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The Pepperman Mystery Series #2
Panic Point
When the love of his life goes missing, he'll risk everything to find her. After Earl’s bride vanishes in the Smoky Mountains on their honeymoon, the former Navy SEAL is certain she’s been abducted. Worse, a storm has washed away any potential evidence, and with nothing to go on, the park rangers call off the official search. Then another woman disappears in the same area. Can one last lead help Earl find Morgan before he loses her forever?
- GenresFiction
260 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 26, 2019
156 people are currently reading
66 people want to read
About the author
Bill Briscoe
7 books173 followersBill Briscoe grew up in the oil and gas refinery town of Phillips in the Texas Panhandle. Bill describes it as the perfect place to grow up.
After graduating from college with a Master’s Degree in Education, he spent most of his career working for a major insurance company as an agency manager and consultant.
When he’s not writing, Bill spends time enjoying various hobbies, including going to sports venues across the country. Bill has seen baseball games at Wrigley Field in Chicago, Camden Yards in Baltimore, as well as St. Louis and Arlington One especially memorable trip was to South Bend, Indiana, to watch a Notre Dame football game. He has also attended college football games at Baylor, the University of Texas, Texas Tech, Ole Miss, and the University of Oklahoma.
After graduating from college with a Master’s Degree in Education, he spent most of his career working for a major insurance company as an agency manager and consultant.
When he’s not writing, Bill spends time enjoying various hobbies, including going to sports venues across the country. Bill has seen baseball games at Wrigley Field in Chicago, Camden Yards in Baltimore, as well as St. Louis and Arlington One especially memorable trip was to South Bend, Indiana, to watch a Notre Dame football game. He has also attended college football games at Baylor, the University of Texas, Texas Tech, Ole Miss, and the University of Oklahoma.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
April 30, 2019
What a thrill ride! Panic Point starts off when Earl discovers his bride, Morgan, has disappeared while on their honeymoon, but events slip back several months to set the scene of their meeting, whirlwind courtship, and marriage. The reader knows from the first pages that something bad has happened to Morgan, but what? Earl's frustration and fear are palpable as he first seeks answers and then plummets into despair when the days slip by with little-to-no clues.
Bill Briscoe meticulously builds the scenes, characters, and overall tension as Earl is thwarted at every turn and life becomes meaningless and filled with anguish and helplessness. At about the halfway mark, the plot pivots unexpectedly, and the action blasts off. Don’t blink!
A great plot will often falter if the characters don’t pass muster. Good news! Both the plot and characters in Panic Point are impressive, well developed, and completely engaging. A slight injection of humor from one of the supporting characters (no spoilers because this guy is hilarious, including his name) cools the tension at just the right moments, but that doesn’t mean the story lags. In fact, the plot accelerates with each chapter as the conflict ratchets up and the mystery of Morgan's disappearance begins to unravel, revealing a despicable scheme that must be stopped!
An admirable plot development is that the author doesn't end the story once the rescue team's mission is complete. The transition of recovery and healing after a traumatic experience is often left out or glossed over; however, in Panic Point, the resultant nightmares and distrust are realistic and handled with gentleness and patience.
Bill Briscoe knows how to keep the reader on the very edge of that seat as the plot thickens and the characters jump into action, literally. Panic Point is a riptide of a story, drawing you in and refusing to let you go for even one minute.
Bill Briscoe meticulously builds the scenes, characters, and overall tension as Earl is thwarted at every turn and life becomes meaningless and filled with anguish and helplessness. At about the halfway mark, the plot pivots unexpectedly, and the action blasts off. Don’t blink!
A great plot will often falter if the characters don’t pass muster. Good news! Both the plot and characters in Panic Point are impressive, well developed, and completely engaging. A slight injection of humor from one of the supporting characters (no spoilers because this guy is hilarious, including his name) cools the tension at just the right moments, but that doesn’t mean the story lags. In fact, the plot accelerates with each chapter as the conflict ratchets up and the mystery of Morgan's disappearance begins to unravel, revealing a despicable scheme that must be stopped!
An admirable plot development is that the author doesn't end the story once the rescue team's mission is complete. The transition of recovery and healing after a traumatic experience is often left out or glossed over; however, in Panic Point, the resultant nightmares and distrust are realistic and handled with gentleness and patience.
Bill Briscoe knows how to keep the reader on the very edge of that seat as the plot thickens and the characters jump into action, literally. Panic Point is a riptide of a story, drawing you in and refusing to let you go for even one minute.
April 18, 2019
This is the first book I have read by this author but it won't be the last! I think I read this all in one night.
This story is fairly fast-paced from the moment that Earl meets Morgan, to their wedding and honeymoon six months later. They say you never know where you find love and for Earl and Morgan it was in the dentist office with Morgan treating Earl's bad tooth. Now I'm not sure I would want to go camping on my honeymoon but more power to those that like something a little different. However, the honeymoon does not go as planned when Morgan is abducted from their campsite. I can't even imagine what she (or anyone in a similar position) endures at the hands of their captor(s). The one upside is that Earl has his family supporting him and to Earl, a family is more than just those that are related to you. I appreciated the stories of how some people came into the family and the hand that Earl extended to someone that was helping him find Morgan as they added a deeper human element.
The story really picked up steam when Earl is contacted for a special mission to rescue women being held in the hills of Tennessee. I don't want to spoil anything but I was intrigued by the group of men, their skill sets, their backgrounds, and that they were willing to take on this mission to save these women. Granted Earl has a personal motive but anyone else could have walked away.
There are some lighter moments and others that make you want to cheer because justice is being served. I did have an uneasy feeling about one character and turns out I was right to feel that way but you'll have to read the book to figure out who I might be talking about and how they fit into the plot.
I don't think I would put this book in the mystery category, maybe more suspense or thriller, but either way, it was still an enjoyable read and we give it 4 paws up.
This story is fairly fast-paced from the moment that Earl meets Morgan, to their wedding and honeymoon six months later. They say you never know where you find love and for Earl and Morgan it was in the dentist office with Morgan treating Earl's bad tooth. Now I'm not sure I would want to go camping on my honeymoon but more power to those that like something a little different. However, the honeymoon does not go as planned when Morgan is abducted from their campsite. I can't even imagine what she (or anyone in a similar position) endures at the hands of their captor(s). The one upside is that Earl has his family supporting him and to Earl, a family is more than just those that are related to you. I appreciated the stories of how some people came into the family and the hand that Earl extended to someone that was helping him find Morgan as they added a deeper human element.
The story really picked up steam when Earl is contacted for a special mission to rescue women being held in the hills of Tennessee. I don't want to spoil anything but I was intrigued by the group of men, their skill sets, their backgrounds, and that they were willing to take on this mission to save these women. Granted Earl has a personal motive but anyone else could have walked away.
There are some lighter moments and others that make you want to cheer because justice is being served. I did have an uneasy feeling about one character and turns out I was right to feel that way but you'll have to read the book to figure out who I might be talking about and how they fit into the plot.
I don't think I would put this book in the mystery category, maybe more suspense or thriller, but either way, it was still an enjoyable read and we give it 4 paws up.
April 22, 2020
This is an audiobook review.
Superb storyline, great characters, mind blowing mystery, A honeymoon too remember for all the wrong reasons.
Very we’ll written.
The narrator does an excellent job on the story, he is very clear and his dialogue helps make this audiobook even more enjoyable.
Superb storyline, great characters, mind blowing mystery, A honeymoon too remember for all the wrong reasons.
Very we’ll written.
The narrator does an excellent job on the story, he is very clear and his dialogue helps make this audiobook even more enjoyable.
March 25, 2019
A gripping story full of suspense. Earl’s bride goes missing on their honeymoon and he’s sure she was abducted. Definitely a breath holding story.
July 9, 2020
This book had an excellent blurb--hooked me right away. I thoroughly enjoyed the main character. Very human and adored his wife. The combat setups and scenes were a bit on the technical side for my taste, but I can appreciate that others, particularly men, would really like those parts of the book. I liked the way the author addressed the horror of human trafficking in a believable manner. Loved the metaphors and similes. Fun to read.
April 25, 2019
Panic Point by Bill Briscoe is a Novel of grand adventure. The reader is immediately thrown into a situation that puts the main character in an uneasy state of mind. Which simply results to a strong and exciting beginning. This is the pace that sticks with the reader the entire story.
One thing about Briscoe’s work that threw me off was his timing. While Panic Point is a fantastic book, I personally found that I felt like I was missing so much during the time jumps. One day it’s a car ride, the next it's the beginning of a relationship, and a marriage, and honeymoon…and there were so many gaps for me.
Did it alter my overall opinion? No. I still find that Briscoe has a unique and interesting writing style that held my attention until the very last sentence. There were those little gasps where I wanted to tell Briscoe’s characters not to do certain things, and at one point slamming the book shut because it was so obvious that something was out of the ordinary! (Okay so this was chapter one but that just goes to show how excited and invested into this story from the very beginning.)
Would I recommend this? Hmm, well, I would. Maybe not to everyone, but definitely would recommend to people looking for a next level read. This novel is a perfect mood read as well! I would suggest putting it on your TBR, and reading it soon. It will keep you on the edge of your seat but also gives you a nice world to visit while in bed.
One thing about Briscoe’s work that threw me off was his timing. While Panic Point is a fantastic book, I personally found that I felt like I was missing so much during the time jumps. One day it’s a car ride, the next it's the beginning of a relationship, and a marriage, and honeymoon…and there were so many gaps for me.
Did it alter my overall opinion? No. I still find that Briscoe has a unique and interesting writing style that held my attention until the very last sentence. There were those little gasps where I wanted to tell Briscoe’s characters not to do certain things, and at one point slamming the book shut because it was so obvious that something was out of the ordinary! (Okay so this was chapter one but that just goes to show how excited and invested into this story from the very beginning.)
Would I recommend this? Hmm, well, I would. Maybe not to everyone, but definitely would recommend to people looking for a next level read. This novel is a perfect mood read as well! I would suggest putting it on your TBR, and reading it soon. It will keep you on the edge of your seat but also gives you a nice world to visit while in bed.
March 26, 2019
If you have read Pepperman’s Promise, you will already love a few of the characters in this book, and meet new ones to add to that list. If not this is a great place to start! Bill Briscoe’s books are full of real people that you can relate to. Everyone has it in him to be a hero when it’s called for, and bad things do happen to good people. It is how one perseveres that proves your mettle. No author does a better job of showing this than Bill Briscoe.
Earl never thought a toothache would net him the love of his life, but that’s just what happened. Instead of a visit with the old family dentist, Earl is surprised by the beautiful new dentist at the practice. A short six months later, Earl and Morgan walk down the aisle. Family has always been the most important thing in Earl’s life. Now he is adding a wife to that close knit bunch.
Morgan plans the perfect honeymoon, camping in the wilderness of the Smoky Mountains. It is a great place to spend some time alone. Their first morning, Burl takes a short hike to a waterfall, while Morgan stays in camp to start breakfast. After a brief time away, Earl gets a foreboding feeling and rushes back to camp.
What he finds devastates his life. The tent is knocked down, supplies are scattered and Morgan is gone. He is sure she has been abducted and rushes back to report it and get help.
The families draw together as the search begins. Morgan’s mother, and Earl’s, as well as his brothers and sisters gather in a local conference room to wait for reports from the search. There are rangers, dogs and other professionals in search and rescue, combing the mountains for any sign of Morgan. She seems to have disappeared from the campsite without a trace.
What evil could have befallen Morgan in the peaceful mountains? How does a family keep it together when one of their own goes missing? How does a husband?
Can Morgan be found and reunited with her new husband?
I was gifted a copy of this novel and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Earl never thought a toothache would net him the love of his life, but that’s just what happened. Instead of a visit with the old family dentist, Earl is surprised by the beautiful new dentist at the practice. A short six months later, Earl and Morgan walk down the aisle. Family has always been the most important thing in Earl’s life. Now he is adding a wife to that close knit bunch.
Morgan plans the perfect honeymoon, camping in the wilderness of the Smoky Mountains. It is a great place to spend some time alone. Their first morning, Burl takes a short hike to a waterfall, while Morgan stays in camp to start breakfast. After a brief time away, Earl gets a foreboding feeling and rushes back to camp.
What he finds devastates his life. The tent is knocked down, supplies are scattered and Morgan is gone. He is sure she has been abducted and rushes back to report it and get help.
The families draw together as the search begins. Morgan’s mother, and Earl’s, as well as his brothers and sisters gather in a local conference room to wait for reports from the search. There are rangers, dogs and other professionals in search and rescue, combing the mountains for any sign of Morgan. She seems to have disappeared from the campsite without a trace.
What evil could have befallen Morgan in the peaceful mountains? How does a family keep it together when one of their own goes missing? How does a husband?
Can Morgan be found and reunited with her new husband?
I was gifted a copy of this novel and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 29, 2019
This book was amazing! No spoilers, but here's what you need to know: Missing women, no help from local law enforcement, Earl may be their only hope! Set in the Smoky Mountains, the descriptions leave nothing to the imagination, the story and character development are SPOT ON! Gripping detail and a fast-paced drama draw on your emotions and grabs you from the very beginning. Once you start this book, you'll be hardpressed to put it down! What's even better about this book is that it works just fine as a standalone, but go back and read Perplexity, you won't be disappointed with that one either. Get this NOW! Although I initially received an ARC, I loved this book so much I purchased it! You won't be sorry!
April 12, 2024
It is rather easy for a man to blame himself when he is the victim of a crime, more so when somebody else got injured. That is what happened to Earl as well when his wife, Morgan, got kidnapped whilst they were camping.
More so since they had been married but three days ago and are on their honeymoon.
Even more so when it happened when he was away from his wife for twenty minutes for ablutions...at their camping place on a wilderness trial.
There is a lot to feel sorry about and to blame your self for. And Earl did.
Panicing.
Which is why this book by Bill Briscoe is so well titled, making for great reading as Earl struggles to discover what happened to the love of his life.
Enjoy.
More so since they had been married but three days ago and are on their honeymoon.
Even more so when it happened when he was away from his wife for twenty minutes for ablutions...at their camping place on a wilderness trial.
There is a lot to feel sorry about and to blame your self for. And Earl did.
Panicing.
Which is why this book by Bill Briscoe is so well titled, making for great reading as Earl struggles to discover what happened to the love of his life.
Enjoy.
November 23, 2019
I had not read the previous book in the series and it did not make a difference. It´s a great story packed with action with twists and turns that makes you want to reach the end and understand what happenend. Although the SEAL character appears in many action/thrillers it is not every author who can write about one without making me feel bored by the "unhuman" traits they show. Bill Briscoe does make the characters seem human with flaws and doubts like us normal human beings. Can´t wait to read the next book!
I received a copy of this book from the author.
I received a copy of this book from the author.
July 8, 2020
Spoiler alert
The narrative starts out with Morgan and Earl in love and soon to honeymoon in the Smokey Mountains. Earl deep love for Morgan comes through in beautiful prose. Morgan is kidnapped from their camp. The search for her is really comprehensive and Earl's agony can be felt deeply. From there it's downhill. The second search was probably right on target as far as tactical logistics go but not my cup of tea. The drama built around the court trial was ridiculous as it was a slam dunk. Liked the first part but lost interest after that.
The narrative starts out with Morgan and Earl in love and soon to honeymoon in the Smokey Mountains. Earl deep love for Morgan comes through in beautiful prose. Morgan is kidnapped from their camp. The search for her is really comprehensive and Earl's agony can be felt deeply. From there it's downhill. The second search was probably right on target as far as tactical logistics go but not my cup of tea. The drama built around the court trial was ridiculous as it was a slam dunk. Liked the first part but lost interest after that.
November 19, 2019
This is the second in the series but the first I have read/listened to the narration. This was a captivating story that kept me company as I ran errands around town.
It was fast-paced. It deals with human trafficking, forced labor, kidnapping and uncertainty. I felt like I was on the raid of the camp as it unfolded. I could feel the disappointment and the elation throughout the story. I liked this so much that I plan on checking out book 1.
It was fast-paced. It deals with human trafficking, forced labor, kidnapping and uncertainty. I felt like I was on the raid of the camp as it unfolded. I could feel the disappointment and the elation throughout the story. I liked this so much that I plan on checking out book 1.
July 24, 2020
There was a moment when I thought "would this happen in real life," but only one. I enjoyed the book though the topic was scary. The characters felt real, I just wished the topic wasn't (it is and we need to face it, but that's not a subject for a review). Again I really liked the book.
One side note, though this was part of a series, I didn't feel as if I missed something by reading this one first.
One side note, though this was part of a series, I didn't feel as if I missed something by reading this one first.
January 10, 2023
Potential
What grabbed me initially about this book was the premise, as well as the beginning, setting the stage for the wife gone missing. That’s all I knew about the book, and there is so much potential in that, especially as it is presented to the reader. From there, the book started to fall flat and become overly cliche with too many tropes. I would love to see the author revise the book and pick one storyline to follow to conclusion.
What grabbed me initially about this book was the premise, as well as the beginning, setting the stage for the wife gone missing. That’s all I knew about the book, and there is so much potential in that, especially as it is presented to the reader. From there, the book started to fall flat and become overly cliche with too many tropes. I would love to see the author revise the book and pick one storyline to follow to conclusion.
March 17, 2019
Review PANIC POINT by Bill Brisco. Earl and Morgan have decided to spend their honeymoon camping in the Great Smokey Mountains but when Morgan is kidnapped by human traffickers Earl will have to fight to get her back. I really enjoyed this book as it is set in my own neck of the woods. The Smokey Mountains, Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and my own Knoxville are all mentioned. 🌟🌟🌟🌟Four stars.
March 25, 2019
Brilliant book. Really enjoyed reading this. It grabbed my attention immediately and I had to finish it, almost in one go.
Great storyline. Highlights a very important issue as human trafficking is but also explores the morale fiber of the human spirit.
Positive attitude goes a long way .
Outstanding read. Thoroughly recommended.
Great storyline. Highlights a very important issue as human trafficking is but also explores the morale fiber of the human spirit.
Positive attitude goes a long way .
Outstanding read. Thoroughly recommended.
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August 20, 2019Featured on Lone Star Literary Life and reviewed by the Lone Star Book Blog Tours Blogger Team.
May 25, 2020
Good narration brought the tense of this story out, the plot was good, one can only imagine his fear, and how did it happen, well done. Given audio for my voluntary review and my honest opinion
August 3, 2020
Great read, plenty of action.
April 1, 2019
I can say that this book can definitely be read by itself. This says book 2. I have not read any of the others. This is my first introduction into this series and author. I followed the story without any problems. Did not feel like I had missed anything. So go ahead and read it.
Nice story, easy to follow. I admit that I was tired of reading in general and needed a break so this book took me a bit longer to read than my normal rate.
I have one point to pick. Not happy that a favorite and loved TV show of mine was played on in what I would consider a negative way. My personal opinion. Boo Hoo.
This is my honest and freely given review. I did receive an ARC copy.
Nice story, easy to follow. I admit that I was tired of reading in general and needed a break so this book took me a bit longer to read than my normal rate.
I have one point to pick. Not happy that a favorite and loved TV show of mine was played on in what I would consider a negative way. My personal opinion. Boo Hoo.
This is my honest and freely given review. I did receive an ARC copy.
August 12, 2020
Earl's new bride goes missing whilst on their dream honeymoon walking and camping in the mountains.
When park rangers fail to find any evidence of foul play the search is called off leaving Earl devastated.
Then another woman goes missing and Earl's Navy SEAL training is called upon to help get to the bottom of these sinister goings on.
Another well written novel from Bill Briscoe with instantly likeable characters.
After reading the first Pepperman book I immediately picked up the second and was not disappointed, again reading in two sittings.
If you have read the first book then you should definitely read this one, and if you haven't....read it !!!
When park rangers fail to find any evidence of foul play the search is called off leaving Earl devastated.
Then another woman goes missing and Earl's Navy SEAL training is called upon to help get to the bottom of these sinister goings on.
Another well written novel from Bill Briscoe with instantly likeable characters.
After reading the first Pepperman book I immediately picked up the second and was not disappointed, again reading in two sittings.
If you have read the first book then you should definitely read this one, and if you haven't....read it !!!
June 18, 2022
Fast paced mystery. Earl's wife is abducted while camping on their honeymoon. Can he hold onto his faith that he will find her alive or will he fall apart from the guilt of not keeping her safe? What follows will keep you on the edge of your seat and unable to put the book down. Quick read.
I was gifted a copy of this novel and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I was gifted a copy of this novel and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 16, 2019
I have to say this book gripped hold of my attention and didn't let go. I refused to put it down until I read to the end! A very thrilling story and I enjoyed every bit of it.
April 27, 2019
Given the synopsis, I entered into this story with a tense feeling that ultimately never seemed to loosen its grip! This was such a riveting read, especially once the mystery of why Earl's wife went missing in the first page. I'll admit that I realized early on what was coming given an early interaction between characters, but I was not disappointed in how the story played out nor in its conclusion. Short, fast-paced chapters kept the tension mounting until the very end and certainly packed a dynamic punch for such a small package!
"If it saddens you to look back, and you're afraid to look forward, just look beside you, and I'll be there."
Earl's perseverance is a testament to his strong character and truly embodies the human spirit. Facing mounting suspicion in his wife's disappearance, but also struggling with his own guilt, Earl is horribly conflicted about whether to give up, move on, or continue with a search that seems to matter very little to the law enforcement officials charged with protecting the community. His emotions are expressed with such vehemence that our own sense of empathy is called upon and we can honestly relate to his circumstances and condition.
"The camaraderie couldn't be explained..."
As an Army veteran myself, I greatly appreciated the level of authenticity presented throughout the story. The men who comprise the mission team came alive on the page as examples of real life individuals I have known and/or worked with, especially Pharts, who brought some much needed humor for the team to maintain their sanity as they embarked on what could very well be a incredibly dauntless undertaking. The team leader, Stan Kowalski, retired Delta Force, drafted the five-paragraph operation order (OPORD), detailing the situation, intelligence gathered on the enemy, and the plan of execution to ensure that all the subordinates understood and followed the order, which is the exact protocol to follow. I was also impressed that once the team received its orders, they actually went through the process of rehearsing those steps briefed in the plan that they would use to carry out the mission. This is such an integral part of any task undertaken within the military and spoke volumes to the story's reliability, especially when using such highly specialized components of the armed forces. This also definitely spoke highly in regards to the author's level of research and the advisers he consulted to create a believable work of fiction that could be enjoyed by a laymen and that provided the representation that service members greatly appreciate seeing reflected across all media formats.
Although this was the second book in the series, it can be read as a true standalone. High expectations have been set for this series and I'm so eager for more!
Many thanks to the author and Lone Star Book Blog Tours for providing me with a free book in exchange for my honest and thoughtful opinion. This review and more special features can be found on That's What She's Reading blog at thatswhatshesreading.com.
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