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Matt Foley/Sara Bradford #1
Works of Darkness
Some secrets just won’t stay buried.
A construction site provides a horrific discovery when a worker uncovers the skeleton of a small child wrapped in a sleeping bag. Police Chief Matt Foley soon links the murder to another cold case, the hit-and-run death of Attorney Josh Bradford.
The long suppressed memory of the young victim’s childhood friend, Sara Bradford may hold the key to both crimes. But Matt has mixed emotions about Sara—his prime suspect in her husband’s murder.
Matt soon discovers the twenty-five year old mystery has the power to stretch across decades to kill again.
A construction site provides a horrific discovery when a worker uncovers the skeleton of a small child wrapped in a sleeping bag. Police Chief Matt Foley soon links the murder to another cold case, the hit-and-run death of Attorney Josh Bradford.
The long suppressed memory of the young victim’s childhood friend, Sara Bradford may hold the key to both crimes. But Matt has mixed emotions about Sara—his prime suspect in her husband’s murder.
Matt soon discovers the twenty-five year old mystery has the power to stretch across decades to kill again.
281 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 27, 2014
644 people are currently reading
427 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
May 29, 2014
Police Chief Matt Foley's beloved, deceased wife Mary was best friends with Sara Bradford, but Matt doesn't like Sara or trust her. In fact, deep down, he thinks she's guilty of having murdered her own husband. He just hasn't been able to prove it…yet.
Sara is very attractive, smart, capable, and loving. She adopts two orphan children who were involved in her church's bus program bringing under privileged kids to Sunday school. Yet, she's by no means invincible. She has fears and makes mistakes. She comes off like a real living, breathing person.
Then a small child's body is found on the grounds of what used to be a Christian camp grounds. This missing persons cold-case is twenty-five years old. The little girl who is now known to have been murdered was Sara's childhood neighbor and best friend. In fact Sara was the last person to have seen little Penny Pryor alive. Could Sara have a valuable memory locked away the police can use to solve this heinous crime? That's what Chief Foley wonders. This heart wrenching cold case opens terrible old wounds for the child's parents and those who knew the family, including Sara's aunt.
There are no shortage of plot twists and turns and they're done in a seamless and believable way. Sara is buffeted by brutal corporate maneuvering at her job. Then she becomes a target and her physical safety is in jeopardy. She's on a roll…a downward roll. Matt Foley begins to have sympathy for her plight but can't let go of his conviction that she's a murderess.
Local town politic and corporate politics is portrayed in a knowing way. The way upwardly mobile characters jockey for position and advantage is convincing. They definitely make a direct hit below the belt when somebody suggests Matt married his somewhat older wife for her money. Matt is hurt and angered when he hears of this ugly rumor, not for himself, but because he thinks these allegations might mar Mary's memory and legacy.
The author supplies credible red herrings. In fact, she had me believing a certain character I liked a great deal was viable as the child's murderer and the one behind Sara's physical danger. Then the author pulls in the other lose end, Sara's husband's murder, in a manner I was not expecting.
While Chief Foley has nothing but mistrust for Sara, a lop-sided romantic triangle of sorts is unfolding. The cantankerous female medical examiner has her eyes on Matt (or should we say, her hooks out), but Matt is still grieving his wife's death from cancer. Meanwhile, Matt's friend, the county sheriff has a hankering for the lady ME.
The author brings the novel to a close with a crescendo. But it appears as if the villain might be victorious. Then in a most unexpected way, he is defeated.
Sara is very attractive, smart, capable, and loving. She adopts two orphan children who were involved in her church's bus program bringing under privileged kids to Sunday school. Yet, she's by no means invincible. She has fears and makes mistakes. She comes off like a real living, breathing person.
Then a small child's body is found on the grounds of what used to be a Christian camp grounds. This missing persons cold-case is twenty-five years old. The little girl who is now known to have been murdered was Sara's childhood neighbor and best friend. In fact Sara was the last person to have seen little Penny Pryor alive. Could Sara have a valuable memory locked away the police can use to solve this heinous crime? That's what Chief Foley wonders. This heart wrenching cold case opens terrible old wounds for the child's parents and those who knew the family, including Sara's aunt.
There are no shortage of plot twists and turns and they're done in a seamless and believable way. Sara is buffeted by brutal corporate maneuvering at her job. Then she becomes a target and her physical safety is in jeopardy. She's on a roll…a downward roll. Matt Foley begins to have sympathy for her plight but can't let go of his conviction that she's a murderess.
Local town politic and corporate politics is portrayed in a knowing way. The way upwardly mobile characters jockey for position and advantage is convincing. They definitely make a direct hit below the belt when somebody suggests Matt married his somewhat older wife for her money. Matt is hurt and angered when he hears of this ugly rumor, not for himself, but because he thinks these allegations might mar Mary's memory and legacy.
The author supplies credible red herrings. In fact, she had me believing a certain character I liked a great deal was viable as the child's murderer and the one behind Sara's physical danger. Then the author pulls in the other lose end, Sara's husband's murder, in a manner I was not expecting.
While Chief Foley has nothing but mistrust for Sara, a lop-sided romantic triangle of sorts is unfolding. The cantankerous female medical examiner has her eyes on Matt (or should we say, her hooks out), but Matt is still grieving his wife's death from cancer. Meanwhile, Matt's friend, the county sheriff has a hankering for the lady ME.
The author brings the novel to a close with a crescendo. But it appears as if the villain might be victorious. Then in a most unexpected way, he is defeated.
April 2, 2014
Terrifying suspense... realistic action!
Wow! V.B. Trenery has not only written a wonderful story full of indecipherable twists and turns, but this is the first romantic suspense book I can remember reading where I have felt like it's also been very plausible in the action. Global Optics is bought out by another company, and Sara Bradford narrowly escapes death in the company warehouse after packing her belongings.Someone is out to hurt Sara. About this time, bones of a six year old girl are found from a murder committed 25 years previously...and Sara was one of the last to see the girl, Penny, alive. Police Chief Matt Foley begins to question Sara, but still believes she holds the answers to her husband's prior hit-and-run death. How all three cases come together and whether Sara can hope for police protection from someone who believes her capable of murder makes for an amazing story!
Wow! V.B. Trenery has not only written a wonderful story full of indecipherable twists and turns, but this is the first romantic suspense book I can remember reading where I have felt like it's also been very plausible in the action. Global Optics is bought out by another company, and Sara Bradford narrowly escapes death in the company warehouse after packing her belongings.Someone is out to hurt Sara. About this time, bones of a six year old girl are found from a murder committed 25 years previously...and Sara was one of the last to see the girl, Penny, alive. Police Chief Matt Foley begins to question Sara, but still believes she holds the answers to her husband's prior hit-and-run death. How all three cases come together and whether Sara can hope for police protection from someone who believes her capable of murder makes for an amazing story!
April 23, 2014
A very interesting who-done-it. It was action-packed and kept you wondering right until the end. I did not have a problem with the characters Christianity. The book is not preachy in any way and the mystery is captivating. Poor Sara seems to be under a black cloud (sometimes water-filled), but we all have weeks where nothing goes right and your heart will go out to her. The Chief tries to solve the case even though others have their own agenda. I was given a copy of this book for my honest review.
September 23, 2018
I love this & I can't wait for more.
I will be also leaving a review on Goodreads @ Amazon.
And letting everyone know about it.
So i gave it a 5 Stars.
I will be also leaving a review on Goodreads @ Amazon.
And letting everyone know about it.
So i gave it a 5 Stars.
April 23, 2014
Works of Darkness by V. B. Tenery is a griping romantic suspense story with Christian values throughout. The skeleton of a small child wrapped in a sleeping bag is uncovered at a construction site. Matt Foley, the Police Chief, has been working on a cold case involving the hit-and-run death of Attorney Josh Bradford and he thinks that the twenty-five year old murder is somehow connected. The skeleton turns out to be that of a six year old girl that disappeared twenty-five years ago. Through clothes and a birthstone ring, the remains are determined to be that of Penny Pryor whose best friend was none other than Sara Bradford. Sara was also six when Penny disappeared and she may have some information hidden deep in her memory that could help solve the case. To add to the mystery, Matt suspects Sara in the death of her husband.
V. B. Tenery did an excellent job in the writing of this very suspenseful story and it grabbed my attention on the first page and did not let go until I reached the last page. All the characters were very well developed and their dialogue was right on target. Because of the authors descriptions, I loved some of the characters and others I simply did not care for and in my opinion that makes for a good story. Scenes were also very well developed and were so real that I could almost feel myself right in the middle of whatever was going on. There were several twists and turns to the plot that added to my enjoyment of the story. I was sure that I had the murderer all figured out but was quite surprised when the true villain was revealed. I really like a story that keeps me guessing. I am very much looking forward to the sequel to this story.
I highly recommend this book to everyone that loves a good Christian romance that is also a very suspenseful story.
Thanks to the author, T. B. Tenery, for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
V. B. Tenery did an excellent job in the writing of this very suspenseful story and it grabbed my attention on the first page and did not let go until I reached the last page. All the characters were very well developed and their dialogue was right on target. Because of the authors descriptions, I loved some of the characters and others I simply did not care for and in my opinion that makes for a good story. Scenes were also very well developed and were so real that I could almost feel myself right in the middle of whatever was going on. There were several twists and turns to the plot that added to my enjoyment of the story. I was sure that I had the murderer all figured out but was quite surprised when the true villain was revealed. I really like a story that keeps me guessing. I am very much looking forward to the sequel to this story.
I highly recommend this book to everyone that loves a good Christian romance that is also a very suspenseful story.
Thanks to the author, T. B. Tenery, for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
January 23, 2015
In the end I was disappointed with this book - too many things made no real sense or were just too convenient.
Why did there "just happen" to be a new cop who didn't know Sara needed an escort?
Why did the murderer lock Sara in the storm cellar instead of just killing her?
Having decided to lock her in the storm cellar why conveniently leave her with a radio, candles and tools?
Why did Sara not check her husband's email for four years?
Other issues included slow pacing and far too much detail given about peripheral characters. The addition of the children - not needed, the business with the old woman in the nursing home - also not needed. Don't think these bits added anything to the story.
Why did there "just happen" to be a new cop who didn't know Sara needed an escort?
Why did the murderer lock Sara in the storm cellar instead of just killing her?
Having decided to lock her in the storm cellar why conveniently leave her with a radio, candles and tools?
Why did Sara not check her husband's email for four years?
Other issues included slow pacing and far too much detail given about peripheral characters. The addition of the children - not needed, the business with the old woman in the nursing home - also not needed. Don't think these bits added anything to the story.
April 10, 2014
This book was very hard to put down. It kept me awake until I could find out "who done it." Looking forward to the continuation of the characters in this series. It has it all, except the trashy language, and I for one close a book at the first foul word.
October 22, 2020
Hard to put down!
I love a good murder mystery—especially one that keeps you guessing. This was one of those that grabs your attention from the first page and wouldn’t let you go.
A twenty-year-old murder victim is found at a construction site. A bomb blast destroys an expensive piece of equipment at a warehouse. The vehicle involved in a four-year-old hit-and-run case surfaces. And the common denominator in all of them is the widow of the hit-and-run victim, Sara Bradford.
Because of the deceased’s unfaithfulness, police chief, Matt Foley, has considered Sara the prime suspect in her husband’s murder. But when several attempts are made on the woman’s life, he and his team begin to investigate other leads. As the cases unfold independently, the connections slowly become evident. But can the killer be found before he claims another victim?
This author does a masterful job of developing her characters and plot. The story is believable. The romance develops slowly and cautiously, as it should. And the clues are so subtle and piecemealed so carefully, that you’re really not sure until the murderer makes his final move whodunnit!
Although the Gospel is not formally presented in this book, the truth of God’s love, comfort and protection shines through. The faith of the main characters is woven naturally into the story, and the plot would never work without it. Kudos to the author for that! For its faith, action, suspense and gentle romance, I highly recommend this novel!
I love a good murder mystery—especially one that keeps you guessing. This was one of those that grabs your attention from the first page and wouldn’t let you go.
A twenty-year-old murder victim is found at a construction site. A bomb blast destroys an expensive piece of equipment at a warehouse. The vehicle involved in a four-year-old hit-and-run case surfaces. And the common denominator in all of them is the widow of the hit-and-run victim, Sara Bradford.
Because of the deceased’s unfaithfulness, police chief, Matt Foley, has considered Sara the prime suspect in her husband’s murder. But when several attempts are made on the woman’s life, he and his team begin to investigate other leads. As the cases unfold independently, the connections slowly become evident. But can the killer be found before he claims another victim?
This author does a masterful job of developing her characters and plot. The story is believable. The romance develops slowly and cautiously, as it should. And the clues are so subtle and piecemealed so carefully, that you’re really not sure until the murderer makes his final move whodunnit!
Although the Gospel is not formally presented in this book, the truth of God’s love, comfort and protection shines through. The faith of the main characters is woven naturally into the story, and the plot would never work without it. Kudos to the author for that! For its faith, action, suspense and gentle romance, I highly recommend this novel!
August 24, 2019
Frenemies resolve a cold case
Chief Matt Foley gets a cold case when a child’s body is found. At the same time, Global vice-president Sara Bradford narrowly escapes being blown-up after being let go from her job. Are the two cases related? Matt must go back in history to unravel the mysteries. Matt is suspicious of Sara in the death of her husband four years earlier. As the investigations proceed, Matt and Sara grow closer, but is this a ploy? Matt is unable to get over his wife’s recent death, leading to mental anguish on his part. There are twists and turns in this tale as well as thrilling situations. Throughout the story, religion takes a key role in helping the main characters face their issues. A decent story.
Chief Matt Foley gets a cold case when a child’s body is found. At the same time, Global vice-president Sara Bradford narrowly escapes being blown-up after being let go from her job. Are the two cases related? Matt must go back in history to unravel the mysteries. Matt is suspicious of Sara in the death of her husband four years earlier. As the investigations proceed, Matt and Sara grow closer, but is this a ploy? Matt is unable to get over his wife’s recent death, leading to mental anguish on his part. There are twists and turns in this tale as well as thrilling situations. Throughout the story, religion takes a key role in helping the main characters face their issues. A decent story.
February 8, 2018
Great Christian suspense!
I love suspense but have a really hard time finding good Christian suspense. Finally I found this author and am an instant fan. Will definitely be finishing the series and reading her others as well.
This book had a great plot with great twists. I'm usually one of those who figured it out pretty early but this one had me second guessing myself! Also I fell in love with the characters. The depth of the she's stories is wonderful. I also love how the story shows how God works to protect and guide us.
Thanks Ms. Tenery!!
I love suspense but have a really hard time finding good Christian suspense. Finally I found this author and am an instant fan. Will definitely be finishing the series and reading her others as well.
This book had a great plot with great twists. I'm usually one of those who figured it out pretty early but this one had me second guessing myself! Also I fell in love with the characters. The depth of the she's stories is wonderful. I also love how the story shows how God works to protect and guide us.
Thanks Ms. Tenery!!
May 28, 2019
A childhood friend disappeared, her family moved for was hard to convinced a nine year old what happened. A body is found decades later that was her. A take over of where Sara works, her boss says to clean out her desk, she wasn’t fired, but didn’t know anything else. She was in management and always walked through the warehouse before leaving. This time someone had planted a bomb, who wants her dead, or is the connection of what as a child she saw happened to her friend. Good flowing plot, and series
July 20, 2020
Good story , well written
With characters you can actually LIKE
And with characters you can actually LIKE. I appreciate that the author didn't put in any superfluous ''throbbing members '' or '' heaving bosoms''. That stuff gets tired real fast, and seldom adds anything of value to the storyline. The only reason I gave it a 3 rating was because there was, in my opinion , more overt Christianity than I'm personally comfortable with. If I had realized there would be as much as there was, I probably would have skipped the book.
With characters you can actually LIKE
And with characters you can actually LIKE. I appreciate that the author didn't put in any superfluous ''throbbing members '' or '' heaving bosoms''. That stuff gets tired real fast, and seldom adds anything of value to the storyline. The only reason I gave it a 3 rating was because there was, in my opinion , more overt Christianity than I'm personally comfortable with. If I had realized there would be as much as there was, I probably would have skipped the book.
August 1, 2017
Pleasantly surprised
I was thrilled to find no profanity, no graphic sex, no blasphemy......Wow!!! How refreshing to find an author who recognizes that those things are not necessary to tell a good story. It was well written with only the occasional grammatical error, which was also a nice surprise. I did feel that the story jumped a few times, but all in all, a great read.
I was thrilled to find no profanity, no graphic sex, no blasphemy......Wow!!! How refreshing to find an author who recognizes that those things are not necessary to tell a good story. It was well written with only the occasional grammatical error, which was also a nice surprise. I did feel that the story jumped a few times, but all in all, a great read.
August 14, 2017
Captivating and Thrilling
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. Matt Foley, one of the main characters was well written. Sara Bradford as well. Finally a Christian mystery without overt sexual innuendos and blatant curse words. I will be reading the series... If you love a good mystery I highly suggest adding this book to your library.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. Matt Foley, one of the main characters was well written. Sara Bradford as well. Finally a Christian mystery without overt sexual innuendos and blatant curse words. I will be reading the series... If you love a good mystery I highly suggest adding this book to your library.
March 29, 2020
Good clean mystery
It is so good to read a good clean mystery. Too many authors seem to think the more language, violence, and sex they put in a book the better it is. Wrong! This author is very good at keeping your attention, along with having characters that believe in a loving Creator.
It is so good to read a good clean mystery. Too many authors seem to think the more language, violence, and sex they put in a book the better it is. Wrong! This author is very good at keeping your attention, along with having characters that believe in a loving Creator.
May 15, 2020
Could be better
This is a good story but there are a couple of annoying bits. One is that everything in this story is "twenty minutes " doesn't matter if it's driving time or something else. The thing I personally disliked is the constant references to "god" and "gods mercy". It's hard to swallow as you're reading about murders and senseless deaths.
This is a good story but there are a couple of annoying bits. One is that everything in this story is "twenty minutes " doesn't matter if it's driving time or something else. The thing I personally disliked is the constant references to "god" and "gods mercy". It's hard to swallow as you're reading about murders and senseless deaths.
June 12, 2017
i enjoyed the story. The characters where a bit predictable. A good guy sheriff both rich and attractive falls in love with the rich and attractive character that he believes responsible for the murder of her husband.
September 27, 2017
Clean and exciting
Clean and suspenseful read. I really enjoyed reading this book and will read more books by V.B Tenery. This author proves that you don't have to write trash and vulgarity to sell a mystery or crime series. Much appreciated!
Clean and suspenseful read. I really enjoyed reading this book and will read more books by V.B Tenery. This author proves that you don't have to write trash and vulgarity to sell a mystery or crime series. Much appreciated!
February 15, 2018
Worth reading!
This book had a good plotline and held your attention well. It was exciting and suspenseful with a little bit of romance, without the need for profanity or vulgarity.
This book had a good plotline and held your attention well. It was exciting and suspenseful with a little bit of romance, without the need for profanity or vulgarity.
August 29, 2018
Excellent
A well written story. The interaction between all the characters kept me wondering who and why until the end. I was happy that sara and matt's relationship is moving forward in a positive direction. Thank you for a great read!
A well written story. The interaction between all the characters kept me wondering who and why until the end. I was happy that sara and matt's relationship is moving forward in a positive direction. Thank you for a great read!
April 18, 2019
You are right you wrote a book I could not put down. !
You are great author. The story had me hooked right from the beginning to end. It had me guessing all the way though. Thanks again.
You are great author. The story had me hooked right from the beginning to end. It had me guessing all the way though. Thanks again.
April 30, 2019
Small time, plain sight, easy read
There is the city of New York and there is the city of Little Rock. In the grand scale of Mystery and thriller, this is small town folks with their simple life turned upside down, like a no man’s land drama.
There is the city of New York and there is the city of Little Rock. In the grand scale of Mystery and thriller, this is small town folks with their simple life turned upside down, like a no man’s land drama.
June 23, 2019
Great book!
This the third book I have read by this author and they have each held my attention. The kind of book you don't want to put down. I am looking forward to reading another one soon.
This the third book I have read by this author and they have each held my attention. The kind of book you don't want to put down. I am looking forward to reading another one soon.
August 30, 2020
Enjoyed
Few typos but it didn’t take away from the storyline. The male lead was a jerk who changed from night to day into an good guy. Bit unbelievable but hey it was part of the storyline
Few typos but it didn’t take away from the storyline. The male lead was a jerk who changed from night to day into an good guy. Bit unbelievable but hey it was part of the storyline
May 12, 2017
Review: Works of Darkness
I liked the story, the plot, and the characters. I didn't guess the murderer in this fast paced story. I would recommend this book to read.
I liked the story, the plot, and the characters. I didn't guess the murderer in this fast paced story. I would recommend this book to read.
June 23, 2017
Good
Believable plots, great characters! This was a very enjoyable few hours read. I would recommend this one to anyone who loves crime dramas.
Believable plots, great characters! This was a very enjoyable few hours read. I would recommend this one to anyone who loves crime dramas.
July 13, 2017
It was ok. A little suspenseful, nothing terribly exciting.
August 18, 2017
great book.
i always like books with heart and feeling
everyone will enjoy this book. a good start to a great series.
i always like books with heart and feeling
everyone will enjoy this book. a good start to a great series.
August 14, 2018
Love these books!
Well written. Great mystery, not one I can figure out in the first three chapters. And a great story without the blood, guys and gore. Thank you
Well written. Great mystery, not one I can figure out in the first three chapters. And a great story without the blood, guys and gore. Thank you
October 7, 2018
Good women tough to keep down
Liked this book. Sara kept her faith strong throughout all the tragic things that happened. I am glad Matt finally understood the truth.
Liked this book. Sara kept her faith strong throughout all the tragic things that happened. I am glad Matt finally understood the truth.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews