The Chase: A Novel

Crime Scene: Houston #1

by DiAnn Mills

To the FBI it’s a cold case. To Kariss Walker it’s a hot idea that could either reshape or ruin her writing career. And it’s a burning mission to revisit an event she can never forget. Five years ago, an unidentified little girl was found starved to death in the woods behind a Houston apartment complex. A TV news anchor at the time, Kariss reported on the terrifying case. Today, as a New York Times bestselling author, Kariss intends to turn the unsolved mystery into a suspense novel. Enlisting the help of FBI Special Agent Tigo Harris, Kariss succeeds in getting the case reopened. But the search for the dead girl’s missing mother yields a discovery that plunges the the partners into a witch’s brew of danger. The old crime lives on in more ways than either of them could ever imagine. Will Kariss’s pursuit of her dream as a writer carry a deadly price tag? Drawing from a real-life cold case, bestselling novelist DiAnn Mills presents a taut collage of suspense, faith, and romance in this unabridged audio download, The Chase.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Suspense, Christian, Fiction, Audiobook, Mystery, Romantic Suspense

Audible Audio

First published March 20, 2012

About the author

DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who invites her readers to step into stories where suspense meets adventure and romance warms the heart. Known for crafting unforgettable characters tangled in unpredictable plots, DiAnn believes every breath we take unfolds a story waiting to be told—so why not make it thrilling?

Her novels have consistently landed on bestseller lists including CBA, ECPA, and Publishers Weekly, and have won prestigious awards such as the Christy, Selah, Golden Scroll, Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and Carol awards.

DiAnn is a founding board member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Conference Advisor for the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers. She actively participates in Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, Mystery Writers of America, the Jerry Jenkins Writers Guild, International Thriller Writers, Outliers Writing University, and The Christian Pen. DiAnn passionately invests in helping fellow authors succeed through mentoring, book coaching, and editing. She travels nationwide speaking and teaching engaging writing workshops.

A proud coffee snob who roasts her own beans, DiAnn also enjoys diving into good books, experimenting in the kitchen, and unabashedly spoiling her grandchildren—whom she insists are the smartest kids in the universe. She and her husband make their home under the sunny skies of Houston, Texas.

Connect with DiAnn online for behind-the-scenes glimpses, writing tips, and lively discussions on any of the following social media platforms:

Website: https://diannmills.com/
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/diann...
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/diannmills
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/diannmillsa...
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diannmills/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/diannmills/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/diannmills
X: https://twitter.com/diannmills

Reviews

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Link to blog: http://christianbookshelfreviews.blog...

Wow! I LOVED this book! From the beginning it was interesting, entertaining, and suspenseful! Since The Chase contained some truths to an actual FBI-solved cold case, the entire story was so believable!

Kariss Walker is a New York Times bestselling author, but instead of writing another women's fiction novel, she wants to write a suspense about the cold case of "Cherished Doe." While researching for the novel, she gets in a lot of danger and might not be able to escape with her life... fiction meets real life.

I don't think I was ever bored when reading The Chase. Even when a scene didn't have a lot of suspense (which wasn't often), just the dialogue between characters or whatever else was happening was interesting.

The characters were so great! Kariss and Tigo were definitely my favorites in the book. I especially liked how Tigo cared so much about his mom... that was really sweet! :)

I am really looking forward to DiAnn Mills next Crime Scene Houston novel because I want to find out what happens in these characters' lives! This is a great story that I recommend if you enjoy a great suspenseful ride with a little romance.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book for my review. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*

[Kaitlyn Krispense · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have mixed feelings about this book. The writing style was very good, and the plot was hooking. However, the female protagonist grated on my nerves, and the stubborn-writer-always-getting-into-trouble with stubborn-agent-trying-to-break-up-a-gang seemed almost... cliche? Maybe I've seen to many crime shows. :P Anyway, I did enjoy the story, but not quite my thing.

[Debbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

"The Chase" is a Christian romantic suspense novel. There was plenty of suspense due to physical danger, but it usually came from someone recklessly putting themselves in danger. Kariss was a crime reporter before she became a best-selling author, yet she's remarkably naive. For example, she drove an expensive car to a bad, crime-filled neighborhood and got out to look around. She also expected that a cold case would be solved within hours of making an appeal for information to the public. And though she regularly needed rescuing because she didn't know how to keep herself safe, she went along with a man who asked her to come with him to a meeting in a dangerous area to protect him. Though he's safety been in the area before. I just got so exasperated with her and her illogical reasoning, though she's a kind and compassionate woman.

FBI agent Tigo is reckless, but at least he can get out of tight situations. He cares for his dying mother and lives to stop the bad guys. He's smart enough that he should have locked Kariss up at one point for her own safety. Anyway, while Kariss and Tigo are better people for having met each other, it didn't really seem like something that would last beyond the physical attraction. There was no bad language or sex.

[Joyce Ziebell · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very timely issue of smuggling and trafficking along the US southern border. Many dangerous moments in the story trying to identify and apprehend the criminals. Another well written book by DiAnn Mills.

[Randy Tramp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kariss Walker has an idea. Revisit an event she could never forget. A cold case. Five years ago, an unidentified little girl was found starved to death in the woods behind a Houston apartment complex.

As a writer, she shadows FBI Special Agent, Tigo Harris.

I enjoyed this book for a couple of reasons. One, the main character was a writer. That's close to my heart. The second reason: the plot was interesting. I stayed engaged in the book the entire way through. The action kept coming, the suspense rolled on.

[Paul Goble · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a disappointing read. A writer (Kariss Walker) teams up with a rogue FBI agent (Tigo Harris) to solve a cold case, and in the process they get caught up in big-time gang activity. This is the first book in the Crime Scene Houston series.

First, here's one thing I liked: the primary relationship in the book didn't fall into the stereotypical romantic template. Instead, there was a professional relationship with elements of romantic tension and a strong friendship.

The story was disappointing throughout. If someone was trying to kill me, I'd ask, "Who is after me? Why? How did they find me?" Why don't these characters ask that last question? It's obvious that the villain(s) know about Kariss' family, so why would a seasoned reporter and FBI agent not act to protect them?

Some of the story elements had me laughing--at points I'm sure the author didn't intend. "A Prius. I hear they have exceptional acceleration and speed." [p.179] I take it the author has never driven a Prius nor read a review of one. Here's another one: a police car arrives on scene, siren and all, then the officer says, "Yes, ma'am. I've called 9-1-1." [p.227] Did he not have a radio?

There are plenty of distracting misspellings, verb disagreements, and ambiguous pronouns. In a few spots, it's impossible to follow the conversation. The point of view changes frequently--not quite "head hopping," but enough to be annoying. Someone involved with the book's production apparently seems to think that "weapons deal" should have an apostrophe, but they aren't sure where to put it.

The story was resolved more by chance events than by the skill or cleverness of the protagonists.

The story was somewhat entertaining, but I don't feel that I learned anything or that my heart or mind is any better for having read it. I'm not sure whether I'll continue with the series; I hear the second book is better.

[Marian Baay · Rating 3 out of 5]

In The Chase we meet FBI agent Tigo Harris and women's fiction author Kariss Walker.

Kariss wants to write something different than women's fiction. She has set her mind on writing a suspense novel about a cold case about a girl who was starved to dead 5 years ago. An old friend with the FBI arranges for Kariss to work with FBI agent Tigo. At first the two don't like each other very well, but through the story they start to respect each other.

We get to read a lot about the character's family lifes, which was--in my opinion--not very interesting. I liked reading about Tigo's mom, but Kariss' family wasn't interesting to me.
I also had a hard time trying to like Kariss--probably because she's SO much different than I am that I had a hard time to figure out why she was doing certain things. Tigo on the other hand was a great guy and he saved a star on my review rating.

There were many more characters in this story. Honestly I think there were too many characters and switching reading about them often slowed the pace. I couldn't finish this book soon enough.

This book wasn't for me, but it could be for you.

*Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me a free review copy. I was not required to write a positive review.*

[Melissa · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was really hard for me to get into. It started off slow and dry. It was very repetitive, the same information about gun running was repeated multiple times. I also didn't feel the main characters had unique voices, I would read dialogue between the two main characters and get confused as to who said what.

That said, I trudged through it and in the second half of the book the pace did pick up. It did have a finale with a lot of action, but at that point I wasn't really invested in the characters, I just wanted to finish the book.

I haven't read this author before and while I won't discount the possibility of reading some of her other work, it would be far down my list.

[Briana · Rating 3 out of 5]

This novel had a great overall story line but the romance between Tigo and Kariss fell seriously flat. It seemed to be a total afterthought, practically nonexistent and then suddenly poorly thrown in which surprised me because Mills has done better than this previously. The story line was decent though and it's still a nice read.

[Fran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kariss Walker is bold and adventurous in more ways than one. Kariss is a New York Times best selling author whose agent is opposed to her writing her first suspense novel. She will even go as terminating her contract with her agency if she does not stick to the prescribed genre she is famous for. But, five years ago an unidentified little girl was found murdered and starved to death in the woods. Imagine a parent so cruel as to do this to a young child and the killer not caught. This case really struck a chord with Kariss at the time. Kariss was the new anchor that reported the case and wants to avenge the child’s murder by writing her first suspense novel hopefully with the help of the FBI.
Kariss cannot erase the image of this child seen in her autopsy picture from her mind and reporting the murder on Channel Five, as their anchor would haunt her until the case was resolved. Her solution was to write a suspense novel, which would give the case a positive solution, but not before learning more of the facts, following a really hot FBI Agent around for three months and learning what procedures went into solving a cold case.

Enter FBI agent Tigo Santiago whose reaction to Kariss was anything but elation. Noted for writing women’s fictional novels this change of genre would not only surprise her readers but also upset her literary agent who threatened to drop her. Headstrong, bold and determined she enlists his help, allows him to create the guidelines and hopes he will get the case reopened.

Cherished Doe is the name of the child found dead five years ago. Hopefully her novel will enlighten the public, parents, educators, guardians and hospitals to be more vigilant in protecting our children. Child abuse is wrong and never understandable. Anyone seeing a child hit, abused or in danger of being hurt needs to report it on the spot as any educator, principal or guidance counselor should. With the help of the HPD she prays for a miracle to not only reopen the case but also hopefully they will solve it. But added into the mix is the issue of the murder of Tigo’s informant Candy, threat on his life by her handlers, the weapons smuggling he hopes to stop and his terminally ill mother.

As the author brings to light more about Tigo you understand his passion of for his job, the fact that not only he has invested time in the case about Cherished and the love he has for keeping his mother alive and not giving up on her. When Tigo suggest that the three agencies pool resources, hold a press conference and offer a huge reward for information Kariss is excited and hopes that someone will come forward but after two weeks no one does. Added into the mix is Tigo’s impending problem with the cartel, their hopes of finding out that Candy was giving up information to and his hope for his mother. Making life more difficult for Kariss is her agency that does not support her efforts and wants to control her work. What she does will definitely not surprise the reader but let everyone know that she stands by her convictions. But, the program on the Spanish network proved positive as someone came forward and identified the young child as his niece Benita Olvera. Living with a feed tube due to a physical condition she was born with, the uncle provided them with the father’s name and the name of her doctor and hopefully they would find her missing mother. Just who killed her has yet to be seen as the weapons smugglers have started to fight back, kill more people and want revenge for those they lost.

Meeting the child’s father and uncle made a marked impression not only on Kariss but on the agents too. The story behind her short life was sad as what would have happened if they never deported Xavier, her father. The sad thing is a child died and suffered at the hand of someone who did not care. But, what happens next would change everything for Kariss as she winds up in the middle of gunfire at a hospital when an informant is stabbed by the Arroyo’s because their head guy gives orders and eliminates those who do not follow. Looking into the eyes of one of the assassins Kariss is now front and center in the line of fire along with Tigo.

Trying to remember the faces of the two men would not be easy. One got away and the other was dead. Recalling the incident and giving Tigo a physical description of the man would hopefully help capture him. But, there are many twists in the investigation as Kariss receives an urgent phone call and plea for help from Benita’s father, Tigo continues on his quest to get Cheeky and more lives would be lost before all was said and done. Did the child’s mother really leave her for dead? What really happened to Benita and did this tie into the guns and weapons smuggling?

Why would Kariss risk her life and to try and help Xavier find his wife and possibly another child? How would Tigo go undercover to get Cheeky? But, things get out of control and other man is a die afraid to remain in police custody. When Kariss decides to buy a handgun the author explains the steps required by law, the classes needed to get her Concealed Weapons License and the fact that Tigo might have more than just a professional interest in her. But, first he and Ryan have to go deep undercover before the cartel takes out more people and in the interim he manages to go head to head with Kariss’s sister’s ex-husband. The author also interjects some of her own religious background and Kariss’s parents hope that she will return to the church as the author shares an incident from her past explaining why she lost faith.

Author DiAnn Mills brings to light just how far one woman will go to avenge the death of an innocent child, help save others and protect those she loves. Added to that we learn much about the FBI, the inside workings of an investigation and the faith and harmony of a special family. But, everything points to her mother Delores who is seen on a daily basis visiting her grandmother at her nursing facility. Added to that Vicki is pregnant and her ex-husband is knee deep in this mess too as a connection is found linking him to two disreputable businessmen who have ties to the gun smugglers and more. Plus an old reporter friend who seems bent on destroying Kariss because of her lack of interest in him and goes about it in a really sleazy manner. So, why is Kariss taking shooting lessons and why does she need a concealed weapon?

Then something happens that places Kariss in danger and front and center with Tigo, Ryan and the sting they hope to pull off in order to finally bring down Cheeky and his gang. The Arroyos seem to be immune to the law and nothing seems to stop them. Can they?

An ending that will renew your faith justice and one FBI agent who would not give up. Just how all of the pieces fit together and how this ends is definitely concealed like the weapon Kariss is allowed to carry so that no one see the gun and no one will know the dramatic ending with its twists, turns and definite surprises. DiAnn Mills delivers a novel that will keep the reader pinned to the printed page, in suspense and on edge until the very end. Let’s hope she brings a suspense novelist back with her FBI partner again in another novel. Does her novel about Cherished Doe get picked up and what is next for her? The first question can only be answered by reading this great book and the second only the author knows. Loyalties come from strange places and betrayals, lies and deceits come out. As Kariss learns the true meaning of friendship, helping Tigo during a rough time and find her way back to God.
Fran Lewis: Reviewer

[Avery · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is fine, but I think that's all it is. The style is plain, and I even spotted a few small errors (mostly punctuation). There were also some grammatically awkward moments where I had to reread a few times to make sense of the wording. The same descriptive details are a dead horse beaten to the point that there's not much horse left. All I could tell you about Kariss' appearance is that she is pretty and has dark hair that frames her face. Did I mention she's pretty? Did I? Are you sure you understand? She's really pretty, bro.

A lot of other descriptions are just brand references. Kariss has a Jaguar. She buys Tigo Starbucks every week. There are also references to Ford, and Prius, and a ton of other brands. I hope the author got product placement sponsor money, because good grief there's a brand mention every other page.

The story itself is okay, but some moments feel forced. The characters act stupid because the plot demands it. I don't mind the religious theme--the reason I picked it up in the first place was because I want to write my own crime series with a character having a crisis of faith. The religious stuff falls flat for me, though. Kariss goes from rejecting God all throughout to suddenly being all in after a traumatic experience. I guess things like that happen, but I would rather it be paced a little better, instead of it just being: Doubt-->Doubt-->More Doubt-->BAM full-blown Christian.

