Review – Every Breath You Take

M.K. Gilroy follows his Christian themed debut mystery, Cuts like a Knife with Every Breath You Take. In this book Chicago Detective Kristen Conner finds herself on temporary assignment with the FBI in search of a killer who uses an online dating service to find his victims. She has no idea what’s in store for her or why the FBI is interested in her. 

The story begins with Kristen and three attack team seconds away from storming a split-level home after the squad leader “slaps… three ‘Micro Concussion Bombs’ on the door surrounding the handle.” Before the smoke clears Kristen and the team race through the “jagged smoking entrance…her head on a swivel, weapon up, ready to fire…” One of Kristen’s last thoughts was about her mom and her bullet resistant jacket. She regretting not telling her mom she loved her and really wished her jacket was bullet proof.

Thus begins a character driven, police procedural of murder, intrigue and suspense on the order of Castle, Law and Order or The Mentalist. Similar to the first book, Gilroy uses italic type to illustrate the killer’s thoughts in the first and ensuing chapters. He adds potential romance through a charming FBI agent who’s attracted to Kristen’s good looks, vibrant personality and solid values. The plot thickens when a murdered wealthy playboy is found with clues that lead to an online dating service, former madam and unknown stalker, all of which complement a lively tale of suspense that keeps readers guessing.

I felt the book was slow to start and would have liked to read more about the crime in the beginning, still Gilroy knows how to create authentic characters and situations and continues to be a writer to watch. When John Valeri, Hartford Book Examiner interviewed M.K. Gilroy he asked what was next: www.examiner.com/article/m-k-gilroy-undercover-every-breath-you-take-a-q-a 

Gilroy said, “I’m currently writing Cold as Ice,” the sequel to Every Breath You Take.”

The sequel sounds like a tale of struggle, hurt and secrets with more romance. The interview references the serial killer from Cut’s like a Knife several times and I wondered if Gilroy intends to resurrect the serial killer from book one in book three. His words I’m “…not telling” is a good “teaser” to leave readers with.