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Dead End
COLD CASE INVESTIGATION
Nina Holmes won't rest until she finds her mother's killer—and proves that her father was wrongly convicted. And now that she's left the CIA, she finally has time to pursue the case that shattered her childhood. But someone realizes that Nina's digging into the past, and soon it's her own life that's in jeopardy. Deputy US marshal Wyatt Ames is just as determined to keep Nina safe as he is to keep investigating. But as he helps her with the case, they discover that this killer may be even more dangerous than anyone expected. And to capture him, Wyatt and Nina must be willing to do whatever it takes—even use themselves as bait.
Nina Holmes won't rest until she finds her mother's killer—and proves that her father was wrongly convicted. And now that she's left the CIA, she finally has time to pursue the case that shattered her childhood. But someone realizes that Nina's digging into the past, and soon it's her own life that's in jeopardy. Deputy US marshal Wyatt Ames is just as determined to keep Nina safe as he is to keep investigating. But as he helps her with the case, they discover that this killer may be even more dangerous than anyone expected. And to capture him, Wyatt and Nina must be willing to do whatever it takes—even use themselves as bait.
288 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published July 9, 2016
131 people are currently reading
425 people want to read
About the author
Lisa Phillips
171 books878 followersLisa Phillips is a USA Today and top ten Publishers Weekly bestselling author of over 80 books that span Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense line, independently published series romantic suspense, and thriller novels. She’s discovered a penchant for high-stakes stories of mayhem and disaster where you can find made-for-each-other love that always ends in happily ever after.
Lisa is a British ex-pat who grew up an hour outside of London and attended Calvary Chapel Bible College, where she met her husband. He’s from California, but nobody’s perfect. It wasn’t until her Bible College graduation that she figured out she was a writer (someone told her). Lisa is a worship leader, tea aficionado, and dog lover of two crazy Airedales.
Lisa is a British ex-pat who grew up an hour outside of London and attended Calvary Chapel Bible College, where she met her husband. He’s from California, but nobody’s perfect. It wasn’t until her Bible College graduation that she figured out she was a writer (someone told her). Lisa is a worship leader, tea aficionado, and dog lover of two crazy Airedales.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
January 9, 2025
Good read.
July 29, 2016
You can take the girl out of the CIA but you can't take the CIA out of the girl! Nina has the necessary talents to conduct her own investigation on her mother's murder. And that makes someone uneasy...and more than a little bloodthirsty. This book has it all -- a complex plot, fast-paced action and the thrill of a mystery that turns out to be so much more than it first appears.
Oh, and the romance? Well, Nina might be smitten if she can look past Wyatt's propensity to be a "stubborn, immovable rock." (p 91) And Wyatt's definitely attracted to this ex-spy. How could he not be when "Nina had that sweet PTA-mom look about her while still knowing how to kill a man twice her size with her thumb. It was kind of irresistible." (p 119) And yes, there's evidence of that droll humour throughout the story. A stellar romantic suspense that will keep you glued to the page until you reach the end.
Oh, and the romance? Well, Nina might be smitten if she can look past Wyatt's propensity to be a "stubborn, immovable rock." (p 91) And Wyatt's definitely attracted to this ex-spy. How could he not be when "Nina had that sweet PTA-mom look about her while still knowing how to kill a man twice her size with her thumb. It was kind of irresistible." (p 119) And yes, there's evidence of that droll humour throughout the story. A stellar romantic suspense that will keep you glued to the page until you reach the end.
July 22, 2022
Nina is determined to catch her mother's real killer and right the wrong that caused her father to be accused of killing her mom and land and die in prison.
All that Nina can go by is her memories of a man named Mr. Thomas and his nickname for her "Little Mouse". This is a good suspenseful story involving a cat-and-mouse game with the killer always a step ahead of Nina and Wyatt.
All that Nina can go by is her memories of a man named Mr. Thomas and his nickname for her "Little Mouse". This is a good suspenseful story involving a cat-and-mouse game with the killer always a step ahead of Nina and Wyatt.
October 12, 2025
Lisa Phillips wrote "Dead End", a story of loss, pain, suffering, fear and childhood innocence shattered. Nina Holmes, an ex-CIA agent, lost her family at a very young age. Her father was erroneously charged and convicted of the crime of murdering her mother. In her eyes, he was an innocent man who tragically died in a dog eat dog world -- one that was filled with lies.
Wyatt Ames, a Deputy US Marshal, spotted Nina as she was almost run over in passing. She was put in danger for investigating her mother's murder, a murder that had occurred many years ago. There were twists and turns all throughout this book, one that I read until the very end.
I loved "Dead End", as it described the ever increasing madness into the killer's mind, the necessity of faith in every our every day lives. I give this story 5 out of 5 stars and I would definitely read this one again.
Wyatt Ames, a Deputy US Marshal, spotted Nina as she was almost run over in passing. She was put in danger for investigating her mother's murder, a murder that had occurred many years ago. There were twists and turns all throughout this book, one that I read until the very end.
I loved "Dead End", as it described the ever increasing madness into the killer's mind, the necessity of faith in every our every day lives. I give this story 5 out of 5 stars and I would definitely read this one again.
February 1, 2026
This one was kinda freaky, with a super spy serial killer on the loose! How will they ever catch him before he kills them all? I was quite unsure of the outcome for awhile. There's not a lot of time for romance and that's not the main focus of the story at all.
It looks like there was a previous book because there are references to past wounds and another couple in the story appears to have been featured. Getting weary of stumbling into halves of stories without warning and I wish the publishers would actually mark them accurately!
It looks like there was a previous book because there are references to past wounds and another couple in the story appears to have been featured. Getting weary of stumbling into halves of stories without warning and I wish the publishers would actually mark them accurately!
August 20, 2025
Nina is convinced that a man called Mr. Thomas murdered her mother even though her father was convicted of the murder and died in prison. No one but Nina even believes that Mr. Thomas exists, but she won't give up her search for him. And then she is nearly run down on a city street. A haunting mystery with a retired spy heroine and a wounded U.S. Marshal hero.
April 20, 2018
Excellent! Loved this book!
August 5, 2022
so great!
Such a wild ride and engrossing story, I was actually out of breath at times, and had to take a break before continuing with the action!!
Such a wild ride and engrossing story, I was actually out of breath at times, and had to take a break before continuing with the action!!
March 16, 2023
Awesome
I love Lisa Phillips books and can't wait to read some more books by her. I am a big fan of the Lisa's books.
I love Lisa Phillips books and can't wait to read some more books by her. I am a big fan of the Lisa's books.
July 20, 2025
Too violent
August 20, 2025
Quick easy enjoyable read
September 2, 2025
Very good story keep me on edge of my seat
September 17, 2025
Oh, my!! What suspense!
November 18, 2025
Mystery
Good book, but seemed to move slow. I would have enjoyed it moving faster with less repetitive concepts during the storyline.
Good book, but seemed to move slow. I would have enjoyed it moving faster with less repetitive concepts during the storyline.
January 4, 2026
Great read!
This story moved along at a great speed. The characters were believable. I loved the twists. I would definitely recommend.
This story moved along at a great speed. The characters were believable. I loved the twists. I would definitely recommend.
September 17, 2016
Former CIA Agent Nina Holmes and US Marshall Wyatt Ames are on a collision course together.
Nina is haunted by her past and is on a mission to find her mother's killer and right the wrong that caused her father to be accused of her mom's murder. The wounds go deep when Nina's father dies in prison for a crime he didn't commit. The memories of a man named Mr. Thomas and the nick name of Little Mouse that he gave her are her only clues.
When Mr. Thomas tries to kill Nina after he finds out she is looking into this unsolved case, Wyatt steps in to protect her.
This was such a griping and suspenseful book. A real cat and mouse thriller. Mr. Thomas always was one step ahead of everyone at all times. The book was a riveting page turner and you read with baited breath as to what this relentless killer's next move would be.
I like how the relationship with Nina and Wyatt developed. They both had past issues that they needed to get over and also Nina had to draw on her faith and Wyatt had to find his.
Secondary characters Parker and Sienna were interesting as well and I like the friendship they shared with Nina and Wyatt.
If you are looking for a suspenseful read that might just keep you up all night until you finish it, this might be a great one to consider!
I received this book from Goodreads First Reads.
Nina is haunted by her past and is on a mission to find her mother's killer and right the wrong that caused her father to be accused of her mom's murder. The wounds go deep when Nina's father dies in prison for a crime he didn't commit. The memories of a man named Mr. Thomas and the nick name of Little Mouse that he gave her are her only clues.
When Mr. Thomas tries to kill Nina after he finds out she is looking into this unsolved case, Wyatt steps in to protect her.
This was such a griping and suspenseful book. A real cat and mouse thriller. Mr. Thomas always was one step ahead of everyone at all times. The book was a riveting page turner and you read with baited breath as to what this relentless killer's next move would be.
I like how the relationship with Nina and Wyatt developed. They both had past issues that they needed to get over and also Nina had to draw on her faith and Wyatt had to find his.
Secondary characters Parker and Sienna were interesting as well and I like the friendship they shared with Nina and Wyatt.
If you are looking for a suspenseful read that might just keep you up all night until you finish it, this might be a great one to consider!
I received this book from Goodreads First Reads.
August 17, 2016
An ex-CIA agent intent on finding her mother’s killer, an ex-cop turned Marshal intent on protecting her and a childhood stalker just as intent on toying with her in a deadly game of cat & mouse!
Intense, chilling, with danger around every corner this will keep you awake at night and hyper-aware of your surroundings! That’s what I call a great suspense novel. Solving the mystery of who this “Mr Thomas” is kept me guessing to the end. When the author finally reveals his identity, it sent chills down my spine, afraid for Nina & Wyatt! Always one step ahead of them, they must figure out a way to outsmart & outwit him to bring this killer to justice! A truly suspenseful read that keeps you invested, afraid and running for your life along with the characters!
*I received a complimentary copy of this from the author in exchange for my honest review which I have provided here. Thank you Lisa for the kind of suspense novel I enjoy! *
Intense, chilling, with danger around every corner this will keep you awake at night and hyper-aware of your surroundings! That’s what I call a great suspense novel. Solving the mystery of who this “Mr Thomas” is kept me guessing to the end. When the author finally reveals his identity, it sent chills down my spine, afraid for Nina & Wyatt! Always one step ahead of them, they must figure out a way to outsmart & outwit him to bring this killer to justice! A truly suspenseful read that keeps you invested, afraid and running for your life along with the characters!
*I received a complimentary copy of this from the author in exchange for my honest review which I have provided here. Thank you Lisa for the kind of suspense novel I enjoy! *
August 14, 2016
DEAD END a Love Inspired Suspense by Lisa Phillips. A gripping story of her father who had been in prison, for killing his wife. For the daughter, who still 30 years later wants the truth..Who was this Mr Thomas, that her Mother had a brief affair with. He told great stories, and had tea with her and her mother every day. Real to her as a child, yet, nothing could be found about him. Now someone is trying to silence her.
Another great story, all will enjoy.
Given ARC by author for my honest opinion.
Another great story, all will enjoy.
Given ARC by author for my honest opinion.
August 29, 2016
This book is so good!!! It was so intense and creepy! Not your standard LIS. Much better than average!
September 14, 2016
I like this author but this book is predictable and true to the typical formula for this genre.
Read
January 24, 2017This was a good book.
March 24, 2025
Awesome read. Even the third time :)
April 16, 2017
Sooooo perfect!!! I definitely recommend this wonderful book!!!
April 26, 2017
What happens when the one who is hired by the government to carry out secret missions becomes the one causing out needless deaths and heartbreak. Will the authorities will be able to catch him before more needless death and heartache occur?
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews