🚓 🔬 “Body of Evidence” (Triple Threat Series #3) (2022) 🔬 🚓 – Book Review

 

MY REVIEW

 

 

Series: Triple Threat Series (Book #3)

Paperback: 368 pages

Publisher: Revell (October 4, 2022)

Language: English

ISBN: 0800736192

ISBN-13: 978-0800736194

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“Forensic pathologist Grace Reilly has seen her share of unusual deaths in rural Missouri. But when she begins to notice a curious pattern in autopsies of elderly residents whose demise appears to be natural, she takes her concerns to Sheriff Nate Cox.

 

Nate is skeptical about the link Grace is seeing between the deaths--and her suspicions of foul play. But her persistence is compelling. Once she finally convinces him her theory is credible and they join forces to investigate, danger follows. Because exposing the truth could destroy several lives--including Grace's.

 

Queen of inspirational romantic suspense Irene Hannon closes out her bestselling Triple Threat series with this gripping tale of secrets revealed and romance sparked.”

 

Thank you in advance to the publisher, Revell (a division of Baker Books), for providing an advanced review copy through Library Thing. A positive review was not required nor requested, and all words are my own.

 

One word of warning – don’t eat during this. I made the mistake of having dinner during the beginning of the book – not my smartest or best idea.

 

It wasn’t that the writing was graphic, but VERY descriptive, and enough that it might be uncomfortable for some readers.

 

That said …

 

This is the conclusion to the TRIPLE THREAT series that features the Reilly sisters. This is Forensic Pathologist Grace Reilly’s story.

 

Readers will greatly benefit by reading the previous two books: Point of Danger (#1; Eve) and Labyrinth of Lies (#2; Cate) as some of the characters return and/or are mentioned. Eve and Cate appear as they are Grace’s sisters. But, their “husbands” or “husbands-to-be” – Nate (#1) and Zeke (#2) are only mentioned.

 

Other “major” characters in this book:

 

🚓 Nate

💼 Dave

🗂️ Eleanor

💐 Kim

🪦 BK

🛻 Tyler

 

I loved the multiple POVs – Grace, Nate, Dave, and BK. It is clear right off that BK is the baddie – though who, is of course the mystery. The why as well.

 

What grabbed my attention right off about this book was the plot – a series of questionable elderly deaths. And, Hannon tackles the manner of death in an interesting and unique way.

 

There are some references to infidelity, allusion to an attempted rape, and firearm related domestic violence which might be troublesome for some readers.

 

Hannon starts off with a creepy beginning – Grace, at night, reviewing reports at a funeral home. Yup. That’s definitely creepy. Of course, it gets creepier as she leaves – she finds her car has been vandalized.

 

Sheriff Nate Cox responds and admits finding the culprit will be highly unlikely. Yet, he doesn’t think it is a random act, feeling there is something more to it.

 

And, there is something more to Nate as well. Despite a solid, and steady 8-month relationship with Becky, he isn’t feeling a “zing” with her. And, Becky has a lot going on in her life as well.

 

Yet, he can’t stop thinking about Grace – even after their first meeting (talk about “zing”). And, she also seems to have a “zing” for him.

 

During an autopsy, that poor Nate has issues with, Grace finds something. It is similar to contents she found with another elderly person – Fred. Yet, she can’t seem to place it and its relevance.

 

Dave Mullins, an insurance and investment salesman, is harboring his own secrets, including one that is somehow connected to the deaths. His wife, Kimberly, who was injured in an accident – needs him. She’s has some significant impairments. And, Dave will do anything for her.

 

There’s also Tyler who knows something about Mavis and Fred; the two elderly people who died. And, he also knows something about Grace as well.

 

Dave finds out there is another “victim-to-be” and sets out to stop it.

 

While Grace and Nate are trying to figure out the connection between Fred and Mavis’ deaths; they’re also starting to acknowledge their mutual attraction in this complex intriguing, tense and attention-grabbing story that definitely kept me reading until the end.

 

I have to admit, I had a feeling about the suspect before the end of the book – something just hit me wrong about a character. There were not as many possible suspects this time though, so some keen-eyed readers might be able to pick it up. Yet, I was curious as to how it was going to work and the motive. The moniker “BK” also had me interested.

 

I enjoyed how Hannon tied the killer with the other characters.

 

While I did enjoy this – and feel it was a satisfactory conclusion to the series, unlike the other two, I kind of struggled with when reading it. I have to admit, the second book was the best of the series which is a rarity in my experience.

 Along with the action and drama, came some sweet and tender moments. One was an incident with Nate getting sick during an autopsy, and I like what Grace told him about weak stomachs not being an indicator of weak character. I thought that was an interesting statement.

 

The pacing of the story didn’t lag, and it helped with the short chapters to keep the story rolling.

 

While normally, I don’t pay much attention to author notes … 

I did enjoy this one of Hannon’s. And, it was for two very important reasons:

 

#1 – After an incident that occurred back in July with a book review – the book that shall not be named (why does that take on a Harry Potter vibe) – this seems like it was written to address what I critiqued in that book, as if it were validating my points. (I’m realistic in that it wasn’t … but it sure seems like it).

 

#2 – Proof that MANY authors, including mainstream published ones, interview professionals and research their subject prior to writing it so it is “accurate” and credible. Even the author states that those she has consulted with are involved in all stages of the process and read the book – cover to cover – not just their parts. As she said, she is writing about characters in real professions.

 

As of note – many authors also attend seminars and conferences on medical, law enforcement, crime scene, and governmental procedures. Remember, many of those people in those professions often read the books.

 

Perhaps that is what makes authors like Hannon such a joy to read – they bring a sense of realism to their novels that truly immerse the reader in the story and make it plausible.

 

As a fan of her romance novels, I will be reading the next book in her Hope Harbor series, Windswept Way. And, with regard to the suspense books, I recently procured the Men of Valor series through a library book sale so that is on the TBR list, and I’ll be on the look out for her next suspense series as well.

 

Those who have read the first two books do need to read this one to get Grace’s story. And, those who enjoy the author’s suspense novels or the genre in general, will likely enjoy it.

 

Although this is distributed by Revell, which is a primarily Christian-themed publisher, there are some references to God and faith but not that many. They are neither preachy nor overwhelming.

 

 

 

RATING:

 

4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ /5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Goodreads

 

4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ /5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Bookbub

 

4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ /5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Personal Rating (see rating explanation in this blog: https://readingexcursions.blogspot.com/2020/01/rating-system-2020-changes.html;update https://readingexcursions.blogspot.com/2022/07/what-goes-into-my-reviews-2022-edition.html)

Previous Books in the Series:

 

Series: Triple Threat (Book #1)
Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: Revell (October 6, 2020)
Language: English       
ISBN-10: 0800736176
ISBN-13: 978-0800736170
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“Radio talk show host Eve Reilly is used to backlash from her pot-stirring on-air commentary and interviews, but now it seems a disgruntled listener is resorting to more than angry words to express their displeasure. When a suspicious package arrives on her doorstep, Eve turns to law enforcement for help.

Police detective Brent Lange can't find any evidence to link the string of unsettling incidents that follows, but he's convinced they're connected. As the harassment grows more menacing, it becomes clear someone wants Eve's voice silenced--permanently.

But unless he can track down her foe, fast, the gutsy woman who is willing to take risks for what she believes--and who is swiftly winning his heart--may not survive.”

Series: Triple Threat (Book #2)
Paperback: 368 pages
Publisher: Revell (October 5, 2021)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0800736184
ISBN-13: 978-0800736187
Click Photo for Purchase Information ➡️

“When the daughter of a high-profile businessman disappears from an exclusive girls' boarding school, police detective Cate Reilly is tapped for an undercover assignment. It doesn't take her long to realize that beneath the veneer of polish and wealth, things are not as they seem at Ivy Hill Academy. But the biggest surprise of all? The only man she ever loved is also working at the school.

 

Zeke Sloan has never forgotten Cate, but now isn't the best time for their paths to cross again. When their two seemingly disparate agendas begin to intertwine--and startling connections emerge among the players--the danger escalates significantly. But who is the mastermind behind the elaborate ruse? And how far will they go to protect their house of cards?”

 

 

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

 

 

Irene Hannon is the  bestselling and award-winning author of more than sixty contemporary romance and romantic suspense novels. In addition to her many other honors, she is a three-time winner of the prestigious RITA Award from Romance Writers of America. She is also a member of RWA's elite Hall of Fame and has received a Career Achievement Award from RT Book Reviews for her entire body of work. Learn more at www.irenehannon.com.

You can follow her on the following social media accounts:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Irene-Hannon-426433004084567/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/irenehannonauthor/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/IreneHannon

  

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