In a Killer's Sights

Smoky Mountain Secrets #1

by Sandra Robbins

WITNESS IN JEOPARDY  

When Gwen Harwell witnesses someone dumping a body into a Tennessee river, she knows she's the killer's new target. Far from home on a work assignment, she isn't sure where to turn—especially when her ex-husband appears. Five years ago, Dean Harwell's burdens from his police work tore their marriage apart. But now he says he's changed. He's working as a rancher; he's put his problems behind him. And he's committed to keeping her safe until the killer is caught. With their troubled past, trusting him with her life is hard enough. Can she trust him with the truth about the child he doesn't know they have? 

Smoky Mountain Secrets: Love and danger collide in the Southern wilderness

Genres: Mystery, Love Inspired, Suspense, Romance, Love Inspired Suspense, Mystery Thriller, Christian Fiction

224 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published July 1, 2016

About the author

Library of Congress Authorities:
Personal name heading:
Robbins, Sandra (Sandra S.)

Reviews

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this fast-paced tale of a man out for vengeance and a man and wife, five years divorced, who are unexpectedly thrown back in each other's company by the crimes. I did guess the bad guy, but it didn't detract from the story that I did. I'll definitely be reading more by Robbins.

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

In a Killers's Sights was a great story. I loved the romance -- it was a sweet second chance love story. Regarding the killer, I didn't know who was behind it (although I did have a tiny guess), so it was fun trying to figure it out as the story progressed.

I liked how just one tiny decision had a ripple effect in the story. It was crazy all the stuff that happened just because of that one decision.

All in all, In a Killer's Sights was wonderful and I recommend it!

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

[Tima · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gwen is in the Smokey Mountains doing some preliminary research before her company films a documentary on the area. When she sees a man dumping a body into the river she panics and runs. But she's been seen and the race between killer and his next victim brings her back into contact with her ex-husband. Five years ago Gwen left Dean because of his drinking. But he's been sober for years and wants a second chance. Gwen has been keeping a secret for five years and reconnecting could ruin everything.

This was a fast-paced, suspenseful story that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The plot has drama, suspense, faith, and romance all intertwined to create an entertaining story that captures the the attention while making you think about what forgiveness and the importance of family. The romance is clean, the spiritual message is meaningful without being preachy, and the writing is neat and easy to follow. Overall this was a fun, fast read that I enjoyed and I look forward to reading more by this author.

I received this book free of charge from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the killer’s sites by Sandra Robbins is part of the Smokey Mountain Secrets series. Each book can be read alone. I typically hate a book where the woman has held the secret that she had a baby from the father. I felt this was one of the best thought out stories for that scenario.... The author did a great job of creating scenarios where both characters actions seemed realistic.
I received this book free of charge from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

You can see my full review at More Than a Review dot com where I rate the level of sex, violence, language and drug/alcohol use in books.

[Teri-K · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very fast moving story about a woman who divorced her cop husband because he'd starting drinking and becoming violent. She moved on with her life and goes to the Smoky Mountains for her job. There she sees a masked man throw a dead body into a river, and he shoots at her. She's rescued by the owner of a local dude ranch - her ex husband. Throw in the daughter he didn't know he had and you have the recipe for a pretty typical Romantic Suspense novel. I thought this was better than usual, though, because the story stayed tightly focused on our hero and heroine. The writing was solid and it managed to avoid straying into lots of recriminations, which I also appreciated. There was plenty of action and not a lot of the MCs sitting around thinking about how they felt about the other person. A plus for me. I'll definitely look for another book by this author.

NB - Apparently this is the follow up to another book, but I couldn't tell. Everything made perfect sense and I didn't feel like I missed anything by not having read the first. Though I'll look for it now that I know the author can deliver a good story.

[Books and Spoons · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love, forgiveness, faith, senseless murder, acts of violence, and the scenic Smoky Mountains as the backdrop for the tale, that was no short of action and suspense, yet had a well-built romance story, and a beautiful narrative of the healing powers of faith in God.
I believe this is a series I want to follow. The small town characters won my heart with their charm, kindness, and goodness in the face of crises and mayhem.
The story has lots of action. The moments of danger, filled with fear, threat, and menace, seem so senseless when no one has an idea of the motives or identity of the culprit. The scenes of the fast action took my breath away, the trouble caused was imaginative and unique, the author's voice fresh and figurative.
The romance had an intriguing base, the life Gwen and Dean previously had, the problems and mistrust based on those times and events, added to the stress and misery of current instability, and the secrets Gwen was holding on. I admired the spirit of forgiveness they both had, so willing to leave the drama and troubles behind, and focus on the positive aspects of life.
The recovery from alcoholism was described in a realistic manner, yet with dignity and respect of the tragedy that not only brought it on but what followed from it.
Faith in God, His guidance, mercy, protection, and love towards us, and the characters in the story was disclosed in ab spirited way. I loved what a center stage their faith had in their lives, how they lean on the faith and God in every moment and area of their lives, giving strong witness to the Lord.
Yes, there's a lot been able to fit into the book, the story has an impact, makes a stand, and yet at the same time manages to entertain on both romance and suspense. A well-crafted tale, indeed.
~ Four Spoons with a teaspoon on the side.

