Falsely Accused

FBI: Special Crimes Unit #5

by Shirlee McCoy

Proving her innocence

means running for her life.

Framed for her foster brother’s murder, FBI special agent Wren Santino must clear her name—but someone’s dead set on stopping her from finding the truth. Her estranged childhood friend, Titus Anderson, comes to her aid…but standing by her puts him in the killer’s crosshairs, too. And unraveling a conspiracy may be the only way for either of them to survive.

FBI: Special Crimes Unit

Genres: Romance, Suspense, Love Inspired Suspense, Romantic Suspense, Christian Fiction, Audiobook, Harlequin

224 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 1, 2020

Reviews

[Laur · Rating 1 out of 5]

I’m in the minority, I know, but I was REALLY disappointed in this one. The fiction was too unbelievable given the characters - their respective careers, the character development and the overall story. This read more like a bad fairytale.

[Kav · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a hair-raising opening scene! Desperation from the get go and so many questions without any answers. My heart rate skipped along as fast as my eyes skimmed the words because this is the rabid-read kind of suspense. So many twists and turns with stop reading and gasp out loud moments!

Love the friends to lovers vibe of the romance. They haven't seen each other for nine years yet they fall right back into the teasing comaraderie of their best friends days. "It was the same. The verbal sparring. The quick exchanges of ideas and plans. The compromising and the challenging. It all felt as natural as breathing." (p 27) Only there's a new and interesting vibe zinging between them now. And I do love some good verbal sparring in a romance. :-)

Shirlee McCoy is one of my absolutely-buy-if-her-name-is-on-the-cover authors and after finishing Falsely Accused, I'm reminded why. Unputdownable.

[Faith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Framed for her foster brother's death Special Agent Wren Santino must clear her name, but someone is thwarting her every effort to uncover the truth.



Titus Anderson is a childhood friend who steps up to help her unravel the mystery, but helping her put him in the sights of the killer as well. Will they be able to untangle this dangerous conspiracy before someone else gets killed?



A fast paced, action packed drama, filled with suspense and conspiracy. Wren and Titus grew up together, and even though they have had their rough patches have remained friends, as they start working together, they repair their friendship, and support each other through this ordeal.



Wren has always been a strong one, independent and the one that others depended on. She is more reserved and introverted, and is dedicated to her job. She is a good teammate.



Titus has a history in law enforcement, and he has a passion for restoring homes. He has gone through a rough few years, and is happy to help Wren, he has a strong faith that has seen him through many tough times.



Overall, a riveting, and entertaining read with great character interaction and and great pacing throughout. Enjoyed this romantic, high stakes read!



I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Falsely Accused was a really good romantic suspense read. The story started off with intensity and I found it to be a very fast read.

I liked the characters right away and thought the romance story was good. I wasn't surprised by who the bad guy was, but enjoyed the reveal.

All in all, Falsely Accused was a great read and I recommend it to fans of this genre.

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

[Maureen Timerman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book starts and ends with action, you cannot figure out what is behind the next corner. As the bodies pile up, and some near misses.
When FBI Agent shows up in Maine to help her foster mother, she never imagines the heartache she is about to endure. She is also about to open her heart to more than her mom, but more heartache follows.
Greed comes to mind here, and there are a lot of surprises and happenings that you won’t see coming. Culprit or culprits go to any length here, and not all make it to the end!

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Love Inspired Suspense, and was not required to give a positive review.

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a huge fan of romantic suspense, I was thrilled to read this book by a new-to-me author. The cover of Falsely Accused is so visually appealing, and I love the new cover style of the Love Inspired Romance novels being released this year. The cover immediately drew me in and made me want to read this book.

FBI special agent Wren Santino is framed for her foster brother's murder, and the only person she can trust is her former childhood friend, Titus Anderson. Their lives both are in extreme danger as they try to overcome the hurt from their own pasts and search for the real killer before it's too late.

This was an enjoyable story to read, and the author completely surprised me with who the culprit was. I wish I would have connected more personally with the characters, but I really enjoyed the action-packed storyline. This book is recommended for fans of Love Inspired Suspense books.

I received a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.

[Susan Snodgrass · Rating 4 out of 5]

'God's plans were best. He had always believed that. They were often unexpected and unanticipated.'

