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Memphis Cold Case #2
Justice Buried
Sparks fly when security specialist Kelsey Allen and cold case detective Brad Hollister work together to find a murderer--until their attention must turn to keeping themselves alive.
378 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 5, 2017
235 people are currently reading
1006 people want to read
About the author
Patricia Bradley
29 books1,319 followersPatricia Bradley is a Romantic Suspense Selah winner, Carol and Daphne du Maurier finalist and the winner of an Inspirational Readers’ Choice Award. Three anthologies that included her stories debuted on the USA Today Best Seller List.
She and her two cats call Northeast Mississippi home--the South is also where she sets most of her books. Her romantic suspense novels include the Logan Point series, the Memphis Cold Case Novels, and the Natchez Trace Park Rangers. She now hard at work on the second book in her new Pearl River series set in the Cumberland Plateau area above Chattanooga.
Writing workshops include American Christian Fiction Writers, the Mid-South Christian Writer’s Conference, the KenTen and Scrivener retreats where she was the keynote, Memphis American Christian Fiction Writer group, and the Bartlett Christian Writers group. When she has time, she likes to throw mud on a wheel and see what happens.
I love connecting with readers on my blog every Tuesday where I have a Mystery Question for them to solve: www.patriciabradleyauthor.com/blog
Twitter: @ptbradley1
FaceBook: www.facebook.com/patriciabradleyauthor
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/ptbradley/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ptbradley1/
She and her two cats call Northeast Mississippi home--the South is also where she sets most of her books. Her romantic suspense novels include the Logan Point series, the Memphis Cold Case Novels, and the Natchez Trace Park Rangers. She now hard at work on the second book in her new Pearl River series set in the Cumberland Plateau area above Chattanooga.
Writing workshops include American Christian Fiction Writers, the Mid-South Christian Writer’s Conference, the KenTen and Scrivener retreats where she was the keynote, Memphis American Christian Fiction Writer group, and the Bartlett Christian Writers group. When she has time, she likes to throw mud on a wheel and see what happens.
I love connecting with readers on my blog every Tuesday where I have a Mystery Question for them to solve: www.patriciabradleyauthor.com/blog
Twitter: @ptbradley1
FaceBook: www.facebook.com/patriciabradleyauthor
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/ptbradley/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ptbradley1/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 175 reviews
June 20, 2018
A fast-paced and interesting mystery-thriller. While the mere idea of hanging off the side of a building makes my palms sweat and my head get light, but this young woman won’t let even heights stand in her way.
It’s a page-turner with all the action, and it was a nice twist to have so many plausible suspects. An entire handful of people have motive and opportunity, and it’s one that definitely kept me guessing for awhile.
Brad was a character I really liked in the first book, and I had definitely been looking forward to his story. It did not disappoint me and he definitely is the heroic type of guy we got glimpses of in the previous book.
It would probably be fine to read this book as a standalone, except that you might get a piece or two of info that could be spoilers for book one. The mystery is entirely confined to this volume, though.
I gobbled book three up within the week and am now eager for book four.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free review copy. I ended up actually reading a finished library copy, though.
It’s a page-turner with all the action, and it was a nice twist to have so many plausible suspects. An entire handful of people have motive and opportunity, and it’s one that definitely kept me guessing for awhile.
Brad was a character I really liked in the first book, and I had definitely been looking forward to his story. It did not disappoint me and he definitely is the heroic type of guy we got glimpses of in the previous book.
It would probably be fine to read this book as a standalone, except that you might get a piece or two of info that could be spoilers for book one. The mystery is entirely confined to this volume, though.
I gobbled book three up within the week and am now eager for book four.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free review copy. I ended up actually reading a finished library copy, though.
October 19, 2017
An engaging read with an interesting hook. Definitely a nice way to spend a few hours especially if you like romantic suspense/mystery.
March 30, 2018
Solid suspense novel. In this second book of the series Kelsey’s father that disappeared 28 years ago under bad circumstances is the cold case.
November 29, 2019
Breached Security
Kelsey has been hired to discover how security was breached in a museum where artifacts were stolen. Shortly after she starts her new job her boss is murdered. Since she is capable of hacking computers and has cat burglary skills, police officer Brad is suspicious of her activities. Will the real thief and murderer be found before Kelsey's life is endangered?
Kelsey has been hired to discover how security was breached in a museum where artifacts were stolen. Shortly after she starts her new job her boss is murdered. Since she is capable of hacking computers and has cat burglary skills, police officer Brad is suspicious of her activities. Will the real thief and murderer be found before Kelsey's life is endangered?
August 13, 2017
Justice Buried is an exciting and compelling suspense, with just a smidgen of romance to keep things really interesting. The idea for this book sounded wonderful - a woman who sneaks into buildings, cracks alarm codes, and rappels down walls all in the name of keeping things safe? Sign me up! The book's first line only amped up my interest for this story, and I was not disappointed.
Kelsey Allen is slowly building her security consultancy business. Her recent employment has involved posing as the Phantom Hawk, sneaking into buildings and showing the owners the gaps in their security systems. But when she is spotted one night and shot at, Kelsey knows she had a lucky escape. However, her next assignment - posing undercover at a museum to uncover a spate of artefact thefts - suddenly leads to a murder investigation, and, when it all becomes tied to the cold case of her father's disappearance, she knows she will need the help of police to solve this mystery. Family friend and old school mate, Detective Brad Hollister is the man for the job, but neither Kelsey nor Brad expect the spark between them, nor just how dangerous this case could get.
I can't overstate how wonderful it is to enjoy a book where the characters are really good at what they do. It makes a book, particularly a mystery-thriller, so much more enjoyable. Both Kelsey and Brad are good at their jobs. Kelsey is an accomplished computer hacker (though she keeps on the right side of the law), fearless when facing a four-storey climb, and an antique conservator, as well as being intelligent and independent. That doesn't mean she acts stupidly or impulsively, though, as she faces the very real threat to her and others' lives. Brad, too, is clever and good at his job as police detective, now working on the cold case investigation team. Further, the bad guys are also clever, not relying on Brad and Kelsey to make mistakes to keep the tension high and the action rolling.
I really enjoyed the first book in this Memphis Cold Case series, Justice Delayed, and, dare I say it, Justice Buried was even better. Justice Buried has a wonderful mix of clever crime-fighting suspense, and romance. Strong character and a fast-paced plot make this a really enjoyable book. I look forward to reading the third book in the series.
The publishers provided an advanced readers copy of this book for reviewing purposes. All opinions are my own.
Find more reviews, reading age guides, content advisory, and recommendations on my blog Madison's Library.
Kelsey Allen is slowly building her security consultancy business. Her recent employment has involved posing as the Phantom Hawk, sneaking into buildings and showing the owners the gaps in their security systems. But when she is spotted one night and shot at, Kelsey knows she had a lucky escape. However, her next assignment - posing undercover at a museum to uncover a spate of artefact thefts - suddenly leads to a murder investigation, and, when it all becomes tied to the cold case of her father's disappearance, she knows she will need the help of police to solve this mystery. Family friend and old school mate, Detective Brad Hollister is the man for the job, but neither Kelsey nor Brad expect the spark between them, nor just how dangerous this case could get.
I can't overstate how wonderful it is to enjoy a book where the characters are really good at what they do. It makes a book, particularly a mystery-thriller, so much more enjoyable. Both Kelsey and Brad are good at their jobs. Kelsey is an accomplished computer hacker (though she keeps on the right side of the law), fearless when facing a four-storey climb, and an antique conservator, as well as being intelligent and independent. That doesn't mean she acts stupidly or impulsively, though, as she faces the very real threat to her and others' lives. Brad, too, is clever and good at his job as police detective, now working on the cold case investigation team. Further, the bad guys are also clever, not relying on Brad and Kelsey to make mistakes to keep the tension high and the action rolling.
I really enjoyed the first book in this Memphis Cold Case series, Justice Delayed, and, dare I say it, Justice Buried was even better. Justice Buried has a wonderful mix of clever crime-fighting suspense, and romance. Strong character and a fast-paced plot make this a really enjoyable book. I look forward to reading the third book in the series.
The publishers provided an advanced readers copy of this book for reviewing purposes. All opinions are my own.
Find more reviews, reading age guides, content advisory, and recommendations on my blog Madison's Library.
October 12, 2018
Definitely a sleep-depriving-red-eyes-in-the-morning kind of read because once you start Justice Buried there's no way you'll be able to stop. Intriguing, edge-of-your seat stuff! From the cold case (that's heating up with alarming speed) to the prickly, slow-start romance. And if there was ever a kick-butt heroine it's Kelsey! I mean she's like a Ninja female Spiderman. How could you not love a heroine who rappels down buildings for a living?!
Well, Brad has a few doubts at first. These two were not high school sweethearts -- more like indifferent and misunderstood -- and they carry those residual feelings into their unexpected reunion. And then things get really complicated as the action and danger amps up. And oh, what a thrilling twisted mess it is! Lots of potential suspects, riveting casework and compelling clues. I was a nervous wreck by the halfway point and then, as things began to come together in my steel trap of an armchair sleuth mind (smirk), I came close to hyperventilating. Heart attack material within the pages of this book!
A compulsive thrill of a read!
Well, Brad has a few doubts at first. These two were not high school sweethearts -- more like indifferent and misunderstood -- and they carry those residual feelings into their unexpected reunion. And then things get really complicated as the action and danger amps up. And oh, what a thrilling twisted mess it is! Lots of potential suspects, riveting casework and compelling clues. I was a nervous wreck by the halfway point and then, as things began to come together in my steel trap of an armchair sleuth mind (smirk), I came close to hyperventilating. Heart attack material within the pages of this book!
A compulsive thrill of a read!
November 8, 2017
Justice Buried is the second book in the Memphis Cold Case series and is a romantic suspense that kept me interested from the beginning until to the end. It has all the ingredients that make a mystery great--likable characters, murder, danger and a good setting and plot.
Kelsey Allen has experience working as a conservator of a museum but she really wants to start her own security company. She gets her chance when her step father's business friend, Walter Rutherford, hires her to find weaknesses in the security of a building that his security company covers. She uses her skills of computer hacking and rock climbing to control security cameras and climb the building to get inside. She does a good job so Mr. Rutherford hires her to work undercover at the Pink Palace Museum to find out who is stealing artifacts from the museum. She is hired to fill in as the conservator for the actual conservator who is going on maternity leave. This is to cover for the undercover job. Kelsey's father was the museum director twenty eight years when artifacts started going missing and he disappeared at the same time. It is thought that he stole them and took the artifacts with him but none have ever shown up as having been sold. So she has a little bit of personal interest in the case. Her introduction to the museum staff was at a gala right before she started. Her mother set her up with a date for the gala with Detective Brad Hollister, who is the son of a friend and someone Kelsey knew in high school. Brad is just moving from Homicide to the Cold Cases Unit but he and Kelsey get reacquainted. He is drawn into helping her especially when it seems that someone is threatening her life. The story gets interesting and suspenseful as people are killed and it gets dangerous for Kelsey. This is a great mystery that is hard to put down.
