Thriller Review: Karma Never Sleeps by R. John Dingle

Crime thrillers and police procedural novels are my favorites--and I always have a couple of them on my reading list. Today, I have a new novel that launches a series from author R. John Dingle. Learn about Karma Never Sleeps, read my thoughts on the book, learn about the author & be sure to add this one to your reading list!

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About the Book

In a small town, the truth can’t always set you free…

When a second woman from a group of friends known as “the posse” is murdered in the woods near the
New England enclave of Kendalton, FBI agent and profiler Gus Wheeler and his partner are called in to determine if this is a serial killing. He’s intrigued by a clue hidden on the body: a memorial picture of a teen who died 25 years ago.

Karma Never Sleeps is the 1st novel in the Gus Wheeler FBI Thriller series. The 2nd book is due out in
November 2025 and is in the editing process now.

My Review

Karma Never Sleeps is the Perfect Thriller to Launch This Series. I was surprised to realize that this was the first book in a series. The author's writing style is so organized and engaging that the characters feel connected and familiar--but not boring or cliche. The storyline flows well with a fast pace that draws you in on the first page and makes you just sad enough to leave the main characters at the end that you will be already adding the next series book to your reading list. The author gives some twists and turns--some surprising, others somewhat expected--and a lot of small-town drama and secrets that make this both a thriller and a more relatable drama. 

Expect a Large Cast of Characters to Love (and Hate). I love the main characters. Gus and Vanessa make a great team! The cast of characters (and suspects) in this novel is somewhat large--even larger with some of the nicknames and such that readers must organize early on. There is a clear "mean girl" element that gives readers plenty to love, hate and relate to in this book. 

Would I Recommend Karma Never Sleeps by R. John Dingle? I love the author's writing style and story development. There is just enough detail to move the story along--but not so much that it becomes tedious or boring. The mystery itself is solvable as you move through the story with Gus and Vanessa--but even if you know the culprit, there is still a lot of drama and interesting dynamics to keep you engaged and maybe even a little surprised from time to time. This was a book that I couldn't put down and read from cover to cover in one night. I love the characters and can't wait to read more of this series!

Buy the Book

Amazon

Meet the Author

R. John Dingle is the author of mysteries and psychological thrillers set in New England. 

Karma Never Sleeps is his first book--but, expect more from the author and this series! He lives in Mid-Coast Maine in a 200-year-old home with his wife, writing full-time and boating in between plot twists.

Connect with the Author

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