Bryan's Bluff

by C.D. Sharpe

Bryan's Bluff
A Pulse-Pounding Mystery Thriller Debut

The most dangerous enemy is the one hiding in plain sight.

When the mysterious death of a childhood friend forces homicide detective Alex Abrams to return to her hometown, she's pulled back into a world of dark secrets and painful memories she thought she'd left behind. Alex, a battle-hardened Iraq War veteran, is forced to confront the ghosts of her past—and the deadly truth lurking in the shadows of her tight-knit community.

Teaming up with her twin brother, Lucca, Alex soon uncovers a chilling pattern of so-called "accidental" deaths—each one more calculated and chilling than the last. But as the body count rises, Alex realizes they're not dealing with a simple string of tragedies; someone is orchestrating these deaths with a deadly precision.

The closer Alex gets to the truth, the more personal the stakes become. A ruthless psychopath is hell-bent on tearing her world apart, and her brother may be next on the killer's list. With every step, Alex faces a race against time to stop a monster who's always one step ahead.
Will Alex uncover the killer before it's too late, or will the twisted secrets of her hometown claim her—and her brother—forever?

In Bryan's Bluff, debut author CD Sharpe delivers a heart-stopping, unforgettable mystery thriller filled with betrayal, small-town secrets, and a heroine with everything to lose. If you're a fan of twisty, edge-of-your-seat thrillers like The Housemaid by Freida McFadden or First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston, you won't be able to put this book down.

247 pages, Paperback

Published January 14, 2025

About the author

C.D. Sharpe writes stories with grit, heart, and just the right amount of chaos - kind of like her life. She’s a Gulf War veteran, breast cancer survivor, and the author of the Alex Abrams Mystery Thriller Series.

A former K9 unit search and rescue leader and cybersecurity pro, C.D. now splits her time between writing, working for a fortune 500 company, hiking with her dogs, and kayaking the Buffalo River.

She believes in resilience, adventure, and using life’s toughest moments to fuel stories that inspire others to lead boldly and bounce back stronger.

C.D. believes in giving back and proudly supports organizations that protect animals, empower veterans, uplift seniors, and preserve the environment - because compassion should always be action.

If you're looking for fast-paced suspense, unforgettable characters, and an author who feels like a friend, you’ve come to the right place.

Reviews

[Renko Dekker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bryan’s Bluff by C.D. Sharpe is a mystery set in the shadowy Ozark Mountains. As the first book in the Alex Abrams Mystery Thriller series, it introduces a tough, no-nonsense protagonist with a complex past and a sharp investigative mind. I received a copy from Victory Editing NGC via Netgalley.

Alex Abrams, a New Orleans homicide detective and Iraq War veteran, returns to her hometown expecting a short visit—but quickly finds herself pulled into a series of suspicious deaths that hint at something far more sinister. The plot is fast-paced and filled with tension, and the small-town setting is vividly drawn, full of secrets and unease.

Alex is a standout character—resilient, haunted, and deeply human. Her personal struggles are just as compelling as the threats she faces.

That said, some secondary characters could have been fleshed out more. A few plot turns felt slightly rushed, but the overall arc remains engaging and satisfying. The start and ending were brilliant and that's why I also requested book 2 in the series.

3,75/5 ⭐️

[tuxxy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was truly thrilling. It had me sucked in from the first chapter! The character development in this book is very well done. The natural conversations between Alex and Lucca are really enjoyable to read. I also have to say, I met C.D. Sharp and she is one of the sweetest people you will meet! She was so kind to me and is a really admirable person. Overall, I gave this book 4 stars because I found it to be well written and it pulled me in for- to quote C.D. Sharp- just one more chapter…

When I give reviews on books I like to give a bit of a parents guide so the following segment will contain small spoilers.
Profanity- profanity is often used in this book (the main character is a veteran so it is to be expected.) swear words used in this book are f***, h***, s***, da**, a**, and for those religious, the Lords name is used in vain, however GD is not used.
Kissing- 2 characters kiss. This is a guy and a girl and is done on the cheek and lips. These characters walk to the bedroom but nothing happens before she becomes a victim of murder. Maybe a few more minor kiss scenes.
Nudity- 2 characters die in bathrooms, both implied nudity.
Spice scenes- implied between lucca and his love interest. And previously mentioned moment in bed, male unbuttons females shirt before she becomes a victim of murder.
Gore-this book is not overly detailed in gore except in chapter 23 where the serial killer explains all the murders he has committed. I will say this is one of those moments when I am making a face at it but it wasn’t so bad I put it down.
Age rating- my personal age rating for this book is 15+ and when i am familiar with fairly strict parenting styles.

[Mary Lou · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bryan's Bluff C.D. Sharpe
I’d like to thank C D Sharp, Netgalley, and Hasty House Publishing for this e-copy of Bryan’s Bluff. This is the 1st book in the Alex Abrams series. It’s a series I will definitely continue to follow.
The main character is Alex Abrams, a New Orleans homicide detective and combat veteran. Alex is tough, intelligent, and kind, but she is wary of getting close to anyone.
She returns home to Arkansas because one of her best friends from childhood dies under mysterious circumstances. In her investigation, alongside the sheriff's department, Alex discovers more suspicious deaths over the last year in her hometown.
This was a fast read because the plot was compelling and the writing was clear and concise. The story became more suspenseful and macabre as it progressed, just what you want in a thriller. I appreciated the bread crumb misdirects in the plot.
C D Sharp wove details about veterans’ hidden wounds through the story in a way that fit and were informative. It’s a topic that is worth highlighting.
I enjoy stories with strong female lead characters. This book has a lot to recommend it. If you like good detective thrillers this is a worthwhile read.

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

When homicide detective Alex Abrams returns to her Ozark hometown after the death of a childhood friend, what should be a brief visit spirals into something far more unsettling. As whispers of “accidents” grow louder and the past refuses to stay buried, Alex must navigate grief, suspicion, and the quiet menace of a town that guards its secrets closely.

C.D. Sharpe brings extraordinary depth to this story. Alex is a beautifully layered protagonist—an Iraq War veteran whose sharp instincts and emotional scars make her both vulnerable and formidable. Her voice feels authentic, and her determination rings true.

The setting—brooding and evocative—adds its own tension. You can feel the weight of history in every scene, as if the landscape itself is watching. Sharpe’s prose is clear and quietly lyrical, allowing emotion to rise naturally between the twists.

This isn’t just a page-turner. It’s a thoughtful exploration of loyalty, loss, and what happens when the past finally demands to be reckoned with.

📚 Thank you to NetGalley, Hasty House Publishing, and C.D. Sharpe for the opportunity to read this unforgettable debut. I’ll be following Alex Abrams wherever she goes next.

[Gordon Johnston · Rating 4 out of 5]

When an old friend is found dead at the foot of Bryan's Bluff in Arkansas, Alex Abrams returns home to investigate. The New Orleans homicide detective and army vet is tough and tenacious - and she knows something just doesn't sit right about Shawn's death. Then she finds several more accidental deaths in the small town, a spate of fatalities that seems suspicious.

The novel is a short and quick read, with a strong protagonist and plenty of interesting characters. Alex finds herself re-establishing old relationships as she seeks the truth, some easy and some complex. And the ending leaves plenty of milage for future novels. A good start to a new series.

[Christina Gordon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you for NetGalley for an ARC of this book. Fast paced read that kept me on my toes and wanting to keep reading. A female lead Alex Abrams really helps develop the storyline. While she is dealing with the after affects of military life, she also turns that into her passion as a homicide detective. Going back to her hometown and having to solve murders while working with and questioning people she has known for years. Likes that the story gave us many clues, but kept us guessing until the end!

[Martha Brindley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a quick, well written and easy read, the first in a new series featuring Alex Abrams who has a complex past as an Iraq War veteran. There is plenty of suspense, as we find out more about Alex and her twin brother and the book flowed well. The small town setting in the Ozark Mountains worked as Alex hunts down a killer and the cliffhanger ending surprised me. A very good debut novel which left me looking forward to the next in the series. Thanks to Net Galley for my ARC.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent thriller. This is a fast paced read with a strong female leading character. The book is only short but the writing is direct and it feels like there's a lot packed into the plot. I liked the way this story leads into the second book with the exciting cliffhanger ending.
Very entertaining.
I received a free review copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for my honest and unedited review.

[Martine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alex, a troubled veteran, returns home when one of her best friends dies. But things are not what they seem like and she starts digging. I have to admit that I really enjoyed this book with a good storyline, well developed characters and suspense. I couldn't/wouldn't put it down. Up to book two in this series.
I received a review via Netgalley/Hasty House Publishing and I’m leaving a voluntary and honest review.

[Danielle Sexton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely LOVED this book. It's a page turner and you can't put it down. Leaves you wanting to know more about Alex and what shapes her thought processes. CD Sharpe is a masterful storyteller and her cliffhanger leaves you excited about reading the next book! Can't wait for this series to develop!

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and C.D. Sharpe for giving me the chance to read this book! I enjoyed this one. It was an easy read and I liked the main characters. I also loved that the main character is a veteran, which was such an interesting part of the book!! Definitely will read more in this series when I get a chance to.

[Heather Paulsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great start to a new series! I was sucked in immediately and couldn't put it down. Alex (and the rest of the gang) are amazing. Very real and make you want to get to know them. The villain is sooooo good. I was not expecting it to be that person & I loved it. I cannot wait for the next one.

[V. Slobo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book to be highly enjoyable, and its cliffhanger ending has me eagerly anticipating the sequel.

[Dale Dominguez · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn’t a fan of the book until about 10 minutes away from the end. The cliffhanger caught me wanting to know more.

[Becky Summey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the book once I really got into it. The author keeps you in suspense, wondering who really "dunnit". I was totally surprised by the cliffhanger and can't wait until the next book comes out. I did feel like a lot of the language could have been left out and would not have changed the storyline.

[Jarryn Robertson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story! Kept me suspense and wanting more. Definitely a must read and I am now waiting anxiously for book 2.

[Whitney Curtis · Rating 5 out of 5]

great read

I couldn’t put this book down. And when I did I couldn’t wait to start reading again. Will be reading from this author again.

[Dana · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was so scary. I liked it but I’m so glad I’m done with it!