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Deadly Secrets #3

Deadly Conclusion (Volume 3)

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In the thrilling conclusion of the “Deadly Secrets” series, dog trainer Keely Lambert breaks in Titan, a new shepherd, during a rescue mission to find little Conner Wells. Aided by childhood friend, Beau Gardner of the TBI and Conner’s uncle, Keely finds the boy deep inside Beaman Park.

But Conner is not all that Keely found. On the way back to the welcome center, she notices something sticking out of the dirt—the military dog tags of her father who disappeared more than two decades before.

The discovery sets Keely on a hunt to unearth her father’s killer, only to be thwarted by multiple setbacks—the murder of Beau’s father, the kidnapping of her mother, and her kennel being set on fire in the middle of the night. After Keely is kidnapped herself, Beau leads a manhunt to find her before the outcome reaches a deadly conclusion.

Audio CD

Published November 1, 2022

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About the author

Kathy Harris

5 books69 followers
Kathy 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.

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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
Profile Image for Nora St Laurent.
1,644 reviews112 followers
November 6, 2022
What started out to be a fun family outing turns out to be the most terrifying day for their family, when Conner goes missing. His uncle Beau Gardner, who is of the TBI and dog trainer Keely Lambert, do what they do best, find people.

Intrigued by the storyline, and the trained rescue dogs in Keely’s care. I liked how the story unfolds, almost like the layers of an onion. I first thought this was about the search for a lost child, when said child is found they discover a man had talked to him, and he lost his way back. things take a deadly turn.

When that layers are peeled back, Keely discovers dog tags in the woods, they belong to her father. He’s been missing for many years. He was presumed dead. Why are the tags found here? Could his body be nearby? Once they start searching for the body, things become bigger than they expected, leading up to a suspenseful and surprise ending I didn’t see coming.

This story is a page turner for sure, but what quickly grabbed my attention was Keeley’s rescue dogs and how they went about tracking down Conner. The author describes how they are trained, and what they were supposed to do in tracking down a missing person or a person of interest. Kathy's passion and love for animals shines throughout this story. The author has four dogs of her own. This makes for a fun escape and one that would work for your next book club pick.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I requested and received a copy of this book by the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins! https://psalm516.blogspot.com/
The Book Club Network blog
Profile Image for Christi.
1,140 reviews33 followers
November 1, 2022
What a rush! When I picked up this novel I wasn’t expecting to be plunged into such a suspenseful and immersive story! I haven’t read any of the other books in the series, so I’m coming in blind, but the author does a wonderful job of catching you up, so you never feel like you’ve missed important information. I would really like to read the other books in this series, as I know it would add even more depth to this story, but for a standalone read it is remarkable!

I love that Keely breeds purebred German Shepards! When I was in high school one of my boyfriend’s families bred German Shepards and it really is a fascinating process. They bred and ran a kennel out of their home, but were building a small facility outside town. I think if they would’ve had the kennel that Keely has I’m sure they could’ve been something amazing!

Titan was one of my favorite parts of the story, making me think of my puppy Genie, a fellow purebred German Shepherd. I look back at that time with such fondness, as it was the time that I fell in love with German Shepherds, and big dogs in general.

This novel truly has it all. Suspense, revenge, mystery, forgiveness, and heart all wrapped up in the perfect package. I appreciated that the romance was a slight side story and not the main focus, and I loved everything that had to do with the dogs! I also thought the flashbacks were perfectly executed and added even more depth to the story.

This was quite an entertaining novel and a series that has captured my heart and imagination.

*I have voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher through JustRead Tours. All views and opinions expressed are completely honest, and my own.
Profile Image for Wren.
415 reviews4 followers
November 5, 2022
Fantastic conclusion to Kathy Harris's #DeadlySecrets series!

Ten years ago, Beau Gardner ghosted Keely Lambert. He went on to become a TBI agent, and he's returned to their childhood town, where Keely still works. She trains German shepherds to be working dogs. When she's searching for a missing boy at a park with her dog, Titan, she's shocked to run into Beau. She has forgiven him, but she's never forgotten him; nor he, her.

But it looks as though the little boy's disappearance is connected--somehow--to the death of Keely's father, years ago when she herself was little. Neither Beau nor Keely believes in coincidences. But how on earth could the two be connected? And why are the crimes, also seemingly connected, piling up? If Beau and Keely can't solve the mystery and track down the perpetrator (who, literally, gave me chills), the two might be trying to solve more than disappearances. All they have to work with are a disguise, flashbacks, an elderly woman with Parkinson's diseases and aphasia--and maybe something more. Including the valiant dogs.

Don't miss this wonderful suspenseful thriller (and a little clean romance). You will not be able to put it down.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Suzie Waltner.
Author 13 books148 followers
November 2, 2022
Deadly Conclusion by Kathy Harris hit everything I enjoy in my romantic suspense books. An engaging plot, main characters with some history between them, hints to who the culprit is without revealing him or her to early, and small-town dynamics are all included. Plus, there are some hard working but sweet and loyal dogs.

Keely is just the right combination of tough and vulnerable. She’s determined to make her search and rescue training facility one of the best—one that will draw the interest of and result in a contract with the military. Beau has regrets, especially where his father is concerned, but he has built a career protecting people and upholding the law as a Tennessee Bureau Investigator.

The discovery of Keely’s father’s dog tags during a search for a boy (who happens to be Beau’s nephew) leads to reopening a cold case and catching the attention—and wrath—of someone who is focused on harming the Lambert family.

Harris hits many family dynamics in this book including grief, strained relationships, and caring for an aging parent. Each interaction is genuine, and in many instances, these are the tension builders in this story. Deadly Conclusion is so well-rounded, it’s my favorite book in the series.

Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive or negative review. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Kimmie.
530 reviews27 followers
December 5, 2022
This book was everything.

A good amount of suspense, intrigue, characters that were well developed, and there were DOGS.

I have read a few of Kathy Harris' other books and I have enjoyed all of them immensely. She crafts her stories with a bent toward a wonderful fast-paced, action packed, mystery, that hooks me every time.

Add in her great character development and the layers that every character carries, and I can't help but want to read more. I was sad to see that this is the end of this series because I loved getting to se the characters grow. But I am also looking forward to seeing what else Kathy Harris writes next!

*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.
Profile Image for Kenzathome.
325 reviews28 followers
November 9, 2022
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I really enjoyed this book. It had so many crazy twists and turns and an element of creepy that I didn't expect but found that it added a lot to the storyline. So many people in need of closure from hurt, grief and danger and I felt so deeply for them all. I really loved Keely as a character and found her so strong. Beau was so sweet and professional, and their romance was so adorable. I was so happy that everything was wrapped up in the end and found it to be a very satisfying conclusion.
Profile Image for Kelly Liberto.
Author 1 book46 followers
October 25, 2022


Posting an honest review after reading an advanced copy of Deadly Conclusion.

Dog search and rescue trainer Keely Lambert is unexpectedly joined by her one-time love, TBI agent, Beau Gardner in a desperate search for a local child in a Nashville state park.

The end to this search becomes a starting point for a new look into a twenty-year-old cold case involving Keely’s father.

In this last book of Kathy Harris’ Deadly Secret Series, we find the unsolved mystery of Keely’s missing dad, William Lambert, and how his disappearance has affected several families and even the entire town.

While Keely and Beau discover new keys to unlock the truth behind his disappearance they can only guess at the possible cause of her mom’s recent accident and the strange behavior of Beau’s dad regarding the Lambert family.

As Keely’s memory of that fateful day returns in bits and pieces, she finds her life in danger along with the dogs she trains at her Search and Rescue Kennel.

After the whirlwind weekend of our daughter’s wedding, reading Deadly Conclusion gave me a chance to pick up my feet, coffee in hand and unwind.

It’s a story that will pull you in and entertain every dog lover. And like every good book, the reader learns new information. In Deadly Conclusion, we learn of the intricate training behind search and rescue dogs.

I enjoyed this book and highly recommend it.
Profile Image for Tama Fortner.
Author 45 books71 followers
November 1, 2022
Keely Lambert has long been haunted by her father’s disappearance twenty years ago. So when his dog tags turn up in the midst of a search-and-rescue mission with her dog, Titan, Keely is determined to find answers. And while she welcomes the expertise of TBI agent Beau Gardner, his sudden reappearance in her life is complicating.

As secrets from the past race to catch up with them, kidnapping, murder, and deadly danger pursue Keely and Beau at every turn. Will they be able to track down the person behind it all? Or will this mystery come to a deadly conclusion?

With Deadly Conclusion, Harris has penned a novel filled with richly drawn, relatable characters and a fast-paced, page-turning plot. A terrific end to the series, but also wonderful as a stand-alone.
Profile Image for Laura Hamby.
189 reviews11 followers
October 28, 2022
Riveting read! I enjoyed the look into the life of a person who trains dogs to serve in important roles to protect our country. This book is all about a quest for closure and another person seeking revenge. It is also about forgiveness. Though it can stand alone it does have characters from previous books in the series that play roles in this one which add depth.
Profile Image for Sylvia.
65 reviews2 followers
December 11, 2022
I started and finished this book last night. It was intriguing and had me drawn in from the very beginning. I absolutely LOVED it!
101 reviews
January 13, 2023
Action packed!

This was a fantastic action packed book, combining suspense, intrigue and romance. Loved the dogs too! Definitely a page-Turner with a great storyline.
Profile Image for Kay Defreese.
660 reviews36 followers
March 17, 2023
I could not put this book down. I liked that the setting of this series takes place in middle Tennessee which is where I was born. This book is part of a series but they are standalone. You don't have to read the others to fully enjoy each book. I don't know if this is the last book in the series or not but hope the author writes more romantic suspense. She is moving to the top of one of my favorite suspense authors.
22 reviews1 follower
March 1, 2023
wow what a great book

You will want to read this book. The conclusion will astonish you. You will not want to put this book down.
Profile Image for Kaziah Mustard.
75 reviews1 follower
May 11, 2023
This was my favorite story from the series. The canine search and rescue always captures my attention and I was intrigued by the cold case element. I liked how the author wove in characters from the other books making you feel like you got to catch up with them and their lives. I really enjoyed this series and would absolutely read more by this author.
Profile Image for Mindy Steele.
Author 35 books352 followers
July 21, 2022
From the first chapter this small-town suspense held me hostage to the next page. You've got suspense, deception, secrets and surprises, and an unexpected hero on four legs. I loved Titan and enjoyed the fast pace Harris so wonderfully weaved together. If you are a fan of suspense, unexpected endings, and a dash of romance added in, this is the book for you.
Profile Image for Jill.
1,185 reviews9 followers
March 19, 2023
Not as good as the first two in this series but still a good read.
Profile Image for Meagan Myhren-Bennett.
Author 29 books162 followers
November 3, 2022
Deadly Conclusion
Deadly Secrets #3
By Kathy Harris

Let me start off by saying reading the first two books isn't necessary to fully get into and enjoy this book. This book dives straight into the action. Keely Lambert breeds and trains Search and Rescue dogs, specifically German Shepherds. When a missing child turns into something more, it becomes obvious to TBI agent Beau Gardner that someone is targeting Keely. The question is why.

With little flashbacks to when Keely's father "disappeared," we are taken deeper into a case that is both cold and suddenly very active. Is what is currently going on related to what happened to Keely's dad all those years ago? And what about more recent events in the area?

Needing to find answers as soon as possible to stop someone determined to keep their secrets forever buried, Keely and Beau, will need to be extra vigilant if they hope to stay alive and see justice met. And if they hope for a second chance at the possible love that Beau walked away from all those years ago, they need to get answers now!

This book doesn't wait around to bring the reader into the action, and the action doesn't let up after the opening few chapters either. No, as the story progresses, it all escalates, bringing the reader to an edge-of-your-seat, all-night-read-a-thon! If you don't mind giving up sleep, I highly recommend this book from Kathy Harris; after all, what's a little sleep deprivation when there is good reading to be had?

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with the expectations but that I provide my honest opinion - all thoughts expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Erin.
2,093 reviews20 followers
November 2, 2022
First, I love a book with a dog. We’re big dog people in our home and would love to train or watch dogs be trained. We are all fascinated by it. German shepherds are our inside dogs of choice while outside we have Great Pyrenees/Anatolian Shepherd mixes.

This is book three in a series. You are going to want to read this series in order. They flow well together and I fear you’ll find yourself lost if you read them out of order or simply skip reading the other books and read just this one.

You’ll love reading about Search and Rescue dogs and how they’re trained plus how this dog uses those skills. But even more, you’re going to love the suspense that fills the pages of this book.

Keely uses Titan to find a lost child. Helping them is her once love Beau. But when they find remains of her father things escalate quickly. Keely gets captured and you don’t have a second to spare as you rush through reading the book to find out who is behind it all!

Add in that this book also includes some romance and long-hidden secrets coming to light and you’re going to want to cut out a few hours of your day so you don’t have to stop reading.

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from JustRead Publicity Tours. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
Profile Image for Connie Hill.
1,869 reviews45 followers
November 5, 2022
Deadly Conclusion is written by Kathy Harris. This is finale in the Deadly Secrets series. I have read books two and three and did not have any issues following along. The author has written a fast paced suspense book - where you have a variety of suspects.

Dog Trainer, Keely Lambert prides herself on training dogs for various agencies. She is called upon to find a young boy and she takes Titan, a German Shepherd to aide in the case. While on the look for Conner, she runs into Conner’s uncle, Beau Gardner to which Keely has a history with. Beau is with the TBI and has valuable resources.

When they are walking back toward the search party, they find Keely’s missing dad’s dog tags in the dirt - which opens up a deep wound for both Keely and Beau. Keely’s dad disappeard after a trip to the ice cream shop and has not been seen or heard from since. Beau and Keely start to poke around and suddenly find themselves in a fast paced search to find the truth. Someone does not want them poking their noses around and trying to solve the crime.

Keely’s mother is kidnapped, Beau’s father is murdered and someone sets Keely’s kennels on fire in the middle of the night. Will they be able to get to the bottom of the case before they are the next victim?

This book is so full of action and suspense. You are drawn in within the first few pages. The characters are well written, the storyline is full of action and suspense. Thank you to the author, publisher and JustRead Publicity tours for allowing me to read a copy of this book - all thoughts are my own.
Profile Image for Tabitha Bouldin.
Author 45 books706 followers
November 1, 2022
A fast-paced thrill ride with enough twists and tuns to keep you up past your bedtime. I loved the pacing of this story and the way the author takes you on an adventure alongside characters that make you wish they were real. Keely and Beau made the story, and adding in Titan was the icing on the cake. I loved Keely and Beau's interactions. They had real issues, and the plot was engaging as Keely searched for answers. Though I've not read the other books in this series, something I plan to remedy soon, I did not feel lost at picking up this book. I received a copy of this book from the author through JustRead. I was not required to leave a positive review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Rachel DeVaughn.
1,082 reviews31 followers
November 2, 2022
This fast paced book has it all! Suspense, action, deadly secrets, revenge… but also love and forgiveness. I have read the other books in this “Deadly Secrets” series and every book is better than the last! They can be read as stand alone books.

I love the k9 dog elements to these stories and how they are trained to detect and protect others. Highly recommend this series and this book! Once you start reading, you won’t want to stop!

I received a copy of this book complimentary for blog and social media review. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Parkland Mom.
764 reviews19 followers
December 26, 2023
4.25 stars. Listened via Scribd audiobook.

This was a great series that I really enjoyed. I will be reading more from this author. I especially loved the inclusion of the dogs and their training and the mystery of what happened to Keely’s Dad, and why.

Lots of action but also personal moments and reflective moments.

I found the audiobook voices of Maggie and Emma to be too childlike and airy but I like this narrator in general.
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