Perilous Tides by Elizabeth Goddard – Mystery and Intrigue

Perilous Tides by Elizabeth Goddard is the second book in her Hidden Bay series.  This book tells the story of Jo Cattrel, who readers met in the first book, Storm Warning. 

 

Jo Cattrel works with her friend Remi Grant at the Cedar Trails Lodge in Hidden Bay along the Washington coastline.  Something both ladies had in common is that they were in hiding because of danger in their past.  Danger that threatened their present and future.  In Perilous Tides we learn about Jo’s past and why she’s been in hiding for three years. 

 

Three years ago, Jo’s mother was murdered and Jo went into hiding.  She continues look for answers and for justice.  The story gets off to a gripping start when Jo is trying to find her father who left a cryptic note and disappeared.  When her search fails, Jo gets on the ferry to go across Puget Sound and head home.  But the crossing may turn deadly when Jo witnesses something she shouldn’t have.  It’s a good thing that her ex-boyfriend, Cole Mercer, was back in town.  Will Cole be able to help Jo get the answers she’s looking for?  Will he be able to help keep her alive in the face of an unrelenting enemy?  Can their relationship be restored? 

 

Perilous Tides has a lot of mystery and suspense.  I was about seventy percent into the story when the various clues and puzzle pieces started to come together.  The premise was interesting.  I liked the Pacific Northwest setting and enjoyed the friendship between Jo and Remi, and Cole’s relationship with his brother Hawk.  I liked Jo’s commitment to find out who killed her mom and her quest for justice.  One of the characters that I grew to like was Detective Sanders.  I hope he appears in the third book in the Hidden Bay series and his character is further developed. 

 

There were a few things I struggled with.  The biggest one was Jo Cattrel.  Her character came across as very self-absorbed and indulging in self-pity throughout most of the book.  It got old.  The non-stop suspense and unrelenting enemy attacks were almost too much.  It stretched the imagination. 

 

Faith was a very small part of the story.  Especially considering the various crises that Jo and the others were going through, it would have been a good opportunity to include elements of faith.  In conversations and prayer or thoughts. 

 

If you are an Elizabeth Goddard fan and enjoy mystery and intrigue with some romance, you may enjoy reading Perilous Tides by Elizabeth Goddard.  This is the second book in the Hidden Bay series, but it works as a stand alone novel too.

 

I would like to thank Revell Publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a complimentary copy of Perilous Tides by Elizabeth Goddard.  I was under no obligation to give a favorable review.  

The Codebreaker’s Daughter by Amy Lynn Green – Mystery, Intrigue, and Relationships

 
The Codebreaker’s Daughter is the first book I’ve read by author Amy Lynn Green.  I wanted to read it because I enjoy World War II historical novels, along with mystery and intrigue. 

 

The Codebreaker’s Daughter tells the story of Lillian Kendall and her daughter Dinah Kendall, and takes place in 1917 during the Great War and 1944 during World War II.  It’s a story about mothers and daughters and how they impact and influence each other’s lives.  It’s about trying to overcome difficult circumstances and live a good, decent, and meaningful live.  It’s about two ordinary women, living in extraordinary and critical times for our Country and the world.  It’s about doing important work and striving to do it well.  It’s about marriage and caring for and being there for your spouse and family.  It’s about lifelong friendships that endure over many seasons.  It’s about making choices and experiencing the consequences, both good and bad.

 

The book was different than I expected.  Yes, it takes place in WWI and WWII and involves codebreaking, espionage, and helping with the war effort.  But underlying it all are the relationships and lives of the characters as the grow and change over the years.

 

My favorite character was Roger Kendall, the husband of Lillian.  He was the steady and loving husband and father that undergirded and supported his wife and daughter.  I enjoyed the friendships Lillian had with Elizebeth and Margot. 

 

The Codebreaker’s Daughter is a slow-paced novel.  While it does have mystery and intrigue, the main-focus is the characters and their stories.  About twenty percent into the storyline my interest picked up more as the story focused on the work the women were doing to help in the war effort. 

 

While the story unraveled slowly, there were some real gems in the book.  Thoughts and insights from the characters that were thought-provoking and meaningful. 

 

If you like World Word II historical fiction, mystery, intrigue, relationships, and stories that focus on the characters behind the historical backdrop, you may want to read Amy Lynn Green’s newest novel The Codebreaker’s Daughter.  I look forward to reading more of this author’s work in the future. 

 

I would like to thank Bethany House Publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a complimentary copy of The Codebreaker’s Daughter by Amy Lynn Green.  I was under no obligation to give a favorable review. 

 

The Beijing Betrayal by Joel C. Rosenberg – Un-put-downable, Will keep you up late at night!

The Beijing Betrayal by Joel C. Rosenberg is the sixth and final book in the Marcus Ryker series.  This novel picks up where the last book, The Libyan Diversion, left off.  The United States had experienced a deadly terrorist attack by Abu Nakba and his terrorist group Kairos.  They nearly achieved their aim at taking out the President of the United States, the Pope, and as many American as they could.  If it had not been for Marcus Ryker and his team, they may have succeeded.  As it stands, far too many people were killed and injured.

 

When it becomes known that Abu Nakba, and his terror group Kairos, are still operational President Carlos Hernandez calls on the CIA’s elite team lead by Marcus Ryker to once and for all take out this terror threat.  Intelligence indicates that Abu Nakba and Kairos are operating in Pakistan.  Marcus and his team plan out their mission, but things did not quite go as planned.  When the team makes a horrifying discovery that the terrorists are working to weaponize the Cerberus virus their only option is to destroy the lab.  That explosive decision will make their covert mission a little harder to conceal from both friends and foes. 

 

Later, it discovered that Abu Nakba escaped and his terror organization is back up and running.  President Hernandez will need the CIA’s elite team to hunt down and destroy this terror group.  After the last mission, Ryker’s team is exhausted and working non-stop to try and find Nakba.  Who is funding this operation and to what end?  Is it the Russians, Iran, and how does China fit into the equation? 

 

Joel Rosenberg is one of my favorite writers.  He has a way of capturing the reader’s attention from the get-go.  The Beijing Betrayal is jam packed with action and suspense.  What would have once seemed an implausible story, now the possibilities seem all too real.  Joel is good at describing scenes and you can almost imagine it in your mind. 

 

My favorite part of the book are the characters.  Marcus Ryker is a very likable character.  He is intense and passionate about his work, cares about the people he works with, and is committed to the work they do.  I love the relationships between Marcus and his family, friends, teammates.  Even though there is plenty of action, suspense, and intrigue, it is the characters that keep my attention.  I liked the relationship between Marcus and Annie, the love and respect they have for each other.  I was rooting for them!  I liked the times where Marcus and Annie were able to talk and reflect on their relationship.  Something I appreciate about reading a book by a Christian writer is that it is clean, has no profanity, and the characters speak about their faith and try to live it out.  The Christian Gospel was shared. 

 

Since the story is about a terrorist group and their leader, the book has some violent scenes.  But Joel does not focus on the blood and gore.  With the aspect of the weaponization the Cerberus virus designed to kill people, it was rather disturbing.  But in what we have seen over the past 25 plus years, the thought of evildoers resorting to something like this is a very real possibility. 

 

Since I knew this was the last book of the Marcus Ryker series, I did not know how it would end.  Happy or sad?  As the action winds down in the story, Joel did not skimp on the ending.  He took time wrap things up with the characters readers have come to know and care about.

 

I highly recommend The Beijing Betrayal by Joel C. Rosenberg, especially for those who enjoy geo-political thrillers and Christian fiction.  It is filled with non-stop action that will keep you up late at night.  The Beijing Betrayal is un-put-downable!  You know a book is good when you are thinking about it when you are not reading it.  I look forward to reading the next book that Joel writes.  If you haven’t read all the books in the Marcus Ryker series, you may want to consider doing so. 

 

I would like to thank Tyndale House Publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to read complimentary a copy of The Beijing Betrayal by Joel C. Rosenberg.  I was under no obligation to give a favorable review.  

Storm Warning by Elizabeth Goddard – Filled with Mystery, Intrigue, Suspense – May keep you up at night

 

Storm Warning by Elizabeth Goddard is the first book in her Hidden Bay series.  This book is action packed from the get go, filled with mystery, intrigue, and suspense. 

 

Remi Grant first came to Cedar Trails Lodge when she was searching for a safe haven where she could escape from those trying to find her.  These days Remi works as the manager of the lodge.  The lodge is fully booked with guests who are here to watch the storm of the decade come ashore with winds and waves battering the Pacific Northwest coastline.

 

If it was up to her, Remi would not be on the beach with the storm coming in.  But she was trying to find a guest’s tiny yorkie.  Time is running out and Remi is reminded she can go up a rope ladder.  A few feet from the top Remi notices the rungs of the ladder are broken and the rope is shredded.  As she considers her options, she hears a voice, “Grab my hands now before it’s too late.”  The stranger, Hawk Beckett, caught her wrist as Remi is paralyzed in fear, and he pulls her to the top.

 

Former Night Stalker and military helicopter pilot Hawk Beckett was able to book the last cabin before the storm came in.  A friend had told him that he might find the answers he was looking for at the Cedar Trails Lodge.  Remi would like to remember what happened two years ago.  Hawk would like to forget the painful memories of the past couple of years.  Despite feeling leery of Hawk, it seems Remi will need to trust him to help protect her from whoever has finally tracked her down. 

 

Hawk Beckett was my favorite characters.  I like that he was ready, willing, and able to do whatever he had to do to protect Remi.  With all his military and security training he was the right man for the job.  With the resources that Hawk has available, he is not the average Joe.  In that sense, realism is a bit of a stretch.  Sometimes that is okay and why I am reading fiction.  There was no shortage of potential bad guys, with suspects at every turn.  I had inkling who the bad guy may be and it seems as though not everyone is who they first seem to be.  Faith was a small part of the story and I would have liked to have had that play a bigger part in the character’s lives.  Overall, I liked the book and enjoyed the mystery and suspense.  It kept me up late on more than one night. 

 

From page one, Storm Warning is action packed and filled with mystery, intrigue, and suspense.  It is fast paced and may keep you up at night until you unravel the mysteries.  If you like intrigue, mystery, and suspense you may want to read Elizabeth’s Goddard’s newest book Storm Warning. 

 

I would like to thank Revell Publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a complimentary copy of Storm Warning by Elizabeth Goddard.  I was under no obligation to give a favorable review. 

 

Serial Burn by Lynette Eason – Action-packed, mystery, and intrigue with a little romance

 

Serial Burn by Lynette Eason is the third book in the Lake City Heroes series.  This novel is action packed from beginning to end.  Characters from two earlier books are included, but it works well as a stand-alone book.   

 

It has been twenty years since Jesslyn McCormick lost her parents and sister in an arson fire.  She has made a public vow to find out who murdered her family.  As a Fire Marshal, Jesslyn is dedicated to help bring justice to those who lives have been impacted by arson.

 

When a local church has been set on fire Jesslyn has been assigned to the investigation.  Because a church was attacked it is considered a hate crime and FBI Special Agent Nathan Carlisle has been assigned to work this case.  Will they be able to find out who started this fire and stop them before more people are endangered and damage is done?  When more fires are started in Lake City evidence indicates it is the work of a serial arsonist.  When Jesslyn has some close calls at fire scenes, she is concerned that she is being targeted by the arsonist.  

 

This book has lots of action, suspense, and mystery throughout the story.  Both main characters, Jesslyn and Nathan, have some serious issues from their individual lives that they are trying to work through.  The cases they are working on are bringing those issues to the forefront.  There is attraction between the two main characters, but they realize that for now that is something that will be put on hold.

 

I really liked the support network of friends that were part of their lives.  Friends that were introduced to readers in the first two novels of this series.  I liked how Jesslyn and Nathan were able to build a relationship and begin to trust one another.  Faith was a part of the story.  I would have like to have seen it play a bigger part.  Perhaps in the form of examining their thoughts and actions compared to what the Bible says how a believer should respond.  Or a friend who is a solid and very caring Christian speaking truth to them. 

 

There were some heavy emotions and situations in this book.  In addition to those who perished in fires, there was adultery, guilt, anger, resentment, unforgiveness, and thoughts about self-harm.

 

Overall, I liked the book and enjoyed the suspense and whodunit.  I appreciated the supportive friendships the characters had.  If you enjoy mystery, suspense, and whodunit novels, you may want to read Serial Burn by Lynette Eason. 

 

I would like to thank Revell Publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a complimentary copy of Serial Burn by Lynette Eason.  I was under no obligation to give a favorable review.  Serial Burn will be released January 21, 2025.

 

Over the Edge by Irene Hannon – Filled with Mystery and Suspense

 

Over the Edge is Irene Hannon’s second book in the Undaunted Courage series.

 

Lindsey Barnes recently moved St. Louis.  She made the move following traumatic incident that she desperately wants to put behind her.  Her business as a person chef is doing good.  But a chef without her knives is not going to be very productive.  So, Lindsey makes plans to stop at the home where she left her equipment. 

 

The homeowner is not there, only a construction worker is in another area.  Lindsey spots her knife roll on the kitchen counter.  As she come around the island, she encounters a man dead on the floor surrounded by blood.  Before she can react, she hears someone in the guest bathroom and she quickly hides under the island countertop.  Soon after the suspect leaves, Lindsey calls 911.  Another nightmare has begun.  Even though she is the only witness, Lindsey does not want to go through this again!

 

I liked the mystery and suspense in the book, it kept me guessing right up to the end.  Most of all, I liked the characters.  Especially Detective Jack Tucker and the relationship he had with his sisters Bri and Cara, they are a very caring and closeknit family.  Bri was featured in the first book of the series, Into the Fire.  I appreciated how Jack and Lindsey worked through issues, and opened-up with one another.  Jack was willing to investigate Lindsey’s claims that someone was might be targeting her because she was the only witness.  I appreciated that the novel was clean and faith was included in the storyline. 

 

One of the things that did not make a lot sense was Lindsey repeatedly talking to her friends about the developments in the case.  Police standard procedure is to caution the witness to not speak about the case with anyone.  When a character does something that does not make sense, it seems like it was included to add an element of danger. 

 

If you like a good whodunnit, filled with mystery and suspense with a little romance, you may want to read Irene Hannon’s newest book Over the Edge. 

 

I would like to thank Revell Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read Over the Edge by Irene Hannon!  I was provided a complimentary copy of the eBook, but was under no obligation to give a favorable review. 

 

Betrayal at Blackthorn Park by Julia Kelly – Intrigue and Mystery During WWII

 If you enjoy a good story with mystery and intrigue, Betrayal at Blackthorn Park by Julia Kelly may be the book for you.  This is the second book in the Evelyne Redfern Mystery series.

 

Evelyne Redfern completed her training at the finishing school for the Special Investigations Unit.  She has been summoned to headquarters to receive her first assignment.  On her way, Evelyne encounters David Pool whom she had previously worked with.  Evelyne is assigned to investigate an anonymous report that things have gone missing at Blackthorn Park, a facility that develops weapons.  David has also been assigned.  This time he will be Evelyne’s handler and not a field agent. 

 

Under the cover of night, Evelyne makes her way through the grounds to the manor house.  After picking the lock Evelyne hears a gunshot.  She dashes up the stairs and enters Sir Nigel’s office and finds the man dead of what appears to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound.  Or is it?  Is it connected to the report of missing supplies?

 

I love reading historical fiction, especially from the timeframe of WWII.  Betrayal at Blackthorn Park was filled with mystery and intrigue. 

 

I enjoyed reading this book because of the main characters Evelyne and David.  Both characters were very likable and had an interesting relationship.  There was some attraction between the two.  But they were both professional and respected one another.  The author did a good job in describing the scenes and characters so the reader can visualize them.  There were lot of characters and many twists and turns.  I was trying to guess whodunit based on the evidence and possible suspects.  The book kept me guessing to the end. 

 

I really enjoyed reading Betrayal at Blackthorn Park by Julia Kelly and recommend it.  This was the second book in the Evelyne Redfern Mystery series, but it worked well as a standalone book.  Now I want to go back and read the first book in the series, A Traitor in Whitehall, and look forward to reading more of Julia Kelly’s books.  If you like historical fiction, mysteries, intrigue, and WWII history, be sure to read this book. 

 

I would like to thank St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a complimentary copy of Betrayal at Blackthorn Park by Julia Kelly.  I was under no obligation to give a favorable review. 

 

Target Acquired by Lynette Eason – Suspense, Mystery, and a Little Romance

 
Target Acquired by Lynette Eason is the second book in the Lake City Heroes series.  It has two-timelines, one dates to the 1940’s and one takes place in the present.  The characters are from several families whose lives intersect both in the past and present day in the fictional town Lake City, North Carolina.  Like many families, life can be complicated and relationships are impacted.  Especially when sinful emotions like bitterness, anger, resentment are allowed to fester. 

 

The story starts out in the 1940’s with Eliza Crane who finds herself in state-run mental hospital and locked in her room.  She is hopeful that her friend Betsy will come to see her again, she is like a lifeline.  Eliza is being held against her will because of the allegations her father made that she tried to harm herself.  She is desperate to get out so she can be with her fiancé William. 

 

Fast forward to current day and we meet SWAT medic Kenzie King.  The SWAT team is under the leadership of Sergeant Cole Garrison.  Kenzie and Cole have known each other and their respective families since they were young.  Kenzie has had a challenging time trying to fit in with the team.  She is the only woman and a couple of the men are not sure she is the right person for the job.  It is causing division and they need to be able to work together as a team and have each other’s backs.

 

Added to the challenges of her new position, Kenzie seems to be the target of someone who is out to get her.  The attacks keep on happening and she is not safe in her own home or on the job.  Is it someone on the team that wants her to leave?  Or is it a stranger who wants her dead? 

 

I liked Cole’s character the best.  He was caring and developing good leadership skills.  Kenzie’s background is explained so we can understand her motivations.  She was intent on being tough and proving herself.  But I would like to have seen her character more fully developed.

 

I liked the suspense and mystery while trying to figure out who done it.  I enjoyed the friendships between the characters that were brought back from the first novel in this series, Double Take.  The friends were caring and supportive of each other.  It was a bit of a challenge to keep the characters straight because there were a lot of characters between the two timelines.  Thankfully, at the beginning of the book, the characters are listed with a brief description.  I would have liked have seen the character’s faith more developed.  Faith was briefly mentioned, but was not a big part of the story.

 

I would like to thank Revell Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a complimentary copy of Target Acquired by Lynette Eason.  I was under no obligation to give a favorable review. 

The Protector by Wanda E Brunstetter – A Mystery and Different Kind of Storyline for Amish Fiction

 
The Protector is Wanda Brunstetter’s newest novel, the first book in the Mifflin County Mystery Series.  I enjoy Amish fiction and this author is one of my favorites.

The Protector is quite different than Wanda Brunstetter’s other books.  The subject matter is different than most Amish novels.  It is about a family member that has gone missing and its impact on each person of the family.  The characters, how they handle the stress of the unknown, and how it impacts the family dynamic seemed rather gloomy. 

Following a date from night before Rosa Petersheim has gone missing.  It is like she vanished and no one has seen her or knows what happened to her.  Has she run away?  Is it foul play?  The police were contacted and investigated the Rosa’s disappearance, but the investigation has stalled.  Now three months later, the family has gone on and tried to live their lives.  But they are functioning under shadow of their grief and the unknown.  In its wake are some very unhealthy family dynamics. 

After Rosa went missing her brother Norman has taken on the burden of trying to find Rosa or what happened to her.  All his efforts have gone nowhere.  Norman had dated Salina for a while now and it seemed like marriage might be on the horizon.  But with all his efforts to find Rosa, it has impacted Norman’s relationship with Salina.

Of course, Elsie’s mother’s heart is grieving for her daughter and it has impacted her health.  Their father, Mahlon has grown angry and bitter.  Their daughter Susan’s reaction has exposed some of her character flaws.  Only Tena seems to have the most caring response to all this stress. 

Will they ever find out what happened to Rosa?  Will she come back home one day?  If so, will she be welcomed home or shut out? 

Overall, I found the storyline kind of depressing.  It seemed like each of the characters were caught up in their own thoughts and feelings without healthy and caring input from others.  They did not share their burdens with each other or even friends.  It was not until near of end of the storyline that there was some breakthrough in this family’s responses to this trial. 

I thought the subject was unique for Amish fiction.  In most Amish fiction there is a strong sense of community and caring that seemed to be absent here.  Not sure if that was intentional.  When an Amish family has someone that goes missing are they presumed to have run away?  Is the family shamed or blamed for those circumstances? 

I enjoy Wanda Brunstetter’s writing, but struggled a bit with The Protector’s storyline and the characters’ negativity.  Since some of the mystery was left hanging, there was no real or satisfying conclusion.  I look forward to reading more books by Wanda Brunstetter.  I am not sure if this storyline will carry over to the future novels in this series.

I would like to thank Barbour Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a complimentary copy of The Protector by Wanda E. Brunstetter.  I was under no obligation to give a favorable review. 

 

The Berlin Letters by Katherine Reay – Fascinating, Compelling, Filled with Intrigue

 

When I read the description about Katherine Reay’s new book, The Berlin Letters, I wanted to read it.  So glad I had the opportunity.  It was a great book.  

 

Monica Voekler loved her husband Haris and enjoyed their life together in East Berlin with their daughter Luisa.  But she did not share Haris’ appreciation for the GDR government.  The day came when the wall went up, guards would not let people pass through to West Berlin, and razor wire deterred citizens trying to escape.  That day Monica was desperate and would resort to the unthinkable to ensure her daughter would be safe.  She tossed her beloved daughter to her father on the other side of the wall.  Their lives changed that day, for Monica and Haris, and for three-year-old Luisa and her Grandparents who later moved to America.

 

The Berlin Letters is a wonderful read.  The novel takes place during the Cold War and spans 28 years, from 1961 to 1989.  It tells the story about a family divided and torn apart by the oppressive German Democratic Republic and the Berlin Wall.  It is filled with mystery, intrigue, secrets, spies, snitches, encrypted letters, and code breaking.  It tells the story of people who risked their lives to get the truth out the world with the hope of change and freedom. 

 

As fascinating as the intrigue is the story was made even more compelling by the characters and their relationships.  The characters came across as very real as we learn about their experiences and what they are thinking and feeling.  The characters grew and changed over the years.

 

I enjoyed reading historical fiction and Katherine Reay did a fabulous job making the characters come to life during the fascinating time of the Cold War.  The Berlin Letters is a is compelling, thoughtful novel, and filled with intrigue. 

 

The Berlin Letters is the first novel I have read by Katherine Reay and I am so glad I discovered her work.  I was reminded when reading this book, what an incredible time we lived through when we saw the Berlin Wall come down and freedom come to those who were oppressed.  I look forward to reading more of her books. 

 

I would like to thank Publisher Harper Muse and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a complementary copy of The Berlin Letters by Katherine Reay.  I was under no obligation to give a favorable review. 

 

Fatal Witness by Patricia Bradley – Interesting Plot, But the Story Got Bogged Down

 

I enjoy suspense and mystery novels and was excited to read Patricia Bradley’s newest book Fatal Witness, the second book in the Pearl River Novel series.  A cold case, family secrets, a repressed memory, and a family seeking justice makes for an interesting mystery. 

 

At age nine, Danielle witnessed her parents’ murders and was whisked away by her uncle Keith.  It has been twenty-five years and Dani has no memory of the events that changed her life.  Her uncle has protected and insulated her from all possible danger.  While she has no memory of her family, she inherited the natural artistic talents of her grandmother Mae.  The subject of a recent magazine article, Dani has been invited to attend an artist workshop in Cincinnati.  Though Dani has no memory of her early life, her grandmother has never forgotten her, nor stopped looking for her.  Seeing the article in the pottery magazine, Mae is certain that Dani may be her long-lost granddaughter. 

 

I found the storyline intriguing.  I liked Dani and was curious about her uncle Keith and how he would react to Dani venturing out on her own.  I liked her grandmother Mae who was willing to press law enforcement to investigate this cold case and find her granddaughter.  Law enforcement officers in the remote area of Tennessee were stretched thin and had a lot of area to cover.  But Mark Lassiter with his K-9 companion Gem, along with Alex Stone and her team would do what they could investigate this cold case and protect those in danger. 

 

Once Dani is back in Tennessee, things heat up and it appears the murderer will stop at nothing to protect their secrets.  At this point in the story, it seemed to get bogged down.  I struggled with the last half of the story. There were a lot of characters and potential suspects to weed through.  There were some strategic errors made by law enforcement several times.  Some risks and decisions that were made were not logical.  As a former military sharp shooter, I found it interesting that Mark allowed himself to be distracted. 

 

Faith was a small part of the story and a Bible verse was focused on in times of danger.  I would like to have seen Mark’s faith more fully developed and part of the story. 

 

I liked the storyline and characters in Fatal Witness, but found the story dragged in the last half of the novel. 

 

I would to thank NetGalley and Revell Publishing for the opportunity to read Patricia Bradley’s book Fatal Witness.  If you enjoy Patricia Bradley’s writing and like mysteries and intrigue, you may enjoy this book.  I was provided with a complimentary copy of Fatal Witness.  I was under no obligation to give a favorable review. 

 

One Wrong Move by Dani Pettrey – Interesting Storyline, Likeable Characters, But Too Many Characters and Subplots

 

I enjoy reading mystery and suspense books and was excited to read Dani Pettrey’s newest novel One Wrong Move, the first book in the Jeopardy Falls series. 

 

Christian O’Brady’s received a frantic phone call from his client Tad Gaiman about a break-in and theft at his art gallery in Jeopardy Falls.  Christian had installed state of the art security system at all three of Gaiman’s art galleries.  When Christian arrived on the scene, he learned that the impenetrable system was compromised by his client and a mystery-women he had met the night before.  Christian will be working with Sheriff Brunswick and insurance investigator Andi Forester to find out what happened.  When news comes out about break-ins at Tad’s other art galleries, this case just got a lot more complicated.

 

The premise of this storyline is interesting and many characters were likeable.  There was a lot going on in this story.  There were a lot of characters, Christian’s brother and sister worked with him, along with a work associate.  Christian’s brother Deckard knew of Andi, but under a different name, and what he knew about her was not good.  Andi had a lot of baggage and had left her last job with the FBI under a cloud of suspicion.  Not a lot of people believed in her innocence, except for friend Harper. 

 

Andi was not the only person with personal baggage.  Christian, Deckard, and their sister Riley had a rough start and had battled putting their past and the memories behind them.  It seems like everyone’s past was coming back to haunt them.

 

I had some problems with this book from the start.  At the beginning there are two brutal murders that take place and were told from the point of view of the bad guys.  It seemed over the top and especially ugly which surprised me in a book from a Christian writer and publisher.  It did not make the story better and I thought about putting the book down.  There were multiple bad guys and keeping track of them was challenging. 

 

There was a whole lot of past baggage with the main characters, almost everyone of them.  They were likeable, but it was a lot of issues to get through.  Perhaps the volume of issues took away from the storyline. 

 

The Christian faith was somewhat included, but was not deeply developed.  The physical attraction between some of the character could have been toned down some.  There were some illogical decisions or risks that were taken that did not make sense.  I didn’t quite believe the ending.  With two brutal murders and other violence in addition to major high end art theft, it did not seem logical that law enforcement would be on site to get the bad guys. 

 

There were elements that I liked in One Wrong Move, likeable characters, and an interesting storyline.  But it was overwhelmed by the number of characters with lots of baggage and details.  I like Dani Pettrey’s writing, but this story kind of detracted from itself by the volume of characters and subplots. 

 

I would like to thank Bethany House Publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a complimentary copy of One Wrong Move by Dani Pettrey.  I was under no obligation to give a favorable review. 

 

Double Take by Lynette Eason – Action Packed Suspense

 
I enjoy mystery and suspense novels and was excited to read Lynette Eason’s newest book Double Take.  This is the first book in her new Lake City Hero series.  This book will grab your attention from the get go. 

 

Lainie Jackson is a physician’s assistant at a hospital in Lake City, NC.  After stopping to check on a friend, Lainie headed to work on a rainy day.  A driver behind her was intent on passing and clipped her car which sent her car over the side of the mountain.  After calling 911, Lainie noticed a man peering over the edge of the road.  A man that looked like Adam, her former fiancé who was dead.  Or was he?

 

Detective James Cross and his partner, Cole Garrison responded to a domestic violence call.  James wants to do whatever it will take to get the children out of a very dangerous situation, including putting himself in the line of fire.  After sustaining injuries, James was taken to the hospital where he was treated by Lainie, his sister’s best friend.  Perhaps they can reconnect and help each other.

 

There was a lot going on in this story.  Lots of characters and relationships that were intertwined.  Some healthy and some not so good.  Both Lainie and James had a lot of baggage from their past, from family issues and PTSD that had left emotional scars.  It seemed like there some “blame the imperfect parents” that caused their children to have issues going on.  I don’t know any perfect families and life sure can be messy. 

 

Yet, I liked how Lainie was honest, straight forward, and respectful.  I appreciated how James evaluated how he had erred in his response to his father and how his father was willing to look at his own actions.  I liked the main characters, they seemed like decent, kind, and caring people.  They had good friends who were supportive and tried to be there for them, people they could trust.  I appreciated that Lainie did not do stupid things that unnecessarily put herself at risk and she was open to receiving help. 

 

The characters were likeable.  The storyline was a bit of a stretch on believability.  But I wanted to know whodunnit and why.  I liked how the characters grew and developed during the story.  There were some twists and turns, intense situations, and serious subject matters.  Topics like domestic violence, attempted murder, suicide, and dysfunctional families.  Faith was a small part of the story.  I would have like to have seen faith, trust and dependance upon God, and prayer more fully developed in the characters. 

 

If you like suspense and mystery, you may want to read Double Take by Lynette Eason.  I enjoyed this story and look forward to reading future books in the Lake City Hero series. 

 

I would like to thank Revell Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a complimentary copy of Double Take by Lynette Eason.  I was under no obligation to give a favorable review. 

 

Shadows at Dusk by Elizabeth Goddard – Not Believable, Convoluted, and Stretched the Imagination

 

Shadows at Dusk is Elizabeth’s Goddard newest book.  I have read several of her books and looked forward to reading her latest mystery.

 

Shadows at Dusk tells the story of Detective Trevor West who is searching in Alaska for his sister Jennifer Warren who disappeared over a year ago.  Trevor is a former US Marshal and knows how to track people.  But will he be able to solve the case that is most important to him?  He enlists the help of Alaskan bush pilot Carrie James to help him follow Jennifer’s trail.  Reluctantly, Carrie agrees to help him.  Not long into their journey it appears that someone does not want them to continue their search and will do whatever it takes to stop them.  But who exactly is the target?  Is it Trevor or is it Carrie? 

 

Let me start with the things I liked about this book.  I enjoyed learning about beauty of this vast, remote, and treacherous terrain.  I liked the character Trevor, he seemed like caring, determined, and faithful friend.  I liked Rip who was willing to help them on their mission, even at great risk to himself. 

 

I struggled greatly with this book for several reasons.  I hate it when characters do something stupid and illogical that puts them at risk and in danger.  Both Trevor and Carrie did that repeatedly throughout this story.  At times even acknowledging that they made a bad decision or calculation.  But they never seemed to learn from their mistakes.  Things like not making copies or photographs of key pieces of evidence.  Not giving that evidence to the police.

 

The storyline did not seem plausible.  From the bad guy behind it all and those who were helping him try to stop Trevor and Carrie.  It appears that someone from Carrie’s past might also be targeting Trevor.  Speaking of Carrie, I did not like or connect with her character.  This story stretched the imagination, not in a good way.  The story was not believable.  Because the characters continued to make unwise and illogical decisions, over and over again, I stopped caring about them.  I did not understand why a trained law enforcement officer would make some of the irrational decisions he did. 

 

There was very little about God or faith mentioned in the book.

 

From my perspective, I did not like Shadows at Dusk by Elizabeth Goddard.  The storyline was not believable.  Characters made illogical decisions that put them at risk throughout the story.  The story drug on and on.  It was too complicated and convoluted. 

 

I have read other stories by Elizabeth Goddard and enjoyed them and would like to read more in the future.  But Shadows at Dusk missed the mark and I would not recommend it. 

 

I would like to thank Revell Publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a complimentary copy of Shadows at Dusk by Elizabeth Goddard.  I was under no obligations to give a favorable review. 

 

Into the Fire by Irene Hannon – An Interesting and Satisfying Read

Irene Hannon has become one of my favorite writers.  I enjoy her romance stories and suspense novels.  That is why I was excited to read her newest book Into the Fire, the first book in the Undaunted Courage series.

 

Bri Tucker was scheduled to meet with retired arson investigator, Les Kavanaugh, to review several cases he thought merited further investigation.  Instead, she finds herself at Les’ home investigating a fire that has taken his life.  The next day Bri reluctantly accepts help from ATF Agent Marc Davis.  After Bri and Marc examined the scene, both agree that there wasn’t much of anything to suggest arson.  Just that nagging feeling that something is not right.  Though Bri and Marc find each other attractive, each has their own emotional baggage that may make developing a personal relationship difficult. 

 

I really liked this book.  I found the investigation of a fire very interesting.  What makes a fire suspicious vs accidental, and what information is relevant in an arson case.  I liked the characters.  At first, I wasn’t too keen on Bri.  But as her background was unveiled, I grew to appreciate her.  Marc was a wonderful character, kind, caring, wise, and protective.  Also enjoyed the Bri’s sister and brother and their close, and supportive relationships.  Loved Marc’s grandmother, such a sweet, wise, and caring woman. 

 

I did not suspect who the bad guy was.  Interesting that the story begins with the perspective of the arsonist.  About two thirds of the way through the story the bad guy is revealed, which causes the reader to look forward to seeing how the characters will solve the case.

 

Faith was part of the story, especially with Marc’s character.  I would like to have seen it even more with other characters. 

 

With the mix of an interesting plot, likeable characters, mystery, suspense, and romance, Into the Fire by Irene Hanson was an interesting and satisfying read.  I recommend it.  The book will be released on October 17, 2023.  

 

I would like to thank Revell Publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a complimentary copy of Into the Fire by Irene Hannon.  I was under no obligation to give a favorable review.