REVIEW: The Red River Slayer by Katie Mettner

The Red River Slayer by Katie Mettner is the third book in the Secure One series. While it can be read as a standalone, I would recommend reading them in order. I hadn’t read the previous books, and I did feel like I was missing background information on some of the characters. There are also references to a case they previously worked on, which left me feeling a little lost since I hadn’t read them.

This book features Secure One operative Mack, and Charlotte, who had been a victim of sex trafficking, but had been rescued by Secure One and was healing there while working as their chef. While on an op to keep a senator’s daughter safe during a party, a body washes up on his property. Secure One believes it’s related to the Red River Slayer, as this was the fourth body to wash ashore, all killed in a similar manner and none of them identified, until this one. Charlotte saw the body and recognized her as someone who had been held captive with her.

Charlotte is determined to find justice for her friend, and for all the women who had gone through what they had. And when another woman Charlotte knows shows up at Secure One’s office seeking help, they have to wonder if everything is linked to Charlotte’s case.

Both Charlotte and Mack are attracted to one another, but both have insecurities due to what they’ve both been through. They’re both very sympathetic to what each other has gone through, and determined to show the other that what happened to each of them doesn’t need to define them. Mack is very considerate of Charlotte and her situation, and he never rushes her about anything; he lets her set the pace that their relationship develops, which helps her feel like she finally has some control in her life.

This story is filled with plenty of twists and turns. It kept me guessing to the end, as it’s never clear who exactly the murderer was. Personally, I always enjoy a book that keeps me on my toes, and this one did just that.

The only reason I didn’t rate the book higher was because I did feel like I was missing some things by not having read the other books. Despite this, I still enjoyed it overall, and would recommend it to readers who enjoy romantic suspense.

Book Info:

Publication: March 26, 2024 | Harlequin Intrigue | Secure One #3

When a fourth woman is found dead in a river, security expert Mack Holbock takes on the search for a cunning serial killer. A disabled vet, Mack is consumed by guilt that’s left him with no room or desire for love. But while investigating and facing danger with Charlotte—a traumatized victim of sex trafficking—he must protect her and win her trust…without falling for her.