The Killing Plains

4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars | 6,418 ratings

Price: 1.99

Last update: 01-31-2025


About this item

From the winner of the CWA’s Debut Dagger Award.

Two victims. Twenty years apart. One elusive killer.

Crescent Bluff, West Texas. Everybody knows everybody. And everybody has a secret.

When a boy is found dead with the skin of a hare’s head in his hand, everyone knows who killed him—Willis Newland, just released from prison after serving twenty years for an identical murder.

But what if everyone’s wrong?

Detective Colly Newland reluctantly agrees to investigate a case that seems to involve the whole town, including her dead husband’s extended family. But the deeper she digs, the more secrets she unearths. And as threats against her escalate, Colly realizes someone is willing to kill to keep theirs…


From the Publisher

Two murders. Twenty years apart. One elusive killer.

Top reviews from the United States

  • Kristina Creighton
    5.0 out of 5 stars Loved It!
    Reviewed in the United States on January 4, 2025
    This book was the best I’ve read in a very long time. I couldn’t make heads nor tails of the clues to find the culprit, and the story along the way there kept me guessing to the very end. Well-written, plus no typos that I could find, which is nice. All of the characters were interesting and unique. Five stars.
  • Lillian Soos
    4.0 out of 5 stars An excellent debut novel full of family secrets and twists
    Reviewed in the United States on January 4, 2025
    This book exceeded my expectations! I managed to finish reading The Killing Plains in one evening. There were twists, a host of characters, and intrigue. I look forward to reading future books this author may write. Highly recommend this book if you’re looking for a good psychological thriller!
  • Mike Wiggins
    5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic read!
    Reviewed in the United States on January 2, 2025
    Loved it. It was great to read a new author and have such a wonderful experience. Cant wait for more to come!
  • Kindle Customer
    4.0 out of 5 stars The kind of twisting plot that makes for a cover to cover binge!!
    Reviewed in the United States on January 4, 2025
    This held my attention from the start. The interesting and well developed characters, as well as the twists kept me engaged for the 10 hours it took to finish.
  • Customer9376
    5.0 out of 5 stars Fast and with sharp turns
    Reviewed in the United States on January 5, 2025
    Saw the book on Amazon first reads and chose it to support a fellow Jersey gal and first time publishing. Finished within a day.

    Very good pacing and tension, excellent job with the side characters. It’s not super predictable but like any good tragedy you gasp at the reveal. Keeps the focus on what is important but builds layers so the story won’t fall flat.

    Give it a read and I look forward to more books from Ms. Rankin
  • Megan Pratt
    4.0 out of 5 stars Quick Read
    Reviewed in the United States on January 4, 2025
    A good book when you just need to zone out and not want to pay too close attention. Finished it in less that 24 hours.
  • Mrs. M
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book!
    Reviewed in the United States on January 4, 2025
    Very interesting read. Just when I thought I had it figured out, I didn’t. It was a hard book to put down.
  • Momof2
    4.0 out of 5 stars Family, murder, guilt and secrets
    Reviewed in the United States on January 3, 2025
    Coly is raising her grandson after the death of her own husband and daughter, a death Coly herself feels is her fault. Coly is asked by her brother-in-law to investigate a possible serial killer in a small Texas town and agrees out of guilt over her husband's death. Although Coly knows it will be difficult to face his family, she has no idea the secrets held by the town and her own inlaws. As she uncovers more and more secrets, she puts herself and her grandson in more and more danger.
    This was a well-written story with well-developed characters. If you are a fan of mystery/thrillers, I recommend this book.

    • Best Sellers in

     
     

    There's Something About Mira: A Novel

    4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 4,876
    1.99
     
     

    Inked Adonis (Litvinov Bratva Book 1)

    4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 5,156
    2.99
     
     

    Into the Fall: A Thriller

    4 4 out of 5 stars 10,357
    1.99
     
     

    The Waiting: A Ballard and Bosch Novel (A Renée Ballard and Harry Bosch Novel Book 6)

    4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 37,219
    4.99
     
     

    Never Bargain with the Boss (Never Say Never Book 5)

    4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 254
    3.99
     
     

    Horse: A Novel

    4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 44,983
    1.99
     
     

    Undeniably Married (Boston's Irresistible Billionaires Book 4)

    4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 501
    4.99
     
     

    Happy After All: A Novel

    4.2 4.2 out of 5 stars 5,938
    1.99