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Fatal Cover-Up
DEADLY CONSPIRACY
Talia Morello moved to Rome for a fresh start—but instead finds herself at the center of a deadly art smuggling ring with everything to lose, including her life. Someone's dead set on retrieving three priceless paintings believed to have been stolen by Talia's late husband. And when his unsolved murder is linked to the bullet that killed FBI agent Joe Bryant's brother during a museum heist, Joe is determined to find out all of Talia's secrets. When she denies any involvement, Joe's gut and heart tell him to trust her. But with the target on Talia's back only growing, there may not be time to uncover the whole truth and save the woman he's falling for…
Talia Morello moved to Rome for a fresh start—but instead finds herself at the center of a deadly art smuggling ring with everything to lose, including her life. Someone's dead set on retrieving three priceless paintings believed to have been stolen by Talia's late husband. And when his unsolved murder is linked to the bullet that killed FBI agent Joe Bryant's brother during a museum heist, Joe is determined to find out all of Talia's secrets. When she denies any involvement, Joe's gut and heart tell him to trust her. But with the target on Talia's back only growing, there may not be time to uncover the whole truth and save the woman he's falling for…
368 pages, Paperback
First published July 4, 2017
69 people are currently reading
204 people want to read
About the author
Lisa Harris
128 books1,278 followersLISA HARRIS is a Christy Award finalist for Blood Ransom, Vendetta, and Port of Origin, Christy Award winner for Dangerous Passage, and the winner of the Best Inspirational Suspense Novel for 2011 (Blood Covenant) and 2015 (Vendetta) from Romantic Times.
She has fifty novels and novellas in print. She and her family work as missionaries in southern Africa. Lisa loves hanging out with her family, cooking different ethnic dishes, photography, and heading into the African bush on safari. Visit Lisa’s website to learn more.
She has fifty novels and novellas in print. She and her family work as missionaries in southern Africa. Lisa loves hanging out with her family, cooking different ethnic dishes, photography, and heading into the African bush on safari. Visit Lisa’s website to learn more.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
July 5, 2017
It isn't often that you find a Love Inspired Suspense novel 'on location' so I was thrilled to travel to Italy with Talia and Joe. The 'exotic' (to me, anyway) locale made this romantic suspense even more exciting. And the author sneaks in fascinating facts about Rome, Florence and Venice as our intrepid hero and heroine chase down stolen art while dodging a lethal pursuer.
I love that Talia acts more like I probably would when confronted by death and destruction. :-) She's scared and it shows. But trembling limbs and the occasional crying jag aside, Talia draws on an inner strength she didn't know she had to cope with the whole ordeal. And it's that courage and determination that attracts Joe in a totally unprofessional way.
A twisty-turny plot prompted a reading binge that kept me up past bedtime and just when I was lulled into a false sense of security -- bam -- I wasn't! Gotta love an author that keeps a reader on her toes!
I love that Talia acts more like I probably would when confronted by death and destruction. :-) She's scared and it shows. But trembling limbs and the occasional crying jag aside, Talia draws on an inner strength she didn't know she had to cope with the whole ordeal. And it's that courage and determination that attracts Joe in a totally unprofessional way.
A twisty-turny plot prompted a reading binge that kept me up past bedtime and just when I was lulled into a false sense of security -- bam -- I wasn't! Gotta love an author that keeps a reader on her toes!
October 1, 2017
"I know who murdered your husband. You don't want to be next."
A harrowing text message turns Talia Morello's carefully constructed new life into a dizzying tail spin. She has spent the last three years trying to rationalize how she could have married a man who the justice system eventually branded as a criminal. Now living in Italy, she is surprised to cross paths with an American F. B. I. agent, Joe Bryant, who just happens to be investigating new evidence in her husband's murder. It all revolves around art; art that is worth millions and someone thinks that Talia knows exactly where it is.
A quite entertaining suspense, with plenty of puzzles to solve amidst a setting where even a young widow and a cautious agent might rediscover romance.
A harrowing text message turns Talia Morello's carefully constructed new life into a dizzying tail spin. She has spent the last three years trying to rationalize how she could have married a man who the justice system eventually branded as a criminal. Now living in Italy, she is surprised to cross paths with an American F. B. I. agent, Joe Bryant, who just happens to be investigating new evidence in her husband's murder. It all revolves around art; art that is worth millions and someone thinks that Talia knows exactly where it is.
A quite entertaining suspense, with plenty of puzzles to solve amidst a setting where even a young widow and a cautious agent might rediscover romance.
March 21, 2020
Lisa Harris is generally brilliant, but this book does fall short of her usual standards. I fault the publisher, but the second half is really scarred with editorial errors and missing words. I don’t know much about Harlequin’s Love Inspired series of mystery novels, but this particular book division needs to clean up its act.
On top of that, the story itself is somewhat cheesy, with abrupt criminal plot twists that are kind of tossed into the center ring. There’s plenty of action and surprises, but this is not the most realistic of crime stories.
I will wryly observe that when bullets are zinging overhead, most central characters aren’t simultaneously thinking: “Yow! Look at Joe’s muscles? Why doesn’t he kiss me?” And it is sometimes exasperating when a love story is told from both sides of the gender aisle, and two breathlessly infatuated people take an entire book to get together. (But of course, the bullets are zinging overhead . . .)
Two elements, though, are vintage Harris. She does a great job with the Italian location; some of her descriptions are nicely poetic and give you a real feel for a summer evening in Venice. And even though this is billed as a Christian novel, the spiritual element is graciously understated. There are subdued references to needing God’s help, but otherwise the tone is brisk and worldly-wise. (Despite being a devout Christian missionary, Harris excels in this arena.)
This is certainly not a deep book, but I suppose that’s Harlequin for you.
On top of that, the story itself is somewhat cheesy, with abrupt criminal plot twists that are kind of tossed into the center ring. There’s plenty of action and surprises, but this is not the most realistic of crime stories.
I will wryly observe that when bullets are zinging overhead, most central characters aren’t simultaneously thinking: “Yow! Look at Joe’s muscles? Why doesn’t he kiss me?” And it is sometimes exasperating when a love story is told from both sides of the gender aisle, and two breathlessly infatuated people take an entire book to get together. (But of course, the bullets are zinging overhead . . .)
Two elements, though, are vintage Harris. She does a great job with the Italian location; some of her descriptions are nicely poetic and give you a real feel for a summer evening in Venice. And even though this is billed as a Christian novel, the spiritual element is graciously understated. There are subdued references to needing God’s help, but otherwise the tone is brisk and worldly-wise. (Despite being a devout Christian missionary, Harris excels in this arena.)
This is certainly not a deep book, but I suppose that’s Harlequin for you.
July 4, 2017
An incredible adrenaline rush romantic suspense novel!
I was caught up in the lives of both main characters from the moment they were introduced. They both have recent heartaches that helped them to connect on an emotional level from early on. It also made it easy for me to feel empathy for what they are facing.
Talia and Joe’s first meeting launched the action and we were off and running. The plot line was very well crafted. There were plenty of twists that kept me guessing throughout the story.
The descriptions of Italy were wonderful. It really helped me to picture a country that I have never even thought about visiting.
I received a free eBook copy of this novel from the author. I have chosen to write this review to express my personal opinion.
Disclaimer: *Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*
I was caught up in the lives of both main characters from the moment they were introduced. They both have recent heartaches that helped them to connect on an emotional level from early on. It also made it easy for me to feel empathy for what they are facing.
Talia and Joe’s first meeting launched the action and we were off and running. The plot line was very well crafted. There were plenty of twists that kept me guessing throughout the story.
The descriptions of Italy were wonderful. It really helped me to picture a country that I have never even thought about visiting.
I received a free eBook copy of this novel from the author. I have chosen to write this review to express my personal opinion.
Disclaimer: *Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*
July 28, 2017
I really enjoy Lisa's work and this one is not an exception. This book is well written, action packed, and full of faith. I know you are going to love it.
Widow Talia Morello moves to Rome to start all over after her husband is murdered. Her husband was a police officer who was killed in a drug bust gone bad. He is accused of being a dirty cop. She has become a tour guide when she is suddenly threatened if she doesn't turn over the three painting. How did she become involved in an art smuggling ring? What painting were they searching for? How was she to find these painting? She didn't keep any of his belongings.
FBI Agent Joe Bryant is searching for his brother's killer. They found the gun the shooter used and it was linked to the death of a cop, Thomas Morello. He comes to Rome to investigate Talia but when he finds her life is in danger he is determined to keep her safe and find out who is trying to kill her.
A journey of two brokenhearted souls. Could they survive the loss they have endured and learn to trust one another and reach out to God. God has a plan for these two; a good plan and not for evil. God has a plan for you too. Give Him your life and watch Him turn your life around.
Widow Talia Morello moves to Rome to start all over after her husband is murdered. Her husband was a police officer who was killed in a drug bust gone bad. He is accused of being a dirty cop. She has become a tour guide when she is suddenly threatened if she doesn't turn over the three painting. How did she become involved in an art smuggling ring? What painting were they searching for? How was she to find these painting? She didn't keep any of his belongings.
FBI Agent Joe Bryant is searching for his brother's killer. They found the gun the shooter used and it was linked to the death of a cop, Thomas Morello. He comes to Rome to investigate Talia but when he finds her life is in danger he is determined to keep her safe and find out who is trying to kill her.
A journey of two brokenhearted souls. Could they survive the loss they have endured and learn to trust one another and reach out to God. God has a plan for these two; a good plan and not for evil. God has a plan for you too. Give Him your life and watch Him turn your life around.
