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Broslin Creek #1
Deathwatch
As the only person who can identify the most notorious hit man in the country, Kat Bridges is running for her life.
Murphy Dolan is in the Army Reserves, returning from his 2nd tour of duty, only to find a stranger hiding in his house. She's scared spitless. He's completely burned-out on violence. Neither of them has any trust left to give.
If the best of the FBI couldn't protect her from the country’s most notorious assassin, does a burned-out small town cop have a prayer?
Murphy Dolan is in the Army Reserves, returning from his 2nd tour of duty, only to find a stranger hiding in his house. She's scared spitless. He's completely burned-out on violence. Neither of them has any trust left to give.
If the best of the FBI couldn't protect her from the country’s most notorious assassin, does a burned-out small town cop have a prayer?
150 pages, ebook
First published August 16, 2013
629 people are currently reading
2203 people want to read
About the author
Dana Marton
146 books835 followers Dana Marton writes fast-paced action-adventure romances that take her readers all over the globe. She is a Rita Award finalist and the winner of the Daphne du Maurier Award of Excellence. She loves writing stories of intrigue, filled with dangerous plots that try her tough-as-nails heroes and the special women they fall in love with. Her books have been published in seven languages in eleven countries around the world.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 284 reviews
June 19, 2014
The first book in the series Broslin Creek #1 by Dana Marton. Kat Bridges witnesses a murder and the FBI fails to catch the bad guy so Kat goes on the run to hide until the FBI can do their job. Murphy Dolan has just got back from duty in the Army Reserves and finds a stranger in his house. He senses that something is up and hero mode kicks in...
I was looking through my numerous ebooks trying to find something that would appeal to me and ran into this one. I wasn't sure about it but figured what the hey, if I don't like it I'll go on to something else. Surprise! I actually quite enjoyed it. I was in the mood for romantic suspense and this was it. I think a decent balance but probably slightly more romance than suspense/thriller/mystery. I really liked the characters, even the extras. It didn't quite earn 5 stars but I feel good about 4. And I will certainly continue this series. Yes, I highly recommend this book.
I was looking through my numerous ebooks trying to find something that would appeal to me and ran into this one. I wasn't sure about it but figured what the hey, if I don't like it I'll go on to something else. Surprise! I actually quite enjoyed it. I was in the mood for romantic suspense and this was it. I think a decent balance but probably slightly more romance than suspense/thriller/mystery. I really liked the characters, even the extras. It didn't quite earn 5 stars but I feel good about 4. And I will certainly continue this series. Yes, I highly recommend this book.
February 14, 2025
This is a short novel/novella length book I've had on my "To Read" Shelf forever. On my recent road trip I wanted something not to heavy and definitely something I could pick up and put down without losing my place in the story. Well, I ended up getting drawn in and had trouble putting it down. I happen to like the short length R/S stories, and this one was perfect. Great suspense, good heat and characters I could root for. And, a twist for the ending. Just a great, short read.
Kat Bridges hasn't got much confidence in the system. As a foster kid, if failed her during her childhood. Kat and her sister finally hit the jackpot with a loving adoptive family, but the scars and distrust remained for Kat. While meeting with a former foster brother, he is murdered, and Kat can ID the killer. The Feds take over and she is "protected". That didn't work at all, and Kat is on the run.
Murphy Dolan is home after an Army Reserves deployment where he was injured and lost his buddies. All he wants is his own bed and the nightmares to end. What he gets is a fiery woman who insists his house is hers for another three months and she isn't leaving. Period.
What we have is rock meet hard place. Their standoff resolves bit by bit as they get to know each other and the threat to Kat gets closer and personal. What military man can resist a damsel in distress? And, what damsel in distress can pass up to protection of a hot, kind, patient military man?
Kat Bridges hasn't got much confidence in the system. As a foster kid, if failed her during her childhood. Kat and her sister finally hit the jackpot with a loving adoptive family, but the scars and distrust remained for Kat. While meeting with a former foster brother, he is murdered, and Kat can ID the killer. The Feds take over and she is "protected". That didn't work at all, and Kat is on the run.
Murphy Dolan is home after an Army Reserves deployment where he was injured and lost his buddies. All he wants is his own bed and the nightmares to end. What he gets is a fiery woman who insists his house is hers for another three months and she isn't leaving. Period.
What we have is rock meet hard place. Their standoff resolves bit by bit as they get to know each other and the threat to Kat gets closer and personal. What military man can resist a damsel in distress? And, what damsel in distress can pass up to protection of a hot, kind, patient military man?
December 11, 2015
Kate Bridges is on the run. She saw the man who killed her friend .. a man who is a huge in a world of unsavory dealings. Before the FBI had identified the killer, there was an attempt on Kate's life.
Changing her looks, her name, she winds up in Broslin Creek working as a waitress.
Murphy Dolan, a former cop, has survived his time in Afghanistan and looking forward to going home. Surprise! When he enters his home, he finds a strange woman in his bed brandishing a gun.
Murphy and Kate start out on the wrong foot, but she manages to tell him why she's on the run. Being a red-blooded male, his protective feelings come to the forefront and he will do whatever necessary to keep her from being killed.
But someone already knows where she is.
Murphy and Kate are terrific characters. The two of them have issues .. her's is trust and his is PTSD. He's also a bit on the controlling side. Kate is a strong woman. She's had to be in order to survive her traumatic childhood and now running from a cold-blooded killer.
Broslin Creek is a fairly small town in Pennsylvania ... a place where everyone knows everyone else .... but then again maybe not.
Suspense builds until the explosive ending. The book is very well written. The characters are believable. Lots of sexual tension.
This is the second book I've read from this author. Although a series, each book is a stand-alone. For anyone who likes Romantic Suspense, you need to give this author a try.
My thanks to the author and her assistant who furnished a digital copy in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
Changing her looks, her name, she winds up in Broslin Creek working as a waitress.
Murphy Dolan, a former cop, has survived his time in Afghanistan and looking forward to going home. Surprise! When he enters his home, he finds a strange woman in his bed brandishing a gun.
Murphy and Kate start out on the wrong foot, but she manages to tell him why she's on the run. Being a red-blooded male, his protective feelings come to the forefront and he will do whatever necessary to keep her from being killed.
But someone already knows where she is.
Murphy and Kate are terrific characters. The two of them have issues .. her's is trust and his is PTSD. He's also a bit on the controlling side. Kate is a strong woman. She's had to be in order to survive her traumatic childhood and now running from a cold-blooded killer.
Broslin Creek is a fairly small town in Pennsylvania ... a place where everyone knows everyone else .... but then again maybe not.
Suspense builds until the explosive ending. The book is very well written. The characters are believable. Lots of sexual tension.
This is the second book I've read from this author. Although a series, each book is a stand-alone. For anyone who likes Romantic Suspense, you need to give this author a try.
My thanks to the author and her assistant who furnished a digital copy in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
January 29, 2024
You can find this review in English below.
Este es el libro de la saga que más me gusta. Te atrapa desde el minuto uno, te tiene todo el tiempo mirando por encima del hombro, y te deja con la boca abierta al final porque no te lo veías venir!
Lo que me gusta: La protagonista no es la típica damisela en apuros, sus acciones están justificadas; el protagonista, no es en exceso, aunque sí un poco, el típico macho alfa desesperante; el suspense-misterio está conseguido, porque a pesar de conocer el punto de vista del asesino, o al menos su opinión de vez en cuando, nada está claro hasta el final; y el romance no parece forzado y además interactúan entre ellos, fundamental para hacerte tu propia idea de qué se está cociendo...
Recomendable, entretenido.
:)
***
This is the book of the series which I like better. It got me hooked from the start and I expend the rest of the time looking over my shoulder. At the end, it left me open-mouthed…I did not see that coming…
What I like: the heroine is not the typical damsel in distress, her actions are justified; the hero although is a bit on the alpha side is not infuriatingly caveman; the suspense is realistic and intriguing, because despite knowing the point of view of the killer, or at least his/her opinion from time to time, nothing is clear until the end and the romance doesn't seem forced and they expend a lot of time interacting with each other so you can get your own idea of what´s going on...
Este es el libro de la saga que más me gusta. Te atrapa desde el minuto uno, te tiene todo el tiempo mirando por encima del hombro, y te deja con la boca abierta al final porque no te lo veías venir!
Lo que me gusta: La protagonista no es la típica damisela en apuros, sus acciones están justificadas; el protagonista, no es en exceso, aunque sí un poco, el típico macho alfa desesperante; el suspense-misterio está conseguido, porque a pesar de conocer el punto de vista del asesino, o al menos su opinión de vez en cuando, nada está claro hasta el final; y el romance no parece forzado y además interactúan entre ellos, fundamental para hacerte tu propia idea de qué se está cociendo...
Recomendable, entretenido.
:)
***
This is the book of the series which I like better. It got me hooked from the start and I expend the rest of the time looking over my shoulder. At the end, it left me open-mouthed…I did not see that coming…
What I like: the heroine is not the typical damsel in distress, her actions are justified; the hero although is a bit on the alpha side is not infuriatingly caveman; the suspense is realistic and intriguing, because despite knowing the point of view of the killer, or at least his/her opinion from time to time, nothing is clear until the end and the romance doesn't seem forced and they expend a lot of time interacting with each other so you can get your own idea of what´s going on...
September 11, 2014
3.5 it had so much more potential stars! This book started out great, sucked me in right away. The cover is totally cheesy to me but it is really a great story and then it just kind of dropped off at the end and I did not get he closure I wanted but I know, its a series and our characters some back. But, in all honesty I wanted more than the 168 odd pages offered. This could be a 300 page book that completes the journey that is needed to be taken instead of making it into a series. In addition, I still do not get the big deal with the tractor trio but that may be a set up for book two.
That being said, it is still a worthy book for 3.5 stars as their is suspense, mystery, and sexual chemistry that shouldn't go un-noticed.
Murph is in the Reserves, returning from his tour of duty to his Victorian home in Pennsylvania, only to find a stranger hiding in his house- sleeping in his bed. Murph is greeted with a gun to his face and a wide eyed starnger. She rented the home from Murph's brother when his brother had no right to rent the home. Murph and Kat's chemistry is obvious but she is hiding from a hit man who go to her even under the guard of teh FBI. Can Murph save her from herself and from the assasin that is after her? The book has many twists and turns throughout but it keeps you intrgued to find out if she will finally be save. Biggest issue, their story isn't resolved completely and it was too short.
That being said, it is still a worthy book for 3.5 stars as their is suspense, mystery, and sexual chemistry that shouldn't go un-noticed.
Murph is in the Reserves, returning from his tour of duty to his Victorian home in Pennsylvania, only to find a stranger hiding in his house- sleeping in his bed. Murph is greeted with a gun to his face and a wide eyed starnger. She rented the home from Murph's brother when his brother had no right to rent the home. Murph and Kat's chemistry is obvious but she is hiding from a hit man who go to her even under the guard of teh FBI. Can Murph save her from herself and from the assasin that is after her? The book has many twists and turns throughout but it keeps you intrgued to find out if she will finally be save. Biggest issue, their story isn't resolved completely and it was too short.
July 25, 2020
Deathwatch by Dana Marton is the first book in the Broslin Creek series and sucked me right in from the first page. Kate and Murphy are a perfect team once they develop trust in each other. The action was almost nonstop and the reveal was a shock for me. The writing is solid and fluid so I kept turning the pages to know more. The secondary characters were supportive of the plot and allowed me to see different aspects of Kate and Murphy. I already have the second book in the series and I'm ready to get started on it.
June 3, 2017
Meh. The mystery itself was interesting - who is stalking the only witness to a murder committed by the FBI's most wanted? It was the relationship between Kate and Murphy that bugged me.
"She's hot, quirky and needs protecting", thinks Murphy the hero. "Even though I'm pissed at my brother for renting out my house without my knowledge or permission (and HOW LONG did he wait to confront his brother?), and I want this unknown person out of my house, I have these feelings stirring my Magic Wang, it must be protectiveness and my medically-discharged-Army-Reserves-cop-self is the only one who can help. Except I'm an idiot though convinced I'm right, and it's my own fuck-up that leads to the crises point, not that I'm every going to acknowledge or apologize for it."
"I"m running for my life from this super-scary dude, and when I'm woken up suddenly in the middle of the night by a dude in the bedroom of the house I'm renting on the down-low, I just threaten him with a gun rather than shooting his ass and running for my life some more." muses Kate the heroine (Katherine is her real actual name so she's not too good with the alias thing). "I rented the house in good faith and didn't get into it about actual paperwork because I'm in hiding and don't have good ID or anything, but I'm desperate to stay in this location rather than moving to where it's safer because I have a job and have made friends. Oh, this guy is theoretically qualified to protect me and all these friends I've made, but I should leave to protect them all. But my Magic Hoo-ha wants him even if my brain doesn't because he's super-alpha and I'm not a doormat most of the time."
Ugh. Not my kind of story, and I won't be reading the sequels. This gets 2 stars because Kate managed to get herself away at the beginning, and also survive for 18 months on the run by herself. That's pretty impressive, because I don't think I could have done it.
"She's hot, quirky and needs protecting", thinks Murphy the hero. "Even though I'm pissed at my brother for renting out my house without my knowledge or permission (and HOW LONG did he wait to confront his brother?), and I want this unknown person out of my house, I have these feelings stirring my Magic Wang, it must be protectiveness and my medically-discharged-Army-Reserves-cop-self is the only one who can help. Except I'm an idiot though convinced I'm right, and it's my own fuck-up that leads to the crises point, not that I'm every going to acknowledge or apologize for it."
"I"m running for my life from this super-scary dude, and when I'm woken up suddenly in the middle of the night by a dude in the bedroom of the house I'm renting on the down-low, I just threaten him with a gun rather than shooting his ass and running for my life some more." muses Kate the heroine (Katherine is her real actual name so she's not too good with the alias thing). "I rented the house in good faith and didn't get into it about actual paperwork because I'm in hiding and don't have good ID or anything, but I'm desperate to stay in this location rather than moving to where it's safer because I have a job and have made friends. Oh, this guy is theoretically qualified to protect me and all these friends I've made, but I should leave to protect them all. But my Magic Hoo-ha wants him even if my brain doesn't because he's super-alpha and I'm not a doormat most of the time."
Ugh. Not my kind of story, and I won't be reading the sequels. This gets 2 stars because Kate managed to get herself away at the beginning, and also survive for 18 months on the run by herself. That's pretty impressive, because I don't think I could have done it.
February 25, 2016
Two-haiku review:
She hides from hit man
He comes home, she's in his house
Can he protect her?
Went very quickly
Plot not completely resolved
Good action, bad guy
She hides from hit man
He comes home, she's in his house
Can he protect her?
Went very quickly
Plot not completely resolved
Good action, bad guy
March 20, 2015
3.5 stars. This was an enjoyable read and one of my favorite premises...the woman on the run and the returning from war hero. I would like to continue the series:)
April 26, 2022
I'm a longtime fan of Dana Marton's writing, and was happy I saw this online. I've read and loved several of her Broslin Creek books, but somehow I missed this first one featuring Murph Dolan (such a hunky, wounded, complex hero--loved him!) and Kate Bridges (in hiding from a hit man she witnessed kill a friend of hers). I'm glad I found it! It felt sort of like a reunion to go back and visit Broslin Creek and the law enforcement heroes and heroines there. It was a treat to discover a new read in a world I love.
June 15, 2014
“It’s like a deathwatch. You know, when relatives gather to wait for someone to die? I feel like I’m always waiting for my own death. I’ve been to my own funeral, and now I’m doing my own deathwatch. It’s all backwards.”
With a kindle full of books I have yet to read, I still one-clicked Deathwatch when I read the blurb and saw it was on sale.
The blurb drew me in…I’m a sucker for a damsel in distress, a hit man, and a sexy military lead. How can you go wrong?
Deathwatch was a fast paced, well written story. I consider it a novella at 156 pages. While this falls under romantic suspense and a romance definitely develops, this book is lighter in steam than I normally read. That being said, I didn’t feel like I missed out on anything at all. Although far-fetched, I really enjoyed the story line.
This is book three in the Broslin Creek Trilogy series. I haven’t read the other two books. I did read that this book takes place before book one and two so I’m glad I ended up reading this one first. I actually went back and found that I had book one already on my kindle. I think the author offered it as a free download at one point. I definitely plan to go back and read book one and two when I have some time.
UPDATE : I just noticed that Amazon now has this book listed as book one in the Broslin Creek Trilogy. The author must have changed the reading order when this book came out.
A 3.5 STAR READ.
July 1, 2014
I got it on my kindle it was a freebie, the plot sounded interesting and so I downloaded it. I'm glad I did, the book is just awesome with the thrill, suspense and romance.
The story started with name of the book Deathwatch, as Kate is watching her own funeral. She is the only eye witness of a murder of her friend and she is the person who have seen the murderer, and that person knows that. He is after her to kill the only person who have seen him. Watching her funeral is the only option to catch the criminal. And he is not any street criminal but is wanted in many countries and what are the odds with her. After the failure to catch him at her own funeral she goes into hiding. Now she can't rely on FBI for her protection she takes matter into her hand and is on the run. On her hiding she find herself in a house of a soldier and a cop Murphy Dolan. They plan to catch the man because from many suspicious encounters they know he have found her and just in matter of a time he will kill her. But will he be able to catch him even FBI couldn't. You have to read it.
I loved the story, loved the characters Kate and Murphy. A nice read and want to know what happened. In the end there is a note about them in other stories so can't wait to know.
I so want to read other book in this series. I already know they are going to be awesome from the writing of the author as it totally hooked me. ( Few facts are wrong to avoid spoilers. )
The story started with name of the book Deathwatch, as Kate is watching her own funeral. She is the only eye witness of a murder of her friend and she is the person who have seen the murderer, and that person knows that. He is after her to kill the only person who have seen him. Watching her funeral is the only option to catch the criminal. And he is not any street criminal but is wanted in many countries and what are the odds with her. After the failure to catch him at her own funeral she goes into hiding. Now she can't rely on FBI for her protection she takes matter into her hand and is on the run. On her hiding she find herself in a house of a soldier and a cop Murphy Dolan. They plan to catch the man because from many suspicious encounters they know he have found her and just in matter of a time he will kill her. But will he be able to catch him even FBI couldn't. You have to read it.
I loved the story, loved the characters Kate and Murphy. A nice read and want to know what happened. In the end there is a note about them in other stories so can't wait to know.
I so want to read other book in this series. I already know they are going to be awesome from the writing of the author as it totally hooked me. ( Few facts are wrong to avoid spoilers. )
December 21, 2022
3.5⭐️
Kate is running from the most notorious hit man in the country. She just wants to be safe and have her life back. Murph never expected to come home from a deployment to a woman in his bed. He can see her secrets and lies before she even thinks of them.
Really enjoyed this! Kate is so strong, I wouldn’t be able to handle everything she’s gone through. I love how protective Murph is and their chemistry together.
Kate is running from the most notorious hit man in the country. She just wants to be safe and have her life back. Murph never expected to come home from a deployment to a woman in his bed. He can see her secrets and lies before she even thinks of them.
Really enjoyed this! Kate is so strong, I wouldn’t be able to handle everything she’s gone through. I love how protective Murph is and their chemistry together.
Want to read
June 21, 2019🎁 FREE on Amazon today (6/21/2019)! 🎁
May 11, 2024
This was one of those books that ended too soon. It was short, had a lot of action packed in it, suspense, and the start of a relationship. The book ends but it doesn’t feel finished. I know the characters reappear later in the series but I want more now.
March 5, 2017
This is the first book that I have read from this author and can't wait to read more. Mysteries and thrillers (or military) are books that I would typically read but this one had me hooked from the first page. Its more of a romance thriller and is a quick but great read that definitely leaves you wanting to continue reading more from this series and author. Does have a few explicit sexual scenes.
February 18, 2017
This book was great!! Didn't think I would like it at first. But, it drew me in. There wasn't a lot of violence. But, just enough intrigue to keep me reading the book. Not a lot sex, but just enough sexual tension between the two characters.
Kate saw an assassin kill her childhood friend. She's on the run because the FBI couldn't protect her. The FBI faked her death. They had a funeral for her. The assassin blew up cars at her funeral knowing she wasn't dead. Then she ran..
Murph, comes home from serving his time Afghanistan. He finds a woman bed. It's Kate. She pulls a gun on him. He's not sure why considering his house should be vacant. His brother sublet is house. All he wanted was some quiet time to get his head straight. He went through hell and back in a hand basket. He doesn't need this type of trouble. What's a man too do???
Kate saw an assassin kill her childhood friend. She's on the run because the FBI couldn't protect her. The FBI faked her death. They had a funeral for her. The assassin blew up cars at her funeral knowing she wasn't dead. Then she ran..
Murph, comes home from serving his time Afghanistan. He finds a woman bed. It's Kate. She pulls a gun on him. He's not sure why considering his house should be vacant. His brother sublet is house. All he wanted was some quiet time to get his head straight. He went through hell and back in a hand basket. He doesn't need this type of trouble. What's a man too do???
February 4, 2016
Pretty good read..
I liked Kate and Murphy, and I liked that she told Murphy her story instead of insisting on leaving and taking care of herself, like soooo many authors tend to write, which I find totally stupid. Women who have no training cannot take care of themselves against a killer, I don’t care how big her gun is.
But at about 80% I was getting so frustrated I almost quit reading. I mean, Agent Cirelli of the FBI was soooo stupid you just wanted to jump into the book and slap her silly. Then I got PO’d at Murph because he really didn’t try hard enough to convince the FBI that he didn’t know where Kate was and they needed to be out looking for her. At least 20 minutes passed at the police station, time enough for Mordocai to rape and kill Kate 2 or 3 times and no one was even looking for her. The whole scenario was just so stupid it was ridiculous.
And this is NOT a cliffhanger but it did leave unanswered questions and said Murph and Kate would show up again in another book where the questions would be answered. I don’t like that.
As I said, there was some sexual tension in this book but their first time together was disappointing, since it was a 3-minute-quicky, with the FBI out in the other room. They did have sex again at about 95% but it was nothing to write home about.
I really can’t see myself reading anymore from this author because her EBOOKS are just too expensive. I won’t pay $5.00 for a book with 204 pages or $4.84 for 172 pages. This one was free, that’s the only reason I decided to try this author. It had its draggy moments but I was interested in finding out who the assassin was in town.
As to the narration: Mostly she did ok with the voices but a lot of time she sounded like she was reading around a mouthful of spit. That was very annoying. I’m not sure I could listen to her again.
I liked Kate and Murphy, and I liked that she told Murphy her story instead of insisting on leaving and taking care of herself, like soooo many authors tend to write, which I find totally stupid. Women who have no training cannot take care of themselves against a killer, I don’t care how big her gun is.
But at about 80% I was getting so frustrated I almost quit reading. I mean, Agent Cirelli of the FBI was soooo stupid you just wanted to jump into the book and slap her silly. Then I got PO’d at Murph because he really didn’t try hard enough to convince the FBI that he didn’t know where Kate was and they needed to be out looking for her. At least 20 minutes passed at the police station, time enough for Mordocai to rape and kill Kate 2 or 3 times and no one was even looking for her. The whole scenario was just so stupid it was ridiculous.
And this is NOT a cliffhanger but it did leave unanswered questions and said Murph and Kate would show up again in another book where the questions would be answered. I don’t like that.
As I said, there was some sexual tension in this book but their first time together was disappointing, since it was a 3-minute-quicky, with the FBI out in the other room. They did have sex again at about 95% but it was nothing to write home about.
I really can’t see myself reading anymore from this author because her EBOOKS are just too expensive. I won’t pay $5.00 for a book with 204 pages or $4.84 for 172 pages. This one was free, that’s the only reason I decided to try this author. It had its draggy moments but I was interested in finding out who the assassin was in town.
As to the narration: Mostly she did ok with the voices but a lot of time she sounded like she was reading around a mouthful of spit. That was very annoying. I’m not sure I could listen to her again.
August 26, 2013
The Book Grabs You From Page One!
Summary: Kate is the ultimate damsel in distress. The most notorious assassin is after her and has already had a couple of near misses. He can’t afford for her to live. She’s the one person in the world who can identify him. Murphy is a local town cop who was away on a guardsman’s deployment, sent home injured in mind and body after losing the men in his unit. He returns home to convalesce and finds his brother has rented his house out from under him. Kate and Murphy end up with a series of choices, and they aren’t easy choices for two wounded souls.
This book was given to me as an ARC for an honest review. Right from the beginning of the book, it grabbed me, and sucked me in. Being a veteran myself, I identified with Murphy and Kate as they deal with their issues. The emotions and choices are very real and believable for the circumstances given. The action is brilliant, and the surprise twist is the cherry on top. In my opinion, this is one of the best I’ve read in 2013. If you want entertainment this book is it. If you want to sleep at night, don’t start it before bed, it will be tough to put down.
December 16, 2013
Deathwatch was a short, fast-paced book (it takes place over the span of a few days). Kate is in hiding from an assassin after witnessing a murder, Murphy is just returning (injured) from war.
I liked both characters. Kate is a strong, smart woman. I appreciated that she wasn't some weepy, whiny victim. Murph has PTSD issues, but is an all-around good guy. He and Kate have chemistry together.
Because the book is short, I feel like some character development was missing. Kate had a horrible childhood (lots of time in the foster system) and I would have like to have delved into that a bit more. I would have liked to have gotten to "know" Kate and Murph better.
There are subplots about the police Captain and a bank-robbing gang that are mentioned, but there needed to be more information about them for me to care. They kind of seemed like filler.
The ending isn't necessarily a cliffhanger, but Kate and Murph's situation is only partly resolved. The author did mention they would appear in further books, but reading the descriptions of the next two books, they are about completely different characters. I wish this would have had a more final ending.
I liked both characters. Kate is a strong, smart woman. I appreciated that she wasn't some weepy, whiny victim. Murph has PTSD issues, but is an all-around good guy. He and Kate have chemistry together.
Because the book is short, I feel like some character development was missing. Kate had a horrible childhood (lots of time in the foster system) and I would have like to have delved into that a bit more. I would have liked to have gotten to "know" Kate and Murph better.
There are subplots about the police Captain and a bank-robbing gang that are mentioned, but there needed to be more information about them for me to care. They kind of seemed like filler.
The ending isn't necessarily a cliffhanger, but Kate and Murph's situation is only partly resolved. The author did mention they would appear in further books, but reading the descriptions of the next two books, they are about completely different characters. I wish this would have had a more final ending.
February 26, 2015
3.5 สนุกดี(ชอบแนวนี้อยู่แล้วด้วย) แต่เรื่องสั้นไปหน่อย น่าจะยาวกว่านี้
นางเอก เคท เป็นคนเดียวที่เห็นเหตุการณ์ฆาตกรรมของเพื่อน และโดนตามฆ่า FBI จึงแกล้งทำให้เหตุการณ์ที่นางเอกโดนลอบฆ่านั้นทำเป็นว่านางเอกตาย และให้คนร้ายปรากฏตัวในงานศพของนางเอกที่จัดขึ้นในขณะที่นางเอกและ FBI คอยจับตาดูอยู่ ซึ่งคนในครอบครัวนางเอกไม่มีใครรู้เรื่องนี้และคิดว่านางเอกตายจริงๆ แต่ FBI ล้มเหลวในการจับตัวคนร้าย นางเอกจึงตัดสินใจหลบหนีซ่อนตัวจนกว่า FBI จะจับตัวคนร้ายได้ 18 เดือนผ่านไป พระเอกกลับมาจากกองทัพ ได้รับบาดเจ็บทั้งกายและใจหลังจากเพื่อนที่อยู่ในทีมเดียวกันตาย กลับมาเจอนางเอกนอนหลับอยู่บนเตียงของตัวเอง แถมยังโดนเอาปืนจ่อหน้าอีก สุดท้ายก็เคลียร์กันได้ว่านางเอกเช่าบ้านของพระเอกจากน้องชายของพระเอกอีกทีหนึ่ง พระเอกต้องการให้นางเอกออกไป แต่นางเอกไม่ยอม จนสุดท้ายพระเอกรู้ความจริงว่านางเอกโดนตามฆ่า พระเอกเลยยอมให้นางเอกอยู่และช่วยเหลือนางเอก
จบแบบได้อยู่ด้วยกัน แต่คนตัวการตามฆ่านางเอกยังไม่ตาย พระเอกนางเอกเปลี่ยนชื่อแล้วย้ายไปอยู่ที่อื่น ต้องรอติดตามในเล่มอื่นๆต่อไป คิดว่าน่าจะมีเรื่องของสองคนนี้โผล่มาด้วย (จากโน๊ตตอนท้ายเล่ม เห็นเขียนว่างั้นนะ)
นางเอก เคท เป็นคนเดียวที่เห็นเหตุการณ์ฆาตกรรมของเพื่อน และโดนตามฆ่า FBI จึงแกล้งทำให้เหตุการณ์ที่นางเอกโดนลอบฆ่านั้นทำเป็นว่านางเอกตาย และให้คนร้ายปรากฏตัวในงานศพของนางเอกที่จัดขึ้นในขณะที่นางเอกและ FBI คอยจับตาดูอยู่ ซึ่งคนในครอบครัวนางเอกไม่มีใครรู้เรื่องนี้และคิดว่านางเอกตายจริงๆ แต่ FBI ล้มเหลวในการจับตัวคนร้าย นางเอกจึงตัดสินใจหลบหนีซ่อนตัวจนกว่า FBI จะจับตัวคนร้ายได้ 18 เดือนผ่านไป พระเอกกลับมาจากกองทัพ ได้รับบาดเจ็บทั้งกายและใจหลังจากเพื่อนที่อยู่ในทีมเดียวกันตาย กลับมาเจอนางเอกนอนหลับอยู่บนเตียงของตัวเอง แถมยังโดนเอาปืนจ่อหน้าอีก สุดท้ายก็เคลียร์กันได้ว่านางเอกเช่าบ้านของพระเอกจากน้องชายของพระเอกอีกทีหนึ่ง พระเอกต้องการให้นางเอกออกไป แต่นางเอกไม่ยอม จนสุดท้ายพระเอกรู้ความจริงว่านางเอกโดนตามฆ่า พระเอกเลยยอมให้นางเอกอยู่และช่วยเหลือนางเอก
จบแบบได้อยู่ด้วยกัน แต่คนตัวการตามฆ่านางเอกยังไม่ตาย พระเอกนางเอกเปลี่ยนชื่อแล้วย้ายไปอยู่ที่อื่น ต้องรอติดตามในเล่มอื่นๆต่อไป คิดว่าน่าจะมีเรื่องของสองคนนี้โผล่มาด้วย (จากโน๊ตตอนท้ายเล่ม เห็นเขียนว่างั้นนะ)
May 7, 2014
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for a review.
Kate is running for her life after witnessing a murder. All she wants is to remain hidden until the FBI catches the murderer. Murphy Dolan is returning from Afghanistan where he was wounded. All he wants is peace and quiet to heal. What he doesn’t expect is to find Kate living in his house. Murphy is not thrilled to discover that his brother has rented out his house in his absence.And now he wants her gone. But Murphy’s ‘cop-instincts’ kick and it quickly becomes apparent that there is more to Kate’s story then she is telling him. There is no other option then for him to help protect her.
“Deathwatch” grabbed my attention from the first page and from there on I just held on for dear life. I loved the characters of Kate Bridges and Murphy Dolan and the plot quickly drew me into the action. This story is about two wounded people who must learn to trust each other.
Kate is running for her life after witnessing a murder. All she wants is to remain hidden until the FBI catches the murderer. Murphy Dolan is returning from Afghanistan where he was wounded. All he wants is peace and quiet to heal. What he doesn’t expect is to find Kate living in his house. Murphy is not thrilled to discover that his brother has rented out his house in his absence.And now he wants her gone. But Murphy’s ‘cop-instincts’ kick and it quickly becomes apparent that there is more to Kate’s story then she is telling him. There is no other option then for him to help protect her.
“Deathwatch” grabbed my attention from the first page and from there on I just held on for dear life. I loved the characters of Kate Bridges and Murphy Dolan and the plot quickly drew me into the action. This story is about two wounded people who must learn to trust each other.
May 27, 2014
Left much to be desired but does have potential
While this was a decent read it never sucked me into the storyline. For an action packed read it never once had me feeling involved in this plot. Nor did any of of the romantic aspect. Upon completion I just felt as if something were missing. It was ok. Just not something I would personally recommend. Ideally, I would rate this a 3.5 star read, but since it was offered as a freebie I'm going to round this up to a 4 star.
While this was a decent read it never sucked me into the storyline. For an action packed read it never once had me feeling involved in this plot. Nor did any of of the romantic aspect. Upon completion I just felt as if something were missing. It was ok. Just not something I would personally recommend. Ideally, I would rate this a 3.5 star read, but since it was offered as a freebie I'm going to round this up to a 4 star.
May 22, 2017
I made the mistake of reading the first line of this book when I knew I had tons of things on my to-do list for the day. Needless to say, the to-do list waited, the book did not and finished it in one sitting! Ms. Marton is a new author for me and I know I will be adding more to my TBR shelf today! the action starts fast and keeps going with enough twists and turns to keep you guessing. More action/suspense than steam, though there is that, too, but definitely a good read!
August 31, 2014
★★★★☆ Enjoyed Kate & Murphy's story; looking forward to an update on their HEA. Thanks for this "new-to-me author" rec, Pamela.
August 10, 2017
Kat Bridges is the only person able to identify the FBI's most wanted assassin, but despite their protection there is a nearly successful attempt on her life. Now on the run from both the FBI and the assassin she takes refuge in the small town of Broslin Creek. When Murphy Dolan returns injured from active duty and finds her in his house he is at first annoyed but then realises that she needs help. With certain knowledge that she is being tracked by a killer, they both become closer than either of them is prepared for.
The first thing to say about this novel is that the cover does it a disservice in my opinion. It isn't some slushy romance - certainly there are romantic parts but the main part of the story is the gradual unfolding of both Kat and Dolan, their interactions in the small town and the realisation that one of the other people in the town is trying to kill Kat.
All this makes for something of a breathtaking read. The characters - even the minor ones - are realised well, especially as any of them could be gunning for Kat. The main characters work very well and as the story is told from both of their points of view it gives a good insight into what makes them tick - and also how they each need the other in lots of ways.
The assassin plot works well and keeps both the reader and Kat and Dolan on their toes. The action scenes are handled with relish, told in a fast moving but simple style so that they don't get too confusing. All the character interactions are good and realistic.
Definitely a good read if you are looking for a thriller with an undercurrent of romance
The first thing to say about this novel is that the cover does it a disservice in my opinion. It isn't some slushy romance - certainly there are romantic parts but the main part of the story is the gradual unfolding of both Kat and Dolan, their interactions in the small town and the realisation that one of the other people in the town is trying to kill Kat.
All this makes for something of a breathtaking read. The characters - even the minor ones - are realised well, especially as any of them could be gunning for Kat. The main characters work very well and as the story is told from both of their points of view it gives a good insight into what makes them tick - and also how they each need the other in lots of ways.
The assassin plot works well and keeps both the reader and Kat and Dolan on their toes. The action scenes are handled with relish, told in a fast moving but simple style so that they don't get too confusing. All the character interactions are good and realistic.
