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Mountain Justice #3

Unexpected Target

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Sometimes evil lurks in plain sight…

Oaklee Newbold never imagined her quiet life would be disrupted by a break-in that isn't as random as it seems. When stalkers and unanticipated enemies begin targeting her every move, she learns the spaces that should be the safest are anything but. Someone sees her as a threat, but she has no idea who...or why. She finds an ally in handsome Detective Grayson Brenneman, who has his own struggles after hastily leaving, then finally returning to his hometown.

Questions mount, and danger intensifies. As it becomes apparent that random acts of crime aren't as random as initially believed, Oaklee finds herself in a literal fight for survival. When a series of sinister events finds her held in the deadly clutches of evildoers, Grayson races against the clock to find the woman he has grown to love…before it’s too late for everyone involved.


Please note: Unexpected Witness is a faith-filled Christian romantic suspense novel.

326 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 17, 2026

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About the author

Penny Zeller

49 books971 followers
Penny Zeller is known for her heartfelt stories of faith-filled happily ever afters and her passion to impact lives for Christ through fiction. Her books feature tender romance, steady doses of humor, and memorable characters that stay with you long after the last page.

While she has had a love for writing since childhood, Penny began her adult writing career penning articles for national and regional publications on a wide variety of topics.

Today, Penny is a multi-published author of over three dozen books in three different Christian subgenres (historical, suspense, and contemporary), and is also a fitness instructor, loves the outdoors, and is a flower gardening addict. In her spare time, she enjoys camping, hiking, kayaking, biking, birdwatching, reading, running, and playing volleyball.

Penny resides with her husband and two daughters in small-town America and loves to connect with her readers at her website at www.pennyzeller.com, her blog, www.pennyzeller.wordpress.com, and her Facebook page at www.facebook.com/pennyzellerbooks where she posts faith, funnies, writing updates, and encouragement. All of her socials can be found at https://linktr.ee/pennyzeller.

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5 stars
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39 (22%)
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
Profile Image for Karen.
535 reviews45 followers
March 27, 2026
Unexpected Target is another great Christian romantic suspense book from Penny Zeller.
Oaklee is one of quite a few people who has their house broken into, yet in all cases, nothing appears to be stolen. However, as Oaklee attempts to just live her life she is suddenly the target of different attacks that keep escalating. She has no clue why she has been targeted.
Grayson is the third of three Brenneman brothers that are the male main characters in this series. He is in law enforcement and is handling Oaklee's case, though he also knows her because he takes the cycling class she leads at the gym. He is determined to find out who is targeting her and realizes he is falling for her along the way.
Faith plays an important part in this story, as it does in all of the author's books. We also see the importance of redemption and forgiveness.
I loved getting caught up with the previous characters in the series and I loved the furry characters.
There was a good amount of suspense and danger, and I loved that Oaklee was not a helpless female. She tried very hard to take care of herself and get herself out of danger, though that didn't always work. There was a huge cast of possible suspects, the mystery was knowing exactly what they were up to, though things were slowly revealed as the book progressed. There were some things that were obvious, and others that had me wondering. I admit I wish the reason for her being targeted was a bit stronger. It seemed that she was being targeted before she really should have been.
All in all, this was another awesome, faith-filled book by the author.
I received an e-copy of this book as a member of the launch team and was not required to write a favorable review. These are my own honest thoughts.
Profile Image for Carolyn Bryant.
981 reviews79 followers
March 14, 2026
What a thrilling return to Pronghorn Springs thanks to this concluding addition to the Mountain Justice series! I love the fictional Brenneman family and have been waiting anxiously for Grayson's story. I was not disappointed! The story quickly becomes Oaklee's also as she is targeted by an unknown person or persons with no obvious motive, and Grayson is tasked with the investigation. This intensely suspenseful mystery features a plethora of suspicious characters and speculation but no significant leads as to who has targeted Oaklee. The "who" and "why" stay elusive through multiple twists and turns and kept me guessing to the end. I love how Grayson's story of reconciliation with his family and his faith journey plays out alongside the mystery. An action-packed plot, compelling characters, a whisper of romance, and a strong faith thread make this a riveting, heartfelt story that will linger in my thoughts for quite a while. I highly recommend this book and the series.
I read an early copy of this book from the author/publisher with no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Allyson Anthony.
1,274 reviews58 followers
March 20, 2026
What a wonderful ending to this series. Grayson, a detective, is assigned to investigate a series of break-ins, but nothing is missing. Oaklee, a part-time cycling instructor and bank teller, finds herself a target after her house is broken into. I enjoyed the chemistry between Grayson and Oaklee. The plot has suspense, danger, and a slew of suspects to work through. This story is also about reconciliation and working through anger and pain. Great romantic suspense story with faith elements.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Terri Harr.
257 reviews12 followers
April 2, 2026
GREAT suspense read! This is book three in the Mountain Justice series.

We are back in Pronghorn Falls and getting to know the third Brenneman brother. There is a fourth brother, but he died so he isn't part of the books except in their memories of him. I loved meeting Grayson and finding out how the rest of the family is.

Grayson works at the local police station on the city side. He left Pronghorn Falls after his brother and father died, cutting off ties with his two brothers and his mom, for the most part. He had some contact with her, but not much. He is a really great guy, just like his brothers. He just has some guilt that he has to work through. He knows he has disappointed his family but doesn't feel worthy of their forgiveness, so he hasn't asked for it.

Oaklee loves her life. She teaches a spin class at the local gym and works at the bank after that. Grayson attends her spin class. Strange things start happening, starting with a break-in at her home. Nothing is taken, that she can see. More break-ins happen all around town. Nothing is taken there either. Some new neighbors move in on the other side of her duplex. Things get really strange with them. There are a few other characters around town that become very suspicious. Grayson is doing his best to try and help find out who is behind the break-ins plus solving several other cases that have been assigned to him.

Little by little, their relationship turns to friendship with the hope of more AFTER the case is solved. He wants to keep thing professional. We get to see Oaklee interact with the other two brothers, Grayson's mom and nephew. The Brenneman family is very close, and they do what is needed to help each other, and others.

Some of the secondary characters in the book were very strange and really set my nerves on edge when she had to interact with them. They seemed like villains from the start. But there was more than meets the eye behind even that.

I will say that this book had some surprising twists that I did not see coming, at first. Some really threw me for a loop. It unfolded perfectly.

This is a book that has faith elements running through it. Grayson has walked away from God, but he finds his way back after Oaklee asks him why he doesn't go to church anymore. I love the redemption between him and God and his family. It is beautifully done.

I loved the entire series!
Profile Image for Lana Burton.
361 reviews16 followers
April 27, 2026
What a great crime novel! Oaklee has found her perfect little condo and is loving her life as a bicycle riding instructor at the gym three days a week, and as a full time teller at the bank the rest of the time. Grayson Brenneman, the final brother of four, one having died along with his wife and Grayson’s Dad, ran off after these horrible deaths because he felt like he should’ve done better at protecting everyone from danger if any sort. He didn’t even call his Mom and let her know where he was and that he was, in fact, alive. When he finally returns to Pronghorn Springs, he felt certain his Mom would forgive him, but doubted that the rest of his family would. He gad also strayed away from the Lord. His Dad had been a sheriff and Grayson, a detective, got hired on right away after moving back home. The first case he got was someone breaking in to his bike instructor’s home. But, nothing was taken. This keeps occurring all over town. Poor Oaklee has slobs living in the condo next to hers, and they are very mean acting people. Once they start getting down to their nasty business, it seems that Oaklee, even though she’s done nothing, is constantly getting attacked. She cries out for the Lord to help her and recites scriptures and the Lord never lets her down. I literally started reading this book and couldn’t NOT stop until I finished! That’s how exciting and engrossing this book was. I highly recommend it to all of my friends. It has a happily ever after ending. I received an arc copy of the book and this is my own, honest opinion of the same. 📕♥️
Profile Image for Ausjenny.
415 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
March 17, 2026
While I was able to read this book early I now have my own copy of this book.

This is the third book in this series but can be read on its own. This time we have Grayson Brenneman the youngest in the family back working as a detective at the local police station. He has been away for a few years due to something that happened several years back. Oaklee Newbold arrives home but notices a few things don't seem right. She contacts the police as she is sure someone has been in the house, but nothing seems to be missing.

There is a spate of break ins with nothing missing and Grayson is tasked with investigating. Oaklee teaches a spin class at the local gym three times a week before her regular job at the bank. Here she first meets Grayson also taking the class and person taking the class that makes her feel uneasy.

A few small incidents happen, and Oaklee is left feeling uneasy. Nothing seems to be connected, and Oaklee isn't sure why they are happening. At this time Grayson isn't sure why either. I like how this book is a slow burn with the suspense you can feel something isn't right but it's not high action from the start. It slowly builds up just enough to keep Oaklee confused but not sure what is exactly happening. When it does ramp up it ramps up fast.

I am satisfied with the ending and was left guessing. I also appreciated the faith element; Grayson hasn't been going to church for several years due to something that happened but is still seeking. How the author deals with this issue is realistic. I hope this isn't the last in the series.

If you enjoy Penny Zellers previous books in the series this book won't disappoint. If you enjoy romantic suspense that builds the story this is a book for you.
Profile Image for Michele Kerlin.
84 reviews2 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
March 17, 2026
This is the third book in the Mountain Justice series, but it can easily be read as a standalone. The story is set in the small town of Pronghorn Springs, where not much usually happens—until a string of mysterious break-ins begins. Oaklee Newbold is a God-fearing woman who works at the local bank and also teaches a few cycling classes at the town gym. She lives in a duplex, and a new couple has recently moved in next door. Not long after, strange things begin happening. Her home is broken into, yet nothing is taken.

The detective assigned to her case is Grayson Brenneman, who has recently returned to town after being away for several years. Both of his brothers are also police officers, but they haven’t kept in touch. As more unexplained incidents happen to Oaklee, Grayson becomes determined to uncover the truth.

This book was both a sweet love story and a compelling mystery. The identity of the culprit isn’t revealed until near the end, and the twist completely shocked me. I was given this book as an ARC reader but my views and opinion are my own
Profile Image for Jeanette Durkin.
1,682 reviews53 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
March 15, 2026
5 stars for this incredible, fast paced suspense story! The author did a fantastic job keeping me guessing as to who the perpetrators were.

Oaklee is AMAZING! She reminds me of someone 😉! Her life is idyllic until new neighbors move in next door. Suddenly she's being targeted and she doesn't know why. Grayson is 😍😍! He's a protector, intelligent and kind. Xander is my favorite! He's quite a character with his cute sayings and precocious nature!

Grayson has turned his back on his family and his faith. His mother longs for reconciliation between her sons. Thankfully he returns to his faith and the waiting arms of his family! I like how Oaklee responds to Grayson admitting to her that he had turned his back on God and his family. "I'm humbled and grateful that we serve such a merciful and forgiving God."

I was provided a complimentary ARC copy of the book from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
202 reviews13 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
March 16, 2026
This is an amazing story! This is the third book in the series but can be read as a stand alone. I loved Oaklee and Grayson. Oaklee has spunk and personality. She is the type of person you would want to be your best friend. She is caring, compassionate, faithful, and works to overcome her fears after her home is broken into. Grayson is a police detective that is dealing with loss and guilt. He has allowed guilty to separate himself from his family and his faith. He has recently return to his home town and is thrown into investigating strange happening that are going on. Oaklee and Grayson meet when he is assigned to her case after her break-in and other events keep happening to Oaklee. I loved that the book kept you guessing as to who was behind the many crimes and the connections that seemed to tie everything together. This book keeps you guess to the very end and delivers a great ending.
1,229 reviews6 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
March 10, 2026
LOVED Grayson and Oaklee's story!! Grayson has moved back home after running/leaving when his brother and father died. Now, he's living with guilt and regrets, and neither are deserved. He's a detective with the PD, while his older brother Brodie is the sheriff, and his oldest brother still works their family ranch. He meets Oaklee when he joins her cycling class at the gym, and gets to know her more after someone breaks into her house, and then more things start happening to her. As he works to find out who is after her, he also starts his relationship with God again, going back to church, and having a heart-to-heart talk with his brothers. Love how everything comes together! I figured out who two of the people were, but boy, it took a few twists!!

I received a complimentary copy of this book, was not required to leave a review, and the opinion expressed is my own.
Profile Image for Evelyn Foreman.
769 reviews32 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
March 10, 2026
The name of this book is totally on point keeping you guessing until the very end as to who, what, when and where! Which, of course, is the mark of an author who has been blessed with unmatched talent! There’s Oaklee, a cyclist enthusiast and bank teller; Grayson, a Pronghorn Falls detective; Oaklee’s dubious neighbors, separated only by the thin wall of a shared duplex; multiple nefarious characters seemingly springing up out of nowhere…danger waiting in the shadows…maybe, just maybe, a possible romance, and most of all a Father constantly protecting, guiding and filling hearts in tune with His leading—a story so satisfactorily complete, one can turn the last page with a contented sigh, nothing lacking, nothing wanting.
Profile Image for Melissa (christianbooksandcoffee).
885 reviews400 followers
March 10, 2026
4.5 stars!

Oaklee’s home has been broken into but nothing was taken. And it keeps happening to others in town too. Her new neighbors are strange and there are other strange happenings. Grayson is a detective trying to solve the case. He met Oaklee at a bicycling class she teaches and he takes. I really liked both main characters. Poor Oaklee has one thing after another happening to her. I liked Grayson’s protectiveness over her. I also loved Grayson returning to Christ. The mystery and suspense was good. Overall a good story!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Denise A.
229 reviews9 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
March 15, 2026
Fast paced, suspenseful romance that will keep you guessing throughout the book who is actually behind all the attacks. The characters have layers of depth, and come alive off the pages. There is a redemption thread with the MMC that really touched me. And Xander is so precocious, he totally steals the show! I love that little guy! This book is a stand alone and the series can be read in any order, but there are minor spoilers about the previous books mentioned in this one. I stayed up until almost 2 am finishing this book, it was that good. I read an advanced reader copy from the author, all thoughts and opinions in this review are honest and original to me.
Profile Image for BrendaLee .
445 reviews19 followers
May 18, 2026
I loved this audiobook! The narrator was wonderful and the book was wonderful. If you want to listen to a book that will keep you on your toes you need to listen or read this one.
Oaklee was certainly a hero in my eyes and was a very strong girl. I believe I would have crumbled but she took care of a lot of the problems by herself. But… it sure didn’t hurt when a handsome detective would show up sometimes. Romance, Suspense and Faith Filled, you can’t get any better than that.
I highly recommend it!
I received an advance copy of this book by the author but was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Shonda.
Author 10 books49 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
March 10, 2026
This is an exceptional read! I love suspense without gore, and Zeller delivered exactly that. There are a couple of wonderful characters, though a few that make your skin crawl. I think I white-knuckled this book from chapter five onward. So many twists and characters are introduced to put Oaklee in danger, and I turned each page with trepidation. This is a story that sticks with you days after you’ve finished. I want more!!!
847 reviews16 followers
March 17, 2026
Oaklee is caught in the cross hairs of criminal activity. It seems like every time she turns around, trouble awaits her. The amazing part about Oaklee is that she responds with grace to each interaction and her faith is only strengthened.

Thankfully, Grayson comes alongside of her in the midst of her dilemma. He is an amazing detective and doesn't give up when his plate is already full.

I received a complimentary arc from the author. The opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Jody.
256 reviews11 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
March 11, 2026
The final book in this awesome series did not disappoint! Why Oaklee was targeted had me guessing all the way til the end! Not only was this a mystery/suspense book but it also had a great story of redemption and unconditional love! It was heart wrenching and nearly had me in tears, it was so beautiful! I highly recommend this book and the whole series!
88 reviews6 followers
March 19, 2026
Great romantic suspense!!

Penny Zeller is an author I found recently and her stories are awesome! They are suspenseful and always have heart warming romance and a great message about the Lord. This book was no exception it was the end of the Mountain Justice series and it wrapped up everything perfectly!
1,084 reviews4 followers
March 21, 2026
The author definitely knows how to keep you on the edge of your chair. Oaklee is being targeted by someone and has no idea why.

Someone is breaking into homes in this small town but not stealing anything. The police are really baffled by this. You'll want to read this book to see what happens.

I received a free ARC, and this is my honest opinion.
982 reviews22 followers
March 18, 2026
A very suspenseful story. Plenty of action and great characters in Oaklee and Garrett. It was hard to put down. Great Christian suspense story with a little romance. I received a copy of this book and all opinions are my own.
6 reviews
May 19, 2026
My new favorite author

Penny Zeller is my new favorite author. I love that her books are Christian based books. Thank you for your books, when I start one, I can't put it down until I have read the whole book. Please keep writing and I will keep reading.
Profile Image for Lori Chasko.
176 reviews21 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
March 16, 2026
I loved this book! The author is very descriptive and tells a great story!
888 reviews2 followers
March 29, 2026
Slow plot about the police trying to catch burglars breaking into one particular neighborhood which doesn't make a lot of sense. Going from house to house - and only to find out if the people inside have any prescribed opioids? Lots of work for little gain.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Kristen.
1,230 reviews
April 3, 2026
Good mystery, plenty of twists, and nice clean love story.
Profile Image for Madisyn Carlin.
Author 34 books382 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
April 20, 2026
Unexpected Target is the final book in the Mountain Justice series and is the perfect conclusion. We have our unsuspecting heroine, creepy criminals, some of whom you don't expect until the end, and the third Brenneman brother, Grayson.

Unexpected Target's plot builds, adding tension and suspense in every chapter until you wonder what length the antagonists will go to to shut down Oaklee. Moose was a fun addition, and who doesn't love the adorable Xander?

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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews