Deadly Recall

by Donnell Ann Bell

A terrifying memory is locked deep inside her. A killer wants to keep it that way.As a nine-year-old child, Eden Moran witnessed the murder of her beloved teacher, Sister Beatrice. Her mind blocked the horrifying memory, and now, seventeen years later, Eden still can't recall what she saw that fateful day at Albuquerque's St. Patrick's Church. The nun's remains have been unearthed at a local construction site, and Albuquerque police detective, Kevin Dancer, starts pressuring Eden to search the shadows of her terror for clues.Eden insists she didn't see the killer that day. She can't even remember knowing Sister Beatrice. Regardless, Detective Dancer refuses to give up on her. He's not only hell-bent on solving the crime, he's falling in love with her. If her memories resurface, she'll be in danger, and he wants to protect her. The killer seems determined that she'll take the memory to an early grave.Donnell Ann Bell is the recipient of numerous awards for her fiction writing and the co-owner of Crimescenewriters, a Yahoo group for mystery/suspense writers, which is 2,000 members strong. Donnell was raised in New Mexico's Land of Enchantment and today calls Colorado home.www.donnellannbell.com

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Suspense, Romantic Suspense, Romance, Amazon

240 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 25, 2013

About the author

I grew up in the 4-Corners area, in the city of Farmington, New Mexico. I love New Mexico, and am influenced by its rich Hispanic and Native American culture, and will bring some of this knowledge to future work. I also love Colorado of which I was a resident for thirty plus years.

Since my debut in 2010, I've added five more books and am currently hard at working on number seven.

I'm passionate about suspense and storytelling. I hope you'll join me as I write around the theme *SUSPENSE TOO CLOSE TO HOME*

Reviews

[Lynne Marshall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Donnell Bell has written an engaging romantic suspense in Deadly Recall. At first I worried it might slip into the realm of cliche with the catholic church setting, but it never came close. Eden Moran had suppressed a childhood memory for seventeen years. When Detective Dancer (how can you not love a character named Kevin Dancer?) shows up in her courtroom with information about a cold case, it creates chills for her, but she has totally disconnected from the past and what she saw the night Sister Beatrice went missing. Eden is a defense lawyer, something Det. Dancer detests. Now forced to work together to solve a long-overdue case, he must lay aside his biased thoughts on her profession and they both must learn to trust each other. The book kept my interest from prologue to the end, though I wasn't sure the epilogue was necessary. Ms. Bell is a strong writer who creates believable characters and suspenseful situations that draw the reader deeply into another world, a world where justice finally prevails. Thank you for another great book!

[Jonel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I could barely put this novel down. I was left guessing and wondering who did what and what would come next. It was a bit of a thrill ride. It was also quite emotional. The author managed to combined so many different aspects of reality with this one that I was left without words at the end.

Bell has such a smooth, approachable writing style that you find yourself flowing seamlessly through this story. She uses a variety of different description types to create various illusions and emotions throughout. A combination of a very strong narrative and brilliant character interactions serve to cement this. And to top that all off, there is an amazingly solid storyline behind this as well. There are a few sub-storylines that serve to cement the action and progression of the main story. It all wraps together brilliantly in the end.

The characters had me going a little crazy at some points, hoping at times that they would get together, and at others that they wouldn’t. Also, some of their actions seemed a little counter-intuitive to me when they happened, but in retrospect, they make sense. That said, the main characters in this novel were the perfect example of opposites attract. And you get to know them so well that you want to find yourself hanging out with them at a barbecue. They are mentally, physically, emotionally, and historically developed characters. As far as characters go they were brilliant but, I would have preferred a bit more development in some of the supporting cast who play larger roles within the novel, but this didn’t serve to detract from the story itself.

As a whole I thoroughly enjoyed my time with this novel. Bell definitely kept me on my toes with this one, but yet the story flowed perfectly.

Please note that I received this novel from the author in exchange for an honest review.

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Captivating murder mystery that keeps you glued to the pages.

Seventeen years ago Eden Moran saw something her little 9 year old mind couldn’t handle. She attended a catholic school and struggled with the rules and the mean Nuns. The only good thing she had was Sister Beatrice who was always so kind to her. Then one fateful day Eden no longer remembered Sister Beatrice.

Eden is now a lawyer with the Albuquerque Public Defender’s Office. After her unhappy childhood and never feeling like she was understood she likes defending the underdogs. When the human remains found at a construction site turn out to be those of Sister Beatrice, Eden is contacted by Kevin Dancer of the Albuquerque Police as being the one person who he had found out was the closest to her and might be able to shed some light on what happened to her. But Eden had no recollection of a Sister Beatrice and wants nothing to do with Kevin’s investigation. But after experiencing a flash back to that time seventeen years ago she finally decides to help Kevin.

This takes the two of them on a fact finding mystery that uncovers so many threads which leads to more threads. The author did a fantastic job of leading us along. There was one time I remember yelling at the book it’s “xxxx” thinking I had figured it out but I was wrong. There were some frustrating moments in the romance between Kevin and Eden where you just wanted to slap them over the head for being too stubborn but even though they were kind of mismatched they were perfect for each other.

Like a moth to a flame I was captivated from the beginning to the end of this book and I look forward to more from this author.

[Lissette · Rating 4 out of 5]

For years, Eden Moran has done her best to put the past behind her. Most especially her life at Saint Patrick's. Granted, she can't quite remember as to how things changed for her so quickly all those years ago. While her life hasn't been easy, she's made do with the up's and down's she's come across since then. She's now a successful public defender for her hometown. One who always gets the job done.

When an unexpected cold case is cracked open, and the enticing Kevin Dancer lands on her doorstep looking for answers, Eden is baffled as to how he thinks she fits in the scheme of things. Her memory of Saint Patrick's is hazy at best despite the fact that everyone he's questioned, thus far, point their fingers in her direction. In her mind, she has no idea as to why people think she knows something she doesn't. In her conscience, however, that's a different story.

Plagued with dreams she can't quite understand, Eden knows there's something she's not seeing. Something happened all those years ago that caused her to forget quite a few things. Remembering it, unfortunately, proves to be difficult. Deep inside, she knows that what's locked inside her head is crucial to the case Kevin is working on. Yet she can't find it within herself to pull the fragments of her past to the surface.

As attempts on her life and those around her are made, Eden soon realizes that someone is out to get her. The person obviously thinks she knows more than she lets on, and does everything possible to try to silence her. She's the case's main witness, even if she doesn't quite know it yet. If she and Kevin are to get to the bottom of things, she'll need to delve into the bowels of her past seventeen years ago. A past Eden soon realizes she wants no part of.

A romantic thriller, Deadly Recall is one of those stories that grabs your attention with every turn of the page. Immersed in an unexpected mystery, the reader finds him/herself smack-dab in the middle of a murder and cover-up conducted seventeen years ago. The secrets surrounding the case are buried in the mind of a woman who's locked away the incident in hopes of retaining her sanity. Sadly, if she's survive what's coming her way, she'll need to unlock what she's hidden so long ago.

The relationship between Kevin and Eden was delightful. I found their banter quite heart-warming, though it is apparent that Eden wants nothing to do with the lovely detective from the get-go. When the heart is wanting, however, it's feelings can never be denied. This is a lesson Eden soon learns when she finds herself succumbing to Kevin's easy-going charm. A wonderful book, Deadly Recall is a fast-paced adventure definitely worth reading.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a complimentary copy of this book as a part of a book tour in exchange for a fair and honest review. I rated it 5 Stars:

A newly uncovered murder,the catholic church and a young woman suffering from selective amnesia, all play a part in Donnell Ann Bell's romantic suspense Deadly Recall. Likable characters, good dialogue and an interesting plot, make this a page turning mystery. Taking place in modern day Albuquerque, and using more than one character's POV, I felt as if I was there and helping to solve the crime.

When Albuquerque detective Kevin Dancer receives a call from a construction site, he never imagined he'd be assigned a seventeen year old murder case. Discovering the identity of the victim is easy, locating people who knew her is not. When pointed in the direction of someone who was supposed to be close to the victim, he's surprised to discover a beautiful, young woman who claims she never knew Sister Beatrice.

Public Defender Erin Moran has more than plenty of work on her plate. When a detective questions her about her days in Catholic grade school, Erin swears she can't remember Sister Beatrice, the victim of the crime. Trying to help the detective sold the cold case, Eden finds herself dragged into the case and becoming the focus of a killer who will do whatever it takes to make sure the case remains unsolved.

The scenes between Erin and Kevin are well written and fun to read. Both intelligent, attractive and used to being in charge, they can't fight the attraction building between them. Lively dialogue, full of give and take, helps build heat between them. I liked how Donnell Ann Bell gave us both of their viewpoints and built their relationship throughout the book, it felt very natural.

While the mystery of what happened to Sister Beatrice is partially revealed in the first chapters of the book, it's the identity of the real killer, and the killer's motive, that is slowly revealed as the case moves along. While Eden may not remember the events, or the people involved, it's very clear she did witness at least a part of the crime. Though her mind has blocked her memory as an act of self-preservation. The secondary characters, from Erin's family to Kevin's partner, and the villain are also well done.

will Erin remember what she witnessed as a nine year old girl and solve an almost twenty year old crime? Or will the killer manage to silence her before it's too late? Read Deadly Recall to find out. This is a very well written and page turning romantic suspense and I'm looking forward to reading more of Ms. Bell's work.

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. Deadly Recall is a light read. It is a nice well written story. In my opinion, this book falls into the category of Romantic Intrigue. If you like romantic intrigue then you will probably enjoy this book.

[Jacki Renée · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely A Can't Put Down Book

Not many books grab my attention to the point that I contemplate foregoing sleep just to get to the end. Deadly Recall is one of those books. Mrs. Bell hooked me right away. The chemistry between Eden and Kevin added with the mystery and suspense of whodunit kept me engaged until the very end. I'd buy another book written by Donnell Ann Bell.

[Amber Foxx · Rating 4 out of 5]

Equal parts mystery and romance, Deadly Recall is tightly plotted and suspenseful, and has intriguing three-dimensional characters. With the male lead being a police detective and the female lead a defense attorney, conflict is natural to the plot and situation. (I found this to be a refreshing change after reading a number of romances in which the conflict felt contrived.) Kevin and Eden have a delightful and believable first encounter that sets both the love plot and their interwoven roles in the mystery plot in motion. Their attraction to each other is portrayed with depth, and their relationship in progress is often charming. Bell has a knack for witty, natural banter between lovers and friends. Eden occasionally makes decisions which made me want to shake her but I could see that was her nature, not a plot contrivance. It made me empathize with Kevin.

The book is set in Albuquerque, showing the city that its residents see. While in some ways the protagonists could be from anywhere, their homes or hobbies have local flair. Eden’s loft near Old Town felt like a real part of the city, and I liked the very Albuquerque detail that Kevin is part-owner of a hot-air balloon. A number of the supporting characters feel like part of the local scene, people who put the quirky in Albuquerque, such as Eden’s client the vegan, tattooed housepainter-and-artist, and her neighbor Mr. Lucero, who thinks his cat is the reincarnation of General MacArthur. The behavior of the chatty, nosy, Chinese food delivery guy struck me as typical of the way people in NM talk to strangers. All of the minor and secondary characters have personalities, even if they are only onstage for a cameo.

The author’s style is sometimes so original and well phrased that I wanted to applaud while reading. Once in a while the wording seems a little hasty or not quite polished, but not often. As a reader who loves the craft of writing, I spent far more time in a state of admiration than I did getting in touch with my inner editor.

The clues and red herrings kept me guessing and thinking in step with the characters as they worked through the layers of mystery. Some romances make it seem as if love is the end of the story. I liked the way this book kept going a little further. Not only the love story and the mystery plot are wrapped up (without a single cliché for wrapping), but also Eden’s inner experience, her rediscovery.

I look forward to reading more of this author’s work. Even if it’s not set in New Mexico.

[LAWonder10 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Donnell Ann Bell has done it again! This very talented writer has, once again, created a suspenseful/romantic story that keeps the reader's interest to the very end. She is so good, there is absolutely no need of profanity and the sexually descriptiveness. However, in this novel, it is minimal. It falls more under what is termed "New Adult" listing.

Defense Attorney, Eden Moran, is an attractive, dynamic lawyer, and detests cops. Kevin Dancer is a dynamic police detective who detests defense attorneys. Yet, Eden Moran was said to have known a "cold case" victim very well by several individuals, of which he adamantly denies.

Her curiosity stirred, Eden tries to discover why she would be pinpointed in this way, only to be led back to the detective and hopefully get him "off her back". From this many unexplained situations mushroom and the two are constantly thrown together. This is an impossible situation and no good can ever come from it. When will it all end?

Both individuals have come from dysfunctional homes. Both are set in their ways. Will their pasts continue to haunt them? Who is ""set" on murder?

The book cover would not have been my choice. It relates very little to the story. However the colors are good and "catches the eye". There were a few grammatical errors.

The characters are very defined and the reader is drawn into the various personalities.

The action is constant and the suspense is drawn out until the very end of the book.

Key points are trauma, forgiveness, judiciousness, dysfunctional family life, trust, relationships, justice.

I was generously sent this book by author for an honest review of which I have given.

[Join the Penguin Resistance! · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of Deadly Recall by Donnell Ann Bell
5 stars

I reviewed a complimentary e-book copy provided by the author and publisher via NetGalley, in return for my fair and impartial review.

“Deadly Recall” is a thriller as much as it is romantic suspense, with a cast of characters who keep turning the screws of tension (and turning up the interpersonal heat level) while the protagonist, Eden Moran, suffers from traumatic amnesia, a condition which revolves around only one set of memories—but which has affected her entire life from age nine. Once a good student, and a prodigal piano artiste, one event—and the fact that she witnessed it, inadvertently, resulted in failing grades, expulsion from the parochial school, a lifetime of manipulation and disbelief from her controlling mother. Now she is an accomplished public defender for the City of Albuquerque, managing a lonely but successful life—until bones are discovered in the desert, in the excavation for yet another new shopping center.

Over the past couple of decades, scandal and trauma in the Roman Catholic Church has been exposed often, specifically child abuse. Author Donnell Ann Bell takes a new perspective to the Church, offering a priest who first seduces nuns, then murders; then gets a promotion. The sensuality is steaming but tasteful, and the romantic tension and push-me/pull-you emotions between the detective and the public defender are delightful, sure to appeal to readers who love romantic suspense which has both the qualities of romance and of suspense.

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Donnell Ann Bell burns up the pages in her fast-paced suspense novel Deadly Recall. An overworked public defender doesn’t realize she has a gap in her childhood memories until a handsome detective questions her about a cold case.

Eden Moran resists her attraction to Kevin Dancer. They represent opposite sides of the law – he catches the bad guys, and she defends them in court, often setting them free. When Kevin investigates the discovery of a decades old murder, they are forced to work together. Events trigger Eden’s recollections of Sister Beatrice, and both become obsessed with solving her murder.

The cold case gets hot as they uncover a myriad of clues and suspects, some uncomfortably close to home. The relationship between Eden and Kevin heats up, too. Just when you think you have the murder solved, another layer of intrigue muddies the waters.

Deadly Recall has more twists and turns than a roller coaster. I was on the edge of my seat clear through to the last page.

[Maggie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A page-turner for sure

The unearthed bones of a murdered nun shake the world of all who knew her seventeen years ago when she disappeared. Detective Kevin Dancer, one of Albuquerque’s finest, is assigned to this case and quickly runs out of leads.

Secrets abound at St. Patrick’s, and beautiful attorney Eden Moran knows more than she’s telling. Eden’s life changed drastically seventeen years ago, resulting in her leaving the school and being raised by her aunt.

As Dancer pushes her to remember the past, the killer keeps tabs on Eden. He’ll do anything to protect his secrets.

A satisfying, page-turning read. I couldn’t put it down. Highly recommended. I can’t wait for the next Donnell Ann Bell book.

[Sally Wolf · Rating 5 out of 5]

A young girl, worried about her beloved teacher, steals away to the chapel to say to say goodbye and beg her not to go. What she witnesses inside is more than her mind can bare. When her other teachers find her on the swings she can't remember where she was or how she got the cut on her knee. Seventeen years later, when the sexy Detective Dancer approaches her and starts asking questions about that day, the memories start flooding in. Can she remember before it is too late? I loved this book; it is one of the best I have read in awhile. I just could not put it down. I loved its fast pace, and the characters were extremely believable. I would recommend this to anyone who likes mystery, romance, or an all around good book!

[Melanie Ramey · Rating 5 out of 5]

A little bit of everything!

I really liked this book! Eden's story has a little bit everything. From drama with her family to suppressed memories to romance with Detective Kevin Dancer. Oh and did I mention a murder or 2? Deadly Recall has alot of twists and turns. Just when I thought I had it all figured out...Boy was I wrong. I had to finish this book to know who did it, I just couldn't put it down. I loved the romance! It wasn't over the top but it was enough that the pages conveyed the blossoming love between Eden and her Detective. Overall wonderful book! I can't wait to read more from Donnell Ann Bell

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a great read! I literally had NO idea who the killer was until the end chapters. I connected easily with the male lead, Detective Dancer, and his troubled family issues. The chemistry between him and the female lead, Eden, was easy to follow and had normal up and downs that didn't make the romance too generic. The mystery plot made sense and the characters' development and personal growth was a pleasant change from some of the mystery books I've read lately. I sometimes wanted to kick Eden in the shin for being too nosy, but given her profession and past... well, I grew to like her anyway! Recommended for anyone who likes a little spice/romance in their mystery books.

[S.B. Alexander · Rating 4 out of 5]

Donnell Bell certainly knows how to keep the reader entranced in the story. I loved it from the first page until the last. I couldn't put it down. The author's voice is smooth, her plot is solid, and her characters are well developed. From the moment I was introduced to Dancer (Oh my!) I fell in love with him. But I can't leave out his partner Sal, who I adored from his witty sense of humor to his honest feedback to Dancer to keep his partner in line. I've read The Past Came Hunting by Donnell, which is equally as good, but Deadly Recall really kept me guessing until the very end.

[C. Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed Deadly Recall. Having a detective fight an attraction to someone on the "dark side", a cute public defender, made for great dialogue exchange and character interaction. Having the mystery in the Catholic church, without pulling too many PC punches, was nice as well. The plot was realistic and kept my attention. For mystery fans, this is lightweight on the blood and gore, with a reasonable taste of violence, so you can kick back and enjoy watching things play out without too much "shock" factor. Nice solid story I definitely recommend.

[Linda Lovely · Rating 5 out of 5]

Conflict. External and internal. DEADLY RECALL has both. Creating external conflict in a suspense novel is relatively easy. Adding believable internal conflict is much harder. But author Donnell Ann Bell excels at it. Her heroine and hero both have histories and buried emotions that make it even harder for them to cope with the murder mystery and danger that ensnares them. The author also brings real authenticity to the Catholic school/parish that provides an intriguing backdrop for the plot. Well done. A very enjoyable read.

[Theresa Rizzo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ms Bell does it again with another great read. From the brilliant prologue that drew this reader in to the suspenseful climax, this reader was captivated. The author has a real talent for writing description, making readers feel a part of the scene. I especially enjoyed sweet lines like, "It had taken a few seconds to fall in love with Eden Moran; he suspected it would take a lifetime to get over her." Very enjoyable.

[Truitti · Rating 4 out of 5]

read this in one sitting. enjoyed the plot, some of the character and the simplistic writing style. appreciated the romance without graphic sexual descriptions, the lack of surreptitious cursing, and the humanizing of the Catholic church clergy. I enjoyed this mystery so much that I will save other titles from this author when I need a little tlc, a warm beverage, and a day on the sofa huddled in a blanket.

[Angie Gibson · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story started a bit slow for me. At first I felt like the author was skimming over important bits (like the evidence in the case and how they found out who the remains belonged to, etc) but came to realize that the relationships in the story and the internal struggle of the main character was the focus. I enjoyed the read once I was able to connect with the characters and would likely read more of Donnell Ann Bell's work.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The characters, even the secondary ones, were well developed and likable, yet managed to be unique. The banter between the hero and heroine and between the hero and his partner, was sharp and witty. You could feel their affection grow through the book.

The plot put a new and intriguing twist on amnesia and kept you guessing from page one. I won this book in a contest, but I will definitely buy the next one.

[Chris N · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read two of Donnell's books and loved them both. The plots are well written and within the bounds of reality, the characters are realistic as well. The men are protective but not over the top and aren't controlling. The women are strong and independent but also admit when then need help. There is phsyical chemistry between the characters but sex doesn't dominate the books and is refreshing. If you like crime/mystery books I recommend you give hers a try.

[Evelyne]

I just finished reading Deadly recall by Donnel Ann Bell
I really enjoyed this book. It took me a little time to get into it but once I did ,I was hooked. It is really a page turner and has a little bit of everything in it ,romance suspense, action. I could not tell who the murdere was until the last few chapters. It was well written .I would love to read more books by this author

[Rachael · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book and was guessing until the end. If you like a good mystery with sexual tension and a great plot, then run out and get the book.

Recently, I met the author and she is a wonderful person who is so giving and kind.

[Ronda Ammon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deadly Recall by Donnell Bell

Deadly Recall by Donnell Bell was a wonderful read that captured my attention early, pushing me to finish in a few hours. I really enjoyed the great suspense,characters, and plot. I look forward to reading more of Donnell Bell's works.

[Carol A Mengelkamp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn't put it down

It was so engaging. Great combination of mystery and romance. I'm anxious to read more books by this author. It brought back my Catholic grade school memories and the wonderful sisters who were my teachers.

[Laura Sager · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun read

Well written and nice little twits and turns any mystery should have. Enjoyed the romance and very much appreciated the discretion given to those parts. Characters were wonderful and well developed. Would love to "see" them again,

[Linda Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deadly recall

I read this book every time I got a chance. The plot kept me interested land the characters also were well thought out. If you're in the mood for a light mystery /love story this is it.

[Richard · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good mystery thriller with great characters. This one would make a great movie.