Member Reviews
Wow! This book was chock full of unlimited suspense, as well as shocking, gritty edge of your seat danger around every corner. Dani Bennett witnessed the murder of her parents. She disappeared that same night. However, she has no true memory of that fateful night. Her uncle has shielded her for 25 years. He has sheltered her almost to the point of suffocation, but as you learn more about what transpired that night, you will more fully appreciate his reasons for sheltering her. She is an accomplished artist and potter. She is the feature in an article in a pottery magazine, which unbeknownst to her. includes her photograph. She has carefully avoided social media and being photographed due to her uncle's instructions.
Mae Richmond is Dani's grandmother, and she has been searching for her granddaughter for 25 years. She has never given up hope that she is alive. When she sees a picture of Dani in the pottery magazine, she is sure this is her granddaughter, and she aims to prove it. This is how we meet K-9 officer Mark Lassister. When Mark calls Dani and tells her he thinks he knows her true identity, she does not realize she is about to learn more about her past, but she will also have a target on her back and anyone who is around her. A cold case from 25 years ago has suddenly become red hot. Someone is not happy that Dani is back in town.
This story was a pure adrenaline rush for me as I followed the characters on the run for their lives. This was a collision course of past and present masterfully penned. The characters were very likable and relatable. I dearly loved Mae. She was a sassy grandma with a zest for life and lived without fear. Dani had experienced the worse kind of loss and that loss was buried deep within her brain. I cannot even imagine the pain she was experiencing as the memories started to return, but she stayed strong. It was incredibly suspenseful, but the romance was sweet and endearing as well. There was also a good faith message as both Mark and Dani learned to lean on their faith more fully just by quoting scripture to help them through the hard times. I highly recommend this book for romantic suspense lovers who enjoy high octane action.
Thank you to Revell Books and NetGalley for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I can always count on Patricia Bradley to provide romantic suspense novels that will leave me guessing. Books that will have me looking around every corner, questioning the motives of every character who enters a scene. Dani knows something terrible happened to her parents, but she cannot remember her childhood. Nine years of her life are missing, and her uncle warns her against rediscovering them. When an elderly woman in Pearl Springs, Tennessee thinks Dani is her missing granddaughter, Dani travels from Montana to meet her. The lost memories creep back in fits and starts, but luckily, she has Mark Lassiter to support—and protect—her. Rediscovering her past ends up being fraught with bullets.
In Fatal Witness by Patricia Bradley, the author reunites her readers with familiar characters: Hi again, Alex and Nathan, integral pieces of Dani’s story—both past and present. I enjoyed the snippets from Alex’s view; however, I admit, part of me wishes they weren’t there. I wanted more of Dani and Mark, as Fatal Witness followed their growth. And yes, they did grow, as did Alex and Nathan. But the chapters about Alex and Nathan didn’t really add anything to the plotline. I loved Dani and Mark, though. In their own ways, both must determine just how much they trust God, in the good times and the bad.
Patricia Bradley perfectly portrays this never-ending struggle. As Christians, we praise God in the good times. In the struggles, we beg for His deliverance. His peace. His strength. He gives them to us, but there’s no guarantee He’ll pull us out of the pit. Being a Christian does not guarantee sunshine and rainbows. Bradley provides a fantastic depiction of the determination and trust Christianity often requires. Mark and Dani cling to a verse in Psalm 56: “Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in you.” And my word, how hard that can be sometimes!
Fatal Witness features a large cast, which is both a positive and a negative. It means many potential suspects. When reading the book, Bradley set up shared histories between certain characters, and I thought, “OH, IT’S HIM! HE’S THE VILLAIN.” And then she adds more links, more twisted vines. The first time, I guessed incorrectly. And the second. And the third. Eventually, I caught on, but Bradley did a good job of hinting without revealing. The issue with so many characters, though? I got confused. I forgot who some people were, and I had to remind myself of identities according to context clues.
Patricia Bradley’s newest novel is riveting. It will leave you guessing with your heart in your throat. I cannot wait to see what Bradley has in store for us next.
A witness with amnesia and a killer willing to murder again to keep their secret.
Fatal Witness is my first Patricia Bradley book, and I'm hooked. In Fatal Witness, Dani Collins doesn't remember much about her life before age 11 or her deceased parents until Deputy Mark Lassiter from Tennessee reaches out on behalf of someone claiming to be her grandma. Curious and desperate for answers about her past, Dani travels to Pearl Springs only to find herself in immediate danger. Mark Lassiter, a military ex-sniper and current K-9 officer, has regrets from his past but is determined to protect Dani at all costs. Even if it means denying the growing attraction between them.
There is a killer on the loose, diamonds that haven't surfaced, more questions than answers, and a budding attraction between Dani and Mark. Patricia Bradley keeps the reader on the edge of their seat as Mark, Dani, and the Russell County Sheriff's Office try to figure out who murdered Dani's parents before they kill again.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
Dani Collins could never understand why her Uncle Keith was overprotective of her. It wasn’t until she is contacted by Mark Lassiter, a police officer in Tennessee, that the past Keith tried so hard to keep her safe from catches up with her. The plot twists keep you guessing as to who was behind the crimes and murders from the past all the way up to the end. I always look forward to reading the author’s books and this met my expectations of an engaging mystery, faith displayed in difficult times, and an element of romance.
Mae was a woman who was easy to care about and to admire her perseverance. She never gave up even though it seemed as though all was lost. She was such an endearing character that I hope she, as well as Dani and Mark will be in future books.
I look forward to reading more in the Pearl River series. While this is the second book, it can be read as a standalone. There are characters from the first book, but enough details are given about them that it doesn’t affect this story.
I received a copy of this book from Revell through NetGalley. I was not required to give a positive review. All opinions are my own.
Another winner by Patricia Bradley! I love how her stories keep me guessing! There is so much going on and it is fun to try and put the pieces together with the main characters. I look forward to reading the next book in this series!
If the wrong people see it, there will be problems.
Dani Collins experienced the trauma of her parents being murdered when she was 9 years old and still has amnesia 25 years later. She has become a very successful ceramic artist making the cover of Pottery Making Illustrated. However, she wants no pictures of herself - just to be safe. But what happened in the past that causes such fear? What did she witness?
This story will keep you on the edge of your seat and may even cost you a few fingernails. Will Dani survive to finally remember? This well written mystery will keep you guessing right up to the rather unexpected end.
An early copy of Pearl River #2 was received through Revell Books, Baker Publishing Group and NetGalley. These impressions are my own and were in no way solicited.
Fatal Witness was an amazing book. This is the second in a new series, and I'm definitely reading the first book.
This story started out with a mysterious killer and the witness having amnesia.
Dani's past and present meet-up. And with it, danger comes. Her protector is Mark. A man with his own troubles. Together, they try to stay alive while hoping the murder is solved.
This is my first time reading Patrica Bradley. It will not be my last.
I was provided an advanced review copy of this book by the author/publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.
I've always enjoyed a good mystery and Fatal Witness was no exception! It was definitely hard to put it sometimes!😊
A highly talented potter is found by her grandmother through her pottery. Her grandmother is also a potter so natural she investigate any connection she might find with her lost granddaughter. As this book unfolds there are several hints as the book goes in to who the REAL culprit is. Surprising and somewhat not surprising. Everything is very well laid and flows very well into the story. I look forward to continue in the series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with guidelines.
My first book by Patricia Bradley and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I don’t read too much mystery and it had the right about of mystery without going into too much detail about the bad parts. While there was romance, it was not the focal point of the story. I thought all the secondary characters in the story were wonderfully written as well. I will definitely pick up more books by her in the future.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Fatal Witness is the second of the Pearl River series and a great addition. This story was hard to put down with action, danger, and edgy suspense. It all started with a magazine article about a young woman, Dani Collins, living in Montana, working in pottery. Mae Richmond lives in Pearl River near Chattanooga and for twenty-five years has searched for her missing granddaughter. Mae also works in pottery and is subscribed to the magazine with the article about Dani. When Mae saw the picture, she knew it was her granddaughter. This story revolves around a cold case from twenty-five years ago when a jewelry store was robbed, Mae's daughter and son-in-law were killed, and her granddaughter and her uncle disappeared. The local sheriff department and police department that we met in the first book work to find answers. Hold onto your seat for an exciting read with surprises, secrets, red herrings, twists, turns, a mystery to unravel a sweet romance, and great characters.
I received a copy for the purpose of an honest review. These are my thoughts and opinions.
The Pearl River series, Fatal Witness, by Patricia Bradley is just as exciting and heart stopping as the first book. Some of the characters from the first book are part of this story including K-9 officer Mark Lassiter. A cold case story that Mark that happened in Pearl Rivers, TN twenty-five years earlier. Since then Mae Richmond had never given up the search fro her granddaughter. Robbery, murder, and kidnapping this story has it all.
When artist and potter Dani Bennett is discovered to be the missing granddaughter, the suspense and danger ratches up to an even high level. It is not only the police who want answers, not letting go of what happened when Dani was nine. More than one guilty party in this small and sometimes gossipy town. However, there is complete surprise when the murderer is reveal. Looking back over the story I can see now where clues were given. My advice is to follow the breadcrumbs, every one of them is leading to a culprit who has been waiting twenty-five years get what he wants.
While I am glad that I read the first book, Counter Attack in the series, it is not necessary to have done so. An author that I will be sure to follow now after two great action-packed Christian suspense stories.
The publisher through Net Galley provided a complimentary digital copy. I have voluntarily decided to read and review, my personal opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.
** “When life gets overwhelming for me, I talk to God about it, give him whatever it is that’s bigger than I can handle. I usually start repeating a verse in one of the psalms — ‘Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in you’ — and that gives me peace.” **
Danielle Bennett has been missing for 25 years after her parents were murdered. But when her grandmother, Mae Richmond, sees a photo of a potter in a magazine, she’s sure it’s her missing granddaughter.
Raised by her Uncle Keith, Dani Collins has been taught to always check over her shoulder and never have her photo published. But when a pottery magazine features her and breaks their promise and runs a photo of her, her life is turned upside down.
As she’s drawn into a life she doesn’t remember, danger follows her back to Russell County, Tenn., where she grew up. With the help of K-9 Officer Mark Lassiter, will she survive long enough to remember what happened to her parents 25 years ago? And will she and Mark be able to set aside past traumas and admit to their feelings for each other?
As always, Bradley does an incredible job of creating a story filled with twists and turns and misdirections, as well as some romance too. She creates great characters that are relatable and flawed, yet strong and brave. She also includes some great themes, like finding peace through God; even when separated, we are all under the same stars; don’t let darkness rule you, nor take the blame for other’s evil (“Never take the blame for someone else’s evil intentions”); seeking justice; finding forgiveness; and overcoming guilt.
Fans of romantic suspense thrillers and authors like Irene Hannon, Lynette Eason and Colleen Coble will love “Fatal Witness,” which is due out Feb. 6.
Five stars out of five.
Revell provided this complimentary copy through NetGalley for my honest, unbiased review.
A 25 year old cold case of 2 murders, a missing granddaughter, & mystery surrounding the events of a jewelry store robbery. These events are basis for an intriguing & suspense filled story that had Dani running for her life even though she couldn't remember the original events. The author is skillful in developing the characters and in building the story to the climax. I did not figure out for sure who was involved in the crimes until the revealing.
I was given a complimentary advanced copy of this book from the publisher for my honest review.
Artist Dani Bennett witnesses her parents get murdered, but she has no memory of it. Her uncle has raised her and sheltered her all of her life hoping to keep her safe from the murderers. Can she put the pieces together before it’s too late? You have to read it to find out! Fast-paced and intriguing, this book has all the elements of a great read.
Dani Bennett has no memory of the first few years of her life. She witnessed the murder of her parents. Her uncle wisks her away and raises her as far away as he can get from where the murders took place. Dani's grandmother has been searching for her for 25 years. She is convinced that the picture she saw in a pottery magazine is her granddaughter. She has her k-9 officer friend Mark Lassiter track Dani down. This sets off a series of assaults and murders. Someone doesn't want Dani to remember what she saw the night her parents were murdered.
This book kept me guessing all the way to the end. Another great book by Ms. Bradley.
I was given this book by Revell Publishing via Net/Galley in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated in any way.
SPECTACULAR!
Fatal Witness (Pear River, Book #2) by Patricia Bradley is spectacular! What I like most about this book is the nonstop action-packed suspense Bradley has produced through her excellent plot, characterization, and setting. She also demonstrates how three ordinary people, brought together by unusual circumstances, can accomplish extraordinary things by joining forces and relying on their faith. Bradley’s complex backstory significantly influences the present story, and it is interesting to see how she weaves them together. It is intriguing and engaging, and I highly recommend it!
I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by Revell and NetGalley. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own and without influence.
This is my first book in this series. While these are standalones, we get quite a bit of perspective and interaction from the mains of book 1, so I may suggest you read that one first for the fullest experience.
This was a high action, intense romantic suspense. It had a decades old murder case and more crimes piling up. Attempted murders, lies, and secrets. There was a high emphasis on family and faith. I appreciated our heroine’s journey to faith throughout the book. We also had a few k9 heroes that played a major part. I would definitely read more from this author.
I received an eARC of this book from the publisher through NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Loved it, so many suspects... excellent plot and setting. Characters so believable. I had read book one in this series and chose this book because I remembered I liked the author. So glad I chose it to read.
Another fast-paced, suspenseful read from Patricia Bradley! Great characterization, unique plot, and original characters. Fans of romantic suspense are sure to enjoy Fatal Witness!