What do you think?
Rate this book
Pearl River #2
Fatal Witness
As a child, artist and potter Dani Bennett witnessed the brutal murder of her parents. With no memory of the incident or her true identity, she was forced to take on a new name and a new life, hidden away in Montana for the past 25 years.
Mae Richmond has spent the same stretch of time searching for her granddaughter, who went missing the night her daughter and son-in-law were murdered. Convinced the woman she saw in a pottery magazine feature is the woman she's been searching for, she enlists the help of K-9 officer Mark Lassiter of Pearl Springs, Tennessee, who tracks Dani down.
Skeptical but curious, Dani sets out on a journey to uncover the secrets of her past and reclaim her true identity. But someone close to her is determined to keep the truth of what happened all those years ago hidden.
Mae Richmond has spent the same stretch of time searching for her granddaughter, who went missing the night her daughter and son-in-law were murdered. Convinced the woman she saw in a pottery magazine feature is the woman she's been searching for, she enlists the help of K-9 officer Mark Lassiter of Pearl Springs, Tennessee, who tracks Dani down.
Skeptical but curious, Dani sets out on a journey to uncover the secrets of her past and reclaim her true identity. But someone close to her is determined to keep the truth of what happened all those years ago hidden.
384 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 6, 2024
About the author
Patricia Bradley
29 books1,087 followersPatricia Bradley is a Romantic Suspense Selah winner, Carol and Daphne du Maurier finalist and the winner of an Inspirational Readers’ Choice Award. Three anthologies that included her stories debuted on the USA Today Best Seller List.
She and her two cats call Northeast Mississippi home--the South is also where she sets most of her books. Her romantic suspense novels include the Logan Point series, the Memphis Cold Case Novels, and the Natchez Trace Park Rangers. She now hard at work on the second book in her new Pearl River series set in the Cumberland Plateau area above Chattanooga.
Writing workshops include American Christian Fiction Writers, the Mid-South Christian Writer’s Conference, the KenTen and Scrivener retreats where she was the keynote, Memphis American Christian Fiction Writer group, and the Bartlett Christian Writers group. When she has time, she likes to throw mud on a wheel and see what happens.
I love connecting with readers on my blog every Tuesday where I have a Mystery Question for them to solve: www.patriciabradleyauthor.com/blog
Twitter: @ptbradley1
FaceBook: www.facebook.com/patriciabradleyauthor
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/ptbradley/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ptbradley1/
She and her two cats call Northeast Mississippi home--the South is also where she sets most of her books. Her romantic suspense novels include the Logan Point series, the Memphis Cold Case Novels, and the Natchez Trace Park Rangers. She now hard at work on the second book in her new Pearl River series set in the Cumberland Plateau area above Chattanooga.
Writing workshops include American Christian Fiction Writers, the Mid-South Christian Writer’s Conference, the KenTen and Scrivener retreats where she was the keynote, Memphis American Christian Fiction Writer group, and the Bartlett Christian Writers group. When she has time, she likes to throw mud on a wheel and see what happens.
I love connecting with readers on my blog every Tuesday where I have a Mystery Question for them to solve: www.patriciabradleyauthor.com/blog
Twitter: @ptbradley1
FaceBook: www.facebook.com/patriciabradleyauthor
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/ptbradley/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ptbradley1/
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 197 reviews
January 25, 2024
Fatal Witness is the second of the Pearl River series and a great addition. This story was hard to put down with action, danger, and edgy suspense. It all started with a magazine article about a young woman, Dani Collins, living in Montana, working in pottery. Mae Richmond lives in Pearl River near Chattanooga and for twenty-five years has searched for her missing granddaughter. Mae also works in pottery and is subscribed to the magazine with the article about Dani. When Mae saw the picture, she knew it was her granddaughter. This story revolves around a cold case from twenty-five years ago when a jewelry store was robbed, Mae's daughter and son-in-law were killed, and her granddaughter and her uncle disappeared. The local sheriff department and police department that we met in the first book work to find answers. Hold onto your seat for an exciting read with surprises, secrets, red herrings, twists, turns, a mystery to unravel a sweet romance, and great characters.
I received a copy for the purpose of an honest review. These are my thoughts and opinions.
I received a copy for the purpose of an honest review. These are my thoughts and opinions.
March 1, 2024
3 stars, personally.
Series: Book #2 in the “Pearl River” series. Book #1’s review Here!
Spiritual Content- Scriptures are read, remembered, & quoted; Prayers & Thanking God; Church going; Talks about God, having peace from Him, & trusting God; 'H's are not capital when referring to God; Alex thinks about how God sometimes answers her prayers in ways she didn’t want; Mark shares his testimony (about someone witnessing to him) with Dani; Dani has never felt the peace that Mark and her uncle has shared about & Mark comments that it may be that God isn’t her God like He is their God; Dani feels comfort in Psalm 56:3 after Mark shares it with her & repeats it multiple times; Mark feels that sometimes he can claim verses and feel peace, but other times “the darkness had such a hold on him, he froze”; Dani has gotten out of the habit of attending church, but does once in this book with the others; *Major Spoilers about the Villain* ; Dani prays that God will forgive her for telling a lie to a murderer; Mentions of God, having peace from Him, trusting God, & forgiveness; Mentions of Bibles, Bible reading, Bible studies, & commentaries; Mentions of prayers, praying, answered prayers, a prayer chain, & Blessings over food; Mentions of churches, church going, services, a pastor, a sermon, & worship; A few mentions of someone becoming a Christian because his boss introduced him to Jesus; A few mentions of a cross tattoo (crudely done); A couple mentions of those in the Bible; A couple mentions of being Blessed; A mention of saving souls; A mention of a gold cross; A mention of some church congregates expecting a pastor to be able to pull miracles out of a hat; A mention of Christmas; A mention of Easter; A mention of seminary; A mention of a fire-and-brimstone preacher; A mention of a sermon being “more anecdotal than hellfire and brimstone”;
*Note: A sarcastic Hallelujah is said; Mark feels like there’s darkness in him due to events from his time in the military (Dani encourages him that there’s more light in him); Dani asks why people have to be so evil (in regards to what happened to her family); Mentions of evil & the evil that some do to others (& those who were victims like Dani are not responsible for it); A few mentions of luck & being lucky; A mention of a pharmaceutical drug creating miracles in patients; A teasing mention of Mark putting a spell on an older woman (that’s typically not friendly).
Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a ‘darn’, a ‘shut up’, and two ‘stupid’s; A couple mentions of curses (said, not written); Some eye rolling; *Spoiler*; Finding a body & the smell of death (border-line barely-above-not-detailed // semi-detailed); Being attacked, Being held hostage, Being held at gunpoint, Being shot at, Being shot, Gunshots/Gunfire, An explosion, Fighting (self-defense), Being threatened, Pain, Injuries, & Passing out (up to semi-detailed); Seeing someone have a heart attack & the aftermath of a stroke (up to semi-detailed); Nightmares (of past events including military work & parents yelling, up to semi-detailed); Grief & Shock (up to semi-detailed); In the first chapter, we see that Dani’s father was verbally & physically abusive to her and her mother, her parents yelling at each other (it’s commented that he always “smelled funny” when he yelled at her mother), & they are killed off-page (a few mentions of the loud “booms” and them laying on the ground; Parts of that night are recalled a few times, border-line barely-above-not-detailed // semi-detailed); Dani doesn’t remember her parents or anything about her life prior to the age of nine & her uncle gets upset when she asks questions about their life before they moved to Montana; Dani wonders who could have killed her parents & wonders if the killer found it hard to kill a child like she was as at that time (she also wonders if the killer was her uncle & she’s torn apart by the thought); Dani grieves the death of a mother-like figure (from cancer) & *Major Spoiler* , barely-above-not-detailed); Many of Mae’s friends think she’s obsessed with what happened the nights of the murders, but she doesn’t care what they think because they didn’t lose their whole family like she did; Dani tries to avoid lying to her uncle, but doesn’t correct his mistaken thoughts; Mark shares about a military event that ended with many killed (including his teammates, up to semi-detailed); *Spoiler* ; Mark has nightmares of events from when he was in the military as a sniper (gunfire and deaths, up to semi-detailed); Dani recalls her parents arguing; A dog is shot at & the side of her head is hit (but will be fine; it’s implied that the shooter was aiming for her); A villain threatens to kill a dog; A dog is drugged (barely-above-not-detailed); All about many, many mentions of murders, how they happened, the killers, crimes, crime scenes, criminals, burglaries, a burglary ring, heists, burglars/intruders, break-ins, thieves, stealing, stolen items, & threats (border-line barely-above-not-detailed // semi-detailed); Mentions of buried bodies, the decomposing, & finding them (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of war, military actions, bombs, a child bomber, deaths, & weapons (up to semi-detailed); Mentions of grief, deaths, & how the deaths happened (including one from cancer; for a mother-like figure, a father, a husband, an uncle, a daughter, a loved one, & a missing granddaughter, border-line barely-above-not-detailed // semi-detailed); Mentions of hostages & being held at gunpoint; Mentions of gunshots/gunfire, a shoot-out, being shot at, being shot, shooters, being attacked, pain, blood/bleeding & passing out (up to semi-detailed); Mentions of a bullet grazing a dog, a shooter hitting a dog, a man aiming a gun at a dog, & the possibility of a dog being shot; Mentions of bad car accidents (with no fatalities mentioned); Mentions of jails, prisons, & arrests; Mentions of a pool hall (implies that trouble and riff-raff hangs out there); Mentions of drinking, drunks, being sober, a man having a drinking problem, some drinking too much, & bars; Mentions of tobacco, cigarettes, pipes, & smoking (including side-characters smoking pipes); Mentions of a stroke, a heart attack, symptoms, & the aftermath (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of lies, lying, & withholding information from someone; Mentions of childish phone-call pranks; Mentions of hunting & hunters; A few mentions of Mark trying drugs, alcohol, and therapy for his nightmares but nothing helping except God and dogs; A few mentions of a wife leaving her husband (due to his drinking); A few mentions of underage drinking and gambling at a casino; A few mentions of a prison tattoo of a cross (which was crudely done); A few mentions of gossip; A few mentions of hatred; A few mentions of a boy teasing young girls & getting punched in the nose by one of them for it; A couple mentions of a death in a logging accident (Mae’s husband); A couple mentions of kidnappings; A couple mentions of a missing child (found okay); A couple mentions of potential injuries; A couple mentions of teenagers having too much alcohol & causing trouble; A couple mentions of possible drownings; A couple mentions of the possibility of falling to death; A couple mentions of fires & potential fires; A couple mentions of a teenager being teased for his mom being on drugs & then for being in the foster care system after her death; A mention of a man threatening a single mom with telling CPS that she was doing drugs around her daughter (she wasn’t); A mention of envy; A mention of a Dani as a child wetting herself (& her father going to be unhappy if that happened); A mention of a glare at someone that made them look like a “chicken-killing dog”; A mention of a child saying something hurt that hurts another child’s feeling (a young Dani in a memory);
*Note: Someone tells Dani that her uncle has conditioned her to agree with him & that he’s controlling and manipulative towards her (Dani isn’t sure about that, but later sees signs that he groomed and manipulated her into believing she was dependent on him); Dani’s uncle is very protective & controlling towards her (*Spoilers* ); *Spoiler*; When Dani shares about her high school experience, Mark asks if she’s ever thought of “thumbing her nose” at the people who didn’t notice her now that she’s a successful potter and artist (she hasn’t); A man gets upset with Dani & is very rude towards her because of her family (he’s bitter towards the situation and even says he’s not sorry that a man is dead because he ruined his life); Dani comments on wishing she was homeschooled, but her uncle thought she needed social interaction (she adds that he was probably right, but she hated it); After their move, Dani didn’t talk for a year and her uncle had her see a psychiatrist for a couple of years; Mentions of stores, franchises, brand names, & items (Walmart, Wendy’s, Barbie, Blackwing pencil, iPhone, iPad, Dr Pepper, Band-Aid, Jell-O, Henley, Energizer Bunny, Tylenol, Vicks VapoRub, Formica, & a few different gun brands); Mentions of car brands; Mentions of social media sites & apps (Myspace, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, Pinterest, & MapQuest); Mentions of TV shows, movies, & fictional characters (Murder She Wrote, Rugrats, Beauty and the Beast, Captain America, & Ebenezer Scrooge); A few mentions of a painting & artist (Van Gogh & Georgia O’Keeffe); A few mentions of hypnosis as a therapy for dissociative amnesia (Dani’s psychologist suggested that and it didn’t work for her; Mark thinks about suggesting for her to try it again); A couple mentions of Dani’s peers in high school thinking that she was stuck-up (she was very shy); A mention of Halloween; A mention of FedEx; A mention of AAA; A mention of yoga (Dani does “yoga stretches” when needing to stretch); A mention of the Westminster dog show.
Sexual Content- Two hand/finger kisses and two border-line semi-detailed // detailed kiss (both mentioning moaning or groans); Remembering kisses (barely-above-not-detailed); Touches, Embraces, Hand holding, Nearness, & Smelling (for the first half of the book, they are mostly comforting touches and embraces; including an embrace where Dani notices his abs, up to semi-detailed); Flutters, Winks, & Blushes; Noticing (including muscles, border-line barely-above-not-detailed // semi-detailed); Dani notices Mark’s muscles in a picture and thinks that he could be in “one of those calendars of firefighters and law enforcement officers showing off their pecs and biceps”, but then feels embarrassed about her “ogling the man like he was eye candy”; Mark says he isn’t husband material; Dani feels attracted and has flutters about Mark because he’s comfortable and “a little bit dangerous”; For her protection, Dani & Mark sleep in the same house (different rooms and there is no sexual tension about it); Alex isn’t sure why she’s dragging her feet about setting a wedding date, but *Spoiler* ; Dani fusses at herself for mooning over Mark just because he ticks all of her boxes of someone she would be interested in; Dani recalls the last man she mooned over (in college) that broke her heart because all he wanted was “another conquest he could brag about, another notch on his belt”; Dani is attracted to Mark, but when she hears that he doesn’t think he’s husband material, she thinks that she wasn’t looking for a husband but isn’t sure about what her feelings for Mark are; Mark teasingly flexes his muscles to Dani; Mentions of kisses & kissing; Mentions of boyfriends/girlfriends, dating, & dates; A handful of mentions of women fawning over Mark’s good looks; A few mentions of a young man staying the night with his girlfriend & his grandfather not approving of them doing that; A few mentions of husky & breathy voices; A few mentions of blushes; A couple mentions of heartbreak; A couple mentions of Dani not having much experience with men; A couple mentions of falling in love with a high school crush again (Book #1); A couple mentions of a school dance; A mention of a couple embracing; A mention of a honeymoon; A mention of a hot date; Attraction, love, falling in love, & the emotions;
*Note: A mention of a man not being shirtless but his shirt being very tight; A mention of kicking a man in the groin (self-defense).
-Dani Collins, age 34
-Mark Lassiter, age 34
-Mae Richmond, age 78
P.O.V. switches between them & Alex
385 pages
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- One Star
Early High School Teens- Two Stars
Older High School Teens- Three Stars
My personal Rating- Three Stars
{ Add up to a full star for Older Teens interested in law enforcement. }
This is my second book by this author and I was curious what it would be like after finding the first book in the series a bit too creepy for my tastes due to the horror game parts. It definitely wasn’t as creepy or really very creepy at all because of very different plot.
I did like both Dani and Mark well enough, but their dogs were probably my favorite characters. She has a Puli—more commonly known as the small version of the mop dog—and for some reason I really liked that detail? I also really liked all the pottery parts and this book encouraged my wishing for a potter’s wheel, haha!
I honestly got distracted by the found family/amnesia plotlines of this book at the beginning that when the suspense elements entered in, I was surprised and forgot about it being a suspense book! I would have been just fine reading about Mae wanting to find her granddaughter.
It was kind of strange to have the female lead from the first book’s point of view (Alex) in this book as well. But it mostly worked. It was a little odd and added to the page length, but I guess it was fine. I’m curious if we will have an extra POV like that in the third book.
If I could nit-pick one tiny thing it would be that the chapters were typically very short and ended abruptly so that there could be a change on point of view. It was a little jostling, but not that big of a deal. It did feel like an abrupt ending, though, as well. I expect that we’ll see these characters again in the next book of the series. Because of those abrupt endings (and the final ending), it definitely doesn’t feel like it’s wrapped up with a bow—which some readers may like, but I spent 400 pages with this book and I wanted a satisfying conclusion for at least Dani and Mark, her faith, their relationship, and the killer. While the killer is revealed at the end, it just felt rushed, especially for having 400 pages to work with.
There was a decent amount of faith content and I really like seeing Psalm 56:3 mentioned and quoted quite a few times because that’s the Mandie verse! (If you know, you know! ;) )
For the romance element, I never really felt that he was very attracted to her—especially not like she was attracted to him. For the majority of the book, we really only see her interest in him, so I thought she was being a bit unreasonable at times about thinking there was a spark between them. But I did like that Mark was very aware that the feelings he was starting to have for her was affecting his judgment. I don’t see that thought process much with male leads that fall in love with the girl they’re protecting.
Dani did something very stupid at one point towards the end that could have cost her life—easily. I mostly liked her and felt for her situation, but she did feel younger than her actual age and that’s probably because of the whole situation and her uncle basically hiding her away from others.
I’ve had a…well, I guess you could call it a rant, lately, on my heart about Christian Fiction books and I can’t talk about it because it’s a major spoiler for this book. There’s no way around it because it gives away the villain/killer. But that said, it did affect my overall enjoyment of the book some.
I did like this book more than the first book of the series, but there was little things that I wasn’t a fan of seeing and the romance felt a little off. I did like different (somewhat random) elements. Older girls interested in law enforcement and/or this plot may enjoy it.
Link to review:
https://booksforchristiangirls.blogsp...
*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
*I received this book for free from the Publisher (Revell) for this honest review.
Series: Book #2 in the “Pearl River” series. Book #1’s review Here!
Spiritual Content- Scriptures are read, remembered, & quoted; Prayers & Thanking God; Church going; Talks about God, having peace from Him, & trusting God; 'H's are not capital when referring to God; Alex thinks about how God sometimes answers her prayers in ways she didn’t want; Mark shares his testimony (about someone witnessing to him) with Dani; Dani has never felt the peace that Mark and her uncle has shared about & Mark comments that it may be that God isn’t her God like He is their God; Dani feels comfort in Psalm 56:3 after Mark shares it with her & repeats it multiple times; Mark feels that sometimes he can claim verses and feel peace, but other times “the darkness had such a hold on him, he froze”; Dani has gotten out of the habit of attending church, but does once in this book with the others; *Major Spoilers about the Villain* ; Dani prays that God will forgive her for telling a lie to a murderer; Mentions of God, having peace from Him, trusting God, & forgiveness; Mentions of Bibles, Bible reading, Bible studies, & commentaries; Mentions of prayers, praying, answered prayers, a prayer chain, & Blessings over food; Mentions of churches, church going, services, a pastor, a sermon, & worship; A few mentions of someone becoming a Christian because his boss introduced him to Jesus; A few mentions of a cross tattoo (crudely done); A couple mentions of those in the Bible; A couple mentions of being Blessed; A mention of saving souls; A mention of a gold cross; A mention of some church congregates expecting a pastor to be able to pull miracles out of a hat; A mention of Christmas; A mention of Easter; A mention of seminary; A mention of a fire-and-brimstone preacher; A mention of a sermon being “more anecdotal than hellfire and brimstone”;
*Note: A sarcastic Hallelujah is said; Mark feels like there’s darkness in him due to events from his time in the military (Dani encourages him that there’s more light in him); Dani asks why people have to be so evil (in regards to what happened to her family); Mentions of evil & the evil that some do to others (& those who were victims like Dani are not responsible for it); A few mentions of luck & being lucky; A mention of a pharmaceutical drug creating miracles in patients; A teasing mention of Mark putting a spell on an older woman (that’s typically not friendly).
Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a ‘darn’, a ‘shut up’, and two ‘stupid’s; A couple mentions of curses (said, not written); Some eye rolling; *Spoiler*; Finding a body & the smell of death (border-line barely-above-not-detailed // semi-detailed); Being attacked, Being held hostage, Being held at gunpoint, Being shot at, Being shot, Gunshots/Gunfire, An explosion, Fighting (self-defense), Being threatened, Pain, Injuries, & Passing out (up to semi-detailed); Seeing someone have a heart attack & the aftermath of a stroke (up to semi-detailed); Nightmares (of past events including military work & parents yelling, up to semi-detailed); Grief & Shock (up to semi-detailed); In the first chapter, we see that Dani’s father was verbally & physically abusive to her and her mother, her parents yelling at each other (it’s commented that he always “smelled funny” when he yelled at her mother), & they are killed off-page (a few mentions of the loud “booms” and them laying on the ground; Parts of that night are recalled a few times, border-line barely-above-not-detailed // semi-detailed); Dani doesn’t remember her parents or anything about her life prior to the age of nine & her uncle gets upset when she asks questions about their life before they moved to Montana; Dani wonders who could have killed her parents & wonders if the killer found it hard to kill a child like she was as at that time (she also wonders if the killer was her uncle & she’s torn apart by the thought); Dani grieves the death of a mother-like figure (from cancer) & *Major Spoiler* , barely-above-not-detailed); Many of Mae’s friends think she’s obsessed with what happened the nights of the murders, but she doesn’t care what they think because they didn’t lose their whole family like she did; Dani tries to avoid lying to her uncle, but doesn’t correct his mistaken thoughts; Mark shares about a military event that ended with many killed (including his teammates, up to semi-detailed); *Spoiler* ; Mark has nightmares of events from when he was in the military as a sniper (gunfire and deaths, up to semi-detailed); Dani recalls her parents arguing; A dog is shot at & the side of her head is hit (but will be fine; it’s implied that the shooter was aiming for her); A villain threatens to kill a dog; A dog is drugged (barely-above-not-detailed); All about many, many mentions of murders, how they happened, the killers, crimes, crime scenes, criminals, burglaries, a burglary ring, heists, burglars/intruders, break-ins, thieves, stealing, stolen items, & threats (border-line barely-above-not-detailed // semi-detailed); Mentions of buried bodies, the decomposing, & finding them (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of war, military actions, bombs, a child bomber, deaths, & weapons (up to semi-detailed); Mentions of grief, deaths, & how the deaths happened (including one from cancer; for a mother-like figure, a father, a husband, an uncle, a daughter, a loved one, & a missing granddaughter, border-line barely-above-not-detailed // semi-detailed); Mentions of hostages & being held at gunpoint; Mentions of gunshots/gunfire, a shoot-out, being shot at, being shot, shooters, being attacked, pain, blood/bleeding & passing out (up to semi-detailed); Mentions of a bullet grazing a dog, a shooter hitting a dog, a man aiming a gun at a dog, & the possibility of a dog being shot; Mentions of bad car accidents (with no fatalities mentioned); Mentions of jails, prisons, & arrests; Mentions of a pool hall (implies that trouble and riff-raff hangs out there); Mentions of drinking, drunks, being sober, a man having a drinking problem, some drinking too much, & bars; Mentions of tobacco, cigarettes, pipes, & smoking (including side-characters smoking pipes); Mentions of a stroke, a heart attack, symptoms, & the aftermath (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of lies, lying, & withholding information from someone; Mentions of childish phone-call pranks; Mentions of hunting & hunters; A few mentions of Mark trying drugs, alcohol, and therapy for his nightmares but nothing helping except God and dogs; A few mentions of a wife leaving her husband (due to his drinking); A few mentions of underage drinking and gambling at a casino; A few mentions of a prison tattoo of a cross (which was crudely done); A few mentions of gossip; A few mentions of hatred; A few mentions of a boy teasing young girls & getting punched in the nose by one of them for it; A couple mentions of a death in a logging accident (Mae’s husband); A couple mentions of kidnappings; A couple mentions of a missing child (found okay); A couple mentions of potential injuries; A couple mentions of teenagers having too much alcohol & causing trouble; A couple mentions of possible drownings; A couple mentions of the possibility of falling to death; A couple mentions of fires & potential fires; A couple mentions of a teenager being teased for his mom being on drugs & then for being in the foster care system after her death; A mention of a man threatening a single mom with telling CPS that she was doing drugs around her daughter (she wasn’t); A mention of envy; A mention of a Dani as a child wetting herself (& her father going to be unhappy if that happened); A mention of a glare at someone that made them look like a “chicken-killing dog”; A mention of a child saying something hurt that hurts another child’s feeling (a young Dani in a memory);
*Note: Someone tells Dani that her uncle has conditioned her to agree with him & that he’s controlling and manipulative towards her (Dani isn’t sure about that, but later sees signs that he groomed and manipulated her into believing she was dependent on him); Dani’s uncle is very protective & controlling towards her (*Spoilers* ); *Spoiler*; When Dani shares about her high school experience, Mark asks if she’s ever thought of “thumbing her nose” at the people who didn’t notice her now that she’s a successful potter and artist (she hasn’t); A man gets upset with Dani & is very rude towards her because of her family (he’s bitter towards the situation and even says he’s not sorry that a man is dead because he ruined his life); Dani comments on wishing she was homeschooled, but her uncle thought she needed social interaction (she adds that he was probably right, but she hated it); After their move, Dani didn’t talk for a year and her uncle had her see a psychiatrist for a couple of years; Mentions of stores, franchises, brand names, & items (Walmart, Wendy’s, Barbie, Blackwing pencil, iPhone, iPad, Dr Pepper, Band-Aid, Jell-O, Henley, Energizer Bunny, Tylenol, Vicks VapoRub, Formica, & a few different gun brands); Mentions of car brands; Mentions of social media sites & apps (Myspace, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, Pinterest, & MapQuest); Mentions of TV shows, movies, & fictional characters (Murder She Wrote, Rugrats, Beauty and the Beast, Captain America, & Ebenezer Scrooge); A few mentions of a painting & artist (Van Gogh & Georgia O’Keeffe); A few mentions of hypnosis as a therapy for dissociative amnesia (Dani’s psychologist suggested that and it didn’t work for her; Mark thinks about suggesting for her to try it again); A couple mentions of Dani’s peers in high school thinking that she was stuck-up (she was very shy); A mention of Halloween; A mention of FedEx; A mention of AAA; A mention of yoga (Dani does “yoga stretches” when needing to stretch); A mention of the Westminster dog show.
Sexual Content- Two hand/finger kisses and two border-line semi-detailed // detailed kiss (both mentioning moaning or groans); Remembering kisses (barely-above-not-detailed); Touches, Embraces, Hand holding, Nearness, & Smelling (for the first half of the book, they are mostly comforting touches and embraces; including an embrace where Dani notices his abs, up to semi-detailed); Flutters, Winks, & Blushes; Noticing (including muscles, border-line barely-above-not-detailed // semi-detailed); Dani notices Mark’s muscles in a picture and thinks that he could be in “one of those calendars of firefighters and law enforcement officers showing off their pecs and biceps”, but then feels embarrassed about her “ogling the man like he was eye candy”; Mark says he isn’t husband material; Dani feels attracted and has flutters about Mark because he’s comfortable and “a little bit dangerous”; For her protection, Dani & Mark sleep in the same house (different rooms and there is no sexual tension about it); Alex isn’t sure why she’s dragging her feet about setting a wedding date, but *Spoiler* ; Dani fusses at herself for mooning over Mark just because he ticks all of her boxes of someone she would be interested in; Dani recalls the last man she mooned over (in college) that broke her heart because all he wanted was “another conquest he could brag about, another notch on his belt”; Dani is attracted to Mark, but when she hears that he doesn’t think he’s husband material, she thinks that she wasn’t looking for a husband but isn’t sure about what her feelings for Mark are; Mark teasingly flexes his muscles to Dani; Mentions of kisses & kissing; Mentions of boyfriends/girlfriends, dating, & dates; A handful of mentions of women fawning over Mark’s good looks; A few mentions of a young man staying the night with his girlfriend & his grandfather not approving of them doing that; A few mentions of husky & breathy voices; A few mentions of blushes; A couple mentions of heartbreak; A couple mentions of Dani not having much experience with men; A couple mentions of falling in love with a high school crush again (Book #1); A couple mentions of a school dance; A mention of a couple embracing; A mention of a honeymoon; A mention of a hot date; Attraction, love, falling in love, & the emotions;
*Note: A mention of a man not being shirtless but his shirt being very tight; A mention of kicking a man in the groin (self-defense).
-Dani Collins, age 34
-Mark Lassiter, age 34
-Mae Richmond, age 78
P.O.V. switches between them & Alex
385 pages
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- One Star
Early High School Teens- Two Stars
Older High School Teens- Three Stars
My personal Rating- Three Stars
{ Add up to a full star for Older Teens interested in law enforcement. }
This is my second book by this author and I was curious what it would be like after finding the first book in the series a bit too creepy for my tastes due to the horror game parts. It definitely wasn’t as creepy or really very creepy at all because of very different plot.
I did like both Dani and Mark well enough, but their dogs were probably my favorite characters. She has a Puli—more commonly known as the small version of the mop dog—and for some reason I really liked that detail? I also really liked all the pottery parts and this book encouraged my wishing for a potter’s wheel, haha!
I honestly got distracted by the found family/amnesia plotlines of this book at the beginning that when the suspense elements entered in, I was surprised and forgot about it being a suspense book! I would have been just fine reading about Mae wanting to find her granddaughter.
It was kind of strange to have the female lead from the first book’s point of view (Alex) in this book as well. But it mostly worked. It was a little odd and added to the page length, but I guess it was fine. I’m curious if we will have an extra POV like that in the third book.
If I could nit-pick one tiny thing it would be that the chapters were typically very short and ended abruptly so that there could be a change on point of view. It was a little jostling, but not that big of a deal. It did feel like an abrupt ending, though, as well. I expect that we’ll see these characters again in the next book of the series. Because of those abrupt endings (and the final ending), it definitely doesn’t feel like it’s wrapped up with a bow—which some readers may like, but I spent 400 pages with this book and I wanted a satisfying conclusion for at least Dani and Mark, her faith, their relationship, and the killer. While the killer is revealed at the end, it just felt rushed, especially for having 400 pages to work with.
There was a decent amount of faith content and I really like seeing Psalm 56:3 mentioned and quoted quite a few times because that’s the Mandie verse! (If you know, you know! ;) )
For the romance element, I never really felt that he was very attracted to her—especially not like she was attracted to him. For the majority of the book, we really only see her interest in him, so I thought she was being a bit unreasonable at times about thinking there was a spark between them. But I did like that Mark was very aware that the feelings he was starting to have for her was affecting his judgment. I don’t see that thought process much with male leads that fall in love with the girl they’re protecting.
Dani did something very stupid at one point towards the end that could have cost her life—easily. I mostly liked her and felt for her situation, but she did feel younger than her actual age and that’s probably because of the whole situation and her uncle basically hiding her away from others.
I’ve had a…well, I guess you could call it a rant, lately, on my heart about Christian Fiction books and I can’t talk about it because it’s a major spoiler for this book. There’s no way around it because it gives away the villain/killer. But that said, it did affect my overall enjoyment of the book some.
