Scared to Death: A Detective Kay Hunter murder mystery

"If you want to see your daughter alive again, listen carefully."

When the body of a snatched schoolgirl is found in an abandoned biosciences building, the case is first treated as a kidnapping gone wrong.

But Detective Kay Hunter isn’t convinced, especially when a man is found dead with the ransom money still in his possession.

When a second schoolgirl is taken, Kay’s worst fears are realised.

With her career in jeopardy and desperate to conceal a disturbing secret, Kay’s hunt for the killer becomes a race against time before he claims another life.

For the killer, the game has only just begun...

Scared to Death is the first book in a new crime thriller series featuring Kay Hunter – a detective with a hidden past and an uncertain future.

The Detective Kay Hunter crime thriller series – available in print, large print and audiobook from all major retailers and libraries:

1. SCARED TO DEATH
2. WILL TO LIVE
3. ONE TO WATCH
4. HELL TO PAY
5. CALL TO ARMS
6. GONE TO GROUND
7. BRIDGE TO BURN
8. CRADLE TO GRAVE
9. TURN TO DUST
10. A DARKER PLACE

Praise for Scared to Death

“Thrilling start to a new series. Scared to Death is a stylish, smart and gripping crime thriller” Robert Bryndza, USA Today bestselling author of The Girl In The Ice

"Moves along at breakneck speed with twists and turns" Angela Marsons, bestselling author of the Detective Kim Stone crime thriller series

“In this novel, I actually believed the reason for the killings. It was new, interesting, and made a refreshing amount of sense … reminded me at times of Chris Chibnall’s Broadchurch series” The Crime Review

What readers are saying about Scared to Death:

“A fast-paced, deeply disturbing thriller that had me on the edge of my seat from start to finish” Books Of All Kinds

“Oohhh what a FANTASTIC beginning to a new series! This is dark and gritty, with surprises that I didn’t see coming.” Novel Gossip

“A dead body, a psychotic killer and an honest dependable detective ... If you like your crime fiction uncomplicated, fast-paced and real Scared to Death is the PERFECT read for you…” Swirl and Thread

“Extremely well-plotted, this really is a novel that will keep you on the edge of your seat!” Jo’s Book Blog

“A gutsy, fast and dark book that is packed full with unsuspecting twists. Moves at a relentless pace, with an intensely dark plot, featuring a top notch female protagonist.” Mrs B’s Book Reviews

“The murders shock, and the plot is pacy, twisting with action … with more than one surprise within its pages, Scared to Death will satisfy any lover of serial killer fiction” Postcard Reviews

Rachel Amphlett is a USA Today bestselling author of crime fiction and spy thrillers, many of which have been translated worldwide.
Her novels are available in eBook, print, and audiobook formats from libraries and retailers as well as her website shop.
A keen traveller, Rachel has both Australian and British citizenship.
Find out more about Rachel's books at: