Review: COUNTER ATTACK

Breathless! 

That's what I am after finishing the newest suspense by Patricia Bradley. I know in this photo, she looks like a sweet lady, but this new story of hers tells of a devious mind hiding behind that smile! She is a master of twists and keeps the tension at the perfect balance of breath-holding gasps and sighs of relief. 

This story opens as Detective Alex Stone works undercover to trap a serial killer. When the set up turns into an unexpected tragedy, she moves back home to the small town where she grew up. Not only does she need to heal, but her grandfather, the county sheriff, needs her help while he recuperates from an unexpected health scare. 

Strangely enough, the serial killer seems to move with her. Or is it a copy cat? This plot is sheer poetry. I'm not going to say I was completely surprised, but there were some elements of the ending that I did not see coming - to my sheer delight! 

I loved the details in this story, from the different chess moves and the threats that they can represent to the police procedure and even the typical commands for a K-9. It all felt so real and genuine. I hesitate to share more as I would give too much away, but there are a few moments when I'm right alongside Alex, thinking I can't take another moment of this. You'll see what I mean when you get to that part! 

The characters had deep and genuine personalities that were so natural. Especially Gram. She made such an impact on me. Don't get me wrong, she wasn't the quiet, unassuming grandmama type. She was a little on the pushy side, even, but her wisdom and the love she obviously had for Alex were priceless. She wasn't the only "voice of reason" in the story, but she nailed the spiritual aspects. 

As with the Natchez trace series, the beautiful setting near Chattanooga, Tennessee fills the story with a rugged color and sets the tone for this fast-paced psychological thriller. Patricia Bradley has quickly become a favorite of mine, and this story is a sheer delight. 

Just be sure to leave a nightlight glowing! 

Here's a little more about COUNTER ATTACK: 

A brand new heart-stopping series from a USA Today bestselling author.

No sooner has Alexis Stone been sworn in as the interim sheriff for Russell County, Tennessee, when a serial killer dubbed the Queen's Gambit Killer strikes again--this time in her hometown. Pearl Springs is just supposed to be a temporary stop along the way to Alex's real dream: becoming the first female police chief of Chattanooga. But the killer's calling card--a white pawn and a note with a chess move printed on it--cannot be ignored.

Pearl Springs chief of police Nathan Landry can't believe that his high school sweetheart Alexis (he refuses to call her Alex) is back in town, and he can't help wanting to protect the woman he never stopped loving. But as the danger mounts and the killer closes in, can Nathan come through on the promises he makes to himself to bring a killer to justice before it's too late.

You can order your own copy of COUNTER ATTACK here or get it on Audible like I did. LOVED the narrator! 

What book have you read where you felt exactly what the main character was feeling - panic, exuberance, victory, despair? Share the title and your thoughts in the comments. And don't forget to sign up for our $100 Starbucks giveaway! HERE's the link!