Vickie Watts
The themes in this Christian romantic suspense are some of my favorites, including trusting God after turning away from Him and letting go of the past in order to forge a better future. Ainsley is an investigative ranger and returns to her hometown of Natchez in order to work on the murder of a pregnant teen. No sooner does she arrive than her elderly aunt is attacked in her own home and the woman’s family diaries are missing. When Ainsley realizes that her life is in danger, she is helped by her former love interest, Lincoln Steele, a man who wants to keep her safe but is not sure of his own abilities. This is a well-written book with plenty of suspense and some simmering romance in the background. The sub-plots are Ainsley’s aunt and her missing diaries and the murdered teen. The main plot is the danger that Ainsley is facing daily from various killers who want her dead and will stop at nothing to make it happen. I enjoyed the various viewpoints presented, especially getting to read what the killer was thinking and doing during several intervals in the book. I liked getting that glimpse into the mind of the villain and trying to guess what his next step would be. I really liked the big surprise twist at the end that I did not see coming at all! The characters are well-developed and realistic and the plot was fast-paced and filled with danger and action. There were also a lot of descriptive details about the setting that made the book memorable. Although this is the third book in the series, it can definitely be read as a standalone and thoroughly enjoyed by anyone who likes brilliantly written suspense and propulsive mysteries. Disclaimer Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell Books via Netgalley as part of the Revell Reads Blogger Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”
Judy Schexnayder
This is the third book in this great series and YES Bradley has written another winner. I love her Natchez Trace series as I lived in a town on the Trace for 31 years, so I am familiar with the sights where the action takes place. This book tells Ainsley Beaumont’s story. After leaving home to become a professional singer, she had to give that up, because of a strained voice. She is now an investigator for the National Park Services. She is back home again, to investigate the murder of a pregnant girl (Hannah Dyson) who was found at a campsite on the Trace. This book will hold your interest from the very first chapter and your mind will be trying to figure out who murdered the poor girl. Then we have someone stalking Ainsley trying to kill her, also attempted murders of others. Oh, there is so much excitement and suspense within these pages. Also the resurrection of an old childhood love. You will not be disappointed and will even be holding onto your seat at times……. I received a copy of this book from Revell, Baker Publishing Group. These impressions and comments are my own and were in no way solicited.
Meagan Myhren-Bennett
Crosshairs Natchez Trace Park Rangers #3 By Patricia Bradley When Ainsley Beaumontis was sent by the Investigative Services Branch to investigate the murder of a teen girl she is less than thrilled to be returning home to the memories of the past. And having to work with the man who betrayed her heart and her trust is the last thing she ever expected to do. Linc Steele gave up his career with the FBI after an assignment went wrong and his best friend paid the price. The guilt has driven him home to take a position with the National Park Service as an interpretive ranger and to leave his gun behind. And he lives with the regret of losing Ainsley all those years ago. When someone puts Ainsley in their sights their murder investigation becomes a lot more complicated. Is the investigation responsible for the attempts on her life? A past case? Or something closer to home? If they can discover the reason why they'll be able to discover who. Crosshairs is the third book in the Natchez Trace Park Rangers series and it is just as exciting as the first two books. There are unexpected twists to keep you guessing up to the end as to just who is the guilty party. And there are some interesting family dynamics at play throughout that add an interesting element to the plotline. I love Ainsley's Gran and her no-nonsense approach to things. This was an intriguing book to try to get a handle on as it unfolded. I recommend this as a great book-getaway - mystery, political intrigue, family secrets, and romance. I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion ~ All thoughts expressed are my own.