One Wonders

Silas McKay #1

by Luana Ehrlich

He’s Silas McKay, head of Discreet Corporate Security Services (DCSS) in Dallas, Texas.
She’s Ashley Davenport, the daughter of DCSS’s highest-paying client.

They each have personal issues . . .
Silas is a grieving widower who has difficulty relating to women and wants to be left alone.
Ashley is an independent woman who just got her PI license and wants Silas to mentor her.

They each have family issues . . .
Silas is trying to be both father and mother to his college-age daughter.
Ashley is trying to prove she no longer needs her father.

They each have spiritual issues . . .
Silas is struggling to maintain his faith in God.
Ashley is struggling to believe there is a God.

Now, they’re working together to solve a corporate espionage case . . .
As they investigate whether a research scientist is selling company secrets to an ex-con with a mysterious past, Silas realizes he is as intrigued by Ashley’s vivacious personality as he is by the case itself. Suddenly, when their complicated investigation takes an unexpected turn, his concern for Ashley’s safety threatens to overcome his good judgment.

One wonders . . .
Can two people of the opposite sex with different personalities be attracted to each other? Will their differences be an obstacle or a blessing?

One wonders . . .
Can a research scientist and an ex-con be engaged in criminal activity together? Will Silas be able to uncover the truth before it’s too late and someone gets hurt?

Discover the answers in this inspiring suspenseful read from USA Today bestselling author, Luana Ehrlich. This novella kicks off her new Silas McKay Suspense Series, a character-driven, emotion-packed series featuring Silas McKay, a corporate security investigator who’s not afraid to take risks, but who’s a little skittish about making changes.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Mystery, Fiction, Contemporary, Novella, Adventure, Mystery Thriller

151 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2022

About the author

Luana Ehrlich is a USA Today bestselling author, known for her award-winning Titus Ray Thrillers, Mylas Grey Mysteries, and Silas McKay Suspense. Her novels are clean reads with intriguing plots, fascinating characters, jaw-dropping twists, and occasional touches of humor and heart-warming romance.

Although she developed her passion for spy thrillers and mystery novels at an early age, she didn’t write her first novel until her husband retired from the ministry. Now, she writes from an undisclosed location, trying to avoid the torture of mundane housework, grocery shopping, and golf stories. However, she occasionally comes out of hiding to visit with her two grandsons or to enjoy a Starbucks caramel macchiato.

Luana and her husband, former missionaries to Costa Rica and Venezuela, are now residents of Norman, Oklahoma. Email her at author@luanaehrlich.com. She loves to hear from her readers!!

Visit Luana on--
Facebook: www.facebook.com/LuanaEhrlichAuthor

Twitter: https://twitter.com/luanasbooks

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorluana...

Devotional Blog: www.hisglorymyjoy.wordpress.com.

Reviews

[Loraine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novella was part of the Winter Deceptions collection. Full of twists, turns and unexpected events, this was a great Christmas suspense read.

[Becky · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Ok for the start of a series; a little slow, and I didn’t get into the characters much.

[Siobhan D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved loved the narration Tom Lennon, who brings out the characters and makes this a wonderful listening experience.

Silas was surprised when Ashley askes to work with him to learn how to be a private investigator before starting her own firm. Their first case together seems to a espionage case, not all is at it seems. This is fast moving mystery and suspense with a Christian based theme.

[Jim Bean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Relaxing read

It's great to enjoy a book with a clean relaxing story. A story with pure entertainment with no sexual overtones, no foul language and no graphic violance. It's gratifying to know that there is still talented writers in the world today. God provides such talent through gifted people like Luana Ehrlich.

Thank you Luana for sharing the gift of writing God has granted you. And, thank you for sharing some of God's hope for us.

[Shilo Goodson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I feel like there was a good beginning of a plot, but it wasn't as well developed as I would like. There was a lot of description of the setting, which may have worked well in a longer text. As it was, this is a a novella length text, so the long descriptions slowed down the plot.

I think this was meant to have some romantic elements to the story. I never really sensed any chemistry between the characters. Since this is part of a series, I think the working relationship between the two main characters could have been developed in this book, and the romantic relationship could have been saved for a little later.

This is a clean novel. There's no swearing, sexual content, or violence. There is some behind the scenes sort of violence talked about.

This book has some Christian elements, including prayer and scripture reading.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won this book through a Goodreads giveaway in exchange for an honest review. Thanks for choosing me.

It's a short read with a nice, clean ending. Although, the story itself was well-written I didn't find myself completely invested in Silas, I found him to be a little dry. But then again, I think that was meant to be that way since he recently became a widow and is dealing with having lost his wife of twenty years. I will say he's a stand-up guy. As for Ashley, I found her character slightly irritating, but she turned out to be a pretty decent woman. I'll say she was good at her job, so she gets points for that.

Might not have been my favorite read, but I'm sure it will find its way to the correct audience.

[Joleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Silas McKay, head of Discreet Corporate Security Services (DCSS) in Dallas, Texas is a widower who loved and misses his wife terribly. Although it’s not his intention to move forward, his new intern, Ashley Davenport intrigues him, and finds her very easy to spend time with.

What a good story. Super clean, a little suspenseful, well done corporate espionage investigation plot that had a twist I didn’t see coming.

What I love about Ms. Ehrlich's writing is she generally adds the gospel somewhere…not overwhelming, just matter of fact, in this case it was an answer to a question about him being "religious ". Well done! Starting number two in this series right now!

[Louise Pledge · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was part of the Winter Deceptions collection. While it is not my favorite of the yummy stories, I did enjoy it five stars worth and was thankful for the clean language, etc. It's nice to be reaffirmed that two people can fall in love (or even like) without having to fall into bed with each other (or fantasize that they are). Speaking of falling in love, Silas McKay is still grieving his wife's death and has absolutely no plans to get involved again. Then Ashley comes along and is assigned to work with him. Bet you can tell where this is going.... :)

[Doug Ward · Rating 4 out of 5]

Silas McKay, head of operations for Discreet Corporate Security Services in Dallas, is asked to serve as a mentor to Ashley Davenport, an aspiring private detective who is also the daughter of a wealthy client. Silas is hesitant about the task, since Ashley is only four years his junior and he is still mourning the recent death of his wife Emma. But a case that promises to be relatively straightforward seems to be a good opportunity to give Ashley some on-the-job training.

This Christian novella is a quick read, fast-moving and fun.

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like this story. I first read it in the Winter Deceptions box set. Silas is surprised when Ashley wants to work with him to learn how to be a private investigator before starting her own firm. Their first case together involves a possible espionage case. Or is something else going on? That's the question. I received a free audible copy of the book. I enjoyed listening to Tom Lennon. His voice is very masculine & perfect for reading books.

[Tamera Westhoff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very Detailed Suspense Series Starter

If you want to know exactly what it is like to work at their office, this is the book for you! There’s also a lot of discussion about Silas being a recent widower. I’m assuming at some point in this series there will be a romance between Silas and the intern he’s mentoring. There isn’t a great ending, so be prepared to read lots of books to get your answers.

[Barry Jenkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good start to a new series

I've read a few of the author's series with the CIA dude but took a break from the series after the third book. The stories seemed to be so long. I'm not a fast reader and it took too long to finish them. But...I really like her writing so chose a different series. These books are about half the length so I can finish one in one day which makes it easier to keep my focus on the story.....so far so good 👍

[Vicki Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Inspirational Suspense Book!

I enjoyed reading this suspense book. The inspirational part is woven throughout the story very well. The chance for romance has also been introduced but not yet explored in depth. The diary-like style of writing is different, but I found I like it here. I don't always enjoy this style. I look forward to reading Book 2 in this series. Come along with me!

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this mystery. It isn’t as simple as it seems. There are plenty of distractions but it was quite a nice outcome.

Silas has recently lost his wife to cancer and is still reeling from her death. He gets an intern to train and a very interesting case to solve.

Tom Lennon did a wonderful job as the narrator. I can’t wait for the next episode.

[Janet Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two people who each have issues have to work together. One is a widower who has trouble relating to women and is trying to be both father and mother to his daughter. The other is a woman who just got her PI license and wants him to be her mentor. This is a well written and quick reading book. Highly recommended.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entertaining suspense

This book is the introduction to Silas McKay and the characters in the private security firm where he works. It has a calm, steady pace with suspense, but this first book is really centered on the characters. I really like the characters and the fact that many of them are Christians. It's an enjoyable book.

[Norma Gorrill · Rating 5 out of 5]

One Wonders

This book is based on a company that looks into people who find themselves needing the help of someone who can discreetly find out what they need to know or the answer they need in order to arrest or get the information that requires them to arrest the criminals involved. This is my review and mine alone. Norma Gorrill

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great start!

I make no excuses....I love Ehrlich's books. All of them. Her characters have depth and personality. The stories can be read as stand-alone or series. I never miss a pre-order opportunity to obtain the newest book. The Silas McKay series is going to be another hit. I can't wait to start the next book and see where Silas goes. Book one wheted my appetite for more.

[A_Friend · Rating 5 out of 5]

One Wonders

A great read, characters and storyline. The DCSS was on a case to find out something about a company’s employee because the boss thought he was selling information of a project. In the meantime Silas was asked to help a woman learn about being a PI. Must read to find out what happens. Definite a must read. A+++

[Cody · Rating 1 out of 5]

Like watching paint dry

I do like Christian based stories. But this was so tedious. I mean, nothing exciting happens until almost the very end. Thankfully, I got through this book in 2 hrs.
And really, it's only been 6 months since his wife died. It's kind of disrespectful to think about dating again so soon afterward.
The first and last book by this author for me.

[Linda Foster · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a clean, suspenseful corporate espionage investigation with a totally different twist to it. Interesting lead characters, with Silas McKay acting as a mentor to Ashley Davenport, an aspiring private investigator. Enjoyable and entertaining story. The audiobook was a good listen with strong narration.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick dip un the pool

This was a short tale that acts as the beginning of a new series for this author. We are introduced to Silas McKay, who works for a security company in upper management. His job is to look at problems and find solutions. Often, he discovers the unexpectr

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was only the second story I've read by Luana Ehrlich and it just reinforces the fact that I need to read her entire backlist. This was fantastic. I loved the characters and the mystery was so good. Looking forward to continuing this series.

[Bonnie Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful read

I always enjoy Luana Ehrlich's books. I love the suspense and the values she incorporates. Although I started late, I plan to read as many of her books as possible!

[Charline Romine · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Intern

Short and sweet, but captivating. Silas McKay and group are hired on a case of industrial espionage. Instead, they find something very, very different. You will get caught up in this story.

[Jennifer Cagle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book

This book is interesting, easy to read, not too long or complicated and hard to put down. I enjoyed the whole book and have enjoyed all the books by this author.

[Barbara Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick Fun Read

I enjoyed this story and the characters were well presented. I look forward to getting to know them better in the next installment, especially “Guy”.

[Wendy Crouch · Rating 2 out of 5]

Character development is weak but wordy. The plot is dry and poorly developed. I was disappointed because I love the Titus Ray Thriller series.

[Deena Peterson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Story was interesting. Characters were good.

[Raymond Reed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful Book

I love reading different books by this author. This is the first one of this series I have read. Looking forward to more of this series.