{"id":11128,"date":"2019-02-06T00:00:08","date_gmt":"2019-02-05T22:00:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thelesbianreview.com\/?p=11128"},"modified":"2023-06-14T15:21:39","modified_gmt":"2023-06-14T13:21:39","slug":"killer-instinct-barbara-winkes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thelesbianreview.com\/killer-instinct-barbara-winkes\/","title":{"rendered":"Killer Instinct by Barbara Winkes: Book Review"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Killer<\/a>Killer Instinct by Barbara Winkes<\/b><\/span> is an engaging thriller of the tormented-protagonist variety.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joanna is a former cop who went rogue and paid her debt to society. Now she\u2019s trying to live a normal life with job that requires physical labor and little thought. Regular visits to a local bar help her find cheap solace in one-night stands with women who don\u2019t expect a second date. But just as she meets Rue, a woman she\u2019s finally interested in for more than just one night, the past catches up. <\/span>A serial killer has an M.O. similar one of her old cases. Joanna can\u2019t leave the case alone. Or is it the other way around? Will Joanna and Rue get to see their love blossom, or will the case get in the way?<\/span><\/p>\n

The Characters<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n

I don\u2019t care much for \u201cbroken\u201d characters as protagonists, but Joanna is well-developed. I found myself caring about her. Rue is a sweet, strong woman who just may be able to turn Joanna\u2019s life around. <\/span><\/p>\n

Joanna\u2019s former colleagues on the force could use her help, as much as they hate to admit it. They still care for her but are conflicted about her rogue past. <\/span><\/p>\n

Vanessa, the Internal Affairs cop who put Joanna behind bars, ends up developing a special bond with her. Unlikely as that seems, the relationship seems to work. <\/span><\/p>\n

The suspects are realistic, if creepy, but they\u2019d have to be given the nature of their crimes.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Writing Style<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n

The pacing and plot move along well, but I found myself occasionally backtracking on dialogue to keep the characters straight. <\/span><\/p>\n

The first half of the book is a bit heavy on backstory and exposition, but the author hits her stride in the second half where relationships are depicted realistically, and the pace picks up.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Pros<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n

I liked the portrayal of Joanna\u2019s relationship with her former colleagues, especially, Vanessa from Internal Affairs. The relationship is complex and never sounds trite. The relationship with Rue is also depicted with some growth and not rushed.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Cons<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n

Trigger warnings: sexual violence against women, ritualistic violence, homophobic father.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Conclusion<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n

For fans of serial killer mysteries who enjoy creepy, disturbing violence.<\/span><\/p>\n

Excerpt from <\/b><\/span>Killer Instinct by Barbara Winkes<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n

Oh God. <\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

No. <\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

It didn\u2019t mean he was back. It didn\u2019t mean he ever stopped. It wasn\u2019t her job. <\/span><\/p>\n

She called Vanessa on her cell and landline, and as expected, both calls went to a voicemail. <\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCall me back when you get this. I need to ask you a favor.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

In the past, she would have gone back to the station and look up those files herself, but of course she couldn\u2019t do that. It was a question whether Vanessa would be willing to go look for answers that would make Joanna sleep better, but she\u2019d take that chance. If anything, Vanessa could pass on the information to the investigating detectives. Someone had to look into that connection. <\/span><\/p>\n

That someone wouldn\u2019t be her, because she had to be at the warehouse early for the double shift she\u2019d signed up for. <\/span><\/p>\n

At least, one of the other drivers could give her Nate\u2019s number, another avenue to pursue. <\/span><\/p>\n

Joanna didn\u2019t have many illusions left, but if she got this wrong, she\u2019d never be able to forgive herself.<\/span><\/p>\n

Get This Book On Amazon<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n

(this link works for Amazon UK, US and Canada)<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

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[tweetthis]I just read this review for Killer Instinct b Barbara Winkes[\/tweetthis]<\/p>\n

Bits and Bobs<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n