Struck Dead by Andrea Kane

Struck Dead

by Andrea Kane

March 4 – 29, 2024 Virtual Book Tour

Synopsis:

The fragile line between life and death… Families that will never be the same…

When a tragic hit-and-run takes the life of a hardworking family man, multi-millionaire Christopher Hillington becomes the prime suspect, and the whole city of New York alights with speculation as to what happened.

But before the NYPD can establish Hillington’s guilt, he himself is brutally murdered in his own home. As he lays dying, he scrawls the name Casey Woods with his own blood, and the Forensic Instincts team is drawn into a complex mystery that has placed its president in the sights of a desperate killer.

A millionaire’s life is full of secrets and suspects. So as the baffled NYPD investigates Casey for the murder, and the body-count ratchets up, Casey herself becomes another potential victim. The FI team’s hardcore investigation has them twisting and turning through suspects and secrets, where the stakes intensify―and so does the collateral damage. As Casey and the team get closer to finding the killer, the unthinkable happens, and the life of one of FI’s own hangs in the blood-stained balance.

They say dead men tell no tales, but blood doesn’t lie. Peeling back layer after layer of deception, the team will cross whatever lines are necessary to solve the case, get justice for the families, and make their team whole again…unless the relentless killer gets to them first.

Partners in Crime Presents: Andrea Kane

Book Details:

Genre: Suspense Thriller
Published by: Bonnie Meadow Publishing
Publication Date: March 2024
Number of Pages: 384
ISBN: 9781682320631 (ISBN10: 1682320634)
Series: Forensic Instincts (#10)
Book Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookShop.org | Goodreads

Read an excerpt:

1

Offices of Forensic Instincts
Tribeca, New York
Main conference room
Monday, 9:40 a.m.

Casey Woods, the president of Forensic Instincts, stood at the head of the oval table, her jaw having dropped. She pressed her iPhone closer to her ear, and tried to reconcile herself, both to who the caller was, and the reason for her call.

She certainly didn’t sound like the Angela King that Casey knew. And why in the name of heaven was she reaching out to Casey, of all people?

Angela repeated her original demand: “I need you to meet me now—as in drop everything and get over here.” This time her voice was commanding but shaken.

Shaken? Angela King?

Casey’s mind raced.

Angela was a high-powered and aggressive criminal defense attorney at Harris, Porter, & Donnelly. A virtual barracuda. Rumor had it that she was next up to make partner. No surprise. She successfully defended the richest of the rich, from corporate executives, to wealthy entrepreneurs, to “businessmen” with rumored links to Organized Crime—a fact she chose to overlook since they were affluent enough to pay her fees. She and Forensic Instincts were on opposite sides of law enforcement. They’d battled it out more than once the criminals that FI had helped catch becoming the very criminals Angela would defend.

Needless to say, the FI team and Angela weren’t friends.

And yet, here she was, calling Casey on an urgent, time-is-of-the-essence matter—one she seemed incredibly high-strung about.

“Casey?” Angela repeated. “Did you hear me?”

Casey lowered herself into a chair. “I heard you. What is this about? And why me, of all people?”

“You’ll see for yourself,” Angela replied. She rattled off the address of a luxury skyscraper on Manhattan’s Upper East Side. “Hurry. I’m jeopardizing my career by waiting to call 9-1-1. I can’t wait much longer. But you have to view the scene first and later provide me with some answers. No more questions. Just come. I have a key to the building’s back door. I’ll let you in. We’ll use the freight elevator.”

Casey’s common sense was urging her to refuse. 9-1-1 meant a crime scene, and questions meant involving her. Both those things were screaming for her to stay away. She pushed aside that inner voice. She was too intrigued to refuse. “I’m on my way.”

She shrugged into her wool winter coat as she called John Nickels, Forensic Instincts’ number one on their security team. Then, she blew out the front door, not waiting to fill the FI team in on where she was going. There was no time. Plus, they’d only try to talk her out of it.

Holiday decorations were glistening everywhere, and tiny snowflakes danced in the air.

Casey didn’t notice any of it.

John pulled around a few minutes later, and Casey hopped into the car, gave him the address, and urged him to hurry.

With a brief nod, John was on his way, navigating the FDR Drive in record time. He got Casey to her destination in thirteen minutes. He dropped her off around back, far from the doorman’s view. Then, he waited to return her to the brownstone once her meeting was over, as per her instructions.

Angela was pacing inside the building, and opened the door to let Casey in the moment she saw her. No matter how dire the occasion, Angela always looked stunning. An Armani cobalt blue pants suit that set off her dark skin, matching four-inch Louboutin heels, and long wavy black hair styled at the highest end salon. She carried herself like a queen. In short, she was a knock-out.

Now she looked more rattled than Casey had ever seen her.

“Let’s go,” she said. She led the way to the freight elevator, where she and Casey rode up.

“Tell me what’s going on,” Casey stated flatly.

Angela didn’t answer. She glanced at her Apple Watch, her gaze snapping up as the elevator stopped on the twenty-first floor.

The doors slid open.

