Countdown to Danger: An Anthology

by Hannah Alexander, Jill Elizabeth Nelson

Danger rings in the New Year in these two suspenseful novellas

Alive After New Year by Hannah Alexander

An anonymous note demands millions of dollars—and in return, Lynley Marshall can keep her life. Lynley turns to new police chief John Russell for protection. The handsome widower promises to keep her safe. But time is running out as the clock ticks closer to midnight—and to the deadline for the culprit's demands.

New Year's Target by Jill Elizabeth Nelson

When a sniper shoots at Cassidy Ferris on a ski slope, the wounded police detective is shocked by her rescuer's identity—her childhood nemesis, Tim Halstead. And as the threats escalate, they must join forces to uncover why a killer has targeted them both.

Genres: Love Inspired, Mystery, Romance, Suspense, Harlequin, Love Inspired Suspense

288 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published December 14, 2014

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

READY FOR THE NEW YEAR?

At this time of year, we have just finished reflecting on Christmas, when God gave us the greatest Gift ever possible. Now our thoughts are to the new year, with its upcoming rewards and challenges. Many of us will once again come up with New Year’s resolutions. This year I’m going to stick to my diet. This year I’m going to get into shape. This year I’m going to break that 5-minute mile. Okay, okay; it’s been a LONG time since I had that New Year’s resolution. And many will once again fail to live up to those resolutions, with their often unrealistic expectations. But enough about that.

Cheryl has chosen her word for the new year. It is solace. According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, solace means:

1. comfort in grief: alleviation of grief or anxiety

2. a source of relief or consolation

Rather than discouraging anyone, our prayer for you is that God will grant you solace as you face the new year's rewards and challenges.

Happy reading and God bless you.

Reviews

[Judine Brey · Rating 4 out of 5]

These novella were tightly crafted and had the right amount of suspense and pacing. Lynley and John already dating when she finds the threatening ransom note moved things along quickly in "Alive After New Year." Cass and Tim as reunited high school "frenemies" (who denied their attraction due to a family feud - clearly wiser than Romeo and Juliet) made "New Year's Target" fun with their banter. My problem with these two stories being combined into one book is that all that tied them together was the time of year they took place. I like the week between Christmas and New Year's as much as anyone, but I appreciate companion novellas more if they have a bit more in common (location, characters, etc.).

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

Countdown to Danger is two novellas in one book format.

The first story Alive After New Year is the longer of the two and was my least favorite of the two stories. Parts drug and yet it was short so I feel like certain parts should have been kept to a minimum to make more way for the actual mystery.

New Year's Target was short but to the point for the most part. An actual mystery with different possibilities happened.

It is really hard to say anything about either story since I do not want to ruin the mystery and both stories were right around a hundred pages.

[Pam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Both stories were OK. Not great but decent to read. I did find myself wanting the characters to have a bit more depth. The first story needed something in the beginning to set up things. When I was reading it felt as if a part of the story was missing. The second story needed more situations to feel their commitment and I did not like the comparing of the Dead wife and the Heroin even when it was a joke by both of them.

[Carolyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two authors, two stories and each with action, mystery and romance. I liked having the different writing styles, and didn't mind being "in" the story as the facts unfolded. I find it detracts when I wouldn't want to be one of the characters, or I disagree with the actions they take, so I could enjoy this one.

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read...both stories

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another good combo

Two wonderful stories together with vivid characters and happy ever afters. Also, the theme of forgiveness is strong in these two stories.

[DJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

An anonymous note demands millions of dollars… Lynley Marshall can’t imagine who would be so desperate – or so greedy – that they would threaten her life if her mom doesn’t pay. Fortunately – or unfortunately – her mom didn’t inherit millions. It was all left to charity – at her request.

Even in a short story, Hannah is able to write such an intriguing story that I just had to keep reading! I was surprised at how quickly I was caught up in the story and the very realistic characters. I love how Hannah added Data, the cat and Nina, the dog, to the story. Both pets were crucial to several scenes. People have real relationships with their pets – and these pets were awesome!

In another review I mentioned that Hannah’s characters are very real, with real problems. This is especially true in this story… and I’m trying to hard to not give anything away, but the story is “just so good”!

Join me again in the town of Jolly Mill as John Russell and Lynley Marshall try to discover who is behind the threat – before it’s too late…

If you enjoy reading mysteries, you will love this exciting story!

[John Hanscom · Rating 3 out of 5]

Maybe 3 1/2. The second short story was about 4 stars, but the first pulled it down. The first author may be award winning, but this was not her best effort. The story was dull, disjoint, had an obvious "bad guy," and employed a deus ex machina. In addition, there were things any good editor should have caught. Two were involving guns. At one point, one of the characters "slept with a rifle under her pillow."  Not a gun, but a rifle. That was either one SMALL rifle or one BIG pillow. In addition, the same person later "slept with her rifle." I assume, after the pregnancy, she popped out pop-guns. I believe, in psychoanalytic terms, this is called "a fetish." The second story not only had two very strong characters, but, for the first time in ALL the books of this series I've read, the woman was allowed to be taller than the male.

[Bonnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Countdown to Danger had two novella in it.
Alive After New Year by Hannah Alexander. Someone left a note saying they were going to kidnap Lynley Marshall until her mother gave them lots of money. The money Lynley's mother inherited she gave to a charity. Sheriff John Russell likes Lynley and vows to protect her. Lots of suspense in this story.
New Year's Target by Jill Elizabeth Nelson was also a good novella. The Ferris family and the Halstead family have been at odds for a long time. Since Ferris family blame the Halstead family for a Ferris member being killed in a fire at a sub-standard building the Halstead family built. Someone shot at Cassidy Ferris and Tim Halstead. They are trying to figure out who shot at them. A good read. Lots of suspense.

[Wilani Wahl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two exciting novellas for the price of one! I loved both of these. There was just enough twist, turns and suspense. Just when I thought I had it all figured out another twist or turn in the story arrived and I was back to guessing all over again. But what I loved most of all was the spiritual thread running through both of these stories.

[Lynn Ritter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick reads!

You will read these in record time because they are so good. I especially enjoyed Jill Nelson's writing! The books were paired perfectly. They complemented each other in many ways. Kudos to both authors! I enjoyed the diversion this weekend.

[Bree · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alive after new year - 5 stars, cute short story. Interesting mystery.
New year target. 5 stars, another cute short story.

[Melenia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty good

[Maggie]

Actually two novellas, both taking place near New Years. Each was a good mystery with some romance thrown in for good measure. This book was perfect for New Years weekend!

[Becky Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Always enjoy Hannah Alexander's books. Jill Elizabeth Nelson's story had twists I didn't see coming. Very enjoyable.

[Alisha]

2 quick reads