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The fifth installment in the Kirkus Reviews, National Indie Excellence Awards and Publishers Weekly award-winning series by USA Today Best-selling Author, J. J. Cagney:

The first victim rolls out of a rain barrel.

Soon, Cici Gurule dreams of other women’s attacks, thanks to visions from her dead twin. The victims’ watery graves torment Cici, feeding her growing fear of water.

The killer targets Cici’s congregants and friends, taunting her and her lover, Detective Sam Chastain. Sam partners with the SFPD to investigate the widening web of assault, death, and pain... all while Cici struggles with the choices she made in Chaco Canyon.

When the killer lures a teen girl from her family, Cici and Sam’s desperation to identify him becomes critical. But the clues, from the disappearance of Sam’s ex-lover, to a cat with a chilling message for Cici, are leading them further from the truth, rather than toward saving the kidnapped girl.

★ WHY READERS CAN’T PUT DOWN THE REV. CICI GURULE’S MYSTERIES★

“The prose is...sublimely concise. An exhilarating entry in a thoroughly enjoyable series.” -- Kirkus Reviews

“Written in a clear, distinct style, Padgett (J. J. Cagney) uses the prose to elicit tension and emotion and creates a tense, fast-paced story. -- The BookLife Prize

“This winning mystery novel is a breeze to read and Cici’s laidback approach as a reverend means that readers certainly don’t have to be religious to find her relatable.”- IndieReader

“Vivid, alluring, and heart-wrenching, Alexa Padgett’s A Pilgrimage to Death is every reason I love mystery. A breathtaking tale.” - Darynda Jones, New York Times Bestselling Author

“A Pilgrimage to Death was an edge-of-my-seat thrill ride that kept me guessing all the way through. Alexa Padgett weaves an intricate and enthralling tale, with relationships that run deep, and mystery that does the same. This was an all-around fantastic story, and I’m excited to read the next books in the series.” - Allyson Lindt, USA Bestseller

Hold on to your hat, this story is fast paced and really gets your blood moving. - Joanne Hampton, Goodreads Review

“Oh my goodness. I absolutely loved this story. I couldn’t stop reading. Cici always manages to find trouble...” - Bec, Goodreads Review

“This story is filled with what makes the dessert Southwest so beautiful and terrifying. Truly one of the best books in the series.” - Suzy Sims, Goodreads Review

“I love the Character Cici. This Author really knows how to deliver a thrilling read.” - Nanajoesten, Bookbub Review

“You’re not going to find this kind of absorbing, engaging, enticing suspense anywhere else, so grab this one today!” - BookAddict, Bookbub Review

270 pages, Mass Market Paperback

Published May 7, 2020

15 people are currently reading
1478 people want to read

About the author

J.J. Cagney

9 books58 followers
J. J. Cagney is the mystery/thriller pen name of USA Today bestselling author Alexa Padgett. Her debut mystery, A Pilgrimage of Death, was named to Kirkus Reviews’ 100 Best Books of 2018 and Goodreads Best Mysteries of the 2010s.

Cagney holds a bachelor’s in international marketing and spent part of her twenties as the marketing director for an elite sports management firm. And, yes, she did her requisite stint with a dotcom back in the early 2000s, first as a marketing coordinator and then as a content manager. She’s penned work for a variety of websites and magazines, and she worked as a literary agent for Irene Webb Literary.

She lives in northern New Mexico with her husband, children, about a million fish, and their Great Pyrenees, Ash. Kirkus Reviews called Cagney’s latest mystery, An Artifact of Death, “An exhilarating entry in a thoroughly enjoyable series.”

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Displaying 1 - 29 of 31 reviews
Profile Image for Nancy (The Avid Reader).
3,133 reviews143 followers
March 16, 2020
A Revelation of Death is an intense read that kept me glued to my seat with wanting to know who was killing these people and why. It starts out with a bang and never lets up from front to back. I just love Cici, Sam and her dogs. I can just see Cici trying to walk these dogs. Yeah well Cici is letting Sam have that pleasure at the moment as she broke her leg when she was on vacation.

Cici is having dreams about women who are drowning. Cici gets these dreams or visions from her dead twin sister Aci. Aci helps Cici and Sam solve murder cases. This killer is attacking Cici’s congregation. Cici and Sam hopes to catch the killer before he kills again. Can Cici and Sam find the identity of the killer? Will they solve the case before it is too late?

I have read all of the Reverend Cici Gurule Mysteries novels and loved each and every one of them and would recommend each book to anyone who loves a great mystery story. Each story was so much better than its predecessor. Each story has its share of suspense and mystery with more than enough twists and turns to keep the pages turning.
137 reviews2 followers
May 10, 2020
I’ve read other books by this author and I must confess, this book, written so it can be read as a standalone, is so much better if it’s read with the other books in the series. The main character, Reverend Cici, is a great character that has developed over the course of the series as not only a really cool reverend but a kick ass heroine! She has been caught up in some really unique situations and come out cool as a cucumber. In this book, she finds that a family from her congregation has suffered the loss of their wife and mother to what appear at first to be a tragic accident. But things quickly prove that there’s more to the story and Cici finds herself smack dab in the middle of another macabre mystery. She continues to feel a psychic connection to her dead twin, who gives her clues to follow- somehow leading her closer to the next victim but also to the killer. Can Cici stay out of danger and still solve the crime?
I find the writing style of this author to be highly entertaining. I enjoy her books because they are original, with exciting plots and very well thought out characters. This book does not disappoint- just don’t start it unless you have some time to enjoy it. Thumbs up!
136 reviews
March 26, 2020
Reverend Cici is still recovering from the trauma of being chased through Chaco Canyon by Russian hitmen. She is grappling with her injuries, her fear, and questioning her own actions to survive. Cici starts having nightmare's of a young woman being stalked and killed. Sam is by her side, just as shook after his daring rescue of her. They think they may have a little down time to recoup before Sam starts his new job with the FBI. A parishioner of Cici' s is found drowned in a rain barrel, Sam steps in to help mentor the new detective through the investigation. What initially looks like an accident quickly becomes a hunt for a twisted serial killer. A killer who is hidden, but has his evil eyes trained on Cici. Another edge of your seat story that is hard to put down. I cried, I cheered, I sighed. Good character driven story, with twists and turns to keep the reader guessing. This can be read as stand alone, but he reader will appreciate the characters more if follow the series. Cici and Sam are characters worth following, characters worth falling in love with. I received an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Michelle.
10.9k reviews28 followers
July 16, 2020
Cici and Sam are back in book four of the Reverend Cici Gurule series and this series just gets better and better with each book. In this book, Cici is still recovering from her injuries and Sam is nursing her along. When Cici starts having nightmares and getting messages from her dead twin sister Cici and Sam go into investigative mode. This is a fast paced, intense read filled with mystery, suspense, action, twists and an attention grabbing story that had me captivated from the first page until the last. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.
10.9k reviews127 followers
July 15, 2020
I've read several books written by Alexa Padgett; she has done a great job at writing a good book; she is becoming one of my favorite authors. I can’t wait to read more of books her books.

The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.

I loved the characters.

I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
682 reviews10 followers
March 16, 2020
A fantastic mystery that grabs you from the first page to the last. Its a fast past read with epic scenes, the scenes are written so well that I can picture them in my minds eye. This is a real page turner with twists and turns that keeps you enthralled with this read. I definitely recommend this captivating read. Its a must read.
Shauna Joesten

1,860 reviews14 followers
March 25, 2020
A young wife is found drowned in a rain barrel. Someone is targeting young women. Sam Is a detective and Cici is a minister who have been dating for years. Cici had a twin sister that died, but gives Cici visions that help find criminals. This novel gets you enthralled from the beginning. A lot of suspense and drama leads to an exciting conclusion. I highly recommend this series.
659 reviews3 followers
March 14, 2020
This series is so good! Exciting characters, enduring love, bad guys, good guys, and so much more! Cici I was a reverend of a congregation and her boyfriend was an agent of the FBI, and was brought together through Aci, Cici's deceased twin sister. Her sister still gave her vibes when Cici was in trouble and it seemed like most the time there were people getting murdered around Cici and Sam. Exciting crime solving. This series is at the top of the list to read, you won't be disappointed!
Profile Image for Willow Webster.
507 reviews22 followers
July 14, 2020
I really enjoyed reading it. It was full of suspense and kept me reading until I finished it. I look forward to more by this author

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Judy Johnson.
848 reviews2 followers
May 12, 2020
This mystery series is amazing! Well written, great characters, I found it difficult to stop, just one more chapter...Although this book can be read as a standalone, it is best read in order so you can get the backstory of the characters, although, not necessary. The characters and story are well developed enough where you can catch on and enjoy the book...but trust me, you'll want to go back and read the others if you haven't already. In this book, a serial killer on the loose and the story moves you through twists and turns that kept me guessing and was nicely and neatly tied up at the end with nothing left unanswered. Just the right amount of love, tenderness and romance included, which completely makes the story all the more engaging, Since there are never any spoilers in my reviews, I leave you here with this is a MUST READ for any and every mystery lover. I received a complimentary copy to review and this is my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Melanie Jo.
1,350 reviews18 followers
Read
July 5, 2020
I really enjoyed this book. I had no idea Alexa was behind this pen name. I'm so glad I read this because it was really good. Right from the first page, it kept me glued to my seat. I was hooked right away. I'm definitely going to be reading the previous books in this series now.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a free copy.
Profile Image for Alexa Padgett.
Author 48 books1,337 followers
May 16, 2025

"An exciting mix of murder, mayhem and romance featuring a heroine who is one tough cookie in a book that packs a powerful punch–emotionally and action-wise–right through to the climactic ending."- IndieReader

The fourth installment in the Kirkus Reviews, National Indie Excellence Awards and Publishers Weekly award-winning series by USA Today Best-selling Author, J. J. Cagney:

The first victim rolls out of a rain barrel.

Soon, Cici Gurule dreams of other women's attacks, thanks to visions from her dead twin. The victims' watery graves torment Cici, feeding her growing fear of water.

The killer targets Cici's congregants and friends, taunting her and her lover, Detective Sam Chastain. Sam partners with the SFPD to investigate the widening web of assault, death, and pain... all while Cici struggles with the choices she made in Chaco Canyon.

When the killer lures a teen girl from her family, Cici and Sam's desperation to identify him becomes critical. But the clues, from the disappearance of Sam's ex-lover, to a cat with a chilling message for Cici, are leading them further from the truth, rather than toward saving the kidnapped girl.

Fans of Agatha Christie, Addison Moore, and Molly Fitz will love A Revelation of Death, a suspense/thriller cozy mystery with a touch of romance.

★ WHY READERS CAN'T PUT DOWN THE REV. CICI GURULE'S MYSTERIES★

"The prose is...sublimely concise. An exhilarating entry in a thoroughly enjoyable series." -- Kirkus Reviews

"Written in a clear, distinct style, Padgett (J. J. Cagney) uses the prose to elicit tension and emotion and creates a tense, fast-paced story. -- The BookLife Prize

"Vivid, alluring, and heart-wrenching, Alexa Padgett's A Pilgrimage to Death is every reason I love mystery. A breathtaking tale." - Darynda Jones, New York Times Bestselling Author

"A Pilgrimage to Death was an edge-of-my-seat thrill ride that kept me guessing all the way through. Alexa Padgett weaves an intricate and enthralling tale, with relationships that run deep, and mystery that does the same. This was an all-around fantastic story, and I'm excited to read the next books in the series." - Allyson Lindt, USA Bestseller

Hold on to your hat, this story is fast paced and really gets your blood moving. - Joanne Hampton, Goodreads Review

"Oh my goodness. I absolutely loved this story. I couldn't stop reading. Cici always manages to find trouble..." - Bec, Goodreads Review