Angela paused only long enough to ensure that Casey was right behind her. Then, she strode down the hall, made a turn, and halted in front of Apartment Twenty-One B. She unlocked the door, pulled Casey inside, and faced her to offer the first few words of an explanation.

“This is the home of my client, Christopher Hillington. We had a nine-thirty AM meeting scheduled to be held here.”

Casey’s brows rose. Christopher Hillington was a renowned and phenomenally wealthy managing director of the private equity firm YNE. He was also a major suspect in a vehicular homicide, and Casey knew through various news sources that he’d been questioned several times by the NYPD and was on the verge of arrest.

“I see you know of him,” Angela said. “Given the circumstances, I’m not surprised.” She gestured toward a breathtaking sunken living room. “In here.”

Casey bit back her question about what Angela had just said. She sensed she was about to get her answers. So she remained silent.

The two women stepped down and Angela stood to a side and waited.

Casey got the full view immediately.

Christopher Hillington’s body was crumpled on the Oriental carpet beside his desk, blood pooling out around him. His head was bashed in, clearly having been struck multiple times by a heavy object. The bloodied sledge hammer lying next to the body was obviously the murder weapon. Judging from the damage done, the killer had been, not only determined, but brutal.

Casey eyeballed the scene, feeling sickened as well as confused. She was about to ask Angela what this horrific scene had to do with her when she spotted the letters, written in blood, on the lower edge of the desk, right beside Hillington’s outstretched arm.

She walked over, careful not to touch anything, squatted down, and squinted. The two words were completely legible, and they made Casey’s blood run cold.

Casey Woods.

***

Author Bio:

Andrea Kane is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of thirty-two novels, including eighteen psychological thrillers and fourteen historical romantic suspense titles. With her signature style, Kane creates unforgettable characters and confronts them with life-threatening danger. As a master of suspense, she weaves them into exciting, carefully-researched stories, pushing them to the edge—and keeping her readers up all night.
Kane’s first contemporary suspense thriller, Run for Your Life, became an instant New York Times bestseller.
She followed with a string of bestselling psychological thrillers including No Way Out, Twisted and Drawn in Blood.
Her latest in the highly successful Forensic Instincts series, Struck Dead, showcases the dynamic, eclectic team of investigators as they hunt down a desperate killer who’s threatened one of their own. The first showcase of Forensic Instincts’ talents came with the New York Times bestseller, The Girl Who Disappeared Twice, followed by The Line Between Here and Gone, The Stranger You Know, The Silence That Speaks, The Murder That Never Was, A Face To Die For, Dead In A Week, No Stone Unturned, At Any Cost, and Struck Dead.
Kane’s beloved historical romantic suspense novels include My Heart’s Desire, Samantha, Echoes in the Mist, and Wishes in the Wind.
With a worldwide following of passionate readers, her books have been published in more than twenty languages.
Kane lives in New Jersey with her family. She’s an avid crossword puzzle solver and a diehard Yankees fan.
Author Hometown – Warren, New Jersey

Catch Up With Andrea Kane:
www.AndreaKane.com
Goodreads
BookBub
Instagram – @authorandreakane
Twitter/X – @andrea_kane
Facebook – @AuthorAndreaKane

Tour Participant Reviews:

‘You can expect family secrets, twists and turns, multiple crimes, unthinkable happenings and shocking truth. The truth was shocking. Plot twists were unpredictable and they kept me on the edge of my seat. The author has not only added perfect amount of suspense but also portrayed the emotions so well. The book is detail oriented, multilayered, action packed and full of suspense.’
~ reviewsbyrudra

‘This is truly an exceptional series… the author continues to develop an impressive team, including people like Casey, who specialize in everything from behavioral science to technology. Struck Dead delivers a solid investigative thriller full of psychological twists and turns to keep readers invested until the end.’
~ Novels Alive

‘I loved the opening of this book y’all. I love a mystery with a murder right in the beginning of the book! Someone dying in the beginning makes the reader try to figure out who done it for the rest of the book! The writing was superb for a murder and mystery! I was engaged from the beginning to the end of the book. I mean wow! I couldn’t put the book down at night trying to learn what happened with Casey and the team.’
~ Country Mamas With Kids

‘Struck Dead by Andrea Kane is a fantastic thriller. The suspense will kill you. Andrea Kane knows how to hook and lure readers deeper into her dark crime world full of murder and mystery. The scenes were intense, dark, and full of horror. This cast of characters also made this book more real. The detail about each one helps readers connect on an emotional level.’
~ The AR Critique

‘This book started out with a bang. Hop on for a ride. This author definitely gives you that. I enjoyed the story. This author keeps you intrigued.’
~ elaine_sapp65

‘another suspenseful mystery story featuring the brilliant team from Forensic Instincts. I always enjoy revisiting the team at Forensic Instincts and this addition to the series is one of my favorites. The plot is fast paced with the investigations, and it is not predictable. The twist at the end should bring an entertaining new dynamic to the team that I am looking forward to reading.’
~ Avonna Loves Genres

‘I immensely enjoyed this book and will read the rest of the series starting with book 1. I was hooked from the first page and am excited to add the rest of the series to my TBR!!’
~ Catreader18

‘What a book! STRUCK DEAD is one of those books that wakes you up in the middle of the night. You read as you relax for the evening but the plot rolls through your mind and in your dreams and you can’t help but to get up hours before the alarm chimes because you have to know what happens next. It’s a must-read, but make sure you can stay up late!’
~ Hott Books

‘If you like police procedurals that run in a series, pick this one up. Short chapters, quick read, well-developed characters.’
~ Melissa A’s Blog

‘The author does a fantastic job creating multi/ layered crime plots. I found the book to be very engaging, interest keeping and suspenseful. Many mind games in the plot kept me on the edge of my seat through the entire book. The details and layer after layer of suspicion created by the author keeps you mind trying to figure out why and who through a series of complex murders.’
~ Pat Fayo reviews

‘I have enjoyed this series. The characters making up Forensic Instincts are the driving force in the enjoyment of this series. From a clairvoyant to tech savvy people, they all work together in unusual ways to investigate a mystery. I have read several books in the series and I have become engaged in the ongoing personal stories. This is a great addition to the series with plenty of action, a good mystery and a fitting resolution.’
~ Book Reviews From an Avid Reader

‘Nailed it! Well done Andrea Kane! Very well done! This book was so suspenseful. I love a mystery that leaves you bread crumbs! I loved walking through the play by play as if I was working for Forensic Instincts myself. This novel is just expertly, brilliantly executed! All this book did was get me super excited about reading the next one!! Every time I sat down to read I didn’t want to stop yet I didn’t want to read too fast, I wanted to be able to devour every word.’
~ Wall-to-wall Books

‘The pacing is relentless, with the action unfolding at breakneck speed. Kane deftly juggles multiple plot threads, weaving them together into a cohesive and satisfying whole. The result is a pulse-pounding thriller that will keep you guessing until the very end. “Struck Dead” is a masterfully crafted mystery that delivers on every front. With its intricate plot, compelling characters, and relentless suspense, it’s a must-read for fans of the genre. Andrea Kane has once again proven herself to be a master storyteller, earning “Struck Dead” a well-deserved five stars.’
~ Review Thick & Thin

‘I feel like I made new friends as I got to know the characters in the story. The author does a really great job in leaving you clues, yet throwing in twists and turns that I did not suspect coming. My heart was pounding so hard that I was sure that everyone in my household could hear it. I like the author’s writing style. The book flows nicely. Her characters are well developed and you feel like you are sitting on scene watching everything unfold. I hope to read more from this author in the future.’
~ Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting

‘Thrilling and complex! A riveting murder mystery! all I can say is, “How have I missed reading this fabulous series before?” This story hit the ground running, and I was firmly in its grip from the very start! With its tense storyline and likable characters, I recommend STRUCK DEAD to thriller and mystery readers and fans of the previous books in the FORENSIC INSTINCTS series.’
~ Guatemala Paula Loves to Read

‘I’m fascinated by the idea of this series. A PI team made up of the best of the best in their areas of expertise. The author’s talent in making it complex and not easily seen was impressive. A strong beginning, suspenseful and twisting road in the middle, and a nice curve ball at the satisfying conclusion.’
~ fuonlyknew

‘This is definitely a character driven book, and it also shows the in-depth research that the author did. I have also over the years read a few of Andrea’s books and have enjoyed them all. To get a better handle on each character’s traits and assets, it isn’t a bad idea to start with book #1 The Girl Who Disappeared Twice. Time permitting of course because once you start reading whatever book you chose to read, you won’t put it down until you reach the thrilling conclusion.’
~ Celticlady’s Reviews

‘This book was a total page turner! I was highly invested right from the beginning. I absolutely loved the Forensic Instincts team. They were family rather than just coworkers, and I loved their bond. They each have a unique quality to bring forth that made the book that much more interesting. The mystery was intriguing, and the writing was gripping. The book was fast-paced, action-packed, and full of suspense.’
~ dianas_books_cars_coffee

‘It’s evident the author has great skills in weaving a complex and unpredictable plot. Each detail and revelation played a crucial role in solving the mysteries. Another reason I need to read more from this author… there are oodles of twists and mind games that help readers stay engaged.’
~ Why Not? Because I Said So Book Reviews

‘A great whodunnit / whydunnit! This energetic tale has a high-octane plot that involves the F I (Forensic Instinct ) team and the police both trying to solve the two mysteries. What a finale! I highly recommend this book if you like thrilling adventure, action-packed narrative, and unforeseen events!’
~ bookwormbecky1969

Tour Host Info:

Book Formats: ePub, Print, Edelweiss
Hosting Options: Review, Interview, Guest Post, Showcase
Giveaway: There will be a tour-wide PICT Giveaway
More: According to the author Struck Dead does not include: Excessive Strong Language, Graphic Violence, Explicit Sexual Scenes, or Rape. However, readers may encounter content that is considered to be another trigger situation. Generally the content is considered to be: Moderate (moderate language, moderate sexual content, high level of sexual tension & content, no more than a scene that’s graphic or explicit) content. At this time, PICT staff have not yet read this book and cannot give additional information.