Deadly Charade

FBI New Recruits #1

by Lynette Eason, Kelly Underwood

Special Agent Kira Miller's new career at the FBI has started--in translations. It's not the opportunity she was hoping for to show off her skills, until she detects a lead in the paperwork. Now assigned an undercover role, she's in her element as she gathers intel on an art smuggling ring. She's daunted not by the mission but by her cover--posing as a married woman to the fake husband she met less than twenty-four hours ago.

Special Agent Bryce Lambert's assignment to charade as a newlywed couple with Kira has the two of them moving next door to the prime suspects, and a relationship is the last thing he wants, fake or real. With secret auctions, hidden treasures, and a legend of art thought to be lost forever, there's plenty to keep them busy--if only they can play the part their lives and careers depend upon while keeping their own hearts in check.

Romantic suspense novelists Lynette Eason and Kelly Underwood collaborate in this fast-paced thriller that weaves high-stakes danger with a hard-fought happily ever after.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Romantic Suspense, Contemporary, Mystery Thriller

320 pages, Paperback

Expected publication October 6, 2026

About the author

Lynette Eason grew up in Greenville, SC. She graduated from the University of South Carolina, Columbia, and then obtained her masters in education from Converse College. Author of twenty inspirational romantic suspense books, she is also a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and Romance Writers of America (RWA). In 1996, Lynette married "the boy next door" and now she and her husband and their two children make their home in Simpsonville, South Carolina."

Series:
. Amazon Adventure
. High Stakes
. Women of Justice

Reviews

[Allyson Anthony · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deadly Charade, book 1 in the FBI New Recruits series by Lynette Eason and Kelly Underwood, is a fast-paced mystery with twists at the right moments. Kira and Bryce, both FBI agents, are thrown together to investigate an art smuggling ring, but who can they trust? If you enjoy a fake marriage as newlyweds, a well-crafted romantic suspense story with heart-pounding action, a mystery, and faith, Deadly Charade will keep you guessing until the end.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Rae]

Deadly Charade is a fast‑moving mystery. The twists come at just the right moments, and feels a bit like the movie National Treasure. The heroines friendships add to the plot. I liked seeing how those relationships are setting up the characters for future books in the series. I will be following each friend’s story as the series continues. This was the first book in a new series - FBI new recruits.

The ending is satisfying and wraps everything up well. It brings together the mystery and the character moments in a way that leaves you feeling good about where the story lands.

I receive complimentary books from various sources, including NetGalley, authors, and others. I am not required to write a positive review, and I have not received any compensation for my thoughts.

[theliterateleprechaun · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deadly Charade is book one in the FBI New Recruits series by Lynette Eason and Kelly Underwood.

FBI Special Agent Kira Miller is assigned undercover with FBI Special Agent Bryce Lambert to get eyes on a couple suspected of involvement in an art theft ring.

I loved that this story was inspired by the real unsolved mystery of the Amber Room and enjoyed the additions the authors made to produce a pacey engaging romantic suspense novel.

The well-crafted characters are driven by their past and learn to override bitterness with faith. I enjoyed the reminder that (1) if God can create the Earth out of nothing, he can shape our lives using all the broken pieces and make us into something new and (2) that God meets us exactly where we are; there’s no need for earning his attention or pretending to be something we’re not.

With such an intense plot, I appreciated references such as ‘walking bacon’ and the ‘Goonies’ movie to make me smile.

I was cheering for Katrina and Brian from the start and hoped they’d get their HEA. I’m excited for book two and hope to catch up on Bryce and Kira again.

I was gifted this copy and was under no obligation to provide a review.

[Jane Weaver · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read. Special Agent Kira Miller works for the FBI but not in the field yet. She's a translator with a Russian emphasis because of her past. She uncovers a plot to steal priceless artifacts from a gallery and has to stop the theft. Special Agent Bryce Lambert's specialty is art forgery and theft. Kira and Bryce have to go undercover to stop this but neither are sure about the circumstances. Bryce is a by the book agent and Kira takes risks. Moving into a condo beside a known Russian attorney who doesn't always follow the law is interesting. Things start happening quickly with a secret auction which escalates from there. Enter Ivan who is also undercover but Russian and things really get hot. Unraveling the puzzle takes time but time isn't on their side. Kira being kidnapped by the unknown assailant causes things to move very quickly. This is a really well written story that you won't know till the end who is responsible and you will be very surprised. I was given an advance copy by the author, but these are my own thoughts and words.

[Carrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the collaboration of Lynette Eason and Kelly Underwood and get excited when they have a new book releasing. Deadly Charade is book 1 in a new series (FBI New Recruits) and it did not disappoint. It is action and suspense packed with a solid plot, just the right amount of romance, and great character development. By the end of the first couple chapters, I was hooked and could easily relate to the dynamic of the characters. I thought that Kira and Bryce’s POVs were realistic and kept me engaged throughout the entire story. The storyline flowed smoothly and was easy to follow along on their journey. If you like to read suspense where you can’t figure out the villain until revealed, this is a MUST read.

[Chelsea · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just finished reading Deadly Charade by Lynette Eason and Kelly Underwood and thought it was a good story. It is a clean romantic suspense book about two FBI agents, Kira and Bryce, who have to pretend to be newlyweds to bust an art smuggling ring.

The undercover setup made for an entertaining slow burn with plenty of fake-dating tension. I liked how the story balances the high-stakes FBI investigation with the fun of them trying to act like a couple. It is a fast-paced thriller that keeps you interested, and I recommend giving it a look if you want a solid mystery.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deadly Charade by Lynette Eason and Kelly Underwood. This is book #1 in the FBI New Recruits. This is a fast paced, mystery romantic suspense with twists and turns that will keep you guessing. Intrigue, deception , murder, and creepy bunnies are the key to this goonies-National Treasure-Indiana Jones hunt for the stolen art. Wasn’t my favorite, only because the subject didn’t interest me but it was well written and kept you guessing. Thank you to #LynetteEason, # NetGalley and #Revell for this arc. This is my honest review. Releases Oct 27, 2026

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you enjoy art and art galleries, this book will get you attention quickly. The characters are likeable (well, most of them) and the action is ongoing. While it may not be an "edge of the seat" suspense, the twists and turns keep you guessing for quite sometime. The ending is very satisfying that relationships do work out. There was one inconsistency in the plot that I will address with the author. As you read the book, can you spot it, too?

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Deadly Charade is the first book in a new series, FBI New Recruits, a joint venture between Lynette Eason and Kelly Underwood. We meet Kira and Bryce, two FBI Special Agents who go undercover as a married couple assigned to break up an art smuggling ring. It is a good, fast-paced mystery with lots of intensity and suspenseful moments. There are twists and turns with the uncertainty of who and who not to trust. I am looking forward to the next installment of the series.