I did like this book more than the first book of the series, but there was little things that I wasn’t a fan of seeing and the romance felt a little off. I did like different (somewhat random) elements. Older girls interested in law enforcement and/or this plot may enjoy it.
Link to review:
https://booksforchristiangirls.blogsp...
*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
*I received this book for free from the Publisher (Revell) for this honest review.
February 7, 2024
Fatal Witness - Patricia Bradley - 4.5 rounding up to 5 Stars on Goodreads
BLOG REVIEW POST HERE.
Fatal Witness is book 2 in the Pearl River Series and it will certainly keep you on the edge of your seat needing to know ALL the things! Fans of book 1 will be happy to see Alex and Nathan back in book 2 as they help K-9 Officer Mark Lassiter work the cold case of Dani Bennett's parents murder and her learning her true identity after being in hiding in Montana for the past 25 years. Dani has no memory of her life in Tennessee or the murder of her parents. She returns after her Grandmother, Mae Richmond, finally finds her from a photo she notices in a pottery magazine and the story goes on from here as Dani starts to uncover her past and relive old memories to figure out what happened many years ago.
This book kept my interest from the first chapter. As a Tennessean myself, I love the Tennessee setting in this series. The suspense in this one is top tier as you are eager to continue to see all the reveals to come. Someone is always breaking in somewhere, watching and tracking our characters and with many suspects, you'll find it difficult to figure out the killer up until the very end. It will keep you guessing, which I loved!
The faith content in this book was very nice and woven in beautifully. Dani's Grandmother Mae also truly steals the show - she is feisty and strong willed - we love to see it!
The romance between Mark and Dani was sweet, even thought I did want a little bit more between them in the ending. :) Mark is such a great guy who had some past trauma he was trying to work through and scared to love again but Dani was willing to be right there with him through every emotion and I loved that.
I also loved seeing Nathan and Alex from book 1 helping throughout the suspense and getting some additional backstory with them.
This book could technically be read as a standalone, but I think you best enjoy it after reading book 1 in the series. If you love a good Christian romantic suspense, I highly recommend this series.
Thank you to NetGalley and Revell for a copy to honestly read and review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
BLOG REVIEW POST HERE.
Fatal Witness is book 2 in the Pearl River Series and it will certainly keep you on the edge of your seat needing to know ALL the things! Fans of book 1 will be happy to see Alex and Nathan back in book 2 as they help K-9 Officer Mark Lassiter work the cold case of Dani Bennett's parents murder and her learning her true identity after being in hiding in Montana for the past 25 years. Dani has no memory of her life in Tennessee or the murder of her parents. She returns after her Grandmother, Mae Richmond, finally finds her from a photo she notices in a pottery magazine and the story goes on from here as Dani starts to uncover her past and relive old memories to figure out what happened many years ago.
This book kept my interest from the first chapter. As a Tennessean myself, I love the Tennessee setting in this series. The suspense in this one is top tier as you are eager to continue to see all the reveals to come. Someone is always breaking in somewhere, watching and tracking our characters and with many suspects, you'll find it difficult to figure out the killer up until the very end. It will keep you guessing, which I loved!
The faith content in this book was very nice and woven in beautifully. Dani's Grandmother Mae also truly steals the show - she is feisty and strong willed - we love to see it!
The romance between Mark and Dani was sweet, even thought I did want a little bit more between them in the ending. :) Mark is such a great guy who had some past trauma he was trying to work through and scared to love again but Dani was willing to be right there with him through every emotion and I loved that.
I also loved seeing Nathan and Alex from book 1 helping throughout the suspense and getting some additional backstory with them.
This book could technically be read as a standalone, but I think you best enjoy it after reading book 1 in the series. If you love a good Christian romantic suspense, I highly recommend this series.
Thank you to NetGalley and Revell for a copy to honestly read and review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
February 15, 2024
𝐈𝐧 𝐑𝐮𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐥 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐲, 𝐓𝐞𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐭 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐭𝐰𝐨 𝐩𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐰𝐡𝐨 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐛𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐝; 𝐚 𝐦𝐮𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐚 𝐠𝐞𝐭-𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐲 𝐝𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫.
Come let Patricia Bradley get your heart slamming against your chest as she writes to uncover what happened, why and who got away with it!
Twenty-five years ago, Dani Bennett witnessed a double murder. She was only 9 years old when her uncle Keith whisked her away to Montana and provided her with a new name and new identity.
When 78-year-old Mae Richmond is flipping through a pottery magazine, she sees the face she’s been searching for since her granddaughter, Danielle, vanished one night many years ago. Richmond enlists a K-9 officer, Mark Lassiter, of Pearl Springs, Tennessee to track down this woman she believes is Danielle.
This is my first introduction to this author and I was giddy with excitement when I knew within a few pages that I was reading the works of someone who is talented in their field. The love that delightful feeling I get when I ‘just know’ I’ve got my hands on a great book.
The crime happens right as the story opens and for the remainder of the story we follow the survivor as she learns about her past and becomes driven to pursue the villain/s. Bradley knows just when to provide readers the next puzzle piece they need and she discloses the information so subtly and in measured amounts that she keeps readers in constant anticipation and tension. I was so protective of the main character and eager to know how close she was to uncovering her past and identifying the villains. I found myself sailing right past the end of one chapter and into the next without realizing I’d done it.
Bradley’s ability to connect her readers with her characters is phenomenal. She writes to facilitate a true connection between them. I genuinely cared about Dani and Mark and hoped they’d be able to get some sense of closure for their past.
This book may have been about uncovering the truth, but it’s also about forgiveness, justice and belonging. Bradley has achieved her goal of placing her readers ‘where love and faith cross paths with murder.’
My heart was thumping the whole time I was in Pearl Srings, Tennessee and I can’t wait to return.
Come let Patricia Bradley get your heart slamming against your chest as she writes to uncover what happened, why and who got away with it!
Twenty-five years ago, Dani Bennett witnessed a double murder. She was only 9 years old when her uncle Keith whisked her away to Montana and provided her with a new name and new identity.
When 78-year-old Mae Richmond is flipping through a pottery magazine, she sees the face she’s been searching for since her granddaughter, Danielle, vanished one night many years ago. Richmond enlists a K-9 officer, Mark Lassiter, of Pearl Springs, Tennessee to track down this woman she believes is Danielle.
This is my first introduction to this author and I was giddy with excitement when I knew within a few pages that I was reading the works of someone who is talented in their field. The love that delightful feeling I get when I ‘just know’ I’ve got my hands on a great book.
The crime happens right as the story opens and for the remainder of the story we follow the survivor as she learns about her past and becomes driven to pursue the villain/s. Bradley knows just when to provide readers the next puzzle piece they need and she discloses the information so subtly and in measured amounts that she keeps readers in constant anticipation and tension. I was so protective of the main character and eager to know how close she was to uncovering her past and identifying the villains. I found myself sailing right past the end of one chapter and into the next without realizing I’d done it.
Bradley’s ability to connect her readers with her characters is phenomenal. She writes to facilitate a true connection between them. I genuinely cared about Dani and Mark and hoped they’d be able to get some sense of closure for their past.
This book may have been about uncovering the truth, but it’s also about forgiveness, justice and belonging. Bradley has achieved her goal of placing her readers ‘where love and faith cross paths with murder.’
My heart was thumping the whole time I was in Pearl Srings, Tennessee and I can’t wait to return.
February 8, 2024
A good continuation to the Pearl River series!
Patricia Bradley is one of my favorite romantic suspense authors, and I was excited when my copy of Fatal Witness arrived in the mail.
Dani and Mark were both sympathetic, well-developed characters, Dani especially. I would've liked to know a little more about Mark's backstory. I liked "seeing" Alexis and Nathan again. Their struggles, even after their happy ending in the first book, were a realistic touch.
The plot was intriguing and had plenty of high stakes, action, and suspenseful moments. I did think some of the lead-up to some of the action scenes felt a little contrived. I know the villains needed access to the main characters, but it felt a little too easy.
I appreciated that Patricia Bradley kept both the language and romance clean, and I enjoyed that Mark and Dani trusted God.
Overall, I found Fatal Witness to be an interesting read that I'd recommend to those who love Christian fiction and romantic suspense. I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series!
Disclosure: I received this book free from Revell through Interviews & Reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own, and I was not required to write a positive review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
Patricia Bradley is one of my favorite romantic suspense authors, and I was excited when my copy of Fatal Witness arrived in the mail.
Dani and Mark were both sympathetic, well-developed characters, Dani especially. I would've liked to know a little more about Mark's backstory. I liked "seeing" Alexis and Nathan again. Their struggles, even after their happy ending in the first book, were a realistic touch.
The plot was intriguing and had plenty of high stakes, action, and suspenseful moments. I did think some of the lead-up to some of the action scenes felt a little contrived. I know the villains needed access to the main characters, but it felt a little too easy.
I appreciated that Patricia Bradley kept both the language and romance clean, and I enjoyed that Mark and Dani trusted God.
Overall, I found Fatal Witness to be an interesting read that I'd recommend to those who love Christian fiction and romantic suspense. I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series!
Disclosure: I received this book free from Revell through Interviews & Reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own, and I was not required to write a positive review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
November 17, 2023
NetGalley ARC Review
Disclaimer: I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All of the opinions are my own.
Potter and artist Dani Bennett witnessed the murder of her parents as a child. She has no memory of the crime or her true identity. At nine she was taken away to Montana and given a new name. For the last twenty-five years Mae Richmond has searched for her granddaughter who went missing when her daughter and son-in-law were murdered. A feature in a pottery magazine shows the photo of a woman Mae believes is her missing granddaughter. Mae enlists the help of K-9 officer Mark Lassiter in Pearl Springs, Tennessee to track Dani down. After the shock, Dani becomes curious and makes the decision to journey to Mae. She remains skeptical until memories begin to surface. Dani wants to reclaim her past and real identity but someone is determined to keep the secrets of the past buried.
The book opens with a young Dani hiding as her parents are murdered. Twenty-five years later Dani has no memory of her life before Montana. She’s been sheltered and taught to be skeptical of the outside world. Dani’s trip to Pearl Springs is a chance to connect with her grandmother and spread her wings while taking back her real identity. Dani’s arrival in Pearl Springs sparks a spree of threats on her life and those around her. In this action packed suspense we follow Dani and Mark as they investigate into Dani’s past revealing the good and the ugly. The author wove an intriguing mystery with multiple suspects. Dani’s memory begins to come back in pieces as the action picks up. A series of events brings this edge of your seat suspense to head as Dani risks her life to put the pieces together and regain all the memories she lost. There’s a fun romance blooming between Dani and Mark as they banter back and forth. Red herrings, twists, and high stakes battles take place in this mystery with an inspirational romance.
Disclaimer: I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All of the opinions are my own.
Potter and artist Dani Bennett witnessed the murder of her parents as a child. She has no memory of the crime or her true identity. At nine she was taken away to Montana and given a new name. For the last twenty-five years Mae Richmond has searched for her granddaughter who went missing when her daughter and son-in-law were murdered. A feature in a pottery magazine shows the photo of a woman Mae believes is her missing granddaughter. Mae enlists the help of K-9 officer Mark Lassiter in Pearl Springs, Tennessee to track Dani down. After the shock, Dani becomes curious and makes the decision to journey to Mae. She remains skeptical until memories begin to surface. Dani wants to reclaim her past and real identity but someone is determined to keep the secrets of the past buried.
The book opens with a young Dani hiding as her parents are murdered. Twenty-five years later Dani has no memory of her life before Montana. She’s been sheltered and taught to be skeptical of the outside world. Dani’s trip to Pearl Springs is a chance to connect with her grandmother and spread her wings while taking back her real identity. Dani’s arrival in Pearl Springs sparks a spree of threats on her life and those around her. In this action packed suspense we follow Dani and Mark as they investigate into Dani’s past revealing the good and the ugly. The author wove an intriguing mystery with multiple suspects. Dani’s memory begins to come back in pieces as the action picks up. A series of events brings this edge of your seat suspense to head as Dani risks her life to put the pieces together and regain all the memories she lost. There’s a fun romance blooming between Dani and Mark as they banter back and forth. Red herrings, twists, and high stakes battles take place in this mystery with an inspirational romance.
December 13, 2023
Dani's parents were murdered when she was a young child. Her uncle finds her that night and whisks her away to raise her in a new life. After a publication posts her picture, she's reconnected with family and friends, but when her life is threatened she realizes the killer has found her too.
If you've enjoyed the previous book, you'll want to grab this next one in the series. The storyline keeps you guessing until the end.
*Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
If you've enjoyed the previous book, you'll want to grab this next one in the series. The storyline keeps you guessing until the end.
*Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
February 5, 2024
“Being a Christian doesn’t mean we won’t encounter bad things. I’ve learned that the bad things that come my way make me depend on God more.”
This story started with a horrible murder and a nine-year-old witness.
A cold case murder and diamond theft which remains unresolved, added to action, suspense and the adult Dani finding herself in danger again as the murder and thief are still trying to get their hands on the diamonds.
I loved the K9 character, and even Dani’s Puli was included in the story. For some reason when there is a four-legged hero, it just adds to the enjoyment of the story.
I did suspect the murderer correctly at one specific scene, but enjoyed seeing the characters also discover who it was.
I enjoyed seeing how Dani reconciled with lost friends and family and how her memory slowly returned.
It was also enjoyable to see how Alex and Nathan’s relationship further grew in this second installment of the series and how it their relationship was not just perfect after book one, but that there were some small things they had to work through.
*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.*
This story started with a horrible murder and a nine-year-old witness.
A cold case murder and diamond theft which remains unresolved, added to action, suspense and the adult Dani finding herself in danger again as the murder and thief are still trying to get their hands on the diamonds.
I loved the K9 character, and even Dani’s Puli was included in the story. For some reason when there is a four-legged hero, it just adds to the enjoyment of the story.
I did suspect the murderer correctly at one specific scene, but enjoyed seeing the characters also discover who it was.
I enjoyed seeing how Dani reconciled with lost friends and family and how her memory slowly returned.
It was also enjoyable to see how Alex and Nathan’s relationship further grew in this second installment of the series and how it their relationship was not just perfect after book one, but that there were some small things they had to work through.
*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.*
March 13, 2024
This second of the series pulled me in from page one! Dani doesn't remember her younger years and her uncle doesn't reveal any details. Engaging cold case.
February 25, 2024
4.5 stars
This latest suspense from Patricia Bradley grabbed my attention from the very first scene and kept me glued to the story until the end. A double murder, stolen diamonds, an artist without a past, an over-protective uncle who keeps her on a tight leash, a grandmother who will never cease trying to find her missing granddaughter, a handsome K-9 officer who takes a personal interest, and a small Tennessee town on edge as someone who walks among them wants to keep long-buried secrets from being exposed to the light. Ahhhhh!!! Did I mention that I couldn’t put it down? I devoured this book as quickly as possible even though I could have easily stayed in Pearl River with these characters indefinitely. But I needed to know how it would all play out and if my hunches were correct or way off base. (Turns out I was somewhere in between haha)
Before I talk about our hero & heroine I have to mention how much I adored Mae. She reminded me of a blend of my own grandmothers, and her feisty spirit just delighted me. I would – in a heartbeat – read a whole spinoff series (maybe a cozy mystery?) featuring her character. Dani is a character you’ll quickly care about and I was very invested in her story as she tries to put together the missing pieces of her childhood. Mark is super swoony and kind (I loved how he watched over Mae) and while he still wants to be chief deputy (the job that Alexis was given in Counter Attack) he seems to be content now with waiting for the right time. Their romance is sweet and I really enjoyed watching them fall in love. Not only do they complement each other nicely but they help shore up the broken layers in one another while ultimately resting in the One who can truly heal. And I would be seriously remiss if I didn’t gush over Gem & Lizi, the two endearing, smart, and protective dogs in this book. The side cast is a tapestry of varied personalities that may be friend or foe – that’s part of what must be sussed out – as well as some beloved familiar faces from book one.
Bottom Line: A decades-old mystery. A missing granddaughter. A determined (and delightfully sassy) grandma. A town full of suspects. A budding romance. Danger at every turn. Patricia Bradley delivers all this and more in Fatal Witness – an intense & entertaining journey from start to finish. I enjoyed all of the above, as well as the gentle faith thread which supports the plot and characters in a way that feels natural to both. The layered characters leapt off the page and into my heart (especially Mae), and I can’t wait to see what happens in the next book! Fans of Lynette Eason, Irene Hannon, and Terri Blackstock will love Patricia Bradley too – and this Pearl River series is a great time to start reading her books if you haven’t already!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower
This latest suspense from Patricia Bradley grabbed my attention from the very first scene and kept me glued to the story until the end. A double murder, stolen diamonds, an artist without a past, an over-protective uncle who keeps her on a tight leash, a grandmother who will never cease trying to find her missing granddaughter, a handsome K-9 officer who takes a personal interest, and a small Tennessee town on edge as someone who walks among them wants to keep long-buried secrets from being exposed to the light. Ahhhhh!!! Did I mention that I couldn’t put it down? I devoured this book as quickly as possible even though I could have easily stayed in Pearl River with these characters indefinitely. But I needed to know how it would all play out and if my hunches were correct or way off base. (Turns out I was somewhere in between haha)
Before I talk about our hero & heroine I have to mention how much I adored Mae. She reminded me of a blend of my own grandmothers, and her feisty spirit just delighted me. I would – in a heartbeat – read a whole spinoff series (maybe a cozy mystery?) featuring her character. Dani is a character you’ll quickly care about and I was very invested in her story as she tries to put together the missing pieces of her childhood. Mark is super swoony and kind (I loved how he watched over Mae) and while he still wants to be chief deputy (the job that Alexis was given in Counter Attack) he seems to be content now with waiting for the right time. Their romance is sweet and I really enjoyed watching them fall in love. Not only do they complement each other nicely but they help shore up the broken layers in one another while ultimately resting in the One who can truly heal. And I would be seriously remiss if I didn’t gush over Gem & Lizi, the two endearing, smart, and protective dogs in this book. The side cast is a tapestry of varied personalities that may be friend or foe – that’s part of what must be sussed out – as well as some beloved familiar faces from book one.
Bottom Line: A decades-old mystery. A missing granddaughter. A determined (and delightfully sassy) grandma. A town full of suspects. A budding romance. Danger at every turn. Patricia Bradley delivers all this and more in Fatal Witness – an intense & entertaining journey from start to finish. I enjoyed all of the above, as well as the gentle faith thread which supports the plot and characters in a way that feels natural to both. The layered characters leapt off the page and into my heart (especially Mae), and I can’t wait to see what happens in the next book! Fans of Lynette Eason, Irene Hannon, and Terri Blackstock will love Patricia Bradley too – and this Pearl River series is a great time to start reading her books if you haven’t already!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower
February 6, 2024
Wow! This second book in the Pearl River suspense series is more intense and even better than the first! From the first chapter, Fatal Witness grabbed hold of my attention and didn’t let go. This compelling mystery centers around a young woman who can’t remember what happened 25 years ago when she witnessed her parents’ murder. Now found by her grandmother after her picture appears in a magazine, she’s slowly regaining her memory. When she returns to the small Tennessee town where the murders took place, her life and those of her loved ones are put in danger by a killer who is determined to prevent her from remembering.
This story kept me hurriedly turning the pages. When Dani Bennett decides to return to Tennessee, the suspense ratchets up even before she gets there when someone breaks into her grandmother’s home and Mae suffers a stroke. From there, the intensity increases as someone’s determined to take Dani out before she can remember who killed her parents.
Handsome K-9 Officer Mark Lassiter who helped in finding Dani is a huge support. Their instant attraction turns to more as they find themselves constantly in danger when Dani’s parents’ cold case is reopened. I enjoyed the romance between them and the touch of faith that’s woven throughout their story. I also loved Dani’s feisty grandmother Mae who’s an amateur detective with her own crime board.
The mystery kept me guessing with several red herrings. There are quite a few suspects and while I had my suspicions, it wasn’t until close to the end that I started putting pieces together. I also enjoyed seeing Alex and Nathan again from the first book. It’s an edge of your seat story that’s hard to put down and easily read in a day.
Although Fatal Witness is part of a series, it can definitely be read as a standalone. However, those familiar with the first book will enjoy seeing familiar characters again. I received an advanced complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own and voluntarily provided.
4 1/2 stars raised to 5.
This story kept me hurriedly turning the pages. When Dani Bennett decides to return to Tennessee, the suspense ratchets up even before she gets there when someone breaks into her grandmother’s home and Mae suffers a stroke. From there, the intensity increases as someone’s determined to take Dani out before she can remember who killed her parents.
Handsome K-9 Officer Mark Lassiter who helped in finding Dani is a huge support. Their instant attraction turns to more as they find themselves constantly in danger when Dani’s parents’ cold case is reopened. I enjoyed the romance between them and the touch of faith that’s woven throughout their story. I also loved Dani’s feisty grandmother Mae who’s an amateur detective with her own crime board.
The mystery kept me guessing with several red herrings. There are quite a few suspects and while I had my suspicions, it wasn’t until close to the end that I started putting pieces together. I also enjoyed seeing Alex and Nathan again from the first book. It’s an edge of your seat story that’s hard to put down and easily read in a day.
Although Fatal Witness is part of a series, it can definitely be read as a standalone. However, those familiar with the first book will enjoy seeing familiar characters again. I received an advanced complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own and voluntarily provided.
4 1/2 stars raised to 5.
March 6, 2024
This is book 2 in the Pearl River series. While Mark Lassiter and Alexis Stone (or Alex as she prefers) are characters in the first book "Counter Attack" and appear in this book--Mark as one of the MCs--, it can be read as a standalone.
As an animal lover, I loved seeing that there were two dogs included as MCs, one is Mark's police K-9, the other one is Dani's puli dog, or as others would call her...a mop dog.
But back to the actual story line and my review. I really liked Mark. He impressed me with his humility. He is a handsome guy and knows it. He turns heads wherever he goes. Yet, he doesn't let this fact get to his head. When women basically throw themselves at him, he remains this down-to-earth guy who politely pushes them back. Dani falls for him, too. But if you expect a steamy romance book, don't pick this book up. Mark focuses on his job and, unlike some, he realizes when his attraction to Dani impairs his judgment and focus on the job he is supposed to do. Maybe his former job as a soldier who deployed to Afghanistan has taught him that distraction can be fatal and he just can't shake that mindset, which is very helpful since Dani and Mark often end up in quite dangerous situations.
I felt that the end was a bit rushed considering that the list of potential suspects in the cold case of Dani's parents and the attack on Dani's grandma, as well as the attempts on Mark and Dani's life, is still long until about 98% of the book, even though suspicious characters seem to keep dropping like flies. In addition, this is not a book that wraps up all loose ends with a nice bow. There are still stories to be told, which is unsurprising since another book is coming in the series. I think we will see some of the characters from the first and this book again in the third book because...oh wait; I can't say more since that would spoil the first and part of this book. I guess you'll just have to take my word for it.
Thank you, Revell and Netgalley, for a complimentary copy of this book! The opinions in this review are entirely my own and unbiased.
Find this and other reviews on my blog link: here
As an animal lover, I loved seeing that there were two dogs included as MCs, one is Mark's police K-9, the other one is Dani's puli dog, or as others would call her...a mop dog.
But back to the actual story line and my review. I really liked Mark. He impressed me with his humility. He is a handsome guy and knows it. He turns heads wherever he goes. Yet, he doesn't let this fact get to his head. When women basically throw themselves at him, he remains this down-to-earth guy who politely pushes them back. Dani falls for him, too. But if you expect a steamy romance book, don't pick this book up. Mark focuses on his job and, unlike some, he realizes when his attraction to Dani impairs his judgment and focus on the job he is supposed to do. Maybe his former job as a soldier who deployed to Afghanistan has taught him that distraction can be fatal and he just can't shake that mindset, which is very helpful since Dani and Mark often end up in quite dangerous situations.
I felt that the end was a bit rushed considering that the list of potential suspects in the cold case of Dani's parents and the attack on Dani's grandma, as well as the attempts on Mark and Dani's life, is still long until about 98% of the book, even though suspicious characters seem to keep dropping like flies. In addition, this is not a book that wraps up all loose ends with a nice bow. There are still stories to be told, which is unsurprising since another book is coming in the series. I think we will see some of the characters from the first and this book again in the third book because...oh wait; I can't say more since that would spoil the first and part of this book. I guess you'll just have to take my word for it.
Thank you, Revell and Netgalley, for a complimentary copy of this book! The opinions in this review are entirely my own and unbiased.
Find this and other reviews on my blog link: here
January 27, 2024
This is my first read by this author. I found Fatal Witness a runaway thrill ride. Lots of well-developed characters, and a great storyline that kept me on the edge of my seat holding my breath.
The story had lots of suspense, mystery, and a who-done-it that entered into the story a few times. It kept me guessing until almost the end. Also, included in the story was a K-9 dog and another smart dog owned by Dani.
The ending of the story wrapped up nicely. Fatal Witness is one of those stories that once you're engaged, keeps you there until the end. I couldn't put it down. Can't wait to read her next book.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and a positive review is not required. All opinions are my own.
The story had lots of suspense, mystery, and a who-done-it that entered into the story a few times. It kept me guessing until almost the end. Also, included in the story was a K-9 dog and another smart dog owned by Dani.
The ending of the story wrapped up nicely. Fatal Witness is one of those stories that once you're engaged, keeps you there until the end. I couldn't put it down. Can't wait to read her next book.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and a positive review is not required. All opinions are my own.
January 19, 2024
Could not stop turning pages!!
"I want you to get in this cabinet, and no matter what happens, you stay here until Mama or I come get you. Can you do that?" After experiencing major trauma at 9 years old, Dani cannot remember a thing about her early years.
Mae Richmond is a spunky artist who lost her daughter and son in law to murder and her granddaughter disappeared. She makes her own crime board, visits her local law enforcement regularly, and never gives up hope she may find her granddaughter someday.
K-9 officer Mark Lassiter in Pearl Springs, Tennessee, and his boss Alex Stone are bent on protecting Dani against the person out to silence her.
Hang on tight, you are in for a suspenseful story that will have you turning pages late into the night.
An inspirational story of unexpected romance, suspense, justice and healing. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and highly recommend it!
Thank you to the author, publisher and Net Galley for allowing me to read an early copy. All opinions are my own.
"I want you to get in this cabinet, and no matter what happens, you stay here until Mama or I come get you. Can you do that?" After experiencing major trauma at 9 years old, Dani cannot remember a thing about her early years.
Mae Richmond is a spunky artist who lost her daughter and son in law to murder and her granddaughter disappeared. She makes her own crime board, visits her local law enforcement regularly, and never gives up hope she may find her granddaughter someday.
K-9 officer Mark Lassiter in Pearl Springs, Tennessee, and his boss Alex Stone are bent on protecting Dani against the person out to silence her.
Hang on tight, you are in for a suspenseful story that will have you turning pages late into the night.
An inspirational story of unexpected romance, suspense, justice and healing. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and highly recommend it!
Thank you to the author, publisher and Net Galley for allowing me to read an early copy. All opinions are my own.
January 27, 2024
4.5 stars for this romantic suspense novel from Patricia Bradley. This is the 2nd book in the Pearl River series, but can easily be read as a stand-alone. However, fans of the first book will be glad to catch up a bit with Alex and Nathan again. This was an enjoyable ride that hit the ground running. When Danielle Bennett was 9 years old, she was witness to the murder of her parents, but she doesn't remember a thing. Now 25 years later, she finds herself in the killer's crosshairs once again.
I thoroughly enjoyed the cold case aspect of this story and guessing whodunit kept me turning pages. I did not see the ending coming on this one at all. There was good character development as Dani as an adult has to face some fears to try to regain her memories. There is a good faith thread as well, as she is introduced time and again to the faith of those around her and a verse from the Psalms helps to keep her calm during the most intense parts of the story. The romance piece moved a bit quicker than I like, but was on par with a typical romantic suspense novel. I really enjoyed the K9 element to this story as well, not only with the police dog, but Dani also had a dog whose personality played right in to the story. If you enjoy inspirational romantic suspense, this is one I can definitely recommend.
Special thanks to Revell and NetGalley for an advance e-copy of this novel. I was under no obligation to provide a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.
I thoroughly enjoyed the cold case aspect of this story and guessing whodunit kept me turning pages. I did not see the ending coming on this one at all. There was good character development as Dani as an adult has to face some fears to try to regain her memories. There is a good faith thread as well, as she is introduced time and again to the faith of those around her and a verse from the Psalms helps to keep her calm during the most intense parts of the story. The romance piece moved a bit quicker than I like, but was on par with a typical romantic suspense novel. I really enjoyed the K9 element to this story as well, not only with the police dog, but Dani also had a dog whose personality played right in to the story. If you enjoy inspirational romantic suspense, this is one I can definitely recommend.
Special thanks to Revell and NetGalley for an advance e-copy of this novel. I was under no obligation to provide a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.
January 31, 2024
“Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in you.”
Dani Collins knows only the past her Uncle Keith has told her, which is next to nothing. She has no memory of the parents who died when she was nine.
Mae Richmond has been searching for her granddaughter for 25 years. She suspects the picture in a magazine article on pottery holds the clue to an age old mystery.
When K-9 officer Mark Lassiter tries to unite the two, things begin to happen-dangerous things.
Mark is a worthy hero who is kind, compassionate and godly. “Being a Christian does not mean we won’t encounter bad things. I have learned that the bad things that come my way make me depend on God more.” Dani, although somewhat sheltered, is strong, intelligent and on her own spiritual journey,
Filled with a complicated mystery, elusive villains, and dramatic scenes, this story doesn’t wind down until the final pages.
* I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell on behalf of the author. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*
Dani Collins knows only the past her Uncle Keith has told her, which is next to nothing. She has no memory of the parents who died when she was nine.
Mae Richmond has been searching for her granddaughter for 25 years. She suspects the picture in a magazine article on pottery holds the clue to an age old mystery.
When K-9 officer Mark Lassiter tries to unite the two, things begin to happen-dangerous things.
Mark is a worthy hero who is kind, compassionate and godly. “Being a Christian does not mean we won’t encounter bad things. I have learned that the bad things that come my way make me depend on God more.” Dani, although somewhat sheltered, is strong, intelligent and on her own spiritual journey,
Filled with a complicated mystery, elusive villains, and dramatic scenes, this story doesn’t wind down until the final pages.
* I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell on behalf of the author. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*
March 22, 2024
This was a great addition to a great series! I loved seeing some favorite characters again and meeting new ones that I really liked right away. Mae just might be my favorite character in this one. I enjoyed the plotline of this one a lot. It kept me interested the whole time. I can't wait to see what comes next in this series!
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
February 14, 2024
Oh my goodness did I ever LOVE this book! 😍😍🔥😍 This one has been added to my favorites pile and is tied for first place in my favorite Patricia Bradley novels, tying with Deception…Clayton Bradshaw is just all sorts of my favorite kind of hero! 😍
This book had me from the very first page! I couldn’t stop reading and wanting to know what would happen next! I can’t tell you how much I absolutely LOVED Mark Lassiter! 😍😍🔥😍 He’s everything I love in a hero! A godly man, protective, sweet, caring, and just absolutely precious! And I loved him with Dani! How he treated her and protected her! *happy sigh* 🥰 I also loved Dani’s character and how she grew throughout the story! 💕
One of my very favorite parts about reading a series is getting to see characters from previous books, and seeing Alex and Nathan made my heart oh so happy! 🥰
Patricia Bradley’s writing is some of my very favorite! I love her characters, storylines, action, suspense, and the faith involved! This book, like all the others, but even BETTER, had me so invested! 🔥 I was flying through the pages and thinking about it whenever I was forced to set it down.
I can’t wait to read book three in the Pearl River series and see which characters’ heads we get to dive inside and watch fall in love (I have a couple guesses and I reeeeally hope I’m right!) Thank you Patricia for another absolutely incredible read! 💕
And just look at that cover! 😍😍😍😍
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
This book had me from the very first page! I couldn’t stop reading and wanting to know what would happen next! I can’t tell you how much I absolutely LOVED Mark Lassiter! 😍😍🔥😍 He’s everything I love in a hero! A godly man, protective, sweet, caring, and just absolutely precious! And I loved him with Dani! How he treated her and protected her! *happy sigh* 🥰 I also loved Dani’s character and how she grew throughout the story! 💕
One of my very favorite parts about reading a series is getting to see characters from previous books, and seeing Alex and Nathan made my heart oh so happy! 🥰
Patricia Bradley’s writing is some of my very favorite! I love her characters, storylines, action, suspense, and the faith involved! This book, like all the others, but even BETTER, had me so invested! 🔥 I was flying through the pages and thinking about it whenever I was forced to set it down.
I can’t wait to read book three in the Pearl River series and see which characters’ heads we get to dive inside and watch fall in love (I have a couple guesses and I reeeeally hope I’m right!) Thank you Patricia for another absolutely incredible read! 💕
And just look at that cover! 😍😍😍😍
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
November 7, 2023
Fatal Witness starts strong, never lets up, and I couldn’t put it down! There were plenty of details that kept me guessing, wonderful characters that I enjoyed getting to know, with a fun return to the community of Pearl Springs and personalities from Counter Attack, the first book in the series (which would not need to be read first, but which I also recommend). Wonderful mystery, sweet romance, and I loved it! Patricia Bradley is a master at romantic suspense!
January 14, 2024
Pearl River #2
Hidden away in Montana for the past 25 years Dani Bennett has no recollection of her past. As a child she had witnessed the brutal murder of her parents and has no memory of the incident or her true identity. After receiving a call from Officer Mark Lassiter of Pearl Springs who track her down telling that Mae Richmond, her grandmother, was looking for her. Dani sets out on a journey to uncover the truth.
I like this soft romantic suspense and enjoyed the cold case this story spins and particularly how it teases us to guess the whodunit from the time Dani reaches Pearl Springs till we finally have the answer at the closing page. What a surprise finding out. The characterization is well done and the romance is very clean, no graphic sex. The language is polished and the smooth prose moves along with a steady stroke. Mixed with the suspense and romance is a message of faith as well. Of course why not please animal lovers; we have 2 loveable K9 to entertain us: one a police dog and the other a loveable mutt. Every page is filled with exciting action
Of course my thoughts are only a snippet of the activities going on. The experience is entertaining and passing time with this story enjoyable. It’s a page turner and not a taxing read. Well-said and well-done.
This ARC was provided by Revell via Netgalley
Hidden away in Montana for the past 25 years Dani Bennett has no recollection of her past. As a child she had witnessed the brutal murder of her parents and has no memory of the incident or her true identity. After receiving a call from Officer Mark Lassiter of Pearl Springs who track her down telling that Mae Richmond, her grandmother, was looking for her. Dani sets out on a journey to uncover the truth.
I like this soft romantic suspense and enjoyed the cold case this story spins and particularly how it teases us to guess the whodunit from the time Dani reaches Pearl Springs till we finally have the answer at the closing page. What a surprise finding out. The characterization is well done and the romance is very clean, no graphic sex. The language is polished and the smooth prose moves along with a steady stroke. Mixed with the suspense and romance is a message of faith as well. Of course why not please animal lovers; we have 2 loveable K9 to entertain us: one a police dog and the other a loveable mutt. Every page is filled with exciting action
Of course my thoughts are only a snippet of the activities going on. The experience is entertaining and passing time with this story enjoyable. It’s a page turner and not a taxing read. Well-said and well-done.
This ARC was provided by Revell via Netgalley
January 13, 2024
Fatal Witness is the second book in the Pearl River series but could definitely be enjoyed just fine as a standalone without any confusion, I think.
This book opened with a bang! It grabbed my attention right away and did a great job of keeping it throughout the story. When we meet Dani as an adult, she is living in Montana where she had been with her very overprotective uncle for the last 25 years, with no memories of her life before that point. When her picture is posted in a pottery magazine, it opens up a can of worms... introducing her to a family she didn't remember and an unsolved murder that's coming back to haunt her. It was an intriguing story and wonderfully executed. We were given a lot of potential suspects and as such, it kept me guessing through until the end. There were some things I saw coming and others that took me by complete surprise.
Mixed in with this suspense, there was also some romance and a great message of faith as well. It all blended together wonderfully to form a story that I really enjoyed. If you love Christian romantic suspense, this is definitely one you'll want to check out.
**I received a complimentary copy for consideration. All opinions are my own.
This book opened with a bang! It grabbed my attention right away and did a great job of keeping it throughout the story. When we meet Dani as an adult, she is living in Montana where she had been with her very overprotective uncle for the last 25 years, with no memories of her life before that point. When her picture is posted in a pottery magazine, it opens up a can of worms... introducing her to a family she didn't remember and an unsolved murder that's coming back to haunt her. It was an intriguing story and wonderfully executed. We were given a lot of potential suspects and as such, it kept me guessing through until the end. There were some things I saw coming and others that took me by complete surprise.
Mixed in with this suspense, there was also some romance and a great message of faith as well. It all blended together wonderfully to form a story that I really enjoyed. If you love Christian romantic suspense, this is definitely one you'll want to check out.
**I received a complimentary copy for consideration. All opinions are my own.
February 18, 2024
This fast-paced, gripping romantic suspense will keep you on the edge of your seat. Be prepared to stay up late, devouring the intense read.
When she was a child, Dani Bennett went missing after witnessing her parents’ murder. Her grandmother, Mae Richmond, never gives up searching for her. Ten years later, Mae finds Dani and learns she doesn’t remember her past. No sooner does Dani arrive back in her hometown, bullets start flying. Someone in town doesn’t want Dani’s memory to return.
Attempts on Dani’s life have K-9 Officer Mark Lassiter working protective duty with his K-9, Gem. Everywhere they turn, danger follows. People are dying, and everywhere Dani hides, the murderer attacks.
Can Mark keep her safe and stay alive himself? Will Dani’s memory return before the killer gets to her?
When she was a child, Dani Bennett went missing after witnessing her parents’ murder. Her grandmother, Mae Richmond, never gives up searching for her. Ten years later, Mae finds Dani and learns she doesn’t remember her past. No sooner does Dani arrive back in her hometown, bullets start flying. Someone in town doesn’t want Dani’s memory to return.
Attempts on Dani’s life have K-9 Officer Mark Lassiter working protective duty with his K-9, Gem. Everywhere they turn, danger follows. People are dying, and everywhere Dani hides, the murderer attacks.
Can Mark keep her safe and stay alive himself? Will Dani’s memory return before the killer gets to her?
November 13, 2023
Whenever I read a book by Patricia Bradley, I know right from the start I will be completely hooked and can hardly turn the pages fast enough.
From the time she was nine years old Danielle Bennett has been raised by her Uncle Keith and his wife. She has no memory of anything prior to that time. She knows both her parents were killed and Uncle Keith took her away and raised her. She does not remember that she was hiding in a cupboard and heard loud booming noises. No does she remember where she lived before her uncle moved her to Montana.
Fast forward twenty-five years and Dani Collins is a well-known artist with a pottery/art studio. She is packing up to head to the University of Cincinnati, where she was asked to teach two classes on sculpture techniques. When the latest copy of Pottery Making Illustrated arrives in the mail, Dani is surprised there is a feature article about her along with a picture of her. Keith always worried when she receives any attention for her art, however, he never gave her any explanation for his fears.
Many miles away in Russell County, Tennessee, seventy-eight-year-old Mae Richmond is working with her potters’ wheel when the mail arrives. In her mail she receives her copy of Pottery Making Illustrated. For twenty-five years Mae has never given up in searching for her granddaughter, and she feels God has not told her to give up. While leafing through the magazine she is stunned when a picture of Dani Collins appears. Is it possible this could be Danielle – the resemblance is remarkable, same golden red hair, blue eyes, and a few freckles across her nose. Mae calls upon her friend and neighbor, officer Mark Lassiter, who locates Dani Collins and asks her to come to Tennessee to meet Mae, who might be her grandmother.
Dani is somewhat dubious, although inquisitive enough to head to Tennessee when she is finished in Cincinnati. If she really has a grandmother, she is determined to meet her. Dani appearance in the small town, complicates things for those who were involved in the death of her parents, and prior to that, the robbery of a jewelry story where many diamonds were stolen. It is apparent that twenty-five years later, there is someone still searching for the diamonds and will do whatever it takes to find them – even kill again.
This fascinating, fast-paced story kept me turning the pages to the very end. Several of the characters have been in previous books of Patricia’s however, I have found each book can be a standalone. I enjoyed meeting these loveable, interesting characters again.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions and comments are my own.
From the time she was nine years old Danielle Bennett has been raised by her Uncle Keith and his wife. She has no memory of anything prior to that time. She knows both her parents were killed and Uncle Keith took her away and raised her. She does not remember that she was hiding in a cupboard and heard loud booming noises. No does she remember where she lived before her uncle moved her to Montana.
Fast forward twenty-five years and Dani Collins is a well-known artist with a pottery/art studio. She is packing up to head to the University of Cincinnati, where she was asked to teach two classes on sculpture techniques. When the latest copy of Pottery Making Illustrated arrives in the mail, Dani is surprised there is a feature article about her along with a picture of her. Keith always worried when she receives any attention for her art, however, he never gave her any explanation for his fears.
Many miles away in Russell County, Tennessee, seventy-eight-year-old Mae Richmond is working with her potters’ wheel when the mail arrives. In her mail she receives her copy of Pottery Making Illustrated. For twenty-five years Mae has never given up in searching for her granddaughter, and she feels God has not told her to give up. While leafing through the magazine she is stunned when a picture of Dani Collins appears. Is it possible this could be Danielle – the resemblance is remarkable, same golden red hair, blue eyes, and a few freckles across her nose. Mae calls upon her friend and neighbor, officer Mark Lassiter, who locates Dani Collins and asks her to come to Tennessee to meet Mae, who might be her grandmother.
Dani is somewhat dubious, although inquisitive enough to head to Tennessee when she is finished in Cincinnati. If she really has a grandmother, she is determined to meet her. Dani appearance in the small town, complicates things for those who were involved in the death of her parents, and prior to that, the robbery of a jewelry story where many diamonds were stolen. It is apparent that twenty-five years later, there is someone still searching for the diamonds and will do whatever it takes to find them – even kill again.
This fascinating, fast-paced story kept me turning the pages to the very end. Several of the characters have been in previous books of Patricia’s however, I have found each book can be a standalone. I enjoyed meeting these loveable, interesting characters again.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions and comments are my own.
February 24, 2024
Book caught me attention from the beginning. I think the suspense was better executed than the first book in the series. I did guess who the murderer was halfway through the story.
February 12, 2024
I immediately went into Fatal Witness after finishing the first book, Counter Attack. I highly recommend reading them in order.
Patricia Bradley has done it again! She has written an incredible work of fiction that will have you spellbound until the very last word! You all, I KNEW who the bad guys were, and I was writing this whole plot in my head, and when a family member jumped in the fray, I figured that person was spying. I was so wrong 😂😂. I still think one of them should have been the bad guy!
I did get hints as to who it was, but just like the characters in the story, I dismissed it, and I was like it couldn't be. Apparently, it could!
💛continuing story of characters from Counter Attack
💛Strong characters
💛family secrets
💛dissociative amnesia disorder
💛guard dogs
💛intense scenes
💛reconciliation
💛cold case murder
💛multiple plot twists
I devoured this book and couldn't put it down. While I think I liked the first book better, they are both fantastic reads and get all the stars from me. I can't wait for the next book in this series!!
Patricia Bradley has done it again! She has written an incredible work of fiction that will have you spellbound until the very last word! You all, I KNEW who the bad guys were, and I was writing this whole plot in my head, and when a family member jumped in the fray, I figured that person was spying. I was so wrong 😂😂. I still think one of them should have been the bad guy!
I did get hints as to who it was, but just like the characters in the story, I dismissed it, and I was like it couldn't be. Apparently, it could!
💛continuing story of characters from Counter Attack
💛Strong characters
💛family secrets
💛dissociative amnesia disorder
💛guard dogs
💛intense scenes
💛reconciliation
💛cold case murder
💛multiple plot twists
I devoured this book and couldn't put it down. While I think I liked the first book better, they are both fantastic reads and get all the stars from me. I can't wait for the next book in this series!!
February 8, 2024
Fatal Witness by Patricia Bradley brings suspense and danger to every page! Dani Bennett discovers an entire family she knew nothing about, but with the revelation comes danger. Dani heads back to Pearl River to meet her grandmother, but she has no memories of what happened to her as a child. Her parents were murdered, and the case never solved. Mark Richmond had been on the case, and realizes that Dani showing up spells danger. Someone doesn’t want her memories to return.
This book has the main characters running for their lives on page one. Tons of plot twists, suspense, and action will engage readers from the start. But the characters make this story come alive, from Dani’s spunky grandmother to Mark and Dani’s growing attraction. This is a fantastic romantic suspense story – be sure to get your copy today!
I received an ebook review copy of this book through NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
This book has the main characters running for their lives on page one. Tons of plot twists, suspense, and action will engage readers from the start. But the characters make this story come alive, from Dani’s spunky grandmother to Mark and Dani’s growing attraction. This is a fantastic romantic suspense story – be sure to get your copy today!
I received an ebook review copy of this book through NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
February 1, 2024
Wow! This book was chock full of unlimited suspense, as well as shocking, gritty edge of your seat danger around every corner. Dani Bennett witnessed the murder of her parents. She disappeared that same night. However, she has no true memory of that fateful night. Her uncle has shielded her for 25 years. He has sheltered her almost to the point of suffocation, but as you learn more about what transpired that night, you will more fully appreciate his reasons for sheltering her. She is an accomplished artist and potter. She is the feature in an article in a pottery magazine, which unbeknownst to her. includes her photograph. She has carefully avoided social media and being photographed due to her uncle's instructions.
Mae Richmond is Dani's grandmother, and she has been searching for her granddaughter for 25 years. She has never given up hope that she is alive. When she sees a picture of Dani in the pottery magazine, she is sure this is her granddaughter, and she aims to prove it. This is how we meet K-9 officer Mark Lassister. When Mark calls Dani and tells her he thinks he knows her true identity, she does not realize she is about to learn more about her past, but she will also have a target on her back and anyone who is around her. A cold case from 25 years ago has suddenly become red hot. Someone is not happy that Dani is back in town.
This story was a pure adrenaline rush for me as I followed the characters on the run for their lives. This was a collision course of past and present masterfully penned. The characters were very likable and relatable. I dearly loved Mae. She was a sassy grandma with a zest for life and lived without fear. Dani had experienced the worse kind of loss and that loss was buried deep within her brain. I cannot even imagine the pain she was experiencing as the memories started to return, but she stayed strong. It was incredibly suspenseful, but the romance was sweet and endearing as well. There was also a good faith message as both Mark and Dani learned to lean on their faith more fully just by quoting scripture to help them through the hard times. I highly recommend this book for romantic suspense lovers who enjoy high octane action.
Thank you to Revell Books and NetGalley for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Mae Richmond is Dani's grandmother, and she has been searching for her granddaughter for 25 years. She has never given up hope that she is alive. When she sees a picture of Dani in the pottery magazine, she is sure this is her granddaughter, and she aims to prove it. This is how we meet K-9 officer Mark Lassister. When Mark calls Dani and tells her he thinks he knows her true identity, she does not realize she is about to learn more about her past, but she will also have a target on her back and anyone who is around her. A cold case from 25 years ago has suddenly become red hot. Someone is not happy that Dani is back in town.
This story was a pure adrenaline rush for me as I followed the characters on the run for their lives. This was a collision course of past and present masterfully penned. The characters were very likable and relatable. I dearly loved Mae. She was a sassy grandma with a zest for life and lived without fear. Dani had experienced the worse kind of loss and that loss was buried deep within her brain. I cannot even imagine the pain she was experiencing as the memories started to return, but she stayed strong. It was incredibly suspenseful, but the romance was sweet and endearing as well. There was also a good faith message as both Mark and Dani learned to lean on their faith more fully just by quoting scripture to help them through the hard times. I highly recommend this book for romantic suspense lovers who enjoy high octane action.
Thank you to Revell Books and NetGalley for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 6, 2024
Another great romantic suspense by Patricia Bradley that kept me up way past my bedtime.
Mae Richmond had been searching for her missing granddaughter for over two decades. When she sees a picture in a magazine of a woman she knows has to be her missing granddaughter, she sets in motion all she needs to find her. Dani Bennett saw her parents murdered when she was a child but doesn’t remember it and since that day, she has lived with her “Uncle Keith” who was always overprotective, but she never understood why. When she is contacted by her grandmother and goes back home to try and find all the memories, she can’t seem to remember. But it all goes wrong when she makes it back and finds someone coming after her for what she doesn’t know.
While this was a good romantic suspense, it had moments that left me underwhelmed. I flew through the pages but somewhere less memorable than others. Patricia Bradley is a great romantic suspense writer, but this story did fall a little flat for me. The story was a little on the more original side with the focus being more on Mae and her mission to find her granddaughter, which was what kept me connected to the story. Mae was a fun and spunky character, and it would be nice to see more from her in coming stories. Dani couldn’t remember some of her past, but she didn’t let that define her future and I liked that about her. The romance aspect came on a little strong with Mark and some at times I wasn’t as interested in seeing them come together as a couple as I would have liked. I do recommend this book to those that love romantic suspense, it is the right book for that genre.
I received a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.
Mae Richmond had been searching for her missing granddaughter for over two decades. When she sees a picture in a magazine of a woman she knows has to be her missing granddaughter, she sets in motion all she needs to find her. Dani Bennett saw her parents murdered when she was a child but doesn’t remember it and since that day, she has lived with her “Uncle Keith” who was always overprotective, but she never understood why. When she is contacted by her grandmother and goes back home to try and find all the memories, she can’t seem to remember. But it all goes wrong when she makes it back and finds someone coming after her for what she doesn’t know.
While this was a good romantic suspense, it had moments that left me underwhelmed. I flew through the pages but somewhere less memorable than others. Patricia Bradley is a great romantic suspense writer, but this story did fall a little flat for me. The story was a little on the more original side with the focus being more on Mae and her mission to find her granddaughter, which was what kept me connected to the story. Mae was a fun and spunky character, and it would be nice to see more from her in coming stories. Dani couldn’t remember some of her past, but she didn’t let that define her future and I liked that about her. The romance aspect came on a little strong with Mark and some at times I wasn’t as interested in seeing them come together as a couple as I would have liked. I do recommend this book to those that love romantic suspense, it is the right book for that genre.
I received a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.
February 4, 2024
This storyline was so good! Dani doesn't remember much from her childhood and her uncle has been very good at keeping her out of the public eye and off the internet. When a rare photo of her appears in a pottery magazine, someone from her past has a target on her back, and the grandmother that has never stopped searching for her might finally have a new clue to go on. Only able to glimpse piece of her past, Dani has always struggled in knowing the truth and fiction of her memories and nightmares. So when a message from a deputy in Tennessee is left on her voicemail, this might just open the door for answers she has always wanted. I loved the characters, I loved the storylines within as well as how it all came together in the end. This story read so fast and just flowed. I will be reading more by this author and am looking forward to more by her. Thank you to the author and the Revell Blogger program for the complementary novel. This review is of my own opinion and accord.
January 15, 2024
4.5 Dani was raised in Montana by her uncle from the time she was 9 years old. She knew her parents had passed, but she didn’t know how, or why her uncle would never talk to her about what happened. Through her passion for pottery she is reconnected with her grandmother and friends in Tennessee. But her reunion was not sweet as the her parents murder think’s Dani can identify them. So her life is danger. However, Dani’s members had been repressed from the her trauma. This makes finding the murder/shooter difficult. Her best friend Alex and new love interest Mark and determine to keep Dani safe and help her remember what happened to her family.
Disclaimer: received ARC on NetGalley to honestly read and review. My opinions of this book are my own.
Disclaimer: received ARC on NetGalley to honestly read and review. My opinions of this book are my own.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 197 reviews