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Detectives of Hazel Hill #1
Not Alone
NOT ALONE - The Detectives of Hazel Hill Series - Book One When single moms are turning up dead, Police Detective Rebecca Palmer will stop at nothing to bring the killer to justice. Detective Rebecca Palmer is hunting a serial killer bent on inflicting a warped sense of Biblical judgment. But, with so few clues, she struggles to catch his trail. The killer’s obsession with murdering single moms grips Rebecca’s heart with profound intensity, since she herself is a single mom. Will she be able to stop him before he takes another mother away from her child? Jared Johnson fought crime as a detective on the streets of Chicago but has decided to trade the inner city for the simpler life of the south. His brother said Hazel Hill, North Carolina is a great place to live, and Jared is willing to test his brother's claims. But is the move just another stop as Jared runs from his past, or will Hazel Hill be the place his restless soul can finally settle down? NOT ALONE is a Christian romantic suspense novel that will keep you on the edge of your seat as you cheer for love and justice to prevail. COMING SOON in The Detectives of Hazel Hill Prequel Christmas A FRIGHTFUL NOEL Book PURSUED Book ON YOUR KNEES
465 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 15, 2018
849 people are currently reading
289 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
November 12, 2019
This title is the first publication of a new author with all indication that at least 3 books will be forthcoming in the series, and a free of charge already available prequel that fills in the main character’s history (which I did not read).
Characters are somewhat cliché romance in that they are young, athletic, beautiful people, with a young child who is remarkably compliant and communicates beyond her age level. While their personalities and preferences were somewhat redundant and could have benefited from closer editing, their strong backstory gives them – and their relationship – both depth and tension.
It is plotting that makes this book run, and that’s interesting. Although the outcomes and some plot points are obvious (for example, what romance ends with the couple breaking up? What crime drama ends with the murderer escaping?), the author takes advantage of the written word to unravel her characters and plot with more depth than a television show or movie can muster. Ms. Bradford also adeptly used the bizarre religious delusions of the criminal to articulate Biblical Christianity without weighing down the narrative or coming across as “preachy.” Likewise, Becca and Jared each living life for pleasure and finding Christ in their backstory was a good foundation for their trying to work out commitment to Christ within current dilemmas.
Self-published Christian fiction romance/ suspense is not my typical genre, and I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that the author is the daughter of a close personal friend. Her father’s advocacy for her work was so adorable, the price was right (just $1), and I needed something to get me through a pain flare up, so I purchased the book from Amazon. However, I was not compensated for my review and the thoughts I’ve recorded here are my own.
I’m surprised to report, I’m interested in the next title. I will have to see how much staying power this story has to determine if I will go on with the series, but I am suitably engaged to think I might.
Characters are somewhat cliché romance in that they are young, athletic, beautiful people, with a young child who is remarkably compliant and communicates beyond her age level. While their personalities and preferences were somewhat redundant and could have benefited from closer editing, their strong backstory gives them – and their relationship – both depth and tension.
It is plotting that makes this book run, and that’s interesting. Although the outcomes and some plot points are obvious (for example, what romance ends with the couple breaking up? What crime drama ends with the murderer escaping?), the author takes advantage of the written word to unravel her characters and plot with more depth than a television show or movie can muster. Ms. Bradford also adeptly used the bizarre religious delusions of the criminal to articulate Biblical Christianity without weighing down the narrative or coming across as “preachy.” Likewise, Becca and Jared each living life for pleasure and finding Christ in their backstory was a good foundation for their trying to work out commitment to Christ within current dilemmas.
Self-published Christian fiction romance/ suspense is not my typical genre, and I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that the author is the daughter of a close personal friend. Her father’s advocacy for her work was so adorable, the price was right (just $1), and I needed something to get me through a pain flare up, so I purchased the book from Amazon. However, I was not compensated for my review and the thoughts I’ve recorded here are my own.
I’m surprised to report, I’m interested in the next title. I will have to see how much staying power this story has to determine if I will go on with the series, but I am suitably engaged to think I might.
December 12, 2018
"Oh, how she hated to be alone. It was truly her greatest fear . . "
There is a self-appointed judge and jury on the loose in Hazel Hill, North Carolina, and he's leaving behind a clear message on each of his victims . . . "I have paid for my sins". Single mothers seem to be his target, but his almost clinical treatment of each corpse is providing law enforcement with little to no evidence of his identity.
Detective Rebecca Palmer is assigned to take the lead on the case, when much to her surprise, she is coupled with a new detective on the force, none other than her ex-boyfriend and the father of her young daughter. It's a lot to handle, especially when the case takes a more ominous turn.
"Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid . . . "
Quite a unique blend of happily-ever-after and a seriously demented serial killer, but the author seems to make it work; however, it will be interesting to see if this emerging writer can progress from debut to sequel to series. There's a really good chance that she can.
There is a self-appointed judge and jury on the loose in Hazel Hill, North Carolina, and he's leaving behind a clear message on each of his victims . . . "I have paid for my sins". Single mothers seem to be his target, but his almost clinical treatment of each corpse is providing law enforcement with little to no evidence of his identity.
Detective Rebecca Palmer is assigned to take the lead on the case, when much to her surprise, she is coupled with a new detective on the force, none other than her ex-boyfriend and the father of her young daughter. It's a lot to handle, especially when the case takes a more ominous turn.
"Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid . . . "
Quite a unique blend of happily-ever-after and a seriously demented serial killer, but the author seems to make it work; however, it will be interesting to see if this emerging writer can progress from debut to sequel to series. There's a really good chance that she can.
September 11, 2021
This was a good book but I found it a little heavy on the romance. Jared Johnson and Becca Palmer are back together after about 6 years apart and the sparks are flying. As Detectives they are partnered on a serial killer case that is very frustrating since the killer leaves no clues. They are working against time to try to find him and stop him before it gets too close to home. I am just getting acquainted with this author and I will be reading the rest of the series. So far so good.
April 22, 2019
Adorable story could have been so much more
First off, the "plot twists" just weren't plot twists.
Secondly, the author seemed to forget where she was going with the story.
Thirdly, this needs a proofreader, editor, alpha and beta readers.... it needs serious help.
Fourth, consistency and voice is missing from this story.
Fifth, the angst just wasn't there. There were many hints to other possible scenarios that kept me guessing, even after the author gave away the bad guy by naming him about 2/3 of the way into the story.
The "best detective on the team" (or one of) was still a relative rookie, which everyone acknowledged and seemed to brush off even as they'd just held it against her.
The detective is "reamed a new one" and says to herself she should do something and never does.
Also, as a beat cop, and detective for a couple years, she never learned to read body language? She couldn't tell when it was appropriate to offer comfort or read faces - but is not autistic and "draws everyone in"?
Things moved to fast to be believable, assumptions and projections were made, huge leaps in logic....and it was just a swing and a miss for me.
Will not read further books in this series. I hope the author develops her voice and her characters voices better.
First off, the "plot twists" just weren't plot twists.
Secondly, the author seemed to forget where she was going with the story.
Thirdly, this needs a proofreader, editor, alpha and beta readers.... it needs serious help.
Fourth, consistency and voice is missing from this story.
Fifth, the angst just wasn't there. There were many hints to other possible scenarios that kept me guessing, even after the author gave away the bad guy by naming him about 2/3 of the way into the story.
The "best detective on the team" (or one of) was still a relative rookie, which everyone acknowledged and seemed to brush off even as they'd just held it against her.
The detective is "reamed a new one" and says to herself she should do something and never does.
Also, as a beat cop, and detective for a couple years, she never learned to read body language? She couldn't tell when it was appropriate to offer comfort or read faces - but is not autistic and "draws everyone in"?
Things moved to fast to be believable, assumptions and projections were made, huge leaps in logic....and it was just a swing and a miss for me.
Will not read further books in this series. I hope the author develops her voice and her characters voices better.
February 17, 2021
"He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”
Liz Bradford is a new author for me, so before reading this book, I read some of the reviews. Not all the reviews for this book were positive, and I was curious to know why. The mystery is quite good. However, the characters are not really consistent throughout the story. Usually, you can see the characters growing and maturing. In this case, the changes seem without cause and they don't follow a regular order. I also noticed that they behave oddly for the jobs that they have. For example, they take huge amounts off work even in the midst of tracking a serial killer. Apparently, this is one of Liz Bradford's first books and the rest have better reviews so I think that the books have gotten better with time.
That said, I did enjoy the story and plan to read the next book in the series.
Liz Bradford is a new author for me, so before reading this book, I read some of the reviews. Not all the reviews for this book were positive, and I was curious to know why. The mystery is quite good. However, the characters are not really consistent throughout the story. Usually, you can see the characters growing and maturing. In this case, the changes seem without cause and they don't follow a regular order. I also noticed that they behave oddly for the jobs that they have. For example, they take huge amounts off work even in the midst of tracking a serial killer. Apparently, this is one of Liz Bradford's first books and the rest have better reviews so I think that the books have gotten better with time.
That said, I did enjoy the story and plan to read the next book in the series.
November 12, 2018
I found a new genre to be a fan of!
NOT ALONE is the first romantic suspense novel I've ever read . . . so I wasn't sure what to expect, and this did not disappoint. Great blend of romantic elements with heart-pounding suspense. And then adding in the third element--wholesome Christianity, made it a clean read without gory or graphic scenes--and no offensive language. I like action stories, but do not like horror or gratuitous graphic violence, and wondered how Bradford would be able to avoid using those when writing about catching a serial killer. But she did it--she pulled it off. I can't wait to see what's in store for Becca next!
NOT ALONE is the first romantic suspense novel I've ever read . . . so I wasn't sure what to expect, and this did not disappoint. Great blend of romantic elements with heart-pounding suspense. And then adding in the third element--wholesome Christianity, made it a clean read without gory or graphic scenes--and no offensive language. I like action stories, but do not like horror or gratuitous graphic violence, and wondered how Bradford would be able to avoid using those when writing about catching a serial killer. But she did it--she pulled it off. I can't wait to see what's in store for Becca next!
August 31, 2019
Bizarre Serial Killer
Becca and Jared became a couple while both were young police officers, “newbies”. But then they were separated by an unusual circumstance. Neither knew where the other one was for five and a half years. Now they meet again in Hazel Hill, NC., where Becca has just been confirmed as the lead detective in the case of a serial killer. Jared came from the Chicago P.D. where he was also a detective. Together can they catch this monster who has been killing women with the same description as Becca or will she become another victim? Oh, they also have an adorable little 5 year old daughter who is the picture of her mommy; well, almost!
Becca and Jared became a couple while both were young police officers, “newbies”. But then they were separated by an unusual circumstance. Neither knew where the other one was for five and a half years. Now they meet again in Hazel Hill, NC., where Becca has just been confirmed as the lead detective in the case of a serial killer. Jared came from the Chicago P.D. where he was also a detective. Together can they catch this monster who has been killing women with the same description as Becca or will she become another victim? Oh, they also have an adorable little 5 year old daughter who is the picture of her mommy; well, almost!
June 17, 2019
"Not Alone" is the first official book in the Hazel Hill detective series. What I liked about it is the plot was unique and original. The serial killer of single moms was revealed earlier than one might expect, yet that made for interesting reading as one was trying to figure out where the villain might appear.
I am really glad that I discovered Liz Bradford's books. Her suspense books have unexpected themes with a clear redemptive message.
Note: I checked out this book with my Kindle Unlimited subscription!
I am really glad that I discovered Liz Bradford's books. Her suspense books have unexpected themes with a clear redemptive message.
Note: I checked out this book with my Kindle Unlimited subscription!
May 5, 2021
Good read..
A couple of things through: it seems like this woman is such a cry baby... Almost every other page. She is a cop. Supposed to be tough. The crying really gets tiresome. Second: as a Christian book, profane words, just not needed. Tattoos, are a slap in God's face. We are his most His work of art. It needs no improvement. Even if it is a scripture; do not tarnish His work. I am an artist: it someone put their marks on my work: I would be very sad, and hurt. ( Time and place for everything ). Thank you for the book.
A couple of things through: it seems like this woman is such a cry baby... Almost every other page. She is a cop. Supposed to be tough. The crying really gets tiresome. Second: as a Christian book, profane words, just not needed. Tattoos, are a slap in God's face. We are his most His work of art. It needs no improvement. Even if it is a scripture; do not tarnish His work. I am an artist: it someone put their marks on my work: I would be very sad, and hurt. ( Time and place for everything ). Thank you for the book.
July 27, 2019
I loved everything about this book: story, writing style, characters, setting and the before and after lifestyles. There's not a lot I can say beyond that because the story needs to creep up on you so your understanding of Rebecca's life makes sense. I put it down around midnight and thankfully, the next day was Saturday so I could pick it up at 7 when I awoke and finish it. It's that good!
February 28, 2020
We are not alone!
I had never heard of or read this author before. The title and cover were the first things I noticed. This book was truly amazing! I read it in one sitting and didn't want to put it down. I enjoyed how she used God's promises throughout the storyline, as well as remaining pure until marriage even if you had already been in a relationship together. That is so uncommon these days. I cannot wait to read another of her books.
I had never heard of or read this author before. The title and cover were the first things I noticed. This book was truly amazing! I read it in one sitting and didn't want to put it down. I enjoyed how she used God's promises throughout the storyline, as well as remaining pure until marriage even if you had already been in a relationship together. That is so uncommon these days. I cannot wait to read another of her books.
November 20, 2018
Great mystery writing with a direct Christian theme
One of the few Christian writers i have read that actually think God has a law of chastity. Refreshing.
But that is second to the talent of the author. A very believable , suspenseful take, where the romance doesn't overshadow the mystery. I will look forward to future books, and hope that saint Caleb gets his reward.
One of the few Christian writers i have read that actually think God has a law of chastity. Refreshing.
But that is second to the talent of the author. A very believable , suspenseful take, where the romance doesn't overshadow the mystery. I will look forward to future books, and hope that saint Caleb gets his reward.
December 14, 2018
Excellent Christian Mystery!!
It keeps u guessing until close to the end of the book. The story flowed extremely well. It was a story of love lost, learning to love Christ and to know u r never alone if u truly love Him and depend on him. Answered prayers of his faithful followers and live having done a 360 is inspiring!! I love Liz Bradford's Novels!!
It keeps u guessing until close to the end of the book. The story flowed extremely well. It was a story of love lost, learning to love Christ and to know u r never alone if u truly love Him and depend on him. Answered prayers of his faithful followers and live having done a 360 is inspiring!! I love Liz Bradford's Novels!!
January 20, 2019
COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN!!!
This books is magnificent and I hope the stories if Hazel Hill NEVER end!
Equally as touching as the book is the note from the author about fear. It was beyond this world and touched my soul deeply at a time when something painful and scary from the past popped up.
God is a Consuming Fire and this book is breathtaking with it's powerful message.
This books is magnificent and I hope the stories if Hazel Hill NEVER end!
Equally as touching as the book is the note from the author about fear. It was beyond this world and touched my soul deeply at a time when something painful and scary from the past popped up.
God is a Consuming Fire and this book is breathtaking with it's powerful message.
June 10, 2019
Good book!
I really got into the story line and characters of this book. My only issue was quite a few grammatical mistakes. If you can get past that or if they fix them you will really enjoy them. I also read the prequel and the short story background. I am currently reading the sequel.
I really got into the story line and characters of this book. My only issue was quite a few grammatical mistakes. If you can get past that or if they fix them you will really enjoy them. I also read the prequel and the short story background. I am currently reading the sequel.
June 26, 2019
Fantastic
I don't normally read a lot of distance romance novels. I was looking for a good clean romance novel. Read romance novel that is graffic is something I don't care for. I find myself skiping over reading details or returning the books. I glad to have found such a good clean romance book. Looking forward to reading the next book.
I don't normally read a lot of distance romance novels. I was looking for a good clean romance novel. Read romance novel that is graffic is something I don't care for. I find myself skiping over reading details or returning the books. I glad to have found such a good clean romance book. Looking forward to reading the next book.
June 30, 2019
Forced myself to finish
Not Alone was my first book by this author and will be my last. While I am an avid reader of this genre, I was disappointed with this book. The dialogue was stilted, the characters were unbelievable and the author "told" the story instead of letting the story unfold through the dialogue and action. I do not recommend this book.
Not Alone was my first book by this author and will be my last. While I am an avid reader of this genre, I was disappointed with this book. The dialogue was stilted, the characters were unbelievable and the author "told" the story instead of letting the story unfold through the dialogue and action. I do not recommend this book.
August 16, 2019
What I needed!
I read this in a weekend and it is what I needed to relax after a stressful week. I quickly grew to love the characters and was hooked from the first chapter. I’m not sure which I liked the best- the romance or the crime drama. Now onto the next book in the series!
I read this in a weekend and it is what I needed to relax after a stressful week. I quickly grew to love the characters and was hooked from the first chapter. I’m not sure which I liked the best- the romance or the crime drama. Now onto the next book in the series!
September 29, 2019
I love happy endings!💕💕💕
This is the second time I've read this book and I still had tears flowing down my cheeks!! I love romance and suspense together . I'm a romantic at heart but my real passion is reading a good thriller and trying real fast to get to the end. I'm fixing to start the next one which I've already read too. Thank you for the great story!!
This is the second time I've read this book and I still had tears flowing down my cheeks!! I love romance and suspense together . I'm a romantic at heart but my real passion is reading a good thriller and trying real fast to get to the end. I'm fixing to start the next one which I've already read too. Thank you for the great story!!
October 3, 2020
Amazingly Dramatic and intriguing!
Amazing recipe for drama and suspense surrounding a small town where danger lurks in the innocent playground where families meet. This unbelievably excellent written story about discovering love and trust again will definitely keep you interested.
Amazing recipe for drama and suspense surrounding a small town where danger lurks in the innocent playground where families meet. This unbelievably excellent written story about discovering love and trust again will definitely keep you interested.
December 9, 2020
I loved this book so much. Everything felt amazing and their story was so beautiful. Rebecca was very strong, I liked that she tried to tell him about the baby instead of just walking away. And Jared, so sweet, who would do anything for his girls. And I liked that he didn't get mad at her, he was to blame to
September 9, 2021
This was a new-to-me author--can't wait to read more of her books. Serial killer plots are not usually my go-to, but I enjoyed this spooky ride. Mostly because of the killer love story. Loved every bit of it. The police procedural at the beginning was slow, but otherwise, an excellent read. I'm looking forward to reading Caleb's story and Adam's as well.
February 4, 2023
Truly Not Alone
This was an excellent book by Liz Bradford emphasizing how we are never alone when we have a relationship. Weaved into this reminder that we are not alone was the intriguing story of Becca and Jarod. I loved the character development and the way she kept you guessing.
This was an excellent book by Liz Bradford emphasizing how we are never alone when we have a relationship. Weaved into this reminder that we are not alone was the intriguing story of Becca and Jarod. I loved the character development and the way she kept you guessing.
June 30, 2023
Excellent
What a great storyline This was the first book I have read by this author but it certainly will not be the last. I was really impressed by the way the story progressed and the changes that had happened to the characters since they became Christians.
Can't wait to read the next book in the series.
What a great storyline This was the first book I have read by this author but it certainly will not be the last. I was really impressed by the way the story progressed and the changes that had happened to the characters since they became Christians.
Can't wait to read the next book in the series.
October 23, 2018
An Impressive Start!
I received and read an ARC of this book--and then purchased a Kindle version.
Liz has made an impressive start to her writing career, and I look forward to reading the rest of the series as the books come out.
I received and read an ARC of this book--and then purchased a Kindle version.
Liz has made an impressive start to her writing career, and I look forward to reading the rest of the series as the books come out.
January 19, 2019
EXCELLENT!!!!!
This is an amazing story of love, forgiveness and justice. I'm the midst of all the chaos of tracking down a serial killer is an amazing story of love and forgiveness.
This is an amazing story of love, forgiveness and justice. I'm the midst of all the chaos of tracking down a serial killer is an amazing story of love and forgiveness.
May 7, 2019
A couldn't put it down
I was captivated by this story! I laughed, I cried, I fell in love with the characters. This story had me guessing what would happen, she really made an amazing story! Love this book.
I was captivated by this story! I laughed, I cried, I fell in love with the characters. This story had me guessing what would happen, she really made an amazing story! Love this book.
July 25, 2019
A Great Story
I truly enjoyed this story. The story line was good, the suspense was good and the romance was good. It was a great balance of all three. I liked the fact that God was a part of their everyday life and not just thrown in randomly or over done.
I truly enjoyed this story. The story line was good, the suspense was good and the romance was good. It was a great balance of all three. I liked the fact that God was a part of their everyday life and not just thrown in randomly or over done.
September 4, 2019
. Loved the characters. Would recommend this book to anyone who like Christian Suspense
Good story. Loved the characters. Would recommend this book to anyone who likes Christian Suspense. Goes on my "keep" shelf.
Good story. Loved the characters. Would recommend this book to anyone who likes Christian Suspense. Goes on my "keep" shelf.
September 22, 2019
Not Alone
I loved this book. The characters were true to life. The plot was really good and had twists that kept it exciting. I highly recommend this book and am looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
I loved this book. The characters were true to life. The plot was really good and had twists that kept it exciting. I highly recommend this book and am looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews