The Cross Burning Case

Peyton Brooks, FBI: Hate Crimes Division, Book 2

By: M.L. Hamilton

Narrated by: Kelley Hazen

While Peyton and Marco continue to struggle with their work/life balance, crime doesn’t take a break. As a homicide detective, Peyton dreaded each call, because it meant that someone had lost his or her life, but moving to Hate Crimes has shown her the darkness in humanity isn’t confined to murder.

Lifting the veil on the underbelly of the City has forced Peyton to acknowledge innocent victims can be targeted through no fault of their own. However, when a cross is burned in the yard of a civil rights activist, Peyton and her squad are on the case.

For Marco, raising a child while being in law enforcement has always been a concern, but his daughter Piper quickly became the focus of his life. His love for her drove him to take on the cold case of Audra Tarkington, the young woman who went missing thirteen years ago, but after hitting dead end after dead end, Marco isn’t sure he’ll be able to bring Audra’s father closure.

And then the Homicide Division is called to investigate the strange murder of Elliot Robertson. Putting Audra’s case on the back burner isn’t something Marco wants to do, but when a murderer is on the loose, he might not have any other choice.

©2025 M.L. Hamilton (P)2025 M.L. Hamilton

ML Hamilton never disappoint

am I being greedy by wishing for the next installment to be out already? loved the story, what a twist! The continuation of the development of all the characters is something I always enjoy, and ML never disappoints. I love how much Jennifer has grown in this book. Brooks always knows what to do to gain people's trust and get the best out of them, even the reluctant individuals.

Many times I have wish this was a TV series, but the casting has to be super special to make it work. One can dream.

I am totally in love with the story and all the characters

I love every series of Peyton Brooks and have been waiting super patiently for the next book after this one. I really love how Peyton has made her own team hers. I knew it would happen, but I am super anxious to read more about Jake and Bambi to read more about Harper and Dante to find out if Cho and Maria are going to have a baby eventually. I love them all but as many times as I have read these which has been very many many times I have to say I do have a bad habit of finding the mess-ups. now back in the FBI series at the precinct with Marco, there was a nurse that got killed by a coworker McDonald and at the end of the book it states that he died in the explosion but then either the next book or the book after it says that he's going to prison like he did not die. then there's the book in the first hate crime series that the doctor gets shot in the park by the stalker woman woman. Sheila and she dies of a drug overdose and slitting her wrist but in this book it shows or says that she's going to court and they're pleading insanity due to abandonment when she was a child. so somewhere somebody got some things messed up. they died in one book and then they're suddenly alive in another and facing charges. I know a normal person that reads them once would probably not have caught that. but I will say I have read these many and many times it doesn't stop me at all. just thought I would point that out for any future books, but I love all the characters and radar and Peyton's relationship is one of my absolute favorites and cannot wait to hear more about little Piper growing. I'm just super involved in their lives. love this!

An Awesome Listen

I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the narrator and enjoyed it very much. The second book in the series is here and it is just as good as the first one. Peyton’s first case in the Hate Crimes division was a success, but time is dragging on and still, no second case. Finally, a tip on the hot line gives the team a case. Marco has a double homicide to solve and no clear motive for it. There’s some twist and turns, but as always great writing and narrating will keep you listening to find out what going to happen next. Looking forward to the next one.

2 cases in one

I really enjoy the adventures of Peyton and Marco. It was a great listen with 2 cases in one book. It is great to how fast Piper is growing up. Keep them coming!

Engaging and Unputdownable!

From start to finish, this installment in the Peyton Brooks, FBI: Hate Crimes Division series had me completely hooked. The pacing is excellent, and the way the cases unfold keeps you guessing without ever feeling rushed. I found myself so immersed in the story that I forgot I was listening to an audiobook—it felt like I was right there alongside the team.

The character development continues to impress me. Each book adds new layers to the personalities we’ve come to know and love, making them feel even more real and relatable. The dynamic between the FBI and SFPD is handled beautifully, and the collaboration on multiple cases adds depth and excitement to the narrative.

Kelley Hazen’s narration is, as always, flawless. Her ability to bring these characters to life enhances every moment of the story. This series just keeps getting better, and I can’t wait to dive into the next book!

I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and I have voluntarily left this review.