January 18, 2021
Somewhere I saw a Lisa Harris book recommended a few months ago, and since I reading it, I have purchased several more of her books. What a treat! And I want to say that one of the biggest treats is that they have all been "clean", no profanity or illicit sex. This story takes place in Italy where Talia has moved after her husband's murder. While an artist/art lover, she makes her living conducting tours. It was more than a coincidence that she ran into a handsome stranger a couple of times, whom she later learned was an FBI agent.
While I have traveled extensively, I have had no desire to visit Italy....UNTIL I read this book! I'm impressed with the amount of research the author must have done to learn so much geography AND history about it.
While I have traveled extensively, I have had no desire to visit Italy....UNTIL I read this book! I'm impressed with the amount of research the author must have done to learn so much geography AND history about it.
June 10, 2017
Talia and Joe race across Italy to find hidden paintings and the identity of those who want to kill her.
Heart-stopping suspense fuels this book and keeps your eyes glued to the page.
We learn God's faithfulness is just as real after a tragedy as it was before.
I highly recommend this exciting book to those who like Christian Romantic Suspense.
An Arc of the book was given to me by the author. My opinions are 100% my own.
Heart-stopping suspense fuels this book and keeps your eyes glued to the page.
We learn God's faithfulness is just as real after a tragedy as it was before.
I highly recommend this exciting book to those who like Christian Romantic Suspense.
An Arc of the book was given to me by the author. My opinions are 100% my own.
July 1, 2017
Suspense, murder, danger, romance, travel and art are all part of Fatal Coverup by Lisa Harris! I enjoyed seeing Italy through the eyes of the author and learned a great deal about Venice. The main characters FBI agent, Joe Bryant, and Talia Morello, the widow of a police officer, are great. There are some surprises in this book! I recommend Fatal Coverup to anyone who enjoys romantic suspense. I received an advance copy of Fatal Coverup from the author. This is my honest opinion.
July 2, 2017
This was a very exciting suspenseful mystery involving Talia and Joe, two strangers intwined in solving the same crime. While chasing and being chased all over Italy to find the missing pieces of the puzzles in their lives, they find themselves inexplicably faced with danger everywhere they turn. They are constantly being dragged through unwanted but necessary changes pushed to the forefront of their lives.
April 22, 2022
The plot felt quite predictable and cheesy. Which, to an extent, is not a bad thing. I think this was a good short story to get me out of a slump I'd been in, but I needed a little less predictability for me to get into it more. The characters also felt kind of flat, in that it seemed their only character trait was their trauma. I would have liked to see more growth between them and more banter as well.
January 19, 2024
I really loved the descriptions of Italy, the story and plot, and would have given it 5 stars but there were so many mistakes that it was just too distracting. I had to read way too many sentences over again to figure out the missing, wrong, or extra words left in that should have been removed. I don’t remember having to do that with very many of her books before. Hopefully it was only this book that was so poorly edited.
February 23, 2025
good action
I loved the setting in Italy. At first I thought the story was rather redundant on the feelings and past happenings but could see the significance as I read further. I liked how fast the action flowed. It was right mixture of excitement and “pausing “ to create a really good story. I’m going to look for more of Lisa’s books. Good job, Lisa!
I loved the setting in Italy. At first I thought the story was rather redundant on the feelings and past happenings but could see the significance as I read further. I liked how fast the action flowed. It was right mixture of excitement and “pausing “ to create a really good story. I’m going to look for more of Lisa’s books. Good job, Lisa!
July 26, 2025
It was neat reading a Love Inspired Suspense set in Italy. In the story we visit Rome, Florence, and Venice. The action scenes were good. Some of the other parts were slow and boring, containing some repetition and unnecessary wording.
There were a few typos that I found slightly amusing - mix-ups with pronouns, one "apartment" instead of "department".
There were a few typos that I found slightly amusing - mix-ups with pronouns, one "apartment" instead of "department".
July 9, 2017
Quick, easy read that was different than a lot of other Love Inspired Suspense stories. I liked that most of it took place in Italy and had a really hard time figuring out who the culprit was though I had an inkling of someone else that was involved.
September 7, 2017
I loved that this was set in Italy! The mystery at times seemed very slow hence the 4 stars. The romance was superb. Joe and Talia are so sweet together and I enjoyed them immensely. All-in-all, a clean, quick read.
August 25, 2023
Talia's husband was murdered some time ago. Suddenly people are after her saying she has missing paintings that she doesn't know about. How can this be happening after so much time? That is the big question. Another excellent book by Ms. Harris.
July 15, 2017
suspenseful
August 3, 2021
Love Inspired needs to publish more books like this. Enjoyed the locations and excitement. The book could have been proofread a little better.
May 22, 2017
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The author did a great job describing Italy. I have not toured Italy, but her description of Rome, Florence and Venice makes me want to visit all these cities. I liked the story of Talia and how she was dealing with pain and betrayal in her life. There was drama, intrigue and a bit of romance in this book. I highly recommend this book.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews