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Speed Trap
The fatal crash was no accident. The killer's only mistake was leaving behind a survivor…a four-month-old boy. For his sake—and for his murdered mother's—Sheriff Mandy Scott will see justice served. And she already has her prime the boy's father, Garrett Bowen. Yet despite the evidence against him, something about the reclusive rancher makes Mandy question his guilt. Nothing is as it seems as crime starts spiraling out of control in Timber Wells. If Mandy lets herself trust Garrett, will he shield her from danger, or send her racing into another lethal trap?
224 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2009
98 people are currently reading
140 people want to read
About the author
Patricia Davids
142 books405 followersI was born and raised in Northcentral Kansas. I'm a farmer's daughter, but I now make my home in the city of Wichita. I'm an RN. Neonatal nursing has been the main focus of my career. What can I say? I love babies. I was invited to the highschool graduation of a baby I took care of. Talk about making me feel old!
In June of 2011 I became a widow after my husband of 36 years and 11 months died from multiple brain tumors. It was a very sad time, but thanks to the three f's, my faith, my family and my friends, life is moving forward. I have four brothers, one daughter and two grandchildren who all work at making me feel loved.
I'm the author of more than 30 books and I'm currently writing a series called The Brides of Amish Country for Love Inspired.
In June of 2011 I became a widow after my husband of 36 years and 11 months died from multiple brain tumors. It was a very sad time, but thanks to the three f's, my faith, my family and my friends, life is moving forward. I have four brothers, one daughter and two grandchildren who all work at making me feel loved.
I'm the author of more than 30 books and I'm currently writing a series called The Brides of Amish Country for Love Inspired.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
January 15, 2025
Good book and characters.
December 13, 2025
Well Written Characters 4.6
I loved the characters in the book and the information about adult survivors of severe childhood abuse. The animals and baby, of course, were very sweet. The book definitely has the “aww” factor. :)
The female sheriff was tough as nails but also likable, both strong and feminine. Garret is genuinely a complex and wonderful character. I feel like I could know and like him in real life. The characters are the best part of the book.
What I did not like was the way investigation did not find the criminals. Instead, there was a “big reveal” moment at the end. It was a disappointment because there definitely were clues and personality traits that the sheriff should have seen as problematic. It made her seem too obtuse to be hood at her job. I don’t think that was what the author was trying to say about her, but that’s what her writing ended up doing.
I think the author wanted to play upon the themes of assumptions and prejudices. This actually was well done, but unfortunately, it also made the sheriff look as if she did not learn from prior mistakes so there was little mental growth in her. She was very likable, though, because she did have both compassion and toughness.
Garret showed a lot of growth. It was rewarding to see him blossom. I liked the book a lot.
I loved the characters in the book and the information about adult survivors of severe childhood abuse. The animals and baby, of course, were very sweet. The book definitely has the “aww” factor. :)
The female sheriff was tough as nails but also likable, both strong and feminine. Garret is genuinely a complex and wonderful character. I feel like I could know and like him in real life. The characters are the best part of the book.
What I did not like was the way investigation did not find the criminals. Instead, there was a “big reveal” moment at the end. It was a disappointment because there definitely were clues and personality traits that the sheriff should have seen as problematic. It made her seem too obtuse to be hood at her job. I don’t think that was what the author was trying to say about her, but that’s what her writing ended up doing.
I think the author wanted to play upon the themes of assumptions and prejudices. This actually was well done, but unfortunately, it also made the sheriff look as if she did not learn from prior mistakes so there was little mental growth in her. She was very likable, though, because she did have both compassion and toughness.
Garret showed a lot of growth. It was rewarding to see him blossom. I liked the book a lot.
July 21, 2022
I can't *TELL* you how rare it is that I give a 'Love, Inspired' book five stars. It's not something that happens every month (and I'm reading about twenty of these things, a month, so that's telling). But THIS...? This was a GOOD BOOK.
Suspense, romance, action, faith... this book has it all, and does it well. The writing keeps the reader wondering whodunnit up until the big reveal, which is always fun. Our hero is tortured and stoic, melting as the story progresses and finding his way to a happily ever after.
I loved this. But I'll say nothing else - it's for you to discover!
Suspense, romance, action, faith... this book has it all, and does it well. The writing keeps the reader wondering whodunnit up until the big reveal, which is always fun. Our hero is tortured and stoic, melting as the story progresses and finding his way to a happily ever after.
I loved this. But I'll say nothing else - it's for you to discover!
May 22, 2025
Great Story
I really enjoyed reading this story. When Sheriff Mandy finds baby Colin in the back of his mother's burning car, she realizes that he's been left motherless and doesn't know what to think. When Garrett finds out that his ex wife is dead and that he has a son he doesn't know what to think. As she tries to find the killer her and Garrett become closer. When the criminals are finally caught she's going to have a hard time believing who it is. This is a really good story.
I really enjoyed reading this story. When Sheriff Mandy finds baby Colin in the back of his mother's burning car, she realizes that he's been left motherless and doesn't know what to think. When Garrett finds out that his ex wife is dead and that he has a son he doesn't know what to think. As she tries to find the killer her and Garrett become closer. When the criminals are finally caught she's going to have a hard time believing who it is. This is a really good story.
August 12, 2022
This was a great book! The mystery of it had me hooked on the book so it was hard to put it down, the characters weren't too dramatic or ridiculously fake, and the writing was well done. I loved how she wrapped a decent amount of faith and romance into the story. Definitely worth a read! I'll be adding this one to my bookshelves. :)
September 1, 2025
A lady sheriff
I recommend this book and story. It's about a sheriff which is a lady. She goes to an accident where a young woman is dead. Mandy heard a noise sound like a baby she quickly gets the baby out. Before the car blows up. Who is the woman and baby. Will Mandy the sheriff found out happens. There's also drug dealers. You must read to find out what happens.
I recommend this book and story. It's about a sheriff which is a lady. She goes to an accident where a young woman is dead. Mandy heard a noise sound like a baby she quickly gets the baby out. Before the car blows up. Who is the woman and baby. Will Mandy the sheriff found out happens. There's also drug dealers. You must read to find out what happens.
July 6, 2017
Very good book.
If you like suspense then you will enjoy this book. This one was not one that you could actually guess on the out come. It had a surprise ending. I did not see this ending coming.
If you like suspense then you will enjoy this book. This one was not one that you could actually guess on the out come. It had a surprise ending. I did not see this ending coming.
August 19, 2017
I enjoyed this book which features a female sheriff trying to prove herself in a small, narrow-minded community. The author kept me guessing about the identity of the brains behind the drug-running operation. Patricia Davids is one author whose books I try not to miss.
August 20, 2017
Great Read
I enjoyed the story. I was pretty sure who the main culprit was at 40%, but it was still a good read. It would have been easier to read, though, had there been some kind of break between paragraphs when scenes changed.
I enjoyed the story. I was pretty sure who the main culprit was at 40%, but it was still a good read. It would have been easier to read, though, had there been some kind of break between paragraphs when scenes changed.
April 27, 2022
Patricia Davids created a heart grabbing story of love, self-doubt, and the affects of childhood trauma. The novel kept me cheering for a victory. The ending confirmed my suspicions of who was in charge and the villains, with an interesting twist.
August 28, 2015
The first thing that struck me as interesting in this story was the fact that the sheriff was a young, pretty, single Sheriff. Mandy Scott had come about the job after the acting sheriff had died, and she met a lot of conflict among her male deputies. Now she is investigating the murder of a young woman who left a baby behind. Her investigation leads her to the door of the baby's father, Garrett. Mandy first falls in love with the baby. The romance was a bit odd. it was like there was nothing, then there was something...perhaps that's the way it works in life sometimes.
Though I figured out early on who was involved, I still wasn't sure how it all came together. That made the story interesting. There's mild violence in this one - not a lot of shooting and killing. It's a pretty sweet story.
Though I figured out early on who was involved, I still wasn't sure how it all came together. That made the story interesting. There's mild violence in this one - not a lot of shooting and killing. It's a pretty sweet story.
September 26, 2016
Interesting mystery with fairly enjoyable characters.
This line of simple, clean books from Steeple Hill have several elements in common: a simple mystery, a romance and a Christian message. Because these books are short and easy to read, they usually do not have a lot of depth but they can be fun when you want a short, quick read.
This line of simple, clean books from Steeple Hill have several elements in common: a simple mystery, a romance and a Christian message. Because these books are short and easy to read, they usually do not have a lot of depth but they can be fun when you want a short, quick read.
May 9, 2013
So good. I got into the story early on and was afraid that the story would flatline but it never did. It was great. So glad that the heroine was the sheriff, if she had been a vigilante I think I would not have enjoyed the book so much. The characters and storyline just flows.
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September 10, 2009I love this book kept me captivated the whole way. You will get frustrated at some parts of the book.
October 21, 2010
The story was fast paced and an enjoyable read.
October 6, 2011
Good story with realistic characters. A good read.
August 6, 2012
Very good mystery and romance book. Patricia Davids is a pretty good writer. Her story line was interesting. I would read other books that she has written.
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February 18, 2013Awesome book!!!!!!!!!!!!
April 9, 2013
I really enjoyed this book. I thought it moved well, and had good character growth. I'm actually really starting to enjoy (not just like) Patricia Davids' work!
March 30, 2014
I love Patricia Davids imagination. This was another good novel.
January 18, 2016
3.5 stars, cute short story
December 6, 2010
An enjoyable quick read.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews