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"Karson imbues the telling with small-town realism, a real feeling for Western living and landscapes, and a convincing sense of the fickleness of public opinion and the difficulties of investigative work, especially missing persons cases where the family “didn’t know she was missing and didn’t care.” The prose is crisply detailed, with vivid descriptions of a persuasive milieu, attentive to porcupines, Anderson’s mining history, and the dark secrets and bloody unpleasantries the genre demands. Karson also nimbly juggles humorous scenes with graver ones and illustrates Stacey’s horrific dilemma with tense clarity and attention to physical detail.

Characters are sharply drawn, such as the beleaguered sheriff, victim-turned-badass Stacey, newbie Birdie, and Mary, who spends her time paying forward the decency she has been shown in Anderson. Less admirable but a pleasure to jeer at is the distinctly unlikable mayor, ripe for a #MeToo lawsuit. Karson combines these elements into a suspenseful ride that culminates in a satisfying ending that leaves the door open for future entries." – Publisher's Weekly, Booklife

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"Kit Karson’s murder mystery delivers all the essential elements of the genre. Although this could be read as a standalone, it may be better to begin with the first book to fully appreciate the characters involved. Through multiple perspectives, including those of the perpetrator and victim, Karson provides a comprehensive overview of the unfolding events. The focus is not just on the crime. Karson has taken the time to develop each of the characters, from Sheriff Peter to his dog Zack to Mary at the local dive bar, making each of them authentic. After using the first couple of chapters to describe the setting and the main characters involved, the story jumps right in, continuing at that pace, even though there are a couple of detours in between to focus on building relationships between characters. Although this might look like a police procedural mystery, many locals also come together to help the Sheriff’s office. Overall, Innocence Slain combines suspense, mystery, and community dynamics, making it an interesting read for fans of mysteries." – Priya Mathew for Readers’ Favorite

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"Author Kit Karson has crafted a riveting and suspenseful novel that kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish with its well-paced plot and fantastic revelations. The confident narrative structure is filled with tension, mystery, and heart-pounding twists. I was particularly impressed by the way the atmospheric details of the descriptions matched these different moods and set each scene up for the discoveries that awaited Sheriff Elliot and readers. The characters, particularly my personal favorite, Birdie Bradshaw, are well-developed and compelling, drawing readers into their personal struggles and motivations. I loved the way that their unique dialogue styles characterize them at once, and there was some great use of dialogue to give the key plot exposition a chance to shine too. The small-town setting was a great choice to highlight the tight-knit community's response to tragedy and the challenges faced by law enforcement in rural areas. Overall, Innocence Slain is a gripping thriller that I would not hesitate to recommend." – K.C. Finn for Readers’ Favorite

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"Innocence Slain by Kit Karson is a compact, well-crafted crime novel that surprised me with the measure of information a couple of hundred pages can contain. The setting is vividly described and could be any rural town in the U.S. The characters are well-developed and diverse, ranging from the stoic Sheriff Elliot to the lovable Helen (who is the quintessential definition of a "Mama Bear.") Having said that, where this book truly excels is in its ability to build tension. The buildup is subtle but effective, like a low-grade campfire gradually turning into an inferno that threatens to engulf the forest. Despite its intensity, the violence is at an absolute minimum, and the author doesn't rely on brutality to create a sense of danger. Overall, the book is an engaging read that left me craving more." – Gaius Konstantine for Readers’ Favorite

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"Innocence Slain is a suspenseful tale that will keep you on the edge of your seat as you follow Sheriff Peter Elliot and his team's relentless pursuit to find a missing girl amidst their personal struggles and pressure from misinformed residents. Kit Karson skillfully captures the drama of small-town life and weaves in backstories and subplots that lead to unexpected twists and turns. The novel tackles important topics such as mental illness and the limitations of police procedures. By raising questions about the impact of negligence on investigating crimes, the story prompts readers to consider the potential consequences of overlooking certain crimes and the importance of upholding justice and accountability in our systems. For those who love crime mysteries and small-town dramas, Innocence Slain is a must-read, and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. Great job!" – Luwi Nyakansaila for Readers’ Favorite

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"Innocence Slain is a captivating and suspenseful tale. Although the second book in The Anderson Chronicles series, it is always a bonus when a sequel can stand alone yet also continue the story seamlessly from the previous book. Kit Karson's ability to reintroduce the characters and continue to engage readers is a testament to her great storytelling skills. Peter Elliot is a complex character grappling with personal problems, and his crew members like Helen have self-esteem issues that many readers will relate to. The story tackles sensitive issues like mental disorders and kidnappings but also has humorous moments that bring a lighthearted note to the narrative. The book is well written with a smooth flow that makes it easy to follow. Overall, Innocence Slain is a must-read for both fans of this book series and new readers who are interested in crime investigation dramas." – Doreen Chombu for Readers’ Favorite