Where there’s smoke, there’s fire. And where there’s fire, there’s a killer…
FBI profiler Vera Gilmore has the scars—both outside and in—to remind her how deadly fire is. Now homicide detective Brooks Brawley—her once sweetheart—needs her help with a serial arsonist and murderer in his small Texas town. But almost immediately, Vera becomes a target. Will staying at Brooks’s ranch with him and his daughter keep them all safe…or put them right in the killer’s path?
From Love Inspired Courage. Danger. Faith.
Quantico Profilers
Book 1: Texas Cold Case Threat Book 2: Cold Case Killer Profile Book 3: Texas Smoke Screen
Jessica R. Patch is a New York Times and Publishers Weekly bestselling author of more than thirty novels. Known for her pulse-pounding plots, emotionally charged characters, and signature twists, Jessica's stories explore themes of justice, resilience, and the unshakable power of hope.
Whether weaving inspirational stories of danger edged with romance or crafting chilling thrillers that probe the shadows of the human heart, Jessica delivers fiction that thrills while shining light in the darkest places.
She makes her home in Northwest Mississippi, where she enjoys life with her family, a good cup of tea, and dreaming up her next edge-of-your-seat story usually over tacos and queso.
Sign up for her newsletter "Patched In" at www.jessicarpatch.com. Jessica is represented by Rachel Kent of Books & Such Literary Management.
I love Jessica Patch’s books! She can write a suspense story that captures your attention and just won’t let go. Here we have book three in this Quantico Profilers series and I could barely tear myself away. I missed a nap to finish this book. And not, was there a knock out surprise at the ending! I thought I knew who the culprit was. I was wrong. Again. Patch keeps her readers guessing, that is for sure. Well done!
My thanks to the publisher and author for a copy of this book. The opinion is my own in this review.
Texas Smoke Screen is another page turner from Jessica Patch. This book takes the reader on a high octane ride with an arsonist that is terrorizing a news reporter in a small town Texas. The lead detective in the town calls in his former college fiancee who is a FBI profiler to help him solve the case. There are sparks literally and romantically throughout the book. Add in issues with Brooks twelve year old daughter and with Vera's self consciousness of her scars... there is a lot going on. The romance side was absolutely one of my favorite things about the book. So sweet and believable. And most importantly I loved the inspirational message. I highly recommend this book to any romantic suspense lovers out there. *I was given a copy of the book by the publisher and this is my honest opinion.
Texas Smoke Screen is written by Jessica R. Patch. This is part of the Quantico Profilers series. It can be read as a stand alone. This is also part of the Love Inspired Suspense line. This book will draw you in within the first few pages and not let you go until the end.
FBI profiler Vera Gilmore has had a rough several years. A fire killed her husband and left her with a lot of scarring that she tries to keep hidden. She’s called into consult for Serenity Canyon, Texas to assist with profiling an arsonist that has been setting fires and killing people that are close to news anchor, Tracey Tisdale. Vera is working closely with former sweetheart, Brooks Brawley.
Brooks is also a widow. His wife passed a few years ago and he has a pre teen daughter that can’t seem to stay out of trouble. Both Brooks and Vera have been carrying around some pretty heavy guilt and need to forgive themselves.
In true Patch fashion there’s action and suspense at every twist and turn. The author has left us with a huge list of suspects. The storyline is intriguing and full of adrenaline pounding scenes.
Thank you to the author and publisher for allowing me to read a copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.
Smoke! I have a fear of house fires and this book truly put that fear into place! Wow! The word images and events that happened to the characters in this book are so tense and suspenseful! I was gritting my teeth the whole time.
When I think of outstanding, well-written, suspenseful stories I only think of a handful of authors I would put into that category and Jessica R. Patch is one of them. And again Jessica R. Patch has thrown me for a loop! I think I’ve figured out who the “bad” guy is and then BAM . . . NOPE . . . I was totally wrong! I love mystery, suspense, and solving crimes, but she has such a skill that I was totally thrown off, and when I got to the “who done it” part, I was surprised. This to me, is what makes a fantastic author! Her stories are so captivating and gripping, that you don’t want to stop to put the book down even to eat or sleep!
I highly recommend picking up this book. However, I need to warn you, you might not get much sleep until you finish reading it! I was given this book by the publisher and in no way did it influences my review, all opinions are my own.
This was a fantastic read! It pulled me in from the beginning of the story and I had trouble putting it down. The mystery is super and the villain and their motive really made the story even more exciting. Don’t miss this one!
I received this book from the author and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.
Wow! The fear of fire is very real in the pages of this book. It will give you the shivers! FBI profiler Vera Gilmore knows all about the dangers of fire. She has the visible scars to prove it, as well as the invisible ones that she feels emotionally. Detective Brooks Brawley needs her expert assistance with none other than a serial arsonist. She is the best, but this case will be hard for her because not only is it about fire, but Brooks is her former boyfriend. Both Vera and Brooks have suffered devastating loss in their lives and are widowed. Brooks has a high strung daughter named Katie who keeps acting out, which makes his job so much harder. Katie has some emotional scars of her own due to the loss of her mother. The emotions in this book run deep, and those emotions come out in the characters' personalities. Jessica Patch always develops her characters so that you feel empathy for them and can feel their distress as if you know them personally. I got so involved in reading this book that I could imagine the heat of the fire and the bullets whizzing past. I always am completely engrossed in her books. She knows how to draw the reader into the story. The jaw dropping ending left me speechless. This is another winner from a top notch author who has addictive storytelling down to a science! This book is no exception!
Thank you to the author for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Oh my goodness. This one kept me guessing the entire time. Do Vera and Brooks end up together? What is going on with Katie? Who is starting these fires and killing these women? And just when you think you know what’s happening, BAM! There’s twist after twist. I loved every second of this story and I couldn’t put it down. I hope there will be a sequel cause I am there for it!
Fire(y) Suspense! Strong heroine - “…she was tough and solid. Full of spunk, even now in her wounded state. She was far from fragile.” Protective hero – “Brooks wasn’t sure if his kid needed additional therapy or a job on the force.” Edge of the seat suspense – “But the eerie feeling someone was still out there, brazen and lurking, chased away the warmth of Brooks’s touch and sent goose bumps up her arms and a shivery chill down her spine.” I received an ARC of this book for review. I was not required to write a favorable review. All opinions in this review are my own.
If someone asks me about an author that will keep you spellbound and totally focused on a book, I'd have to say: Jessica R Patch. From beginning to end will it will keep your attention, never mind that the villian will keep you guessing up until the end! The villian had poor Brooks and Vera running in circles to try and determine motive and for a way to stop said villian! I absolutely loved Katie and all her antics! Faith is delicately weaved into the lives of the characters. Believable characters. Awesome storyline. Excellent plot. Mindblown author!! Can you afford to miss this book? Most definitely not!
I absolutely love this story! The chemistry between FBI Special Agent Vera Gilmore and Detective Brooks Brawley is perfect! As they race to catch a killer that is burning his victims alive, there are twists, turns, and surprises that will keep you on the edge of your seat! It’s fast paced, exciting, and suspenseful! And the heroine and hero are forty somethings! I love that! So refreshing! Jessica Patch has captured love, faith, hope, suspense, intrigue, pain, and healing in this brilliant story! A definite MUST READ!!!
We are back in Texas for Book 3 or Jessica R. Patch’s newest in her Quantico Profilers series, Texas Smoke Screen. FBI Special Agent Vera Gilmore has been urgently called to Texas to aid in the investigation of a killer arsonist, burning the victims alive. She’s been called in by her former college love, homicide detective Brooks Brawley. Brooks and Vera parted ways two decades ago as friends…they just both wanted to go different directions professionally. Vera is a widow, scarred inside and out by the death of her husband due to a fire in their home. She feels responsible for his death, having tried to get him out of the house, but wasn’t in time. She vows never to let her heart open again, because who would want her with a good portion of her body scarred from the flames? Brooks is a widower and single dad to Katie, a “tweenager going on 30”. He lost his wife to a car accident and has mastered the art of playing the “what if” game. He carried the burden of his wife’s death so heavily that his daughter has been acting out just to get his attention. Someone is targeting people that Brooks knows, and now is after Vera, too. As they work together to keep each other, Katie, and friends safe, they slowly realize old feelings are bubbling up to the surface. But can the Lord work in each of their hearts to forgive themselves so they can fully open up to one another? Find out in this gripping and action-packed faith-filled suspense! I was given a complimentary copy of this book, but my opinion is entirely my own.
Texas Smoke Screen is a thrilling romantic suspense book. It's filled with action and a sweet second chance romance. The plot has enough twists and turns to keep me reading far too late into the night. The suspense is the nail-biting, edge-of-your-seat kind. The main characters are interesting and likeable. Both Brooks and Vera have suffered greatly and are unsure about starting a romantic relationship. I love how Brooks explains how he sees Vera and her burn scars. "They're marks of courage and sacrificial love." The faith journey of both characters feels very real. Brooks' daughter Katie is a grieving and angry twelve year old, who at the same time adds a touch of humor and sweetness to the book. The only bad thing about a book by Jessica R. Patch is finishing it, so I waited a few days and read it again! I highly recommend this third book of the Quantico Profilers series to readers of clean and of Christian romantic suspense. Ms. Patch's Love Inspired Suspense books are auto buys for me. I've never been dissatisfied with one.
Texas Smoke Screen is the third installment in the Quantico Profilers series by Jessica Patch. I have loved this series and I think they keep getting better with each addition. Oftentimes, the romance in romantic suspense books seems forced or rushed, but that was not the case in this book at all. Vera and Brooks had dated in college and then went their separate ways. They both had found love again and suffered tremendous loss. They reconnect when Brooks calls her in to help with a serial arson case in the small Texas town where he is a homicide detective. It becomes glaringly obvious that someone does not want Vera on the case and no one appears safe from the killers hands. This was quite the page turner that kept me guessing until the very end. There were several times I thought I had figured out who was behind the fires just to find out I had fallen for another of the author's red herrings.
This can definitely be read as a standalone, but I would highly suggest reading the entire series. You won't be disappointed!
Thank you to the author and publisher for an advanced copy of this book. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Vera Gilmore and Brooks Brawley met and fell in love in college, they believed they would get married and have a good life together. But Vera wanted to pursue the FBI and Brooks wanted to become a detective in his small West Texas town. Their lives took different paths and both succeeded in their professional lives. Vera is now an agent in the FBI and Brooks is a detective in his hometown. Both Vera and Brooks were widows, Vera due to a house fire that took her husband and Brooks because of a blow out that sent his wife over the side of the road. They each still dealt with guilt over their deaths and were trying to heal and move on. When Brooks called Vera to officially ask for help with a serial arsonists and murderer Vera booked a flight and went to offer up her help. Someone was setting fires and 2 people had been killed, they needed to figure out who was doing this and why so that they could put an end to the destruction. While they worked together they realized that the love they had shared, had not gone away completely, but was it strong enough to break down the walls they had both built up? Would they allow God to work in their hearts to be able to accept the blessing that He had for them? Thank you Jessica for allowing me to be a part of your launch team. This was a great story and cannot wait to read more.
If you are in need of a who dun it and edge of your seat read, this is the book for you. With chapter one, I could not put the book down. For those of you who need a little romance, Patch has you covered also. I really enjoyed that one of the characters has some internal and external scars that need healing. This theme is shown through the development of this character. As I read the book, I thought I could figure out who our arsonist was but boy was I fooled. With Patch’s exceptional writing, she never gives away any details to let on who this villain is. For all you suspense lovers, go pick up this book as fast as you can. You will not be disappointed. I was given a complimentary copy of this book and these are my opinions.
Texas Smoke Screen ( Quantico Profilers #3 ) Jessica Patch Wow, I have always heard where there is smoke there is fire. Patch has did it again, another winner. This is the third book in the Quantico series. The story is great and the character are well developed. I was captured at the start and did not want to put it down. Mystery, suspense, action around every corner, serial arsonist, and murder. FBI Profiler Vera Gilmore and homicide detective Brooks Brawley, can they catch the arsonist and killer before it is too late? This is one of those hold onto your seat and don’t let go. I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions army own.
If you want a book that will keep you guessing from all the twists and turns, this is the book for you. I thought I had the suspect figured out only to change my mind when new clues popped up. This happened over and over again. I couldn't wait to finish the book to see who the culprit was. There were secrets revealed and scars healed. I think this just might be my favorite Love Inspired Suspense by this author. I highly recommend reading this book. Although I received an advance copy of this book, all thoughts and opinions expressed are mine.
Jessica does it again. This 3rd book in the Quantico Profilers series is AMAZING!! I couldn't put it down. Everytime I thought I knew who the stalker was, there was another twist and it seemed to be someone else. But oh the ending!! Never saw that coming. You've definitely got to read this one.
Very unique premise with engaging characters. I honestly didn't see the ending coming. I had an inkling not long before the reveal, but the how and why were both surprising and shocking.
Best of the series for sure! I received an advance copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
Texas Smoke Screen is book #3 in Quantico Profilers by Jessica R. Patch. Once again, you are drawn right in and all time goes up in smoke lol literally. Vera Gilmore has been asked by her ex Brooks Brawley to help profile an arsonist. This will be difficult for her for a few reasons. 1. He is her ex. 2. She knows how dangerous fire can be and she has the scars inside and out to prove it. 3. Catching an arsonist is not easy especially a serial arsonist. Luckily, Vera is one of the best. Brooks knows it and despite their history asks for her help. Unfortunately, Vera soon becomes the killer's next target. Will Brooks be able to keep her safe while they figure out the whodunit? If you want a book that keeps you guessing until the end with lots of twists and turns and a book that will make you lose sleep (because you will want to finish it before bed) than pick up a copy of Texas Smoke Screen. I don't know how Jessica R. Patch keeps amazing us die-hard mystery/suspense fans, but she somehow pulls it off each time. Not only that...every book just keeps getting better and better. I love mysteries. I'm addicted to true crime podcasts, whodunit shows, and mystery books. I have a hard time figuring out who the culprit is each time. She's just amazing at her craft. The other amazing thing is that it's a totally clean faith filled book and still she manages to knock your socks off. I love that. She also puts in an epilogue which I love too. So if you want a great whodunit with romance thrown in then this is for you. Enjoy it! I know I did! I was given a copy of this book, but all opinions are my very own.
I love Patch's writing. It's brilliant. Her characters are fun, flawed, and easy to love. Her plot lines are always so interesting and you just cannot look away. Her suspense is done at just the right pace, not overwhelming, and not too dull. I cannot get enough!
Texas Smoke Screen is a great addition to the Quantico Profilers. It's a clean read that packs a powerful punch. Plus - that ending!! You'll need to read it to understand what I'm talking about. But the bottom line is, add this book to your TBR list. You won't regret it!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I just finished reading this. I could not put it down. I loved it. There were so many twists and turns and possible suspects. I was so surprised at who did it.....when it finally came out. Never thought of them at all. This is one book you must read. Jessica Osborn Patch you did an amazing job writing this.
This was a terrific book that had me hooked and kept me guessing. Katie was a great addition to the dynamic between the two leads. I feel like her character really added to the story.
*I received a copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
I just love her books. This was again a fantastic book by Jessica R Patch. I loved the story line and Vera and brooks story. The daughter in the book adds a great part to the storyline. If you haven't read this book make sure to buy/borrow or check out from your library. Also if you haven't read a Jessica R Patch book before you really need to and all of her books are good!!!!
This is the third entry in Jessica R. Patch's Quantico Profilers trilogy. FBI behavioral analyst Special Agent Vera Gilmore has traveled to Texas at the behest of her former college boyfriend, homicide detective Brooks Brawley. After their lives took separate turns, Vera and Brooks both married other people and both have been widowed. The house fire that killed Vera's husband Danny has left her with extensive physical scarring that makes her wary of relationships, while Brooks is still grieving his wife's death in a car crash. When a series of fiery murders and related threats involving a local reporter has his department stymied, Brooks calls on Vera's profiling skills. Although Brooks and Vera didn't stay together, they parted as friends, a nice change from the usual trope where the reunited couple has to overcome whatever bad behavior or miscommunication caused the break-up. As always with a Patch novel, there are great characters, major and minor, including Brooks's daughter Katie who still grieves her mom and acts out as a result. The plot is twisting and twisted in Patch's signature style.
Texas Smoke Screen is riveting! FBI Special Agent Vera Gilmore, Behavioral Analysis Unit, has been asked by Homicide Detective Brooks Brawley to consult on a rash of murders by fire. The storyline is well balanced and grabbed my attention from the first page. Among some unexpected twists and turns in the story, there is a thread of hope and faith. Suspense and romance are well balanced throughout the book. Jessica R. Patch has written another great book. I highly recommend Texas Smoke Screen! Thank you to the publisher for an early copy of this book through NetGalley. I was only asked for an honest review. The opinion stated here is mine.
Another page turner by Jessica R. Patch that I could not put down! Sacrificial love, suspense, emotional and physical scars, fire, passion, and constant twists and turns make up this story! Definitely enjoyed reading it!