"This story is filled with what makes the dessert Southwest so beautiful and terrifying. Truly one of the best books in the series." - Suzy Sims, Goodreads Review

"I love the Character Cici. This Author really knows how to deliver a thrilling read." - Nanajoesten, Bookbub Review

"You're not going to find this kind of absorbing, engaging, enticing suspense anywhere else, so grab this one today!" - BookAddict

Profile Image for Sandra Lopez.
Author 3 books346 followers
June 12, 2020
The guilt of being responsible for many deaths was too much to bear for Reverend Cici, even if they were international spies. Most considered her to be a hero—but she wasn’t. Recovering from the injuries she got from the last case, an old friend finally proclaims his love for her. So things were looking up at least. Then a dreadful case turns a dark corner. It all started with a death in a barrel…

The telepathic communications or “visions” from her dead twin might help Cici solve a mysterious death and save a kidnapped girl. Would they get to her in time?

The well-written story crafted an interestingly complex case with lots of twists and turns. I enjoyed the psychic aspect. The “messages from beyond” were the leading forces driving this tough case. Cici and Sam made a great team—a dynamic duo with altruistic tendencies warped in a dark past. At times, story had a general lag, which debilitated an otherwise exciting case, and the dialogue often overflowed with too much information and procedural tactics that can be overwhelming. Otherwise, I can see readers seeping into this mystery, wondering how it’ll all turn out.

A pretty good mystery.
7,793 reviews50 followers
March 26, 2020
A REVELATION OF DEATH....J J Cagney...(Alexa.Padgett)
The fourth installment about Cici and her dreams from her dead sister
The nightmares from being pulled under the water repeatedly in Chaco Canyon. She wanted water to cleans her, now it only brought panic, and fear, Detective Sam, chose instead a mission to save her, to help her now.
A new job, broader, to call other organizations in when needed, his boss is an old girlfriend, which brought jealousy out for Cici.
A friend Cooper, his wife drowned in a rain barrel. Sam and his boss also are investigating her father, Sam hesitating to tell her. Cici and trouble seem to go together, and lately it has been San that finds her once again
We see a softer Cici, healing and letting Sam tend to her, which he has wanted to do. I like the closeness and love that is shown in this story. The author has given us a great flowing plot, we are intrigued and how will it play out, with surprises for us.
Given ARC for my voluntary review and my honest opinion
Profile Image for Sheila Lee.
1,022 reviews14 followers
March 14, 2020
What a fabulous series! A Revelation in Death is the fourth book in the Cici Gurule Mystery. While this is a stand-alone novel, I highly recommend reading the series in order for greater reading pleasure.
Cici is recovering from injuries sustained from previous events (see Book 3 An Artifact in Death). Sam is on vacation prior to a new law enforcement job and is spending his time assisting Cici in her recovery. Both get sidetracked when one of Cici's congregation drowns at home in a freak accident. As she and Sam dig deeper, they uncover a serial killer. As the stakes rise, so does the body count.
J. J. Cagney writes a methodical, suspenseful romance that is easy to follow, yet keeps the reader immersed in the story and wondering who is behind the gut-wrenching evil in their small town. When the mystery is unraveled, the conclusion is concise and all questions are answered. A 5-star novel!
Profile Image for Sheila Lee.
1,022 reviews14 followers
May 9, 2020
What a fabulous series! A Revelation in Death is the fourth book in the Cici Gurule Mystery. While this is a stand-alone novel, I highly recommend reading the series in order for greater reading pleasure.
Cici is recovering from injuries sustained from previous events (see Book 3 An Artifact in Death). Sam is on vacation prior to a new law enforcement job and is spending his time assisting Cici in her recovery. Both get sidetracked when one of Cici's congregation drowns at home in a freak accident. As she and Sam dig deeper, they uncover a serial killer. As the stakes rise, so does the body count.
J. J. Cagney writes a methodical, suspenseful romance that is easy to follow, yet keeps the reader immersed in the story and wondering who is behind the gut-wrenching evil in their small town. When the mystery is unraveled, the conclusion is concise and all questions are answered. A 5-star novel!
Profile Image for Bev.
3,281 reviews98 followers
May 8, 2020
I have read each of these books and they just keep getting better and better! Being a twin myself, I could understand how Cici and her sister have that 'special bond' now in death as they did in life. This story has some tense moments in it, and Cici and Sam have some moments of their own, plus some things that need to be worked out. I can't wait for the next one! I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
Profile Image for Scarolet Ellis.
7,445 reviews53 followers
July 19, 2020
A Revelation of Death by Alexa Padgett is a fantastic story that I have read. This is book number four in this fantastic series that I have loved reading and can not wait to read more from this author. I highly recommend this story to everyone who loves reading about suspense and cozy mysteries in their stories.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
293 reviews
February 25, 2021
A revelation of Death (A Reverend CiciGurule Book5)

So much adventure and excitement with a love interest no less. By a Reverend. I certainly was impressed by the paranormal of twin connect activities that were so prevalent throughout the series.

To be blessed with the ability to put to paper your thoughts and ideas and have them come together in such a delightful series.

Thank you lots for sharing your gift and having such a great team.
Profile Image for Nati.
3,034 reviews17 followers
March 11, 2020
Reverend Cici is recovering from her nearly death experience. His friend detective Sam won’t let her alone. But when they get involved in a series of murders revealed by nightmares Cici suffers, will they solve the mystery or will be they Ben in real danger again? Will Cici and Sam finally face their feelings and have a chance together? A gripping story with a great end.
1,863 reviews6 followers
July 17, 2020
This was a really well written book with interesting twists and turns and I would recommend it to all. The characters were well developed and the dynamic and growth was great. I loved it and I could not put it down!!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Denise.
4,120 reviews12 followers
May 17, 2021
The author of this series will have you hostage before you know it once you enter into this one. Intrigue will be big and large in this one. Visions soon pop in your head very good with descriptions. A killer after CiCi so her and detective Sam that they are having to find a solution before the end comes. I was turning the pages in anticipation seeing what was in store.
2,407 reviews
March 8, 2024
Still not sure why Cici has to be a reverend, God really has nothing to do with the story line and she definitely doesn’t embody the spirituality I would expect from someone in her position.

Why the murderer decides to follow this path isn’t really explained very well and the link to Sam is tenuous at best.
Profile Image for Jena Massey.
336 reviews12 followers
June 20, 2020
This was the first book I have read in this series and the first by this author and I loved it.
Profile Image for Kaylee Ward.
10 reviews1 follower
July 1, 2020
I really enjoyed this book. I won it in a giveaway and I happen to be an identical twin myself. I thought it was very well written and was quite creepy. It definitely stays with you and has a strong message. Just realizing how vulnerable we all are. I definitely recommend!
13 reviews2 followers
May 8, 2021
Another triumph

This book was so compelling. I was already invested in so many characters and the new ones quickly became ones I cared about as well. Great ending!
6 reviews
December 29, 2021
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Profile Image for Bec.
2,150 reviews11 followers
May 8, 2020
Another brilliant instalment in this series.
I loved every chapter.
Kept me on the edge of my seat!
Recommend to all
268 reviews2 followers
July 13, 2020
Amazing book! In a nutshell, Sam and Cici solve mysteries and find a solution to their feelings for each other. But there's a lot more to the book than that.
This book has scary bits, but not so much it should give you nightmares. Well, maybe if there's a large orange cat wandering your neighborhood. You ought to think twice before approaching it even if you're a cat whisperer.
After a while, even cops look suspicious, as dead body after dead body turns up.
The input for solving mysteries from Cici's twin sister is always welcome. It's a shame that it knocks Cici for a loop every time. Did you know her twin is dead?
If you've ever thought about your nightmares, and wondered if they were typical nightmares, you need to compare them to Cici's. You'll come up gasping for air, I promise. Scary! And then her real life becomes every bit as scary and dangerous.
Sam keeps her going. He's her rock. She's his. They're in love.
I Voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book
Displaying 1 - 29 of 31 reviews