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Pen & Dagger #2

Staged Evidence

Not yet published
Expected 7 Apr 26
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From the queen of clean romantic suspense—one terrified witness, one unsuspecting Broadway playwright, and a killer who won’t stop until the final curtain falls.

When Tessa Seidel delivers costumes to a Manhattan television studio late at night, she expects an empty set—not a murder scene. After stumbling upon a woman’s body and nearly being attacked by a man fleeing the scene, Tessa escapes with no idea who to trust—and a fear that the killer knows who she is.

Desperate, she runs to a friend’s beach house in the Hamptons, where Broadway playwright Parker Sawyer is retreating to finish his next script. But he knows danger when he sees it and offers to shelter Tessa, even when they find out she is being accused of committing the murder.

Back in Manhattan, CIA operatives Kimber Seidel and Brandon Hale realize Tessa is being framed. But with a powerful suspect manipulating the investigation, clearing Tessa’s name won’t be easy.

If they can’t unravel the truth in time, Tessa won’t just be the prime suspect—she’ll be the next victim.

357 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication April 7, 2026

17 people are currently reading
3280 people want to read

About the author

Traci Hunter Abramson

68 books1,984 followers
Traci Hunter Abramson was born in Arizona, where she lived until moving to Venezuela for a study-abroad program. After graduating from Brigham Young University, she worked for the Central Intelligence Agency for several years, eventually resigning in order to raise her family. She credits the CIA with giving her a wealth of ideas as well as the skills needed to survive her children's teenage years. She is a eight-time Whitney Award winner and has written more than forty bestselling novels. For more information about Traci, click here: https://linktr.ee/traciabramson


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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
Profile Image for Micah (micahs.bookshelf).
257 reviews39 followers
March 29, 2026
I really enjoyed this gripping romantic suspense by the incredible Traci Hunter Abramson.

From the first page, I was enthralled and had to find out what happened.

Kimber and Brandon from the first book in the series, Novel Threat, play big roles in this book. Tessa, Kimber’s sister, is the story’s main focus and is put in a crazy situation after discovering a murder victim.

We get a fun forced proximity romance going on with Tessa, but I would say read it for the plot and the suspense more than the romance.

The multiple POVs keep the story moving and have you guessing who did it along with the characters. The second half flew by for me and I couldn’t put it down until the end.

🔥Romance: Mild Kisses
Profile Image for Michaela | Reading in the Heartland.
3,769 reviews91 followers
April 2, 2026
4.5 stars

This is a really good no spice romantic suspense. The second book in this series, we continue with the romance of Kimber and Brandon from book 1 (who are dating) and then we also get a new forced proximity romance between Tessa and Patrick. Tessa walks in on a murder and when she sees her attacker cozying up with the cops, she runs.

I enjoyed the way this book blended contemporary romance with suspense. It was fun to have the FBI aspect and a cop’s perspective. I enjoyed trying to figure out the web (I did for some of it!) and watching our characters grow closer together.

I’m enjoying this series and books by this author. I’m excited to read more. The romance is just kisses, intimacy level 1. 4.5 stars rounded up to 5.

TW: Murder, Blood

I received an ARC of this book from the publisher and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Profile Image for Marilee .
1,595 reviews242 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 19, 2026
Edge of your seat suspenseful!

Tessa Seidel stumbles onto a murder at a TV studio and narrowly escapes, only to be framed for the crime. Hiding at a Hampton's beach house with playwright Parker Sawyer, she becomes the target of a dangerous conspiracy. But as CIA operatives race to uncover the truth, Tessa must survive long enough to prove her innocence...

What you'll love:
on the run/hiding out
multiple pov
framed for a crime
forced proximity
hidden truths
protective MMC
character cameos
super sweet romance!!!

AHHH!! Traci has done it again! This romantic suspense delivered on ALL FRONTS, and I could not put it down. It’s a fantastic blend of humor and wit, compelling characters, an unsolvable mystery, heart-pounding suspense, and a super sweet romance. Add in the fact that we still get POV from my two favorite characters from the first book, and is it any wonder I’m calling this one a must-read?!

There were so many clever twists and turns, and the way Traci wove Parker’s playwright career into the plot was pure genius. I absolutely loved the romance between Parker and Tessa. It was super sweet and not insta-love, but more of an insta-connection that grew naturally from there. Parker was so protective of Tessa, but I loved that she was just as protective of him right back!

The mystery kept me guessing until the very end (dang Traci and all those red herrings!), and I loved every minute of trying to figure out whodunit. And seriously, those suspense scenes had me turning pages long past my bedtime. But honestly…when have I ever been able to put a Traci book down??

If romantic suspense with twists, tension, and swoony moments is your thing, you don’t want to miss this one!!

I received a complimentary copy but a positive review was not required.

Profile Image for Meagan Myhren-Bennett.
Author 34 books162 followers
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
March 9, 2026
Staged Evidence
Pen and Dagger #2
By Traci Hunter Abramson

Tessa Seidel has a late-night delivery to make when she happens upon a crime. She stumbles into a murder and is on the run from the killer. With no way to contact anyone, she lost her phone at the crime scene and travels to the Hamptons in hopes of meeting her sister, Kimber Frost. She doesn't find Kimber, who had already returned to Manhattan, but she does meet Parker Sawyer, who agrees to offer her a place to hide out.

But as the evidence piles up against Tessa, she and Parker decide to disappear, while Kimber, along with Brandon, works with her contacts to help clear Tessa's name. But the police seem focused on Tessa and Tessa alone. Kimber trusts her sister, and given the police's recent track record, especially the officer in charge of the investigation, she doesn't trust them to discover the truth. But would someone frame Tessa, or is it just convenient that everything is pointing to her?

As time to clear Tessa slips away, the danger continues to escalate. Who committed the murder, and why does everything point to Tessa? And how long can she put her life on hold and be able to reclaim it when the truth comes out?

Staged Evidence was a suspenseful read that kept me guessing who the murderer was. I suspected a couple of people, but I'll admit I was wrong. I love that this was a clean read in the romance department, and the suspense portion was well-written without delving into details that would offer up nightmares. I loved getting better acquainted with Kimber's sister, Tessa, and would happily revisit this series if a new book comes out. Highly recommend if you love clean-reading suspense and romance within the covers of one book.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Sharon the Librarian.
1,078 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
March 20, 2026
No one does suspense/thrillers like Traci Abramson. I'm not typically a thriller reader, but her mystery and suspense books get me EVERY TIME. Added bonus is that they are always intense- but not gory, sweet- but not sappy, mysterious- but not ridiculous. And clean- they are always spice free.

There were characters that we kind of got to know in the first book of the series as well as new ones. I loved the tie-ins but you could really enjoy it without having read the other. We have CIA operatives, authors, editors, actors, personal assistants, play writes, and policeman. There truly is something for everyone to enjoy. The way she pulls them all together in an intense and action packed story is always amazing.

Mistakenly accused of murder from being in the wrong place at the wrong time, sends Tessa running. Mostly, because she fears for her safety- but she isn't very excited to spend time in prison either- especially for something she did not do. Luckily, she has friends and family that know her well enough to have her back and do some of their own investigating. In the meantime, police are not open to finding the actual killer- they just want the case wrapped up. If her name cannot be cleared quickly, she may become the next victim- not just a witness.

She is not on her own, however. She meets a nephew of a friend who is helping her- which could end out getting him in trouble as well as damaging his new success as a play writer as well. Should she turn herself in, stay hiding, or run away?

Nonstop action, impossible to predict twists, a slow burn attraction blooming in a forced proximity setting, tension for pages, and an unputdownable story will keep you up too late- and you'll be happy about it.

I received an early copy of the book to read and review.
Profile Image for Jo|Ruth Reads.
740 reviews92 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
March 28, 2026
This was such an amazing read! From the very beginning, Traci pulls us right into the scene, and from there, you are left trying to unravel who is to blame while also experiencing a forced proximity romance unfolding at the same time. This is definitely a page turner, with a great balance between suspense, mystery, and romance!

Tessa has been framed for a murder, and her future is uncertain. All she knows for sure is that she needs to lay low, hide, and give her sister Kimber and Brandon time to figure out who is really responsible. Laying low while everything points to her as the culprit is stressful, but having Parker around softens the blow. When he first meets Tessa, he is instantly attracted to her, but the more he learns about her, the more he wants to keep her safe while they wait for the truth to come out. However, the time they spend together makes them more and more invested in each other, which is risky, given that she is wanted for murder and jail seems like her only possible future right now.

Kimber and Brandon need to work discreetly and quickly before Tessa and Parker are discovered and their chance to prove her innocence runs out!

This was so good, and I did not guess who was behind it all. I found myself completely annoyed with the lead detective and his rush to pin everything on someone, but I loved getting a sneak peek into Kimber and Brandon’s life. And Tessa and Parker, those two and their romance were my favorite part of the story!

I received a complimentary copy. This review reflects my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Kaye.
4,452 reviews72 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
April 3, 2026
Abramson returns for the second book in her Pen and Dagger series. This romantic suspense novel can be read on its own but when there are series I try to read in order. I enjoyed the first book, Novel Threat (April 2025), which introduced Kimber Seidel and Brandon Hale. Kimber and Brandon are both still connected to the CIA. Brandon is working undercover at the publishing house that will be publishing Kimber’s novels. In this story Kimber's sister Tessa is part of the focus. While delivering costumes late at night to a theater she stumbles onto a murder. Thinking she is fleeing the killer she goes to the Hampton's where she thinks her sister is staying. Instead she finds playwright Parker Sawyer. When Tessa seems to be the main focus of the police for the crime, Kimber suggests Parker and Tessa find a place to hide out while she and Brandon essentially keep an eye on the police as they investigate the crime.

I always enjoy the author and liked this book. I appreciate she writes books clean for language and graphicness. There is danger, shootings, physical fighting and of course murder. I enjoyed Brandon and Kimber working together through unexpected twists. The new romance with Tessa and Parker comes a bit fast but I choose to accept that as part of the formula of these types of books. I like this series, as I enjoy procedural type novels. And I recommend this book but encourage others to read in order for better enjoyment. Thank you to NetGalley and Shadow Mountain Publishing for the eARC and I am leaving an honest review.
Profile Image for Tales Untangled.
1,210 reviews25 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
March 23, 2026
My thanks for the ARC goes to NetGalley and Shadow Mountain Publishing.
I'm voluntarily leaving a review, and all opinions are my own.

Genre: Romantic Suspense, Thriller, Mystery
Spice Level: Kissing only
Language: Clean

STAGED EVIDENCE is fast-paced and clever, especially for anyone who loves a mysterious murder.

It must be my joy of theater that comes into play for this one. (Oh, my goodness—an unexpected pun.) All the comings and goings at the production studio, the hustle of New York, and quiet get-away spots.

The characters are so fun to follow. People loosely link together from one novel to the next, but it is not absolutely essential to read them in order if you don't mind spoilers. And seriously, you're going to want to read them all anyhow.

I COULD NOT figure out who was guilty of murder! Love it when that happens.

The tale twists as one sister is in hiding (kind of on the run), and the other is behind the scenes with a playwright, her boyfriend (who is FBI), and a famous person. But how to communicate with the sister who is squirreled away in a hide-y-hole? Sorry, I'm not going to reveal the method because it was so brilliant. I love me a clever book.

I expect this book to go up for awards and win in the near future. I could not read it fast enough.

Happy reading!
Profile Image for Carolina Colleene.
Author 2 books56 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
February 5, 2026
Language: G (0 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: PG; Violence: PG13
Just running a late-night errand for her boss, Tessa (25yo) doesn’t expect to end up finding a murdered woman and fleeing from the scene. Parker (28yo) gets inspiration for his new mystery play from the woman who shows up on his uncle’s doorstep in the middle of the night. And Detective Murray is determined to apprehend Tessa quickly to clear away all the negative publicity from his last case.
With the first book being about Tessa’s sister and love interest, I expected this sequel to focus on Tessa and Parker in the same way, but Kimber and Brandon have large roles to play in this second book. I enjoyed being part of the action on all sides as the points of view switched between the sisters, those trying to help prove Tessa’s innocence, and those trying to prove Tessa’s guilt. Nothing about the case is straightforward, which puts readers right where they want to be, searching through the clues with everyone else before it’s too late.
The majority of characters are implied White. The mature content rating is for kissing and illegal activity. The violence rating is for assault, gun use, blood and gore, mentions of bombs, and murder.
Reviewed for https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/
Profile Image for Angeline.
761 reviews24 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
March 16, 2026
4.5 stars

Wow! This book took me completely by surprise. I didn’t know what was going to happen or who the culprit was. Staged Evidence is the second book in Traci Hunter Abramson’s Pen and Dagger series. This time the main character is Tessa, Kimber’s sister.
The suspense was on point as always. I was on the edge of my seat as I tried to figure out who committed the crime. I love the hints given throughout the book and yet I was still surprised by the end. The story was engaging and it was cool to see Kimber and Brandon again. I loved seeing their perspectives. The way that the characters considered the murder mystery was intriguing and it was fun to follow along on their journey.
The romance was also perfect. Parker and Tessa were forced together by their circumstances. I loved the progression of their relationship as they learned to trust each other and work together. They had an easy chemistry and it was sweet to read about them falling for each other.
I really enjoyed this book and I would totally recommend it! I loved getting to know the characters and seeing some of the old characters. I am excited to see what will come next in this series. Staged Evidence is a clean romantic suspense.

I received a complimentary copy
Profile Image for Cathy.
2,007 reviews72 followers
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
April 1, 2026
Traci Abramson's books are always so good! They keep me wanting to know what happens next from the very beginning. This one definitely kept me intrigued from the start.

This book is about Tessa. One day she stumbles upon a murder. And the next thing she knows, she's the one being investigated as if she's the criminal. I loved the way Tessa gets herself hidden before things can escalate. She's able to keep herself one step ahead of the bad guys for most of the story.

I love that she runs into Parker and the two of them are able to work together. Parker is a great guy and he figures out a creative way to communicate with Tessa's sister and his uncle who are trying to help them from afar.

I really love that this one has points of view from Kimber (Tessa's sister) and her boyfriend, Brandon, as well as Tessa and Parker. These four work so well together as they try to figure things out.

It was really fun for me as a reader to not have any idea who the bad guys were. I figured things out along with the characters.

This book is so great! I can't wait for Traci Hunter Abramson's next book!
Profile Image for April.
3,241 reviews14 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
April 6, 2026
I really enjoyed reading Staged Evidence. It places Tessa Seidel in grave danger when she really just wants to deliver costumes for the television show Ian Sawyer acts in.
Tessa is Kimber Seidel’s sister. Kimber and Brandon from Novel Threat are living lives in New York, but are really undercover CIA with connections to the FBI in New York. This information is vital in that they are going to have to unravel what is behind the accusation of murder against Tessa.
The motive behind the death is well hidden and the title for the book is so accurate. The evidence is well staged.
Thank heavens for Parker Sawyer, Ian’s nephew, who helps Tessa throughout the book. I feel like the relationship between Parker and Tessa was well written and felt natural even if begun due to danger.
I had to remind myself to breathe as the danger closed in on Tessa.
Even if you didn’t pick up the first book in the Pen & Dagger series, you’re going to want to read this one. Just try to make sure your schedule is free, you’re not going to want to put the book down.
Thanks to NetGalley and Shadow Mountain for a pre-publication copy of the book.
Profile Image for Nora St Laurent.
1,669 reviews114 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
December 31, 2025
In this story, a woman witnesses a murder and is falsely accused of it. She was only dropping off some clothes for the upcoming shoot. She sees something that was deadly. People begin to search for her. While CIA agents work to clear her name, she runs to the only place she feels secure, which has her banging on the playwright's door. I liked how the agents used creative techniques to gather and exchange information. The setting was fun, I enjoyed the charming romance, and the variety of characters. It is a fun escape.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I requested and received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have 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 Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog https://psalm516.blogspot.com/
Profile Image for Rachel.
124 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
January 30, 2026
Traci Hunter Abramson is so great with suspense! It took me so long to figure out who could possibly be the murderer in this book. Tessa, Kimber Seidel's sister, stumbles onto a murder scene and because who she assumes is the murderer chases her, she runs away. With her purse and phone left behind, she is being framed for the murder and doesn't know where to turn. As she tries to find her sister at a writers' getaway, she ends up meeting Parker Sawyer, a Broadway playwright. They find a place to hide out until they can hopefully find the proof they need that Tessa is innocent.
Kimber and Brandon work to figure this out before more people are murdered or Tessa is arrested. The romance is fun, the mystery is thrilling, the characters are endearing. Very enjoyable romantic suspense!

I received an advanced reader copy from NetGalley and all opinions are my own.
Come back to your Review on the pub date, Apr 07 2026, to post to retailers.
Profile Image for Gloria.
1,172 reviews146 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
March 31, 2026
The story starts off with a bang. Tessa is an assistant for a clothing designer in NYC and has to deliver costumes to studio set late one night. Talking about being in the wrong place at the wrong time, she hears arguing, a scream, and then finds a woman's body. Unfortunately, someone thinks she did it. She escaped after dropping her phone with her ID to find her sister, CIA agent and novelist, Kimber, who is at a writers' retreat in the Hamptons at the Fleming home But Kimber has left. Now Tessa is a fugitive and getting help from Parker, nephew of the Flemings. The story has lots of twists and turns with corruption, greed, jealousy, murder, mystery, and likable, realistic characters, The last part of the book was hard to put down with suspense, danger, and intrigue. Loved the first book, Novel Threat, and looked forward to this book and was not disappointed.
I received a copy for the purpose of an honest review. These are my thoughts.
Profile Image for MK.
498 reviews13 followers
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
April 6, 2026

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
This was a really fun book 2 of Traci’s romantic suspense series Pen and Dagger.

The book starts out with Tessa in the wrong place at the wrong time, causing her to be a murder suspect. Not knowing who to trust, including the authorities, she’s on the run in the hopes that her sister can figure out how to clear her name, before she’s chosen as the easy choice for a murder suspect. While in hiding she gets to know Parker in a forced proximity situation. I loved the pull Tessa felt to trust Parker and how their unique situation helped them draw closer to each other.

I loved the cleverness of the plot and the characters. The second half of the book had me turning pages to solve the mystery with the characters.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
339 reviews3 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
February 12, 2026
Wow! This was a great second book with Kimber and Brandon! A murder, a possibly framed suspect, a young playwrite, a hideaway from the world, and tons of intrigue.

Tessa is delivering costumes to a TV studio shoot when she hears a scream and finds someone murdered. But as someone grabs her, thinking it is the killer, she runs. She tries to do the right thing and report it to the police, but sees the man who accosted her at the police station and runs. What begins as an easy delivery turns into a nightmare. The only bright side, Parker, a young playwrite, who helps her.

I can say more, it would give to much away. I enjoyed this one!

Thank you to netgalley and Shadow Mountain for the opportunity to read an early release.
Profile Image for Lisa.
1,150 reviews53 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
April 6, 2026
Tessa Seidel finds herself unwittingly entangled in a murder and doing everything she can to have the people she trusts clear her of any suspicions and being charged. I love how there are so many people willing to investigate and find the murderer when Tessa can’t do anything herself. It was pure genius how Parker uses his play writing skills to communicate with his uncle and Tessa’s sister while they are in seclusion. The attraction and developing romance between Parker and Tessa helped move the story along and provided a dynamic to the case.

If you enjoy romantic suspense and figuring out mysteries, this is a book for you.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher though NetGalley. A positive review was not required.
Profile Image for Sydney Bouwhuis.
3 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
March 17, 2026
my word where do I even BEGIN. Murder mysteries of pretty much any kind are really not my thing, but I’m not exaggerating when I say that this book very well may have changed my mind. I was hooked from the START. I had theories and ideas and my own list of suspects (which were completely wrong, as it turns out lolololol). I loved the eerie feeling that oozed off the page when a character was alone or when someone was on the cusp of figuring something out. But the love story between Tessa and Parker was also so wholesome and sweet that I couldn’t help but giggle a few times🤭👀 a veryyyyyyyyyy enjoyable read that I will be recommending until I’m blue in the face😌👏
Profile Image for Shauna Jones.
750 reviews16 followers
November 30, 2025
What if the evidence is wrong?
This book will keep you on the edge of your seat wanting more. Tessa was simply making a late night costume delivery to a TV studio when she discovers a body. Then she discovers she is the prime suspect and that the lead detective has a history of wrongful convictions. Now she must put her trust in a stranger to keep her hidden while her sister tracks down the real suspect. A great read you’ll enjoy. Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the copy. This is my review and all thoughts are my own.
Profile Image for Tamara.
913 reviews11 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
January 14, 2026
This kept me on my toes the entire time!

Kimber’s sister, Tessa, is wrongly accused of murder. Kimber is joined by Brandon in working against the clock to prove her sister is innocent.

I loved seeing characters from the first Pen and Dagger book, and it was just so much fun even though Tessa’s life was at stake, and she thought she was headed for a life in prison, if her sister and Brandon didn’t come through for her, and oh, they did!

My gratitude to Netgalley and Shadow Mountain. All opinions expressed are honest and mine.
Profile Image for Lily.
230 reviews3 followers
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
March 27, 2026
A fast paced thriller with a splash of romance thrown in making for a great read. This is a page turner so be prepared to read the entire thing once you start because it is impossible to put down!
The romance aspect did feel a bit rushed and there wasn’t much chemistry between the MCs. The plot was relatively easy to guess early on for me but I still enjoyed watching it play out!

🔪Romantic Suspense
✨Murder Mystery
🔪Mistaken Identity
✨Forced Proximity
🔪Thriller
✨Hidden Identities

🌶️: Kisses Only
🤬: None
⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
Profile Image for Julie.
827 reviews6 followers
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
April 4, 2026
This is a gripping, edge of your seat book. Kimber and Brandon are back trying to solve a murder case. The stakes are higher than ever before because the prime suspect is Kimber's sister, Tessa.
Tessa finds herself in the middle of a murder investigation after she hears an argument and finds a body while running an errand for her boss.
I loved trying to figure out all the moving pieces and ultimately who was the killer. The characters are fantastic, the plot is interesting and fun. I thoroughly enjoyed this thrill ride.
Profile Image for Cheri.
2,168 reviews73 followers
Read
March 7, 2026
#StagedEvidence #NetGalley


This is a sequel to Novel Threat, but it could be read as a stand-alone novel. A late-night delivery to a recoding studio is not what Tessa had planned. Being at the scene of a murder and accused of being the killer wasn't in her plans either. Being in the wrong place at the wrong time, Tessa finds herself on the run or be wrongfully accused of murder. I read this book pretty quickly. There were many twists and turns. It was so good.
Profile Image for Jeanine Reed.
630 reviews27 followers
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
April 3, 2026
There is a reason Traci is the “queen of romantic suspense” and it is evident (no staging to it) in every page of this gripping story. Traci’s background lends her incredible foresight and understanding to the crafting of a believable and compelling plot and resolution.

From the moment this story opens we are in the grips of a mysterious murder and an innocent bystander caught in the crosshairs. Keeping us always on the edge of our seat and with the answer just out of our reach, Traci takes us on a harrowing journey of trust, truth, and tension filled moments. The shear brilliance of the storyline and how it is executed, from the old characters giving their assistance, to the new characters both aiding and hindering, to the genius way they communicate while in hiding, Traci flexes her storytelling muscle with a meticulously eye on the details.

This series has been an entertaining one and I’m excited to see what more lies in store.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Paige.
587 reviews21 followers
Read
February 21, 2026
Such a great sequel to Novel Threat. This story centered around Tessa, but I liked that Brandon and Kimber were still part of the story. This was an interesting mystery and intriguing to read. The last few chapters were very intense. I hope there is another book in the series l, maybe featuring Mark?! Recommend for fans of suspense/mysteries.

ARC provided by NetGalley
404 reviews21 followers
March 8, 2026
I loved this second Pen and Dagger book more than the first! There is so much suspense and mystery and some romance and I loved it all! It grabbed my attention from the start, and I didn’t want to put it down! And I didn’t figure out whodunit until right about the same time the characters did, and I love that!

I received an advanced copy from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
485 reviews
March 20, 2026
I’ll be honest, I really anticipated this book but was disappointed by how predictable it was. A police officer who falsely accused people twice is going to cover his bases not jump to conclusions. And trauma bonding isn’t romantic, or long lasting.
I’ve read nearly everything THA has written and this is the first time I felt let down when I was done.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
209 reviews8 followers
November 28, 2025
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion. I was unaware that this is the second in a series however I enjoyed this without reading the first one. Exciting with some romance thrown in. Highly recommend.
Profile Image for Mariana.
297 reviews
December 4, 2025
Second book in the Pen and Dagger series. Built on previous characters and added new ones, so definitely read the first book before this one. Interesting way to use playwrighting and scripts and TV stars to move the story forward. Always love a good murder mystery.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews