Dangerous Pursuits : 15 Stories From Today's Most Popular Mystery and Suspense Authors

by Mary Alford, Lisa Harris, Therese Heckenkamp

Crisp Days. Cold Nights. Dangerous Pursuits.

Consecrated Sacrifice by Mary Alford:
CIA Officer Branch Collins is saved by a dead woman. Is she a hero or a traitor? Everything rides on finding out the answer.

The Last Day by Lisa Harris:
When Dr. Hope McQuaid stops at the scene of an accident on a lonely west Texas highway, she becomes a bargaining chip for two dangerous fugitives with nothing to lose.

Sleep Deprived by Therese Heckenkamp:
When sleep deprivation skews her judgment, grieving young mother Mae risks everything to save a baby—only to wind up accused of a crime.

A Time to Hunt by Cynthia Hickey:
A bestselling author finds himself mired in a plot straight out of one of his books, and the clock is ticking down to the death of those around him.

Don't Look Down by Gina Holder:
Can she prove a killer's guilt before he silences her forever? Erynn, owner of the Gourmet Gal food truck, witnesses a murder, but no one believes her.

Deadly Heights by Ronie Kendig:
Heiress and experienced climber Jolie Decouteau doesn't believe in coincidences, so getting acute mountain sickness while on a hike shortly after her father is found dead convinces her that someone is trying to kill her.

Never Think Twice by Loree Lough:
One of the felons recovery agent Fitz delivered to authorities has escaped from his maximum-security prison and is coming after Fitz and his loved ones.

A Dark Silence by Dana R. Lynn:
Deaf since birth, Heidi Martin is excited about her new career as a counselor at the school for the deaf. Until she walks in on a murder and must flee to stay alive.

Amish Justice by Ann Malley:
In the cross-hairs of an Amish criminal kingpin, Naomi Boentreger is forced to uncover family secrets first and trust the man she once loved yet now barely recognizes.

A Dark Road Home by Dana Mentink:
After a tragic mistake, Lola Armstrong left the U.S. Marshals and rancher Abe Everhart far behind. Now Abe's on her doorstep with retrograde amnesia and his twin niece and nephew in tow.

Courage on the Run by J. Carol Nemeth:
When innkeeper Casey Hartman witnesses a murder, can guest DEA Agent Will Kerns keep her safe from the killer as they head out on the run?

Stepping from Shadows by Cara Putman:
When Emma Donahue goes home, it's time to find answers or die trying. She has days to discover the truth or she'll lose her inheritance. After years of trusting no one, can she risk relying on Lance Updike?

Deadly Catalyst by Sharee Stover:
What starts as an online computer game becomes a life-and-death struggle for Jorja Hale and her teen brother, plummeting them into a deadly underground network.

Protecting the Heiress by Terri Reed:
A reluctant heiress needs the protection of the intelligence officer who broke her heart if she is to make it to the reading of her father's will alive.

The Winter Pearl by Lenora Worth:
When antique-jewelry store owner Hannah Dupree mistakenly receives a priceless pearl necklace, someone is out to kill her and get it back.

Genres: Mystery, Suspense, Christian, Fiction, Collections, Inspirational, Romantic Suspense

1197 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 1, 2021

About the author

USA Today Bestselling Author, Mary Alford, loves giving her readers the un-expected, whether it be in a rugged mountain setting or a peaceful Amish community.
Her titles have appeared on the USA Today Bestselling List, Publisher’s Weekly Bestselling List, and have been finalists in the Daphne Du Maurier award of excellence, The Beverly, The Maggie, and The Selah Awards.
Mary is very active online and would love to connect with readers on Face-book and Twitter or any social platforms listed at www.maryalford.net.

Reviews

[Susan Snodgrass · Rating 5 out of 5]

So far I have only read Dana Mentink’s contribution to this set but it was incredibly good! I will update as I read more!

I have also read Loree Lough’s novella and it is another good one.

Cynthia Hickey’s contribution was really well done! Loved it!

Shared Stover’s story of a deadly cyber criminal is pretty doggone good also!

I will update as I read more stories, but if the rest are as good as these four, the purchase price was a bargain!

[Carolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read an advance copy of Therese Heckenkamp's "Sleep Deprived" while waiting on the box set to download onto my Kindle on launch day!

I loved this story of loss and reconciliation built around a suspenseful story - an infant kidnapping. Did Mae, coming unglued by grief and lack of sleep, do it? Was it someone else? Will anyone believe Mae's story?

I appreciated that the little details about babies, marriage, and mom-life were spot on, being written my a wife and mother. I enjoy all of Therese Heckenkamp's work, and I'm looking forward to reading the other stories in this collection.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've only read four stories from this collection so far and they were great.
Courage on the Run by J. Carol Nemeth Casey and Will's story was full of action, drama, suspense and romance. It will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Don't Look Down by Gina Holder
Erynn and Stephen's was another edge of your seat read. It was full of action, drama, suspense, and romance.
Deadly Catalyst by Sharon Stover
This story deals with cyber crimes and has action, suspense, drama and a sweet second chance romance. It will keep you on the edge of your seat from the fist page until the last.
Sleep Deprived by Theresa Heckenkamp
Mae and Warren's story is full of suspense. Even though it's full of drama and suspense it will break your heart in spots. It will keep you on the edge of your seat from the first page until the last.
All of the stories are wonderful Christian suspense and if the other stories are anything like these three it's going to be a outstanding collection.

[Natalya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Are you in the mood for a little suspense?
These great authors will provide hours of captivating and explosive reading!
I’ve just finished Courage on the Run by J. Carol Nemeth – Casey and Will’s story is a fast developing, dangerous pursuit! Enjoyed it!
Consecrated Sacrifice by Mary Alford is another dangerous pursuit that will leave you breathless!

[Ann Malley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Getting jazzed about this 'killer' collection!!

Who will live? Who will die?

Bring on that sweater weather!!

[Kelly-Ann ~ Sassy Bookish Mama · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are looking for a collection of books written by different authors then you are in for a treat! This has fifteen different stories to whet your appetite for suspense and mystery. Most of these authors I had already encountered but there were a few that were new to me and I can't wait to read more from them. Its hard for me to choose just one story but I really enjoyed The Last Day and a Dark Road Home. They were all very good stories those just stood out to me.

If you enjoy a change of pace and reading different authors then I definitely recommend you grab this one!

I received a copy of this book through Celebrate Lit. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

[Janice Bittner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who would have thought that a simple walk around town would end up with fleeing for your life! I just finished Courage on the Run by J. Carol Nemeth. This story grabbed my attention from the very beginning. Join Casey and Will as they struggle against a criminal element, relying on their faith to help them through, and possibly finding love in the process. I challenge you to put this novella down mid-stream. I couldn't, and I don't think you can either.

[Trudy Cordle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read J Carol Nemeth's novella, Courage on the Run. I LOVED it!! Will and Casey meet when he arrives at the Belmont Inn that Casey and her Aunt Nora own. Will has said he's there on vacation, but he's really there undercover. Casey goes for her nightly walk, and sees something she shouldn't have seen. She's running, hiding, trying to get back to the inn, when Will finds her, and the truth comes out. Can he keep Casey and Aunt Nora safe while trying to crack his case?? I HAD to start the book last night when I received it, and then HAD to finish it today to find out what happened!! Oh, it did NOT disappoint!!!!!

I read Mary Alford's novella, Consecrated Sacrifice. I LOVED it! Branch and Sky were in love, and Branch was going to propose after they finished a mission. Instead, he believed that Sky was killed on that mission. Now, it's on another mission, trying to bring down a traitor to our country. There are quite a few twists and turns in this story that keep you reading to find out more!


I received a complimentary copy of the story, was not required to leave a review, and the opinion expressed is my own.

[Mary Stalnaker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read Carol Nemeth's novella, Courage on the Run. It was great! Casey met Will when he came to the bed and breakfast that she and her aunt run. Not too long after the meeting, Casey sees something she shouldn't have and then the action starts. The author is very good at writing suspense so that you are on the edge of your seat waiting to see how the story turns out. I can't wait to read the rest of the novellas in this collection. You can't beat the deal you get. You will love this one for sure.

[J.E. Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dangerous Pursuits is a compilation of fifteen mystery and suspense stories. I cannot name a favorite in the collection, as I was kept on the edge of my seat by the suspense, mystery, and various characters in each story. It's a great collection by a variety of the best writers in the genre.

I enjoyed reading the different stories, as each author's writing style, settings, and characters kept me turning the pages. I'm looking forward to reading another one.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dangerous Pursuits is a collection of fifteen stories from today’s most popular mystery and suspense authors. These stories include:
The Last Day by Lisa Harris
Stepping from Shadows by Cara Putman
The Winter Pearl by Lenora Worth
Protecting the Heiress by Terri Reed
A Time to Hunt by Cynthia Hickey
A Dark Road Home by Dana Mentink
Deadly Heights by Ronie Kendig
Deadly Catalyst by Sharee Stover
Never Think Twice by Loree Lough
A Dark Silence by Dana R. Lynn
Courage on the Run by J. Carol Nemeth
Sleep Deprived by Therese Heckenhamp
Don’t Look Down by Gina Holder
Consecrated Sacrifice by Mary Alford
Amish Justice by Ann Malley
I have read books by most of these authors and was excited to read this collection. It was fun to discover some new to me authors, as well. I enjoyed all of these stories. If I had to choose a favorite of the fifteen stories, it would have to be either Dana Mentink’s A Dark Road Home and Ann Malley’s Amish Justice.

I am giving Dangerous Pursuits four and a half stars. I recommend it for reading who enjoy reading clean mystery and suspense.

I received a digital copy of Dangerous Pursuits from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sleep Deprived by Therese Heckenkamp is one of the many suspense short stories included in this collection. I enjoyed Sleep Deprived so much that it alone makes purchasing this collection well worth it! I started the first chapter right after getting into bed, without the intention of reading much of it. (Can you see where this is going?) Next thing I realize I had read several chapters and I couldn't put it down until I found out how Mae was going to get out of her situation! I finally finished the entire short story after midnight, with no regrets even though I had to get up early the next morning. Kind of fitting that I became "sleep deprived" after reading this book.

Sleep deprived Mae, suffering with heavy grief and guilt, meets a desperate, lonely father and his infant daughter while visiting her baby's grave. Of course, everything is not as it seems and things escalate, but to avoid spoilers I won't continue.

Well-written, captivating, suspenseful, a must read for suspense fans!

*I received this book for free and voluntarily reviewed.*

[Loretta Eidson · Rating 5 out of 5]

So far, I've only read one in this Dangerous Pursuits Collection, A Dark Silence by Dana R. Lynn. I received a complimentary copy and read it in one sitting. It's a fabulous, easy-to-read suspenseful, action-packed novel with an unexpected twist. You can't go wrong with any of these authors.

[Margie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review for Courage on the Run - J Carol Nemeth

When you’ve lived in the same town your entire life you are not expecting to witness a brutal murder by someone you know, especially when they are supposed to be one of the good guys. J. Carol Nemeth starts out with a bang and keeps the mystery, suspense and yes, romance going. Forced to trust and flee with a stranger, Casey finds herself fleeing for her life. This is a “I’m going to read one more chapter” book, first thing you know you only have a couple of chapters left and you might as well finish the story. Enjoy.

[Teresa Eaves · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just read Gina Holder's book for this collection. I can't wait to read the rest. Wow is a good way to start telling you, you won't want to miss this collection. Don't Look Down is marvelous. It opens with a murder?? And gets better as you read. Get the set you won't regret it.

[Peni · Rating 4 out of 5]

Please see individual stories for review.
Crisp Days. Cold Nights. Dangerous Pursuits.

The chill of fall brings with it a hint of peril in Dangerous Pursuits.

Consecrated Sacrifice by Mary Alford:

CIA Officer Branch Collins is saved by a dead woman. Is she a hero or a traitor? Everything rides on finding out the answer.

The Last Day by Lisa Harris:

When Dr. Hope McQuaid stops at the scene of an accident on a lonely west Texas highway, she becomes a bargaining chip for two dangerous fugitives with nothing to lose.

Sleep Deprived by Therese Heckenkamp:

When sleep deprivation skews her judgment, grieving young mother Mae risks everything to save a baby—only to wind up accused of a crime.

A Time to Hunt by Cynthia Hickey:

A bestselling author finds himself mired in a plot straight out of one of his books, and the clock is ticking down to the death of those around him.

Don't Look Down by Gina Holder:

Can she prove a killer's guilt before he silences her forever? Erynn, owner of the Gourmet Gal food truck, witnesses a murder, but no one believes her.

Deadly Heights by Ronie Kendig:

Heiress and experienced climber Jolie Decouteau doesn't believe in coincidences, so getting acute mountain sickness while on a hike shortly after her father is found dead convinces her that someone is trying to kill her.

Never Think Twice by Loree Lough:

One of the felons recovery agent Fitz delivered to authorities has escaped from his maximum-security prison and is coming after Fitz and his loved ones.

A Dark Silence by Dana R. Lynn:

Deaf since birth, Heidi Martin is excited about her new career as a counselor at the school for the deaf. Until she walks in on a murder and must flee to stay alive.

Amish Justice by Ann Malley:

In the cross-hairs of an Amish criminal kingpin, Naomi Boentreger is forced to uncover family secrets first and trust the man she once loved yet now barely recognizes.

A Dark Road Home by Dana Mentink:

After a tragic mistake, Lola Armstrong left the U.S. Marshals and rancher Abe Everhart far behind. Now Abe's on her doorstep with retrograde amnesia and his twin niece and nephew in tow.

Courage on the Run by J. Carol Nemeth:

When innkeeper Casey Hartman witnesses a murder, can guest DEA Agent Will Kerns keep her safe from the killer as they head out on the run?

Stepping from Shadows by Cara Putman:

When Emma Donahue goes home, it's time to find answers or die trying. She has days to discover the truth or she'll lose her inheritance. After years of trusting no one, can she risk relying on Lance Updike?

Deadly Catalyst by Sharee Stover:

What starts as an online computer game becomes a life-and-death struggle for Jorja Hale and her teen brother, plummeting them into a deadly underground network.

Protecting the Heiress by Terri Reed:

A reluctant heiress needs the protection of the intelligence officer who broke her heart if she is to make it to the reading of her father's will alive.

The Winter Pearl by Lenora Worth:

When antique-jewelry store owner Hannah Dupree mistakenly receives a priceless pearl necklace, someone is out to kill her and get it back.

[Miss Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started "Sleep Deprived" (one of the stories in "Dangerous Pursuits") intending to read one chapter at a time but, literally, could not put it down. I was on the edge of my seat as the chapters flew by.
Therese Heckenkamp has managed to combine a mother's intense devotion to her baby, a husband's patient love for his grieving wife, and nail-biting plot twists to create a real page-turner! Five stars!



*I received this as an ARC.

[Sarita · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read and review:

Deadly Heights by Ronie Kendig:

Heiress and experienced climber Jolie Decouteau doesn't believe in coincidences, so getting acute mountain sickness while on a hike shortly after her father is found dead convinces her that someone is trying to kill her.

Review: 3 stars
This is an old novella which was published in 2o13. I did even know about it, and I've followed Ronie Kendig since I've discovered her and slowly caught up on her books. Though there was danger, action and adventure, I did not enjoy it as much as I've enjoyed her military suspense novels.

The Last Day by Lisa Harris:

When Dr. Hope McQuaid stops at the scene of an accident on a lonely west Texas highway, she becomes a bargaining chip for two dangerous fugitives with nothing to lose.

Review: 3 stars
This was a fast paced and intriguing Novella, which is the start of a new series by Lisa Harris. There was danger, some funny moments, and a great backstory and introduction for characters to still meet. Even though the Novella was short, it felt complete with all threads solved.

I planned to read one a few pages but ended up reading the full story - it was intriguing and I wanted to see how it ends.

*The author provided a free copy. All opinions expressed are my own.*

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have only read J. Carol Nemeth’s “Courage on the Run,” in this collection, but if all of the stories are as intriguing as this one, I can’t wait to read more! The action starts right away, sweeping you up into a dangerous situation in a sleepy small town. Lies and crimes are uncovered and the main characters are drawn to each other throughout the ordeal. I loved every minute of this fast-paced story! I easily finished it in one sitting.

[Deon]

#preorder

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[Naysa Withem · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished Courage to Run by J Carol Nemeth!
What a great story with romance, suspense and mystery. I love the short story format and look forward to reading the others!!! Very exciting!!!

[Ebosereme Nwamu · Rating 4 out of 5]

They say novellas are one of the easiest ways to discover new authors. Well, that was so true about this collection of novellas. So many new to me authors in it.

This collection is filled with lip-bitting, edge of your sit suspense, thrilling action and wonderful plots to keep one entertained. One of the things I loved about the book was the occurring theme of second chance at love. It is always beautifully to see two people find themselves again.

If you love suspense, mystery, action filled stories, you'd love this collection.

I received a copy of this book and this is my honest opinion.

[Connie Queen · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great group of authors! Can't wait to read the rest of the stories.

I received an advance copy of Deadly Catalyst by Sharee Stover.

“She’d promised never to enter the dark web again. But if she didn’t help her brother, whoever he’d angered, would return for them.”

The reunion romance between Jorga, ex-black hatter, and Tate, police officer, are the perfect duo for this cyber action-packed suspense.
Definitely recommend.

[Kaye Whitney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was privileged to read the story by Loree Lough, Never Think Twice.
I immediately felt concern for Pete when I started reading about Fitz (Brooks) taking care of Pete’s son Jake. I was drawn to the kindness of Matt (Matilda), a woman who gets up and does something for friends who need help. I hope never to cross paths with a villain like Joe Michaels, who shows no remorse for his actions.
I am delighted that Never Think Twice, this eight-chapter novella by Loree Lough is very exciting. I really look forward to reading the whole collection in Dangerous Pursuits.
I recommend this story highly, especially for readers who know people caring for elderly parents or have friends who have had to overcome some kind of addiction. I am giving this one five stars, and I am glad that I was privileged to read it ahead of publication.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Loree Lough's contribution to this collection of stories Never Think Twice!
I haven't read a story by her in quite a while so I found this one an awesome treat!
I finished it quite quickly because it was so good that I had to see what happened next. Believe me,
I wasn't disappointed! I love fast action books like these!
I love how she makes her characters so real and life like that you find yourself rooting for them until the end!
I must admit that I held my breath in several places because it all seemed so real!
Lough is one of my favorite authors and I can't wait to see what she comes out with next!
I highly recommend!
My thanks for a copy of this novella. All opinions are my own. I was NOT required to write a positive review.

[Cece Louise · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to get an advanced copy of Therese Heckenkamp’s novella Sleep Deprived, which is featured in this collection. Like all of Heckenkamp’s stories, it is a suspenseful, satisfying read!

The heroine, Mae, is a young grieving mother desperately trying to carry on after the loss of her child. When a nighttime visit to the cemetery turns into something terrifying, Mae is forced to rely on the strength she didn’t know she had, her mother’s instinct, and the faith she thought she had lost.

This powerful story will keep you on the edge of your seat, while simultaneously tugging at your heartstrings and filling you with hope. One of my favorite things about it was the gentle rekindling of the romance between Mae and her husband, Warren. It added a nice touch to the story and I completely fell in love with Warren!

Sleep Deprived is the perfect fast-paced suspense to curl up with on a chilly autumn night. I look forward to reading the other stories in this collection when I’m in the mood for a thrilling read this fall!

[Edward Arrington · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Last Day by Lisa Harris
The story hits hard and fast, and keeps the reader hanging on, wondering what is going to happen next. The chase scene in the opening chapter gets the blood pumping and then leaves you hanging. Then in the next chapter, Hope is driving a deserted stretch of desert highway when she comes upon a car on the shoulder of the road with the hood up and two men standing beside it. I started to cringe the moment she slowed down to stop. What was she thinking? One woman, two men, and a deserted road. This has bad news written all over it. The daughter of a sheriff should know better. Then the excitement ramps up even more and the action escalates, barely slowing down until the end of the story. I could have kept on reading for hours. I received an advance copy of this book from the author. This is my honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.

I have not read the other stories in the book at this time.

[Stacy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm eagerly awaiting the release date on the novella collection as I've read an ARC of Sharee Stover's Deadly Catalyst a page-turning suspense story that marries romance with a dire and dangerous situation perfectly.

This is a fantastic read, and I can't wait to read more of the novellas from these super talented group of authors.

I received the novella from the author but was under no obligation to post nor write a review.

[Mary Lawson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Consecrated Sacrifice
(Dangerous Pursuits Novella collection)
Mary Alford
Tucked away in a 15 book novella collection is this book.
How do you survive your love missing and declared dead on her last mission, and now your team wiped out on your mission? Then someone helps you survive. Someone who you thought for a long time was lost to you. A miracle but will will she ever remember you?
Can you both survive and reach the safety of your other base? A nonstop action filled story of love lost and found while bringing terrorists down. Once again a suspenseful journey that keeps you reading until you reach the end.
I received an ARC for an honest review.

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

this is a good selection of suspense stories if you like suspense and some romance you will want to read the book. who is after them and why? i was given a copy but this is an honest review. very good all the authors have written good stories