Book Review & Giveaway: Dark Deception by Nancy Mehl, Book 2 of Defenders of Justice

June 15, 2017

"Playing dead was harder than she ever could have imaged." (7)

Title: Dark Deception
Series: Defenders of Justice, Book 2
Author: Nancy Mehl

Publisher: Bethany House Publishers

Release Date: June 6, 2017

Genre: Contemporary Suspense

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.

An intense and gripping ride when readers pick up Dark Deception by Nancy Mehl. Not only in terms of suspense, there are plenty, but also the internal emotional struggle one faced after a traumatic event. That first page will already put you at the edge of your seat as the dangerous and frightful scene plays out in your mind. As we read on, I can't even imagine what our main character, Kate had gone through. It really tugs our heartstrings and feel the pain for the lost of her sister, the terror of the whole ordeal, as well as the depressed guilt of surviving.

"Even if you can't see the scars, no one gets through life unscathed . . . suicide doesn't just destroy you - it demolishes those around you. Those who love you." (85/90)

The author's presented a possibility of a difficult subject in the storyline, but did it with grace and dignity - not diminishing the desolation of what it means for those suffering as well as the love ones. I love how stories can encourage and inspire, but not be preachy. I love how it allows readers to feel for these character, and find the tenderness of life's challenges, allowing for development.

". . . acknowledging the damage in my soul wasn't weakness. it was strength. Strength faces the truth. . . and seeks real healing." (93)

A well defined package of a suspense thriller, Dark Deception hits all the marks, including bringing in familiar faces from the first book in the series. Even with the familiar faces, each book acts as a stand-alone and will not need to be read together. Readers will definitely not be disappointed.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and have not been compensated for this. This is my honest opinion.

For my review policy, please see my Disclosure page.

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OTHER BOOKS IN THE DEFENDERS OF JUSTICE SERIES (click on the image to take you to my reviews)

Photo courtesy of Ginger
Murray Photography

Nancy Mehl is the author of twenty-one books, including the Road to Kingdom and Finding Sanctuary series. Nancy writes from her home in Missouri, where she lives with her husband, Norman, and their puggle, Watson. Visit www.nancymehl.com to learn more.

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