🏔️🚁🚨 "Present Danger" (Rocky Mountain Courage #1) (2021) 🚨 🚁 🏔️ - Book Review
 |
MY REVIEW
Series: Rocky Mountain Courage (Book #1)
Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: Revell (April 6, 2021)
Language: English
ISBN 10: 0800737989
ISBN-13: 978-0800737986
⬅️ Click Photo for Purchase Information
“Former FBI Special Agent Jack Tanner is working as a detective in Montana when he comes across a body in the national forest during a search and rescue mission. He's committed to finding the killer, even if it means working alongside his old flame, US Forest Service Special Agent Terra Connors.
When Terra discovers that the murder victim had ties to a powerful and dangerous trafficker of archaeological artifacts, the investigation takes a deadly turn--one that hits too close to home. As Terra fears she lacks the courage to face what comes next, Jack is more determined than ever to protect her. But he's failed her before. And if he fails this time, it will cost them far more than just their hearts.”
Thank you in advance to the publisher, Revell (a division of Baker Books) for providing an advanced review copy through not only Library Thing, but the author’s launch team. A positive review was not requested or required, and all words are my own.
 |
| [This is the ARC with a "pre-order" goodie from Revell. Click on the banner above to pre-order and get the journal/pen set] |
This is one of the RARE, if not only time I have won an ARC through Library Thing, only to find I get a physical copy through the launch team.
A funny note – last year I had requested the third book in the Uncommon Justice series – Don’t Keep Silent before learning I was on the launch team. I gave one book to my mom, who loved it (as did I). I went on to get books #1 (Never Let Go) and #2 (Always Look Twice). While I have not read those books, my mother has and loved them.
This time around, it was this book I had two copies of and gave one to my mom as she loved Goddard’s books.
While this is the first of a new series, fans of the Uncommon Justice series will be delighted to see two characters return from that one. Though I’m keeping mum on who.
Anyway …
Don’t let the gorgeous and colorful cover fool you – this is one intense ride! In the first book of this series, Goddard honestly kept me guessing right up until the end. I couldn’t predict what was going to happen. And, the short chapters kept me engrossed in the exciting action.
I honestly had to keep reading it – and yes it took me four (4) days to read it, though it (for me) really is a two (2) day read. I confess that I was caught up with some stuff at home and couldn’t really focus on this – that is in NO WAY the fault of the author or this story!
Goddard builds the momentum page by page.
But, the action isn’t the only thing going here – as usual, it is the characters in this book. Terra Connors and Jack Tanner. Right off the reader knows there is a history with them. It’s a mystery dance of “will they, won’t they, what’s going on with them”. Add in Terra’s family which is complicated, along with the other characters – the reader is on a collision course for an exciting read.
Though word of warning – there are references to drug and alcohol abuse in it though these are not in the current story but prior to the events in the book.
What starts as a simple plane crash turns into a murder, then another murder … but more than who the killer is, who is “Chance”?
Chance, a plane courier with a past, finds himself crashed. He survives, but won’t for long if he doesn’t get a “package”.
Jack gets a call about a body, but it isn’t who he thinks. That brings Terra into the investigation.
Almost right off, Goddard sets up book #2 for Erin Larson, a close friend of Terra’s for more than one reason.
There is a connection between Chance and the poor deceased Jim, an insurance agent. Though the poor dead guy is keeping a secret.
As the investigation begins, Terra’s brother Owen returns. As an amputee, he finds solace in equine therapy and plans to use their grandfather’s ranch to build a retreat.
Terra and Jack soon learn that perhaps Jim, and possibly Chance, were part of an artifact smuggling and re-sale ring. Something Terra has close personal experience with.
But the stakes heat up when yet another mystery person enters into the equation. And, Goddard had me asking “who are all these people? What is going on …”
A cozy part by almost halfway – Terra relaxing with hot chocolate and popcorn had me craving the same. That was until a break-in, another break-in … were the two related?