[Glenda Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in the Smoky Mountain Secrets Series. I so like Sandra's work; she's an awesome suspense writer. This book is well written, full of action, and fast paced. You'll love her characters. Faith is interwoven throughout the story like a tapestry. I know you'll love it.
Gwen Harwell is out scouting locations for a documentary that her company is about to produce. She's standing on a bluff taking pictures when she witnesses a man throwing a dead body into the river. Rocks slide down and the killer sees her taking his picture. She runs but he is hot on her trail. As she runs across the parking lot to her car the man catches up with her. A trail ride from a dude ranch also breaks through the forest. As the head of the trail ride races across the lot to her the killer shoot her point blank. The bullet glances off a barrette but knocks her out cold. When she comes to she looks into the eyes of her ex-husband. He had saved her, could she keep her secret from him? Would it destroy them both?
Dean Harwell is an ex-police office. Five years ago Gwen had divorced him. He couldn't blame her, he had been an alcoholic and had hurt her deeply. She'd made him promise to never contact her again. Now she was back here in his domain but a killer was after her. It soon looked like the killer was trying to destroy anyone that was close to him. Who is this man set on vengeance? Can he keep Gwen safe? Is this the chance he'd prayed for to show her the man he has become?
Two broken hearts caught up in the vengeance of a killer. They must learn to trust each other, to forgive each other, and turn it over to God. God has a plan for these two and it's much better than either of them could possibly dream. God has a plan for you too. A plan for a hope and a future. Give your heart to Him and turn your mess over to Him to straighten it out for you.

[Rhonda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good suspense! Lots of drama, romance and action. Clean read. I was able to figure out who the guilty person early and his motive for it.

Gwen Harwell is out taking pictures when she catches a guy throwing a body into a river. She runs away but gets shot. She has built a good life after she left her husband. She is keeping big secret from him.

Dean Harwell is giving a trail ride when he sees a masked man chase and shoot a woman in parking lot. He is surprised when it turns out to be his ex-wife. Dean wants another chance with her. He has changed from the bad habits he used to have.

There are lots of twists, as they try to figure out who is after Gwen and why.

Deals with forgiveness and how drinking can destroy a person.

I would read another book in the Smoky Mountain secrets series.

Did not want to put book down till I finished it. Easy fast entertaining read.

I was given a free copy of In a Killer's sight to read by NetGalley and Harlequin. In return I agreed to give a honest review of It.

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

"In a Killer's Sights" is a Christian suspense novel. The murderer repeatedly targeted Gwen and Dean, but they don't know whodunit. There's enough information that the reader can guess whodunit, but there's a good reason that Gwen and Dean don't make the connection.

The characters were generally nice, engaging people. In the rare moments without flying bullets or flames, Gwen and Dean got to know each other again. Gwen realized Dean had overcome the alcoholism which motivated their divorce. But she's kept a secret that she doesn't think he'll forgive. She struggled with what was the right thing to do and exposing herself to needing his forgiveness.

The Christian element was mainly short prayers for help and references to God's help in Dean overcoming his past. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this quick, exciting novel.

I received an ebook review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.

[Clare O'Beara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I downloaded a copy from Net Galley for an unbiased review.

Witnessing a body being dumped in the wooded Smoky Mountains puts a lady on the killer's hit list. For much of the story she is trying to get to safety and escorted by a dude ranch worker and former police officer - who is also the former husband she has not seen in a few years. We learn that the reason for the breakup was the man's alcohol problem, which he now hopes he has overcome. But the lady has been hiding from him the fact that she had their daughter in New York and he never knew; clearly there are wrongs on both sides.

Plenty of tensions both interpersonal and external, as the two are thrown together unexpectedly and have to trust each other in order to survive.

This romance is suitable for any reader with some violence and lots of excitement.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like how Gwen and Dean were able to work through their differences and find forgiveness. I really liked the ending, the killer ended up being exactly who I thought it was and I love a good happy ending.

Honestly it's been a few months since I read this book so it's kind of hard for me to give an in depth review cause I've read so many books since then. But I do remember loving this book and wanting to read more from this series!

Overall, I loved this book and I definitely plan on continuing to read this series!

Thank you Harlequin via Netgalley for providing me with this book in exchange for an honest review!

[Hazel Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic

I was on the edge of my seat from the first few pages. Felt like I was right there with the characters when they were under attack. Love this author's writing. Dean a former cop turn rancher came across a woman running for her life from a man with a gun, and to his surprise it's his ex-wife. This story has murder, arson, revenge, but most of all God who gave Gwen and Dean a second chance. We may not get it right the first time around, but by the Grace of God we sometimes get a second chance.

[Regina Merrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me looking for Sandra's books that I've missed!! She has a way of drawing you into the characters and the suspense that I only find in my favorite authors - and she is one of my favorite authors!! Wonderful read!

[Janette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this author and this book was a good read!

[Judy Morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought it was very well written and was a edge of the seat suspense. I would highly recommended this book very good.

[Sandra Webb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book. A real page turner. Interesting storyline and characters.

[Linda R · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dean and Gwen Harwell divorced five years ago. Gwen moved to New York and began working for a television network, while Dean turned his grandfather's farm in the Great Smoky Mountains into a dude ranch.

Gwen has returned to the park to do research for an upcoming documentary. While taking photos, she is spotted by a man who is dumping a body into the river. Fleeing for her life, she is found by Dean, who insists she stay at his ranch until the killer is caught.

In A Killer's Sights is the first book in Smoky Mountain Secrets by Sandra Robbins. This contemporary Love Inspired Suspense starts right in with the action. While I was invested enough to want to see who the killer was, I never quite liked the story because of the dark themes. I do plan to continue the series, though.

I purchased a paperback copy of this book.

[Colette Ingram · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun, short read. Clunky dialog and predictable plot made it enjoyable and easy without being overly annoying. Some awkward scenes and a plot twist that felt unnecessary but otherwise okay.
In a Killer's Sights

[Dorel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved ❤️ this book's storyline. I loved ❤️ the action in this story. I loved ❤️ the Christian ✝️ theme in this story. I loved ❤️ Gwen's character. I loved ❤️ Dean's character. I loved ❤️ the ending. Awesome job Ms. Robbins.

[charmaine White · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good Read

A really fast paced and exciting story.Full of action,mystery,suspense and thrills.This one never slows down and keeps you guessing from beginning to end.

[Kat Osten · Rating 3 out of 5]

Didn't like the some of the inaccuracies about bull riding / stock contracting.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very very good! Highly recommended!

[Kathryn]

I had guess right away that he was going to be the killer but still a fun read.

[Megan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an easy to read story. I found it for the most part enjoyable, even though I thought a lot of it was predictable. I didn't like that Gwen kept the secret she did, but I understood why she did it. The way it ended seemed to happen too fast, but it was still a nice way to end it.

[Ashley Dawn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book. Gwen witnesses a body being dumped in a river. From then on, she becomes a witness that the killer is determined to take care of. She never expects to be rescued by the last man she ever wanted to see again, Dean Harwell. Gwen's ex-husband is determined to keep her safe and would love to have a chance to make things right between them. The problems multiply and both Dean and Gwen have done wrong in the past but can they forgive each other and move forward?
Gwen and Dean are good characters. I enjoyed the way the author didn't just have them fall together but they had to work through their issues. The author didn't shy away from tough issues either, I thought she handled the whole situation really well. There was action throughout and while I did figure out who the bad guy was, I wasn't certain of the why until the end.
It was a 3/5 for me. The book is a good, quick read and I loved the ending!
Thank you to the publisher for the review copy of this book (via netgalley). I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

[Viki Ferrell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sandra Robbins brings us the first book in her new series, Smokey Mountain Secrets. Gwen and Dean’s story was birthed out of Ms. Robbins’ first book written for Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense, FINAL WARNING, at the request of many readers. IN A KILLER’S SIGHTS is a touching, inspirational story that will capture you from the start. Gwen and Dean are strong, believable characters, who are both haunted by their past. Although figuring out the masked man is fairly predictable, the storyline takes several unexpected twists and turns that builds excitement and interest as it moves along. We can’t change the past mistakes we’ve made in life, but they do not have to determine our future. We need to give God control, and let Him work out the details. If Christian romantic suspense is your genre, Sandra Robbins is a master at it, so don’t miss IN A KILLER’S SIGHTS.

[Marilyn Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book in the Smoky Mountain Secrets series, what a great place to start. This book is full of forgiveness, love, secrets, mystery and romance.

Gwen stumbles upon a scene she was never supposed to see. When she begins running for her life she never expected to find help in her ex husband. Will she be able to keep her secret and trust Dean again? Can he really be a changed man?

Dean can't believe how God has answered his prayers, he can only pray God will show Gwen how much he is a changed man. Will he be able to keep her safe or is he destined to watch her walk away again.

I was given a copy of this book from net galley for my honest opinion.

[Ang -PNR Book Lover Reviews · Rating 3 out of 5]

A First for me, christian suspense.
Enjoyed this one, characters were lovely to read about.
Gewn and Dean, someone is gunning for them, made me invested enough to read to the end. Christian aspects were apart of the story, but it was more like prayers for help, TOTALLY NO sex! NO Naughty Language!
Overall it was a quick and interesting Mystery Romance.

[Anita · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the first in the Smoky Mountains series. It was a good Christian suspense. I had a hard time really relating to the main characters. Good plot.

3 Stars
Content: violence, kissing
Source: Netgalley