Book Review: “Soon to Be Mine” by K.J. Kalis
A Detective Emily Tizzano Vigilante Justice Thriller
Synopsis
Federal prosecutor Nicole Strickland is being hunted. Terrorized by a man who won’t leave her alone, she lives in constant fear, feeling his eyes on her at every turn. Her brother, FBI Agent Cash Strickland, wants to help—but without actionable evidence, the law is powerless.
Desperate, Cash turns to Emily Tizzano, a former Chicago PD cold case detective known for bending the law to serve justice. But Emily and Cash have unresolved history, and she’s skeptical—of him, his sister, and the true motives behind the request for help.
Is this really about protecting Nicole, or is it something more complicated?
Review
“Soon to Be Mine” plunges readers into a suspense-filled world where justice doesn’t always follow the rules. Nicole is a compelling protagonist—strong, principled, but also deeply vulnerable. K.J. Kalis crafts her anxiety and growing desperation with raw, emotional depth. Nicole’s determination to handle things her own way can be frustrating, especially as her stalker Ethan escalates his pursuit.
Cash’s position as both a brother and an FBI agent adds emotional complexity, while the tension between him and Emily fuels the narrative. However, Emily’s hesitancy to engage due to her murky past with Cash lacks sufficient backstory. Similarly, her dynamic with her tech-savvy friend Mike feels underdeveloped—his role and relationship to her remain unclear.
The novel’s strength lies in its pacing and emotional stakes. Kalis writes with intensity, and scenes like Ethan’s obsessive search for Nicole or Nicole’s late-night fear feel chillingly real:
“Ethan was frustrated. He’s spent the entire morning circling the building, trying to get a glimpse of Nicole, but she was nowhere to be found.”
“Fear gripped her. She stared out into the backyard again through the gap in the curtain, waiting. Her breath was caught in her chest. Her heart pounded, sending a rush of blood into her ears.”
Though it’s the fourth in the Emily Tizzano series, “Soon to Be Mine” works as a standalone, but readers may find themselves craving more character depth that previous books might provide.
Series Reading Order
- Twelve Years Gone
- Lakeview Vendetta
- Victim 14
- Soon to Be Mine
- The Investor
- The Killing Graves
- Deadly Verdict
About the Author
K.J. Kalis is known for gritty, heart-pounding thrillers that explore the darker sides of justice, obsession, and survival. Her work spans categories including medical thrillers, military suspense, and vigilante justice. A former poet and professional copywriter, her thrillers consistently rank in Amazon’s Top 100.
Final Thoughts
This book is perfect for fans of fast-paced suspense novels by authors like James Patterson and Harlan Coben. With its chilling stalker plot, themes of justice and family loyalty, and a resilient heroine, “Soon to Be Mine” delivers gripping storytelling that stays with you long after the final page.
Have you read any of the Emily Tizzano books? Let me know in the comments which one is your favorite or what you thought of Nicole’s story.
SA Examiner 