Deadly Secrets

Close Proximity #1

by Penny Zeller

Betrayal has consequences...

Harper Amerson loves her job as a real estate agent until it becomes clear that someone is watching her. Stalking, threats, and robbery are just a few of the dangers she finds herself encountering in a short amount of time. Why is her stalker so fixated on one of her listings? And what lengths will they go to keep her from selling it?

Running from the pain of a case that went wrong, Detective Kade Lassiter is determined to start afresh in Lake Radford. What he doesn’t expect is to face a new case similar to one that still haunts him. With his feelings for Harper growing, the menacing events soon become personal.

When things escalate, can Kade uncover the culprit before it’s too late?

A deadly secret.
An unknown enemy.
Danger at every turn.

Deadly Secrets is a faith-filled Christian romantic suspense with the following tropes:

Strong heroine
Law enforcement hero
Revenge
Stalker
Small town

Genres: Suspense

Paperback

First published January 1, 2026

About the author

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 two dozen books 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.

Reviews

[Penny Zeller]

Happy release day to Deadly Secrets! I'm so excited to share Harper and Kade's story with you. Check out the video here: https://youtube.com/shorts/_BfzMmSvyN...

Snag your copy here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F4B2RCBK

Betrayal has consequences...

Harper Amerson loves her job as a real estate agent until it becomes clear that someone is watching her. Stalking, threats, and robbery are just a few of the dangers she finds herself encountering in a short amount of time. Why is her stalker so fixated on one of her listings? And what lengths will they go to keep her from selling it?

Running from the pain of a case that went wrong, Detective Kade Lassiter is determined to start afresh in Lake Radford. What he doesn’t expect is to face a new case similar to one that still haunts him. With his feelings for Harper growing, the menacing events soon become personal.

When things escalate, can Kade uncover the culprit before it’s too late?

A deadly secret.
An unknown enemy.
Danger at every turn.

Deadly Secrets is a faith-filled Christian romantic suspense with the following tropes:

Strong heroine
Law enforcement hero
Revenge
Stalker
Small town

[Madisyn Carlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Deadly Secrets, Zeller delivers a heart-pounding Christian romantic suspense that will keep you turning the pages.

Full RTC

[Ausjenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

I now have my own copy of this book.

What a great start to the year. This book has it all the subtle suspense of a stalker and the real sense of danger and the not knowing who.

This book starts with us getting a look at the villain but having no idea who he is. The actual story starts our with our heroine Harper Amerson at the gym and the suspense starts from the beginning. She has no idea why she is targeted or if it's a mistake. Our hero Kade Lassiter is a police detective who is in charge of her case. As the story goes on the stalking escalates and both Harper and Kade have no idea who is behind what is happening and why.

Being in the head of the villain is interesting but it also adds to the drama we know what he's thinking. We can also what he thinks and what his motives are but also see an evil side. I have to say I didn't pick who he was, had a few guesses but was kept guessing.

Seeing the interactions between Harper and Kade was good to and we could see how dedicated Kade is. There is also a very strong and relevant faith element which I appreciated. I really appreciate the slow burn suspense over weeks where the characters don't know when they will next be endangered. You can feel the escalation to the final showdown.

Romantic Suspense is one of my new favourite genres and the stalker/targeted trope is one I am enjoying. What I love is constant sense of danger around every corner but not the constant fighting to survive. If you enjoy Romantic Suspense, give this book a try. I haven't found a Penny Zeller book I haven't enjoyed.

[Carolyn Bryant · Rating 5 out of 5]

This gripping, masterfully plotted romantic suspense read is a compelling first installment in the Close Proximity series. The twist-filled story kept me riveted from the haunting prologue through the hope-filled epilogue. Relatable characters who stirred my emotions kept me fully invested in their lives. It is one of the few books that I have read that kept me guessing about who the villain was right up to the moment of truth! I enjoyed the slow-building romance that felt like a hopeful beginning to a happily ever after. I loved the Valentine's Day humor that added just the right amount of lightness amid the high-stakes suspense. I appreciate the meaningful faith thread woven naturally throughout the story. I totally enjoyed this book and highly recommend it.
I read an early copy of the book from the publisher with no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Terri Harr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Suspense isn’t my first choice of genre but I have to say that Penny is throwing out some “edge of your seat” reads.

It is well developed and had me hooked fairly quickly. It was also very clever to have the stalker’s view point without giving away who it was. I kept trying to put the pieces together of who I thought it could be. I had a really good guess at around 65% of the book. I was right!!!

Harper is a simple girl who loves people, except one very annoying co-worker. She has a pretty routine life; work, gym, church and I’m not sure there was much more than that. She’s happy and content. She’s not “looking” for a guy but isn’t upset when she discovers she kind of likes the officer handling her case and wonders if maybe they can see each other on a personal level when they catch the guy threatening her.

Kade is a dedicated detective set on solving crimes. Harper’s case is especially important because he doesn’t want a repeat from a former case that didn’t end well. He doesn’t even realize he is falling for her until he’s already down for the count.

The romance didn’t develop until about halfway through the book, which worked out well. It allowed me to focus just on the case and getting to know the male and female leads without that. When it did happen, it was very natural.

This book has all the thrills of a great suspense with a sweet romance thrown in for good measure. Well done!

[Trudy Cordle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was sooo good!! Kade and Harper meet when Kade's the detective assigned to her case. Someone has attacked Harper, and she doesn't know why. As time goes on, things keep escalating, and there's no suspect. When one person is finally caught, he sheds a little light on what's going on, but not enough to stop the attacks. When a man finally tells her to stop trying to sell a certain piece of property, no one can figure out why. When another person is apprehended for his part in the puzzle, they get a little closer, but not enough to figure out who is doing it and why. Then, when we all find out who is doing it, Harper's life is in danger, and we're all left wondering if Kade is going to be able to get there in time. Love how Harper and Kade depend on God to get them through all that's thrown at them!!

I received a complimentary copy of this book, was not required to leave a review, and the opinion expressed is my own.

[Jeanette Durkin · Rating 5 out of 5]

More than 5 stars for this book! It's a romantic suspense story but so much more! I couldn't believe who the perpetrator was. The author did an excellent job keeping it a secret until the very end!

The characters are written brilliantly! Harper is AMAZING! She is kind, considerate and someone that I'd like for a friend. She is devoted to God and trusts Him. Kade is hunkaliscious! He's compassionate, perceptive and a protector. I like all of the people too who make up Harper's "village". She has a lot of true friends who love her.

My favorite parts in the book are those that talk about God. Even when Harper is going through horrible times, she leans into God and prays to Him. I also liked that Zephyr made a decision to follow Christ!

In my humble opinion, this is Penny Zeller's best book so far! I look forward to reading her next book soon!

I was provided a complimentary copy of the book from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Laura (kroosreadsandreviews) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Betrayal had consequences.

That first line was one of the best that I have read. It filled me with so many questions and kept me turning the pages.

I love how this author weaves faith into her books, even books filled with suspense. It helps me as I walk out my faith as I see how others do it in stressful situations.

I am not sure how Harper maintained her cool in this book. She comes upon so much trouble and yet continues to live her life, including exercising!

Kade was also a great character. His respect for his job and the victims that he came into contact with was so admirable. He worked tirelessly to solve his cases and always went the extra mile.

The level of suspense was perfect for me. The author gave the reader a taste of the criminal activity without getting too deep. I was left guessing for quite some time of who was behind it all.

I was provided with a complimentary arc. The opinions are my own.

[Michele Kerlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Harper Amerson is a successful realtor living a quiet life—until she realizes someone is stalking her. With no clear motive and growing danger, Detective Kade Lassiter steps in to help uncover the truth. As they work together, the why becomes clear, but the real challenge is discovering who is behind it all. Full of suspense, twists, and mounting tension, this gripping story keeps readers guessing until the end.

Once again Penny had me wanting to know who is it until the very end. I love that the characters get their strength from the love of God. I received this advanced copy but my opinions are my own.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great romantic suspense story from Penny Zeller. A great start to a new series.
The story is told from three different points of view.
Harper is a real estate agent who suddenly starts getting threatened and stalked when she begins to show a certain property
Kade is a police detective who ends up investigating her case in there small town. A town that used to be so safe.
And we also get to see the story through the eyes of the anonymous villain. In fact, the story begins with a prologue from his point of view where we learn that he does not take well to betrayal.
The suspense ramps up as the story progresses, though the reader knows when something is going to happen to Harper because we get to see the villain's plans. But this guy is quite devious and does a pretty good job staying off the detective's radar.
I have to say, I did not suspect culprit until right before it was revealed.
As usual with this author's books, faith plays an important role in the lives of the characters. They pray, attend church, read their Bibles, and put their trust in Him.
And there are some awesome side characters that help make this story awesome, and one in particular that drove me crazy. Could NOT stand this person. I do wish we had learned more about what happened to this character at the end of the book.
This book is a complete story, no cliffhangers, and I'm thinking I might know how the author is planning on continuing the series. We'll see.

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

[Tina T. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A relentlessly tense romantic thriller with a deeply beating heart. Penny Zeller’s Deadly Secrets masterfully blends romantic suspense with emotional stakes, creating a story that’s as much about healing and connection as it is about danger and intrigue.

Harper Amerson is a real estate agent whose life becomes a nightmare of stalking and threats, while Detective Kade Lassiter is a wounded protector hoping for a fresh start. Zeller weaves their growing connection with genuine tenderness, even as the threat tightens its grip. The chemistry feels authentic, the pacing is taut, and the mystery is threaded with just enough doubt to keep you guessing until the very end.

For readers who love suspense that doesn’t sacrifice warmth and romance that doesn’t shy away from grit, Deadly Secrets delivers. Zeller crafts a compelling, heartfelt story where love grows in the shadow of fear and where trust becomes the ultimate survival tool. A must read for fans of clean romantic thrillers with soul.

[Patti Whitaker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing story! I finished it in one sitting-I just couldn't stop reading until I found out who was stalking Harper! This is a mystery that will keep you guessing as you focus and examine each character in the story to see if they could be the stalker. Harper is a real estate agent who is kind to everyone she meets and has a faith in God that is strong and will serve to support her through all she must endure. Kade is a detective who comes from a family of law enforcement but is still blaming himself for a case gone horribly wrong, and he is hyper vigilant to make sure that he solves all of his cases and keeps everyone safe. Kade is also a man of faith and relies on his faith to help him overcome his feelings of guilt. I love the strength that Harper has and the protectiveness that Kade displays as he fights to find out who the stalker is before it is too late.

This is the first story in the series. Zeller introduces us to some awesome supportive characters in this story and I can't wait to read the next installment and who the story will be about!!

[Amy Russell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this one because I've enjoyed the author's rom-coms. Suspense/thriller is not my preferred genre (because I don't like getting scared!), but I thought I would give it a try.

I enjoyed the faith aspect of this; both the main male and female characters express their faith in God, pray, try to help others, give other the benefit of the doubt, pray for enemies, have good relationships with their parents. The stalking, kidnapping, and the villain's delight in evil were a bit too intense for me. But those who like the suspense/thriller genre, with Christian themes, may enjoy this.

[Denise A · Rating 5 out of 5]

Penny Zeller has delivered another top notch story in her newest series! This book is well written, the main characters are relatable with lots of depth, the villain is downright creepy, and I’m hoping some of the side characters get their own books! I have to admit, I usually have a fairly good idea who the evil character is, or have it down to one or two people, but the reveal in this story took me totally by surprise! I had no idea on the identity which made me love it even more! The romance was nice and slower paced but still had its swoony moments, and there were some fun and light hearted moments as well. There is a distinct faith thread skillfully woven throughout the book which I loved. I read an advanced copy from the author, all thoughts and opinions in this review are honest and original to me. I’m so looking forward to the next book in this series! I definitely recommend reading this wonderful start to a new series!

[J.E. Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Harper, a real estate agent, becomes the victim of a stalker, robbery, and assault. Someone wants her to force her to change a listing.

The detective Kade, investigating the case is taken down many rabbit holes. The culprit behind everything is creating so much confusion, that the suspect list keeps growing. The story is intense and kept me guessing. It is also fast paced with lots of action, but is intertwined with biblical references and lots of faith.

You will be surprised right up until the ending. The characters were intense and had lots of layers.
I received a complimentary copy from the author; a positive review is not required. All opinions are my own.

[Bonnie Theel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a well written story that has you hooked from the beginning. The suspense keeps you on the edge of your seat trying to figure out who is threatening Harper. I highly recommend this book.

I received a free ARC, and this is my honest opinion.

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

[Shonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This book kept me on the edge of my seat with each page! The characters are vivid and authentic. Harper, a character I immediately liked, is intelligent and composed without overreacting. I appreciated her strong faith in God. Throughout the story, I thought I had the killer figured out, but a surprising twist completely caught me off guard! Filled with danger, suspense, romance, faith, and courage, this book is impossible to put down.

[Evelyn Foreman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Talk about heart pounding suspense!! And an undeniable “who done it”, thinking I knew but finding out I had no clue, literally! The author uncannily drops hints fitting the perpetrator, but ends the story shocking even the most adept sleuth. Through it all is the never ending protection and faithfulness of the God who always has a plan, sometimes through it, sometimes escaping it, but always the victor! Wow. What a narrative, what an author!

[Lori Chasko · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was really interesting. The author always tells a great story!

[Jody · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Where do I start on this well written mystery/suspense story? The author does a great job hooking you from the beginning and keeping you guessing until the end! I cannot wait to read the next installment to this series! Highly recommend! 5 stars!