Standoff

Patricia Bradley’s newest release STANDOFF (Natchez Trace Park Rangers Book #1) hits close to home! The setting of the Natchez Trace Parkway is near and dear to me as part of the Parkway runs about two miles from my home. Also, I’m very familiar with the city of Natchez and other surrounding areas as I spent a Summer serving as a Youth Minister in Natchez. (Students make the BEST Tour Guides!). As I read this book, I had no problem visualizing exactly where the events took place.

This book centers around a problem all to common to most places - narcotics and the cartels that control them, Brooke Danvers is starting her first tour as newly minted Park Ranger. She is the the daughter of well respected Ranger John Danvers. John has been investigating a drug ring for quite some time and has had the aid of a joint task force of law enforcement officers and an undercover Ranger. When Ranger John Danvers is killed on Brooke’s first day at work, she finds herself fighting to work on the case. Her best friend from childhood happens to be home checking on his grandmother. Luke Fereday proves to be much more of a friend than Brooke could ever have imagined she needed. The action is non-stop in this this novel! Readers quickly realize they have no idea who can be trusted in this game of cat-and-mouse.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by Revell and NetGalley. The opinions expressed here are completely my own and without influence.

This was such an intense read. I can’t wait to read all the author’s work. From the first page I was drawn into the lives of the characters. I felt so bad for the main character losing her dad. Even though the book was suspenseful and had tragedy, it was still inspirational without being preachy for those who are reluctant to pick up any book close to that. I loved how the author wrote the characters and surrounding where you feel like you’re there. I was on pins and needles at times, feeling like I was hiding out undercover. I just can’t say enough. There were twists and turns and I was so torn on who to trust, especially the two men wanting to court Brooke.

Wow - don’t expect to put this down before you finish it! The author has done a fabulous job of drawing you into the suspense with the first scene as the young hacker discovers information that absolutely terrifies him. Natchez Mississippi sounds like a lovely region, with plenty of places to explore and enjoy. Unfortunately it also has many off the beaten track areas where those with evil intent can flourish, a wonderful breeding ground for the drug cartel and a problem the Park Rangers are working hard to curtail. As a new law enforcement Ranger, Brooke Danvers seems to get caught in the middle of it all.

This page-turner has everything you want in an edge-of-your-seat book that you won’t want to put down until that last period. Even then the mystery, intrigue and suspense will follow you as you try to figure out how you could have missed it - all evidence of an incredibly well-written story. I highly recommend this book, but perhaps not something you should read at night, especially if you live alone.

I received an ARC through Baker Publishing Group and NetGalley. My impressions and comments were in no way solicited.

STANDOFF..Patricia.Bradley
Brandon was an accountant by day and a hacker at night. He was addicted, he admitted to himself for two years, his dad warned him. He was an ex junkie
now dead,, the last site he got into was that why? His dad, Kyle , knew
something was wrong, he wouldn’t of used heroin. He still had the flash
drive from his son, what all was on it, now Kyle wanting justice.
A lot going on in Natchez, drugs, drug runners, a marijuana medical bill they are wanting passed.
Brooke was a Natchez Trace Park Ranger, Jeramy came by wanting to take her for dinner, he was a senator, and why interested in her she questions.
Also the ride along with her father was cancelled, and she wonders why.
Now he is dead, and they are saying suicide, he was a veteran Park Ranger. Luke goes in undercover and works with Brooke, to find the answers of what happened that night, with her father. A little romance, Luke doesn’t feel he is worthy of someone like Brooke. Then she also has the senator Jeramy, who likes her down to earth life, The beginning was set as we got to know the characters and the roll they were playing in wanting justice for a son and a father, The plot was good, interesting and how the pieces come together.
Given ARC by Net Galley and Baker for my voluntary review and my honest opinion.