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Hemlock Creek Suspense #3
Deadlocked
BOOK 3 in the Hemlock Creek Suspense Series!
Brandon McClure has just moved back to his hometown of Hemlock Creek, ready to feed his love of adventure and the great outdoors as a whitewater tour guide. But before he can settle into the new job, he's chosen for jury duty, where he ends up sitting front and center in the headliner trial of local tycoon Harlan Wells, a man accused of murdering his wife. When a key witness takes the stand, Brandon feels certain their paths have crossed before, but for the life of him, he can't recall when or where.
Nasha Patel's testimony is crucial to the conviction of the accused murderer. That night in the emergency room, Nasha was the only one who heard the dead woman's final statement...which put a target on her back. Fresh out of witness protection and feeling vulnerable and exposed, she's acutely aware that all eyes are trained on her—including those of Juror Number 3, a stranger whose kindness once made a lasting impression on her.
When the courtroom erupts into chaos and Nasha turns her terrified gaze on Brandon, it quickly becomes clear that only his unique skills can protect her...if only he can get to her before the hired hitmen do.
Brandon McClure has just moved back to his hometown of Hemlock Creek, ready to feed his love of adventure and the great outdoors as a whitewater tour guide. But before he can settle into the new job, he's chosen for jury duty, where he ends up sitting front and center in the headliner trial of local tycoon Harlan Wells, a man accused of murdering his wife. When a key witness takes the stand, Brandon feels certain their paths have crossed before, but for the life of him, he can't recall when or where.
Nasha Patel's testimony is crucial to the conviction of the accused murderer. That night in the emergency room, Nasha was the only one who heard the dead woman's final statement...which put a target on her back. Fresh out of witness protection and feeling vulnerable and exposed, she's acutely aware that all eyes are trained on her—including those of Juror Number 3, a stranger whose kindness once made a lasting impression on her.
When the courtroom erupts into chaos and Nasha turns her terrified gaze on Brandon, it quickly becomes clear that only his unique skills can protect her...if only he can get to her before the hired hitmen do.
116 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 25, 2021
About the author
Heather Day Gilbert
44 books885 followersHeather Day Gilbert, an RWA Daphne du Maurier Award-winning author and 2-time ECPA Christy Award finalist, enjoys writing contemporary mysteries/psychological thrillers and Viking historicals. She brings authentic family relationships to the page, and she particularly delights in heroines who take a stand to protect those they love. Avid readers say Heather's realistic characters—no matter what century—feel like best friends. When she's not plotting stories, this native West Virginian can often be found hanging out with her husband and four children, playing video games, or reading Agatha Christie novels.
Find out more at heatherdaygilbert.com.
Find out more at heatherdaygilbert.com.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
August 29, 2026
With this novel, author Heather Day Gilbert brings her Hemlock Creek Suspense trilogy to a satisfying conclusion. (She and I are Goodreads friends, but my copy of the omnibus edition was purchased, not a gifted review copy.) This installment focuses on Brandon, the oldest of the McClure siblings (and now still single at 33 --a couple of years have apparently passed since the second book took place). In the earlier books, he'd long been a resident of Arizona, who returned to his hometown for visits; but for the past two months he's been back home for good, partnered with an old friend in a whitewater rafting tours business (the same line of work he'd been in Arizona). As our story opens, he's been tapped to serve on a jury pool for a criminal trial. Though Hemlock Creek is a small town, it is the seat of the fictional county it's in, so it has a courthouse. (That's not far-fetched in West Virginia; many of the rural counties aren't very populous, and some real-life county seat towns have less than 1,000 people.) As it turns out, this isn't just any run-of-the-mill case; wealthy (and powerful) businessman Harlan Wells is on trial for murdering his wife.
Young medical student/nurse (her exact status is a bit murky, but she's studying to be a medical doctor) Nasha Patel is a third-generation American of Asian Indian extraction. Her grandfather immigrated to the U.S., where he converted to Christianity, and passed both his faith and his vocational interest in medicine to his descendants. Nasha's dad practices medicine in Hemlock Creek; and she was doing a "rotation" in the local hospital's emergency room last year when the mortally injured Martha Wells was brought in. Her not-so-grieving spouse claims she fell down a stairs after taking a swing at him; but before she died, she whispered to Nasha, "Harlan pushed me," because she was "going to the FBI." Despite being shy and timid, Nasha's got guts when it counts, and came forward with that knowledge. That earned her two attempts on her life, so for the past year she's been in witness protection (and still is).
Although Heather's work in the mystery/crime-fiction genre usually takes the form of traditional (and sometimes "cozy") mysteries, the novels of this series, while not gritty noir, are more in the nature of light-on-detection crime fiction with a stress on danger and some physical action. Here, readers won't be in any doubt of Harlan's guilt in Martha's death, nor of his agency in the murder attempts on Nasha. The suspense is in wondering whether or not he'll get away with the former, and possibly succeed in the latter (don't assume that attempts along that line are all in the past!). And because this is romantic suspense, series readers will surmise where that angle is going. As in the earlier novels, the romance is believable (and the matter-of-fact acceptance of a cross-cultural, inter-racial romance is refreshing, in a body of literature that's too often monochromatic). Being married to a lawyer was an asset to the author in dealing with the courtroom and other legal and police procedures; these are presented with solid accuracy (except that I did feel that at one point, the security provided to a protected witness by the police force was pretty slipshod!).
Because Heather is an evangelical author, and writing in a Christian-friendly fashion, there are no issues of bad language or sexual content here; and while there is on-screen violence, it's not dwelt on in a way that would disturb squeamish readers. Nasha and the McClures are Christians who take prayer and Divine providence seriously, and Nasha finds encouragement in a Bible verse; but the tone of the book is not "preachy," and could appeal to any readers, of any or no faith, who enjoy clean romantic suspense in a fairly light and quick read. The whole series can be recommended to all such readers, with the proviso that it should be read in order. (Readers who've read the author's Barks and Beans Cafe' mystery series will recognize a link to that series when they come across it; but that recognition isn't essential to enjoying this book, just an added nice touch. :-) )
Young medical student/nurse (her exact status is a bit murky, but she's studying to be a medical doctor) Nasha Patel is a third-generation American of Asian Indian extraction. Her grandfather immigrated to the U.S., where he converted to Christianity, and passed both his faith and his vocational interest in medicine to his descendants. Nasha's dad practices medicine in Hemlock Creek; and she was doing a "rotation" in the local hospital's emergency room last year when the mortally injured Martha Wells was brought in. Her not-so-grieving spouse claims she fell down a stairs after taking a swing at him; but before she died, she whispered to Nasha, "Harlan pushed me," because she was "going to the FBI." Despite being shy and timid, Nasha's got guts when it counts, and came forward with that knowledge. That earned her two attempts on her life, so for the past year she's been in witness protection (and still is).
Although Heather's work in the mystery/crime-fiction genre usually takes the form of traditional (and sometimes "cozy") mysteries, the novels of this series, while not gritty noir, are more in the nature of light-on-detection crime fiction with a stress on danger and some physical action. Here, readers won't be in any doubt of Harlan's guilt in Martha's death, nor of his agency in the murder attempts on Nasha. The suspense is in wondering whether or not he'll get away with the former, and possibly succeed in the latter (don't assume that attempts along that line are all in the past!). And because this is romantic suspense, series readers will surmise where that angle is going. As in the earlier novels, the romance is believable (and the matter-of-fact acceptance of a cross-cultural, inter-racial romance is refreshing, in a body of literature that's too often monochromatic). Being married to a lawyer was an asset to the author in dealing with the courtroom and other legal and police procedures; these are presented with solid accuracy (except that I did feel that at one point, the security provided to a protected witness by the police force was pretty slipshod!).
Because Heather is an evangelical author, and writing in a Christian-friendly fashion, there are no issues of bad language or sexual content here; and while there is on-screen violence, it's not dwelt on in a way that would disturb squeamish readers. Nasha and the McClures are Christians who take prayer and Divine providence seriously, and Nasha finds encouragement in a Bible verse; but the tone of the book is not "preachy," and could appeal to any readers, of any or no faith, who enjoy clean romantic suspense in a fairly light and quick read. The whole series can be recommended to all such readers, with the proviso that it should be read in order. (Readers who've read the author's Barks and Beans Cafe' mystery series will recognize a link to that series when they come across it; but that recognition isn't essential to enjoying this book, just an added nice touch. :-) )
March 5, 2021
I loved the trip back to Hemlock Creek! I was so wrapped up in this book even though it was so short. I could’ve read more!
January 23, 2021
To read a book by Heather Day Gilbert is to know I will not be disappointed. I am a huge fan of this author. In the novella, Deadlocked, Gilbert takes her readers back to the small community of Hemlock Creek, and puts them in the middle of a trial. Murder, witness protection, some edge-of-the-seat action, and the beginnings of a romance (although the romance might seem inevitable, it’s entertaining to watch the relationship develop)--what more could a reader who enjoys mystery and suspense stories want? Gilbert expertly weaves a strong thread of Christian values throughout the action-packed novella. Another great read from this author and I am hoping there is a next book in the series.
I received a complimentary copy of the book and was not required to write a review. The opinions are my own.
I received a complimentary copy of the book and was not required to write a review. The opinions are my own.
July 24, 2021
“It was no mystery why the jury had wound up deadlocked.”
“She was going to die today.”
“It was in God's hands.”
I’m a huge fan of Heather Day Gilbert and love her mysteries. This one, while not a whodunnit, is an interesting story with nice action from beginning to end. I enjoyed the courtroom aspects and the characters from the other Hemlock Creek Suspense books. And it was cool to see some references to the Barks & Beans Cafe series. My only complaint is that I wish it was longer and more fleshed out; but the good news is that I did finish it in a day.
“She was going to die today.”
“It was in God's hands.”
I’m a huge fan of Heather Day Gilbert and love her mysteries. This one, while not a whodunnit, is an interesting story with nice action from beginning to end. I enjoyed the courtroom aspects and the characters from the other Hemlock Creek Suspense books. And it was cool to see some references to the Barks & Beans Cafe series. My only complaint is that I wish it was longer and more fleshed out; but the good news is that I did finish it in a day.
January 21, 2021
Heather Day Gilbert has written another great mystery. It always kept you guessing what would happen next. Most of the characters were God fearing people. I say most because there were plenty of bad guys who I believe did not follow God. This is also the beginning of a love story. In other words it has it all.
January 25, 2021
3.5 stars. Gilbert takes us back to the tiny town of Hemlock Creek for a novella which deals with murder, witness protection and a visit with old friends from the previous books. I thoroughly enjoy her work and am a forever fan!
My thanks to the author for a copy of this book. I received no compensation and the opinion in this review is my own. I was not required to leave a review.
My thanks to the author for a copy of this book. I received no compensation and the opinion in this review is my own. I was not required to leave a review.
March 5, 2021
I was thrilled to return to Hemlock Creek and the long-awaited story of the third McClure sibling, Brandon. Gilbert brings the action right away in this story, with a tense murder trial and a harrowing time in witness protection. With Gilbert's trademark suspense, I was pulled along as Brandon sought to help Nasha Patel, a key witness in the murder case. Nasha's emotions are palatable - how hard it would be to be separated from your family just because you overheard something that makes you a target. I can't imagine living in that kind of fear, and Gilbert makes that feel so genuine. Gilbert also sets up the characters personalities so well that their behaviors are spot on - outdoorsy Brandon, with his family connections as established in books one and two, is quick thinking on his feet. The romance probably moves a little quickly, but it feels right given the intensity of the situations, and for a suspense novella, that doesn't really bother me as it might in a full-length novel.
Gilbert is a favorite author of mine, and I've enjoyed everything I've read by her. Sadly for me, I've read everything she's released, so her next book can't come soon enough!
I received an advanced copy of this novella; this review is my honest opinion.
Gilbert is a favorite author of mine, and I've enjoyed everything I've read by her. Sadly for me, I've read everything she's released, so her next book can't come soon enough!
I received an advanced copy of this novella; this review is my honest opinion.
January 20, 2021
This book is full of action, suspense and romance. Nasha and Brandon's story will keep you turning the pages to see what happens next. I received a complimentary copy and all opinions expressed are my own.
August 14, 2021
Another quick, fun, suspenseful read from Heather Day Gilbert!
September 25, 2021
This is the third in the Hemlock Creek McClure sibling novella series. It follows a similar trope to the first two featuring the sisters, Katie and Molly. Brother Brandon stars in a story where he is a jury member on a case murder case involving a local organised crime figure.
Nasha Patel is the key witness in the prosecution's case. She's in witness protection because of her testimony and the fact the crime figure has tried to have her killed twice so she can never testify.
The action and suspense are good as are the involvement of Brandon's sisters, their husbands and mom. They are a loving family which is one of my favourite elements of the series.
Once again, the action appears to be cut short by thirty or so pages, which robs the story of some of its intensity.
Overall, it's a good short story that I enjoyed.
NB. I read this as part of the three-book set.
Nasha Patel is the key witness in the prosecution's case. She's in witness protection because of her testimony and the fact the crime figure has tried to have her killed twice so she can never testify.
The action and suspense are good as are the involvement of Brandon's sisters, their husbands and mom. They are a loving family which is one of my favourite elements of the series.
Once again, the action appears to be cut short by thirty or so pages, which robs the story of some of its intensity.
Overall, it's a good short story that I enjoyed.
NB. I read this as part of the three-book set.
June 10, 2023
This was a great conclusion to the Hemlock Creek series. It's been awhile since I read books 1 and 2, but this one picks up after those and centers on the 3rd McClure sibling, Brandon. This story can definitely stand on its own, but you have more history on the siblings if you read them in order. And in reading the author's note at the end, I see this one also ties in loosely with the Barks and Beans series, some of which I have, but haven't read yet. This had an interesting look at witness protection, and though it was a quick read, the story felt complete. All in all, this was an enjoyable romantic suspense and one I could easily recommend.
March 15, 2021
Since the beginning of this serie, I'm hooked. Love the town. Love the characters. Love the world building of the story. This installment did not disappoint! The family dynamics are Amazing. Feels wonderful.
This cannot be the end. I'm telling you. 😊Heather, you need to pop up some follow up. I need me some "10years or 15 years later." With stories for all the babies and children that grew up. For more adventures.🤗
And if it's the END of the story, still, a HUGE thank you to Heather for sharing her World with us. ❤️
This cannot be the end. I'm telling you. 😊Heather, you need to pop up some follow up. I need me some "10years or 15 years later." With stories for all the babies and children that grew up. For more adventures.🤗
And if it's the END of the story, still, a HUGE thank you to Heather for sharing her World with us. ❤️
March 6, 2022
Well... like the first 2 books, it was a quick read and a good book. Here we see the story of Brandon. It was an interesting one. I did like that the relationship is not as fast paced as Katie and Molly's relationship was.
On the other side, the faith content here, was barely noticeable.
I guess that I have no major complaints since I obtained these books for free.
Still, don't know of I'll be reading more of this author. We'll have to see.
Toodles and blessings ⚘️
On the other side, the faith content here, was barely noticeable.
I guess that I have no major complaints since I obtained these books for free.
Still, don't know of I'll be reading more of this author. We'll have to see.
Toodles and blessings ⚘️
July 22, 2022
The third of the McClure family stories in the Hemlock Creek Suspense series was a good one.
This one had Brandon as the main character and Nashua Patel as the female lead. What a sweet couple! Brandon barely knows her but his protective gene sure kicked in.
Only one mushy few paragraphs to made e roll my eyes, but the rest of it was great. God honoring all the way through.
I’m still a Heather Day Gilbert fan!
This one had Brandon as the main character and Nashua Patel as the female lead. What a sweet couple! Brandon barely knows her but his protective gene sure kicked in.
Only one mushy few paragraphs to made e roll my eyes, but the rest of it was great. God honoring all the way through.
I’m still a Heather Day Gilbert fan!
July 4, 2023
Heather Had Done it Again.
As always, Heather writes great stories and romance. I've enjoyed the series very much and was very happy to read about Brandon and Nasha. I hope she writes more like it but I know she's more for Cozies than anything else.
As always, Heather writes great stories and romance. I've enjoyed the series very much and was very happy to read about Brandon and Nasha. I hope she writes more like it but I know she's more for Cozies than anything else.
February 6, 2021
Good Read
It just ended too soon! Due to its being the last book I saw no reason to go back to read the other two books.
It just ended too soon! Due to its being the last book I saw no reason to go back to read the other two books.
February 14, 2021
Can't put down Suspense. Loved this story on many levels.
April 23, 2021
A Good Cozy
This cozy met my expectations with plenty of suspense,twists and turns.
I loved the storyline and the interesting cast of characters.
This cozy met my expectations with plenty of suspense,twists and turns.
I loved the storyline and the interesting cast of characters.
May 3, 2021
Excellent suspense novel
This was s clean romantic suspense novel full of action and a very sweet romance. I loved the entire series. It is a page turner!
This was s clean romantic suspense novel full of action and a very sweet romance. I loved the entire series. It is a page turner!
January 31, 2021
Nonstop suspense
In the shortest of the three short books (does 100 pages actually equal a book?) Brandon comes home & does jury duty, saves the life of the key witness, hijacks a helicopter, gets kidnapped along with Nasha, the witness, and saves her life again. Speed readers would finish this one in five minutes. I don't remember how much I paid for these books, but I know in bvb the future I will look at the number of pages before I buy. Over all the series was good.
In the shortest of the three short books (does 100 pages actually equal a book?) Brandon comes home & does jury duty, saves the life of the key witness, hijacks a helicopter, gets kidnapped along with Nasha, the witness, and saves her life again. Speed readers would finish this one in five minutes. I don't remember how much I paid for these books, but I know in bvb the future I will look at the number of pages before I buy. Over all the series was good.
February 28, 2021
This is my favorite of the Hemlock Creek Suspense Series. I love the drama and the way Heather Gilbert makes her characters come alive. She writes with conviction and purpose, all the while entertaining the reader with ready prose and conversation. Don't miss this one! We can only hope this won't be the last we see of Hemlock Creek.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews