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Deadly Secrets #2
Deadly Connection
Will they uncover the secrets between them before it becomes deadly?After fending off a would-be abductor, 27-year-old singer-songwriter Hannah Cassidy hides behind a car in the half-empty parking lot behind Pancake Pantry in Nashville. From there, she watches in horror as her attacker grabs another woman and pushes her into a nearby car. Within seconds, the vehicle speeds away.
TBI Special Agent Jake Matheson may have planned a quiet day off and a date with Shannon―the only name her online profile revealed―for an introductory lunch, but after pulling into a parking space on 21st Avenue South, he hears a scream. He races to the back of the building and finds a frightened young woman bent forward and gasping for breath.
Thrown together by uncanny circumstances and driven by the whys and what-ifs of secrets yet to be revealed, Hannah and Jake set out to find the connection between them before it becomes deadly.
TBI Special Agent Jake Matheson may have planned a quiet day off and a date with Shannon―the only name her online profile revealed―for an introductory lunch, but after pulling into a parking space on 21st Avenue South, he hears a scream. He races to the back of the building and finds a frightened young woman bent forward and gasping for breath.
Thrown together by uncanny circumstances and driven by the whys and what-ifs of secrets yet to be revealed, Hannah and Jake set out to find the connection between them before it becomes deadly.
298 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2021
21 people are currently reading
97 people want to read
About the author
Kathy Harris
5 books69 followersKathy Harris is an author by way of a "divine detour" into the Nashville entertainment business. After graduating with a Communications degree from Southern Illinois University, she moved to Nashville, Tennessee, to work with a well-known gospel music quartet. A few months later, The Oak Ridge Boys began their transition into country music, and Kathy had the opportunity to help build an entertainment empire from the ground up.
She worked her way to becoming a member of the Operations Management Team, eventually heading up the company's public relations and marketing department. A lifelong fascination for books and editing led to her working as a book agent for Oak Ridge Boys' vocalist Joe Bonsall. Joe, subsequently, published a number of books, including his bestselling inspirational biography, G.I. Joe & Lillie.
For several years, Kathy freelanced entertainer biographies and wrote, as well as ghost wrote, news stories and columns for various music publications. In 2007, she sold her first Christian non-fiction story, "Walk on Water," which was included in Thomas Nelson's All My Bad Habits I Learned from Grandpa. That fall, one of her devotions was included in The One Year Life Verse Devotional, published by Tyndale House. Kathy's writing is also included in two Chicken Soup for the Soul books.
A member of American Christian Fiction Writers and former publicity officer for Middle Tennessee Christian Writers, Kathy lives near Nashville with her family and their Shiloh Shepherd dog. She regularly interviews literary and music guests on her blog, www.DivineDetour.com.
Abingdon Press released Kathy's Christian fiction debut, The Road to Mercy, in September 2012. Her first romantic suspense, Deadly Commitment, releases from New Hope Publishers in October 2019.
She worked her way to becoming a member of the Operations Management Team, eventually heading up the company's public relations and marketing department. A lifelong fascination for books and editing led to her working as a book agent for Oak Ridge Boys' vocalist Joe Bonsall. Joe, subsequently, published a number of books, including his bestselling inspirational biography, G.I. Joe & Lillie.
For several years, Kathy freelanced entertainer biographies and wrote, as well as ghost wrote, news stories and columns for various music publications. In 2007, she sold her first Christian non-fiction story, "Walk on Water," which was included in Thomas Nelson's All My Bad Habits I Learned from Grandpa. That fall, one of her devotions was included in The One Year Life Verse Devotional, published by Tyndale House. Kathy's writing is also included in two Chicken Soup for the Soul books.
A member of American Christian Fiction Writers and former publicity officer for Middle Tennessee Christian Writers, Kathy lives near Nashville with her family and their Shiloh Shepherd dog. She regularly interviews literary and music guests on her blog, www.DivineDetour.com.
Abingdon Press released Kathy's Christian fiction debut, The Road to Mercy, in September 2012. Her first romantic suspense, Deadly Commitment, releases from New Hope Publishers in October 2019.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
October 22, 2021
Deadly Connection is a fast paced, suspense filled novel that should keep most readers on the edge of their seats. It is the story of a young woman in the wrong place at the wrong time who barely escapes abduction, but witnesses the abduction and murder of another young woman and finds her life in danger from that moment on. FBI agent Jake Matheson arrives on the scene just moments later and quickly becomes involved in the case as well as the life of Hannah Cassidy.
Not only did I enjoy the action, suspense, and romance that were all blended together with just the right amount of faith, but I also loved visiting Nashville through the eyes of the author. It was also interesting to learn a bit of behind-the-scenes of the music business there from the perspective of a song writer. Nashville is only about three hours away but I have not visited there very often. After reading Deadly Connection I would love to visit a few of the places mentioned – as long as I can avoid the dangerous aspects that were experienced by Jake and Hannah.
The book was well written and easy to follow with several twists and surprises that kept me engaged the entire time I read. I did suspect the right person early on but not everything that was behind it. Deadly Connection is yet another Christian book that focuses on human trafficking and hopefully will being more attention to this dangerous practice.
I voluntarily reviewed a digital copy of this book provided by JustReads Publicity. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
Not only did I enjoy the action, suspense, and romance that were all blended together with just the right amount of faith, but I also loved visiting Nashville through the eyes of the author. It was also interesting to learn a bit of behind-the-scenes of the music business there from the perspective of a song writer. Nashville is only about three hours away but I have not visited there very often. After reading Deadly Connection I would love to visit a few of the places mentioned – as long as I can avoid the dangerous aspects that were experienced by Jake and Hannah.
The book was well written and easy to follow with several twists and surprises that kept me engaged the entire time I read. I did suspect the right person early on but not everything that was behind it. Deadly Connection is yet another Christian book that focuses on human trafficking and hopefully will being more attention to this dangerous practice.
I voluntarily reviewed a digital copy of this book provided by JustReads Publicity. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
October 23, 2021
MY THOUGHTS
Deadly Connection is written by Kathy Harris. This is book two in the deadly Secrets series. I have not read book one - and these books can be read as a stand alone. This is the first book that I have read by this author - and it will not be the last.
This book will start out hitting the ground running. It opens with Hannah Cassidy nearly being abducted. She manages to fend off her attacker and run away. However, she sees him grab and murder another girl. She stands there in shock, trying to memorize all the details. Jake Matheson is meeting a potential date. He knows that his line of work with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is dangerous. He has lost someone close previously and feels ready to move on. He happens to be the first person that Hannah runs to after her near miss .
Hannah does not like being cooped up. She knows she has to lay low until they find out what is happening - and Jake has been assigned to the lead and keep an eye on her. Was Hannah the intended target? Is this connected to a human trafficking ring? How is it all connected?
This is a great read - it has well written characters. The storyline is suspenseful and action packed. The authors knows the city of Nashville and creates a great backdrop for her story.
I received a copy of this book through JustRead Publicity Tours - all thoughts are my own.
Deadly Connection is written by Kathy Harris. This is book two in the deadly Secrets series. I have not read book one - and these books can be read as a stand alone. This is the first book that I have read by this author - and it will not be the last.
This book will start out hitting the ground running. It opens with Hannah Cassidy nearly being abducted. She manages to fend off her attacker and run away. However, she sees him grab and murder another girl. She stands there in shock, trying to memorize all the details. Jake Matheson is meeting a potential date. He knows that his line of work with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is dangerous. He has lost someone close previously and feels ready to move on. He happens to be the first person that Hannah runs to after her near miss .
Hannah does not like being cooped up. She knows she has to lay low until they find out what is happening - and Jake has been assigned to the lead and keep an eye on her. Was Hannah the intended target? Is this connected to a human trafficking ring? How is it all connected?
This is a great read - it has well written characters. The storyline is suspenseful and action packed. The authors knows the city of Nashville and creates a great backdrop for her story.
I received a copy of this book through JustRead Publicity Tours - all thoughts are my own.
January 8, 2025
2nd book in series ~
What a fast paced story. A well written story that has good characters. I'm looking forward to the next book.
Well done!
What a fast paced story. A well written story that has good characters. I'm looking forward to the next book.
Well done!
December 28, 2022
This is a great Christian suspense novel. The characters are so real. I loved Dixie, the southern lady who mommas everyone who comes through her doors. Hannah is strong but vulnerable. Jake is an absolute keeper, a real southern gentleman.
All the characters have lost someone dear to them and have forged on. The new connections they make free them from old hurts by the end of the story.
The thriller unfolds slowly, like peeling an onion back layer by layer as the tension mounts.
My only regret is that I didn't read this sooner. I've had it on my shelf for a year. The human trafficking angle made me hesitant to read it, but there are no distressing images. The subject is handled more broadly.
I'm going to look into the rest of the series. The descriptions of Nashville made me feel like I was visiting there.
I received a free copy, and all opinions are my own.
All the characters have lost someone dear to them and have forged on. The new connections they make free them from old hurts by the end of the story.
The thriller unfolds slowly, like peeling an onion back layer by layer as the tension mounts.
My only regret is that I didn't read this sooner. I've had it on my shelf for a year. The human trafficking angle made me hesitant to read it, but there are no distressing images. The subject is handled more broadly.
I'm going to look into the rest of the series. The descriptions of Nashville made me feel like I was visiting there.
I received a free copy, and all opinions are my own.
October 24, 2021
Deadly Connection
The Deadly Secrets #2
Kathy Harris
Hannah Cassidy's day has just gotten so much worse. A victim of an attack, a narrow escape from a kidnapper, and witnessing an attack on another young woman. Wrong place, wrong time? Or was she the intended target? TBI Special Agent Jake Matheson is going to find out.
Having been on his way to meet someone Jack happens upon Hannah moments after her attack. Could the three women involved be related or connected somehow? Or was it a random attack in a popular location? Somehow Jack thinks that at least one of the three was the intended target and the intended victim most likely was going to be trafficked.
When evidence and circumstances point to the potential of danger to Hannah, Jack, the Bureau, and Nashville Metro up their watch. But with few clues and a limited description finding their suspect just might prove more than a little challenging.
Deadly Connection is the second book in Kathy Harris's The Deadly Secrets series and it doesn't disappoint. The action begins from the opening line and mystery just seems to get deeper the further one gets into the book. There are reveals that let the reader into some of the background action but the question of why is not easily or quickly revealed. If you are a fan of contemporary Romantic Suspense with a not-in-your-face-Christian thread this is one you will want to check out. This is not a graphic suspense read but it doesn't shy away from topics that could easily lend themselves to such. Could be a good book for your next book club discussion.
I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion - All thoughts expressed are my own.
The Deadly Secrets #2
Kathy Harris
Hannah Cassidy's day has just gotten so much worse. A victim of an attack, a narrow escape from a kidnapper, and witnessing an attack on another young woman. Wrong place, wrong time? Or was she the intended target? TBI Special Agent Jake Matheson is going to find out.
Having been on his way to meet someone Jack happens upon Hannah moments after her attack. Could the three women involved be related or connected somehow? Or was it a random attack in a popular location? Somehow Jack thinks that at least one of the three was the intended target and the intended victim most likely was going to be trafficked.
When evidence and circumstances point to the potential of danger to Hannah, Jack, the Bureau, and Nashville Metro up their watch. But with few clues and a limited description finding their suspect just might prove more than a little challenging.
Deadly Connection is the second book in Kathy Harris's The Deadly Secrets series and it doesn't disappoint. The action begins from the opening line and mystery just seems to get deeper the further one gets into the book. There are reveals that let the reader into some of the background action but the question of why is not easily or quickly revealed. If you are a fan of contemporary Romantic Suspense with a not-in-your-face-Christian thread this is one you will want to check out. This is not a graphic suspense read but it doesn't shy away from topics that could easily lend themselves to such. Could be a good book for your next book club discussion.
I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion - All thoughts expressed are my own.
October 21, 2021
Deadly Connection is the second book in the Deadly Secrets series but can be read as a stand-alone novel. This is the first book that I have read by this author.
Music was the perfect healer.
Wow! This book grabs you from the first line and just keeps on going! It is a fast-paced read that you will have a hard time putting down. Hannah is the victim of the wrong place, wrong time, and doesn't seem to comprehend that her life can still be in danger. Especially if the would-be abductor thinks that she can identify him.
Right now, he was seeing only a small part of the puzzle, not the big picture. And there were a lot of possibilities.
Jake Matheson has his work cut out for him as he investigates the crime and tries to determine if Hannah was the intended target, and what the point of the crime was. He is tasked with keeping Hannah safe, which is harder than it should be because she doesn't want to have to give up her commitments, even when it could put her in greater danger.
I started making connections early on in the book and found it easy to figure things out. However, I could not have anticipated the way it would all come together.
Deadly Connection has a musician, a mystery, a huge crime ring, a solid faith element, the Nashville setting (I love Nashville), and engaging dialogue that keeps you invested until the very end. I would read other works by this author.
Thank you to JustRead Publicity Tours and the author for the opportunity to read this book. I was not required to provide a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Music was the perfect healer.
Wow! This book grabs you from the first line and just keeps on going! It is a fast-paced read that you will have a hard time putting down. Hannah is the victim of the wrong place, wrong time, and doesn't seem to comprehend that her life can still be in danger. Especially if the would-be abductor thinks that she can identify him.
Right now, he was seeing only a small part of the puzzle, not the big picture. And there were a lot of possibilities.
Jake Matheson has his work cut out for him as he investigates the crime and tries to determine if Hannah was the intended target, and what the point of the crime was. He is tasked with keeping Hannah safe, which is harder than it should be because she doesn't want to have to give up her commitments, even when it could put her in greater danger.
I started making connections early on in the book and found it easy to figure things out. However, I could not have anticipated the way it would all come together.
Deadly Connection has a musician, a mystery, a huge crime ring, a solid faith element, the Nashville setting (I love Nashville), and engaging dialogue that keeps you invested until the very end. I would read other works by this author.
Thank you to JustRead Publicity Tours and the author for the opportunity to read this book. I was not required to provide a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
October 20, 2021
Hannah Cassidy manages to save herself from being kidnapped . Then, she sees another young woman who's not so lucky dragged into an SUV, then meets FBI Agent Jake Matheson, who's just arrived on the scene. Hannah is a singer and songwriter in Nashville, and when she needs police protection as more attacks against young women occur, she chafes at the restrictions. Her landlady and friend (and fabulous food blogger) Dixie, and Dixie's gentleman friend Roland do everything they can to help. Naturally, sparks begin to fly between Jake and Hannah. However, before he can get involved with anyone, he has to solve this case...and, keep Hannah alive.
Kathy Harris tells an exciting, fast-paced tale of the sordid underbelly of Nashville (and, frankly, of other cities as well), and what happens when its ugliness interrupts Hannah's life and songwriting career. She brings current-day Music City to life for the reader, and the songs Hannah sings will have the reader humming along. Harris's story is a compelling read, treating a particularly horrible type of crime with compassion for its victims. And, the potential romance between Jake and Hannah is very appealing, as are the characters' faith and belief. Clean read, great characters, and a book you'll be racing to finish even as you're sorry when it ends!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
Kathy Harris tells an exciting, fast-paced tale of the sordid underbelly of Nashville (and, frankly, of other cities as well), and what happens when its ugliness interrupts Hannah's life and songwriting career. She brings current-day Music City to life for the reader, and the songs Hannah sings will have the reader humming along. Harris's story is a compelling read, treating a particularly horrible type of crime with compassion for its victims. And, the potential romance between Jake and Hannah is very appealing, as are the characters' faith and belief. Clean read, great characters, and a book you'll be racing to finish even as you're sorry when it ends!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
October 19, 2021
Deadly Connection is book two in Kathy Harris’s Deadly Secrets series set in and around Nashville, but you won’t be at all lost if you start with this one.
It didn’t take me long to figure out who was behind Hannah’s attempted attack but there were also a couple pieces to this mystery that took me by surprise. There is a good, solid build up of the connection between Jake and Hannah before the action in the last quarter of the book really kicks up.
Hannah’s optimism is contagious, and, despite his tragic loss, Jake is not immune to her. Dixie and Roland add another layer of depth to this story (both the light-hearted moments and the heartbreaking ones).
My favorite thing about Harris’s books is how they depict Nashville. This is an insider’s (aka resident’s) view of the city and all its charm (as well as some of the underbelly). From the trendy neighborhoods and hotspots to the hidden gems, Nashville is as diverse as the people who live here. And after twenty-plus years of living in the area, I discovered a couple places I now need to go visit.
Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
It didn’t take me long to figure out who was behind Hannah’s attempted attack but there were also a couple pieces to this mystery that took me by surprise. There is a good, solid build up of the connection between Jake and Hannah before the action in the last quarter of the book really kicks up.
Hannah’s optimism is contagious, and, despite his tragic loss, Jake is not immune to her. Dixie and Roland add another layer of depth to this story (both the light-hearted moments and the heartbreaking ones).
My favorite thing about Harris’s books is how they depict Nashville. This is an insider’s (aka resident’s) view of the city and all its charm (as well as some of the underbelly). From the trendy neighborhoods and hotspots to the hidden gems, Nashville is as diverse as the people who live here. And after twenty-plus years of living in the area, I discovered a couple places I now need to go visit.
Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
October 30, 2021
Music, romance, and murder! Everything you need for a thrilling read, and this book does not disappoint. From the very first line, the reader is thrown headlong into the danger and the suspense doesn’t let up until the last page is turned. Highly recommend!
November 7, 2022
good
I liked this book, but I do think the first one was better. This one didn't move as quickly and didn't have as much action, but it was still good.
I liked this book, but I do think the first one was better. This one didn't move as quickly and didn't have as much action, but it was still good.
August 8, 2022
fast paced and full of details
Kathy Harris brings characters and settings to life with her writing style. Her stories are so rich with sensory detail I feel immersed in the story.
Kathy Harris brings characters and settings to life with her writing style. Her stories are so rich with sensory detail I feel immersed in the story.
October 20, 2021
While I enjoyed the first book in this series, I think that this one was even better and harder to put down! I thought that the author did a great job of writing a story that kept me guessing. I did wonder about the attacker's identity before it was revealed, but there will still twists and turns to the story that I didn't see coming. I will say, Hannah did not make Jake's job easy, which was a little annoying, but I get that it's hard to be housebound.
It was interesting that this is one of the first books I have read that talks about Covid in the past tense.
I received this book from Just Read. This is my honest review.
It was interesting that this is one of the first books I have read that talks about Covid in the past tense.
I received this book from Just Read. This is my honest review.
May 31, 2022
This was the first book by Kathy Harris that I have read. I enjoyed it and am now planning to go back and read the first book in the series. The opening chapter grabbed my attention and had me pressing forward to get to the conclusion. A seed of suspicion was planted early but I have learned that those seeds often fail to germinate, so I kept waiting for more clues, trying to figure out the guilty party and what was behind it all. I appreciated how well the author wove faith into the story with the action, romance, and suspense. Romance was more of an undercurrent as the hero and heroine spent considerable time together while he and his fellow law enforcement officers sought to find the person who had attacked the heroine. They had to figure out if she was the target or simply was in the wrong place at the wrong time and was chosen because she looked like the target. Whether or not she was the original target, she may have ended up with a target on her back because of the failed attempt. A very interesting book!
November 13, 2021
This is an action-packed story that also provides much depth to aspects of the human trafficking scene. I appreciate Harris's endearing, very believable and relatable characters and detailed views of Nashville and area that lets her love for that locale shine through and lets readers feel like they've been there, including a few restaurants I want to try on my next visit there. Very well-done! You really did keep me turning pages late at night.
October 27, 2021
Clean suspense
I enjoyed reading this story about a young woman almost kidnapped and then witnessed another woman kidnapped. This left to an awareness of human trafficking. There is romance and humor in this engaging tale. I especially enjoyed the lack of crude language and smut. I look forward to reading more by this author.
I enjoyed reading this story about a young woman almost kidnapped and then witnessed another woman kidnapped. This left to an awareness of human trafficking. There is romance and humor in this engaging tale. I especially enjoyed the lack of crude language and smut. I look forward to reading more by this author.
September 21, 2022
Fast paced and kept me on my toes and interested right to the end.
December 31, 2022
Fantastic! One of the best books I have read this year. Looking forward to book 3.
December 14, 2024
Bizarre thriller-romance, where the bad guy (one of them) didn't mean it, he was manipulated, God is here for everyone, even murderers, and murderers don't just kill people when they have the upper hand, they take them hostage, wait until the hostage gets free...
And there's zero issue with the rescuing officer falling for the victim. In this world, there's no 'inappropriate' hero-authority concerns.
Even the publisher seems to have not read this book - the MC is clearly described as a petite thin blond - nothing like the cover picture.
The villain is painfully obvious very early, although of course it takes the characters more than half the book to put one and one on the same page. Which matches the MC's level of clueless - she must be the only person who's never considered that guards are at as much or more risk than the protected person. Okay read, terrible wrap-up.
And there's zero issue with the rescuing officer falling for the victim. In this world, there's no 'inappropriate' hero-authority concerns.
Even the publisher seems to have not read this book - the MC is clearly described as a petite thin blond - nothing like the cover picture.
The villain is painfully obvious very early, although of course it takes the characters more than half the book to put one and one on the same page. Which matches the MC's level of clueless - she must be the only person who's never considered that guards are at as much or more risk than the protected person. Okay read, terrible wrap-up.
August 12, 2023
Deadly connection.
A very intense murder mystery with an up to date theme related to human trafficking. At times almost terrifying I thought I might have nightmares. But as anticipated has a happy ending.
A very intense murder mystery with an up to date theme related to human trafficking. At times almost terrifying I thought I might have nightmares. But as anticipated has a happy ending.
December 6, 2021
A novel of his grace and mercy
While somewhat predictable and unrealistic, it was also full of God's grace and mercy towards believers and Unbelievers. A romantic mystery.
While somewhat predictable and unrealistic, it was also full of God's grace and mercy towards believers and Unbelievers. A romantic mystery.
January 11, 2023
An interesting twist, but somehow the writing feels… two- dimensional? It’s just been difficult to connect with the characters in this series for me so far.
August 13, 2025
This was good I like it better than the first
January 24, 2023
Very entertaining.
August 25, 2024
Read in March 2023. Borrowed audiobook from Everand.
Great book! Great series!
Great book! Great series!
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews