Dangerous Testimony

Pacific Coast Private Eyes #4

by Dana Mentink

LAST WITNESS STANDING

Four weeks before she's set to testify at a gang murder trial, someone is determined to make sure that Candace Gallagher Andrews never takes the stand. When nowhere is safe for the private investigator or her little girl, Candace turns to the only person she can trustlongtime friend and former navy SEAL Marco Quidel. For Marco, protecting Candace is not just another duty. As the trial date nears and the killer stalks ever closer, Marco knows fear for the first timethe fear of losing Candace and her daughter. But while Marco begins seeing Candace as more than just a friend, her late husband's memory is never far from her mind. So he must keep Candace alive—and not get emotionally involved—long enough to put away a killer.

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

224 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published April 1, 2017

About the author

USA TODAY bestseller Dana Mentink enjoys writing in many different capacities. She currently writes for Harlequin's Love Inspired Suspense and Poisoned Pen Press.

Dana is the recipient of a Romantic Times Reviewer's Choice Award, two ACFW Carol Awards as well as a Holt Medallion.

Dana loves feedback from her readers. Contact her via her website at www.danamentink.com. and be sure to follow her on Bookbub!
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/dana-...

Reviews

[Tina Loves To Read · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a Romantic Suspense, and this is the 4th book in the Pacific Coast Private Eyes series. I have to say I really did not connect with the characters in this book. This book does have a lot of suspense and action. The action and suspense was ok, but the ending was really good. Overall, I found this book just ok.

[Kav · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has been another great LIS series. Each book reads well as a standalone but they have carry over characters so it's been fun to keep tabs on former heroes and heroines. Marco has been an intriguing secondary character in each book and I was hoping he'd get his own story. And -- yay -- here it is though I'm totally gobsmacked that Candace plays his 'leading lady.' I never thought about Marco with a Gallagher sister so this was a deliciously delightful surprise.

I've said it before and I'll say it again -- there is something so swoonworthy about an alpha hero in hyper-protective-overdrive. May I introduce former navy SEAL, Marco Quidel? Clear off the fainting couch and have the smelling salts handy. Marco has vowed to protect "his girls" (Candace and her daughter) -- be still my heart. This is a match made in heaven if either of them would see reason (which they don't until the very end!) But I can't really blame them -- not with the uber bad guys relentlessly attacking them at every turn.

Tense suspense, impossible romance and great character dynamics bring this story to life and provide a resounding conclusion to the Pacific Coast Private Eyes series.

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars
A delightful, thrilling mystery. Not quite five stars because I did get frustrated with Candace a few times.
I knew from the beginning of the series that Candace would get her own book. However, Marco was a favorite character all along, and I wasn't sure if we'd get his story or not. I loved it! So perfect to fit the two of them together.

I loved the strong Christian message! Both MCs are believers and act and speak like it. I very much appreciated that.

Besides, the sense of humor is truly hilarious in certain spots. Here are some favorite quotes:
Here's one exchange between Marco and Candace:
"What can you possibly be smiling about?"
"Because you brought a chair to a gunfight. I like that, except that you almost clobbered me with it."

And Dev's (Marco's SEAL buddy) overstated lack of humility:
"I didn't see him coming," Dev's prisoner muttered.
" 'Course you didn't," Dev said with a grin. "I'm a SEAL, dude. That's like a superhero, only cooler."

Of course, now I want to read Dev's story!! :) He totally took favorite side character category.

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dangerous Testimony was action-packed! It was also packed with great romantic angst for the two main characters. If you have read the other books in the series, you will enjoy catching up with the Gallagher family again. If you haven’t, that’s ok. This story can stand on its own.

I really liked the two main characters, Marco and Candace. I’ve enjoyed Marco in the previous books and was so happy to see him get his own story. He was a strong, determined, and loyal character. He had a great heart for protecting Candace and her daughter. I liked Candace, too, even though some of the risks she took made me shudder! It was great to watch her character grow and finally realize God’s plan for her life.

I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and recommend it to fans of romantic suspense.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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

[Susan Snodgrass · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Four in Dana Mentink's 'Pacific Coast Private Eyes' series is the best one! In my opinion. This one features former Navy SEAL Marco Quidel, who has been working with the Gallagher family's private investigations company for some time now. I've long admired Marco from the earlier books and was glad to see him get his own story. Marco loves the Lord and puts Him first, but now there is a threat to one of the Gallaghers and Marco must battle his feelings of fear for her safety.

Mentink hits the ground running with this one, the action claiming front and center and it never lets up throughout the entire book. Action, suspense, danger, attempted murder. It's all there right in your face. I was on pins and needles all the way through the book.

I loved this series and I'm ready now for Dana Mentink's next book. She's a master at suspense.

*I received a preview copy of this book from the author. All opinions in this review are my own.

[Shirley Blanchard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dangerous Testimoney is book #4 in the series and as always Dana did nt let her readers down.just weeks befoe Candace has to go to court to testify against a gang member ever thing that can happe to stop her, with old friend Marco by her side she manages to get through having a bomb thrown at her , being shot at, being scared out of her mine as they threaten her daughter and family, Marco calls in his buddies from the Navy Seals to help protect and keep Canadace safe.each time i thought this is it but theres pages left, Dana sticks a twist in and the story goes on, if you like suspense, action, romance you will love this book, it can be read as a stand alone but better if read in order. i give it a 5 star and highly recommend it

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Danger everywhere. Candace to testify about a shooting finds her life in grave danger. She also fears for her daughter's safety. March does all he can to protect them. Will the terrifying attacks on Candace ever end. Lots of prayer times and God's protection. Memories from the past keep Candace and Marco in their hold. Can they break free? I love all Dan's Suspense stories and all her books. You will find encouragement in some way or other when you read them.

[Janice Sisemore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dangerous Testimony

Action packed, exciting book involves Candace and her plan to testify in a murder case. This is part of a series but can be read as a stand alone but anyone would enjoy the whole series. Even though she is in a safe place she and her daughter are not safe. Who is helping the bad guys? Read and find out. I received an advanced copy of the book and definitely enjoyed it.

[Kara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dedication: For those who bravely tend to home and family while their loved ones serve in our military. God bless you all.

Wow, Mentink is quickly becoming another fave author of mine in the Love Inspired Suspense books!! Read it in one sitting, you just HAVE TO because it's SOOO good and each chapter ends in such a way that you can't stop reading!!

Candace is determined to do the right thing and give witness testimony at a murder trial, but she is also determined to protect her family and honor her late husband's memory for her daughter. Her friend and comforter, Marco, will sacrifice whatever it takes to keep her and Tracy safe. However, he must keep his feelings out of this and remember it's a mission that he cannot fail.

LOVED the Gallagher family 100% and Dev was EASILY my favorite character!!!

A sweet book filled with wit, family, and faith throughout, loved every bit of it. Even though it's the last book in a series, it can be enjoyed as a stand-alone. Can't recommend this one enough!!

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dangerous Testimony ( Pacific Coast Private Eyes #4)
By: Dana Mentink
Dangerous Testimony is book four in Pacific Coast Private Eyes series by Dana Mentink. Mentink does not disappoint. I loved the story and the characters, both were easy to read and well developed. I was drawn in right at the start and did not want to put it down. If you love lots of action and suspense , then you will love Dangerous Testimony. Candace has to testify in a few weeks in a gang related murder trial , and someone is trying to keep her off the stand. Candace turns to an old friend and former Navy Seal, Marco to keep her and her daughter safe. Is there anywhere that is safe ? Can Marco keep them safe from the gang?
I was given a complimentary copy of this book , but was not told that I had to give a positive review. All opinions are my own.

[Joanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a terrific addition to the Pacific Coast Private Eyes series!!! I have to say, this book was definitely a favorite of the series! The delightful storyline, the raw emotion, the sweet romance all wrapped up in a beautiful story of loss, new love and the hope of a new beginning! Each of the books in the Pacific Coast Private Eyes series had incredible, well-created, strong male and female characters but I have to say Marco was my favorite of all the book's heroes! Tough but tender, he was the character that you just can't help but love... Even when he's bossing people around! ;) Overall, this book is a great read! Not only this book but the entire Private Eyes series:
- Dangerous Tidings
- Seaside Secrets
- Abducted
All fantastic books!! Definitely recommend this series!!

[Jasmine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Will the cost of testifying be too high?

I'm sorry to be saying goodbye to the Gallagher sisters. They have provided hours of spine-tingling romantic suspense and Dangerous Testimony, the last one in the Pacific Coast Private Eyes series, oldest sister Candace's story, delivered more of the same great reading.

Dana Mentink is one of my favorite Love Inspired Suspense authors and Dangerous Testimony is a perfect example of why... it features even more danger, more romance, and the cutest little girl and big dog combo...

This latest romantic suspense from Dana Mentink is a real page-turner and a must read! It's the perfect way to spend quiet evening with murder and mayhem!

(I received a copy of this book from the author. All opinions are entirely my own.)

[DJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Candace Gallagher Andrews is shocked when she witnesses a murder…

Whew… exciting stories!

In this fourth book of the series, tension mounts as Jay Rico convinces Candace that her entire family is in danger unless she does exactly as he says. . . and she’s determined to protect her family. I’d love to say more, but I’m afraid if I do, I’ll give too much away! Get this book! Read it! Today!

Dana Mentink creates complex, interesting characters – and if you haven’t read the other stories in this series, let me encourage you to do so… you can read just one – or all four in sequence – but just do it!

Happy Reading!

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This may be my favorite book in this series. The character of Marco was in every book in this series but we didn't know much about him. I enjoyed learning his story, as well as Candace's. I also loved learning Marco's SEAL nickname, which wasn't revealed until the last few pages. This was a great suspense and I would recommend it.
I received a copy of this book from the author and was not required to write a favorable review.

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dangerous Testimony: Pacific Coast Private Eyes is a Love Inspired Suspense by Dana Mentink. It has no overt or graphic love scenes. This series is about a private investigation team.
Candace Gallagher Andrews is a single mother working for Pacific Coast Investigations and raising her seven-year-old daughter, Tracy. Her husband Rick had been killed and she was trying to keep his memory alive for Tracy. Now she was being harassed by Jay Rico, the head of the Wolf Pack gang. Candace had witnessed Kevin Tooley, a gang member, murder a rival gang member and had agreed to testify against him. Her reasoning was that it was the right thing to do and would show Tracy how to do the right thing. Now Jay Rico is threatening her. Can she survive his threats or will she give in and agree not to testify?
Marco Quidel is a former SEAL and a longtime friend whom Candace can fully trust. He also works for Pacific Coast Investigations and had promised Candace’s father to watch out for the Gallagher girls. His feelings for Candace are more than friendly; but how can he approach her when he knows her feelings for Rick. Can even Marco save Candace and Tracy from Jay Rico?

[Kristi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Each book in this series was better than the one before it. This last book in the series was by far my favorite. It had the perfect combination of suspense, personal interaction between characters, and wit and humor. This was a book I couldn't put down.

Dangerous Testimony focuses on Candace Gallagher and her upcoming testimony in a trial about a gang-related shooting. The gang will stop at almost nothing to make sure Candance doesn't testify at the trial. Their means of intimidation is no match for Marco though as he meets them challenge for challenge. The action in this book is nonstop.

This book is as much about Marco as it is about Candace. It was nice to see the story focus on Marco since he himself has been a bit of a mysterious figure throughout the series. Marco gets his time in the spotlight and this is nice to see. Dev is a nice addition to the story and his wit and humor were a nice balance to the seriousness of the story.

This book wraps up the series nicely and this reader feels as if there were nothing missing or loose ends that didn't get tied up. This is a story that fans of suspense are sure to enjoy. A must-read for fans of the genre.

I received a free copy of this book from the author and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are mine.

[Valri Western · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read quite a bit about gangs and I've seen several things on TV about gangs so I was prepared for the unrelenting type of pressure that they keep on a witness to not testify against one of their own. The author did a great job of showing what it's really like to be that witness and the emotional and physical toll it takes after awhile, not only on you but your family. This book was fantastic! The characters were fabulous and very realistic, especially with this being a Christian fiction book. It showed how the characters held on to their faith during this very difficult time but also, at times, how they questioned why things were happening to them as we all would! Candace Gallagher is set to testify against one of the members of a gang and they are determined to make sure she never takes the stand! Marco, who has been her dear friend and co-worker since her husband died, is trying to keep her safe, along with some of his former navy SEAL buddies. This will test the limits of everyone involved - Marco, his navy friends, the P. I. group and Candace's family. Will Candace and her daughter be alive when this ends? There's only one way to find out! Read the book!

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This reader just completed the last book in the Pacific Coast Private Eyes series. The book keeps one turning page after page. Who will win? Marco, Rico, and Candace jockey for control as a court trial threatens each of them. Action, romance and suspense keep the story moving. Though it is a stand alone book, characters from the previous books in the series hold the continuity of the series together.

[Yvette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written with small touches of humor, thankfully since Suspense isn’t my usual genre, Dangerous Testimony is actually the fourth in the inspirational Pacific Coast Private Eyes series. Named for the investigative company that their family runs, each Gallagher sister is in the spotlight as danger comes her way.

This is edge of your seat suspense and excitement, with plenty of danger. Candace is no shrinking violet, and Marco is one tough former Navy SEAL who knows he isn’t invincible and is quick to call on his former SEAL team for help.

I greatly enjoyed the writing style, and appreciated how naturally the faith element was woven in so intentionally. I was also impressed with how often this book comes back to the verse given as the epigraph (2Timothy 1:7), without ever feeling forced.

Dana Mentink is known for featuring dogs in her fiction, and dog lovers are sure to enjoy Bear, Marco’s intelligent and well trained canine friend. Those of you (okay, us) who aren’t really dog people will find that, while Bear is an important character, he is not given too much emphasis.

Another aspect I really enjoyed was the small band of secondary characters that make up Marco’s former SEAL team. I do love a good group that lightens the tone of a novel, and reveals another side of a main character. What they eventually reveal about Marco is priceless.

If you enjoy Romantic Suspense, or are willing to give it a go, then Dangerous Testimony is a great choice. I must admit that Romantic Suspense is growing on me, particularly with Navy SEALs as the heroes.

This review refers to a finished copy received from the author in a newsletter giveaway. No review was required and all opinions expressed are my own.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Tell Candace. Five rings."

And just like that, Candace Gallagher knows that the notorious gang leader, Jay Rico, has her life in his hands. Having been an eyewitness to a brutal drive-by shooting by a member of his gang, her testimony is crucial to the district attorney's case, and Rico knows it. Thankfully her family and friends, all members of their Pacific Coast Investigations staff, is determined to surround Candace and her young daughter, Tracy with round-the-clock protection; one member in particular, former Navy SEAL, Marco Quidel, making it his personal mission to stand guard over "his girls".

Perfectly paced, this riveting suspense makes plenty of room for quality conversations that blend into the background when fast action scenes take center stage, and there are plenty of those, taking readers down a road with many bumps, curves and dead-ends before finally arriving at its final destination. Included is the bittersweet romantic tension between Candace and Rico, both fearful of moving forward, when their pasts hang heavy around their hearts, needing the assurance fear is not of God, especially when their time line becomes razor thin.

Maybe this is my favorite story in Dana Mentink's set of "Pacific Coast Private Eyes" stories? Or maybe I just want to hold on tight, knowing that she has wrapped up this case along with this entire series, that I have so thoroughly enjoyed.

The author was kind enough to gift me with a copy of this book, the opinions stated are entirely my own.

[Nana · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Pacific Coast Private Eyes series has been suspenseful and fast paced from the very first book to the last in the series. Dangerous Testimony ends this series and is no disappointment! I'm sorry to see this series end. Dana Mentink has a talent for increasing your heart rate and making you want to read faster to find out what lurks around the next corner.

The Gallagher family is very well defined, and after reading the four books in this series I feel as if I know the family personally. This last suspense novel involves Candace and her family. Danger lurks at every turn as she is the last witness scheduled to testify at a gang murder trial. Someone wants her out of the picture before the trial begins. Trouble propels, and the pace doesn't abate as Candace fights to save her own life and that of her young daughter.

Suspense is the substance that keeps this story moving. If you love mysteries and danger this book is for you. I recommend reading the entire series. You won't be disappointed!

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book as a gift. All expressed opinions are my own.

[Lis K · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the fourth book in the Pacific Coast Private Eyes series. I hadn't read the previous books but I didn't have a problem jumping into the story. Candace is set to testify against a gang member but the gang leader is trying to silence her before she can. Fellow investigator, Marco (and former Navy SEAL) is determined to keep her and her daughter safe. I liked the relationship between Candace and Marco because they were already friends but were trying to fight their attraction. Marco was definitely swoon-worthy but he struggled with guilt over his past. I almost wished Candace was nicer to him! At times, she did bother me by being so defensive and putting herself in danger unnecessarily. Thankfully, Marco was always there to save the day! The author did throw in some twists when it came to the villain, which was a good surprise. Overall, I liked the action, suspense, family relationships, and the spiritual lessons learned. A good read to wrap up a series in which all the Gallagher sisters gets their HEA.

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dangerous Testimony by Dana Mentink (Pacific Coast Private Eyes series)
I just started with the fourth book and now I am going to look for the earlier books in this series. I enjoyed reading this clean Christian love inspired suspense. Dana Mentink kept me on the edge of my seat. Just when I thought I had all of the relationships figured out, I didn't. It kept me guessing for most of the book. At one point I thought Jay Rico would never be caught, but "good guys for the win!" A really way to spend a rainy afternoon.

[Kara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was pulled into the story from the first moment I started reading it. So many emotions and not knowing what will happen next, kept me turning to the next page. Very well written. Great characters, action-packed, and inspirational.

[Alexandra Adams · Rating 3 out of 5]

At first I was thinking it was good, then I felt I had to push my self to finish it. By the time I finished it I believed it to be pretty good. I especially liked the ending, but having the same thing repeated over and over throughout the book was very annoying.

[Vickie Jameson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book has it all - action, adventure, suspense, faith, family and romance. It's Book 4 in the Pacific Coast Private Eyes series by Dana Mentink for Love Inspired Suspense. Looking forward to reading the rest of the series.

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

this is a very good story, i love all of Dana's books if you like suspense and romance you will enjoy the book

[cynthia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great characters!

I love the characters in this book! They are well developed, flawed, courageous and funny. The suspense will stay with you.

[Vicki Gooding · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is exciting. Full of respect and morality amongst a very real evil in some peoples hearts. God, teamwork and family just sucked me in to this whirlwind mystery

[Cathy Beckett · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book. The action was nonstop and the characters were well-rounded.