Saving Grace

What Doesn't Kill You #1

by Pamela Fagan Hutchins

Romance, suspense, and a little voodoo.

Sloppy drinking habits. Stunted love life. Professional humiliation in a doomed celebrity trial. It’s no wonder high-strung Texas attorney Katie flees for the serenity of a tropical island, even if it’s the one where her parents died in a tragic accident. But when she gets there, the accident looks a lot like murder, the island seems more sinister than serene, and there’s no one to save Katie from the bad guys, except for herself.

Genres: Mystery, Romance, Fiction, Chick Lit, Ebooks, Cozy Mystery, Contemporary

444 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2012

About the author

I'm a USA Today bestselling mystery/suspense/thriller author and a big horse and sled dog enthusiast.

My hunky husband and I ride our beloved draft cross horses way up in the frozen north of Snowheresville, WY, where we run a rustic, off-the-grid lodge on the face of the Bighorn Mountains. When I'm not writing or riding, I'm passionate about wilderness sports, always with a couple of rescue dogs, bear spray, a mountain lion knife, and my Judge. NO ANIMALS HAVE BEEN HARMED IN THE MAKING OF THIS LIFE ADVENTURE (but don't sneak up on me).

I've made some lists and won some awards, yada yada. Amazon Charts Top 25 bestseller. USA Today Bestseller. The Silver Falchion for Best Adult Mystery WINNER (Fighting for Anna), the WINNERS for USA Best Books Fiction: Cross Genre (Hell to Pay, Heaven to Betsy), and others. With books "in print" of over 3,000,000, readers seem to enjoy the books—I think they have exceptionally good taste. {insert goofy grin here} Lots of them follow my show Wine Women & Writing, too, where I fangirl my favorite authors and interview them for your listening and viewing pleasure. Subscribe free at http://bit.ly/PamelaWWWR <--case sensitive.

You can read my series in any order or as standalones, but they're a lot of fun if you do them like this:

* Detective Delaney Pace (coming soon!): Her Silent Bones, Her HIdden Grave, Her Last Cry, Her Forgotten Shadow, Her Burning Lies, and Her Cold Heart.

* Patrick Flint Wyoming-based series (PG):
Switchback, Snake Oil, Sawbones, Scapegoat, Snaggle Tooth, Stag Party, Sitting Duck, and Skin & Bones. #9 coming in 2026.

* The Jenn Herrington Wyoming Mysteries (PG-13):
BIG HORN, WALKER PRAIRIE, and RED GRADE coming in 2026.

* What Doesn't Kill You Super Series:
1.Caribben-based Katie Connell (PG-13): Saving Grace, Leaving Annalise, Finding Harmony, and Seeking Felicity
2. Texas-based Emily Bernal (PG-13): Heaven to Betsy Earth to Emily, Hell to Pay
3. Texas-based Michele Lopez Hanson (PG-13): Going for Kona, Fighting for Anna, Searching for Dime Box
4. Wyoming-based Maggie Killian (R, language): Live Wire, Sick Puppy, Dead Pile (plus shorts Buckle Bunny and Shock Jock)
5. Caribbean-based Ava Butler (R, sexual situations): Bombshell, Stunner, Knockout

I also have a children's book series featuring Poppy, the world's best grandfather, and Petey, his blind Boston terrier.
Free starter library https://pamelafaganhutchins.com/maili...

If after all that you still want to learn more about my books, my podcast, or me, then God Bless Ya.

There are many ways: My website and its blog. The aforementioned newsletter. Email me: Pamela at PamelaFaganHutchins dot come. And you can follow me around the web:

Website: https://pamelafaganhutchins.com
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/pamel...
Pamela's Posse for Readers: https://www.facebook.com/groups/pamel...
Facebook http://facebook.com/pamela.fagan.hutc...
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/author/pamelafa...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pamela_faga...
Twitter http://twitter.com/PamelotH
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/pamelafaganh...
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/pamelafaganhu...
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@pamela_fagan...
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pamelafaganhu...

And, finally, to learn more about my fellow SkipJack Publishing authors, visit: http://skipjackpublishing.com/.

Reviews

[Eric · Rating 5 out of 5]

OK YES I am the authors husband, no tricks here, AND, this really is a great book. I have read a ton of books in my lifetime, owned a bookstore before Pamela and I even met. When I first read some of her writing I was immediately hooked by her VOICE, yes, she has an amazing unique wonderful, funny, smart, voice.
She has had the good fortune of hooking up with an excellent editor who has helped her create some really GREAT stuff while keeping that Voice.
Saving Grace is the first of 3 in the series. It zips along full of life, laughs, color and mystery. The Characters are not cardboard cutouts, the scenes are NOT black and white.
If you give Katie (the main character)a chapter, she will have you hooked for the series.
And guys, this is NOT a girls-only book. If you want a great story with characters you can attach to, a murder mystery with a fast pace, and some great laughs while you are at it, this is it.

[Sami · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love when a free kindle turns out to be better than expected. Absolutley loved this. The author has a witty voice yet the human struggles in this book had depth too. A pinch of romance, some good suspense and a lot of interesting detail about life in the Virgin Islands. This book has a bit of everything and was well worth the read. Will be looking for the sequel in 2013.

[Leslie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm giving this book three stars for the writing alone. The rest of the story, well, let's just say, didn't quite hit the mark for me. I had a difficult time getting through the first few chapters but when Nick entered the picture, along with Katie's desire for him, I perked right up and the story finally captured me.

The main story takes place in Dallas, (where I'm from) and I was seriously enjoying all the references of places I've been. The mystery surrounding Katie's parents' death, however, simply bored me. I wanted more romance. I wanted to see Nick as not a total jerk, but a gentlemen, even if he wasn't interested in Katie. Their story in particular could have been so much more although, there were so many sub-plots intertwining the main ones, it was challenging to make a strong connection to most of the characters.

Let me tell you what did work for me. The writing. Hutchins is clearly a seasoned story teller and even though hers didn't quite work for me personally, her clever sarcasm, including showing Katie's self deprecation is why I kept going after I realized this story was nothing like I expected.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh I liked this book. It had all the feels. Screwing up, loss, embarrassment, resolve, moving on, taking chances, etc.
And an island and a jumbie!! This was entertaining, funny,sad, and breathless. Thoroughly enjoyed and will definitely read more by this author. ❤️❤️

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Saving Grace by Pamela Fagan Hutchins is 2012 publication. I was provided a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Katie is going through a bad patch. She lost her parents in a tragic accident and then the man she is in love with makes in crystal clear he is not interested in a relationship with her- period with about ten exclamation marks. As a result, Katie has been killing the pain with a few too many bloody Mary's. Her job as an attorney also suffers.
Katie's friends and family urge her to take some time off and get her act together. She agrees and heads off on vacation. The tropical island where her parents died in an accident to be precise. Once there, Katie meets Ava and the two forge a friendship. Ava helps Katie try to find out what really happened to her parents. But, before Katie can make any progress she must return home to Dallas. Back at work, she is given her first ever criminal case, which she promptly botches. When she gets a call from the island explaining that Ava's lover has died and the house Katie had been interested in is back on the market, she returns to decide where her future is headed. But things go from bad to worse with Ava is accused of murder.

This is the first book in this series and I can tell you I am hooked. I can't wait to read the next one. Katie is a flawed character, surrounded by even more flawed characters, but is supported by some really great friends.
I loved Katie's conversations with herself. She referred to herself as "Katie". Knowing deep down she is in serious trouble with her drinking, she just can't seem to stop. Her heart is broken by the death of her parents and the rejection from the man she just can not stop loving. A career nose dive puts the cherry on the cake. But, the island is beckoning as well a house that is haunted.
Not only that, there is a nice man that has taken an interest in Katie. Will Katie have the strength to put Dallas behind her for good or will the past come calling?

There are some really funny moments and some really sad moments in this book. There is a mystery to solve, there is a ghost, there is heartbreak, there is romance. It was hard to place this one just one genre. So, if you like contemporary romance, paranormal romance, chick lit, women's fiction and mystery, then you will probably like this book. Katie will have more adventures in the next book which if you read the preview will have you quite impatient to start on the second book. Over all this one gets an A.

[Gloria · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author graciously gave me a digital copy of this book when I didn't win the book she was giving away in a contest.

Katie Connell is a Dallas attorney who is having a bad time dealing with life after losing her parents on the US Virgin Island, St. Marcos to an auto accident. Katie is a successful attorney but she has an interest in her married investigator but he isn't returning her interest. Katie is using alcohol to numb her pain and frustration. Her brother and her assistant try to help get her to rehab but Katie decides to travel to St. Marcos to see if she can find out what really happened to her parents. The police report from the accident doesn't sound like the kind of situation that her parents would get themselves into while celebrating their anniversary and Katie tries to get to the bottom of it all. Katie loves the island, makes friends and finds a house on the island that she decides to buy. The deal fell through and she has to return to Dallas. She has to take a criminal case on once back and is thrown into the case immediately upon her return. She has never been a criminal attorney and is sorely unprepared and on top of that the celebrity defendant tried to pay a witness off. An embarrassing situation. In a turn of events, her house on the island worked out so she is off to St. Marcos.

At first I was frustrated that Katie kept putting herself in embarrassing and self destructive situations. She is too smart and has too much going for that but she gets her act together and things begin to turn around for her once she moves to St. Marcos. The book was a fun read and I could see the island through the author's storytelling. This book has suspense, local island culture and politics, and will keep you reading to find happens to Katie and an answer for her parents' deaths. I'm not sure what will happen in the next two books. Hope to read soon and find out.

[Elizabeta · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF at 60%. The more I read it, the more I lost interest.

[Joana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Saving Grace was a breath of fresh air. The book is ripe with mystery and suspense with just the right amount of romance in the air for flavouring. I was drawn into the book from the very beginning. The biggest thing for me was the excellent description of Caribbean life. As a Caribbean woman, I can say this author got it spot on. Even though I'm not from the Virgin Islands, we island people are very similar in mannerisms and I found myself easily immersed into a culture that is much like my very own.

Our heroine Katie left her home in Dallas, Texas trying to escape from the demons of her life but the drama follows her to the Caribbean where she realizes she wasn't running from anything but her own self. The search for answers in the death of her parents is answered indirectly in a beautifully woven ending. The characters in this book are easy to love and very relate-able and realistic. It was an excellent reading experience, overflowing with descriptions of the island that transport you directly into the tranquil scene.

This book was worth every moment I spent savouring it and I can't wait to read the next one Leaving Analise. I'm also hoping and praying that its name does not imply that my beloved Katie will be leaving the enchanting house that "called" to her, but a girl can only hope.

[Barbara Hausman · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a free offering on BookBub. I only choose freebies that have a high readership rating and this one did. I'm not sure what keeps Hutchins' readers coming back. Perhaps she appeals to teenage girls? In any case, I would give it 2.5 stars because I did finish reading it.

[David Baird · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great fun adventure read. See the island through the eyes of those in the know. Thoroughly descriptive of exotic places and things you have to have experienced to know they are true. A work of fiction that is steeped in fact. Tantalizing enough to draw one to visit some of the actual spots, if you know where to look... says I who lives on St Marcos... I think... A picture well painted...

Great to follow the rise of this author and her development of this story. It is been a treat and pleasure to see the characters come to life ... Ava is a charmer... Highly recommended.

[Paul Fagan]

Saving Grace is a spell-binding, fast paced mystery that will make you consider your life and the choices you live with. It is a well crafted, entertaining and lovely story that reads itself and will scarcely leave your hand once you start reading it. If courage can come from inspiration, this book will help you be brave enough to finally be yourself.

[Noni Barker · Rating 2 out of 5]

Light weight, quick read. What I was looking for today. I did not get very attached to the protagonist.

[Tina · Rating 2 out of 5]

No, this was not for me. It was uninteresting and I didn't care for any of the character. If I hadn't needed it for a challenge, I would have chosen another book!

[Coco.V]

💝 FREE on Amazon today (1/5/2018)!💝

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

To put it plain and simple I LOVED this book, which is kind of surprising because this is not my normal type of book that I read. I loved everything about it, the characters, the location. I loved how Katie is so down to earth and real, she could be your best friend or your neighbor. I REALLY hope the wait will not be too long before book two is out (hint hint) and hope to follow Katie and her friends through many more books (again hint hint) ;) Highly recommended. Funny, light, and suspenseful.

[Kjersti · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the main character, Katie, a super sassy red-head with a passion for investigating. I also love that it is a thrilling mystery that doesn't resort to gory violence that is unnecessary and sometimes offensive. The drama comes from real human emotions. But, don't worry, the drama isn't too heavy. It is really well balanced with Kate's witty sense of humor. Excellent read! Super fun page turner!

[Achour · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this book.
Despite a slow beginning, it became quickly faster to such an extent that I never wanted to put it down. The book is really well written.
When I started reading it, I thought it was a romance but the story took a different direction.
Characters are well designed and I personally liked Katie, Ava and Emily.
I rate the book five stars and I recommend it👌.

Read: September 2017
Format: Kindle
Source: My own copy

[Margaret · Rating 3 out of 5]

this book was a fun read. I was irritated with Katie throughout parts of it, namely her unreturned infatuation with a married man, but the story didn't dwell on that. excitement and mystery and a little romance. And lots of doggos!
Ava is a great character, I'd like to see more of both her and Emily in future stories.

[InD'tale Magazine · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/5.0

The author depicts the setting beautifully and the characters are colorful and lovable.

Full review in March 2013 issue of InD'tale Magazine.

[Teri · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wonderful book and I can't wait to read the next book in the series!

[Nicholas Alfonso Diaz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pleasantly surprised! Loved this! A very nice read!

[Dorene Eoff · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really good book!

Lots of twists and turns that come together in the end with refreshingly human characters. Did not want the book to end so on to the next in the series.

[Andi · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a light and easy read, but I'm not sure it was good enough to make me want to continue with the series.

[Helaine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Too much romance, not enough mystery for me.

[Rosemary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Saving Grace - a review by Rosemary Kenny

Lawyer Katie has a stellar career as a partner in the law firm she works in, but her emotional life is in freefall following the deaths of both her parents, (on a holiday to a Caribbean island) a year earlier leaving her vulnerable to wanting to have an affair with Nick, a new work colleague who's not yet divorced and to frequently 'self-medicate' with alcohol. When she decides to see where her parents died and have a break from work stresses - and Nick, her life changes forever.

Who is Walker and why is Katie advised to hire him? What is strange about a house on the island?
Who befriends Katie and encourages her to take up an old hobby again?
What is this person later accused of and why does Katie represent her?
When does Katie find her mother's missing ring and what does she do with it?

R A McGee tells an very entertaining story that could easily be from an episode of Murder In Paradise, with its idyllic setting hiding a brutal killer among the palm trees. Her main character Katie is sure to be a firm favorite with readers who appreciate a financially independent yet emotionally vulnerable heroine with grit and determination to protect her remaining family and flush out the truth however well hidden. I loved it and I'm sure you will too!

[Mel Raschke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 1 of a series of 17 books. Great descriptions by this author.

[Robert Berry · Rating 5 out of 5]

a disgraced Dallas attorney goes to Saint Marcos for a vacation and to pay respects to her decreased parents. who she believed was killed. ends up buying a haunted uncompleted house add moves to the island.

[J.B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

The beginning and the middle are so exciting and has a very nice ending.

[Meg · Rating 4 out of 5]

It took me a little while to get into the book but was completely drawn in by the time the MC was on her vacation. Then we had the heart of the story and the memorable characters. Good mystery, light on romance, a light but compelling touch of paranormal. Have the second in the series already downloaded.

[Grace Baby · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the first book I’ve read in longer than I can remember, and it’s the one that made me realize I can enjoy reading. I thoroughly enjoyed the book, the author has a great voice.