Definitely a good read if you are looking for a thriller with an undercurrent of romance
March 19, 2018
The opening line in "Deathwatch" is a classic hook, something every writer strives for: "Kate Bridges thought attending her own funeral would be the hardest part." How could you not keep reading? And the rest of the story lived up to the suspense with a thrilling plot premise that pulled me in. Kate Bridges reluctantly agreed to go along with her faked death to help the FBI catch a killer, but the killer struck again right under their noses. That's when Kate decided FBI protection wasn't all that terrific and she'd take her chances on her own. After 18 months on the run, using fake Id's in a cash-only existence, the real owner of Kate's rented house returns from deployment in Afghanistan. Murph Dolan is looking forward to finding some much needed peace and solitude while rehabbing his old house but he finds Kate in his bed and she's got a gun aimed at him. The story moves along swiftly with no dead spots, the characters are fully developed and believable. The tension mounts quickly but never feels contrived and the romantic element flows naturally. The dialogue is the only weak spot, in that there is no swearing.. None, nada, zip and that just lacks authenticity. A cop/soldier who never swears, not even a mild "damn"? Really? And Kate's expletives are limited to inanities such as "Oh, fudge!". C'mon now, as they say here in Georgia, that dog won't hunt. But, the writing structure and sentence quality saved it for me. I'm a nit-picky reader, always on the alert for sloppy writing but author Dana Martin's writing is smooth, concise and polished. I'm looking forward to the next in the series.
March 8, 2018
Deathwatch, first of this series of mysteries, is an enjoyable thriller that keeps you guessing until the end. Kat Bridges is on the run after the FBI couldn’t keep her safe. She was a witness to the murder of her friend by a notorious killer wanted by the FBI. She finds a house to stay in Breslin Creek. When the owner of this house, Murphy Dolan, a soldier and former policeman, comes home from the service he receives a shock to find a beautiful woman in his bed.
Murph is suffering from PTSD while Kat has her own demons to deal with from her past, abuse by her mother. Will they be able to confide in one another? Will Murph be able to keep Kat safe from the killer on the loose? Will they learn to trust one another to survive?
This was a quick-moving thriller that provided plenty of suspects, action and sex in the mix when Kat and Murph prove to be volatile to one another in that department. This is an enjoyable beginning to this series which I look forward to following.
Murph is suffering from PTSD while Kat has her own demons to deal with from her past, abuse by her mother. Will they be able to confide in one another? Will Murph be able to keep Kat safe from the killer on the loose? Will they learn to trust one another to survive?
This was a quick-moving thriller that provided plenty of suspects, action and sex in the mix when Kat and Murph prove to be volatile to one another in that department. This is an enjoyable beginning to this series which I look forward to following.
June 21, 2022
After an eight month tour in Afghanistan, Murphy is finally home in one piece, mostly. He lost several men because of an IED and his shoulder was injured. He will return to his job at the police station after he has physical therapy on his shoulder. He arrives home and there is a half naked woman in his bed.
She’s been on the run for eighteen months and rents a place and working at a diner. Kate was the only witness to her friend being killed. The assassin is on her trail because she can identify him. She thinks the assassin has found her when she awakes to a man in her room.
Murph didn’t know his brother rented his house out. He wants her gone but Kate is determined to get rid of Murph until she moves again. When she gets taken, Murph will find her no matter what.
*** CLIFFHANGER *** sort of. A loner and quiet man only wants to be left alone will he heals. A woman running for her life. I’ll be honest I was totally shocked at the killer. Suspenseful. And a little heat.
She’s been on the run for eighteen months and rents a place and working at a diner. Kate was the only witness to her friend being killed. The assassin is on her trail because she can identify him. She thinks the assassin has found her when she awakes to a man in her room.
Murph didn’t know his brother rented his house out. He wants her gone but Kate is determined to get rid of Murph until she moves again. When she gets taken, Murph will find her no matter what.
*** CLIFFHANGER *** sort of. A loner and quiet man only wants to be left alone will he heals. A woman running for her life. I’ll be honest I was totally shocked at the killer. Suspenseful. And a little heat.
June 9, 2017
Deathwatch is an action packed book from beginning to end. I couldn’t put the book down. I have friends that have been in the foster care system and have heard horror stories and because of that I could only imagine what Kate went through, then too have one of the FBI’s most wanted after you – Wow!
Murphy is a total solder/cop through and through. He isn’t the tough macho man but he do want to know what is going, so coming home to a strange woman in his bed with a gun pointed at him was not what he expected.
This store moves fast and keeps the reader wanting more. The only problem for me was the ending, I want more. This story is a bit of a cliffhanger but I guess these two show up in a later book. Now on to the next book in the series, Deathscape.
~I received a copy of this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest review~
Murphy is a total solder/cop through and through. He isn’t the tough macho man but he do want to know what is going, so coming home to a strange woman in his bed with a gun pointed at him was not what he expected.
This store moves fast and keeps the reader wanting more. The only problem for me was the ending, I want more. This story is a bit of a cliffhanger but I guess these two show up in a later book. Now on to the next book in the series, Deathscape.
~I received a copy of this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest review~
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