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Kenzie Gilmore #1
Afterburn
When missing heiress Natalia Cruz’s body is found in the Everglades, journalist Kenzie Gilmore is assigned the case.
Is she the fourth victim of a sexual predator stalking women in Miami...
...or is her killer trying to make it look like she is?
Ex-cop Reid Garrett doesn’t appreciate bodies turning up in his backyard.
The Everglades is his turf...
...but there's been four murdered women in as many months.
Determined to track down whoever is responsible, he reluctantly joins forces with Kenzie.
As they get closer to the truth, a shocking revelation turns everything on its head...
Can Kenzie and Reid track down the killer before he claims another victim?
Is she the fourth victim of a sexual predator stalking women in Miami...
...or is her killer trying to make it look like she is?
Ex-cop Reid Garrett doesn’t appreciate bodies turning up in his backyard.
The Everglades is his turf...
...but there's been four murdered women in as many months.
Determined to track down whoever is responsible, he reluctantly joins forces with Kenzie.
As they get closer to the truth, a shocking revelation turns everything on its head...
Can Kenzie and Reid track down the killer before he claims another victim?
358 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 21, 2021
2745 people are currently reading
677 people want to read
About the author
Biba Pearce
45 books252 followersBiba Pearce is an award-winning, internationally published crime author, known for crafting gripping, atmospheric mysteries. She is the bestselling author of multiple series including DCI Rob Miller, Kenzie Gilmore and Shrap Nelson. Her work has been recognized by the Feathered Quill and the CWA Debut Dagger awards, and The Marlow Murders was named Best Crime Fiction Book at the 2024 Indie Excellence Book Awards.
Website: bibapearce.com
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Website: bibapearce.com
Instagram: @author_bibapearce
Facebook: @authorbibapearce
TikTok: @authorbibapearce
Blue sky: @authorbibapearce.bsky.social
Facebook Reader Group: facebook.com/groups/bibasthrillseekers
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
September 21, 2021
I love this author’s Detective Rob Miller series. So, I was a bit sad to see her turn to something new. However, from the first page, the characters in this book grabbed my attention and the plot was off and running.
Smart, witty and gripping! Great beginning to a wonderful new crime series!
Smart, witty and gripping! Great beginning to a wonderful new crime series!
December 6, 2022
A compelling mystery, with multiple story lines. A bit on the lighter side. Enjoyed the relationship between the cop and journalist. Set up well for future books, which I will read.
September 22, 2021
This book drew me in and held me delightfully-captive from beginning to end. The palpable tension held me in thrall. The plot kept me guessing. The characters were realistic, likable and identifiable. And, every setting was described in such a way as to make me feel like I was an actual bystander in that scene. Once I started reading this story, I knew this was a book I wasn’t going to be able to put down!
*I received a complimentary ARC of this book in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.
*I received a complimentary ARC of this book in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.
May 27, 2025
Interesting but...
An interesting, engaging story with two very interesting characters (Reid and Kenzie) but a little too protracted, drawn out and unnecessarily verbose. And also very predictable!
An interesting, engaging story with two very interesting characters (Reid and Kenzie) but a little too protracted, drawn out and unnecessarily verbose. And also very predictable!
April 25, 2025
5 ⭐️ - really like Kenzie and Reid as a report and cop duo. This was a great storyline and I kept wanting to go back for more. Looking forward to reading more of the series.
March 15, 2024
This was almost a five star read — for the genre. I really enjoyed it.
January 13, 2026
Bought this because of the cover and read it because of a buzzword challenge. The good: the pace and the characters. The bad: the dialogue. All in all a solid 3 star read.
January 5, 2024
Honestly like 2.5 stars. I figured out the entire plot got Natalia’s murder from the jump.
There were also wayyy too many cases happening at once. The strangler, Natalia, Kenzie’s mom, Bianca’s murder, the drug cartel, the fake investments??? It was all over the place.
There were also wayyy too many cases happening at once. The strangler, Natalia, Kenzie’s mom, Bianca’s murder, the drug cartel, the fake investments??? It was all over the place.
September 21, 2021
“What an exceptionally brilliant well crafted story that keeps you Guessing!”
Wow this is a brand new thriller series called “Kenzie Gilmore” with x detective sergeant and loner Reid Garrett and what a brilliant series this is going to be!
It is both “Stupendous and addictive” and a by the seats of your pants read that you just can’t put down.
When I started reading this and found out it was centered on Kenzie a crime reporter for the Miami HERALD Newspaper my heart sank a bit as I intensely dislike reporters but soon warmed to both Kenzie and Reid. The story is about the unlikely two parenting up together despite a mutual distrust and dislike because of some earlier bad press and tragic incident.
The story also center’s around a serial killer nick named “The Swamp Killer” who is dumping his victims’ is in the Glades and when a rich famous DJ called Snake wife disappears and is then found dead both Reid and Gilmore team up and start following what clues there are.
This book turned out to be one of the best books I’ve read this year and without any question will be looking forward to seeing more in this series. I can’t praise it enough it is a definite hit for me!
Wow this is a brand new thriller series called “Kenzie Gilmore” with x detective sergeant and loner Reid Garrett and what a brilliant series this is going to be!
It is both “Stupendous and addictive” and a by the seats of your pants read that you just can’t put down.
When I started reading this and found out it was centered on Kenzie a crime reporter for the Miami HERALD Newspaper my heart sank a bit as I intensely dislike reporters but soon warmed to both Kenzie and Reid. The story is about the unlikely two parenting up together despite a mutual distrust and dislike because of some earlier bad press and tragic incident.
The story also center’s around a serial killer nick named “The Swamp Killer” who is dumping his victims’ is in the Glades and when a rich famous DJ called Snake wife disappears and is then found dead both Reid and Gilmore team up and start following what clues there are.
This book turned out to be one of the best books I’ve read this year and without any question will be looking forward to seeing more in this series. I can’t praise it enough it is a definite hit for me!
January 15, 2023
Although I gave this book 4 stars, I could have given it 3 or even less. I was torn; some of it was very good, but it lacked consistency and depth, for me. It was a little hard to believe that the main character, Reid Garrett, was going to come back into law enforcement. Especially after leaving for some dubious reasons. And he started right off working a very high profile case with involving a serial killer.
He very quickly established a relationship with Kenzie Gilmore, a journalist, who wanted to graduate from the police academy and work in law enforcement. But she did not graduate. That was also kind of hard to believe, as was how quickly the two become involved - romantically? or not? that was never really revealed - maybe intentionally?
There were a lot of twists and turns to solving the serial killer murders, and in the end, of course, it was not who the reader expected (at least I did not). It was a quick read. I think I would try a sequel by this author, but I can't praise it without some reservations.
He very quickly established a relationship with Kenzie Gilmore, a journalist, who wanted to graduate from the police academy and work in law enforcement. But she did not graduate. That was also kind of hard to believe, as was how quickly the two become involved - romantically? or not? that was never really revealed - maybe intentionally?
There were a lot of twists and turns to solving the serial killer murders, and in the end, of course, it was not who the reader expected (at least I did not). It was a quick read. I think I would try a sequel by this author, but I can't praise it without some reservations.
March 17, 2024
Really a 3.5 star. I enjoyed the story. Overall the writing was good and I was engaged in the story. But I have a couple of negative points to make, none of which are showstoppers. First, it is a marketed as a Kenzie Gilmore thriller, but she seems like more of a co-star to the Reid Garrett character. In fact Reid is a better and far more fleshed out character than Kenzie. Second, Reid does a couple of unauthorized and illegal breaking and entering. That seems a little far fetched for a good cop. Third, like so many authors now, the main mystery is solved, but a secondary mystery is left unfinished and for the next book. The author pulls this off better than some, in that by the end of the book I wasn’t too emotionally involved in the unfinished mystery. But that technique still seems like the author is trying to coerce you into buying the next book. The story telling though is good enough that I might give the second book a go.
October 23, 2022
I had truly hoped to have discovered a new author and looked forward to many more books to sink my teeth in. Unfortunately, I felt this story was a rather boring and unoriginal, depicting police officers who came across as very ill prepared in their jobs. For instance, they get a warrant, and barge into the house without first pinging the cellphones of the people they hope to arrest. These police officers were always chasing their tail and coming up empty. Overall, I had a feeling this story lacked a focus, a center. In my personal opinion, the author didn't add that extra edge to the story to make it compelling. The main characters, the journalist and the retired detective didn't convince me of their authenticity either. It was all so lukewarm.
Maybe I'll try one of this author's book set in the UK to hopefully connect better to it?
Maybe I'll try one of this author's book set in the UK to hopefully connect better to it?
December 26, 2022
I discovered this author with her Detective Rob Miller series, which I absolutely love and highly recommend for anyone who enjoys British police procedurals. I wasn't at all sure about a journalist and ex-detective series set in the Florida Everglades. Talk about a leap in settings: this one leapt across the pond!
While I'm not ready to see the end of Detective Rob Miller, I am looking forward to reading more about Kenzie and Reid Garrett. Partnering a journalist and a detective seems highly improbable, but Pearce makes it work. The plotting was tight and the characters were realistic. The mystery played out beautifully; I was glued to my Kindle.
Well done, Ms. Pearce, well done.
While I'm not ready to see the end of Detective Rob Miller, I am looking forward to reading more about Kenzie and Reid Garrett. Partnering a journalist and a detective seems highly improbable, but Pearce makes it work. The plotting was tight and the characters were realistic. The mystery played out beautifully; I was glued to my Kindle.
Well done, Ms. Pearce, well done.
October 6, 2021
First book in a new series! - This is a great plot, well written and being very believable made it hard to put down. I really liked how two opposite and unlikely matching characters managed to team up and work together to solve the murders. Even if you had an inkling as to who was guilty, you won’t be sure because there’s still the proof required to ‘clinch it’. There is more than one crime going on here, could they be related? This story will keep you guessing until the end!
Bravo – Well done Biba Pearce! I look forward to the next book!
Bravo – Well done Biba Pearce! I look forward to the next book!
February 22, 2022
page turner
An unlikely but perfect partnership. The crimes, details, tension between characters, backstory and chemistry made for a fantastic story and start to a series. I flew through this book and enjoyed the character and relationship buildup. I did figure out part of the crimes but not until the very end and I loved the attention to the crimes, details and theories. The ending left two good storyline still in play for cases to solve and room for their partnership to continue evolving! Can’t wait!
An unlikely but perfect partnership. The crimes, details, tension between characters, backstory and chemistry made for a fantastic story and start to a series. I flew through this book and enjoyed the character and relationship buildup. I did figure out part of the crimes but not until the very end and I loved the attention to the crimes, details and theories. The ending left two good storyline still in play for cases to solve and room for their partnership to continue evolving! Can’t wait!
January 29, 2024
I'm HOOKED
YOU, Biba, are awesome and I know that will only be reinforced with the rest of this series!
Shoot, I'm tired! Stayed awake reading after celebrating friends' 53rd Anniversary, until four-darn-thirty this morning! When my lids slammed shut, then I gave it up! Awake at 9, COFFFFEEEEE, book! The best thing happened, and it's a universal excuse I believe, a cat chose my lap for a nap!! Yay, I could read without guilt!
I'm HOOKED. THIS is my review; you are stuck with me!
Stupid Amazon shows that my husband read MY books, and this one, he will!
Bobi, NOT WFH!
YOU, Biba, are awesome and I know that will only be reinforced with the rest of this series!
Shoot, I'm tired! Stayed awake reading after celebrating friends' 53rd Anniversary, until four-darn-thirty this morning! When my lids slammed shut, then I gave it up! Awake at 9, COFFFFEEEEE, book! The best thing happened, and it's a universal excuse I believe, a cat chose my lap for a nap!! Yay, I could read without guilt!
I'm HOOKED. THIS is my review; you are stuck with me!
Stupid Amazon shows that my husband read MY books, and this one, he will!
Bobi, NOT WFH!
September 21, 2021
This is a brilliant read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and found myself second guessing every thought I had continuously.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and found myself second guessing every thought I had continuously.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
May 21, 2023
murderer mystery
Garrett Reid used to be an officer for the Miami police department. He believes him self for his partner dying and he is living all alone and by himself. They made to reporter Kenzie who is doing a story about a strangler serial killer who is in Miami. I found the ply very good and there were many twist and turns which made it for a very interesting story. I’d recommend this book for all mystery readers.
Garrett Reid used to be an officer for the Miami police department. He believes him self for his partner dying and he is living all alone and by himself. They made to reporter Kenzie who is doing a story about a strangler serial killer who is in Miami. I found the ply very good and there were many twist and turns which made it for a very interesting story. I’d recommend this book for all mystery readers.
November 25, 2023
Thorough and Satisfying Read
It doesn't revolutionize the genre, but Afterburn has heart, soul and some unique twists on the typical mystery.
There are no cookie cutter characters here. The cast are fleshed out, with real motives and pasts that matter. Their motives are believable, as are their insights.
Mystery fans will like Afterburn. It doesn't shatter any genre expectations, but it more than meets them, in enjoyable fashion.
It doesn't revolutionize the genre, but Afterburn has heart, soul and some unique twists on the typical mystery.
There are no cookie cutter characters here. The cast are fleshed out, with real motives and pasts that matter. Their motives are believable, as are their insights.
Mystery fans will like Afterburn. It doesn't shatter any genre expectations, but it more than meets them, in enjoyable fashion.
May 6, 2024
When I first started the book I was a little leery. Having read quite a few other similar series it didn’t really seem to start off well. Kenzie seemed ditzy and I didn’t think she’d get the in with Reid. I was pleasantly surprised! The other cases in the book moved to the back of my mind a few times but I was always amazed at how the came back and seemed to be both tied into Natalia’s case or way off completely but it was always seamless. I’m definitely on to the next in the series!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 10, 2025
Heads or tails...
From a devastating shock of losing a fellow officer, to finding life again with a journalist was rewarding, if not satisfying In the end. Many trials of confidence in another human finally paid off for Reid, in ways he never imagined. But Kenzie restored his belief in justice and trusted and believed her willingness to work for the good. Story was told with emotion and truth .
From a devastating shock of losing a fellow officer, to finding life again with a journalist was rewarding, if not satisfying In the end. Many trials of confidence in another human finally paid off for Reid, in ways he never imagined. But Kenzie restored his belief in justice and trusted and believed her willingness to work for the good. Story was told with emotion and truth .
October 15, 2021
Gripped from the start!
A great book following a serial killer and a celebrity's death - are they linked?
Great characters that I'd like to read more about. A really intriguing plot with a couple of twists, to hold your interest.
Don't miss this book, more please.
I received an ARC and I'm voluntarily leaving an honest review.
A great book following a serial killer and a celebrity's death - are they linked?
Great characters that I'd like to read more about. A really intriguing plot with a couple of twists, to hold your interest.
Don't miss this book, more please.
I received an ARC and I'm voluntarily leaving an honest review.
March 20, 2025
A very enjoyable murder mystery investigated by a crime reporter, Kenzie Gilmore, and a Miami detective, Reid Garrett, working together to find the killer of a socialite. An unlikely combination but a very believable partnership in this novel. Plenty of false leads and several parallel plots keep the reader engaged…. and the whole not too complicated to follow. I will certainly try another Kenzie mystery.
January 21, 2026
I liked the main characters and that the author focused on the murder case they were working on together to solve, instead of trying to turn the book into a romance novel. The plot kept me engrossed and proceeded at a good pace. There was an interesting twist and the conclusion was believable. I’ll definitely read the next book in the series.
September 21, 2021
Terrific start to a new series. Loved this book and couldn’t put it down. The dialogue, chemistry and interaction between the two main characters left me wanting the next book right now! Brilliant plot with plenty of twists and turns. Great descriptive writing of every scene. Highly recommended.
October 4, 2022
I found writing kind of amateurish and the female narrator made Kenzie sound like a teenager. About halfway through I skipped forward to the end so I could find out who did it. Nothing thrilling in this one. I won't be continuing this series.
November 30, 2022
Really good book
Exciting, thrilling, and action packed. The ending was very surprising. Kenzie and Reid make a good team. Hopefully there will be more books with them paired together.
Exciting, thrilling, and action packed. The ending was very surprising. Kenzie and Reid make a good team. Hopefully there will be more books with them paired together.
February 7, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Really well written but not as much action as I’d have liked. I hope the tension rises as the story of #kenzie and #reid go on.
#kindlepaperwhite #kind #bookstagram #thriller #crimethriller #goodreads
Really well written but not as much action as I’d have liked. I hope the tension rises as the story of #kenzie and #reid go on.
#kindlepaperwhite #kind #bookstagram #thriller #crimethriller #goodreads
February 16, 2023
A great book
Reid and Kenzie are teaming up to solve a celebrity murder which appears to involve a serial killer. They work hard to find the evidence needed to close the case. A really great book!
Reid and Kenzie are teaming up to solve a celebrity murder which appears to involve a serial killer. They work hard to find the evidence needed to close the case. A really great book!
March 13, 2023
4.75/5⭐: I really enjoyed this book, it's an absolute page turner. This book reminded me of the Sue Grafton alphabet series with Kinzie Milhon, I was a huge fan of those. As long as Biba keeps up this style through the coming books, it should be an excellent series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews