The Killer She Knew

Leigh Brody FBI Mystery #3

by Nichole Severn

The girl’s blonde hair fans across the ground like a halo, her soft brown eyes staring blankly up at the stormy sky. Leigh’s heart beats painfully in her chest as she takes in the scene. Is this her fault? Could she have saved this girl?

When the body of twenty-one-year-old Alice Dietz is found in the courtyard of her alma mater, FBI agent Leigh Brody feels as though a nightmare has come to life. Eighteen years ago, another girl was killed in the same way as Alice. And Leigh gave a false alibi to protect the man she loved from murder charges. She believed his claim of innocence, until he vanished from her life…

Has he resurfaced after all these years?

Haunted by the mistakes of her past, Leigh is determined to uncover the truth. But as a hurricane cuts off all communication lines, another student goes missing, and the case becomes a desperate race against time. Leigh won’t let another girl down, even if she has to tear this campus apart in her search. But can she dig deep into her painful memories to find the final clue before another innocent life is lost?

A pulse-pounding thriller that will keep you guessing until the explosive end. Perfect for fans of A.J. Rivers, Rachel Caine and Melinda Leigh.

Genres: Mystery Thriller, Thriller, Suspense, Crime

328 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 14, 2025

About the author

"First class romantic suspense!"
- Cynthia Eden, NYT Bestselling Author

Publisher’s Weekly bestselling author Nichole Severn writes mind-twisting suspense and bullet-proof romance with strong heroines, heroes who dare challenge them, and cases you won’t be able to forget.

She graduated from Utah Valley University with a degree in Psychology and is working for her masters in Marriage and Family Therapy. She’s a member of Mystery Writers of America, a founding member of the Addicted to Danger Facebook group, and volunteers for a number of non-profits focused on supporting mothers.

She resides with her very supportive and patient husband, as well as her two demon spawn, in Utah. When she’s not writing, she’s constantly injuring herself training for marathons, accidentally stabbing herself with screwdrivers during her many DIY projects, or playing violin. That’s right. She stabbed herself with a screwdriver.

Reviews

[Sheila · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of, The Killer She Knew, by Nichole Severn, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Leigh Brody is a FBI agent. Years ago she protected a man from a murder, now another student has been murdered, is her past catching up to her? This book had an ending I did not expect, a really good read.

[BONNIE SMITH · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you love a good pulse-pounding thriller I HIGHLY recommend the Leigh Brody series by Nichole Severn.

This is the 3rd in the series and FBI agent Leigh Brody is back investigating a true nightmare. A young woman's body is found at Leigh's alma mater, and this isnt the first. Leigh is once again haunted by her past (Ms. Severn is an expert at making the thrills compound as little bits and pieces unravel)

Just when it doesn't feel atmospheric and tense enough- a hurricane hits and causes all communication to shut down. With yet another young woman missing, Leigh must rely on herself and her wits to prevent another death.

This was intense- even more so than the last in the series (The Vanishing Wife- also a 5 star read)
and I couldn't put it down. The isolation from the weather heightened my nerves and was a perfect setting for this thriller.
Due out in February of 2025, I thank NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the opportunity to read and review prior to publication.

[Lori Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Killer She Knew is an action-packed thriller with a big twist that will blow your mind! It's book 3 in the Leigh Brody FBI series by Nichole Severn. When Leigh is called to a murder scene at her alma mater things get weird as this girl is placed in the same spot as a murdered girl was 18 years ago! Leigh knows that case all to well as she was a student back then and her boyfriend, Dean, was accused of being the murderer. Dean got off because Leigh covered for him and gave the police an alibi. Did she make a mistake and now Dean was on a new killing spree? This case is weighing on Leigh more than most because she feels guilty. Would this girl still be alive if Leigh hadn't covered for Dean? Leigh loved Dean and believed he could never kill someone. Does this new murder change those feelings?

Leigh is also a new mom to her adopted daughter, Ava. It's not going well so far as Ava doesn't open up to Leigh. Ava's mom and Leigh's best friend is serving life in prison for killing a man that had taken Ava. Leigh promised to adopt her and treat her like her own. Ava's not really cooperating so far, but Leigh has hope that they will grow closer with time. Ava has been through a lot and it will take time. Ava is with Leigh as she investigates the murder at her former college. She couldn't leave Ava home alone and there's a hurricane coming. As the investigation progresses the hurricane gets closer and more students are murdered. Can Leigh stay safe and keep Ava safe while still doing her job? When the power goes out, the lines of communication are cut off, and everyone is sheltering in place what can go wrong? A killer is in the same building as the students, Leigh, and Ava!

Will Leigh be able to find the killer before he kills again? Who is doing this and why? It seems like it's personal to the first murder all of those years ago. Does the killer know Leigh? Could it really be Dean after all of these years? The Killer She Knew is a fantastic book that will keep you reading late into the night. I couldn't figure out who the killer was and then BOOM, a huge twist! I rate The Killer She Knew 5 stars with my highest recommendation. The Killer She Knew is available now and should not be missed! If you haven't read the first 2 books in the series, this book can be enjoyed as a standalone read. I'd like to thank NetGalley and Storm Publishing for an advanced copy of The Killer She Knew in exchange for a fair review. #TheKillerSheKnew

[Read All About It · Rating 5 out of 5]

The past and present collide in this new addition of Leigh Brody FBI Mystery.

This series gets better with every new storyline. Leigh is one tough Agent. She sees things that no one else sees. Patterns that lead straight to the killers. So much suspense to keep you on edge. I will say I did figure out the bad guy before the reveal. With a backdrop of a hurricane this one is super intense.

I can’t wait to see what fantastic adventure comes next.

[Bailey · Rating 2 out of 5]

I would give this a 2.5/3 stars. I hate to rate it so low. However, there's a few reasons.

I don't like to complain about books or writing, especially since an author put their time and effort into writing them. Yet, the point of reviews is to be honest.

I do indeed love Nichole Severn's writing style. It's thorough, but still quick to read. I also like the protagonist, Leigh Brody. I did enjoy the epilogue and really liked how it ended.

Now to what I didn't like. The story felt repetitive, almost rushed. This was somewhat of an isolated thriller set during a hurricane in New Hampshire so everybody was on lockdown for their safety, all while Agent Brody was trying to figure out who the killer was. I find that in isolated thrillers, they're either super good or repetitive because there's not much to work with in one setting. Maybe it stems from my annoyance with oblivious people, but I kept wanting to throat punch Leigh and get her to recognize signs that were so blatantly obvious.

It felt like the story just kept on and on and in one of the final chapters I caught myself shaking my leg because it just wouldn't end. I don't mean the book, I mean what was happening in that chapter. My patience was wearing thin at that point which is what brought down the score so much.

It's disappointing honestly because I really enjoyed the first book in this series. But I guess not every book in a series is going to be a hit for me and I can learn to accept that. I'd still read the rest if there were more books to this series.

[Lindy Norsted · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my gosh, The Killer She Knew by Nichole Severn is absolutely gripping! From the very first page, I was hooked, and it was nearly impossible to put this book down. The story is packed with so many unexpected twists and turns that it kept me guessing right up until the end.

If you're a fan of thrillers or crime dramas, you definitely don’t want to miss this one. It’s the kind of story that stays with you long after you’ve finished reading. I would highly recommend The Killer She Knew to anyone looking for a thrilling and unforgettable read!

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a heart-pounding thriller that will keep you up at night! Leigh is an FBI criminologist with an adopted daughter, Ava who is 15. Leigh met her first love, Dean in college but he was arrested and she hasn't heard from him since then. Now she is on the scene of a flooded building where it's apparent the power was cut and there's at least one dead body. U.S. Marshall Max Ford is on the scene and as the flooding continues, Leigh is caught up in a crazy nightmare as she tries to determine what is really going on as it appears there is murder as well! It's a great cat-and-mouse game that vacillates in time between "now" and "then" as we watch Leigh figure out this devious plan and attempt to save Ava.
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!

[Priscilla · Rating 4 out of 5]

When the body of twenty-one-year-old Alice Dietz is found in the courtyard of her alma mater, FBI agent Leigh Brody feels as though a nightmare has come to life. Eighteen years ago, another girl was killed in the same way as Alice. Has he resurfaced after all these years?
This was the third in the series of Leigh Brody, and I thoroughly enjoyed it as much as the other two. Leigh teaming up with FBI Agent Ford added to the mystique (and the romance) as they solved the case together at Leigh’s alma mater. I am anxious to read the fourth book in the series!

[Marlee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this one despite guessing everything from the beginningish but it’s my first time being right in this series so I’m truly stoked about it! This was super good and I love Leigh’s character so much.

I hope there’s a next one so we can go deeper into her and Deans relationship and also Ava’s.

[Nicole · Rating 2 out of 5]

FBI agent Leigh Brody travels back to her old university to a crime scene she knows all too well. The victim is left in the same manner as a crime committed years before. Is there a copycat killer or is the original killer back again? I am a fan of the Agent Leigh Brody series (this being the third book) but this was not for me. Usually action packed, I just couldn’t get over Leigh’s unprofessional actions in this story (taking a minor to a crime scene, having a love affair at a crime scene) and the author did a great job of making me dislike Ava (a character who made her debut in the previous book). I’ve never like the unruly rebellious teen trope (who is the parent/adult?) but I found Ava unbearable and waned to skip over any part that included her. There are quite a few suspects to leave you guessing, but I had an hunch about halfway through and it was right. It is a quick read and although it is third in the series, can be read as a standalone with a few references to the previous book.

[Renko Dekker · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Killer She Knew by Nichole Severn is a masterfully crafted thriller that did not disappoint at all! I received a copy from Storm Publishing via Netgalley.

The story follows FBI agent Leigh Brody as she returns to her alma mater to investigate the murder of 21-year-old Alice Dietz. The crime mirrors a case from her past, where she provided a false alibi to protect a man she loved. Now, as the investigation unfolds amidst a storm that isolates the campus, Leigh must confront her past mistakes and race against time to prevent further tragedy.

Severn's writing is both engaging and atmospheric, with the university setting adding to the tension. The pacing is on point, and the character development is brilliant, particularly in the portrayal of Leigh's internal struggles and determination. The evolving dynamics between Leigh and her colleagues, especially FBI agent Ford, add layers to the narrative.

In conclusion, The Killer She Knew is a grippingly charged thriller that I highly recommend.

5/5 ⭐️

[Tara Leigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow, this was my first time reading a Nichole Severn book and it won't be the last!

The setting of this book is exciting and the characters are likeable. The action is intense and thrilling, I held my breath multiple times. I found the twist to be quite satisfactory, even though this genius did figure it out before the end. 😅

I can only hope for more of Agent Brody in the future!

Highly recommend if you like FBI thrillers, strong female leads, isolation/trapped tropes, a good twist or if you're just looking for a great book to read!

[Deanna Stevens · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Nichole Severn, Storm Publishing & NetGalley for the ARC. My review is voluntary, all opinions are my own.

What a fantastic book! It had everything and more I would want in a suspense/thriller. This book is a part of the Leigh Brody series, but may be read as a stand alone. Twists and turns, ups and down this was a definite roller-coaster ride.

[Sarah Woodhouse · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has swiftly become one of my favorite series of this year. After the last book, I just couldn't see how she could make it as exciting or even more than it was. I was so wrong. This book just blew my mind. I kept thinking that I had the murderer pinned down and then I would change my mind. It turned out that I was right the first time at the end, but the fun is being able to try and piece everything together. And that ending? Wow. Just wow. There are no words for what I am feeling. I just cannot wait to read the next book and continue on with Leigh's new life. I highly recommend this high octane thriller of a book. You will not regret it.

Thanks to Net Galley, the publishers, and to Nichole Severn for the ability to read and review this book. All opinions are my own and are completely original.

