Nancy Mehl is a favorite of mine. She always delivers heart-pounding suspense paired with sweet romance. In Dark Deception, the second book in her Defenders of Justice series, Mehl has upped the ante. This novel is one of the more twisting, turning books I have read in a long time. If you like non-stop action, this one is for you. Recommended!

As the only survivor of a serial killer, Kate O’Brien is in witness protection. Still reeling from her ordeal, new DNA evidence has cleared her sister’s murderer. Deputy US Marshall Tony DeLuca was Kate’s protector during the trial and now, six years later, he vows to protect her again. But danger awaits the pair as they struggle to survive.

The action starts at page one and continues for one long breath-holding read. Chilling and creepy are apt words to describe the crimes and the killer. But Dark Deception never lapses into graphic detail. Mehl does a great job of engaging the imagination of the reader without lurid details. I for one was glad of that. There was enough to keep the pages turning without causing nightmares when I finally put it down. 😉 Main characters Kate and Tony have good chemistry, but the romance never seemed rushed or unbelievable. Secondary characters kept this reader guessing — just what are their motives? There are a number of seemingly random threads that the author ties together to provide some good aha moments. I especially liked the secondary plot involving a policeman named Leon. I won’t spoil anything, but that storyline really added depth to the novel. While the bad guys truly are bad, the good guys are on varying faith journeys — very realistic.

Dark Deception is book 2 in a series, but is easily read as a standalone. I have not read book 1, Fatal Frost, but need to get on that ASAP. Especially since book 3, Blind Betrayal, will be released in April 2018!

Recommended.

Audience: adults.

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

A very suspenseful read that will keep you reading until you finish. As I read, I tried to make predictions and sometimes I was right and others I would have never guessed. I could not imagine surviving what Kate did to only have to go back and relive it. While on the way, Kate and the marshal, Tony, protecting her run into some snags and it is all that Tony can do to keep her safe. I really enjoyed reading this book and look forward to more from the author.
I received a copy of the book from the author, the review is entirely my own. ( )

On the-edge-of-your-seat suspence thriller sums up "Dark Deception." Nancy Mehl's newest book in her Defenders of Justice series. Kate O'Brien is in the witness protection program after being attacked and left for dead. Her twin sister was also attacked and murdered. Now she must go back to testify again since the man imprisoned claims he did not commit the crime and deputy marshal Tony DeLuca is sent to pick her up. But things go wrong once he gets to Shelter Cove. Kate is kidnapped. The race is on for Tony to find Kate before she is killed. Just when you think you have the plot figured out there is another twist in the story. Action packed with drama and suspence. Even the ending is a cliff-hanger. Don't miss reading this book! I received this complimentary copy to give an honest review. ( )

Each one of the authors books get more intriguing and has more high octane action then the previous book. I loved this one because the characters were very strong and kept me so involved in the story that I couldn't put it down. Kate has had a very hard road after her twin sister is murdered. To keep Kate safe she must go into witness protection. Can you imagine walking away from everything including family, friends and work ? How do you start over and not keep looking over your shoulder?

I liked the chemistry between Kate and Tony, the U. S. Marshall. Kate has some major trust issues which I completely understand. After all her world has been turned upside down. What is great about Tony is his faith. I loved how his faith kept him strong. The story centers around Kate having to come out of hiding to testify against the killer of her sister. The sheer terror of seeing this person would be enough for me to run as fast as possible. Kate shows great control knowing she has a chance to put this killer away. Oh my the chills ran up and down my arms the further I got into the book. The author is a master at telling a story with great detail and twists that leave shivers down your spine. Will Kate stay save until the trial? Can Tony get Kate to trust him? I am very happy to recommend this book because the author delivers a story that is of the caliber of a well written thrill ride and action packed story that doesn't stop till the heart pounding ending.

I received a copy of this book from the author . The review is my own opinion. ( )

Title: Dark Deception (Defenders of Justice #2)
Author: Nancy Mehl
Pages: 320
Year: 2017
Publisher: Bethany
My rating 5 out of 5 stars!
The first novel in the series is titled, Fatal Frost, which is a great book that sets readers on edge and get them ready for book two! Kate O’Brien’s life is irrevocably changed the night her twin sister is murdered, leaving Kate alive. Kate agrees to testify against the man arrested for the dark deed. She enters witness protection in hopes of starting over and never facing the man again.
Unfortunately, the U.S. Marshals must bring Kate back to the area where her sister was killed to testify again when evidence is thrown out of court and the conviction overturned. Tony’s life as well as Kate’s is ever creeping toward being extinguished by the person responsible for more than one murder.
The twists and turns of locating the antagonist in the book kept me turning pages for hours! Plus, the possible budding romance that isn’t supposed to happen between a U.S. Marshal and a witness in the protection program adds another layer of suspense to the tale. Issues of trust are high on Kate’s list and her faith isn’t all that strong either, while Tony is learning to lean on the Lord even when his plans go awry with Kate.
Just when I thought the action and danger were over, the author brought in an unexpected twist and I was hooked until the very end of the story! I loved the first novel and really enjoyed this one even more. Nancy Mehl has written suspense-filled stories that will keep readers asking for more for a long while. Be prepared to read heart-pounding tension in the book, and I can’t wait to see what comes next in the series from the pen of the author who knows how to keep people reading for many hours. Great job Nancy!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255. “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” ( )