Body of Evidence

Author: Irene Hannon
Genre: Mystery/Suspense
Series: Triple Threat #3
Release Date: October 4, 2022

The dead don't give up their secrets easily

Forensic pathologist Grace Reilly has seen her share of unusual deaths in rural Missouri. But when she begins to notice a curious pattern in autopsies of older residents whose demises appear to be natural, she takes her concerns to Sheriff Nate Cox.

Nate is skeptical about the link Grace is seeing between the deaths, as well as her suspicions of foul play. But her persistence is compelling. And once they join forces to investigate, danger follows close behind. Because exposing the truth could destroy several lives--including Grace's.

Queen of inspirational romantic suspense Irene Hannon closes out her bestselling Triple Threat series with this gripping tale of secrets revealed and romance sparked.

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Reviewer: Beverly Laude

This is the third book in the Triple Threat series, but I had no problems reading it as a standalone. Grace Reilly is a forensic pathologist working in rural Missouri. The book starts off with a bang when someone appears to be stalking her. When her car is vandalized, the new sheriff, Nate Cox, arrives to investigate. What Grace is not expecting is her nearly immediate attraction to the handsome lawman.

Grace starts to notice a pattern in her autopsies of elderly residents, but Nate is skeptical of her belief in foul play. however, the two work together to solve the mystery and that is when things start to happen.

This book is more of a story along the lines of CSI, with the focus on forensic science and criminal investigation. There is also the budding attraction between Nate and grace and that part of the story just added to my enjoyment of the book. If you enjoy the genre of romantic suspense and especially those involving forensic science, you will enjoy this book. It is well-written, with great characters and a good story. Also, it is "clean" in that there is no cursing or intimate scenes in the book. Inspirational without being preachy, a good way to spend time on a cold, dreary day.

I was given the chance to read an ARC of this book through Revell/Baker Publishing Group, but this review is entirely my opinion.

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Reviewer: Laurie Iglesias

Forensic Pathologist, Grace Reilly, is suspicious of deaths occurring amongst the elderly. She has a niggling feeling that foul play is involved, but she can’t prove it. Yet. Meanwhile, someone appears to be targeting her. First, her car is vandalized, then someone leaves a frightening object on her porch that leaves her rattled to her core. Thankfully, Sheriff Nate Cox is making sure she’s staying safe. Not only because he believes Grace’s assumptions but also because he can’t deny his attraction to her. They must find out who’s responsible for these crimes before another senior dies or Grace becomes the next victim.  

They don’t call Irene Hannon, the queen of romantic suspense, for nothing. Body of Evidence is proof that she can concoct a suspenseful tale while simultaneously developing a convincing romance that keeps you on the edge of your seat while tugging at your heartstrings. The result is an enticing read that satisfies your taste for adventure with the added bonus of a great love story. Both Grace and Nate were excellent, likable characters. Grace was strong in many ways. Her job entailed performing autopsies on bodies which she was quite comfortable with, to the exasperation of her two protective older sisters. She was also fragile in some ways due to an event stemming from her past. Despite the scare tactics that followed her and the trauma she contended with, her fierce dedication to her job endeared me to Grace’s character. The close relationship she shared with her sisters was heartwarming. I like how they rallied around her and provided loving support when she needed it. 

Nate’s loyalty and concern for Grace’s well-being was another aspect of the story that drew me in. He was a respectful, kind gentleman to Grace and to all of the women surrounding him in his life. Sadly, this is in stark contrast to what we often see in the world today. I liked Nate’s character from the start. There’s a secondary character named Dave that deserves an honorable mention. I admired his determination to set matters straight in his life. 

Body of Evidence is the kind of Christian fiction book I enjoy reading. It provides a suspenseful, engrossing narrative with a convincing, heartwarming love story to the exclusion of the gratuitous violence, foul language, and sexual content prevalent in mainstream books. I highly recommend it. 

Thank you to Revell and Interviews and Reviews for a complimentary copy of Body of Evidence. All opinions about the book are my own. 

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Reviewer: Tim McKay

In her author’s note at the back of Body of Evidence, Irene Hannon talks about how much research goes into a good suspense novel and how much gets left out. To me, that’s one of this book’s big selling points. I love reading a mystery thriller where you feel immersed in the suspense, where you can tell the author knows her stuff, but where she hasn’t decided to show off her knowledge at the expense of a good story. Body of Evidence is a good story, fluff free. I loved it.

I blasted through this novel. I couldn’t put it down, mostly because I was so wrapped up in trying to figure out whodunit. The style and pacing of Hannon’s writing are fantastic for this: crisp, vivid, and not too rushed. And her characters are so much fun to follow. Her side characters were so well written that I might have cared more about them than the story’s main love interests. I kept bouncing between three characters as the main suspects, and Hannon successfully kept me guessing until the end. 

I was a bit less invested in the love story. I really liked the forensic pathologist Grace Reilly. But found myself less invested in the muscle-shirt-wearing, home-renovating man’s man of a sheriff Nate Cox. A certain break-up scene in the story just made me sad and diminished the romance for me. Some of Grace and Nate’s dialogue was great, charming even, but other times it felt forced. I did love both characters in their interactions with family, Nate with his sister-in-law and Grace with her sisters. Those scenes felt real. I had a few good laughs and maybe even one or two tears. Again, in Body of Evidence, it’s all about the side characters.

I had two main suspects close to the end, one of which required a huge twist, and I was wrong on both counts. I like being wrong when it comes to a good mystery novel. I think you will too. Irene Hannon delivers suspense and characters so natural and ordinary that you can’t help but feel like this could all happen to you someday. And that’s exactly how you should feel after a good romance thriller: a little more cautious, a little more alert, and a little more optimistic. 

I received a review copy courtesy of Revell through Interviews & Reviews for my honest opinion.

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Reviewer: Elisha Varela

I loved the way the mystery unfolded, combined with their love story. It was a very clever way how the romance and mystery were intertwined in a balanced manner. 

I loved the character development of Dave. It was superb. He finally owned up to his mistakes and paid the price for them. 

Grace, Eve, and Cate’s relationship were so cute. I loved their sisterly bond and how they looked out for each other. 

I liked the way Irene Hannon discussed every person in the end. It did not leave the readers in the dark about anything. 

This book did not necessarily have God discussed in its pages, aside from the characters thanking God. But there were no prayers. Yes, the characters grew up with ‘Christian morals,’ but that was all of God that was discussed. On the plus side, this book was clean from any profanity and sexual content, aside from kisses. 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell through Interviews & Reviews. I was not required to give a favorable review. This is my own opinion.

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Reviewer: Kristina Hall

Characters: Grace and Nate were both well-developed characters, and I liked how they worked together on the case. I wasn't a big fan of the fact that Nate was dating somebody already.

Language: Clean.

Moral/theme: Body of Evidence featured themes of family, love, and persistence.

Plot: Suspenseful moments and high stakes kept me flipping pages.

Random comments: Due to Grace's occupation as a forensic pathologist, there were a few autopsy details that might not be the best for more sensitive readers.

Romance: Clean. Just kissing. A couple of comments did contain a bit of innuendo.

Writing: Irene Hannon's clear, to-the-point writing style worked great for this novel.

Overall: Body of Evidence was a suspenseful read that I'd recommend to those who enjoy Christian fiction and romantic suspense.

Disclosure: I received this book free from Revell through Interviews & Reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own, and I was not required to write a positive review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

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Reviewer: Laura Thomas

When I read a romantic suspense book by Irene Hannon, I know I can relax into its pages, confident I will be intrigued, hooked, and delighted to the very end!

Set in rural Missouri, forensic pathologist Grace Reilly suspects something unnatural about the “natural causes” from some of her autopsies of local elderly residents. When she takes her suspicions to the sheriff, Nate Cox, he trusts her instincts and intelligence. Together, they face the dangerous work of unravelling the truth linking these mysterious deaths. 

The undeniable attraction between Grace and Nate adds a sweet layer to a suspenseful, smart storyline. As book three in the Triple Threat series, Body of Evidence can be read as a stand-alone novel. 

I received a complimentary copy from Revell through Interviews & Reviews. All opinions expressed are my own.

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Reviewer: Anna Bottoms

Body of Evidence is a twisty tale that had me wondering whodunnit right until the end. This is the third book in this series, and they just keep getting better and better. 

Grace is a forensic pathologist who is more comfortable with the dead than with her social life. Until she meets sheriff Nate Cox. He’s everything a girl could want, but there must be a catch. As they get thrown together on a case that switches directions faster than a jet fighter, Nate sets out to gain her interest. His dating life has become routine, and the spark he feels with Grace is worth pursuing. Now he just needs to keep her alive.

I enjoyed the perfectly paced growth of the relationship between Grace and Nate. The balance of suspense and romance was spot on. I loved this book.

I received a review copy from Revell through NetGalley. This is my honest review.  

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Reviewer: Tammy Lunsford

Wow! This is the final book in the Triple Threat series, and I think Irene Hannon hit this one out of the park. Trust me... you can forget about sleep once you start this book! This story and plot grabbed me by the throat, and would not let go until I finished this book (pardon the visual), but this book was awesome! I devoured it in one evening. 

Dr. Grace Reilly is a wonderful character. I loved her tenacious attitude and persistent willingness to keep digging for the truth while giving her time to help others. Sheriff Nat Cox was a very likable character. I knew I would like this character from the first few chapters. His impeccable manners as a gentleman were the characteristics of a perfect date that opened up the romantic aspect of this story. The book's flow was smooth, and I had no problem keeping up with the characters and their stories. 

The mystery was intriguing as the deaths appeared natural, but you soon realized there was more to the story. Hannon builds the suspense with each chapter until the shocking conclusion, which she ties up with a nice neat, albeit chilling bow. 

Irene Hannon knows how to include an inspirational message in her books that are well-written and sincere without being "preachy." I concur with the descriptions that call Irene Hannon the "Queen of Inspirational Romantic Suspense." 

I am going to miss the Reilly sisters. They are a fascinating family of strong and independent women. I love their banter back and forth with one another. It makes them more real to me as characters. Fans of inspirational romantic suspense will devour this book. Sleep is overrated, anyway!

Thank you to Revell  and Interviews and Reviews for this ARC.  I am leaving this review voluntarily. 

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