Crosshairs by Patricia Bradley

MY REVIEW:

I often receive raised eyebrows when I mention that I enjoy Christian suspense. They probably wonder how a novel that includes murder and/or other potentially violent content could ever be considered Christian. Yet these same people think nothing about reading their true crime or other secular novels or watching violent TV or movies. I personally love that authors such as Patricia Bradley offer me an alternative that not only includes a riveting mystery and a bit of white knuckle suspense but I can count on their novels to be squeaky clean in romantic relationships and even the violent content does not include gratuitous blood and gore.

Crosshairs is Bradley’s latest and final novel in her Natchez Trace Park Rangers series. Action starts on the beginning pages and ramps up as the pages turn. Featuring Ranger Ainsley Beaumont who has return to Natchez to investigate the murder of a teen and former FBI sniper Lincoln Steele whose current position as an interpretive ranger is a bit puzzling to Ainsley. The pair must work together to solve the crime but they have a past together that could make that difficult.

The narrative includes multiple characters and story lines that offer more than one motive for the murder as well as the fact that Ainsley also is an obvious target. Is everything connected or just a coincidence? As family secrets are revealed and the suspect list grows, there are enough twists and surprises to confuse even the best detective.

I thoroughly enjoyed Crosshairs and the previous books in this series. I love the author’s attention to detail and the way she manages to weave the Gospel message subtly into the story. I highly recommend this book.

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

When evil just won’t quit, good must prevail

Investigative Services Branch ranger Ainsley Beaumont wishes the visit to her hometown of Natchez, Mississippi, was under better circumstances. When she arrived to investigate the murder of a pregnant teenager, she never imagined that she would become the killer’s next target–or that she’d have to work alongside an old flame.

After he almost killed a child, former FBI sniper Lincoln Steele couldn’t bring himself to fire a gun, which had deadly consequences for his best friend. Crushed beneath a load of guilt, Linc is working at Melrose Estate as an interpretive ranger. But as danger closes in on Ainsley during her murder investigation, Linc will have to find the courage to protect her.

The only question is, will it be too little, too late?

Read an excerpt Here.

Purchase a copy Here.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Patricia Bradley is the author of Standoff, Obsession, and Crosshairs, as well as the Memphis Cold Case novels and Logan Point series. Bradley won an Inspirational Reader’s Choice Award in Romantic Suspense, a Daphne du Maurier Award, and a Touched by Love Award; she was a Carol Award finalist; and three of her books were included in anthologies that debuted on the USA Today bestseller list. She is cofounder of Aiming for Healthy Families, Inc., and she is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Sisters in Crime. Bradley makes her home in Mississippi. Learn more at www.ptbradley.com.

Unintended Detour by D. L. Wood

MY REVIEW:

Sometimes the nicest people in a book turn out to be villains and there are plenty of very nice people in Unintended Detour. In fact they are all quite likeable and no one would ever suspect them. Or would they?

And sometimes God fulfills the desires of the heart in very unexpected ways. While Chloe tries to fill her waiting hours while on a planned relaxation visit to the grand opening of her husband’s family’s new resort hotel, she jumps in and makes herself useful. Their visit is marred by multiple destructive events as well as a mysterious death and unexplained accidents. As Chloe works to put together an historical exhibit for the grand opening, she begins to find a few clues to an unsolved mystery from the mansion’s past. With the lives of herself and others she loves in danger, Chloe presses on bravely.

Although Unintended Detour is not quite as suspenseful as earlier books by this author, I thoroughly enjoyed following Chloe and Jack through their multiple adventures. The plot was tightly woven with hints dropped along the way but never enough to give anything away too soon. I really love being surprised by the true culprits and this book was full of surprises. Just when I thought everything had been revealed, up popped another suspect!

Lovers of Mystery/Suspense will definitely want to pick up a copy of Unintended Detour. I for one cannot wait to read the next installment.

I voluntarily reviewed a digital copy of this book provided by Celebrate Lit. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Book: Unintended Detour

Author: D.L. Wood

Genre: Christian Suspense/Romantic Suspense

Release date: October 21, 2021

Click here to get your copy!

 
A hundred-year-old secret might be the cause of and the key to solving a murder.
 

Jack and Chloe Bartholomew just wanted a romantic second honeymoon in the beautiful Hudson River Valley at the legendary hotel his family recently acquired. However, instead of spa treatments and horseback rides through the snow, things are all wrong at the Stonehall Estate Resort. 

First, she learns of months of unexplained mishaps.

And now murder.

It soon becomes clear someone wants the resort to fail and will stop at nothing to make that happen. The question is…why?

In an effort to help the family business, Chloe picks up where the hotel’s last historical curator left off. But things quickly grow dangerous as her research uncovers truths hidden for decades—clues related not only to the mysteries sparked by a young girl’s death in 1931, but also those haunting the estate today. Soon Chloe is caught in a deadly race to expose the mansion’s secrets before more innocents become victims of the malevolent force behind it all.

Will Chloe bring the long-lost truth to light in time, or will she be the next to fall prey to the dark scheme, costing her everything, including her life?

 ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

D.L. Wood is a USA TODAY bestselling author who writes thrilling suspense laced with romance and faith. Her books have won multiple awards (2016 Illumination Book Awards Gold Medal for best Christian Fiction Ebook; 2019 Illumination Book Awards Gold Medal for best General Christian Fiction) and her novel Unintended Target was selected as the May 2019 American Christian Fiction Writers Book Club book. She is an Amazon bestselling author of Christian Mystery & Suspense and millions of pages of her books have been read through Kindle Unlimited.

D.L. writes CleanCaptivatingFiction™- fiction that entertains and uplifts. In her novels she tries to give readers the same thing that she wants: a “can’t-put-it-down-stay-up-till-3am” character-driven story, full of heart, believability and adrenaline.

D.L. lives in North Alabama, where, if she’s not writing, you’ll probably catch her curled up with a cup of Earl Grey (light milk, one sugar) and her Westies – Frodo and Dobby – bingeing on the latest BBC mystery series. You can stay apprised of D.L.’s releases and promotions (including free and discounted books) by subscribing to her newsletter on her website at dlwoodonline.com.

MORE FROM D.L. WOOD:

I love stories. I’ve always loved them. Stories carry you away, make you think, take you on suspense-filled rides and introduce you to characters that you love so much you want to meet them in real life. I’m such a voracious reader that at the age of nine, my eye doctor told me if I didn’t start reading with more light, I’d need glasses way too early. Can you relate?

I guess that’s why I became a writer—to be part of the amazing adventure that is storytelling.

And let’s face it. Right now, most of us wouldn’t mind an amazing adventure.

In my Unintended Series of suspense novels, you’ll visit sizzling Caribbean beaches, Tennessee in golden autumn, and a snow-blanketed Hudson River Valley with a cup of hot cocoa in hand. You’ll go with characters that are believable—flawed, brave and hopeful—in the face of danger. Of course, there’s always romance in the mix and touches of faith, leaving you encouraged as well as entertained.

It’s what I’d want to read, so I wrote it for you.

I’m beyond thrilled that the third book in the series is releasing. Frankly, I wanted to see what happened to Chloe, Jack, and Riley as much as my readers did!

I hope you enjoy reading Unintended Detour as much as I enjoyed writing it—and that you have an amazing adventure along the way.

BLOG STOPS:

GIVEAWAY:

To celebrate her tour, D.L. is giving away a $40 Amazon gift card and a signed copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/133ab/unintended-detour-celebration-tour-giveaway

The Inn on Hanging Hill by Christy Barritt

Welcome to the Review Tour for The Inn on Hanging Hill by Christy Barritt, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

MY REVIEW:

The Inn on Hanging Hill is one of the novels that illustrates the diversity of styles author Christy Barritt  is capable of writing. It is one that falls into the seriously spooky category and lacks the trademark humor that is present in so many of her novels. I personally love them all.

This book takes place at the seaside inn run by her parents and where Lindsey Waters grew up. Not very excited about it but Lindsey has returned to restore the Inn that has too many unpleasant memories attached to it. Coincidentally, her childhood best friend Ben shows up looking for work and she hires him to help with the needed work. Only something is not quite right about Ben and when a number of suspicious and dangerous incidents occur, Lindsey has to wonder if he might be responsible.

A bit of mystery, lots of secrets, increasing danger, unexpected twists, and a touch of romance make The Inn on Hanging Hill a page turner that will capture the attention of most readers.

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by JustReads Publicity. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Lindsey Waters never wanted to return to the seaside inn where she grew up. Too many traumatic memories haunt the place, both from her childhood and from days gone by. But with guilt relentlessly chasing her after a tragic choice, she’s desperate for a fresh start.

Mysterious incidents begin plaguing the inn—dangerous incidents—that make it clear someone wants to scare Lindsey away. But why? Does it have anything to do with the two weeks missing from her memory when she was abducted at age twelve?

Childhood friend Benjamin Newsom seems like an answer to prayer when he shows up to work as a handyman. But something is different about him, something Lindsey can’t put her finger on. She’s certain Benjamin harbors secrets.

As peril continues to close in, Lindsey must decide if she wants to face her past or run. She doesn’t know whom she can trust, and whatever choices she makes will determine if she lives or if she becomes part of the inn’s tragic legacy.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

USA Today has called Christy Barritt’s books “scary, funny, passionate, and quirky.”

A USA Today and Publishers Weekly best-seller, Christy writes both mystery and romantic suspense novels that are clean with underlying messages of faith. Her books have sold more than three million copies, one has been made into a TV movie, and another is being developed for a TV series.

Christy’s books have won the Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Suspense and Mystery, have been twice nominated for the Romantic Times Reviewers Choice Award, and have finaled for both a Carol Award and Foreword Magazine’s Book of the Year.

She’s married to her prince charming, a man who thinks she’s hilarious–but only when she’s not trying to be. Christy’s a self-proclaimed klutz, an avid music lover who’s known for spontaneously bursting into song, and a road trip aficionado.

Christy currently splits her time between the Virginia suburbs and Hatteras Island, North Carolina. She loves spending time with her husband, her two sons, and her four dogs.

For more information, visit her website: www.christybarritt.com.

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

Lights Out by Natalie Walters

MY REVIEW:

Lights Out is truly a page-turner as CIA agent Brynn Taylor is assigned to work with the SNAP team to locate a missing spy from her new program designed to combat terrorism. Neither she nor ex-boyfriend Jack Hudson are thrilled to find themselves working closely together on the assignment but both are professionals and the future of the U.S. is at stake.

The exciting plot seemed to move along at warp speed with greater danger around every corner. Each clue took the team deeper into a sinister plot against the country through its power grid that could possibly lead to world-wide disaster. Spies, murders, kidnappings, poison, and explosions are just a taste of what Natalie Walters has in store for her readers. The story is so realistic that it left me wondering how close our nation could be to such a scenario and if there is a dedicated team similar to SNAP that will work night and day to stop it.

Lights Out is an exciting suspense filled tale that should delight readers who enjoy intense suspense novels. Natalie Walters is an expert when it comes to writing them.

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

CIA analyst Brynn Taylor developed a new program to combat terrorism, and she invited members of foreign intelligence agencies to America to foster cooperation between countries. Now one of them, Egyptian spy Remon Riad, is missing.

Jack Hudson has been working for the Strategic Neutralization and Protection Agency for almost nine years and takes the lead in hunting down the missing spy. But he isn’t at all pleased to find out Brynn is involved. It’s hard to trust a woman who’s already betrayed you.

Every lead they follow draws them dangerously deeper into an international plot. Kidnapping, murder, explosions, poisoning–the terrorists will do anything to accomplish their goal of causing a digital blackout that will blind a strategic US military communications center and throw the world into chaos.

Can Brynn surrender control to a man who doesn’t trust her? And can Jack ever get over what she did to him? The fate of the world–and their hearts–hangs in the balance.

Read an excerpt HERE.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Natalie Walters is the author of Lights Out, as well as the Harbored Secrets series. A military wife, she currently resides in Texas with her soldier husband and is the proud mom of three. She loves traveling, spending time with her family, and connecting with readers on Instagram and Facebook. Learn more at www.nataliewalterswriter.com.

Labyrinth of Lies by Irene Hannon

MY REVIEW:

It seems that lately, many of the books I’ve read have been a second chance romance in one form or another. In Labyrinth of Lies, both primary characters find themselves working undercover on separate cases at the same exclusive private girls school. It becomes obvious early in their story that each still have feelings for the other but one is not quite ready to forgive and trust again.

Cate is posing as a student as she attempts to get to the bottom of what happened to a missing student. In order to discover the top leadership of a drug ring, Zeke is acting as a substitute Spanish teacher. They begin working together to solve both mysteries as evidence quickly points to a possible connection between the cases.

Labyrinth of Lies is not as action filled as many suspense novels but is one that gave my mind a workout as I attempted to solve the mystery along with Cate and Zeke. As one suspect after another presented themselves, I remained confused for most of the narrative. You can count me as surprised when the top man was revealed. I would never have suspected him!

All in all, Labyrinth of Lies was expertly written with plenty of red herrings and unexpected twists along the way. A touch of action and danger may be enough to please those who thrive on adrenaline and the lowkey romance will please others.

As expected, I enjoyed this book and look forward to others by this excellent author.

I voluntarily reviewed a digital copy of this book provided by Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Danger awaits on a covert mission where few are who they seem to be

When the daughter of a high-profile businessman disappears from an exclusive girls’ boarding school, police detective Cate Reilly is tapped for an undercover assignment. It doesn’t take her long to realize that beneath its veneer of polish and wealth, Ivy Hill Academy harbors dark–and deadly–secrets. But the biggest shock of all? The only man she ever loved is also working at the school.

Zeke Sloan has never forgotten Cate, but now isn’t the best time for their paths to cross again. When their two seemingly disparate agendas begin to intertwine–and startling connections emerge among the players–the danger escalates significantly.

But who is the mastermind behind the elaborate ruse? And how far will they go to protect their house of cards?

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Irene Hannon is the bestselling and award-winning author of more than sixty contemporary romance and romantic suspense novels. In addition to her many other honors, she is a three-time winner of the prestigious RITA Award from Romance Writers of America. She is also a member of RWA’s elite Hall of Fame and has received a Career Achievement Award from RT Book Reviews for her entire body of work. Learn more at www.irenehannon.com.

 

Deadly Target by Elizabeth Goddard

MY REVIEW:

Elizabeth Goddard has become one of my go to suspense authors because of her books like Deadly Target. Not only is her writing beautifully descriptive but her plots pull me in quickly and hold my attention to the very end.

Deadly Target is pretty much a suspense masterpiece.  With one seemingly unconnected deadly event after another and long buried secrets that are eventually revealed, I found it difficult to guess who was responsible and how the victims were chosen.

Another second chance romance trope features Erin and Nathan whose previous relationship ended badly. As they work together to stop the threats against the lives of family members and even themselves, can their past love be reignited? Action, danger, and suspense abound as Nathan and Erin must depend on each other and the Lord to stay alive long enough to put the responsible person behind bars. Several suspects surface during the many twists and turns in the plot along with a surprise or two.

I thoroughly enjoyed Deadly Target and look forward to the final book of the series.

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

This cold case has suddenly warmed up.
She only hopes they won’t get burned.

Criminal psychologist Erin Larson’s dreams of a successful career come to a screeching halt when she nearly loses her life in a boating accident and then learns that her mother tried to commit suicide. She leaves her job to care for her mother in Montana. At least there Erin is able to produce her podcast, which focuses on solving missing persons cold cases.

Nathan Campbell’s father was investigating such a case when he was shot, and now Nathan needs to enlist Erin’s help to solve the case. She’s certainly good at what she does. The only problem? She’s his ex.

As the two dig deeper, it becomes clear that they, too, are being targeted–and the answers to their questions are buried deep within the past Erin struggles to explain and longs to forget.

Read an excerpt HERE.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Elizabeth Goddard is the USA Today bestselling and award-winning author of more than 50 novels, including Present Danger, Deadly Target, and the Uncommon Justice series. Her books have sold over 1 million copies. She is a Carol Award winner and a Daphne du Maurier Award finalist. When she’s not writing, she loves spending time with her family, traveling to find inspiration for her next book, and serving with her husband in ministry. For more information about her books, visit her website at www.elizabethgoddard.com.