Overkill
"Overkill" by Linda Castillo is a gripping romantic suspense novel that showcases the author’s talent for blending intense action with emotional depth. Published in 2007, this standalone work diverges from Castillo’s well-known Kate Burkholder series, which is set in the Amish community, and instead delivers a fast-paced thriller centered on a disgraced cop fighting to reclaim her life.
The story follows Marty Hogan, a former Chicago police officer whose career implodes after a brutal case pushes her over the edge. Caught on video beating a suspect in a moment of rage, Marty loses her job and her sense of identity. With her reputation in tatters, she relocates to a small town in Texas, where the only police force willing to take a chance on her is led by Chief Clay Settlemeyer. Clay, a single father and ex-military cop, understands the weight of past mistakes and offers Marty a fresh start. However, her new beginning is quickly threatened when her former partner is savagely murdered, signaling that her past has followed her. As the danger escalates, Marty becomes the next target, forcing Clay to protect her while grappling with his growing feelings for her and the safety of his young daughter.
Castillo crafts a narrative that thrives on tension and raw emotion. Marty is a complex protagonist—tough, flawed, and fiercely independent—whose internal struggles are as compelling as the external threats she faces. Her chemistry with Clay adds a layer of romance that feels earned rather than forced, grounded in their shared understanding of resilience and redemption. The suspense is relentless, with vivid descriptions of violence and high-stakes confrontations that pull readers into the story. However, the novel isn’t without its critiques—some readers find the characters lean into clichés, and the pacing occasionally stumbles with repetitive emotional beats. Additionally, certain editions of the book have been noted for typos and grammatical errors, which can detract from the experience.
"Overkill" stands out as a testament to Castillo’s versatility, appealing to fans of gritty police dramas and romantic suspense alike. While it may not reach the nuanced heights of her Amish-based mysteries, it delivers a visceral, entertaining read that keeps the pages turning. For those who enjoy a mix of heart-pounding action and heartfelt connection, this book offers a satisfying, if imperfect, ride.
You can buy Overkill by Linda Castillo with my Amazon Affiliate link: https://amzn.to/3G92j1m
The story follows Marty Hogan, a former Chicago police officer whose career implodes after a brutal case pushes her over the edge. Caught on video beating a suspect in a moment of rage, Marty loses her job and her sense of identity. With her reputation in tatters, she relocates to a small town in Texas, where the only police force willing to take a chance on her is led by Chief Clay Settlemeyer. Clay, a single father and ex-military cop, understands the weight of past mistakes and offers Marty a fresh start. However, her new beginning is quickly threatened when her former partner is savagely murdered, signaling that her past has followed her. As the danger escalates, Marty becomes the next target, forcing Clay to protect her while grappling with his growing feelings for her and the safety of his young daughter.
Castillo crafts a narrative that thrives on tension and raw emotion. Marty is a complex protagonist—tough, flawed, and fiercely independent—whose internal struggles are as compelling as the external threats she faces. Her chemistry with Clay adds a layer of romance that feels earned rather than forced, grounded in their shared understanding of resilience and redemption. The suspense is relentless, with vivid descriptions of violence and high-stakes confrontations that pull readers into the story. However, the novel isn’t without its critiques—some readers find the characters lean into clichés, and the pacing occasionally stumbles with repetitive emotional beats. Additionally, certain editions of the book have been noted for typos and grammatical errors, which can detract from the experience.
"Overkill" stands out as a testament to Castillo’s versatility, appealing to fans of gritty police dramas and romantic suspense alike. While it may not reach the nuanced heights of her Amish-based mysteries, it delivers a visceral, entertaining read that keeps the pages turning. For those who enjoy a mix of heart-pounding action and heartfelt connection, this book offers a satisfying, if imperfect, ride.
You can buy Overkill by Linda Castillo with my Amazon Affiliate link: https://amzn.to/3G92j1m
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