Undercut

Hemlock Creek Suspense #2

by Heather Day Gilbert

Marine sniper Isaiah ("Zane") Boone is home from Afghanistan with more than a few ghosts. Try as he might to settle back into civilian life in small-town West Virginia, he can't escape the conviction he's being followed. Both Zane's ex-wife and his psychologist claim he's paranoid, and he can't prove he's not. Hoping to outrun his misery, he sets his romantic sights on the irresistible Molly McClure.

A successful wedding coordinator at the illustrious Greenbrier Resort, Molly has had plenty of wealthy men willing to open their wallets and hearts for her. But when Zane strides into the upscale Greenbrier lobby with his lumberjack boots and his troubled eyes, the attraction she's felt since high school reawakens—and she's willing to go way out of her comfort zone to pursue it.

When Molly becomes an innocent target, Zane realizes too late that his malevolent stalkers are very real. As a net of vengeance tightens around them, Zane gears up for a fight to the death...and Molly has just one chance to prove she can be far more than a pretty face.

Book 2 in the Hemlock Creek Suspense series by Grace award-winning, INSPY-longlist nominated author Heather Day Gilbert.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Contemporary, Fiction, Mystery Thriller, Christian, Novella, Suspense

134 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 1, 2017

About the author

Heather Day Gilbert, an RWA Daphne du Maurier Award-winning author and 2-time ECPA Christy Award finalist, enjoys writing contemporary mysteries/psychological thrillers and Viking historicals. She brings authentic family relationships to the page, and she particularly delights in heroines who take a stand to protect those they love. Avid readers say Heather's realistic characters—no matter what century—feel like best friends. When she's not plotting stories, this native West Virginian can often be found hanging out with her husband and four children, playing video games, or reading Agatha Christie novels.

Find out more at heatherdaygilbert.com.

Reviews

[Carrie Schmidt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heather Day Gilbert packs a lot of action and suspense into her novellas! Undercut may be shorter than a full-length novel but it’s not at all lacking in character development or tension. I will say, though, after reading Undercut and its predecessor Out of Circulation (which is still my fave of the two), I don’t really think I want to physically visit the fictional small town of Hemlock Creek anytime soon. It seems to attract its fair share of really dangerous bad guys. Visiting it via the safety of fiction? Yes please!

Right from the start, Zane Boone is an extremely compelling character. A former Marine sniper, he thinks he’s being stalked but his ex-wife says it’s just his PTSD and threatens to cut off visitation with his daughter. Zane is also starting to wonder if it’s all in his head, but when the stakes escalate he can’t deny the truth.

Molly McClure, I was less fond of going into this read. I didn’t care for her all that much in Out of Circulation, although she redeems herself a bit in the end. In Undercut, she grew on me though and by the end of this novella she had me solidly in her corner! Great character growth from Out of Circulation through Undercut.

Another character I really enjoy is Molly and Kate’s brother Brandon. He makes me smile every time he’s on the page, and I can’t wait for his story which is coming up in Deadlocked. Speaking of Kate, I loved checking in with her and Ace, two more of my faves in this series. (Side note: Ace Calhoun looks an awful lot like Henry Cavill)

Bottom Line: Undercut will keep you on the edge of your seat from the first word to the last. Edge-of-your-seat suspense, high-stakes action, and some surprising twists ensure you won’t be putting this book down until you’ve reached the end. Fortunately, it’s a quick read so you shouldn’t lose too much sleep lol. A gentle message of faith fits organically into the story, and you’ll be solidly invested in the McClure family and their circle of friends.

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

first seen at Reading Is My SuperPower

[Paula Shreckhise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Undercut by Heather Day Gilbert was an exciting, fast paced thriller.

Recipe for great suspense:
1. A former Marine with PTSD, Zane Boone. He is now a lumberjack.
2. An Ex- wife who is trying to deem Zane unfit to care for their daughter.
3. A stalker trying to harm Zane.
4. A Beautiful woman from Zane’s past.

Someone is following Zane Boone. His Ex-wife thinks he is paranoid. But when Molly McClure, a wedding coordinator Zane is dating, is confronted- could the danger be real? Zane’s Marine training is put to good use when someone breaks into his cabin. Can they find out what is behind these seeming attacks?

I would like to read the other stories of th3 rest of the McClures. Interesting that the resort is based on a real place. A winner in my book!

* I purchased this book from Amazon. All opinions are my own.*

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whether it's her Viking historicals, contemporary mysteries, or her suspense novellas, I've yet to meet a Heather Day Gilbert book I didn't like. Undercut packs a quick punch of both suspense and romance. The story moves quickly, but the groundwork is firmly laid before the plot takes off. The characters quickly come to life, and I especially enjoyed seeing more of Molly McClure. Her character actually surprised me a bit - I found her vulnerability endearing and relatable, but also realistically portrayed. The romance moves more quickly than a full length novel, however, it doesn't seem implausible because Molly and Zane have a shared past. Theirs is a lovely story of second chances. The final scenes are fun, exciting, and just the right amount of suspense. Gilbert also uses her page time wisely and gives the characters room for development, and while that's not necessarily a requirement for a good story (and not always done well with novellas), it certainly makes for a deeper reading experience in this story.

Undercut is a great installment in the Hemlock Creek series, and I'm looking forward to book three!

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Friday night couldn't come soon enough."

If the truth were known, Molly McClure had nursed a crush on Isaiah "Zane" Boone for a long time. Now a wedding coordinator at the renowned Greenbriar Resort, their paths have crossed again; Zane's logging operation is working in the area and he has just asked her for a date.

Former Marine Sniper Zane Boone returned home from Afghanistan a different man. His post traumatic stress dissolved his marriage and his constant anxiety over feeling followed has landed him in a psychologist's office; a small price to pay to ensure visitation rights with his young daughter. When it becomes obvious that his life is indeed endangered, he worries about exposing Molly to the crossfire. One snowy evening, on his mountain, things get pretty scary.

Enjoy Heather's Gilbert's skill with fast paced suspense, as she navigates romance, redemption and revenge.

[Kailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m amazed at how much action she packs into these novellas! It left me wanting more!

[Lumen · Rating 5 out of 5]

'Undercut' by heather day gilbert is straight up hallmark channel material! :D
And it is a COMPLIMENT, since i LOVE hallmark channel movies! ;)
Quick paced, intense & sweet read!
Good follow up to 'Out of circulation'.
ILoveMeSome Hemlock Creek suspense!

Thank you for the ride Heather.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this to be filled with suspense, even though it is a Novella. I was gasping at times because I didn’t know what was happening next. I’d say that’s a well-written suspense novel to cause me to do that! I look forward to more books by this author.

[Linda Rainey · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Exciting Romantic Suspense

This book gave me inhibiting suspense as Molly and Zane race to find their stalkers.
I loved the exciting storyline and larger than life characters.
This book is recommended for those that love Christian romantic suspense.

[Karin Kaufman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked this second book in the Hemlock Creek series even better than the first, and that's saying something! Undercut is romantic suspense at its best. Lots of action, lots of suspense, and great romantic tension between the two main characters, Zane Boone and Molly McClure. I instantly fell for Zane (I'd love to see more of him in the series), and Molly grew on me almost as fast. Somehow these two very different characters were made for each other, and Gilbert expertly brings them together while never letting up on the action. If you want a fast-paced, fun read, I highly recommend Undercut.

[Anne Rightler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Undercut by Heather Day Gilbert is the second novella in the Hemlock Creek Suspense series. And suspense it the word for it--it is a romantic suspense story that will delight readers. Is Zane paranoid crazy as his ex-wife insists or is someone really following him? Molly is a girly girl, but Zane is so much a macho guy with a military background who loves the outdoors, guns and all. How could he be interested in Molly? Will they be able to make a go of their relationship? Gilbert expertly weaves a strong thread of Christian values throughout the action-packed novella and although the romance might seem inevitable, it’s entertaining to watch the relationship develop. Another great read from this author and I can't wait for the next book in the series.
I received a complimentary copy of the book and was not required to write a review. The opinions are my own.

[Rosalyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an exciting, action packed novella!
It involves snipers, stalkers, and of course some shooting.
Main characters-a wedding planner, Molly, and an ex-marine, Zane. Could they be more opposite?!
My only regret was that it was too short!
I hope to read the others in this series and get to know the characters a bit better!

[Holly · Rating 4 out of 5]

A new author for me, I'm looking forward to reading more by Gilbert! This story was excellent! Part of the Kill Zone set.

[Sheila McIntyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the first book I have read by this author, and it did not disappoint! It had suspense, mystery, and romance--everything to keep you hooked and turning the page. Definitely a quick read and one that will keep you guessing! I voluntarily received a complimentary copy from the author. All opinions are my own.

[Cyndi Bowman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Zane Boone was a stereotypic male -- boots, lumberjack, outdoorsy to the bone, Marine vet. Molly is girly girl through and through -- shopping, clothes, loves her creature comforts but hates cooking and cleaning. It would seem that they wouldn't have enough in common to make it through dinner. As things heat up, Zane and Molly must each learn to rely on their families and their shared faith to see them through.

I enjoyed getting to know Zane and Molly as they each faced their own weaknesses and fears. The author did a great job describing the effects of PTSD and the ramifications for family and friends.

[Beckie Burnham · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are in need of some high-octane action, Undercut by Heather Day Gilbert is the book for you. This novella may be short on pages but not short on breath-holding suspense and chemistry-laden romance. I finished this book in record time not just because of its length, but because it is unputdownable! Recommended.

Molly McClure and Zane Boone have known each other for years. But despite Molly’s high school crush and Zane’s definite attraction, they have not connected because, well, major issues on Zane’s part. But that’s about to change as they work through their many differences and join forces to combat the danger that has followed Zane from his Marine days.

Opposites really do attract in Undercut. Gilbert creates a good relationship for the lumberjack and the glamor girl. While they don’t have a lot of common interests, they do share values and faith. Zane and Molly are fun characters that are real and relatable, at least in their normal interactions. When it comes to the dangerous aspects of the book, things are far from normal. 😉 They face knife attacks, gun fights, and extreme winter weather. Yep, just another day at the office for Gilbert’s characters! The intense suspense is what kept me engaged and flipping the pages. The setting added depth to the book. I really liked the contrast of the opulent Greenbrier Resort and the untamed West Virginia mountains.

Undercut is the second book in the Hemlock Creek Suspense series (how did I miss book 1!), but is easily read as a standalone. I’ve already got Out of Circulation (book 1) on the Kindle ready and waiting for another lazy afternoon or evening reading opportunity. Heather Day Gilbert is already my go-to author for mystery. Now she is a must-read romantic suspense author as well.

Recommended.

Audience: adults

(Thanks to the author for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

[Janet Sketchley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Her sister and brother used to follow their FBI father to the shooting range, but Molly McClure has always been different. She’d rather dress in pretty clothes and arrange her hair.

Truth told, she didn’t sound like my kind of character. But it didn’t take long for Molly to impress me, and she certainly carries the heroine role with courage. What I admire about Molly is that she knows what she wants, and instead of going to the extreme of either passive hinting or aggressive pressure, she takes an honest, direct approach.

This is a romantic suspense story, where Molly and PTSD-scarred ex-military sniper Zane Boone, now turned lumberjack, each carry a previous attraction to the other. When they meet again, she’s not pushy, but she’s sure not sitting back pining. She meets him as a confident equal, and while there are doubts, there’s not the angst we too often see.

The suspense comes because Zane is convinced someone’s stalking him. He’s very much in alert mode, and it shows in his reactions.

For a novella-length story (132 pages), Undercut packs a lot of action and emotional content. It’s book 2 in the Hemlock Creek Suspense series. Book 1 was Molly’s sister Katie’s story, so I assume book 3 will feature their brother, Brandon.

Undercut first released in the ebook box set, Kill Zone, and is now available on its own in print and digital formats.

Heather Day Gilbert always delivers a good read with strong characters, whether she’s writing about Vikings (God’s Daughter and Forest Child) or contemporary suspense (the Murder in the Mountains series and the Hemlock Creek Suspense series). For more about the author and her books, visit heatherdaygilbert.com.

[Review copy provided by the author.]

[Norma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gripping & Unpredictable

The suspense was very engaging & creative. There was also realistic tension tied to his time serving in Afghanistan. We glimpse a look into the pain and lingering effects after coming home.
This was a sweet love story with additional layers which made it more interesting.

[Jennifer Cagle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great short mystery!

Wonderful, exciting and romantic story which was very hard to put down. I finished it in one day. Great for a short reading session.

[Ian · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this quick read. This time it's Molly McClure's time to star in the story, the first one being sister Katie's time.

Molly is reunited with an old school flame, Isaiah 'Zane' Boone, a returned war vet, who's trying to eke out a new life running his late Dad's lumbar company and heal from his PTSD and failed marriage. But someone appears to be chasing Zane as some strange incidents occur.

Molly and Zane have always had an attraction to the other but there never seemed to be the right time for them to get serious about it. Will this be the right time?

Molly doubts she's his type. She's a girly-girl who really isn't into the outdoors like Zane is. But opposites attract they say.

The suspense heats up just as Molly and Zane start getting some time alone. Day Gilbert writes suspense well and we are kept guessing as to who is chasing Zane.

One of the challenges of a novella is that some things get sorted out too quickly and this is an example of it. I wish the story was another 30 or 40 pages so it didn't wrap up so quickly. It also left me unsure whether Zane and Molly really are that well suited. Oh well, we might get to see how it's going in Book 3 of the series.

[Julia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two people as different as can be with someone trying to kill one of them. it is not what one expects or can be guessed. The memories Zane has of Afghanistan are a reminder of what our soldiers go through on the battlefield, especially this war. Zane was a sharpshooter having to deal with the consequences of his training and duty. Not just on the field but at home also.

Molly is a wedding planner who is content with her life. She really has no clue what she is in for when she goes on a date with her former classmate.

The story is a light read with gathering suspense that crescendos into action. It won't keep you up at night but it will keep your interest and not put you to sleep. It is a very good suspenseful romance.

What did I think? I liked it.

[Erin Laramore · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a quick and fun romantic suspense novella. I enjoyed this one much better than the first in the series, in part because many of the characters in this one were fleshed out in the first book and secondly because the romance was not nearly as rushed. I enjoyed the dynamics between Molly and Zane and appreciated that the author didn't gloss over the issues that Zane had from his tour in Afghanistan. The suspense was ongoing with a few twists and turns, and the romance was well-paced and well done. All in all, one I'd really recommend to readers of romantic suspense!

[Wendy Huddler · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a book that has me turning the pages quickly due to the story line. I could have finished this in one day but I wanted to enjoy it. First was getting to know the story line and then the page turning began.
This book offered everything I love in a book. Great characters, growing love, unusual situations, action and God.
This is the second in a series. Start with the first one to really know the characters.

[Pages_With_Me | Génesis · Rating 3 out of 5]

More like a 3.5

I thought I wouldn't really love this second book because, we have a glimpse of Molly in the first book and she wasn't exactly a character I liked..., but I have to say that it went better than expected.

Just like the first book, it's a short and easy to read kind of book. The faith content is minimal, but, at least, it's there 🤷🏻‍♀️
Will probably finish reading the series soon.

[Joleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Current Day, West Virginia

Isaiah Boone, an ex-marine, suffers nightmares and PSTD effects. He thinks he's being followed, but for the sake of his healing he's willing to consider it as coincidental.

After meeting up with an old friend, Molly McClure, and asking her out, multiple scary events occur, few of which made sense.

Really good Christian novella by an author rapidly becoming one of my favorites.

[Sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fast & furious

Undercut is a blinding speed demon of a book. Only 108 pages, each packed with high adventure and suspense. It would have been good to build on handsome logger Zane's character but there was just not enough time.

[Elizabeth Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read

[David Marcia · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was slow in getting plot stRted and very predictable.

[Becky · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think this was a good story but I couldn't get into it. I'm thinking it was just the genre because it's not what I normally read.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now to read the 3rd one in this series! Very good. Action packed!

[Ruthie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading Heather's book. Full of suspense and some romance. Zane has PTSD which help me understand his mindset.