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Brand of Justice #3
Quick and Dead
The FBI might’ve buried the truth, but she’ll find it.
Private Investigator Kenna Banbury walks into a courtroom—and finds herself in the middle of a case. She’s looking for a missing young woman no one seems to know and hunting an elite organization that held an entire town in its grip. Something quite different is happening in Hatchet, New Mexico, and Kenna doesn’t have much time to untangle how it all fits together.
Before a deadly killer strikes again.
When someone close to her is threatened, Kenna signs on for a protection detail that quickly turns into a deadly game. She vowed not to let anyone else die for this case. This shadowy organization has already taken too many lives, and she’ll face losing even more before this is over.
Unless Kenna can bring her brand of justice.
*Christian Thriller
Private Investigator Kenna Banbury walks into a courtroom—and finds herself in the middle of a case. She’s looking for a missing young woman no one seems to know and hunting an elite organization that held an entire town in its grip. Something quite different is happening in Hatchet, New Mexico, and Kenna doesn’t have much time to untangle how it all fits together.
Before a deadly killer strikes again.
When someone close to her is threatened, Kenna signs on for a protection detail that quickly turns into a deadly game. She vowed not to let anyone else die for this case. This shadowy organization has already taken too many lives, and she’ll face losing even more before this is over.
Unless Kenna can bring her brand of justice.
*Christian Thriller
366 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 27, 2023
692 people are currently reading
164 people want to read
About the author
Lisa Phillips
167 books872 followersLisa Phillips is a USA Today and top ten Publishers Weekly bestselling author of over 80 books that span Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense line, independently published series romantic suspense, and thriller novels. She’s discovered a penchant for high-stakes stories of mayhem and disaster where you can find made-for-each-other love that always ends in happily ever after.
Lisa is a British ex-pat who grew up an hour outside of London and attended Calvary Chapel Bible College, where she met her husband. He’s from California, but nobody’s perfect. It wasn’t until her Bible College graduation that she figured out she was a writer (someone told her). Lisa is a worship leader, tea aficionado, and dog lover of two crazy Airedales.
Lisa is a British ex-pat who grew up an hour outside of London and attended Calvary Chapel Bible College, where she met her husband. He’s from California, but nobody’s perfect. It wasn’t until her Bible College graduation that she figured out she was a writer (someone told her). Lisa is a worship leader, tea aficionado, and dog lover of two crazy Airedales.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
June 16, 2023
Just in time for me to buy the next book... whoa. Seriously, I had no idea who was responsible for what. And boy does the body count rack up. I wondered if we'd lose some key characters, and I'm not telling you if I sobbed like a baby at any point. Not sayin'. But you should read and find out.
Kenna stays consistent to her traumatized self, but we do see her growing and healing a bit. Jax and Stairns push her just enough to keep her from staying too comfortable with her isolation while still respecting her need for space.
And the bad guys just get... badder.
Hold on tight, don't read with the lights off, and um... yeah. Stay out of Hatchet.
Kenna stays consistent to her traumatized self, but we do see her growing and healing a bit. Jax and Stairns push her just enough to keep her from staying too comfortable with her isolation while still respecting her need for space.
And the bad guys just get... badder.
Hold on tight, don't read with the lights off, and um... yeah. Stay out of Hatchet.
March 22, 2023
Quick and Dead by Lisa Phillips gives readers more Kenna Banbury. This is book 3 in the Brand of Justice series (but you can pick it up at any point.)
Kenna finds herself in hot water from page one. Another town that needs her help. Hatchet, NM, has plenty of secrets, and Kenna makes it her mission to stop a killer from hurting any more innocent people. But she becomes a target and can’t trust anyone.
I love the intensity of the Brand of Justices series! This book brings the action, plot twists, and crazy situations that Kenna has to face. Now she has a rag-tag team behind her with Stairns and Jax. But Kenna puts her life on the line to stand up to a secret organization that has far reaching power.
Be sure to check out the entire series! Especially if you are a fan of thrillers.
