MY REVIEW:
I have enjoyed Dani Pettrey’s books since I read the first one. Her development of a plot is inspired and I love how realistic her characters are portrayed – flaws and all.
Speaking of flaws, heroine Gabby was a bit difficult to like but that may have been the author’s intention. Having returned home for safety’s sake after an attempt on her life, instead of keeping her head down and allowing others to help protect her, Gabby was constantly going off on her own to investigate a crime, sometimes taking others with her. Hard-headed for certain, Gabby often seemed a bit selfish as she ignored advice from others. And how she tortured poor Finn – knowing she loved him but so determined to follow her career instead of love.
If one wants a book filled with action, mystery, and suspense, The Killing Tide would be a good choice with its details about the Coast Guard investigative team. I enjoyed the scenes where I felt like I was observing the team at work. It is a fun to read book with more than enough murder and mayhem for even the most picky suspense fan.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Celebrate Lit. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
| Book: The Killing Tide
Author: Dani Pettrey Genre: Inspirational Romantic Suspense Release Date: August 2019 Click here to get your copy! |
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When one Coast Guard officer is found dead and another goes missing, Coast Guard Investigative Service special agent Finn Walker faces his most dangerous crime yet. His only clues are what little evidence remains aboard the dead officer’s boat, and the direction the clues point to will test Finn and the Guard to their limits.
When investigative reporter–and Finn’s boss’s sister–Gabby Rowley arrives, her unrelenting questions complicate an already volatile situation. Now that she’s back, the tug on Finn’s heart is strong, but with the risks she’s taking for her next big story, he fears she might not live through it.
Thrown together by the heinous crime, Finn and Gabby can’t ignore the sparks or judgments flying between them. But will they be able to see past their preconceptions long enough to track down an elusive killer, or will they become his next mark?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Praised by New York Times best-selling author Dee Henderson as “a name to look for in romantic suspense,” Dani Pettrey has sold more than half a million copies of her novels to readers eagerly awaiting the next release. Dani combines the page-turning adrenaline of a thriller with the chemistry and happy-ever-after of a romance.
Her novels stand out for their “wicked pace, snappy dialogue, and likable characters” (Publishers Weekly), “gripping storyline[s],” (RT Book Reviews), and “sizzling undercurrent of romance” (USA Today).
She researches murder and mayhem from her home in Maryland. For more information visit www.danipettrey.com
MORE FROM DANI:
Pettrey kicks off her new Coastal Guardians series with an intense blend of suspense, love, and faith. The Killing Tide features romance that’s as thrilling as the action, and faithful characters integrated seamlessly into a complex web of crime.
— Kate Campos BookList
The Killing Tide is the first book in my Coastal Guardian series. My husband was Navy, so why am I writing about the Coast Guard? Because I think their mission to keep our waters and our country safe should be highlighted more. Before I started writing The Killing Tide, I’ll admit I knew little about the Coast Guard. I had a friend in high school who joined the Guard right after graduation, but that’s about the depth of my experience with them. Then, my husband and I watched a movie called The Finest Hour.
If you haven’t seen it, I highly urge you to. It’s the true story of one of the most dangerous and daring rescue attempts in Coast Guard history. Boatswain’s Mate First Class Bernie Webber takes a small team to rescue the crew of the Pendleton T2 oil tanker, which split in half off the coast of Cape Cod during a brutal nor’easter in 1952. I won’t ruin the ending for you, but let’s just say it’s a wonderful testament to courage in adversity. After watching it, I knew I had to write a series about the Coast Guard. I began researching and came across the Coast Guard Investigative Service and my interest was highly peaked. After talking with Coast Guardsmen, both newly in the service and those long retired, I began to see the story weaving together like a movie in my mind. I hope you enjoy reading the CGIS Wilmington teams’ adventures, cases and…of course, romances.
BLOG STOPS:
GIVEAWAY:
To celebrate her tour, Dani is giving away the grand prize package of a Kindle, $20 Amazon gift card and a signed copy of The Crushing Depths!!
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/fcce/the-killing-tide-celebration-tour-giveaway
MY REVIEW:
One disadvantage to reading a series backwards is knowing the culprit when you begin reading the second book shortly after reading the third one. Fortunately The author did not provide an excessive amount of details and therefore my enjoyment of Shattered by Death was not particularly hindered. This is the primary reason I always recommend reading a series in order if at all possible.
In this installment, Josie not only discovers the bodies of her murdered husband and the other woman, she is the primary suspect in their deaths. As she does everything she can to find the true murderer, evidence seems to stack up against her as more bodies are discovered.
Shattered by Death is a suspense filled, sometimes gritty and disturbing thriller with a somewhat deranged killer who will stop at nothing to destroy Josie and those she cares about. As a fairly new Christian, Josie is attempting to learn to depend on the Lord to guide her through impossibly difficult days and to trust in His protection.
I did enjoy this book and am looking forward to reading the first one in the series as well as the soon-to-be-published fourth one. If you enjoy Christian suspense, you might want to give this series a try.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Celebrate Lit. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
| Book: Shattered by Death
Author: Catherine Finger Genre: Thriller/Suspense/Mystery Release Date: June 2016 Click here to get your copy! |
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When Josie’s abusive soon-to-be-ex-husband had an affair with another woman, Josie could have murdered them. When someone does, Jo is the prime suspect and the only one who can solve the case.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Catherine Finger loves to dream, write, and tell stories. Recently retired from a wonderful career in public education, she celebrates the ability to choose how to spend her time in a new way during the second half of life. So far, she chooses to write books, ride horses, serve others, and generally find her way into and out of trouble both on the road and at home. She lives in the Midwest with a warm and wonderful combination of family and friends.
Capsized by Death, the fourth novel in her Jo Oliver Thriller series, will be released by Elk Lake Publishing in November 2019. Anchored by Death, the third of her Jo Oliver novels, was a Bronze Medal winner at the 2018 Independent Publisher Book Awards; a 2018 Selah Awards finalist; and a finalist for the National Indie Excellence Awards. Her second Jo Oliver Thriller, Shattered by Death, was a finalist in the International Book Awards and the National Indie Excellence Awards. Catherine and her novels have been featured on radio stations, blogs, and in numerous articles—all posted at www.CatherineFinger.com.
Catherine loves to interact with her readers at www.CatherineFinger.com Follow her on Facebook at Catherine Finger, Author, and on Twitter at CatherineFinger@BeJoOliver.
MORE FROM CATHERINE:
“If you could kill someone and get away with it, what would you do? How would you do it?”
Having posed this question over dessert during a really good first date several years ago—to my surprise and delight my date proceeded to share a story about an international cosmetic gone badly awry. I was so taken with this story, that I couldn’t wait to get home and start writing. And I did. That night I sat down to write a scene between two powerful women, intending one to toy with the other by playing with a jar of deadly moisturizer as they interacted.
As I wrote that night, an unexpected scene involving spiritual warfare popped into my head and onto the screen. The edgy, scary, lock-your-doors-before reading story I called Shattered by Death was born.
While the moisturizer scene didn’t ultimately stay in the book, the idea of powerful women pitted against each other did. I strive to create antagonists that are as strong—or stronger—than Jo Oliver. When I feel the tension of wondering whether or not Josie is going to make it out alive—that’s when I know I’m in the middle of a great story.
I hope you think so too.
Enjoy the read!
Catherine
BLOG STOPS:
| Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, May 26
My Devotional Thoughts, May 26 deb’s Book Review, May 27 Blogging With Carol, May 27 Texas Book-aholic, May 28 Betti Mace, May 29 Emily Yager, May 29 Older & Smarter?, May 30 Bigreadersite, May 30 Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 31 Inklings and notions, June 1 Rebecca Tews, June 1 Locks, Hooks and Books, June 2 |
Soulfully Romantic, June 2
For Him and My Family, June 3 Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 4 Daysong Reflections, June 4 For the Love of Literature, June 5 Pause for Tales, June 5 Through the Fire Blogs, June 6 April Hayman, Author, June 6 Christian Bookaholic, June 7 Splashes of Joy, June 7 amandainpa, June 8 Genesis 5020, June 8 |
GIVEAWAY:
To celebrate her tour, Catherine is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Amazon gift card!!
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/fb4f/shattered-by-death-celebration-tour-giveaway
MY REVIEW:
Patricia Bradley has gotten her latest series off to an exciting start with Standoff. It just doesn’t get much better than this as far as I’m concerned. If this is what I can expect from the rest of the Natchez Trace Park Rangers series, then sign me up! I don’t plan to miss a word.
I loved everything about this book. Its Southern setting in Natchez, Mississippi and the Natchez Trace National park was the perfect backdrop for the suspenseful tale that kept me turning the pages well into the night. In this story filled with action and danger and death, drug runners and cartels, secrets and second chances with a touch of romance, the plot and characters were very well developed and came to life within its pages. Heroine Brook Danvers is a young woman of grit and determination who refuses to rest until the man responsible for her father’s death is caught. Hero Luke Fereday has a secret life but not the kind that Brooke suspects.
The author drops a few clues along the way but managed to keep me guessing until the end. Be sure and pick up a copy of Standoff and join other readers for a breathtaking ride along the Natchez Trace.
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:
The Natchez Trace National Parkway stretches 444 miles from Nashville to Natchez, the oldest town on the Mississippi River. It’s the perfect road for a relaxed pleasure drive. Unfortunately for Luke Fereday, it’s also perfect for moving drugs.
Sent to Natchez to infiltrate the organization at the center of the drug ring, Luke arrives too late to a stakeout and discovers the body of his friend, park ranger John Danvers. John’s daughter Brooke is determined to investigate her father’s murder but soon finds herself the target of a killer who will do anything to silence her.
Luke will have his hands full keeping her safe. But who’s going to keep him safe when he realizes he’s falling–hard–for the daughter of the man he failed to save?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Patricia Bradley is the author of Justice Delayed, Justice Buried, Justice Betrayed, and Justice Delivered, as well as the 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, and she was a Carol Award finalist. She is cofounder of Aiming for Healthy Families, Inc., and she is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Romance Writers of America. Bradley makes her home in Mississippi. Learn more at www.ptbradley.com.
MY REVIEW:
Dead Silence is a contemporary suspense that could easily be inspired by current news and kicked up a notch or two. Featuring Elise Carmichael, widowed mother of a young deaf son, the story begins with Elise accidentally reading lips of a man discussing a murder plot. Once she has relayed the information to the FBI, Elise quickly finds herself and her son threatened time and time again. The danger ramps up with each page as Elise, her sister-in-law, and others work together to identify the person behind the threats.
I enjoyed the character of Elise, a gutsy mama bear of a woman who would do everything possible to protect her beloved son. It was fun watching her face off with the FBI agents – this woman pretty much told them what she thought of them. I also liked how she took things into her own hands when she felt that law enforcement was not doing enough to solve the case. A subtle faith message highlighted a disillusioned Elise who slowly found her way back to God.
I did have my suspicions early on but the narrative really didn’t let any obvious hints slip by to diminish by enjoyment of the story. Dead Silence would be a great book to recommend to those friends who may be looking for a good suspense without romantic elements to detract from the rest of the story. I recommend this book as well as Caroll’s previous novels.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Amazon Vine. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Elise Carmichael is a court sign language interpreter who reads lips all the time. As a widow with a young son who is deaf, lip reading is simply second nature, until the day she reads the lips of someone on the phone discussing an attempt to be made on a senator’s life—a senator who just happens to be her mother-in-law. Before she can decide what she needs to do, she receives the information that her son is rushed to the ER and she must leave. Then she later sees the news report that her mother-in-law has been shot and killed. But when she comes forward, her life, as well as her son’s life, may now be in the crosshairs of the assassin.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Robin Caroll grew up in Louisiana with her nose in a book. She still has the complete Trixie Belden series, and her love for mysteries and suspense has only increased with her age.
Robin’s passion has always been to tell stories to entertain others and come alongside them on their faith journey—aspects Robin weaves into each of her published novels.
Best-selling author of thirty-plus novels, ROBIN CAROLL writes Southern stories of mystery and suspense, with a hint of romance to entertain readers. Her books have been recognized in several awards, including the Carol Award, HOLT Medallion, Daphne du Maurier, RT Reviewer’s Choice Award, and more.
When she isn’t writing, Robin spends quality time with her husband of three decades, her three beautiful daughters and two handsome grandsons, and their character-filled pets at home in the South.
Robin serves the writing community as Executive/Conference Director for ACFW. To find out more about Robin, visit www.robincaroll.com
Social media links:
https://www.facebook.com/Author.RobinCaroll/
https://twitter.com/RobinCaroll
https://www.instagram.com/robin.caroll/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/robincaroll/
https://plus.google.com/+RobinCaroll
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/robin-caroll
http://www.goodreads.com/robincaroll
http://www.amazon.com/author/robincaroll
http://www.fictionfinder.com/author/detail/19
https://robincaroll.tumblr.com/
MY REVIEW:
Anchored by Death is the first novel I’ve read by Catherine Finger. It is also the third installment of the Jo Oliver Thriller series. I am actually scheduled to also review the first two books, apparently in reverse order. That should be interesting. I cannot honestly state that this book can stand alone although I was able to understand and enjoy it. I do believe that the missing background info from the previous two books would have enhance my enjoyment tenfold.
For the most part the plot moved along at a steady rate with action scenes sharing space with routine FBI and police research. The cast includes several interesting characters, particularly Jo Oliver and agent Nick Vitarello. Their relationship is complicated. The two work well together as an investigative team but their personal relationship includes a very strong emotional attachment. Jo’s past experiences have made it difficult for her to trust men and to also question her own ability to choose. A desperate search for a dangerous serial killer whose crime spree seems to be escalating takes Jo, Nick, and the rest of their team on a dangerous and suspenseful assignment that puts their very lives in danger.
Despite beginning with the third book of the series, I did enjoy it immensely and am happy that I have the opportunity to read the previous two very soon. They may not be in order but this book raised some questions about their past that I will enjoy seeing answered. From what I’ve read thus far, I recommend Anchored by Death but strongly suggest that readers begin with Cleansed by Death and Shattered by Death.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Celebrate Lit. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
| Book: Anchored by Death
Author: Catherine Finger Genre: Christian Mystery/Thriller Release Date: June, 2017 Click here to get your copy. |
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Police Chief Jo Oliver needed a little time to herself. But when her escape to Wisconsin turns deadly, she teams up with FBI agent Nick Vitarello, hoping to catch the Bow Tie Killer. Their romantic past and complicated present leads them into uncharted territory as they match wits with a psychopath bent on destroying everything they hold dear.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Catherine Finger loves to dream, write, and tell stories. Retired from a wonderful career in public education, she celebrates the ability to choose how to spend her time in a new way during the second half of life. So far, she chooses to write books, ride horses, serve others, and generally find her way into and out of trouble both on the road and at home. She lives in the Midwest with a warm and wonderful combination of family and friends.
MORE FROM CATHERINE:
Thank you for your interest in the Jo Oliver thriller series. Today we celebrate Anchored by Death—book three in the series. The basic plot for this book came as a result of an FBI workshop I attended on how profilers track killers. A particular method was presented that really stuck with me. As I thought it over, I had the idea to combine a map of Wisconsin with the tracking technique I had learned, and I actually built the crime scenes around the theory. I then created a killer who would do the sorts of things I had mapped out, and in that order. This was a satisfying challenge for Josie and I enjoyed my research jaunts throughout Wisconsin while writing the chase and takedown scenes.
When Josie’s off the clock and spending time with family and friends, you can catch our heroine in the kitchen. Ever since her infamous Flourless Chocolate Cake appeared in Anchored by Death, fans have requested the recipe. For the epicurean readers, here is the recipe she used when preparing this special treat:
Flourless Chocolate Cake
Ingredients:
12 ounces semisweet chocolate chips
1 ½ sticks butter
¼ salt
6 eggs, room temp
1 ½ cups sugar (white granulated or brown will do)
Confectioner’s sugar and cocoa powder for dusting top and cake standHow To:
Heat oven to 325 degrees. Prepare springform or regular round pans with nonstick spray or butter and flour.
Melt chocolate, butter, and salt—microwave will work in a pinch—or add all to heatproof bowl and place over small saucepan of simmering water to melt without burning. Set aside to cool
Beat eggs and sugar until light and thickened, around 6-8 minutes. Fold in melted chocolate mixture until completely combined.
Pour batter into buttered and floured cake pan—springform or regular round—and bake at 350 degrees for approximately 90 minutes, until a toothpick comes out wet but relatively clean.
Allow cake to cool completely before removing from pan. Dust with confectioner’s sugar and cocoa—Jo used a stencil for a quick and pretty design.
Thanks again for celebrating Anchored by Death—and know that I appreciate you. Readers are a special breed. As a lover of the written word and an author, I invite you to enjoy the read.
BLOG STOPS:
| Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, April 22
Through the Fire blogs, April 22 Texas Book-aholic, April 23 April Hayman, Author, April 23 For the Love of Literature, April 24 Writer Without a Space, April 24 Inklings and notions, April 25 deb’s Book Review, April 25 For Him and My Family, April 26 Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 26 Betti Mace, April 27 Holly Jo Morris, April 27 Older & Smarter?, April 28 All-of-a-kind Mom, April 28 |
Reading Is My SuperPower, April 29
Blogging With Carol, April 29 Christian Bookaholic, April 30 Maureen’s Musings, April 30 Ashley’s Bookshelf, May 1 A Modern Day Fairy Tale, May 1 Spoken from the Heart, May 2 Just Your Average reviews, May 2 Daysong Reflections, May 3 Bigreadersite, May 3 Locks, Hooks and Books, May 4 Pause for Tales, May 4 |
GIVEAWAY:
To celebrate her tour, Catherine is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Amazon gift card!!
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/f982/anchored-by-death-celebration-tour-giveaway
MY REVIEW:
High stakes international intrigue that involves two different foreign countries, the FBI, and a city detective kept the pages turning for me well into the night. I was beginning to think that detective Aubrey Grayson must have nine lives like a cat because she had so many brushes with death. FBI agent, Aubrey’s best friend from high school turns up just in time to help rescue her from a kidnapping and the action does not slow down very much from that point on. Needless to say there is plenty of mystery, suspense, danger, and plot twists to keep things interesting and surprise or two just adds extra dimension to the story. Very action oriented, the book also contains an element of faith and the expected romance that does not overpower the suspense.
I loved this book and look forward to the next offering from this author. Do yourself a favor and pick up a copy.
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:
Join the hunt for the truth–and a traitor
When FBI agent Jack Shannon arrives in Corpus Christi, Texas, he is focused on one thing: find the man who has been selling encrypted government secrets to the Chinese. But when a senator is shot during a hunting trip and the woman he was with is abducted, Jack agrees to join the search–especially when he discovers that the kidnapping victim is Aubrey Grayson, a woman he was once in love with.
As the search continues, it becomes clear the senator may not have been the intended victim–and Aubrey may be connected to the other case Jack is supposed to be working on. Can Jack untangle the knots before it’s too late? And when he learns the truth, will it be too painful to get past?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Lisa Harris is a bestselling author, a Christy Award winner, and the winner of the Best Inspirational Suspense Novel from Romantic Times for her novels Blood Covenant and Vendetta. The author of more than 40 books, including The Nikki Boyd Files and the Southern Crimes series, as well as Vanishing Point, A Secret to Die For, and Deadly Intentions, Harris and her family have spent over 16 years living as missionaries in southern Africa. Learn more at www.lisaharriswrites.com.
