Deadly Revenge

Author: Patricia Bradley
Genre: Thriller/Suspense
Series: Pearl River #3
Pages: 400
Release Date: November 4, 2024
Publisher: Revell

Old grudges, new attractions, and a killer bent on revenge

Deputy Jenna Hart has only been working in her sleepy hometown of Pearl Springs for seven months when city officials begin to be targeted by a killer. With the former mayor of Pearl Springs now running for the US Senate, Jenna will have to call in backup to ensure his protection.

Agent Maxwell Anderson used to work with Jenna in the Chattanooga Police Department, and there was even a smoldering fire of attraction. Now they team up to track down the killer before a big political rally that promises to bring not only the former mayor into the crosshairs but hundreds of civilians as well.

As the sparks of romance reignite and the threads of the investigation get tangled, Jenna and Max will have to draw on all of their skills to stay alive and prevent the wave of disaster poised to hit the community of Pearl Springs. The question is, can either of them fully trust that the other has their back?

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Reviewer: Beverly Laude

Jenna Hart has returned to her small hometown of Pearl Springs after being shot while working in the gang unit of the Chattanooga PD. Because of her injury and subsequent PTSD, she doesn’t feel comfortable working in the big city environment. As a Deputy on the small town force of Pearl Springs, she thinks that her life will be easier.

However, she soon finds herself embroiled in a decades old controversy surrounding the building of a dam in the area. Two former city councilors involved in getting it built have died under mysterious circumstances. And, the former mayor during this time is running for the US Senate and has been receiving threats.

Enter Jenna’s former colleague, Agent Maxwell Anderson, who now works for the TBI and has been tasked with protecting the candidate. As Jenna and Max try to figure out their feelings for each other, strange things start to happen in her home. Jenna is sure that the gang leader who shot her (or her ex-fiancee who is working with him) is involved in these strange occurrences. However, Max is beginning to think that she is simply suffering from PTSD and she is imagining things.

There is plenty of action and police work in this story as Jenna and Max try to find out the truth behind these deaths, as well as who or what is causing the disturbing incidents surrounding Jenna. The author has also worked in a few fun side stories about equestrian dressage and coon hunting dogs that I enjoyed a lot.

The book has a few mentions of violence, but nothing graphic. The romance is on the sweet side and the couple’s budding relationship is a nice addition to the drama of the book. The book also contains many references to God and faith. My favorite quote: “Don’t ever forget God’s on the side of justice. He has this.” This is a good reminder for us all!

If you enjoy a well-written romantic suspense book, you can’t go wrong with this one. Although it is part of a series, it works well as a standalone.

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

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Reviewer: Tammy Lunsford

There were lots of things going on in this book. This intricately plotted mystery is full of suspense, twisty turns, intense situations, dynamic characters and a hint of romance. You will want to devour it in one sitting because there just isn’t a good place to stop reading.

It seems revenge is on the menu and revenge is a dangerous game. There is also a cat-and-mouse game going on with the female main character (Jenna) that will chill you to the bone. The faith thread was present and necessary to the story, as it is acknowledged that God is in control of all situations. 

The romance was a second chance romance, as you will learn that Jenna deserved a second chance in every area of her life. She had gotten the shaft in her previous job, but it all worked out. This book had everything I enjoyed and expected in a solid inspirational romantic suspense book.

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

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Reviewer: Paula Shreckhise

Officer Jenna Hart returns to her hometown for a change of pace after being injured in a drug incident gone wrong in Chattanooga. But things in the sleepy town of Pearl Springs turn sinister when people die in mysterious circumstances. TBI agent, Max Anderson, was Jenna’s boss in Chattanooga. Max is in town to set up security for a notable politician and shows up at a crime scene surprising Jenna. While helping each other seek out clues, they wonder what might have been in their past relationship. 

This was a complicated, whodunit plot that kept me guessing. And the psychological games that the bad guy was playing with, Jenna had me on pins and needles. The romance was slow but showed how Jenna and Max were learning to rely on each other. There was a solid faith thread that focused on the clear difference between right and wrong, looking to God for guidance and acknowledging that He is in control.
Do not miss this intriguing story of second chances and mysteries unresolved in the past.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell Reads on behalf of the author and a NetGalley copy for review. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.

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Reviewer: Anna Bottoms

​This book absolutely checked all my boxes for romantic suspense and I’m so glad I got to see Jenna and Max get their story. 

I loved seeing old friends as I was taken deeper into Jenna and Max’s lives. It made both of them relatable and I could easily be their friend. The small town feel with the gossip, everybody knows everybody vibes made me think of the town where I grew up. 

The suspense was perfectly paced, keeping me on the edge of my seat wondering what would come next. Is it a local out for revenge or did Jenna’s past follow her home? Only time and great police work will tell, along with a little reliance on God. 

This one started a bit slower for me than expected after the prologue so I gave four stars. However, it got better and better the further I got into the story. I recommend it.

I received a copy courtesy of Revell through NetGalley and Interviews and Reviews. This is my honest opinion of the book. 

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