As with the previous three books in the Agency series, I really enjoyed The Intended Victim. This story follows Ash and Remi as they try to solve the case of a serial killer. Remi survived an attack years ago, but the killer comes back with a vengeance. Throughout the story, I had thoughts about who the killer was but did not get confirmation until the end. I like how the author writes snippets from the killer and the victim's points of view as well as the main characters. I also like how the author tends to do a healthy balance of suspense and romance in her stories. There is plenty of mystery but the romance does not seem forced or an afterthought as it does in some books.

Ash and Remi's story is one of reconnected love who of course, gets their happy ending. Ash is Nate's (from book 3) brother and we meet another brother named, Jax. I imagine we will see him in a future book. The Agency is a loosely connected series. They could all be read as stand-alone books.

I had the opportunity to read an early copy of the book.

The Chicago Butcher

Five years ago the serial killer dubbed the “Chicago Butcher” terrorized the city until the murders abruptly stopped.
Now it appears the butcher is back but he has changed his M.O. All the victims appear to resemble Remi Walsh, the victim who got away!
The Characters

Ash, a former police detective remembers the murders all to well. They cost him everything including the girl. He’s determined to keep her safe and stop the killer. If he is lucky he just might win back the girl.
Remi Walsh lost her father at the hands of the Butcher and is determined to protect the man she loves.
Ash’s brother Chicago PD Detective Jax Marcel is working the Chicago Butcher case and trying to keep his brother in check.
The Romance

We get a second chance romance as Ash and Remi are reunited. He is there to protect her and hopes to solve the case. The romance was sweet, and as often happens tragedy tore them apart. The two felt genuine and I was rooting for them.

The Case

Ivy spun a well crafted mystery with plenty of twists and clues to keep both the characters and this listener guessing. The use of flashbacks and reemerging memories felt realistic as did the clues. The author threw in a couple of red herrings and possible suspects.

The Narration

Jim Frangione narrates and quickly became the voice of these characters. His interpretation of Ash reminded me of a private dick in a black and white film. His female voices were well crafted and his tone and pacing enhanced the tale.

Recommendation

If you enjoy mysteries with a side dish of romance, The Intended Victim was a clever listen. I enjoyed it and hope to go back and listen to the previous Agency audiobooks. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer

How does she do it? I literally never know who did it until the end? She leaves us the breadcrumbs, but it's still always a beautifully crafted twist.

Prepare yourself to follow the intended victim until the very end. I thought I had it figured out and was still surprised.
Remi Walsh put her life on hold after her father was murdered five years ago. She couldn't chance losing someone else she loved. And without being able to remember who kidnapped her she's at a loss for helping find the serial killer. Now she's just trying to make a small difference in the lives of at risk teens.
Ashton Marcel have up more than Remi when she broke their engagement, he left the job he loved as a Chicago Police department Detective. Now when danger comes back and looks like Remi is the target again he has no choice but to return to Chicago. And this time he's not going to let her go. His number one priority is keeping her safe while trying to track down the killer that got away.

This murder mystery will leave you gasping. I felt so bad for Remi and Ash as the murder of her father and the attempted murder of Remi five years ago shattered their lives. But now the murderer is back and more brazen than before. Remi’s life is on the line and so is Ash’s heart. This story kept me flipping pages and the identity of the murderer just floored me. This book is part of a series but can be read standalone just fine.

This murder mystery will leave you gasping. I felt so bad for Remi and Ash as the murder of her father and the attempted murder of Remi five years ago shattered their lives. But now the murderer is back and more brazen than before. Remi’s life is on the line and so is Ash’s heart. This story kept me flipping pages and the identity of the murderer just floored me. This book is part of a series but can be read standalone just fine.

Agony.

Thanks to the publisher for an ARC to read and give my honest opinion.

Fourth book in the Agency series, and my first. Definitely a stand alone mystery with a second chance romance. Ash Marcel returns to Chicago after new evidence that the Butcher, a serial killer never caught that threatened his ex Remi, is back and looking to finish what he started. Ash leaves his teaching to join the hunt, and finds that he could not bear to think of Remi hurt which leads to a second chance romance.

What did I like? This is the first in this series that I have seen, so imagine my surprise book four... blows my mind. This book has it all. Suspense, second chances, great chemistry, and that ending that I didn’t see coming!

Would I buy this book? Yes...not to mention go back and read the first three. I had no idea this author had branched this way. This is why book stores are a must!

Thoughts for the author? Kudos on a great book and I hope the first three are just as good! Thanks for the read.... freaking loved it.

The Intended Victim was an engrossing, and enjoyable story. That although slow to start, soon picked up and was suspenseful and at times exciting and thrilling to read. Not to mention it had a few twists, and kept me guessing almost until the end. Plus, the characters were very likable and the romance, engaging. It also didn't overwhelm the rest of the story, which developed at a good pace and was at times truly gripping, and difficult to put down. And so, I would happily recommend it to others, particularly if you enjoy a good romantic suspense story or are a fan of the author.

**I was kindly provided with an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**