I received an ebook review copy of this book. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Kenna finds herself in hot water from page one. Another town that needs her help. Hatchet, NM, has plenty of secrets, and Kenna makes it her mission to stop a killer from hurting any more innocent people. But she becomes a target and can’t trust anyone.
I love the intensity of the Brand of Justices series! This book brings the action, plot twists, and crazy situations that Kenna has to face. Now she has a rag-tag team behind her with Stairns and Jax. But Kenna puts her life on the line to stand up to a secret organization that has far reaching power.
Be sure to check out the entire series! Especially if you are a fan of thrillers.
I received an ebook review copy of this book. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
July 25, 2025
Another Brand of Justice book! This book was really interesting, and had non stop action! With killers on the loose, and a deadly organization running through Hatchet, New Mexico, this book had you biting your nails the entire time! If you are looking for a Christian Thriller series, than I would definitely recommend this series!
July 21, 2025
I find myself struggling to write this review. On one hand, the overarching mystery has me invested. On the other hand, it’s so big in scope, it’s almost unbelievable. I want to see this through to the end, but I need some character development. Kenna doesn’t seem to be growing. She became a bit more likable in book two but there was no progression in book three. Couple with some odd stylistic choices and poor editing, and it’s hard to enjoy reading a single book even when enjoying the larger story.
In this particular installment, an entire town is corrupt. An entire town. Kenna pays for an out-of-town high-priced attorney for people she never met and isn’t even sure are innocent. She’s given access and evidence from a cop who flat-out says the whole town is involved, but she seems to trust what he says and relies on him for help. She makes a big production of one particular clue, but when she’s able to interview someone who could provide an answer, she doesn’t even ask. She starts to suspect trusted allies while not suspecting untrustworthy townspeople.
In short, Kenna is the lead, but she’s also the biggest problem.
There’s something that happens out of the blue at the end that feels like it’s there just to tug at our heart strings, maybe to soften her a little. I didn’t like the “twist” and it didn’t make her any more likable.
All that said, it’s an interesting mystery, and I’m going to read the next because I still want to know if my theories are going to prove true. Fans of strong female sleuths will probably like this, but I should note this is labeled as Christian mystery, and it doesn’t feel like it should be. Kenna rejects praying because it implies she wants a relationship with God, whose existence she won’t even acknowledge. Maybe her arc by series end will make her a devout believer, but right now, the story doesn’t fit the category. 3.5 rounded up to 4.
In this particular installment, an entire town is corrupt. An entire town. Kenna pays for an out-of-town high-priced attorney for people she never met and isn’t even sure are innocent. She’s given access and evidence from a cop who flat-out says the whole town is involved, but she seems to trust what he says and relies on him for help. She makes a big production of one particular clue, but when she’s able to interview someone who could provide an answer, she doesn’t even ask. She starts to suspect trusted allies while not suspecting untrustworthy townspeople.
In short, Kenna is the lead, but she’s also the biggest problem.
There’s something that happens out of the blue at the end that feels like it’s there just to tug at our heart strings, maybe to soften her a little. I didn’t like the “twist” and it didn’t make her any more likable.
All that said, it’s an interesting mystery, and I’m going to read the next because I still want to know if my theories are going to prove true. Fans of strong female sleuths will probably like this, but I should note this is labeled as Christian mystery, and it doesn’t feel like it should be. Kenna rejects praying because it implies she wants a relationship with God, whose existence she won’t even acknowledge. Maybe her arc by series end will make her a devout believer, but right now, the story doesn’t fit the category. 3.5 rounded up to 4.
October 13, 2023
This is the 3rd in the series with Kenna Banbury, a Private Investigator. Kenna was an FBI agent, but because of a case, she was relived of duty. Everyone thought that she was responsible for not saving the life of her partner.
This time she finds herself and her dog, Cabot in a town called Hatchet, New Mexico. She walks into the courtroom and hands the defense attorney details that will prove his client is innocent. But, now after the client is going to be released, a convicted murder walks into the room with a gun and starts threaten the lives of all the people.
Now, she is going to have to stay in town and find out why everyone in this town is crooked. They send innocent people to prison and kill anyone that gets in their way in this town. Kenna will be fighting for her life and others in this one at every turn!
This time she finds herself and her dog, Cabot in a town called Hatchet, New Mexico. She walks into the courtroom and hands the defense attorney details that will prove his client is innocent. But, now after the client is going to be released, a convicted murder walks into the room with a gun and starts threaten the lives of all the people.
Now, she is going to have to stay in town and find out why everyone in this town is crooked. They send innocent people to prison and kill anyone that gets in their way in this town. Kenna will be fighting for her life and others in this one at every turn!
May 10, 2024
I want to like this book, but I found it confusing. There’s many repetitive statements regarding her past and her arm wounds and her history with her dad and other agents, but in the end to wrap it up, I wasn’t tracking with who was behind everything she’s been investigating. Names were getting thrown around without the backstory again being shared, which would’ve been helpful. I would’ve loved more repetition in this portion of the book.
Probably listening to this as an audiobook made it a little harder to track. It was a very interwoven story with many moving parts. I don’t know if there’s others in the series or if this was thewrap up.
Overall, a good book, well written, and I enjoy listening to and reading this authors work
Probably listening to this as an audiobook made it a little harder to track. It was a very interwoven story with many moving parts. I don’t know if there’s others in the series or if this was thewrap up.
Overall, a good book, well written, and I enjoy listening to and reading this authors work
January 1, 2023
This new thriller kept me turning the pages. Kenna is investigating the organization that caused a church explosion in Burn the Dawn, book 2, which leads her to Hatchet, New Mexico, where strange things have been happening there. Someone pulls Kenna into a deadly game, and she is determined to bring the organization down while figuring out if there is anyone in Hatchet that she can trust.
I enjoyed the flashback to how Ryson and Kenna first met.
Lisa Phillips sure knows how to write a thriller with intense, edge of your seat moments, twists and turns, and layers of suspense.
I enjoyed the flashback to how Ryson and Kenna first met.
Lisa Phillips sure knows how to write a thriller with intense, edge of your seat moments, twists and turns, and layers of suspense.
March 7, 2023
Kenna does it again!
Kenna, has a way of keeping you focused. From the first page right to the end. But, then you will have to wait until June for Book Number four. Kenna is a one-woman army. She will tell you her plans and you will try to figure out how she is going to pull it off. But.... You probably won't. Better start reading, the Three months until the next one, will be here before you know it. Oh! Romance is beginning to look like a possibility. And Cabot what will happen to Cabot her trusty friend?
Kenna, has a way of keeping you focused. From the first page right to the end. But, then you will have to wait until June for Book Number four. Kenna is a one-woman army. She will tell you her plans and you will try to figure out how she is going to pull it off. But.... You probably won't. Better start reading, the Three months until the next one, will be here before you know it. Oh! Romance is beginning to look like a possibility. And Cabot what will happen to Cabot her trusty friend?
August 26, 2023
slower moving
I kind of feel like this is the pretender television show in which you are never going to get complete answers and it kind of drives me mad. The author leaves you with cliffhangers each time and still unanswered questions. Because of this I am going to give it four stars because I feel like we should know more information by now. It was also not as fast pace in the beginning of the book. I hope the author starts to give you more information or I’m going to get very frustrated.
I kind of feel like this is the pretender television show in which you are never going to get complete answers and it kind of drives me mad. The author leaves you with cliffhangers each time and still unanswered questions. Because of this I am going to give it four stars because I feel like we should know more information by now. It was also not as fast pace in the beginning of the book. I hope the author starts to give you more information or I’m going to get very frustrated.
June 24, 2025
Jenna just can't get enough of the hunt but will the pain slow her down?
Great read. Just can't seem to get enough of the crime in this small town. People dying and innocent people being put in jail . Well Jenna has her thoughts about how to handle this and moves forward with some help from her old boss and Jax of course. This series just gets better and better as you read through. Need to get to the end to see who might be in the next installment. Can't wait to get started.
Great read. Just can't seem to get enough of the crime in this small town. People dying and innocent people being put in jail . Well Jenna has her thoughts about how to handle this and moves forward with some help from her old boss and Jax of course. This series just gets better and better as you read through. Need to get to the end to see who might be in the next installment. Can't wait to get started.
March 6, 2023
This series is different from the author's usual books, but I am enjoying it. The series has the same main character in each book, and there is no romance, just a bare hint of it.
This was the best one so far, in my opinion. Harris outdid herself with the plot and suspense, which was non stop. I truly had a hard time putting the book down, and cannot wait for the next one
This was the best one so far, in my opinion. Harris outdid herself with the plot and suspense, which was non stop. I truly had a hard time putting the book down, and cannot wait for the next one
April 4, 2023
Can't wait until the next book comes out in June!
Can't wait until the next book comes out in June!
This is one I couldn't put down! I'm still processing this it's just so intense!
Ms Phillips is one of my favorite authors but she has surpassed her other wonderful books with this series!
Love, love, love this series!
Can't wait until the next book comes out in June!
This is one I couldn't put down! I'm still processing this it's just so intense!
Ms Phillips is one of my favorite authors but she has surpassed her other wonderful books with this series!
Love, love, love this series!
June 11, 2023
Extraordinary
Halfway through the book, I thought, I’m not going to finish this. Then I remembered I had the next book in the series, so I persisted on! I am ever so glad I completed the book. About 3/4 of the way through the entire story began to make sense With the ending being extraordinary. Well done to the author.
Halfway through the book, I thought, I’m not going to finish this. Then I remembered I had the next book in the series, so I persisted on! I am ever so glad I completed the book. About 3/4 of the way through the entire story began to make sense With the ending being extraordinary. Well done to the author.
June 14, 2023
Good story, but not Christian
The story is good, although with the number of characters and their convoluted relationships a guide might help.
It is listed as a Christian book, but although God is occasionally mentioned, there is nothing related to Christianity in the story. I keep hoping, but after 3 books, I doubt any faith will manifest.
The story is good, although with the number of characters and their convoluted relationships a guide might help.
It is listed as a Christian book, but although God is occasionally mentioned, there is nothing related to Christianity in the story. I keep hoping, but after 3 books, I doubt any faith will manifest.
October 31, 2023
Lots of violence
Catching criminals is dirty work, and Kenna and Jax run into the worst of the worst--a whole town caught in the clutches of a crime cartel that has roots back to the medieval era. While the town's worst players have been eliminated or arrested, the organization that is in charge is still unknown. So, I look forward to book 4 to shed more light.
Catching criminals is dirty work, and Kenna and Jax run into the worst of the worst--a whole town caught in the clutches of a crime cartel that has roots back to the medieval era. While the town's worst players have been eliminated or arrested, the organization that is in charge is still unknown. So, I look forward to book 4 to shed more light.
October 31, 2024
I'm absolutely loving this series! Fast-paced suspense action that doesn't let up from page 1. Kenna Banbury continues to press on with finding missing people and the underlying case of finding out who's behind a huge conspiracy continues. Yes, killers have been brought to justice, but the organization is huge and the main players still remain at bay. Can't wait to start Book 4!
February 8, 2025
Ok but so much awkward phrasing
"If C really was in Albuquerque going after [name] , they'd need to find and warn him."
Grammatically, this sentence is ok but it is so awkward. That combined with choppy partial sentences and many starting without prepositions make me not want to finish this series.
"If C really was in Albuquerque going after [name] , they'd need to find and warn him."
Grammatically, this sentence is ok but it is so awkward. That combined with choppy partial sentences and many starting without prepositions make me not want to finish this series.
March 2, 2023
I've called books a page turner before, but this one is the page turner of page turners! I couldn't put it down.
Really good character development in this one. It gives the reader insight about why Kenna is the way she is and how she comes to the realization that....oh, wait. No spoilers!
Really good character development in this one. It gives the reader insight about why Kenna is the way she is and how she comes to the realization that....oh, wait. No spoilers!
March 2, 2023
Such a good story!
I really enjoyed this story! The writing was fast-paced and I couldn’t put it down. I had to see what was going to happen next. These new characters married with the familiar characters well and told another piece of the story. Can’t wait for the newer book!
I really enjoyed this story! The writing was fast-paced and I couldn’t put it down. I had to see what was going to happen next. These new characters married with the familiar characters well and told another piece of the story. Can’t wait for the newer book!
March 3, 2023
Quick and Dead
So intense you forget to breathe. The story of an injured ex FBI who will not quit is a journey in conspiracy and seeking. Forgiveness and guilt make the heroine question life and death. Never making the connection, yet following the path.
So intense you forget to breathe. The story of an injured ex FBI who will not quit is a journey in conspiracy and seeking. Forgiveness and guilt make the heroine question life and death. Never making the connection, yet following the path.
March 7, 2023
Kenna and Jax
Who would ever think about a whole town being so unlawful that all the people were involved? Not me. You have to read this high action novel as soon as you can. There are a lot of “characters” you will want to remember. Enjoy.
Who would ever think about a whole town being so unlawful that all the people were involved? Not me. You have to read this high action novel as soon as you can. There are a lot of “characters” you will want to remember. Enjoy.
March 28, 2023
Exceptional read b
This is an awesome series and I can't wait until the next book comes out. These are hard books to put down. The story line is good and the characters are real. This series is worth your time.
This is an awesome series and I can't wait until the next book comes out. These are hard books to put down. The story line is good and the characters are real. This series is worth your time.
April 7, 2023
great book very suspenseful. I didn’t anticipate the ending
Like the characters. Glad Kenna is finally letting people in. Eventhough it is a continuation of previous book, I like the fact it was in a new city with new people.
Like the characters. Glad Kenna is finally letting people in. Eventhough it is a continuation of previous book, I like the fact it was in a new city with new people.
April 9, 2023
Deadly observations
Another classic story by Lisa Phillips. Really enjoyed the book very much. Lisa's adventures are always exciting and hard to put down. I can hardly wait for the next one to come out.
Another classic story by Lisa Phillips. Really enjoyed the book very much. Lisa's adventures are always exciting and hard to put down. I can hardly wait for the next one to come out.
April 23, 2023
So thrilling
Another great story. Kenya's need to fight crime and find the truth draws me in, and keeps me glued to the story till I reach those 2 final 3 letter words The End. I am very excited to read book 4.
Another great story. Kenya's need to fight crime and find the truth draws me in, and keeps me glued to the story till I reach those 2 final 3 letter words The End. I am very excited to read book 4.
April 24, 2023
Entertaining mystery
This book continues the twisty, dark mystery in this series with great action and suspense. This one is a bit too long, too twisty, and too dark for my taste but still an entertaining, well written, clean book and series that keeps me reading.
This book continues the twisty, dark mystery in this series with great action and suspense. This one is a bit too long, too twisty, and too dark for my taste but still an entertaining, well written, clean book and series that keeps me reading.
July 15, 2023
Awesome!
Lisa Phillips does it again! The continuing saga keeps you turning the pages to see what's coming! I really appreciate the lack of filthy language...just good, true action.
Lisa Phillips does it again! The continuing saga keeps you turning the pages to see what's coming! I really appreciate the lack of filthy language...just good, true action.
October 26, 2023
Great read!
Awesome series; be prepared to stay up late reading this. The whole series is suspenseful and it is clean ; no foul language or sex scenes. Can’t wait to start thr next book !
Awesome series; be prepared to stay up late reading this. The whole series is suspenseful and it is clean ; no foul language or sex scenes. Can’t wait to start thr next book !
February 10, 2025
Great story
This was another fast paced, suspense filled story with seemingly insurmountable odds against Kenna staying alive. Well done and a lot scary to think this could really happen.
This was another fast paced, suspense filled story with seemingly insurmountable odds against Kenna staying alive. Well done and a lot scary to think this could really happen.
October 11, 2025
Quick and Dead
Another fantastic read. Brilliant storyline that keeps you on the edge of your seat (or turn the next page). It’s great to read of characters from the first book and look forward to many more chances. Now onto the next journey with Kenna.
Another fantastic read. Brilliant storyline that keeps you on the edge of your seat (or turn the next page). It’s great to read of characters from the first book and look forward to many more chances. Now onto the next journey with Kenna.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews