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Adam and Grace #1
Adam's Witness
When newspaper reporter Grace Rampling stumbles onto a grisly crime scene while on a routine weekend assignment, she abruptly finds herself at the centre of a police investigation into the death of a Catholic bishop.
As the investigation unfolds, evidence points to a troubling hate crime as Grace finds herself central to the case - not only as a key witness, but a suspect and even potential victim.
Lead investigator Detective Sergeant Adam Davis is thrown by the fierce attraction he feels toward Grace that, if acted upon, could throw the entire case into jeopardy. With Grace at risk and off limits, Adam races to unravel an increasingly disturbing mystery, while he struggles to both protect and resist the woman of his dreams.
A mystery, romance and crime novel with a gripping conclusion that no one will see coming.
As the investigation unfolds, evidence points to a troubling hate crime as Grace finds herself central to the case - not only as a key witness, but a suspect and even potential victim.
Lead investigator Detective Sergeant Adam Davis is thrown by the fierce attraction he feels toward Grace that, if acted upon, could throw the entire case into jeopardy. With Grace at risk and off limits, Adam races to unravel an increasingly disturbing mystery, while he struggles to both protect and resist the woman of his dreams.
A mystery, romance and crime novel with a gripping conclusion that no one will see coming.
Fans of Susan Russo Anderson, Dan Brown, and Leslie Wolfe will love Adam's Witness.
Scroll up and grab a copy of Adam's Witness today.281 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 14, 2017
247 people are currently reading
644 people want to read
About the author
J.C. Paulson
10 books196 followersJ.C. Paulson thinks a mystery can, and perhaps should, also be a love story.
Switching from fact (journalism) into fiction (novels, mostly) later in life, it seemed a natural thing to combine the two. Evil versus good. Hate versus love. Think Lord Peter Wimsey and Harriet Vane, and a host of cozy mystery couples — not that her novels are very cozy.
Changing the world would be nice, too. Fiction allows us to swallow the bitter pills of social injustice and still (hopefully) be entranced, entertained and entangled in their solutions.
A rabid reader of mystery novels, J.C. Paulson has long admired the works of Dorothy Sayers, P.D. James, Louise Penny and Ann Cleeves.
She lives in a rambling bungalow on a quiet street in Saskatoon, Canada with her husband, Ken, a goldsmith. She therefore wears a tiny golden replica of her first murder weapon around her neck.
Switching from fact (journalism) into fiction (novels, mostly) later in life, it seemed a natural thing to combine the two. Evil versus good. Hate versus love. Think Lord Peter Wimsey and Harriet Vane, and a host of cozy mystery couples — not that her novels are very cozy.
Changing the world would be nice, too. Fiction allows us to swallow the bitter pills of social injustice and still (hopefully) be entranced, entertained and entangled in their solutions.
A rabid reader of mystery novels, J.C. Paulson has long admired the works of Dorothy Sayers, P.D. James, Louise Penny and Ann Cleeves.
She lives in a rambling bungalow on a quiet street in Saskatoon, Canada with her husband, Ken, a goldsmith. She therefore wears a tiny golden replica of her first murder weapon around her neck.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 124 reviews
April 28, 2021
A great book.
This is a great book. I enjoyed reading it and will read the others in this series for sure. Grace is an excellent character and feels like a friend.
This is a great book. I enjoyed reading it and will read the others in this series for sure. Grace is an excellent character and feels like a friend.
July 14, 2021
Who doesn’t love a good mystery? From Nancy Drew to Agatha Christie, Capote, and Arthur Conan Doyle, I have been enjoying mysteries my entire life. The best keep you guessing, the pages turning, and a few chills racing down your spine.
I could not put this book down. For me, a mystery must grab hold in the first few pages and Adam’s Witness clutches with both hands. This story has many twists and turns that intertwine brilliantly with a budding romance.
Grace is a feisty, intrepid reporter who is easy to root for and Adam is the courageous, enigmatic detective who tries to keep things professional. The tension that Paulson builds throughout is perfectly juxtaposed with the mystery element yielding a well balanced story that readers may find reminiscent of J.D. Robb. I highly recommend this book.
I could not put this book down. For me, a mystery must grab hold in the first few pages and Adam’s Witness clutches with both hands. This story has many twists and turns that intertwine brilliantly with a budding romance.
Grace is a feisty, intrepid reporter who is easy to root for and Adam is the courageous, enigmatic detective who tries to keep things professional. The tension that Paulson builds throughout is perfectly juxtaposed with the mystery element yielding a well balanced story that readers may find reminiscent of J.D. Robb. I highly recommend this book.
January 24, 2022
An exciting and exhilarating page turner which is not only well written, but deals with important themes and issues.
Paulson draws inspiration from real life events and has created powerful characters who jump out of the page. Always a fan of brave female journalists, I was especially enamoured with Grace Rampling.
The murder mystery element is mixed cleverly with action and romance, culminating in a book which is both satisfying and entertaining.
Great read!
Paulson draws inspiration from real life events and has created powerful characters who jump out of the page. Always a fan of brave female journalists, I was especially enamoured with Grace Rampling.
The murder mystery element is mixed cleverly with action and romance, culminating in a book which is both satisfying and entertaining.
Great read!
July 4, 2022
A Great Mystery/Romance Mash-up! A cozy mystery that starts with a high-profile murder and serves up distracting “red-herrings,” a revolving cast of suspects and victims, and compelling main characters with just enough flaws to make them interesting and sympathetic. Coupled with a slow burn, “love at first sight” romance, this story really delivers on all fronts.
Old grudges, gay bashing, attempted rape, bullets flying and danger hiding in the shadows! I admit I was fully invested in the exciting showdown in Chapter 30 as well as the romantic relationship between Grace and Adam steamily consummated at the end of the book.
In addition to addressing LGBTQ representation with real characters instead of stereotypes, this novel provides a real sense of place. Set in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, readers who are unfamiliar with the location get a full flavor of this province in Canada: descriptions of the factory heated river casting steam over a local bridge, the mention of the eternal debate over Starbucks versus Tim Horton’s, references to the “RCMP” and unique phrases like “Get your skates on!”
I am always impressed when an author achieves an ideal clarity in their craft with a deftly plotted story, simple language, and excellent pacing. Written in a journalistic voice with straightforward, clear narration, JC Paulson is clearly a writer to follow, and I am looking forward to reading more of this series. Highly recommended!
Old grudges, gay bashing, attempted rape, bullets flying and danger hiding in the shadows! I admit I was fully invested in the exciting showdown in Chapter 30 as well as the romantic relationship between Grace and Adam steamily consummated at the end of the book.
In addition to addressing LGBTQ representation with real characters instead of stereotypes, this novel provides a real sense of place. Set in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, readers who are unfamiliar with the location get a full flavor of this province in Canada: descriptions of the factory heated river casting steam over a local bridge, the mention of the eternal debate over Starbucks versus Tim Horton’s, references to the “RCMP” and unique phrases like “Get your skates on!”
I am always impressed when an author achieves an ideal clarity in their craft with a deftly plotted story, simple language, and excellent pacing. Written in a journalistic voice with straightforward, clear narration, JC Paulson is clearly a writer to follow, and I am looking forward to reading more of this series. Highly recommended!
March 22, 2020
Couldn't put this book down this past week, except when it was time to feed the family. Loved it.
The engrossing mystery with layers of intrigue and suspense had me hooked from the first bloody page. After that, I couldn't read fast enough to find out who and why murders and assaults and mayhem were unfolding in Saskatoon. As a fellow Canadian, it was refreshing to read something set in 'my own backyard' so to speak.
The author crafted a well-balanced mystery with elements of romance and love, family and justice. It was nice to see sensitive material handled in a mature way which helped the story and characters unfold naturally in a realistic plot.
As there are more books in the Grace and Adam set, I look forward to continuing to read their story.
The engrossing mystery with layers of intrigue and suspense had me hooked from the first bloody page. After that, I couldn't read fast enough to find out who and why murders and assaults and mayhem were unfolding in Saskatoon. As a fellow Canadian, it was refreshing to read something set in 'my own backyard' so to speak.
The author crafted a well-balanced mystery with elements of romance and love, family and justice. It was nice to see sensitive material handled in a mature way which helped the story and characters unfold naturally in a realistic plot.
As there are more books in the Grace and Adam set, I look forward to continuing to read their story.
January 16, 2020
Adam's Witness was an intriguing, page-turning thriller with realistic themes and characters I was invested in. It touches on some modern day issues, like homophobia in a realistic way. I didn't realize until the end that some of the story was based on true events - that made me want to go back and read it again. Oh, and did I mention a super hot detective and a sassy, smart journalist? I definitely look forward to reading the rest of this series by JC Paulson. Settle in with a cup of coffee and enjoy this twisty ride.
August 30, 2021
A Great Start To A New Whodunit Series
Grace Rampling, reporter at the StarPheonix in Saskatoon, finds herself unwittingly first a key witness in a murder case and then the potential victim of attempted murder. DS Adam Davis has to solve the case whilst grappling with his real attraction to the woman who seems to be at the heart of it.
Adam’s Witness by J.C. Paulson is a great police based murder mystery bringing together the investigative talents of a journalist and a police officer. The two main characters are really worth getting to know and I look forward to meeting them again in future books in the series. They are ably supported by a very well written supporting cast.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book aside from two aspects of it. The first being the fact that the author seemed to equate signs of poverty and deprivation with being criminal – the bad guys smell, are poor housekeepers, struggle to form relationships and have mental and physical health issues. I find reinforcing such stereotypes very sad. I also wished the author would realise that when in conversation with one other person, people do not keep saying each other’s names. That broke my reading immersion over and over again.
Aside from these issues – which are my own preferences and might not trouble another reader at all – this is a well written and enjoyable whodunit and recommended for any who like reading such.
Grace Rampling, reporter at the StarPheonix in Saskatoon, finds herself unwittingly first a key witness in a murder case and then the potential victim of attempted murder. DS Adam Davis has to solve the case whilst grappling with his real attraction to the woman who seems to be at the heart of it.
Adam’s Witness by J.C. Paulson is a great police based murder mystery bringing together the investigative talents of a journalist and a police officer. The two main characters are really worth getting to know and I look forward to meeting them again in future books in the series. They are ably supported by a very well written supporting cast.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book aside from two aspects of it. The first being the fact that the author seemed to equate signs of poverty and deprivation with being criminal – the bad guys smell, are poor housekeepers, struggle to form relationships and have mental and physical health issues. I find reinforcing such stereotypes very sad. I also wished the author would realise that when in conversation with one other person, people do not keep saying each other’s names. That broke my reading immersion over and over again.
Aside from these issues – which are my own preferences and might not trouble another reader at all – this is a well written and enjoyable whodunit and recommended for any who like reading such.
December 8, 2020
A fun mystery with a lot of steam!
Really enjoy the combination of romance with a murder mystery, and JC Paulson delivers! Half the time I kept wondering who the killer was, & the other half I kept screaming, "Hook up already!" It was worth the wait. 😉
Very entertaining. I found myself wanting to know more about the main character's sister. I know there are sequels. Maybe I'll get my wish? Highly recommend to anyone looking for a great romance, whether straight or gay. This delivers both, and without crossing the line into hardcore erotica.
Just what the love doctor ordered!
Really enjoy the combination of romance with a murder mystery, and JC Paulson delivers! Half the time I kept wondering who the killer was, & the other half I kept screaming, "Hook up already!" It was worth the wait. 😉
Very entertaining. I found myself wanting to know more about the main character's sister. I know there are sequels. Maybe I'll get my wish? Highly recommend to anyone looking for a great romance, whether straight or gay. This delivers both, and without crossing the line into hardcore erotica.
Just what the love doctor ordered!
April 14, 2021
I love mysteries, and J. C. Paulson certainly delivers. Adam's Witness is gritty and thoroughly gripping with wonderful main characters--and secondary ones. You can't put it down because you have to know what happens next. A lot happens, but I won't ruin the surprises. I'll just say there's danger, and, of course, murder(s), but you also get some humor and plenty of romance. While this book stands alone (you don't have to worry about being left hanging), it promises many more with this great cast of characters.
December 28, 2020
Once in a great while, an author comes along whose essence is somehow transmuted from Person to Novel. J.C. Paulson is just such an author. Now, I'm not referring to any biographical or semi-biographical details that the writer incorporated into her story. No, I'm talking about the fact that you can see and feel the aura of Paulson as you gobble up every wonderful, beautifully-crafted, romantic, suspense-filled page of Adam's Witness.
In consuming this magnificent story, you get the sense that a moment of Grace's vulnerability in fact indicates the author's own sensitive nature toward the human condition and deep understanding of the often subtle magic of human behavior.
This line, for example, made me fall instantly, head-over-feet in love with the book:
When you read the whole scene leading up to this moment, you'll see what I mean. What a perfectly real moment.
Here's another example, where Grace is on some heavy-duty meds in the hospital and feeling quite loopy-loops:
Many, many, MANY authors have written scenes with characters who are medicated or under the influence, spelling out the slurring of the words in just such a manner. There's nothing original in that approach. But here again, Paulson paints a preciously-human portrait, capturing Grace in such a loving and tender way that you can actually see the expression on her face, her struggling to form a logical sentence; and you feel the same yearning that Adam must be feeling in the moment: you adore Grace and want to hold her and to laugh and worry over her and to take care of her.
I don't think I'm doing justice to this aspect of Paulson's writing, but I hope you're able to get the gist. It's such a remarkable feat for as author, to conjure characters that aren't just believable humans, but are in fact real humans.
There are countless moments in this book that will feel as real as your own fondest memories of people you love. (Or, in some cases, recollections of people you cannot stand.)
Please bear with me as I need to call out one more excerpt from Adam's Witness, and it might just be my favorite example of the humanity the author is able to portray seemingly effortlessly in this stupendous mystery-romance book:
This is something I do with my wife all. The. Time. But I've never heard anyone describe it before, in real life, books, or movies. It is touches like this that bring Adam's Witness and its characters vividly to life.
Have I neglected to say that I love this book desperately? Especially because of the times we're living through right now, I am grateful for books that portray good overcoming the monstrous, and for their final pages leaving you uplifted and with the notion that you've experienced something worthy of your time and worth remembering. This book (and, I have no doubt, the entire Adam And Grace series) is exactly such a balm for troubled souls that you may be longing for as the terrible, traumatic, tragic year of 2020 finally comes to a close.
And this book will hold a special place in your library whether you're more interested in Mystery or Romance.
In the Mystery department, you couldn't choose a better read. The plot is full of twists, terrible revelations, dead-ends, and wrong turns galore. Mystery fans will be completely enamored of Paulson's obviously somewhat-devious writer's mind.
Or are you looking for Romance? Oh, boy, are you going to enjoy this book! To be honest, I am not a regular reader of romances, but Adam and Grace have turned me into a fan. The romantic plot between the title characters of this series feels completely organic and natural; not formulaic at all, but completely human. And, without spoiling any details, there are some incredibly smoldering scenes -- I believe some refer to such scenes as "wiggly." Well, regardless of how you describe them, they add up to an intense romance between two who are clearly destined for one another; star-joined, not -crossed, lovers.
In summary:
Adam's Witness by J.C. Paulson is absolutely fantastic. It is intelligent but fun, sexy yet real, page-turning though well-paced. Fans of Mysteries, Romances, or just plain great books will all love this novel. I know I did!
In conclusion:
I need to share one last excerpt. I think it's my favorite line of all. It acts as a microcosm of the author's genius: so smart, so evocative, so relatable, and so unique. Here it is:
Wow.
Thank you so much for reading my review, and I hope you give Adam's Witness a read right away. You'll be glad you did!
In consuming this magnificent story, you get the sense that a moment of Grace's vulnerability in fact indicates the author's own sensitive nature toward the human condition and deep understanding of the often subtle magic of human behavior.
This line, for example, made me fall instantly, head-over-feet in love with the book:
“I barfed,” Grace said piteously, letting down her guard now she was with a friend.
When you read the whole scene leading up to this moment, you'll see what I mean. What a perfectly real moment.
Here's another example, where Grace is on some heavy-duty meds in the hospital and feeling quite loopy-loops:
“Tanks, Sharge,” she slurred, touching his hand. “Tanks, conshtables.”
Many, many, MANY authors have written scenes with characters who are medicated or under the influence, spelling out the slurring of the words in just such a manner. There's nothing original in that approach. But here again, Paulson paints a preciously-human portrait, capturing Grace in such a loving and tender way that you can actually see the expression on her face, her struggling to form a logical sentence; and you feel the same yearning that Adam must be feeling in the moment: you adore Grace and want to hold her and to laugh and worry over her and to take care of her.
I don't think I'm doing justice to this aspect of Paulson's writing, but I hope you're able to get the gist. It's such a remarkable feat for as author, to conjure characters that aren't just believable humans, but are in fact real humans.
There are countless moments in this book that will feel as real as your own fondest memories of people you love. (Or, in some cases, recollections of people you cannot stand.)
Please bear with me as I need to call out one more excerpt from Adam's Witness, and it might just be my favorite example of the humanity the author is able to portray seemingly effortlessly in this stupendous mystery-romance book:
Bruce responded to the hug, and they stood like that quietly, absorbing comfort from each other.
This is something I do with my wife all. The. Time. But I've never heard anyone describe it before, in real life, books, or movies. It is touches like this that bring Adam's Witness and its characters vividly to life.
Have I neglected to say that I love this book desperately? Especially because of the times we're living through right now, I am grateful for books that portray good overcoming the monstrous, and for their final pages leaving you uplifted and with the notion that you've experienced something worthy of your time and worth remembering. This book (and, I have no doubt, the entire Adam And Grace series) is exactly such a balm for troubled souls that you may be longing for as the terrible, traumatic, tragic year of 2020 finally comes to a close.
And this book will hold a special place in your library whether you're more interested in Mystery or Romance.
In the Mystery department, you couldn't choose a better read. The plot is full of twists, terrible revelations, dead-ends, and wrong turns galore. Mystery fans will be completely enamored of Paulson's obviously somewhat-devious writer's mind.
Or are you looking for Romance? Oh, boy, are you going to enjoy this book! To be honest, I am not a regular reader of romances, but Adam and Grace have turned me into a fan. The romantic plot between the title characters of this series feels completely organic and natural; not formulaic at all, but completely human. And, without spoiling any details, there are some incredibly smoldering scenes -- I believe some refer to such scenes as "wiggly." Well, regardless of how you describe them, they add up to an intense romance between two who are clearly destined for one another; star-joined, not -crossed, lovers.
In summary:
Adam's Witness by J.C. Paulson is absolutely fantastic. It is intelligent but fun, sexy yet real, page-turning though well-paced. Fans of Mysteries, Romances, or just plain great books will all love this novel. I know I did!
In conclusion:
I need to share one last excerpt. I think it's my favorite line of all. It acts as a microcosm of the author's genius: so smart, so evocative, so relatable, and so unique. Here it is:
Her heart pounded as hearts do only after intense dreams.
Wow.
Thank you so much for reading my review, and I hope you give Adam's Witness a read right away. You'll be glad you did!
November 11, 2022
When I first started reading author JC Paulson’s Adam’s Witness I thought it was simply a murder mystery. It didn’t take long to see that it also had a strong romantic theme as well. While romance isn’t my normal reading genre, it was done in such a way that my interest never waned. In fact I kept wanting the two love interests to finally get together. However, author JC Paulson kept me on the edge of my seat the whole way with both the murder to be solved and the romance to be consummated.
Her characters were extremely well formed and her scene setting felt like I was sitting in the room listening in on the well constructed dialogue.
The author wove an intriguing story that kept me turning pages until the last one and then I was sorry to see it end, but no fear, it’s the first installment of a series that I won’t miss what cones next for Adam, Grace, Paul, and. Hope.
I strongly recommend this to fans of both mystery and romance.
Her characters were extremely well formed and her scene setting felt like I was sitting in the room listening in on the well constructed dialogue.
The author wove an intriguing story that kept me turning pages until the last one and then I was sorry to see it end, but no fear, it’s the first installment of a series that I won’t miss what cones next for Adam, Grace, Paul, and. Hope.
I strongly recommend this to fans of both mystery and romance.
September 26, 2021
A gripping story
The characters are believable and the story held my interest from beginning to end. A thoroughly enjoyable read. Five stars.
The characters are believable and the story held my interest from beginning to end. A thoroughly enjoyable read. Five stars.
August 13, 2021
Suspenseful, thrilling, and romantic, ADAM’S WITNESS is an outstanding mystery—“a murder story, and a love story,” as J.C. Paulson describes.
Grace, a journalist, witnesses a gruesome crime scene. The police open an investigation, led by Adam, and evidence points toward a brutal hate crime. While the case is open, Grace and Adam are forbidden from romance, but their attraction toward each other escalates as the investigation becomes more and more dangerous.
Grace and Adam are stunning characters. You will fall in love with them as they fall in love with each other, and cheer for them as they face myriad obstacles and challenges—both external and internal. Vulnerable yet powerful, they embody all facets of the human experience, with impeccable backstories and realistic motivations. There is a reason behind every personality trait, every action, and Paulson beautifully renders their lives in journalism and police work.
The plot is flawless. It’s gripping with a fast pace, and the intricate mystery is laced with the author’s authentic experience in journalism. There’s a perfect balance of action and emotion that unravels the story with striking expertise.
Grace, a journalist, witnesses a gruesome crime scene. The police open an investigation, led by Adam, and evidence points toward a brutal hate crime. While the case is open, Grace and Adam are forbidden from romance, but their attraction toward each other escalates as the investigation becomes more and more dangerous.
Grace and Adam are stunning characters. You will fall in love with them as they fall in love with each other, and cheer for them as they face myriad obstacles and challenges—both external and internal. Vulnerable yet powerful, they embody all facets of the human experience, with impeccable backstories and realistic motivations. There is a reason behind every personality trait, every action, and Paulson beautifully renders their lives in journalism and police work.
The plot is flawless. It’s gripping with a fast pace, and the intricate mystery is laced with the author’s authentic experience in journalism. There’s a perfect balance of action and emotion that unravels the story with striking expertise.
March 21, 2018
Adam’s Witness, J. C. Paulson’s debut novel, is a well-done classic tale of mystery and suspense, which combines romance and elements a police procedural. The story is fast paced, compelling, full of twists and turns, with appealing protagonists in Grace and Adam. The ending is not obvious, but is consistent with the plot developments, and there is physical and emotional danger for the protagonists at many a turn. Social issues are tackled with sensitivity and knowledge, and the romance flows naturally.
The plot is both topical and tense. A Catholic bishop hears a confession –or more accurately a rant—from an angry gay-bashing man. Then the bishop is killed in the church. Grace Rampling, an eager, ambitious newspaper, receives a call from a man asking if there is a story in his gay choir being denied a venue at the same church. Following up on that lead, Grace unfortunately finds the body of the murdered bishop at the church. Enter the police detective, Sergeant Adam Davis, handsome, complex, and professional, who becomes attracted to Grace. But when Grace becomes a suspect, Adam must control his feelings and maintain a difficult objectivity. Meanwhile, it’s unclear to Adam—and the readers—as to whether there is one killer involved, or more.
The story is set in Saskatoon, which is an added bonus as it takes the story out of the standard LA or NYC so many of these types of books are set in. The author excels at world-building and in describing Saskatoon in authentic and interesting details than ring with an insider’s true knowledge. Readers might well expect that Paulson should excel, as she does, in conveying Saskatoon in such an intimate manner as she is a native of the city.
The characters, both the main ones and the ancillary ones, are well drawn and intriguing. Adam and Grace slowly reveal themselves during the story through their actions, thoughts, and words in a wonderfully natural way. Paulson should be congratulated for not making a common first-novel mistake of dumping too much information on the main characters too soon in the story. Paulson’s characters evolve in a way that pulls the readers deeper into the story, and into the characters themselves.
The story line combines mystery, police procedural, and romance in a balanced, and carefully interwoven plot. This is a great first novel, and readers no doubt will eagerly await the next Grace and Adam story. Congratulations, Ms. Paulson on a great debut novel.
The plot is both topical and tense. A Catholic bishop hears a confession –or more accurately a rant—from an angry gay-bashing man. Then the bishop is killed in the church. Grace Rampling, an eager, ambitious newspaper, receives a call from a man asking if there is a story in his gay choir being denied a venue at the same church. Following up on that lead, Grace unfortunately finds the body of the murdered bishop at the church. Enter the police detective, Sergeant Adam Davis, handsome, complex, and professional, who becomes attracted to Grace. But when Grace becomes a suspect, Adam must control his feelings and maintain a difficult objectivity. Meanwhile, it’s unclear to Adam—and the readers—as to whether there is one killer involved, or more.
The story is set in Saskatoon, which is an added bonus as it takes the story out of the standard LA or NYC so many of these types of books are set in. The author excels at world-building and in describing Saskatoon in authentic and interesting details than ring with an insider’s true knowledge. Readers might well expect that Paulson should excel, as she does, in conveying Saskatoon in such an intimate manner as she is a native of the city.
The characters, both the main ones and the ancillary ones, are well drawn and intriguing. Adam and Grace slowly reveal themselves during the story through their actions, thoughts, and words in a wonderfully natural way. Paulson should be congratulated for not making a common first-novel mistake of dumping too much information on the main characters too soon in the story. Paulson’s characters evolve in a way that pulls the readers deeper into the story, and into the characters themselves.
The story line combines mystery, police procedural, and romance in a balanced, and carefully interwoven plot. This is a great first novel, and readers no doubt will eagerly await the next Grace and Adam story. Congratulations, Ms. Paulson on a great debut novel.
November 27, 2022
What a delightful blend of crime and romance! It was my first thought when I was halfway through reading “Adam’s Witness” by J.C. Paulson. To be honest, I don’t read true-to-genre crime novels, because there isn’t anything much in them except searching for the murderer. And I’m also not drawn to “strictly” romance novels. That being said, I do love reading about love and relationships, and without these themes, a story usually seems too bland to me.
The Canadian town of Saskatoon is shocked by an audacious murder. Although Saskatoon isn’t a small place, it is still far from being a metropolis. Murders don’t happen every day here. As if it wasn’t enough to make the public shudder, the victim is a bishop – respected and even loved by his parish.
Detective Sergeant Adam Davis is good at his job, and it doesn’t take him long to find the threads that would lead him to the culprit. He gets misled at first by the conflicting witnesses’ testimonies and some of them deliberately hiding the truth. Those things happen often, and they aren’t what unexpectedly threatened to sabotage Adam’s investigation. It’s feelings a key witness has evoked in him the moment he saw her on the crime scene.
I loved the way the author portrayed Grace. She is strong and fragile at the same time. She isn’t that kind of grotesque image of an “independent woman” who is like a rock without a single weak bone in her soul and body. She is also smart and professional in her job. She is a reporter in the local newspaper, and that’s the reason why she happened to be the one who found the dead bishop.
The investigation was exciting to follow with false leads and seemingly obvious suspects. Similarly intriguing was the love story plotline, with both main characters gradually revealing the secrets from their pasts to the reader.
In the book, the author touches upon important topics of tolerance, acceptance, and some people’s inability to see their own mistakes as reasons for their failures. Such people never see that they need to change their own attitude and not the things they believe are wrong in the world.
I’m curious about what awaits Adam and Grace in their professional and personal lives, so I’ll definitely read the next books in the series.
The Canadian town of Saskatoon is shocked by an audacious murder. Although Saskatoon isn’t a small place, it is still far from being a metropolis. Murders don’t happen every day here. As if it wasn’t enough to make the public shudder, the victim is a bishop – respected and even loved by his parish.
Detective Sergeant Adam Davis is good at his job, and it doesn’t take him long to find the threads that would lead him to the culprit. He gets misled at first by the conflicting witnesses’ testimonies and some of them deliberately hiding the truth. Those things happen often, and they aren’t what unexpectedly threatened to sabotage Adam’s investigation. It’s feelings a key witness has evoked in him the moment he saw her on the crime scene.
I loved the way the author portrayed Grace. She is strong and fragile at the same time. She isn’t that kind of grotesque image of an “independent woman” who is like a rock without a single weak bone in her soul and body. She is also smart and professional in her job. She is a reporter in the local newspaper, and that’s the reason why she happened to be the one who found the dead bishop.
The investigation was exciting to follow with false leads and seemingly obvious suspects. Similarly intriguing was the love story plotline, with both main characters gradually revealing the secrets from their pasts to the reader.
In the book, the author touches upon important topics of tolerance, acceptance, and some people’s inability to see their own mistakes as reasons for their failures. Such people never see that they need to change their own attitude and not the things they believe are wrong in the world.
I’m curious about what awaits Adam and Grace in their professional and personal lives, so I’ll definitely read the next books in the series.
May 31, 2022
A Thrilling Suspenseful Love Story
Adam's Witness is a thriller but it is also a love story because right in the middle of murder, mayhem and madness Adam, our protagonist, finds 'The One'.
For Detective Sergeant Adam Davis or Sergeant Boom as Grace thinks of him, life is all about bringing criminals to justice and trying to overcome the trauma of being shot while on duty. He sees things in black and white. Until he meets Grace, reporter extraordinaire , eye witness to a murder of a bishop no less, and soon a victim of a hate crime. Now he sees everything in vivid colors, and struggles to stay within the lines he has drawn for himself.
Adam pursues the case with a deathly focus, determined to protect Grace and find the killer before he kills again.
The book never slows down as it moves from one grim situation to another. There are suspects and witnesses galore all with a little backstory of their own which will keep you absorbed. Throughout the sizzling chemistry between Adam and Grace punches through the thrills of the twists and turns as Adam and Grace struggle to stay away from each other. What else can they do? She is Adam's witness after all ?
If you are looking for a thriller and a romantic suspense clubbed into one, Adam's Witness is a sure fire good choice . What makes it even better is that this is only BOOK I of the Adam and Grace series so plenty more books if you want to be a part of the couple's lives as they move from strength to strength and from one crisis to the next.
Adam's Witness is a thriller but it is also a love story because right in the middle of murder, mayhem and madness Adam, our protagonist, finds 'The One'.
For Detective Sergeant Adam Davis or Sergeant Boom as Grace thinks of him, life is all about bringing criminals to justice and trying to overcome the trauma of being shot while on duty. He sees things in black and white. Until he meets Grace, reporter extraordinaire , eye witness to a murder of a bishop no less, and soon a victim of a hate crime. Now he sees everything in vivid colors, and struggles to stay within the lines he has drawn for himself.
Adam pursues the case with a deathly focus, determined to protect Grace and find the killer before he kills again.
The book never slows down as it moves from one grim situation to another. There are suspects and witnesses galore all with a little backstory of their own which will keep you absorbed. Throughout the sizzling chemistry between Adam and Grace punches through the thrills of the twists and turns as Adam and Grace struggle to stay away from each other. What else can they do? She is Adam's witness after all ?
If you are looking for a thriller and a romantic suspense clubbed into one, Adam's Witness is a sure fire good choice . What makes it even better is that this is only BOOK I of the Adam and Grace series so plenty more books if you want to be a part of the couple's lives as they move from strength to strength and from one crisis to the next.
January 1, 2018
Adam’s Witness, by J. C. Paulson, is a satisfying straight-forward mystery with a bit of romance. It’s by no means a simple story as clues lead to several suspects and two crimes. The story opens in the thick of the action with a church bishop being murdered. Later, Grace, the newspaper reporter who originally found the victim’s body, is brutally attacked. As the investigation continues, there is enough action to keep the story moving, including the attraction between the police Sergeant and the newspaper reporter. Sparks fly, but when Grace is considered a suspect, the Sergeant knows he must keep his distance. All along, I was hoping these two would get together. All along, I learned a bit about Saskatoon and that area of Canada. I read mysteries for the jigsaw puzzle of clues and how they fit together and for the thrill of knowing the perpetrator gets a comeuppance. This story delivers. It’s a satisfying read.
August 30, 2022
Grace and Adam’s story is fraught with peril and a multitude of exciting twists that begins with the bishop’s murder and ends with a steamy reunion. I enjoyed Grace’s gumption and determination, as well as Adam’s gut-deep need to protect her. While the pair is repeatedly put through the wringer, it does make for a very satisfying story.
4.5 stars and eager to read more by Paulson.
4.5 stars and eager to read more by Paulson.
April 5, 2022
Paulson's relatable characters make you care what happens to them, and the plot moves along at a pace to sustain your interest.
Newspaper reporter Grace Rampling never thought to find herself at the centre of her own story until she literally falls over a dead body in a church. All she's doing there is trying to get a comment on why the church has suddenly cancelled a concert to be given by the Pride Chorus. When the police arrive on the scene, Grace isn't at her best, fearful the murderer may still be lurking and speckled with her own vomit. This, however, makes no difference to Detective Sergeant Adam Davis, whose attraction to Grace is immediate, and difficult. For Grace is not only his star witness in the murder, she's also a suspect and, as things turn out, a potential victim.
Paulson does an excellent job of creating tension around the two protagonists' feelings as each battles with the ethics of their situation, trying to stay aloof while falling more for each other as time passes. Grace and Adam are real people, with doubts and issues to be resolved, and Paulson handles their emerging feelings with sensitivity and finesse.
There's also tension in the unravelling of the plot, with my thoughts going to all manner of (wrong) culprits. The settings are superb, painted for the reader's eye with a deep knowledge of the city. I could feel that cold in my bones! All in all, a highly enjoyable read.
Newspaper reporter Grace Rampling never thought to find herself at the centre of her own story until she literally falls over a dead body in a church. All she's doing there is trying to get a comment on why the church has suddenly cancelled a concert to be given by the Pride Chorus. When the police arrive on the scene, Grace isn't at her best, fearful the murderer may still be lurking and speckled with her own vomit. This, however, makes no difference to Detective Sergeant Adam Davis, whose attraction to Grace is immediate, and difficult. For Grace is not only his star witness in the murder, she's also a suspect and, as things turn out, a potential victim.
Paulson does an excellent job of creating tension around the two protagonists' feelings as each battles with the ethics of their situation, trying to stay aloof while falling more for each other as time passes. Grace and Adam are real people, with doubts and issues to be resolved, and Paulson handles their emerging feelings with sensitivity and finesse.
There's also tension in the unravelling of the plot, with my thoughts going to all manner of (wrong) culprits. The settings are superb, painted for the reader's eye with a deep knowledge of the city. I could feel that cold in my bones! All in all, a highly enjoyable read.
February 7, 2024
Adam’s Witness starts off with a bang and the momentum keeps going right to the end. After a quick introduction to reporter Grace Rampling, we get into the crux of the story – a murdered bishop. With Grace on the scene when the police show up, she meets Detective Seargent Adam Davis, kicking off both an intense police investigation and a steamy attraction.
Paulson manages to combine these two elements into a story that will keep you turning the pages until you’ve finished. There are lots of questions and more crimes committed along the way, and she connects the dots, bit by bit, creating a truly mysterious whodunnit. Interspersed with the murder investigation, we have that attraction between the two main characters. Thanks to their professional conflicts of interest, the question of ‘Will they or won’t they?’ adds to the mystery throughout much of the book. It also serves to build a great amount of romantic tension, but you’ll have to wait to find out if that pays off!
It's also worth noting that the LGBTQ element is both extremely relevant and handled beautifully by the author.
All in all, this is a must read for fans of mystery/crime fiction. Likeable characters (except the criminals, of course), suspense, and romance – what more could you want?! I thoroughly enjoyed every word!
Paulson manages to combine these two elements into a story that will keep you turning the pages until you’ve finished. There are lots of questions and more crimes committed along the way, and she connects the dots, bit by bit, creating a truly mysterious whodunnit. Interspersed with the murder investigation, we have that attraction between the two main characters. Thanks to their professional conflicts of interest, the question of ‘Will they or won’t they?’ adds to the mystery throughout much of the book. It also serves to build a great amount of romantic tension, but you’ll have to wait to find out if that pays off!
It's also worth noting that the LGBTQ element is both extremely relevant and handled beautifully by the author.
All in all, this is a must read for fans of mystery/crime fiction. Likeable characters (except the criminals, of course), suspense, and romance – what more could you want?! I thoroughly enjoyed every word!
July 29, 2021
J.C. Paulson mixes reporting with storytelling to create a riveting mystery/love story in “Adam’s Witness”.
The mystery is based on a real-life incident involving negativity towards the LGBTQ community. While it’s a weighty and sensitive issue, Paulson is careful to never preach (pun intended--there is a religious aspect to the mystery!). In fact, Paulson smoothly weaves the gay subplot without making it stick out.
Paulson’s command of the English language and grammar make the book a pleasure to read. It is a well-told tale and an entertaining read.
Highly recommended!
The mystery is based on a real-life incident involving negativity towards the LGBTQ community. While it’s a weighty and sensitive issue, Paulson is careful to never preach (pun intended--there is a religious aspect to the mystery!). In fact, Paulson smoothly weaves the gay subplot without making it stick out.
Paulson’s command of the English language and grammar make the book a pleasure to read. It is a well-told tale and an entertaining read.
Highly recommended!
November 2, 2021
Great police thriller
This book kept you guessing until the end. Loved the two main characters. Can't wait to read more and see how their relationship develops. This book also brought to light the many problems the gay community faces..
This book kept you guessing until the end. Loved the two main characters. Can't wait to read more and see how their relationship develops. This book also brought to light the many problems the gay community faces..
April 13, 2024
What a powerful tale! A mix of mystery, thriller and romance. Just perfect!
January 5, 2022
Canada, Crime, Conspiracy
A Canadian crime procedural that includes romance—not in your everyday “lets team up and solve a crime.” A Gay Choir, a Priest is killed and you take a jaunt around parts of Canada not mentioned as often. There are some interesting twists of “I didn’t see that coming”. I enjoyed it.
A Canadian crime procedural that includes romance—not in your everyday “lets team up and solve a crime.” A Gay Choir, a Priest is killed and you take a jaunt around parts of Canada not mentioned as often. There are some interesting twists of “I didn’t see that coming”. I enjoyed it.
September 2, 2020
In JC Paulson’s Adam’s Witness, we have an engaging, well-paced mystery romance. The story doesn’t allow the mystery to get in the way of the romance (and vice-versa). This despite the fact that our heroes’ mutual attraction very much has the potential to interfere with the crime-solving. And the crime-solving—and ongoing crime—definitely mucks up the new love! I appreciated this carefully-balanced structure.
Our lovebirds do not disappoint, in terms of appeal. We’ve got two sharp, hardworking, ethical main characters. Grace is a print journalist who quite literally stumbles into the middle of a murder investigation headed up by Adam, a local detective. Their chemistry is immediate, spicy, and entirely credible. These are attractive folks set on an emotional and professional collision course, but Paulson has avoided the cartoonish nonsense that can sometimes turn me off in a romance. I really like Adam and Grace, and I like them even better together.
She’s also provided a satisfying mystery. We have some great twists and belly-drop moments, without any of the typical, all-too-convenient crime fiction tricks frequently plaguing the genre. I found myself pulling for Adam and his colleagues, not just because I wanted to know whodunnit, but because I wanted justice. The baddies here are truly bad. They have realistic but unbalanced motivations with none of the mustache-twirling that could have shoved me out of the story.
This brisk series opener might be just what you’re looking for if you’ve got a mystery/romance itch to scratch. The couple at the book’s heart are easy to be with and to root for. Their grounded love and their professional circumstances promise entertaining adventures ahead.
Our lovebirds do not disappoint, in terms of appeal. We’ve got two sharp, hardworking, ethical main characters. Grace is a print journalist who quite literally stumbles into the middle of a murder investigation headed up by Adam, a local detective. Their chemistry is immediate, spicy, and entirely credible. These are attractive folks set on an emotional and professional collision course, but Paulson has avoided the cartoonish nonsense that can sometimes turn me off in a romance. I really like Adam and Grace, and I like them even better together.
She’s also provided a satisfying mystery. We have some great twists and belly-drop moments, without any of the typical, all-too-convenient crime fiction tricks frequently plaguing the genre. I found myself pulling for Adam and his colleagues, not just because I wanted to know whodunnit, but because I wanted justice. The baddies here are truly bad. They have realistic but unbalanced motivations with none of the mustache-twirling that could have shoved me out of the story.
This brisk series opener might be just what you’re looking for if you’ve got a mystery/romance itch to scratch. The couple at the book’s heart are easy to be with and to root for. Their grounded love and their professional circumstances promise entertaining adventures ahead.
October 12, 2022
Well-written whodunnit novel with likeable main characters and the odd touch of danger to keep you turning those pages.
Easy to read and enjoyable.
The author's journalistic background lends a realistic feel to the setting in the local newspaper office; JC Paulson knows what she's writing about and it shows!
Easy to read and enjoyable.
The author's journalistic background lends a realistic feel to the setting in the local newspaper office; JC Paulson knows what she's writing about and it shows!
December 16, 2021
This was not what I expected – at all. I picked up this book thinking it would be a Dan Brown-esque mystery, with a dead priest and an unlikely pairing finding clues to solve the case. Elements of that are here, but it delves much deeper into the lives of the characters than your average murder mystery.
Adam’s witness is called Grace and she and Adam have a “meet cute” which grows into infatuation and even love as time progresses. Romance isn’t my go-to genre and as I wasn’t expecting this to be at the forefront of the story, it took me a while to get into it. That being said, it did give the characters a much more believable edge and as their backstories opened up, I felt I really knew who these people were.
The focus of the story is a dead priest found by a journalist after an LGBTIA choir has been cancelled by the church. I was really happy to see this as the focus of the first book in a series. This isn’t a gay book; it isn’t even written by a gay writer and yet there are prominent gay characters featured here, in realistic ways. As a gay man myself, I love seeing well-written portrayals and representations of our community.
Adam’s Witness isn’t your classic whodunit; it’s a modern take on the genre with real, fleshed out characters in relatable and often dangerous situations. Who killed the priest? Read the book and find out!
Adam’s witness is called Grace and she and Adam have a “meet cute” which grows into infatuation and even love as time progresses. Romance isn’t my go-to genre and as I wasn’t expecting this to be at the forefront of the story, it took me a while to get into it. That being said, it did give the characters a much more believable edge and as their backstories opened up, I felt I really knew who these people were.
The focus of the story is a dead priest found by a journalist after an LGBTIA choir has been cancelled by the church. I was really happy to see this as the focus of the first book in a series. This isn’t a gay book; it isn’t even written by a gay writer and yet there are prominent gay characters featured here, in realistic ways. As a gay man myself, I love seeing well-written portrayals and representations of our community.
Adam’s Witness isn’t your classic whodunit; it’s a modern take on the genre with real, fleshed out characters in relatable and often dangerous situations. Who killed the priest? Read the book and find out!
December 5, 2019
I knew after a few paragraphs I would not put this down easily
I am not Canadian, so some of the dialect and slang were not always familiar to me. But I know a good read when I read one, and this book is an excellent read!
I enjoyed getting to know the characters the author created. I can vividly see the places and people in my minds eye. I was transported to a cold and simple small town that has the same social issues as any large city. I enjoyed the struggle of the main characters, their past and present circumstances. I enjoyed that I was not always able to predict the outcomes of the storyline.
The crime was gruesome and realistic. The reactions to the crime (especially Grace’s) seems spot on with how I would have reacted myself.
I loved the police work and how it was described in detail, making me continue to flip each page, as I wanted to see what they were going to find out next.
But for me, being a hopeless romantic, the love story was the best! The push and pull of attraction, the ability to find out why you’re meant to be together, it’s all there.
I would recommend this book and as I’ve never read JC before, I’m looking forward to reading her next novel as well.
I am not Canadian, so some of the dialect and slang were not always familiar to me. But I know a good read when I read one, and this book is an excellent read!
I enjoyed getting to know the characters the author created. I can vividly see the places and people in my minds eye. I was transported to a cold and simple small town that has the same social issues as any large city. I enjoyed the struggle of the main characters, their past and present circumstances. I enjoyed that I was not always able to predict the outcomes of the storyline.
The crime was gruesome and realistic. The reactions to the crime (especially Grace’s) seems spot on with how I would have reacted myself.
I loved the police work and how it was described in detail, making me continue to flip each page, as I wanted to see what they were going to find out next.
But for me, being a hopeless romantic, the love story was the best! The push and pull of attraction, the ability to find out why you’re meant to be together, it’s all there.
I would recommend this book and as I’ve never read JC before, I’m looking forward to reading her next novel as well.
March 3, 2021
Crime fiction mixed with romantic angst, Adam’s Witness by JC Paulson is a must read! When Grace stumbles (literally) on the dead bishop’s body her role as a journalist becomes complicated. Lead witness, potential suspect, and victim, Adam doesn’t know where to place the beautiful wild haired woman who is essential to his case. Struggling to remain professional, Adam and Grace restrain from getting too close, but every touch feels electric.
We’re hit with the crime early on, thrown into the case and ready to solve it. Even throwing out crazy theories in our minds (you’ll see a few of mine in my notes). Paulson stays close to the traditional arc of a detective novel, sending readers spiralling and looking the other way when a new crime is committed. With many twists and red herrings, each new detail uncovered has you flipping pages faster.
I devoured this book. I felt like Adam looking for new details and Paulson delivered them right to my desk when I needed. With great dialogue scenes, a well thought out crime, and relatable characters, there’s no hesitation when I say the talented Paulson did a remarkable job.
I can’t wait to start book two. I need more Adam and James! I mean Grace...
We’re hit with the crime early on, thrown into the case and ready to solve it. Even throwing out crazy theories in our minds (you’ll see a few of mine in my notes). Paulson stays close to the traditional arc of a detective novel, sending readers spiralling and looking the other way when a new crime is committed. With many twists and red herrings, each new detail uncovered has you flipping pages faster.
I devoured this book. I felt like Adam looking for new details and Paulson delivered them right to my desk when I needed. With great dialogue scenes, a well thought out crime, and relatable characters, there’s no hesitation when I say the talented Paulson did a remarkable job.
I can’t wait to start book two. I need more Adam and James! I mean Grace...
December 31, 2019
A cancelled concert sends reporter Grace Rampling off to chase a story at the St. Eligius Cathedral, where she stumbles upon a grizzly murder instead. The bishop has been brutally murdered, and the police investigation led by Detective Sergeant Adam Davis is out in full force to catch the killer. As the clues unfold, Grace finds herself too, a victim--stalked by a madman who is out for revenge. Is it someone she knows?
Secrets emerge as they delve into the bishop's past, leading the police to question the information they've gathered, throwing new suspects and evidence into their investigation. Adam's feeling for Grace erupt after she is attacked--will personal feelings and pent up emotions get in his way as the search for the killer intensifies? Will years of cover-ups finally be exposed?
A stunning twist leads us back to the church to find the killer. Author Paulson keeps the reader on edge as the murderer is cornered, making for a suspense filled read. Emotions run high as the case concludes, with a spicy ending you won't soon forget! I'm so glad this is a series--I can't wait to get to the next book!
Secrets emerge as they delve into the bishop's past, leading the police to question the information they've gathered, throwing new suspects and evidence into their investigation. Adam's feeling for Grace erupt after she is attacked--will personal feelings and pent up emotions get in his way as the search for the killer intensifies? Will years of cover-ups finally be exposed?
A stunning twist leads us back to the church to find the killer. Author Paulson keeps the reader on edge as the murderer is cornered, making for a suspense filled read. Emotions run high as the case concludes, with a spicy ending you won't soon forget! I'm so glad this is a series--I can't wait to get to the next book!
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