Review and Interview: Danger in the Rockies by Terri Reed

On May 29, 2026 By vickleaIn Book Promo, Book ReviewLeave a comment

I have a special for you today, so I will start with my surprise video interview with author Terri Reed. She offered, I accepted, sent her the questions and this is the result. You will see when you watch the video that Terri is personable, relatable and entertaining. She is a very talented author, so watch the interview, read my review and get your copy of Danger in the Rockies.

Terri’s Message

Now, on to fun facts about the book and how you can get your copy!

About the Book

ISBN-139781335957757

PublisherHarlequin

Publication Date05/26/2026

SeriesColorado K-9 Unit

Pages:208

Synopsis (from Barnes and Noble)

K-9 officer Maren Anderson is shocked when she catches a glimpse of her presumed-dead twin sister—moments before a shooter opens fire. DEA agent Colt Dawson rescues her and helps secure the crime scene, but before Maren can find her sister, Opal vanishes again. Maren has questions and so does Colt—especially since Opal may be the key to exposing a drug kingpin’s identity. But now the cartel leader’s henchmen think Maren is her sister and she has a target on her back. Forced to work together to unravel the deadly mystery, Maren and Colt must track down her twin before the criminals closing in claim their lives…

My Thoughts

This is a skillfully plotted love inspired suspense novel with characters that are relatable and believable. The story of K-9 officer Maren Anderson’s quest to find her missing sister Opal, even while she is engaged in her main assignment of breaking up a baby trafficking ring, is emotionally gut-wrenching at times. The equally important task of DEA agent Colt Dawson to identify and capture the drug kingpin known only as Shadow dovetails perfectly with Maren’s assignment and in some unexpected ways. Maren looks identical to Opal since they are twins and that makes for escalating danger for her since Shadow thinks she is Opal and can possibly identify him. This book led me on an entertaining and enjoyable chase to follow the clues as I tried to figure out who Shadow was and whether Opal was still alive or not. There are plenty of fake trails that misled me and the deliberate misdirection was part of what made the plot so engaging. There is good chemistry between Maren and Colt, but I most enjoyed their interactions with their well-trained and heroic canines, Haven and Rusk. I was impressed with the obedience and the natural intuition of both dogs who were intent on the task of protecting their owners and finding the villains. The realistic details throughout the book had me absorbed in the story and lent themselves to the suspense and the propulsive pace of this fascinating tale of characters facing constant danger together as they ferret out the lies and separate the deception from the truth. This book is compelling with a dramatic climax in an addictive and immersive story.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.

Clean, Love Inspired Suspense, Rated PG for Intense Suspense

About the Author

Terri Reed is a New York Times and USA Today Featuredbestselling author specializing in action-packed Christian romantic suspense. She has published over 60 novels with major houses like Harlequin Love Inspired Suspense, Simon & Schuster, and Tule Publishing. Her work consistently appears on the Publishers Weekly, Amazon, and Nielsen BookScan bestseller lists.

What type of books does Terri Reed write?

Terri Reed writes faith-rooted stories that blend high-stakes adventure, danger, and emotional depth with heartwarming character connections. Her novels are characterized as inspirational romantic suspense, often featuring professional protectors like K-9 units, US Marshals, and military personnel. Like authors Lynette Eason and Colleen Coble, her stories emphasize characters who rely on their Christian faith to overcome life-threatening adversity.

What are Terri Reed’s most famous books?

Terri Reed’s notable works include the Alaska K-9 Unitseries, the US Marshals series, and the standalone novel A Family Under the Christmas Tree. In 2019, A Family Under the Christmas Tree was adapted into the Hallmark Channelmovie titled Picture a Perfect Christmas. Other popular series include the Military K-9 Unit and Love Inspired Suspense collections.

What awards has Terri Reed won?

Terri Reed is an award-winning author whose accolades include NEW YORK TIMES as well as being a multi-time finalist for the ACFW Carol Award, the Romance Writers of America RITA Award, and the National Readers’ Choice Award. She is a recognized member of the Romance Writers of America Honor Roll. Her novels have achieved #1 Bestseller status on Amazon in multiple categories, including Religion Fiction and Romance.

Where does Terri Reed live and how can readers connect?

Terri Reed resides in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and enjoys agility training with her Australian Shepherd. She maintains an active community of readers through her official website and Linktree, offering inspiration and “moments of escape” through her storytelling. Check out her website for a printable list of her books and more information: terrireed.com

Purchase Links

So many books!

On May 28, 2026 By vickleaIn Book Promo3 Comments

Well, I can’t be very active physically because my body just isn’t being cooperative, but I have been reading a lot. In fact, on Tuesday, I was on launch/review teams for nine different books. I usually try not to schedule so many on one day, but I kept saying “yes” and didn’t get a good look at my calendar until I had already agreed. That being said, I read some really entertaining books and want to put the Love Inspired Suspense Books that I read on your radar.

My short synopsis: Bethany is in a car accident and loses her memory so she has no idea why someone wants her dead. Her rescuer is an undercover Fish and Game agent and risks blowing his cover to keep her safe. Lots of secrets and surprises!

My short review: I never miss the chance to read a Carrie Stuart Parks book and was delighted to find an LIS releasing from her this month. She always has a few thrills up her sleeve and does fantastic research that makes the book relatable and realistic. My rating was five stars and you can grab your copy here: Harlequin and other retailers

My short synopsis: Takes place in the wilderness and the plot revolves around weapons-smugglers who have kidnapped a little boy. The woman on the cover represents Constable Taylor Grant and her fearless canine Shadow who helps find Levi and keep him and his father safe.

My short review: This book is fast-paced with non-stop action and a surprise revelation of the villain. I kept trying to guess who was the head of the smuggling ring but kept getting it wrong. I loved following the clues! My rating was five stars and you can purchase your copy here: Harlequin and others For those who enjoy audiobooks: Audible

My short synopsis: K-9 officer Maren Anderson is desperate to find her missing sister Opal. DEA agent Colt Dawson is on the trail of a drug kingpin when the two of them find that their quests overlap. Plenty of hair-raising scenes and two lovable and trained canines!

My short review: This book started with a punch and packed a wallop all the way to the end. The drug kingpin is well hidden and the revelation of his identity was a fun surprise. I enjoyed the subtle romance in this book because the focus was on the mystery of Opal and the cartel leader. Super fast read and entertaining from beginning to end. Five stars and a must-read recommendation from me. You can get your copy here: Harlequin and others And for audiobook lovers: Audible

I hope you will choose one or more of these wonderful stories to read and enjoy! They are all clean reads, so no worries about steam or bad language.

Review: Second Chance with the Firefighter by Amy Denman

On May 26, 2026May 26, 2026 By vickleaIn Book Promo, Book Review1 Comment

About the Book

ISBN-13:9781335460486

Publisher:Harlequin

Publication date:05/26/2026

Series:Meet Me at Niagara Falls , #4

Pages:336

Growing up in Niagara Falls, Lauren Benedict and Seth Jones were inseparable…until he seemingly betrayed her family. Ten years later, Lauren finally learns the truth, so she sets out to apologize and, hopefully, rebuild their friendship. But Seth, now a firefighter and a dad, doesn’t want to mend fences. His quiet son, however, is fascinated by Lauren—whom he calls the flower lady. And he’s desperate to join her summer gardening class. As Lauren shows Teddy how to nurture seedlings, she and Seth are drawn into each other’s lives a second time. But can one magical summer prove it’s never too late for friendship…or love to bloom again?

My Thoughts

What a wonderfully uplifting story of love lost, found again and forgiveness between family and friends! Lauren Benedict and Seth Jones were good friends before they started falling in love. Then, Seth did a responsible and sacrificial act and his long-standing relationship with the Benedict family was broken. Through serendipity, Seth’s young son Teddy loves the “flower lady,” his nickname for Lauren who’s a horticulturalist in the park at Niagara Falls. Through opening doors of communication and making right choices to really listen to each other, Lauren and Seth reconnect. The story is believable and strongly infused with family and hope for a bright future. I really enjoyed the setting, but I was totally entranced with the characters, especially little Teddy who had problems speaking until he found a passion for flowers, much like his beloved “flower lady.” The story is heart-warming, well-paced and a perfect romantic escape into a world where people work things out instead of accusing and dividing. I really enjoyed the entire story, the well-crafted plot, the characters and the setting. In fact, I enjoyed it so much that I am adding this author to my “must read” list.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.

Rated G, with mention of one character pregnant out of wedlock

About the Author

Amie Denman is the author of more than fifty romance novels offering plenty of laughs and a few happy tears. She writes sweet Heartwarming romances for Harlequin, but also publishes sassy romcoms and small-town love stories. Amie has a B.A. in English Literature and knows all the works of Jane Austen, William Shakespeare, and Virginia Woolf, but she’s most proud of reaching the milestone of twenty books published by Harlequin—the MVP of romance!

Amie lives on the shores of Lake Erie with her husband, sons, extended family, and numerous pets. She loves playing outside, running, and paddle boarding. Her favorite indoor activities are reading and writing (of course!), sewing and crocheting, and playing her antique Steinway grand piano. Connect with Amie on her website: AmieDenman.com

Purchase Links

Review of THE GIRL UPSTAIRS by Jessica R. Patch

On April 28, 2026 By vickleaIn Book Review4 Comments

About the Book

ISBN-13:9781335001368

Publisher:Harlequin

Publication date:04/28/2026

Pages:384

Synopsis (from the author’s website)

She bought this house to save her marriage. Unearthing its secrets might just claim her life.

Gwen McDaniel’s life is broken. But she knows the perfect place to fix it. Cold Harbor, Maine is where she used to vacation with her parents as a child, an idyllic small town with views of Acadia National Park. Here, she and Steven can start over, renovating their cliff-side fixer-upper while patching up their marriage. Soon, everything will be better.

Except from the moment they arrive, Gwen sees and hears things, and it’s more than just the drafts and shadows that are part of any old house. Steven downplays her fears, warning her not to fixate on problems as she has in the past. But Gwen spent years as a homicide detective, and her instincts don’t lie. Something happened here. Proof comes when she rips up the attic’s old carpet to discover a chilling message carved into the wood.

As Gwen delves into the history of the house and Cold Harbor community, she begins to piece the fragments together. And gradually, a terrifying picture emerges: A missing girl. A house of horrors. And a dark, decades-old nightmare that is more haunting than Gwen ever imagined.

My Thoughts

This book defines intense suspense and heart-pounding action as Gwen and Steven move into an apparently haunted house in Maine. The weather is cold, the people are hiding secrets and Gwen, recently fired from her job as a police officer in Baltimore, is on the trail of a mystery that is begging to be solved. But with her past, she may not be the right one to solve it, and her husband Steven wants her to just stay home, make a few friends and socialize. The house itself is personified as a character in this mesmerizing story of a house that has witnessed untold horrors. Gwen hears voices, the crying of a baby in the middle of the night and even sees things that quickly disappear. Everyone else questions her sanity except the new friend from the coffee shop, Cady, and together the two of them set out to find the truth, no matter the consequence of doing so. There are a ton of twists and surprises in this book and just when I thought I had something figured out, the author threw in another twist that made me rethink everything. I didn’t think anyone could really be trusted in this novel, but all of the characters were very believable and some I could even relate to. I felt sorry for Gwen who was mourning the loss of her baby, but I also felt sorry for Steven who was a doctor trying to get established in a new place and also dealing with his wife’s nightmares about their new home. There was not a single surprise that I was able to figure out, but I totally enjoyed trying to follow the numerous clues and distinguish them from fake trails. There are suspects galore, crimes from the past and in the present, and all tied up neatly together by an author who is a mistress of suspense thrillers. This book is not to be missed by anyone who enjoyed an Alfred Hitchcock kind of twisted tale as well as a good story with a faith foundation and a theme of second chances. I loved this novel and cannot recommend it highly enough!
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book and I also purchased my own copy. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.

Christian fiction with intense suspense, Rated PG

About the Author

Jessica R. Patch is a New York Times and Publishers Weekly bestselling author of more than thirty novels. Known for her pulse-pounding plots, emotionally charged characters, and signature twists, Jessica’s stories explore themes of justice, resilience, and the unshakable power of hope.

Whether weaving inspirational stories of danger edged with romance or crafting chilling thrillers that probe the shadows of the human heart, Jessica delivers fiction that thrills while shining light in the darkest places.

She makes her home in Northwest Mississippi, where she enjoys life with her family, a good cup of tea, and dreaming up her next edge-of-your-seat story usually over tacos and queso.

You’re invited to join the Patched In community at her website: www.jessicarpatch.com and receive a FREE short thriller, Nobody Has to Know.

Jessica is represented by Rachel Kent of Books & Such Literary Management.

Purchase Links

New Release Tuesday

On March 31, 2026 By vickleaIn Book Promo1 Comment

I have been reading as though I had nothing else to do because today is a big release day for multiple launch teams that I have served on. Since I have been busy posting reviews today, I thought I would just share a little about each book along with a purchase link if you are interested. All graphics were created by me on Canva.

This was such a fun book to read about a young Amish woman who wants nothing more than to get married and a young Amish man who wants nothing to do with marriage. Life’s circumstances force Eli to look for a wife, so…humorous and dramatic with a few surprises, too.

https://laurelblountbooks.com

A young man framed for a crime has just been released from prison is forced to run from the real criminals, along with his infant and his former fiancée. The fast pace and relentless suspense captivated me in this one.

Harlequin and other retailers

A young woman in WITSEC is hiding from criminals in her job as a wildlife photographer. When it becomes obvious that they have found her, she has to run for her life with a handsome deputy who swears that he will keep her safe. This is heart-pounding suspense with escalating tension as the killers get closer to Laurel and she has to depend on Deputy Heath Calhoun to find out the truth of who is in pursuit.

https://kerryjohnsonbooks.com

What is not to love about this book? A cold case, an amish suspense and some second chance at romance, too! This book is edgy suspense, totally clean (as are all of the books that I am featuring today) and so absorbing that I had trouble putting it down. This is a must read for fans of Love Inspired Suspense!

Amazon

Thank you for allowing me to tell you about the books that I read in the last two weeks. I hope you will check them out and if you do, let me know.

What are you reading that you just can’t put down? I would love to know❣️

Review of Abducted in the Woods by Kerry Johnson

On November 26, 2025 By vickleaIn Book Promo, Book Review2 Comments

About the Book

ISBN-13:9781335957436

Publisher:Harlequin

Publication date:11/25/2025

Series:Forest Ranger Rescuers , #2

Pages:208

Just when Sarah Brindley believes she and her son, Liam, are safe from the men who murdered her husband, they are attacked—and Liam is taken. Her only hope is to team up with her brother—in—law, forest ranger Tucker Brindley, to uncover who is targeting her family. When they discover her late husband’s ties to an underground medical black—market ring, it’s clear the trail of danger runs deeper than they realized. With assaults on them ramping up, they must race against the clock to recover young Liam…before they become the next victims.

My Thoughts

This book was amazing, keeping me captivated by the story and the relatable characters. The story begins with Sarah Brindley taking her small son Liam to her aunt’s cottage, having just witnessed the murder of her husband. She has barely taken a sigh of relief when her life is in danger and she has to depend on the help of her husband’s brother, Tucker. Tucker is a realistic character, a flawed human with a hearing problem. But he doesn’t let his disability stop him from being a dedicated forest ranger. When he discovers the trouble that Sarah has inadvertently encountered because of his brother Tanner, Tucker is doggedly determined to help Sarah find out who is behind the threats. First, he has to find out who kidnapped her son and where they have taken him and why they would take a small child. The action is fast-paced as Sarah and Tucker work together to solve the mystery of Tanner’s death and to find Liam. There are unexpected twists and turns with some surprising revelations along the way to a satisfying and brilliantly written conclusion. I found this book informative as I learned about experimental drugs as well as compelling since a small child was kidnapped early in the story and Sarah is an innocent victim, caught up in a web that her deceased husband created. This book is a must read for those who enjoy excellent suspense with a firm faith foundation.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.

About the Author

Kerry Johnson has been conversing with fictional characters and devouring books since her childhood in the Connecticut woods. A long-time member of ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers), she’s a seven-time Genesis Contest finalist and two-time winner. Kerry lives on the sunny, stormy west coast of Florida with her family, a lazy boxer, and a temperamental sun conure. She loves Jesus, long walks, all creatures great and small, crowded bookshelves, and iced chai tea. More information is available on her website:

https://www.kerryjohnsonbooks.com

Purchase Links

Review of TRAIL OF MOUNTAIN SECRETS by Darlene L. Tuner

On November 25, 2025November 24, 2025 By vickleaIn Book Promo, Book Review3 Comments

About the Book

ISBN-13:9781335957429

Publisher:Harlequin

Publication date:11/25/2025

Series:National Park Protectors , #2

Pages:208

Park archaeologist Violet Hoyt’s wilderness search for a missing family’s remains takes a deadly turn when a gunman mistakes her for someone else. The discovery of a grave of skulls reopens a cold case, and someone is determined to keep the truth hidden. With the help of K—9 handler Maverick Shaw and his human—remains—detector dog, Wolf, Violet must find the final family member—and evade the masked man who has targeted her. Soon Violet learns a shocking secret: She has a presumed dead twin sister who may still be alive, and now they’re both in danger. Can Violet and Maverick expose a conspiracy before this Christmas becomes their last? (From Barnes and Noble)

My Thoughts

An archeologist, the discovery of skulls, a K-9 human remains detector and a man determined to protect all make this book unputdownable. Violet Hoyt is intelligent and intuitive and when she is on a job, like the one to find the remains of the murdered Hancock family, she is intrepid and sometimes foolhardy. Wolf, the dog who intervenes and tries his best to keep her safe is a character like none other. He is highly trained to detect remains but he also seems to be able to sniff out danger before it gets too close. And his owner Maverick is as determined to keep Violet safe as she seems to be determined to pursue danger. All of these elements made this fast-paced book a riveting and unforgettable story of courage and an indomitable spirt. There are family secrets uncovered as well as a villain who is unbelievably evil and dogged about the goal of keeping Violet and Maverick from discovering the truth. This is a book with memorable characters and a well-crafted and absorbing plot that is not to be missed by fans of compelling fiction.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own.

About the Author

Darlene L. Turner is an award-winning author and lives with her husband, Jeff in Ontario, Canada. Her love of suspense began when she read her first Nancy Drew book. She’s turned that passion into her writing and believes readers will be captured by her plots, inspired by her strong characters, and moved by her inspirational message. You can connect with Darlene at www.darlenelturner.com where there’s suspense beyond borders.

Purchase Links

Review SHATTERED AMISH IDENTITY by Mary Alford

On October 29, 2025 By vickleaIn Book Promo, Book Review4 Comments

About the Book

ISBN-13:9781335957351

Publisher:Harlequin

Publication date:10/28/2025

Pages:208

When Amish school teacher Hannah York is attacked, she defends herself with skills she never knew she had. CIA agent Titus Miller arrives, claiming that she’s actually fellow agent Lara Redmond—and that she’s in danger from a powerful enemy. Despite suffering from amnesia, Hannah is certain she’s only ever lived a quiet Amish life. But why does Titus seem so familiar, and could it be true that he loved her once? When Hannah’s family is abducted, she and Titus must work together to find them. Can Hannah trust him to help unlock the truth of her past…and keep her safe? (Synopsis courtesy of Barnes and Noble)

My Thoughts

This book is a fast-paced cat and mouse game between the good guys and the bad guys. The big twist is that I didn’t know who the bad guys really were until the big reveal near the end. What a suspense-filled and heart-pounding story! Hannah York is a teacher at a local Amish school when she is attacked. Then, things start happening quickly as a man named Titus, a secret agent, claims to know her by a different name and warns her that she is in grave danger. Together, they race to try to find safety, only to constantly run into more danger. This book was hard to put down because every chapter held more threats from some unknown source. With lies and secrets as well as the CIA involved along with spies, this story held me totally captivated by the non-stop action and the chemistry between the characters. I had no idea who was trustworthy, but I really liked Hannah and her faithful dog Nala and wanted them to escape the evil that was surrounding them. No matter where they ran, the evil men followed. My imagination went wild as I tried to figure out, along with Hannah and Titus, how they were being tracked. The author did a masterful job of laying false trails with red herrings that kept me guessing all the way to the end. This is an edgy page turner that, in my opinion, is one of the best I have read by Mary Alford. The plot twists were terrifying brilliant and the tension was relentless, with a cleverly crafted and believable story. The theme of overcoming the past and forging on towards a hopeful future had me sighing at the end and wanting more of this remarkable story, with romance and action perfectly balanced and leading to a satisfying outcome.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.

About the Author

Mary Alford grew up in a small Texas town famous for, well not much of anything really. Being the baby of the family and quite a bit younger than her two brothers and her sister, Mary had plenty of time to entertain herself. Making up stories seemed to come naturally to her.

As a teen, Mary discovered Phyllis Whitney and Victoria Holt and knew instinctively that was what she wanted to do with her over-active imagination.

She wrote her first novel as a teen, (it’s tucked away somewhere never to see the light of day), but never really pursued her writing career seriously until a few years later, when she wrote her first inspirational romantic suspense and was hooked.

Today, Mary lives in Texas with her husband and loves to create characters who face dangerous situations with faith on their side.

Mary is very active online and would love to connect with readers on Facebook, X, or any of the social media platforms listed at maryalford.net.

_MaryAlfordAuthor — **Free Preview:** https://a.co/cbJDCu8

Purchase Links

Review: DOUBLE PROTECTION DUTY by Sharon Dunn

On October 1, 2025 By vickleaIn Book Promo, Book Review1 Comment

About the Book

ISBN-13:9781335957276

Publisher:Harlequin

Publication date:09/30/2025

Series:Dakota K-9 Unit , #7

Pages:208

A family trip to the Wind Caves National Park quickly turns into a nightmare when K-9 officer Kenyon Graves discovers one of his twin boys has been abducted. Now Kenyon needs the help of his team and his longtime friend Raina McCord to save his toddler son. But the kidnappers are elusive—and intent on killing anyone who stands in the way of their sinister scheme. With threats closing in, time is of the essence to catch these criminals…before Kenyon and Raina pay the ultimate price.

My Thoughts

Kenyon is a widowed single father of twin boys and Raina is one of his best friends. She was also the caregiver for the twins when Kenyon was injured during an undercover operation. Kenyon has a sweet canine named Peanut who constantly supports and protects Kenyon. A fun trip to the Wind Caves National Park quickly turns harrowing when one of the twins is kidnapped. Kenyon has to depend on Raina and his team to find Beacon and to safeguard both boys from another possible attempt since they have not yet discovered a motive behind the bizarre event. The twists in the story keep coming even after the suspects are revealed because the motive is elusive and the red herrings are plentiful. When Raina is also targeted, Kenyon is forced to confront his feelings for her and either declare that he loves her or release her to find her own way in life. There is a secondary story that is also filled with non-stop action because Kenyon and his team are tracking down a group of gun runners who seem to be operating in their little corner of the world. These bad guys are intelligent and clever enough to constantly avoid capture and to also endanger Kenyon and his team. This is a fast-moving and brilliantly written story that is a page turner with captivating characters and a satisfying conclusion. I am looking forward to the next book in the series already.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own.

About the Author

Sharon Dunn started writing when she was pregnant with her oldest child. He is now 33 years old. She has written cozy and humorous mysteries along with over thirty romantic suspense novels. Her books have won awards and frequently appear on the USA and Publisher’s Weekly bestseller lists. She is a widow who lives next to a park with her cat Sparky. She has three adult children. When she isn’t writing, she loves going for walks, doing puzzles, reading and meeting up with friends. Website: Sharon Dunn

Purchase Links

Review of MEMORY OF MURDER by Debra Webb

On September 30, 2025 By vickleaIn Book Promo, Book Review2 Comments

About the Book

ISBN-13:9781335690197

Publisher:Harlequin

Publication date:09/30/2025

Series:Colby Agency: The Next Generation , #3

Pages:224

Born to a jailed mother convicted of murdering her husband, Anne Griffin has tried to put her past behind her. The two were always painfully estranged. But when ace Colby investigator Jack Brenner arrives at Anne’s door with new evidence, she decides to help him reexamine the thirty-year-old cold case. One clue is the journal her now-deceased mother kept, vehemently claiming her innocence. But as Anne and Jack come closer to the truth—and each other—danger follows them. Someone wants a secret to stay buried.

My Thoughts

Colby Agency investigator Jack Brenner is on the case, enlisting the help of Anne Griffin, a young woman whose mother was convicted of killing her father. Anne had no idea that her mother might be innocent until Jack showed up with a journal that enlightened her about a lot of things that happened in her mom’s life. Jack and Anne travel to the small town of Crystal Lake, where the crime occurred, to investigate her father’s death and discover the truth about what happened to him, even it it meant that Anne’s mother Mary Morton was actually guilty. There, they stir up a hornet’s nest of lies and secrets that lead to their being in constant danger from an unknown source. With their lives on the line and Mary’s innocence at stake, they continue to pursue the truth wherever it may lead them. I loved the intense drama and the way the mom’s journal was part of the story, giving insight to her life before and after her imprisonment. Many of the characters were not likable since they were suspects in a murder that may have led to an innocent young teacher being jailed for the rest of her life, but all of the characters were dynamic and interesting, adding depth to an absorbing story. As I read, I was totally invested in the story, which read much like a true crime tale from the “Innocence Project.” There were plenty of red herrings to keep me guessing and I was shocked at the big reveal at the end. I loved that I did not figure out what was really going on! This is a fast-paced and compelling story that is brilliantly plotted by an author who knows how to build suspense. Fans of the author and of riveting suspense don’t want to miss this one!
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of the book. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.

About the Author

DEBRA WEBB is the USA Today bestselling author of more than 175 novels, including reader favorites Devlin & Falco, Finley O’Sullivan and the Faces of Evil series. She is the recipient of the prestigious Romantic Times Career Achievement Award for Romantic Suspense as well as numerous Reviewers Choice Awards. In 2012 Debra was honored as the first recipient of the esteemed L. A. Banks Warrior Woman Award for her courage, strength, and grace in the face of adversity.

With more than ten million books sold in numerous languages and countries, Debra’s love of storytelling goes back to her childhood when her mother bought her an old typewriter in a tag sale. Born in Alabama, Debra grew up on a farm and spent every available hour exploring the world around her and creating her stories. She wrote her first story at age nine and her first romance at thirteen. It wasn’t until she spent three years working for the Commanding General of the US Army in Berlin behind the Iron Curtain and a five-year stint in NASA’s Shuttle Program that she realized her true calling. A collision course between suspense and romance was set. Since then she has expanded her work into some of the darkest places the human psyche dares to go. Visit Debra at www.debrawebb.com.