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Deadly Alliances

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Her past is as shadowy as the criminals she hunts.US Marshal Milana Tanner doesn’t know where she came from. Abandoned as a toddler, she was adopted into a pastor’s family and raised as their own.

Her brother is the sole witness to a murder… and the intended target.She’ll do whatever it takes to keep him safe from the infamous assassin hunting him, even if it means confronting the demons from her own mysterious past. It will test her training, her skills, and her faith. Now more than ever, failure is not an option.

The hitman knows things he shouldn’t.As the killer closes in, she and her team fight to stay one step ahead, but he counters their moves with uncanny stealth. If someone is feeding him intel, it must be someone on her team. Who can she trust when her brother’s life is on the line?

She already lost one family. She can’t lose another. But how can she stop a killer so embroiled in the shadows that he’s indistinguishable from the darkness surrounding him?

Deadly Alliances is a riveting story of Christian suspense combining danger, intrigue, and the power of God to work through His people in any situation. Pick up your copy today!

294 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 9, 2015

1230 people are currently reading
542 people want to read

About the author

Candle Sutton

25 books64 followers
Candle Sutton writes suspense novels from a Christian worldview. While her primary goal is to entertain, Biblical themes are woven throughout in a non-preachy fashion. She firmly believes that fiction is a powerful tool and that God can and does use it to encourage, challenge, convict, and change His people.

Sutton is a Christian saved by grace, who loves Jesus and tries to live for Him. The beauty of God's creation captivates her, especially anything having to do with water. She enjoys a simple and quiet life in the United States.

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5 stars
708 (53%)
4 stars
410 (30%)
3 stars
150 (11%)
2 stars
41 (3%)
1 star
26 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
796 reviews9 followers
June 22, 2022
Excellent! I absolutely love the way the author weaves in Christian principles and the word of God. The suspense level in this book is high! How far would you go for your family? One US marshal gets the chance to find out. Alana is about to put her life on the line for someone who is extremely close to her. However, there are a few things about this case that will have her life turned upside down! She is trusting God to get her through some of the most difficult situations she has experienced, but it is definitely not easy! You will be shocked, surprised, and hanging on every word! Extremely addictive. This is the first book in the series. The author gave me a free audiobook, however, I am so hooked, I will be reading the remaining three books on Kindle. The series is that good!
26 reviews
August 22, 2019
Good Christian suspense

I really enjoyed the characters and the plot. I am so grateful to be able to read a good suspense novel without all of the "garbage" often found in others. I look forward to enjoying the journey with Milana!
Profile Image for Joleen.
2,657 reviews1,227 followers
December 8, 2019
Ms. Sutton is a new-to-me author, so I wasn't sure what to expect. But, I must say, I was pleasantly surprised!

Jacksonville, Florida

U.S. marshal Milana Tanner is on the detail for her brother, Reilly Tanner, under the witness protection program. After witnessing a murder they soon learned Reilly was the intended target. Reilly was the prosecuting attorney against Al Rosetti whose brother now wants him dead. When officials learn another killer has been hired to finish the job, the marshal's take Reilly to Lincoln City Oregon.

The killer has his own resources and is soon also in Oregon.

All the way through, you know the killer's name, but you don't really know who he is. Finding this out, and that he may have a connection to someone Milana knows was quite a ride. Also, whose the mole, or who's working against them?

I liked this book very much. Kept my interest all the way through. One thing I had to wonder about was the amount of people in Lincoln City, Oregon who know Lana. I mean, she's from Jacksonville, Florida, clear across the country from their new location. Plus how quickly she made friends in a town she has never been to when she should really be focused on her brother's protection.

But what I truly enjoyed was how some characters freely shared aspects of their faith, including prayer, acknowledging openly how God orchestrated their protection and other "coincidences". Milana also shared the gospel with someone because she was concerned about their eternity.

Ah well, it was still fast paced and a good read, and I will be looking into other books by Candle Sutton.
7,757 reviews50 followers
September 20, 2017
DEADLY ALLIANCES by Candle Sutton. New author for me, and I enjoyed the work of this author. The plot was good, and intrigued me from the beginning. Though she was adopted, Riley was her brother, and now in witness program. Who was targeting him, a case he had worked on, or what. The killer is invisible.called The Shadow of Death. You try to figure out why Riley was targeted. Good story, readers will enjoy. Looking forward to reading more by author.
Profile Image for Dawn Traylor.
Author 1 book4 followers
July 12, 2015
Fabulous!

This is one that you can't put down! The plot and character development draw you right in, so glad there's a sequel and I get to continue this journey. This is a new author for me, but one that I think has become a favorite because of how well written this book is and the draw, not only with plot and character, but also the gospel message woven in!
204 reviews1 follower
July 4, 2019
Author is a great writer. But the mistskes the characters make. No. Undercover mission where mistakes are fatal, and let's go party and find a strange man to date. Not one but THREE characters that stupid? No. Just, no.

Pity. Author has great writing skill!
57 reviews1 follower
November 4, 2019
Really enjoyed this. Suspense and unexpected twists. Some of the storyline seemed rushed at the end, despite this, a really good read, couldn't put it down and read it in one sitting. The references to faith wound through the book interweaving the story.
Profile Image for Debra Grant.
1 review
December 30, 2019
Best book I've read in a long time!

Very suspenseful,and kept you reading well into the night. Don't start it unless you don't have to get up early in the.morning. Also loved the way she brought God and His love for us into her story.
18 reviews
February 5, 2020
A page turner

This is my first experience with Candle and her writing. A very good story line that kept me intrigued from start to finish. I will certainly devour this series in no time. Keep up the good work😊
305 reviews1 follower
March 12, 2016
Filled with all the drama you want in a good suspense book.

Lana is caught up in trying to keep her brother safe and she'll break a few rules to do it.
39 reviews
November 18, 2018
Great book

Edge of my seat. Couldnt have been better if she tried. Lana is amazing character true to background. Would highly recommend this for the suspense lover.
Profile Image for Cindy B. .
3,899 reviews219 followers
March 15, 2019
Fluff, I thought, found that isn’t so. Engaging plot and subplot with well rounded characters. Clean, enjoyable read for mystery lovers and other readers.
102 reviews2 followers
August 2, 2019
Good story

I really liked this story would recommend to anyone who likes a good mistory. I will be reading more by C. Sutton.
Profile Image for Jennifer Azar.
4 reviews
March 10, 2020
Page turner!

I loved this book from beginning to end. It kept me on the edge of my seat and had me guessing to the end.
52 reviews
November 15, 2024
More than a thriller! Non stop action adventure awaits!

Deadly Alliances is a novel with multiple layers! On the surface it is a nail biting roller coaster ride that is hard to put down. Gangsters, an internationally known hit man, local cops, federal marshalls all populate the pages filled with murder, and deceit. Then there is.the layer greed, fear, desperation, friendship, caring and love among.family members. There is not a straightforward or boring page.

The redeeming love of Jesus is skillfully woven throughout taking this.from a typical mystery thriller to something much more. I did not find a.preachy page, just honest, Godly love and caring in the setting of broken dreams and lives.

Everyone will enjoy this well written book who likes bad guys against the good guys. The bonus is seeing the redeeming love of Jesus displayed in the.lives of the.characters.
576 reviews6 followers
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September 13, 2022
A Christian FBI Story

Lana's older adoptive brother, Reilly, a prosecutor, was placed in protective custody after receiving threats in connection with a court case. Lana's concern for her brother was very strong. She was part of the team of five who moved him to various safe houses. I found it refreshing that Lana and Reilly, raised by a Pastor and his wife, prayed to God for guidance and protection. So few books are available for Christians to enjoy, especially where some characters shoot, catch murderers, and work in a secular field. It is also so welcome to read clean language, as well as clean romances. Thank you Candle Sutton. The only aspect I felt was unrealistic was Matt's change of heart based on his history. It was highly unlikely, except perhaps for Nate, but was not true repentance. Perhaps he could change completely in time, but it felt too simplictic.
Profile Image for Steve W.
347 reviews1 follower
June 10, 2025
This story was a real page-turner (or whatever the phrase would be for audiobooks)! Riley, an attorney, witnessed a murder, so now he is in the crosshairs to eliminate as a liability for the defendant. Riley's sister Lana is a US Marshal, and she manages to be a part of the team assigned to keep Riley alive. But when a notorious assassin (who never fails) is hired to eliminate Riley, and nobody knows who he is (what the assassin looks like), everyone is suspect. Having someone on the team feeding information to the defendant only makes it harder to protect Riley.

Milana (Lana) was adopted and never knew her parents, but she sees hope of being reunited with her birth family. Lana also senses a possibility of love with a photographer she met on the beach during her detail, but who is he, and can she trust him?

I'm looking forward to reading the other books in this series.
8 reviews
June 21, 2021
Nail Salon Referral

Probably a funny title for a book review, but this is what happened... I was getting a pedicure when I noticed a fellow book lover. We exchanged favorite artists and genres and she mentioned a friends daughter who happens to be the Christian Suspense writer, Candle Sutton. I left her with the promise I would check it out. I am so glad I did! I loved this book. What a neat way to find a new favorite author! I started this book yesterday and read straight through. Thank you for a well written book filled with God’s love and mercy! A big thank you to my nail friend!
40 reviews
April 16, 2022
My first Christian story in this genre

I mostly read cosies which usually are lighter stories than this one. The main characters accidentally get involved with murder. This character is a deputy marshal and the tone is serious. Overall, I enjoyed the story. It flowed, grammatical errors did not leave me wanting an editor as happens too often.

I did not find the Christian characters in my face, pushing an agenda. They are more comparable to having a character that mentions unwinding with a glass of wine in the evening. It does not detract from the story. I would read more.
300 reviews4 followers
November 27, 2024
This book opened at high speed and never let up. A top prosecutor and US Marshals plus family relationships created a miasma of danger that could only be combated in faith. Who can be trusted except the Savior? The characters work through a lot of emotions while facing grave danger. The storyline was enthralling and made perfect sense of much confusion. This isn’t a Hallmark story; everything doesn’t have a neat conclusion, which lends the book another layer of authenticity. I’ll be looking for book 2 in this series right away.
Profile Image for Emma Freund.
90 reviews
August 7, 2025
This book was so good!!! I was in a major reading slump when I started this book, and once I finally picked it up and started reading my it cured my slump lol. Candle Sutton has officially been added to my list of go to authors I love and will continue to read all of their books. This book kept me on my seat the whole time, and not to mention it has such a good representation of what a relationship with Jesus is like in hard times, and that no matter what your life is like or what is happening God is always planning and he is always there. 100% 6⭐️.
Profile Image for Laura.
86 reviews17 followers
August 25, 2021
Plot twist!!

I never seen that ending coming! At first, I thought I had it figured out. But as Lana keeps touching the lives of people, I could not be sure. Turns out I had no clue who the killer was. The power of faith and prayer kept Lana going from start to finish. For me, this is a very important message. The action kept going and drew me into the story as if I was really with her and her brother. Even I said a prayer during this story.
Profile Image for ELMorehead.
286 reviews1 follower
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June 29, 2022
Can this US Marshal Save Her Brother From an Assassin?

Candle Sutton's "Deadly Alliance" presents a unique picture of Family, that I Highly Recommend You 📖. You get Danger, Terror, Guns, Bullets, Sacrifice, God Moving in Lives & Situations, Protection, Betrayal, and Safety! I became quickly Engrossed, in this Awesome, Poignant 💎 of a Christian, Action/Adventure Thriller. I can't wait to 📖 the 2nd 📗 in the Series. ❤📖 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Profile Image for Natalya.
530 reviews20 followers
June 29, 2022
A whirlwind adventure from the first chapter to the conclusion... As soon as I thought I figured it all out, there’s another twist in the story that I didn’t anticipate. This gripping and intense story will definitely take you on an emotional roller coaster! Highly recommend.
I received an audio copy of this book; I was not required to write a favorable review. All opinions in this review are my own.
1,915 reviews9 followers
July 4, 2019
It wasn’t that long ago that everything was fine. My life might’ve even been similar to yours. Until my adopted brother, part of the only family I’ve ever known, joined countless others who call themselves witnesses. As in the “I witnessed a murder and now some really nasty people are trying to kill me” type of witness.
Profile Image for Helen.
200 reviews4 followers
July 9, 2019
Hard to put down once you start reading!

A storyline that keeps you wanting to keep reading and not put the book down! The characters are believable, the plot well written and great to read. I found it a very enjoyable way to spend a couple of days, especially since one of the locations used is familiar to me. It was very well written.
288 reviews1 follower
March 17, 2020
Clean romantic suspense

I enjoyed reading this story about a young woman who is determined to keep her brother fe when he enters the witness protection program . She had been adopted into his family as a toddler. There are many twists and turns including finding her possible birth family.I recommend this author.
Profile Image for Sharon.
1,225 reviews48 followers
April 21, 2020
This is the first book I've read by this author and I'm really impressed. The characters are interesting, the plot is intricate and the suspense is gripping from cover to cover. I also like the unapologetic but not preachy Christian faith that is an essential element of some of the character's lives.
220 reviews
July 16, 2022
couldn’t put it down

After finishing 2 slow, not so great books this was a super surprise! I love an action story that holds me so tight I can’t put it down and this is a good one!
Lana, Alex and the team work together to protect riley, root out a mole and take down the bad guys.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews

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