[Deanna Loves to Read!!:) · Rating 3 out of 5]

So much to unpack! This is the third in the Leigh Brody series. I loved the first one, mostly enjoyed the second, and now this. I raced through reading this, but there were some things that stood out to me that didn't quite gel. I never like to give spoilers, will try to be thorough in this review without spoilers!

Leigh Brody is sent to her alma mater, University of New Hampshire, to investigate the death of a student. The death is a replica of something that happened 20 years ago when Leigh was a freshman. At the time, Leigh's boyfriend, Dean, was the main suspect. But Leigh alibied him for the time of the crime- and this alibi was a lie. She is investigating with Federal Marshall Ford. To add to the tension, a hurricane is happening, and the students, faculty and Leigh and Ford are trapped in the building for the duration. Not only does the power go out, but they soon discover that all the wires have been cut. They are now cut off and having to investigate this crime, when others begin happening. Ford explains that he is here because he has been chasing this criminal for years. The suspect kills and takes over the identity of his victims, moving on towards some unknown goal, which seems to revolve around Leigh. Leigh has also brought her 15 year old adoptive daughter with her- so there are many things going on.

What worked:
1. Ms. Severn continues to be a master of creating dark, creepy, heart-pulsing atmosphere. I believe
she really amped it up in this story!

2. I continue to be drawn to Leigh's character. She has so many ghosts, and is still working on
them. However, we get to see her gain a bit more self-realization in each book. This development
is very realistic- sometimes heartwarming, and sometimes heartbreaking. But she is a character
that propels the story forward.

3. The investigation that is in the moment. It is very thorough, fast paced, and detailed. The tension
and desperation of the characters can be felt
on every page.

My Struggles: These are my own struggles with the story. Many other readers felt the story was cohesive.
1. This story relies heavily on the past, and a murderer that takes over the identity of others. While
the case in the present is fast paced, I struggled with the overall concept. I think it is a great
idea- but the detail that is given to the present is skimmed over for the past and the 20 year
leadup to this event. As they start figuring out what is happening- there is not a lot of
information on how it was done so successfully. The main suspect-we are given their thoughts
on why he might be doing this- but no explanation of how he has successfully done this- for 20
years!!! I felt like this could have been its own- very interesting book- that would lead up to this
and make more sense. I had many eye rolling moments. I do believe it is a good premise- but
definitely needed to be fleshed out more.

2. The final reveal. When we find out who the culprit really is, I was not surprised. I had guessed
this in the first third of the book because it seemed so apparent (following similar trends in
thrillers). However, this is where I had more eye-rolling. Leigh is this outstanding profiler, yet
the clues and conversations had with this character seemed so obvious. There is an instance
when it was so obvious to me after she is rescued from an attack.

So for the intensity and pace of the present case, I would give this a 4. However, with my struggles and what I felt was a disjointed approach without many details with the past, I am lowering my rating. I will still read the next one- because I want to see what happens with Leigh- I just hope that we stay in the realistic present!

Thank you NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the ARC. This is my honest and voluntary review.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you enjoy a page turning, edge of your seat book this one is for you! Fans of Rachel Craine or Loreth Anne White will LOVE this series from Nichole Severn! Thank you to NetGalley, Nichole + My favorite publishing team over at Storm Publishing for the eARC!

What to expect:
⭐ Psychological thriller
⭐ Murder on a college campus brings up an 18 year cold case murder
⭐ Hurricanes + murders collide for an intense investigation
⭐ BAU and FBI Criminology at the center of the story
⭐ TW: Sexual Assault, murder, kidnapping, suicide and depression.

My Thoughts:
Whew... first I did not know this was a series and have not read the two previous books. While this can be read as a stand alone, there were things that lacked depth because I hadn't. The main character (leigh) has a "daughter" which is learned through I am assuming one of the previous books. She also has a lot of past trauma from a previous family incident involving kidnapping and murder that gets brought in to this story. Of which I am also assuming is from one of the earlier books in the series.

All that to say there are some gaps in the character story and development. Which I believe help us understand her more in her role in the FBI along with how she handles her job in active cases. The story is very well written and has A LOT happening. I won't lie I did skip several pages because I really thought at times too much was happening. The scene in the basement toward the end, too much going on in my opinion. There was also an earlier basement scene that also felt drawn out as well. There was a lot of people dying but no answers or help to be seen. Yes there was a hurricane but having worked on a college campus some of it was too hard to believe.

Overall, it was a fast read and it was at its base enjoyable. I like the main character and her relationship that is rebuilding/being built with her "daughter". I can't say I would have sought this series out on my own and would have much preferred knowing all the backstory from the start. I think this is something I really enjoy about Loreth Anne is that even if it's the next in the series she does a solid job connecting the pieces but allowing each book to stand alone. I would love to see that more in this series.

Synopsis:
When the body of twenty-one-year-old Alice Dietz is found in the courtyard of her alma mater, FBI agent Leigh Brody feels as though a nightmare has come to life. Eighteen years ago, another girl was killed in the same way as Alice. And Leigh gave a false alibi to protect the man she loved from murder charges. She believed his claim of innocence, until he vanished from her life…

Has he resurfaced after all these years?

Haunted by the mistakes of her past, Leigh is determined to uncover the truth. But as a hurricane cuts off all communication lines, another student goes missing, and the case becomes a desperate race against time. Leigh won’t let another girl down, even if she has to tear this campus apart in her search. But can she dig deep into her painful memories to find the final clue before another innocent life is lost?

[Meg Pearson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nichole Severn delivers a heart-pounding thriller with The Killer She Knew, the third installment in the Leigh Brody FBI series. With its razor-sharp suspense, emotional depth, and unrelenting twists, this book cements Severn’s reputation as a master of romantic suspense and psychological thrillers.

FBI criminologist Leigh Brody is forced to confront her own past when a murder at her alma mater mirrors a chilling case from eighteen years ago. The victim is found in the same spot, killed in the same manner—a case that still haunts Leigh because she gave her former boyfriend, Dean, a false alibi all those years ago. As a hurricane traps her, her adopted daughter Ava, and a campus full of students with a possible killer, the tension reaches an unbearable peak. Did Leigh make a terrible mistake by protecting Dean? And if he’s back, is she next?

Severn masterfully weaves past and present timelines, keeping readers on edge as Leigh races against time to stop a killer while battling the guilt of her past. The novel’s locked-in setting heightens the tension, creating a claustrophobic sense of danger as the storm rages outside and bodies continue to drop. The addition of Leigh’s personal struggles—both as an FBI agent and a mother trying to connect with her traumatized daughter—adds a rich emotional layer that makes her a deeply compelling protagonist.

Fast-paced, action-packed, and filled with jaw-dropping twists, The Killer She Knew is an addictive thriller that will keep you guessing until the very last page. Whether you're a longtime fan of the series or jumping in for the first time, this book is impossible to put down. Highly recommended for readers who love gripping suspense with a strong, intelligent heroine at its heart.

[TrishAM · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is books like this that remind me why I love Nichole Severn's story telling, she has the knack of drawing out the suspense until my nails are bitten to stubs and I am totally sleep deprived.
Just when Leigh Brody thought that her life couldn't get more complicated......it did. Leigh is an FBI agent working for the BAU, she was trying to juggle her taxing job and raising Ava, a moody, angry teenager, the daughter of her best friend. Ava's life had been as complex as Leigh's, was Leigh doing the right thing by adopting her, she knew nothing about teenagers but she desperately wanted a family.
Leigh's heart sank when she was called to investigate the murder at her old university, the MO was identical to a murder that she had investigated eighteen years earlier, a murder where she had given the main suspect a false alibi.
On the plus side she was to be partnered with handsome US Marshal, Max Fox, Max made her feel things that she hadn't felt for a long time, on the minus side, she had to take Ava with her.
As this story unfolds, they are locked down in the university as a hurricane blasts outside, they have no power, no food, no contact with the outside world and as the body count escalates, dozens of frightened, volatile students.
Leigh continued to put her life on the line but she was drawn between her job and her love for Ava, could she do both ? Ava was hurting and it was her fault but this serial killer was still at large, could she risk him getting away ?
This story is told over two timelines but it flows well, it is action packed and suspense filled, I highly recommend it.
Thank you Storm Publishing and Net Gallery for this ARC, my review is voluntary.

[Becky Claxon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another one on the edge of your seat read with FBI agent Leigh Brody on another case. Back when she was in college, a student was found dead on the steps of the college. All the evidence led to Dean, the boy/man she was seeing. She gave him an alibi for that night so he was let go. I can’t imagine how she had battled with herself over that. Now it is almost 20 years later and there is another student on her campus in the same pose. Since Leigh was a BAU specialist and had a reputation of being able to get into a serial killer’s mind she was asked to go help. From a previous book, she had adopted her best friend’s 14 year old daughter when her friend went to jail for murder. Ava, her now 15 year old daughter that gave her nothing but trouble, was with her at the college as she had nowhere else to leave her. Leigh meets US Marshall Ford who was there chasing down a fugitive he felt had a hand in this case. It was so interesting following Leigh’s mind on how she was trying to figure out the person who was wrecking havoc on the college. Oh by the way, there was a hurricane going on and no one could leave the building they were in. So you had a hurricane going on, someone murdering individuals, students who were scared, Leigh’s daughter Ava giving her a hard time, someone trying to hurt Leigh, and so much more going on. I was trying to figure out who was causing so much harm, especially with everything else going on. This book is so exciting and suspenseful that I can’t encourage you enough to read it.

[Tammy Lunsford - Escape to Books By Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The front cover of this book states "A Totally Addictive Crime Thriller". That is putting it mildly. I am still shaking my head, and trying to catch my breath.

FBI criminologist Leigh Brody gets herself in some messes with her brilliant brain. When a young woman's body is found at Leigh's alma mater, she gets the tingles. The crime scene looks just like one she saw when she was a student 18 years ago. She fears the worse because she gave the suspect in the first crime a false alibi. Now she feels responsible for allowing him to get away.

Now they are all stuck in a building on campus due to a hurricane with no power and no means of escape, all while she is quite sure the killer is still in the building. The method of killing is chilling and gave me goosebumps.

Intense does not even properly describe this gripping thriller. I was gritting my teeth the entire time. I would think I had the mystery solved, and then some new twist would throw me for another loop. Time ceased to exist as I read this book.

Leigh Brody is the real deal. If you are a criminal, you do not want for her to have you in her sights. She is feisty, observant and her intellect is off the charts. This series just gets better and better. Whew! Now I need a nap.

Thank you to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Ashley Sawyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Killer She Knew by Nichole Severn is a tense, fast-paced thriller. This is the third book in the Agent Leigh Brody series but it can be read as a standalone. When Leigh is called to a crime scene at her alma mater, the University of New Hampshire, she realizes that this murder has the same MO as a previous murder 18 years earlier when she was a student. At that time the main suspect was Dean Groves, Leigh's boyfriend. Even though Dean had a connection to the victim, Leigh gave him an alibi for that night. Now she fears that Dean is back leaving more bodies in his wake. Teamed up with US Marshal Max Ford, Leigh must get to the bottom of why this young girl is dead. When a hurricane threatens to destroy the evidence and crime scene, Leigh is racing against the clock. But when more bodies start to show up, not to mention being locked down at the college, she realizes that the killer is locked in as well.
This was an intense storyline! The tension of the storm and being locked in with a killer made each chapter more intriguing. I did figure out the main reveal early on in the book but I was still racing to read the rest to put it all together. I will definitely go back and read the first two books in this series.
Thank you to NetGalley, Nichole Severn, and Storm Publishing for this ARC. Expected release date is February 14th 2025.

[J Kromrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

Nichole Severn’s The Killer She Knew is a taut, emotionally charged thriller that doesn’t just revisit the past—it drags it, kicking and screaming, into the present.

FBI Agent Leigh Brody returns to her alma mater when a young woman is found murdered in a chilling echo of a crime from eighteen years earlier. The twist? Leigh once gave a false alibi to protect the man she loved—who vanished soon after. Now, with a hurricane severing communication and another student missing, Leigh must confront the ghosts of her past while racing to stop a killer who may have never left.

Severn masterfully blends personal stakes with procedural tension. Leigh isn’t just solving a case—she’s unraveling her own complicity, guilt, and the dangerous allure of loyalty. The storm outside mirrors the storm within, and the campus setting becomes a pressure cooker of secrets, suspicion, and second chances.

What sets this third installment apart is its psychological depth. Leigh is a complex, flawed protagonist—driven, haunted, and fiercely determined not to fail another girl. The pacing is relentless, the twists land like gut punches, and the emotional resonance lingers long after the final reveal.

[Delilah Mahan · Rating 5 out of 5]

NICHOLE. My heart. The emotional roller coaster you have sent me on with this one!

Once again, Leigh Brody is phenomenal in all she does. Even more character growth for her, which was amazing, and made me so happy for her. But I desperately need for her taste in men to improve.

I kept getting hints of a bad guy in Ford, but then I would turn around and love him. I was rooting for him and cheering Leigh on for being open to a love interest. I could not make up my mind on where I stood with Ford. He was too good to be true, but then would get weird out of nowhere. The truth behind that…..never saw it coming. This was a new twist and I did not pick up on the ever so obvious hint you gave. Bravo, madam.

I want to like Ava, but I was a young child when I experienced loss and trauma, so I can understand her bratty attitude at times. I just wish Leigh would talk to her about her life so Ava could get a better understanding of where Leigh’s head is at with her job. But I am thankful that their relationship didn’t stay the same!

I know it’s really early of me to be asking this…but do you have more for Leigh Brody?!

[Reading Addict · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been reading the Leigh Brody mysteries since the first book and The Killer She Knew is another good addition to the series. Agent Brody has been called to her alma mater to investigate the murder of a student. This girl's murder is eerily similar to a murder that happened 18 years prior when Leigh was a freshman at the university. Now she's back battling not only her personal demons, but has the additional stress of bringing along her adopted teenage daughter, Ava along on the case. She is assigned to work with Federal Marshall Ford. He's chasing down a serial killer and it looks like his and Leigh's cases intersect. Now there's a hurricane barreling down on the coast and they're all trapped on campus as chaos reigns around them. The Killer She Knew as a good story but I read a lot of mystery/thrillers and I had it figured out fairly early on. There was a lot of internal monologue that I don't remember from the previous books and that slowed the story down for me. As with the other books in the series, it is written entirely from Leigh's POV. I hope that there's more books in the series because Leigh has so much to more to investigate!

[Joan Jordan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Leigh Brody is an FBI agent who finds herself called back to her college campus in order to help investigate the murder of a student who was killed in the same way as another student 18 years earlier when Leigh was a student. Back then, Leigh gave a phony alibi to her boyfriend who was the prime suspect. Then he disappeared. Leigh seeks to discover if he has come back to commit this latest crime, and if indeed he was guilty of the earlier murder. When more bodies turn up, and a lockdown due to a hurricane cuts off all power and communication, Leigh is fighting to find answers, and to not become a victim herself.

I very much enjoyed the first two titles in this series, but this one, less so. The book starts off with a rebellious teenager creating multiple problems for Leigh who has recently adopted her. None of what happens with the girl is particularly pertinent to the rest of the story, and for that reason, it was a slow start to the point that I almost didn't finish the book. However, the pace picks up considerably later on and the ending was a complete surprise.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

[Akn · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 ⭐

The Killer She Knew follows FBI Agent Leigh Brody, a woman haunted by a devastating mistake from her past—providing a false alibi for her then-boyfriend, Dean, who was accused of murder eighteen years ago. When a new murder emerges with an eerily similar MO, Leigh is thrown back into the shadows of her past, forced to question everything she thought she knew. As a hurricane lashes the region and cuts off communication lines, the stakes escalate, and Leigh must confront the chilling possibility that Dean may not be innocent after all.

What makes this story truly compelling is Leigh herself. She’s a complex, relatable character whose personal history and emotional layers make her journey captivating. Her bond with her adoptive daughter, Ava, adds heartfelt depth, grounding the story in something real and tender amidst the chaos. Leigh's growth—her willingness to leave her comfort zone for Ava’s sake—was one of the highlights for me.

While I found the plot somewhat predictable, especially regarding the reveal of the true culprit, I remained engaged throughout. The author does a solid job weaving multiple threads together, maintaining suspense and emotional tension effectively. Personally, I would’ve liked to see a more intense investigation scene—perhaps something darker or more graphic—to heighten the thriller element even more.

That said, the audiobook narration was top-notch and kept me hooked from start to finish—I breezed through it in just a day.

All in all, The Killer She Knew is a well-paced psychological thriller with strong characters, emotional stakes, and a suspenseful atmosphere.

[Judy Odom · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Killer She Knew is a fast paced read that will have your buckling your seat belt and hodling your breath .

Although this is the third book in the series you can read it as a stand alone ( I did ) but trust me you will be rushing to read the first two books in the series.

A young woman's body is found at Leigh's alma mater and it is a repeat of one that happened years ago.

Leigh was instrumental and getting the accused killer of by giving her then boyfriend an albi.

He cant be back , can he?

Making matters worse a hurricane has come inland and the students are trapped , the power is out and bodies are piling up.

Twists and turns, action plus keeps the lights on to the final page.

I am a fan of Leigh Brody and Nichole Severn and I am off to read the first two books in the series.

I will be first in line for the next case that Leigh Brody is assigned.

Thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the opportunity to read and review The Killer She Knew and for introducing me to the series.

[Anima · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every one of the Leigh Brody books is intriguing with suspense, murder and more twists than a tornado. The first two books were personal involving her brother’s kidnapper and then her best friend’s daughter is kidnapped. Each book connects Leigh to a crime somehow but she manages to solve the case and move on. This book is no different when she goes back to her college Alma mater, back to where a murder took place and her boyfriend was suspected. This time during an active hurricane, there is another murder and the college is on lock down mode and sheltering in place. Imagine attempting to solve a murder with no electricity, no internet and lots of college students and staff hunkered down without food and cell phones. Oh yeah and the killer is locked in there too. Amazing story, I found myself relating to Leigh many times and wishing I could jump into the pages and help her case. It’s hard to finish a story that’s exciting with the pulse of the characters still ringing in my head. I was fortunate enough to read an early copy but my review was given freely.

[Bobbi Hoffman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just read Ms. Severn's new release of the BAU agent Leigh Brody. While Leigh is home on medical leave and trying to connect with her newly adopted daughter (which is not going so well), her boss calls and says we have a new serial murder. Oh, and they specifically requested her. ANd just to make it even more interesting, it is in New Hampshire at her alma mater, where two years before another body was discovered. Only at that time Leigh was the suspects alibi.

Leigh is than off to New Hampshire, with a unruly teenager to ais in the investigation. Oh, and a hurricane makes an appearance. Can anything go easy anymore for Leigh?

The book is one I had a hard time putting down ( dinner was almost late the first night). The story keeps you on the edge of your seat and you find yourself to read faster. A great story and an even better ending. I highly recommend it.

This review is my personal review, as I was provided an ARC copy from the publisher and NetGally.
Reasons I enjoyed this book:

[Robin Loves Reading · Rating 4 out of 5]

FBI Leigh Brody’s past has resurfaced, haunting her as she grapples with finding Alice Diettz’s killer while maintaining a healthy relationship with her adopted daughter. Leigh has always excelled at maintaining professionalism, but the uncanny resemblance between Alice’s murder and a case she solved 18 years ago deeply concerns her. This gripping and fast-paced read by Nichole Severn delves into Leigh’s world, exploring the tension between her professional duties and her personal life.

This third installment of the series is an absolute page-turner. Nichole Severn masterfully balances the intricate cases Leigh handles with glimpses into her private life. The suspense surrounding the series titles is always thrilling, but I particularly enjoy seeing characters’ softer sides. The fast-paced drama in this book makes it an excellent addition to the series, keeping readers on the edge of their seats.

Many thanks to Storm Publishing and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.