can’t help but ponder the consequences if Beth’s secret were to come to light, and the subsequent effect it might have on her relationship with Stiles.

Overall, Dark Hearts was a solid addition to the series, and I am eager for the next installment.

Story Evaluation
Plot	4.5
Characters	5
World Building	4
Writing Style	5
Pacing	4
Cover	3
Enjoyment	5
Ending	5
Overall:

In “Forgotten Girls,” FBI Special Agent Beth Katz is back, delving into the cold case of Stiles’ sister’s disappearance from over two decades ago. The case thrust Beth and Stiles into a thrilling and dangerous quest that puts lives on the line, promises shocking revelations, and challenges the very notion of right and wrong.

Title: Forgotten Girls
Author(s): D.K. Hood
Series: Special Agent Beth Katz #4
Also in this series: Dark Angel , Shadow Angel
Published by Bookouture on July 31. 2024
Pages: 327
Genre(s): Crime Fiction
Source: Kindle Unlimited
Format: eBook

Purchase: Amazon|Audible
Reading Challenges: 2024 COYER Summer Challenge
Rating:
Series Rating:

She bites her nails as she steals a glance at the stranger in the pickup truck beside her. She trusted him when he offered her a ride, but now, as he turns onto a deserted road leading into a dark pine forest, she knows she’s made a huge mistake.
Special Agent Beth Katz races through the dense Montana woodland toward a small, isolated cabin. She’s investigating the disappearance of her partner Dax Styles’s sister who went missing as she walked home from school, and Beth finally has a solid lead. Outside the decrepit building, her heart pounds wondering what she will find on the other side of the door.
A young woman with long brown hair and cornflower blue eyes, just like Dax’s, shakes in the kitchen. It’s clearly Ginny, but before Dax can speak to his long-lost sister, Beth hears a noise from outside. In a rundown outbuilding, they discover another young girl, reported missing just weeks before. Dressed in a thin nightie, Ava cowers as Beth breaks into the padlocked room. Her captor has fled, but Beth will use every skill she’s got to track him down.
Working night and day, Beth uncovers more cases of young girls taken from remote roads near their homes. Twelve-year-old Shiloh Weeks vanished as she walked home just days ago. Her story remarkably similar to Ginny and Ava’s.
Beth and Dax are on a mission to stop to this twisted individual and save any new girls from being taken into the woods and lost forever. But when the trail leads them to a man impersonating a police officer to gain the trust of his victims, will Dax hand him over or take matters into his own hands?

This post contains affiliate links you can use to purchase the book. If you buy the book using that link, I will receive a small commission from the sale.

 

In the previous books, readers learn that Stiles’ sister went missing over twenty years ago. They also discover how he has carried the blame all these years. Beth decides to help him find closure by investigating the disappearance. Beth, utilizing her adept computer skills, uncovered the shocking truth that Stiles’ sister was still alive. This revelation unraveled a series of dark secrets, leading them to expose a network involved in pedophilia, human trafficking, and an illegal adoption ring.

The author really ramped up the suspense and Danger in this installment. My heart was lodged in my throat throughout the entire story. The villains are merciless and will do anything to maintain their operations and the influx of money. The case was deeply personal for both Beth and Stiles. We delve into Beth’s history and discover why she is so deeply invested in this case. For Stiles, it reopened old wounds.

The Tarot Killer’s brief appearance is so intense that it will have readers holding their breath as the scene unfolds.

Fast-paced and suspenseful, “Forgotten Girls” is a page-turner that will captivate fans of the genre.

Story Evaluation
Plot	4
Characters	5
World Building	4
Writing Style	5
Pacing	5
Cover	3
Enjoyment	5
Ending	4.5
Overall:

 

 

 

 

 

About D.K. Hood

D.K Hood is THE WALL STREET JOURNAL, USA TODAY, and #1 AMAZON MILLION COPY Bestselling Author. D.K’s spine chilling, fast paced serial killer thrillers revolve around Sheriff Jenna Alton and her ex- special forces Deputy, Dave Kane. As the main characters fight crime, their secret pasts are never far away. Set in and around the fictional backwoods town of Black Rock Falls, Montana, known locally as Serial Killer Central, D.K ‘s imagery takes the reader into the scenes with her. Given the title “Queen of Suspense” by her reviewers, D.K ‘s writing style offers her readers a movie style, sizzling fast thrill ride.

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Newsletter

Reading this book contributed to these challenges:

• 2024 COYER Summer Challenge
• 2024 Netgalley and Edelweiss