A GAME OF INTERNATIONAL STAKES PLAYS ON A STAGE WHERE ONE WOMAN CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE. WILL SHE SURVIVE? Working undercover, Seattle private investigator Katie Parson stumbles into the middle of a horrific scene that makes her the next target of an international assassin. A powerful storm of fear shadows Katie as she continues to work her cases. Searching for a missing woman and trying to solve a hundred-year-old mystery puts food on her table. But while she seeks answers, someone stalks her. Her investigative skills keep her one step ahead in a heart-stopping pursuit. She finds unexpected help from a rival PI, Dan Beck, an ex-Army Ranger. Despite Dan’s irritating ways, he is a dangerous man you’d want on your side. Hunted, Katie discovers her old friend, the President of the United States, is also in mortal peril. Can she and Dan beat impossible odds to save those closest to them? On the run for her life, God live-streams His faithfulness into the most desperate terror Katie has ever known.
I was torn between 3 and 4 stars. The book was intriguing. It kept me turning the pages. It genuinely held my interest.
Unfortunately, I had two problems with this book.
There were a number of editing issues (see highlights) and their were egregious research issues/story problems. The book didn't take into consideration everything that happens in the succession to the presidency, most importantly (i.e. when a VP dies the new VP would be named immediately). There wouldn't be a wait of several days or weeks. The same with the rest of the succession. The only way to have someone distant in the line of succession take office would be to have all of those in front of them killed at the exact same time. This issue pulled me out of the story.
As for editing, I marked many of the errors, but I didn't mark the places where the author has a person continue speaking for several paragraphs, but adds close quotes at the end of each paragraph making it appear a new person is speaking. The author doesn't use "he or she said" tags in these sentences either. It causes confusion and forces a lot of going back to attempt to figure out who said what.
Overall, this author has talent and maybe her newer books are better edited, but this book needs work.
The first book in a mystery/suspense series is always hard because it requires you to lay out structure, characters and to still be exciting. I'm happy to say that this book hits all 3 corners of that triangle and does all of them well! The perfect amount of development is given to all the characters and you understand their place in the world quickly. The author shows excellent understanding of what a modern detective novel needs and strings everything in the story right along. It is anchored by a strong, Christian woman and seeing the story primarily through her eyes provides a quiet but powerful backbone to the book itself. Can't wait for the next book!
Fun characters, different plotline, romance that is scarce and thankfully doesn't start with female swooning over guy on first page. No over-the-top descriptions about how beautiful the guy or girl is, decent writing. Thankfully not a rehash of every hunky rescue guy, gorgeous tough girl Christian romantic suspense that's been done over the last ten years. Some of those are/were good. I am just tired of them now. So while this has much of the same window dressing, it is fresh in many ways. And yes definitely Christian. I'm a Christian, I know God is awesome and not absent from our lives, and I want a book that reflects that. Thank you, author Stacy!
It took about a week to read the first half but then I got absorbed into the tension and had to finish it before I could go to bed.
I generally avoid Christian fiction as poor storyline and writing is covered over by churchese and because it was bought at a Christian bookstore everyone raves about it. My Christianity isn't something I wear along with a denim jumper, it is an integral part of who and what I am. Sherry has done a good job portraying that integral part of her characters.
This is the first book I read from this author and let me tell you that I loved it! Such a good book with great characters that keeps you obsessed with every page since the first one. The ending of this book.. come on! I just didn´t expect it! Can´t wait to read other books from this great writer! Amazing job! a must-read! A fantastic book that has it all! I happily endorse this story to any and all who are looking for a Thriller enjoyable read and a completely different experience than anyone could imagine on their own. ¡Great book!
Inexperienced and juvenile writing style. There was plenty of dialogue, but it wasn’t written in a realistic, conversational tone, so the characters sounded like robots. Premise was only okay. All the generic names (Katie, Matt, Dan, Fred) were unoriginal and made it hard to keep track of who’s who, especially since there was little character development. Some of the sub-plots were just pointless, making the book unnecessarily long.
Katie is a believable character as are her mother and aunt. Putting her in places I recognize add to the national ins and outs of her adventure. The combination and abilities of the federal characters remind me of some who could have had a part in the TV series 24. The gold bricks? That result is well threaded into the rest of the story. One might ask, does Katie's being summoned to Alaska for the next story have roots in that thread? I ready to read the next adventure.
Classmate from high school wrote this thriller with inspirational beliefs too. Since it took place in Pacific NW where I live it was easy to get into the story. My only complaint is that Katie must learn to appreciate country music; perhaps Dan will get her to do so in the next book! Congratulations to you Sherry for writing and publishing this book - not my usual genre either!
A refreshing story of intrigue and suspense. It is FULL of PNW details. I look forward to the next book. The book is not preachy but I`m delighted that Sherry included how to be sure where you will spend eternity.
I really enjoyed this book. It was fun to read a book set in areas local to me, but that wasn't the only draw. The plot line kept me hooked, and was well-written. I'm definitely looking forward to the next book!
Wonderful piece .of work I can't wait to read more
I heard about S.A. Stacy from a Christian readers group I am a.part.of online. I wasn't disappointed. Action, suspense, A hint of.romance and great dialogue. A must read if you like a good read and thrills and suspense.
I really wanted to like this book. It is set in my state and the main character is great. But there were errors in the writing and it seemed like it was missing large amounts of information that was pertinent to the story.
Wow! My first time reading this author. An excellently written political thriller. It focuses on a female PI and all the trouble that seems to find her. Her prayers and faith in God sustain her. I highly recommend this book!
Loved this thriller filled with plenty of suspense,twists and turns plus homage to our Lord and Saviour. The storyline and the cast of characters were Intriguing.
I loved this book, the intrigue, the amazing speed of the story yet was readable and thoroughly enjoyed. Cannot wait to start the next book. Highly recommend this amazing book.
Very easy read! Once you start it.....you will want to keep reading! So find a comfy spot and a drink and delve into the Deadly Pursuer! Waiting patiently (NOT) for the next one!
Deadly Pursuer is a very well written edge of your seat suspense. A great plot and a fantastic cast of characters. I look forward to reading book 2 in this series.
The book was an intriguing read. Good storyline and character building. It was a hard one to put down. Looking forward to the second book in this series.