Poisoned

by Patricia Hartman

Ten years ago, Julie Wheeler embarked on a dream when she moved to Hearthstone, West Virginia. She purchased her own veterinary practice, married Richard—the town’s most eligible bachelor and chief prosecuting attorney—and was lulled into marital bliss. But when Nicole, her husband’s assistant, mysteriously dropped off her poisoned German Shepherd and disappeared, the questions started. Where was Richard? Was he with Nicole? Why had Richard been coming home late? Had she been too busy to notice? As Julie raises her head from the ostrich hole, she realizes the world as she knew it has been disappearing as a poison has been eating away at her life. Sheriff Mack, their close friend, is despondent. The sheriff's office is filled with unfamiliar faces including one particularly creepy Deputy Cruz who seems to show up wherever she goes. He's even dating Julie’s sister who is recovering from yet another failed relationship. And then there's Jake, the new farmhand her husband hired two months ago. Up until now, she had hardly seen him, but on this day, he’s everywhere. Julie’s desperate search for the truth lands her in jail accused of murder. What is going on in Hearthstone? Is her husband faithful? Is he alive? Will Julie survive? This first book in the Poisoned Series delivers an intensely packed thirty-six hours of suspense, drama, crime, family troubles, twists, and turns that keep readers turning pages to find the source of the poison that threatens Julie’s very life.

350 pages, Paperback

Published September 15, 2021

About the author

AS A FORENSIC CPA, PATRICIA HARTMAN experiences suspense, drama and intrigue in her everyday professional life. She has been uncovering lies, deceptions and criminal activity as part of her regular practice for over 25 years. Patricia weaves her life experiences into captivating plots that expose the evil that trap otherwise innocent people in very dark places.

Patricia's first novel, "Poisoned," won third place in the Selah awards. She has extensively traveled to and researched Wild West Virginia, interviewing law enforcement, prosecuting attorneys, veterinarians and common folk to gain insight into making this an amazing fiction series.

Patricia lives in Florida with her husband, one happily married son and daughter-in-law, and one perfect grandson.

Reviews

[Megan Luke · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked this book up at a local bookstore a while back and was in a reading slump so I grabbed it. I'm so glad I did.
Patricia did a great job giving us characters that are smart, funny, and likable. And who doesn't love a sweet and badass dog?
The story was very interesting and not one that I think I've ever encountered. The female main character is just going about her own life in a small town, doing what she enjoys, and BAM everything gets turned upside down. She lets her emotions drive some chaos but has "grounding" people in her life to help get out of her head.
I can't wait to read the next one.

[Elizabeth Brickman · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun and entertaining read, with characters who felt real to me, including a wonderful dog who is part of the main plot. (Dog lovers will not be disappointed.) The main character is Julie, a professional woman who works hard to juggle the two things she loves most: her business and her marriage. I like that this book is a modern story I can relate to, and not “historical fiction”. There were some exciting challenges, revelations and twists along the way. What happened to Julie could happen to any woman. I couldn’t put it down for the last 100 pages.

[Valri Western · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although there are a lot of characters, you will be able to keep them all straight! I promise! This is a fantastic book! I was on the edge of my seat through the whole book and had a hard time putting it down. The suspense story line kept me turning those pages fast and furious. You don't know what is going to happen to the main character and who is a good guy and who is bad! It's too hard to write more without giving away spoilers but just know, this is a great mystery/suspense. I hope to read this author again because I'm hooked!

[Larkin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an unexpected pleasure. I say "unexpected" because the author isn't prolific, nor were there many reviews. This Christian suspense novel was one of the best I've read. After a slightly slow start, it was un-put-down-able. There were well-rounded characters, and a steady stream of suspense throughout. I wish there were more like this for me to enjoy.

[Ellen Perrin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book. I found myself not wanting to put it down. When I would take a break I would find myself
thinking about the characters and their plot. I highly recommend this book and I can’t wait for the next one!

[Barbara Lynn Seibel]

Moving at a fast pace that keeps you turning pages to find out what happens next. Looking forward to the sequel!

[Sally Friscea · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed Poisoned. From setting descriptions to characters it was a pleasure to read Patricia Hartman's novel.

[EGotay · Rating 5 out of 5]

POISONED
By Patricia Hartman

This is an amazing book that just leaves you wanting more! I could not put it down. A GOOD READ.
I can't wait for the next book.