Detective Chase Washington knows Brooke Turner is guilty of murdering her best friend. What he can't comprehend is how she has managed to elude capture for six months. With Lenora Chambers’ blood calling out to him from the ground, Chase will stop at nothing to find Brooke Turner and bring her to justice. When he finally tracks her down, nothing is as black and white as Chase thought. Lost in the wild with no way to communicate with the outside world and another possible suspect on their trail, Chase and his prisoner have become the prey in a desperate quest to survive. Fans of riveting, edge-of-your-seat suspense with clean romance and spiritual truths will love this fast-paced offering.
Sara Davison is the author of numerous romantic suspense series, as well as the standalone, The Watcher. A finalist for more than a dozen national writing awards, including the Christy Award, Davison is a Holt Medallion, Cascade, and two-time Carol Award winner for romantic suspense. She lives in Ontario with her husband, Michael. Like every good Canadian, she loves coffee, hockey, poutine, and apologizing for no particular reason. Get to know Sara better and subscribe to her short, monthly newsletter at www.ontheedgesuspense.com
This was good! It's a short romantic suspense novel with the main female character a successful author. Unfortunately, she is being framed for committing a crime plot from one of her novels.
The title stands for Joshua 1:9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.
LOVED this book!! Chase and Brooke meet when Brooke runs after her best friend Lenora is murdered, Chase is the detective assigned to the case, and Brooke is the chief suspect. When Chase finds her, so does Lenora's real killer, and from there, both Chase and Brooke are in the killer's crosshairs. Love how everything works out, especially after Brooke is arrested the final time!! Trying so hard not to give spoilers!! This is a must read if you love suspense!!
I received a complimentary copy of this book, was not required to leave a review, and the opinion expressed is my own.
One Nine: This is an exciting story of a woman, Riley, on the run after being framed for a murder she didn't commit. Chase is the detective determined to bring her in because she's guilty. Or is she? When someone targets her, he finds himself protecting her and trying to prove her innocence.
One Nine was fast-paced and action-packed as Detective Chase Washington tracks down Brooke Turner, who is accused of murdering her best friend. However, their situation changes as they must elude the real killer and prove Brooke's innocence. As the story unfolds, we learn more of Brooke's backstory and how she was set up to be framed for her best friend's murder. This story has twists and turns.
This book has heart pounding suspense with wonderful characters, page-turner, and full of faith. Sara did a great job with the book crammed with details, that it didn't seem like a short story. I was given an ARC copy and this is my own opinion. I highly recommend this book.
Book #168 of 2025: A novella, or a short novel, can be challenging to write because there is far less room to tell the story. I suspect that may apply even more strongly in suspense. Yet, Sara Davison somehow did it so well. What an excellent book! I feel like I read a full-length novel.
Off the hop, I need to say that the intriguing title is so special. I love how it came about. (Note: Be sure to read the Author’s Note at the end, too!).
I enjoyed Brooke, the female main character so much. She is so genuine, brave, and loving despite all that she’s been through. She chooses to root herself in God and His promises. She knows that she is never alone. I love that she has a secret identity and how it plays into the entire narrative. (Note: I don’t want to say too much about her to avoid this becoming a spoiler review.)
Detective Chase Washington, the main male character, is a man of integrity with a reputation at being a pit bull in solving cases. He fully believes Brooke to be guilty of murdering her best friend and he is determined to locate her. He has been hurt in his past and doubts he will find a true partner that will accept his career of choice.
After Chase finds Brooke and arrests her, the two end up having to run for their lives in the woods from a couple of men with evil intentions. One of them is from Brooke’s past. Chase realizes that things may not be as he thought where she is concerned. He believed her to be guilty of murder for months. As they struggled to survive together, she shows herself to be anything like he had thought.
Though this story has pulse-pounding suspense, what makes it truly shine is the balance with the quiet moments: their thoughts and their conversations, the uttered prayers, the respectful actions, etc. The reader learns who they are and what makes them tick. Truthfully, a suspense book with high tension on every page becomes a giant eye roll. However, this book brings out the characters and their situation to balance out all the riveting suspense and drama. The pacing is top notch.
How Brooke decides to “give back” is touching and causes a reader to be challenged to reflect on how they can also use their difficult experiences for good, as God promises in Scripture.
Romance is not a main feature of this book but there is an underlying build toward something special. I feel that it really fits their story and is appropriate for their situation. The conclusion is natural rather than Hallmark-y; yet, you feel that satisfaction of something really wonderful coming out of such a difficult and dangerous situation.
The discussion questions from the author at the end prove this to be a great choice for a book club. Some very interesting questions would lead to some great conversation.
I encourage others to read this book. There is so much to be gained from many aspects of the story. I’d love to see this become a series!
This story throws you straight into the chaos. From the opening scene, you are dropped right into the heart of a crime where Brooke Turner wakes up to a nightmare. Her best friend is dead, and all the evidence points to her. The problem is that Brooke has no memory of what happened. Suddenly, she’s on the run, desperate for answers and for the truth to come to light.
Detective Chase Washington takes the case, but his pursuit of justice quickly becomes far more complicated than expected. As secrets unravel and danger closes in, the two are thrust into a whirlwind of suspense with a literal tornado on their heels. Amid the nonstop tension, the emotional depth shines as Brooke and Chase navigate fear, faith, and fragile trust.
The story beautifully weaves in the biblical promise of Joshua 1:9: “Be strong and courageous… the Lord your God is with you.” This verse underpins Brooke’s journey, bringing a layer of faith and hope to the relentless suspense. With heart‑pounding twists, emotional resonance, and a slow‑building romance under extreme pressure, “One Nine” is a faith‑driven thriller that delivers both tension and a deeply satisfying conclusion.
Disclaimer: I received an Advance Reader Copy (ARC) of this book, and this is my honest and unbiased review.
"Even if no one else in the world knew where she was - or who she was - God did."
Fleeing a murder scene might not have been the smartest thing to do, but it had kept Brooke Turner alive long enough to decide what to do next while giving her best friend's death a chance to be investigated properly. Unfortunately, the evidence at the scene had only pointed in one direction; hers.
Detective Chase Washington was absolutely, positively determined to find Brooke Turner, a cold-blooded killer who had murdered her best friend. The woman was like a ghost, simply disappearing, leaving no trail to follow, until one evening Chase happened to pick up a crime thriller and was shocked at what he read.
For a short novel, this story was impressively filled with compact pages of compelling plot twists and emotional character development. The faith elements were deeply inspiring, applying the meaning of one of my favorite verses in the entire Bible, Joshua 1:9, to extremely difficult circumstances.
The end result? I couldn't turn the pages fast enough.
I think this is the year that God has blessed me with so many new authors and I believe that our favourite online providers need to increase stars to a level of 10. Another new to me author who had me page turning to the next. Her title of the book explained so profoundly for me personally. It is so good, it almost pushed me over the edge on my stance on tattoos. Brooke is, after 5 years, forced to go on the run again, but this time with Detective Chase Washington on her tail. Her courage and faith as they cross each obstacle stands out throughout. Although I couldn't pinpoint a suspect, thankfully it was revealed early and thereafter it was the suspense that kept me hanging in there. Uncanny or confirmation, I finished reading this on one nine August 2025. Although I received a copy, this is my honest and voluntary review and will be following this author for more.
There is a drum pounding in the wilderness, whose hollow echo gives shivers to all who hear it.
Brooke Turner is a well loved, published author who has been moving around for the last 5 years due to an abusive relationship. Somehow she has been found and now framed for her best friend’s murder. The action never lets up as suddenly it becomes a race to stay ahead of the murderer. The assurance that God is always with her is what keeps her going, but will she manage to stay alive?
These well developed characters have the most incredible experiences as they attempt to stay ahead of those who want them dead. I certainly hope we will see them again in another story soon. I received an early copy and these are my thoughts.
This short novel packs a punch with its smart, action-packed plot—and is quite possibly a suspense author's worst nightmare! (I'm going to be careful what I write from now on...) Already in hiding from her past life, Brooke Turner has been framed for the murder of her best friend and sees no other option than running away. Again. Detective Chase Washington is determined to track her down and for justice to be served... until he finds himself in a cat-and-mouse chase in the wilderness alongside Brooke, and discovers the ugly truth. With a strong thread of faith, a slow-burn romance, and a familiar setting in Ontario, Canada—this page-turning suspense was a winner for me!
One Nine is a heart-pounding inspirational romantic thriller that opens with a bang. Brooke is in serious trouble with few resources available for help. Thankfully, God is not limited by time or space. It’s His presence that has kept her going for 5 years. When her past and Detective Chase Washington catch up to her, things really get interesting. This book gripped me from the first page. The suspense was creepy and haunting but made the ending much sweeter. I received a free copy of this book and this is my honest opinion.
When Brooke found herself framed for a friend's murder, she ran. But now detective Chase has caught up with her and is determined she's guilty. The only problem? The true murderer still has plans for her that may make Chase's plans irrelevant...
I loved watching Chase and Brooke interact, particularly as Chase was forced to decide whether he believed her guilty or innocent. The story kept my turning pages far too long, and I loved the mix of faith, suspense and romance.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
The suspense in One Nine is perfectly taut throughout. Romance is light (thank you!) and sincere. Great banter between the primary characters with a villain you love to hate. He's truly evil and it comes through with excellence. I really enjoyed the references throughout to trusting God even (especially?) when life isn't going the way we think it should.
This story was a part of The Long Hot Summer Volume One called Justice but now it has been released as a book on it's own.
Detective Chase pursues Brooke for what first appears to be the murder of her best friend. After he finds her they have to deal with a tornado and attackers before the truth is revealed.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. The review expressed here is my honest opinion.
Hold on to your hat because you’re in for an intense ride of action and suspense! And it starts from the very first page! This story is very well written and the characters are so well developed that they just jump off the page. Faith is lived out in both characters as they struggle with people trying to kill them, dangerous weather, and making some very hard decisions. For a short story, it delivers a first class story that doesn’t hold anything back! I highly recommend this book!!
I think this is the first book I have ever read from this author, so I was not sure what to expect. The story is filled with suspense and even some mystery. But all-in-all, it also is uplifting and encouraging to see a couple of the characters lean into trusting God fully and unreservedly. Fascinating, suspenseful storyline. I'm glad I tried this author, and look forward to reading more of her novels.
This book is really exciting and well-written. I love the way she wove some Christian beliefs in there while not sounding preachy or detracting from the story. The romance plot was sweet and believable. I read an advance copy. This is the first book I’ve read by this author, but it won’t be the last.
One Nine is an unputdownable, faith-filled romantic suspense read. The expertly woven storyline, complete with a murder, a skillfully orchestrated frame-up, and a harrowing trek through the wilderness, kept me engaged from the first page to the last. The characters are well-crafted and memorable. A dash of romance adds interest to the story. I especially appreciate the seamless blending of inspiring faith into the story highlighting the importance of trusting in God's presence and power in all circumstances. I totally enjoyed this book and highly recommend it. I read a copy of this book from the author with no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Framed for a murder she didn't commit, Brooke has been on the run for 6 months. Chase is a detective who is bent on bringing a killer to justice, and he believes Brooke did the crime. Thrown together during a storm & being chased by a guy bent on killing them, Chase had to re-evaluate all he thinks he knows. It is a story of trust & faith in God and the belief that true justice will prevail.
Oh my! This was one of the best and most exciting Christian suspense books I've read. It starts with a adrenaline rush and heart pounding scene and carries it throughout the story. The plot is believable and the twists make the story more enthralling. Wish I could give more than 5 stars.
I am so glad I have read another great story from Sara Davison. This one had it all and more. Clean, faith based, edge of your seat suspense and romance. I highly recommend it .
This is my first book by Sara Davison. And just wow. Loved the main characters and the chase! I will be downloading more of her books asap. It is always satisfying to understand the meaning behind the books title. well done!!
I could have happily read 600 pages of this!!!!! We need sequels that Mae the MCs books steal thing... maybe she could write rom-com parallels to her mist heinous cries? I would jump on duologies like that!
What would you do if the mystery/suspense/thriller FICTION book you were reading became a reality? That's exactly what happens here, but will it play out the same as the book? All I know is GOD IS WITH US no matter where we go
This book had me hooked from the very first page! The excellent storyline kept me on the edge of my seat, and the suspense and intrigue led me to read it in one sitting. I highly recommend this book.
I received a copy of this book. Great Story and wonderful characters. Full of action and plot twists. looking forward to reading more books by this author.