Night Stalker

FBI: Special Crimes Unit #1

by Shirlee McCoy

A lawman must track down a serial killer on the loose—and protect his former love—in this exciting suspense from New York Times bestselling author Shirlee McCoy, part of the FBI: Special Crimes Unit series.

After Special Agent Adam Whitfield’s ex-wife is nearly killed when she stops an abduction, the serial killer that Adam’s been hunting turns his focus on Charlotte Murray for getting in his way. Now, as the Night Stalker closes in, Adam has two missions: bring the murderer to justice and save Charlotte—because failure isn’t an option.

Experience more action-packed mystery and suspense in the rest of the FBI: Special Crimes Unit series by Shirlee McCoy:

Night Stalker

Gone

Dangerous Sanctuary

Lone Witness

Falsely Accused

From Love Inspired Suspense: Courage. Danger. Faith.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Love Inspired Suspense, Suspense, Romance, Audiobook, Romantic Suspense, Christian

288 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 2018

Reviews

[Shirley Chapel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Night Stalker kept me glued to the pages and on the edge of my seat through out the book. Shirlee MCcoy has penned a most scary and hair raising mystery thriller that kept me turning pages to the end. This book was unpredictable with twist and turns that captured this reader's attention. It's the first time I've read one of her books and it won't be the last time for sure.
The Night Stalker is smart and evasive . He's a serial killer by night. By day he's a very successful and professional person. His victims are female emergency room nurses with dark hair. The Night Stalker never leaves any clues or DNA behind for the FBI agents to be able to identify him. He's been on the move for a long time . He's killed nine female victims and hasn't any intentions of retiring in the near future.
The Night Stalker has always made his attacks at big city hospitals across the country. Suddenly he has kidnapped a nurse from small town hospital in Whisper Lake Maine. FBI agents are stumped as to why he has suddenly changed his MO from city hospitals to a small town one. IT seems the Night Stalker may be getting careless by leaving a clue behind this time. Not only that but his victim manages to escape and there's a witness as well. This is when things get real interesting! Night Stalker isn't a quitter and he could be anywhere. FBI agent Adam Whitfield has never actually seen the serial killer and he has his hands full trying to keep the town safe from Night Stalker and bring him to justice. Will he be able to stop this ruthless killer before he strikes again?
Readers of murder Mystery thrillers will love this book. It's very scary and if you live alone you may not want to read it at night. Your imagination might get the best of you with every little noise you hear in the night. It's a Love Inspired book so therefore it is clean read. I hope you enjoy it as much as this reader did!
I downloaded Night Stalker from Amazon. A review was not requested. All opinions expressed are my own.

[CD {Boulder Blvd} · Rating 3 out of 5]

This a short "Love Inspired Suspense" by Harlequin in the category Inspirational. It's just over 200 pages and is nicely written. The story moves quickly with everything falling into place just a little too easily for me. Although my biggest issue is using a residential memory center as the FBI sting location which puts a lot of weak elderly people at risk. There was a good twist but I couldn't suspend disbelief. All the agents protecting her disappear for various reasons leaving Charlotte alone. I don't like when suspense plots rely on incompetence or stupidity.

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Night Stalker is the first book in the FBI: Special Crimes Unit series by Shirlee McCoy and, hoping the following books in the series are as good as this one, I cannot wait to read the others!

I loved how the romance was a second chance story. They were married previously, but due to the death of their son things ended. It was so sweet to see the characters reconnect and I couldn't help but hope that they would work things out.

The suspense was great. The killer wasn't who I thought he/she would be, so it definitely kept me guessing. I loved that!

All in all, Night Stalker was a thrilling read and I recommend it.

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Adam and Charlotte used to be married, but their son’s death broke them apart. But when Charlotte is attacked by a serial killer, Adam is on the case as an FBI agent, and he’s quick to discover his feelings for her aren’t quite dead after all. Finding the killer was nerve-wracking as he continues to attack people in the town.

I loved the dog, Clover the poodle mix, and he takes a strong role in the story. I also really enjoyed Bubbles, the elderly neighbor.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free reading copy. A favorable review was not required.

[Simply Love Book Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Adam and Charlotte have always had the cards stacked against them, yet they continue to battle. Adam has always felt the need to help others; he wants to help make the world a better place. Not only is he strong guy, physically and mentally, Adam has a heart of gold. Charlotte has an amazing amount of strength to endure so much and continue to get up everyday and live life. Even as a fictional novel, their story will strike a cord with so many people. Their lives have been tipped upside down and thrown back together, all while trying to stay alive. Night Stalkers’ secondary characters were well developed and engaging, each one has a back-story I would like to know more about. The suspense was perfect, it did not overshadow the romance but we knew there the threat still a constant. Ms. McCoy had the all of the emotional elements spot on in this novel; empathy for loss of a loved one, hope for a rekindling a romance, love for grandmotherly neighbors, and the closeness of a tight knit community. Night Stalker kept me intrigued throughout the whole novel, and the plot was very smooth, easy to follow and interesting. Overall, Ms. McCoy did a great job creating this novel and I hope to read more of her work.

[Kav · Rating 5 out of 5]

A breathless wonder of a read! Honestly, the yearning between Adam and Charlotte is palpable in every scene. I ached right along with them and read most of the book with a lump in my throat. Their love story was...is...might be again. Achingly tender. Deeply broken. Splintered by tragedy. I just can't even...Phew, one of the best second chance at love stories I've ever read. Sniffle.

And then there's the scary stalker suspense thread. Hair-raising, but not overdone. Creepy enough to check that your doors and windows are locked but not enough to sleep with a baseball bat. :-) And McCoy introduces her readers to an intriguing group of law enforcement professionals that make up this Special Crimes Unit which promises more exciting reading ahead for romantic suspense fans! I can't wait!

[Tina Loves To Read · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a Second Chance Romantic Suspense, and this is the first book in the FBI: Special Crime Unit series. I really enjoyed the second chance romance in this book, and the suspense was good. They were chasing a serial killer. I enjoy getting to know the characters, and I will keep reading this series.

[Antonella · Rating 3 out of 5]

short suspense
okay, I liked the audio

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Night Stalker" is a Christian suspense novel. Charlotte stops a serial killer from kidnapping his intended target but gets hurt in the process. Since the killer's target is out of reach, he takes his anger out on Charlotte. Special Agent Adam left Charlotte after the loss of their young son because he couldn't deal with her grief. But he still loves her and regrets what he did. He's a profiler with the group tasked with stopping this serial killer. He's determine to protect his ex-wife and stop the killer once and for all.

The characters were nice people who care about others. I liked that Charlotte was courageous enough to help others and kept her promises. She worried that Adam would win her heart again only to leave her when the case was over. The suspense came from the attacks on various people while the FBI tried to figure out the killer's identity and capture him. The Christian theme was that God is there even in our darkest times. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this enjoyable suspense novel.

I received an ebook review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.

[Toth Jo-Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is her 1st in a new series and I'm excited. I love her stories. In this we meet Adam Whitfield, Wren Santino, River Callahan, Honor Remington, and Sam are part of Special Vicitims Crime Unit. In this book its about Adam and his 1st love Charlotte Murray. Shirlee Doesn't disappoint me with her twists and turns in the story. I love that the story is about 2nd chances. With a truly bad bad guy thrown in as well. I love how she weaves her story here it starts out 5 years in the past with Adam and Charlotte. Then with the bad guy it starts a few years in the past as well. I really enjoy the interaction between the characters of the SVCU for it helps prepare for future stories as well. I also like how she showed that Adam had matured since he had last seen Charlotte and the same was seen in Charlotte. It was a fascinating story from start to finish. I can't wait for the next story.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fast read

This is a fun fast read. I read it very quickly and enjoyed it all! Cannot wait to get the next book in the series and get started on it next.

Highly recommend this book and series.

[Harlequin Books]

Received 4 stars @ RT Book Reviews

Miniseries: FBI: Special Crimes Unit

[Susan Snodgrass · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just discovered this author and very glad I did. I love suspense and she is quite good at it. I read this one is a day. Think Criminal Minds good. Recommended.

[Sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adam Whitfield is a special agent who has been hunting for a serial killer they call The Night Stalker. He just can’t seem to pin down just who he is. Charlotte Murray is out one evening when she hears a scream. Turns out, she stopped what could have been another abduction of the Night Stalker. Charlotte is injured in the process and that’s when they notify Adam. Adam and Charlotte were married young and then the unthinkable happened; the loss of their son. Because of grief, Adam left and they finally divorced. Now the Night Stalker has turned his attention to Charlotte since she stopped him from getting his last victim. Adam vows to protect Charlotte and bring down the Night Stalker. But will they figure it out before he carries through his plan.

This story is one that is sweet as well as suspenseful . It certainly keeps you on your toes as well as the edge of your seat. The sweet part was between Adam and Charlotte. You learn their history and why things happened the way they did but you also get to see how time and maturity can change things. It’s always an encouragement to me to read about characters who have faith but are flawed; because that is very relatable. I loved the interaction between Charlotte and Adam being both tense and tender. The secondary characters were great too. (Except, of course, for the Night Stalker) I felt like you really got to know them well. And let me tell you, when the mystery and suspense is wrapped up, you are in for a real treat at the end. I absolutely loved it! If you enjoy sweet and suspenseful reads then you’ll love Night Stalker. Be prepared to stay up way past your bed time though.

*This complimentary copy was provided by Harlequin through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

Some favorite quotes:

A lot of years had passed since they’d been married. They’d both changed. Maybe she’d become more willing to take chances. Maybe she was no longer afraid of spiders or disgusted by the thought of eating hard-boiled eggs.

“Promise me, Charlotte,” he murmured, leaning down and kissing her forehead, his lips warm, the contact light and undemanding. And she could feel herself melting, sinking into him the way she always had.

He had a dangerous job, but he didn’t carry worry around as his companions. He focused his attention and energy on finding solutions to problems. He prayed, he trusted and he entered every situation knowing that God was in control. Because of that, he was never consumed by fear.

For more about this book or other books by this author I encourage you to visit her website at http://www.shirleemccoy.com

[Glenda Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

My review today is on the Love Inspired Suspense, Night Stalker. This is the first book in the Special Crimes Unit Series. Shirlee is a New York Times Best Seller; her books are always awesome and this story is a prime example of her work. This book is well written, action packed, and faith based. I know that you are going to love this one.

Charlotte Murray has struggled for the past five years to heal from the death of Daniel, her child. She lives on the lake but hates it for it took her baby's life. She was inconsolable and her husband had abandoned her to grieve on her own. She has spent these past five years to put her life back together. Her dog hears something and she goes out to see what is wrong. She stops an abduction; she's shot and nearly killed.

Special Agent Adam Whitfield still loves his ex-wife but couldn't stand to watch her grieve. He is called in to investigate the serial killer that tried to abduct another victim and shot his ex-wife. Why did the stalker change his MO? Could he be from this area? He must keep Charlotte alive and out of the hands of the stalker; he couldn't bare to lose her too.

This is a journey of forgiveness, restoration, and love for two brokenhearted souls. Parents shouldn't have to bury a child we aren't made that way. I know I had to bury my youngest. Each person must find a way to handle their grief. Jesus bore our grief and our sorrow so turn to Him and He will get you through it. In this book they have allowed their grief to consume them. They must find out they are not like the world but they have hope in God. God didn't steal their baby but is holding that child in His arms and they will soon see Daniel again. God has a plan to heal them, bless them, and restore them. God has a plan for you too. If you struggle with grief lean on God and watch Him turn your life around. Keep in mind that the person you lost isn't lost but waiting for you in heaven and you will see them soon.

[Jessica · Rating 2 out of 5]

*sigh* okay. Two stars. I can’t remember the last book I gave less than three stars.

One star for the dog and one for the fact that it’s the only book I could make myself pick up while coming out of a reading slump.

Non spoiler review: I found the writing clunky, the ending disappointing and wayyyy predictable, and none of the shocking moments/plot twists shocked me.

I didn’t feel a lot for these characters, either. Again— I’m trying to pull out of a reading slump. That could potentially be a factor here.

If you’re into intense crime and mystery, this is not your book at all. Perhaps if you would rather a more low key, predictable crime book to get you started, this could be an option.

I want to be respectful of the author and all of the time she put into this. I’m quite aware that cozy mysteries are quite popular— I don’t think this qualifies as a cozy mystery but perhaps the next step up. This author has done a good thing by providing that story for someone who doesn’t enjoy more hardcore crime.


SPOILERS IN THIS REVIEW

I found myself really annoyed by Adam and Charlotte getting back together. For one, it was super predictable and for another... just... why?? It happened too fast.

Charlotte has, what, five near death experiences?

I didn’t feel a lot for these characters, either. I should have felt much more emotion during the scenes about Daniel’s death or the monologues by Adam and Charlotte as they thought about each other. I should have felt torn between cheering for the serial killer being taken down and grief for the girl who thought he loved her.

But I didn’t. Reading slump problems? I don’t know. Maybe.

[Lynn Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

4 1/2 STARS!

Full of intrigue and emotional turmoil! With the first book in a new FBI: Special Crimes Unit series, we're faced with the hunt for a killer who just might be hiding in plain sight, at the same time we watch a couple deal with the emotional upheaval of seeing each other again years after they called it quits. Adam and Charlotte might want to think they moved past each other, but the second they are in the same room together again, the connection between them is blatantly obvious. The plot is thick with danger and intrigue and the characters are easy to connect with and we find ourselves hoping they will find their way back to each other. Really enjoyed it!

FBI Special Agent Adam Whitfield never expected the call he'd been hoping for with a lead on the serial killer he's been hunting for years to shake up his world and take him back home again, but here he is, back in Whisper Lake, Maine sitting by his ex-wife's side.

Charlotte Murray might have been almost killed trying to help a woman who was being abducted, but the pain she feels most is coming from seeing the love of her life standing in front of her again after being without him for years. She's not sure how she's supposed to handle this emotional upheaval, but the fact that a serial killer has now set his sights on her because she interrupted his fun is a tad daunting. Adam will do anything to keep her safe ... but who's going to keep her safe from the memories that keep ripping through her soul?

[Ashley Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I quite liked this book. I will start out by saying that ordinarily I don't like books where a couple has gotten divorced and then get back together. This one wasn't like that though. There was no falling out of love for these characters. Charlotte is in the right place at the right time. At least that is one way of looking at it. She manages to save a lady's life only to become the focus of a serial killer her ex husband has been hunting for years.

I like that Adam came back for Charlotte and not just because of the case. He was at her side because she meant something to him and not because she was a witness. The couple went through something no parents should ever have to face. I liked Adam's whole team. They worked well together and trust each other. The other characters like Bubbles that were throughout made me think of the town I grew up in and were realistic to small town life. I cannot wait to see who has the next story, but I'm kinda hoping it is his boss.

It was a 5/5 for me.

Thank you to the publisher for the review copy of this book. I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

[Paula Legate · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Adam and Charlotte were married but ended up getting divorced after the death of their son. Both were hurting, and grieving. Adam wanted to start over, and take Charlotte with him. Charlotte was not ready to leave the home she had shared with her son. I can see it from both sides. I can’t imagine losing my son or daughter. Everyone grieves in their own way. The book started out with Charlotte being attacked. Adam is now an FBI agent, and had been working on a case to find the Night stalker. I loved how close he was to his team. Everyone worked together. Adam and his team found out the night stalker almost took another victim. When he got to the hospital, he found out it was his ex-wife that was in the hospital. He was told he was off the case. That’s normal, and by the books. Adam took time off, to stay with Charlotte. He may have been off the case, but his team could not stop him from becoming Charlette’s personal body guard. I love second chance love stories. The action, and suspense was excellent. I also loved Charlette’s neighbor Bubbles. She wasn’t afraid to say what she was thinking. She kept me laughing. This really was a good book!

[Jennifer Robb · Rating 3 out of 5]

A friend sent me this book in a box of books. I've read this author before and picked it because I have enjoyed other books by this author in the past.

While I didn't like that Adam's and Charlotte's son died or that that seemed to be the catalyst for their divorce, I understand how it could happen. I've read that the death of a child either draws parents closer together or pushes them apart. I did appreciate that the author gave Adam and Charlotte a history, so that when they're getting remarried at the end of the book, it's not a case of them only knowing each other for a few months before they've decided to get married.

The editor/proofreader also needs to brush up on a possessive when a name ends in the letter s. Charlottes neighbor is named Bubbles. Bubbles with an s on the end. Yet early on in the book, in two consecutive paragraphs, the possessive was Bubble's. Unless the rules have changed since I last studied them (which is possible) this means that the woman's name was Bubble not Bubbles. The correct possessive would be either Bubbles' or Bubbles's, depending on which school of punctuation you subscribe to. It's a little thing, but stuff like that bothers me!

[Quenya · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was almost a great book, but I just didn’t like the character of Charlotte. So many of her actions seemed out of character to how she was introduced when the book started. Also, when she decides to become obstinate it makes her appear as a petulant child. I also couldn’t reconcile Adam’s age with his status in the FBI. He seemed too young.

I didn’t have knowledge of this book when I started it. The book started great, and I smiled when Adam appeared as I was hoping the love interest would be her ex-husband. The mystery was good, and I liked how the killer kept coming after Charlotte until about 1/2 to 2/3 way through when they realized she wasn’t the object of his obsession. Cause at that point, if his devolving this much – why isn’t he going after Bethany and not Charlotte.

The supporting characters really made this book work. Adam’s FBI team, Bubbles, Savannah and of course the dog Clover. Clover was underutilized in this book, and I thought the author didn’t do a good job of having Clover and Charlotte be so close, yet Clover was almost passive when Charlotte was in danger. Not a bad book, not sure if I will continue the series or not.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charlotte managed to stumble upon an attempted kidnapping and the women was able to walk away from it unfortunately she manged to get her herself with the sight of a notorious killer the Night Stalker. Adam is a special agent who had been following the Night Stalker trail little did he expect for his ex to be the killers next focus now he will do everything in his power to keep her safe and find the killer.

This book had everything I like in a mystery suspense book. Also for those of you readers who like a clean books then you'll want to check this book out. I thought it was interesting how everything played out in the book, I enjoyed seeing that attraction between the two main characters and seeing how they handled that life has thrown at them and seeing how they were able to work things out later in life. I loved that there was plenty going on in the mystery suspense part of the book, I was curious of what was going to happen next when it came to the killer and when he would strike next and who it was. Overall it was a pretty good book I really enjoyed it.

[Leslie McKee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I reviewed this book for RT Bookreviews Magazine: https://www.rtbookreviews.com/book-re...

This book is a strong start to McCoy’s new series, FBI: Special Crimes Unit. The characterization is spot-on, and the plot keeps the reader guessing in this well-drawn tale of forgiveness and finding God in any situation.

After Charlotte Murray is nearly killed while trying to stop an abduction, FBI Special Agent Adam Whitfield is determined to keep her safe … especially as she is his ex-wife. He left her years ago after the death of their son, and she is not ready to let him back into her life. However, with a serial killer on the loose, she has little choice. Adam knows he failed her in the past, and he refuses to let it happen again. Can they determine the connection between the victims and Charlotte before it’s too late? Has the killer been watching them from the background all along?

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this one earned a solid 4+ star rating, because I was so pleasantly surprised by how good it was. I wasn’t expecting too much more than a pleasant, short read, this being a Harlequin Love Inspired Suspense selection, and a contemporary story, at that. This was fast moving and quickly paced, with lots of action and an intriguing plot. The romance was not, as I have seen the term in other reviews for other books, “insta-Love,” and that was refreshing in such a short novel, as I also sometimes find insta-Love to be an unbelievable and annoying thing over which to suspend your disbelief! But these two had a history and knew each other very well. The faith aspect was there, but subtle, where some inspirational fiction goes to unnatural dialogue, etc. to make sure that is the aspect taking front and center. This is just the right level to feed your beliefs if you are already a believer and plant seeds of interest if you aren’t.

[* Maru * (FellInLoveWithABook) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book by mistake. A Christian romance isn't what I usually go for. But I failed to see the "Love-inspired suspense" banner and took this for a thriller. Still, it wasn't as bad as I would've thought.

The writing was very good, the story itself wasn't half bad. I did find it annoyingly repetitive at times; it went over and over about the shattered dreams, the broken marriage, the unebareable pain, how he left...
And the female MC acted and spoke as a middle-aged woman but she was supposed to be under 30. At the same time the older secondary character felt like such a stereotype and I found her to be a bit contradictory (she's portrayed as a very paranoid person who is afraid of someone breaking into her house but at the beginning the MC says she won't stop going alone into the woods because she is not afraid).

I could've lived without the preaching. And the ending was a bit too "tied up with a bow". But overall, it was a fine read.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Night Stalker is such an aching heart story. Your heart ends up in your throat in one big huge lump and that starts at word one and ends at the end. You will not believe why GOD does take care of them and they are given second chances - and isn't that what GOD does with us all - 7x77 :). These characters are so hurting - hard to get up each day or to lie down each night. Will they find each other through this pain? Will they accept the LORD's help through their trials? I know - will you? 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

[Anne - ReadingfortheWeekend · Rating 3 out of 5]

Picked this audiobook up from my library after stumbling upon the Christian Mystery genre and wanted to to see what it was about.

It is a mystery that starts out with a woman almost being abducted by a serial killer - so don’t think the label of Christian Mystery means it’s going to be watered down!

I thought this was a great, quick read, light thriller/mystery. It was well written and had an interesting plot!

Mentions of God and faith are sprinkled into the story which was refreshing, but it is not done in obtrusive way so don’t let that hold you back if you aren’t of the same religion. There is also no explicit language which is rare these days, especially when books involve serial killers!

I’d say this is akin to Hallmark mysteries where everything wraps up nicely.

I’ll definitely be checking out more in this series!

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am looking forward to the rest of the series. Adam and Charlotte's struggle to recover from tragedy and find the way back to each other was what I loved most about this story. Both of them are strong and weak at the same time. I loved that while Adam was protecting Charlotte, she didn't come across as a damsel in distress. That does mean she wasn't scared while a serial killer was stalking her, but I loved how the author showed that both the man and woman could be strong and unsure at the same time. That they found their faith while they were separated, and their faith made the relationship stronger was inspirational and comforting.

[Marilyn Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book one in the FBI: Special Crimes Unit. It is a great place to start. If you like FBI type suspenseful, mysterious books with romance you will like this one.

Charlotte Murray is in the wrong place at the right time. When this puts her in the path of a serial killer she is in for more than she dreamed.

Special Agent Adam Whitfield is the handsome FBI agent that has been searching for this particular killer. When his ex-wife, Charlotte is now in danger he must do all he can to protect her.

Adam and Charlotte have been through a lot in their life. Will this time together help them heal and move on or cause more heartache?

I look forward to reading more from this series.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super good! Charlotte interrupts a man in the middle of an abduction and is nearly killed as a result. Now the serial killer has set his eyes on Charlotte for ruining his mission. Special Agent Adam Whitfield has been tracking the killer for sometime now and is determined to keep his ex- wife safe no matter what she does or thinks about. Neither of are prepared for the love that they still have for one another and they might not have a second chance at love if the serial killer gets his way.