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Texas Crime Scene Cleaners #1
Crime Scene Conspiracy: A Thrilling Romantic Suspense Book
Too many mysterious deaths.
Not enough clues.
A string of staged deaths forces Texas Ranger Emily O’Connell on a covert mission to investigate a governor’s connection to the deceased women. She doesn’t trust anyone—including crime scene cleaner Stone Spencer. But when Emily’s questioning makes her the serial killer’s next target, she must turn to ex-ranger Stone for help. With threats at every turn, outrunning a merciless villain could be the last thing they do.
From Love Inspired Courage. Danger. Faith.
Texas Crime Scene Cleaners
Book 1: Crime Scene Conspiracy
Not enough clues.
A string of staged deaths forces Texas Ranger Emily O’Connell on a covert mission to investigate a governor’s connection to the deceased women. She doesn’t trust anyone—including crime scene cleaner Stone Spencer. But when Emily’s questioning makes her the serial killer’s next target, she must turn to ex-ranger Stone for help. With threats at every turn, outrunning a merciless villain could be the last thing they do.
From Love Inspired Courage. Danger. Faith.
Texas Crime Scene Cleaners
Book 1: Crime Scene Conspiracy
224 pages, Mass Market Paperback
Published October 24, 2023
20 people are currently reading
220 people want to read
About the author
Jessica R. Patch
116 books1,128 followersJessica R. Patch is a New York Times and Publishers Weekly bestselling author of more than thirty novels. Known for her pulse-pounding plots, emotionally charged characters, and signature twists, Jessica's stories explore themes of justice, resilience, and the unshakable power of hope.
Whether weaving inspirational stories of danger edged with romance or crafting chilling thrillers that probe the shadows of the human heart, Jessica delivers fiction that thrills while shining light in the darkest places.
She makes her home in Northwest Mississippi, where she enjoys life with her family, a good cup of tea, and dreaming up her next edge-of-your-seat story usually over tacos and queso.
Sign up for her newsletter "Patched In" at www.jessicarpatch.com. Jessica is represented by Rachel Kent of Books & Such Literary Management.
Whether weaving inspirational stories of danger edged with romance or crafting chilling thrillers that probe the shadows of the human heart, Jessica delivers fiction that thrills while shining light in the darkest places.
She makes her home in Northwest Mississippi, where she enjoys life with her family, a good cup of tea, and dreaming up her next edge-of-your-seat story usually over tacos and queso.
Sign up for her newsletter "Patched In" at www.jessicarpatch.com. Jessica is represented by Rachel Kent of Books & Such Literary Management.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 124 reviews
October 31, 2023
4.5 stars
Car bombs. Ransacked apartments. Gunshots. Dead bodies. Kisses. Christmas parties. You know… just a typical day in the life of a Love Inspired Suspense couple haha! In Crime Scene Conspiracy, Jessica R. Patch draws readers immediately into a case already in motion and keeps us riveted to the pages until the very end.
I loved that Emily is a Texas Ranger, working a case ‘under the table’ so to speak – murders staged as suicides or accidents with the philandering governor as her prime suspect. She isn’t sure who she can trust or who might be in the perpetrator’s back pocket, though it’s clear someone is. She’s also having some serious trust issues in her personal life, thanks to a ‘rug pulled out from under her’ revelation. But, despite that, she has sharp instincts and a determined will, and she is an unstoppable force in this investigation. Her character felt like one I would want to hang out with in real life, and I enjoyed getting to know her on these pages.
Needless to say, however, although she respects former-colleague-turned-crime-scene-cleaner Stone Spencer and although he may have a personal stake in this investigation, Emily is determined not to let him in. Stone is just as determined, though, and I loved his steady strength that he shows to Emily as well as his family. His interactions with his brothers – and his brothers’ interactions with each other – made me smile a lot. Patch has a great writing voice when it comes to brotherly banter, and a certain impromptu wrestling match is so ‘classic’ that it played easily on the movie screen in my mind and left me laughing. The author also sets up the rest of the series by keeping readers intrigued by what we don’t know about Stone’s brothers and their sister – and eagerly waiting for those upcoming answers.
Bottom Line: When you have a family of crime scene cleaners with past connections to law enforcement, you know their stories will all be riveting must-reads! Crime Scene Conspiracy kicks off Jessica R. Patch’s new romantic suspense series with a bang – quite literally – and gets us solidly invested in the Spencer family as characters. Emily O’Connell fits right in (much to Stone’s delight), and she and Stone are a formidable team up against a formidable opponent. Watching them work through their issues and fall in love – all while trying to stay alive – was truly a reading pleasure. The suspense is breath-stealing, with threats around every corner, and there’s a few surprising twists along the way just to really keep you on your toes! Another fantastic story from Jessica R. Patch!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower
Car bombs. Ransacked apartments. Gunshots. Dead bodies. Kisses. Christmas parties. You know… just a typical day in the life of a Love Inspired Suspense couple haha! In Crime Scene Conspiracy, Jessica R. Patch draws readers immediately into a case already in motion and keeps us riveted to the pages until the very end.
I loved that Emily is a Texas Ranger, working a case ‘under the table’ so to speak – murders staged as suicides or accidents with the philandering governor as her prime suspect. She isn’t sure who she can trust or who might be in the perpetrator’s back pocket, though it’s clear someone is. She’s also having some serious trust issues in her personal life, thanks to a ‘rug pulled out from under her’ revelation. But, despite that, she has sharp instincts and a determined will, and she is an unstoppable force in this investigation. Her character felt like one I would want to hang out with in real life, and I enjoyed getting to know her on these pages.
Needless to say, however, although she respects former-colleague-turned-crime-scene-cleaner Stone Spencer and although he may have a personal stake in this investigation, Emily is determined not to let him in. Stone is just as determined, though, and I loved his steady strength that he shows to Emily as well as his family. His interactions with his brothers – and his brothers’ interactions with each other – made me smile a lot. Patch has a great writing voice when it comes to brotherly banter, and a certain impromptu wrestling match is so ‘classic’ that it played easily on the movie screen in my mind and left me laughing. The author also sets up the rest of the series by keeping readers intrigued by what we don’t know about Stone’s brothers and their sister – and eagerly waiting for those upcoming answers.
Bottom Line: When you have a family of crime scene cleaners with past connections to law enforcement, you know their stories will all be riveting must-reads! Crime Scene Conspiracy kicks off Jessica R. Patch’s new romantic suspense series with a bang – quite literally – and gets us solidly invested in the Spencer family as characters. Emily O’Connell fits right in (much to Stone’s delight), and she and Stone are a formidable team up against a formidable opponent. Watching them work through their issues and fall in love – all while trying to stay alive – was truly a reading pleasure. The suspense is breath-stealing, with threats around every corner, and there’s a few surprising twists along the way just to really keep you on your toes! Another fantastic story from Jessica R. Patch!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower
October 23, 2023
Really enjoyed story and characters.
October 24, 2023
Crime Scene Conspiracy is a fantastic new 1st book in a miniseries by Jessica R Patch. And again she did not disappoint.
I love how Stone and Emily tried to work together and at the same time Emily is fighting trust issues with everyone. And with good reason. All the while working with Stone and his brothers to find a serial killer. The ending blew my mind. I wasn't expecting that at all.
I can't wait for the next book in this series.
I received this ARC free from the author(s), and I'm leaving this review voluntarily.
I love how Stone and Emily tried to work together and at the same time Emily is fighting trust issues with everyone. And with good reason. All the while working with Stone and his brothers to find a serial killer. The ending blew my mind. I wasn't expecting that at all.
I can't wait for the next book in this series.
I received this ARC free from the author(s), and I'm leaving this review voluntarily.
