Detective Margot Phalen knows the mind of a serial killer better than most. She learned from the worst: her father, Ed Finch.

When bodies keep appearing in the tranquil Muir Woods, California, and a woman is killed in Chinatown, Margot begins to realize these are no ordinary homicides. The eerie similarities to her infamous father's crimes send chills down her spine. But Ed’s been behind bars for years now – surely he couldn’t mastermind this from his cell, could he?

As evidence mounts – a bloodied image of Ed’s first target found in a victim’s home, stab wounds that match Ed’s trademark pattern – Margot uncovers a sinister obsession that hits far too close to home. She must use all her skills to outwit a killer who seems to know her history better than she does.

To solve this case, she’ll need to confront the dark secrets of her past, and face her worst fear: that she may be more like her father than she ever dared imagine.

The Killer Instinct is a gripping crime thriller that will keep you turning the pages. Fans of Karin Slaughter, Michael Connelly and Tana French won’t want to miss this unforgettable series.

Readers are totally addicted to the Detective Margot Phalen series:

“Omg! Literally couldn’t put this book down! I was hooked, I need the next one to be released yesterday!” Reader review, ?????

“This fast-paced thriller is utterly addictive and should come with a warning – once you pick it up, you will not be able to put it down until the final page.” Reader review, ?????

“Wow, what a page turner!” Reader review, ?????

“Oh my goodness, what an incredible story. I was hooked and I did not want it to end.” Reader review, ?????

“This book sucks you in hardcore… literally had me in a choke hold!! I could not put it down....” Reader review, ?????

“OMG another cracker from Kate Wiley! I loved the first book in this series and begged for another. Fabulous.” Reader review, ?????

“An absolute page-turner. Every chapter is filled with suspense. A must-read!” Reader review, ?????

“Kate Wiley has done it again! So riveting... I couldn't turn the pages fast enough! What an incredible sequel!” Reader review, ?????

“WOW! Another page turner! I didn’t want it to end… It honestly reads like a Criminal Minds episode/true crime podcast and I’m obsessed!” Reader review, ?????

“Absolutely spellbinding… five stars almost seem too mundane for this incredibly riveting thriller.” Reader review, ?????

“A great psychological thriller that has nail-biting suspense and is action-packed.” Reader review, ?????

“Are you kidding me!? What a great book!!! I couldn’t put it down!” Reader review, ?????

“Wow, what a great read… this series of books could be made into a Netflix series. Brilliant.” Reader review, ?????

“Phenomenal… Margot is a brilliant leading character and her relationship with her father is enough to set your teeth on edge!” Reader review, ?????

“I was hooked! I never wanted to put this book down! Trust me – if I didn't have to act as a functioning human, I would've devoured this book even quicker.” Reader review, ?????

“If you like thrillers with strong female main characters, police work, and fast-paced mysteries, you need to read this series, like yesterday!” Reader review, ?????