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Benson First Responders #4
Detection
BIG CITY CRIME. SMALL TOWN HEROES
A boy with no name.
Officer River Gaines walks in the footsteps of the cop who rescued him from the ocean and gave him a name—and a family to belong to. River and his K-9 partner, Kutter, work side-by-side finding people in Benson, but the fact he never remembered who he is has become a weight he never let go.
A girl with no future.
Search and Rescue handler Tessa Atkins is back from a dark FBI case she volunteered for in Arizona. Tessa and her dog Maverick live in Benson at the SAR training center during the warm Pacific Northwest months. But up in Washington she’s got to contend with her family, and their expectations, while she figures out what’s next.
After Tessa is caught in a deadly bombing, and a series of crimes target both their families, the FBI believes a threat from Arizona is coming. River is ordered to ensure Tessa’s safety and the safety of everyone at the Search and Rescue training center his father started after he quit the force.
When the attacks keep coming, these two will have to fight together for the future God has for them. Or see it all swept away.
Each Benson First Responders book is a stand-alone Christian Romantic Suspense.
A boy with no name.
Officer River Gaines walks in the footsteps of the cop who rescued him from the ocean and gave him a name—and a family to belong to. River and his K-9 partner, Kutter, work side-by-side finding people in Benson, but the fact he never remembered who he is has become a weight he never let go.
A girl with no future.
Search and Rescue handler Tessa Atkins is back from a dark FBI case she volunteered for in Arizona. Tessa and her dog Maverick live in Benson at the SAR training center during the warm Pacific Northwest months. But up in Washington she’s got to contend with her family, and their expectations, while she figures out what’s next.
After Tessa is caught in a deadly bombing, and a series of crimes target both their families, the FBI believes a threat from Arizona is coming. River is ordered to ensure Tessa’s safety and the safety of everyone at the Search and Rescue training center his father started after he quit the force.
When the attacks keep coming, these two will have to fight together for the future God has for them. Or see it all swept away.
Each Benson First Responders book is a stand-alone Christian Romantic Suspense.
276 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 4, 2023
508 people are currently reading
137 people want to read
About the author
Lisa Phillips
167 books873 followersLisa Phillips is a USA Today and top ten Publishers Weekly bestselling author of over 80 books that span Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense line, independently published series romantic suspense, and thriller novels. She’s discovered a penchant for high-stakes stories of mayhem and disaster where you can find made-for-each-other love that always ends in happily ever after.
Lisa is a British ex-pat who grew up an hour outside of London and attended Calvary Chapel Bible College, where she met her husband. He’s from California, but nobody’s perfect. It wasn’t until her Bible College graduation that she figured out she was a writer (someone told her). Lisa is a worship leader, tea aficionado, and dog lover of two crazy Airedales.
Lisa is a British ex-pat who grew up an hour outside of London and attended Calvary Chapel Bible College, where she met her husband. He’s from California, but nobody’s perfect. It wasn’t until her Bible College graduation that she figured out she was a writer (someone told her). Lisa is a worship leader, tea aficionado, and dog lover of two crazy Airedales.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
July 18, 2023
Awesome book!
A marvelous story full of danger and suspense. River Gaines is a man with no identity. His adoptive dad was a canine handler who rescued him from sure death. Having no memory of who he is or where he came from the lad chose to stay with the kind canine handler and his wife who eventually adopted him and now he is following in his dad’s footsteps as a canine handler with the Benson PD. Tessa Atkins is a search and rescue handler who lives part time in Benson and part time in Arizona. She has an unsettling past as well. After Tessa is injured in a deadly bombing and due to a past case, River is assigned to help protect her. They both get caught up in some dangerous adventures that involve their families as well. Will River be able to protect Tessa from her assailants?
A marvelous story full of danger and suspense. River Gaines is a man with no identity. His adoptive dad was a canine handler who rescued him from sure death. Having no memory of who he is or where he came from the lad chose to stay with the kind canine handler and his wife who eventually adopted him and now he is following in his dad’s footsteps as a canine handler with the Benson PD. Tessa Atkins is a search and rescue handler who lives part time in Benson and part time in Arizona. She has an unsettling past as well. After Tessa is injured in a deadly bombing and due to a past case, River is assigned to help protect her. They both get caught up in some dangerous adventures that involve their families as well. Will River be able to protect Tessa from her assailants?
May 13, 2023
Detection, which is the story of River Gaines and Tessa Atkins, drew me straight in from the beginning. This non stop, action packed novel has suspense, dogs, danger, romance, and intrigue. There may be a connection involving River's dad, Tessa's mom, and the Russians.
Tessa has a strained relationship with her mom because of an incident that occurred during Tessa's childhood. She also struggled with completely trusting God and fully surrendering to Him.
River, who was adopted after being rescued as a kid, had his own struggles and fears because he didn't know his actual name or who he was that he has to prove to people he's good. Both of them also have decisions to make regarding their future.
Lisa Phillips always crafts a well written, multi-layered story that will keep you reading to the end. She also did an incredible job at the end of this novel.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Tessa has a strained relationship with her mom because of an incident that occurred during Tessa's childhood. She also struggled with completely trusting God and fully surrendering to Him.
River, who was adopted after being rescued as a kid, had his own struggles and fears because he didn't know his actual name or who he was that he has to prove to people he's good. Both of them also have decisions to make regarding their future.
Lisa Phillips always crafts a well written, multi-layered story that will keep you reading to the end. She also did an incredible job at the end of this novel.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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February 14, 2024For some reason this book just didn't captivate my mind enough to finish it. I read to 27% and that's as far as I got.
November 26, 2025
After so long, I am glad that I continued reading this series.
The suspense was pretty good and it kept me hooked the whole way through.
I loved getting to see K-9s and search and rescue dogs and how they work. I was a little nervous if any of the dogs would get hurt or die in this book and I was glad to find out that no dogs died in this book. One of the dogs is injured but it’s nothing too serious so that’s good.
I liked both Tess and River individually and their romance was also pretty good even though it did feel a little rushed but I still enjoyed it.
The suspense was pretty good and it kept me hooked the whole way through.
I loved getting to see K-9s and search and rescue dogs and how they work. I was a little nervous if any of the dogs would get hurt or die in this book and I was glad to find out that no dogs died in this book. One of the dogs is injured but it’s nothing too serious so that’s good.
I liked both Tess and River individually and their romance was also pretty good even though it did feel a little rushed but I still enjoyed it.
June 25, 2023
In the novel Detection, mystery has filled each page with both the past, as well as the present-day life for one family. Tessa Atkins has spent six-months of the year in Arizona and six-months where her parents and sister’s family reside. For reasons best kept to herself and a very small circle of people, she has avoided getting too close to anyone – at least not close enough to get hurt, until recently. Running, over the years, has become a way of life for her as she has sought to stay grounded and focused every single second. Even while living between two different states, she has assisted others in need of having someone, or something found with her search and rescue gigs.
Police Officer, River Gaines followed his dad, through most of his life, by helping others through his career. It has been ingrained into him to give everything he has to help something or someone. His adoptive parents – parents that he gained as a young boy who knew nothing about who he was, where he came from, or how he got to be floating in the ocean – have loved him and supported him through life. In everything, he has been thankful that his “parents” have given him a true calling, and a gift of life, by helping others.
As a reader, I thought that Tessa and River cross paths after the world as she knows it, implodes. Because of this, she has landed in the crosshairs of danger, along with her working dog, Maverick. Truthfully, the past year hasn’t been her best as problems rocked her personal world. Plus, there is the forever continuous battles for control that she has with her mom.
Both of her parents have highly influential jobs where an extremely set of circumstances led to the rearing of the sisters. Yet, due to a situation when she and her sister were very young and were lost, tensions have always been high between Tessa and her mom. After living through a car bombing, kidnapping attempts and then an actual kidnapping, Tessa finally realized that her faith in God, as well as her trust in other people, could enable her to live the life she wants for herself. Finally, to let go of the fear, the past must be addressed to move on.
As an author, Phillips used descriptive details enticingly throughout the book to highlight the necessity of Who Tessa should really rely on. The words clearly point out the most important -- she must accept that God is in control – not her. Not her mother. Not her past mistakes. Tessa must realize that her fears, her problems, and her trust to God should be given first, before seeking forgiveness and extending that same olive branch to her mom.
In the end, answers were given to the questions that have wreaked havoc in their lives for far too long. River and Tessa were finally granted grace to move forward towards hope as they moved towards the future together. As the two of them realized that they would not find true peace without God’s saving grace, they opened their hearts. God’s solid rock anchored them to the truth they cling to become free to give their future and their love a fighting chance – no matter the place they call home.
I was given a copy to read of this book for my honest opinion. In all honesty, Phillips excelled in her craft as shown in the words on the pages of Detection. I experienced a variety of emotions and was thrilled with the outcome of love -- for this couple and the faith they found as it wove them together! Phillips tale provided an exciting and thrilling read that was hard to put down!! I give this book five stars and can’t wait for the next tale the author pens.
Police Officer, River Gaines followed his dad, through most of his life, by helping others through his career. It has been ingrained into him to give everything he has to help something or someone. His adoptive parents – parents that he gained as a young boy who knew nothing about who he was, where he came from, or how he got to be floating in the ocean – have loved him and supported him through life. In everything, he has been thankful that his “parents” have given him a true calling, and a gift of life, by helping others.
As a reader, I thought that Tessa and River cross paths after the world as she knows it, implodes. Because of this, she has landed in the crosshairs of danger, along with her working dog, Maverick. Truthfully, the past year hasn’t been her best as problems rocked her personal world. Plus, there is the forever continuous battles for control that she has with her mom.
Both of her parents have highly influential jobs where an extremely set of circumstances led to the rearing of the sisters. Yet, due to a situation when she and her sister were very young and were lost, tensions have always been high between Tessa and her mom. After living through a car bombing, kidnapping attempts and then an actual kidnapping, Tessa finally realized that her faith in God, as well as her trust in other people, could enable her to live the life she wants for herself. Finally, to let go of the fear, the past must be addressed to move on.
As an author, Phillips used descriptive details enticingly throughout the book to highlight the necessity of Who Tessa should really rely on. The words clearly point out the most important -- she must accept that God is in control – not her. Not her mother. Not her past mistakes. Tessa must realize that her fears, her problems, and her trust to God should be given first, before seeking forgiveness and extending that same olive branch to her mom.
In the end, answers were given to the questions that have wreaked havoc in their lives for far too long. River and Tessa were finally granted grace to move forward towards hope as they moved towards the future together. As the two of them realized that they would not find true peace without God’s saving grace, they opened their hearts. God’s solid rock anchored them to the truth they cling to become free to give their future and their love a fighting chance – no matter the place they call home.
I was given a copy to read of this book for my honest opinion. In all honesty, Phillips excelled in her craft as shown in the words on the pages of Detection. I experienced a variety of emotions and was thrilled with the outcome of love -- for this couple and the faith they found as it wove them together! Phillips tale provided an exciting and thrilling read that was hard to put down!! I give this book five stars and can’t wait for the next tale the author pens.
June 27, 2023
Detection is a well-written Christian romantic suspense by author Lisa Phillips. It is installment #4 in the Benson First Responders series.
Nineteen years ago, Officer Mitchell Gaines and his K-9 Saxon found a young boy upside-down in the water. Even though several couples and a few singles tried to claim him as their own the biological parents had yet to show up. Could Mitchell and his wife become the child’s foster parents?
Now, nineteen years later, Tessa Atkins and her dog Maverick (Mav) are SAR volunteers on a K-9 team. Mav was nearing retirement but Tessa wasn’t ready to let him go.
Would K-9 Officer River Gaines always be known as the little boy with no name, no background, and no story? Could he be someone his adoptive parents are proud of? Would he always have to wonder who his biological parents are?
Tessa and Jasper had a prior relationship, and River didn’t want to be a consolation prize. Would they have a relationship beyond the professional one?
I loved Detection which was a quick read and left me in tears. I want more River and Tessa. I highly recommend Detection to fans of Christian romantic suspense. Author Lisa Phillips is on my author-watch list. I give Detection 5*/5*.
Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, the Libby app, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this per the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
Nineteen years ago, Officer Mitchell Gaines and his K-9 Saxon found a young boy upside-down in the water. Even though several couples and a few singles tried to claim him as their own the biological parents had yet to show up. Could Mitchell and his wife become the child’s foster parents?
Now, nineteen years later, Tessa Atkins and her dog Maverick (Mav) are SAR volunteers on a K-9 team. Mav was nearing retirement but Tessa wasn’t ready to let him go.
Would K-9 Officer River Gaines always be known as the little boy with no name, no background, and no story? Could he be someone his adoptive parents are proud of? Would he always have to wonder who his biological parents are?
Tessa and Jasper had a prior relationship, and River didn’t want to be a consolation prize. Would they have a relationship beyond the professional one?
I loved Detection which was a quick read and left me in tears. I want more River and Tessa. I highly recommend Detection to fans of Christian romantic suspense. Author Lisa Phillips is on my author-watch list. I give Detection 5*/5*.
Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, the Libby app, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this per the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
July 23, 2024
Fairly decent story. I've been following this series because the mysteries are quite good. The lessons in Christian theology are strong without being overly preachy or judgmental. They're relatable. The conflict between the main characters was lower in this one than the others, but not all romances need to be packed with excessive angst and endless misunderstandings. But having to overcome fear seemed to be the main theme in this one.
Struggling with faith and overcoming trauma, understanding why God allowed awful things to happen to you are common themes in Christian fiction because they are so common in real life. Understanding why usually comes in time with Bible study and being in a solid Christian community. Sometimes reading a book like this one can help supplement that discovery. Ultimately, regardless of the why or if you even discover the why, you learn that trusting God and surrendering all to him is not only key but also the most freeing experience you will ever have.
Struggling with faith and overcoming trauma, understanding why God allowed awful things to happen to you are common themes in Christian fiction because they are so common in real life. Understanding why usually comes in time with Bible study and being in a solid Christian community. Sometimes reading a book like this one can help supplement that discovery. Ultimately, regardless of the why or if you even discover the why, you learn that trusting God and surrendering all to him is not only key but also the most freeing experience you will ever have.
October 14, 2023
Strong 4 star rating n the midst of a great series
I have really been enjoying the Benson First Responders series! Lisa Phillips is one of my favorite writers of Christian suspense. By the end of this book I could have left 5 stars because I liked the conclusion, but there was something about the book that was missing for me. I had a hard time getting into the story, and never really connected to the main female character, Tessa. Perhaps she was just too needy, and there seemed to be some inconsistencies in her character development. That being said, I would still recommend the book in the midst of the series and can give a strong rating of 4 stars. I’m excited to start the next book!
I have really been enjoying the Benson First Responders series! Lisa Phillips is one of my favorite writers of Christian suspense. By the end of this book I could have left 5 stars because I liked the conclusion, but there was something about the book that was missing for me. I had a hard time getting into the story, and never really connected to the main female character, Tessa. Perhaps she was just too needy, and there seemed to be some inconsistencies in her character development. That being said, I would still recommend the book in the midst of the series and can give a strong rating of 4 stars. I’m excited to start the next book!
January 6, 2024
Shaped by the past
River was found in a lifeboat as a young child and nothing was known of his past life and he always feared it might be bad. Tessa was traumatised as a child and hated winter, escaping to Arizona during the cold months. Both had close relationships with their dogs, one as a K9 cop the other search and rescue. Throw in kidnappings, Russian Mafia, explosions and murder and you get an exciting read
River was found in a lifeboat as a young child and nothing was known of his past life and he always feared it might be bad. Tessa was traumatised as a child and hated winter, escaping to Arizona during the cold months. Both had close relationships with their dogs, one as a K9 cop the other search and rescue. Throw in kidnappings, Russian Mafia, explosions and murder and you get an exciting read
September 18, 2024
River was pulled out of the ocean and save from drowning at the age of 5. With no memory of who he was, his rescuer, Mitchell and his wife Laurel, adopted him and named him River. Fast forward 20 years. Tessa loves her home town of Benson but after getting lost when she was 7 and spending a night in a frigid cave, she moves to Arizona every winter to avoid the cold. This action packed, fast paced story has wonderful characters who have to find their faith and trust in the Lord to survive.
July 11, 2023
A very good book
Lisa Phillips has become one of my favorite authors. This book was exceptionally well written, although it is a stand a long book, it was so good to see, or read about other characters from other books and see what happened to them. I will continue to look for her books and follow her as her career continues.
Lisa Phillips has become one of my favorite authors. This book was exceptionally well written, although it is a stand a long book, it was so good to see, or read about other characters from other books and see what happened to them. I will continue to look for her books and follow her as her career continues.
July 13, 2023
oh my Tessa and River,
Maverick and Kutter are their police dogs. Maverick and Kutter are brothers. River had a tough background not knowing what happened to his parents and for sure how they died. But let’s get back to Tessa and River. You cannot put the book down. Enjoy.
Maverick and Kutter are their police dogs. Maverick and Kutter are brothers. River had a tough background not knowing what happened to his parents and for sure how they died. But let’s get back to Tessa and River. You cannot put the book down. Enjoy.
July 13, 2023
another amazing winner!
I loved the storyline, the imagination, the reality and mostly though, the characters’ real life struggles and their discovery that God’s got this!!! No matter what your “this” is!
I loved the storyline, the imagination, the reality and mostly though, the characters’ real life struggles and their discovery that God’s got this!!! No matter what your “this” is!
August 1, 2023
Excellent Christian suspense, romance
This book has great suspense with several twists, clean romance, and K9s. The suspense and action pulled me right in and kept the story flowing. I love the way the message of the Lord is sprinkled throughout the story. I love this book.
This book has great suspense with several twists, clean romance, and K9s. The suspense and action pulled me right in and kept the story flowing. I love the way the message of the Lord is sprinkled throughout the story. I love this book.
August 7, 2023
A good story. Was super happy that the faith element was strong. There could have been a bit more romance. The story was only a bit predictable and I felt there was at least one loose end that I wish was tied off.
September 8, 2023
A good search and rescue dog story!
Couldn't put it down. Lots of twists and turns trying to figure out who did what and why.
Why does a Russian mobster want revenge, and why are so many people's lives in danger.
Couldn't put it down. Lots of twists and turns trying to figure out who did what and why.
Why does a Russian mobster want revenge, and why are so many people's lives in danger.
September 24, 2023
A wonderful story!
Once again Lisa Phillips continues to provide her readers adventure, entertaining characters, intriguing storyline, romance, suspense and Christian values. If these are qualities you look for in your reading then you will thoroughly enjoy this book.
Once again Lisa Phillips continues to provide her readers adventure, entertaining characters, intriguing storyline, romance, suspense and Christian values. If these are qualities you look for in your reading then you will thoroughly enjoy this book.
October 12, 2023
A Great Compelling Book!!
Filled with mystery, past mistakes and secrets, romance and nail biting suspense that makes you lose sleep just to finish it. A great series filled with action packed suspense book after book.
Filled with mystery, past mistakes and secrets, romance and nail biting suspense that makes you lose sleep just to finish it. A great series filled with action packed suspense book after book.
March 22, 2025
3.6 stars
This book started out with a pretty good flow, where I thought it would get bogged down, it didn't, kept my interest. But as the book went on, parts that I thought I shouldn't drag and more progress needed to be made, it didn't, over and over. Got very annoying.
This book started out with a pretty good flow, where I thought it would get bogged down, it didn't, kept my interest. But as the book went on, parts that I thought I shouldn't drag and more progress needed to be made, it didn't, over and over. Got very annoying.
September 10, 2025
This was not my favorite in the series. The story jumps around quite a bit and there are too many story lines (back stories) going on without any of them really being fleshed out. I could not connect with either Tessa or River.
September 27, 2025
Detection
A riveting read of love lost and found and wonderful characters. Brilliant storyline. I love reading about all the people also living in Benson, a real family oriented place.
A riveting read of love lost and found and wonderful characters. Brilliant storyline. I love reading about all the people also living in Benson, a real family oriented place.
July 4, 2023
Awesome read. This is a really good series, and I think this one was the best so far
July 6, 2023
Good Read
This book was really, really good until it didn't end. Definitely needs a better conclusion. Looking forward to the next one.
This book was really, really good until it didn't end. Definitely needs a better conclusion. Looking forward to the next one.
July 8, 2023
God is with us always
Awesome, inspiring and heartfelt story reminding us that God is in control at all times in our lives and that we need to let go.
Awesome, inspiring and heartfelt story reminding us that God is in control at all times in our lives and that we need to let go.
July 11, 2023
Keeps getting better!
With each book, I get more invested in the characters, their flaws and how God uses it all for good. Can’t wait to read the next book…
With each book, I get more invested in the characters, their flaws and how God uses it all for good. Can’t wait to read the next book…
July 18, 2023
I really enjoyed this book.
I really enjoyed this book. There was suspense, action and romance. It had some interesting twists also. I always like Lisa Phillips's books.
I really enjoyed this book. There was suspense, action and romance. It had some interesting twists also. I always like Lisa Phillips's books.
July 21, 2023
Fast moving
Loved the characters and the fast pace - no slowing down with the storyline.
Lots of distractions that keeps you guessing at who is the real bad guy.
Loved the characters and the fast pace - no slowing down with the storyline.
Lots of distractions that keeps you guessing at who is the real bad guy.
July 27, 2023
Wow!
Not only do the Benson First Responders adventures get better with each book, but so does the message of God's grace and redemption. Can't wait for Book 5!
Not only do the Benson First Responders adventures get better with each book, but so does the message of God's grace and redemption. Can't wait for Book 5!
August 9, 2023
I enjoyed reading this book so much! I look forward to reading the next book in this series.
August 18, 2023
great Book
I enjoyed reading this book. I will be looking for more books by this author. Can’t wait to find the next book.
I enjoyed reading this book. I will be looking for more books by this author. Can’t wait to find the next book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews