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Kate Green #1
Lights Out
9 hours, 48 minutes
In this exciting debut novel comes a fast-paced thriller that follows a sports reporter’s journey off the court…and into a world of murder and deception.
Former Olympic athlete and current semi-disgraced sports reporter Kate Green isn’t sure how much more tumultuous her life can get. Then NBA superstar Kurt Robbins is killed, and the prime suspect in his murder is none other than his wife…and Kate’s best friend.
Kate knows that Yvette’s marriage wasn’t exactly stable, but her friend is no murderer, and Kate is determined to prove it with her own investigation. While she tries to salvage Yvette’s life, Kate’s own continues to unravel. Her career is in limbo. Gossip columns speculate about her future. Her children are battling their own demons. And her estranged father suddenly reenters her life as a detective assigned to Kurt’s homicide case.
As her worlds collide—exposing secrets, lies, and ulterior motives—Kate may have to choose between the games she can play and the one she might lose.
In this exciting debut novel comes a fast-paced thriller that follows a sports reporter’s journey off the court…and into a world of murder and deception.
Former Olympic athlete and current semi-disgraced sports reporter Kate Green isn’t sure how much more tumultuous her life can get. Then NBA superstar Kurt Robbins is killed, and the prime suspect in his murder is none other than his wife…and Kate’s best friend.
Kate knows that Yvette’s marriage wasn’t exactly stable, but her friend is no murderer, and Kate is determined to prove it with her own investigation. While she tries to salvage Yvette’s life, Kate’s own continues to unravel. Her career is in limbo. Gossip columns speculate about her future. Her children are battling their own demons. And her estranged father suddenly reenters her life as a detective assigned to Kurt’s homicide case.
As her worlds collide—exposing secrets, lies, and ulterior motives—Kate may have to choose between the games she can play and the one she might lose.
284 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2023
6868 people are currently reading
13053 people want to read
About the author
Elise Hart Kipness
3 books272 followersElise Hart Kipness is a former television sports reporter turned thriller writer. Lights Out is based on her experience in the high-pressure, adrenaline-pumping world of live TV. Like her protagonist, she chased marquee athletes through the tunnels of Madison Square Garden and stood before glaring lights, reporting to national audiences.
In addition to reporting for Fox Sports Network, Elise was a news reporter at New York’s WNBC-TV, News 12 Long Island, and the Associated Press. She is currently co-president of Sisters in Crime Connecticut, as well as a member of Mystery Writers of America and International Thriller Writers. Elise graduate from Brown University and lives in Connecticut with her family and three labradoodles.
In addition to reporting for Fox Sports Network, Elise was a news reporter at New York’s WNBC-TV, News 12 Long Island, and the Associated Press. She is currently co-president of Sisters in Crime Connecticut, as well as a member of Mystery Writers of America and International Thriller Writers. Elise graduate from Brown University and lives in Connecticut with her family and three labradoodles.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 926 reviews
October 20, 2023
So I didn’t like either Amazon First Reads I picked this month. Normally that’s not the case.
The writing style of this one was just not for me. Who knew a murder could be so boring? I just felt there was so many unnecessary descriptions and not enough exciting things happening. If you can do slow based books, then you might like this. This author is highly descriptive, but I feel it’s not right for this genre. This author should be writing romance with this slow type of writing style. There’s so much going on, but also nothing going on. Too many characters, but no exciting characters.
Free copy from Amazon First Reads.
The writing style of this one was just not for me. Who knew a murder could be so boring? I just felt there was so many unnecessary descriptions and not enough exciting things happening. If you can do slow based books, then you might like this. This author is highly descriptive, but I feel it’s not right for this genre. This author should be writing romance with this slow type of writing style. There’s so much going on, but also nothing going on. Too many characters, but no exciting characters.
Free copy from Amazon First Reads.
November 11, 2023
Currently #1 in Crime Thrillers and Women Sleuths on Amazon!
After a successful career as a professional soccer player, Kate Green has managed to reinvent herself at the end of her time on the field as a sports reporter. Ten years later, following a disastrous televised interview, she may be on the cusp of losing the very job she loves so much. Currently suspended, Kate wonders how much more difficult her life can get when the rug gets pulled out from under her following the heinous murder of NBA superstar Kurt Robbins in his very own home.
As the investigation into who could’ve been behind the renowned sports hero’s death gets underway, all sights seem to be set on none other than his longtime wife—and Kate’s best friend—Yvette. Admittedly, her marriage was anything but smooth sailing, but every time Kate had seen them together, the love was as plain as the nose on her face. No matter what, Kate just can’t align that image with her friend slaying her husband—no matter what the rumors might say.
Believing that the police have gotten it all wrong, Kate sets about to investigate the murder herself. But as she works to rescue Yvette from the clutches of prison, Kate is horrified to watch her own life begin to circle the drain. With her already injured career up in the air, she’s alarmed to see her own name printed blatantly in the gossip columns of the New York Post’s Page Six.
Even worse, however, are the very real battles her children are facing and the fact that her estranged father has just reappeared in her life. Assigned to assist the relatively inexperienced Greenwich Police’s homicide department, her NYPD detective father is to be front and center in Kurt’s murder investigation.
As Kate’s carefully constructed world begins to fray, plenty of devastating secrets, well hidden lies, and ulterior motives start to bubble to the surface. If she chooses to help Yvette, just what might Kate lose? After all, every choice comes with a cost. Will hers be even greater than even she can imagine?
Holy cow! I absolutely love finding books that manage to knock my socks off and Lights Out, Elise Hart Kipness’s debut novel, did just that! From its attention grabbing start to the heart stopping climax, I was well and truly won over hook, line, and sinker. And the fact that this was just book one in a brand spanking new series? Well, sign me up because I’m totally game!
A compelling mix between crime fiction and thriller, this is one story that should be shortlisted for any fan of either one. After all, with a plot that delivered one riveting twist after another, it kept me on the edge of my seat until a mind-blowing climax that had my fingers racing through the pages. On top of all of that, however, the storyline was well-written and easy to follow as well as wonderfully addictive from the very first word.
But what really had me from hello was the impeccable character of Kate Green. From her strong-minded attitude and clever investigative skills, I, for one, would not want to be between her and the truth. An original character who was exceptionally well-developed, I look forward to seeing how her future continues to unfold in book two. That’s in addition, of course, to my curiosity about what she’ll manage to investigate next.
While there was certainly plenty of crime fiction bits and pieces including the following of hunches and tracking of clues, this one also had plenty of plot curveballs and rising suspense sure to please any thriller lover through and though. I mean, I couldn’t, for the life of me, work out who the killer could possibly have been. Everyone, and I mean everyone, had my suspicion at some point. Even, dare I say, the very trustworthy Kate herself.
A masterfully devised story full of the perils of female friendship, deftly hidden secrets, and the evils that perpetrate even the most wealthy of neighborhoods, Kipness has easily added herself to my auto-buy author list. And that was all before the shocking turn of events right there in the very finale. All I can say is that if you haven’t seen this one around just yet, don’t wait until you see it out on store shelves. No, you should definitely pre-order this puppy today. After all, it’s simply not one to be missed. Rating of 5 stars.
Thank you to Elise Hart Kipness, Thomas & Mercer, NetGalley, and Thriller Book Lovers Promotions for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: November 1, 2023
👉 Be sure to head to my Amazon Storefront to order. I get a small commission and would love your support!
Trigger warning: death of a spouse/father, infidelity, mention of: drug overdose, fatal shooting
After a successful career as a professional soccer player, Kate Green has managed to reinvent herself at the end of her time on the field as a sports reporter. Ten years later, following a disastrous televised interview, she may be on the cusp of losing the very job she loves so much. Currently suspended, Kate wonders how much more difficult her life can get when the rug gets pulled out from under her following the heinous murder of NBA superstar Kurt Robbins in his very own home.
As the investigation into who could’ve been behind the renowned sports hero’s death gets underway, all sights seem to be set on none other than his longtime wife—and Kate’s best friend—Yvette. Admittedly, her marriage was anything but smooth sailing, but every time Kate had seen them together, the love was as plain as the nose on her face. No matter what, Kate just can’t align that image with her friend slaying her husband—no matter what the rumors might say.
Believing that the police have gotten it all wrong, Kate sets about to investigate the murder herself. But as she works to rescue Yvette from the clutches of prison, Kate is horrified to watch her own life begin to circle the drain. With her already injured career up in the air, she’s alarmed to see her own name printed blatantly in the gossip columns of the New York Post’s Page Six.
Even worse, however, are the very real battles her children are facing and the fact that her estranged father has just reappeared in her life. Assigned to assist the relatively inexperienced Greenwich Police’s homicide department, her NYPD detective father is to be front and center in Kurt’s murder investigation.
As Kate’s carefully constructed world begins to fray, plenty of devastating secrets, well hidden lies, and ulterior motives start to bubble to the surface. If she chooses to help Yvette, just what might Kate lose? After all, every choice comes with a cost. Will hers be even greater than even she can imagine?
Holy cow! I absolutely love finding books that manage to knock my socks off and Lights Out, Elise Hart Kipness’s debut novel, did just that! From its attention grabbing start to the heart stopping climax, I was well and truly won over hook, line, and sinker. And the fact that this was just book one in a brand spanking new series? Well, sign me up because I’m totally game!
A compelling mix between crime fiction and thriller, this is one story that should be shortlisted for any fan of either one. After all, with a plot that delivered one riveting twist after another, it kept me on the edge of my seat until a mind-blowing climax that had my fingers racing through the pages. On top of all of that, however, the storyline was well-written and easy to follow as well as wonderfully addictive from the very first word.
But what really had me from hello was the impeccable character of Kate Green. From her strong-minded attitude and clever investigative skills, I, for one, would not want to be between her and the truth. An original character who was exceptionally well-developed, I look forward to seeing how her future continues to unfold in book two. That’s in addition, of course, to my curiosity about what she’ll manage to investigate next.
While there was certainly plenty of crime fiction bits and pieces including the following of hunches and tracking of clues, this one also had plenty of plot curveballs and rising suspense sure to please any thriller lover through and though. I mean, I couldn’t, for the life of me, work out who the killer could possibly have been. Everyone, and I mean everyone, had my suspicion at some point. Even, dare I say, the very trustworthy Kate herself.
A masterfully devised story full of the perils of female friendship, deftly hidden secrets, and the evils that perpetrate even the most wealthy of neighborhoods, Kipness has easily added herself to my auto-buy author list. And that was all before the shocking turn of events right there in the very finale. All I can say is that if you haven’t seen this one around just yet, don’t wait until you see it out on store shelves. No, you should definitely pre-order this puppy today. After all, it’s simply not one to be missed. Rating of 5 stars.
Thank you to Elise Hart Kipness, Thomas & Mercer, NetGalley, and Thriller Book Lovers Promotions for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: November 1, 2023
👉 Be sure to head to my Amazon Storefront to order. I get a small commission and would love your support!
Trigger warning: death of a spouse/father, infidelity, mention of: drug overdose, fatal shooting
October 4, 2023
What a fantastic debut!!
It’s always the husband right?? 🤷♀️ What if it’s the husband that is found murdered?? 🤔Well… hmmm … is it always the wife? The media seems to think so..😏… Are they right?!! 🤫
Kate Green is out to prove her BFF 👯♀️ is innocent… why would she kill her famous NBA star 🏀 hubby?? Hellloo it’s obvious she loved the dude! 😍
I loved Kate!! This book was a fast read that I could not put down. Just when I thought I had it figured out…I did not..😂…I can’t wait to get my hands on her next book!! 🍁🧡🍁🍁
It’s always the husband right?? 🤷♀️ What if it’s the husband that is found murdered?? 🤔Well… hmmm … is it always the wife? The media seems to think so..😏… Are they right?!! 🤫
Kate Green is out to prove her BFF 👯♀️ is innocent… why would she kill her famous NBA star 🏀 hubby?? Hellloo it’s obvious she loved the dude! 😍
I loved Kate!! This book was a fast read that I could not put down. Just when I thought I had it figured out…I did not..😂…I can’t wait to get my hands on her next book!! 🍁🧡🍁🍁
November 7, 2023
Awful and contrived. Considering the high praise amongst readers on here, I expected so much more but instead got writing that felt amateurish and a plot that even a child could have predicted. It is a good job it was free otherwise I would have felt like I had wasted money alongside my time.
October 13, 2023
I don’t understand the five-star reviews. This book was okay. It wasn’t anything special. I liked the characters, but they were rather flat. Honestly, the storyline was a bit meh for me.
September 28, 2023
What an outstanding debut novel Lights Out is!
A murder in the suburbs, albeit a rich suburb. NBA star Kurt Robbins is murdered in his own home, and of course all fingers point to the wife. Kurt was known for his wandering eye, so did Yvette, his wife finally have enough? Her best friend, Kate Green doesn’t believe her friend could kill anyone and sets out to prove it. Kate is currently on leave from her job as a sports presenter, and is a former professional soccer player. Determined to make the police see the truth, Kate stats asking the tough questions, putting herself and her family in danger,
Now you don’t have to be a sports fan to love this book. I was hooked from the very beginning of this book and couldn’t wait to see how it would end. It has been left wide open for a second book which is exciting too. Kate is a great character, loyal to those she loves, and holds grudges when she has been wronged. I can’t wait to read more from her.
Thanks so much to Thriller Book Promotions, NetGalley and Thomas and Mercer for the advanced copy of this book to read. Publishes on November 1st
A murder in the suburbs, albeit a rich suburb. NBA star Kurt Robbins is murdered in his own home, and of course all fingers point to the wife. Kurt was known for his wandering eye, so did Yvette, his wife finally have enough? Her best friend, Kate Green doesn’t believe her friend could kill anyone and sets out to prove it. Kate is currently on leave from her job as a sports presenter, and is a former professional soccer player. Determined to make the police see the truth, Kate stats asking the tough questions, putting herself and her family in danger,
Now you don’t have to be a sports fan to love this book. I was hooked from the very beginning of this book and couldn’t wait to see how it would end. It has been left wide open for a second book which is exciting too. Kate is a great character, loyal to those she loves, and holds grudges when she has been wronged. I can’t wait to read more from her.
Thanks so much to Thriller Book Promotions, NetGalley and Thomas and Mercer for the advanced copy of this book to read. Publishes on November 1st
November 2, 2023
I hate it when I read a stupid book but I don't realize that it's so dumb until it is too late to stop. Ugh. There were so many details in this book about completely irrelevant things. I spent half the book thinking the woman in the pastel-purple yoga pants was somehow going to be relevant to the story. But no, she literally just bumped into her in a coffee shop. And so many other details I didn't need. So much of the story was unrealistic. Like she is really going to walk into that house and leave with a trashbag full of his financials to look through at her leisure over the next week when the police have arrested him for related crimes. Wait. I just now realized they never told us what that was all about. What the heck? Maybe I need to give it one star. Just going to stop the review now.
October 29, 2024
I guess I shouldn't be surprised but I was pretty freaked out this morning when this book was shown on Goodreads as "finished reading". I did finish reading it last night but I thought only my Kindle and I were aware since I went to sleep immediately after. This was an Amazon First Reads so maybe that's why?
Former Olympic soccer player and current semi-disgraced sports reporter Kate Green lands in the middle of a murder investigation when NBA superstar Kurt Robbins is killed, and the prime suspect in his murder is his wife Yvette, Kate’s best friend.
I thought this was a pretty good story and it was easy to read. I honestly don't remember when I started it because it kept getting pushed further down as other books took precedence. I got back to it recently and had to do a bit of back-tracking to refresh my memory. Kate Green is a likeable character but once again it's a case of someone sticking their nose into a police investigation and doing a better job than the police. There's some intrigue and plenty of deception in the book but after a certain point it was fairly easy to figure out who the guilty party was. Book 2 is available now but I'm not sure if I'd read another book in this series.
This was an Amazon First Reads from October 2023.
Former Olympic soccer player and current semi-disgraced sports reporter Kate Green lands in the middle of a murder investigation when NBA superstar Kurt Robbins is killed, and the prime suspect in his murder is his wife Yvette, Kate’s best friend.
I thought this was a pretty good story and it was easy to read. I honestly don't remember when I started it because it kept getting pushed further down as other books took precedence. I got back to it recently and had to do a bit of back-tracking to refresh my memory. Kate Green is a likeable character but once again it's a case of someone sticking their nose into a police investigation and doing a better job than the police. There's some intrigue and plenty of deception in the book but after a certain point it was fairly easy to figure out who the guilty party was. Book 2 is available now but I'm not sure if I'd read another book in this series.
This was an Amazon First Reads from October 2023.
October 2, 2023
This was an OK read but, I found that sometimes it didn't go anywhere and all the sports chat went over my head as it was American sport. But, saying that the beginning was good, the middle was boring and the ending was brilliant. A mixed bag there for me.
November 10, 2023
This was a great debut! It held my attention the whole time and the last 20% or so was action packed! I couldn’t turn pages fast enough! I will definitely be reading book 2 when it comes out!
Kate is with her friend Yvette when Yvette gets the call that changes everything. Her husband, a famous basketball star, has been shot and killed inside his home. The police immediately assume the wife as a suspect. Kate doesn’t believe her friend could do it and began her own investigation. I loved all the red herrings! I went back and forth so many times with who I thought was the murderer! There were quite a few twists at the end that were fantastic!
Kate is with her friend Yvette when Yvette gets the call that changes everything. Her husband, a famous basketball star, has been shot and killed inside his home. The police immediately assume the wife as a suspect. Kate doesn’t believe her friend could do it and began her own investigation. I loved all the red herrings! I went back and forth so many times with who I thought was the murderer! There were quite a few twists at the end that were fantastic!
September 5, 2023
In a nutshell: Kate Green is a former soccer athlete who now works as a sports reporter in Greenwich, Connecticut. When the story opens we find that Kate’s life is somewhat turbulent at the moment, since she lost her temper after being provoked by NBA player Mason Burke, and has been suspended. She also has to contend with constant interference and aggravation from her ex-husband Tyler, who never hesitates to barge into her home and offer his opinions on how to raise their two teenaged children. On top of all this, a longtime personal friend, NBA athlete Kurt Robbins, is found murdered in his mansion. The prime suspect from the police chief’s perspective is Kate’s best friend and wife of the deceased, Yvette Robbins. Kate feels compelled to defend her best friend, and since she has time on her hands, she sets out to determine who the real murderer is, unwittingly endangering herself and her children.
Thoughts: This is a short and snappy thriller which moves at a lively pace. Kate Green is an interesting character – an independent and tough woman with initiative and a temper. She has put her ill-fated marriage in her rear-view mirror and is moving on with her reporting job and her close relationship with her two children. She is a realistically flawed character, losing control of her temper on the job and perhaps being a little too trusting of the people in her life. I found the rarified air of the uber-privileged, wealthy town a bit irritating, and there don’t seem to be any men in this novel with redeeming qualities. The absentee father is overbearing; the ex-husband is a philanderer and loudmouth; the police chief is a conceited camera hog seeking a promotion; and even the murder victim is a deceitful adulterer. Perhaps one decent man would have been a relief. Overall, this is a solid debut thriller which would appeal to readers who enjoy a good murder and a strong female protagonist.
Thoughts: This is a short and snappy thriller which moves at a lively pace. Kate Green is an interesting character – an independent and tough woman with initiative and a temper. She has put her ill-fated marriage in her rear-view mirror and is moving on with her reporting job and her close relationship with her two children. She is a realistically flawed character, losing control of her temper on the job and perhaps being a little too trusting of the people in her life. I found the rarified air of the uber-privileged, wealthy town a bit irritating, and there don’t seem to be any men in this novel with redeeming qualities. The absentee father is overbearing; the ex-husband is a philanderer and loudmouth; the police chief is a conceited camera hog seeking a promotion; and even the murder victim is a deceitful adulterer. Perhaps one decent man would have been a relief. Overall, this is a solid debut thriller which would appeal to readers who enjoy a good murder and a strong female protagonist.
March 5, 2025
Great read!!!
October 6, 2023
Weak characterization, clunky writing, and unconvincing plot development.
October 31, 2023
Usually the Amazon First Reads are really good, but I didn’t love this one. I wasn’t a fan of writing style. It was kind of slow for a murder mystery/thriller and I felt that there were too many random small details thrown in, which added to the slower pace.
September 6, 2023
To be honest, I really thought I wasn’t going to like this book. I can’t do sports, and the main character is a sports reporter. So, I was pleasantly surprised when I found out that the only real mention of sports had to do with the victim. Score! (Pun intended) I loved this book!
Kate Green is my new favorite protagonist. She is a sports reporter, who really should be a detective. She asks all the right questions, is determined, and is not afraid to get her hands dirty. She does a better job getting answers then the police do! It’s time for a career change. I absolutely loved her caring nature, and strong personality.
To me, a good thriller is a story where I can’t figure out who the killer is. I can honestly say, I thought everyone was the killer at some point, in this book. From the spouse, brother, daughter, mistress, to daughter, and even Kate! No one trustworthy in this book. And that final reveal, right at the end…yup. I will never trust a character in an Elise Hart Kipness book again!!
Lights Out is book one in a series. This makes me so happy! I need to know what happens to Kate in the future. Her personal life, and home life is a mess, her job is on the fritz, what does her future hold? Also, I really want to see who she investigates next.
Kate Green is my new favorite protagonist. She is a sports reporter, who really should be a detective. She asks all the right questions, is determined, and is not afraid to get her hands dirty. She does a better job getting answers then the police do! It’s time for a career change. I absolutely loved her caring nature, and strong personality.
To me, a good thriller is a story where I can’t figure out who the killer is. I can honestly say, I thought everyone was the killer at some point, in this book. From the spouse, brother, daughter, mistress, to daughter, and even Kate! No one trustworthy in this book. And that final reveal, right at the end…yup. I will never trust a character in an Elise Hart Kipness book again!!
Lights Out is book one in a series. This makes me so happy! I need to know what happens to Kate in the future. Her personal life, and home life is a mess, her job is on the fritz, what does her future hold? Also, I really want to see who she investigates next.
May 16, 2023
Welcome to Connecticut’s Gold Coast, where celebrity athletes rub shoulders with the locals and marriage can be murder. When basketball star Kurt Robbins is found dead in his palatial Greenwich home, suspicion immediately falls on his wife, and it’s up to her best friend, disgraced sports reporter Kate Green, to unravel Kurt’s secrets and lies. Part posh domestic suspense, part puzzle box, Elise Hart Kipness’s LIGHTS OUT is a skillfully constructed story of female friendship, hidden truths, and the mysteries that can lurk in seemingly quiet neighborhoods. I devoured every page.
September 25, 2024
TITLE: LIGHTS OUT
AUTHOR: Elise Hart Kipness
PUB DATE: 11.01.2023 Pre Order Now
SYNOPSIS:
Former Olympic athlete and sports reporter Kate Green isn’t sure how much more tumultuous her life can get. She’s been put on temporary leave from her job, then NBA superstar Kurt Robbins is killed and the prime suspect in his murder is none other than his wife…and Kate’s best friend.
Kate knows that Yvette’s marriage wasn’t exactly stable, but her friend is no murderer, and Kate is determined to prove it with her own investigation. While she tries to salvage Yvette’s life, Kate’s own continues to unravel. Her career is in limbo. Gossip columns speculate about her future. Her children are battling their own demons. And her estranged father suddenly reenters her life as a detective assigned to Kurt’s homicide case. As her worlds collide―exposing secrets, lies, and ulterior motives―Kate may have to choose between the games she can play and the one she might lose.
THOUGHTS:
LIGHTS OUT is a gripping debut thriller from Elise Hart Kipness that I read through in a couple of sittings. I found the characters well developed and really embraced the complex themes of friendship, family, marriage, and parenting in this murder mystery. Cloaked in the backdrop of secrets and lies of a swanky suburban setting, there are many twists and leaves a very satisfying ending. I see this as a great start to a potential series with Kate Green as our star protagonist.
AUTHOR: Elise Hart Kipness
PUB DATE: 11.01.2023 Pre Order Now
SYNOPSIS:
Former Olympic athlete and sports reporter Kate Green isn’t sure how much more tumultuous her life can get. She’s been put on temporary leave from her job, then NBA superstar Kurt Robbins is killed and the prime suspect in his murder is none other than his wife…and Kate’s best friend.
Kate knows that Yvette’s marriage wasn’t exactly stable, but her friend is no murderer, and Kate is determined to prove it with her own investigation. While she tries to salvage Yvette’s life, Kate’s own continues to unravel. Her career is in limbo. Gossip columns speculate about her future. Her children are battling their own demons. And her estranged father suddenly reenters her life as a detective assigned to Kurt’s homicide case. As her worlds collide―exposing secrets, lies, and ulterior motives―Kate may have to choose between the games she can play and the one she might lose.
THOUGHTS:
LIGHTS OUT is a gripping debut thriller from Elise Hart Kipness that I read through in a couple of sittings. I found the characters well developed and really embraced the complex themes of friendship, family, marriage, and parenting in this murder mystery. Cloaked in the backdrop of secrets and lies of a swanky suburban setting, there are many twists and leaves a very satisfying ending. I see this as a great start to a potential series with Kate Green as our star protagonist.
November 19, 2023
Lights Out had an interesting premise and packed some good revelations & twists, but the pacing made it difficult to enjoy the first 2/3rd of the book. It starts out very slow, and the writing style is way too descriptive for my personal preference. Then, we get so many twists and turns in the final few pages of the book. I wish they were paced better throughout the story.
October 16, 2023
Professional sports is at the heart of this debut novel. The author weaves complex tales that kept me reading! The characters are developed nicely and the twists are a great reveal!
November 4, 2023
Worst audiobook narrator I’ve heard in a while. Unlistenable.
October 13, 2023
This is how you debut! I absolutely loved this one.
When Kate's friend Yvette is the main subject of her husband's murder, Kate does everything in her power to get to the true story.
There are so many possible suspects, yet the main detective only has his eyes on Yvette. As the story unfolds, there are more and more suspects, plenty of people with an ax to grind.
This was addictive and fast paced and I absolutely loved Kate. She was such a great character, dealing with her own tough circumstances. Although there were numerous characters, they were well developed and easily distinguishable, a remarkable feat.
It's an expertly crafted whodunit! The resolution was perfect, the ending quite emotional.
When Kate's friend Yvette is the main subject of her husband's murder, Kate does everything in her power to get to the true story.
There are so many possible suspects, yet the main detective only has his eyes on Yvette. As the story unfolds, there are more and more suspects, plenty of people with an ax to grind.
This was addictive and fast paced and I absolutely loved Kate. She was such a great character, dealing with her own tough circumstances. Although there were numerous characters, they were well developed and easily distinguishable, a remarkable feat.
It's an expertly crafted whodunit! The resolution was perfect, the ending quite emotional.
January 16, 2024
Well written. Interesting enough but was just missing something to me. Good mystery and well rounded characters. Not sure what I was expecting from this book but it wasn’t what I read. Which isn’t a bad thing.
I guess nothing stood out to me - I also prefer a little psychological edge to my mystery/thrillers - this book reads as a normal murder mystery. Don’t get me wrong the book isn’t bad - it’s good and well written so I imagine many people will love it. I just found myself bored - which could either be the book or just the mood I’m in. I can’t pinpoint it.
I guess nothing stood out to me - I also prefer a little psychological edge to my mystery/thrillers - this book reads as a normal murder mystery. Don’t get me wrong the book isn’t bad - it’s good and well written so I imagine many people will love it. I just found myself bored - which could either be the book or just the mood I’m in. I can’t pinpoint it.
March 14, 2024
This was bad, so so so bad. Why as a reader do we need to know that a chaise was oblong??? And that’s one of the many details that were in this book that no one needed to know. I wasn’t thrilled, I wasn’t surprised, I’m pretty sure I blacked out for 3hrs listening to this. I’ll give it grace since it was a debut novel. But wow, nothing about this was worth listening and or reading.
October 15, 2023
2 and a half stars. A nice setup and premise with decidedly mediocre writing and limp dialogue. The climax was too quick and the middle of this book sagged. I stuck with it anyway and wish I liked it more. This will be my last Kate Green thriller.
October 16, 2023
As a sports fan, someone married to a person in the news business, and thriller lover, Lights Out was destined to be well received. Let me tell you, it did not disappoint!
This novel is fast-paced, exciting, and layered. Because it's the start of a series, the character depth is fantastic and I'm so excited to see how these relationships develop and where the storyline goes.
Lights Out takes stereotypes and assumptions and flips them on their head. For example, when a wife is murdered, we're always quick to blame the husband. Is the same the case when a husband is murdered?
The focal point of the novel is definitely solving who killed Kurt Robinson, but I appreciated that there was so much more going on. Kate's relationship with her father, her career, and the difficulties with her children all made this book multifaceted and had a little something for everyone. It also ended on a bit of cliffhanger so there's no question I'll be grabbing the second in the series as soon as I can!
While some of the mystery may be a little bit predictable for the seasoned thriller reader, it was still a fun and wild ride getting there. I loved how everything played out. I'm really impressed this was a debut and I'm very excited to read more by Kipness.
Thank you to Thriller Book Lovers Promotions and Thomas & Mercer for the copy.
This novel is fast-paced, exciting, and layered. Because it's the start of a series, the character depth is fantastic and I'm so excited to see how these relationships develop and where the storyline goes.
Lights Out takes stereotypes and assumptions and flips them on their head. For example, when a wife is murdered, we're always quick to blame the husband. Is the same the case when a husband is murdered?
The focal point of the novel is definitely solving who killed Kurt Robinson, but I appreciated that there was so much more going on. Kate's relationship with her father, her career, and the difficulties with her children all made this book multifaceted and had a little something for everyone. It also ended on a bit of cliffhanger so there's no question I'll be grabbing the second in the series as soon as I can!
While some of the mystery may be a little bit predictable for the seasoned thriller reader, it was still a fun and wild ride getting there. I loved how everything played out. I'm really impressed this was a debut and I'm very excited to read more by Kipness.
Thank you to Thriller Book Lovers Promotions and Thomas & Mercer for the copy.
November 23, 2023
Because many of us are celebrating Thanksgiving today, I’ll get right to the point so we can return to family, food, and football.
This fantastic debut opens with a suspenseful prologue that pulls you into a game of betrayals and murder. Kate Green, a former athlete turned sports reporter, is currently suspended for defending her motherhood to a rude athlete.
Life deals another blow when her best friend Yvette’s husband, an NBA superstar, is found dead. Of course, Yvette becomes the prime suspect. Kate does everything she can to help Yvette, but the more involved she becomes, the more Kate’s life falls apart.
You don’t have to be a sports fan to enjoy this one. I appreciated the aspects of friendships, motherhood, and even “hidden lives” woven into the narrative. With plenty of domestic drama, suspense, and multiple suspects to keep you guessing, you’ll fly through this one.
Thank you @suzyapprovedbooktours and @elisehartkipness
for a spot on tour and a gifted book.
This fantastic debut opens with a suspenseful prologue that pulls you into a game of betrayals and murder. Kate Green, a former athlete turned sports reporter, is currently suspended for defending her motherhood to a rude athlete.
Life deals another blow when her best friend Yvette’s husband, an NBA superstar, is found dead. Of course, Yvette becomes the prime suspect. Kate does everything she can to help Yvette, but the more involved she becomes, the more Kate’s life falls apart.
You don’t have to be a sports fan to enjoy this one. I appreciated the aspects of friendships, motherhood, and even “hidden lives” woven into the narrative. With plenty of domestic drama, suspense, and multiple suspects to keep you guessing, you’ll fly through this one.
Thank you @suzyapprovedbooktours and @elisehartkipness
for a spot on tour and a gifted book.
September 9, 2024
Great and exciting debut novel!
I’m looking forward to Elise’s next novel.
I highly recommend this mystery/thriller!!!
I’m looking forward to Elise’s next novel.
I highly recommend this mystery/thriller!!!
October 15, 2023
A terrific read
I have never read this author, bur after this book I will be reading many more of her books.A fast pace who done it with many great side plots.
I have never read this author, bur after this book I will be reading many more of her books.A fast pace who done it with many great side plots.
October 25, 2023
When basketball star, Kurt Russell is found murdered in his home, his wife, Yvette enlists the help of her best friend to prove her innocence. Kate Green is an ex-professional soccer player turned sports reporter. She’ll do anything to help prove that Yvette didn’t hurt her husband even if it puts her in danger.
Wow! This book started off with a bang and held my attention straight through. This fast-paced story was filled with mystery, suspense, action, and emotion. I was surprised this was a debut because it was written so well, and I didn’t want to put it down.
There were a lot of characters in this book which sometimes I struggle with, but it was easy to keep track of them. I enjoyed all of the clues and red herrings thrown in throughout the story. I really liked Kate as the main character. I found her relatable, and I loved that a strong, intelligent woman was able to figure things out that others couldn’t. I’m excited to continue this series to see what Kate will be investigating next.
Wow! This book started off with a bang and held my attention straight through. This fast-paced story was filled with mystery, suspense, action, and emotion. I was surprised this was a debut because it was written so well, and I didn’t want to put it down.
There were a lot of characters in this book which sometimes I struggle with, but it was easy to keep track of them. I enjoyed all of the clues and red herrings thrown in throughout the story. I really liked Kate as the main character. I found her relatable, and I loved that a strong, intelligent woman was able to figure things out that others couldn’t. I’m excited to continue this series to see what Kate will be investigating next.
November 4, 2023
This book was not good. For such a “fast paced read” it took me a really long time to finish it. The story just dragged. A lot of unnecessary things were overly detailed. The murderer was predictable. The lead up to the final reveal was meh. There was just way too much going on and way too many characters I forgot who did what.
I did not like the FMC. Mostly because at the beginning she shat so much on people who didn’t drink their coffee “pure”. She was “not like other girls”. A lot of the time I forgot her age. She came off a lot younger
The lending left you on a lame cliffhanger as a set up for her next book. Which I will not be reading
I did not like the FMC. Mostly because at the beginning she shat so much on people who didn’t drink their coffee “pure”. She was “not like other girls”. A lot of the time I forgot her age. She came off a lot younger
The lending left you on a lame cliffhanger as a set up for her next book. Which I will not be reading
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