End Game (Capital Intrigue Book #1)

End Game Capital Intrigue #1 By Rachel Dylan When FBI Special Agent Bailey Ryan gets a late-night call she never expected that she would be working a case in partnership with NCIS. But the murder of a civilian and a Navy SEAL with the same apparent MO has them working against the clock in case they have a serial or spree killer operating in the DC area. NCIS Special Agent Marco Agostini isn't keen on the idea of having to work with the FBI but Bailey Ryan seems more than willing to play nice in the joint investigation. And with her legal background, she brings more attention to the paper detail than his fieldwork tendencies normally allow. As evidence becomes available it seemingly points to another Navy SEAL as the murderer. But his JAG lawyer isn't convinced by the evidence. Bailey and Marco aren't willing to close the case just yet but the evidence is damaging. When more people begin dying and someone targets the joint investigative team, Bailey, Marco and the rest of the team suspect something bigger is going on. But without the evidence to point them where to look next, they are running out of time and potential suspects. End Game is the first book in the Capital Intrigue series and it continually adds layers to the story as each clue, piece of evidence and attack brings the danger closer to home. If you love suspense that doesn't give away its secrets early on in the book this is one you will want to pick up. There are plenty of potential traitors or people hiding something but does it have any bearing on their case? These are the questions that they have to figure out. This book is definitely in the stay-up-all-night page-turner category so give yourself plenty of time because you won't want to put this one down once you pick it up. The characters are a good blend and work well together and have an on-page presence that doesn't feel forced or thrown together. These are people that you could meet in your day-to-day life and connect with. The pacing is good with no dragging. I would most definitely want to revisit any of these characters in future books. This is a good series debut that doesn't leave you hanging as the story is complete in itself. I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion - all thoughts expressed are my own.

I really enjoyed End Game by Rachel Dylan. It is the first book in the Capital Intrigue series and definitely worth reading if you love inspirational suspense romance stories. This is actually the first book that I've read by Rachel Dylan and I will definitely be reading more by her in the future. FBI Special Agent Bailey Ryan and NCIS Special Agent Marco Agostini team up to find a possible serial killer in the Washington DC area where most of the evidence is pointing to a Navy SEAL sniper who Bailey is refusing to believe is guilty. I was given an ARC from the author/publisher. All conclusions are mine and mine alone.

Wow! This novel exceeds all expectations, a new level of excellence of the author! It is in-depth, terrifying yet full of faith and hope, full of action with one startling event after another. This Christian thriller includes men and women working for some of the most elite areas of government and military. I very much like the well-defined women in this novel who are authentic with other women, as well as the two men on the team to discover who killed the Navy SEAL and Army Ranger while trying to frame another SEAL for the crime. While for me it is secondary to this fabulous web of deceit, romance is possible for at least one of the women and healing found only in Christ to two of the women. FBI Special Agent Bailey Ryan is called to the crime scene of a second victim in 3 days of the same type of murder. Upon arrival, she meets NCIS Special Agent Marco Agostini. The first murdered man a few days ago was a construction worker. This man, however, is a Navy SEAL. NCIS doesn’t want to share, despite there being the risk of a serial killer and the SEAL being off duty. A couple well-placed calls brings Bailey to be a member on the investigative team Agostini leads. He calls the young woman on his team “Rookie”; she has worked for him for less than a year. Bailey, a law school graduate and FBI agent, is used to taking the evidence to build a case. Marco is a man of action, wanting to interview those who knew the victims and revisit crime scenes. Regarding Rogers, the civilian, some saw him as too quiet, and thought he was the killer-for-hire type of guy. The platoon leader of murdered SEAL Sean Battle did not believe another SEAL would have killed him. While they felt Lt. Alvarez was protecting someone, he wasn’t giving up any secrets. When examining Battle’s storage locker, Marco and Bailey barely escape before explosives go off. Evidence at both crime scenes indicates another SEAL was there. An Army Ranger was found murdered. Bailey was assaulted in her parking garage. And it only heats up from there. There are several things that impress me about this novel beyond the incredible plot. The author demonstrates God’s daily love for the men and women in the book and miracles are seen along with the prayers of His people. I like how vital the friendships of women are shown to be and miss having these close friendships in my own life. The women are open and honest about themselves with each other, and welcome other women into their activities. I appreciate how just the right mentor, and friends, come into Izzy’s life at the right time. This is a fabulous, intricate mystery with complex characters and multiple possible suspects. It becomes evident that criminal activities come from the highest levels and that Bailey is in the crosshairs of the most dangerous even as those behind the murder are not yet identified. It was impossible for this reader to determine the truth, including the motives behind the murders, and there are surprises throughout. I highly recommend this to fans of Christian romantic thrillers, various federal and military levels, espionage, and seeing faith in the Lord during even the hardest times. From a thankful heart: I received an ARC of this novel from the publisher and NetGalley, and this is my honest review.