Kill For You

by Kia D. Richards

I COULDN’T PROTECT YOU THEN Twelve years ago, a devastating hit and run nearly killed Zenyia Washington, taking away the thing she cared about most in the world – her ability to play music. After working hard to start over, she’s beginning a new chapter in her life.BUT I CAN NOW When the driver who destroyed her life is found brutally murdered, his body left slumped on a bench at her workplace, Zenyia becomes the prime suspect in the case.NO ONE WILL EVER HURT YOU AGAIN The person responsible did this for a reason – to show Zenyia just how much they care about her, that they belong together. And their plans are only just beginning…  As Zenyia’s new life comes crashing down and pieces of her old life suddenly reappear, who can she really trust? Kill For You is a stunning psychological thriller perfect for fans of Jane Corry and CL Taylor.Reader reviews'Such a gripping read . . . you will not want to put this book down' 'I couldn't believe at first when that shocking twist came' 'Spectacular . . . frightening yet exhilarating' 'If you're looking for a fast paced thriller, look no further' 'I was at the edge of my seat'  'So creepy and good!' 'The perfect read for spooky season' 'A compelling thriller mixed with the inner workings of a police procedural . . . Richards does a good job throwing you off the trail' 'Tense, psychological suspense . . . peppered with surprising twists'

Genres: Thriller

245 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 16, 2021

About the author

Kia D. Richards was born and raised in the Maryland suburbs just outside of Washington, D.C. A writer since a young age, after college Kia earned a law degree and worked as an attorney and legal instructor for fifteen years but never stopped writing fiction. She currently splits her time between Toronto and Maryland with her husband and two sons.
Follow me on Instagram and Facebook @kdrichardsauthor
​

Reviews

[Robbin · Rating 5 out of 5]

😩😩


I LOVED this book! Zeniya was working my nerves at first the way she constantly pushed people away. But once you learn more about her past everything just makes so much sense. You start to blame her a lot less for the decisions she’s made. She was dealt a messed up hand in life and she was doing the best she could.

I loved seeing the story unfold between Zeniyah and Eliot. Even before they got closure on their past the chemistry between them was crazy. Although Zeniyah was wrong for pushing him away in the past, it was nice to see him take accountability and acknowledge the role he played. He knew what she was going through and he should’ve fought for her.

Avery was just AWFUL. The way he treated Zeniyah was absolutely disgusting. The way he shunned her and treated her like she didn’t matter to him was just crazy. I’m sure when her mom left her with her dad as a guardian when she died she never thought he would’ve treated their child like that. Zeniyah’s world was literally falling apart and he really sent her a letter threatening her not to tell anyone that he was her father. He had no shame smh

I would honestly love to read a series with just Eliot and Cooper solving cases! Can’t wait to read more from this author.

[Susan Ballard (subakkabookstuff) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Zenyia Washington has been trying to rebuild her life. After being a hit-and-run accident victim twelve years ago, her career as a concert violinist was shattered. Now Zenyia works as a music therapist, helping others.

When out for a run before work one morning, Zenyia discovers a dead body. It is the man who hit her all those years ago and robbed her of her dreams. As a murder investigation is opened, Zenyia is surprised that one of the detectives on the case is none other than Eliot Nolan. He was the man she was in love with at the time of her accident, but she left him as she tried to build her life again. Zenyia is also shocked to learn that she is on the suspect list.

𝐊𝐢𝐥𝐥 F𝐨𝐫 𝐘𝐨𝐮 is a compelling thriller mixed with the inner workings of a police procedural. Zenyia has what appears to be a stalker that will do anything to protect her, even 𝘬𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘩𝘦𝘳. Yet Richards does a good job throwing you off the trail, as Zenyia has connections to the victims (yes, others fall prey in various ways), and then there are the “Godfather-like” gifts that arrive. If you love a good murder mystery with a touch of romance, I recommend you pick up 𝐊𝐢𝐥𝐥 F𝐨𝐫 𝐘𝐨𝐮 today.

Thank you to @suzyapprovedbooktours and @kdrichardsauthor for an invite to the tour and a digital copy.

[Rob Samborn · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a fan of detective stories and psychological thrillers, I loved how Kia D. Richards’ “Kill For You” masterfully blends the two genres in this gripping page-turner. The reader experiences a harrowing tale of vicious, fatal obsession (not a spoiler – it’s in the title!) through the eyes of the victim, the detective and the murderer, done to great effect. The two main characters, Zenyia Washington and Detective Elliot Nolan, are both extremely compelling, sympathetic characters, each with their own flaws and issues they need to navigate, as a killer is two or three steps ahead of them at every turn.

But Kill For You’s biggest strength is what fans of the genre look for: an edge-of-your-seat whodunnit that leaves you guessing until the heart-stopping climax.

If you’re looking for a thrill-ride with engaging characters you root for and care about, check out Kill For You. I can’t wait for Kia D. Richards’ next book!

[Rajiv · Rating 4 out of 5]

[Blog]::[Youtube]::[Twitter]::[Instagram]::[Pinterest]::[Bloglovin]



“Kill For You” was a thrilling crime fiction psychological thriller with a strong protagonist, and I could not put it down.

I thought this book was gripping first from the beginning. You get a sense of what to expect as an obsession takes a deadly turn from the start. As the story progresses, you see more gruesome murders and wonder how the killer will strike next. The author has a beautiful way of storytelling, and I was at the edge of my seat for the most part. Some scenes shocked me, like what Zenyia finds in the box or how the murder count increases of people you do not expect. The killer in this book is someone with a twisted mind, and you wonder how far he would go.

Zenyia is a captivating character, and I liked the way the author portrayed her. Interestingly, Zenyia has a history with the murderer and realizes she is one of the prime targets for the killer. Zenyia and the team do a decent job of investigating Jason’s murder. I liked how the author also included snippets of what the killer was planning next, as it gave the story an edge. Similarly, I also enjoyed how the author touched on Zenyia’s feelings for Eliot and how she had a close bond with Sid and Eve. Eliot and Zenyia share a lovely bond, and I liked the romance between the two. The author nicely adds these elements to the book without overshadowing the suspense. The author also adds gripping side stories around Eve and Tony and how it affects Zenyia.

Overall, I enjoyed reading “Kill For You” and thought it would be the perfect book for someone who loves this genre.

[Colette · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was grossly unsatisfying. While it told an entertaining tale, it's hard to love or care about any of the major characters. That includes the hero and heroine.

For one, the story needed more mystery and suspense. Who the stalker/killer was felt pretty obvious, with the red herring they set up even more so a false lead they dangled. The author must've looked up how to write a mystery, then stuck to that textbook framework. Good, meaty development and story overall, but weak, brittle bones.

Another important thing is I'm not convinced of their love story. Really, 12 years ago and they have just been pining for each other? Should've gotten over it. They hadn't even exchanged I love yous back then! Just to pick up where they left off with all those feelings just felt like a poorly executed love and jealousy at first sight situation. I didn't buy it and quickly stopped caring.

Unheard of for me to just not even care about the romance in the story, but for this I just didn't. It wasn't convincing. 2-4 years past, maybe, but 12 is way too damn long.

On that note, the main character is bland! She has no personality besides playing violin. Not enough going on to be so crazy desired by all these men. I wonder if this was a self-insert? More interesting characters like Jo would have made a better story. It could've been Eliot's sister with the stalker or something.

Further annoyances include the deception of the author. Zenyia was never a suspect, just a person of interest. There is a difference. And also, the story started off with a very interesting murder case, and we never get a conclusion to that. Also, them dating would have caused way more trouble but the boss yelling once but alas nothing happened. Even being assigned to the case would not have happened realistically.

This book wouldve been better if the cop Eliot had a romance with someone else and the story followed his pov solving murders, including Zenyia's stalker case, but other cases as well.