August 28, 2023
Crime Scene Conspiracy ( Crime Scene Cleaners #1 )
Jessica Patch
Wow, what a start to a brand new series, Crime Scene Cleaners book one. This is Stone and Emily’s story. I love these two main characters. Emily and Stone both have issues that is hard to move on from. They both working together to find a serial killer who is killing women. Can they find the killer before it is to late? This is a good suspense that will have you reading way in the night to get to the end and find answers. I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Jessica Patch
Wow, what a start to a brand new series, Crime Scene Cleaners book one. This is Stone and Emily’s story. I love these two main characters. Emily and Stone both have issues that is hard to move on from. They both working together to find a serial killer who is killing women. Can they find the killer before it is to late? This is a good suspense that will have you reading way in the night to get to the end and find answers. I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
October 24, 2023
Crime Scene Conspiracy is the first book in a new series by Jessica R. Patch. And boy, howdy, did she start off with a bang! She crammed so much action in the book that it totally wore me out!! But, y'all, in a good way. The ending was mind-blowing. I had no idea who the bad guy was. I really enjoyed this Love Inspired book.
*I was given a copy of the book by the author and this is my honest opinion.
*I was given a copy of the book by the author and this is my honest opinion.
November 5, 2023
Crime Scene Conspiracy is the perfect blend of suspense and romance. Stone Spencer is a former Texas Ranger who started a crime scene cleaning business with his brothers. Emily O'Connell is a Texas Ranger on a covert mission. She suspects that a string of deaths, including Stone's sister, might be the work of a murderer but made to look like accidents/suicide. Stone joins the investigation, but someone wants to silence them both.
This book is one of my new favorites! It has suspense with every flip of the page, but Emily gets introduced to the Spencer family. She'd initially blown off Stone's advances, but spending time at his ranch thaws her heart towards him. I love Stones' brothers - Rhode and Bridge. I am so excited that this will be a series. I assume the brothers will have their own stories and the author has set them up nicely. I can't wait for more.
This story will intrigue suspense fans with plot twists and heart-warming characters. This is high up on my Must Read list!
I received an ebook review copy of this book through NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
This book is one of my new favorites! It has suspense with every flip of the page, but Emily gets introduced to the Spencer family. She'd initially blown off Stone's advances, but spending time at his ranch thaws her heart towards him. I love Stones' brothers - Rhode and Bridge. I am so excited that this will be a series. I assume the brothers will have their own stories and the author has set them up nicely. I can't wait for more.
This story will intrigue suspense fans with plot twists and heart-warming characters. This is high up on my Must Read list!
I received an ebook review copy of this book through NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
October 24, 2023
Texas Ranger Emily O’Connell is investigating a string of mysterious deaths that on the surface seem to be suicides, but she is convinced that they are murders. Enlisting the help of crime scene cleaner Stone Spencer, Emily is doggedly determined to follow the clues and capture a serial killer, even if he happens to be the governor of Texas. Having read other books by this author, I knew to expect the unexpected, but I was totally caught by surprise with several of the twists and the big surprise reveal near the end. There are plenty of red herrings and fake trails, but what I liked the most was the interaction between the characters. It was all so realistic, especially their distrust of each other in spite of the threats all around them. I enjoyed getting to know the Stone brothers and their sister, but I really enjoyed the character of their mom Marisol. She was loving, kind and gentle even in the face of tragedy and suffering. Stone was the perfect hero, ready to put himself at risk for his entire family bur also willing to step back when Emily was not trusting him. The story is fast-paced and careens from one dangerous scenario to the next until I reached the very satisfying and surprising conclusion. I thoroughly enjoyed my visit on the Stone ranch and look forward to more since this is the first book in a suspense-filled and dramatic new series. This is my kind of book, with non-stop action and a totally clean read!
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection:I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author as part of her advance review team. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16th CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection:I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author as part of her advance review team. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16th CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”
October 22, 2023
Author Jessica Patch has introduced us to a new series with Crime Scene Conspiracy and I am here for it!
Texas Ranger Emily O’Connell is on a mission, the likes of which only she and her supervisor are privy to. Could the governor be behind the deaths of multiple women?
Crime scene cleaner Stone Spencer (a former Texas Ranger) can tell something is up when Emily arrives - incognito - to the scene he’s been dispatched to clean. He already has some questions of his own based on the scene and what he was told about the death.
Emily can’t do this on her own, though, and finds herself working with Stone, despite her massive trust issues. She’s built a wall around her heart so tall and wide that Stone, who likes Emily, fears he will never break through. How can he get her to trust him? To trust IN him? The Lord has His work cut out for Him with these two!
I cannot wait for the next book in this new series. This one was a fantastic intro!
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but my opinion is entirely my own.
Texas Ranger Emily O’Connell is on a mission, the likes of which only she and her supervisor are privy to. Could the governor be behind the deaths of multiple women?
Crime scene cleaner Stone Spencer (a former Texas Ranger) can tell something is up when Emily arrives - incognito - to the scene he’s been dispatched to clean. He already has some questions of his own based on the scene and what he was told about the death.
Emily can’t do this on her own, though, and finds herself working with Stone, despite her massive trust issues. She’s built a wall around her heart so tall and wide that Stone, who likes Emily, fears he will never break through. How can he get her to trust him? To trust IN him? The Lord has His work cut out for Him with these two!
I cannot wait for the next book in this new series. This one was a fantastic intro!
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but my opinion is entirely my own.
October 24, 2023
Crime Scene Conspiracy is written by Jessica R. Patch. This is the first book in the Texas Crime Scene series. This is Stone and Emily’s story. Stone left the Texas Ranger and started a crime scene clean up business with his brothers. Emily works for a special unit within the Texas Rangers who investigate high profile and elite.
Emily has been tasked with checking out mysterious deaths that have been ruled accident or suicides. The women have all been connected to the governor. When she arrives on scene of the latest death she knows that Stone senses something is up. However Emily trusts no one.
Soon it becomes clear that Emily is on to something when she becomes a target. Stone wants to protect her even if it means putting himself in the line of fire.
In true Patch fashion this book starts out with a lot of action and suspense. The author keeps you guessing right until the end. I can’t wait to read the next book.
Thank you to the author for allowing me to read a copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.
Emily has been tasked with checking out mysterious deaths that have been ruled accident or suicides. The women have all been connected to the governor. When she arrives on scene of the latest death she knows that Stone senses something is up. However Emily trusts no one.
Soon it becomes clear that Emily is on to something when she becomes a target. Stone wants to protect her even if it means putting himself in the line of fire.
In true Patch fashion this book starts out with a lot of action and suspense. The author keeps you guessing right until the end. I can’t wait to read the next book.
Thank you to the author for allowing me to read a copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.
August 20, 2023
4.5 stars! What a great book. I love a good conspiracy theory and this provided all that and more! I received an ARC and this is my honest review of it in exchange for the book.
Emily wants to prove that someone is killing women and they aren’t suicides. Stone and his family come in and help clean up after murders or suicides. They are former colleagues and run into each other at another apparent suicide. Emily and Stone begin to work together to solve this conspiracy. Who does it all lead to?
I love how Emily learns to keep putting her trust in God.
There were a lot of characters to keep track of which is why I gave it 4.5 stars instead of 5.
I look forward to the future books in the series!
Emily wants to prove that someone is killing women and they aren’t suicides. Stone and his family come in and help clean up after murders or suicides. They are former colleagues and run into each other at another apparent suicide. Emily and Stone begin to work together to solve this conspiracy. Who does it all lead to?
I love how Emily learns to keep putting her trust in God.
There were a lot of characters to keep track of which is why I gave it 4.5 stars instead of 5.
I look forward to the future books in the series!
February 12, 2025
Crime Scene Conspiracy kept the twists and turns coming throughout the entire story! It definitely had me guessing and thinking I was on to the villain a few different times in the book only to find out new information that made me second guess all I knew.
I found the various connections between the brothers and their family friends a bit confusing, but also a bit fascinating, as well. It was hard to tell who to trust and it definitely became clear that some kind of conspiracy or cover up was going on.
I wasn’t super invested in the relationship between Stone and Emily, as it seemed to move a bit fast for me. I could understand Emily’s lack of trust based on her recent family betrayal, but also as it seemed that Stone’s brothers were friends with some of the suspects. I do think she probably could have trusted Stone earlier than she did, though.
This plot definitely had lots of twists and turns, so if you like reading a story where you probably won’t figure out who is behind the mayhem, this would be a good choice.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
I found the various connections between the brothers and their family friends a bit confusing, but also a bit fascinating, as well. It was hard to tell who to trust and it definitely became clear that some kind of conspiracy or cover up was going on.
I wasn’t super invested in the relationship between Stone and Emily, as it seemed to move a bit fast for me. I could understand Emily’s lack of trust based on her recent family betrayal, but also as it seemed that Stone’s brothers were friends with some of the suspects. I do think she probably could have trusted Stone earlier than she did, though.
This plot definitely had lots of twists and turns, so if you like reading a story where you probably won’t figure out who is behind the mayhem, this would be a good choice.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
October 15, 2024
The only novels I've read by the author are part of the FBI Strange Crimes Unit. I'd classify those as thriller and more edgy. I enjoyed those more, but this novel was good as well.
Crime Scene Conspiracy is an engaging romantic suspense novel. It has a good cast of characters that sets up the rest of the series with a number of possible feature characters. I didn't figure out who the villain was and it was a twisted path to get there and completely plausible.
The only aspects that I didn't love as much...the two main characters were fortunate to survive the number of attacks they experienced. It stretched reality a bit. And the geography...I was a little lost on where some of the events happened. Cities mentioned were Cedar Springs (about two hours north of Austin) and Austin.
I look forward to seeing who will be featured in the next novel in the series.
Crime Scene Conspiracy is an engaging romantic suspense novel. It has a good cast of characters that sets up the rest of the series with a number of possible feature characters. I didn't figure out who the villain was and it was a twisted path to get there and completely plausible.
The only aspects that I didn't love as much...the two main characters were fortunate to survive the number of attacks they experienced. It stretched reality a bit. And the geography...I was a little lost on where some of the events happened. Cities mentioned were Cedar Springs (about two hours north of Austin) and Austin.
I look forward to seeing who will be featured in the next novel in the series.
October 4, 2025
Such a great read with a perfect blend of suspense and romance. Stone, a former Texas Ranger who started a crime scene cleaning business with his brothers, gets pulled into a case Emily, a Texas Ranger, is investigating. The case Emily is investigating involves the women's deaths staged as accidental or suicidal deaths but aren't.
This suspense story is action-packed with danger and multiple attacks on Stone and Emily as well as secrets. Emily has trust issues and family baggage. Crime Scene Conspiracy kept me guessing until the end.
This suspense story is action-packed with danger and multiple attacks on Stone and Emily as well as secrets. Emily has trust issues and family baggage. Crime Scene Conspiracy kept me guessing until the end.
February 16, 2025
A fast-paced mystery that involves Texas Ranger Emily O'Connell and Stone Spencer, crime scene cleaners. Because of Emily's job, she learns that the elite are not as innocent as they want others to believe. While Emily's eyes were set on the mayor, she and Stone must figure out the truth before they are the next victims.
September 11, 2023
A story that captured my attention from the beginning until the end!
A lot of twists and turns that I didn't see coming too. Just wow!
I finished this in one evening because it was so good!
I loved the protagonist Emily. She was good in what she did. She continued to amaze me throughout this story with her bravery and determination.
And add a little romance and a bunch of secrets.thrown into this story what's not to love?!
My favorite thing was how the author wrote these characters so life like. Even with all of their flaws and misgivings. No one is perfect.
I love stories like these because they remind me of puzzles that need to be put together in order to solve a picture or in this case a crime. I love puzzles and this is a different kind of puzzle that was very intriguing.
Patch kept me glued to my seat until the very end.
This author is awesome in this genre.
Her writing is wonderful and realistic.
Better than any TV crime show!
5 stars for this wonderful hair raising roller coaster ride. I highly recommend it!
My thanks for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
A lot of twists and turns that I didn't see coming too. Just wow!
I finished this in one evening because it was so good!
I loved the protagonist Emily. She was good in what she did. She continued to amaze me throughout this story with her bravery and determination.
And add a little romance and a bunch of secrets.thrown into this story what's not to love?!
My favorite thing was how the author wrote these characters so life like. Even with all of their flaws and misgivings. No one is perfect.
I love stories like these because they remind me of puzzles that need to be put together in order to solve a picture or in this case a crime. I love puzzles and this is a different kind of puzzle that was very intriguing.
Patch kept me glued to my seat until the very end.
This author is awesome in this genre.
Her writing is wonderful and realistic.
Better than any TV crime show!
5 stars for this wonderful hair raising roller coaster ride. I highly recommend it!
My thanks for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
December 7, 2024
Crime Scene Conspiracy is a fast-moving, action-packed beginning to the Texas Crime Scene Cleaners series. The well-structured plot kept me immersed in the story and guessing at the outcome as the list of suspects grew! I can usually figure out the whodunit pretty quickly, but not with this one! The diverse cast of realistic characters, headlined by a heroine with deeply seated trust issues and a hero with his own personal struggles, drew me into their lives and the action immediately. I appreciate the gentle faith thread woven throughout the story. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and highly recommend it as a must read for inspirational romantic suspense fans! I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher with no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher with no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
October 12, 2023
Always, always read an authors comments! I finished this book thinking like many, man Emily come on. And I read the authors note..... and I knew, I understood. Love that Emily is a Texas Ranger. Enjoyed the twists and turns and thought this must be what it feels like for the police, going down the rabbit hole when investigating. I so want to find out about the rest of Stone's family. Hopefully they each will have their own book and we need to hear more on Emily's family now that we all know about the reason behind the lack of trust, Sorry no spoilers. I will be looking for more books by Jessica Patch as that twist, well I did not see that coming. Thank you for the arc! I freely volunteer my thoughts and opinions, #CrimeSceneConspiracy #TexasCrimeSceneCleaners #JessicaRPatch #Harlequin #LoveInspiredSuspense #NetGalley
October 20, 2023
Mysterious deaths are occurring with seemingly no connection, and yet Texas Ranger Emily O’Connell is willing to place her reputation on the line, maintaining there is something or someone that ties these together. When she becomes a target, the local police and retired Texas Ranger Stone Spencer begin to see her side of the situation.
This book is unputdownable - you will read until you reach the most unexpected ending!! Shots fired, almost drowning, concussions, threats and more are sure to keep you trying to figure it out. Will Emily finally learn to trust someone and especially God?
An early copy was received through Love Inspired Suspense and BookFunnel. These impressions are my own and were in no way solicited.
This book is unputdownable - you will read until you reach the most unexpected ending!! Shots fired, almost drowning, concussions, threats and more are sure to keep you trying to figure it out. Will Emily finally learn to trust someone and especially God?
An early copy was received through Love Inspired Suspense and BookFunnel. These impressions are my own and were in no way solicited.
October 31, 2023
This was a fast-paced crime novel full of action with a plot that kept me guessing until the very end. I was a bit surprised at the high (and I mean HIGH) body count in the book, and the constant near-misses Emily and Stone endure pushed the boundaries of believability. While this book could've benefited from another sweep of the editor's brush, I appreciated the varied cast of characters and the tight-knit family group the Spencers portrayed. For me, Crime Scene Conspiracy didn't knock it out of the park, but this book is receiving some great reviews on Amazon and Goodreads, showing it's hitting the mark with many other readers.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book to review. All opinions are my own.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book to review. All opinions are my own.
August 23, 2023
I was given an ARC in exchange for my honest review. This book has it all, intrigue, well crafted plot, likable/ related characters & faith without being ‘preachy.’ I was sad to see this book end, but look forward to more in the future. The depth of the characters complete with struggles, triumphs, relational issues… made them seem like real people. The suspenseful parts were not overdone, but sprinkled well throughout.
February 28, 2024
4.5 stars~
As always, Jessica R. Patch packs a powerful wallop in her LIS novels . . . plenty of page-turning danger, mysterious deaths, creepy stalkers—a modicum of Christmas feels, a smidgen of romance, and a great deal of family rapport and witty, humorous banter! Would that I could keep up with all of Patch's amazing series, but I just do my best. So many books . . . so little time. (sigh) So ready to read Book 2 in this new series, Cold Case Target!
As always, Jessica R. Patch packs a powerful wallop in her LIS novels . . . plenty of page-turning danger, mysterious deaths, creepy stalkers—a modicum of Christmas feels, a smidgen of romance, and a great deal of family rapport and witty, humorous banter! Would that I could keep up with all of Patch's amazing series, but I just do my best. So many books . . . so little time. (sigh) So ready to read Book 2 in this new series, Cold Case Target!
August 13, 2023
What an ending! Very unpredictable! A true whodunnit!
A story of betrayal and learning to trust again. A reminder of God using even our most difficult circumstances to bring about good. Jessica R Patch is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. I was blessed to receive an advanced copy. But, her books are worth every penny!
A story of betrayal and learning to trust again. A reminder of God using even our most difficult circumstances to bring about good. Jessica R Patch is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. I was blessed to receive an advanced copy. But, her books are worth every penny!
August 24, 2023
I couldn’t put this one down! Patch did it again! It was an easy to read suspense but it also had me so intrigued and curious to figure out who had done it. Jessica Patch can masterfully weave redemption stories into her books even amidst the gruesomeness of murder. You can’t go wrong with a Patch book!!
August 28, 2023
Wow! Another page turner, can’t put down! Texas Ranger Emily O’Connell, does not trust anyone because of her family. She has to learn to trust Stone Spencer when she is a serial killer’s next target! Turns out it wasn’t the person I thought it was. Comes out in November.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy, but I wasn't required to leave a positive review.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy, but I wasn't required to leave a positive review.
August 20, 2023
Crime Scene Conspiracy,She did it again! Grabs you from start, so many twists and turns and surprises.I truly did not see the ending as it did, great job Jessica!!! I received copy of this book for honest review.
August 10, 2023
Another intense story from the Queen of Creepy! Looks like this will be a series, which makes my heart happy.
Full review to come.
Full review to come.
August 15, 2023
Grat read couldn't put this down great characters that you fall in love with another great thriller from Jessica r patch
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 24, 2023
I received a copy of this book...
Full of action and plot twists...
Great Story and characters.
Looking forward to reading more books by this author.....
Full of action and plot twists...
Great Story and characters.
Looking forward to reading more books by this author.....
February 23, 2024
Ummm….definitely clear your calendar, turn your phone off and lock yourself away from your real world, ’cause once you enter this fictional one there’s no turning back. Riveting. Compelling. Absorbing. Intriguing…and all the ‘ings’ you can think of.
I compulsively listened to ‘Crime Scene Conspiracy’ in a day and, since I have a rule that I can only listen to audio books when I’m moving, I’m sooo sore and tired! Oy, but I couldn’t hit the pause button on this one and I’m not sorry. Except that it’s all over now but — hooray — this is the first in the Texas Crime Scene series so there are more books in store and I think we’ve gotten a hint as to which Spencer sibling will be up next in the starring role. (At least, I hope so!)
Love the way the author has set the stage for the whole series. A crime scene cleaning company is such an interesting angle and the Spencer family is full of captivating characters who all seem to have unique back stories that need exploring. Eeeeep! I can’t wait!!!
This time ’round it’s older brother Stone who ends up in the thick of things, helping Texas Ranger Emily O’Connell on a covert mission. They’ve worked together before (he’s ex-Texas Ranger) and he’s even asked her out a time or two (she declined…crazy girl!) so it was fun to see them up close and personal once again. Awkward meet-cute leads to so much more. Great banter along with some sniping (Emily has major trust issues) paired with some lovely ‘getting to know you’ moments. And a beautiful faith thread about trust and how trusting God can open your heart to trusting others. It’s a lesson Emily has to learn the hard way.
The complex suspense kept me on the edge of my seat trying to suss out the killer right along with Emily and Stone. Nice pacing between the high point action scenes and the investigative ones until — ack! — the nail-biting conclusion. A thrill of a read all the way through.
I didn’t realize going in that this was a Christmas story. The details are light enough not to feel too seasonal if you’re reading the book any other time of the year but, if you’re looking for a Christmas read, this one definitely fits the bill with some lovely festive traditions. So — an ideal romantic suspense for any time of the year!
https://kavsbestreads.ca/2024/02/23/c...
I compulsively listened to ‘Crime Scene Conspiracy’ in a day and, since I have a rule that I can only listen to audio books when I’m moving, I’m sooo sore and tired! Oy, but I couldn’t hit the pause button on this one and I’m not sorry. Except that it’s all over now but — hooray — this is the first in the Texas Crime Scene series so there are more books in store and I think we’ve gotten a hint as to which Spencer sibling will be up next in the starring role. (At least, I hope so!)
Love the way the author has set the stage for the whole series. A crime scene cleaning company is such an interesting angle and the Spencer family is full of captivating characters who all seem to have unique back stories that need exploring. Eeeeep! I can’t wait!!!
This time ’round it’s older brother Stone who ends up in the thick of things, helping Texas Ranger Emily O’Connell on a covert mission. They’ve worked together before (he’s ex-Texas Ranger) and he’s even asked her out a time or two (she declined…crazy girl!) so it was fun to see them up close and personal once again. Awkward meet-cute leads to so much more. Great banter along with some sniping (Emily has major trust issues) paired with some lovely ‘getting to know you’ moments. And a beautiful faith thread about trust and how trusting God can open your heart to trusting others. It’s a lesson Emily has to learn the hard way.
The complex suspense kept me on the edge of my seat trying to suss out the killer right along with Emily and Stone. Nice pacing between the high point action scenes and the investigative ones until — ack! — the nail-biting conclusion. A thrill of a read all the way through.
I didn’t realize going in that this was a Christmas story. The details are light enough not to feel too seasonal if you’re reading the book any other time of the year but, if you’re looking for a Christmas read, this one definitely fits the bill with some lovely festive traditions. So — an ideal romantic suspense for any time of the year!
https://kavsbestreads.ca/2024/02/23/c...
June 17, 2024
I liked the story but was unimpressed by the writing. I can see how some readers might enjoy the book, but I would not recommend it to anyone who is looking for believable details or rich, vivid writing.
What I liked - The plot was clever with a large field of suspects.
What I didn't like - Emily struck me as incompetent. Not just because of her trust issues (which were explained by her back story), but by her complete lack of self-preservation skills. It is hard for me to imagine anyone, let alone a top-tier law enforcement officer, who would walk into a creepy dark parking lot without being on alert--even without having a proven, capable assassin after them. A Texas Ranger should know the classic wisdom of "if your gun is not on your person, your gun becomes our gun."
The villain, too, seemed ludicrously incompetent. I know it happens sometimes in the movies, but really, what dunce would install a car bomb that would warn the victim with a click, and explode through the engine compartment rather than through the passenger compartment? Surely there is a more believable way to allow the protagonist to survive to the next chapter.
The writing is awkward at times, with some really strange word choices. Sometimes I had to reread a sentence a few times before realizing, "oh, the author probably intended to use a different word here." Dialogue often seemed unnatural, and the characters lacked individual voices.
What I liked - The plot was clever with a large field of suspects.
What I didn't like - Emily struck me as incompetent. Not just because of her trust issues (which were explained by her back story), but by her complete lack of self-preservation skills. It is hard for me to imagine anyone, let alone a top-tier law enforcement officer, who would walk into a creepy dark parking lot without being on alert--even without having a proven, capable assassin after them. A Texas Ranger should know the classic wisdom of "if your gun is not on your person, your gun becomes our gun."
The villain, too, seemed ludicrously incompetent. I know it happens sometimes in the movies, but really, what dunce would install a car bomb that would warn the victim with a click, and explode through the engine compartment rather than through the passenger compartment? Surely there is a more believable way to allow the protagonist to survive to the next chapter.
The writing is awkward at times, with some really strange word choices. Sometimes I had to reread a sentence a few times before realizing, "oh, the author probably intended to use a different word here." Dialogue often seemed unnatural, and the characters lacked individual voices.
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