The Intended Victim by Alexandra Ivy

The Intended Victim

by Alexandra Ivy

ONCE, SHE GOT AWAY
The body lying on a cold steel slab bears all the hallmarks of the Chicago Butcher. There’s a cruel slash across her throat, deep enough to sever the carotid artery, and a small crescent carved into her right breast. Her delicate features are painfully familiar to Ash Marcel, once a rising star in the Chicago PD. But though the victim resembles his former fiancée, Remi Walsh, he knows it’s not her.
 
BUT THIS TIME
Though Remi escaped a serial killer five years ago, her father died trying to save her. Grief and guilt caused her to pull away from the man she loved. Now Ash is back in her life, insisting that Remi is still in danger.
 
IT’S A DEAD END . . .
Someone is targeting women who look just like Remi. With or without a badge, Ash intends to unmask the Butcher. But the killer isn’t playing games any longer. He’s moving in, ready to finish what he started, and prove there’s nothing more terrifying than a killer’s obsession . . .
 
Praise for Pretend You’re Safe
 
 “Alexandra Ivy gives readers a nice balance of romance and suspense in her fast-paced,
well-plotted novel.”
—Kat Martin, New York Times bestselling author
 
“A satisfying mystery . . . Ivy's clever foreshadowing keeps the tension high throughout this 
fast-moving tale, and the romance sizzles.”
—Publishers Weekly
 
“A pulse-raising romantic thriller.” 
—BookPage

Reviewed by kimbacaffeinate on

4 of 5 stars

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The Chicago Butcher

Five years ago the serial killer dubbed the “Chicago Butcher” terrorized the city until the murders abruptly stopped.
Now it appears the butcher is back but he has changed his M.O. All the victims appear to resemble Remi Walsh, the victim who got away!
The Characters

Ash, a former police detective remembers the murders all to well. They cost him everything including the girl. He’s determined to keep her safe and stop the killer. If he is lucky he just might win back the girl.
Remi Walsh lost her father at the hands of the Butcher and is determined to protect the man she loves.
Ash’s brother Chicago PD Detective Jax Marcel is working the Chicago Butcher case and trying to keep his brother in check.
The Romance

We get a second chance romance as Ash and Remi are reunited. He is there to protect her and hopes to solve the case. The romance was sweet, and as often happens tragedy tore them apart. The two felt genuine and I was rooting for them.

The Case

Ivy spun a well crafted mystery with plenty of twists and clues to keep both the characters and this listener guessing. The use of flashbacks and reemerging memories felt realistic as did the clues. The author threw in a couple of red herrings and possible suspects.

The Narration

Jim Frangione narrates and quickly became the voice of these characters. His interpretation of Ash reminded me of a private dick in a black and white film. His female voices were well crafted and his tone and pacing enhanced the tale.

Recommendation

If you enjoy mysteries with a side dish of romance, The Intended Victim was a clever listen. I enjoyed it and hope to go back and listen to the previous Agency audiobooks. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer

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Reading updates

  • Started reading
  • 7 April, 2020: Finished reading
  • 7 April, 2020: Reviewed