I have been looking forward to Wren Santino's story in Shirlee McCoy's 'FBI: Special Crimes Unit' series. From Wren's first appearance as the boss of the FBI agents in this series, I knew she had a story to tell and I was right! Wren heads back to where she grew up in Maine in this book to check on her former foster mother who has fallen and broken a hip. Almost instantly she is embroiled in a deadly development and is arrested for killing her former foster brother. Well, things just roll on swiftly after this. Oh, don't forget Titus, the kid that grew up in the same town who Wren once thought she loved. He's back in town, living in the house he grew up in after leaving the Boston PD and starting a career in home restoration and renovation.

Shirlee McCoy is a master at romantic, inspirational suspense. I discovered her books early last year and have bought them all in one form or another and am trying to make some headway into reading her massive back list. Now, I'm eagerly anticipating her next book!

*My thanks to Love Inspired Publishing for a preview copy of this book via Net Galley. The opinion stated here in this review is entirely my own.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a new to me author and I enjoyed this very much.
I liked how God's plan always works out whether it is what we want or not. His ways are best anyhow.
There are many twists and turns in this story and Shirlee McCoy has wonderful talent.
Her style of writing is exciting and I love how she keeps your attention throughout the story.
Wren is my favorite FBI agent. I love her for the strong woman she is.
Even after what has happened to her.
I enjoyed this story very much and I loved how it ended. I also love surprise endings.
I especially loved the supporting characters and the plot made me want to hurry and turn the pages!
I spent a pleasant day reading this book and finished in about an hour that's how good this book was!
This is a book that will leave you wondering about the characters long after u finish.
I will be looking forward to reading more books by her
I really recommend this book
My thanks to Harlequin and Netgalley for a copy of this book!
I was NOT required to write a positive review for this book. All opinions are my own

[Storied Conversation · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.It has been a little while since I read a straight up mystery (as opposed to a cozy mystery) and let me tell you the opening scene in this book was phenomenal! This is first book of this series that I have read and by this author. I am so thrilled that I did though. There were so many twists and turns throughout this book. As a die hard Agatha Christie fan I compare every mystery to her and let me tell you that Shirlee McCoy holds her own. She has just become one of my must read authors.

This review was originally posted on Wickedly Romance

[Connie Queen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read. Would recommend.

[Margie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wren Santino is a FBI Special Agent and part of the FBI Special Crimes Unit. She is taking a break by returning home to help her foster mother Abigail get her farm ready for sale so Abigail can move to the Sunrise Acres Retirement Village. While driving toward the farm Wren is stopped by her foster brother Deputy Ryan Parker. He has told her that he needs to talk to her about something. As she exits her car to talk Ryan is shot, probably fatally and Wren finds herself hancuffed and stuffed into the back of a sheriff department car and accused of shooting Ryan. It doesn't take Wren long to figure out the two men who "arrested" her are fakes and that she is in big trouble. She needs to find a way to escape from the car and get away from them. She finally sees her chance, opens the car door and jumps out and takes off. She is familiar with the area so heads toward a familiar place, the childhood home of her estranged friend Titus Anderson. She assumes the place is empty but getting there is the best plan she can come up with. Turns out that Titus now lives there. Thank goodness. She has help now.

Titus Anderson is a former Boston Police Department homicide detective. He decided to leave that career and return home to run a restoration business. He and Wren have been estranged for years because he didn't believe her when she told him she saw his ex-wife with another man. It just so happened that she was right. Too bad Wren doesn't give second chances because Titus sure would like to renew their friendship and maybe take it a little further. In any event he intends to stick close to Wren and protect her as she investigates her foster brother's death.

Falsely Accused by Shirlee McCoy is the fifth book in the author's FBI: Special Crimes Unit series. This book is another example of Ms. McCoy's excellent writing skills. Her descriptions are spot on. Also the dialogue is interesting and moves the story forward. Wren Santino and Titus Anderson are aptly portrayed as strong, determined and caring characters. The storyline speeds to a conclusion complete with lots of action and intrigue. I liked how Ms. McCoy developed the relationship between Wren and Titus. They come to the realization they belong together quite naturally. This series is perfect for Romantic Suspense readers.

[Glenda Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

My review today is on the Love Inspired Suspense, Falsely Accused. This is book five in the series FBI: Special Crimes Unit. This story like all of Shirlee's books is well written, action packed, and full of adventure. She weaves faith throughout the story like a fine tapestry. I always love that.

FBI Special Agent Wren Santino is arrested by two deputies for shooting her brother, a fellow deputy. She was shot as she knelt beside him. Something is really wrong here. These men aren't following protocol. She has worked in law enforcement for almost a decade and this is not what is suppose to happen. Ryan had told her he was in trouble right before he was shot. She escapes out of the squad car and runs to the bungalow that had belonged to her best friend.

Titus Anderson, her one time best friend comes to her aid as these men shoot at her. Wren tried to get him to leave as now he is in trouble with her. He is surprised to see her. It had been years since they had last spoke. He agrees to help her clear her name. Can they find out who is setting her up to take the fall? Can they keep each other safe as their whole world turns upside down?

A dangerous journey to find the killers and what they are trying to keep secret. God has a plan for these two broken souls, a plan for a hope and a future. God has a plan for you too. Give Him your heart and watch Him work in the mess our world is in right now.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Falsely Accused by Shirlee McCoy is part of a series however I had not read the other books and I felt this one stood alone. I did like the secondary characters enough to want to learn more about their stories though.

Wren is an FBI agent who is home visiting the lady who helped her through her childhood. I could not tell if they were official foster kids or she just took care of the kids in the city.

Wren and Titus were childhood best friends until she delivered his news that he struggled dealing with. I was glad Wren was willing to give him a second chance it not I think I would have been done with her character.

The conspiracy was interesting and refreshing in that it was not your typical plot line.

Hannah was a great secondary character that I would like to see get her own story.
Sexual content – kissing
Violence – someone dies in the beginning, someone is trying to silence Wren, and someone gets shot, and kidnapped. Not described in graphic detail. More just action packed.

I received this book from Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review.
You can see my full review at More Than a Review dot com where I rate the level of sex, violence, language and drug/alcohol use in books.

[Joyce Stewart Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Falsely Accused
by Shirlee McCoy
4🌟🌟🌟🌟
Description :
Discover an edge-of-your-seat read from New York Times bestselling author Shirlee McCoy, part of the FBI: Special Crimes Unit series.Proving her innocence means running for her life.Framed for her foster brother’s murder, FBI special agent Wren Santino must clear her name—but someone’s dead set on stopping her from finding the truth. Her estranged childhood friend, Titus Anderson, comes to her aid…but standing by her puts him in the killer’s crosshairs, too. And unraveling a conspiracy may be the only way for either of them to survive.
⚡My Review ⚡

Falsely Accused
is the last book in the FBI Special Crimes Unit Series. It was not til I finished this book did i find out it was part of a series. With that being said I had no problem following along . It was very well written and full of action. I finished it in about an hour. Can't wait to read the other books in this series. This is Definitely a good 4 star read.
Many thanks to the Author, publisher and netgalley for a e copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions I have expressed are my own.
#FalselyAccused
#ShirleeMcCoy
#netgalley

[Paul Goble · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was immediately impressed by the realism and competence of the main character--Wren noticed the things I wanted her to notice and did the things I wanted her to do. Many authors in this genre forget to equip their police cars with radios; Wren noticed the lack of a radio and pegged the "police officers" as imposters.

As the book went on, action and suspense gave way to some rather sappy romance.

While the level of realism was in general commendable, there were a few internal inconsistencies. In several cases, characters didn't react how I'd expect--in particular, when an officer is killed, I'd expect the whole department to vigorously investigate even remotely connected leads. Instead, when someone ransacks the home of the dead deputy, the reaction was more "ho, hum, just another routine break-in."

Message - "You've been hurt, and you're afraid, but sometimes the hurt ends."

This book was easy to read even without reading earlier books in the series.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Falsely Accused" is a Christian romantic suspense novel. The characters were nice people who struggled with realistic fears. Wren's a capable FBI agent, but she's injured and has been set up for murder. She was very close to Titus when they were young, and he's happy to help her now. He once worked as a police officer, so he's also very capable in dangerous situations. They're very supportive of each other and build each other up. I enjoyed the characters and cared about what happened to them. The suspense came from the attacks on them and murders of others, along with a fire and the fact that the police think she's the prime suspect in the murderer of her brother. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this enjoyable suspense novel.

I received an ebook review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

FBI Agent Wren is being framed for the death of her foster brother after being found fleeing from the scene of the crime. While running she finds an old friend Titus who will do everything he can to help and protect her. Now they must work together to figure out who is behind this before they are killed.

Whew! From the moment this book starts there is so much going on. Readers are thrown right into the middle of this mess leaving the readers like the characters confused of what is going on. There was plenty of mystery surrounding this whole things and as Wren and Titus gets closer to seeing what the bigger picture is its clear that someone wants them quiet oh and dead. Such a great book I loved following along as they pieced together clues and it was such a fun read. Also the book was a clean romance (which I appreciate). Highly reocmmend!

[Toth Jo-Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Talk about a great book. Shirlee writes in away that grabs you from the beginning. It makes it hard to put down. Wren Santino was raised in foster care by a lady named Abigal. Her best best friend was Titus Anderson. This is a great second chance romance. It shows the struggle with faith and forgiveness. Because of Wren's background she has a struggle with forgiveness. Its a great book with lots of action and suspense. There is a few surprises along the way. The bad guy will be surprising and how he is will be a shock. The way Titus and Wren work things out is a nice surprise. Their growth in faith is great to see. The best thing was to read Wren's story. J

[Sandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another good one from Shirlee McCoy! This story is Wren Santino's, FBI special agent, and supervisor. She is in her home town in Maine to help her foster mother Abby, who has had a bad fall. She meets her high school friend, Titus Anderson, whom she has spoken to since she informed him that his wife was cheating on him. The death of her foster brother Ryan brings them together to see who killed Ryan and why. Does a new senior citizen complex have anything to do with it? Find out when you read Falsely Accused.

[Mary Baker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shirlee McCoy is one of my favorite Love-Inspired authors because she can be counted on to write a good book that will hold my interest and provide me with a few hours of escape. I liked this novel about an FBI agent who returns home to find herself arrested for her foster brother's murder. A childhood friend helps her, and two of her friends from the FBI office come to support her. There are several twists and turns in the plot as the reader tries to decide who is trying to make Wren look guilty of murder.

[Margaret Yelton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an Advanced Reader's Copy from NetGalley and the publisher, and this is my fair and honest review.

Romantic suspense is one of my favorite genre's. This was a new author for me and I was excited to give her book a try. I found it to be very well written, action packed with several twists and turns. I will have to go back and read other books in this series. I would definitely recommend this book to those that enjoy reading this genre.

[Diane Higgins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed “Falsely Accused” by Shirlee McCoy. This is part of the Love Inspired Suspense FBI:Special Crimes Unit series. This book was a very easy read. I read it in two days!

This story centers around FBI Agent, Wren Santino. Wren is framed for her foster brother’s murder. She teams up with her longtime friend, Titus Anderson, and together they try to find out who really murdered her brother. There was a small twist at the end.

I recommend this book if you enjoy good, clean, romantic suspense fiction.

I received this book from the publisher through NetGalley for my honest opinion.

[Joyce G. Hoover · Rating 5 out of 5]

Joyceghoover@comcast.net

It it was an excellent read. Could not stop reading only to eat! Read it in one day!
Gave it high marks due to the story line! Tenacious it was like you were living what she was experiencing! I am like her in respect to her continuing until she would solve the mystery of who killed her brother! Only God can give you the strength.

Excellent read! Recommend it!

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Many times this genre of books is obviously and annoyingly formula based fiction but I still buy the books and like reading them. What can I say, it's entertaining escapism. However, the real reason I'm "hooked" is the fact that some of my favourite authors have books in this line-up and they are favoured authors for good reason. They deliver great stories; this is one of them.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I so enjoyed this book. I'm sorry this is the last book in the series. I have been so caught up in them. The narrator was great and easy to listen to. This book had just enough romance in the midst of the mystery. I will be looking forward to finding more books, especially audiobooks by Shirlee McCoy.

[Deb Whitney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love all books by Shirlee McCoy! She has done it again with this book filled with suspense and faith and love. Being falsely accused of anything, especially murder, is unnerving! What would you do to prove your innocence? How well do you really know those closest to you?

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful!

I loved learning more about Wren and her life before the FBI team. There are still some loose ends I’d love to find out though! Wren and Titus make a great team. But can they figure out what’s going on before it’s too late?

[Rhonda Bowen · Rating 4 out of 5]

So I live Shirlee McCoy's books and always read them, but I was little confused here. Isn't this Wren Santino from book 1 in this series? In Book 1 she tells Adam's ex-wife that she was married at 16. There is no mention of this in her story with Titus. Did I miss something?

[Edith J Reese · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! And the author is my favorite one!! thanks again it was really good!

I loved this book and the Author is my favorite!! Thank you for a suspenseful book! May I be blessed to read some more of hers!

[Tina Loves To Read · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a Romantic Suspense, and this is the 5th book in the FBI: Special Crimes Unit series. I have read the first four books in this series before picking up this book. I had a ton of trouble getting into this book, and the story in this book was not my favorite. I just found this book ok.