This was an interesting and fun read. I will say that it had some “triggers” in it — abduction and murder “off stage” and discussion of substance abuse and suicide — but overall it was what I call a “clean read”. The Christian thread was fairly strong in this story — the characters discussed their faith and prayed often. The main characters boyfriend was a youth minister. And I chuckled at times when just about every character would say things like “How is this affecting your faith?” or “Have you spoken to your pastor?” They were a faith-filled lot in this story! Even though I guessed who the perpetrator was, I still enjoyed the story and I always like an uplifting ending and a mystery that is not gory!!

This is a well-written, complex police drama that reminded me of the show Law & Order with its wonderful blend of police procedural and courtroom drama. As Teagan is a court reporter It also reminded me of the show Blue Bloods as the whole Reagan family is involved in fighting crime in different capacities from Police Commissioner, detective, police officer etc, Just like Teagan’s family.

This story starts out with a bang literally as Teagon is heading to court. Things soon get complicated. I like the beautiful job the author does in naturally blending an unexpected spiritual thread throughout the story. The author doesn’t shy away from talking about some tough topics without being preachy, having cookie cutter answers and/or sugar-coating things. Here is a peek at Max a young youth Pastor who suffers from PTSD. He says this to someone who questions his background and his role in church (as the Pastor knows his past) ….”This church operates under the assumption that when God pardons sin, they should do the same. When He does not stay angry forever but delights to show mercy, they should do the same. When He has compassion on us, they should do the same.”

Justin says, “I get it. They’re good Christians. I spend my share of time in church, but I’m also a cop. I see human nature as it is in this messed-up world.”

The author talks about guns and using them to defend yourself. Teagan says to Max (former military man),…”lend me a gun….I won’t. Why” Max explains, “Because you fall in the category of people who will hesitate at the last moment. You won’t be able to pull the trigger. You think you can, to protect yourself or the people you love, but you can’t.”…If you didn’t pull the trigger, the guy would take it away from you and use it on you. He’d kill you with your own gun.”

I like that the author shows a couple of sides to things allowing the reader to come to their own conclusions. The plot moves along as people that know Teagon turn up dead all the while putting more pressure on Teagon and her family to find the serial killer. They had to dig deeper. It has to be someone they are overlooking.

There are some surprises along this journey to find the killer. Would they get to him before he took out Teagon? This would make a good book club pick as there is so much to discuss in this complex scenario.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog www.bookfun.org

3.5 stars

Closer Than She Knows
Kelly Irvin
Thomas Nelson, June 2020
ISBN 978-0-7852-3186-8
Trade Paperback

From the publisher—

Teagan O’Rourke has always loved murder mysteries. In her job as a court reporter, she has written official records for dozens of real-life murders. She’s slapped evidence stickers on crime scene photos. She’s listened to hours of chilling testimony. But she’s never known the smell of death. And she never thought she might be a victim.

Until now.

A young police officer is murdered just inches away from her, and then a man calling himself a serial killer starts leaving Teagan notes, signing each with the name of a different murderer from her favorite mystery novels.

Panicked, Teagan turns to her friend Max Kennedy. Max longs for more than friendship with Teagan, but he fears she’ll never trust someone with a past like his. He wonders how much of God’s “tough love” he can take before he gives up on love completely. And he wonders if he’ll be able to keep Teagan alive long enough to find out.

As Teagan, Max, and Teagan’s police officer father race to track down the elusive killer, they each know they could be the next victim. Desperate to save those she loves, Teagan battles fears that once haunted her in childhood. Nothing seems to stop this obsessed murderer. No matter what she does, he seems to be getting closer . . .

Teagan O’Rourke’s calm, safe life is upended with a vengeance when a young police officer is murdered right next to her while the two are transporting evidence in a court case. Teagan’s job as a court reporter—and growing up in a family full of law enforcement—helped turn her into a fan of crime fiction and that and the court reporting have given her a bit of a leg up on solving fictional crimes but now she has to aim her talents at solving this very real one.

Panic sets in when someone starts sending her threatening messages, each one referring to a murderer in one of those novels and the implication is obvious, that this person knows her all too well. Now, this has all become very personal even while other people are being killed and she enlists the aid of her father, a retired police officer, and her friend, Max, who has a less than savory past of his own but is now a youth pastor and recovering alcoholic. Teagan and Max have been circling around each other romantically without really moving forward because of various issues but the three are determined to find this stalker.

I’m not a huge fan of romance or romantic suspense but, in this case, the romance is handled naturally and is not “in your face”. Much more attention is paid to the criminal elements and finding a vicious killer, as it should be, and there were quite a few likeable characters, family as well as friends. I found a lot to enjoy in Closer Than She Knows, my introduction to Kelly Irvin’s work.

Reviewed by Lelia Taylor, July 2020.

2 Stars
Closer Than She Knows by Kelly Irvin
This book is very slow to build,. The writing is superb but the plot and ending are just very predictable. The Christian theme is good but it does not make up for the rest of the story. I had not read this author before and I am not sure if I ever will again.

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

A interesting Christian suspense thriller. I do have to say, it took me awhile to get into the storyline. It is somewhat predictable and has some slow moments when it just seemed to drag on a bit.
Teegan is the main character, she is a court reporter who has seen and heard some horrific cases.
There is suspense, mystery and definitely romance throughout the story. You also get a serial killer that keeps you on the edge of your seat.
Overall, a well written story and I will be interested in reading more from this author.
Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read and review this book for my honest opinion.

“Six pounds of pot, a .38 Special, and a by-the-book cop. Teagan O’Rourke rolled the words around in her head. They sounded like the opening lyrics of a classic rock-and-roll anthem instead of evidence in a murder trial.“

Opening lines of “Closer Than She Knows” by Kelly Irvin
“Closer Than She Knows” by Kelly Irvin opens with an action-packed sequence and the pace keeps up from there. Court reporter, Teagan O’Rourke finds herself at the centre of a murder case and possibly the intended victim though she has no idea why. Her family are all police and descend to investigate and protect her but it’s her close friend Max who she leans into for emotional support. The two have the potential to be more but Teagan’s fear from past losses hold her back.

I have read several murder mysteries in a row and perhaps it tipped the killer’s hand in this one, I worked it out before our leading characters but it didn’t detract hugely from the story. It’s full of twists, with every person in the small neighbourhood having behaved in a suspicious way at some point. There are quite a few deaths in this one before they work out who is behind it.

Teagan and Max are easy to relate to and each has different issues which they are working through with God. Kelly handles these gently and insightfully, I enjoyed her approach.

If you enjoy a good suspense novel, with a touch of a police procedural drama, this one is for you! It’s a four out of five on the enJOYment scale.

Teegan has a killer after her. There is a lot of investigation, with a bit of predictability. Max, her friend, works in the ministry now, but has a dark past. Together, the two of them work to find the murderer. There is romance, but it isn’t the primary focus really. I’d call this a mystery with some romance instead a romance with a mystery, if that makes sense. Scripture is presented in a good way.

Based upon other reviews, I know I am the minority here, but DNF at 50%. Reading the positive and raving reviews of others here on NetGalley, I was intrigued and requested this book.However, I just could not get into the story. Teagan is a likable character, but the family dynamics were... off? Not quite sure how to explain it, but this book just wasn't for me. I am thankful to NetGalley and the publisher for the free ARC in exchange for an honest review. Here's to hoping that my next NetGalley read is a better fit!

Thanks NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book. I do love to read thrillers and it is even better when they are Christian fiction. The book was fast paces and interesting. I was invested in the case and wanted to know who the killer was. I liked the characters and made guesses on how it would end. This is a book that you will enjoy!!

Oh man, so this was a pretty fast and good read. So the story is about Teagan O’Rourke who is a court reporter in a family of cops and her best friend/potential love interest Max Kennedy former military who battle addiction and is now a Youth Pastor. The book starts out with a murder of a cop who is driving Teagan back to the PD with evidence from a trial who is shot with a high powered rifle through the car widow while they are at a stop sign. Then when she sends Max to feed her dog at home while she is giving the police a statement, he finds her elderly neighbor dead and pursues a black clad suspect that clobbers him on the head and he doesn’t identify if it was a male or female. But the killer leaves a note at Teagan’s place which is reminiscent of a serial killer that Teagan’s dad put away before he retired. They are thinking it is a copy act or accomplice since the guy is in jail until he isn’t. Whoever the killer it is definitely personal since they seem to be targeting Teagan and her friends and family. So for a religious mystery with a splash of romance which isn’t normally a genre I gravitate to, it was definitely easy to get through and I did like all the characters even though I got a little frustrated since I figured out who the killer was before the characters figured it out which always dampens the enjoyment for me since I don’t get the anticipation of the climax of the story and finding out who it is when the main characters find out.

Thanks to Thomas Nelson and Netgalley for the complimentary copy of this book in e-book form. All opinions in this review are my own.

Teagan is a court reporter who finds herself in the center of a crime spree committed by a serial killer. Is it the criminal that everyone suspects or someone even closer to her? This book had several twists that I didn’t see coming but the overall story was somewhat predictable. It was pretty fast moving and easy to read and I would read this author again. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Closer Then She Knows is a well written suspense. There is plenty of investigation for those who enjoy procedurals, and the details about court reporting enhance the story as well as the realism about serial killers. The romance takes a backseat to the plot line but still delivers for readers who enjoy romance with their suspense.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3417664018
https://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-reviews/R2CHQI7LEQTRNJ/ref=cm_cr_othr_d_rvw_ttl?ie=UTF8&ASIN=B081MR171K

I am not the biggest fan of Christian fiction, however I love a good thriller.

This book was fast paced, an interesting read with likable characters.

If you are looking for a fun summer read, this one will probably fit the bill!

This is the first book of Irvin's that I've read and it was a beauty from the first page. Irvin started fast and kept the pace racing throughout the story.

Being marked by a serial killer is especially terrifying and that's what Teagan O'Rourke is confronted with as a series of cruel murders of women are highlighted by the killer leaving a note addressed to her. Teagan comes from a family of cops. Her dad, now retired, step-brother and uncle are all in the game and they come around Teagan to both investigate the murders and protect her.

Max Kennedy, is a recovering alcoholic and now youth worker. And madly in love with his best friend: Teagan. Their friendship is lovely to watch and their willingness to die for the other is good reading. But what I particularly loved about their relationship is their faith. Max is an excellent example of a well written Christian who demonstrates his faith at every opportunity. Teagan is not as mature in her faith but it's clear she is a strong believer. The fact they both quote Bible verses to assist them in tricky situations is a great example of how to use Scripture.

Both Teagan and Max are very good characters. They're strong but fallible; Max, a little goofy and Teagan ballsy commanding respect from everyone she comes across. I enjoyed Max's struggle with his addiction. Irvin dealt with this genuinely with no sugar coating.

The suspense is good and builds tremendously at the end for the climax. Clearly, Irvin has done her research on serial killers and forensic investigations as well as court reporting which adds credibility to the story.

I thoroughly enjoyed this story and I'm looking forward to Irvin's next romantic suspense novel.

I received an early e-book version of the book via Thomas Nelson's First Editions reading program via NetGalley with no expectation of a positive review.

3.5 stars

Kelly Irvin is a new to me author. The synopsis of this book intrigued me and it was definitely a well-written plot. This book grabbed my attention from page one. Court reported Teagan O'Rourke figures out she is in the crosshairs of a serial killer when people around her start dying and the killer is leaving messages cryptic messages for Teagan at each crime scene. Her whole family is in law enforcement so they quickly get involved to protect her. But who could be after her? Someone from a case she was involved in or someone from a case of someone in her family or someone else entirely? It's a race against time to figure out who is behind all this before this person goes after Teagan herself!

Although I really enjoyed the plot and was interested to get to the end to see what happened, I had a problem with some beliefs of the main character, Teagan. I don't want to say too much to fear giving too much away and spoiling something for a reader, but I did not find some of her beliefs to be realistic or believable given the situation she was in.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Net Galley. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

Teagan is a court reporter who records testimony on cases all day. Her family is made up of policemen and women who risk their lives every time they go to work. When Teagan is tasked with making sure evidence gets delivered to another precinct, she is suddenly thrust into a real life nightmare when the officer driving her is shot dead, crashing the car.

As Teagan begins to realize there's more happening than first glance, things only get more dangerous. When she sends her friend, Max, to check on her dog, he is pulled into the middle of the mystery when Teagan's neighbor is murdered right next door. Max finds the first in a series of notes that identify the killer of not only her neighbor, but the officer who was driving her earlier in the day.

Max and Teagan find themselves fighting against a serial killer who is crafty and quick to murder. Can they overcome their fears and bring this killer to justice? Or will her family and friends be the next victims?

Irwin has crafted a fast paced, engrossing novel that draws you in from the first chapter and refuses to let up.

I was an early reader, thanks to #NetGalley and Thomas Nelson publishers. All opinions are my own.

Once an author writes in one genre it's often hard to transition writing in another genre, not so with Kelly Irvin. Her Suspense books are every bit as great as her Amish fiction and she is an automatic read for me when she releases a new book.
Are you ready for a roller coaster ride from start to finish, well then buckle up because once you start the action will propel you forward and you just won't be able to stop til the book is finished.
There are so many twists and turns that you may think you've guessed the killer but I'll bet you haven't. A perfect read for those who enjoy an unpredictable plot, this will keep you on your toes.
High energy, this book won't let you down!

Published June 9th 2020 by Thomas Nelson
I was given a complimentary copy. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.

This novel is not for the weak of heart. A serial killer is on the loose. The body count is serious and the murders are gruesome. This is not a cozy mystery.

I found it interesting to learn about being a court reporter. I liked the portrayal of Max's faith. A recovering alcoholic, he relied on his faith daily. Teagan's faith was not so well established. Her character was a bit contradictory, naively believing in the goodness of people yet not wanting to have children because of how bad people are making the world. While I felt good about Max's faith journey in the end, Teagan's faith was still vague at the end.

One of my pet peeves is suspense caused by stupidity on the part of the heroine and hero. Teagan and Max and Leyla made dumb choices that put their lives in danger. And another pet peeve is the cavalry coming over the hill when all is lost. Ah, two pet peeves in this thriller.

In general, this is a good Christian romantic suspense with a few flaws. There are discussions questions included.

I received a complimentary egally of the book through Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours. My comments are an independent and honest review.

The first page starts a crazy, hold onto your hat, adrenaline pumping ride that doesn't stop until the end of the book. Each corner has another surprise around it, keeping the pulse pounding through the whole book. Kelly Irvin has obviously done her homework, with attention to detail that adds a whole new level of suspense and entertainment to a great read.
Teagan has been raised in a family of cops with no interest to join herself. But she does have justice running through her veins and finds her outlet in court room reporting. She finds great satisfaction in her job, priding herself on a high level of competency. The ins and outs of police work are not foreign to her. With the judge wanting the evidence for her latest case locked up tight at police headquarters, Teagan gets a ride with a police woman who wants to do her job well and get home. Then there is a bang, blood and the officer is down. This starts a nightmare ride that Teagan desperately wishes she could get off of. A new serial killer has got Teagan in his sights and he has no intention of stopping or letting her go. With friends dying and answers in short supply, Teagan must depend on family and her best friend, Max. Max has loved Teagan for years, but with his past is convinced they will never work. One thing he can do is offer support and a level of protection as the serial killer continues to get closer. But will Max become another target, used to hurt the woman he loves?
Kelly Irvin has masterfully woven a tale of suspense and intrigue that keeps the pages turning and the heart pounding. She develops intricate relationships with her characters that helps pull the reader further into the story. They feel like real people, living around the corner. I wanted to ask the suspects questions to help get the answers needed to end the killing. If you want an entertaining story with lots of excitement, you need to grab this book. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

“What do a young police officer, an elderly woman, and a court reporter have in common?”

Nothing, but Teegan, a court reporter. Teegan is transporting evidence with a police officer when the officer is shot dead. While making her witness statement, she sends her youth minister friend, Max, to feed her dog, Tigger. Max hears a scream when he arrives at Teegan’s house. He finds Teegan’s elderly neighbor stabbed to death in her backyard. Attempting to chase the perpetrator, Max is clubbed to unconsciousness.

When the first note from the killer is found, Teegan knows she will need help finding the serial killer from her police blue family to protect both her loved ones and herself. This time it's personal and the killer is Closer Than She Knows.

After reading hundreds (perhaps thousands) of thrillers, I look for small variances between them. In keeping with the author’s Amish romance past, the best part about this book is the warm relationships between the characters. I felt like they were close friends by the end of the book. However, in contrast to the usual romance, the book keeps a thriller’s pacing and has plenty of plot twists. Closer Than She Knows is an excellent example of a character-driven thriller. It is also a Christian tale with no inappropriate conduct, while not hitting you over the head with religion. 4 stars!

Thanks to Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for my honest review.