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Induction

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Someone wants her dead. Not happening on his watch.

When Roman Simon goes missing, the small town of Fairbury burns with rumors hotter than the sidewalk in July. They’re certain he’s either left his wife, or she killed him (not that they’d blame her). As the weeks pass and the police fail to find answers, things heat up more when Anna Simon disappears, too. If that’s not strange enough, the chief of police orders his officers to leave Anna out of their investigation.

As a new recruit into a secret protection service known only as The Agency to the few who know it exists, Keith Auger doesn’t know what he’s doing, but he’s determined to do his new job well. But when he finds himself guarding a woman before he’s fully trained, he already begins to doubt the wisdom of this career path.

Pressure mounts as Keith tries to stay one step ahead of the men out to kill Anna and another step ahead of Anna who is determined to find answers no one will give her.

Keith can’t help but will his first assignment with The Agency be his last?
Induction is an introductory novel to The Agency Files.

217 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 16, 2024

25 people are currently reading
19 people want to read

About the author

Chautona Havig

279 books1,850 followers
**fingers skittle across the keyboard. Stop. Eyelids blink over the top**

Oh, was this bio day? Oops! I forgot. I was lost in my latest manuscript. Umm... bio. Yeah.

Hi! I’m Chautona Havig. (for those who care, that’s Shuh-TONE-uh HAVE-ig). Yeah. Just work with me here. I should have used a pseudonym, but when you grow up with a name like Chautona, it kind of sticks.

Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful; and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near. ~ Hebrews 10: 23–25

Those aren’t just words on a page for me–they’re why I write. I write to encourage my brothers and sisters in Christ. The stories I create are to make people laugh, cry, question, consider.

They’re for you.

When the world screams for hope, I try to point you to the true Source of hope–Jesus.

Sometimes life in the church no longer seems a refuge from the pain of a self-serving world around us, but through my stories, I try to point you to the only Refuge that can truly help–the Father’s Everlasting Arms.

And sometimes we just need an escape from the monotony, the emptiness we see around us. We need joy, laughter–what I like to call “just the write escape.”

Christian fiction without apology or pretense–lived, not preached.
What does that even mean?
It means I care–about you. About your walk with Jesus. I care about the words you put before your eyes, the mental pictures those words conjure. It’s difficult to express just how much I love my brothers and sisters in Christ. It’s difficult to share just how much I love you.

But I do.

And I write for you. I sit in my little house in California’s Mojave Desert and I write to show you why one sister believes one thing, why a brother believes another. I write to show you how some Christians handle trials or triumphs–for you. So when you’re faced with something–good or bad, it doesn’t matter–maybe it’ll spark a memory. Maybe that memory will smolder until you pull out your Bible and see what the Lord said about it–about His great love for you. For YOU!

And maybe, just maybe, you’ll share that love with another hurting, confused, or blessed-with-more-than-she-knows-what-to-do-with soul.

I just happen to think that’s the most blessed giving anyone could hope to receive.

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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
887 reviews30 followers
March 5, 2026
Although romantic suspense is nowhere near the top of my list of preferred genres, I thoroughly enjoyed Induction. I’m not sure how she does it, but Chautona Havig has a way of telling a story in a unique fashion which I love. I was immediately pulled into this story and didn’t want to put it down until I was finished. I have enjoyed all the other books in The Agency Files series; now I know how Keith got started. What a satisfying book!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author, and these are my honest thoughts about it.
Profile Image for Joan.
4,415 reviews127 followers
February 20, 2026
This is an entertaining short suspense and a fitting introduction to The Agency Files series. We are introduced to Keith and see how he adjusts to his new job. He is tested right away at his initial interview so the book gets off to a quick start. We are also introduced to Hani, a support character who has more experience and is part of this case too. She adds an element of potential romance.

The length is is similar to a novella so we do not have a great deal of setting construction nor deep character development. Havig's writing style is concise, often incomplete sentences. I did have a little trouble at times following the action. Nonetheless, this is an entertaining quick read and a good way to introduce the series.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book through Celebrate Lit. My comments are an independent and honest review.
1,920 reviews
February 25, 2026
Induction by Chautona Havig serves as the Prequel to The Agency Files series, and is a Romantic Christian Suspense novel. Having read the other books in The Agency Files series, I definitely knew I wanted to read this prequel.

In a small town where rumors spread faster than wildfire, Induction opens with a mystery that feels both deeply personal and spiritually intense. When Roman Simon disappears, the people of Fairbury don’t wait for facts—they fill the silence with suspicion. Some believe he left his wife. Others quietly suggest she might have had reason to make him disappear. But when Anna Simon vanishes too—and the chief of police orders her name left out of the investigation—something far darker begins to surface. Beneath the suspense and danger, this story carries a powerful undercurrent: what happens when truth is buried, fear takes over, and the only solid ground left is faith?

This book illustrates a calling tested by fire. Keith Auger is a brand-new recruit to a secret protection service known only as The Agency. He’s unsure, undertrained, and already questioning whether he’s made the right decision. But when he’s assigned to guard Anna before his training is complete, he doesn’t have time for doubt. What makes Keith compelling isn’t bravado—it’s humility.

He knows he’s not fully equipped. He knows he can’t rely on his own strength alone. And as danger closes in, his struggle becomes more than physical survival—it becomes spiritual surrender. The pressure forces him to confront a truth many believers face: calling doesn’t always come with confidence, but obedience requires trust. His first assignment isn’t just about protecting Anna. It’s about learning to depend on God when one’s own ability falls short.

Chautona Havig provides an illustration of courage rooted in faith. Anna isn’t portrayed as a passive character waiting to be rescued. She’s determined to uncover the truth about her husband’s disappearance, even when powerful forces try to silence her. Her resolve reflects a quiet strength—one rooted in perseverance rather than panic.

As threats intensify, the story highlights themes that resonate deeply with Christian readers:

Trusting God when answers don’t come
Standing firm when the truth is unpopular
Choosing integrity over fear
Relying on divine protection when earthly systems fail
The tension feels real, but it never feels hopeless. There’s an underlying reminder that even when authority figures falter and circumstances spiral out of control, God remains sovereign.

Truly, the author creates a book filled with suspense with spiritual depth. The mystery surrounding Fairbury isn’t just about who is responsible—it’s about who can be trusted. That tension mirrors a spiritual reality: in a world clouded by deception, discernment matters.

While the novel delivers action, danger, and covert intrigue, it also quietly asks deeper questions:

Where do we turn when human systems fail us?
What does courage look like when we’re unprepared?
Can faith survive when fear feels overwhelming?
Keith’s journey from uncertainty to growing resolve feels like more than character development—it feels like discipleship under pressure.

As the introduction to The Agency Files, Induction successfully blends suspense with spiritual growth. It offers:

✔ A protective hero learning to trust God in real time
✔ A heroine willing to pursue truth despite risk
✔ High-stakes danger balanced with hope
✔ Themes of calling, obedience, and perseverance

The unanswered questions at the end don’t frustrate—they invite anticipation. If this is only the beginning of Keith’s journey, readers can expect both greater danger and deeper spiritual refinement ahead.

If you enjoy Christian suspense that combines:

Action and intrigue
A flawed but faithful hero
A courageous heroine
Themes of trust and divine protection
Induction offers an engaging start to what promises to be a spiritually grounded, high-stakes series.

It’s a reminder that sometimes our greatest assignments aren’t about proving our strength—but about learning to rely on God’s.

A faith-forward suspense novel that keeps your heart racing while quietly strengthening your trust in the One who sees every hidden truth.

So if you enjoy Romantic Christian Suspense novels, check out Induction by Chautona Havig along with the rest of The Agency Files series.

I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Erin.
2,155 reviews20 followers
March 8, 2026
Induction is a wonderful addition to The Agency Files series. It’s one of my favorites and I really cannot believe it’s over. It can’t be over. I refuse to believe it. If you’ve not read the whole series, you need to. And you can start with this prequel. But prepare yourself. That’s all I’m going to say. She sucker punched me in the last novel, and I won’t forgive her until we have a spin-off series or something!

From the first moment that I read about the Agency, I was hooked. Keith is an amazing character. He’s steadfast, and his faith is amazing. You can’t go wrong with Keith. Except, maybe, nope, I can’t go there. This review is just for Induction, and I can’t get into the rest of the series. Noted.

Keith has his first assignment. He pairs with Hani to keep Anna safe. But somehow they can’t seem to stay ahead of the bad guys. At least they know who they are.

Can they keep Anna safe? Will their cover story be believable? Does Keith have a positive influence on Hani? And how will Hani handle romance on the job?

This is a great introduction novel to the Agency and all the key players. You’re going to love this one! Trust me. Chautona is an amazing author and everything I’ve read by her has kept me spellbound and wanting more!

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, which I received from Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review, nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
Profile Image for Donna C.
496 reviews12 followers
March 1, 2026
What I think you should know:
Induction, a Christian Romantic Suspense by Chautona Havig is a prequel novel for The Agency Files Series. This is the perfect introduction to the series. It is set in Havig's fictional Rockland universe. This book introduces former Marine Keith Auger.

What i think about this book:
This book starts off with a bang! Havig quickly throws the reader and Keith into the fast paced world of the Agency. Keith is tasked with protecting Anna Simon after her husband disappears and someone is after. I loved getting to know Keith and Hani. They were dynamic characters who captured my attention. I didn't like Anna as much. In the beginning of the book she reminded me of a battered woman or someone with Stockholm syndrome. I admit I would have been as bad as one of the gossips of Rockland in judgment of the relationship. This book kept me on the edge of my seat from the first page to the last. I highly recommend this book and will definitely reread the series myself.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Celebrate Lit, this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.

Profile Image for Deana Dick.
3,122 reviews134 followers
February 26, 2026
I liked how the author engages readers instantly with a series of events. Who knew that applying for a job would become a cat and mouse chase. Oh I loved how Keith saw danger and acted on it without hesitation. Looks like he has the job when he finds himself protecting a woman.

The thought of being at a safe house scares me and there is no way I could ever get comfortable there. A man is missing and his wife is the suspect. Why do they always suspect the spouse? Keith is now in charge of protecting Anna but will she trust him?

I love this author so much because she writes books that bring her personality to the story. Filled with laughs, suspense and intriguing characters it is hard to not forget about everything around you. The book introduces us to The Agency and how it first started. I highly recommend reading every book in this series.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
Profile Image for Mary Hake.
Author 4 books412 followers
March 3, 2026
Since I have only read the first book of The Agency series, beginning with this prequel was the perfect way to get into these exciting, dramatic series. I have enjoyed other novels by this author and expected a fun read. This book deals with life-and-death dangers as we witness the dramatic events unfold. A restaurant almost sold to a hardworking guy, Roman, who disappears in a suspicious manner. Criminal elements trying to take over and use the business for unsavory activities. And Roman’s wife, who must deal with her missing husband and her own traumatic experience as The Agency whisks her away to keep her safe. The wild journey with these intriguing characters keeps readers’ attention and makes them wonder how things will all work out for them. The suspenseful past-paced plot encourages you to rush through the troubled tale. Readers who enjoy clean suspense should like this novel. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Holly Bleggi.
1,391 reviews27 followers
March 2, 2026
What a way to start a new job! This book was full of suspense from the first page as we follow Keith on his job interview and then on to his first case. I loved the suspense in this story and I loved how Keith’s faith helped his partner to start to look at things a little differently by the end. I thought the concept behind the Agency was interesting and I liked how this case was a little outside their norm but we got to meet all the characters. After reading this story, I would be willing to read other books in the series. I thought the story and characters were well done.

I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Caitlyn Santi.
Author 4 books107 followers
March 5, 2026
What a wonderful suspense story! This is my first time reading a book in the Agency Files series, and I absolutely love the premise! The characters in this story are excellent. This book a TON of twists and turns that I didn’t see coming. I love a good undercover story and this one was really great! The story kept me on the edge of my seat, loved that. I also really loved the faith elements in the story, and the romantic subplot.
Really great read that I super enjoyed and highly recommend!
This story is perfect for fans of NCIS and The SNAP Agency series by Natalie Walters.


I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author.
My review was not influenced in any way. All thoughts and opinions are one hundred percent my own
126 reviews
July 24, 2024
a whirlwind introduction to a great series

Keith Auger, fresh from the Marines and needing a job, shows up for a security service job interview. What he ends up getting while there is a hair raising, crazy suspenseful, and dangerous experience. Chautona Havig does an excellent job bringing the reader along with Keith on this confusing set of events while setting up The Agency Files series. The plot in this story is sinister, hard to predict, heart-achingly difficult, and peppered with occasional humor. I highly recommend this book and The Agency Files series that follows it.
Profile Image for Debbie.
2,600 reviews4 followers
February 25, 2026
Induction (Prequel to The Agency Files) by Chautona Havig is a short suspenseful introduction to The Agency Files series. I have really enjoyed this book and the other books in this series. This is a book that is about trust and relying on God. This book has humor, romance, and faith along with a little danger, but I like the fact that nothing is graphic. If a reader likes romantic and suspense and Christian themes than I recommend this book.

I received a complimentary copy from the author and Celebrate Lit and these opinions are my own
Profile Image for Carol Keen.
Author 9 books122 followers
February 23, 2026
This is a very helpful prequel to this series. I liked it. I think this author is good with mysteries, and that's a genre that I enjoy. Keith is out of the Marines, and now he's guarding someone. It was nice to meet the characters this way and have some more backstory for them.

Thanks to Celebrate Lit for my digital copy of this book. This review is my own, and a positive review is never required.
36 reviews
September 2, 2024
excellent prequel.

I really enjoyed this book. The characters are engaging and well developed. The flow has some sharp shifts, which is obviously a conscious choice by the author, but not my favorite device, so four stars. I am absolutely thrilled to start Book 1 of the series next!
Profile Image for J.L. Burrows.
Author 18 books112 followers
January 15, 2026
Keith Auger, a former Marine, interviews for a security service job, but ends up getting more than he bargained for. This wild ride beautifully balances Keith's faith and conviction in a job that demands a lot out of him. Chautona Havig does a great job carrying readers along for a ride filled with kidnapping, trafficking risks, and murder while also setting up her The Agency Files series.
57 reviews
February 8, 2025
The story seemed cobbled together and missing the flow

Weaker than previously written tales by Ms. Havig... if i had read this story first, i may not have read other items of hers... just an inconsistent tale all around.
281 reviews12 followers
January 22, 2024
After reading this, I am definitely picking up the rest of the series. It’s been on my list for a while, but just moved to the top.
Profile Image for Kris.
74 reviews
May 26, 2024
This was a great story. I loved getting to know Keith...I met him in Heartland so learning more was truly enjoyable and made the entire experience more meaningful.
Profile Image for Emily.
232 reviews1 follower
October 2, 2024
It's been as long time since I've read The Agency Files series and this is a newer book that I hadn't read. I enjoyed listening to the story on YouTube, narrated by Christa Delsorbo!
Profile Image for Karla Cook.
189 reviews18 followers
February 23, 2026
While I’ve read several of Chautona’s other books, I haven’t yet read the Agency Files series, so I was interested in starting with the prequel. The thing about a prequel is that it usually gives you the backstory for characters and a story world you’re already familiar with, so I didn’t know if I would feel like I was missing something in reading the prequel first. I didn’t. Instead, as the author no doubt intended, it made me want to read the rest of the series.

“The Agency” is a private security/protection service, and Induction tells the story of how Keith Auger became an agent. (I believe he’s the main character–or one of the main characters–of the rest of the series.) It was a suspenseful read without being overly gritty. There were moments of humor, romance, and faith that made the story more compelling. I thoroughly enjoyed it, and I expect you would, too.

Disclosure: I received a complimentary digital copy of this book from the publisher. All views expressed are my own.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews

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