Rachel Dylan

Just three pages into this book I knew that Breach of Trust was going to be a book that would be hard to put down. Corporate lawyer Mia Shaw finds her colleague murdered in his apartment and she is determined to find who killed her friend. What follows is a story filled with twists and turns and a lot of deception. Mia herself becomes a target when she discovers the possibility of corporate espionage and realizes that her career may be at stake. As she searches for the truth she finds show more herself depending on security tech guru Noah Ramirez for both guidance and protection.

Author Rachel Dylan has practiced law for over a decade and she is a litigator at a top legal firm. It is this experience and expertise that help make this book and this series so believable. Breach of Trust is the third book in the Atlantic Justice series and it is a great legal suspense novel. It is also wonderful Christian fiction and Dylan's personal beliefs are very evident in this story that has hope, faith, and forgiveness. She knows how to express the conflicts that are often experienced by both new converts and seasoned Christians. I especially enjoyed one conversation about faith between Mia and Noah. Mia's faith is new but Noah grew up as a preacher's kid. Mia confides that she was raised with no sense of of religion, faith, or even morals and Noah admits that, even though faith has long been a part of him, he still had to find his own way as an adult. 'God has an interesting way of tugging at our hearts and opening up our minds. Using the dark and painful challenges of life to speak into our hearts.' (p. 168)

Dylan also uses this last book in the Atlanta Justice series to show how the characters from the previous books are doing. Sophie and Kate are now happy and content with Cooper and Landon and it becomes obvious that they are determined to help their friend Mia discover her own happiness and contentment. Watching Mia and Noah's personal relationship develop as they work to find the killer would be a perfect way to end this series and I found myself rooting for them.

Breach of Trust is filled with adventure and intrigue and there are many touching moments as we say goodbye to these characters. They will be missed!

I received a complimentary copy from Bethany House Publishers and a positive review was not required. These are my honest thoughts. show less

(Note: there are a few spoilers ahead for those who did not read the book that precedes Secrets Chase Her. Stop here and go read it first.)

I liked Rachel Dylan’s suspense novel Death Follows Her, the first book in the Deadly Justice series. I REALLY liked book 2, Secrets Chase Her. The two main characters — FBI agent Samira and attorney Quinn — have a very unique relationship. After Samira spends most of book 1 trying to find evidence that Quinn is a serial killer, the two women show more develop a unique friendship. Of sorts. If it sounds complicated, it is. These characters are complex and well-developed. Samira has been ordered to let go of investigating Quinn, but when Quinn’s associate is brutally murdered, Samira is in on that case as well. There is a stalker, an arrogant, maybe homicidal IT executive, and assorted FBI agents that impact the storyline. There are also so many I-did-not-see-that-coming moments that it was hard to catch my breath! This is suspense at its best. Plus, there’s a cliffhanger at the end. I cannot wait until book 3, Truth Betrays Her, comes out in April of 2027.

Highly Recommended.

Audience: Adults.

(I received a complimentary copy from the author. All opinions expressed are mine alone.) show less

I am always up for a romantic suspense written by Rachel Dylan — sparks and explosions are the norm! 😉 Backlash, book 2 in the Capital Intrigue series, is no exception. The story follows CIA agent Layla Karam as she faces threats from both within and outside of the Agency. She reluctantly allows ex-boyfriend Hunter McCoy to assist in clearing her name and keeping her safe. The two have history that includes a big betrayal. And betrayal is the watchword for this novel. It comes in show more various forms and is always a surprise. That was one of the strengths of this book — it always kept me guessing. The framework for the novel is the workings of the CIA and the DEA. Shadowy would be an apt description for what goes on, and it made me think about the lengths that federal agents are called on to go for the benefit of our country. A second storyline involves Izzy, a character from book one, End Game. I am so glad that the author chose to wrap up a few loose ends in Izzy’s story — very satisfying. Romance is a big part of Backlash, but it was always portrayed naturally. There were no longing looks as the bullets flew, but reserved for the appropriate time. A solid faith message is also laid out. Characters’ struggles and doubts will resonate with the reader.

For fast-paced action, Backlash can’t be beat. It starts off with a bang (literally) and continues at warp speed until the end. Book 3, Power Play releases next year — I cannot wait!

Recommended.

Audience: adults.

(Thanks to Bethany House for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.) show less

The faith community of Windy Ridge is rocked by a seeming betrayal by Pastor Dan Light in Rachel Dylan’s latest legal thriller, Fatal Accusation. In this supernaturally-charged suspense novel, the reader is treated to twists and turns galore and fast-paced action. If you haven’t read book 1 in this series, Trial & Tribulation, make sure to do so first. The plot lines are continuous, so you’ll miss some really good stuff!

While the action in Fatal Accusation is front and center, show more characterization does not take a back seat. Olivia Murray is a great lead character — complex, with a strong faith foundation. Dylan uses her to show the power that God can exhibit through His people. Spiritual warfare is chillingly illustrated in this novel, but in a very realistic way. Perhaps that is why it makes such an impact on the reader. The battles between good and evil make this a thought-provoking page turner. I liked that Dylan resolved the legal fight Pastor Dan is involved in, but she leaves some plot lines dangling. There’s more than enough for another much anticipated book.

One theme I especially liked was the idea of God using our circumstances, both good and bad, to shape our lives and purpose. Pastor Dan finds himself in a difficult place, but realizes he is just where God wants him. That was a good reminder to me.

A quick read, Fatal Accusation is a good choice for fans of legal thrillers, and gets a recommended rating from me.

Recommended.

Audience: adults.

(Thanks to the author for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.) show less