Critical Witness

Black Tower Security #3

by Tara Grace Ericson

A presidential assassin is on the loose, and Hannah is the key to unlocking his identity.
But it’s her own identity that is going to blow up the entire operation—and her future with the hero who saved her.

Ex-special forces commando Will Gilbert is leading a black op tasked with bringing down the presidential assassin. When his team rescues a woman who witnessed the fatal shot, protecting her becomes just as important as finding their target and keeping the entire thing under wraps. Behind those scared eyes, this woman has the answers they need to finish the mission.

Struggling journalist Hannah Stone was in the wrong place at the wrong time. Or was it the right time? A Pulitzer is practically guaranteed if she can manage to escape without being killed. All she has to do is help Will and his team capture the shooter—without revealing her own identity as a reporter. Or just why she was at the hotel that day in the first place.

Pursuing the shooter and targeted by a powerful enemy, Will and Hannah face impossible odds. While her heart is quickly becoming tangled with his, Hannah hides her identity from the man trying desperately to save her.

Genres: Christian Romance, Fiction, Christian Fiction, Suspense, Romance, Romantic Suspense, Christian

245 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 10, 2023

About the author

Tara Grace Ericson

faith, hope, and happily ever after

Tara writes small-town, contemporary Christian romance. She loves stories of modern-day characters struggling to obey God, forgive others, and accept themselves - oh, and finding their happily-ever-after along the way.

She lives in Southwest Missouri with her husband and two sons, writing full-time, in between chasing a two toddlers!

Get a free e-book by signing up for Tara's newsletter at her website!

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Reviews

[Stefanie Lozinski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, I thought Hostile Intent was my favourite, but now I'm not so sure. This book was so, so good. The crime that takes place in this book is so well done and had me flipping pages to find out just what would happen next. I loved Will's protectiveness even toward someone he struggled to trust at first, and the Black Tower Security team dynamics were especially excellent in this instalment. I'm a sucker for brotherly camaraderie and Critical Witness definitely delivered. 5 stars!

[Sara Blackard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another intense read

I’m loving Tara Grace Ericson’s Black Tower Security team. Each book draws me deeper into their clutches. I can’t wait for the next book.

[Allyson Anthony · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hannah witnesses and films a presidential assassination. As a reporter, she knows that the video can be her ticket to advance her career. What she doesn't know is that the assassin won't stop until Hannah and the video are eliminated.
Will from Black Tower Security is assigned to not only find the assassin but to also protect Hannah. Both characters have trust issues from their pasts. Hannah has a secret that if revealed may cause tension between Will and her.
Critical Witness has it all, including danger, romance, intrigue, and suspense. I enjoy the camaraderie among the BlackTower Security team and am looking forward to the next installment in this series.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

1. How did you feel about the setting?

I loved it. I grew up in central Florida and went to Orlando often. I was even surprised to see the small town of Lecanto mentioned.

2. What do potential readers need to know most about the main character?

Someone attempted an assassination on the president. Now, Mr. Llyod wants the video proof that our protagonist Hannah Stone has. How had Hannah (aka Melanie Byers) ended up with the video proof of an assassination? Melanie is determined and ambitious and also hurting and vulnerable.

3. Which supporting character caught your interest the most?

My heart went out to Will Gilbert who wanted to have feelings for Melanie Byers, yet questioned his own feelings for her after he found out she lied to him about herself and her career.

4. What journey do(es) the main character(s) take?

Will Gilbert, an ex-military special forces hero, and his team must find out who killed the president before the killer strikes again.

5. How is the writing style or quality of the writing?

The descriptive writing style kept me on my toes. I couldn’t proceed fast enough. Ms. Ericson really knows how to handle a suspense trope.

6. Are there spiritual truths to be gleaned from the story?

“People don’t – or at least, they shouldn’t – love God because he makes their life somehow easier. It’s not a magic cure for the problems of life. I may not have money or a job or a family, but I have God. And I believe that his blessings will come. Maybe on this earth, or maybe in heaven. Either way, I know I’ll be alright.”

7. For whom would you recommend this book?

I recommend Critical Witness to fans of Christian romantic suspense.

8. Why did you give it the star rating you did?

I give Critical Witness 5*/5* because I thought the author did a great job expressing the feelings and actions of Will Gilbert and Hannah Stone (Melanie Byers).

Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, the Libby app, 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

[Rebmay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hannah is an unwitting witness to the assassination of the President. As a reporter, she knows the video of the incident could be her ticket to a better future. Unfortunately, it could also lead to her death. She now has a target on her back as someone, probably the assassin, knows about her and maybe even the the video and wants make both disappear. An elite team has been sent to secure her and the video. Will, ex special forces, leads the team fro Black Tower Security and is keen to keep Hannah safe. He doesn’t know her real name or that she is a reporter. Instead, he believes she is a hotel employee, named Melanie, who saw the assassination and can identify the perpetrator. Both have major trust issues having been burned in the past by someone close to them. But they are going to need to trust each other in order to find the assassin, determine who ordered the hit and bring them to justice without getting hurt or killed first. When Will makes his dislike of reporters known, Hannah decides to keep her real identity to herself. Trying to hide from whomever killed the President while still continuing the investigation proves to difficult and dangerous. The mutual attraction between Will and Hannah is unexpected and complicates their situation, especially when her secret is revealed. Will they survive the investigation? Could they possibly have a future together?

This book is intense, fast-paced and suspenseful with very intriguing characters and a riveting storyline. I received an ARC of this book and I am voluntarily leaving this honest review.

[Priscila · Rating 5 out of 5]

Critical Witness was so good!! I can't believe I waited this long to read it, but it was the perfect time considering we're close to the release of the next one (squeal!) Anyway, I was completely hooked on Will and Hannah's story, and I loved so many things about it (which is rare for me considering this is a mistaken identity trope.) But I think it was especially so thanks to the pace/timing of things in the story. There's so much going on in the first chapters that it's kinda "natural" how the mistaken part happens. Yes, things keep popping up, but eventually, the truth comes out (it's not strung along forever, which gets all the brownie points from me). The reactions are natural, meaning there are plenty of emotions: from anger and disappointment to eventually forgiveness. And especially with a Tara Grace Ericson book, that's one of the things I most love about her writing: how she ends up pointing things back to God. Of course, this book also packs some serious suspense, action scenes straight from your favorite crime TV show (speaking of, when will the series have their own show? They totally deserve it) where you win some and you lose some, attraction and chemistry between our MCs that makes for a swoony, clean romance, and all the found family your heart can handle (seriously, this group is the best!)

If you haven't caught up yet with this series, there's still a bit of time left before the next one comes out—and I couldn't be more excited about getting Tank's story!! I can't recommend this series enough to all lovers of (Christian) Romantic Suspense. ~ 5 stars!

[Angeline · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars
Another exciting read by Tara Grace Ericson. Critical Witness is the third book in Tara Grace Ericson’s Black Tower Security series. This series has been so engaging and I am always on the edge of my seat trying to see how the book will end.
Hannah and Will were wonderful characters. I really liked getting to know them both and seeing what made them tick. They each were dealing with their own issues and trying to figure out life.
Hannah was a reporter who was trying to make ends meet but she was also trying to bring God honor through her actions. I like how Hannah stuck to her faith and how she continued to trust God throughout the book. Will had been betrayed before and he was wary of letting others in. Will was a complicated character and he had to learn to trust in God’s plans and how to forgive himself and others.
The plot was interesting and I could not put the book down as I tried to figure out how it would end. I was drawn into the story and I adored the characters.
Critical Witness has the perfect mix of romance, suspense, and faith. I would definitely recommend it! I am super excited for the next book especially after reading the teaser. Critical Witness is a clean Christian romantic suspense.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, a positive review was not required.

[Cathy R Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hannah, an almost-broke freelance journalist, is searching desperately for a story that will get her the permanent job she needs to get her life together - and when she accidentally witnesses and films an assassination attempt on the president, it seems she's found it. But when her first attempt to find a market for the video almost kills her, it's clear things aren't going to be so simple. Will's team has been tasked with finding out who shot the president, but the discovery that someone has a video of it complicates things - because she clearly needs protecting, and the more he sees of her, the more he wants to be the one to do it. But she's hiding something that may destroy any hope of a relationship. Can they find the assassin before anyone else gets hurt? And can their relationship survive her secrets?

Another great story in the series - though we don't learn much about the Syndicate, we see more of the team, and that was good. I really enjoyed the mix of suspense and character development, not to mention relationship building. I loved the way Hannah gradually gets through to Will even when he's understandably mad at her, especially one particular conversation. The romance is definitely touching and the suspense kept my on my toes. I appreciate the background that reading this as part of the series provides, but this can also be read on its own. I'm really looking forward to Tank's story, though...

Note that I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.

[Gretchen Garrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

"There was a witness to the shooting. She got it on camera, and she's trying to sell the footage to the highest bidder."

Hannah was in the wrong place at the wrong time. But she's wondering if she can make it the right time by getting a bit of publicity as a writer. Little did she know how much she attracted the wrong people when she made that decision. Good thing that she also got the attention of the Black Tower Security team. Can they all determine what is really happening and what is motivating the power moves?

This is an enjoyable romantic suspense book that is book three in a series. The books are definitely connected. I definitely feel compelled to continue reading the upcoming books. Characters are connected, and there is a common thread running through all of the books.

The romance. I was not completely convinced of the couple. For one thing, I really felt like more time was needed for the characters to truly connect. I did not get his attraction to her since she was deceitful. Gumption only goes so far.

The suspense. This part of the book was extremely well done. I could not figure out all of the details. There were many unpredictable elements. This part was believable. I am definitely intrigued by how all of the details will continue to come together. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.

Final rating: 4.5 stars

[Sarah VanBuskirk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Critical Witness was maybe my favorite so far in the Black Tower Security series. Although I am already pumped for the next one. I was honored to be give an ARC and this is my personal opinions of this book.
Sucked in with high intensity in the first chapter and just continues all the way until the end. The presidents been assassinated and Hannah happened to be in the right or wrong place at the right time! She’s taken into protective custody, but isn’t sure this team is worth her trust. Hannah’s had a hard life and you get a glimpse into her past, explaining why she struggles to trust anyone and is used to being the only one who looks after herself. I can fully relate to those negative thoughts of not being worthy of someone’s love. Will isn’t looking for any sort of relationship with a reporter, but God has a plan for both of them. So so so many great swoon worthy moments. I was rooting for Will, and then (and you will know when you read it) he does something in anger, that man just ripped Hannah (my) heart out. One of those times I message the author and go I can’t believe he did that 😂. This is a fast pace, danger is lurking around every bend, type of story mixed with some moments of great character building and romance. As always Tara intertwines, in the best way, the story of Jesus’ love for us and the true gospel message of forgiveness and hope.

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hannah was in the wrong place at the wrong time (or the right place at the right time depending on how you look at it) when she witnessed the assassination of the President of the United States. She was a freelance journalist investigating a different story and she managed to get the shooting filmed with her phone. Hannah hoped to better her life by breaking a big story and getting hired on as an investigative journalist with a news outlet when she sold the video. Unwittingly she put herself in the line of fire with the assassin. Will, team leader with Black Tower Security, was sent to investigate the shooting of the POTUS and find the elusive shooter when he encountered Hannah and rescued her from an explosion. The rest of the book contained a suspenseful account of the investigation that kept me turning pages. (No spoilers) There was also a clean romantic element in the book. It was an exciting read!

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Critical Witness is a very exciting high security deployment of military trained security officers sent to Florida to apprehend the best assassin that they think is the real killer of the President. When they hear there is a video of the President being killed, and the holder of that video is a young unknown woman that has advertised her intent to let a tv channel have the only showing of that video for a job as a journalist, they knew her life was in jeopardy. Those emails has put the assassin known as Darkshade on her trail to get the video and kill her in the process. Now they must protect her as they are looking to find the real identity of this Darkshade. This is a story that keeps the pages turning and also puts a little love story in the mix.

I was given a copy of this book for my review. I give this book 5🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟.

[Sonya Wasden · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful romantic suspense series and this book is #3 in the series.

Hannah is a freelance investigative reporter working "undercover" to get her story when she witnesses an assassination and she just happens to be filming the incident when it happens. Now, her life is in danger and the Black Tower Security has been called in to find the killer and protect the witness.

Will is in charge of the BTS teams and he is determined to keep Hannah safe. Unfortunately, he thinks her name is Melanie and he doesn't know she is a reporter. Will he be as protective once he finds out her true identity? Will they be able to find the killer's identity before he strikes again?

This author beautifully weaves a story of action, suspense, budding romance and does it in a clean and wholesome package.

I was given an arc copy of this book and I willingly offer my honest review.

[Lori R · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was immediately pulled into this Black Tower Security book by the characters. The sexy down to earth characters made a safe camaraderie for Hannah, a woman struggling to make a living as a freelance reporter when she became a witness to a crime. I liked how she was portrayed as a smart person with quick reflexes to situations she was put into.
This book had so much drama, suspense, and a dose of romance to have me quickly reading the book in one day. I could not put the book down even if I had wanted to, which I didn't. It seemed so believable to me. I liked that at some point Hannah was part of the team. So nice to see a softer side of Will. I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.

[Joyce Marion · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hannah is a struggling journalist. She is working a story at a hotel when she witnesses and films the President getting shot.

Will is the Black Tower security specialist assigned to investigate the shooting. He must find and protect Hannah. When he finds her, he first must convince her that she needs protecting. When she is almost killed, she agrees to let the team protect her.

It all comes unraveled when the team discovers that she isn't a waitress at the hotel, but a journalist. They fear she will jeopardize the investigation by trying to get a story.

Hannah must prove to them that she is trustworthy while they search for the killer.

I enjoy the Black Tower books. I love the personalities of each of the agents and how they bring their own skill sets to the team.

[MileHighSunshine · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fabulous story! It is jammed with suspense, action and well rounded characters who are all very different but have learned how to work seamlessly together.

Melanie has had an abusive family relationship that she broke free from, yet is barely scraping by since she left. Melanie is working on getting information for a story to help land a real job as a journalist. She never expected her day to take the turn it did. Without realizing it, she has put herself into extreme danger.

Black Tower gets called in to help with this case. Through this, Will and Melanie meet. Can she begin to trust people and can Will begin to learn how to let go of past hurts and find a way to open up more?

Plenty of twists and turns will keep you riveted!!

[Sharon S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intense addition to the Black Tower Security series by Tara Grace Ericson.
Two people with damaged pasts come together in a dangerous endeavor to protect the country.
Hannah is a survivor and always had been. She has a video that should change her life for the better. Problem, someone wants her dead so she can’t release it.
Will is part of the security team that is trying to find the person trying to assassinate the president.
Will hates journalists and Hannah is afraid to tell him the truth about her desired career.
*I received this book as an ARC reader and am leaving my unbiased review.

[Sandra Hartzel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had an Advance Readers Copy of this book, but this is my voluntary and honest opinion. Struggling journalist, Hannah Stone gets herself into a jam when she witnesses and records the assassination of the president. Black Tower Security operative, Will Gilbert comes to her rescue and with his team they protect Hannah from the assassin who is not after her. He doesn’t trust journalists, but she gets under his skin and proves she is trustworthy. An interesting story that certainly holds your interest with the intrigue and suspense as the Black Tower team seems to be one step behind the bad guys. I highly recommend reading the book.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has lots of characters so to enjoy it best, make sure to read the other books in the series first. Hannah is full of faith in spite of her trials. Trying to help a town inflicted with horrible water after a hurricane, Hannah, a struggling journalist, tries to sneak into a meeting to get her point across but never makes it to the meeting because she witnesses the assassination of the American President and films the act with her phone. Will Gilbert and his team from Black Tower Security are sent to Florida to catch the assassin and secure the witness and her video. Great suspense from the first page with sweet romance and some inspiration to make this a great read.

[Cilla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hannah found herself in the wrong place at the wrong time and not only witnessed the assassination of the POTUS but caught it on film. However her attempt to sell it to the media and get a leg in the door to a journalism job, got her the attention of the assassin who almost blew her to smithereens... Black Tower Security has been brought in to find the assassin - and ends up protecting Hannah, who they think is someone else - and when Will finds out she is a journalist and she hadn't told them it doesn't go well. Both Hannah and Will have major trust issues having both been betrayed by friends/family. An exciting hard to put down read. I received an ARC but this review is my own.

[Karen Brasher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Critical Witness

This is a great story filled with danger, suspense, and intrigue. Hannah Stone is an independent journalist who just happened to be in the right place at the wrong time or the wrong place at the right time; depending on your perspective. She witnesses a horrible incident and ends up being pursued by an extremely dangerous person. Will Gilbert of the Black Tower Security Team has been tasked with locating and subduing the presidential assassin. He has also managed to rescue Hannah from the assassin after it is determined she is a witness and has evidence. Can Will keep Hannah alive without falling for her?

[Natalya · Rating 5 out of 5]

An assassin on the loose, and a witness who is the key to unlocking his identity. The plot will keep you engaged and wanting for more! And secrets, so many secrets…
Great story!
“She was all too needy. Too starved for attention and approval that she longed to do whatever it took to get him to throw another kind word her way. To call her sweetheart with a dimple in one cheek.”
I received an ARC of this book for review. I was not required to write a favorable review. All opinions in this review are my own.

[Lucia Valenzuela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Please don’t start reading this at bedtime; you will be up all night to finish. The emotions are intense right from the assassination throughout the search for the killer. Will and Hannah bring a lot of baggage to their attempts at a relationship. The whole Black Tower Security team is intense in pursuit of their mission. I love Hannah’s belief and faith in God despite her background and present circumstances. This is an amazing story and I highly recommend it.
I received a free copy of this book and this is my voluntary, honest review.

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonderful story in this series!

There was romance, danger, murder, and humor which helps to endure the stress of looking for the assassin and who hired him. It caught my interest and did not let go. The book has a satisfactory ending with part of the mission solved. Looking forward to the next book in this series as all so far all have been enjoyable and waiting for the solution to the rest of the mystery.

Received an ARC and this is my honest review.

[Kitty Elder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Poor Hannah was at the wrong place at just the wrong time. Or maybe the right time. This book follows the story of Will and his security team trying to keep Hannah safe and find the person who assassinated the president. The characters are 3 dimensional, and there are a number of plot twists and turns to keep you guessing about what is going to come next. A real page-turner!

Thank you to the author for giving me a chance to proofread the book, and I chose to leave an honest review.

[MaryEllen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love it when the characters fall in love against their will. I love their inner struggle and then the realization they're already head-over-heels. That was the case for Will. Poor Hannah thought she wasn't worth staying for... except for those moments when God's truth of her value broke into those sad thoughts. The couple's strengths and flaws were believable.

The whole team was awesome and I'm glad there are more books to come.

[Denice · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this new book in the Black Tower Security Series. Tara Grace Ericson knows how to bring sit on the edge of my seat suspense to her books. I really enjoyed this book, Hannah was trying to get her first big story, not realizing the trouble she was entering into. Will is a top notch security guy, but they meet and sparks fly but they have so many things to get through before they can find happiness. This is a great addition to this series that I recommend!

[Bernadette Cinkoske · Rating 5 out of 5]

Critical Witness is an edge of your seat suspense in this engaging mystery! This story of reporter-want-to-be Hannah and ex-special forces commando Will kept me reading far into the night. This entire series is a first-rate thrill. In this book secrets abound, a mole exists, and staying ahead of those who want to eliminate Hannah is a full time job. IF you enjoy lots of suspense with your romance, you need to read this book!

[Denise Boldt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Critical Witness is the third book in the Black Tower Security series. Ericson’s written a romantic suspense story with the feisty journalist, Hannah and the ex-special forces commando, Will. The storyline keeps you on edge with a lot of heart and pulls you into the lives of the secondary characters. I’m looking forward to the next one in the series, Imminent Danger being published in February!

[Nati · Rating 4 out of 5]

Been in the wrong place at the wrong time may cost Hannah’s her life or will provide for a chance to changer her back luck. But an assassin is after her and she needs to trust someone again. Can Will be trusted with her life and her heart or will his heart keep closed to love? Another well paced romantic thriller from Black Tower Security