Lethal

Small Town Secrets: Sins #1

by Ann Voss Peterson

LETHAL
Book One in Small Town Secrets series

A Prison Wedding
Psychology professor Risa Madsen was too late to stop her little sister from marrying incarcerated serial killer Ed Dryden. But it wasn't until he escaped, and took sister Nikki with him, that the horror really began...

A Promise Broken
Years ago, FBI profiler Trent Burnell gave up a life with Risa to focus on stopping psychopaths. Now a killer Trent helped convict is stalking Risa and terrorizing her sister, and it's up to Trent to take him out. But he can't do it alone...

From nationally bestselling and award-winning author Ann Voss Peterson comes the first in a series of ten standalone novels exploring the world surrounding her popular character Police Chief Val Ryker (Pushed Too Far, Burned Too Hot, Dead Too Soon).

A young woman searching for love.
A sister hoping for a second chance.
A FBI agent who's seen it all before.
A sadistic killer bent on revenge.

LETHAL by Ann Voss Peterson
Love, sex, revenge, murder... welcome to Lake Loyal, Wisconsin.

***Portions of this story were previously published under the title Accessory To Marriage. This edition of Lethal contains extensive editorial changes and brand new content.

Genres: Romantic Suspense, Contemporary, Romance, Ebooks

258 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 22, 2017

About the author

Ann Voss Peterson is the author of over thirty novels and has millions of books in print all over the globe. Winner of the prestigious Daphne du Maurier Award and a Rita finalist, Ann is known for her adrenaline-fueled thrillers and romantic suspense novels, including the Codename: Chandler spy thrillers she writes with J.A. Konrath and her own thriller series featuring small town Wisconsin police chief Val Ryker.

A creative writing major in college, Ann worked all manner of jobs after graduation, ranging from grooming show horses to washing windows, and now she draws on her wide variety of life experiences to fill her fictional worlds with compelling energy and undeniable emotion.

She lives near Madison, Wisconsin with her family and their border collie.

Reviews

[Dianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Rating: 3.5 Stars

Why would her sister marry a serial killer while he’s still in prison? Psychology expert, Risa Madsen knows the monster that lives inside the charming façade known as Ed Dryden and now she must call him brother-in-law. But she had no idea what horrors would await when he escaped prison and ran off with his new, young wife.

Risa’s life is about to become a quagmire of tension as her ex-fiance, FBI profiler, Trent Burnell is put on the case and he is as dedicated to his job as Risa’s heart is still dedicated to him.
LETHAL by Ann Voss Peterson is a twisted tale of love, loss and misplaced dreams as one deadly killer seeks revenge in the ugliest way possible.

Ann Voss Peterson peppers her tale with romantic inclinations, twisted delusions of revenge and gut-clenching scenes involving a young woman in denial of the truth. I often felt there was a little too much emotional baggage from the main character and her sister was part of the damage left behind. Definitely a good, twisted suspense novel that took a few turns I didn’t see coming. Could have done without the romantic angst, though!

I received a complimentary copy from eBooks Discovery. My review is voluntary and honest.

Series: Small Town Secrets - Book 1
Publisher: AVP; 2 edition (February 22, 2017)
Publication Date: February 22, 2017
Genre: Mystery | Suspense
Print Length: 194 pages
Available from: Amazon
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[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was definitely suspenseful and thrilling. A little too much romantic angst for my taste but I hope to see the couple in future stories. I enjoyed the writing and how vividly the characters’ emotions were captured. I received a copy of this book from eBook Discovery. I am voluntarily posting my review. This is my honest review.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

First book that I’ve read from this author and I can tell it wont be my last. Lethal had me quickly turning the pages. The right combination of suspense and romance. Looking forward to more in this series.

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (1/23/2021)! 🎁

[Monica · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review TBD

[Deanna Walker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Holy crap! What was that about? Huh??? 😳😳😳

Amazing book ever! I’m hooked this book so very good reading this..

Looking forward to read another book series soon…

[Antigone Walsh · Rating 2 out of 5]

Stupid women, stupid choices. This is a fast-paced novel that features them. One is Risa, a psychology professor who interviews a notorious serial killer in an effort to understand why her FBI agent lover broke off their engagement. The other is her idiotic younger sister who marries said, serial killer. Needless to say said killer, a sexual sadist with a penchant for hunting and butchering, escapes and goes on a rampage. One guess who the real target is and one guess who the FBI sends in to consult.

This novel is readable but predictable. None of the main characters was compelling or even interesting. The killer was cardboard and not especially scary. It was hard to generate much sympathy for the serial killer groupies. Dance with the devil you are going to get burned. Okay time killer during my states's mandatory shelter in place but flat for a serial killer yarn.

[Bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely enjoyed this book! It had all the right ingredients to keep me riveted from cover to cover.

The book was divided into various chapters, alternating between the main characters. Usually I don’t prefer this style as I feel that the atmosphere is continuously interrupted. Contrary to my expectations this didn’t happen as the author used this alternation in a very subtle way and succeeded in this way to enhance the plot gradually and nicely by adding critical information to the plot whenever alternating.

Right from the start of the book it was clear who the villain was, which usually reduces the suspense. However, there were interesting twists and turns, especially regarding the villain - and what a villain this was! At the same time a lot of space was dedicated to the relationship between Trend and Risa, who were great main characters. They were devoted and passionate about their jobs and about each other. By alternating between the characters the relevant details regarding their emotions and their point of view referring their relationship and their jobs were added to the story. Sometimes I felt like a fly on the wall, accompanying the couple through various stages of their relationship and the hunting of the villain. There were various sub-characters in the book, which didn’t have their own chapters but just made their appearance once in a while. On the contrary, Risa’s little sister was a major player in the plot and took part in the game of alternating chapters. I was intrigued by the dynamics of the sisters and how fate played into this unfortunate constellation.

I loved the book and I can only recommend this book.

[Yvonne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really wanted to strangle Nikki for her attitude about Risa and life in the book. The writing was pretty good because it evoked many emotions and i wanted to keep reading to find out what was going to happen.
Risa Madsen is a Psychology professor who chose to study a serial killer by the name of Ed Dryden. Her sister Nikki falls for Ed after writing to him and decides to marry him. She falls for all of his romantic smooth talking. When he escapes Nikki helps him thinking that he loves her and she should put up with him. She ends up finding out just how deranged he was. Once he escaped Risa finds out from TV before her ex-fiancé Trent Burnell comes to her door to tell her. Trent works for the FBI and has been involved in the case against Ed so he wants to hunt the guy down.
This is an interesting book with many different stories going on.
I received this book for free from eBook Discovery. I voluntarily review this book. This is my honest review. The opinions in this review are 100% my own

[Margaret Watkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

A frightening and graphic thriller that has one gulping for breath. Risa did what she could for her immature and needy sister, but it was never enough. When Nikki marries a convicted psychopathic killer in a prison wedding, Risa knows that it is only a matter of time before he gets his revenge on her. Ed Dryden has already stolen so much from them: his sister, her fiancé and to a large extent, her life. After his escape, Trent and Risa race against time to reach Nikki before the killer murders her. Trent comes to the realisation that Risa is still everything he could want in a woman. When she adds her observations to those of the police detectives, his estimation of her goes up even further. Whilst graphic, this well-written suspense does bring the reader some relief at the end, but it nevertheless ends on a note that warns one that there is more to come. I received this book for free from eBook Discovery. I voluntarily post this review. This is my honest review.

[Elene Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

A new author for me so I did not know what to expect. What I got was a chilling insight into a killers mind through his prey, those he manipulated and those who hunted him. Eddie Dryden is a very twisted, scary man who can charm people to him before he literally sticks the knife in.

The book is written from the points of view of Eddie, Risa the psychiatrist who studies him and becomes his prey, Nikki her sister who suffers from low self esteem and is drawn to Eddie in her search for love and acceptance and Trent the FBI agent who has given up the woman he loves in his pursuit of justice and the capture of Eddie Dryden.

This a brilliant thriller where the author has grown the back stories of each of the characters throughout. It is also a love story and I loved the tensions between Trent and Risa.

I received this book for free from eBook Discovery. I voluntarily review this book. This is my honest review.

[Trimaze · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an action packed psychological thriller. The storyline was fabulous... Risa, the psychology professor whose somewhat estranged sister Nikki marries Ed the serial killer, whom Risa has studied and written about. Enter Trent, Risa’s former fiancé and FBI profiler who has been brought in to help capture Ed after he escapes from prison.

Sounds simple right? Not exactly.... there is a long history between Risa and Trent. A history that has left both of them broken and damaged.

Can they put aside their feelings to achieve their common goal of capturing this madman? Will they be able to save Risa’s sister Nikki or will they be too late? This is an edge of your seat read that I would definitely recommend

“I received this book for free from eBook Discovery. I voluntarily review this book. This is my honest review.”

[Whispers From · Rating 5 out of 5]

Risa is a Psychology professor and interviews Ed Dryden, a serial killer. Trent is a FBI agent and Risa’s ex who caught and put Dryden in jail. When Risa finds out her sister is marrying the killer, she rushes to stop it but is too late. Then Dryden escapes and takes Nikki with him and starts killing people. Trent and Risa work together to hunt him down. His ultimate goal is to kill Risa, when he kidnaps her can Trent find her in time?
OMG! This story will have you on the very edge of your seat. So much action, second chance at love and suspense. First time reading this author and can’t figure out how I missed her. If I was a nail biter, I’d have no nails left.
* part of FEEL THE HEAT box set *

[Shey Brosch · Rating 5 out of 5]

suspenseful and moves fast

Ii loved the characters in this book. I felt like I got to know them personally. It was a page turner for sure and left you with the true sick mind of a serial killer. I thought as a fan of true crime this really hit me how skillfully planned and thought out of a mind with no morals. It always goes back to how they were treated when they were young.

I felt like the author went through amazing lengths to get you to embolus every character and get into what they were thinking. It was almost as if could feel what they were feeling.

I can’t wait to read another book from the small town series!

[Maretha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first book by this author, but it will definitely not be my last. I could not put the book down. All the main characters in this book has a compelling story to tell and the story grabs your attention from the first page. Lots of suspense with a little romance. Wonderfully written and a must read. I received this book for free from eBook Discovery. I voluntarily review this book. This is my honest review.

[Pamela Devereux · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading this as part of a box set. Professor Risa Madsen is interviewing the mass murderer Ed Dryden to see if she can figure out how his mind works. Trent Barnell is the special agent that worked that case. It also drove a wedge between the two. The race is on. Ed Dryden has escaped and in tow is his wife Nikki, who is Risa's younger sister. Will law enforcement find them before Nikki becomes a casualty?

[Kitty · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fast read with violence, plenty of twists and turns, plus a little bit of sex and romance. A serial killer has escaped from a Northern Wisconsin prison, right after marrying the 18 year old sister of Risa. She's a psychologist who profiled him in a publication--and he didn't like what he read. He has an axe to grind with Risa, and he doesn't care how much blood he spills in order to get back at her. Interesting characters and a wild ride of a story.

[Mike Schroeder · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has to be one of the best stories about a serial killer and the motivations behind their actions that I have thus far read. The story is well written, intriguing and suspenseful. I can thoroughly recommend this book as an awesome read.

I received this book for free from eBook Discovery. I voluntarily review this book. This is my honest review.

[T Olsen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a psychological thriller about a hunt for an escaped psychopath. As roadblocks and searches aren't enough, the main characters must try to think a step ahead of the bad guy.
Good plot, well written and with very good characters, but maybe a little ordinary.
I received this book for free from eBook Discovery. I voluntarily post this review. This is my honest review.

[Paganalexandria]

01/12/19 currently free in Feel the Heat: 10 Steamy Romantic Suspense Novels
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07MC98DQQ

[Robert C. smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some Action, Too Much Redundancy

From the beginning, the novel is off to a fast , action-packed start before the author slows what could have been an enjoyable serial/murder mystery into a series of long, drawn out sex scenes with more romance from a woman's obvious perspective for make and female characters.

[Tina Bailey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story

I liked this book. I have read others by Ann that I enjoyed more because they were more gripping, but I did like this one, and I am looking forward to the next. I feel the characters will evolve and be more interesting.

[Toyenlon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lethal is interesting, intriguing and suspense filled. The book had me hooked from the beginning to the end. I loved it. "I received this book for free from eBook discovery. I voluntarily review this book. This is my honest review ".

[Tracy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just a professor and FBI Agent against a serial killer. Very intense, dark and suspenseful. Professor Marsden’s sister married the serial killer she is profiling. He escapes and they’re on a mission to find them before he can kill anyone else.

[Joan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this novel. I might tread others in this series. The overly graphic sex was not frequent and seemed out of place in the novel; the characters were well-developed. There were a few structural errors that should have been caught by a good editor.

[Ronpoet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!!!!

Great book. Couldn't put it down until I finished it. Highly recommend if you like non stop action and a story line that won't quit. Stayed up late just to finish it. Five stars out of five stars.

[Lynda Watts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heart wrenching thriller, suspense and romance. I could feel the tension building in every page. An intense riveting read. Did not do my blood pressure any good! Well written. Awesome book. I read it in 2 days as I couldn’t put the book down. I would definitely recommend.

[Ms Rita Crawford · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lethal

A bit of a slow burner but when it got going it was a good read.
My personal gripe were some of the sexual content I didn't think we're necessary and multi millionaire female character. To me not in tone with the story

[Karen Rangel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great writing!

This author truly has a way with words. This book is hard to put down. The writing takes you in and lets you feel every emotion and live in each detail. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good crime drama.

[Tonya Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

She was his hope

Risa and Trent have a history, and to protect her, Trent ended their engagement, but 2 years later, they are hunting for the same person that tore them up. When this crazy killer went after her sister.