"Dark Deception" book review

DARK DECEPTION Book Review

by Nancy Mehl 

New Edge-of-Your-Seat Read from an Established Romantic Suspense Author Kate O'Brien has been leading a quiet life in small-town Shelter Cove, Arkansas, for the past four years when her past suddenly comes roaring back to life. Four years ago, she and her twin sister were attacked by an elusive serial killer. Only Kate survived, and it was her drawing of the attacker--along with some last-minute evidence--that convicted the suspect.
She's been in witness protection ever since, but new evidence suggests the convicted man isn't the murderer and she's been subpoenaed to testify in the new trial. Nervous about the risk, she'll only agree if the same marshal who protected her during the original trial escorts her to St. Louis.
Deputy U.S. Marshal Tony DeLuca accepts the assignment to bring Kate to the trial, remembering how her strength impressed him. While in Shelter Cove, however, he gets a call from his chief, advising them to stay in Shelter Cove until a new development in the case can be straightened out. But when Kate's safety is threatened, Tony must race against the clock to keep her alive and put this ugly case to rest before anyone else gets killed. 

MY REVIEW:  Nail biting suspense...murder....intrigue....romance....faith expressed by characters.....if you like all these elements, you will love Nancy Mehl's 2nd book in her Defenders of Justice series.   Kate is in witness protection after testifying against the man believed to have killed her twin sister.  He is sent to prison, and she fears for her life if he ever finds her....and then he is released from prison.  Will he come after her?  He would have to locate her first in the small town where she is hiding.  When evidence comes to light suggesting he is not the killer, Kate must testify again.  She is frightened and rightly so.   
      Nancy is one of my favorite authors and she did not disappoint me  in this book.  I did read book one in the series, and while this book can stand-alone, I think it would be helpful to read book one first.  I had a lot of trouble keeping the characters straight as there were so many different characters.  This did cause some confusion for me as I read.  
I highly recommend this book.   Readers who love suspense, thrillers and Christian fiction will be delighted.

      I am rating this book 4 stars.  I received a copy of this book from netgalley and the publishers.  I was not required to write a positive review.   All opinions expressed are my own.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:


Nancy Mehl lives in Festus, Missouri, with her husband Norman, and her very active puggle, Watson. She's authored fifteen books and is currently at work on a new romantic suspense series for Bethany House Publishing. 

All of Nancy's novels have an added touch - something for your spirit as well as your soul. "I welcome the opportunity to share my faith through my writing," Nancy says. "It's a part of me and of everything I think or do. God is number one in my life. I wouldn't be writing at all if I didn't believe that this is what He's called me to do. I hope everyone who reads my books will walk away with the most important message I can give them: God is good, and He loves you more than you can imagine. He has a good plan especially for your life, and there is nothing you can't overcome with His help." 

You can find out more about Nancy by visiting her Web site at: www.nancymehl.com or find her newsletter at: www.nancymehl.blogspot.com. She also is active on the Suspense Sisters: www.suspensesisters.blogspot.com and on FaceBook!