“Shot” by Kristin Durfee

Shot

Kristin Durfee
Wild Rose Press (2024)
ISBN: 978-1509254453
Reviewed by Shawna Thompson for Reader Views (04/2024)

The bustling city of New York in 1929 forms the backdrop of a thrilling narrative of deceit, murder, and kidnapping in Kristin Durfee’s book “Shot.” The story unfolds with Detective Johanna Kelly, a woman battling the criminal underworld and fighting against the pervasive sexism of her time as she strives to crack the case. Born into a wealthy family, Lawrence Henry is a chronic gambler who constantly finds himself in debt. With his parents cutting him off, he resorts to murder to make ends meet.

But Lawrence has more than just financial troubles to worry about. He harbors a secret past with his boyfriend, Paul, and will stop at nothing to keep it hidden. When he encounters Ruth Smith, a beautiful woman with small savings, he sees an opportunity to marry for financial gain.

However, the situation takes a dark turn when Lawrence’s obsession with money and his hidden past transforms him into a psychotic serial killer. As the body count rises, Detective Kelly races against time to solve the murders before Lawrence can strike again, creating a suspenseful and intriguing narrative that will keep readers captivated and engrossed.

“Shot” is a gripping thriller novel that will keep you on the edge of your seat with every twist and turn. Kristin Durfee has crafted characters that draw you into their lives and make you feel deeply for them. She can make you feel sorry for even the worst character at a point in the book, creating a solid emotional connection that keeps you invested in the story. 

The setting is a massive part of the book. It is set in the 1900s in New York City when societal norms were rigid and often oppressive. I loved how Durfee brought readers into elite life in those days, where appearances and social status were everything. The history of how they were discriminated against based on who they loved and how they had to remain secretive about it adds a layer of complexity to the characters’ relationships. It also details how women were not allowed higher-up jobs than men, highlighting the challenges faced by Detective Johanna Kelly in her career.

She also shows how money will make people go to great lengths for more of it, illustrating the destructive power of greed. It showed how gambling turns into a terrible habit and can ruin the lives of many who never touch it, highlighting the theme of addiction. 

This is a murder mystery thriller that includes deceit, murder, adultery, and love in the plot. It explores the complex nature of human relationships. I think this book will appeal to any reader of mysteries, as it delves into these universal themes in a compelling way.

I learned that this story is loosely based on the true story of the 1894 killing of Catherine (Kitty) M. Ging by Harry T. Hayward. The book takes inspiration from this historical event, weaving a fictional narrative around it. “Shot” by Kristin Durfee is a fast-paced page-turner with a satisfying conclusion, offering a unique blend of historical fact and thrilling fiction. I highly recommend this book and hope the author has more books coming soon.