Justice Betrayed

Memphis Cold Case #3

by Patricia Bradley

It's Elvis Week in Memphis, and homicide Detective Rachel Sloan isn't sure her day could get any stranger when aging Elvis impersonator Vic Vegas asks to see her. But when he produces a photo of her murdered mother with four Elvis impersonators--one of whom had also been murdered soon after the photo was taken--she's forced to reevaluate. Is there some connection between the two unsolved cases? And could the recent break-in at Vic's home be tied to his obsession with finding his friend's killer?

When yet another person in the photo is murdered, Rachel suddenly has her hands full investigating three cases. Lieutenant Boone Callahan offers his help, but their checkered romantic past threatens to get in the way. Can they solve the cases before the murderer makes Rachel victim number four?

Genres: Suspense, Christian Fiction, Fiction, Romance, Christian, Contemporary, Mystery

352 pages, Paperback

First published June 5, 2018

About the author

Patricia Bradley is a Romantic Suspense Selah winner, Carol and Daphne du Maurier finalist and the winner of an Inspirational Readers’ Choice Award. Three anthologies that included her stories debuted on the USA Today Best Seller List.

She and her two cats call Northeast Mississippi home--the South is also where she sets most of her books. Her romantic suspense novels include the Logan Point series, the Memphis Cold Case Novels, and the Natchez Trace Park Rangers. She now hard at work on the second book in her new Pearl River series set in the Cumberland Plateau area above Chattanooga.

Writing workshops include American Christian Fiction Writers, the Mid-South Christian Writer’s Conference, the KenTen and Scrivener retreats where she was the keynote, Memphis American Christian Fiction Writer group, and the Bartlett Christian Writers group. When she has time, she likes to throw mud on a wheel and see what happens.


I love connecting with readers on my blog every Tuesday where I have a Mystery Question for them to solve: www.patriciabradleyauthor.com/blog
Twitter: @ptbradley1
FaceBook: www.facebook.com/patriciabradleyauthor
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/ptbradley/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ptbradley1/

Reviews

[Melissa (Semi Hiatus Until After the Holidays) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The third installment of Bradley's Memphis Cold Case series focuses on a cold case related to a homicide detective's past. Rachel and Boone's attraction is palpable, but their reality of not wanting to be involved as co-workers makes things more interesting. The villain isn't extremely difficult to figure out, but the reasoning behind their actions is complex. Bradley includes the unique character of Erin who seems as if she is a real person and takes great care to portray her respectfully.

Elvis tribute artist Vic Vegas approaches Detective Rachel Sloan with the unsolved murder of a good friend. Vic has been investigating the murder and thinks that it might have ties to Rachel's mother's suspicious death, as they all knew each other. Rachel is intrigued and decides to look into things further, but then Vic turns up dead as well. Rachel and Lieutenant Boone Callahan join forces to find out who killed Vic and if there are any ties to the past cases. What they uncover places all of them, particularly Rachel, in harm's way.

[Holly B]

Review soon...

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars
The book got off to a slow start and honestly I felt that a lot of Shirley’s parts were hard to compute or didn’t add to the overall story at all. Two people were my main suspects, but if we had known what they told about near the end, I wouldn’t have suspected them. I wouldn’t have suspected them if we knew what Rachel knew about them. In a mystery I like to feel like I’m part of the solving solution, so feeling like the investigators were keeping secrets from me was a bit annoying. It also started off slowly, picking up to be really interesting at around 30%, as that’s where the mystery really began to take shape.

Dealing with expectations like those (that the primary crime will take place early in the story, that I will have a front-row seat to what the investigators are doing to solve it) is why I didn’t rate it five stars, because the characters really were likable and easy to root for. Boone and Rachel have a nice relationship and it’s easy to want them to actually get together.

Creepiness factor: Other than way too many fake Elvises roaming around this tale (sorry, guys...jumpsuits are just creepy), it does involve a serial killer. It’s not too detailed, but it does deal with a person who has no conscience about their crimes.

Thanks to the publisher for a free review copy.

[Cara Putman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable read that kept me guessing with enough clues to leave me uncertain who was behind the murders until the author revealed the true perp. That doesn't happen often! Rich characters, real-life issues, and a need to sit down and talk to each other, but events moved too fast to allow it. Very satisfying mystery with taste of suspense layered over the top. The romance was beautiful!

[Andrea Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Elvis impersonators, engaging author voice, cold cases, and murder all add up for an edge-of-your-seat suspense novel that kept me guessing the majority of the time and eager to flip the pages faster and faster to find out whodunit and why. I’ll be reading more of Mrs. Bradley’s books after being blown away by this one. Superb job!

[Holly]

Such a great book! I love this type of story where the author allows the reader solve the mystery alongside the protagonist. This one was of the best I've read in quite awhile. Bradley kept me guessing until the very end.

There was so much to like about the characters. Rachel Sloan is smart but has a quick wit about her that made the interaction between her and Boone a blast to watch. Boone has the gentle tough guy persona that makes him a great cop and leading man.

Although a book three in the series you can definitely read this one without reading the first two. (My guess once you've read this one you'll want to read the other two!)

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Sarita · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this third book in the series was my favourite so far. The creepy killer had me guessing right till the end on their true identity and I felt constantly second guessing myself on who I ultimately thought it was.

I enjoyed Boone's character, but think I would have liked to see more about his past and what happened which made him micro managing his team. Rachel I also enjoyed, however, I did get frustrated about some things she did - but I think that is also why I liked her - she was not perfect and it always refreshing to meet characters with faults. I loved her grandmothers!

I'm enjoying this Cold Case series, and looking forward to the next and final book in this series. Though this is part of a series, it can be read as a stand alone.

[Sandra Orchard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I prefer it when authors keep the “bad guy” a mystery, even in a suspense, so I was a little disappointed to “meet” the bad guy in the prologue. Until . . .

I discovered I didn’t have a clue who the person actually was in the present!

I love being kept guessing and Pat provided enough possibilities to keep me on my toes. She also had some great secondary characters, including the heroine’s polar opposite grandmothers, as well as, a sweet, mentally challenged young woman whose adoration of Elvis inadvertently entangles her in the mystery, which takes place during Elvis week in Memphis and begins with the death of a tribute artist.

I really enjoyed this book.

[Staci · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoying this cold case series!

[Donna · Rating 3 out of 5]

An Elvis impersonator, or I should say Elvis tribute artist, comes to see Detective Rachel Sloan because he is convinced one of his friends was murdered 17 years ago. Vic's been asking a lot of his own questions lately and he hopes Rachel will take the case because her mother knew the man and she was killed only a couple of days before that. Rachel has always been told her mother was killed in a home burglary but her interest is piqued. However, Vic is found dead the next day with his home ransacked.

Patricia Bradley writes solid Christian novels with not too many mentions of faith in this particular one. Readers can always expect a clean mystery with no graphic scenes. Since I'm a suspicious reader, I had several people on my suspect list from the beginning. Sure enough, the killer turned out to be one I suspected.

[Loraine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Memphis Cold Case #3 focuses on the death of an Elvis impersonator, Vic Vegas, who came to see homicide detective Rachel Sloan with a picture of her mother with 4 Elvis impersonators one of whom was murdered right after her mother was murdered. Are the three deaths connected? It's the middle of Elvis week in Memphis and Rachel and her superior Boone Callahan race to find the connection between present day murder and 2 cold cases.

With an exhilarating speed, Bradley forges through the ups and downs and twists and turns of this complex suspense drama. Both Rachel and Brad are dealing with past histories that have affected their thinking and feelings at present; yet, at the same time, they are great partners as they share the workload and bounce ideas off one another. I loved seeing the suspense at the forefront and their developing feelings playing second role. I still would like to see Bradley develop more depth in her spiritual content rather than just a mention here or there, but I am really looking forward to book 4 in this series to see where the focus goes next.

**I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell Publishing through NetGalley. Opinions are mine alone. I was not compensated for this review.

[Aerykah · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed. More detailed review will be on my blog

[Deb Haggerty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Deb’s Dozen: Evil personified. A serial killer only one man suspects. Will justice win?

Patricia Bradley’s Justice Betrayed, the third book in her Memphis Cold Case series, is an exciting page turner with lots of surprises. The evil is identified in the prologue and the romantic tension from the first chapter on. Rachel Sloan is approached by Elvis impersonator Vic Vegas just prior to the end of her shift. He insists he has information on a cold case murder that also involves Rachel’s mom, Gabby, who was killed seventeen years before. Rachel’s supervisor in the unit, Lt. Boone Callahan, does not want her involved—he feels she is too close to the case to be effective.

Rachel and Boone are both relatable characters who you care about almost from the beginning. Bradley has the knack for creating realistic, likable people for her novels. Both Rachel and Boone have deep baggage from their past—Rachel from the loss of her mom and estrangement from her dad, Boone from his last tour in Afghanistan where he lost one of his team. Both of them feel the losses were somehow their fault.

Other intriguing characters are Rachel’s friend and coach, Terri, and her sister with special needs, Erin. Erin has an almost photographic memory and can relate things she’s heard in the voice and mannerisms of the person who said them—a very eerie talent. Rachel’s dad, Lucien, seems a formidable character until they finally talk near the end of the book.

The action happens at an even pace with just enough twists and one-way streets to keep you turning pages. I’ve loved Bradley’s books for a while and Justice Betrayed is no exception. Four stars.

Patricia Bradley lives in Mississippi. She is the founder of Aiming for Healthy Families, Inc., and a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers. The other two books in the Memphis Cold Case series are Justice Delayed and Justice Buried. You’ll want to get these as well as her Logan Point series. Check her out at PTBradley.com.

Revell Books gave me a copy of Justice Betrayed, but I was in no way obligated to write a review.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed how Patricia created the story so that I was guessing which of 3 women were the murderer throughout. I was guessing until the end. Several murders 17 years apart. Slowly finding clues. Kept me reading.

[Vera Godley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having read Patricia Bradley's previous Memphis Cold Case books, I was looking forward to Justice Betrayed (#3 in the series). Click titles for my reviews of previous titles: Justice Delayed and Justice Buried.

The story evolves around memory seeking and past glory loving folks and Elvis Remembrance Events in Memphis. A cold case, also involving Elvis impersonators holds a connection to current murderous plotting and happenings as well as to the murder of Detective Rachel's mother years ago. So essentially this book involves cold cases and the current plotting and ravings of a psycho murderer tying it all together.

The controlled romantic attraction between Detective Rachel Sloan and her "boss" Boone was well done and encouraging to read in fiction that attraction can be controlled and doesn't need to be electrifying.

I found parts of the story slow or rather unengaging for me; but on the whole, this is a good read and a good look at the entertainment scene of Memphis.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher to facilitate this review. Opinions are my own and are freely given.

[Ed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Each book of the Memphis Cold Case series are completely different from each other. I enjoyed each story and look forward to the next in the series. You won't be disappointed with this series.

[Hallie (Hallie Reads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

[Madison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Justice Betrayed is the third book in the Memphis Cold Case series, a collection of stand-alone novels that follow individuals with a gift for finding answers to crimes long left unsolved. Justice Betrayed follows its predecessors as an exciting romantic mystery.

Detective Rachel Sloan joined the police force hoping to one day solve her mother’s cold murder case. When an Elvis impersonator demands to speak with Rachel about another cold case he is sure is tied to her mother’s death, Rachel isn’t sure if he is crazy or has discovered fragments of truth long buried. But when Rachel receives threats to leave the case alone, she and her supervisor, Lieutenant Boone Callahan will have to work hard to piece together the clues of this puzzling case.

Justice Betrayed opens with a prologue set nearly 40 years ago, and offers the first tantalising clue in this story that combines both cold and new cases. Readers first met Detective Rachel Sloan and Lieutenant Boone Callahan in the second book in the Memphis Cold Case series, when they handled the main case involved in that story. However, if you haven’t read Justice Buried, it’s easy to pick up on their shared history and roles within the police department.

Boone and Rachel dated for a few weeks when Rachel was working in the burglary department. Now that she has switched to homicide, Boone is her supervisor and a relationship between them is prohibited. But it’s more than just department regulations preventing them from seeing where their intense chemistry and sparking connection leads. Both have a painful history that they are unwilling to share. Working together on the case allows them the opportunity to start peeling back the layers. Yet, because of the restrictions, the romance in Justice Betrayed doesn’t much stray beyond romantic tension and the promise of more.

Thanks to sections written from the murderer’s perspective, it’s clear to the reader early on who committed the crimes that Rachel is investigating. Yet, it’s not clear who that is in the wider scheme of things. There are plenty of possible suspects and enough clues, hints, and red herrings to keep any amateur sleuth guessing. The mystery culminates in a suspenseful finish.

Justice Betrayed is a thrilling mystery, with enough Elvis for any fan and a touch of romance.

The publishers provided an advanced readers copy of this book for reviewing purposes. All opinions are my own.

Find more reviews, reading age guides, content advisory, and recommendations on my blog Madison's Library

[J.D. Sutter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not being familiar with Bradley's writing, I was unsure of what to expect when I picked up this book. But given the fact that I love a good mystery as much, if not more, than the next reader, I was excited to give Justice Betrayed a read. I was not disappointed!

The book starts off with a super compelling scene in the prologue which instantly grabbed my attention. And it doesn't stop. The tension and suspense mount until the climax which I thought was really great.

Characters
The characters are well-formed, for the most part. They're relatable and you get to like them. Even the villain finds a bit of a soft spot in your heart as you see what they endured as a child. Obviously, I didn't condone the actions, but I could feel a little empathy. The protagonist, Detective Rachel Sloan, is a great lead character that I really liked getting to know in these pages.

Romance
As this is marketed under the "Romantic Suspense" genre, there is a small element of a romantic interest between a couple main characters, but I didn't feel like it got in the way of the plot or story in any way. Though there were a few moments that were a tad too sappy for my personal taste, they were easy to overlook because it was never a prolonged scene; only little mentions here and there.

Plot
Even though I had figured out "whodunit" before the reveal, I still enjoyed they way Bradley wrote the scenes leading up to it. Rather than a letdown feeling, I instead had a feeling of satisfaction that I had "solved the case". Although there weren't lots of twists and turns and red herrings, there were lots of little clues given along the way which made this a very enjoyable mystery.

Content Advisory
There is no strong language or sexual content at all. However, the story has scenes of domestic violence, both depicted and referenced. There are also numerous murders (kind of required for a murder mystery) including one scene which contains the actual commission of murder described rather vividly. Due to these elements, I don't recommend this for readers under 16.

NOTE: This is Book 3 in the Memphis Cold Case series. I have not read the previous two volumes and I didn't come across anything that would make me think I was missing necessary information to understand what was going on in this book. I believe each book can be read independently.

Disclosure: The publisher provided me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Kelly Bridgewater · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

I have read all of Patricia Bradley's romantic suspense novel, so I am pretty familiar with how she handles a story. She tends to favor the suspense over the romance, which is my preference too. In her latest and, I believe, final installment in her Memphis Cold Case series, Justice Betrayed, she does exactly that. I had a good time following the mystery and wanting to know who killed Rachel's mom and some Elvis tribute artists. The discovery of the bad guy was solved pretty early on for me. The romance wasn't really that important, but the story, of course, ends in a happily-ever-after. I liked Rachel as a heroine. She knew what she wanted and was willing to seek after clues that could hurt her in the long run.

As for the character of Erin, I really didn't see much about her that showed she was a young child stuck in an older's womans body. Having a sister-in-law who is 32 with a mind of two-year-old, I have a pretty good idea how they act. Erin for the most part acted like a regular adult. Her speech wasn't different. Maybe she acted a little different with the things she says, but there was no slur to her speech, which happens with most of them. It is really hard to understand a lot of them.

Even though this bothered me reading the story, it didn't take away from the hunt for the Elvis tribute artist killers. I just glided over the concept of Erin and kept focused on the mystery.

Overall, Justice Betrayed by Patricia Bradley was an okay mystery. It didn't really wow me like I want a mystery too. I enjoyed spending time with Rachel because she was the most interesting character. I think fans of Colleen Coble, Irene Hannon, and Brandilyn Collins would enjoy this novel.

I received a complimentary copy of Justice Betrayed by Revell Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

"I think I asked the wrong person the wrong question."

Memphis homicide detective Rachel Sloan is slightly annoyed when her Friday afternoon departure time is postponed by a vintage Elvis impersonator, Vic Vegas. The man has doggedly pursued the resolution of a cold case involving a fellow Elvis "tribute artist", Harrison Foxx; accumulating years worth of evidence that he is now anxious to share with Rachel. Why? Because her deceased mother died just one day before Foxx's murder. Coincidence? Rachel doesn't think so and neither does Vegas; but he too, turns up dead before they can exchange vital information.

Lieutenant Boone Callahan still has a difficult time working the same shift as Rachel Sloan. Their brief, albeit, casual dating experience some months ago left him wanting more and Rachel . . . . . well, who knows? She terminated the relationship without much explanation. Now Boone is her superior homicide unit officer, and he is struggling not to hover over Rachel's every decision, especially when his instincts tell him that the Vegas case is too personal for Rachel. She's not telling him something and that could put everyone, especially Rachel, in harm's way.

"Justice Betrayed" is a great story with multiple twists and turns that two very likable characters must travel together, learning that ultimately only God can "never leave or forsake".

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through "Interviews and Reviews" . The opinions stated above are entirely my own.

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Justice Betrayed was a terrific read. Our heroine Rachel Sloan is assigned to homicide with Lt. Boone Callahan as her new supervisor (also someone that still sits her heart aflutter). I know, an old fashion term but it seems to fit. Its Elvis Week in Memphis and people from all over the world are there. Rachel's mother was killed 17 yrs previously during a burglary gone wrong (according to the police). Then an Elvis impersonator tells Rachel her death was died to another death. The next day Vic is found dead before he can provide the proof to Rachel. More bodies are added to the count and the list of suspects increase.

I love the way Pat Bradley keeps the suspense moving, just a touch of romance but not enough to take away from the suspense, the characters are well developed and she always brings faith into the equation without being preachy.

No one asked me to leave this review and all opinions are my own. I pre-order all of Patricia Bradley's books through a local independent bookstore. When another author recommended Pat Bradley's books to me I bought one and have been hooked since. Pat is one of my top favorite authors and I love her style of writing, the suspense and the characters. I highly recommend anything by Patricia Bradley. She always writes wonderful Christian suspense with some romance. Know you will enjoy her books as much as I do.,

[Suzie Waltner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Patricia Bradley returns to Memphis. And what says Memphis more than Elvis Presley?

When Detective Rachel Sloan is approached by an Elvis tribute artist about a murder more than a decade old who later turns up dead, she’s forced to confront a tragedy from her past.

With attacks, investigations, interviews, an Elvis contest, and more, Rachel and a former flame, Boone Callahan (who is now her Lieutenant) are thrust together. Boone knows Rachel is something special but Rachel is focus on her career and doesn’t want to jeopardize it for romance.

Justice Betrayed gives readers a taste of Memphis. Elvis contests, Beale Street, The Pink Palace, and more. But more than that, it is a romantic suspense with lots of suspects! My guess at who the murder is changed with every interview or piece of uncovered evidence. Even getting the villains point of view didn’t help narrow down who did it.

Another fast-paced, keep-you-guessing romantic suspense in the Memphis Cold Case series.

Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

[Kav · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Maybe she didn't have peace because she wouldn't let God in." (p 141)

Breath-snatching good! The way the author weaves past and present together into a frenzy of a cold case suddenly turned hot is mind blowing! I was on tenterhooks the whole read. And I love the way the case is set out -- very police procedural so you feel like you're right there working every clue with meticulous detail right along with Rachel and Boone. And oh, those twists and turns and the line up of potential suspects is riveting! I managed to whittle it down to two close to the end and then -- bam! -- it all comes together with startling clarity when it's almost too late!

Rachel really intrigued me when I met her in Justice Buried. A little uptight, very focused and very mysterious. Especially when it came to her interactions with Boone. So I was thrilled to dive right in and get deeper into their individual stories and the reason for all the sizzling fireworks that set off every time they are together. The romance is just as angst-riddled as the suspense. Often subtle at times though there's no doubting the connection Rachel and Boone have.

An edge-of-your-seat thrill of a read!

[Melmo2610 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an explosive read from start to finish. Tracking the criminal in this book was interesting and Patricia wove the story beautifully. I enjoyed getting know Rachel's backstory after her character was introduced in book 2 of this series and I liked Boone very much. He was a perfect match for her. The Elvis component was an extremely fun element that added a nice layer to the story. I did figure out the criminal about half way through but as I read a TON of mystery/suspense, that wasn't surprising, but my mouth still dropped open when I realized who it had to be, and I still wanted to finish the story and see what happened next and how all the pieces fit together. This is a great series and I will definitely read more by this author. She weaves a great mystery!


I was provided this book for review by the publisher and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Justice Betrayed Isn't enjoyable mystery, romantic suspense-phew That was a typing full. I enjoyed this book. It is portrayed like a real life event. The book was at a steady flowing clip. It keeps you going and guessing who is the killer and who is gunning (yes that is a pun) for Rachel. Will Rachel accept the help of Boone? Even after their romantic past? Will they rekindle? Will they catch who it is before it is too late? Who is it that is killing these Elvis impersonators and now after her? Are you going to find out? I received a copy of this book from the Publisher and Netgalley; all of the opinions expressed in this review are all my own.

if you would like to read more of my Christian book reviews go to christianlybookreviewers.blogspot.com

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third book in the Memphis Cold Case series and the second book I’ve read in the series. Although the stories are slightly connected, the books work fine as standalone novels. One thing that stood out in both books I’ve read by Patricia Bradley were the first chapters…they both started out with a bang and let me know that I was in for a wild and adventurous ride.

This story is a murder mystery that involves Elvis impersonators and takes place in Memphis Tennessee. The book is Christian fiction but is still gritty and disturbing, which I strangely enjoy.

I liked that this story was light on the romance…it’s there but it’s subtle.

There were a lot of characters to keep track of, which became a bit confusing at times and I was able to guess the culprit pretty early on but I still found the story to be a lot of fun.

Overall, this was another winner from Patricia Bradley. I now consider her one of my favorite Christian Fiction author.

My Rating:
4.5 stars

I received this book from the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Virginia Winfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book in the series. I love the suspense. I love Boone and Rachel. This story has a lot of twists and turns. I hope there are many more books in this series. I love the way Patricia Bradley puts a case together. I received a copy of this book from Revell for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

[Cate · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author really threw me for a loop. I could've sworn I knew who the killer was. This book has an interesting twist to it, and it was kind of interesting. It was really good to see Rachel Sloan again (I really like this intertwining of characters throughout the series).