BOOK REVIEW: On the Edge of Trust by Suspense Sister Patricia Bradley

Great mystery in this excellent book, and a GREAT romance! 

Patricia Bradley has hit another homerun with her 18th publication. This one returns to Logan Point, the setting for her first series, and this place holds both a comfortable homeyness and intense danger. 

It also has some delightful folks who speak with a relaxed drawl and an encouraging tone. 

Ah, and then there is the tension... Well that begins with an attack at the very beginning of the book, at the scene of a situation that brings new meaning to the word stressful. Between that event, and the appearance of a young man at the scene of a murder, this story's twisted wheels begin turning. 

Our main character, Tori Mitchell, deals with the popularity of a true crime podcast that seems to collect enemies, the pain of tragically losing a loved one, the trap of addition, and the emotions that are entangled with all of these situations. She also deals with memories of a summer crush and the return of that man, shocking her with feelings she'd forgotten. 

And then there's the shooter. Oh, and the fire. Yeah, the threats and intensity of the suspense keeps rocking with so many suspects and so many possible motives for the attacks Tori experiences. 

Scott Sinclair, the source of her long-ago crush, as a temporarily off-duty FBI undercover agent, wavers between thoughts that he is the target of the shooter and concern for a woman who had touched his heart a decade before. He wasn't about to take Tori's safety for granted, though. The two of them are thrust together as he struggles to keep her safe while she tries to figure out who is trying to kill her. 

Is it someone involved with the murder blamed on her nephew? 

Is it one of the physical abusers of the women she'd helped to escape?

Does it have something to do with past murders solved or maybe it's something else?

This mystery checks all the boxes! Here's a little more about it. 

Sometimes the closer you get to justice, the deadlier it becomes

When decorated FBI undercover agent Scott Sinclair suffers a gunshot wound in his right arm, the injury threatens his future career in the field. He is determined to regain his former job by training himself to use his left hand, and failure is not an option--especially when he's unofficially pulled into an investigation.

Tori Mitchell is a passionate crime reporter and podcaster who has dedicated her life to seeking justice. Her relentless pursuit of the truth has freed a wrongfully convicted man from prison, making Tori an enemy of the true killer. When her nephew is accused of a different murder, nothing can stop her from getting involved and clearing his name.

Soon after Tori and Scott reconnect on the case, shots are fired, leaving them to wonder which of them has been targeted. As the investigation intensifies, so do the threats and the sparks between them, but Tori's doubtful if she can extend grace and trust to Scott. They'll have to combine their skills and rely on their growing relationship to outsmart the killer.

--

So what is your favorite type of suspense? Do you lean toward thrillers, romantic suspense with a little bit of a slower pace, or do you prefer the tension with a strong side dish of mystery? 

Leave your answer (and your EMAIL address) in the comments. You might just win an e-copy of the first book in the Logan Point series - SHADOWS OF THE PAST. 

And let me know if you've read AT THE EDGE OF TRUST. I'd love to know your thoughts about it! 

WHAT'S HOT IN INSPIRATIONAL SUSPENSE?

 Wondering what's HOT in Inspirational Suspense this week? ON THE EDGE OF TRUST by USA Today Bestselling Author Patricia Bradley!!

Sometimes the closer you get to justice, the deadlier it becomes

When decorated FBI undercover agent Scott Sinclair suffers a gunshot wound in his right arm, the injury threatens his future career in the field. He is determined to regain his former job by training himself to use his left hand, and failure is not an option--especially when he's unofficially pulled into an investigation.

Tori Mitchell is a passionate crime reporter and podcaster who has dedicated her life to seeking justice. Her relentless pursuit of the truth has freed a wrongfully convicted man from prison, making Tori an enemy of the true killer. When her nephew is accused of a different murder, nothing can stop her from getting involved and clearing his name.

Soon after Tori and Scott reconnect on the case, shots are fired, leaving them to wonder which of them has been targeted. As the investigation intensifies, so do the threats and the sparks between them, but Tori's doubtful if she can extend grace and trust to Scott. They'll have to combine their skills and rely on their growing relationship to outsmart the killer.

Perfect for fans of Lynette Eason, Lynn H. Blackburn, Elizabeth Goddard, and readers who love faith-based fiction and edge-of-your-seat thrillers, this riveting, clean romantic suspense delivers heart-pounding danger and forced-proximity romance.

ON THE EDGE OF TRUST is a Logan Point Novel, and you can get your copy at THIS LINK! 

I hope you LOVE it! ~ Marji Laine

What's HOT in Inspirational Fiction!

Marji Laine here. 

This will be the final "What's Hot" article for the year and I wanted to do something a little different. Our Suspense Sisters have released excellent mysteries and suspense stories all year long. Scroll down to get a look at some completed series and separate books by our Suspense Sisters. You can use the links to buy copies of your own, or leave some review-love for the talented authors! 

Nancy Mehl

Our founding Suspense Sister completed her Ryland & St. Clair series. These three books are intense! The perfect reading for a stormy night! 

Find the series HERE on Amazon.

Mary Alford

This USA TODAY bestselling author delivered a number of stand-alone books this year. The covers are BUY-LINKS

for these books! 

                  

Patricia Bradley

This USA TODAY bestselling author completed her Pearl River series this year! This is the perfect series to enjoy with a warm cup of cocoa! 

Find the series HERE on Amazon!

Sharon Dunn

This USA TODAY bestselling author has two books released through Love Inspired Suspense. The covers below are Buy Links!

Melissa Koslin

Our newest Suspense Sister released THE LOST LIBRARY in September. The cover is a BUY LINK!

Marji Laine

This award-winning Suspense Sister completed her historical mystery series. Once Upon A Mystery has a tiny thread connecting all of the stand-alone books. A great way to spend a cozy evening snuggled under a blanket. 

Find the series HERE on Amazon!

Roxanne Rustand

This USA Today bestselling author completed her Mountain Pines Suspense series. An excellent warm up for a chilly evening!

Find the series HERE on Amazon!

And don't miss the latest releases for 

Kristen Hogrefe Parnell and A.D. Lawrence! 

Covers are Buy Links!

Enjoy your Christmas break with lots of love and laughter. And LOTS of excellent mystery and suspense! I hope you LOVE it! ~Marji Laine

What's HOT in Inspirational Mystery and Suspense!

Marji Laine here, and I'm not gonna lie; I have been eagerly awaiting this week's new release! Suspense Sister Patricia Bradley launches her newest book TODAY! Here's the LINK to buy it! 

Deadly Revenge is the third book in the Pearl River series. These books all take place in Pearl Springs, but they all have their own stand-alone story, characters, and romance! I can't wait to get my copy tomorrow! 

Here's a little about the story:
Deputy Jenna Hart has only been working in her sleepy hometown of Pearl Springs for seven months when city officials begin to be targeted by a killer. Twenty years ago, the construction of a dam caused people to lose their land to eminent domain. That wound has not healed with time, and someone bearing a grudge is clearly set on revenge. With the former mayor of Pearl Springs now running for the US Senate, Jenna will have to call in backup to ensure his protection.

That's where Agent Maxwell Anderson comes in. He and Jenna used to work together in the Chattanooga Police Department, and there was even a smoldering fire of attraction. Now they team up to track down the killer before a big political rally that promises to bring not only the former mayor into the crosshairs but hundreds of civilians as well.

As the sparks of romance reignite and the threads of the investigation get tangled when another suspect comes into play, Jenna and Max will have to draw on all of their skills to stay alive and prevent the wave of disaster poised to hit the community of Pearl Springs. The question is, can either of them fully trust that the other has their back?

I hope you LOVE it! ~ Marji

WHAT'S HOLDING YOU BACK?

by Patricia Bradley

Have you ever set a goal only to fail to meet it? I know I have…losing weight, saving money, eating healthier… oh, yeah. I’m not real great at reaching those goals, and I bet you have trouble there, too. The thing is, none of us likes to fail…

Which made me think about the farmer. Yep, you read right. The farmer. Think about it. Every spring, regardless of past failures, he plants a new crop, hope and anticipation mixing with the fresh turned dirt. He plants his seed in faith, and then he waits. He’s done all he physically can do. He can’t make the seed grow or control the amount of rain that falls. Those things are in God’s hands.

Like the farmer, we set our goals, do the preparation and look forward to seeing the harvest. But sometimes our goals don’t get the needed rain or they stagnate, and we perceive that as failure. So we quit trying. 

What is fear keeping you from doing? What are you not doing because you fear you’re not good enough, smart enough, whatever? A few years ago, when my mother was in her eighties, she learned how to program a VCR. Then a few years later, she wanted to learn how to text and how to use a computer but was afraid she couldn’t do it. I told her anyone who could program a VCR could learn how to Google or text. She accepted the challenge and before long, she was googling, and texting the whole family, and keeping up with everyone on Face Book. She even had her own FB page. 

If my ninety-year-old mother could risk failing, so can you. So can I. 

Not long ago I sent out a proposal for a new series. Because I’d been late on the last two projects that required a LOT of rewriting, I hesitated to send it, not sure if my publisher would take it, but I did. Then I waited, knowing the harvest was in God’s hands. 

And that’s what I challenge you to do—if there’s something you want to try, do it! Don’t let fear hold you back. If I had, I wouldn’t be working on a new book now. 

What new thing have you always wanted to do but fear holds you back? Leave a comment and I’ll enter you in a drawing for an audio code for Counter Attack (or Fatal Witness if you’ve read Counter Attack).

Alexis Stone has no sooner been sworn in as the chief deputy 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.

WHEN PLANS GO AWRY

 By Patricia Bradley

I had planned to write this post yesterday...and should have. Today I'm writing it with a brace on my wrist, a very badly swollen right eye that is turning a glorious shade of purple trending to black...and an ice pack on said eye. And I have a television interview at the National Religious Broadcasters Conference...

So far I haven't canceled the interview or driving to Nashville to the conference tomorrow. Satan isn't winning this one! I did get checked out at the hospital and everything looked fine. One friend even suggested I do the interview and tell them they should see the other guy. 

So you might be wondering how I happened to have a black eye--that's what happens when you kiss the concrete with your head. I actually stumbled over a curve when I was cleaning up my car at the car wash...note to self...watch where you're walking.

And while I know it was my fault for not watching, I think satan would be very happy for me not to attend the conference since the platform I'll be speaking on is Christian Fiction's Role in the World. My books often cross over to the general market and therefore they reach a wide audience with the Gospel. 

There is a silver lining--I don't have to wear eye shadow today. So, if you happen to think about me, I could use prayer for divine appointments and wisdom about the interview....

Leave a comment  -- tell me if you've ever had a black eye, and I'll enter you in a drawing for an audio copy of Fatal Witness! And if you've won a copy of Fatal Witness, I will get them out next week as soon as I turn in edits of Deadly Revenge, the next book in the series!

BONBONS AND PJS ~ THE LIFE OF AN AUTHOR

by Patricia Bradly

Good Friday morning! Can you believe that this time next week, Thanksgiving will be over and we'll be heading into Christmas and 2024?

Whew! When did 2023 whiz past us? 

But I digress... at least on the bonbons and pjs. The whizzing of time as it flies by--that is the life of an author. I will admit I stayed in pjs a lot more this year than I ever have--not the fancy silk ones like you see of women in commercials...the jersey type--I don't generally wear flannel--they stick to my sheets. 

And why did I stay in pjs more in 2023? One, I had two deadlines. Two, count them, two deadlines.

My year looked something like this: 

On January 1, I had a little over half of Fatal Witness, due February 1. 

February 1, I turned in Fatal Witness, not really satisfied with it, but on time.  

February 27, I received the edits and talk about Fatal...due to several factors, including the flu and a bad reaction to a cholesterol medicine, I did not have a clear head when I was writing Fatal Witness...

March 1- April 15 I totally rewrote Fatal Witness with a brand new opening and turned it in...

On April 21, my editor approved Fatal Witness, and sent it on to the final editor. 

I was very tired by this time--I'd worked twelve hours a day for six weeks on the story. 

In May, I started work on what would become Deadly Revenge. But I was having trouble seeing the story.

June was more of the same, but I plodded through.

July 11, I received the edits from my copy editor...she gave me until the 25th, but said I could have a little more time if I needed it...little did she know...Of course, that meant all work on Deadly Revenge stopped. How I wished I was one of those writers who can work on two or three books at the same time!! (I really wonder if they exist...)

Finally in August I started on Deadly Revenge in earnest. And September 28th realized the opening was totally not good. So I rewrote the first two chapters which was like toppling dominoes--everything about the story changed. Again, I rewrote the whole book in six weeks, and finally turned it in November 1...well, sort of. What I turned in was 80% of it...I still had to write the ending. Which I turned in this past Monday. 

WHEW!

And now you know why most authors when they hear that writers sit around and eat Bonbons and write only when they feel the muse strike usually fall down rolling on the floor laughing. Contracts do not wait for the muse to strike. But I would rather be writing than doing anything else!

Do you think it would be easy to write a book? Leave your comment and I'll enter you in a drawing for Fatal Witness when it releases in February!

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! 

Interview with Alex Stone from Counter Attack

 Good morning, Suspense Sisters' followers! I've hijacked Patricia Bradley's post today. If she can make me return to Pearl Springs when that's the last place I want to be, I can take over her blog post!

And don't even get me started on what it's like to leave the Chattanooga police department, destroying my opportunity to be the first Chattanooga Police Chief! 

But she knew me well enough to know that I wouldn't leave the grandfather who raised me in a bind. Plus this gig as his chief deputy is temporary. Or at least it's supposed to be. 

If I leave, it's going to be hard to leave Nathan Landry, the Pearl Springs Police Chief. And we do work well together, me running the Russell County Sheriff's Office and him the city police department.

And, he knows chess...which I don't and the killer in Counter Attack is leaving chess moves at each murder... I have no patience to sit there and try and figure out what my opponent is going to do next...although I should. I do it every day in my quest to capture criminals. But at least with criminals, I don't have to figure out algebraic equations. That's what chess is, you know...

And Nathan is ever so easy on the eyes...Patricia doesn't tell you in the book, but he looks really good in a tight-fitting tee shirt. Those abs...Alex clears her throat. 

Oh, and I suppose you're wondering about the name Alex. It's really Alexis, but really, can you see a bunch of macho men in a police department taking me seriously as Alexis? No, Alex works much better, even though Nathan refuses to call me anything other than Alexis.

Patricia really stretched me in this story, making me delve into the Dark Web. Can I tell you a little secret? The Dark Web isn't all bad. People use it in countries where it isn't safe to contact their relatives or where every email is scrutinized, and the Dark Web lets them email family and friends without worrying about repercussions. 

Well, I better get back to work--Patricia has me really busy in her next book, Fatal Witness...but if you want to know if Nathan and I get together, check out Counter Attack! I hear it's getting really great reviews...

Alexis Stone has no sooner been sworn in as the chief deputy 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?

To learn more, click here.

Leave a comment and I'll enter you in a drawing for a copy of Counter Attack! Or if you already have it, a $10 Amazon gift card. Let me know if you've ever dipped into the Dark Web!

Last month's winner is Amy Bradsher. 

WHAT'S NEW IN INSPIRATIONAL SUSPENSE

 By Patricia Bradley

Wondering what's new and HOT in Inspirational Suspense? This week we're featuring my book, Counter Attack that releases today ~ May 16. 

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 find buy links for Counter Attack here.

WE LOVE BOOKS!

COUNTER ATTACK--RELEASING MAY 16!

by Patricia Bradley

What do you do when you have a blog post due and you are so far behind on your edits you think you'll never see the light of day?

Why, you post about your new book that releases in May! :-) And try to make up for it next month.

I really thought I'd have my edits in by now, but what had happened was...

*sigh* My cardiologist talked me into taking a statin because my cholesterol hovered around 200 and he said my blood was 'sticky'. Of course, no one wants sticky blood--might cause a stroke or heart attack. So...I had the prescription filled and purposely did not read the side effects--that's a sure way for me to have side effects. 

Two weeks into the prescription, I noticed I was really tired and my brain was foggy, but I just thought I was really tired and my brain was foggy. And it would get better.

It didn't. And then I got vertigo. Try sitting at the computer with the room spinning like a top. I was getting further and further behind on my extensive rewrites.

Then Sunday afternoon, I finally decided to check out the side effects of the statin I was on...you guessed it: extreme tiredness, brain fog, and vertigo. 

So I have five minutes to finish this blog and get back to work. ;-)

The first book in my new series releases May 16. You can preorder at Baker Book House and get 40% off and free shipping! 

Here's the cover and back copy:

Alexis Stone has no sooner been sworn in as the chief deputy 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?

Leave a comment and I'll enter you in a drawing for Counter Attack when it releases in May! Print for US Addresses, digital for all others! Do you play chess, want to learn, or watched The Queen's Gambit? 

Winner of last month's drawing for Jessica R Patch's book, Her Darkest Secret is Barbara Diggs!

MEETING YOUR DEADLINE

 by Patricia Bradley

Well, the book is in and I survived. Barely. I don't know if I've ever told this group, but I've never been good in math. Ever. And working on this book was no exception. 

I thought until late December that I had five months to write the book in. You know, like from January 1 to May 2. That's five months, right?

Like I said, math never was my long suit. It was right after Christmas, like the next day, that I realized that, no, there are not five months from January to May, and yes, I had a book due in four months. 

I had zip so far.

So what does a writer do when they have a deadline and are behind? BICFOK--Behind in chair, fingers over the keyboard. And that's what I did from January 1 to May 16--behind in a chair with my fingers over the computer. I discovered if I showed up, so would God. And on May 16 (after my editor was gracious enough to extend the deadline two weeks) I turned the book in.

This book will release in the Spring of 2023. My working title was Counter Attack, and time will tell if they go along with me on that. In spite of being pushed, I really enjoyed writing the book and actually still liked it when I read it for the 5th time. :-) Of course, I'll read it several more times before it's released.

So my question to you is, what do you do when you have a deadline and realize you're already behind? Leave a comment and I'll enter you in a drawing for a copy of Book 3 in the Natchez Trace Park Rangers series, Crosshairs!

Investigative Services Branch (ISB) ranger Ainsley Beaumont arrives in her hometown of Natchez, Mississippi, to investigate the murder of a three-month-pregnant teenager. While she wishes the visit was under better circumstances, she never imagined that she would become the killer's next target--nor that she'd have to work alongside an old flame.

After he almost killed a child, former FBI sniper Lincoln Steele couldn't bring himself to fire a gun, which had deadly and unforeseen consequences for his best friend. Crushed beneath a load of guilt, Linc is working at Melrose Estate as an interpretive ranger. But as danger closes in on Ainsley during her murder investigation, Linc will have to find the courage to protect her. The only question is, will it be too little, too late?

Award-winning author Patricia Bradley continues her Natchez Trace Park Rangers series with a story about how good must prevail when evil just won't quit.

DOES WRITING GIVE YOU A PAIN IN THE NECK?

by Patricia Bradley (If you're a writer, be sure to check out the information at the end about a really neat writing conference)

One of my goals this year is to step out of my comfort zone and what better way than to write a blog about neck exercises and use myself as a model. Scary thought.

Because these exercises have helped me so much, I wanted to share them with other writers or anyone who sits behind a computer all day. As you know writing is sedentary work and can result in neck, shoulder, and back pain. I should know. I am in the middle of physical therapy for said back and neck pain. And I want to share a couple of the exercises I've been doing

Before I continue, I am not a physical therapist, and if you have any doubts about doing exercises, consult your doctor.

Pain in my neck and back resulted in a visit to my doctor who sent me to a physical therapist. He gave me a set of exercises and worked on my neck and back--work that included dry needling. And while I'm not pain-free--I am after all of the older generation--I am at least able to write.

The first exercise is a stretching exercise for the neck. Sit in a chair, (can be your office chair) and place one hand on top of your head and the other behind your back. Make sure you are sitting tall.

Disregard all the kitty toys in the floor and the flower coming out of my head.

Next, pull your head over like you were trying to smell under your arm. Hold this stretch for a count of 20. Be sure to focus on letting those muscles relax. 

Go ahead, try it. I'll wait.

Doesn't that feel good!

Now do the same thing for the other side. I do ten of these every morning after I get out of bed. This is after I've stretched my hamstrings (before getting up). If you have tight hamstrings, you probably have back pain. Tight hamstrings = shorten muscles that support your back. And this can cause pain.

The next exercises I do are head turns and shoulder rolls. For the head turn, I sit straight and look as far as I can to the left for a count of 10. If I'm looking to the left, I put my right arm behind my back. This gives more stretch. Be sure to repeat the first exercise by turning your neck as far to the right as you can.

The shoulder rolls are just that. Rolling your shoulders, first one way, then another. I also put my fingertips on my shoulders and make an arc with my elbows until they touch, then reverse the process.

Then there's the sideways tilt--it is similar to the first exercise, except you try to touch your ear to your shoulder instead of smelling under your arm. :-) And the last one is to stand straight (Like a marine at attention) and press your index finger against your chin. Hold that for 20 seconds. 

When I started these exercises, I set a timer and did them about every 4 hours. Now I only do them first thing in the morning. But I have increased how long I hold each stretch to a minute.

I really want to encourage anyone who sits at a desk all day to find some type of stretching exercise. These just happen to be the ones that have helped me to stay pain freer...if that's a word. At my age, pain and I are old friends. But I believe in exercise. I was facing knee replacement surgery a few years ago, but exercise and collagen injections have kept me out of the OR!

Before I go, I must mention how important it is to have your computer screen where you are looking straight at it instead of looking down. 

Looking down is what I've done for 20 years, but now I've bought a desk that raises and a thingy that I set my laptop on so that I'm looking straight at it instead of looking down.

What exercises do you do to feel better? Leave a comment and I'll enter you in a drawing for Crosshairs.


Now for our readers who are also writers, here's that writer's conference I told you about earlier. It's on Saturday and it's virtual--that means you can attend in your pajamas! You can check it out here.

And...the day before, I'm teaching a workshop with Johnnie Alexander! That's on Friday March 18, 2022. Here's the blurb and link:

Book Review: CROSSHAIRS

I just spent the last few days reading a gripping suspense called CROSSHAIRS, by our beloved Suspense Sister, Patricia Bradley. As a reader, it was cool in that I was aware of more going on than the main characters, but the plot was so full of twists and turns, I truly didn't see the end of it coming. 

There's a difference between suspense and mystery genres. You probably already know that, but in case you don't, the mystery genre has secrets - hidden things that must be discovered. The suspense genre has something of a ticking clock. An anticipation of something about to happen. Oftentimes, the "clock" is more like a target on one of the main characters - a mortal threat of which they are unaware. 

And in really juicy stories, there are elements of both suspense and mystery. CROSSHAIRS is definitely one of those. The book is a little different in that there are several mysteries that converge to create a chair-gripping story. I was delighted to see all of the different mysteries tied up in neat little bows. 

Oh, did I mention the romance. True confessions - I love clean romance. Especially when they seem real with elements of doubt, vulnerability, and insecurity. I gotta tell you, the main characters in this story have an undeniable chemistry that is palpable. 

I highly recommend this book for those who love the twists and turns of a juicy mystery and the intensity of a strong suspense. You're going to be delighted from the first page to the last! 

Here's a little more about CROSSHAIRS by Patricia Bradley: 

Investigative Services Branch (ISB) ranger Ainsley Beaumont arrives in her hometown of Natchez, Mississippi, to investigate the murder of a three-month-pregnant teenager. While she wishes the visit was under better circumstances, she never imagined that she would become the killer's next target - nor that she'd have to work alongside an old flame.

After he almost killed a child, former FBI sniper Lincoln Steele couldn't bring himself to fire a gun, which had deadly and unforeseen consequences for his best friend. Crushed beneath a load of guilt, Linc is working at Melrose Estate as an interpretive ranger. But as danger closes in on Ainsley during her murder investigation, Linc will have to find the courage to protect her. The only question is, will it be too little, too late?

Award-winning author Patricia Bradley continues her Natchez Trace Park Rangers series with a story about how good must prevail when evil just won't quit.

**Just another little note here. I know this is Book 3 of the Natchez Trace Park Rangers series, but it is a completely stand-alone story. You'd probably get a kick out of reading them in order, but I didn't miss a thing by reading this one before I read the others. Which I will DEFINITELY be doing!

I was delighted to find CROSSHAIRS as an audiobook. Do you like listening to stories? I love it because I can do something more productive as I indulge - like crochet or cooking or cleaning. Leave a comment about your experience with audio books. I'm giving away a free kindle copy of one of my own books.  

NATIONAL PARK RANGERS AS HEROES

 by Patricia Bradley

We've had a tough two years and I'm hoping and praying that 2022 will be better! But I did learn a few things during 2020 as I wrote Crosshairs, the book that came out in November. One, if I show up at the computer and make myself write, the words will come. Eventually. Two, I can’t edit what I don’t write. Three, this too shall pass—“And it came to pass” has long been a favorite Bible scripture.

It wasn’t like I didn’t love the story in Crosshairs, more that my mind was paralyzed. I found it easier to spend time on social media or even cleaning the toilets. Before I knew it, it was September and I only had two months to finish the book. 

That’s when I learned the most important lesson—if I practice 1 and 2, the words will add up, ideas will come, and the story will come together, and I will have a completed manuscript and three becomes true.

Another way I lost time was in research. Researching about the Natchez Trace Parkway Rangers and the Investigative Services Branch (ISB) was fascinating, and it was much easier to do that than to pull the words out one word at a time. 

A couple of the things I learned was The ISB, or Investigative Sevices Branch of the NPS has thirty-seven special agents who are regarded as the FBI of the National Park Service. They are spread out all over the US and are sent in when needed, sometimes even undercover.

Another thing I learned, the Natchez Trace Parkway Rangers are separate from the National Park Service, although under the same umbrella. That really changed the way I wrote about them. 

I also learned there's a difference between rangers: there are interpretive rangers--the ones you see the most--they give you all the information about the area you visit. And then there are law enforcement rangers--On the Natchez Trace, they're the ones who carry a gun and give you tickets for driving over 50 miles an hour. lol

Linc is an interpretive ranger with the National Park Service in Natchez, while Ainsley is an ISB Special Agent. Interpretive rangers in the South don’t carry guns which worked well for Linc since I wanted him to be a ranger. Writing this series has changed the way I look at the National Park Service. I’ve always admired rangers, but even more now!

Someone asked me which of the characters in Crosshairs was the hardest to write. I’ll have to say Lincoln Steele was. As a former FBI sniper who suffered from PTSD from almost killing a child and who believed he was responsible for his friend’s suicide, it was hard to flesh out a hero who was no longer a hero—or who at least didn’t see himself as one since he could no longer even hold a gun. Yet, he had to be strong, someone Ainsley, the heroine, could trust. I discovered there are other ways to show strength in a character—like throwing himself in front of Ainsley to protect her. His willingness to do anything to keep her safe showed his true character, and eventually, he came to embrace who he was.

As for Ainsley, she is stubborn. Strong-willed. She didn’t want to admit she had any faults. And she certainly didn’t want to forgive Linc and her father for undermining her singing career. But if she hadn’t lost the singing career, she would never have found her life’s work—that of an elite Investigative Services Branch Special Agent.

I'm giving away a print copy(must have a Continental US address; Digital copy for all others) of Crosshairs to someone who leaves a comment. Tell me if you knew any of this stuff about National Park Rangers. :-) Be sure to leave you email address like this: pat at ptbradley dot com

WHAT'S HOT IN INSPIRATIONAL SUSPENSE

 By Patricia Bradley

Oh, my goodness! I'm so excited to tell you about 3- count 'em - 3 books being released TODAY by two Suspense Sisters and one former Suspense Sister!

First and in reverse alphabetical order: 

Nancy Mehl's Dead Fall:

After facing the demons from her past, Alex Donovan is ready to move on and focus on her career at the FBI's elite Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU). When renowned profiler and BAU co-founder John Davis is found dead in his hotel room, the FBI is called in to work on the strangest case they've ever faced. How do you find a killer who murders his victims without touching them?

When it becomes clear that the killer is targeting agents in Alex's unit, they are ordered into lockdown, sheltered in the dorms at Quantico. Alex bunks with a controversial agent, Kaely Quinn, who has returned after being dismissed three years earlier. As they work together, Alex discovers in Kaely the role model she's never had, despite being warned away.

As Alex questions who she wants to become, things get personal when the brilliant killer strikes close to home. Now Alex will do anything to find the killer--even at the risk of her own life.

Buy links here.

NEXT

Elizabeth Goddard's Deadly Target:

Criminal psychologist Erin Larson's dreams of a successful career come to a screeching halt when she nearly loses her own life in a boating accident on Puget Sound and then learns that her mother tried to commit suicide. She leaves her job as a criminal psychologist to care for her mother in Montana. At least she is able to produce her podcast, which focuses on solving missing persons cold cases.

Nathan Campbell's father was investigating such a case when he was shot, and now Nathan needs to enlist Erin's help to solve the case. She's good at what she does. The only problem? She's his ex.

As the two dig deeper, it becomes clear that they, too, are being targeted--and that the answers to their questions are buried deep within the past Erin struggles to explain and longs to forget.

The race is on for the truth in this gripping and complex tale of suspense, intrigue, and murder from USA Today bestselling author Elizabeth Goddard.

Buy links here.

And last...Patricia Bradley's Crosshairs:

Investigative Services Branch (ISB) ranger Ainsley Beaumont arrives in her hometown of Natchez, Mississippi, to investigate the murder of a three-month-pregnant teenager. 

While she wishes the visit was under better circumstances, she never imagined that she would become the killer's next target--nor that she'd have to work alongside an old flame.

After he almost killed a child, former FBI sniper Lincoln Steele couldn't bring himself to fire a gun, which had deadly and unforeseen consequences for his best friend. Crushed beneath a load of guilt, Linc is working at Melrose Estate as an interpretive ranger. 

But as danger closes in on Ainsley during her murder investigation, Linc will have to find the courage to protect her. The only question is, will it be too little, too late?

Award-winning author Patricia Bradley continues her Natchez Trace Park Rangers series with a story about how good must prevail when evil just won't quit.

Buy links here.

We Love Books!

THIS WEEK ON SUSPENSE SISTERS

 

We’re planning another great week on the Suspense Sisters. Check out our posts, our interviews, and our awesome giveaways!

THIS WEEK:

On Tuesday, Patricia Bradley will be sharing our What's Hot in Inspirational Suspense and Mystery.

On Wednesday, Suspense Sister Sharon Dunn will be sharing with us. Autumn is such a season of change, and Sharon is dealing with that in a big way. She'll tell you all about it and give away a book to boot! 

Someone’s out to end her life.

Can the K-9 unit shield her from harm?

Evidence from forensic specialist Darcy Fields could convict a killer—if she survives to testify. A killer seems determined to discredit her, frighten her…and silence her, permanently. Hounded by the press and stalked by a murderer, Darcy must depend on Officer Jackson Davison and his K-9 partner, Smokey, as danger inches nearer and the trial date closes in.

Then on Friday, Suspense Sister Patricia Bradley is back and sharing about "writing through the fog" and all that it could entail. Don't miss this article to get a real glimpse of an author's life. She'll also be giving away an Amazon gift card to one lucky reader who comments. 

The Suspense Sisters

We love books!

Reader Question--How Do You Choose a Character?

 by Patricia Bradley

I was talking to a reader recently (my daughter) and I asked if there were any questions she's ever wanted to ask me--related to my writing. Notice how narrow I made that question. 

She'd just finished Obsession and was curious about how I came up with my characters, particularly Sam and Emma. (She couldn't ask an easy question!) I stammered something but knew I had to do better, so here we go...

On rare occasions, a character will come to me full-blown. One such was in my very first published book, Shadows of the Past. I was sitting on my sofa; it was my quiet time and I was reading the devotion for the day when a dark-haired woman in her late twenties popped in my head. She whispered, "Someone is trying to kill me." And then she was gone.

Of course, I had to know why someone was trying to kill her, and that's where that character and that book came from. It wasn't that way with Emma and Sam, although the photo on the cover is exactly how I pictured Emma.

I had pitched a four-book series to my publisher and Obsession was the second book. I knew that a body would be found at Mount Locust, and that's all I knew. 

As I let the story noodle around in my head, a story began to form, usually because I kept asking, what if... What if Emma's brother had gone missing ten years earlier on the night a girl was murdered?  I already knew her name because she was in Standoff and I knew a little bit about her personality. 

What I didn't know was how stubborn she could be. And the reason is...she didn't tell me that when I was writing Standoff. She waited until I was in the middle of Obsession! 

Seriously, I can write charts about my characters, know what their wounds are and the lies they believe about themselves--the lies that keep them from living their dream life. But they don't reveal themselves to me until I start writing their story. I wish they did--it'd be a lot easier.

Sam was the same way. I knew he was hurt because Emma broke it off with him, but I didn't know how bad his relationship was with his dad until he told me about a third of the way through the story. I love those moments!

So, if you've ever wondered how a writer comes up with their characters, that's the way I do it. I can't begin a story until I know my hero, heroine, and villain's names. They simply won't develop.

Leave a comment with a question you've always wanted a writer to answer and I'll enter you in a drawing for Obsession! Be sure to leave your contact information.

Oh, and the Standoff e-book is on sale this week for $1.99! Check it out here! for the Kindle version. For all other sites, you can find the links on my webpage.

The Natchez Trace National Parkway stretches 444 miles from Nashville to Natchez, the oldest town on the Mississippi River. It's the perfect road for a relaxed pleasure drive. Unfortunately for park ranger Luke Fereday, lately it's being used to move drugs. Sent to Natchez to infiltrate the organization at the center of the drug ring, Luke arrives too late to a stakeout and discovers the body of his friend, park ranger John Danvers.

John's daughter Brooke is determined to investigate her father's murder, but things are more complicated than they first appear, and Brooke soon finds herself the target of a killer who will do anything to silence her. Luke will have his hands full keeping her safe. But who's going to keep him safe when he realizes he's falling--hard--for the daughter of the man he failed to save?