Deadly Setup

by Annslee Urban

HAZARDOUS HOMECOMING Back in her hometown, Paige Becker has one to prove her brother didn't murder his wife. But as she begins her hunt for the real killer, a truck runs her off the road, and Paige is convinced it was no accident. Now her old flame, Seth Garrison-the detective who put her brother in jail-is in charge of the investigation into the wreck. Seth doesn't believe Paige was intentionally targeted…until someone begins stalking her, and a woman who might have information is murdered. In order to unmask the murderer, they must dig into a shadowy and painful past-a past that once drove them apart. But is the killer out for revenge against Paige's brother, or did Seth put the wrong man behind bars?

Genres: Love Inspired, Mystery, Love Inspired Suspense

230 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 4, 2016

About the author

Annslee Urban grew up watching old-time romance movies, which she attributes to her passion for sweet romance and happy endings. Her writing journey began when the youngest of her five children started school. As a member of ACFW, she served on the board of Carolina Christian Writers, has worked as a freelance writer and registered nurse. She enjoys Bible studies, cooking, traveling and grandbabies! She lives in NC with her husband and family. Contact her at annsleeurban@gmail.com

Also published under the name Mary Annslee Urban

Reviews

[Hannah · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars
An enjoyable mystery set in Boone, NC. When Paige decides to try one last time to find evidence of her brother's innocence before his murder trial, she returns to Boone to do some digging. She has no time to do any before the first attempt is made on her life, and from there on out there's plenty of danger. There are several people I suspected of the crimes, and it's spun out well so that none of them have exact proof until the final showdown.

Funny gripe: the Jeep on the cover is a Wrangler, and she was driving a Renegade.

Real gripe: Paige was in a serious, talking-marriage relationship with an unbeliever, and that person's faith was never resolved. I don't like seeing marriage to a nonbeliever condoned in Christian fiction.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed this suspense! I was so caught up in the story line, I had to turn all the lights in the house on as the sky darkened outside!
Truly loved the characters, and I was never able to figure out just "who done it"until it was revealed at the very end!!
Can't wait to read more from Annslee Urban!

[Kelli · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heartpounding Suspense!

Wow! This romantic suspense tale had twists and turns I wasn't expecting. A murder set-up, a broken relationship, a sinister, devious criminal. Action-packed to the end - a definite must-read!

[Sandra Mashburn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mary does it again with another suspenseful read! Keeps you guessing and turning the pages to find out who the suspect is among many interesting character plot lines. Once again she weaves the element of faith at work in her character's lives as a reminder that God is present even in the darkest situations encountered. A must read!! I promise you wont put it down until you've finished it!

[Kimber Buelow- 561 Bookgirl · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to like this more than I did, and I have to say that the story itself was good. My issue is with the setting.

As a Boone girl, I was absolutely overjoyed to see a book set in my hometown. The problem is that it is blatantly obvious that the author has very minimal understanding or research of the area.

I get that this is fiction, and therefore many things are going to be accurate, but there were way too many things that drove me completely nuts:
1) Boone Memorial Hospital- there is no such place, it is Watauga Medical Center.
2) Beaver Creek- Beaver Creek is Ashe County, not Watauga. A deputy for Watauga would not be there in official capacity.
3) Stopping on the railroad tracks to wait for the train- unless they were at Tweetsie Railroad (an amusement park), there are no trains in Watauga County, and haven't been for over 100 years.
4) Queen Street businesses- there are very few businesses on Queen Street- in fact, it is mostly parking
5) No mention of the University whatsoever. App State is one of the primary employers in the town and it is weird that they never drive through the campus or even mention it. PS: Appalcart is the bus system in Boone, but it is primarily for the students, and was started by ASU.
6) Our hero's home- to physically go out as far as they do on 321, they would be in Blowing Rock.
7) Being an antiaddiction "Specialist" for the schools- there is only ONE high school, and the chances of the 8 elementary schools allowing anyone in without the proper educational and licensure credentials are slim and none. Watauga County Schools pull in a lot of talent, and would only allow someone with impeccable credentials to be working with the students.

I fully understand that if you are not from the area these may not be a big deal, but they were definitely a deal breaker for me. Research is key, and when you are talking about a place like Boone, where it is becoming more and more known by the day, it would behoove the author to get it right.

[Linda C · Rating 2 out of 5]

Paige Becker has returned to Boone, NC to hunt for information to clear her brother of charges for the murder of his estranged wife. But before she even is there 1 day she is forced off the road and miraculously survives. Her ex boyfriend was the Detective that arrested her brother and is still convinced of his guilt. But as more attempts on Paige are made he has to start questioning what is going on. This didn't gel for me; too many attempts with little police support. The ending and romantic resolution was hurried and unbelievable.

[Nancy Luebke · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this suspenseful second chance romance. I voluntarily chose to review this story and I've given it a 5* rating. This story grabbed me from the first page, and I had a hard time putting it down. Lots of twists and turns in this who dunn it and I didn't guess for sure, until the last chapter. I would enjoy more of this author's work.

[Jasmine · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a riveting adventure! Can't wait to read more from this author.

[Sheila · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really liked this book. I was guessing to the end to see who was the killer, I thought it might be one of the cops. Great characters.

[Dana Bartram · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pretty good mystery. Had me guessing all the way through.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me guessing and had me thoroughly enjoying it.

[KarnagesMistress · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read a decent amount of suspense, but not a lot of romance. This was a enjoyable change from the usual romantic suspense stories, where you are guaranteed one or two graphic sex scenes. I also don't like being proselytized to. The inspirational aspects of this book were painted very delicately. They were inserted appropriately and never overwhelmed the story. Really, this was just an enjoyable little book! The only off-putting aspect of the book was its setting. I actually live in the real Boone, North Carolina. It took me two days to get through the first few pages because I was so hung up on how she could be coming into town on 321, but the first thing you would meet is a gas station and well-lit shopping area. When the female lead was treated at "Boone Memorial," I realized that this was a semi-fictional Boone, and I began to relax. I never stopped wincing every time a train crossing was mentioned, though! (Annslee Urban's Boone was a nice town, so no complaints there.) Seriously, if this kind of story is your thing, and I know a lot of local women for whom it is, I cannot recommend Deadly Setup enough. This book will also satisfy the Watauga County Public Library 2021 Reading Challenge (beginning 7/1/2021) categories: A Book Written by a Female Author; A Romance Novel; A Book by an Author You Have Never Read. I received this book for free through Goodreads Giveaways.

[Glenda Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am enjoying Annslee's work. This book is well written full of action, and fast paced. I like her characters and the way she weaves her faith into the story like a tapestry. I know you will love this book.
Paige Becker returns to her home town to prove that her brother didn't kill his wife. She is run off the road and a detective, the man she once loved, comes to investigate the accident. Paige is convinced that it was a deliberate act but the detective isn't sure. Can she make him realize that it's the killer of her brother's wife who is after her? Will their past keep them from finding the answers they need?
Deputy Detective Seth Garrison is on his way home from helping his mother fix up her house. He approaches an accident site only to find the woman involved was once love of his life but he had destroyed that relationship when he arrested her brother for killing his wife. He learns that Paige has returned to try to find evidence to prove that her brother's innocence. It soon becomes apparent that someone doesn't want her investigating the case as she is stalked and attacked at each turn. Can Seth keep her safe as the threats escalate.
Two heartbroken people trying to restore a relationship of trust and love when the whole world is trying to destroy them. God has a plan for these two, a plan for a hope and a future. God has a plan for you too. Just give Him control over your situation and watch Him work.

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great romance/suspense story. It keeps you guessing right up to the end, who the killer is.

[Kim]

I enjoyed reading this book every much it was a good book to read.