Finally exonerated after fifteen years in prison, Kinsley Garrett’s determined to find her father’s true killer—even if it makes her a target. Staying alive means relying on police chief Marcus Bayne’s protection, but she won’t trust him…or anyone. Not after the way everyone turned on her following her arrest. But as Marcus risks everything to shield her, can Kinsley keep him from burrowing into her heart?
New York Times Bestselling Author Shirlee McCoy
From Harlequin Love Inspired Courage. Danger. Faith.
This is a Clean Suspense Romance. This is a great mix of Romance and Suspense. I could not put this book down, and I ended up reading this book late into the night to finish it. I had to find out how killed Kinsley's father, and who is going on to Kinsley. I really feel Kinsley's character was so developed, and I really feel in love with her character. Marcus character was everything Kinsley needed. I have to say I guess who did it right before it was revealed. This is a well written book with great characters with a lot of cute romance and kept you on the edge of you seat. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Love Inspired Suspense) or author (Shirlee McCoy) via NetGalley, so I can give honest review about how I feel about this book. I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.
This is such a unique story line and McCoy does it so well. The author explores the complexities of Kinsley's emotions with gut-wrenching detail. Her inability to trust...wariness of law enforcement...need to keep herself apart...all play out with stomach churning intensity. Kinsley was arrested in her teens, so imagine reaching adulthood while incarcerated! Knowing you are innocent and your father's murderer is still walking free! That's gotta mess with your psyche.
And Marcus is so patient with Kinsely. And kind. And supportive. Sometimes she can even forget that he's a police chief. Their's is a gentle romance that sparks in the midst of troubled times. You might say wariness is their love language. :-)
The suspense is emotionally gripping and well paced. I was on edge right from the start, waiting for all the bad stuff to start happening! And McCoy doesn't disappoint. Another must-read-it-all-in-one-sitting page-turner from a much loved author.
I really enjoyed this story and the characters, but oh, how I wish it had been about a hundred pages longer! Shirlee could’ve done so much more with Rosie that way. I kind of suspected the culprit from about halfway through, and was anxious to see how it would all come about!! I did feel like the relationship was pushed a little too much. My only other issues were several typos, and a gaping plot hole—not really a spoiler as it’s mentioned early on, but all the things she was given for her sixteenth birthday were stated, including a gift from her father, but she went to prison for killing him when she was 15?
'God's plan was always best...she'd already been through a lot. Did God really think she needed to go through more?'
I think my favorite genre to read is probably suspense but I truly love many genres. Shirlee McCoy's books have been some favorites for a few years now. This one had such a good plot and very real characters. I finished in under a day. Captivating from start to finish. I recommend this one.
My thanks to Love Inspired for a copy of this book via Net Galley. I was not compensated and the opinion in this review is entirely my own.
Kinsley Garrett has been working very hard getting her grandparents' friend's bakery in shape to sell. Doris Green owns Flour and Fancies Baked Goods. Working in Frenchtown, Montana with Doris has been a wonderful change in Kinsley's life. A major change. Her father was shot and killed when Kinsley was a teenager. It was Kinsley who found her murdered father when she returned home after sneaking out to go to a party. Being known for her wild ways as a young teen led to the belief that she murdered her father. After fifteen years in prison she was exonerated. Thanks mainly to the efforts of her now deceased grandparents and Doris. Her main goal in life at this point is to get justice for her father. It now seems she is getting close to the truth. Her life is in danger. Frenchtown Police Chief Marcus Bane is on the case. Kinsley connects with Marcus. Are they just friends or will they be more than friends?
Marcus Bane is the chief of police in Frenchtown. He is called to the scene of a kidnapping attempt. The intended victim, Kinsley Garrett seems vulnerable and Marcus feels compelled to be there for her. He also starts looking into the murder case of her father. Marcus has his hands full with his job and now raising his deceased sister's daughter. But that wasn't stopping him from trying hard to find who is threatening Kinsley. Is the danger tied to her father's murder or something else?
Evidence of Murder by Shirlee McCoy is a fast-paced, action-packed suspense. The story is well-plotted and the storyline flows well. I liked how Marcus' feeling of protectiveness for Kinsley wasn't overwhelming to her. I also liked how Kinsley came to gradually fall for Marcus. She wasn't looking for a relationship, but, despite all the trauma of her past, she was able to move on and fall for Marcus. It's great that the story has a happy ending.
I received an ARC in exchange for a honest review.
Evidence of Innocence centers around Kinsley Garrett, who moved to Frenchtown to escape her past and find out who murdered her father. A murder that sent Kinsley to prison for fifteen years for a crime she didn’t commit. But someone doesn’t want her digging into the past, and local police chief Marcus Bayne intervenes when the attacks against Kinsley escalate.
This story is the definition of a great romantic suspense. It had the perfect balance of both suspense and romance. I definitely felt the danger while the mystery surrounding the murder sucked me into the story. Lots of action kept me flipping pages. The ending brought even more danger. But the romance that sparked between Marcus and Kinsley was sweet yet didn’t hijack the plot. It just seemed to be the perfect blend for this story.
I recommend suspense fans move this one up on your TBR list. It’s a definite recommendation from me.
Overall Rating: 5 stars (I loved it, couldn’t put it down)
Suspense Rating: 5 stars (Non-stop edge-of-your-seat suspense from start to finish)
I received an ebook review copy of this book through NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Kinsley went to jail for a crime didn't commit while her fathers murderer is still loose. She's been out of jail for a couple years now and been living a quiet life. That was until someone comes after her without reason other then her looking into her fathers case. Marcus has been the officer to help her and keep her out of danger while they try to find the person after her.
This book was such a fun ride. I loved that there was so much going on to keep me on my toes and hooked wondering what would happen next and who was after her. It was pretty clear it had to do with her fathers case but the whole why about everything. I loved that there was enough to keep the readers guessing and making assumptions and I was surprised on who it actually turned out. Also there was very little romance going on and it was clean which I appreciated. It was all about that mystery and overall I really enjoyed it.
Evidence of Innocence has an emotional and gripping storyline. Kinsley's story held my interest from the beginning, and Shirlee McCoy keeps the momentum going with a steadily rising tension. The romance between Kinsley and Marcus is certainly a slow burn, but Kinsley's trust issues wouldn't allow for anything else. I did like the way the romance progressed,, and McCoy blends the love story with the mystery quite well, and I liked how the reveal of the killer was handled. This one is a quick read, but it doesn't fall short on the important elements. It's easily finished in an afternoon, which is exactly what I did, curled up in the recliner as the rain beat against the windows.
Kinsley has been incarcerated for the last 15 years for a murder she didn’t commit, her father. She’s finally released at almost 35 years old in a small town in Montana. Her uncle who turned his back on her when she was committed and her father’s ex fiancé are the only family she now has. She’s agreed to help her passing grandmothers friend Doris with her bakery and slowly begins her life outside of bars. She wants to keep quiet, remain alone and find justice for her father and solve this cold case. Who killed her father…..she’s determined to get an answer.
Heading home one night from the bakery she’s followed and almost kidnapped. She is saved by her neighbor Marcus who happens to be her neighbor, and a cop. She’s very uncomfortable with his help as she doesn’t trust anyone especially law enforcement due to her being wrongly convicted. As time goes on Marcus proves he’s loyal and continues to help her with solving the cold case with her father and also protecting her from whoever is chasing her.
This man follows her, knows where she works, where she lives and even burns down her house while she’s sleeping and Marcus to the rescue again. While her house is being fixed Marcus places her in his coworker’s apartment above her garage.
She gets a call that her uncle is coming into town he wants to mend their relationship after 15 years. Can she trust him or does he want her dead?
She’s in the apartment when she gets a call from Elizabeth (her father’s ex fiancé) stating to open the door that she’s in town to visit. Exited that she’s here kinsley opens the door and is knocked unconscious! It was Elizabeth behind all of this. She had paid someone to kill her father and follow her to eventually end her life as well. Elizabeth now has kinsley and her uncle on the boat to kill and dump their bodies and be done with it all. Marcus is on to her and knows something is not right, kinsleys not answering her phone. He meets at the lake with a search team and brings Elizabeth down for good. Kinsley and her uncle are going to be okay!
Kinsley realizes she loves Marcus and deserves to be happy! They get married and her uncle walks her down the aisle. This was a short read but a good one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I was looking for something other than just a romance book to read. This was a great choice. I love suspense books.
The way this author wrote the details of her characters and the emotions of them you felt them as if you were that character. Every gut wrenching emotion Kinsley was feeling I felt, her distrust of law enforcement, not being able to trust and just not being close to anyone, the need to be alone.
Kinsley went to prison as a teen for the murder of her father. She spent 15 years locked up for the crime she didn't commit. Knowing she was innocent and her fathers murderer was still out there. She is going to do whatever she can to find the person who murdered her father.
Marcus the chief of police wants to help Kinsley but knows she is hold somethings back. He is being very patient. Sometimes Kinsley forgets he is the chief of police and just sees him as a man. His is raising his niece and not sure if he is finding the balance of that and work so that his niece knows he is there and loves her.
I highly recommend this emotionally gripping good paced suspenseful story. I was on edge wanting to know what was going to happen next and how the characters where going to handle the situation. I look forward to reading many more of this authors suspense books. I went back and forth on who I thought was behind it all and the bad guy was one of the ones I though. Grab this book!!
My review today is on the Love Inspired Suspense Evidence of Innocence, I am a big fan of Shirlee's books. I wonder where she comes up with all her ideas. I don't think I have ever read one of her books I didn't like. This one is well-written, action-packed, and full of intrigue. I know you are going to love it.
Kinsley Garrett was unjustly sent to prison for killing her father, now fifteen years later she's released. She's determined to find the true killer. She's on her way home from delivering some cakes when she is attacked. The man tried to force her into the van but she ran. She ran through the darkness but was stopped by the chief of police. She has no use for the police can she trust him?
Chief of Police Marcus Bayne's dog began barking. He went outside his home to find Kinsley running across his yard. She told him she had been attacked and the man had tried to kidnap her. He knew Kinsley as she was in one of his self-defense classes. She is very uncomfortable around the police. Can he keep her safe?
A terrifying journey of risking all to keep them safe. God has a plan for these two a plan for hope and a future. God has a plan for you too, a good plan for peace and not for destruction even in this time of turmoil and political unrest. Give Him your heart and watch Him move in your life
Who is Kinsley? What does she do for a living? What surprising info do we learn about Kinsley and her family? At not even 1/4 of the way into the story I was so engaged in the suspense of the things that happened to Kinsley, I knew I would be sleeping with some lights on in my apartment. While Kinsley frets over what to wear to a neighbor's house for dinner, who unexpectedly calls? What phone call does Marcus get while Kinsley is at dinner? When he attempts to take her home, what does he notice? Who is Jay? Why is he suddenly reaching out to Kinsley after 20 years? What security net does Marcus offer her? Oh goodness, that was a shock of a read! I did not see the reasoning behind Michael's murder coming! Not necessarily the whom but the why! Enjoy this suspenseful romance!!!
RECEIVED THIS BOOK from Harlequin through Netgalley AS A GIFT FOR A FAIR/HONEST REVIEW and REVIEWER FOR Bloggin' With M. Brennan.
Great story of staring over after bad things happen.
Kinsley has had a horrible 15 years unjustly incarcerated for her father's murder. She has gotten out of jail after more evidence came up, but can't rest until she finds justice for her father. Marcus is the chief of police in the small Montana town where she ends up. Suddenly, Kinsley is being attacked and fortunately, Marcus is able to save her. This is in the beginning of the story. The action keeps going strong throughout the whole story.
The pace is breakneck and the tone is hopeful with an action and character oriented storyline that has no steam at all. The characters are vivid and engaging, including secondary ones. This is a great inspirational suspense story. If you like action, mystery and Christian ideals, then this is for you. Enjoy!
Years ago Kinsley was locked up for her father's murder. She was wrongfully accused, but she was working hard everyday to regain her life she had lost all those years ago. She had lost her family, friends , everyone she trusted had turned on her. And law enforcement had let her down. So when crimes start happening to her, in her new hometown, she doesn't know who to trust and where to turn. But her neighbor and police chief Marcus come to her aid, and he is determined to keep her safe and help her trust people again. From being almost kidnapped and then her house set on fire... it seems everywhere she turns she is not safe. But she isn't just worried about her safety but her walls coming down when she's around Marcus...
This is a sweet story, lots of suspense. Love thats trying to develop in the midst of all the struggles. Great read!
Kinsley spent 15 years in prison for a crime she didn't commit! I cannot even imagine what that would be like. Not only that, but, she gets out determined to find the real killer. She doesn't trust the police and her family nearly all believe she was guilty, that leaves the only one she can trust is herself. But looking for a killer has put her own life in danger. The chief of police, Marcus Bayne, believes in her innocence and risks everything to protect her, now if he could only get her to trust him it would sure make his job easier.
Finally released from prison after serving 15 years for a crime she did not commit, she is determined to reveal the truth.
An engaging read, suspenseful with plenty of twists along the way. Marcus is a great guy, who is there to offer a helping hand, even when Kinsley doesn't agree. This was a fast paced read, entertaining and enjoyable, the romantic relationship was kinda rushed in my opinion.
I liked how Marcus was supportive of Kinsley, and I admired her determination. This was a quick read, with a lot going on, and plenty to recommend it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
My thoughts: This is formula romantic suspense at its finest. It is very predictable, I didn't have any surprises. Who done it was very obvious. There are some contradictions in the story but I read a netgalley version so it might be corrected in the final print version. I did enjoy the read, it was slow but steady. The romance happened a little fast but it was sweet. If you are looking for a predictable romantic suspense you might want to consider this one. It is set in Montana which is an unusual setting. I was given a copy free and all opinions on my own.
This book is how the justice system failed a young girl. She was convicted of killing her father in cold blood. During her prison years, she found faith in God. That faith helped her through the many years and struggles in prison. The book started after she has been released. She has a quest to find her father's true killer. As you might imagine, this puts her in the crosshairs of the true killer. You might be able to guess who it is, but then again the ending may surprise you. The action was consistent and easy to follow. It was a great read.
Love Inspired Suspense – Small Town Montana This is a fast-moving, faith-filled and suspenseful novel. This is not necessarily a series, more like a collection of stand-alone books. There are many things going on in this story with a growing romance on the side. While this is a murder whodunit, there is no graphic violence and just the hint of blood. The romance is budding with nothing more than loving kisses. This could be shown on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries. I recommend this book to all.
After Kinsley Garrett is exonerated of the murder of her father, she will not stop looking for the real killer. Since she was released from prison and is asking questions her life has been threatened. Will she and Marcus, the chief of police, be able to find out the truth?
I enjoyed this suspenseful story with a thread of faith that is woven throughout the story. I recommend reading this if enjoy these types of books. With an interesting plot, you will be able to read this in an afternoon.
From the back cover: Finally exonerated after fifteen years in prison, Kinsley Garrett's determined to find her father's true killer--even if it makes her a target. Staying alive means relying on police chief Marcus Bayne's protection, but she won't trust him...or anyone. Not after the way everyone turned on her following her arrest. But as Marcus risks everything to shield her, can Kinsley keep him from burrowing into her heart?
This author has always been one of my favorite Love Inspired Suspense authors. The heroine spent 15 years in prison for a crime she didn't commit. When she is released from prison the first person that comes to her aid is a police chief. The heroine does not trust Law enforcement. There is murder, arson and attempted murder. Action and suspense from beginning to end.
Under the cover of Love a Murderer is thinking that they got away with a Crime.. Away from fifteen years spent behind bars a Daughter tries to put her Life together,, but the Murderer of her Father is thinking that she needed to be done away with to keep her secret.
Intriguing storyline - what happens once you are finally freed from prison because of you are exonerated. Well done examination of the trauma, the consequences of being incarcerated, a look at what can get you through and what is justice. Nicely wrapped up in a love story and a mystery that keeps you guessing.
Encouraging, and showing it's not over until it's finished. There is hope that carries you through the dark times, and hope that gives light to the darkest time.
Thoroughly enjoyed reading this story. Lots of twists and turns. A story with a Christian message about trusting in God. Kinsley never gave up after everything that had happened to her. Loved the ending.
From being a spoiled rich teenage girl to 15 years of prison for murdering her father. Kinsley is exonerated of the murder, but someone is trying to kill her. Police Chief Marcus Bayne saves her more then once.
I really enjoyed the premise of this one, where the woman has served her sentence for a crime she didn’t commit and comes back to see if she can clear her name. It was easy to keep flipping pages as the real killers do their best to shut her up forever!
A great book. Love the way Shirley brought Marcus and Kinsley together and solved her dad,s murder. Love all Shirley s books. Can't wait for the next one.