Witness Escape

Deputies of Anderson County #5

by Sami A. Abrams

Taking down a drug cartel is the only way out of danger. When witness Tabitha Wilson’s new identity is uncovered and she’s almost kidnapped, she finds herself on the run from a murderous drug lord. But her DEA contact has gone missing, forcing Tabitha to rely on Detective Doug Olsen—a man with his own secrets. It’s a race against time for Doug and Tabitha to uncover buried evidence before the cartel makes them disappear forever.From Love Inspired Courage. Danger. Faith.Deputies of Anderson County Book 1: Buried Cold Case SecretsBook 2: Twin Murder Mix-UpBook 3: Detecting SecretsBook 4: Killer Christmas EvidenceBook 5: Witness Escape

Genres: Romance, Christian Fiction, Suspense, Romantic Suspense, Christian, Mystery Thriller, Inspirational

208 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published August 20, 2024

About the author

Award-winning, bestselling author Sami Abrams grew up hating to read. It wasn’t until her 30’s that she found authors that captured her attention. Now, most evenings, you can find her engrossed in a Romantic Suspense. In her opinion, a crime and a little romance is the recipe for a great story.

She lives in Northern California, but she will always be a Kansas girl at heart. She has a love of sports, family, and travel. However, a cabin at Lake Tahoe writing her next story is definitely at the top of her list.


If you love romantic suspense, go to Sami's website and sign up for her newsletter to get the inside scoop at samiaabrams.com

Reviews

[Sheila · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good read, in a really good series.

[Debbie Wentworth Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

As Detective Doug Olsen sees the look of fear on the face of the new waitress, Beth, just as she flees the restaurant, he knows something is wrong. Following her, he stops a kidnapping. A timid, easily frightened woman, Tabitha Wilson, hiding in plain sight as Beth, does not know who she can trust. She holds evidence that can bring down drug kingpin Tommy Wade, but she does not know who she can trust. The DEA officer who recruited her and won her to the Lord has disappeared. Seeing no other choice, she accepts Doug's help, but neither has any idea how much trouble that decision will bring them.

Beth is a welcome change from all of the heroines who have strong, can-d0 characters. She's been abused all her life, and Abrams shows how that has affected her. Abrams also builds Beth's growth into the story in a believable way.

Doug was a likeable male character who also grows. The action is fast-paced, though the romance appears a little too fast-paced. The build-up to the climax moves along rapidly. This was a likeable story.

[Jesus Beach Girl Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Doug gets his story in Book 5 as the Deputies of Anderson County series wraps up. Sami provides so much action as Doug protects Tabitha from the cartel that is trying to keep her quiet. Sami has yet to write anything I haven’t enjoyed. This series may be ending, but I can’t wait to see what is up next. Definitely another one for your summer TBR’s.

I received an advanced reader’s copy from the author. All opinions are my own.

[SARAH TAYLOR · Rating 5 out of 5]

Witness Escape by Sami A. Abrams! Oh wow this is the last book in The Deputies of Anderson County! This book will keep you reading and turning the pages way in the morning As Doug Olsen is trying to find out what has happened to his friend who is a DEA. Can he protect Tabitha a Witness who has been in witness protection before time runs out and the cartel and his goons find her! Doug and Tabitha will have to run and hide to keep from getting caught can Doug keep her safe! I highly recommend this book! I was given a compilatory copy and this is my own honest opinion Pick your copy up today You won't be disappointed!

[Carolyn Bryant · Rating 5 out of 5]

This unputdownable, compelling story is a wonderful conclusion to the Deputies of Anderson County series. The intriguing plot with non-stop action and expertly placed twists kept me immersed in the story from the beginning to the highly satisfying ending and guessing at the outcome. I love the wonderfully crafted, realistically flawed main characters Doug and Tabitha. Even though he is consumed with unwarranted guilt, Doug is an admirable, protective hero. His patience with Tabitha as he strives to convince her of her worth and earn her trust is admirable. Tabitha touched my heart with her vulnerability and struggle with fear. I appreciate the gentle faith thread that is woven throughout the story. With a perfect balance of suspense, romance, and faith, this is one of the best inspirational romantic suspense books I have read this year. I highly recommend it.
I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher with no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC with no expectations of a positive review. Wow! Ms. Abrams knocked this book out of the water. This book is the last book in her Deputies of Anderson County.

Doug met Beth while eating at Main Street Eats. Beth his waitress who was very jumpy everytime someone came into the door. Suddenly, Beth darted to the kitchen as if her life depended on it. Doug went after her. Join the journey Doug and Beth take to stay alive as someone is out to silence Beth.

This is the best book that Ms. Abrams has written. This book will keep you turning the pages to see what happens next.

[Allyson Anthony · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed Doug and Tabitha's story in the last installment of the Deputies of Anderson County series. Doug does his best to protect Tabitha from a drug cartel who wants to silence her. Doug struggles with misplaced guilt. Tabitha has a hard time trusting people because she was abused and didn't feel loved. There are secrets and danger, and Witness Escape is a fast-paced story that will keep you guessing until the end.

[J.E. Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story is full of surprises, twists and turns, and non-stop action. I was drawn in from the beginning.

When Michael a DEA agent helps Beth, but then disappears, Doug, a detective with the Sheriff's Office takes over the case. Beth and Doug are taken on a ride of cat and mouse while they try to stay alive. Just when you think it might be over- the threats start up again.

The main characters are real and have faults. Beth escaping from what seems like a lifetime of abuse has lost her confidence and trust in people. Doug trying to put his past hurts to rest, tries to escape by throwing himself into his work. I loved the ending which wrapped everything up nicely.

I received an ARC from the author and voluntarily chose to review it. All opinions are my own.

[Joni Truex · Rating 5 out of 5]

Page turning suspense with twists and turns. Great book and sadly, the last in the Deputies of Anderson County series. Sami A. Abrams does justice to the final chapter. Definitely worth the read!

[Jess]

I've only read two books in the Deputies Of Andersen County series but of the two books I've read Doug and Tabitha's story is my favorite. Sami Abrams books are incredibly well written and exciting and the entire time of reading the book I had a hard time putting it down. The way that Doug worked hard to gain Tabitha's trust without pushing her or rushing her before she was ready to trust him was incredible. Despite everything that Tabitha went through in her life she was slowly able to trust Doug and allow him to help her all while struggling to try and learn to trust the rest of Doug's team. For anyone who loves romantic suspense and Sami Abrams books this is definitely a must read.

[Patrizia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bella storia e ottimo finale di serie. Devo dire che sono dispiaciuta che la serie sia finita perché mi è piaciuta molto, in particolare ho apprezzato il gruppo di personaggi che si aiutano l'un l'altro nei vari libri.
Il voto è anche a tutta la serie.

[Harlequin Books]

Inspirational Suspense, Wholesome Romance, Suspense, Romantic Suspense
Miniseries
Deputies of Anderson County (Book #5)

[Loretta Eidson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Suspenseful, full of action, and unexpected twists. A page-turner for sure!

[Renee Helton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book.
Great Story.
Full of action and plot twists.
Looking forward to reading more books by this author.

[Jeanne Alfveby Crea · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put it down, I read Witness Escape in one day! I have thoroughly enjoyed the Deputies of Anderson County series and I am so sad to see the series end!! Tabitha Wilson has a new identity for turning over damning evidence to a friend at the DEA uncovering her bosses crimes and murders. Detective Doug Olsen notices that a new waitress Beth is acting very afraid. He has his own secrets and regrets but very much wants to help Beth with whatever is scaring her.
I love the camaraderie of all Doug's friends and colleagues in the Sheriff's department. The support for Doug and Beth as they race against time to find the evidence. What a great page-turner!!

If you like romantic suspense, you will really enjoy this series!

Thank you to the author for allowing me to read an early copy. All opinions are my own!

[Vickie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tabitha Wilson knows that her only exit from the control of Tommy Wade and the drug cartel is to find evidence against them and escape. With the help of a DEA agent, she makes good on her plan, but her contact disappears and she is left to find her own way in the dark world of killers and drugs. Enter Detective Doug Olsen, a good friend of her contact, but someone Tabitha is not sure she can trust. The two of them have to continue to try to stay one step ahead of the cartel while also collecting evidence against them. This book is completely engrossing, with a fast past that held me captivated as Tabitha escapes one harrowing close call after another. Doug is the perfect protector, ready to give his life for her if he has to and there were several times in the story when that seemed to be almost inevitable. With non-stop action and characters that are dynamic and believable, this book is a perfect read for anyone who wants to escape the mundane and get into the world of page-turning danger.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16th CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

[Kay Garrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

WITNESS ESCAPE by Sami A. Abrams is the fifth book in the Deputies of Anderson County series. It the edge of your seat, suspenseful, action filled story of Detective Doug Olsen and Tabitha Wilson as they try to keep Tabitha from harm at the hands of her ex-boyfriend or one of his goons while trying to put the pieces to the puzzle that will have them finding evidence to put the business owner/murderous drug dealer out of business permanently.

Tabitha’s life has always been one of cruelty and being demeaned by first her father, then her uncle and then Tommy. It hadn’t taken her long to figure out who and what Tommy was, but with no one to turn to, she had thought a life full of physical pain and being ridiculed was her staff to carry. Then an angel in the form of a DEA agent who told her about a loving God and had offered her help to get out while bringing down the horrible man she once thought was her way to a better life. Knowing the inside evidence she could provide, he moved her to West Mount, Indiana, gave her a new identity and money to live on. As Beth Smith, she became a waitress laying low until he told her the next step. But then her angel went MIA causing her to be skittish. One day Tommy’s second in command man came into the café looking for her. She managed to get out the back door undetected by the guy, but not without Detective Olsen from spotting her deer in the headlight escape.

After the murder of his wife, Detective Doug Olsen became a shell of his former self. After working his way up from the depth of his grief and learning again to lean on his faith, his goal was to give his all at his job and to work within or outside the department, if necessary, to bring down the man he knows was responsible for his wife’s death – Tommy Wade. His old Army buddy and friend he would trust with his life, Michael Lane, was helping him. When he was last seen, he was in a boat that exploded, it was assumed that he had died in the blast when no body found. When he finds out who Beth is running from and who her contact has been, he immediately knows he will defend her with his life. If he can get her to trust him. Then maybe they can work together to accomplish both of their goals.

While there had been several attempts on Beth’s life, it was the attempt that included Doug’s life that brought both his past to light and involve the whole department of Anderson County Sheriff’s Department in the search for Tommy Wade as well as evidence to put this man and his whole operation to a stop legally – including any working from the inside. Can they do what so many others had tried and failed? Can Doug keep Beth safe? Will their growing attraction be more than the result of working together under such stressful condition and having to depend on each other? Or will they go their separate ways when all is said and done? Can Beth begin to find herself worthy? Can Doug move on and allow his heart to love again?

WITNESS ESCAPE is an exceptional story that will have you hooked after the first few pages making it impossible to put down once you start reading it. It’s a story of finding self-worth, justice, friendship – even those you’d put your life on the line for, having someone’s back expecting nothing in return, redemption, danger, forgiveness, courage, acceptance, trust, and love – that God has for us and us towards our fellow man. Sami A. Abrams wraps it seamlessly in a thread of faith that makes the story so much more than a story. FIVE STAR reading at it’s best that I highly recommend to any one that loves a clean romance, a suspense story or just a well written Christian story. In other words – everyone!

I receive an ARC of this book with no requirement or expectations of a review. All opinions are completely my own.
#WitnessEscape #SamiAAbrams #LoveInspiredSuspense #InspirationalRomance #ChristianRomance

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Sami A. Abrams work and her newest book, Witness Escape is the fifth and final book in her "Deputies of Anderson/ County" series. It releases on 08/20/24 and I can honestly say that is one is my absolute favorite books in the series.
The story revolves around Tabitha Wilson and Detective Doug Olsen. Tabitha is in Witness Protection, her cover is blown and she has lost touch with her DEA contact, Michael Lane. These two characters meet when Tabitha is working as a waitress using the name Beth. Doug feels something is off with her and one day while he is in the diner he notices her reaction when she spots someone come into the diner. The look was fear. This begins their story.

I really loved the characters of Tabitha/Beth and Doug. Ms. Abrams created very believable characters.

I love the description in the paragraph at the bottom of page 83. It reads, "He felt a strong pull toward Beth and wanted to do everything in his power to help. He took a long, hard look at her. The woman was a walking contradiction. A scared little mouse on the outside. And who could blame her after what she confided in him? But if he peered into the depths of her green eyes, a tiger lived inside." Then in the middle of page 196 it reads, "He loved her bashfulness. She'd come such a long way in a short time. On occasion, she'd flinch, or the ingrained submissiveness would rear its ugly head, but her confidence had flourished. His butterfly had spread her wings, and any day now, he'd see her soar". What imagery...I loved it.

Witness Escape is an action-packed suspense novel where the fear at times was palpable. I was on the edge of my seat for most of the journey through this wonderful book.

While this book is the 5th in the series, it reads well as a stand-alone. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a good clean, action-packed, suspense that will keep you turning the pages as quickly as you can.

On a 5 Star Scale - I give it 5 Stars.

I would like to thank the author, Sami A. Abrams, for my copy of Witness Escape. I received my copy for free with no expectation of a positive or negative review. The opinions are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR. Part 255.

[Connie Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Witness Escape is the 5th book in the Deputies of Anderson County series that is written by Sami A. Abrams. I’ve enjoyed this series so much. I feel like with the end of the series I’m leaving all my friends behind. This is Detective Doug Olsen’s story. We’ve seen him in previous books and it was good to get more of his back story.

Tabitha Wilson used to be the girlfriend of a known drug lord. She witnesses some heart wrenching things and knows she needs to get out. She’s led a rough life and does not understand when people
are nice to her without wanting something. She is approached by a DEA agent that wants to bring down her boyfriend. She goes into hiding and gets alarmed when her DEA contact doesn’t check in. Then her past collides with her present.

Doug has a lot of guilt from when his wife was killed. He notices Tabitha always checking her surroundings and follows her when she bolts from the diner. It becomes clear that she needs help because someone wants to silence her. When he realizes she’s connected to his missing friend, the DEA agent.

The author takes us on an adventure as Tabitha and Doug try to stay a few steps ahead of the killer. The book starts off with action and suspense and doesn’t let stop.

Thank you to the author and publisher for allowing me to read a copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.

[Tammy Lunsford - Escape to Books By Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this might be my favorite book in the Deputies of Anderson County series. This story will take your breath away as you go on the run with the characters. This is a life or death situation. Tabitha Wilson was hiding from a dangerous man who wants to kill her and will stop at nothing. She feels she is trapped because her DEA contact has disappeared. However, Detective Doug Olsen can tell something is bothering her in the diner, and he comes to her rescue.

Tabitha has the capability to take down the entire network, which makes her enemy #1 to the drug cartel. Detective Doug Olsen lost someone dear to him to these same people, so he has no problem helping her out. He just has to convince her to trust him.

This inspirational thriller intertwines emotional and spiritual healing, all while trying to put the bad guys where they belong. The action is non-stop and will suck you into the story from page 1 as danger is lurking around every corner. The Deputies of Anderson County are definitely the best guys for this job.

Thank you to the author for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the mix of faith, friendships, trust and nail biting action in the fifth book in the fabulous Deputies of Anderson County series. Witness Tabitha Wilson and Detective Doug Olsen find their paths cross when Tabitha’s new identity is uncovered and she’s almost kidnapped by men working for her ex who is a dangerous drug lord. Doug and Tabitha (with help from their friends and fellow law enforcement officers) are set on a desperate mission to find the evidence they need to put the members of the cartel away for good. This story had me on the edge of my seat with the fast paced action and the developing love between Doug and Tabitha. I loved peeling back their layers to uncover their secrets and stories, intertwining with those of their friends who featured in previous stories. An exciting and entertaining series that shouldn’t be missed.

[Terri Fleming · Rating 5 out of 5]

Witness Escape is book 5 in the Deputies of Anderson County series. It’s a great finale to the entire series. Detective Doug Olsen takes on the task of protecting witness Tabitha Wilson. With a drug cartel hunting Tabitha, it’s going to take everything Doug knows to keep them both safe. This storyline hits a lot of feelings and makes it even more meaningful. From the fast pace at the beginning of the book to the end, Witness Escape kept me riveted to the pages wanting to know what would happen next. The faith thread is woven perfectly through the story with encouragement and hope. Romantic suspense has to have romance, and Witness Escape has a well balanced romantic thread. I highly recommend this book.
My thanks to the publisher through NetGalley for an ARC of Witness Escape. Opinions expressed here are mine.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!! What an ending to this series!! This is a stand alone read but once you read it, you will want to go back and read the others. This story focuses on Tabitha who is fleeing from a drug boss and Doug the man who is trying to help her. Doug is a detective who notices she seems jumpy and afraid and happens to be at the right place at the right time to prevent her kidnapping. Sami Abrams does a great job writing characters that seem like real people. The relationships in this story make me want to move there!! If you like complex characters, action and suspense, a touch of romance and a twist at the end which will make your jaw drop - this book is for you!! I received an advance copy from the author but all opinions are my own.

[Carolyn Frazier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Witness Escape is an intense, action-packed, thrilling suspense. Tabitha Wilson is a witness on the run from a dangerous drug lord. Detective Doug Olsen becomes her self-appointed protector when her DEA contact disappears. The drug cartel relentlessly pursues Tabitha to stop her from turning over the information she knows to the authorities.

This is an edge-of-your-seat, nail-biting story that will keep you enthralled to the very end. Although the last of a series, the book can stand alone. I am sad this series is ending, but I look forward to what Sami A. Abrams has in store for us next. I highly recommend Witness Escape to anyone who likes hair-raising suspense. I received an advance copy to read, but all opinions expressed are my own.

[Linda Stringer · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Tabitha takes one look at a man who walks into Main Street Eats, she races out the back door, intent on leaving, only to be stopped by a flat tire. Detective Doug Olsen races after her, finding her in the parking lot. He helps her by changing her tire, help she reluctantly accepted.

All her life, Tabitha has been physically & emotionally abused by the men in her life. She has trusted no one except DEA Agent Michale Laine, who is now missing. She is determined to bring down Tommy Ward, a man Doug is equally determined to bring down.

Through numerous kidnapping attempts and murder attempts on Tabitha, she remains determined to see her mission through.

This is the last story in Sami A. Abrams' Deputies of Anderson County series.

[Lela · Rating 5 out of 5]

The final book in the Deputies of Anderson County is a great finish to the serious even though it's bittersweet to see it end. In this Witness Escape book: Tabitha Wilson is under a new identity with the help of her DEA contact, but it seems her identity has been uncovered and now the DEA contact has gone missing. Now she's forced to trust Detective Doug Olsen, which Durant come easy to her. Doug senses are on alert after seeing the new waitress' actions and decides to follow his gut. Thank goodness he did! Now him and Tabitha must stay one step ahead of the evil and uncover buried evidence before one or both of them disappear forever. Doug will do anything he needs to protect Tabitha but he has some secrets of his own he must push through to do his job right. Great read!

[Betti · Rating 5 out of 5]

God will never give you more than you can handle. Tabitha is not so sure about that statement. In the attempt to make a major change in her life, she has become an informant for DEA agent Michael Lane. However, he has disappeared! Does that make her next?

Doug Olsen, detective, has been trying to bring the criminal who murdered his wife to justice. Now it would appear these very negative situations seem to point to the same perpetrator. Will he finally pay or will he manage to get away again?

This last book in the Deputies of Anderson County is sure to keep you glued to your chair until finished. The danger never seems to end. These impressions are my own and were in no way solicited.

[Phylis Carpenter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I haven't read a Sami Abrams book that I have not liked and this is no exception. Once you started reading and get into the book you will forget everything around you until the book is finished. At least I know I did.

Doug i a Detective who hasn't heard from his friend DEA agent for a couple of days and he knew that the boat Michael was to be on had exploded. Doug came into the diner and had Michael's phone with him. Trying to decide how to handle the situation.

Beth was his waitress. He noticed she was nervous and every time the door opened to the diner, she would look and continue working. Until the last time the door opened and she bolted out the back.

Check this book out. It gets really good and you won't want to miss any of the action

[Marie Christensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely worthy of a 5 ⭐️ rating! Tabitha/Beth is in a witness protection program & her DEA agent is missing. She’s pregnant on the run from her BF/drug lord. …(who also happens to be responsible for the murder of Doug’s pregnant wife). Beth meets Doug a detective who realizes she’s extremely scared & intimidated by something,or someone…he gains her trust & together ,along with many others ,take down the drug empire. Doug & Beth are both damaged people ,who fall in love & heal each other’s painful pasts. This is book 5,but it can be easily read as a stand-alone book. Thank you Sami A. Abrams for my ARC copy. This review is my honest opinion. Book releases on 8-20-‘24

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED Witness Escape by Sami A. Abrams! Like LOVED!!!! It's book #5 of the Deputies of Anderson County which makes me sad. I really loved all the books in this series. That being said, you can read it as a standalone. Doug Olsen has been living with guilt and sadness since his wife was killed many years ago. He swore he would be a lone bachelor until he comes across Tabitha. This was such an exciting page-turner and I loved every second of it. It had all the things. Excitement, tears, joy, heart pounding suspense, and an epilogue that will bring tears to your eyes. I was given a copy, but all opinions are my very own.