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Buried secrets.

A town under siege.


Someone has Malvern County in a choke hold. Sheriff’s Deputy Ellie Maxwell knows something is wrong in her town. When her boss tells her to drop the case, she reaches out to the only resident who can help her.

Drew Turner is a private investigator with more secrets than the town. But he’s the only one Ellie can trust. The only one who can find out the truth.

Ellie and Drew have to figure out what’s going on before the fallout destroys an entire town, and loneliness ends both of them.

This novel features characters from the Northwest Counter-Terrorism Taskforce, but isn't part of the series.
*a Christian romantic suspense*

Kindle Edition

First published June 24, 2019

217 people are currently reading
136 people want to read

About the author

Lisa Phillips

167 books872 followers
Lisa 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.

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Community Reviews

5 stars
281 (66%)
4 stars
95 (22%)
3 stars
31 (7%)
2 stars
11 (2%)
1 star
2 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
Profile Image for Kim .
1,156 reviews20 followers
July 13, 2019
I liked this suspense/romance story. Ellie is a deputy sheriff, following in her father's footsteps - he used to be the sheriff. She doesn't like how families are being pushed out of her town, but she can't get the sheriff to believe her. She'll have to investigate on her own - well, maybe not! Drew is now living in his adoptive parents' cottage and he is a private detective and more. He isn't interested in helping her at first, not until someone tries to kill one of them, and they aren't really sure which one. Of course, being so close in this investigation ignites feelings between them.

It's quite the convoluted suspense plot and there are several times that our hero and heroine are "under the gun" literally. I had no idea whodunit until the very end.

This is a clean read.
Profile Image for Jan L.
1,002 reviews21 followers
June 26, 2019
Tension builds from the beginning and as I began to know the characters I was immersed in the story of greed and fear. The plot is pure imagination but isn't that what makes a good suspense story? There's plenty of action and romance for two broken souls in the process of being healed by God's love. This hometown is not the cozy place to run to for shelter and comfort! You will enjoy spending time reading about all that is going on as Drew and Ellie seek justice alongside the Northwest Counter-Terrorism Task Force.
1,043 reviews11 followers
July 5, 2019
A mystery to me

This book was a sequel to the series by Lisa Phillips. I read the first one of the series and thought it was good. This one is a stand alone so I read it out of line because it is shorter than the others. Since it was short, the characters, Drew & Ellie, have to do a tremendous amount of introspection while they are dodging bullets and chasing criminals. I found that very distracting and a definite challenge to keep reading. For this reason I gave it only three stars.
55 reviews1 follower
July 5, 2019
Healing by God’s Grace

A well written suspenseful book! Main characters, Ellie and Drew, both struggle with the aftereffects of intense personal hurt as the story opens. Although caused differently, the result of emotional pain can only be healed by God’s grace through faith, as the tale portrays.
24 reviews
July 12, 2025
A Good Story Line, but Written for People Needing Satisfactions

Interesting characters. Too many corrupt citizens. The religious message rings as if it was added to please the audience. The development of the love angle is well paced. There is a cynical angle that says people are either corruptible or followers.
18 reviews
September 24, 2025
Always moving.

This book had me so engrossed I couldn't put it down. So many twists and turns. Loved the characters and the story line. I could see all the places mentioned in my mind's eye. Now I have to go to the next book in the series. Enjoy it for yourself 'cuz I don't tell secrets!
288 reviews1 follower
July 3, 2019
Clean romantic suspense story

I enjoyed reading this story about the struggle between good and evil, while learning to trust in the Lord. Throw in romance and clean language makes a very good read..
666 reviews3 followers
July 31, 2019
WOW!!!!!!!!

This was a really, rest good book. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. It had a lot of intrigue in it. It's amazing what people will do for most and they honestly tho k they will get away with it.
Profile Image for Sheila Holmes.
Author 27 books59 followers
April 1, 2020
4.5 stars.

This novel was both suspenseful and uplifting. I really appreciated how the author wove an intricate plot, never compromising christian values.

I plan to read more by this author, and recommend this novel to anyone who loves the suspense genre.
Profile Image for Mark.
2,493 reviews51 followers
August 11, 2023
I thought I had read all of this author's books, but ran across this one and realized I'd never read it. Unfortunately it's only available in ebook.

It was a great read. Lots of bad guys. Ellie and Drew were awesome characters easy to like and cheer on
Profile Image for Mary.
35 reviews
February 27, 2024
Fast paced and full of action.

This was an action packed read. I appreciated the depth of the main characters. I also appreciate the realistic relationship that was formed between them.
61 reviews
July 28, 2024
Intriguing

I really enjoyed this book. It kept me on my toes. I didn't figure it all out, so that was good. If you are looking for a good clean mystery, love story, excitement, & intrigue, this is for you.
3 reviews
September 18, 2024
Love Lisa Phillips books

Lisa Phillips is a great writer love the suspense and mystery without the fowl language, her stories keep me up all night until I finish the book. Highly recommend reading anything she writes.
5 reviews
June 5, 2025
MS. Phillips never let's me down. This book had me holding my breath, how could Drew and Ellie ever save the town? But they did! Of course the falling in love was one of the best thing about the story, too
1 review
December 9, 2025
Good quick read

It was a little redundant in places. Pretty predictable except for the mayor. I am a Christian so I liked the reminders that. God is always just a prayer away. I wiIl recommend to friends that like Christian misteries
17 reviews
June 25, 2019
Riveting mystery

Action-packed from beginning to end, this was such a gripping small town mystery. I loved the main characters and their search for justice.
Profile Image for Jill.
128 reviews4 followers
June 25, 2019
Desolation Point is another enjoyable read by Lisa Phillips with lots of suspense and a good ending.
5 reviews
July 4, 2019
So good!

This one keeps you guessing all the way to the very end. I love it when I don’t figure out the ending before it’s explained.
2,021 reviews3 followers
July 7, 2019
Great Suspense

I love this author's books and Desolation Point is no exception. Great plot with lots of action and twists and turns. I highly recommend this book.
Profile Image for kbj143yahoo.com.
45 reviews
July 15, 2019
I want a sequel!

I loved every minute. Action, intrigue, romance, emotions, danger and redemption. I love the characters and I want more of their story.
1,796 reviews1 follower
August 6, 2019
I enjoyed the mystery. The romance needed more development, but the storyline kept me engaged.
Profile Image for Kathy Locke.
380 reviews6 followers
September 2, 2019
Entertaining Plot

The plot and mystery were good. The dialogue, word choice, and sentence fluency had me skipping parts wishing for more depth and less contrived spirituality.
66 reviews1 follower
September 29, 2019
How far does the corruption go? That's the question and Ellie won't stop until she knows. Fantastic read.
Profile Image for Cindy Jimenez.
28 reviews
October 21, 2019
Suspenseful romance

This story captured my attention from the first page and kept it through the final sentence. Well written romantic suspense. Highly recommended.
Profile Image for J Carpenter.
20 reviews
April 17, 2020
Quick read. Took only two days. Fast paced.

Really liked it.

Recommend to anyone.
Profile Image for D H.
14 reviews2 followers
April 19, 2020
Great story! Fast-paced, cleverly-written.

Enjoyed the whole thing. Will read more of this author's work.
11 reviews
November 23, 2020
Vert intriguing!

Exciting, keeps your attention and is clean. Keeps your attention and is full of surprises. It was very well written.
54 reviews
December 20, 2020
Desolation Point

Lisa Phillips doesn’t disappoint. I’m hooked now on her action packed, character rich stories that are anything and everything but predictable.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews

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