The Decoy

Kyra and Jake Investigation #2

by Carol Ericson

She changed her name and identity to escape her violent past.
But she didn’t run far or fast enough.

Therapist Kyra Chase fights for victims and their families. But she harbors her own tragic secret: the unsolved murder of her mother. Now a new threat is terrorizing the City of Angels—a killer who mimics another killer’s MO. LAPD homicide detective Jake McAllister has to help his partner solve crimes in both the past and present before Kyra becomes the victim in a chilling vendetta of violence that’s far from over…

Genres: Romance, Romantic Suspense

256 pages, ebook

First published April 1, 2021

About the author

Best-selling, award-winning romance author, Carol Ericson, has written more than 65 books, mostly romantic suspense for Harlequin Intrigue. Also indie pubbed, Carol is working on a spicy popstar romcom series about five members of a boyband. A California girl and graduate of UCLA, Carol lives near the beach with her husband and their giant dog. For more information about Carol’s books, please visit her website at www.authorcarolericson.com and follow her on Instagram @author.carol.ericson

Reviews

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book picks up where the first book, The Setup, left off. There is a new serial killer in town in that book, one that mimics a killer from twenty years earlier. Known as "The Player," he was never caught, a fact that haunts retired detective Quinn, the lead in that case. Detective Jake McAllister leads the task force on this case, and Kyra Chase is a victims' advocate assigned to the task force. Their rocky beginning made things interesting, with sparks of attraction simmering under the antagonism. Though The Decoy can be read as a stand-alone, I recommend reading The Setup first.

At the end of the first book, the serial killer meets his fate, but another copycat strikes before the task force can celebrate. The similarities to the original and the first copycat cause the team to wonder if there is a link between them. I could feel the team's frustration as clues were few and far between. With each new murder, the pressure intensified. I loved watching the painstaking work to find something that would lead them to the killer. I cheered for the little piece of tape, and again when modern technology gave them another part of the puzzle. It was interesting to see how the killer gave himself away. I did feel that the final confrontation, while somewhat intense, was a little anti-climactic. There are still unanswered questions, and I don't think anyone is ready to call the case solved.

In the first book, Jake and Kyra first had to learn to work together and deal with the attraction simmering between them. Both of them have trust issues. Jake's stem from his wife's betrayal, making him wary of anyone who keeps secrets. Kyra's life is nothing but secrets. She is fiercely independent, and letting down her guard doesn't come easily. When she receives disturbing messages, rather than share them with Jake, she investigates on her own. She partially believes they have nothing to do with the case but also doesn't want information revealed to change the way he looks at her.

I ached for Jake, who wanted to get to know Kyra better but kept running up against her secretiveness. I thought he was incredibly patient and understanding. There was also some physical frustration between them, as circumstances seemed determined to interrupt at awkward times. I loved when Quinn helped Kyra realize that she wasn't helping anything by keeping Jake in the dark. I felt her nervousness when she finally came clean. I liked seeing the advancing of their relationship, but I suspect there will still be some bumps in their road to happy ever after.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Carol Ericson writes fantastic serials. You are invested in the characters and they become your friends, your neighbors, your enemies. This is book 2 which can be read as a stand alone. Enough information is provided if you missed book 1 to understand. My one issue and it drove me up the wall was I really, really, really wanted to smack Kyra for continuing to withhold information. Granted, when we find out, its a biggie. When I found out what it was I tried to think back to see if I understood more. I am a blabber mouth so I can't see how someone else wouldn't be :) I love the depth of Jake trying to solve the murder, figure out what Kyra is holding back and try not to destroy her trust. A conundrum for sure, specially when he feels its tied together. What about that text??? Who do you think sent it??? I don't think its Quincy it sent my mind spinning. The secondary characters rock. Quincy , the retired Detective and friend of Kyra and Jakes partner, Billy. We learn a little more about Billy and that opens up a new can of intrigue. This series is becoming like family to me, I care about them all and have become invested in their happiness and the mystery. Suspense, intrigue, mystery and the workings of a relationship = The Decoy. Thank you for the arc, I freely volunteer my thoughts and opinions.

[Valri Western · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am enjoying this series and like the format of the same two main characters following one large case - a serial killer through 3 books. This is the second book. While I enjoyed the first book, this one is my favorite so far! Perhaps that's because the characters are already established as is the serial killer case. In the first one, it was established that it was a copy cat doing the killing so what will happen in this one? Jake and Kyra are great characters! They continue to learn more about each other and Jake learns more about Kyra's secrets. He gets frustrated that she won't tell him all of them since they are so close! The secondary characters lend a lot to the story and are fascinating, especially Jake's partner and the retired LAPD detective, Quinn. I'm really looking forward to the 3rd book to see how this all ends!

[Virginia Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author Carol Ericson draws readers in with another pulse-pounding romantic suspense tale in "The Decoy", Book Two in the "A Kyra and Jake Investigation Series". The lethal legacy of "The Player", a serial killer from two decades ago, continues to terrify residents of Los Angeles. While the original fiend was never found, one copycat killer was recently captured. Now, another murderous mimic was on the loose, and law enforcement agents were striving mightily to bring the killing spree to an end. Homicide Detective Jake McAllister and victim's advocate and police consultant Kyra Chase, along with Jake's partner, Billy Crouch, and retired Detective Roger Quinn, pooled their considerable skills and experience to solve the mysteries of "The Player" and his sickening spawn. As the investigation intensifies, so does the fiery attraction between Kyra and Jake. Will secrets revealed bring them closer together, or drive them apart? Can they protect each other's lives --and their own hearts--as danger swirls all around them? Author Carol Ericson's detailed, descriptive storytelling just gets better and better with each book. I look forward to the next entry in "A Kyra and Jake Investigation Series".

Book Copy Gratis Author

[Tammy Lunsford - Escape to Books By Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Detective Jake McAllister and Kyra Chase (a victim's advocate) are just two members of a large task force formed to apprehend an elusive serial killer known as The Player. They have taken the killer down, but before they can pop the bottle of champagne to celebrate, they receive news that another woman's body has been found. The kill is eerily similar to the modus operandi used by the killer that just died. They soon realize they have another copycat of The Player loose in the streets of Los Angeles. Kyra has a secret that she has held close to the vest for almost her entire life. Cue the mic drop when you find out what her secret is all about. There is a hint of romance on the edges between Jake and Kyra, but he feels she is holding something back. They have to work together to prevent another bloodbath. The mystery and suspense were high intensity, and the action was non-stop. The twists will give you whiplash! This is a great series, and this book will leave you wanting more in the next book in the series!

[R J Mckay · Rating 5 out of 5]

The tension continues to build in this second book in Carol Ericson’s ‘Kyra and Jake Investigation’ series. With the Copycat Player caught the team of investigators is all set to disband, when another murder victim is found. This one also seems to be mimicking The Player, placing a card between the lips of the victim and cutting off a finger. Is this the original killer or another copycat/want to be? The detectives and Kyra have plunged into an ever-deepening pool of suspects the search for the clue that will end this once and for all. And Kyra hopes the person who killed her Mother all those years ago will finally be stopped for good.
I could feel the tension amp up in this new book in the series. The continued character development, the slow building of understanding, and possibly trust between Jake and Kyra only strengthen the commitment to find the killer known as The Player and end his reign of terror.

[Lynn Brooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

The saga continues! With the second book in the Kyra and Jake Investigations series Carol Ericson picks up the story where we left off in the first book with THE DECOY. The mystery is attention grabbing, and the characters are interesting. I'm not as big of fan of the slow burn will they/won't they type of relationship being portrayed here to spread it out among four books, but they do hold my attention. I'm looking forward to more of their story.

Kyra is not only haunted by her mother's unsolved cold case, but also from her own tainted past. She's a solid character and draws our attention easily.

Jake is an all around good guy. There don't seem to be many that can cross his path and not strike up a kinship with him.

I recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who enjoys a multi-faceted who-done-it that brings one case to a head and then shows us there's another side yet to come into play.

[Rosemary K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kyra Chase can't outrun her deadly tormentor. I understand why she's afraid to take people in her confidence. Her past has been horrific. Her mother was murdered as she slept near by. Now she's being taunted by someone who knows her secrets. I was glad that she had Quinn and Jake to help her. Kyra is a strong woman. She doesn't want pity. She took a big step when she opened up to Jake. That was very brave. Jake cares for Kyra and he needs to know she trusts him. They make a great team. I'm hooked on this series. The story is filled with nonstop action with one twist after another. I have no idea who The Player is. I need to know who's pulling the strings and what their endgame is. I'm anxious to read the final book. Carol Ericson is very skilled at writing a taut romantic thriller.
I received a copy of this book which I voluntarily read and reviewed. My comments are my honest opinion.

[Laurie Gommermann · Rating 4 out of 5]

We return to LA where victim’s advocate, Kyra , and homicide detective,Jake, continue their investigation as more bodies appear with the original Player’s calling card. This time the killer is scaring Kyra sending creepy emails from “laprey”. As they work together, they begin to open up about their past history, a friendship and attraction begins to develop. What is the connection between The Player and laprey, with Quinn? Lots of questions left to answer. Again takes you into the scene of the crimes and how investigations progress. Well written! Looking forward to reading book 3 The Bait. 4.0

[Belinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fantastic story.Kyra is still keeping secrets from Jake about her past. They are still on the task force going after "The Player" Kyra is still being stalked by someone that is going as La Prey...Jake and his partner are called to three more murders. Luckily the third one there is a clue that they find some evidence. Everything keeps hopping and i keep guessing as I have no idea what is going to happen next. That is what I love about the stories. Kyra and Jake are finally getting close after she confesses past issues to him. He mostly already had it figured out though but it helps that she told him. On to the next one to see if they get closer to getting The Player.

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a well-written, entertaining book. Kyra is a therapist who works with victims and their families. She has teamed up with homicide detective Jake to search for a killer. The story has it all - intrigue, romance, action, suspense! It was fast-paced and I didn't want to put it down. This can be read as a standalone story, though it is book 2 in the Kyra and Jake Investigation series. I enjoyed this book and am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.

[Donna Hatridge · Rating 5 out of 5]

The suspense and action continue in this second book as Kyra and Jake still have questions about the serial killer named the Player. Jake isn't sharing what he knows about the case and Kyra is definitely keeping secrets. More questions than ever now arise as another murder has taken place. There are similarities but a few differences also. The Task Force must work together to figure out what is happening and how the murders could be connected. Once you start reading you won't want to stop!

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in this series. I would definitely read the first one before this.

Jake and Kyra's story continues in this book with another copy cat serial killer. The sparks start to fly in this book between them. Their chemistry is well written. I did enjoy getting to see a little interaction between Jake and his daughter. You also get to see more of Kyra's past. The ending was pretty surprising and definitely left with more questions. Can't wait to start the next one!

[Valeri Sullivan (vsulvn29) · Rating 4 out of 5]

“We found a connection”

We’re back with the second book in the Kyra and Jake investigation series and The Player is back, or is he? Matt’s dead but the killings don’t stop. As we’re dragged deeper and deeper into Kyra’s past, Jake and Kyra’s feelings ger deeper as well in this intriguing serial that excels at keeping us guessing until the very last chapter.

[Colleen Coughlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a series of four titles. Each works as a stand alone BUT the entire series is worth the read as it enhances the reading experience. Good characters, nice romance, intriguing mysteries in each book.

[Harlequin Books]

Categories
Romantic Suspense, Crime Thriller, Police Procedural Mystery & Detective
Miniseries
A Kyra and Jake Investigation (Book #2)

[Janell Hartzell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoying this series

[Maureen Hubley · Rating 4 out of 5]

New author. Only thing I did not expect was to have no end....its continued to next book.

[KerryO · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoying this series. Fast-paced, seat of the chair action. Now on to book #3.

[Teri-K · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the story, the mystery was quite puzzling. It did seem like the MCs were running hot and cold for each other and it didn't always make sense to me why they reacted as they did. That said, it turns out this is #2 in a series, and I think it would have helped if I'd read the first book. With most of these Intrigue series books it doesn't matter, but I felt a little lost here. Also, the mystery isn't really tied up in this book. So I'll probably look for the next one when it comes out in a couple of weeks.

[Harlequin Books]

Categories
Romantic Suspense, Crime Thriller, Police Procedural Mystery & Detective
Miniseries
A Kyra and Jake Investigation (Book #2)