Identical Death
About this ebook
A bond that death can’t sever.
A murder that changes everything.
Anna Carmen has been dead for six hours, but Cici Gurule still hears her name whispered in the dark. Identical twins fused by an unbreakable connection, now torn apart by violence.
As Cici confronts the unbearable truth, she races to uncover the forces behind Anna’s murder. But danger lurks in every shadow—and the answers may be more devastating than she imagined.
This prequel novella ends on a cliffhanger and sets the stage for the award-winning Reverend Cici Gurule Mystery series. Start here for a haunting, unforgettable journey into love, loss, and justice.
◆Please note: This is a companion novella that should be read prior to or after A Pilgrimage to Death as it offers further insights into Cici, Sam, and the murder of Anna Carmen. It ends on a cliffhanger.◆
Although these books are best read in order, as a series, the rest (after A Pilgrimage to Death) can be read as a standalone. The chronological order is:
Identical Death
A Pilgrimage to Death
A Heritage of Death
An Artifact of Death
A Revelation of Death
A Counsel of Death
TIMELESS PRAISE FOR J.J. Cagney
“A wholly absorbing gumshoe tale elevated by an extraordinary detective.” —Kirkus Reviews
“Vivid, alluring, and heart‑wrenching… every reason I love mystery.” —New York Times Bestseller Darynda Jones
“Written in a clear, distinct style, Padgett uses the prose to elicit tension and emotion and creates a tense, fast-paced story.” —The BookLife Prize
"An edge-of-my-seat thrill ride that kept me guessing all the way through." — USA Today Bestseller Allyson Lindt
“The prose is…sublimely concise.” —Kirkus Reviews
“I’m pretty giddy that this will be a series! It’s packed with a good mystery and the cat and mouse makes it hard to put down.” —Next Book Review
“An exhilarating entry in a thoroughly enjoyable series.” —Kirkus Reviews
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About the author
J.J. Cagney writes twisty, atmospheric mysteries and thrillers where every clue is a risk—and every secret comes with a cost. Her award-winning novels feature smart, determined heroines navigating dangerous terrain, both literal and emotional, from New Mexico’s high deserts to Yellowstone’s wild frontiers.
Cagney is best known for the acclaimed Cici Gurule Mysteries, including A Pilgrimage to Death—named one of Kirkus Reviews’ 100 Best Books of 2018, winner of the National Indie Excellence Award, and a Goodreads Best Mysteries reader favorite. An Artifact of Death was praised as “an exhilarating entry in a thoroughly enjoyable series” (Kirkus Reviews) and recognized as a BookLife Award quarterfinalist. Her newer works, including Bayou Venom, have also earned her recognition as Judge’s Top Pick for both the Claymore and Silver Falchion Awards at Killer Nashville 2025.
Before turning to full-time storytelling, Cagney worked as a literary agent and marketing director for elite athletes, careers that sharpened her instincts for high-stakes drama and character-driven conflict. She now lives in northern New Mexico with her family, two mischievous dogs, and a small but suspiciously well-organized tank of fish.
Cagney’s next thriller, See Jane Run—a gripping cat-and-mouse survival story set deep in Yellowstone—releases August 2026 from City Owl Press.
