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What Doesn't Kill You #11
Knockout
The 3rd Ava mystery in the What Doesn't Kill You world.
˃˃˃ See why Pamela’s novels have won contest after contest.
2017 WINNER Silver Falchion for Best Adult Mystery
2016 USA Best Book Awards Cross-Genre Fiction
2015 USA Best Book Awards Cross-Genre Fiction
2014 Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award, Romance, Quarter-finalist
˃˃˃ Once Upon A Romance calls Hutchins an "up-and-coming powerhouse writer."
If you like Sandra Brown or Janet Evanovich, you will love Pamela Fagan Hutchins. A former attorney who splits her time between Nowheresville, Texas and the frozen north of Snowheresville, Wyoming, Pamela lived in the U.S. Virgin Islands for nearly ten years. She refuses to admit to taking notes for this series during that time.
>>> The series reviews are in, and they're good. Very, very good.
"Just when I think I couldn't love another Pamela Fagan Hutchins novel more, along comes Ava. She's smart and sassy, with a story full of juicy plot twists. I enjoyed Bombshell from cover to cover!" — Marcy McKay, author of Pennies from Burger Heaven
"To finally get a whole book of Ava's beautiful voice and attitude was so much fun. And then to see that her outer armor was mixed with the very real insecurities and struggles that we can all relate to was magical. She personifies bombshell in every sense of word and I can't wait to have her voice in my head again in Stunner." — Tara Scheyer, Grammy-nominated musician, Long-Distance Sisters Book Club
"Entertaining, complex, and thought-provoking. Each book gets better and better and better (with a) more intricate and complex storyline. [The What Doesn’t Kill You series] started out great, but [Pamela] outdid herself on this one. I am anxiously anticipating the next book about Ava. It was so hard to put this book down once I started reading." — Ginger Copeland, power reader
>>> Check out the entire What Doesn't Kill You romantic mystery series.
Paperback, hardback, and audio versions also available.
˃˃˃ See why Pamela’s novels have won contest after contest.
2017 WINNER Silver Falchion for Best Adult Mystery
2016 USA Best Book Awards Cross-Genre Fiction
2015 USA Best Book Awards Cross-Genre Fiction
2014 Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award, Romance, Quarter-finalist
˃˃˃ Once Upon A Romance calls Hutchins an "up-and-coming powerhouse writer."
If you like Sandra Brown or Janet Evanovich, you will love Pamela Fagan Hutchins. A former attorney who splits her time between Nowheresville, Texas and the frozen north of Snowheresville, Wyoming, Pamela lived in the U.S. Virgin Islands for nearly ten years. She refuses to admit to taking notes for this series during that time.
>>> The series reviews are in, and they're good. Very, very good.
"Just when I think I couldn't love another Pamela Fagan Hutchins novel more, along comes Ava. She's smart and sassy, with a story full of juicy plot twists. I enjoyed Bombshell from cover to cover!" — Marcy McKay, author of Pennies from Burger Heaven
"To finally get a whole book of Ava's beautiful voice and attitude was so much fun. And then to see that her outer armor was mixed with the very real insecurities and struggles that we can all relate to was magical. She personifies bombshell in every sense of word and I can't wait to have her voice in my head again in Stunner." — Tara Scheyer, Grammy-nominated musician, Long-Distance Sisters Book Club
"Entertaining, complex, and thought-provoking. Each book gets better and better and better (with a) more intricate and complex storyline. [The What Doesn’t Kill You series] started out great, but [Pamela] outdid herself on this one. I am anxiously anticipating the next book about Ava. It was so hard to put this book down once I started reading." — Ginger Copeland, power reader
>>> Check out the entire What Doesn't Kill You romantic mystery series.
Paperback, hardback, and audio versions also available.
- GenresMystery
300 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 15, 2018
122 people are currently reading
95 people want to read
About the author
Pamela Fagan Hutchins
99 books877 followersI'm a USA Today bestselling mystery/suspense/thriller author and a big horse and sled dog enthusiast.
My hunky husband and I ride our beloved draft cross horses way up in the frozen north of Snowheresville, WY, where we run a rustic, off-the-grid lodge on the face of the Bighorn Mountains. When I'm not writing or riding, I'm passionate about wilderness sports, always with a couple of rescue dogs, bear spray, a mountain lion knife, and my Judge. NO ANIMALS HAVE BEEN HARMED IN THE MAKING OF THIS LIFE ADVENTURE (but don't sneak up on me).
I've made some lists and won some awards, yada yada. Amazon Charts Top 25 bestseller. USA Today Bestseller. The Silver Falchion for Best Adult Mystery WINNER (Fighting for Anna), the WINNERS for USA Best Books Fiction: Cross Genre (Hell to Pay, Heaven to Betsy), and others. With books "in print" of over 3,000,000, readers seem to enjoy the books—I think they have exceptionally good taste. {insert goofy grin here} Lots of them follow my show Wine Women & Writing, too, where I fangirl my favorite authors and interview them for your listening and viewing pleasure. Subscribe free at http://bit.ly/PamelaWWWR <--case sensitive.
You can read my series in any order or as standalones, but they're a lot of fun if you do them like this:
* Detective Delaney Pace (coming soon!): Her Silent Bones, Her HIdden Grave, Her Last Cry, Her Forgotten Shadow, Her Burning Lies, and Her Cold Heart.
* Patrick Flint Wyoming-based series (PG):
Switchback, Snake Oil, Sawbones, Scapegoat, Snaggle Tooth, Stag Party, Sitting Duck, and Skin & Bones. #9 coming in 2026.
* The Jenn Herrington Wyoming Mysteries (PG-13):
BIG HORN, WALKER PRAIRIE, and RED GRADE coming in 2026.
* What Doesn't Kill You Super Series:
1.Caribben-based Katie Connell (PG-13): Saving Grace, Leaving Annalise, Finding Harmony, and Seeking Felicity
2. Texas-based Emily Bernal (PG-13): Heaven to Betsy Earth to Emily, Hell to Pay
3. Texas-based Michele Lopez Hanson (PG-13): Going for Kona, Fighting for Anna, Searching for Dime Box
4. Wyoming-based Maggie Killian (R, language): Live Wire, Sick Puppy, Dead Pile (plus shorts Buckle Bunny and Shock Jock)
5. Caribbean-based Ava Butler (R, sexual situations): Bombshell, Stunner, Knockout
I also have a children's book series featuring Poppy, the world's best grandfather, and Petey, his blind Boston terrier.
Free starter library https://pamelafaganhutchins.com/maili...
If after all that you still want to learn more about my books, my podcast, or me, then God Bless Ya.
There are many ways: My website and its blog. The aforementioned newsletter. Email me: Pamela at PamelaFaganHutchins dot come. And you can follow me around the web:
Website: https://pamelafaganhutchins.com
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/pamel...
Pamela's Posse for Readers: https://www.facebook.com/groups/pamel...
Facebook http://facebook.com/pamela.fagan.hutc...
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/author/pamelafa...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pamela_faga...
Twitter http://twitter.com/PamelotH
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/pamelafaganh...
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/pamelafaganhu...
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@pamela_fagan...
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pamelafaganhu...
And, finally, to learn more about my fellow SkipJack Publishing authors, visit: http://skipjackpublishing.com/.
My hunky husband and I ride our beloved draft cross horses way up in the frozen north of Snowheresville, WY, where we run a rustic, off-the-grid lodge on the face of the Bighorn Mountains. When I'm not writing or riding, I'm passionate about wilderness sports, always with a couple of rescue dogs, bear spray, a mountain lion knife, and my Judge. NO ANIMALS HAVE BEEN HARMED IN THE MAKING OF THIS LIFE ADVENTURE (but don't sneak up on me).
I've made some lists and won some awards, yada yada. Amazon Charts Top 25 bestseller. USA Today Bestseller. The Silver Falchion for Best Adult Mystery WINNER (Fighting for Anna), the WINNERS for USA Best Books Fiction: Cross Genre (Hell to Pay, Heaven to Betsy), and others. With books "in print" of over 3,000,000, readers seem to enjoy the books—I think they have exceptionally good taste. {insert goofy grin here} Lots of them follow my show Wine Women & Writing, too, where I fangirl my favorite authors and interview them for your listening and viewing pleasure. Subscribe free at http://bit.ly/PamelaWWWR <--case sensitive.
You can read my series in any order or as standalones, but they're a lot of fun if you do them like this:
* Detective Delaney Pace (coming soon!): Her Silent Bones, Her HIdden Grave, Her Last Cry, Her Forgotten Shadow, Her Burning Lies, and Her Cold Heart.
* Patrick Flint Wyoming-based series (PG):
Switchback, Snake Oil, Sawbones, Scapegoat, Snaggle Tooth, Stag Party, Sitting Duck, and Skin & Bones. #9 coming in 2026.
* The Jenn Herrington Wyoming Mysteries (PG-13):
BIG HORN, WALKER PRAIRIE, and RED GRADE coming in 2026.
* What Doesn't Kill You Super Series:
1.Caribben-based Katie Connell (PG-13): Saving Grace, Leaving Annalise, Finding Harmony, and Seeking Felicity
2. Texas-based Emily Bernal (PG-13): Heaven to Betsy Earth to Emily, Hell to Pay
3. Texas-based Michele Lopez Hanson (PG-13): Going for Kona, Fighting for Anna, Searching for Dime Box
4. Wyoming-based Maggie Killian (R, language): Live Wire, Sick Puppy, Dead Pile (plus shorts Buckle Bunny and Shock Jock)
5. Caribbean-based Ava Butler (R, sexual situations): Bombshell, Stunner, Knockout
I also have a children's book series featuring Poppy, the world's best grandfather, and Petey, his blind Boston terrier.
Free starter library https://pamelafaganhutchins.com/maili...
If after all that you still want to learn more about my books, my podcast, or me, then God Bless Ya.
There are many ways: My website and its blog. The aforementioned newsletter. Email me: Pamela at PamelaFaganHutchins dot come. And you can follow me around the web:
Website: https://pamelafaganhutchins.com
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/pamel...
Pamela's Posse for Readers: https://www.facebook.com/groups/pamel...
Facebook http://facebook.com/pamela.fagan.hutc...
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/author/pamelafa...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pamela_faga...
Twitter http://twitter.com/PamelotH
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/pamelafaganh...
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/pamelafaganhu...
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@pamela_fagan...
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pamelafaganhu...
And, finally, to learn more about my fellow SkipJack Publishing authors, visit: http://skipjackpublishing.com/.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
August 19, 2022
I really couldn’t get into it. The changing of the Narrator messed it up for me. So I turned it on and let it play over night.
June 6, 2019
I quite enjoyed this snippet of Island life and the glimpse into the world of music. The murder did seem to get brushed aside what with Ava recording a new music album and rushing around New York to make it happen but I did enjoy the characters and the familiarity between them all. This is book three and it obviously carries on from the previous books but it was still easy to follow on and didn't matter that I didn't start with book one.
Ava has broken away from her record label and has enlisted the help of her friends to help her make a record she can be proud of. However things aren't that easy as she finds a dead body floating in the water of her favourite hangout out spot and to make matters worse she knows the man and calls him a friend. She barely has time to come to terms with his death before she is traveling to New York to start recording the album, an ex boyfriend attaches himself to her entourage, her current boyfriend is having major problems at work, her daughter's father is making noises about having her back in his life and a land developer is stirring up ripples on her home Island causing friction between her and her friends and her family is out of touch leaving Ava feeling home sick. Then another body turns up and even her bodyguard is worried about her safety . It's a good job what doesn't kill you makes you stronger.
The narrator had a nice easy way of speaking just right for what I imagine Island life is like.
Ava has broken away from her record label and has enlisted the help of her friends to help her make a record she can be proud of. However things aren't that easy as she finds a dead body floating in the water of her favourite hangout out spot and to make matters worse she knows the man and calls him a friend. She barely has time to come to terms with his death before she is traveling to New York to start recording the album, an ex boyfriend attaches himself to her entourage, her current boyfriend is having major problems at work, her daughter's father is making noises about having her back in his life and a land developer is stirring up ripples on her home Island causing friction between her and her friends and her family is out of touch leaving Ava feeling home sick. Then another body turns up and even her bodyguard is worried about her safety . It's a good job what doesn't kill you makes you stronger.
The narrator had a nice easy way of speaking just right for what I imagine Island life is like.
May 15, 2018
5/5!
Knockout sees the return of Ava; Sultry, sexy Caribbean singing sensation, with the voice of an angel and a mountain of issues.
After dumping her record label, Ava is finally free. Free to make her own choices and decisions for the first time in her life. But is she really as free as she thinks?
Ava returns to her beloved St. Marcos, where she is embroiled in a series of events that move with frenetic pace.
Environmental threats to her beloved island, family issues, relationship issues and an upcoming music tour see Ava’s emotions tested to breaking point.
Pamela’s vivid, almost poetic imagery of the Island and seamless interweaving of Island patois into the dialogue are instantly captivating. Ava’s depth of character, the reasons she is who she Is, her authenticity, come to the fore in this book and is the perfect ending to the Ava trilogy.
Knockout is Book 11 in the “What Doesn’t Kill You” trilogy and highly recommended.
Knockout sees the return of Ava; Sultry, sexy Caribbean singing sensation, with the voice of an angel and a mountain of issues.
After dumping her record label, Ava is finally free. Free to make her own choices and decisions for the first time in her life. But is she really as free as she thinks?
Ava returns to her beloved St. Marcos, where she is embroiled in a series of events that move with frenetic pace.
Environmental threats to her beloved island, family issues, relationship issues and an upcoming music tour see Ava’s emotions tested to breaking point.
Pamela’s vivid, almost poetic imagery of the Island and seamless interweaving of Island patois into the dialogue are instantly captivating. Ava’s depth of character, the reasons she is who she Is, her authenticity, come to the fore in this book and is the perfect ending to the Ava trilogy.
Knockout is Book 11 in the “What Doesn’t Kill You” trilogy and highly recommended.
June 27, 2019
I was treated to the Audible version of this all encompassing novel. Even having read the blurb, I was unprepared for everything involved! Ava gets hit from all sides and has more to deal with than one person (or a team) should possibly at the same time.
From family health worries, to stumbling across a death (or murder,) a change of career environment to actual environmental battles, there is so much going on your head will spin. Poor Ava!
And strange men watching and following her at every turn. Everyone wants something from her, now that she is in the spotlight, including pirates.
I really enjoyed the narration and dialect.
I am not reading this series in order but was not lost, as long as I could focus. There is so much happening and Ava is being pulled in so many directions, of course with fans and Paparazzi alike watching. Of course I want to read each book in the series now.
From family health worries, to stumbling across a death (or murder,) a change of career environment to actual environmental battles, there is so much going on your head will spin. Poor Ava!
And strange men watching and following her at every turn. Everyone wants something from her, now that she is in the spotlight, including pirates.
I really enjoyed the narration and dialect.
I am not reading this series in order but was not lost, as long as I could focus. There is so much happening and Ava is being pulled in so many directions, of course with fans and Paparazzi alike watching. Of course I want to read each book in the series now.
March 1, 2021
Katie wants Ava to help her stop a casino development on Horseshoe Bay. They find a body there which turns out to be someone who worked with Ava on her album.
Collin breaks up with Ava when she turns down his marriage proposal. She is putting together her second album, which is not easy to do when she keeps finding people dead.
Diogo, her baby daddy from Venezuela who for some reason uses a Portuguese spelling of his name, returns and says he wants custody of baby Ginger Thomas flower. l
The Ava story is not my favourite of the "What Doesn't Kill You" series. I still find Ava crude and selfish, and Collin is also crude and constantly jealous and angry. The book seems to end too suddenly without the relationship problems being resolved to my satisfaction.
Collin breaks up with Ava when she turns down his marriage proposal. She is putting together her second album, which is not easy to do when she keeps finding people dead.
Diogo, her baby daddy from Venezuela who for some reason uses a Portuguese spelling of his name, returns and says he wants custody of baby Ginger Thomas flower. l
The Ava story is not my favourite of the "What Doesn't Kill You" series. I still find Ava crude and selfish, and Collin is also crude and constantly jealous and angry. The book seems to end too suddenly without the relationship problems being resolved to my satisfaction.
June 5, 2022
Ava Buter is a star. She is now a big celebrity and everyone wants a piece of her. Her personal life has a lot of ups and downs - many downs. But she's accepted financial and emotional support for her family, some friends, and her employees.
This is an exciting conclusion to the Ava series of books. There is so much going on in this book that it's hard to keep your head from spinning. Ava almost can't handle it all, but she remembers her strong upbringing and her responsibilities. The book is well written and keeps the reader engaged until the very end.
There are multiple sex events and mentions of sex. Although they aren't extensively detailed, and because of some other adult topics included in the book, I recommend this book for mature readers.
This is an exciting conclusion to the Ava series of books. There is so much going on in this book that it's hard to keep your head from spinning. Ava almost can't handle it all, but she remembers her strong upbringing and her responsibilities. The book is well written and keeps the reader engaged until the very end.
There are multiple sex events and mentions of sex. Although they aren't extensively detailed, and because of some other adult topics included in the book, I recommend this book for mature readers.
July 4, 2018
While Ava's career is doing great, everyone is jumping on the band wagon including her current boyfriend and her worthless baby's daddy. Ava goes to a construction site of a up and coming resort. There she finds a dead body. Ava wants to use her celebrity powers to stop the building of this eco-unfriendly tourist trap. But that may not be a wise idea. She tries to dig up dirt on the investors and her baby's daddy sues her for 'full custody'. Time for plan B, but is it too late to save herself and keep her daughter? You will need to read the book to find out. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.
June 7, 2018
I couldn’t put this book down! I am so happy that Ava has finally realized that sometimes you long to chase a dream but what is best is right in front of you. She seems to have finally come to terms with her life and I sure hope there is another installment in this series. I love how Ms.Hutchins adds characters that you really come to love and I hope Chen and McKenna and all the other characters continue to have a place in this storyline. Most importantly, I cannot wait to read about Ava’s new life and all that lies ahead!
June 6, 2018
What a rollercoaster! Good news, bad news, murder, love - all the essentials of a great read! Ava's celebrity status works for and against her, as ex-boyfriends appear, and island mysteries surface. From the islands to the streets of New York, new characters appear, old friends reappear, and Ava learns how to handle some major life crises. I laughed, I cried, I didn't want to stop reading. If you like strong, imperfect female protagonists, this book is for you.
September 6, 2019
Another murder, another song, another stalker, another day in the life of Ava but this is the new and improved lioness Ava and she is taking charge this time! Taking charge of her career, her crazy baby Daddy, the destruction of her island, her relationships and her family and she ROCKS it!
I love Pamela's characters so much because they are so real! They are flawed. They are fun. They are life!
Trust me and pick up these fun, cozy, a little sexy, murder mysteries and escape!
I love Pamela's characters so much because they are so real! They are flawed. They are fun. They are life!
Trust me and pick up these fun, cozy, a little sexy, murder mysteries and escape!
April 11, 2021
A day in the life of a singer celebrity.
A look into the life of a singer who has detached herself from being owned by the big guys. No one is perfect or exempt from messing up and making mistakes. Ava is just another young woman who is merely a drop in this musical world. It seems very realistic and very hard to stomach, really, but so true to life as well. Well written. Love the narrator's ability to bring each character to life.
A look into the life of a singer who has detached herself from being owned by the big guys. No one is perfect or exempt from messing up and making mistakes. Ava is just another young woman who is merely a drop in this musical world. It seems very realistic and very hard to stomach, really, but so true to life as well. Well written. Love the narrator's ability to bring each character to life.
March 27, 2023
Everyone wants a piece of Ava. Her music is being pirated to the tune of 50+%, someone is selling her private info to the paparazzi, her baby daddy wants mega bucks to not sue for custody of Ginger, and of course the paparazzi is in her face 24/7 with false info and stolen info from her phone. She's a fighter though even when the big guns are after her. A fitting conclusion to her trilogy.
October 17, 2025
Knock out story
Talk about action packed, what a treat this final story in the Ava Butler trilogy was.
This had me sad, happy, furious, excited, and dismayed the whole time.
What a build up and such a fantastic ending. I am seriously hooked on Pamela Fagan Hutchins. Your stories are so diverse but connected.
Absolutely loved it. Thank you for sharing your talent with us all!
Talk about action packed, what a treat this final story in the Ava Butler trilogy was.
This had me sad, happy, furious, excited, and dismayed the whole time.
What a build up and such a fantastic ending. I am seriously hooked on Pamela Fagan Hutchins. Your stories are so diverse but connected.
Absolutely loved it. Thank you for sharing your talent with us all!
June 11, 2018
I loved the Book #3 of awesome Ava! Murder, mayhem and more. Two things I love most about Ava's stories ... learning about life in the Caribbean (even when she's in NYC) + how wonderfully flawed Ava is. I get SO TIRED of perfect heroes and heroines. This is a GREAT read I'd recommend to anyone.
March 11, 2020
Ave place in the lime light, and finding a dead body at the resort, or an ex wanting custody of your child isn’t good. In investigation she finds corruption and she is taking charge to stop the building, a different Ava
Given audio for my voluntary review and my honest opinion
Given audio for my voluntary review and my honest opinion
March 22, 2022
A wonderful story that takes you away to island living. Ava is finally free of her singing contract. Will she be able to enjoy life. Unfortunately for her, something always happens. Ava is a strong person and we see this throughout the book.
September 9, 2022
What doesn't kill you series
I've read each and every book in this 16 book series and I really really liked each and every one. Wish there was more coming.
I've read each and every book in this 16 book series and I really really liked each and every one. Wish there was more coming.
June 18, 2018
This is an interesting book. I was given a copy of this book, and this is my true and honest opinion.
September 21, 2019
t's never wise to begin by the end of a series :/
Okay, I haven't read the first two books in this series, and this fact undoubtedly influenced my enjoyment of the story, as I kept missing bits and wondering about what happened before. It's a shame, too, as I'm quite sure the story deserves more than what I can give it.
Ava is an interesting character, trying to keep herself going while dealing with a lot of baggage. Her doubts about how good as a mother she is will ring true to anyone who is a parent, and makes her even more real to the readers.
The mystery is mostly background, the book is more centred in Ava's life, and how she fights against... well, a lot! Environmental's danger to her loved island, custody on her daughter, relationship problems, and, if that wasn't enough, a musical tour as the cherry on top :P
Alayah Frazier does a great job with the narration.
Okay, I haven't read the first two books in this series, and this fact undoubtedly influenced my enjoyment of the story, as I kept missing bits and wondering about what happened before. It's a shame, too, as I'm quite sure the story deserves more than what I can give it.
Ava is an interesting character, trying to keep herself going while dealing with a lot of baggage. Her doubts about how good as a mother she is will ring true to anyone who is a parent, and makes her even more real to the readers.
The mystery is mostly background, the book is more centred in Ava's life, and how she fights against... well, a lot! Environmental's danger to her loved island, custody on her daughter, relationship problems, and, if that wasn't enough, a musical tour as the cherry on top :P
Alayah Frazier does a great job with the narration.
June 12, 2018
Another great read by Pamela Fagan Hutchins! Knockout is the 3rd in the Ava series, As with the first 2, Bombshell and Stunner, you are in for a wild ride with murder,a message from the jumbie, people from Ava's past (nice and not so nice) and continuing drama that seems to always follow Ava from the states to St Marcos. I thoroughly enjoy Pamela's writing for Ava who speaks in the island dialect or "Yank" depending on who Ava is talking with. I can't get enough of Pamela's books!
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews