Counter Attack

Author: Patricia Bradley
Genre: Mystery/Suspense
Series: Pearl River #1
Pages: 384
Release Date: May 16, 2023
Publisher: Revell

Her next move just might be her last

No sooner has Alexis Stone been sworn in as the interim chief deputy for Russell County, Tennessee, than a serial killer dubbed the Queen's Gambit Killer strikes again--this time in her hometown. Pearl Springs is just supposed to be a temporary stop along the way to Alex's real dream: becoming the first female police chief of Chattanooga. But the killer's calling card--a white pawn and a note with a chess move printed on it--cannot be ignored.

Pearl Springs chief of police Nathan Landry can't believe that his high school sweetheart Alexis (he refuses to call her Alex) is back in town, and he can't help wanting to protect the woman he never stopped loving. But as the danger mounts and the killer closes in, can Nathan come through on the promise he makes to himself to bring a killer to justice before it's too late?

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Reviewer: Rebecca Maney

"Her spidey sense tingled from the back of her neck to the small of her back, where a belly band secured her small back up pistol. Someone was watching her. . . . . "

Going undercover to bait a serial killer, Chattanooga Homicide Detective Alexis Stone gets a little more than she bargained for. Not only coming face to face with a deadly weapon, she is rescued by the one man who has the potential to break her heart . . . . for the second time; showing up when Alexis needs him the most, Nathan Landry plays a key role in preventing her demise at the hand of "The Queen's Gambit Killer". . . . or at least that is their working theory, based on the evidence. Something about the incident seems a little bit "off".

Required to take a leave of absence in order to recover from her injuries, Alexis travels the short distance to her hometown of Pearl Springs, where she learns that Nathan is now serving as the community's chief of police, and doing a wonderful job according to her grandfather, the long-time sheriff of Russell County. While Alexis and Nathan puzzle over what has just transpired, Alexis' plans gets derailed once again; called to serve a lot closer to home, her first day on the job makes it clear that a determined killer has followed her to Pearl Springs. The question is, why?

"Many plans are in a man's heart, but the purpose of the Lord will prevail."

Needing a good dose of God's purpose, Alexis can only hold her breath while her career goals twist and turn, but being around Nathan is dredging up a myriad of feelings from the past that are just as certain to change the course of her future . . . . . "Alexis, if you keep running from love, you'll end up all alone". . . . . if she doesn't make the right move.

"Check. Do you know where your queen is?"

Never mind needing to boast a level of proficiency in the game of chess to appreciate this thriller; it practically oozes with mesmerizing word flow, fascinating scene changes and likable characters; not only making this book fun to read, but marking it as one of the author's best publications to date.

I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher. I also purchased a copy. The opinions stated above are entirely my own.

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Reviewer: Connie Porter Saunders

She's been working as an undercover cop in Chattanooga, but Alexis Stone has her heart set on becoming its first female chief of police. Hopefully, a short stint as the interim chief deputy in her hometown will add to her resume and increase her chances. Easy peasy...right? What she doesn't count on is becoming bait for a serial killer and needing the protection of the Pearl Springs police chief, a man that she once loved.
 
Counter Attack is the first book of a new series by veteran suspense author Patricia Bradley, and it doesn't disappoint! It has well-developed characters, twists and turns, and a serial murderer obsessed with the game of chess. I'm not a chess player, so I was intrigued by the Queen's Gambit Killer's calling card: a white pawn and a chess move for the police to ponder! I was also eager to see if the embers of a past relationship were strong enough to be ignited once again. Alexis and Nathan Landry definitely shared a powerful connection, but is it enough? Will they turn to God for guidance in planning their future?

This book is a must-read for anyone wanting a thrilling adventure, a Southern setting, and inspiring romantic suspense. Counter Attack will keep you turning the pages to see if the Queen's Gambit Killer can be outwitted, leaving you anxious for more Pearl River novels!

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

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Reviewer: Lauren Nel

Fast-paced. Intriguing. Nail biting.

Alex Stone is out to catch a serial killer. One who loves playing games with her mind, taunting her every step of the way. What will it take to find this cunning individual, and what will it cost Alex in the long run?

This book is the definition of a “page-turner.” I found myself going back to it every free minute I had. The plot was very interesting, with an abundance of complications. I had my suspicions of who the serial killer might be, but Patricia Bradley did a good job of trying to throw me off the scent of the real killer.

I really liked that there was a lot of romantic tension between the heroine Alex and her high school sweetheart Nathan Landry. I found myself getting frustrated at Alex for her sheer stubbornness, but this aspect of her personality had me questioning whether the relationship would come to fruition. The romance between the characters is clean, pure, and passionate. I also liked that Alex was strong and not a “damsel-in-distress,” rushing into danger so that she could catch the ever-elusive serial killer.

Another great addition to the book was Alex’s grandparents. Their wisdom sprinkled through the pages couldn’t help but bring a smile to my face and, at times, caused me to pause and reflect. Themes such as asking for God’s guidance, trusting His will, relying on Him, why bad things happen to good people, and His providence are tackled throughout the book.

If you’re looking for a book packed with action, clean romance, and thrilling in every way, don’t miss Patricia Bradley’s “Counter Attack!”

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

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Reviewer: Beverly Laude

Alexis Stone is determined to become the Police Chief in Chattanooga. However, when her beloved Grandfather, the Sheriff in Russell County, Tennessee, has a heart attack, he names her interim Sheriff. To further complicate her plans, her old sweetheart, Nathan Landry, is the Chief of Police in Pearl Springs. Alex isn't sure that she can work closely with Nathan without bringing old feelings back into her life.

There is a serial killer at work in their area known as the Queen Gambit's Killer because a white pawn is left at each murder scene. And this killer seems to be targeting Alex (or at least victims that look an awful lot like her). As Nathan and Alex get closer to uncovering the killer, they find their old feelings are starting to reignite. 

Alex is determined to fight her growing attraction to Nathan when she reads a Bible verse that seems meant for her: "Many plans are in a man's heart, but the purpose of the Lord will prevail." Will Alex listen to guidance from her grandmother and God, or will she continue to pursue her dreams?

The author has done a good job of building tension as the main character rushes to find the killer while also trying to navigate the politics of a small Sheriff's department. There is plenty of action, suspense, and just a bit of romance, along with discussions of faith and listening to God's guidance. Even though I had the killer's identity figured out before it was revealed, there was still plenty of uncertainty surrounding the case.

If you enjoy Christian-based romantic suspense, I would recommend this book. It is well-written and fast-paced while also being thought-provoking.

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

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Reviewer: Kristina Hall

An excellent start to Patricia Bradley’s newest romantic suspense series!

I jumped at the chance to read and review a Patricia Bradley book and wasn’t disappointed!

I found Nathan and Alexis both well-developed characters. I enjoyed seeing them work together to solve the case while juggling a growing romance. Alexis’s backstory added to the plot.

Speaking of the plot, it contained plenty of high-stakes and suspenseful moments to keep me reading. Although I don’t know much about chess, I thought it was quite cool how the game was woven into the plot. I had my suspicions about the killer, which made this book even more fun to read because I wanted to see if I were right (though I did peek at the end when I was part of the way through). I appreciated that Patricia Bradley kept both the romance and the language clean. Her clear, fast-paced writing style helped move the story along.

Overall, Counter Attack was an entertaining, suspenseful read that I’d recommend to those who enjoy Christian fiction and romantic suspense. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series.

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

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Reviewer: Lori Parrish

Well, I gotta say, wow! I loved every minute of this book. I didn't want to put it down for even one minute!

Full of action-packed twists and turns that I didn't see coming! I really enjoyed guessing the who-done-it game. I had an idea, but I kept reading to be sure. 

In my opinion, this is what makes the book enjoyable to read. The author has met my expectations over and beyond for this book. I was not one bit disappointed.

Alexis is such a cool character. I loved her immediately. I found myself rooting for her all the way through the story.

5 stars for this lovely novel, and it will be added to my keeper shelf. Bradley is just that awesome!

I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Revell through Interviews & Reviews. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

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Reviewer: Conny Withay

“The officer would pay—not by her own death but knowing her actions caused the deaths of many,” the killer determines Patricia Bradley’s novel, Counter Attack.

The first in the Pearl River series, this three-hundred-and-seventy-eight-page paperback targets those interested in romantic suspense involving a serial killer in a small southern town. With no profanity or overtly sexual scenes, illness, physical abuse, and death may not be appropriate for immature readers. The ending includes acknowledgments, an excerpt from another book series, the author’s biography, and advertisements.

In this current-day story based in the fictional town of Pearl River, Tennessee, Alexis Stone is asked to return to her hometown to become the county’s interim chief deputy when her grandfather falls ill. Having been an undercover cop in Chattanooga, it seems like her troubles are following her when more murders begin to happen. When her high school sweetheart, who is the chief of police, ends up helping her track down the serial killer, not only does she have to connect the dots to her past but also question if she could love again.

This quick read has twists and turns with references to the chess game as a serial killer stays ahead of the game, taunting the protagonist. I like the details of the game of chess, the dark web, and caves. Some of the characters are written well, especially Alexis’s grandparents. It can be read as a stand-alone book.

Those who do not like the beginning of a series about protecting a small town and everyone knowing each other’s business may not care for this suspenseful but clean Christian romance. Those who do not believe in God may pass it up, although it is not the book’s theme and is lightly mentioned. The romance is predictable.

Although I have read and enjoyed other books by this author, I had trouble reading this one as I figured out the killer about twenty pages into it, so it was a struggle to finish it. I wish all pronouns of God were capitalized for reverence.

If you like a new series about a small-town police force that wants to do everything it can to protect its residents, this first book may hold your attention if you do not read it too thoroughly to catch the killer.

Thanks to Revell and Interviews & Reviews for this complimentary book. I am under no obligation to give a positive review.

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