Elusive Evil, Task Force SEAR #2 by JJ Samie Myles

Book description:

 Sometimes evil is so close you can’t see it.

Former NZSAS corporal Nik “Nikyboy” Te Koha is on vacation with his Task Force SEAR buddies in Indonesia when a suicide bomber targets a church. Triage efforts quickly morph into a full-blown mission, bringing Nik’s old demons knocking.

Terror has haunted Rina Soto from childhood, killing her family and fueling her passion to join Delta 77, a counter-terrorism unit. Convinced the recent attack wasn't a one-off, she sets out to hunt down the bombers with the help of an enigmatic Kiwi and his highly skilled team.\

Opposites attract; fighting the same enemy unites. Nik and Rina put their lives on the line to prevent more carnage, but another threat looms much closer. Can Rina's unwavering faith pierce Nik's darkness?

My review:
Myles is still a fairly new author in the Christian fiction world, with this being her second book in this series, and her third book total. But I would say she has quickly found her feet and is already churning out great novels worth reading.

I really enjoyed the first book in this series, but this second one was even better. Sometimes I think it takes a couple of books to get characters developed in a series like this with a team of very different people. And there was a lot more character development in this book. I loved Nik and Rina, but also enjoyed getting to know the other characters more. I am definitely looking forward to Ariel's story, whenever it comes out, but his brother's is next in the series. 

There was non stop action, suspense, and danger in this book. And I loved it. I enjoyed the banter and interplay between the team and the way they worked together. This book definitely entertained, but it also brought home the sober reminder that not everyone has the freedom to worship as we please here in the USA.

In addition to all of the other elements of the story, Myles did not shy away from a Christian message in the book, and the reminder that no badly how messed up we are - or think we are - God can redeem us and our past and make something of us. 

Special thanks to the author for an advance e-book copy of this novel. I was under no obligation to provide a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.

Elusive Evil releases December 19.

About the author:
JJ Samie Myles is always on the hunt for a thrilling adventure, be it in real life or the fictional realm. Having traveled the globe and interacted with people from all walks of life, she is equipped with an arsenal of story ideas. Her mission is to share the beauty of God’s light in a dark world and encourage her readers in their faith. JJ is fluent in savage banter, obsessed with the ocean, and loves to laugh.

Find more about JJ and her books at JJSamieMyles.com

                                                  Book #1

What’s in a Name? Guest post by Hannah Hood Lucero

   I discovered this author through the Avid Readers of Christian Fiction Facebook group back in April of 2024. I read the first book in her epic Sons of Vigilance Series on Kindle Unlimited, then immediately bought all 4 books in paperback. She had 5 books out at that point, and has since written 4 others plus a story for an anthology of pro-life stories. Her books are seriously epic. 

I asked her if she would write a guest blog post, whatever she wanted to write, and she graciously agreed, even though she is busy and her husband recently got back from deployment. Thanks Hannah. 

What’s in a Name? Guest post by Hannah Hood Lucero

As an author, I think about names a lot. I’m forever scrolling through baby name websites, trying to find unique and meaningful monikers that haven’t been overused by other writers, and which aren’t similar to other characters from my own works. It’s a bit exhausting, to be honest. 

When I was preparing to publish my debut novel and considering what my pen name should be, I asked my husband what he thought. Being a mysterious wallflower, his instinct is to consistently lean toward anonymity. As soon as he told me he wouldn’t use his real name, I had my answer. The social butterfly inside gasped. My whole spirit rejected the idea of a bookish alias. This rose, by any other name, would utterly and completely STINK! I earned an eye roll when my response was, “I’ll use my full name. Like, the entire thing.” And so, Hannah Hood Lucero (the author) was born.

Growing up, I hated my middle name—which I dropped upon filling out my marriage certificate. Most girls have something sweet like Elizabeth or Jane or Lynn. My parents went the family name route, and mine was Evans. It wasn’t until after I had my own kids that I began to appreciate the uniqueness and beauty of it. And when I started brainstorming characters, I jumped at the chance to make my debut main character a namesake. Evans Sutton became the level-headed teen I wish I had been, and she has popped up from time to time in other books.

I recently drew on the poor attitude of my younger self, writing an entire book about characters who want nothing more than to escape the attention their identities bring. In A Name to Remember, Isobel Lee is famous because of a national tragedy. Hank Olsen is infamous due to the sins of his family. Together, they come to realize that the only identity that matters is the one they have in Jesus. And they each face the question: Will I take the hand I’ve been dealt and rise to the challenge of living a life that glorifies God?

I am intrigued by the multiple instances in scripture, when people were given new names. Upon God’s covenant, Abram’s name changed to Abraham, father of a multitude. His wife, Sarai, became Sarah to designate her the mother of nations. When Jacob wrestled with God, he walked away as Israel, signifying his new status as a prince with God. Joshua (which means “the Lord saves”) was known as Hosea prior to being Moses’s successor. And, of course, we know that Jesus renamed Simon to Peter, he called James and John “sons of thunder”, and Saul—persecutor of Christians—became Paul upon his conversion.

What does your name mean? What do people think about when they see it pop up on a social media thread or email? When I see Mark’s posts and comments, I know a great book recommendation is to follow. My prayer is that my name makes people smile and think of faith-filled fiction, quippy banter, and characters worth remembering.

Find out more about Hannah and her books at HannahHoodLucero.com

A Killer In Texas, Elite Protectors #2 by Jessica R Patch

Book description:

 In the search for a murderer,

the hunter becomes the prey…

While guarding a person of interest in several homicides, bodyguard Libby Winters is attacked by the real serial killer. The Eye, as he’s known, has been stalking her for the past two months, and now he’s ready to make his next move. Determined not to repeat past mistakes, protection specialist Axel Spears vows to keep his partner safe and take down the man who murdered his wife. Caught in a perilous game of cat and mouse, can they unmask and bring down their deadly enemy…before they become the next victims?

From Love Inspired Suspense: Courage. Danger. Faith.

Elite Protectors

My review:
   This book was a bit different in that one of the team trying to catch a killer was being stalked by that killer, and she had not told her team that until she was pretty much forced to.

 Patch has gotten a reputation of writing more thrillers than just suspense, and this book definitely leans more towards the thriller side. 

I have always liked series where there is a team that is in every book, with each character getting their own story, and that is what Patch is doing with this series. I read and enjoyed the first book in this series, but this one was even better, in my opinion. 

The author did a great job of building the suspense and drama while keeping the reader guessing as to who the Eye really was....and by the way, though it was very creepy, I loved the angle Patch played with the hymn. I admit I was totally surprised at the end when the bad guy was revealed. 

This was a great suspenseful read that brought back the team from the first book. 

Special thanks to the author for an advance e-book copy of this novel. I was under no obligation to provide a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.

A Killer In Texas releases December 30.

About the author:

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

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

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

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

Check out her website: JessicaRPatch.com

                                                   Book #1

Now Or Never, Brand of Justice Series #14 by Lisa Phillips

Book description: 

With the family back together, the fight against Dominatus is on.

Since her rescue, Kenna has been harboring a secret. But her husband won’t let her bury her head in the sand and ignore their calling, so they’re back to working a case—this time in Boston. Even when a limo explodes in Washington DC, and she knows Dominatus is connected to the attack, Kenna’s fear won’t let go of her. Life now is a push/pull of doing what’s right while keeping their family safe. Justice is what happens in the middle.

As long as Kenna can keep from spilling her secret.

When allies are wrongfully accused as the perpetrators of the bombing, Kenna can’t ignore that her skills put to good use mean that justice can prevail. The case proves complex, and each step they take tangles them in more of the sticky web of Washington politics. With Jax by her side and their family surrounding her, Kenna is safe for now. But if evil prevails, their family will always be in danger. Kenna has to get her faith back on the right footing if any of this is going to succeed.

This Brand of Justice won’t quit until it’s over.

My review:
In my not so humble opinion, this may be the best book in the series so far. It is a toss up between this one and the previous book that featured Jax. This is the first book since Kenna and Jax got married that they were together for the whole book. Before they married, the together times were hit and miss, and then if you have read all the books, you know what the together times were like.

In addition to Jax and Kenna spending more time together in this book, so does the rest of Kenna's ragamuffin band. Phillips did a terrific job on creating Kenna's - and now also Jax's loyal band of merry men and women. They are all so different, and have their individual strengths, but they are all fiercely loyal to Kenna and Jax. 

There is not a wasted page or moment in this book. A lot happens, and the reader - at least this reader - had a hard time knowing who was good and bad, and downright evil. It sure made it a more interesting read. 

I like it when an author puts Christian content in their books. In this book, Kenna is a fairly new Christian, and has lost her faith because of what had happened to her in previous months. Her husband takes her to talk to an interesting friend of his - dude with no legs, previously arrested nd led to Jesus by Kenna's former FBI agent husband. The conversation between those fictional characters was something I needed to hear. God or the author might as well as put my name in there. 

The book had a great non-cliffhanger ending that still left me eager to read the next book.

Special thanks to the author for an advance e-book copy of this novel. I was under no obligation to provide a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.

About the author:

Lisa Phillips is a USA Today and top ten Publishers Weekly bestselling author of over 80 books that span Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense line, independently published series romantic suspense, and thriller novels. She’s discovered a penchant for high-stakes stories of mayhem and disaster where you can find made-for-each-other love that always ends in happily ever after.

Lisa is a British ex-pat who grew up an hour outside of London and attended Calvary Chapel Bible College, where she met her husband. He’s from California, but nobody’s perfect. It wasn’t until her Bible College graduation that she figured out she was a writer (someone told her). Lisa is a worship leader, tea aficionado, and dog lover of two crazy Airedales.

Check out her website for more about Lisa and her books: AuthorLisaPhillips.com 

Now Or Never releases on Kindle November 19, and according to my Amazon pre-order, the paperback is shipping in two days.

I typically picture all the previous books in a series here, but there are 13 others. So I shall feature a few. 

                                                              Book #1

Book #11

Book #13

Dark Design, The Erin Delaney Mysteries #2 by Nancy Mehl

Book description:

 As she began to lose consciousness, she realized that she'd just made a very serious mistake. . . .

She tried to call out for help, but she couldn't see anyone on the shore.

There was no one to save her.

When Erin Delaney learns that a serial killer has mimicked the murder portrayed in her bestselling novel, she joins her friend Kaely Quinn-Hunter, a former FBI profiler, in Virginia. Their reunion, only a few months after fending off an eerie killer in the woods of Tennessee, is bittersweet, as Kaely has been tasked by the FBI to recruit Erin's help to identify a suspect. The FBI's team is stumped by the murderer who re-creates killings from the books of multiple authors, with only ominous notes left behind. As Erin is drawn further into the web of fear and chaos, Kaely begins to fear for Erin's safety.

On top of tracking down a murderer, Erin must shoulder the weight of a haunted past and claims that she stole the plot of her novel from one of her sources. As she struggles on multiple fronts, the enemy looms closer than ever--and Erin's life hangs in the balance.

My review:
  This author actually did it. The first book in this series really wowed me, but this one was even better, in my opinion. Though the whole Dolly Parton theme in the first book really cracked me up.

 Dark Design has a terrific plot: a serial killer killing women just like they were killed in books by different authors. Mehl really knocked it out of the park with this one. And the sly author pulled a bit of misdirection that I fell for, hook, line, and sinker. As with the first book, the author pulled Kaely Quinn Hunter from a previous series, and also her husband in this book, and I loved that. The two of them being part of the story added a lot to it. I really liked both characters from the Kaely Quinn Profiler Series, and love that the author is including them in this series.

Another thing I liked: Adrian, the police chief of Erin's town, is still in the book quite a bit, even with Erin staying with the Hunters. The action and suspense is mostly where Erin is, but the author bounces back and forth a bit between the two locations and the two characters. Mehl's last several series have little romance in, but I predict Erin and Adrian will get together in the last book. Especially now that Erin..... (read the book to find out).

There was plenty of suspense in this book to keep me happy, and I also loved the spiritual side of the story. When the series starts, and also this book, Erin is not a Christian. Adrian, Noah, and Kaely are. Mehl did a great job of sharing the Gospel in this story.

And lastly, the killer. I won't even give any hints, but I will just say I was totally shocked, and had no idea until right before something happened. I saw it coming, and laid my book down and said out loud...".....is the killer! I never saw that coming!" What a surprise. And man, did everything come out alright in the end in a simply awesome way.

Mehl proves again that it is very possible to write a thriller/suspense novel with an evil killer and bring the Gospel in and make it a redemptive story. Can't wait for #3. 

Special thanks to the author for an advance copy of this novel. I was under no obligation to provide a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.

About the author:
Nancy Mehl lives in Missouri, with her husband Norman, and her puggle, Watson. She's authored over fifty books and is currently at work on a new FBI suspense series for Bethany House Publishing. 

All of Nancy's novels have an added touch - something for your spirit as well as your soul. "I welcome the opportunity to share my faith through my writing," Nancy says. "It's a part of me and of everything I think or do. God is number one in my life. I wouldn't be writing at all if I didn't believe that this is what He's called me to do. I hope everyone who reads my books will walk away with the most important message I can give them: God is good, and He loves you more than you can imagine. He has a good plan especially for your life, and there is nothing you can't overcome with His help." 

You can find out more about Nancy by visiting her Web site at: www.nancymehl.com. She also is active on the Suspense Sisters: www.suspensesisters.blogspot.com and on FaceBook!

Check out the first book in The Erin Delaney Mysteries Series 

Prowl, Sanctuary Series #2 by Colleen Coble

 

Book description:

When a worker at the Sanctuary is discovered dead in the tiger enclosure, authorities assume the big cat killed her. But when the autopsy shows she was killed by a lethal dose of anesthetic delivered by a tranquilizer gun, suspicion falls on Blake Lawson, co-owner of the Sanctuary. Blake has his hands full trying to clear his name as well as get the Sanctuary finances back in the black. When a soil test turns up traces of rare earth, he's even more puzzled. Is someone trying to run them out of business to get to whatever is under the ground?

Meanwhile, wildlife veterinarian Paradise Alden is determined to find the brother she only recently learned even existed. When the results of the DNA test she ran mysteriously disappear from her portal before she can read them, she realizes someone must not want her to know the truth. A break-in at her new apartment is alarming, but she tries to pass it off as someone trying to scare her away. She refuses to turn tail and run when she is desperate for answers.

For Blake, the only solid ground is his relationship with Paradise, and he longs to propose--but how can they even think about starting a life together with so many forces working against them?

My review:
I loved the first book in this series, and have been looking forward to this one. Colleen Coble has a few series where it centers on the same couple all three books, and this is another of those series. I like that. Instead of a couple meeting and dealing with whatever a suspense author throws at them as they fall in love and get married or engaged at the end of the book, the relationship grows over the length of the series. 

This was just as an exciting and great read as Ambush. An animal sanctuary makes such a great setting for a suspense series, and this is some of Coble's best writing in my opinion. Prowl had even more character development for the very likable characters in this series. Paradise is a great character, but she needs to stop being so stubborn and independent and let Blake carry more of her load. 

And Blake....he is one of Cobles best characters so far. He runs the animal sanctuary, putting most of his paycheck right back into it, while helping his mom raise his 5 and 7 year old brothers, Isaac and Levi, who add so much to the story.

Prowl brings in new bad guys, and a lot of attempts to get Blake and his family to fail and get Sanctuary closed for good. I was afraid it was going to happen, especially when an elusive will entered the picture. 

Coble is one of those authors who puts a lot of faith/Christian content in her books, and this one was no different. There was a theme of trusting God no matter how bleak things are, and that was something I need to focus more on, so I appreciate that.

While reading Prowl, I found myself wishing I could live and work at a place like that. 

The book had a great ending, and there were a couple of things I didn't see coming, such as identity of a guilty party.  I am already looking forward to the third and final book in this series. 

Special thanks to the author for an advance e-book copy of this novel. I was under no obligation to provide a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.

About the author:
Best-selling author Colleen Coble's novels have won or finaled in awards ranging from the Best Books of Indiana, the ACFW Carol Award, the Romance Writers of America RITA, the Holt Medallion, the Daphne du Maurier, National Readers' Choice, and the Booksellers Best. She has over 5 million books in print and writes romantic mysteries because she loves to see justice prevail. Colleen is CEO of American Christian Fiction Writers. She lives with her husband Dave in Indiana. Visit her website at ColleenCoble.com

Prowl releases November 4. 

                                                                  Book #1

The Bell Tolls At Traeger Hall by Jaime Jo Wright

 

Book description:

An abandoned estate encased in stagnant darkness . . .

A haunting legacy intent on silencing all within reach . . .

In 1890, the ominous tolling of the bell announces that death has come to Traeger Hall, leaving orphaned Waverly Pembrooke to piece together the puzzle behind her uncle's and aunt's murders. Bound by the terms of her uncle's eccentric will, Waverly finds herself alone in a manor shrouded by death and questioning the reasons for her uncle's paranoia. A madness hovers over Traeger Hall, and Waverly--as well as the people of nearby Newton Creek--are ill-prepared for the woe that has descended.

In present day Newton Creek, whispers of a family curse still cling to the century-old, abandoned property of Traeger Hall. When Jennie Phillips takes possession of the estate after her mother's passing, she is intent on solving the mystery of the Traeger murders. Yet a modern cold case suggests that untimely deaths and mysterious occurrences still plague the property. And as thorny truths surface, Jennie realizes the dark legacy threatens not only the town and the Traeger descendants . . . but also, chillingly, Jennie herself.

My review:
I started reading the newest book by the queen of creepy Christian fiction on the porch of a cabin literally in the woods next to a cemetery. I recommend reading it in the comfort of your own home. :)

It took me a couple of chapters to really get into the book, but I thoroughly enjoyed it once I did. In spite of the cemetery next to my cabin.

With the exception of Wright's recent Love Inspired Suspense novels, all of Wright's novels are split time. So it can take a little while to get into the flow of bouncing between the present and the past. But Wright excels at these kind of novels.

When reading a book like this, you have two sets of characters to keep track of, both sets revolving, in this case, around Traeger Hall and the murders of the owner and his wife. I found myself liking both sets of characters, and especially Jennie, Zane, and Zane's autistic boy, Milo of the modern day set of characters......and Waverly and Titus of the past set of characters.

There was a lot happening to keep track of, but the author writes in such a way that I easily kept track of what was happening, to whom, and when. Both sets of timelines were very suspenseful with a lot of mystery...and to my surprise, romance. I don't remember Wright having much, if any, romance in most of her books, but there was romance in both sets of timelines. It wasn't gushy - I cannot imagine this author being gushy 😁 - but it was there, and definitely added to the story.

As with her other books, there were things that happened that seemed like it was ghosts/things not of this world, but Wright has a way of explaining it away that it was humans. 

I did read most of the book in one sitting. It is a masterpiece of creepy suspense that kept me glued to the book. I was nearing the end, and was wondering if she was going to reach a good conclusion to both timelines and weave them together in one ending, and she did pull it off. This is truly a great read, and Wright again shows she is the queen of creepy Christian fiction, and dual timeline novels.

 Special thanks to the author for an advance copy of this novel. I was under no obligation to provide a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.

About the author:
Jaime Jo Wright, multi award-winning author--including the Christy and Daphne du Maurier awards--is a coffee-fueled and cat-fancier extraordinaire. She has entwined her life with the legendary Captain Hook, residing serenely in Wisconsin's rural woodlands. Her literary vocation involves penning chilling Gothic tales, a baffling change from that of Austenites, with a strong preference to the master of dark, Edgar Allan Poe. Two mischievous urchins adorn their family, who keep their mother on her toes - providing an exhilarating amount chaos. 

Visit her at: JaimeWrightBooks.com .