Fatal Finale

Author: Nancy Mehl
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Series: The Erin Delaney Mysteries #3
Pages: 336
Release Date: August 18, 2026
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers

When bestselling author Erin Delaney's novel gets picked up for a movie deal, she eagerly awaits her friend Kaely Quinn-Hunter's arrival in Tennessee before they head to California to observe the film's production. However, when Kaely does not arrive at the scheduled time and Erin can't reach her by phone, her concern grows.

A cryptic phone call from Kaely's kidnapper confirms her worst fears--Erin has exactly six days to save her friend's life by solving his twisted clues. The man's message comes with a warning: Contact the police or FBI and Kaely dies. But Erin works for the Sanctuary Police Department and Kaely's husband is with the FBI, putting her in an impossible situation. As Erin races against time, she's forced to crack the kidnapper's chilling puzzle before it's too late.

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Reviewer: Beverly Laude

If you are a fan of the TV Series “Criminal Minds”, you will love this book! Even better is the fact that faith in God shines throughout the story from start to finish.

Erin Delaney is a bestselling author whose best friend is former FBI Agent Kaely Hunter-Quinn. When Erin’s book is slated to be made into a movie, she and Kaely plan to travel to Hollywood to oversee the filming. When Kaely does not arrive at the expected time, Erin is understandably worried. Then she receives a chilling phone call: Kaely has been kidnapped and Erin has just 6 days to follow cryptic clues and save her!

The story moves at a fast pace as Erin, Kaely’s husband Noah, and their friend Adrian, try to decipher the kidnapper’s strange poems and save Kaely’s life. All the characters in the book continuously try to follow God’s guidance in their quest, and prayer and faith in God keep each of them going.

The reason behind the kidnapping is poignant and heartbreaking, and even though the kidnapper is the villain, I still found myself feeling sympathy for him. As the story progresses, secrets are revealed, and each character finds their faith tested. There is also a budding romance between characters, but nothing too prominent.

A couple of quotes from the book that stood out for me:

“I learned the hard way that talking about God is one thing. Obeying Him is another.”

“She couldn’t stop the tears that flowed down her cheeks, but they weren’t born of fear or sadness. They came from gratitude to the God who keeps His promises.”

I received a complimentary eBook copy courtesy of Bethany House Publishers through Interviews & Reviews via NetGalley for my honest opinion.

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Reviewer: Anna Bottoms

I didn’t think the books in this series could get any more intense, but I was absolutely wrong. This book didn’t just have me on the edge of my seat but practically ripping the armrest to shreds as I experienced both Kaely’s  emotions at the hands of a killer, and those of her husband and best friends as they searched for her.

I love how faith is woven through every aspect of the story, giving courage to Kaely and hope to Erin, Adrian, and Noah. It wasn’t forced, or thrown in for effect, but was simply an impactful part of each of their lives. For those who may not have this kind of faith, I believe it will also encourage them.

Each of the recurring characters in this book has grown throughout the series, in faith, building friendships, and finding love, as well as facing difficulties together. Some new key players also add to the story.

There are a few surprises in the book, which made it even better. I highly recommend this book and the previous books in the series as well. Great for a binge night or two.

I received a copy courtesy of Bethany House through Interviews & Reviews via NetGalley. This is my honest opinion of the book.

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