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FBI Task Force #1
Deadly Encounter
Airport Ranger volunteer Stacy Broussard expected a peaceful Saturday morning ride around the perimeter of Houston's airport. What she encounters instead is a brutal homicide and a baffling mystery. Next to the body is an injured dog, the dead man's motorcycle, and a drone armed with a laser capable of taking down a 747. Though FBI Special Agent Alex LeBlanc sees a clear-cut case of terrorism, his past has taught him to be suspicious of everyone, even witnesses. Even bleeding-heart veterinarians like Stacy. But when her gruesome discovery is only the first in a string of incidences that throw her life into a tailspin, Alex begins to wonder if Stacy was targeted. As a health emergency endangers Stacy's community, and the task force pulls in leads from all directions, Alex and Stacy must work together to prevent another deadly encounter.
400 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 2016
334 people are currently reading
1233 people want to read
About the author
DiAnn Mills
128 books1,975 followersDiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who invites her readers to step into stories where suspense meets adventure and romance warms the heart. Known for crafting unforgettable characters tangled in unpredictable plots, DiAnn believes every breath we take unfolds a story waiting to be told—so why not make it thrilling?
Her novels have consistently landed on bestseller lists including CBA, ECPA, and Publishers Weekly, and have won prestigious awards such as the Christy, Selah, Golden Scroll, Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and Carol awards.
DiAnn is a founding board member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Conference Advisor for the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers. She actively participates in Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, Mystery Writers of America, the Jerry Jenkins Writers Guild, International Thriller Writers, Outliers Writing University, and The Christian Pen. DiAnn passionately invests in helping fellow authors succeed through mentoring, book coaching, and editing. She travels nationwide speaking and teaching engaging writing workshops.
A proud coffee snob who roasts her own beans, DiAnn also enjoys diving into good books, experimenting in the kitchen, and unabashedly spoiling her grandchildren—whom she insists are the smartest kids in the universe. She and her husband make their home under the sunny skies of Houston, Texas.
Connect with DiAnn online for behind-the-scenes glimpses, writing tips, and lively discussions on any of the following social media platforms:
Website: https://diannmills.com/
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/diann...
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/diannmills
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/diannmillsa...
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diannmills/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/diannmills/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/diannmills
X: https://twitter.com/diannmills
Her novels have consistently landed on bestseller lists including CBA, ECPA, and Publishers Weekly, and have won prestigious awards such as the Christy, Selah, Golden Scroll, Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and Carol awards.
DiAnn is a founding board member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Conference Advisor for the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers. She actively participates in Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, Mystery Writers of America, the Jerry Jenkins Writers Guild, International Thriller Writers, Outliers Writing University, and The Christian Pen. DiAnn passionately invests in helping fellow authors succeed through mentoring, book coaching, and editing. She travels nationwide speaking and teaching engaging writing workshops.
A proud coffee snob who roasts her own beans, DiAnn also enjoys diving into good books, experimenting in the kitchen, and unabashedly spoiling her grandchildren—whom she insists are the smartest kids in the universe. She and her husband make their home under the sunny skies of Houston, Texas.
Connect with DiAnn online for behind-the-scenes glimpses, writing tips, and lively discussions on any of the following social media platforms:
Website: https://diannmills.com/
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/diann...
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/diannmills
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/diannmillsa...
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diannmills/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/diannmills/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/diannmills
X: https://twitter.com/diannmills
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 201 reviews
August 1, 2016
I really struggled with this book. I have enjoyed other novels by this author, but this story just did not work for me. I had trouble connecting or caring about the two main characters, Stacy and Alex. Stacy continually did things that annoyed me! I did, however, admire the way she cared about the boy named Whitt, who she was working to gain custody of. Whitt was also a pivotal character in the novel and I really did like him. He added a lot of interest, humor, and depth to the story for me.
I think many readers will enjoy this book, partly because the scheme behind the events of the story was very elaborate. It did keep me guessing. I’m not sure how plausible it would be for these events to occur, but it was very creative. The book did pick up in interest for me around the final quarter of the novel.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
You can read this review on my blog at:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
I think many readers will enjoy this book, partly because the scheme behind the events of the story was very elaborate. It did keep me guessing. I’m not sure how plausible it would be for these events to occur, but it was very creative. The book did pick up in interest for me around the final quarter of the novel.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
You can read this review on my blog at:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
August 8, 2016
What begins as a homicide investigation soon begin to twist and turn in a convoluted journey far from the singularity of the initial problem.
A lady veterinarian, an FBI agent, a precocious 12 year old brightly intelligent abused boy, and a yellow lab.
Stacy, a caring veterinarian, has taken in the young boy and is seeking to become his real mother. He is super bright and will graduate high school at age 14 with college credits. Stacy genuinely cares for the animals she has in her clinic; and it really bothers her when this sweet, docile yellow lab has a bad cut on the foot. She takes it back to her clinic to be cared for.
Key to the story and the investigation is the neighborhood (low income, run down), a problem with the area water, an outbreak of "flu," and the yellow lab.
As I read the story it seemed as though the incidents and situations go from bad to worse to even worse. Who or what is the cause of the problems? Is it an individual? Is it terrorism? DiAnn Mills has provided a whodunit that will keep the most avid mystery reader engaged until the end.
DISCLOSURE: I was provided a copy by Tyndale Blog Network to facilitate a review. Opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.
A lady veterinarian, an FBI agent, a precocious 12 year old brightly intelligent abused boy, and a yellow lab.
Stacy, a caring veterinarian, has taken in the young boy and is seeking to become his real mother. He is super bright and will graduate high school at age 14 with college credits. Stacy genuinely cares for the animals she has in her clinic; and it really bothers her when this sweet, docile yellow lab has a bad cut on the foot. She takes it back to her clinic to be cared for.
Key to the story and the investigation is the neighborhood (low income, run down), a problem with the area water, an outbreak of "flu," and the yellow lab.
As I read the story it seemed as though the incidents and situations go from bad to worse to even worse. Who or what is the cause of the problems? Is it an individual? Is it terrorism? DiAnn Mills has provided a whodunit that will keep the most avid mystery reader engaged until the end.
DISCLOSURE: I was provided a copy by Tyndale Blog Network to facilitate a review. Opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.
October 2, 2016
Thoroughly enjoyed this one...and got creeped out by some things in it. Drones, biological warafre, dogs used as weapons, and in the middle of it all a loving vet who just wants to finish the legal work to get custody of her 12-year-old neighbor, kid genius Whitt.
It seems each Mills book is harder to guess than the one before it. I didn't decide on the murderer until within the last 50 pages. There are many levels involved in this crime, many suspects. In he end it makes sense, but not in a way you could possibly predict from page one. I love this sort of story! I particularly enjoyed Stacy, Whitt (such a delightful kid!), Alex, and Xena the dog.
Just don't pick this one up before bed, because you won't be sleeping.
It seems each Mills book is harder to guess than the one before it. I didn't decide on the murderer until within the last 50 pages. There are many levels involved in this crime, many suspects. In he end it makes sense, but not in a way you could possibly predict from page one. I love this sort of story! I particularly enjoyed Stacy, Whitt (such a delightful kid!), Alex, and Xena the dog.
Just don't pick this one up before bed, because you won't be sleeping.
November 23, 2016
Quite a twisted suspense novel! Lots of characters and action involved in the solving of the case.
The main characters were Veterinarian Stacy and FBI Agent Alex. My favorite character though was 12 year old Whitt.
My gratitude to the author for a complimentary copy of the novel. The opinions expressed are my own.
The main characters were Veterinarian Stacy and FBI Agent Alex. My favorite character though was 12 year old Whitt.
My gratitude to the author for a complimentary copy of the novel. The opinions expressed are my own.
July 21, 2021
An elaborate plot with nice characters.
August 25, 2018
What an amazing suspense! I started out expecting one thing and it morphed into so much more than I could ever imagine. So many twists and turns and puzzles to work out and I was blindsided again and again and again. Pay attention because the tiniest detail will come back and bite you at some point later on in the story. :-) My armchair sleuthing muscles got a real workout.
And the romance is just as enthralling. Stacy and Alex don't exactly see eye to eye when they first meet. He might be harboring a wee prejudice against beguiling women who appear to be innocent. Not that Stacy's guilty of anything except being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Even Alex concedes to that in his calmer moments which are few and far between because Stacy is feisty and strong and once these two discover their common Louisiana roots their exchanges get a whole lot more heated -- and so does the attraction. And this is the kind of romantic suspense that takes the time to develop a relationship between the hero and heroine. It unfolds in an unhurried manner despite the edge of suspense that fills all the spaces in their lives.
And then there's Whit -- the twelve-year-old boy genius Stacy has taken under her wing. Love that kid and every scene he's in sparks with new life. I listened to the audio version of this book and the narrator did an incredible job with the southern accents and Cajun phrases as well as giving each character a unique voice. Brilliantly done.
And the romance is just as enthralling. Stacy and Alex don't exactly see eye to eye when they first meet. He might be harboring a wee prejudice against beguiling women who appear to be innocent. Not that Stacy's guilty of anything except being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Even Alex concedes to that in his calmer moments which are few and far between because Stacy is feisty and strong and once these two discover their common Louisiana roots their exchanges get a whole lot more heated -- and so does the attraction. And this is the kind of romantic suspense that takes the time to develop a relationship between the hero and heroine. It unfolds in an unhurried manner despite the edge of suspense that fills all the spaces in their lives.
And then there's Whit -- the twelve-year-old boy genius Stacy has taken under her wing. Love that kid and every scene he's in sparks with new life. I listened to the audio version of this book and the narrator did an incredible job with the southern accents and Cajun phrases as well as giving each character a unique voice. Brilliantly done.
September 1, 2017
"Stubborn Cajun meets stubborn Cajun. Will they get together or drown each other in the bayou?" ~ Ric
Well. This was an intriguing read, for sure! It dives right in with a dead body discovered in the first few pages. No surprise there-- it is a suspense novel, after all. But then it gets interesting. Terrorism, water contamination, attacks, a flu outbreak, scams, abuse, a custody case, biological warfare..... *deep breath* Did I miss anything? I'm sure I did.
This wasn't a super fast-paced read for me, like a lot of suspense novels are, but the slower, steady pace didn't in any way detract from the story. I never considered putting the book away (perhaps putting it on hold so I could read Lynette Eason's newest book that I had been waiting for ever to read... but not putting it away for good ;) ).
I enjoyed learning about the Airport Rangers. I had never heard of this program before so hearing about them in this book prompted me to look into it further. I love it when I can learn about something new while enjoying my fiction addiction! :D
News Flash: reading books may teach you about things you didn't know! :P
Sometimes I have a difficult time picking a favorite character. And I often dislike child characters because it seems that many authors have a difficult time portraying them correctly or... I don't know how to say this except-- in an appealing way? That sounds kinda silly, but I hope y'all know what I mean by that. However, in this book, my favorite character was the child. Whitt is just fantastic! He's so smart-- brilliant, really!-- but he has some very deep emotional and spiritual struggles that drew me to him in a big way. I'm not quite sure how the author pulled this off, but kudos to her for creating a brilliant child character that I quickly grew to adore. Had me wishing I could meet him and just give him a huge hug! I think his story was my favorite part of this book.
Stacy and Alex are both great characters too, of course. They really (I mean really) don't like each other at first... and it was fun to see their friendship grow. And I really liked Ric (I'm sure you noticed the quote from him at the beginning of this review ;) ) and Dexter too. But none of them stuck with me quite like Whitt did...
I've said it before and I'll say it again: I love when an author can keep me guessing the who-done-it late into the story. DiAnn Mills succeeded with this book! For a while, I didn't even really have any true suspects. Early in the story I would quickly discount any suspicions I had because I kept feeling like there was going to be a lot more to the outcome and I didn't want to settle on anyone as the "bad guy". The reveal, as I'll call it, was both interesting and sad. I didn't see it coming for a long time, but once I saw it, it made complete sense.
Obviously, I liked this book. I'm glad I own it because I think I'll likely want to revisit it someday. Don't be discouraged if you find it a bit slow at first! If you like suspense, give it a shot-- I think you'll like it. :)
Well. This was an intriguing read, for sure! It dives right in with a dead body discovered in the first few pages. No surprise there-- it is a suspense novel, after all. But then it gets interesting. Terrorism, water contamination, attacks, a flu outbreak, scams, abuse, a custody case, biological warfare..... *deep breath* Did I miss anything? I'm sure I did.
This wasn't a super fast-paced read for me, like a lot of suspense novels are, but the slower, steady pace didn't in any way detract from the story. I never considered putting the book away (perhaps putting it on hold so I could read Lynette Eason's newest book that I had been waiting for ever to read... but not putting it away for good ;) ).
I enjoyed learning about the Airport Rangers. I had never heard of this program before so hearing about them in this book prompted me to look into it further. I love it when I can learn about something new while enjoying my fiction addiction! :D
News Flash: reading books may teach you about things you didn't know! :P
Sometimes I have a difficult time picking a favorite character. And I often dislike child characters because it seems that many authors have a difficult time portraying them correctly or... I don't know how to say this except-- in an appealing way? That sounds kinda silly, but I hope y'all know what I mean by that. However, in this book, my favorite character was the child. Whitt is just fantastic! He's so smart-- brilliant, really!-- but he has some very deep emotional and spiritual struggles that drew me to him in a big way. I'm not quite sure how the author pulled this off, but kudos to her for creating a brilliant child character that I quickly grew to adore. Had me wishing I could meet him and just give him a huge hug! I think his story was my favorite part of this book.
Stacy and Alex are both great characters too, of course. They really (I mean really) don't like each other at first... and it was fun to see their friendship grow. And I really liked Ric (I'm sure you noticed the quote from him at the beginning of this review ;) ) and Dexter too. But none of them stuck with me quite like Whitt did...
I've said it before and I'll say it again: I love when an author can keep me guessing the who-done-it late into the story. DiAnn Mills succeeded with this book! For a while, I didn't even really have any true suspects. Early in the story I would quickly discount any suspicions I had because I kept feeling like there was going to be a lot more to the outcome and I didn't want to settle on anyone as the "bad guy". The reveal, as I'll call it, was both interesting and sad. I didn't see it coming for a long time, but once I saw it, it made complete sense.
Obviously, I liked this book. I'm glad I own it because I think I'll likely want to revisit it someday. Don't be discouraged if you find it a bit slow at first! If you like suspense, give it a shot-- I think you'll like it. :)
April 16, 2019
When veterinarian Stacy Broussard is on her volunteer patrol she encounters a dead man on the trail. Next thing she knows the FBI are questioning her. Special Agent Alex LeBlanc does not agree with volunteers patrolling the airport trails so that makes him skeptical of Stacy's innocence in the crime. It also doesn't help that the last relationship Alex was involved in he was duped into believing that the woman was innocent when she was not. So when Alex arrives at the scene Stacy already has a mark against her in his book. Standing guard over the dead body is an injured dog. Stacy takes the dog in to care for it while the investigation is going on.
Stacy has a lot going on in her life at the moment. She is currently trying to get custody of her neighbors son Whitt. Living in a less than desirable neighborhood Stacy sees all kinds of crime. She has been taking care of Whitt for years. As the investigation begins Stacy is confronted with a developer who wants to buy up property in the area, a notice that the water in their community is unsafe to use, a looming court date for she and Whitt, threats against she and Whitt, and an FBI agent that is trying to make up for his rude behavior when they first met. When people begin to have flu-like symptoms it seems that everyone is ready to sell their properties. But Stacy refuses to be bullied into leaving. Are she and Whitt safe, or will the person making the threats follow through?
I really enjoyed this book. I especially loved Whitt! He is a 12 year old genius who has been forced to live life beyond his years. He takes care of Stacy just as she takes care of him. I love the way he is protective of her. Alex was the typical FBI agent at first. Pushy and annoying, but he eventually softened and ended up being the perfect match for Stacy. I admired Stacy for her desire to take on Whitt as her own child. She did frustrate me in that she made some careless decisions I felt, but everything worked out in the end. There was an element of faith questioning throughout the book for each character that tugged at the heart. This is book 1 in the FBI Task Force series. I read books 2 and then 3 first and then came back to 1. I don't know how I always manage to do that, but there you go, I do! If you are a suspense fan then I definitely recommend this book to you!
Stacy has a lot going on in her life at the moment. She is currently trying to get custody of her neighbors son Whitt. Living in a less than desirable neighborhood Stacy sees all kinds of crime. She has been taking care of Whitt for years. As the investigation begins Stacy is confronted with a developer who wants to buy up property in the area, a notice that the water in their community is unsafe to use, a looming court date for she and Whitt, threats against she and Whitt, and an FBI agent that is trying to make up for his rude behavior when they first met. When people begin to have flu-like symptoms it seems that everyone is ready to sell their properties. But Stacy refuses to be bullied into leaving. Are she and Whitt safe, or will the person making the threats follow through?
I really enjoyed this book. I especially loved Whitt! He is a 12 year old genius who has been forced to live life beyond his years. He takes care of Stacy just as she takes care of him. I love the way he is protective of her. Alex was the typical FBI agent at first. Pushy and annoying, but he eventually softened and ended up being the perfect match for Stacy. I admired Stacy for her desire to take on Whitt as her own child. She did frustrate me in that she made some careless decisions I felt, but everything worked out in the end. There was an element of faith questioning throughout the book for each character that tugged at the heart. This is book 1 in the FBI Task Force series. I read books 2 and then 3 first and then came back to 1. I don't know how I always manage to do that, but there you go, I do! If you are a suspense fan then I definitely recommend this book to you!
June 30, 2020
Stacy Broussard a veterinarian, Alex Le Blanc an FBI agent and Whitt a
twelve year old abused boy who Stacy is trying to adopt work
together to solve the mystery of a homicide which is affecting a small
Community with incidents of terror and death. This is a fast paced read
With good characters, action, and twists that will keep you turning the
Pages. I recommend this book and author.
twelve year old abused boy who Stacy is trying to adopt work
together to solve the mystery of a homicide which is affecting a small
Community with incidents of terror and death. This is a fast paced read
With good characters, action, and twists that will keep you turning the
Pages. I recommend this book and author.
May 11, 2016
Deadly Encounter is the first book in the new FBI Task Force series. It continues DiAnn Mills' tradition of offering engaging novels of suspense with a touch of romance and faith.
I enjoyed Deadly Encounter, more than I have Mills' previous few books. There is a lot more detail provided to readers while also keeping a steady pace of action and developments in the case. There is also a greater amount of family and personal details in this story to balance the crime focus. That said, the middle section of this book dragged on a little and the resolution of the crime sometimes seemed so far away, something I'm sure law professionals struggle with everyday of their lives. I love how DiAnn Mills' books are far more reflective of realistic crime fighting rather than the showy but unlikely big reveals of the crimes you see on TV shows or in other books.
Stacy Broussard is a vet who also volunteers as an airport ranger. On one of her morning patrol rides around the airport's perimeter, Stacy discovers a body, a drone and a yellow Labrador. FBI Special Agent Alex LeBlanc and his partner must investigate Stacy in this case of suspected terrorism, but the clues don't match up, especially when Stacy is at the centre of further suspicious events.
Stacy and Alex instantly dislike each other, not least because of the stressful situation and Alex's endless questions. As they work through the investigation they can't help but be drawn to each other. It's interesting watching them develop a friendship, while also watching Stacy cope with everything else that is going on in her life, most notably the attempt to adopt her neighbour, twelve-year-old Whit. The whole situations makes for an intriguing set of family dynamics, and of of course with that special element of romance. And Whit is absolutely charming; my favourite character. Alex calls him the little professor and it is very fitting. Whit has an extremely high IQ but low emotional coping due to his rough upbringing and abusive and neglectful parents. You can understand why Stacy wants to adopt and rescue this charming boy.
This was a fun book to read and I had no idea where the crime was leading, nor how the events would unfold. I enjoyed the elements of family, faith and romance, which contrasted nicely with this twisting and intriguing story of terrorism and the people that help prevent such serious crimes from occurring.
The publishers provided a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Find more reviews on my blog Madison's Library.
I enjoyed Deadly Encounter, more than I have Mills' previous few books. There is a lot more detail provided to readers while also keeping a steady pace of action and developments in the case. There is also a greater amount of family and personal details in this story to balance the crime focus. That said, the middle section of this book dragged on a little and the resolution of the crime sometimes seemed so far away, something I'm sure law professionals struggle with everyday of their lives. I love how DiAnn Mills' books are far more reflective of realistic crime fighting rather than the showy but unlikely big reveals of the crimes you see on TV shows or in other books.
Stacy Broussard is a vet who also volunteers as an airport ranger. On one of her morning patrol rides around the airport's perimeter, Stacy discovers a body, a drone and a yellow Labrador. FBI Special Agent Alex LeBlanc and his partner must investigate Stacy in this case of suspected terrorism, but the clues don't match up, especially when Stacy is at the centre of further suspicious events.
Stacy and Alex instantly dislike each other, not least because of the stressful situation and Alex's endless questions. As they work through the investigation they can't help but be drawn to each other. It's interesting watching them develop a friendship, while also watching Stacy cope with everything else that is going on in her life, most notably the attempt to adopt her neighbour, twelve-year-old Whit. The whole situations makes for an intriguing set of family dynamics, and of of course with that special element of romance. And Whit is absolutely charming; my favourite character. Alex calls him the little professor and it is very fitting. Whit has an extremely high IQ but low emotional coping due to his rough upbringing and abusive and neglectful parents. You can understand why Stacy wants to adopt and rescue this charming boy.
This was a fun book to read and I had no idea where the crime was leading, nor how the events would unfold. I enjoyed the elements of family, faith and romance, which contrasted nicely with this twisting and intriguing story of terrorism and the people that help prevent such serious crimes from occurring.
The publishers provided a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Find more reviews on my blog Madison's Library.
July 30, 2016
This is the second of Ms. Mills' books that I've read and I really enjoyed it!
This book first appeared on my radar screen a few months ago and the description sounded very intriguing to me. As a lifelong horse owner and rider I was absolutely fascinated by the volunteer airport Rangers, what they did was so interesting and finding out that they really exist, that are real men and women who give their time to serve their communities was absolutely amazing to learn!
I liked the two main characters Stacy and Alex, but I think my favorite character was twelve year old genius Whitt. I absolutely adored him and I hope I get the chance to read more about him, maybe his love story as an adult! I liked that Stacy was a veterinarian and I admired how giving she was, even to the point of putting herself in jeopardy to help others!
This book was totally unique, I've never read anything like it before and I love that! I will admit that I was a bit surprised and disappointed by the pace of this book (it seemed to me to have a pretty slow pace) which in my experience is very unusual for romantic suspense novels, so because of the pacing it didn't read quite the way I was expecting but I still really enjoyed it.
My brother and I have had a lot of fun lately watching old detective shows like Starsky and Hutch, Charlie's Angels, etc! And in many ways this book kind of reminded me of those old shows, and the plot certainly played out like one in my imagination!
For most of the book I had no clue what the motive was behind all the evil things that were happening and for the longest time I had no idea who the guilty party was, but I decided on the villain's identity the first time that person was introduced in the story and I was really surprised and impressed with myself that my guess turned out to be correct! The villain was very well hidden!
I own a yellow lab and so of course I adored Xena!
Overall, I really enjoyed Deadly Encounter and highly recommend it!
I look forward to the next book in the series!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Tyndale House in exchange for my honest review, which I have done!
All thoughts and opinions are one hundred percent my own
This book first appeared on my radar screen a few months ago and the description sounded very intriguing to me. As a lifelong horse owner and rider I was absolutely fascinated by the volunteer airport Rangers, what they did was so interesting and finding out that they really exist, that are real men and women who give their time to serve their communities was absolutely amazing to learn!
I liked the two main characters Stacy and Alex, but I think my favorite character was twelve year old genius Whitt. I absolutely adored him and I hope I get the chance to read more about him, maybe his love story as an adult! I liked that Stacy was a veterinarian and I admired how giving she was, even to the point of putting herself in jeopardy to help others!
This book was totally unique, I've never read anything like it before and I love that! I will admit that I was a bit surprised and disappointed by the pace of this book (it seemed to me to have a pretty slow pace) which in my experience is very unusual for romantic suspense novels, so because of the pacing it didn't read quite the way I was expecting but I still really enjoyed it.
My brother and I have had a lot of fun lately watching old detective shows like Starsky and Hutch, Charlie's Angels, etc! And in many ways this book kind of reminded me of those old shows, and the plot certainly played out like one in my imagination!
For most of the book I had no clue what the motive was behind all the evil things that were happening and for the longest time I had no idea who the guilty party was, but I decided on the villain's identity the first time that person was introduced in the story and I was really surprised and impressed with myself that my guess turned out to be correct! The villain was very well hidden!
I own a yellow lab and so of course I adored Xena!
Overall, I really enjoyed Deadly Encounter and highly recommend it!
I look forward to the next book in the series!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Tyndale House in exchange for my honest review, which I have done!
All thoughts and opinions are one hundred percent my own
November 26, 2018
I seem to have a small obsession with crime novels and tv shows. They are so appealing to me for some reason. I've had this book for 2? Maybe just 1 year and I finally decided to read it. Let me just say wow! The book is definitely not the best crime novel I've read but I sped through it for sure. Diann Mills definitely balanced conflict and emotions fantastically. I was so invested in not only solving the crime but the characters as well. I felt the same emotions as they did like it was me. My only complaint is slight repetitiveness. Otherwise and excellent book that keeps you on your toes craving more.
October 25, 2024
I kind of lost interest in the book here and there for the first part (probably me more than the author) but overall it was a great read. For me, the first part was okay, but it REALLY picked up momentum in the midportion when the medical issue arose and become the main focus. The book would've been outstanding if that had been the entire book's focus. It was my first time to read the author, and I will read more in the future.
September 26, 2016
To be honest, it felt like I trudged my way through this book. The plot took a long time to get going, despite the homicide encountered in the first pages, and although things picked up in the second half of the book, it was still weighed down by writing that felt flat and characters who often seemed wooden.
Stacy Broussard’s home and vet clinic are located in a run-down and fairly undesirable neighbourhood in Houston, and there’s not much to say about her except that she’s Cajun, and she’s applying for custody of Whitt McMann – a twelve-year-old genius who ostensibly lives across the road with his abusive parents, but who actually spends more time with Stacy at the clinic and her home, often spending the night on her couch.
Whitt is a point-of-view character in his own right, and his story not only tugs at the heartstrings, but becomes closely entwined with the investigation. But I had trouble remembering that he was only twelve. Most of the time, he spoke and behaved like a well-brought up late-teen – just with some weighty emotional baggage and a few big words thrown in (and not always convincingly). I never really got a sense of the child-like aspects of his character – emotional or otherwise.
Alex LeBlanc is also Cajun, and from the beginning he alludes to a case where he let his emotions get involved only to have it come back to bite him; hence his caution when he finds himself attracted to Stacy. I expected that working through this would be part of his personal journey, but apart from being mentioned in passing several times, it gets relegated to a couple of sentences in the wrap-up epilogue.
He and his partner Ric have a good working relationship, but much of their supposed banter came across as wooden - something I could say about a lot of the dialogue in the book. The pacing and rhythm just felt off; sometimes abrupt or moving too quickly, as though the characters were just reading through their lines deadpan; sometimes suffering for lack of action beats – particularly ones that conveyed some kind of emotional response to the conversation. When we did get the characters’ actions or reactions we were often told rather than shown and sometimes it was just plain 'on the nose'. It was a combination of things, really, but the end result was it rarely seemed to read smoothly.
The romance wasn’t terribly inspiring either. If I was going to pick a word to describe it, it would be ‘pragmatic’. I’m not one for cheesy romance clichés like tingles and heart flutterings, but Stacy and Alex's interactions felt devoid of any chemistry at all – emotional or physical. I can appreciate that Alex was restrained in his interactions by his past experience, but I would have liked to feel the tension in that restraint.
One thing this novel did have going for it was an original plot. The homicide investigation morphed into a case of bioterrorism that threatened the lives of some of the characters, and the investigation took something of a convoluted path to get to the bottom of it all. But there wasn’t a lot of excitement along that path; at least, not until much later in the novel. I didn’t get that ‘what’s going to happen next?’ anticipation until more than halfway through the novel.
I guess you could say this one just didn't work for me, and in view of that fact, I don't think I'll be reading the rest of the series.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
Stacy Broussard’s home and vet clinic are located in a run-down and fairly undesirable neighbourhood in Houston, and there’s not much to say about her except that she’s Cajun, and she’s applying for custody of Whitt McMann – a twelve-year-old genius who ostensibly lives across the road with his abusive parents, but who actually spends more time with Stacy at the clinic and her home, often spending the night on her couch.
Whitt is a point-of-view character in his own right, and his story not only tugs at the heartstrings, but becomes closely entwined with the investigation. But I had trouble remembering that he was only twelve. Most of the time, he spoke and behaved like a well-brought up late-teen – just with some weighty emotional baggage and a few big words thrown in (and not always convincingly). I never really got a sense of the child-like aspects of his character – emotional or otherwise.
Alex LeBlanc is also Cajun, and from the beginning he alludes to a case where he let his emotions get involved only to have it come back to bite him; hence his caution when he finds himself attracted to Stacy. I expected that working through this would be part of his personal journey, but apart from being mentioned in passing several times, it gets relegated to a couple of sentences in the wrap-up epilogue.
He and his partner Ric have a good working relationship, but much of their supposed banter came across as wooden - something I could say about a lot of the dialogue in the book. The pacing and rhythm just felt off; sometimes abrupt or moving too quickly, as though the characters were just reading through their lines deadpan; sometimes suffering for lack of action beats – particularly ones that conveyed some kind of emotional response to the conversation. When we did get the characters’ actions or reactions we were often told rather than shown and sometimes it was just plain 'on the nose'. It was a combination of things, really, but the end result was it rarely seemed to read smoothly.
The romance wasn’t terribly inspiring either. If I was going to pick a word to describe it, it would be ‘pragmatic’. I’m not one for cheesy romance clichés like tingles and heart flutterings, but Stacy and Alex's interactions felt devoid of any chemistry at all – emotional or physical. I can appreciate that Alex was restrained in his interactions by his past experience, but I would have liked to feel the tension in that restraint.
One thing this novel did have going for it was an original plot. The homicide investigation morphed into a case of bioterrorism that threatened the lives of some of the characters, and the investigation took something of a convoluted path to get to the bottom of it all. But there wasn’t a lot of excitement along that path; at least, not until much later in the novel. I didn’t get that ‘what’s going to happen next?’ anticipation until more than halfway through the novel.
I guess you could say this one just didn't work for me, and in view of that fact, I don't think I'll be reading the rest of the series.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
July 26, 2016
I enjoy DiAnn Mills' previous books. She is a writer who I keep returning to over and over again, and she doesn't disappoint. In Deadly Encounters, Mills keeps the story moving with a realistic look at a secondary character that I really enjoyed getting to know. As for being a suspense novel, Mills keeps the story moving with throwing different obstacles into Stacy's path. Deadly Encounters has everything I expect from a romantic suspense. A character that made me want to watch him more, a unique storyline, and a setting that is different than previous romantic suspense novels.
First, the characters. As for Stacy and Alex, they were both determined to solve the mystery and see what had wrapped them into this mystery. Coming across a dead body would affect anyone. The underlying tension in the story is Stacy trying to earn custody of Witt, a son of an alcoholic and a lady of the night. Stacy is drawn to this kid and really wants to protect him. I could totally relate to that. I would love to learn more about this story between Stacy and Witt. The one downside to this side story is that Mills doesn't tell you what happens to their relationship. It is left in the air. As for Alex, he was an officer who had run for God and wanted to find his way back. There really wasn't much else to him. Alex was pretty much a bland character. I had a hard time seeing why Stacy should seek a deeper relationship with him. The secondary character of Witt was my favorite character in the novel. He was smart and just wanted to be loved while making a difference in the world. I would love to see a story that featured him more.
The writing was concise and strong. There was no point of view shifts, and Mills does a great job at allowing me into the mindset of Stacy and Witt. The writing makes the tension shine from the first chapter. With the discovery of a dead body with a dog next to it, the story peaks my interest. While the story starts out strong, it weakens as the story drags along. I really couldn't wait to find out who planted the disease and murdered the person in the opening chapter, but it took a long time to get there. Likewise, the romantic element wasn't that strong, but it was hinted at. I think Deadly Encounters could be just labeled a suspense novel.
Mills created a memorable setting outside of downtown Houston. She shows the underside of the poor part of town. By weaving doubt from property value, Mills preys on the fears of what people could assume if a tiny threat is received by the less fortunate. I really enjoyed how the setting takes place in the shady part of town and focuses on a veterinary clinic. She dives into the practical aspect of how Whitt's parents choices affects their son and shows how the love of a parent doesn't have to be just by blood.
DiAnn Mills latest novel is appropriate for all audiences with no violence. The story was original, but Mills' allowed the ending to be conceived before she revealed it, so it was completely predictable.
Deadly Encounters began with a bang but the action became repeatable and slow down-not what I'm used to in a romantic suspense novel. While I enjoyed watching Witt, Stacy and Alex weren't that developed, in my opinion. I want a novel that features Stacy and Witt.
I received a complimentary copy of Deadly Encounters from Tyndale Publishing and the opinions stated are all my own.
First, the characters. As for Stacy and Alex, they were both determined to solve the mystery and see what had wrapped them into this mystery. Coming across a dead body would affect anyone. The underlying tension in the story is Stacy trying to earn custody of Witt, a son of an alcoholic and a lady of the night. Stacy is drawn to this kid and really wants to protect him. I could totally relate to that. I would love to learn more about this story between Stacy and Witt. The one downside to this side story is that Mills doesn't tell you what happens to their relationship. It is left in the air. As for Alex, he was an officer who had run for God and wanted to find his way back. There really wasn't much else to him. Alex was pretty much a bland character. I had a hard time seeing why Stacy should seek a deeper relationship with him. The secondary character of Witt was my favorite character in the novel. He was smart and just wanted to be loved while making a difference in the world. I would love to see a story that featured him more.
The writing was concise and strong. There was no point of view shifts, and Mills does a great job at allowing me into the mindset of Stacy and Witt. The writing makes the tension shine from the first chapter. With the discovery of a dead body with a dog next to it, the story peaks my interest. While the story starts out strong, it weakens as the story drags along. I really couldn't wait to find out who planted the disease and murdered the person in the opening chapter, but it took a long time to get there. Likewise, the romantic element wasn't that strong, but it was hinted at. I think Deadly Encounters could be just labeled a suspense novel.
Mills created a memorable setting outside of downtown Houston. She shows the underside of the poor part of town. By weaving doubt from property value, Mills preys on the fears of what people could assume if a tiny threat is received by the less fortunate. I really enjoyed how the setting takes place in the shady part of town and focuses on a veterinary clinic. She dives into the practical aspect of how Whitt's parents choices affects their son and shows how the love of a parent doesn't have to be just by blood.
DiAnn Mills latest novel is appropriate for all audiences with no violence. The story was original, but Mills' allowed the ending to be conceived before she revealed it, so it was completely predictable.
Deadly Encounters began with a bang but the action became repeatable and slow down-not what I'm used to in a romantic suspense novel. While I enjoyed watching Witt, Stacy and Alex weren't that developed, in my opinion. I want a novel that features Stacy and Witt.
I received a complimentary copy of Deadly Encounters from Tyndale Publishing and the opinions stated are all my own.
July 24, 2016
Deb’s Dozen: A peaceful ride; a deadly discovery—unleashed terrorists or just plain murder?
DiAnn Mills has yet again written a lollapalooza of a suspense thriller. From the first victim to the last, we are kept guessing as to motive and perpetrators. Deadly Encounter is just that—and could be deadly for the person discovering the body!
Veterinarian Stacy Broussard volunteers as an airport ranger volunteer. She and her compadres ride the border of Houston’s airport to ensure no one has breached the fences and endangered flight operations. On a Saturday morning, she starts her usual rounds albeit absent her usual partner and discovers a dead body, an injured dog, the dead man’s motorcycle, and a drone armed with a laser that could easily take down a 747.
Stacy immediately calls in the discovery; the FBI involves itself in the case. Special Agent Alex LeBlanc sees a clear-cut case of terrorism, but he’s leery of everyone—including witnesses. Burned badly by a former female witness, he’s extra-suspicious of Stacy.
Strange incidents begin occurring around Stacy and her serene life becomes chaotic. People in her community become ill; a seedy salesman tries to buy up properties in the area; her clinic is broken into. Alex begins to think she may have been targeted for some reason.
In addition to her vet and ranger duties, Stacy cares for a young boy ill-treated by his parents. Whitt is brilliant and old beyond his years. His intelligence and charm keep Stacy both on her toes and amused. By far the most developed of the characters in Deadly Encounter, I wanted to bring Whitt home with me. Stacy and Alex are also believable, although they are predictable. Whitt is the keeper.
Just when you think you’ve figured out the plot, DiAnn throws in another twist. I couldn’t put Deadly Encounter down once I started reading the story. Five stars—well-done, DiAnn!
DiAnn Mills has many bestselling novels—she’s won two Christy Awards and has finaled for the RITA, Daphne du Maurier, and Carol Award contests. She’s a frequent teacher at writers’ conferences and teaches/researches at the FBI Citizens Academy. She and her husband live in Houston, Texas. Find out more about DiAnn at DiAnn Mills.
Tyndale House Publishers gave me a copy of Deadly Encounter in exchange for my unbiased review.
DiAnn Mills has yet again written a lollapalooza of a suspense thriller. From the first victim to the last, we are kept guessing as to motive and perpetrators. Deadly Encounter is just that—and could be deadly for the person discovering the body!
Veterinarian Stacy Broussard volunteers as an airport ranger volunteer. She and her compadres ride the border of Houston’s airport to ensure no one has breached the fences and endangered flight operations. On a Saturday morning, she starts her usual rounds albeit absent her usual partner and discovers a dead body, an injured dog, the dead man’s motorcycle, and a drone armed with a laser that could easily take down a 747.
Stacy immediately calls in the discovery; the FBI involves itself in the case. Special Agent Alex LeBlanc sees a clear-cut case of terrorism, but he’s leery of everyone—including witnesses. Burned badly by a former female witness, he’s extra-suspicious of Stacy.
Strange incidents begin occurring around Stacy and her serene life becomes chaotic. People in her community become ill; a seedy salesman tries to buy up properties in the area; her clinic is broken into. Alex begins to think she may have been targeted for some reason.
In addition to her vet and ranger duties, Stacy cares for a young boy ill-treated by his parents. Whitt is brilliant and old beyond his years. His intelligence and charm keep Stacy both on her toes and amused. By far the most developed of the characters in Deadly Encounter, I wanted to bring Whitt home with me. Stacy and Alex are also believable, although they are predictable. Whitt is the keeper.
Just when you think you’ve figured out the plot, DiAnn throws in another twist. I couldn’t put Deadly Encounter down once I started reading the story. Five stars—well-done, DiAnn!
DiAnn Mills has many bestselling novels—she’s won two Christy Awards and has finaled for the RITA, Daphne du Maurier, and Carol Award contests. She’s a frequent teacher at writers’ conferences and teaches/researches at the FBI Citizens Academy. She and her husband live in Houston, Texas. Find out more about DiAnn at DiAnn Mills.
Tyndale House Publishers gave me a copy of Deadly Encounter in exchange for my unbiased review.
August 21, 2016
Deadly Encounter takes the reader on an emotional ride filled with murder, deadly contagion, and close calls.
This story is a good mix of thriller and Christian romance, but it’s also about family and what makes a family. Because of a past tragedy, Stacy is estranged from her parents, and the boy (Whitt) she wants to adopt is struggling against his own deadbeat parents. It takes more than biology to be a parent, and sometimes it takes forgiveness and swallowed pride to become a family again. This book presents the theme of family in a believable and sensitive way. For Whitt, his parents make it really hard for him to honor them, when all he wants is a normal home life with a parent who loves him. This part of the story will tug at your heart.
The overall crime itself ends up being somewhat complex and far reaching. People and animals are hurt because of greed and a bit of insanity. With each turn of the page, clues to the murder and the strange events following that murder are parceled out, and the crime’s ripple effect propels the story toward a nail-biting climax.
The romance aspect between Stacy and Alex is just enough without being too sickly sweet. They skirt around each other, both reluctant to become too close because of the baggage they would bring to a possible relationship. The thriller aspect starts on page one and carries the reader to the very end, escalating at a breakneck speed.
Deadly Encounter is a fast read, and the characters are enjoyable and developed. The plot has enough twists and turns to keep the reader guessing and engaged.
***
Thank you to Lone Star Book Blog Tours and Tyndale House for providing me with an advanced reader copy (ARC) in exchange for my honest review.
Find other bloggers’ reviews as well as promotional goodies for Deadly Encounter on my blog, Reading by Moonlight: https://ruthiejones.com/2016/08/21/lo...
This story is a good mix of thriller and Christian romance, but it’s also about family and what makes a family. Because of a past tragedy, Stacy is estranged from her parents, and the boy (Whitt) she wants to adopt is struggling against his own deadbeat parents. It takes more than biology to be a parent, and sometimes it takes forgiveness and swallowed pride to become a family again. This book presents the theme of family in a believable and sensitive way. For Whitt, his parents make it really hard for him to honor them, when all he wants is a normal home life with a parent who loves him. This part of the story will tug at your heart.
The overall crime itself ends up being somewhat complex and far reaching. People and animals are hurt because of greed and a bit of insanity. With each turn of the page, clues to the murder and the strange events following that murder are parceled out, and the crime’s ripple effect propels the story toward a nail-biting climax.
The romance aspect between Stacy and Alex is just enough without being too sickly sweet. They skirt around each other, both reluctant to become too close because of the baggage they would bring to a possible relationship. The thriller aspect starts on page one and carries the reader to the very end, escalating at a breakneck speed.
Deadly Encounter is a fast read, and the characters are enjoyable and developed. The plot has enough twists and turns to keep the reader guessing and engaged.
***
Thank you to Lone Star Book Blog Tours and Tyndale House for providing me with an advanced reader copy (ARC) in exchange for my honest review.
Find other bloggers’ reviews as well as promotional goodies for Deadly Encounter on my blog, Reading by Moonlight: https://ruthiejones.com/2016/08/21/lo...
August 22, 2016
Stacey Broussard volunteers as an airport ranger, riding the perimeter of the airfield, but one Saturday she comes upon a brutal crime scene and next to the body is an injured dog, and a laser capable of taking down a 747.
FBI Special Agent Alex LeBlanc sees a clear cut case of terrorism when he sees the case, but his training has taught him not to always assume the obvious, but as the incidents increase he and Stacey must work together to prevent any future casualties.
A fast paced, suspenseful adventure, with great interactions between the characters. I really liked the friendship between Alex and Ric, and how thee encourage each other to do the right thing, and also know how to have plenty of fun. Alex is a smart, man of action type guy, and sometimes his pride can get him in trouble, but he is devoted to his job. He has a good friend and mentor in Dextor Rayken who always points Alex back to his Heavenly Father.
I loved Whitt, the 12 year old boy who lives across the street from Stacey, he has a high IQ, and spends most his time at Stacey's because of his difficult home life.
Stacey is a strong woman, with a soft spot for people and animals that need loving. She brings home the dog that she found on the crime scene and she and Whitt work together to care for her. I like how she shares her faith with Whitt, and is respectful and understanding of his need for time to research and think about it all.
There is great interaction, as sparks fly between Stacey and Alex who are both stubborn Cajuns.
Overall, this is a fantastic story, that dove right into the action and I was engaged instantly by the plot. This was a well wound read, with great dimension throughout with amazing characters, though Stacey was my favorite because of her tenacity, and commitment to helping Whitt. A well done, multi-faceted mystery, where things are not as they seem, fraught with tension that only built as the story progressed! You won't want to miss it!
FBI Special Agent Alex LeBlanc sees a clear cut case of terrorism when he sees the case, but his training has taught him not to always assume the obvious, but as the incidents increase he and Stacey must work together to prevent any future casualties.
A fast paced, suspenseful adventure, with great interactions between the characters. I really liked the friendship between Alex and Ric, and how thee encourage each other to do the right thing, and also know how to have plenty of fun. Alex is a smart, man of action type guy, and sometimes his pride can get him in trouble, but he is devoted to his job. He has a good friend and mentor in Dextor Rayken who always points Alex back to his Heavenly Father.
I loved Whitt, the 12 year old boy who lives across the street from Stacey, he has a high IQ, and spends most his time at Stacey's because of his difficult home life.
Stacey is a strong woman, with a soft spot for people and animals that need loving. She brings home the dog that she found on the crime scene and she and Whitt work together to care for her. I like how she shares her faith with Whitt, and is respectful and understanding of his need for time to research and think about it all.
There is great interaction, as sparks fly between Stacey and Alex who are both stubborn Cajuns.
Overall, this is a fantastic story, that dove right into the action and I was engaged instantly by the plot. This was a well wound read, with great dimension throughout with amazing characters, though Stacey was my favorite because of her tenacity, and commitment to helping Whitt. A well done, multi-faceted mystery, where things are not as they seem, fraught with tension that only built as the story progressed! You won't want to miss it!
September 2, 2016
Suspenseful and downright witty! If you want a simple, quiet night so you can get some shut-eye, don't pick up Deadly Encounter by DiAnn Mills! It will keep you reading through the pages until the very end, even if it's past your bedtime. That's what happened to me. My first encounter with DiAnn's suspense thrillers, and boy, was I in for a surprise! I was going through the pages so fast, while contemplating what is happening in the story, the hours just flew by.
O, such wit in every character. I love Whitt's highly intelligent responses, Stacy's snarky remarks, Alex' counters and Ric's rationale. I heard myself chuckle and felt myself rolling my eyes at some of the dialogues between these characters. Then the plot itself had me traveling in circles and completely lost as to how and what?! I mean, I knew cute Xena had to have something significant to do with it, but what? And then...is Stacy really who she says she is or is she involved somehow?
Faith messages, along with social issues that are still prevalent in many parts of our country, or rather in every major city were definite present. What makes this a great one is how it connects throughout and what reality is, Christians are humans too and does encounter things they struggle with also. With lots of twists and turns, great personalities and fun dialogue, this is one entertaining read.
This review first appeared on Just Commonly blog.
NOTE: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own. For my review policy, please see my Disclosure page.
O, such wit in every character. I love Whitt's highly intelligent responses, Stacy's snarky remarks, Alex' counters and Ric's rationale. I heard myself chuckle and felt myself rolling my eyes at some of the dialogues between these characters. Then the plot itself had me traveling in circles and completely lost as to how and what?! I mean, I knew cute Xena had to have something significant to do with it, but what? And then...is Stacy really who she says she is or is she involved somehow?
Faith messages, along with social issues that are still prevalent in many parts of our country, or rather in every major city were definite present. What makes this a great one is how it connects throughout and what reality is, Christians are humans too and does encounter things they struggle with also. With lots of twists and turns, great personalities and fun dialogue, this is one entertaining read.
This review first appeared on Just Commonly blog.
NOTE: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own. For my review policy, please see my Disclosure page.
December 27, 2016
3.5 Stars
Sexual Content: Subtle
Language (Profanity/Slang) Content: None
Violent Content: Very Minimal
Finding a dead body on her usually peaceful ride around the perimeter of Houston’s airport wasn’t on the ‘to do’ list for Airport Ranger Volunteer Stacy Broussard. Getting thrown into the midst of a crime scene with an injured dog, and a drone with a laser that could bring down a plane was nowhere in her thought process. Too bad it’s only the beginning of a lot of bad events that start putting her world into a downward spiral.
FBI Special Agent Alex LeBlanc is suspicious of everyone…especially good looking veterinarians who happen upon homicide scenes. While it looks clearly like terrorism, his gut tells him to keep on digging. As he looks into her past as well as the victim’s past, things keep happening that make it look more and more as if she was the specific target in the crime and the attacks.
They must learn to get past their reservations and break down the walls of their pasts if they will ever be able to stop the criminals. If they can’t put the past aside and trust each other, they both know it could be deadly for even more people.
A well written suspense, it keeps you guessing and seeking out clues until the very end. The romance that built between Stacy and Alex was lovely, but quiet. It was never really front and center as the main attraction of the book. The book is focused on the mystery and finding out who the murderer is. While their faith plays an important role in each of their lives, it doesn’t overshadow the story and the reader won’t feel as though they are being preached to. It is a story that will keep you guessing until the last pages.
-- ROBYN
September 25, 2024
I have yet to be disappointed in a DiAnn Mills book. I only started reading her books in the last few years, and have enjoyed everything I have read by her. So I should have known better than to start reading this one at a time when I would have to put it down....... I read til bed time, then got ready for bed and read some more. I took it to work and read in my car up to the time I needed to in and actually finished it........ and wow. This has got to be her best one yet.
Deadly Encounter is book one in a new series by DiAnn, FBI Task Force, and it will be a tough act to follow. The book had an excellent plot that was intricate and complicated enough that I couldn't figure out what was going on, but not so much that I got lost.
I loved the main characters, especially "Whitt" the twelve year old boy growing up in the worst of circumstances. Throw a kid into a story, and this softy gets very emotionally involved in the story.
Romance takes a back seat in this novel, which was kind of cool.. not that I have a problem with some romance as long as someone is trying to kill someone. (Just kidding.... kind of) In this book, there are hints of romance throughout the book, but the mystery/suspense is the main focus of the story, and it is done very well. I was seriously reading as fast as I could to finish the book and find out how it ended...... it is that good.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys good suspense and mystery. And now is the time to start this series with only one book out so far.
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Deadly Encounter is book one in a new series by DiAnn, FBI Task Force, and it will be a tough act to follow. The book had an excellent plot that was intricate and complicated enough that I couldn't figure out what was going on, but not so much that I got lost.
I loved the main characters, especially "Whitt" the twelve year old boy growing up in the worst of circumstances. Throw a kid into a story, and this softy gets very emotionally involved in the story.
Romance takes a back seat in this novel, which was kind of cool.. not that I have a problem with some romance as long as someone is trying to kill someone. (Just kidding.... kind of) In this book, there are hints of romance throughout the book, but the mystery/suspense is the main focus of the story, and it is done very well. I was seriously reading as fast as I could to finish the book and find out how it ended...... it is that good.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys good suspense and mystery. And now is the time to start this series with only one book out so far.
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
October 16, 2016
Author DiANN Mills is a uniquely skilled storyteller, specializing in tales of inspirational contemporary romantic suspense. Her meticulously researched works offer compelling characterizations, involving storylines, and always the underlying element of abiding faith. “Deadly Encounter” is the first book in her “FBI Task Force” series, and it does not disappoint readers who are expecting an engaging romantic suspense read. Veterinarian Stacy Broussard volunteers as a security ranger, patrolling the perimeter of Houston’s airport by horseback. On one Saturday morning, what begins as a quiet ride on a well-known trail soon turns into a nightmare when Stacy discovers a dead body. Close to the body is a bloodied motorcycle—even closer is a yellow Lab, tucked against the man’s body, her leash held by the grip of the dead man’s hand. Not far from the body, Stacy finds a downed drone, and it’s the type used by psychotic individuals to blind pilots and cause air disasters. To FBI Special Agent LeBlanc, the incident screams terrorism, but he also knows to look deeper than evidence first suggests. As further unsettling events occur, Stacy and Alex are drawn together to solve the mystery and prevent another deadly encounter. With the discovery of much in common from their pasts, an awareness and attraction begins to grow. They are each at a different stage in their journey of faith, but will their hearts find the right road to follow together to reach the ultimate destination of a life filled with love and happiness? A highly-recommended read from the wonderful DiANN Mills.
Review Copy Gratis Tyndale House Publishers via Tyndale Blog Network
Review Copy Gratis Tyndale House Publishers via Tyndale Blog Network
April 27, 2020
I really enjoyed this story, and it was the first book by DiAnn Mills that I have read. I can't wait to read more of this series. I loved the way there were many different stories within the story. You have a Cajun woman who rides horses around the airport as an airport ranger volunteer. Then you have the sweet, high IQ foster boy Whitt. I also liked Alex and his trepidation to not fall for Stacy right off the bat, so there wasn't any instant love or instant lust. Alex's partner Ric was also a loyal and intelligent friend and co-worker.
I also learned a lot, I did not know we had airport rangers. I also learned more about Jewish traditions and how when someone dies they protect the family of that person. I liked that although the main religion discussed was Christian, another religion was included.
I liked how this story was fast paced, and I was flying through the pages wanting to know what happened. There were a few things that totally blindsided me, and it really made me enjoy the story. I did not feel like it was predictable at all. I also loved the Cajun references and of course the main dog in the story, Xena. There is also a strong family theme, which is always a plus for any book.
I rate Deadly Encounter 5 out of 5 stars and I am patiently awaiting the next book in the series, Deep Extraction (FBI Task Force #2).
Thank you to Lone Star Book Blog Tours, DiAnn Mills, and Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. for providing me with a book copy in exchange for my honest review!
I also learned a lot, I did not know we had airport rangers. I also learned more about Jewish traditions and how when someone dies they protect the family of that person. I liked that although the main religion discussed was Christian, another religion was included.
I liked how this story was fast paced, and I was flying through the pages wanting to know what happened. There were a few things that totally blindsided me, and it really made me enjoy the story. I did not feel like it was predictable at all. I also loved the Cajun references and of course the main dog in the story, Xena. There is also a strong family theme, which is always a plus for any book.
I rate Deadly Encounter 5 out of 5 stars and I am patiently awaiting the next book in the series, Deep Extraction (FBI Task Force #2).
Thank you to Lone Star Book Blog Tours, DiAnn Mills, and Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. for providing me with a book copy in exchange for my honest review!
August 7, 2017
Every plot twist in DiAnn Mills' newest book, Deadly Encounter, was unexpected. That made this first book in her new FBI Task Force series especially fun to read.
In this book, Stacy Broussard, a veterinarian, hopeful foster mom, and airport ranger volunteer, heads out on a simple horseback ride around the perimeter of Houston's airport only to find a dead body, an injured dog, and a military drone. Simple becomes complicated, then escalates throughout the book.
Helping Stacy navigate through danger are FBI Special Agent Alex LeBlanc, who is called in the investigate Stacy's find as evidence of possible terrorist activity, and her genius foster-son-to-be, 12-year-old Whitt McMann. All three of these characters have heartbreaking histories to overcome as they move forward, solving the case together, hanging on to hope for a much better future.
I was especially fascinated by Mills' observations about a variety of psychological and emotional issues that can result from trauma and the hope she wove into her story that such deep hurts can heal with God's help, patience, forgiveness, right choices, good communication, and love. Deadly Encounter is intense and insightful; I recommend this book, a gift from Tyndale House for my review.
In this book, Stacy Broussard, a veterinarian, hopeful foster mom, and airport ranger volunteer, heads out on a simple horseback ride around the perimeter of Houston's airport only to find a dead body, an injured dog, and a military drone. Simple becomes complicated, then escalates throughout the book.
Helping Stacy navigate through danger are FBI Special Agent Alex LeBlanc, who is called in the investigate Stacy's find as evidence of possible terrorist activity, and her genius foster-son-to-be, 12-year-old Whitt McMann. All three of these characters have heartbreaking histories to overcome as they move forward, solving the case together, hanging on to hope for a much better future.
I was especially fascinated by Mills' observations about a variety of psychological and emotional issues that can result from trauma and the hope she wove into her story that such deep hurts can heal with God's help, patience, forgiveness, right choices, good communication, and love. Deadly Encounter is intense and insightful; I recommend this book, a gift from Tyndale House for my review.
August 2, 2016
A web of criminal masterminds have devised an elaborate scheme involving a myriad of innocent bystanders, but who . . . . . . . and why?
When veterinarian Stacy Broussard finds a dead body, an abandoned dog and a blood spattered motorcycle on her routine ride around a Houston airport, as a member of the airport volunteer rangers, she is devastated. FBI Special Agent Alex LeBlanc and his partner arrive when a downed military grade drone is also found near the immediate crime scene. Stacy and Alex politely tolerate each other as his initial questioning implies suspicion, but as the case becomes more complex and increasingly violent, the two form decide to form a friendly alliance.
When a few suspects gradually surface, they appear to be disconnected. Stacy's first priority is to protect Whitt, a boy for whom she is seeking parental custody, but when her own life is threatened it seems that she, Alex and Whitt have encountered a deadly enemy who will stop at nothing to accomplish his purposes. Can Alex protect the two people for whom his affections have grown?
Lovers of detailed suspense, will be immediate fans of "Deadly Encounter".
When veterinarian Stacy Broussard finds a dead body, an abandoned dog and a blood spattered motorcycle on her routine ride around a Houston airport, as a member of the airport volunteer rangers, she is devastated. FBI Special Agent Alex LeBlanc and his partner arrive when a downed military grade drone is also found near the immediate crime scene. Stacy and Alex politely tolerate each other as his initial questioning implies suspicion, but as the case becomes more complex and increasingly violent, the two form decide to form a friendly alliance.
When a few suspects gradually surface, they appear to be disconnected. Stacy's first priority is to protect Whitt, a boy for whom she is seeking parental custody, but when her own life is threatened it seems that she, Alex and Whitt have encountered a deadly enemy who will stop at nothing to accomplish his purposes. Can Alex protect the two people for whom his affections have grown?
Lovers of detailed suspense, will be immediate fans of "Deadly Encounter".
July 22, 2016
"Deadly Encounter" is a Christian romantic suspense novel. The main characters were well-developed, and the 12-year-old Whitt was a great character. Stacy, Alex, and Whitt all have issues in their past that affected how they dealt with the current string of events. I liked how these three characters slowly built trust and caring for each other.
The suspense came from the series of baffling, potentially dangerous events that don't seem connected yet must be. It was quite a puzzle as the evidence didn't seem to fit together. For example, the dead man came on a motorcycle yet had a dog on a leash. A dog that wasn't his dog. The end explanation did make sense of it.
Stacy and Alex were Christians, though not very strong ones until their faith was tested. Whitt came from an abusive home, so he had trouble with the idea of God as a loving Father. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this interesting suspense novel.
I received this book as a review copy from the publisher.
The suspense came from the series of baffling, potentially dangerous events that don't seem connected yet must be. It was quite a puzzle as the evidence didn't seem to fit together. For example, the dead man came on a motorcycle yet had a dog on a leash. A dog that wasn't his dog. The end explanation did make sense of it.
Stacy and Alex were Christians, though not very strong ones until their faith was tested. Whitt came from an abusive home, so he had trouble with the idea of God as a loving Father. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this interesting suspense novel.
I received this book as a review copy from the publisher.
February 18, 2024
Deadly Encounter by DiAnn Mills is a fast-paced, action-packed thriller. This first in the FBI Task Force series has a good, solid plot and strong likable characters. Stacey is a veternarian who volunteers as an airport ranger. On one of her horse rides around the airport perimeter, she comes upon a body. and the suspenseful tale begins. More dead people and suspects galore...who is behind all the mayhem? Is Stacey just a pawn or is she involved too? Alex from the FBI is called in on the case as it is suspected to be domestic terrorism. Nothing in this case makes sense and life just gets more tangled as more information is revealed. The twists and turns to the plot will keep the pages turning. The author adds a little romance to spice the story up a bit and weaves the subjects of child abuse and foster care into the intrigue. Faith and family ties are strong themes as well. A captivating thriller that leads to a satisfactory ending.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Book Club network. A favorable review was not required and opinions are my own.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Book Club network. A favorable review was not required and opinions are my own.
August 20, 2016
Are you looking for a suspenseful page turner that will keep you up late into the night? Deadly Encounters is that book. DiAnn Mills once again had me holding my breath and had my heart racing.
July 10, 2017
I recently read Deep Extraction, book 2 in DiAnn Mills FBI Task Force series and really liked it. So when I was looking for an audiobook to accompany me on my morning walks, I was glad to choose book 1 in the series, Deadly Encounter. While I liked book 2 much more, Deadly Encounter was a good choice for the daily workout — easy to listen to, quick-paced with plenty of action, and endearing characters. I did find it stretched the limits of credibility, but I chose to suspense my disbelief and join in on the rollercoaster ride.
Stacy Broussard, a Houston veterinarian, is swept into a conspiracy of deceit, danger and murder when she discovers a body on her morning ride around Houston’s airport. Due to past betrayals, FBI agent Alex LeBlanc is suspicious of her involvement, but soon learns to trust her. Their chemistry is unmistakable, but will they live long enough to explore a future together?
Characterization is the strongest element of Deadly Encounter. I found Stacy, Alex, and 12 year old prodigy, Whit engaging and and endearing. Whit especially stole this reader’s heart. The three all struggle with relationship issues which impact how they view themselves, others, and most importantly God. The plot is full of twists and turns and slightly over-the-top threats from unknown bad guys. As I said, some of the plot threads didn’t seem plausible, but I found them interesting anyway. One thing I did have a problem with — Stacy’s veterinary practice. She had no employees (tech/receptionist/kennel worker) and relied solely on Whit’s help in the day-to-day operations. My husband is a vet, and even when he was starting out he had several employees. With the type of business she had, it seems almost impossible for Stacy to do everything in the practice — answer the phone, run lab work, treat patients, take X-rays, perform surgery , etc. — with only a 12 year old’s after school and weekend help. But again, I enjoyed the book so I chose to overlook it.
DiAnn Mills is a great storyteller, and Deadly Encounter kept me listening. I have to confess to some marathon time with this audiobook.
Recommended.
Audience: adults.
Stacy Broussard, a Houston veterinarian, is swept into a conspiracy of deceit, danger and murder when she discovers a body on her morning ride around Houston’s airport. Due to past betrayals, FBI agent Alex LeBlanc is suspicious of her involvement, but soon learns to trust her. Their chemistry is unmistakable, but will they live long enough to explore a future together?
Characterization is the strongest element of Deadly Encounter. I found Stacy, Alex, and 12 year old prodigy, Whit engaging and and endearing. Whit especially stole this reader’s heart. The three all struggle with relationship issues which impact how they view themselves, others, and most importantly God. The plot is full of twists and turns and slightly over-the-top threats from unknown bad guys. As I said, some of the plot threads didn’t seem plausible, but I found them interesting anyway. One thing I did have a problem with — Stacy’s veterinary practice. She had no employees (tech/receptionist/kennel worker) and relied solely on Whit’s help in the day-to-day operations. My husband is a vet, and even when he was starting out he had several employees. With the type of business she had, it seems almost impossible for Stacy to do everything in the practice — answer the phone, run lab work, treat patients, take X-rays, perform surgery , etc. — with only a 12 year old’s after school and weekend help. But again, I enjoyed the book so I chose to overlook it.
DiAnn Mills is a great storyteller, and Deadly Encounter kept me listening. I have to confess to some marathon time with this audiobook.
Recommended.
Audience: adults.
July 26, 2020
Deadly Encounter is the third book by DiAnn Mills that I have read, and thus far, it was my least favorite. The first book of Mills’s “FBI Task Force” series was well written, and I could tell it was well researched. That being said, however, I struggled with this one. Stacy Broussard is a caring veterinarian who volunteers as an airport ranger on Saturday mornings. When she stumbles across a body, an injured dog, and a military-grade drone, her life turns upside down. FBI Special Agent Alex LeBlanc and his partner are on the case.
But the tale does not end there. In a maze of questions, the characters keep running into dead ends. When they think they have stumbled across a clue, it only leads them into another, more convoluted level of the maze. There are so many facets to Deadly Encounter by DiAnn Mills. There’s the murder. Stacy’s custody battle for a 12-year-old genius of a boy with a wretched family life. A crime-infested, low-income neighborhood. Dead relatives. Broken relationships. A polluted water scam. Then, finally, a sudden but deadly illness with no obvious cause. Could it be a virulent case of the flu...or worse? Terrorism? Biological warfare? I normally enjoy a book with many tiny subplots that lead to a conclusion, but Deadly Encounter was hard for me.
The plot was very elaborate, but that both worked for and against it. Sometimes it was as if Mills was too caught up in the scheme that she lost track of the overall story and further expanding upon the relationships between the characters. To be frank, I found parts of the novel to be bland. The interactions between Stacy and Alex seemed forced. I wanted to see more of them together, rather than sending quick text messages to each other. I didn’t come into this book expecting a whirlwind romance, but I would’ve appreciated seeing this aspect developed a little more.
The tension in the novel crept upward as it continued. The “big moment,” however…I found it to be a little anticlimactic. I wanted something a little bigger than what actually occurred. Although I will say this—bravo to DiAnn Mills for the super subtle hints dropped throughout the novel. I didn’t identify the “bad guy” till close to the very end of the novel although I tried to figure that portion out the entire time. The “when” and the “what" seemed straightforward, but then Mills kept adding to them until the final pages. That’s when she finally gave her readers the “who,” the “how,” and the “why.”
Deadly Encounter by DiAnn Mills was good, but it wasn’t great. For me, the novel was a slow burn that probably could’ve moved faster and have kept my attention a little better. I did enjoy it. It was suspenseful. Life-threatening in a way, yes, but for me, that didn’t add any real excitement to the story. The characters had depth, but the relationships between them often seemed a little too surface-level. Deadly Encounter was a slow progression from one turn in the maze till the next until it eventually reached its end.
*Note: I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
But the tale does not end there. In a maze of questions, the characters keep running into dead ends. When they think they have stumbled across a clue, it only leads them into another, more convoluted level of the maze. There are so many facets to Deadly Encounter by DiAnn Mills. There’s the murder. Stacy’s custody battle for a 12-year-old genius of a boy with a wretched family life. A crime-infested, low-income neighborhood. Dead relatives. Broken relationships. A polluted water scam. Then, finally, a sudden but deadly illness with no obvious cause. Could it be a virulent case of the flu...or worse? Terrorism? Biological warfare? I normally enjoy a book with many tiny subplots that lead to a conclusion, but Deadly Encounter was hard for me.
The plot was very elaborate, but that both worked for and against it. Sometimes it was as if Mills was too caught up in the scheme that she lost track of the overall story and further expanding upon the relationships between the characters. To be frank, I found parts of the novel to be bland. The interactions between Stacy and Alex seemed forced. I wanted to see more of them together, rather than sending quick text messages to each other. I didn’t come into this book expecting a whirlwind romance, but I would’ve appreciated seeing this aspect developed a little more.
The tension in the novel crept upward as it continued. The “big moment,” however…I found it to be a little anticlimactic. I wanted something a little bigger than what actually occurred. Although I will say this—bravo to DiAnn Mills for the super subtle hints dropped throughout the novel. I didn’t identify the “bad guy” till close to the very end of the novel although I tried to figure that portion out the entire time. The “when” and the “what" seemed straightforward, but then Mills kept adding to them until the final pages. That’s when she finally gave her readers the “who,” the “how,” and the “why.”
Deadly Encounter by DiAnn Mills was good, but it wasn’t great. For me, the novel was a slow burn that probably could’ve moved faster and have kept my attention a little better. I did enjoy it. It was suspenseful. Life-threatening in a way, yes, but for me, that didn’t add any real excitement to the story. The characters had depth, but the relationships between them often seemed a little too surface-level. Deadly Encounter was a slow progression from one turn in the maze till the next until it eventually reached its end.
*Note: I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
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