Kariss also has a forced motivational traumatic backstory. I guess the author wanted a clearer motivation for why Kariss is invested in the case, but like, why can't she just be a good person who cares? Why did we need to shoehorn in some trauma about her not being able to save a kid in a fire? It sounds like something I would have written in middle school like "wow this is so deep" and it made me cringe a little. It could be written out with no impact on the story. Kariss could easily be invested in the case because she reported on it and it touched her. She could be having a crisis of faith because being exposed to tragic stories all the time as a reporter shook her up. We don't need this random tragic backstory to pop in late in the story to explain her actions. I accepted her motivations perfectly fine before this backstory got referenced.

Overall, not necessarily a *bad* read, but not a great one either. It's not something I've really come away with much to mentally chew on. If you're interested in crime thrillers, it may be worth a read. I just had a few pet-peevish hang ups with it.

[Louise · Rating 3 out of 5]

Story Description:

Zondervan|April 2, 2012|Trade Paperback|ISBN: 978-0-310-33317-3

To the FBI it’s a cold case. To Kariss Walker it’s a hot idea that could either reshape or ruin her writing career. And it’s a burning mission to revisit an event she can never forget. Five years ago, an unidentified little girl was found starved to death in the woods behind a Houston apartment complex. A TV news anchor at the time, Kariss reported on the terrifying case. Today, as a New York bestselling author, Kariss intends to turn the unsolved mystery into a suspense novel. Enlisting the help of FBI Special Agent Tigo Harris, Kariss succeeds in getting the case reopened. But the search for the dead girl’s missing mother yields a discovery that plunges the partners into a witch’s brew of danger. The old crime lives on in more ways than either of them could ever imagine. Will Karriss’s pursuit of her dream as a writer carry a deadly price tag? Drawing from a real-life cold case, bestselling novelist DiAnn Mills presents a taut collage of suspense, faith and romance in The Chase.

My Review:

Kariss Walker was a New York bestselling author writing women’s fiction. However, this morning she is having a meeting with her editor, Meredith to convince her to let her switch genres. Kariss wants to pen a suspense novel, but Meredith tells her if she does that then she is: “…about to commit publishing suicide.” Meredith reminded her that her last book sold over 600 thousand copies along with a “sweet spot” on the best sellers list. If she insisted on writing suspense then her ratings were going to “plummet like an avalanche.”

For eight years prior to becoming an author, Kariss Walker had been an evening news reporter on Houston’s channel 5. From that experience she had more ideas than she’d ever have time to write about.

Meredith told Kariss to send her a proposal for her next women’s fiction novel which they’d already discussed a few months prior. Meredith also told Kariss if she went ahead with the suspense novel and didn’t meet the demands of the publishing world, her actions could dissolve their representation of her work. Kariss indicated he was fully aware of that fact and if none of the other publishing houses didn’t want to publish her either, then she’d self-publish because she said she could not, not write this suspense novel. Meredith picked up her cup of tea and left the office.

Two hours later, Kariss had an appointment with Lincoln Abrams, special agent in charge of Houston’s FBI. It had been 5 years since she’d worked in any capacity with them. Kariss was excited and wished the agent had the same amount of enthusiasm about her writing a suspense novel. Perhaps if she knew the real reason why Kariss wanted to protect children.

This story meant more than all the six-figure checks combined. In 5 years, no one had solved the crime stalking her, and she herself didn’t possess the skills to smoke out a killer. But in her novel version, the perpetrator would be brought to justice. Five years ago, a female child between the ages of 4 and 7 years old was found in a clump of trees beside Pine Grove apartment in south Houston. She was named Cherished Doe because to date her identity and how she died remained a mystery. She wore green pajamas and was wrapped in a quilt, then placed in a purple flower bag. Medical experts ruled the cause of death as starvation. She was discarded like an animal.

Speeding along the highway toward the FBI office, Kariss was sure her agent would change his mind once he read the first chapter of her suspense novel – and the book’s dedication. Kariss was “hungry to make this work.”

Linc Abrams, head of the FBI called Special Agent Tigo Harris into his office. He asked him if he remembered a t.v. reporter from about 5 years ago named Kariss Walker. Tigo said he did. Linc explained that she was writing a suspense novel and had chosen the last case she reported on – Cherished Doe. Tigo was a bit alarmed and said: “she picked a hard one.” Linc went onto explain that Kariss wantd the novel to be as authentic as possible and had requested to ride along with an agent and Linc was assigning her to, Tigo. Tigo said: “You’re not asking me to babysit a woman who wants to be a faux crime fighter.” Linc told him yes he was and would also need Tigo to review her material for accuracy. Tigo asked how long, Kariss would be shadowing him for and he was told 3 months max. Linc then told Tigo to go change his clothes before going downstairs to meet her. Tigo frowned, he didn’t want to come within 50 feet of the woman, but she’d be his sidekick for the next few months.

Kariss met with Linc Abrams and asked him outright “will the Cherished Doe case ever be solved?” Linc said that he’d hope so and asked Kariss if this was the case she wanted to use for her book. Kariss told him it was definitely the case she wanted to use. She said she wanted to write the novel so the ending reflected a solved case, and asked Linc if there was any chance of opening the case back up.

Next, Kariss met Tigo and he was none too happy to have this woman trailing along after him for the next 3 months. He was upfront with her saying: “…your desire to write this book might get you killed.” Kariss simply replied that his trying to persuade her to give up her research only reinforced her determination.

Tigo and Kariss talked for a few minutes about the Cherished Doe case and Kariss told him: “I’ve never been able to erase the little girl’s autopsy picture from my mind.” Tigo and Kariss got along well enough although, she felt he could use a few lessons in manners. She felt that some women would find his “crusty edges” endearing but she didn’t.

After their initial meeting, Tigo set Kariss up to speak with Ricardo Montoya, one of the detectives involved in the original unsolved case of Cherished Doe. From there, Kariss began to draw outlines for her new book. Ricardo Montoya had never been able to let this particular case go either. He felt if a man or woman is murdered it is regretful, but a child is a whole different matter. Adults can fight back and possibly defend themselves but a child is helpless.

The Chase is a rollercoaster of suspense and intrigue. I just couldn’t put it down. I kept telling myself “one more chapter” and six chapters later I’d still be reading. DiAnn Mills is a talented author who knows how to weave a story that will keep you constantly wondering what’s going to happen next. Highly recommendable.

[Edward Arrington · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading about Kariss and Tigo as they struggled to work together without killing each other. He was the tough FBI special agent who often had a problem working with a partner and now his SAC has told him to work with an author as part of her research for a book. One or the other seemed to constantly be in the gun sights of a gang member. Both of them were brought up in the church and knew the right way but they had allowed other things to pull them away from the faith in which they were raised. Will either of them find their way back? And does romance have any room in either of their lives? Add this to the suspense and action for quite an exciting read. With about 40 pages left to read when bedtime came, I had a real struggle to put the book down. I wanted to know how it ended.

[Vickie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has an interesting premise as author Diann Mills includes a main character who is an author. Very bold! Karissa is has decided to write a book about a cold case and gets caught up in the danger of investigation. The whole plot seemed so real, so totally happening right now that it really keeps your attention. I loved the main character and the whole idea of an author writing about an author in danger because of her determination to uncover the truth.

I purchased this book from Amazon. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

[Sherri · Rating 2 out of 5]

Karris is a former TV reporter turned author who gets hooked up with FBI agent Teego to delve into the mysterious murder of child Cherish Doe. Based on a real life circumstance.

The narrator left something to be desired in staying in character so I took a chance of extended listening while weeding my garden. Had I read the book I would have had different character voices in my head.

Karris is an irritating character who reckless involvement in case development led to Teego and his partner bailing her out numerous times. She lacked common sense. Also there are two cases going on simultaneously that merged into one.

Only the mystery and increasing thrill as the book progressed made me want to finish. I'll probably check out Book #2.

[Kelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 1 in this series grabbed me and held my attention all the way through! Karissa Walker is a New York Times Best-selling Author of womens fiction. But her previous job was a news reporter and one story has haunted her for 5 years. So she's decided to write a suspense novel and turns to the FBI to shadow an agent. Tigo Harris is 100% FBI agent and driven to take down a gun snuggling ring in Houston with ties to Mexico. The LAST thing her wants is to babysit an author but his boss has given the direct order so he will albeit with a chip in his shoulder. Follow these two as the navigate the world of crime and you won't be disappointed!

[Mama · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the suspense of this book! Sure, some of the drama was far fetched, but not so far that I wasn’t drawn to keep turning the pages.

Note to self: while a “Christian” book there were adult topics like murder, drugs, illegal gun sales, rape and gang members and their “girlfriends”. Not a book I’m ready to share with my non-adult kids yet but clean non-explicit version of adult topics.

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was edge-of-your-seat, non-stop action. I’m worn out now that I’m finished. I liked the main characters, Kariss & Tigo. The other characters were well done also. The plot was good, and so much was going on, my poor brain got confused several times. But, like I said, non-stop suspense.

Clean read, no bad language or sex. There was mention of crimes that are hard to imagine, but no details were mentioned.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the fast pace of this story with a weapons cartel and a cold case death of a young girl that both FBI agent, Tigo Harris and novelist and former news reporter, Kariss Walker, have not been able to forget. It was interesting to see if the two plot lines were going to converge or be separate.

This is the first book in the series, so I am interested to see what Kariss and Tigo's next case will be and if the budding romance between them will continue or will they just be friends?

[April · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good plot with interesting characters. Quite a lot of violence for Christian fiction, but it's gangs.

Things to be aware of: No sex or language, talk of rape, child starved to death, affair, older mother dies of cancer, kidnapping, man hits woman, woman hit/almost hit by a motorcycle, woman gets a gun and a conceal carry license, shooting range scene, gated community, annoying ex-boyfriend who keeps showing up and gossiping about her on his blog, several people shot and killed

[Pianosue · Rating 5 out of 5]

An exciting riveting book. Kariss Walker is wanting to write suspense books based on a cold case of a small child. She hangs out with the FBI to learn about their procedures and gets in trouble. Will she and Agent Harris be able to figure out what happened to the little girl? Will they get pulled into more trouble with the gangs and will they survive?

[Christy Foss · Rating 1 out of 5]

I really hate to do it but one star is nice. I've read another of Mills' series and thoroughly enjoyed it. This book had a decent plot, but it was dull and it seemed that the author was writing herself into the story as the lead. Even if she wasn't, all the gushing of the perfection of the female lead was annoying.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

There were times the main character made me want to shake her; she kept putting herself in danger! Well written book and a storyline to break the heart. I found myself reading far too late into the night in order to see how the book ended. I look forward to seeing the relationship between the 2 main characters develop in future books in the series.

[TheModestMillennial · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun suspense with quirky characters and budding romance that will keep you interested, but won't swallow you up. There may be a little writer-hero-worship, but it happens with just about every author that creates a writer character.

[Lydia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved the suspense and action - it was very well laid out, keeping you on your toes. The main characters were well written and the romance between them developed well. Not a huge fan of the fact that Kariss was an author, it felt forced and not natural.

[Pamela Baker · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was a decent story but the writing kept jarring me out of it. The dialog was pretty awful most of the time, and in trying to use varied words, I think she used some wrong ones. I kept having to go back to try to figure out what she meant.

[Kimberly Purcell · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a want to be author, I liked seeing a bit into the publishing world. The relationship between Teego and Cheris (Sorry if I spelled them wrong. I listened to the story) was intriguing. Look forward to future books in the series to see if it goes anywhere.

[Steve Center · Rating 3 out of 5]

The male protagonist was more engaging. I think she tried to make the female lead very complicated and conflicted and it was okay but I'm hopeful for volume 2.

[Vickie · Rating 1 out of 5]

No christian crap for me. If you can't leave your religion out of it, then I don't want to read it.

[Josephine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hmmm mixed feeling, well written.