🎄🔥🚧🚓 “Killer Christmas Evidence” (Deputies of Anderson County #4) (2023) 🚓🚧🔥🎄– Book Review
MY REVIEW
Series: Deputies of Anderson County (Book #4)
Paperback: 224 Pages
Publisher: Love Inspired Suspense (October 24, 2023)
Language: English
ISBN 10: 1335597719
ISBN-13: 978-133557717
⬅️ Click Photo for Order Information
“The search for a criminal
becomes a fight for survival.
The moment detective Cassidy Bowman links a chain of suspicious deaths to a serial killer, she becomes the deadly assassin’s number one target. But a blow to the head robs her of her memory and she can’t put the pieces of the case back together alone. Can she convince detective Kyle Howard to help her catch the culprit by proving her theory…before the killer succeeds in taking Cassidy’s life?”
Thank you in advance to the author, Sami A. Abrams, for providing a complimentary review copy. A positive review was not required, and all words are my own.
Here we are … again … back in Valley Springs with the Deputies of Anderson County. Has it really been two years since this series started? It doesn’t seem like it.
It is often rare for me to have read an author’s books from the beginning of their career. So, when I can read an author’s work – whether standalone or series – from their first book to now, it’s a real treat. And, it is a great experience watching the books from idea, to cover reveal, to release.
It’s also a treat when that first book wasn’t even “officially” part of a series, but becomes one down the road. Abrams’ first book, Buried Cold Case Secrets (December 2021; Jason and Melanie’s story), did just that. It wasn’t until the second book, Twin Murder Mix-Up (Keith and Amy’s story), that this officially became the series it is now. It’s been a pleasure to be taken on this ride, and the author isn’t done yet. That is for certain.
Right off – do these need to be read in order? Most series books COULD function on their own. But, I find if the same characters return, and some events are mentioned in future books, it’s always HIGHLY and STRONGLY encouraged to read them in order.
And, that is the case with this book. Anyone looking to avoid spoilers should ALWAYS read the previous books. Newer books likely have updates and spoilers.
I am still glad Dennis turned out to be a good guy. Those who’ve read the first book might understand where I’m coming from.
Returning to/and or mentioned in this book:
🚓 Detective Jason Cooper
🔬 Melanie Hutton-Cooper (Forensic Anthropologist)
📸 Amy Baker-Young
🚓 Detective Keith Young
🚓 Sheriff Dennis Monroe
⛑️ Charlotte Bradley
🚓 Detective Kyle Howard
🚓 Detective Doug Olsen
🚑 Brent (Paramedic with VSFD)
🚑 Peter (Paramedic with VSFD)
🚑 Rachel (Paramedic with VSFD)
🚑 Ben (Paramedic with VSFD)
And, readers are introduced to:
🚓 Detective Cassidy Bowman
Even though it is from the Christian line, there might be some inherent triggers or content for certain readers. These are usually arson, attempted murder, PTSD, depression, death of a loved one.
And, it is the last one that pits Kyle against Cassidy – well, in his mind.
Abrams wastes no time into getting into the action with this one.
Cassidy, on leave from her police department – for what her supervisor thinks is mental stress – is in Valley Springs. She’s investigating deaths, seemingly unconnected, that she feels are the result of a serial killer. In each case, including her cousin’s, the family INSISTS the victim wouldn’t have been so careless. Isn’t that what they always say? 🤔 But, it is her near-OCD tendencies that kick in and are screaming at her that SOMETHING is wrong. Tendencies she learned as the child of a military officer who demanded NOTHING less than 100% perfection. But, it might be that perfection that keeps her from seeing what is in front of her.
But, someone doesn’t want her poking into the cases, and that person sets out to silence her. Seeing the fire, her landlord flags down someone – Detective Kyle Howard.
Kyle has left Dennis’ Christmas party, still in shock over losing his fiancé, Amber, in a failed raid. A raid that was led by the woman Kyle rescues – Cassidy. Mr. Webster, the landlord, refers to Cassidy as sweet. That’s not how Kyle would describe her. Once friends, he ghosted her after Amber’s death, and blaming Cassidy. He is shocked to see burn scars, scars and pain that haunt Cassidy.
Kyle is reluctant to believe that Cassidy was attacked. While at the hospital someone calls to threaten her, and Kyle is slightly concerned. After getting what she needs, he drops her off at a hotel. Dennis orders him back, and Kyle sees someone attacking her.
He knows the danger is real, but is conflicted by his anger towards her. Dennis all but ORDERS Cassidy into protective custody. Even if her theory is just that – a theory – someone is ACTUALLY after her. And, the ACSD is wondering if the who and why is connected to something she’s discovered.
Dennis decides to authorize some interviews to check her theory out, but wants something solid before giving it a “greenlight”. That forces Kyle to work with Cassidy, which is strenuous for both of them.
Cassidy wants their friendship back. She knows she did NOTHING wrong in the raid (was cleared of it due to Amber’s actions). And, while Kyle knows that, he has to place the blame somewhere. Of course, that somewhere is on Cassidy. Though, what he really wants to know is if words he spoke to Amber – in anger – caused his fiancé to lose her focus, leading to her death. For Kyle, Amber’s death is a long line of harsh words he’s spoken that preceded the deaths of those he cared for and/or loved – his parents, his former partner, and Amber. Only Cassidy can help him.
The problem is that Cassidy has repressed those moments because of the painful burns and scars she suffered as a result of the failed raid. She doesn’t want to relive that pain. She’s also afraid if she does try to remember, she won’t come back emotionally in one piece. But, Kyle’s hot/cold attitude towards her is giving her headaches – more than what’s going on with her “case”.
In reinvestigating the “deaths” (at least three of them); not only does the ACSD gather more information about the victims; but someone becomes even more insistent on killing Cassidy. And, Dennis is beginning to believe there is more to her theory. Certainly, there is more to the deaths than were first thought.
And, Kyle is forced to reconcile his growing feelings for Cassidy before the killer succeeds.
The last 10% of the book was the MOST riveting, exciting, and heart-pounding part. I was looking at what was going on and the pages left to the end. Though, to be honest, books like this are quite predictable – they tend to have a happy ending – after all, they are inspirational romance, now aren’t they? It’s the getting there that has one on edge. But, this did tend more to suspense than romance; about 80%/20%. Since it was an “enemies-to-more” trope, that was to be expected, which I didn’t mind. (Honestly, I wanted Dennis or Doug to knock some sense into Kyle).
Abrams doesn’t skimp on the danger or action. Had I not had “life stuff” going on while reading it – this would’ve been an EASY day-read. When I was able to read it, I was drawn right in and held captive. I could not put it down. It’s literally non-stop action from the beginning to the end. Arson, explosions, a drone, even a near-drowning – this is one intense, suspenseful, edge-of-seat, emotional read.
I say emotional because there were some tears (especially for that poor tree on the front cover 💔😭 poor thing!). And, there were a few laughs as well. Despite this series being about the deputies of Anderson County, I would LOVE to see Ethan (one of the paramedics) get a story of his own! He was a riot, and much needed because of what Kyle and Cassidy were going through. And, they were going through a lot. Rachel was a treat talking about the “boys” and their lollipops.
I was a bit irritated as well. While I understood where Kyle was coming from; blaming Cassidy who’d not only been injured but lost her best friend; was out of line. Ghosting her after the incident was pretty cold too. But, seeing his character progression – it was heartwarming.
I was hoping that Melanie and Cassidy could have had their talk about that “misplaced guilt” from the guys. Those who’ve read Buried Cold Case Secrets will understand Melanie’s “connection” to what Cassidy was going through. The talk didn’t happen, so I HOPE we can read about it sometime down the road in another book. I also wanted to know if Charlotte found out that the girl Dennis fostered was her daughter. At the end of Detecting Secrets, it was left open. The incident is referenced in this book, but the character doesn’t seem to say anything.
As with any book from a Christian line, there are themes of faith. These can be from nearly a sermon, to subtle tones such as prayer. Abrams is subtle with her faith tones.
I’m looking forward to reading Doug’s story in book #5 Witness Escape, coming August 2024. I just added it to my Goodreads “want to read” list. (See below for pre-order link and book information).
Those who’ve been reading this series since the beginning – you really need to get this one, it’s lit 🔥
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; update: https://readingexcursions.blogspot.com/2022/07/what-goes-into-my-reviews-2022-edition.html)
Previous Books in the Series:
Series: Deputies of Anderson County (Book #1)
Paperback: 224 Pages
Publisher: Love Inspired Suspense (December 28, 2021)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1335554785
ISBN-13: 978-1335554789
⬅️ Click Photo for Purchase Information
“Recovering her missing memories
could be the key to solving a murder
Searching for her best friend’s remains could help forensic anthropologist Melanie Hutton regain her memories of when they were both kidnapped—unless the killer gets to Melanie first. For her safety, Melanie must rely on Detective Jason Cooper, who still blames her for his sister’s death. Can Jason set the past aside to solve the cold-case murder…and shield Melanie from the same fate?”
Series: Deputies of Anderson County (Book #2)
Paperback: 224 pages
Publisher: Love Inspired Suspense (August 23, 2022)
Language: English
ISBN: 1335587241
ISBN-13: 978-1335587244
Click Photo for Purchase Information ➡️
“A case of mistaken identity … has lethal results
After capturing a murder on her camera, photographer Amy Baker becomes the next target—but her identical twin is killed instead. Now on the run with her sister’s newborn, Amy has only one person to turn to—Detective Keith Young, her childhood crush. But when they discover Keith is the baby’s father, can he regain Amy’s trust to keep them safe…before the killer strikes again?”
Paperback: 224 Pages
Publisher: Love Inspired Suspense (February 21, 2023)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1335587586
ISBN-13: 978-1335587589
⬅️ Click Photo for Purchase Information
“Tracking the scents of the missing
might be the only way to save them.
Partnered with her air-scent dog and Sheriff Dennis Monroe, marriage and family therapist Charlotte Bradley is desperate to put an end to a black-market baby smuggling ring in Anderson County. Who is kidnapping the pregnant girls she counsels and taking their babies? As Charlotte searches for answers, she and Dennis must dodge gunfire and deadly attacks. But the sinister agenda they uncover just might include her.”
Next Book in the Series:
“Taking down a drug cartel
is the only way out of danger.
When witness Tabitha Wilson’s new identity is uncovered and she’s almost kidnapped, she finds herself on the run from a murderous drug lord. But her DEA contact has gone missing, forcing Tabitha to rely on Detective Doug Olsen—a man with his own secrets. It’s a race against time for Doug and Tabitha to uncover buried evidence before the cartel makes them disappear forever.”
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Two-time Genesis award winner, Sami A. Abrams and her husband live in Northern California, but she’ll always be a Kansas girl at heart. She enjoys visiting her two grown children and spoiling their sweet fur babies. Most evenings if Sami’s not watching sports, you’ll find her engrossed in a romantic suspense novel. She thinks a crime plus a little romance is the recipe for a great story. Visit her at https://samiaabrams.com/.
You can find her on the following social media accounts:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/samiaabrams/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samiaabrams/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/samiaabrams
* This post contains Amazon affiliate links
Comments
Post a Comment