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Fiction. Romance. Suspense. Christian Fiction. The Natchez Trace National Parkway stretches 444 miles from Nashville to Natchez, the oldest town on the Mississippi River. It's the perfect road for a relaxed pleasure drive. Unfortunately for park ranger Luke Fereday, lately it's being used to move drugs. Sent to Natchez to infiltrate the organization at the center of the drug ring, Luke arrives too late to a stakeout and discovers the body of his friend, park ranger John Danvers. John's daughter Brooke is determined to investigate her father's murder, but things are more complicated than they first appear, and Brooke soon finds herself the target of a killer who will do anything to silence her. Luke will have his hands full keeping her safe. But who's going to keep him safe when he realizes he's falling-hard-for the daughter of the man he failed to save? Award-winning author Patricia Bradley introduces you to a new series set in the sultry South that will have you wiping your brow and looking over your shoulder.… (more)
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I've read this author before and I think I also read other books in this series prior to reading this one. I like Bradley's stories, but they always take a while for me to get into them. (Somewhere around chapter 38 for this book before it
Bradley does a good job at having several characters that would have motive for Danvers's and/or Marlar's murders. I did make some correct guesses on who the guilty party or parties would be.
Wow - don’t expect to put this down before you finish it! The author has done a fabulous job of drawing you into the suspense with the first scene as the young hacker discovers information that absolutely terrifies him. Natchez Mississippi sounds like a lovely region, with
This page-turner has everything you want in an edge-of-your-seat book that you won’t want to put down until that last period. Even then the mystery, intrigue and suspense will follow you as you try to figure out how you could have missed it - all evidence of an incredibly well-written story. I highly recommend this book, but perhaps not something you should read at night, especially if you live alone.
I received an ARC through Baker Publishing Group and NetGalley. My impressions and comments were in no way solicited.
Author: Patricia Bradley
Pages: 400
Year: 2020
Publisher: Revell
My rating: 5 out of 5 stars.
Patricia Bradley’s books are among my favorites to read and share with others. Why? The author weaves a very intriguing mystery that pulls readers in, plus there
In Standoff, the main female lead is named Brooke Danvers. Brooke is following in her father’s career path even though he isn’t showing much excitement over her choice. Brooke’s mother is in her own world with Brooke’s pregnant sister and even more so when Brooke loses her father. Brooke is being sought by a young man who is being groomed to go into politics following in his father’s footsteps. Then enters a blast from Brooke’s past, an old flame named Luke.
There are drugs being run through the town Brooke resides in, and there are other nefarious actions that Brooke wants to stop. On top of that, she wants to find out who is responsible for killing her father in a remote area of town. Throughout the book readers will try to solve the murder and find out who is wanting to “own” the town and its people by getting them hooked on drugs.
At first, it was a little hard for me to get an understanding of where the story was taking me. I felt dropped into the book without knowing the characters very well. However, I suspect that is part and parcel when starting a new series as like most readers if too much attention is taken to fleshing out the players, I get bored. Patricia Bradley kept me wanting to read the tale and figure out the mystery. She also adds twists and turns that throw off my guesses!
I have read most of this authors books and really enjoyed her newest series; I think many will as well. After you read this one, I highly recommend reading her other tales as well as they provide hours of thrills and suspense while waiting for her next one!
Note: The opinions shared in this review are solely my responsibility.
I was given a complimentary early copy of the book by LibraryThing and was not required to write a review. The opinions are my own.
I was given a complimentary early copy of the book by LibraryThing and was not required to write a review. The opinions are my own.
Patricia Bradley is a new-to-me author, although she has numerous novels to her name.
This is
The suspense premise drew me to the novel right off. As I LOVE good suspense reads (Love Inspired, Harlequin Intrigue), particularly the cleaner ones, this was at the top of my “REALLY GOTTA HAVE IT” list. Clean, suspense reads with law enforcement? Always a perfect read for me. But, this book featured a different type of law enforcement agency – park rangers.
These are NOT the “Jellystone”, bear-chasing type of rangers. Nor are they the “hey no campers allowed here; keep to the trail” type. These are the law enforcement, undercover ones. That really put this as a “gotta have it” type of read. And, that cover? Haunting, mysterious, almost ominous.