The author didn’t give me time to piece it together before another dead body turned up. I was wondering if the break-ins and murders were connected in a story that just keep upping the excitement factor, along with a list of people I was mistrusting; current count by chapter 41 – around five (5).
By chapter 55, the action picks up a bit more, leaving me with a “do not put this book down at all costs” feeling.
I definitely echoed Jack’s sentiment about “this just gets better and better”, especially when dead person #3 shows up. And, that reduced the “not trusting this character” pool down to four (4).
The bad guy is revealed at the end of chapter 60 with a stunning twist – and it’s a good one, but not nearly as good when who Chance is revealed as. DID NOT SEE THAT COMING AT ALL!! Nope!
Chance’s real identity was revealed a few pages later in the next chapter. Talk about being stunned!
The end is definitely bittersweet as the reader learns the truth about Jack’s father. It is touching, sad, poignant, and beautiful.
Readers won’t see a conclusion with Chance’s character (so hoping to find out in book #2).
This was definitely a great way to begin the series! Still left with a lot of questions though.
One thing that stood out; and maybe I missed it – there is a moment when a memorial is vandalized, though I didn’t see where it was revealed.
Another thing? Terra’s mysterious boss. Only voicemails? Not seen? What was going on? Will we see him in book #2?
Other than the main story; there is a sweet, and yet sad side story with Jack’s “aunt” who is believed to be suffering from dementia despite the fact she’s not quite 70. She’s trying to find a little dog’s “lost boy” and is trying to enlist Jack’s help. This part had a much happier ending and will definitely make the reader smile.
The dialogue about the “war looting” that the plot comes around to can be a bit overwhelming for someone uneducated about it. Some art lovers might appreciate it while others might be a little lost.
This was more suspense than romance, but fans of the author and genre likely won’t be disappointed at all in her second series. Also, if you’re a fan of Star Wars you will likely be delighted at some of the references in this.
One quote that got around there, made its way here: “I have a bad feeling about this …”
As this is distributed by Revell; there will be themes of faith, prayer, and God. These are not central to the story though.
The series title gets its name from an inscription on a memorial citing lost rescuers “Rocky Mountain Courage”.
I’m excited to see where this series is going and cannot wait for the second book this fall!
RATING:
5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Goodreads
5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Bookbub
5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Personal Rating (see rating explanation in this blog: https://readingexcursions.blogspot.com/2020/01/rating-system-2020-changes.html)
PRE-ORDER THE EXCITING SECOND (2ND) BOOK IN THE SERIES:
DEADLY TARGET
NOVEMBER 2021
Series: Rocky Mountain Courage (Book #2)
Paperback: 352 pages
Publisher: Revell (November 2, 2021)
Language: English
ISBN 10: 0800737997
ISBN-13: 978-0800737993
Click Photo for Purchase Information
“Criminal psychologist Erin Larson's dreams of a successful career come to a screeching halt when she nearly loses her own life in a boating accident on Puget Sound and then learns that her mother tried to commit suicide. She leaves her job as a criminal psychologist to care for her mother in Montana. At least she is able to produce her podcast, which focuses on solving missing persons cold cases.
Nathan Campbell's father was investigating such a case when he was shot, and now Nathan needs to enlist Erin's help to solve the case. She's good at what she does. The only problem? She's his ex.
As the two dig deeper, it becomes clear that they, too, are being targeted--and that the answers to their questions are buried deep within the past Erin struggles to explain and longs to forget.”
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Elizabeth Goddard is the USA Today bestselling and award-winning author of more than fifty novels, including Present Danger and the Uncommon Justice series. Her books have sold over one million copies. She is a Carol Award winner and a Daphne du Maurier Award finalist. When she's not writing, she loves spending time with her family, traveling to find inspiration for her next book, and serving with her husband in ministry. For more information about her books, visit her website at www.ElizabethGoddard.com.
You can find her on the following social media accounts:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ElizabethGoddardAuthor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elizabethgoddardauthor/
Twitter: https://www.instagram.com/elizabethgoddardauthor/
* This post contains affiliate links
Comments
Post a Comment