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The Scorpion Team #1
Framed for Murder
FALSELY ACCUSED
Framed for helping her partner smuggle guns—and then murdering him—CIA agent Liz Ramirez must find the evidence that will prove her innocence…before she's caught or killed. So when her squad's leader attempts to bring her in for questioning, she knows her future depends on convincing Aaron Foster to go rogue and help her. On the run from the rest of her team and the gun dealers who are convinced she knows the location of their missing weapons, Liz risks losing the proof that would clear her name. But will eluding her pursuers—and trying not to fall for the handsome commander—prove to be fatal?
Framed for helping her partner smuggle guns—and then murdering him—CIA agent Liz Ramirez must find the evidence that will prove her innocence…before she's caught or killed. So when her squad's leader attempts to bring her in for questioning, she knows her future depends on convincing Aaron Foster to go rogue and help her. On the run from the rest of her team and the gun dealers who are convinced she knows the location of their missing weapons, Liz risks losing the proof that would clear her name. But will eluding her pursuers—and trying not to fall for the handsome commander—prove to be fatal?
288 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published October 1, 2017
48 people are currently reading
537 people want to read
About the author
Mary Alford
190 books1,230 followersMary Alford is a New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author who loves giving her readers the unexpected, combining unforgettable characters with unpredictable plots that result in stories the reader can’t put down. Her books have garnered several awards and nominations. Mary lives deep in the heart of Texas with her husband, two cats, and a dog. Discover more about Mary and her books at www.maryalford.net.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
September 24, 2017
This inspirational suspense title hits the ground running and the action does not let up at all during the entire book! If you enjoy suspense, then this is a book you need to read.
Taking place mostly in the Alaskan winter, Liz Ramirez and her boss Aaron are on the run from terrorists who think that they are in possession of weapons the terrorists need for wreaking havoc on the population. I thoroughly enjoyed this and read it in one day.
*I was given a complimentary copy of this book. My review is my own honest opinion.
Taking place mostly in the Alaskan winter, Liz Ramirez and her boss Aaron are on the run from terrorists who think that they are in possession of weapons the terrorists need for wreaking havoc on the population. I thoroughly enjoyed this and read it in one day.
*I was given a complimentary copy of this book. My review is my own honest opinion.
January 12, 2026
This was for my "Oldest on TBR' challenge-Letter A
There was a time I swore off all "love inspired" books by Harlequin. This book title was at the top of my TBR list. I am reading the oldest title on each letter page, set up by authors last name. I didn't remember that this was one of the Harlequin books.
These books seem to have the same style, over and over, with names being changed, circumstances too, but it is just so repetitive, book after book.
Liz, a CIA agent, must clear her name after being set up by someone. Aaron, her fellow agent, decides to help her. Oh, but wait, they are falling in love during this whole time of avoiding being shot/killed. SPOILER ALERT- they hem, and they haw about declaring their love for one another and pray about it constantly.
Yeah, I guess there was a good reason that this was left unread at the top of my TBR.
There was a time I swore off all "love inspired" books by Harlequin. This book title was at the top of my TBR list. I am reading the oldest title on each letter page, set up by authors last name. I didn't remember that this was one of the Harlequin books.
These books seem to have the same style, over and over, with names being changed, circumstances too, but it is just so repetitive, book after book.
Liz, a CIA agent, must clear her name after being set up by someone. Aaron, her fellow agent, decides to help her. Oh, but wait, they are falling in love during this whole time of avoiding being shot/killed. SPOILER ALERT- they hem, and they haw about declaring their love for one another and pray about it constantly.
Yeah, I guess there was a good reason that this was left unread at the top of my TBR.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 4, 2017
Phew! Intense from the very first page. Liz being framed for murder made the whole suspense thread even edgier. And there isn't just one bad guy after her -- there's a legion of them. And it's a relentless pursuit! Thankfully fellow agent and friend, Aaron Foster is willing to go rogue in order to prove her innocence...if they don't get killed first! There's tons of action scenes interspersed with some tender romantical ones. These two are a bit commitment shy but as the danger amps up Liz and Aaron are forced to get their priorities straight and a happily ever after becomes their end goal.
