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Truth Seekers #3
Dead End
Evaluating trace evidence is her job…
When Sierra Byrd’s father needs a kidney transplant, despite her parents’ protest claiming they could never ask for her help, Sierra insists on being tested for the transplant. But when results prove it is physically impossible for her father to be her biological father, her family finally confesses their long-held secret. She was conceived in an affair her mother had the summer before her parents’ wedding. The man she’d come to know as father is named on her birth certificate, but he truly isn’t her father.
But the job just turned personal.
Shocked and hurt, Sierra goes in search of her biological father in the small coastal town where he owns a property management business. But when she arrives in town to find her father has recently disappeared, and she starts asking questions, FBI Agent Reed Rice delivers her second shock in as many days. Her father is wanted for embezzling money from the properties he manages. Despite the evidence staring her in the face, Sierra holds out hope that her father isn’t the criminal that Reed believes him to be. But as Sierra’s desperate search for the truth unearths long-buried secrets and she runs into dead end after dead end, she ignites a killer’s fury, and suddenly her own life is on the line.
326 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2019
669 people are currently reading
181 people want to read
About the author
Susan Sleeman
130 books810 followersSUSAN SLEEMAN is the bestselling author of over sixty romantic suspense and mystery novels with more than two million books sold. She writes romantic suspense novels that are clean with inspiring messages of faith. Readers love her series for the well-drawn characters and edge-of-your-seat action. She graduated from the FBI and local police citizen academies, so her research is spot-on and her characters are real.
In addition to writing, Susan also hosts The Suspense Zone. She has lived in nine states but now calls Oregon home. Her husband is a retired church music director, and they have two beautiful daughters, two special sons-in-law, and four amazing grandsons
In addition to writing, Susan also hosts The Suspense Zone. She has lived in nine states but now calls Oregon home. Her husband is a retired church music director, and they have two beautiful daughters, two special sons-in-law, and four amazing grandsons
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
September 10, 2019
Had God put Reed in her life to show her His love and support in human form?'
Sierra Byrd discovers she is not her father's daughter when she is tested as a possible kidney transplant donor. She discovers her parents' decades long secret and heads off to find her true biological daughter, only to learn he lives nearby but has been missing the last 4 weeks and is suspected in an embezzlement scheme. Sierra works for the elite Veritas team as their trace evidence expert and begins to process the scene immediately, only to find herself in handcuffs as FBI agent Reed Rice thinks she is part of the criminal set.
Susan Sleeman is my go-to for romantic inspirational suspense. She knows her business and it's like watching a top of the line crime show on tv. Her research into the criminal and forensic world is impeccable and I love learning all about it! She also weaves a wonderful spiritual them through her books. I have been a huge fan for years! She takes her readers on a fast ride and the suspense continues to ratchet up until the very end. I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of this book. I now look forward to the next in the series.
*My thanks to the publisher and author for a preview copy of this book. The opinions stated here are entirely my own.
Sierra Byrd discovers she is not her father's daughter when she is tested as a possible kidney transplant donor. She discovers her parents' decades long secret and heads off to find her true biological daughter, only to learn he lives nearby but has been missing the last 4 weeks and is suspected in an embezzlement scheme. Sierra works for the elite Veritas team as their trace evidence expert and begins to process the scene immediately, only to find herself in handcuffs as FBI agent Reed Rice thinks she is part of the criminal set.
Susan Sleeman is my go-to for romantic inspirational suspense. She knows her business and it's like watching a top of the line crime show on tv. Her research into the criminal and forensic world is impeccable and I love learning all about it! She also weaves a wonderful spiritual them through her books. I have been a huge fan for years! She takes her readers on a fast ride and the suspense continues to ratchet up until the very end. I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of this book. I now look forward to the next in the series.
*My thanks to the publisher and author for a preview copy of this book. The opinions stated here are entirely my own.
August 22, 2020
The reviews were not wrong. This one was hard to get through. Sierra came across whiny. Just didn't care as much about her as I did Emory or Kelsey.
October 3, 2019
One of the things I love about Susan Sleeman’s books is the education I get about police investigations. In Dead End, it’s Veritas’s forensic evidence technician.
Sierra is extremely independent, not allowing anyone to push her into anything but when her personal life comes up again an FBI investigation, Sierra and the rest of the team at Veritas offer their unique and top tier expertise. Through the investigation, Sierra learns that maybe, just maybe, God intends for her to let go of some of that independence and lean on Him as well as some of the people around her.
With Sleeman’s trademark mix of investigation, romance, and intense suspense, readers are kept guessing until the crime is solved.
Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
Sierra is extremely independent, not allowing anyone to push her into anything but when her personal life comes up again an FBI investigation, Sierra and the rest of the team at Veritas offer their unique and top tier expertise. Through the investigation, Sierra learns that maybe, just maybe, God intends for her to let go of some of that independence and lean on Him as well as some of the people around her.
With Sleeman’s trademark mix of investigation, romance, and intense suspense, readers are kept guessing until the crime is solved.
Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
October 9, 2020
Okay, confession time I actually read this book before the second one. I was instantly intrigued by Sierra and her five brothers, and I really wanted to read her book. I started the book, and I could not put it down. The suspense was killing me, so I had to finish it. I especially loved all the different characters new and old that were in this story.
Dead End is about the Veritas’ team trace evidence and fingerprint analysis, Sierra and Agent Reed Rice. Sierra has just found out that the man who raised her is not actually her biological father. Her real father is a man named Eddie who was not at all ready to be a father. Sierra leaves to go meet her father, but she finds Reed in his home. Reed thinks that Eddie has stolen some money and ran, but Sierra believes that he was kidnapped. After a while they agree to work together to find and rescue Eddie, but they will have to learn how to work together as a team if they have any hope of a future together.
I really enjoyed this wonderful, romantic, suspenseful book. Sierra was a very interesting character, and I have to say it took me a little a while to warm up to her. She fiercely loved her independence to the extent that she was hurting her relationships around her. Her brothers were so overprotective that it caused her to push them away, so she could be independant. She was also very loyal though, and she had a big heart underneath all of her bluster.
I really liked Reed’s character. He wanted a relationship with Sierra, but he wanted to make sure that she wanted that relationship too. Plus with some old characters who came into the book as well. The only thing that I was really sad about is that Sierra’s brother and Reed’s sister are not really in the book which is why I am so excited for the Nighthawk series which is all about these characters. This is a clean romance, but the violence is a bit more graphic. I would definitely recommend this Dead End!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
Dead End is about the Veritas’ team trace evidence and fingerprint analysis, Sierra and Agent Reed Rice. Sierra has just found out that the man who raised her is not actually her biological father. Her real father is a man named Eddie who was not at all ready to be a father. Sierra leaves to go meet her father, but she finds Reed in his home. Reed thinks that Eddie has stolen some money and ran, but Sierra believes that he was kidnapped. After a while they agree to work together to find and rescue Eddie, but they will have to learn how to work together as a team if they have any hope of a future together.
I really enjoyed this wonderful, romantic, suspenseful book. Sierra was a very interesting character, and I have to say it took me a little a while to warm up to her. She fiercely loved her independence to the extent that she was hurting her relationships around her. Her brothers were so overprotective that it caused her to push them away, so she could be independant. She was also very loyal though, and she had a big heart underneath all of her bluster.
I really liked Reed’s character. He wanted a relationship with Sierra, but he wanted to make sure that she wanted that relationship too. Plus with some old characters who came into the book as well. The only thing that I was really sad about is that Sierra’s brother and Reed’s sister are not really in the book which is why I am so excited for the Nighthawk series which is all about these characters. This is a clean romance, but the violence is a bit more graphic. I would definitely recommend this Dead End!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
February 25, 2021
Another good read!
Similar format as her other novels that gives way to some predictability, but still a great story with the right amount of suspense and twists. Clean, but still some passionate moments between the characters to depict their growing attraction/love. If you liked her others, you'll surely like "Dead End" too!
I am currently reading through Sleeman's three consecutive series, starting with the Cold Harbor books. This is the second set, Truth Seekers. I like the attention to detail she must put into researching the nuances of each character's occupation. It makes everything seem more realistic! I do wish she would vary her terms of endearment beyond only "honey" each time , but it's not really a big deal.
Side note: I love how the five brothers are named in alphabetical order. My 5 siblings and I are too! I'm "A". :)
Similar format as her other novels that gives way to some predictability, but still a great story with the right amount of suspense and twists. Clean, but still some passionate moments between the characters to depict their growing attraction/love. If you liked her others, you'll surely like "Dead End" too!
I am currently reading through Sleeman's three consecutive series, starting with the Cold Harbor books. This is the second set, Truth Seekers. I like the attention to detail she must put into researching the nuances of each character's occupation. It makes everything seem more realistic! I do wish she would vary her terms of endearment beyond only "honey" each time , but it's not really a big deal.
Side note: I love how the five brothers are named in alphabetical order. My 5 siblings and I are too! I'm "A". :)
April 21, 2020
Plot was Ok
But the story became very sappy in parts. I like romantic mysteries, but this one left me wanting more intrigue and less sappy interludes.
But the story became very sappy in parts. I like romantic mysteries, but this one left me wanting more intrigue and less sappy interludes.
March 13, 2023
3.5 stars
"He's not my father? What do you mean?"
Seemingly impossible, but true. Sierra Byrd has just been handed some incredulous news, the man who has dearly loved and cared about her for her entire life is not her biological father. Naturally Sierra wants to meet the man who is . . . except . . . . that man, Eddie Barnes, has left town under suspicious circumstances.
"The Fed was tall. Six foot two, Sierra figured, and wore what looked like a custom black suit that fit him very well."
The man had handcuffed her! It appeared that Sierra wasn't the only person looking for Eddie Barnes. F.B. I. Agent Reed Rice had been trying to piece together the reasons for the property manager's disappearance as well; from all appearances, the man had embezzled quite a large sum of money from his customers. . . . . and there was absolutely nothing on record about a daughter, who just happened to show up poking around the man's place of business.
Out of handcuffs, and suggesting that she lend her skills as a highly skilled forensics expert, Sierra offers Reed a teammate approach of sorts; they both want to find the same man, right? Before they can sort through all those details, the case takes a gruesome turn, and their partnership begins to exhibit all the markings of a "relationship", which has Sierra wondering what, or who, she is really looking for.
Definitely an "edge of your seat" story!
"He's not my father? What do you mean?"
Seemingly impossible, but true. Sierra Byrd has just been handed some incredulous news, the man who has dearly loved and cared about her for her entire life is not her biological father. Naturally Sierra wants to meet the man who is . . . except . . . . that man, Eddie Barnes, has left town under suspicious circumstances.
"The Fed was tall. Six foot two, Sierra figured, and wore what looked like a custom black suit that fit him very well."
The man had handcuffed her! It appeared that Sierra wasn't the only person looking for Eddie Barnes. F.B. I. Agent Reed Rice had been trying to piece together the reasons for the property manager's disappearance as well; from all appearances, the man had embezzled quite a large sum of money from his customers. . . . . and there was absolutely nothing on record about a daughter, who just happened to show up poking around the man's place of business.
Out of handcuffs, and suggesting that she lend her skills as a highly skilled forensics expert, Sierra offers Reed a teammate approach of sorts; they both want to find the same man, right? Before they can sort through all those details, the case takes a gruesome turn, and their partnership begins to exhibit all the markings of a "relationship", which has Sierra wondering what, or who, she is really looking for.
Definitely an "edge of your seat" story!
June 25, 2020
I am very much enjoying this series, but for some reason this story was harder for me to stay into, and I honestly can't tell you why.
Veritas is a group of very talented people who at the beginning of their business did DNA testing to help families find lost members. Now they work with law enforcement on every facet of a crime. Sierra finds trace evidence at a crime scene and then in her lab finds out what that evidence can tell them about the crime. When Sierra's father needs a new kidney, Sierra is tested and finds out that her father isn't her birth father and she goes off to find Eddie, the man who didn't want her. But what she finds is that Eddie is wanted by the FBI for embezzling and as they move farther into the investigation people are dying right and left! And Sierra and Reed, the FBI detective are right in the middle of it all.
This is a fast paced action/romance, and it's clean.
Veritas is a group of very talented people who at the beginning of their business did DNA testing to help families find lost members. Now they work with law enforcement on every facet of a crime. Sierra finds trace evidence at a crime scene and then in her lab finds out what that evidence can tell them about the crime. When Sierra's father needs a new kidney, Sierra is tested and finds out that her father isn't her birth father and she goes off to find Eddie, the man who didn't want her. But what she finds is that Eddie is wanted by the FBI for embezzling and as they move farther into the investigation people are dying right and left! And Sierra and Reed, the FBI detective are right in the middle of it all.
This is a fast paced action/romance, and it's clean.
August 22, 2020
Where Did He Hide
Susan Sleeman has written yet another fantastic story with Sierra as the heroine. She is another member of the Veritas Group which scientific research labs do thorough work quickly, often for $1. for law enforcement. Sierra's Dad needs a kidney transplant ASAP. Of course, she volunteered to see if she might be a match. Not only isn't she a match, she learns that she isn't even her biological father! Her parents admit that her Mom was pregnant when they met. They had always planned to tell her, but the time was never right. Of course, Sierra became angry,asked who is really her father. Eddie wasn't in being a father, so her Mom was left alone and even her parents kicked her out. Sierra drives six hours without a plan to go meet her real father only to learn that he is missing and wanted by the FBI for embezzling $250,000. Thus the plot for a great book.
Susan Sleeman has written yet another fantastic story with Sierra as the heroine. She is another member of the Veritas Group which scientific research labs do thorough work quickly, often for $1. for law enforcement. Sierra's Dad needs a kidney transplant ASAP. Of course, she volunteered to see if she might be a match. Not only isn't she a match, she learns that she isn't even her biological father! Her parents admit that her Mom was pregnant when they met. They had always planned to tell her, but the time was never right. Of course, Sierra became angry,asked who is really her father. Eddie wasn't in being a father, so her Mom was left alone and even her parents kicked her out. Sierra drives six hours without a plan to go meet her real father only to learn that he is missing and wanted by the FBI for embezzling $250,000. Thus the plot for a great book.
October 29, 2024
My thoughts: Dead End is about a woman who finds out that her father is not really her father when she attempts to donate her kidney to save his life. When she goes to meet her biological father she walks straight into a crime scene. Her father is missing. It is assumed that he has stolen a lot of money and may have murdered somebody or somebody might have murdered him. The details are unclear and the FBI has been called in. Sierra decides to stay and help investigate because some of the things are right up her alley. This was a story with a lot of details and surprising twists and turns. I wasn't really surprised by who done it the other details surprised me. If you like romantic suspense you will love Dead End or any of the other books in this series. I was given a copy free and all opinions on my own.
March 31, 2020
Dead End Book 3🌠🌠🌠🌠🌠5 Stars
What a great series by this brilliant author. It is so nice to read a great book that honors God instead of using his name in vain. To the author: I see that book four is “Try a Sample.” In laymen terms, that usually means you have too buy the next book. For those of us who pay $9.99 for Kindle Unlimited - please make the rest of this series Free like usual. Especially with how the economy is now. Thank you!
What a great series by this brilliant author. It is so nice to read a great book that honors God instead of using his name in vain. To the author: I see that book four is “Try a Sample.” In laymen terms, that usually means you have too buy the next book. For those of us who pay $9.99 for Kindle Unlimited - please make the rest of this series Free like usual. Especially with how the economy is now. Thank you!
February 5, 2020
Love this series
I love that the characters are so well developed. When you read a story and you feel that the characters in the book are real and you are watching their lives play out then you have read a good book. Mrs Sleeman did that for me in this series. I can not wait to read the next book.
I love that the characters are so well developed. When you read a story and you feel that the characters in the book are real and you are watching their lives play out then you have read a good book. Mrs Sleeman did that for me in this series. I can not wait to read the next book.
February 13, 2020
Great Series
I love all the characters in this story. They all have strong personalities. This book giveaway a little more insight into Veritas' forensic skills. Sierra learns she can love a man and still be strong and independent. All the books in this series are well written and we'll worth reading.
I love all the characters in this story. They all have strong personalities. This book giveaway a little more insight into Veritas' forensic skills. Sierra learns she can love a man and still be strong and independent. All the books in this series are well written and we'll worth reading.
February 20, 2021
SO FREAKING GOOOOD!!
This book was such a great read!’ It’s got everything I want in a book, romance, suspense, mystery and humor!! I love reading about the secondary characters too. Everything in this book was so smooth. The story was fantastic and I like how Sierra and Reed’s relationship progressed throughout the book!
Can’t wait to read more!!
This book was such a great read!’ It’s got everything I want in a book, romance, suspense, mystery and humor!! I love reading about the secondary characters too. Everything in this book was so smooth. The story was fantastic and I like how Sierra and Reed’s relationship progressed throughout the book!
Can’t wait to read more!!
March 8, 2021
More like 4.5 stars because of a minor technicality in this suspenseful drama. Towards the end Sierra, who always follows rules by the book, breaks her promise to Reed and makes a stupid mistake that puts her in immediate danger (& of course in need of rescue). Otherwise, another excellent page turner! I'm addicted to this clean romantic suspense series!
May 4, 2022
Great Christian suspense with romance
I enjoyed this book so much! The characters are loyal, intelligent, and dedicated. The mystery woven through the story and the fast pace is so entertaining. And it's a pleasure to read a clean romance along with the evidence of the characters' faith sprinkled in. This is a book I will reread for sure.
I enjoyed this book so much! The characters are loyal, intelligent, and dedicated. The mystery woven through the story and the fast pace is so entertaining. And it's a pleasure to read a clean romance along with the evidence of the characters' faith sprinkled in. This is a book I will reread for sure.
May 4, 2024
This is an intriguing and fast-paced mystery involving the team from Veritas Center. I enjoy the interactions between the team members and delighted in watching Sierra and Reed’s relationship develop. It’s fun reading them in order to see each team member fall in love as they work together solving various mysteries and crimes.
February 22, 2020
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
I am loving this series by Susan Sleeman. They have everything I look for in good books - suspense, action, romance, and based in faith in God! Now I have to wait for the rest of the series to be released.
I am loving this series by Susan Sleeman. They have everything I look for in good books - suspense, action, romance, and based in faith in God! Now I have to wait for the rest of the series to be released.
March 4, 2020
I have thoroughly enjoyed this book.
I have thoroughly enjoyed this book. It is like being right there with the team as they recover and work through all the evidence to solve the case.
I have thoroughly enjoyed this book. It is like being right there with the team as they recover and work through all the evidence to solve the case.
April 7, 2020
Love it
I love the story, the plot, and characters. It was a little slow in the middle but once it got going again I couldn't put the book down. Love the suspense and the love story. Wonderful read.
I love the story, the plot, and characters. It was a little slow in the middle but once it got going again I couldn't put the book down. Love the suspense and the love story. Wonderful read.
September 13, 2020
Anothe Good Romantic Suspense
I loved the suspense,twists and turns.
The storyline and characters were appealing.
The book is recommended for those who love Christian romantic suspense.
I loved the suspense,twists and turns.
The storyline and characters were appealing.
The book is recommended for those who love Christian romantic suspense.
September 21, 2020
Exciting
Sierra has just found out her father that raised her is not her biological father she has mixed feelings about that her father is sick and her biological father has disappeared lots of action Reed added as a new character good story line
Sierra has just found out her father that raised her is not her biological father she has mixed feelings about that her father is sick and her biological father has disappeared lots of action Reed added as a new character good story line
October 6, 2020
Awesome book
This was a great mystery and romance. The only reason I didn't give it a 5 star is that I wish the main characters wouldn't constantly say why they should not get into a relationship when everyone know they want to.
This was a great mystery and romance. The only reason I didn't give it a 5 star is that I wish the main characters wouldn't constantly say why they should not get into a relationship when everyone know they want to.
December 8, 2020
It took several days to get through this book. Too much romance way too soon. Too much lab work for me. I really couldn’t understand the attraction between the two unless it was strictly physical. But the ending was better than the rest of it.
April 21, 2021
Lots of Forensic Education Here
I liked the information and the character. The arms length and super independent woman mode is a bit much in parts and the spoiled attitude got on my nerves. Otherwise, interesting.
I liked the information and the character. The arms length and super independent woman mode is a bit much in parts and the spoiled attitude got on my nerves. Otherwise, interesting.
March 19, 2020
Great book
Susan Sleeman books are always fast paced and interesting.
I have read many of her books and will look for mo from her.
Susan Sleeman books are always fast paced and interesting.
I have read many of her books and will look for mo from her.
March 23, 2020
Action Packed
What a great book to get lost in while social distancing from the dreaded
Covid-19.
Read away and enjoy! Stubborn and fiercely independent females will like it a lot!
What a great book to get lost in while social distancing from the dreaded
Covid-19.
Read away and enjoy! Stubborn and fiercely independent females will like it a lot!
April 9, 2020
Kept me guessing.
Thank you for a Christian novel. Strong characters who have imperfect lives are easy to relate to. But everyone does not end up in love.
Thank you for a Christian novel. Strong characters who have imperfect lives are easy to relate to. But everyone does not end up in love.
Read
April 22, 2020Great read
If you love good Christian book with supence, love ,this is the book to read. The whole series is great
If you love good Christian book with supence, love ,this is the book to read. The whole series is great
June 9, 2020
Excellent fast paced character driven tale.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews