Picture Perfect Murder

by Rachel Dylan

KILLER FOCUS 

When photographer Lily Parker escapes an attack, she doesn't want any help from the FBI agent who is convinced she's a serial killer's latest obsession. But after one of her photographs is found at a murder scene, it's clear that Special Agent Rex Sullivan was right. Lily, a former CIA agent, isn't used to relying on others, but she won't survive without Rex at her side. And Rex quickly sees that Lily isn't a typical victim in need of his protection, but a valuable partner who can help him bring down a madman. With the murderer growing bolder, Rex has to convince Lily to trust him with her safety—or she could become the killer's next victim.

Genres: Mystery, Love Inspired Suspense, Romantic Suspense, Christian Fiction, Romance, Love Inspired, Harlequin

224 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published April 5, 2016

About the author

Rachel Dylan is an award-winning and bestselling author of legal thrillers and romantic suspense. Rachel has practiced law for two decades, including as a litigator at one of the nation's top law firms. Rachel lives in Michigan with her husband and three furkids—one loveable Labrador and two cats. Rachel loves to connect with readers.

Reviews

[Sheila · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good characters and story. I liked Lily.

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Picture Perfect Murder was a gripping read that had my attention from the beginning on! I loved the characters and how the heroine was a former CIA agent and the hero a FBI agent. I liked that while they were both tough, Lily wasn't afraid to let Rex protect her (although if needed she would protect herself!).

I was shocked about who the killer was! I had my suspicions early on with who I thought it was, and I was so wrong! It was such a surprising ending and I loved that!!

All in all, a fantastic suspense with a good amount of romance. I recommend it if you enjoy this genre.

*I received a complimentary eBook copy of this book for my honest review. As always, all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*

[Lindsey (Books for Christian Girls) · Rating 3 out of 5]

About this book:

“KILLER FOCUS
When photographer Lily Parker escapes an attack, she doesn't want any help from the FBI agent who is convinced she's a serial killer's latest obsession. But after one of her photographs is found at a murder scene, it's clear that Special Agent Rex Sullivan was right. Lily, a former CIA agent, isn't used to relying on others, but she won't survive without Rex at her side. And Rex quickly sees that Lily isn't a typical victim in need of his protection, but a valuable partner who can help him bring down a madman. With the murderer growing bolder, Rex has to convince Lily to trust him with her safety—or she could become the killer's next victim.”


Series: Part of the Love Inspired Suspense line but does not look like it’s connected to any other books.


Spiritual Content- 2 Corinthians 5:7 at the beginning; Prayers; Many Talks about God, faiths, believing, & praying; ‘H’s are capital when referring to God; Lily says her & God aren’t on good terms anymore, she stops herself from praying a few times and blames God; Rex has a faith & witnesses to Lily; *Spoiler* Lily does pray once & half-way prays for God to come back into her life *End of Spoiler*; Mentions of God; Mentions of prayers, praying, & answered prayers; Mentions of churches & church going; Mentions of Christians, faiths, & believing; Mentions of religions; A couple mentions of thanking God; A couple mentions of sins;
*Note: Mentions of shrines.


Negative Content- Minor cussing including: an ‘idiot’ and a ‘stupid’; A bit of sarcasm & eye rolling; Fighting, being chased, being shot, being slapped, blood/bleeding, gun shots, passing out, injuries, & pain (up to semi-detailed); Being poisoned & passing out (twice, up to semi-detailed); An intruder, break-in, fighting, pain, blood/bleeding, & being threatened (up to semi-detailed); A fire & smoke (up to semi-detailed); A car chase (up to semi-detailed); All about mentions of serial killers, brutal murders, torture, victims, bodies, where/how they happened, targets, & crime scenes (up to semi-detailed); Many mentions of an attack, intruder, break-in, fighting, pain, blood/bleeding, gunshots, being shot, passing out, injuries, & shooting (up to semi-detailed); Many mentions of killing/shooting, betrayals, traitors, double agents, & enemies (up to semi-detailed); Mentions of a serial killer that enjoyed taking many lives (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of deaths; Mentions of the death penalty; Mentions of shooting to ill & killing (up to semi-detailed); Mentions of illegal jobs; Mentions of hired hitmen; Mentions of a fire, smoke, & arson (up to semi-detailed); Mentions of poison & being poisoned; Mentions of car chases & attacks; Mentions of prison & arrests; Mentions of lies & lying; Mentions of nightmares; A few mentions of criminals & other crimes; A few mentions of alcohol & drugs; A few mentions of vomiting; A mention of putting a hit out.


Sexual Content- a band kiss and two semi-detailed kisses; Remembering a kiss (up to semi-detailed); Touches (barely-above-not-detailed); Noticing; Mentions of a kiss & kissing; Mentions of dating, dates, cheating, boyfriends, girlfriends, crushes, & exes; Mentions of love & being in love; Love, falling in love, & the emotions;
*Note: A mention of kicking a man in his groin.

-Lily Parker, age 27
-Rex Sullivan
P.O.V. switches between them
219 pages

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Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- One Star
Early High School Teens- Two Stars
Older High School Teens- Three Stars
My personal Rating- Three Stars
{Not for those sensitive towards murders.}
{Add ½ for those interested in law enforcement.}
When I first saw the title, I was interested, but then learning from the back cover that she’s a photographer and former CI while he’s FBI, I become quite interested. This was my first book by this author and I found the writing style (not to mention the plot) to be very dramatic. There was also a lot of Spiritual Content for a Love Inspired Suspense book, which was a nice surprise! With the killer, I had my suspicions and was glad it turned out not to be a typical “Oh, it’s obviously ________.” Definitely not for those who are sensitive to killer plots, though. Older girls interested in law enforcement might find it interesting but do keep in mind that it’s a suspense, so it’ll have those suspenseful topics as main plot points.


Link to review:
https://booksforchristiangirls.blogsp...


*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.

[Kara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved Lily and her beloved dog, Grace, from the first page and knew they had a special story for me. Lily is trying to develop some photographs when the lights go out in her house and then she is attacked. However, this former CIA agent isn't going down without a fight and she manages to escape unharmed. From there on out, someone is targeting her and killing innocent women. Will FBI Special Agent Rex be able to protect her and solve this puzzling case?

I love the title of this book and my brother is also a photographer so the story had me intrigued from the start. This is my third time reading Dylan's work and I look forward to more of her books!

Every time Grace barks in the story, trouble is afoot! There's even a scene where Agent Rex gets attacked and all I could think is, "Who is the crazy person?!" I had suspicions of someone close to Lily, I was close but didn't quite figure it out until the end. Felt so bad for Officer Sean in the plot, but was so grateful how things turned out.

I also enjoyed the legal aspects of the story, accurately done and made me feel like I was in the room when those meetings took place. It was also nice that while Rex is protecting Lily, she is able to get closure on her past and find her way back to her faith. When you're reading a book by Dylan, it's refreshing to see how she mixes faith with the law because logic can only get you so far. Very good storytelling and I'm so pleased with another happy ending!

*I received a free copy of this book. This is my honest review, all comments are my own.*

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Picture Perfect Murder gets off to a fast-paced start right from the beginning. Be prepared to be thrown into immediate danger with the heroine of the book! I love the way the author started this story and that she was able to keep up the pace throughout the entire novel.

This book really has it all for a romantic suspense fan. It has loads of danger and many close calls for the main characters. Lily Parker is a very strong leading lady. Sometimes her decisions frustrated me, but they made sense based on her background and training. Rex Sullivan was very realistic. I loved the way he worked to protect Lily, while also trying to understand the mind of the killer. The law enforcement and legal bureaucracy that Lily and Rex had to deal with was also very true to life. Combined with the scary reality of a serial killer on the loose, it made for a tense read! To soften the tension, I loved the addition on Lily’s dog, Grace.

Very well written, with lots of twists and turns, Picture Perfect Murder kept me enthralled all the way to the end.

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

You can read this review on my blog at:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...

[Jasmine · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an adventure! I starts with a bang and takes the reader at breakneck speed to a startling conclusion!

[Katrina Epperson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!!
This is a wonderful suspense interlaced with a romance that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Lily Parker is a complicated/complex character. The past couple of months have been rough for her, but she felt moving back home to Atlanta was a step in the right direction. She has reconnected with 3 of her closest friends and they had picked right back up where they had left off. Lily was different though, her past had changed her. Betrayal is not something that's easy to forget. During a difficult time she had lost far more than just a boyfriend, but also her faith in God.
Rex Sullivan, FBI agent, has been called in by the Atlanta Police Department to look at evidence collected which points to a possible serial killer. By chance while getting a ride home with the APD a call is received to investigate a home invasion. Upon arrival the first thing he noticed was the uncanny resemblance to the victims of the present investigation. The homeowner (Lily)had thwarted the attack, but when questioning her he notices that her body language is indicating that she's hiding something.
As soon as the police leave Lily immediately ensures that her past has nothing to do with her past. Thinking this was just a random act of violence she feels a lot more comfortable. The next morning the news shows another victim has been found, only this time there was a photo left at the scene. The police were asking for anyone who knows something of the photo to contact them. Immediately Lily contacts Rex and tells him about the photo, it was one of hers. Suddenly there's a connection between Lily and the murders. Rex thinks the connection is more than a picture and voices his concerns to Lily.
This is a great story line that flows effortlessly. The plot easily pulled me in from the first page. The author's vivid description on Lily made me feel like I wanted to know more of her story. As the story progresses characters find things more complicated than they had ever imagined. I liked both characters. Lily basically had a tough exterior, but a soft heart which she doesn't show a lot. As much as I enjoyed this story, I also received a wonderful message of faith. This is a story I would recommend to anyone who loves a suspense.

*I received this book from the author for a honest review without bias or outside influence. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Picture Perfect Murder ( Love Inspired Suspense )
By: Rachel Dylan

Picture Perfect Murder is a Love Inspired Suspense that you will love. Wow, What a terrific story. This is my third book to read by Rachel Dylan and it is by far the best one yet. I will hopefully be reading more by this author. I absolutely loved the story and the characters, both was easy to follow. When I started reading Picture Perfect Murder I did not want to put it down for nothing. It kept drawing me till I finished it ,Which was 2 A.M. in the morning. Dylan had me hooked right from the start and did not let go till the end. I love the mail characters , Lilly a former CIA agent and Grace her yellow Labrador , Rex an FBI agent. A series killer is on the loose and who will be the next victim ? There is so much action and suspense that I could not read fast enough to see what was on the next page. I caught myself holding my breath several times .If you love a good page turner, nail biting , and holding your breath , then Picture Perfect Murder is for you.
I was given a copy of this book by the author for my honest review, which I have given.

[Kate Vale · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lily Parker is now a photographer, but she used to be a CIA agent until a disaster occurred that broke her heart. Now she finds she's the object of a serial killer. When FBI Special Agent Rex Sullivan is brought in, they decide to work together to keep her safe and to find the killer before he can kill again. Unfortunately, they're too late to save his sixth victim and then a police officer no one suspected is arrested and thought to be the killer. After all, he's confessed. But neither Lily nor Rex believe him and when she disappears, Rex knows the killer has struck again.

Can he find Lily in time to rescue her or will she be the next victim?

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did not realize that this was a Christian murder mystery. The case was good but I did not expect the finding your faith again aspect. Nor did I realize that there was going to be a love story as well. Neither of these things was negative but I wish I had understood that from the outset.

The mystery itself was interesting but some of the premise seemed off. The killer tries to kill her off in several ways but no one seems to understand that the whole issue was about her. I like the twist at the end though. I also like the main character and her back story.

Very quick read

[Deanna Stevens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Did I like this book? YES! ! Murder, mystery, FBI, CIA, a strong woman and the fact that I didn't figure out who the serial killer was until it came out, perfect!! I couldn't ask for a better mystery with interesting strong characters and keep me guessing who dun it.. I was given a copy of this book in return for an honest review, and I'd certainly recommend it to anyone who enjoys good Christian suspense and a little romance.

[Linda C · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lily Parker, photographer and ex-CIA agent, is attacked in her home. Her 911 call brings police and FBI agent Rex Sullivan who is in Atlanta working on a serial killer case. Lily fits the profile of the earlier victims. This was a decent romantic suspense story.

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Liked it.

[Colleen · Rating 1 out of 5]

Religious and Emotionless.
The whole point of the book was shoving Christianity into the reader's face with wooden dialogue. There's a difference between a character having their own beliefs and an author pushing a belief system as an absolute.
The pacing was good, but everything else was off. There was no movement only formal, unnatural, over explanatory dialogue. It's written in third person but gives us no feelings, emotions, or insight into any character. No personality to anyone, no romance, no actual human emotion; the book is just Character 1 says lines to Character 2. It felt like a badly written rough draft of a play being read emotionlessly, by people who don't want to be there, tripping over the clunky dialogue. The only effort put into anything in this book was the unnatural, badly shoehorned in religious arc.

[Andrea Byers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lily Parker has an attempted attack at the very beginning of this one. Rex Sullivan is working with the local police on another case that he feels ties in with the current attempted attack. Very fast paced story, set in Georgia, that doesn’t let up until the end. When it seems she’s been targeted by a serial killer, surveillance and extra protection are set up. Love the characters and the struggles they go through spiritually. They are easy to relate to characters and a few secondary characters that are strong characters really round this out. Grace is a very endearing dog, just like Zoe is the previous story and brings a sense of calm and comfort to both Lily and Rex. Be ready for plot twists as we try and work out if the culprit is someone we know or not.

[AJK · Rating 1 out of 5]

This started with a good premise and then quickly devolved into one of the worst books I've read in recent years. It felt like 50 Shades of Grey for the true crime audience. I first began to notice the stilted writing (oddly formal speech in some areas, inappropriately casual language in others), and then the plot points became more and more outlandish. The ending was rushed and ridiculous. I regret finishing this book after realizing that something was off about a third of the way into the story. I will avoid this author in the future.

[Beverly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great mystery. Not sure of the ending til it was happening. Had a hard time thinking someone could frame Sean. An awful lot of killing. Does show some of the work needed to solve cases. Enjoyed this story and the romance. Lots of religious references.

[Dorel · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the 1st book I read by Rachel Dylan. I liked this book's storyline. I liked the action in this story. I liked the Christian theme in this story. I liked Lily's character. I liked Rex's character. I liked the ending.

[Sheila Bisdee · Rating 5 out of 5]

great read lots of twists

I really enjoyed this book. There’s lots of twists. Lots of turns. And lots of surprises. I would recommend this book. I think you will enjoy it and it will be a page for you.

[Dee · Rating 1 out of 5]

Boring, predictable I read it in 1 hr because I skipped most of the conversations about prayer being a factor in a CIA and FBI agents life. I liked 2 other books by this author now I don’t want to read anymore.

[MK · Rating 5 out of 5]

My very first book my Ms. Dylan. I couldn't put it down.
Loved the suspsense and the characters. The story line.
It grabbed me from beginning to end.

[charmaine White · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great

Just amazing,it starts off fast and just keeps getting better.Thrills,action and suspense.,I never did guess who the killer was.Next book please.

[Bertha Rainey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read

Always enjoy a mystery that keeps me focused until the end. This was a new author for me & I look forward to more of her writing.

[Marcia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read

Enjoyed this book by Rachel Dylan. While it was a little sappy and unrealistic at times, the reader knew how their relationship would end. But the ending was a surprise.

[Allyson Anthony · Rating 5 out of 5]

Picture Perfect Murder starts off fast paced and doesn't stop. This story will keep you turning the pages and guessing who the killer is. I recommend this if you enjoy Christian romantic suspense.

[Beckie Burnham · Rating 4 out of 5]

Picture Perfect Murder is another winner from author and lawyer Rachel Dylan. This book is part of the Love Inspired Suspense series and offers fast-paced action right from the start. Suspects abound and I found myself scrutinizing everyone’s actions, but the ending came as a big surprise — a plus in my opinion. If you need a book to tuck into your beach or weekend bag, consider Picture Perfect Murder.

A serial killer is on the loose in Atlanta, but has he met his match in former CIA agent Lily Parker? This character can take care of herself! But she is not alone; she has help from hunky FBI agent Rex Sullivan and her dog Grace. There is definite chemistry between the two main characters that fans of romance will approve. For the dog lover, Grace plays a big role. There is also non-stop suspense and mystery that begins from page one — the action never lets up. The faith message is strong in Picture Perfect Murder. Lily is a believer whose past has negatively influenced her trust in God. She has come to believe God just doesn’t listen or care. Rex is a strong Christian and a positive witness for Lily. Slowly she comes to trust Rex and God. I liked Dylan’s emphasis on fellowship and accountability in maintaining our relationship with God.

A quick-read, Picture Perfect Murder will keep you engaged until the adrenaline-laced ending!

Recommended.

Audience: adults.

(Thanks to the author for a review copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

[Glenda Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rachel is a fairly new author with LIS but I have really enjoyed her work. This book is well written, fast paced, and faith is woven throughout the story. I really enjoyed it and I'm sure you will too.
Former CIA Agent Lily Parker, now a photographer, is alerted to an attack by her dog; trained in martial arts she manages to escape. When the police show up at her door a FBI agent shows up with them. He is convinced she is the latest victim of a serial killer. Lily doesn't think this is that man but someone from her past.
FBI Agent Rex Sullivan is at the scene of a heinous murder of a serial killer he has been chasing when the police officer who brought him receives a call of a break in. They answer the call because they was close and could help with back up but when he sees the victim he is convinced this is another victim of the serial killer. She refuses to believe that and doesn't want help.
It soon becomes clear the killer is after her when one of her photographs show up at the next crime scene. A journey of two complicated, broken people trying to survive a tortured individual's plans. God has a plan for these two. Rex helps Lily to return to her faith, They learn to trust each other and God and God takes them through. God has a plan for you too. Trust Him and give Him free reign in your life. His plan is far greater than ours.

[Wall-to-wall books - wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rachel Dylan sure knows how to write suspense! This one is full of surprising twists and keeps you reading and wondering all the way to the end. I kept trying to guess who the murderer was and was wrong every time. I loved the original story line - the use of Lily's photographs at the murder scenes. Even though this is such a gripping suspense, it flows very nicely and is easy reading and quick. There was also just enough of a touch of romance and a Christian undertone without being "in your face" - another thing I love about Rachel's writing.

Great character development! I loved Lily and Rex. Their personalities seemed very realistic to me. Rachel has a GREAT way with her characters. She makes you fall in love with them without you even realizing it. By the end of the book you have a new literary best friend :-)

This is now my forth book by Rachel and I am definitely looking forward to reading more, she is an excellent writer, and quickly becoming one of my favorites!

Thank you Rachel for sending me this book for my honest review! I am looking forward to the next!

[JoJo F · Rating 5 out of 5]

For starters I loved the fact that lily worked in the CIA and wasn't the typical " helpless damsel in distress " She was Heroic, Brave and strong at all the right times which changed the outcome of her potential death. I love the sweet dog grace ♡ however I didn't feel a huge connection with Rex. I just couldn't get into his character. I feel like alot of detail was left out of his character, the author wrote some on his past but I don't feel like it was enough to really connect well. The storyline was great, I notice alot of the love inspired suspense seem to feel like the same story. This one had that feel but it did seem a little different towards the end. In the beginning I felt like I found 3 suspects. One which never was a suspect, Another which I turned out to be right in the end :) and another which I didn't suspect but the book did which threw me off temporarily, then everything started to make sense. I loved the proposal in the end. That was a cute way to end the book. Overall I enjoyed it :)

[Tina Wyatt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lily Parker is an ex CIA agent who has settled down as a photographer . Things are going good until one night someone breaks into her house. Lily is able to fight off the intruder but he steals a bunch of her photos. Now the killer is using Lily's photos in crime scenes . The question is why? Rex Sullivan is a special agent that has been called in to solve a serial killer case . He believes Lily's break in is connected to the killer . Is Lily a target for this serial killer? Will Lily and Rex solve the case? This book is a good old fashion who done it . I really loved this book . It kept my interest the whole time. Trying to figure out who the killer was and why they were doing it kept me on the edge of my seat. Lily has lost her faith in God and it takes the ordeal and Rex to help her find her way back to God. The ending was a surprise for me . I love all the twists and turns. This was a fresh new way to tie in Lily and the killer. I did receive this book from the author in a random giveaway. I am looking forward to reading more of her books. Christian fiction