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A Familiar Fear
Ex-FBI agent Riley Scott lives each day with the scars of her former career. After the murder of her husband and the recent attempt on her own life by the Russian mafia, her heart is irrevocably broken. Agate Island seems like the perfect place to begin building a new future for herself and her teenage son, yet even before the ferry docks at their new home, Riley realizes there will be no escape for her. There, on the boat, is mafia boss Maksimillian Petruso—the man who took everything from her. The man she killed. Matthew Taggart knows who Riley is and understands her reaction to his resemblance to Maksimillian Petruso. But Matthew is nothing like his estranged criminal father. So far, he has been able to hide from that evil world. However, he's afraid Riley's appearance on the island may lead his family's mafia connections to his doorstep. After all, she is the agent who took down his father. Matthew needs to leave town. Fast. Unfortunately, when the family wants to find him, there is nowhere he can hide. Now he and Riley are thrown together in a dangerous connection, and learning to trust each other is their only hope of survival.
232 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2018
9 people are currently reading
121 people want to read
About the author
Kathi Oram Peterson
27 books159 followersKathi Oram Peterson is the Whitney Award winning author of TREACHEROUS LEGACY (2021 )A STRANGER WATCHES (2019), and A FAMILIAR FEAR (2018).
Kathi's heart-pounding suspense novels make readers double check door locks and sleep with a flashlight. Her YA Time Travels bring readers to historical events as if they are there. Her novels have richly-drawn characters and plots that hook readers and make setting the book down nearly impossible.
Keep connected with Kathi--and stay informed about special deals, new released, and other reader perks--by signing up for her newsletter: http://eepurl.com/cE52Y1
Visit Kathi at:
Her website http://authorkathiorampeterson.com/
Bookbub: : https://www.bookbub.com/authors/kathi...
Facebook: https://tinyurl.com/y65rlqtj
Tweeter: https://twitter.com/KathiOPeterson
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Kathi-Oram-Pet...
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/kathiopeter...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorkathip/
Romantic Suspense:
Shifting Sands (2023)
Danger Unknown (2022)
Treacherous Legacy (2021)
A Stranger Watches (2020) Whitney winner
Bloodline (2019)
A Familiar Fear (2018) Whitney Winner
Breach of Trust (2017)
Star Struck (2016)
Deceived (2014)
Wanted (2013)
Cold Justice (2012)
River Whispers (2011)
Novella: An Angel on Main Street (2009).
YA Time Travel Novels:
Reluctant Warrior (2017)-Previously published as The Forgotten Warrior (2009)
Stripling Warrior (2017)
Guardian of the Stone (2017) Previously published asThe Stone Traveler (2010)
Chasing the Star (2017)
Stories included in other books:
A Christmas to Remember (2011)
Life Lessons from Mothers of Faith (2013)
Remembering the Joy of Christmas (2015)
Concept and Biography Books for Children:
I Want to Be a Mathematician Like Archimedes
I Want to Be a Scientist Like Thomas Edison
I Want to Be a Scientist Like Antoni Van Leeuwenhoek
I Want to Be a Scientist Like Alexander Von Humboldt
Tyrannosaurus X 1
How Did the Chicken Cross the Road
Yangshi’s Perimeter
Lightning Bells
The Beginning of Numbers
Kathi's heart-pounding suspense novels make readers double check door locks and sleep with a flashlight. Her YA Time Travels bring readers to historical events as if they are there. Her novels have richly-drawn characters and plots that hook readers and make setting the book down nearly impossible.
Keep connected with Kathi--and stay informed about special deals, new released, and other reader perks--by signing up for her newsletter: http://eepurl.com/cE52Y1
Visit Kathi at:
Her website http://authorkathiorampeterson.com/
Bookbub: : https://www.bookbub.com/authors/kathi...
Facebook: https://tinyurl.com/y65rlqtj
Tweeter: https://twitter.com/KathiOPeterson
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Kathi-Oram-Pet...
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/kathiopeter...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorkathip/
Romantic Suspense:
Shifting Sands (2023)
Danger Unknown (2022)
Treacherous Legacy (2021)
A Stranger Watches (2020) Whitney winner
Bloodline (2019)
A Familiar Fear (2018) Whitney Winner
Breach of Trust (2017)
Star Struck (2016)
Deceived (2014)
Wanted (2013)
Cold Justice (2012)
River Whispers (2011)
Novella: An Angel on Main Street (2009).
YA Time Travel Novels:
Reluctant Warrior (2017)-Previously published as The Forgotten Warrior (2009)
Stripling Warrior (2017)
Guardian of the Stone (2017) Previously published asThe Stone Traveler (2010)
Chasing the Star (2017)
Stories included in other books:
A Christmas to Remember (2011)
Life Lessons from Mothers of Faith (2013)
Remembering the Joy of Christmas (2015)
Concept and Biography Books for Children:
I Want to Be a Mathematician Like Archimedes
I Want to Be a Scientist Like Thomas Edison
I Want to Be a Scientist Like Antoni Van Leeuwenhoek
I Want to Be a Scientist Like Alexander Von Humboldt
Tyrannosaurus X 1
How Did the Chicken Cross the Road
Yangshi’s Perimeter
Lightning Bells
The Beginning of Numbers
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
February 15, 2018
This kind of suspense book is perfect for me. I'm a lightweight when it comes to suspense- I just can't read things that get me too worked up or scared. Kathi Oram Peterson writes suspense I can handle. I wouldn't say this was my favorite of her books but it was good- gripping me from the first moments and keeping a steady pace of action and suspense all the way to the end.
I thought the author did a great job of weaving together the past back story with the present. It flowed well. The kids were a great addition to the story line and helped the main character, Riley, feel more human.
Content: some violence, kissing, some talk of God and praying but nothing religion specific or preachy.
- I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.
I thought the author did a great job of weaving together the past back story with the present. It flowed well. The kids were a great addition to the story line and helped the main character, Riley, feel more human.
Content: some violence, kissing, some talk of God and praying but nothing religion specific or preachy.
- I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.
February 14, 2018
This book caught my attention and kept it! You can expect to find action/suspense, and a little romance.
Riley Scott was an agent for the FBI, her life was altered by Maksimillian Petruso from the Russian Mafia. He left physical and emotional scars and haunts her even after she killed him. Her past becomes her present when she meets his illegitimate son on a ferry. She was leaving her old life behind to begin a new one on Agate Island. Life was supposed to be less stressful and she and her son were going to get to know one another and strengthen their relationship.
She couldn't outrun the past, it came to look for her. She and Matthew Taggert, the son of Maksimillian are now on the run. To complicate matters, Riley's son and Matthews's daughter are with them. They know that the only way to stop the mafia is to stop being the hunted and do the hunting themselves.
There are so many layers of a relationship displayed in this book. It has emotional depth, as well as a fast paces story line. I liked the characters and how they displayed integrity in tough situations. They made a good team as they relied on each others strengths and worked together. The kids were one thing that held their little group together. They could be friends without prejudice and help their parents follow their lead.
This book contains violence.
Source: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
Riley Scott was an agent for the FBI, her life was altered by Maksimillian Petruso from the Russian Mafia. He left physical and emotional scars and haunts her even after she killed him. Her past becomes her present when she meets his illegitimate son on a ferry. She was leaving her old life behind to begin a new one on Agate Island. Life was supposed to be less stressful and she and her son were going to get to know one another and strengthen their relationship.
She couldn't outrun the past, it came to look for her. She and Matthew Taggert, the son of Maksimillian are now on the run. To complicate matters, Riley's son and Matthews's daughter are with them. They know that the only way to stop the mafia is to stop being the hunted and do the hunting themselves.
There are so many layers of a relationship displayed in this book. It has emotional depth, as well as a fast paces story line. I liked the characters and how they displayed integrity in tough situations. They made a good team as they relied on each others strengths and worked together. The kids were one thing that held their little group together. They could be friends without prejudice and help their parents follow their lead.
This book contains violence.
Source: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
February 19, 2018
Hold on! You're in for a wild ride when you start reading A Familiar Fear by Author Kathi Oram Peterson. I was captured with this story right from the first chapter. There is no way that you won't get hooked once you start reading about Ex-FBI agent Riley Scott and the mystery man on the boat. I really liked the fast pace in this novel. There are tons of action packed scenes, but also a lot of healing taking place for the main characters Riley, Matthew, and their teens.Both families have experienced great loss in their lives. These two very independent, but cautious people, must learn to trust each other if they hope to outrun the Russian Mobsters that are after both of them. and their teens.
There are a few surprises along the way, but my favorite thing was the feeling of urgency that you experience as you go on this journey with the characters. They're trying to find answers and attempting to stay a step ahead in order to thwart the Russians. I caution you to not read this before your bedtime because you will probably not fall asleep until you're done reading the book.
If you're looking for a novel with loads of action, a lot of mind boggling suspense, and budding romance, you will definitely enjoy reading A Familiar Fear.
There are a few surprises along the way, but my favorite thing was the feeling of urgency that you experience as you go on this journey with the characters. They're trying to find answers and attempting to stay a step ahead in order to thwart the Russians. I caution you to not read this before your bedtime because you will probably not fall asleep until you're done reading the book.
If you're looking for a novel with loads of action, a lot of mind boggling suspense, and budding romance, you will definitely enjoy reading A Familiar Fear.
February 14, 2018
Author Kathi Oram Peterson has crafted an intense and suspenseful story that from page one will have readers on their toes, as well as the edge of their seats. Readers will immediately become invested in the characters and the events in their lives as scene after scene unfolds, some expected and some not. This story is about an ex-FBI Agent and the illegitimate son of a head Russian Mafia, which definitely puts yet another a fun twist on the story. This action-packed novel is one that readers will absolutely not want to put down. Oram has a way of writing that makes readers want to keep coming back for more.
Genre: contemporary, suspense, romance
Publisher: Covenant Communications
Publication date: February 1, 2018
Number of pages: 232
A review copy of this book was provided by Covenant Communications. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own.
Genre: contemporary, suspense, romance
Publisher: Covenant Communications
Publication date: February 1, 2018
Number of pages: 232
A review copy of this book was provided by Covenant Communications. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own.
February 24, 2018
Gripping and on the edge of your seat. Quite the web mixing a former FBI agent and a mob boss’ son working together to stay alive and protect their children.
March 14, 2018
A Familiar Fear is about an Ex-FBI agent, who left the agency to salvage what is left of her and her son's lives after so much was sacrificed in performing her duties there. Now, not yet forty, she is a widow and feels estrange from her only child - a son. Both her and her son need time together to heal from the tragedies of the past two years.
While going to Agate Island, where she will begin her new job, she spotted the man of her nightmares on the ferry. She must be hallucinating! She know he is dead!
Her very angry son makes a new friend - the only friend he now has - on the ferry trip to his new home. When meeting the girl's father, she "freaks out" and refuses for him to further pursue his friendship with her. The son rebels.
With the ensuing problems, Riley Scott (ex-FBI) and Matthew Taggart (girl's dad) discovers, among those they thought they could trust, there was at least one "mole". They must put aside their own issues toward each other to seek safety for their children. They must then learn to trust each other if the were to ever again to enjoy a life with their son and daughter.
There were many adventures and unexpected "twists" in a race against time to save those most precious to them. The reader will be anxiously turning pages until the very end of the book.
The characters are defined so well, the reader feels he/she is in the story with the other characters. The events feel so real, the whole novel feels like reality for that shot span of time!
The book cover is creative but very simple. It would not attract the "browser's" attention. The Title fits the story content very well.
The only real negative I have about the book is parts of it felt slightly repetitive. There are some graphically violent scenes.
This earns a Four and a Half Stars rating.
*This was gifted me with no suggestion of a positive review. This is my honest review.
While going to Agate Island, where she will begin her new job, she spotted the man of her nightmares on the ferry. She must be hallucinating! She know he is dead!
Her very angry son makes a new friend - the only friend he now has - on the ferry trip to his new home. When meeting the girl's father, she "freaks out" and refuses for him to further pursue his friendship with her. The son rebels.
With the ensuing problems, Riley Scott (ex-FBI) and Matthew Taggart (girl's dad) discovers, among those they thought they could trust, there was at least one "mole". They must put aside their own issues toward each other to seek safety for their children. They must then learn to trust each other if the were to ever again to enjoy a life with their son and daughter.
There were many adventures and unexpected "twists" in a race against time to save those most precious to them. The reader will be anxiously turning pages until the very end of the book.
The characters are defined so well, the reader feels he/she is in the story with the other characters. The events feel so real, the whole novel feels like reality for that shot span of time!
The book cover is creative but very simple. It would not attract the "browser's" attention. The Title fits the story content very well.
The only real negative I have about the book is parts of it felt slightly repetitive. There are some graphically violent scenes.
This earns a Four and a Half Stars rating.
*This was gifted me with no suggestion of a positive review. This is my honest review.
February 15, 2018
Okay, I have to just admit. I read this book in one afternoon. The plot of this one grabbed me and I really didn't want to put it down until I'd finished and found out the ending.
Riley is such a great character. I love her tenacity. She goes after what she knows will protect her family and she doesn't stop until she's taken care of the problem. That gets her into all sorts of bad situations. Most of them, you actually just see as flashbacks in this book. I'm kind of amazed at all she was able to do with her health issues she has. I loved the way she was such a great mom to Jeremiah, even though he thought she was ruining his whole life. She's one of my favorite characters I've read about recently.
Then there's Matthew. I loved that you see the story through his eyes as well. It really gives a full picture of everything going on. Matthew is a single dad, trying to do his best to be both parents to his daughter, Aleksa. I loved the strength of his character, he had to do hard things when his life and Aleksa's were on the line.
The plot of this one is crazy! There's always something crazy going on. Always someone trying to kill the main characters. It really hooks you and pulls you in.
And it doesn't hurt anything that the plot starts out in one of the most beautiful parts of the world. The San Juan Islands are somewhere we went on our vacation last summer, so I had no problem picturing their beauty and imagining being there again.
I loved everything about this book! You should check it out!
Riley is such a great character. I love her tenacity. She goes after what she knows will protect her family and she doesn't stop until she's taken care of the problem. That gets her into all sorts of bad situations. Most of them, you actually just see as flashbacks in this book. I'm kind of amazed at all she was able to do with her health issues she has. I loved the way she was such a great mom to Jeremiah, even though he thought she was ruining his whole life. She's one of my favorite characters I've read about recently.
Then there's Matthew. I loved that you see the story through his eyes as well. It really gives a full picture of everything going on. Matthew is a single dad, trying to do his best to be both parents to his daughter, Aleksa. I loved the strength of his character, he had to do hard things when his life and Aleksa's were on the line.
The plot of this one is crazy! There's always something crazy going on. Always someone trying to kill the main characters. It really hooks you and pulls you in.
And it doesn't hurt anything that the plot starts out in one of the most beautiful parts of the world. The San Juan Islands are somewhere we went on our vacation last summer, so I had no problem picturing their beauty and imagining being there again.
I loved everything about this book! You should check it out!
July 14, 2018
Good story. I would recommend it but not written as well as other books of hers that I've read. She has others that are phenomenal. It seemed like there were many times where she didn't create enough of the story to get to a certain feeling, or she added little side thoughts in the characters that were a little cliche... but still good.
February 16, 2018
This book was really a roller coaster. It had me sucked in from the first pages, feeling Riley's fear as she thought she saw the man who murdered her husband and she had killed. And it kept building from there. The ride had many ups and downs until a twist at the end that I didn't see coming. I'm sure there was some foreshadowing that I missed, and I will have to go back through the book again to see what I missed. I'm not sure how I felt about the twist. I can't decide if it was brilliant or disappointing. I'm sure the next time through I will have it figured out. It is a book I would recommend to almost anyone, especially those who love a great suspense novel.
February 14, 2018
I have read other books by this author so I was really looking forward to this one! Unfortunately my 16 year old son took it to read as soon as it came in the mail so I had to wait to read it. Lots of suspense, action, and violence due to the subject matter.
Steady, fast paced plot which kept me on the edge of my seat the entire night reading it. I liked the main characters Riley Scoot, Matthew Taggart and their 2 kids. I couldn’t imagine running for my life while trying to protect my kids and family from the Russian mafia.
You won’t be disappointed reading this clean suspenseful book-Very well written!
I received a copy of this book complimentary for blog and social media review. All opinions are my own.
Steady, fast paced plot which kept me on the edge of my seat the entire night reading it. I liked the main characters Riley Scoot, Matthew Taggart and their 2 kids. I couldn’t imagine running for my life while trying to protect my kids and family from the Russian mafia.
You won’t be disappointed reading this clean suspenseful book-Very well written!
I received a copy of this book complimentary for blog and social media review. All opinions are my own.
June 4, 2023
Listened to the audiobook which had some great Russian accents to keep the characters straight.
Compelling story about an FBI agent taking a law enforcement job at a small island. Riley brought down a Russian mobster, having to kill him in self defense. She was shot in the process and with her health issues, had to resign from the FBI. But still has connections. On the ferry to the island, she sees someone familiar--a man with the same face as the dead Russian mobster. How could this be? She killed him herself.
Lots of twists and turns. Some seemingly unplausible but play into the story. Just when the story lags a little, there is a new development with a lot of action and intrigue.
Delicate reader: Super clean. No swearing. Minimal romance.
Compelling story about an FBI agent taking a law enforcement job at a small island. Riley brought down a Russian mobster, having to kill him in self defense. She was shot in the process and with her health issues, had to resign from the FBI. But still has connections. On the ferry to the island, she sees someone familiar--a man with the same face as the dead Russian mobster. How could this be? She killed him herself.
Lots of twists and turns. Some seemingly unplausible but play into the story. Just when the story lags a little, there is a new development with a lot of action and intrigue.
Delicate reader: Super clean. No swearing. Minimal romance.
February 12, 2018
If you love a good suspense, then Kathi’s latest book is just right for you. This is a story of betrayal, heroics and love. The main characters, Riley and Matthew, along with their two children begin an adventure almost from the beginning as they race for their lives. This is a pretty fast paced novel as they try to stay one step ahead of the Russian mafia that is on the hunt to end their lives.
Family relationships and new romance are tested as these four fight for it and begin to trust and rely on one another when everyone seems to be out to get them. The is a clean read with a great story line. I think you will enjoy this one! Definitely add it to your library collection today.
Family relationships and new romance are tested as these four fight for it and begin to trust and rely on one another when everyone seems to be out to get them. The is a clean read with a great story line. I think you will enjoy this one! Definitely add it to your library collection today.
January 1, 2022
Riley Scott moves her teenage son to a remote island to hide away from the Russian Mafia. As an ex-FBI agent she tries to protect her son but on the ferry to their new home she sees the moan who killed her husband and whom she supposedly killed in turn. This is not the actual mafia boss however but his son and too is running from the mafia life his brother in now in control of. Leary of each other they discover more and fall in love all while helping each other solve a new crime on this island AND take care of the Russian Mafia situation.
March 2, 2018
I felt that the suspense drove this novel quite well, sometimes a little quicker than I would have liked. There were a lot of flashbacks to flesh out the mystery, but some felt off. The romance wasn't developed well. Overall it fell a bit short of my expectations from Kathi. I would still recommend her novels and look forward to more from her.
May 29, 2018
When I started reading this book I thought I had missed an earlier book in the series as it seemed I felt I was missing a back story. Not to fear, that is filled in as the book goes on. This was exciting and hard to put down. I did have it figured out before the end but I was still on edge and enjoyed the read. Riley drove me a little crazy at times but overall I liked it.
August 18, 2019
This is my first book by this author, so I don’t have anything to compare it to - but I really enjoyed it! It kept me guessing and very interested from the first page! I loved the flawed characters and how they worked together. Their romance came out of the blue, although it wasn’t unexpected. Great read!
March 3, 2018
This was a great book. The action and suspense started right at the beginning of the book and had many twists and turns along the way that kept me turning page after page. I would definitely recommend this book!
January 12, 2025
Great book! Kept me wanting to read more! The suspense of the whole thing. I found myself trying to solve the mysteries as I was reading! Just barely found this author so not much to compare it to, but it was a shorter read and a fun story!
February 7, 2018
This was a 3.5 star book for me. I liked the twists in the plot near the end of the book. I liked Breach of Trust better.
February 21, 2018
An enjoyable light suspense novel.
August 1, 2018
A face that brings back haunted memories, a new job and more dead bodies than answers. Riley finds herself running and trying to find the answers to stay alive.
November 8, 2018
I listened to this book on a road trip. It kept me alert and was so interesting I didn’t ever get tired.
January 7, 2019
Would give it 3.5 stars if I could. Very exciting at beginning and end, but the middle was a bit slow.
January 17, 2019
Liked it
March 4, 2019
A twisty-turns suspense. Good characters. Good plot. A little slow in places, but overall good book. 4 1.2 stars.
March 8, 2019
Hard to put down! Kept me guessing throughout the entire book!
March 22, 2019
I enjoyed the read. It had wonderful character development and an enjoyable plot.
May 8, 2019
A good thriller. Worth the read. It takes you on some exciting adventures.
January 4, 2020
Nothing horrible about this book but found myself skimming towards the end
March 23, 2020
This one was only okay for me. It passed the time but I never felt fully engaged with the characters who were fleeing from the mob.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews