XO: A Kathryn Dance Novel

Jeffery Deaver

Jun 2012 · Sold by Simon and Schuster

About this ebook

International #1 bestseller Jeffery Deaver delivers a sensational thriller in which a beautiful young country-pop singer is stalked by an obsessive fan who thinks her big hit song was written just for him, featuring Deaver's popular character California Bureau of Investigation agent Kathryn Dance.

Kayleigh Towne’s music career is just reaching new heights with her huge hit single “Your Shadow”—but increased fame is also bringing unwanted attention. An innocent exchange with one of her fans, signed with an “XO,” leads Kayleigh into the dangerous and terrifying realm of obsession.

Edwin Sharp thinks Kayleigh’s songs contain messages that speak directly to him. Despite her clear rejection and threats from lawyers and law enforcers, he remains convinced that “Your Shadow” was written just for him, and he announces he’s coming for Kayleigh. Then a potentially fatal accident occurs at the concert hall where Kayleigh is rehearsing for a triumphant hometown performance, and she is convinced that someone—maybe Edwin—was there watching her from the darkness.

Speeding along over just three short days, this nail-biting thriller is filled with terrifying twists that will hold readers in rapt suspense until the final shocking revelation.

Ratings and reviews

Someone is stalking Kayleigh Town, an up and coming Country Music star. Their signature is XO. Edwin Sharp, one of Kayleigh’s biggest fans, believes she is writing songs just for him. A series of accidents leave a member of the stage crew dead, devastating Kayleigh. CBI Agent Kathryn Dance is an expert in interpreting body language during interviews. As a friend of Kayleigh’s, she offers her assistance to the local police, despite their resentment and rejection she is drawn into the investigation. Before the culprit is caught Lincoln Rhyme is called in as a consultant. Edwin Sharp is the number one suspect yet there is no evidence against him. Kayleigh is frightened and Kathryn is on full alert. Who is stalking Country Music’s latest star? Will Kayleigh survive? When I hear the name Jeffrey Deaver I think of thrills and chills; "XO" delivers both. This is not your typical Deaver tale. He seems to have slightly changed his writing style. I am not sure I can explain but the antagonist in this book, Edwin Sharp, is almost too real. The plot could have been ripped from the headlines. There are a lot of crazy people in this world and often we hear of one stalking a well-known character. Kayleigh was a sweet innocent character controlled by her overbearing father. It was interesting to watch her become a stronger, more independent character as the plot progressed. Deaver offers fans a double treat by placing both Kathryn Dance and Lincoln Rhyme in the same book. This is a review of the audio format read by Marin Ireland, whose voice is perfect for the plot. I found "XO" very entertaining and I look forward to the next Kathryn Dance book.

It was a good read and if you like country you will enjoy this book too. It is about a young country singer and her stalker.

This book is 3 dollars at Dollar General.

About the author

Jeffery Deaver is the #1 internationally bestselling author of forty-four novels, three collections of short stories, and a nonfiction law book. His books are sold in 150 countries and translated into twenty-five languages. His first novel featuring Lincoln Rhyme, The Bone Collector, was made into a major motion picture starring Denzel Washington and Angelina Jolie and a hit television series on NBC. He’s received or been shortlisted for a number of awards around the world, including Novel of the Year by the International Thriller Writers and the Steel Dagger from the Crime Writers’ Association in the United Kingdom. In 2014, he was the recipient of three lifetime achievement awards. He has been named a Grand Master by Mystery Writers of America.