October 15, 2017
FRAMED FOR MURDER is the first book by Ms. Alford I've read, but I'm sure it won't be the last. Liz has been framed for the murder of her partner, and she knows if she wants to survive she has to run. What she doesn't expect is that her squad's leader would go rogue to help her.
With enemies hot on their tail and knowing that someone on the team is the mole, they try to elude the enemy. But the enemy is always one step ahead of them, anticipating every move. And even those who are sent to help them are suspect. Who is behind the attack? Was Liz's partner the bad guy or was he caught in a bad situation? Who can they trust? And will they find what they need to put this terrorist team behind bars?
I enjoyed reading FRAMED FOR MURDER and read it all in one afternoon. I know I've said this before, regarding Love Inspired Suspense books, and I will say it again, I'm sure (since I have two more to read in my short stack) that I would never survive as heroine in a LIS. I would be among the casualties. Wow. It is simply beyond astounding how the author took the worst case scenario and made it even worse than that.
Don't miss FRAMED FOR MURDER for an edge of the seat suspense you can't put down.
I was given a copy free. All opinions are my own.
With enemies hot on their tail and knowing that someone on the team is the mole, they try to elude the enemy. But the enemy is always one step ahead of them, anticipating every move. And even those who are sent to help them are suspect. Who is behind the attack? Was Liz's partner the bad guy or was he caught in a bad situation? Who can they trust? And will they find what they need to put this terrorist team behind bars?
I enjoyed reading FRAMED FOR MURDER and read it all in one afternoon. I know I've said this before, regarding Love Inspired Suspense books, and I will say it again, I'm sure (since I have two more to read in my short stack) that I would never survive as heroine in a LIS. I would be among the casualties. Wow. It is simply beyond astounding how the author took the worst case scenario and made it even worse than that.
Don't miss FRAMED FOR MURDER for an edge of the seat suspense you can't put down.
I was given a copy free. All opinions are my own.
September 30, 2017
Framed For Murder ( Love Inspired Suspense )
By: Mary Alford
Framed For Murder is a Love Inspired Suspense. This story will capture you at the start and not let go till the end. The story and the characters both are well developed. This is a page turner that will have you on the edge of your seat trying to read faster to see what is going to happen next. Liz is framed for helping her partner and then killing him. What would you do if you was framed for murder? I think I was holding my breath most of the time while reading Framed For Murder. CIA Agent Liz must find evidence to prove her innocence before she is killed. Can Aaron help her or does he believe that she is guilty ?
I was given a complimentary copy of this book , but was not told that I had to give a positive review.
By: Mary Alford
Framed For Murder is a Love Inspired Suspense. This story will capture you at the start and not let go till the end. The story and the characters both are well developed. This is a page turner that will have you on the edge of your seat trying to read faster to see what is going to happen next. Liz is framed for helping her partner and then killing him. What would you do if you was framed for murder? I think I was holding my breath most of the time while reading Framed For Murder. CIA Agent Liz must find evidence to prove her innocence before she is killed. Can Aaron help her or does he believe that she is guilty ?
I was given a complimentary copy of this book , but was not told that I had to give a positive review.
December 5, 2019
This is the 1st book I read by Mary Alford. I enjoyed this book's storyline. I really liked the action in this story. I really liked the suspense in this story. I really liked the Christian theme in this story. I really liked Liz's character. I really liked Aaron's character. I really liked the ending.
October 2, 2017
Hair raising, spine tingling suspense in this latest from Mary Alford. I thoroughly enjoyed it. The characters are wonderful and I enjoyed getting to know them. Run, run, run is what they are doing. Will they make it?? Read for yourself and find out. Highly recommend.
August 31, 2017
What happened to innocent until proven guilty? Even when the evidence points to you? Liz is desperate to prove she didn't kill her partner when she stumbled on the crime scene. Squad leader Aaron is the only one to believe her and will go rouge along with her to find the truth. Will time run out before they both get killed or thrown in prison for treason?
I've always found stories by this author to be action-packed and this is no exception! Running scared and hurt, I wondered how Liz and Aaron would escape with their lives and find the proof she needs for her innocence. Along with killers who will do whatever it takes to find the missing weapons, chasing them as far as Black Bear Alaska. Adrenaline laced scenes had me breathless all while feeling like I'm running alongside these two. They can trust very few people and even that is sketchy at best! I did enjoy the fact that Liz had a strong faith and dependence on God and it never wavered in the midst of chaos. This one had me on my toes guessing the whole time and hoping they could find evidence her late partner left at his cabin before it was too late. Romance played out beautifully in spite of the tension as these two worked together. Suspense at it's best, real faith played out, and two hearts bound together in less-than-ideal circumstances; the perfect storm for any inspirational romantic suspense reader!
* I received a complimentary copy from the author. No favorable review was required and all opinions are my own. *
I've always found stories by this author to be action-packed and this is no exception! Running scared and hurt, I wondered how Liz and Aaron would escape with their lives and find the proof she needs for her innocence. Along with killers who will do whatever it takes to find the missing weapons, chasing them as far as Black Bear Alaska. Adrenaline laced scenes had me breathless all while feeling like I'm running alongside these two. They can trust very few people and even that is sketchy at best! I did enjoy the fact that Liz had a strong faith and dependence on God and it never wavered in the midst of chaos. This one had me on my toes guessing the whole time and hoping they could find evidence her late partner left at his cabin before it was too late. Romance played out beautifully in spite of the tension as these two worked together. Suspense at it's best, real faith played out, and two hearts bound together in less-than-ideal circumstances; the perfect storm for any inspirational romantic suspense reader!
* I received a complimentary copy from the author. No favorable review was required and all opinions are my own. *
August 27, 2017
Reading one of Mary Alford's suspense books is like jumping on a moving roller coaster and hanging on for dear life! Framed for Murder is exactly that - a fast-paced, action-packed suspense book that keeps the reader guessing until the final pages. Until you read the last chapter everyone and I mean EVERYONE the hero and heroine meet is a suspect!!
This book is connected to previous LIS books and is most enjoyable when read after them, but can still be enjoyed alone!
This book is connected to previous LIS books and is most enjoyable when read after them, but can still be enjoyed alone!
September 2, 2017
Mary Alford writes Romantic Suspense at it's best. In Framed for Murder an innocent CIA Agent, Liz Ramirez, is falsely accused of helping her partner smuggle guns and then his murder. She is on the run now and is trying to convince Aaron Foster to go rogue and help her. There are some very scary situations here that she is facing. If you like suspense you will love this book.
This book was given to me by the Author with no requirement for a review. All views stated are my own.
This book was given to me by the Author with no requirement for a review. All views stated are my own.
January 1, 2018
Non-stop action! Being framed for murder, on the run from gun dealers and being framed for murder! To top it off... being in the CIA was not going to help when a note and a text tells you to trust no one. This was one I didn't figure out until the end, so many twists and turns.. all in a raging blizzard! Suspense, dangerous situations, so many secrets and a little romance.. I enjoyed reading this one..
I was gifted a copy and my review is voluntary...
I was gifted a copy and my review is voluntary...
November 15, 2017
This is book 3 of a series but can be read as a stand alone novel. Mary Alford's series about an elite CIA covert operations team is a cut above the typical mass market productions from this genre. I've quite enjoyed that and will now keep an eye out for more books by this author who has just recently made it into my Kindle collection.
November 10, 2017
Some of my friends had read this and I decided to give it a go. At first I thought they were nuts as it just kept dragging on and it was almost a chore to keep turning pages. However then I hit the page that pulled me in and I couldn't put it down until I finished the story.
August 20, 2017
Framed for Murder by Mary Alford is a Love Inspired suspense by harlequin. It does have some fighting in it but the description isn’t graphic and there aren’t many of them. There are no sex scenes. It is definitely a good suspense that keeps you interested until you get to the end.
CIA agent Liz Ramirez had come back to her partner Michael’s house to check on him since he had just gotten out of the hospital. The front door was unlocked which made her immediately suspicious. Her suspicions were well-founded when she discovered Michael’s body in the kitchen. She had gotten a message on her burner phone which said, “You are being set up.” Now she understood why. Picking up an envelope addressed to her, she left. When she got to her apartment, she found it had been searched. She knew she had to get out of town. She called in Michael’s murder to her boss, Aaron and set out to find out what Michael had hidden in Alaska.
Aaron Foster, head of the Scorpion team, saw that the evidence was pointing to Liz. He didn’t believe it; but he had to bring her in. He thought he knew where she was going and when he got there, she had just arrived. She was determined to leave and headed towards Michal’s jeep. Before she could get in, it exploded. She had been lucky; but she and Aaron heard someone approaching. They knew they had to get out of here. They made it to Aaron’s plane and fled to Alaska in hopes of finding out what was going on.
As they hunted for evidence that would prove Liz was innocent, they encountered a host of men intending to kill them if they didn’t tell them where their weapons were hidden. However, since neither Liz nor Aaron knew anything, they were hounded by men everywhere they went. Could they discover the answers they needed before they were killed?
CIA agent Liz Ramirez had come back to her partner Michael’s house to check on him since he had just gotten out of the hospital. The front door was unlocked which made her immediately suspicious. Her suspicions were well-founded when she discovered Michael’s body in the kitchen. She had gotten a message on her burner phone which said, “You are being set up.” Now she understood why. Picking up an envelope addressed to her, she left. When she got to her apartment, she found it had been searched. She knew she had to get out of town. She called in Michael’s murder to her boss, Aaron and set out to find out what Michael had hidden in Alaska.
Aaron Foster, head of the Scorpion team, saw that the evidence was pointing to Liz. He didn’t believe it; but he had to bring her in. He thought he knew where she was going and when he got there, she had just arrived. She was determined to leave and headed towards Michal’s jeep. Before she could get in, it exploded. She had been lucky; but she and Aaron heard someone approaching. They knew they had to get out of here. They made it to Aaron’s plane and fled to Alaska in hopes of finding out what was going on.
As they hunted for evidence that would prove Liz was innocent, they encountered a host of men intending to kill them if they didn’t tell them where their weapons were hidden. However, since neither Liz nor Aaron knew anything, they were hounded by men everywhere they went. Could they discover the answers they needed before they were killed?
December 12, 2017
I really enjoy Mary's writing. This story is well written, action packed and faith filled. I know that you are going to love it.
Widow CIA Agent Liz Ramirez is a member of the elite Scorpion team. They had been tasked to bring down a deadly terrorist operation. As she goes to her partner's home she finds his dead body. She receives a text on a burner phone telling her she has been set up. No one knew the number but her partner. She finds she is framed for killing her partner and for smuggling guns with him. She found an envelope with her name on it. Someone thinks she knows where the guns are hidden and s after her. She needed Aaron, Aaron Foster, her field commander. He could help her.
CIA Agent Aaron Foster comes to her aid but he has found Liz's pass key is the only one used to kill their rouge agent. He is convinced of Liz's innocence although his betrayal by his former girlfriend had left him unable to trust or commit to a relationship. He goes off the grid to protect her and clear her name. Can he help her without getting his heart broken?
A journey of two broken hearts drawn together by deadly circumstances. God has a plan for these two a plan of healing and restoration. God has a plan for you too, give Him your heart and control of your life and watch Him move in your life.
Widow CIA Agent Liz Ramirez is a member of the elite Scorpion team. They had been tasked to bring down a deadly terrorist operation. As she goes to her partner's home she finds his dead body. She receives a text on a burner phone telling her she has been set up. No one knew the number but her partner. She finds she is framed for killing her partner and for smuggling guns with him. She found an envelope with her name on it. Someone thinks she knows where the guns are hidden and s after her. She needed Aaron, Aaron Foster, her field commander. He could help her.
CIA Agent Aaron Foster comes to her aid but he has found Liz's pass key is the only one used to kill their rouge agent. He is convinced of Liz's innocence although his betrayal by his former girlfriend had left him unable to trust or commit to a relationship. He goes off the grid to protect her and clear her name. Can he help her without getting his heart broken?
A journey of two broken hearts drawn together by deadly circumstances. God has a plan for these two a plan of healing and restoration. God has a plan for you too, give Him your heart and control of your life and watch Him move in your life.
October 14, 2019
Framed For Murder is an inspirational suspense novel by author Mary Alford.
Who killed Michael Harris? Where are the weapons the Fox smuggled in from Afghanistan? Are terrorists involved? Has Agent Liz Rameriz been set up? Will Liz’s faith in God get her through this trial?
I wanted to read this novel because the title intrigued me. I could only imagine the story-line. Did the novel meet my expectations? Yes! The novel went beyond what I was expecting and it was clean and wholesome. What I liked about the novel was its hopeful tone.
My lasting impression of the author will be her encouraging tone. I hope to read more books by this author. I think the cover fits well with the story. And, I recommend it to fans of inspirational suspense.
Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
Who killed Michael Harris? Where are the weapons the Fox smuggled in from Afghanistan? Are terrorists involved? Has Agent Liz Rameriz been set up? Will Liz’s faith in God get her through this trial?
I wanted to read this novel because the title intrigued me. I could only imagine the story-line. Did the novel meet my expectations? Yes! The novel went beyond what I was expecting and it was clean and wholesome. What I liked about the novel was its hopeful tone.
My lasting impression of the author will be her encouraging tone. I hope to read more books by this author. I think the cover fits well with the story. And, I recommend it to fans of inspirational suspense.
Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
September 22, 2017
An action packed adrenaline rush suspense novel!
The main characters are incredibly well developed. Both Liz and Aaron have nicely presented pasts that explain their hesitation to launch into a new relationship.
The plot is amazing. From the very beginning I was caught up in the story and needed to see how it progressed. I was captivated by the question of who was behind the murder of Liz’s partner
I received a free copy of this book from the author. I have chosen to write this review to express my personal opinion.
Disclaimer: *Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*
The main characters are incredibly well developed. Both Liz and Aaron have nicely presented pasts that explain their hesitation to launch into a new relationship.
The plot is amazing. From the very beginning I was caught up in the story and needed to see how it progressed. I was captivated by the question of who was behind the murder of Liz’s partner
I received a free copy of this book from the author. I have chosen to write this review to express my personal opinion.
Disclaimer: *Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*
October 1, 2017
Liz Ramirez’s partner, Michael, is murdered and all the evidence points directly at her. Who is going to believe that she is innocent when there are so many facts made to look like she is the murderer? As she is running away, her superior in the CIA, Aaron Foster finds her. Can she convince him to disobey orders to bring her in?
Explosions, gun fights, blizzards and a ruthless team of men searching for her will wear Liz down, but the strength of friendship and faith keep her going. When she gets to the remote Alaskan cabin that Michael told her to get to, will it all be an elaborate trap to kill her or will she survive and find information to clear her name?
If you love Christian suspense, then this book is for you! It has non-stop action from start to finish with a love story woven throughout. I received an advanced copy of this book from the author. All opinions in this review are my own.
Explosions, gun fights, blizzards and a ruthless team of men searching for her will wear Liz down, but the strength of friendship and faith keep her going. When she gets to the remote Alaskan cabin that Michael told her to get to, will it all be an elaborate trap to kill her or will she survive and find information to clear her name?
If you love Christian suspense, then this book is for you! It has non-stop action from start to finish with a love story woven throughout. I received an advanced copy of this book from the author. All opinions in this review are my own.
November 2, 2017
Framed for Murder by Mary Alford was non-stop action with a little romance tucked in. I loved it from the very first sentence. I mean You're being set up...is pretty tense from the get go! I loved how it was about an elite CIA team and how it took us to a small remote town in Alaska. Agent Liz Ramirez and Agent Aaron Foster find themselves running for their lives trying to prove Liz's innocence in connection with the murder of her CIA partner Michael Harris. It was hard to put down. You know you are in for a suspenseful treat when an Agent goes on the run and brings another Agent with her to help prove her innocence when everything logical is telling the other Agent that she is guilty. I loved how we really got to know the characters despite all the action going on around them. I thought they had a sweet love story and I loved how it was tied up in the end. Definitely give this one a try if you like clean sweet suspenseful christian mysteries with a touch a romance!
September 23, 2017
The right side of the law is tested it seems one of their own is dirty. While the finger is point one way are they on a wild goose chase to uncover the truth or is the truth right in front of them? Who can be really trusted? As Liz takes off for answers it seems others might have a different opinion. Can she get through this all or will those close to her be lost?
I loved this book from page one to the very last page the author through twist and turns throughout. Right when you though you had it all figured out the author would take a twist only to make you wonder if you have it all figured at, it truly will keep you guessing to the end. I also loved that this was a good clean read and how the value of friendship and trust was prominent in this book. Seriously you can not go wrong with this book, its a quick read that won't disappoint.
I loved this book from page one to the very last page the author through twist and turns throughout. Right when you though you had it all figured out the author would take a twist only to make you wonder if you have it all figured at, it truly will keep you guessing to the end. I also loved that this was a good clean read and how the value of friendship and trust was prominent in this book. Seriously you can not go wrong with this book, its a quick read that won't disappoint.
September 27, 2017
This is such an exciting story taking place in the Alaskan wilderness during a horrible snow storm. Aaron and Liz are on their own to clear Liz, bring down the bad guys and come to terms about their feelings for each other. It wraps up with an explosive ending. I received a complimentary copy and I am reviewing voluntarily.
September 13, 2017
Awesome Heart Stopping Suspense! I loved the characters in this story. They all seemed so real. I found it very difficult to put the book down. I also enjoyed the inspirational thread, Cant wait to read more from this author.
September 25, 2017
Framed for Murder is a terrific suspense/romance. The plot captured me immediately and I couldn't put the book down. It you enjoy a good edge of your seat read then this book is for you.
I received an ARC from the author. Opinions stated in this review are my own.
I received an ARC from the author. Opinions stated in this review are my own.
November 10, 2017
Mary Alford did a great job with this book! My attention was captured from the beginning and held to the end. I would highly recommend this book, and the suspense was great!
I received a copy from Alford. This is in my honest opinion and own words.
I received a copy from Alford. This is in my honest opinion and own words.
January 13, 2021
I enjoyed the fast-paced engrossing suspense of the storyline, but could have done without the Christian theme and references to the main characters incredibly sappy "longing" for each other multiple times per page, way too much.
January 10, 2018
I've just recently found my way into HQN's Love Inspired Suspense series and I've found that some are better than others. This particular one is okay but not really as great a read as I was hoping.
July 13, 2018
Mary's books are always great!
Framed for Murder is suspenseful and makes you try to figure out the villian.
Framed for Murder is suspenseful and makes you try to figure out the villian.
February 12, 2019
There were too many things that didn't make sense in this book. I can't imagine that a CIA agent, wouldn't shoot to kill. It's a quick read but wouldn't read it again.
March 3, 2020
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and the story line kept me intrigued until the end.
January 29, 2021
Excellent suspense. I couldn't put it down. Loved it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews