We Were Killers Once

A Thriller

By: Becky Masterman

Narrated by: Kate Harper

"A gripping premise, brilliantly executed—you won’t be able to put this one down!"—Shari Lapena, New York Times bestselling author of The Couple Next Door

In 1959, a family of four were brutally murdered in Holcomb, Kansas. Perry Smith and Dick Hickok were convicted and executed for the crime, and the murders and their investigation and solution became the subject of Truman Capote's masterpiece, In Cold Blood. But what if there was a third killer, who remained unknown? What if there was another family, also murdered, who crossed paths with this band of killers, though their murder remains unsolved? And what if Dick Hickok left a written confession, explaining everything?

Retired FBI agent Brigid Quinn and her husband Carlo, a former priest and university professor, are trying to enjoy each other in this new stage in their lives. But a memento from Carlo's days as a prison chaplain—a handwritten document hidden away undetected in a box of Carlo's old things—has become a target for a man on the run from his past. Jerry Beaufort has just been released from prison after decades behind bars, and though he'd like to get on with living the rest of his life, he knows that somewhere there is a written record of the time he spent with two killers in 1959. Following the path of this letter will bring Jerry into contact with the last person he'll see as a threat: Brigid Quinn.

Becky Masterman's binge-worthy thrillers featuring unique heroine Brigid Quinn continue with this fascinating alternative look at one of America's most famous crimes.

©2019 Becky Masterman (P)2019 Macmillan Audio

Critic reviews

"The book is stunning, best villain in a decade. The plot is mesmerizing, with a narrative that shocks as it enthralls. Fantastic."—Ken Bruen

Bridget and Carlo see each other with new eyes.

I have been following both of them through all the previous books, the storyline was fantastic, edge of seat, very cleverly developed and resolved at the very last minute. Such a “great read”. This book gave you everything you want from a thriller, along with watching your “friends” find a new level to their relationship. Just loved it! Highly recommend this book!

intriguing connection to In Cold Blood

First I think the narrator may have really made me want to know what the connections were between the antagonist (for lack of a better word) and the original killers in In Cold Blood. Because actually the story is a bit slow and really at times over the top unbelievable. I would have liked MORE psychological depth to the original killers as well as "Jerry Nolan". As it was a lot was set up and then the plot took over.

👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

The best of the Bridget Quinn series . Loved it .
Suspenseful , beautifully written .
Worth the credit !

Good story terrible reader

I almost quit listening several times. The voices for different characters were embarrassing- especially Jerry and Carlo. Readers in the other books are great-especially the first one.

Narrator is fine

I have to disagree with another review. The narrator is good— she does a good job acting. Compared to the voice actor in the previous books of the series, however, her voices are limited – she cannot do many male voices.

Other than that it’s an intriguing story, especially since I had just read about the case and Capote‘s book.