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Violet Darger #2
Killing Season
Let it bleed. Watch it burn.
The first shot punches through the windshield of an SUV. A head shot. The driver's death is instantaneous.
By the time Special Agent Violet Darger arrives in Atlanta, the city teeters toward panic. The vacant streets and restaurants paint an eerie picture. No one dares to venture out.
A killer walks among them. A shadow. And the public cowers just the way he wants them to.
A sniper along I-20 kills eight and causes a 36 car pileup. The next morning, the same individual stalks through a grocery store parking lot with a handgun, taking out six innocent shoppers along with the store's front window before fleeing without a trace.
Once more Agent Darger must identify with a murderer, must stare into the darkest recesses of mankind to anticipate his next move. Putting herself in his head may be the only way to stop him. But what hatred drives a man to such desperate, violent acts? What damage? And what price must one pay to invite that chaos inside themselves?
The first shot punches through the windshield of an SUV. A head shot. The driver's death is instantaneous.
By the time Special Agent Violet Darger arrives in Atlanta, the city teeters toward panic. The vacant streets and restaurants paint an eerie picture. No one dares to venture out.
A killer walks among them. A shadow. And the public cowers just the way he wants them to.
A sniper along I-20 kills eight and causes a 36 car pileup. The next morning, the same individual stalks through a grocery store parking lot with a handgun, taking out six innocent shoppers along with the store's front window before fleeing without a trace.
Once more Agent Darger must identify with a murderer, must stare into the darkest recesses of mankind to anticipate his next move. Putting herself in his head may be the only way to stop him. But what hatred drives a man to such desperate, violent acts? What damage? And what price must one pay to invite that chaos inside themselves?
413 pages, Paperback
First published July 29, 2017
8942 people are currently reading
1711 people want to read
About the author
L.T. Vargus
52 books1,097 followersLex Vargus is the co-author of over 20 thriller and horror novels.
FIND LEX ON:
Amazon - Twitter - LTVargus.com
BOOKS BY LT VARGUS
The Violet Darger series
The Victor Loshak series
The Charlotte Winters series
FIND LEX ON:
Amazon - Twitter - LTVargus.com
BOOKS BY LT VARGUS
The Violet Darger series
The Victor Loshak series
The Charlotte Winters series
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 417 reviews
January 8, 2022
Not worth the 400 page effort. 2 of 10 stars
August 1, 2017
With Vargus and McBain, every season is Killing Season.
Full disclosure: I love Violet Darger. Reading about her feels like hanging out with an old friend, except better because she spends all her time telling me about her fast-paced and dangerous life catching serial killers and surviving their attempts to kill her and the people she loves. So far I've read both full-length Darger novels and the novella, and each one has flown by like an episode of X-Files minus the aliens. The monsters Darger and Loshak hunt aren't made up creatures from outer space that you can shrug off; the monsters they're after could be your next door neighbor, coworker, or brother. How well can you really know any of them, anyway?
One of the best things about Killing Season--and all of Darger's stories so far--is the way the writers lead us into the minds of not only the FBI agents trying to catch the killers, but into the minds of the serial killers themselves. The more we learn about Levi and Luke, the faster Killing Season shifts from a straight-up procedural where you hope the white hats catch the black hats to a heart-wrenching family tragedy. You wish that there was some good way for everybody to come out of this okay, all the while knowing that nothing is going to end well for anyone. Darger and Loshak's hunt for the snipers accelerates in time with the heightening emotional stakes until the overall tension is almost unbearable. Pretty much from the beginning to the end, this book is impossible to put down.
Before I even started Killing Season, I knew I was going to read Violet's third book, too, because I want to spend all the time possible hearing about the beatings she takes and the collars she makes, but that epilogue... Man! Violet Darger Book Three can't get here fast enough!
Full disclosure: I love Violet Darger. Reading about her feels like hanging out with an old friend, except better because she spends all her time telling me about her fast-paced and dangerous life catching serial killers and surviving their attempts to kill her and the people she loves. So far I've read both full-length Darger novels and the novella, and each one has flown by like an episode of X-Files minus the aliens. The monsters Darger and Loshak hunt aren't made up creatures from outer space that you can shrug off; the monsters they're after could be your next door neighbor, coworker, or brother. How well can you really know any of them, anyway?
One of the best things about Killing Season--and all of Darger's stories so far--is the way the writers lead us into the minds of not only the FBI agents trying to catch the killers, but into the minds of the serial killers themselves. The more we learn about Levi and Luke, the faster Killing Season shifts from a straight-up procedural where you hope the white hats catch the black hats to a heart-wrenching family tragedy. You wish that there was some good way for everybody to come out of this okay, all the while knowing that nothing is going to end well for anyone. Darger and Loshak's hunt for the snipers accelerates in time with the heightening emotional stakes until the overall tension is almost unbearable. Pretty much from the beginning to the end, this book is impossible to put down.
Before I even started Killing Season, I knew I was going to read Violet's third book, too, because I want to spend all the time possible hearing about the beatings she takes and the collars she makes, but that epilogue... Man! Violet Darger Book Three can't get here fast enough!
October 15, 2021
There’s nothing I like better than a good mystery/police procedural and these two deliver in spades. I discovered these writers accidently on one of the discounted e-books websites, and I can say that I am now a big fan and will continue to follow this series as the stories are published. The main character in these books is Violet Darger, fledgling profiler for the FBI. In this book, Violet is called to consult on two separate shooting sprees that have left multiple victims dead, a city on the verge of panic, and no way of guessing what the shooters next target will be. Violets job is to profile the perpetrator, and get into his head to find a way to stop him. But how do you stop a killer you can’t see, and who leaves no evidence? The twists and turns, and gritty reality throughout this book had me turning pages through the night. Un-put-downable! I cannot wait for this series to grow! If you love Sandford, Slaughter, Kava, Stelljes and Deaver, you’ll LOVE Vargas & McBain!!
October 15, 2018
Here's another super-read from Vargus & Co. Second one in the series, with a double-triple whopper of an ending. Y'all Kalamazoo people sure know how to write an exciting, compelling story. Poor Violet! Yes, they put her through the wringer time and time again. So I started with book three in the series and was blown away. Then I read book one and here I am. I recommend starting with book one, so you get introduced to poor Violet (she's an impetuous one) and learn about her as you read along. Next up is book four. Can't stop now!
There are many great pieces of analysis in progress, considering that the profilers don't actually know anything up front. They find little threads and pull on them. Some threads are good for some tidbit, others and zilch. But ya never know. And the threads keep piling up and interrelating to each other. Then there's blind alleys all over the place. It's enough to drive a person nutso. But Violet persists, and she's impetuous, which combine to put her deeper into the soup as the story unfolds. And Vargus & Co put you right in there with her. You'll probably dream about these problems like they're your own. Now that's immersion and kudos to Vargus & Co. for getting that perfect.
And then they turn the bad guys into human beings and not just murderous thugs. You see them struggling with their demons and suffering, too. But, hey, no sympathy from me. Uh-uh. I'm a Liberal, so my solution is too just pop these pieces of human garbage in the head and fugedaboubdit! That's doin' everyone concerned a big favor.
Lastly, Chapter 37 is an absolute gem. You get hold of this book, do not put it down until you at least check that out. Of course, by then, you'll be as hooked on the Violet, the series and Vargus & Co from Kazoo, MI, as I am. I just know you're gonna love all of it.
Cheers and Happy Reading, Y'all!
JIM in MT
There are many great pieces of analysis in progress, considering that the profilers don't actually know anything up front. They find little threads and pull on them. Some threads are good for some tidbit, others and zilch. But ya never know. And the threads keep piling up and interrelating to each other. Then there's blind alleys all over the place. It's enough to drive a person nutso. But Violet persists, and she's impetuous, which combine to put her deeper into the soup as the story unfolds. And Vargus & Co put you right in there with her. You'll probably dream about these problems like they're your own. Now that's immersion and kudos to Vargus & Co. for getting that perfect.
And then they turn the bad guys into human beings and not just murderous thugs. You see them struggling with their demons and suffering, too. But, hey, no sympathy from me. Uh-uh. I'm a Liberal, so my solution is too just pop these pieces of human garbage in the head and fugedaboubdit! That's doin' everyone concerned a big favor.
Lastly, Chapter 37 is an absolute gem. You get hold of this book, do not put it down until you at least check that out. Of course, by then, you'll be as hooked on the Violet, the series and Vargus & Co from Kazoo, MI, as I am. I just know you're gonna love all of it.
Cheers and Happy Reading, Y'all!
JIM in MT
August 10, 2017
What I wrote in reviewing Casting Shadows Everywhere was basically a warning that the book is
a lesson in learning immorality. Dangerous and scary. But Killing Season is even moreso. It combines all of the stylistic joys of good writing we have grown to expect from L. T. Vargus: dark, sinister plots; believable and original characters; delicious, unpredictable dialogue; suspense that almost requires anti-anxiety drugs to survive; moments of laugh-out-loud humour; a fast-paced, no wasted words delivery and a deeply disturbing insight into both the human psyche and the modern social scene. Somehow readers are positioned to sympathise with the bad-guy(s) while feeling utterly horrified by their actions. The book draws us in to feel we are in the shoes of some really awful psychopaths. Not a happy place. But what an experience. So, read Casting Shadows Everywhere to wet your appetite for a disturbing journey into villainy. Then move on to the really scary Violet Darger series. These books will change your life.
a lesson in learning immorality. Dangerous and scary. But Killing Season is even moreso. It combines all of the stylistic joys of good writing we have grown to expect from L. T. Vargus: dark, sinister plots; believable and original characters; delicious, unpredictable dialogue; suspense that almost requires anti-anxiety drugs to survive; moments of laugh-out-loud humour; a fast-paced, no wasted words delivery and a deeply disturbing insight into both the human psyche and the modern social scene. Somehow readers are positioned to sympathise with the bad-guy(s) while feeling utterly horrified by their actions. The book draws us in to feel we are in the shoes of some really awful psychopaths. Not a happy place. But what an experience. So, read Casting Shadows Everywhere to wet your appetite for a disturbing journey into villainy. Then move on to the really scary Violet Darger series. These books will change your life.
October 2, 2017
Another great storyline featuring Violet! She's such a great character and they do an amazing job with settings and other people so you feel like you are right there with her. I love that because it really lets you experience the book. Can't wait for #3---do you think it will be about Stump?
November 16, 2025
Second book in this 12 book series I picked up on a whim at goodwill for $2 a book, and so far so good! Loved the first book. This one was equally as good. Female FBI agent main character, kind of broody male partner. Serial killers (this one had two). And not only do these books do a good job of keeping the FMC real and relatable (written by a woman btw), but this one really got into the heads of the serial killers too. It all kind of reads like a tv show. Quick plot, quick read. Planning to do one book from the series each month until it's done!
May 30, 2021
Excellent book! Two brothers that blows innocent people up, because they fill like it is there job. And what price must one pay to invite that chaos inside themselves.
Want to read
February 19, 2018💝 FREE on Amazon today (2/19/2018)! 💝
April 5, 2020
I do so love crime thrillers
It's a fact. I'm doing my best to keep a series of them going myself.
I honestly think this story is worth the five 🌟's. Not something I do often. I've grown more subjective in my reviews over the years. I've been a voracious reader since my preteen years, thanks to my father and my deep seated need to challenge my mind.
Earl Stanley Gardner set the bar for me. John Sanford raised it as did Lee Child, Kellerman, King, and of course, the true crime novels of the likes of Capote.
Killing Season began as all truly well-written thrillers; a nice kick in your morality or sensibilities. Vargus and McBain did not disappoint. This is my second Violet Darger novel, and her character is fascinating to me. Headstrong, yet compassionate. He'll bent on saving the world.
As for the story itself, it is one with a rare twist as serial killers go. Having served in the military and been a victim of violence, I understand PTSD and the tools combat take.
If you're a fan of crime and serial killer thrillers, search no further. Read book number One, first and you will be chomping at the bit for Killing Season, and more of Violet Darger's challenges and brushes with death.
It's a fact. I'm doing my best to keep a series of them going myself.
I honestly think this story is worth the five 🌟's. Not something I do often. I've grown more subjective in my reviews over the years. I've been a voracious reader since my preteen years, thanks to my father and my deep seated need to challenge my mind.
Earl Stanley Gardner set the bar for me. John Sanford raised it as did Lee Child, Kellerman, King, and of course, the true crime novels of the likes of Capote.
Killing Season began as all truly well-written thrillers; a nice kick in your morality or sensibilities. Vargus and McBain did not disappoint. This is my second Violet Darger novel, and her character is fascinating to me. Headstrong, yet compassionate. He'll bent on saving the world.
As for the story itself, it is one with a rare twist as serial killers go. Having served in the military and been a victim of violence, I understand PTSD and the tools combat take.
If you're a fan of crime and serial killer thrillers, search no further. Read book number One, first and you will be chomping at the bit for Killing Season, and more of Violet Darger's challenges and brushes with death.
April 29, 2018
Loved it!!! Could not stop reading.
This book was amazing, so graphically real..felt like I was a part of the story.
Would recommend to anyone who loves an edge of your seat thriller.
This book was amazing, so graphically real..felt like I was a part of the story.
Would recommend to anyone who loves an edge of your seat thriller.
February 1, 2020
Loved this book so much more than the second one though the killings made me so much more uncomfortable. Maybe because we see stuff like that happening allllllllllll the time here. Can’t wait to read the next one!!!
February 28, 2025
I'm torn between a 3 and a 4 star.
I loved this book, I adore Violet and Victor, they're banter, and relationship is great.
I loved the fast past of this, it fit in with the case.
The details are so good, honestly, it's spoiling me because now I want more detailed long books lol.
The reason I'm iffy about the four star is in the spoiler above.
OH and I lovedddd that end, the letter? perfect. ;)
I loved this book, I adore Violet and Victor, they're banter, and relationship is great.
I loved the fast past of this, it fit in with the case.
The details are so good, honestly, it's spoiling me because now I want more detailed long books lol.
The reason I'm iffy about the four star is in the spoiler above.
OH and I lovedddd that end, the letter? perfect. ;)
January 14, 2025
This was my own personal read. The more I read this Violet Darger series the better I like them. The authors writing evolves more and more after every book. Their writing is so good that I'm beginning to rate them right up their with my favorites, Nora Robert's as J.D. Robb and Lisa Jackson. These authors are going to go far quickly. This book has two brothers that are conducting mass shootings. The shock factor keeps growing more and more with each attack. It's up to Darger and Loshak to use their profiling abilities and FBI skills to help catch these murderers and their vicious killings. You have to read this one. Lots of twists and turns, a lot more action, and a gruesome ending. I highly recommend this book and this series.
July 21, 2022
a delightful (as far as serial killer books go) ride
I just love Violet Darger- she’s strong and vulnerable at the same time. I also found myself enjoying the POV of the killers- not the killing part but learning about the person behind the killer part. Action and danger and a little romance make this a well worth reading book.
I just love Violet Darger- she’s strong and vulnerable at the same time. I also found myself enjoying the POV of the killers- not the killing part but learning about the person behind the killer part. Action and danger and a little romance make this a well worth reading book.
April 18, 2025
These books have me hooked even though the ends are sooo unnecessarily long. Too many side bits and conversations. Like come on! I actually had to even skip ahead a bit. But I love following Violet’s life so I keep moving to the next! Haha
January 29, 2023
Wow! Hard to put down!
I really like this series with Violet. It keeps getting better and better! Can’t wait to read the next one!
I really like this series with Violet. It keeps getting better and better! Can’t wait to read the next one!
June 19, 2023
I loved this book! The suspense was great, it was well written and kept me wanting more.
January 22, 2024
Another intense story, with Violet escaping death not once but twice. Edge of the seat at times. Definitely keeps you reading
July 20, 2024
Man, the authors of this series do an incredible job. I highly recommend any of these books for those folks looking for a crime thriller. Simple and easy ready to just kinda fly through.
March 2, 2019
Vargus and McBain are a great writing duo. But I'm old school in that I'm not on board with recreating women in the image of men. I can suspend disbelief to a certain degree, but c'mon who really wants women to kick and be kicked around, bludgeoned to a bloody pulp and come back for more? Not me.
November 27, 2021
Very good
Most second books in a series live in the shadow of the first. Not so with this one. A very good story rivalling the first. Can't wait to read the next.
Most second books in a series live in the shadow of the first. Not so with this one. A very good story rivalling the first. Can't wait to read the next.
June 30, 2021
The Demon Brothers
A sniper shooting from an overpass brings Darger to Atlanta. Before her plane lands a mass shooting takes place in a parking lot. Another exciting FBI case takes lots of twists and turns.
A sniper shooting from an overpass brings Darger to Atlanta. Before her plane lands a mass shooting takes place in a parking lot. Another exciting FBI case takes lots of twists and turns.
November 21, 2021
A good read for FBI fans
Violet Staged is sent to Atlanta to profile a series of shootings. The action is fast and the characters are interesting. Her partner, Los hack remains overprotective, but his personality is otherwise a blank slate. The bad guys are nasty, and evil. What more can you ask for?
Violet Staged is sent to Atlanta to profile a series of shootings. The action is fast and the characters are interesting. Her partner, Los hack remains overprotective, but his personality is otherwise a blank slate. The bad guys are nasty, and evil. What more can you ask for?
June 23, 2021
EXCITING!
I love that this book has a bit more romance thrown in. Following Violet Darger and Loshak is exciting. There’s so many times that I wanted to yell at Violet not to go on her own or to call for back up, but she’s stubborn. I feel like this book ended with a bit of a cliffhanger, so that we will read the next. I can’t wait.
I love that this book has a bit more romance thrown in. Following Violet Darger and Loshak is exciting. There’s so many times that I wanted to yell at Violet not to go on her own or to call for back up, but she’s stubborn. I feel like this book ended with a bit of a cliffhanger, so that we will read the next. I can’t wait.
November 18, 2021
Violet Darger
Most every time I see this name I read it as Violent Danger. I don’t know why the author chose this name but it’s about the only negative thing I have just say about these books. The writing is fast paced and full of intrigue and as far as I’m concerned it’s a real page turner
Most every time I see this name I read it as Violent Danger. I don’t know why the author chose this name but it’s about the only negative thing I have just say about these books. The writing is fast paced and full of intrigue and as far as I’m concerned it’s a real page turner
May 8, 2018
the character is improving but she still can't control her emotions and is still naive & gullible...how is she FBI? again, like the first book, good story line but she is a bad FBI agent. she solves the crime after it's too late and they still consider her a hero.
July 24, 2017
Active Shooter
Full disclosure - I was provided an advanced reader’s copy of this book by the authors but have voluntarily provided a review.
A term that has struck fear into the hearts of many over the years. Schools, Shopping Malls, you name it, the phenomenon of the active shooter seems to become more and more prevalent with each passing day. This is the situation facing FBI agents Violet Darger and Victor Loshak in the follow up to “Dead End Girl” by Tim McBain and LT Vargus. Having been pulled from a family function by Loshak, Darger hops a red eye to Atlanta where an active shooter has taken aim at drivers and good Samaritans alike on a busy highway outside of Atlanta. She hasn’t even arrived on scene when the shooter strikes again, this time at a crowded shopping plaza. Running on sheer wits alone, the duo must use all resources of the local PD and FBI office to identify and bring down the suspect or suspects before the rampage escalates any further.
The timeline of Killing Season is approximately one year after Dead End Girl. Darger is now a fully trained agent and the once lone wolf Loshak has found a worthy adversary in Violet as a partner. I love the dynamic between these two! It’s a professional relationship that’s also familial in a Father/Daughter or Big Brother/Little Sister sort of way. The rapport between Violet and Victor is easy, but that doesn’t stop them from getting serious when the situation calls for it. For me, the Violet Darger I saw in Killing Season seems to be a more confident, less self-conscious person that was portrayed in Dead End Girl. It appears that the past demons that plagued our protagonist have been resolved, or at least gotten far enough under control that the memories aren’t a hindrance to her any longer, and that’s a good thing. Considering the suspect she’s up against this time, she may as well change her last name to “Danger” as she finds herself dodging bullets, shrapnel and more in this explosive thriller.
If you haven’t yet read “Dead End Girl”, or the short “Image In A Cracked Mirror”, what are you waiting for? All kidding aside, you will not miss anything vital by reading Killing Season out of sequence. The story works perfectly as a stand-alone novel and as a compliment to the prior books in the series. For lovers of crime/police procedural novels with tons of action Killing Season will not disappoint.
Full disclosure - I was provided an advanced reader’s copy of this book by the authors but have voluntarily provided a review.
A term that has struck fear into the hearts of many over the years. Schools, Shopping Malls, you name it, the phenomenon of the active shooter seems to become more and more prevalent with each passing day. This is the situation facing FBI agents Violet Darger and Victor Loshak in the follow up to “Dead End Girl” by Tim McBain and LT Vargus. Having been pulled from a family function by Loshak, Darger hops a red eye to Atlanta where an active shooter has taken aim at drivers and good Samaritans alike on a busy highway outside of Atlanta. She hasn’t even arrived on scene when the shooter strikes again, this time at a crowded shopping plaza. Running on sheer wits alone, the duo must use all resources of the local PD and FBI office to identify and bring down the suspect or suspects before the rampage escalates any further.
The timeline of Killing Season is approximately one year after Dead End Girl. Darger is now a fully trained agent and the once lone wolf Loshak has found a worthy adversary in Violet as a partner. I love the dynamic between these two! It’s a professional relationship that’s also familial in a Father/Daughter or Big Brother/Little Sister sort of way. The rapport between Violet and Victor is easy, but that doesn’t stop them from getting serious when the situation calls for it. For me, the Violet Darger I saw in Killing Season seems to be a more confident, less self-conscious person that was portrayed in Dead End Girl. It appears that the past demons that plagued our protagonist have been resolved, or at least gotten far enough under control that the memories aren’t a hindrance to her any longer, and that’s a good thing. Considering the suspect she’s up against this time, she may as well change her last name to “Danger” as she finds herself dodging bullets, shrapnel and more in this explosive thriller.
If you haven’t yet read “Dead End Girl”, or the short “Image In A Cracked Mirror”, what are you waiting for? All kidding aside, you will not miss anything vital by reading Killing Season out of sequence. The story works perfectly as a stand-alone novel and as a compliment to the prior books in the series. For lovers of crime/police procedural novels with tons of action Killing Season will not disappoint.
February 2, 2021
Slow moving
November 2, 2021
Great Read
I am really enjoying this series. Violet Darger is wonderful. I am enjoying the suspense. Getting ready to read the next one.
I am really enjoying this series. Violet Darger is wonderful. I am enjoying the suspense. Getting ready to read the next one.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 417 reviews