[Linda Zagon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kia D. Richards, author of “Kill For You” has written a captivating and suspenseful novel. The genres for this novel are Mystery and Suspense, Thriller, and Fiction. The timeline for this story is written in the author’s present and goes to the past when it pertains to the characters or events. The author describes her characters as complex and complicated. Some seem very suspicious.

The protagonist in the story, Zenyia Washington, is a courageous and determined character. Through hard work, she has managed to be able to play the instrument that she lost the ability to do after a terrible accident. She also uses musical therapy to help patients calm down. Although she has managed to start the composition in her life again, there are some people that are obsessed and want to protect her. When the body of the driver who hurt her is killed, Zenyia appears to be a suspect.

A Detective that was once Zenyia’s boyfriend is on the case to make sure that Zenyia is safe. Someone else is obsessed and wants to do anything to show how much he/she cares for her. There is danger and murder. There are twists and turns. The one thing we do know is that Zenyia is not safe. This is an edgy and suspenseful novel.

[Debbie Rozier · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a romantic suspense with a nice bonus of great character development in the main character, Zenyia.

It’s has a second chance romance, a deadly obsession, and a bit of family drama.

I really enjoyed both main characters, Eliot and Zenyia. The author did a beautiful job with the
backstories for each as well giving both characters traits of tenacity and kindness.

I liked the way the mystery of the killer unfolds. It is written just complex enough that I was surprised but not too busy getting caught up in the twists and turns to enjoy the other aspects of the read.


Brief Description

Zenyia finds a body on the property where she works as a music therapist. The body is of the man that ruined Zenyia’s music career 12 years ago causing her to be suspect number one.

When the detectives on the case, including Zenyia’s college love, Eliot, start investigating and more bodies begin piling up, Zenyia quickly goes from the accused to someone that need protection.

[Bookish Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you're looking for a fast paced thriller, look no further. This is one of those books where you're like "oh I'll stop after this chapter" and then you have to keep going because it left you hanging in a spot where you just couldn't stop... Yep! You know what I'm talking about! I figured out who it was pretty early on but it didn't take away from this intriguing read.

Zenyia's past has come back to haunt her in the form of a killer thinking he's protecting her. He killed the man who hit her 12 years ago and ended her career as a concert violinist. He killed the man who put hands on her. He sends her little mementos to let her know that no one will ever hurt her again. He wants her for himself and he'll stop at nothing to accomplish that.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

💀 What if someone loved you so much that they’d KILL FOR YOU? 🩸

🖤 Imagine a little black box arriving on your doorstep, all tied up with a nice little bow. Your heart pounds with excitement...someone thought of you...they left you a gift. But when you open it that same heart of yours now catches in your throat and suddenly you can’t breathe. For inside lies a severed finger.

💭 Would it matter if the finger belonged to your enemy?

📆: NEW RELEASE (9/2021): NOW AVAILABLE only $3.99 for Amazon Kindle.

Thank you Suzy Approved Book Tours, Kia D. Richards & Simon Schuster UK for sending me an e-arc in exchange for my honest opinion.

Reminiscent of a James Patterson thriller novel : fast-paced and short chapters.

Full review to come.

4 ⭐️.

[Veronica Lockett · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a thrill ride taking the reader on a roller coaster journey with twist and turns. Zenyia Washington does music therapy now but her past comes back to haunt her when the man who caused her accident twelve years ago turns up at her place of employment as a corpse. Now the chills and the creepiness begin for Zenyia who learns there is a deranged murderer out there fixated on her. Enters Eliot a cop and old flame of Zenyia who is still in love with her or might I say these two still have the hots for each other. This story didn't disappoint I loved everything about it KD Richards is a great writer! The reader will never be disappointed when you pick up one of her books! Go read this story you want put it down until the end.

[Robin Holland · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Gripping Mystery!
KD Richards has done it again. She has fashioned a novel with a plot that had me on the edge of my seat, wanting to finish in one sitting, but also trying to prolong the mystery. The main character Zenyia Washington is a therapist that uses her skill as a violinist to help people. She is putting her life back together after suffering a near tragedy, but now is reeling from a recurring nightmare which threatens her life. Eliot Nolan , a detective and her former love enters her life once again as he races to solve the crimes being committed against Zenyia. The realism portrayed by both characters and the challenges they faced both emotionally and personally made the story relatable. The depth of the characters made me more invested in their story.

[Dawnny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zenyia Washington has worked hard to rebuilt her life after the accident that took away her dreams. It took her away from the one thing that mattered, her ability to play music. Things take a turn when the driver who hit her is found dead. All things pointing to Zenyia. Then there is the cop who was once the love of her life before the accident. There are some other twists to this that give this the fast pace that keeps you hooked to it. It kept me guessing. An excellent crime drama with all the feels. I really enjoyed it.

Dawn Ruby
Novels N Latte
Hudson Valley NY

[Marilyn Goncalves · Rating 4 out of 5]

Still looking for some thriller reads to add to your tbr?

Then read Kill For You. This psychological thriller will grip you from the beginning. The author does a great job leading you down a path and popping up on a totally different trail. Does Zenia have a stalker/protector? Then why is she a prime suspect in the killings of people that have hurt her?
It’s a book you can’t put down and at under 300 pages it goes by quick.

[Jillian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to Suzy approved book tours for the early copy of this one.
⁣
I usually don’t like murder mysteries but liked the sound of this one. I’m glad I gave it a chance as it was a compelling page turner. I didn’t feel like there was too much going on like some mysteries that I find hard to follow. This was easy to follow and had a few storylines that kept my attention. Great for anyone that wants a suspenseful mystery!⁣
⁣

[Sigourney Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ben!

Wow, this was a good read and also a new to me author. It won't be my last either. A twisted and surprised ending for sure. I was tricked thinking it was the doctor. Is there a part 2? Wishful thinking! Job well done👏🏽

[Tayla Bridge · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Didn't expect the twist at the end at all! A very good read.

[Danielle Kosky · Rating 3 out of 5]

This has potential but unfortuantely it fell a bit flat for me. It wasn't a particularly clever thriller but it was definitely entertaining. If you enjoy easy to watch thrillers on Netflix then this will definitely be the book for you.

After a hit and run driver ruins Zenyia's future playing in an orchestra, years later he is found murdered at Zenyia's workplace. Her childhood sweetheart, and ex, is the officer assigned to her case. As the bodies who have wronged Zenyia piles up, so does their love, as they are reminded of the intense love they feel for each other.

I liked that a black woman was seen as so overtly desirable, and also that the characters' blackness was barely spoken about. I feel like the more writers do this, the more it's normalised and thus whiteness becomes less the standard. Areas of improvement for me include just polishing off the writing as I found it to be quite cliche at times, particularly in terms of the plot. I feel like I needed to be challenged more throughout the story. I wanted more plot twists, and to be constantly second guessing myself. I would have also liked less of a focus on the romance aspect, as I find it difficult to get into a certain genre when another is so heavily featured.

An interesting story that I certainly don't regret reading and would recommend if you enjoy easy to read thrillers!

[Sarah W · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once I started reading, I couldn’t put it down. I love psychological thrillers and police procedurals and this was a nice mix of both. Getting a small POV from the “killer” along with Zenyia and Eliot the detective just increased my curiosity. I thought I had figured out who it was, but I was wrong. The small romance added to the story to me especially when you learn the backstory of the two, making it more personal. This fast paced thriller has lots of action and some twists that will keep you guessing.

[Sarah W · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once I started reading, I couldn’t put it down. I love psychological thrillers and police procedurals and this was a nice mix of both. Getting a small POV from the “killer” along with Zenyia and Eliot the detective just increased my curiosity. I thought I had figured out who it was, but I was wrong. The small romance added to the story to me especially when you learn the backstory of the two, making it more personal. This fast paced thriller has lots of action and some twists that will keep you guessing.

Thank you @kdrichardsauthor and @suzyapprovedbooktours for the gifted copy.