I’m sure it’s obvious – I REALLY ENJOYED this book! There were places I felt could’ve been expanded though. There was one scene that was only touched on that I felt it could’ve been expanded as it was left open. This was around chapter 70. Although I had a feeling what the findings would be, it would’ve been nice to see some conclusion or verification with it. This isn’t the only “hole” left open.
From the beginning this book was gripping, definitely an “edge-of-seat”, intense read. I could barely keep up with it. There were times I actually caught myself trying to breathe. The short, quick chapters made this a fast-paced read. I really didn’t want to put it down.
The element of danger lurked EVERYWHERE. And, it was hard to know who to trust. I certainly knew that Brooke and Luke could be trusted. There were some I had minor trust in, and there were a few characters (one in particular) I didn’t trust at all. Just right off, something threw me about the character. And, I can’t believe how right I was. I just had a nagging suspicion about the person.
I simply adored Daisy (Luke’s grandmother). She was the grandmother I would’ve loved growing up. She provided a calm; soothing balance to the whole chaos going on. Luke was an interesting character. He easily and believably fit the undercover role.
Brooke was a good character; though there were times I thought she was a bit immature. There is a stunning surprise about her parentage that ends up connecting to one of the plots in this story. That was something I had a feeling about as well – so there were two plots that were predictable, at least for me. But, I did enjoy seeing at how they were woven together.
There was one character whose status was never fully “concluded”. Even at the end, there was a slight opening for the author to update, yet it wasn’t taken. I am hoping that the second book lets the readers know right away whether or not the character survived.
As I am only going by an ARC, this could change. So, keep that in mind with regard to the two issues I pointed out.
Overall the book was engaging right up until the very end. The last three chapters were a whirlwind, whiplash trip. It did end a bit too quick for me, so I am eagerly awaiting the second novel – although it looks like the focus will be on another one of the female characters, I do hope the author wraps up Brooke and Luke’s story.
While distributed through Revell, which deals primarily in Christian fiction, there are minor references to God, Jesus, and his plans for our lives in this book. It is not a central theme or focus and used in context with Brooke seeing advice, and most of it coming from Daisy. There are no bible quotes, passages, or sermons. Church-going is only mentioned. While not a minor issue for me, it can be for some readers who expect that there will be more content. Other readers might enjoy the lighter faith tones.
This is also a “clean” read – there are no sex scenes, inferred sex scenes, or foul language. People who enjoy light Christian references and clean suspense reads should enjoy this.
I’m not fond of the title, Standoff. It doesn’t really capture the essence and gravity of this story with themes of loss, grief, guilt, trust, and the sweet elements of romance. I am fond of the unique backdrop (Natchez, Mississippi) the interesting and multi-layered key characters, and getting a look at life as a park ranger. It was easy to connect with Brooke and I sympathized with her many difficulties. Both Brooke and Luke (her old high school flame) lead interesting lives and complex careers. Their actions and reactions feel authentic and the romance takes backseat to the mystery and suspense.
Though the suspense of discovering the whodunit is satisfying, it is the characters that progress this story forward for me. I enjoyed getting to know them, especially Luke, and hope they work on a case together in more of the series. Riddled with action, a rise and fall in tension, and a wonderfully paced mystery, I’m left anticipating book #2!
#Standoff #PatriciaBradley #RevellReads
I received a complimentary copy of this book.
Thanks to LibraryThing and Revell Books for providing me an ARC of this book to read and review.
The
The dirty deed is an undercover investigation into major cartel players.
Brook Danvers is a second generation Park Ranger and is about to be promoted. The death of her father throws her life into disarray as she copes with the fallout from that and her upcoming promotion. But then things get really complicated and convoluted.
I had a hard time keeping the characters straight and was surprise at some of the endgame results. Keeping the good guys and the bad guys straight in my mind and drawing conclusions as to who-dunnit was difficult.
Loved the book and am really looking forward to seeing what else is afoot on The Natchez Trace.
DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given.
Luke is deep undercover as a drug
Despite being stuck in a love triangle, Brooke’s character remains a strong, independent female lead. Refusing to be anything but blunt with her family and male suitors, Brooke proves to be a spitfire as the principle character. This strength of hers aids in bringing an entirely eventful and fast-paced story to the hands of all readers. Bradley continues to create dazzling stories, full of explosive suspense, strong characters and action-packed narratives so be sure to pick up this, her latest.
*Disclaimer: A review copy was provided by the publisher. All opinions are my own.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
However, my fears were quickly allayed as I settled into Patricia Bradley’s swift, engaging writing style. “Standoff” comes out of the starting gate with a shot (literally) and never lets up, forging ahead relentlessly to the last page. Short chapters also facilitate this, giving the impression of a staccato beat that fits how the plot plays out. While I enjoyed that the story never lagged, I have to admit that the abundance of characters is overwhelming. Each of the first several chapters is about a different person, all of whom are critical to the narrative, and because the story remains in the third-person, I personally had a very difficult time keeping track of who was who. Brooke Danvers is the only character who stood out to me, being the female lead. I understand that the profusion of characters is necessary for the storyline, but I think that it would be very helpful to perhaps have a character list, one that would be brief so as not to give any spoilers, but with just a few words to help readers keep the characters separate from one another.
Quintessential romantic suspense, “Standoff” lives up to its name in more ways than one. There is, of course, the drug ring, which becomes the concentric circle surrounding the characters, two of whom are vying for a serious relationship with Brooke while others want her dead. Add in family drama and personal conflict, and the stage is set for an exhilarating Natchez excursion, grounded in the truth that God is always with us and that He sees the end from the beginning.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All opinions are my own.
Luke has been sent in to become a part of a drug ring, but finds himself instead investigating the murder of a friend. He finds
This is a great “whodoneit” story. It is fast paced, full of adventure, action and suspense. The characters are well defined. The story is so well written it is easy to imagine the park setting and surrounding areas. The romance in the story is as expected, but not overwhelming. This is a great crime story and I look forward to reading the rest of the series.
I received a copy of this book from Revell Reads Blogging Program. This is my honest review.
The first in Patricia Bradley’s Natchez Trace Park Rangers series, Standoff is a fast-paced, though unoriginal, romantic-suspense story. While it entertained me as I read, I did feel that aspects were rushed (especially the romance!), while most of the twists and reveals were predictable. The ending just left me thinking, “That’s it?” So, this new release is definitely not my favorite of Bradley’s novels—but it is getting a lot of love from other readers, so if you love romantic suspense, it could still be worth checking out.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and the opportunity to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own.
I have to say that the setting of the novel is what drew me to it. I lived in Mississippi for college, grad school, and my first real job. I traveled part of the Trace regularly. I liked that I could visualize some of the settings within the novel. The city of Natchez is also featured, and while I am unfamiliar with that town, the book makes me want to go explore the next time I visit family in Mississippi. Standoff focuses on undercover ranger, Luke Fereday, and newly trained law enforcement officer, Brooke Danvers. I honestly didn’t know that the ranger service had so many facets. The book was a great look at the many jobs that rangers hold. Luke and Brooke were friends as high schoolers, and they have some romantic history that is still simmering. As they investigate Brooke’s dad’s murder, as well as other murders, drug trafficking, break-ins, and explosions (I did say the book was action-packed!), their feelings develop, though both resist. Family relationships, especially the bond between a child and his/her father, are explored in the book.
At the end of the novel Brooke and Luke’s case is wrapped up, but their future is before them. While this story may be finished, I hope I get a glimpse of them in book two!
Recommended.
Audience: adults.
(Thanks to Revell for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)
We are kept on our toes thought out this read, and you will wonder if all will survive at the end. Yes, there are
There are some real bombshells dropped, and there is a bit of sweet romance, but there again I kept changing my mind on whom our girl should end up with!
You won't be disappointed with this one, and you will be quickly page turning for answers!
I received this book through LibraryThing. and was not required to give a positive review.
Brooke Danvers is just days away from
I liked the plot line, setting and characters. The author did a good job setting up several people who could be the bad guy to keep the reader guessing. I did find the many characters at the beginning a little confusing. But I kept reading and eventually got it straight.
I received this book from the publisher for my honest review.
The story starts with the death of Brooke Danvers father, a park ranger in Natchez Trace Park. The death is ruled a suicide, but Brooke is not
Readers are presented several possible suspects and there are twists and turns along the way as well as one complete at total surprise I didn't see coming at all! You won't be disappointed by the non-stop action and page-turning suspense. Definitely looking forward to the rest in the series!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.