Relentless Pursuit

Secrets of Roux River Bayou #3

by Kathy Herman

Rich with the Cajun flavors of south Louisiana, this final book in the Secrets of Roux River Bayou Series is a story of what it means to find true peace in an uncertain world.
 Sax Landry left home at seventeen to escape his father’s abuse, leaving his mother and sister to fend for themselves. Now, twenty-eight years later, both parents are dead, and guilt compels him to find his sister and make peace. His search leads to Les Barbes, Louisiana, where authorities fear a bio-terrorist has injected cyanide into juice cartons and fresh produce at the grocery store. People are dead. It’s not safe. Sax stays, fearing death less than living another day without peace. A divine appointment is about to change all that forever.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Mystery, Christian, Fiction, Mystery Thriller, Suspense, Contemporary

400 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2012

About the author

Best-selling suspense novelist Kathy Herman has written twenty novels—including the Secrets or Roux River Bayou Series, Sophie Trace Series, the Seaport Suspense Series, and the Phantom Hollow Series—since retiring from her family’s Christian bookstore business. She and her late husband Paul have a blended family of three grown children. Kathy lives in the Northwest.

Reviews

[Patty · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a fairly easy read, mildly suspenseful. The best part of this book is trying to answer the age old question- why does God allow bad things to happen to innocent children? This is a harder question to answer than ‘why Does God even let bad things happen to good people. The author does a fairly decent job with her answer which none of us like when we really need answers- but the truth is Only God knows. Her dialog encourages you to examine yourself - not where is God, but where are you? Dont run from Him when you can’t understand, run to Him. Stay close and He will go through every trial and tragedy with you, and He will be your closest friend.

I may be stretching this out of this story but abuse and death are prevalent themes throughout-

[Bonnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

What another enjoyable read from Kathy Herman! This whole series I hope to read again someday, as I enjoyed this one as much as the first!

Sax is ready to make amends, as he won't have any peace until he does. He messed up big time leaving his sister like that, and he can only hope she will forgive him. But his timing isn't the best, as there is someone poisoning some of the food and drinks in the area. Despite all that, he comes to really love his sister's family. How will he find the right time to tell her who he really is?

Zoe has been shown more grace than she could ever deserve. But being asked forgiveness by her brother? That's asking too much. He doesn't deserve it! Will Zoe withhold forgiveness? Or will she show mercy as she has been shown mercy?

Who is poisoning the food and water? And how are they doing it? And the bigger question, how can they be stopped?

Another quality, very entertaining read from Kathy Herman! I look forward to reading many more written by her!

[Suzanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, I love that series!
Situated in a fictive town down in Louisiana, "Les Barbes" (The Beards).
It is a crime story, and it has recipes for gumbo.
It has funny and surprising people, so real I never thought I could find those.
The story: people are poisened, some die, especially one child, much loved by two of the protagonists, Zoe and her daughter.
Who has done it? Who could have done that awful thing? Nobody knows - but then the young and honest sister of one of the "Barbes" comes very much near to the man who wanted to poison his father because of cheating his mother - in result: the mother dies also.
Does he blame himself by that? Is he real upset because of his mother's death? Or ... And what about that girl?

Maybe the story is only one of a many stories. But more than the story I love the people of "Les Barbes": Zoe, the Langleys, the sheriff, and the three old men coming every day to Zoe to play checker, guard her daughter, commetning everything in that town.
The series ends, and I am real sad about it.
They all warmed my heart!

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Relentless Pursuit is the third and final book with Kathy Herman's Secrets of Roux River Bayou series. I have loved the stories and characters, so it's a little bittersweet to be done with the series.

This story gave a lot of closure in regards to a certain character and her past. It was quite interesting to see what she would choose to do. I think my favorite character was Adele, but they were really all great.

Overall, a great book and I recommend it!

*I received this book in exchange for my honest review. As always, all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*

[JoAnn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have really enjoyed Kathy Herman's books, and especially enjoyed this series. I really enjoy that all of her main characters are married, though at times struggling with real issues in their lives and marriages. It's nice to not have to have a book all about the romance.

I really enjoyed how this book closed the series and had a good closure for all the characters. I will say, that some of the characters from this series comes from the Sophie Trace Trilogy, so if you get a chance, you should read that one first.

[B-cat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Will definitely go back and read the first two from this series.

[Holly Stone · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the 3rd and final book in the Roux River Bayou trilogy. In it Les Barbes is rocked by people been poisoned by cyanide and the police have no idea who has done it. In the midst of this horror Sax Henry comes in search of a sister he abandoned 28 years before...Adele Woodmore knows exactly who he is looking for and she sends him to see her without telling him who she really is because just like him she has changed her name and has a fulfilling life with children and the love of a husband and friends she has made family. And through it all there is God...always patient, always waiting, never pushing, but always wanting a Loving and whole relationship....Will Sax find what he so badly wants? Will the person responsible for the cyanide horror be found and punished?? You may have to read it to find the answers Lol. Good Book.

[Lauri Gentry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this book although I think I would have like it better had I read the first two in the series first. Good suspense and a "who done it" element. Took me by surprise to find out who was responsible for the poisoning and deaths in the community. The story of a reunion between a brother and sister and the forgiveness that was sought was well done.
A NTM author and I hope to read more of her writings.

[Joan Arning · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kathy Herman teaches us how important forgiveness is as we move forward in life. You will enjoy all of the characters in this Cajun community. Several people have died from cyanide poisoning and there are not many clues!

[Louise E. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good story.

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book finishes the trilogy nicely. I also liked how the author brought characters in from one of her other series. It made me want to go back and read that one again.

[Dan]

can I read it today?

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series

If we would show this much grace how different this world we be! Can't wait to read more books by this author!!

[Marcia · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good mystery series. I couldn't wait to get the next book in the series.
Not a lot of steamy romance, just good family situations with romance and married love , twists and turns, crime, mystery, surprises and a mostly subtle yet present Godly background.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars. Great story that was hard to put down, even though the solution was very obvious.

[Joy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really glad I found this author! She is a gifted writer who develops characters so well, you feel like you know them personally. Great twists, turns and suspense in this series!

[Kristen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good book but to be honest wasn’t one of my favorites though. The characters in the book all did a wonderful job. I think others would enjoy the book.

[Belinda Fry · Rating 4 out of 5]

It wasn't a fast read, but it was good. Surprise ending.

[Sara Blickenderfer · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️

[Victor Gentile · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kathy Herman in her new book, “Relentless Pursuit” Book Three in the Secrets of Roux River Bayou series published by David C. Cook takes us back to the town of Les Barbes in Louisiana.

From the Back Cover: Sax Landry left home at seventeen to escape his father’s abuse, leaving his mother and sister to fend for themselves. Now, twenty-eight years later, both parents are dead, and guilt compels him to find his sister and make peace. His search leads to Les Barbes, Louisiana, where authorities fear a bioterrorist has injected cyanide into water bottles at the local market. People are dead. It’s not safe. But Sax continues searching for his sister, his fear of dying not nearly as strong as his fear of living another day without peace. A divine appointment is about to change all of that — forever.

After the miracle of turning the water into wine at the wedding at Cana the wine steward went to the married couple complaining that they had held the best wine to the last. So has Kathy Herman. “Relentless Pursuit” is the last in the Secrets of Roux River Bayou series and, I feel, the best. Get ready for a page-turning thriller. Set aside the chores, order take out for dinner, make yourself comfortable because once you get started reading “Relentless Pursuit” you are not going to want to stop until the pages run out–and even then. Kathy Herman has delivered a winner that will chill you as you follow the adventure of Sax Landry. ”Relentless Pursuit” is a lot like an Alfred Hitchcock thriller as the story wraps itself around your nerves and just begins to squeeze and squeeze. This book will keep you up late until you finish it so I recommend that you start reading early. Ms. Herman does a wonderful job with all her characters you would think you had known them all your life. “Relentless Pursuit” is a great read that I was sorry to see come to an end. I hope Ms. Herman has another book in the Que so that we won’t have to wait so long for a new story.

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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book for free from Wynn-Wynn Media for this review. 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.”

[Iola · Rating 4 out of 5]

Relentless Pursuit is the third and final book in the Secrets of Roux River Bayou trilogy, following False Pretences and Dangerous Mercy, and begins two years after the events in Dangerous Mercy. While the main mystery plot is a stand-alone story, the subplot is related to the characters from the previous books, so it would help to read them in order. I read Dangerous Mercy and Relentless Pursuit books back-to-back, which made it easier to keep track of the multitude of characters.

More murders are occurring in Belle Fourche, this time as a result of poison injected into locally-bottled water. This gives the police two problems: catching the culprit based only on a grainy security camera photo, and ensuring that all the bottles of water sold are located before anyone else dies.

While the murder hunt is going on, there is a visitor in town - Zoe’s brother, who has returned to find the sister he abandoned many years ago. They had an abusive father, and Zoe has to work on forgiving her brother for not taking her when he left. Even though she has been a Christian for many years, she still find this difficult.

Overall, I enjoyed this series, even though the concept of a murder mystery where the police force where not the main character was a novel concept (if you will excuse the pun). The books are well-written, the characters are strong and likeable, but not perfect, and the setting is well done. These are solid mysteries with underlying themes of faith and forgiveness.

Kathy Herman is now working on another trilogy, Tales of Foggy Ridge, which will be set in the Ozark Mountains of Arkansas, and will contain some characters from this series.

Thanks to David C Cook and NetGalley for providing a free ebook for review.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the final book in the Secrets of Roux River Bayou series. Sax Henry is looking for his sister Shelby after having abandoned her and his mother to his father's abuse 28 years ago. Guilt is compelling him to find her and make peace. Meanwhile, in Les Barbes, Louisiana, someone has injected water bottles with cyanide and people are dying, including a 4-year-old boy. Sax's last chance to find Shelby is with Adele Woodmore, who employed her many years previously and who now lives in Les Barbes. Will she help Sax find his sister? She knows Shelby's story and is reluctant at first.

Of course, if you have read the first two books in this series, you know who Shelby is. She has forgiven her father for the terrible abuse and her mother for permitting it, but will she also forgive the brother she loved and who abandoned her?

There are characters in this book from a previous series - Sophie Trace Trilogy - and it was interesting to see how Emily has grown up from a child to the age of 19. I have to admit that I suspected who the killer was about halfway through, not by actions but just by something that was said. It took a little longer though for the motive to become apparent.

[B.J. Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

You've all heard of saving the best for last. Well that's exactly what Kathy Herman has done. Her latest novel Rentless Pursuit: A Novel (Secrets of Roux River Bayou) is her best yet. I loved the first two in the series, but this one was the best, the way a series should be. I read it right before a vacation to Grand Isle, Louisiana. When you read the book, you'll see how that might get you thinking. My son told me to bring water with us. That was before I'd read the novel. It was profound. I don't want to provide any spoilers, but you can't help but care about these characters. You can't help but put yourself in their place and think how you'd feel and how the problems in this novel could affect you and yours. You'll connect and identify, so be sure you don't miss this one. A Cajun-flavored South threatened by a bio-terrorist will keep you turning pages. Reading this novel will make you think twice. It's five stars for sure. The writer in me did figure out who the killer was, but I loved the book and never grew bored with it. That might have been because I love suspense and mystery as well as Louisiana books.

[Ashley E · Rating 5 out of 5]

Relentless Pursuit is a fantastic end to the Secrets of Roux River Bayou trilogy. The mystery is again edge-of-your-seat suspenseful and wonderfully detailed. But my favorite part was Sax and his connection to Zoe. I don't want to give anything away, but let's just say that Zoe isn't done dealing with her past yet. The emotions are so real and overwhelming. You can't help but feel for what these two must resolve.

Of course, this wouldn't be a Roux River book without the whole town involved. All of the beloved past characters are back, and more are introduced! I plan on following this author on to her next series. She's an amazing writer! I'm so excited I had the opportunity to read these books.

[I received this book for free through First Reads and was not required to write a positive or any other type of review. All opinions stated herein are solely my own.]

[G · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third installment in the Roux River Bayou that has been great fun to read. This book takes the reader back to Louisiana, with all the flavors of the south including hospitality and wonderful Cajun food. Many of the characters from the other novels play a role here, with Zoe’s long lost brother showing up, causing her much anxiety, while the town deals with a killer that laced arsenic in the food at a local buffet as well as several bottles of water. When a killer could strike anywhere, everyone is nervous, and Herman keeps you guessing almost to the end of the book.

Herman’s books make you feel like you dropped down into town and talk to old friends. The characters are warm and believable, as they attempt to deal with strain the way that God chooses to lead them. Great fun, clean reading, I’d recommend this book to anyone that loves a good mystery.

[Melissa (Semi Hiatus Until After the Holidays) · Rating 3 out of 5]

In the third and final book of the Roux River Bayou series, Herman deftly wraps up storylines and provides an element of mystery at the same time. It's fairly obvious from the beginning who the culprit is, but the reasons why and the way the other characters' stories fit together make this novel a worthwhile read.
SUMMARY: Sax Henry comes to Les Barbes, Louisiana, because he has a lead on where his sister might be living. He escaped an abusive environment at age seventeen and has never been at peace with his decision to leave his younger sister behind. When he arrives in town, someone has poisoned bottled water with cyanide, leaving many dead and seriously ill. Who is doing this, and will it hamper his efforts to find his sister?

[Bree · Rating 3 out of 5]

Warning this book contains child sex abuse and insest. So I rated this book lower than usual. The main thing about this book that doesn't sit with me is the two main characters are coming to terms about forgiving their parents for sexual abuse. It therefore has a lot of dialogue about God and God's role in it all. When this is discussed in books I feel that it comes across as fake and all of a sudden with God and their Christian phrases, all is fixed my end of the book.

I did actually finish the book. The main part of the story is interesting it has a suspense feel. Someone is poisoning the food and water to kill people. The police are trying to find the culprit. The main issue I had against this book was the strong christian monologue which came across as preachy and fake.

[Mandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sax at 17 years old, left his abusive home in search of happiness. But he never found true happiness and instead, became consumed as an adult with finding his little sister he left behind. Zoe has created a new life for herself: a new name, a family, a growing relationship with God, and has even forgiven her parents for the abuse she grew up with as a child. The one thing she still struggles with is forgiving her brother for abandoning her. Not only do Sax and Zoe need healing, but the little town of Les Barbes desperately needs divine healing and intervention with the rising death toll of its people due to cyanide poisonings from an unknown killer.

[My Book Addiction and More MBA · Rating 4 out of 5]

RELENTLESS PURSUIT by Kathy Herman is a good Christian book. It is Book 3 in the “Secrets of Roux River Bayou” series,see,” False Pretenses”,and “Dangerous Mercy”.I like the way the characters work together,how they prayed for each other,and how they stuck together. This story could be a lesson for all of us, it teaches us all to pray for everybody. A good story.Received for an honest review.
RATING: 4
HEAT RATING: SWEET
REVIEWED BY: DorothyA, My Book Addiction and More

[Audrey Grant · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed revisiting the characters from this series again! I had read book one as an ebook and enjoyed it very much. So I was thrilled when I was picked by Kathy Herman in a book give away as a winner for book three!
Now I just have to get my haves on #2 to fill in the blanks.
But I have really enjoyed this series that has combined mystery, food, Louisianan ambiance, & learning to forgive along with huge doses of Grace & "build your own" family!