I won this book in a Goodreads Christian Books giveaway hosted by Jo Huddleston and given by Patricia Bradley. Thanks to them for this book. The review is my own opinion.
Kelsey Allen has experience working as a conservator of a museum but she really wants to start her own security company. She gets her chance when her step father's business friend, Walter Rutherford, hires her to find weaknesses in the security of a building that his security company covers. She uses her skills of computer hacking and rock climbing to control security cameras and climb the building to get inside. She does a good job so Mr. Rutherford hires her to work undercover at the Pink Palace Museum to find out who is stealing artifacts from the museum. She is hired to fill in as the conservator for the actual conservator who is going on maternity leave. This is to cover for the undercover job. Kelsey's father was the museum director twenty eight years when artifacts started going missing and he disappeared at the same time. It is thought that he stole them and took the artifacts with him but none have ever shown up as having been sold. So she has a little bit of personal interest in the case. Her introduction to the museum staff was at a gala right before she started. Her mother set her up with a date for the gala with Detective Brad Hollister, who is the son of a friend and someone Kelsey knew in high school. Brad is just moving from Homicide to the Cold Cases Unit but he and Kelsey get reacquainted. He is drawn into helping her especially when it seems that someone is threatening her life. The story gets interesting and suspenseful as people are killed and it gets dangerous for Kelsey. This is a great mystery that is hard to put down.
I won this book in a Goodreads Christian Books giveaway hosted by Jo Huddleston and given by Patricia Bradley. Thanks to them for this book. The review is my own opinion.
September 22, 2017
Patricia Bradley is one of my favorite romantic suspense authors and this book confirmed yet again why she has a permanent spot on my list of favorite authors! I have been looking forward to Brad's story since meeting him in Justice Delayed, and I was immediately hooked on this story from the first page, I think actually the first sentence! Brad was every bit as fabulous a hero as I knew he would be! I really liked Kelsey and felt like she was a perfect match for Brad, I liked how she was the perfect mix of sweet and tough and that she was independent but not so much that she put her safety at risk just to prove a point (which it seems like romantic suspense heroines sometimes do)
The plot in this story was very unique, I thought it was so cool how it was set at the real Pink Palace Museum (I even found myself googling photos of it because I was so curious to see what it looked like) usually the locations in novels are mostly fictional so it's always super cool when you can see the exact place that the characters are in the story, and I loved that!
The suspense in this book was great and built to an absolutely fabulous climax! I absolutely loved everything about this book and can't wait to read the next in the series, I have my fingers crossed that David and Maggie will be the stars of one of the stories in this series (I still want to know how you get Maggie from Madeline!) LOL!
Highly recommend! I think this one can stand alone if you haven't read Justice Delayed but they are both so awesome that you should grab yourself copies ASAP!
I received a copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. No review required. All thoughts and opinions are one hundred percent my own.
The plot in this story was very unique, I thought it was so cool how it was set at the real Pink Palace Museum (I even found myself googling photos of it because I was so curious to see what it looked like) usually the locations in novels are mostly fictional so it's always super cool when you can see the exact place that the characters are in the story, and I loved that!
The suspense in this book was great and built to an absolutely fabulous climax! I absolutely loved everything about this book and can't wait to read the next in the series, I have my fingers crossed that David and Maggie will be the stars of one of the stories in this series (I still want to know how you get Maggie from Madeline!) LOL!
Highly recommend! I think this one can stand alone if you haven't read Justice Delayed but they are both so awesome that you should grab yourself copies ASAP!
I received a copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. No review required. All thoughts and opinions are one hundred percent my own.
August 16, 2017
"Justice Buried" is a romantic suspense novel. It's the second book in a series, but it works as a stand-alone novel. There was plenty of excitement: breaking into buildings, being shot at, bombs, and more. The suspense came from physical danger to Kelsey, sometimes danger she chose but also that from the murderer.
However, I didn't really understand why Kelsey's employer wanted her to physically break into the buildings after she proved that she could. After proving that she knew what she was talking about, she could have just pointed out the security holes. I was also a little disappointed that the cold case seemed more of an excuse for Brad to talk to her and play bodyguard. Kelsey did more work on that case than he did.
Since the story involved a clue-based mystery, I also wondered why the detectives didn't follow up on obvious questions. For example, they notice that the killer seems able to track Kelsey's movements, but they don't do anything about it (like check for a tracking device). I also wondered why they didn't question some things a certain character said and did as that person was on their suspect list. Basically, the end surprised the characters but didn't surprise me.
Still, I liked that Kelsey was very resourceful, and Brad had an interesting dilemma about his girlfriend. There were no sex scenes or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this enjoyable, exciting novel.
I received an ebook review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
However, I didn't really understand why Kelsey's employer wanted her to physically break into the buildings after she proved that she could. After proving that she knew what she was talking about, she could have just pointed out the security holes. I was also a little disappointed that the cold case seemed more of an excuse for Brad to talk to her and play bodyguard. Kelsey did more work on that case than he did.
Since the story involved a clue-based mystery, I also wondered why the detectives didn't follow up on obvious questions. For example, they notice that the killer seems able to track Kelsey's movements, but they don't do anything about it (like check for a tracking device). I also wondered why they didn't question some things a certain character said and did as that person was on their suspect list. Basically, the end surprised the characters but didn't surprise me.
Still, I liked that Kelsey was very resourceful, and Brad had an interesting dilemma about his girlfriend. There were no sex scenes or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this enjoyable, exciting novel.
I received an ebook review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
June 19, 2018
This was a fantastic story! From the characters to the premise, I absolutely loved this book. It drew me in from the very beginning and kept me enthralled to the end. The mysteries surrounding the museum and Kelsey's career were very interesting and unusual plot points and they kept me wondering what would happen next. I read a LOT of suspense/mysteries and this was one of the best I have come across. Great read!!
March 21, 2022
Great mystery that kept me reading until I finished.
February 20, 2024
"She closed her eyes and concentrated on her breathing. "I can do this'."
When security specialist Kelsey Allen climbed over the ledge of a fourteen story building, dangling dangerously from a cable secured on the rooftop, proving to her employer that a breach of security was indeed possible through an unlocked window, she never imagined to be caught in the cross hairs of a murder scene. . . . . . .until a second murder is committed while she is attending a fund raising event at Memphis' esteemed Pink Palace Museum. Her escort for the evening, Detective Brad Hollister, is rightfully confused, when the date he assumed was leaving the event early, comes crawling down the side of the museum on a drain pipe.
Brad Hollister had not seen his high school chemistry partner in years, when their parents conspired to partner them for the evening. Kelsey Allen certainly grew up beautifully and is currently avoiding his questions about the "what" and "whys" like a tight lipped soldier. When it becomes apparent that she is working undercover security for a local firm, a few questions are answered, but when the case takes a more personal turn, Brad and Kelsey find danger around just about every corner. A puzzling disappearance more than twenty eight years prior seems to hold the key to solving a mystery that no one realized was literally buried in the past.
"Justice Buried" has a thrilling fast pace and multiple suspects, but the two characters who have the most to lose, also have the most to gain.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. The opinions stated are entirely my own.
When security specialist Kelsey Allen climbed over the ledge of a fourteen story building, dangling dangerously from a cable secured on the rooftop, proving to her employer that a breach of security was indeed possible through an unlocked window, she never imagined to be caught in the cross hairs of a murder scene. . . . . . .until a second murder is committed while she is attending a fund raising event at Memphis' esteemed Pink Palace Museum. Her escort for the evening, Detective Brad Hollister, is rightfully confused, when the date he assumed was leaving the event early, comes crawling down the side of the museum on a drain pipe.
Brad Hollister had not seen his high school chemistry partner in years, when their parents conspired to partner them for the evening. Kelsey Allen certainly grew up beautifully and is currently avoiding his questions about the "what" and "whys" like a tight lipped soldier. When it becomes apparent that she is working undercover security for a local firm, a few questions are answered, but when the case takes a more personal turn, Brad and Kelsey find danger around just about every corner. A puzzling disappearance more than twenty eight years prior seems to hold the key to solving a mystery that no one realized was literally buried in the past.
"Justice Buried" has a thrilling fast pace and multiple suspects, but the two characters who have the most to lose, also have the most to gain.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. The opinions stated are entirely my own.
September 4, 2017
JUSTICE BURIED is the second book in Ms. Bradley's Memphis Cold Case series. The first book is Justice Delayed. I haven't had the opportunity to read the first book in this series, or any of Ms. Bradley's previous books, so I was looking forward to reading this one. Like I said, I didn't read the first book in this series, but JUSTICE BURIED stands alone.
Kelsey is very definitely an active heroine. She is an expert rock climber and does stuff in the normal course of her day that would cause a normal man to hesitate. A super heroine of sorts, she works as a security expert, often undercover in normal type jobs while she tries to break into their firewall. Once she does, getting into the building in the dark of night is a cinch. Well, for her. Not a chance I'd try it.
When the man who hired her is murdered, Kelsey tries to help the police figure out who-dun-it. Knowing the genre as I do, about the time I decided to sit down and make a list of characters the killer walked into the room and I knew it!!!! What I didn't know was why. Or what happened to Kelsey's business card.... so of course I had to keep reading.
If you like suspense you will love JUSTICE BURIED. There is a touch of romance, but only a touch and I have no clue if it will play a factor in book 3 or not. This might have been my first Patricia Bradley book, but it won't be my last.
I was given a copy of JUSTICE BURIED free. My opinions are my own.
Kelsey is very definitely an active heroine. She is an expert rock climber and does stuff in the normal course of her day that would cause a normal man to hesitate. A super heroine of sorts, she works as a security expert, often undercover in normal type jobs while she tries to break into their firewall. Once she does, getting into the building in the dark of night is a cinch. Well, for her. Not a chance I'd try it.
When the man who hired her is murdered, Kelsey tries to help the police figure out who-dun-it. Knowing the genre as I do, about the time I decided to sit down and make a list of characters the killer walked into the room and I knew it!!!! What I didn't know was why. Or what happened to Kelsey's business card.... so of course I had to keep reading.
If you like suspense you will love JUSTICE BURIED. There is a touch of romance, but only a touch and I have no clue if it will play a factor in book 3 or not. This might have been my first Patricia Bradley book, but it won't be my last.
I was given a copy of JUSTICE BURIED free. My opinions are my own.
September 28, 2017
The next Memphis Cold Case series and my favorite so far!
From the very first page I was drawn into Kelsey Allen's life from her unique career to the threat of what that career means to her life and the lives of those she loves.
I enjoyed the mystery of the past coming back to haunt the main character and the complexity of the suspects, which left me guessing to the very end. My only disappointment with this story is the romance thread...First, let me say that I appreciated the fact that Ms. Bradley allowed authentic relationship problems into her story. I know many romantic suspense stories do not like to add the element of a love triangle but real life comes in many shapes! My disappointment comes literally at the last page when the hero and heroine's romantic interest blossoms into what I think is an unrealistic conclusion given all that happened in the 300+ pages previously. BUT this is not enough for me to not recommend this book for anyone who is looking for a fun romantic suspense that is full of surprises and will leave readers looking forward to the next book in the series.
**I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
From the very first page I was drawn into Kelsey Allen's life from her unique career to the threat of what that career means to her life and the lives of those she loves.
I enjoyed the mystery of the past coming back to haunt the main character and the complexity of the suspects, which left me guessing to the very end. My only disappointment with this story is the romance thread...First, let me say that I appreciated the fact that Ms. Bradley allowed authentic relationship problems into her story. I know many romantic suspense stories do not like to add the element of a love triangle but real life comes in many shapes! My disappointment comes literally at the last page when the hero and heroine's romantic interest blossoms into what I think is an unrealistic conclusion given all that happened in the 300+ pages previously. BUT this is not enough for me to not recommend this book for anyone who is looking for a fun romantic suspense that is full of surprises and will leave readers looking forward to the next book in the series.
**I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
June 21, 2020
The second book in Bradley's Memphis Cold Case series is a thrill ride from the first page. Readers can live vicariously through Kelsey's exciting career (which involves breaking into buildings to find their security flaws) and attempt to figure out the culprit of the crime right along with her. The many twists keep the identity of the villain hidden until the heart-pounding ending.
Kelsey Allen has established a career as a museum conservator, but when her most recent job was lost due to budget cuts, she branches out into security consulting. Her new job plays on her physical strengths as well as her computer hacking abilities. Kelsey is hired by a local museum to investigate art theft, and she is asked to work undercover. When a murder occurs, she begins to work with Detective Brad Hollister, who also agrees to investigate her father's disappearance as part of his cold case work. As the two work together, they find that their cases may be interconnected in ways they never imagined
September 26, 2017
I really enjoyed delving into this cold case mystery. The heroine, Kelsey Allen is a unique security specialist and an art conservator and the story revolves around a murder and thefts at the Pink Palace Museum, which really sparked my interest. I can tell Bradley did her research too!
Kelsey is a bit of a prickly character that took me a couple of chapters to warm up to, but Bradley gives us plenty of insight into her past, which helps us understand what drives her and makes the work cut out for her romantic interest all the more challenging and interesting. I was ridiculously pleased to have deduced (or maybe guessed :-P ) the culprit early in the story. But I sure didn't see the twist coming! It has a great surprise ending.
Kelsey is a bit of a prickly character that took me a couple of chapters to warm up to, but Bradley gives us plenty of insight into her past, which helps us understand what drives her and makes the work cut out for her romantic interest all the more challenging and interesting. I was ridiculously pleased to have deduced (or maybe guessed :-P ) the culprit early in the story. But I sure didn't see the twist coming! It has a great surprise ending.
May 14, 2019
Patricia Bradley is in my top five when it comes to romantic suspense writers. Her books crackle with both romantic sparks and intense suspense. Justice Buried, book #2 in the Memphis Cold Case series, begins with security expert Kelsey Allen rappelling down the side of a 14-story building. Tasked with finding the security weaknesses in the building, she swoops in as The Phantom Hawk, and proves that the seemingly unbreachable, is actually vulnerable. As she pulls herself back up the building after leaving her calling card, she stops at a lighted window that was dark on the way down. She can't see the person in the room - other than that it's a man - but he sees her, and comes after her with a gun. She gets away, barely, and breathes a sigh of relief, until she learns that a murder was committed in that room, that night, and the Phantom Hawk is being blamed.
When a second murder occurs at The Pink Palace as Kelsey investigates the theft of several artifacts, the Phantom Hawk again catches the blame. She knows she hasn't killed anyone, but someone - possibly near and dear to her - has. As she works to uncover a killer, can she keep herself out of harm's way?
Detective Brad Hollister has decided to make the move from Homicide to the Cold Case unit, but on his last night as a homicide detective, a murder occurs that ties into a 25-year-old cold case. The gun used matches one that was stolen from the Pink Palace at the same time Kelsey Allen's father disappeared, supposedly having stolen a number of other artifacts. When Kelsey approaches him and asks him to look into her father's disappearance, he's willing to look but doesn't expect to find anything. Could it be that the assumption made years ago was wrong? Artifacts are still disappearing from the museum but Kelsey's dad has been gone a long time.
When the director of security for the Pink Palace Museum, and Kelsey's new boss, is found murdered at a museum fundraiser, Brad sees Kelsey leaving the building by climbing down the side of it. Is it possible that the Phantom Hawk is a woman? And what possible reason is there for what he just saw?
Can Brad win Kelsey's trust? Will they be able to find the killer before they are each placed squarely in his crosshairs?
This book was un-put-downable! Once I started it, the action was so fast paced that it felt like a new clue was dropped on every page, and none of those added up to the culprit until the very end. Readers of romantic suspense will love this book. While it is the second book in the series, it can be read as a stand-alone. (I read book 3 first, and still haven't read book 1, although I will!) I highly recommend!
When a second murder occurs at The Pink Palace as Kelsey investigates the theft of several artifacts, the Phantom Hawk again catches the blame. She knows she hasn't killed anyone, but someone - possibly near and dear to her - has. As she works to uncover a killer, can she keep herself out of harm's way?
Detective Brad Hollister has decided to make the move from Homicide to the Cold Case unit, but on his last night as a homicide detective, a murder occurs that ties into a 25-year-old cold case. The gun used matches one that was stolen from the Pink Palace at the same time Kelsey Allen's father disappeared, supposedly having stolen a number of other artifacts. When Kelsey approaches him and asks him to look into her father's disappearance, he's willing to look but doesn't expect to find anything. Could it be that the assumption made years ago was wrong? Artifacts are still disappearing from the museum but Kelsey's dad has been gone a long time.
When the director of security for the Pink Palace Museum, and Kelsey's new boss, is found murdered at a museum fundraiser, Brad sees Kelsey leaving the building by climbing down the side of it. Is it possible that the Phantom Hawk is a woman? And what possible reason is there for what he just saw?
Can Brad win Kelsey's trust? Will they be able to find the killer before they are each placed squarely in his crosshairs?
This book was un-put-downable! Once I started it, the action was so fast paced that it felt like a new clue was dropped on every page, and none of those added up to the culprit until the very end. Readers of romantic suspense will love this book. While it is the second book in the series, it can be read as a stand-alone. (I read book 3 first, and still haven't read book 1, although I will!) I highly recommend!
September 25, 2017
Justice Buried by Patricia Bradley is a fast moving suspense novel with the heroine running for her life. Throughout the entire book, I couldn't wait to see what happened to Kelsey Allen. I like my mysteries, thrillers, and suspense to have the same type of things: great characters, a life-threatening incident, and a plot that keeps me wondering. In Justice Buried, Bradley does a good job at all three.
The writing is clear and concise. I had no problem figuring out what the setting looked like, who the main characters were, and what type of emotions were conflicting them at any moment in the story.
The romance was downplayed for the majority of the story, which is exactly how I want the romance in my mysteries to be. If the romance takes over, then I feel like I'm reading a romance story and that is not what I came to read. Bradley does a good job at keeping Kelsey and Brad's feelings on the edge of the story and making it come reality when the moment was right.
The plot was a little different with the historical element at the museum. Most mysteries don't surround artifacts unless it is a Biblical mystery like Dan Brown's The DaVinci Code, which I enjoyed even though idea was totally crazy. In Justice Buried, Bradley had just the right amount of tension and heat placed on the heroine to make her want to dig deeper to clear her missing father's name. I did enjoy and finish the novel in a couple of days.
Overall, Justice Buried is a original, unpredictable mystery novel set around a museum, gripping my attention and praying for Kelsey to seek justice for her father. If you enjoy mysteries or suspense, then this might be the next book for you.
I received a complimentary copy of Justice Buried by Patricia Bradley from Revell Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.
The writing is clear and concise. I had no problem figuring out what the setting looked like, who the main characters were, and what type of emotions were conflicting them at any moment in the story.
The romance was downplayed for the majority of the story, which is exactly how I want the romance in my mysteries to be. If the romance takes over, then I feel like I'm reading a romance story and that is not what I came to read. Bradley does a good job at keeping Kelsey and Brad's feelings on the edge of the story and making it come reality when the moment was right.
The plot was a little different with the historical element at the museum. Most mysteries don't surround artifacts unless it is a Biblical mystery like Dan Brown's The DaVinci Code, which I enjoyed even though idea was totally crazy. In Justice Buried, Bradley had just the right amount of tension and heat placed on the heroine to make her want to dig deeper to clear her missing father's name. I did enjoy and finish the novel in a couple of days.
Overall, Justice Buried is a original, unpredictable mystery novel set around a museum, gripping my attention and praying for Kelsey to seek justice for her father. If you enjoy mysteries or suspense, then this might be the next book for you.
I received a complimentary copy of Justice Buried by Patricia Bradley from Revell Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.
October 4, 2017
In Justice Buried, Patricia Bradley has written an engaging suspense novel with just a touch of romance. The plot centers around Kelsey Allen, a woman trying to get her security consulting business off the ground, and Brad Hollister, the police detective who agrees to help her look into her father's long-ago disappearance.
When Kelsey poses as a museum conservator while investigating security flaws at the Pink Palace museum, it soon becomes apparent that someone knows exactly who she is ... and that person will stop at nothing—even murder—to make sure she doesn't discover who is behind the rash of burglaries at the museum.
Though I didn't find Justice Buried to be "edge of your seat" suspense, it is a very compelling mystery. As I read, I kept changing my mind about who was behind the thefts, the murders, and Kelsey's father's disappearance. (Also, I could never decide if it was one person or multiple people—the options were endless!) In the end, the villain (villains?) made complete sense, and the reveal was very satisfying.
My one complaint—which is a complaint I often have with romantic suspense—is that the romance between Kelsey and Brad escalated rather quickly. But that's just a minor quibble; overall, I greatly enjoyed this novel, and I'm really looking forward to Bradley's next novel. 4-1/2 stars.
Note: Justice Buried is the second book in Patricia Bradley's Memphis Cold Case series, but it can be read without first having read Justice Delayed. In fact, this book is so separate from book one that I found myself wishing Bradley would've included more of the characters she first introduced in that book!
Disclosure of material connection: I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and the opinions expressed are my own.
When Kelsey poses as a museum conservator while investigating security flaws at the Pink Palace museum, it soon becomes apparent that someone knows exactly who she is ... and that person will stop at nothing—even murder—to make sure she doesn't discover who is behind the rash of burglaries at the museum.
Though I didn't find Justice Buried to be "edge of your seat" suspense, it is a very compelling mystery. As I read, I kept changing my mind about who was behind the thefts, the murders, and Kelsey's father's disappearance. (Also, I could never decide if it was one person or multiple people—the options were endless!) In the end, the villain (villains?) made complete sense, and the reveal was very satisfying.
My one complaint—which is a complaint I often have with romantic suspense—is that the romance between Kelsey and Brad escalated rather quickly. But that's just a minor quibble; overall, I greatly enjoyed this novel, and I'm really looking forward to Bradley's next novel. 4-1/2 stars.
Note: Justice Buried is the second book in Patricia Bradley's Memphis Cold Case series, but it can be read without first having read Justice Delayed. In fact, this book is so separate from book one that I found myself wishing Bradley would've included more of the characters she first introduced in that book!
Disclosure of material connection: I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and the opinions expressed are my own.
September 16, 2017
I enjoyed this novel. It is another good romantic suspense from Bradley.
I liked Kelsey, the main character. She is an enterprising and talented young woman, and a superb rock climber. She is working to find the lapses in security for businesses. Not only is she great at hacking, she can also repel from rooftops and sneak in windows left open. What she does is not illegal as she is hired by the company to find their chinks. That's hard to explain to the police when a murdered man is found in a building she invaded. I also liked Brad, the cold case policeman who helps Kelsey. I like how a fledgling romance develops between them.
The plot is a bit complex. Artifacts have gone missing from a Memphis museum and Kelsey goes undercover to identify the thief. Her father had been accused of stealing from the same museum after he went missing decades ago. Someone tries to kill Kelsey and the suspense heightens.
There is suspense in the novel, especially at the end. Much of the plot is about museum work and I wish that aspect of the novel had been more enlightening. Bradley did present many red herrings and it was hard to know who the culprit was until near the end.
I do recommend this novel to those who enjoy a character driven romantic suspense. There is a little bit about Christianity in the novel but none of the characters appear to really rely on Jesus.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
I liked Kelsey, the main character. She is an enterprising and talented young woman, and a superb rock climber. She is working to find the lapses in security for businesses. Not only is she great at hacking, she can also repel from rooftops and sneak in windows left open. What she does is not illegal as she is hired by the company to find their chinks. That's hard to explain to the police when a murdered man is found in a building she invaded. I also liked Brad, the cold case policeman who helps Kelsey. I like how a fledgling romance develops between them.
The plot is a bit complex. Artifacts have gone missing from a Memphis museum and Kelsey goes undercover to identify the thief. Her father had been accused of stealing from the same museum after he went missing decades ago. Someone tries to kill Kelsey and the suspense heightens.
There is suspense in the novel, especially at the end. Much of the plot is about museum work and I wish that aspect of the novel had been more enlightening. Bradley did present many red herrings and it was hard to know who the culprit was until near the end.
I do recommend this novel to those who enjoy a character driven romantic suspense. There is a little bit about Christianity in the novel but none of the characters appear to really rely on Jesus.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
September 26, 2017
I first became acquainted with Patricia Bradley's writing when I read and reviewed her Logan Point Series. Those were her first trade paperback books she wrote, and I thoroughly enjoyed all four books in that series.
If possible, this series is even better. The idea of cold cases and the solving of them has intrigued me for quite some time, so I was happy to see a favorite author of mine tackle cold cases in a series. I reviewed the first book, Justice Delayed, and it got the series off to a great roaring start. Justice Buried does not disappoint, and is just as full of suspense, drama, and non stop action as the first book.
Justice Buried brings back Sergeant Brad Hollister back for a more prominent role than he had in the first book, along with new characters and a new mystery. There was nothing to dislike in this book, and I had a difficult time setting the book down to do things that I needed to do besides reading.
The plot was great, and it was not easy to figure out or see where it was going, and there were a few surprises that I definitely didn't see coming.
The idea of trusting God played a part in the lives of the two characters, especially Kelsey as she tried to keep from getting killed from a person she had no clue to their identity.
I read the book in two days, mostly on my work breaks, and loved every minute and page of it. I highly recommend both books in this series, along with Bradley's great Logan Point Series.
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
If possible, this series is even better. The idea of cold cases and the solving of them has intrigued me for quite some time, so I was happy to see a favorite author of mine tackle cold cases in a series. I reviewed the first book, Justice Delayed, and it got the series off to a great roaring start. Justice Buried does not disappoint, and is just as full of suspense, drama, and non stop action as the first book.
Justice Buried brings back Sergeant Brad Hollister back for a more prominent role than he had in the first book, along with new characters and a new mystery. There was nothing to dislike in this book, and I had a difficult time setting the book down to do things that I needed to do besides reading.
The plot was great, and it was not easy to figure out or see where it was going, and there were a few surprises that I definitely didn't see coming.
The idea of trusting God played a part in the lives of the two characters, especially Kelsey as she tried to keep from getting killed from a person she had no clue to their identity.
I read the book in two days, mostly on my work breaks, and loved every minute and page of it. I highly recommend both books in this series, along with Bradley's great Logan Point Series.
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
September 30, 2017
This was my first Patricia Bradley book, but I quite enjoyed it!
In a lot of ways, this book felt like an episode of Bones - only less gross! I really enjoyed the glimpse into the workings of a museum and a conservator's work. The white hat hacker angle was a lot of fun, even if it was slightly terrifying. ; ) *runs security check on computer* And the twists and turns and action, oh my! The action grabbed me from the first chapter, and I stayed up WAY too late to finish this fast-paced novel. Worth it. ; )
Also, the romance was well paced! The romantic thread is light, building on a pre-existing friend/enemy relationship between Kelsey and Brad. The spiritual angle was also light, making this a good story for someone new to God and Christian Fiction. I enjoyed seeing Kelsey and Brad overcome their hurts regarding their experiences with the truth, or rather, the lack of it. Kelsey, especially, was an accurate picture of someone who's learning that relying on yourself is not the same as fully relying on God.
Four Stars ~ A twisting, fast-paced romantic suspense! Justice Buried is the second book in Patricia Bradley's Memphis Cold Case Novels. Fans of Dani Pettrey, Dee Henderson, or Lisa Harris will enjoy this series.
I received a copy of Justice Buried by Patricia Bradley from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group. All opinions expressed are my own.
In a lot of ways, this book felt like an episode of Bones - only less gross! I really enjoyed the glimpse into the workings of a museum and a conservator's work. The white hat hacker angle was a lot of fun, even if it was slightly terrifying. ; ) *runs security check on computer* And the twists and turns and action, oh my! The action grabbed me from the first chapter, and I stayed up WAY too late to finish this fast-paced novel. Worth it. ; )
Also, the romance was well paced! The romantic thread is light, building on a pre-existing friend/enemy relationship between Kelsey and Brad. The spiritual angle was also light, making this a good story for someone new to God and Christian Fiction. I enjoyed seeing Kelsey and Brad overcome their hurts regarding their experiences with the truth, or rather, the lack of it. Kelsey, especially, was an accurate picture of someone who's learning that relying on yourself is not the same as fully relying on God.
Four Stars ~ A twisting, fast-paced romantic suspense! Justice Buried is the second book in Patricia Bradley's Memphis Cold Case Novels. Fans of Dani Pettrey, Dee Henderson, or Lisa Harris will enjoy this series.
I received a copy of Justice Buried by Patricia Bradley from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group. All opinions expressed are my own.
September 28, 2019
Security consultant Kelsey Allen is just doing her job - she is trying to find the holes in the Pink Palace Museum´s security settings (well, it includes a wall climbing during the night), when a man shoots a bullet after her. And this starts the unraveling of the forgotten murder - of someone Kelsey knows well, whose past acts has put a lot of shame on her shoulders. But are the things really as thez seem to be?
Certainly, not always - as Detective Brad Hollister realizes when he is called to the cold case to meet his high mainteance classmate again - only to realize that Kelsey is anything but. And that she could be dangerous - to the peace of his heart.
After a weaker start of the series (for me), here we are for the trademark Ms Bradley - high tensions, smart and believable mystery, raw and real characters and the couple to very much root for! This one is a swift, catchy read and I have enjoyed it to the last page.
Brad Hollister has been introduced to us in the first installment (and his sister Andi, the heroine of said installment, gets a cameo here as well) and I have been caught by his rugged charms even there, but here he owns his place and he does it well. And independent, smart yet vulnerable Kelsey is truly a match made in heaven for him. I can see the adventurous future ahead of them!
Certainly, not always - as Detective Brad Hollister realizes when he is called to the cold case to meet his high mainteance classmate again - only to realize that Kelsey is anything but. And that she could be dangerous - to the peace of his heart.
After a weaker start of the series (for me), here we are for the trademark Ms Bradley - high tensions, smart and believable mystery, raw and real characters and the couple to very much root for! This one is a swift, catchy read and I have enjoyed it to the last page.
Brad Hollister has been introduced to us in the first installment (and his sister Andi, the heroine of said installment, gets a cameo here as well) and I have been caught by his rugged charms even there, but here he owns his place and he does it well. And independent, smart yet vulnerable Kelsey is truly a match made in heaven for him. I can see the adventurous future ahead of them!
July 26, 2017
I found Patricia Bradley's second in the Memphis Cold Case series to be interesting and an enjoyable read on several levels.
I found the characters niched into their gender and professions. It was quite fitting that a 2017s 20 to 30 year old female, Kelsey the lead female, would be a strong climber. While this is not quite the norm, it is a growing trend among the young adults of today. Also, that she was a computer hacker par excellence. These two elements are major components in the story.
Detective Brad Hollister has just been transferred to the Cold Case Division which makes his former girlfriend come trotting back into his life. She really doesn't want a "cop" for a husband but perhaps considers a cold case investigator a safer choice. Soon it comes to her attention as well as the readers of Justice Buried that safe is not necessarily a word to use in relation to the cold case division's work.
A fairly light read that gave enough suspense, romance, drama to suit this reader.
I received a copy in a contest on the Library Thing website.
I found the characters niched into their gender and professions. It was quite fitting that a 2017s 20 to 30 year old female, Kelsey the lead female, would be a strong climber. While this is not quite the norm, it is a growing trend among the young adults of today. Also, that she was a computer hacker par excellence. These two elements are major components in the story.
Detective Brad Hollister has just been transferred to the Cold Case Division which makes his former girlfriend come trotting back into his life. She really doesn't want a "cop" for a husband but perhaps considers a cold case investigator a safer choice. Soon it comes to her attention as well as the readers of Justice Buried that safe is not necessarily a word to use in relation to the cold case division's work.
A fairly light read that gave enough suspense, romance, drama to suit this reader.
I received a copy in a contest on the Library Thing website.
August 30, 2017
Justice Buried is the second installment from Patricia Bradley’s Memphis Cold Case series. I have not read the first book in the series, so I believe can be read as a stand-alone. I did not feel like I was missing anything. However, I do plan to go back and read Justice Delayed in the near future.
I enjoyed Justice Buried. I thought the characters, Kelsey and Brad, were great. The plot is exciting, suspenseful, action packed, and romantic. It was hard to put the book down because I wanted to find out what would happen next.
I would give Justice Buried 4 ½ stars and highly recommend it.
I received this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
I enjoyed Justice Buried. I thought the characters, Kelsey and Brad, were great. The plot is exciting, suspenseful, action packed, and romantic. It was hard to put the book down because I wanted to find out what would happen next.
I would give Justice Buried 4 ½ stars and highly recommend it.
I received this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
March 15, 2018
I really enjoyed this book. New author for me and like the style of writing. Great suspenseful story about a gal beginning a security consulting business. She is enjoying the challenge and then things change from a theft to murder. Also her heart becomes involved when she works with someone from the past and romance may be on the agenda.
September 14, 2017
I've enjoyed all of Patricia Bradley's novels, but this is the best one yet! I loved the chemistry between Kelsey and Brad. Plus, the character of Kelsey is so original and creative. An overall suspenseful and fun read!
June 25, 2025
The suspense is really good in this series.
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