It’s Elvis Week in Memphis, and homicide Detective Rachel Sloan isn’t sure her day could get any stranger when aging Elvis impersonator Vic Vegas asks to see her. But when he produces a photo of her murdered mother with four Elvis impersonators–one of whom had also been murdered soon after the photo was taken–she’s forced to reevaluate. Is there some connection between the two unsolved cases? … cases? And could the recent break-in at Vic’s home be tied to his obsession with finding his friend’s killer?
When yet another person in the photo is murdered, Rachel suddenly has her hands full investigating three cases. Lieutenant Boone Callahan offers his help, but their checkered romantic past threatens to get in the way. Can they solve the cases before the murderer makes Rachel victim number four?
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Nicely done, Ms. Patricia Bradley! I have been a fan of her romantic suspense for a while now and she never disappoints. This third book in Memphis Cold Case series can definitely be read as a stand-alone. There are cameo appearances from the two main characters from book 2 in this book but they only help to further along the plot and you won’t get bogged down with questions about who they are and what happened earlier in the series. Anyone who enjoys a well-crafted, grab-the-edge-of-your-seat suspense with a hint of romance and a nice underlying theme of faith will absolutely love this book.
The twists and turns in the plot as well as the constant guessing of the villain’s identity keep the pagers turning faster and faster. The writing is easy to follow and the dialogue among the characters is real and informative. The subtle theme of needing to trust God even in the worst circumstances pops up in both Boone and Rachel’s lives and nudges them toward finding peace.
Boone and Rachel both have deep hurts and guilt from their pasts. Boone has dealt with his ghosts better than Rachel has. As they’re thrown in to discover a killer who may have ties to a cold case involving Rachel’s mother, they both discover their strengths, their weaknesses, and how to lean on each other for help. Boone and Rachel are both intelligent, stubborn, tough law enforcers who have tender hearts underneath their toughness required in their field of work. Their camaraderie is evident in how well they work together as detective and lieutenant in the Homicide division and their romance, though only a very small part in the story, is sweet. The storyline also pulls Rachel’s federal judge father and her two grandmothers into the mix which is a lot of fun.
Will there be a fourth book in the series? I surely hope so!!
A copy of the book was provided from Baker Publishing Group through Interviews and Reviews. I was under no obligation to post a review. All opinions expressed are solely my own and subjective.
Justice Betrayed by Patricia Bradley is a thrilling contemporary Christian crime suspense. It is the third book in the Memphis Cold Case series but can be read as a stand-alone. I enjoyed catching up with familiar faces.
Cold cases and a modern murder appear to be linked. As the law enforcement agencies strive to find the connections and join up the pieces, the crimes mount up and so does the reader’s heart rate.
The novel is told from several points of view including that of the perpetrator. We ‘hear’ the thoughts and the planning of future crimes. We see the motivation for the actions. What I could not work out was just who the perpetrator was.
The leading lady is strong and independent but also struggles with past issues. “Maybe she didn’t have peace because she wouldn’t let God in.” She is easy to empathise with. I loved her kind, caring and compassionate nature especially towards Erin with had learning difficulties.
A war veteran struggles with PTSD. Everyone is fighting their inner battles. We have to choose what to do when faced with difficult decisions.
Brilliant minds and good old fashioned policing work together to solve crimes.
Our past affects our future but we are not destined to repeat the sins of our parents. The reader witnesses the fragile state of a character who is haunted by childhood events.
Patricia Bradley has once more produced a fabulous tale that consumed my every waking moment. Justice Betrayed is a cracking read.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
Justice Betrayed by Patricia Bradley leaves you wondering “who did it” until the end! Homicide detective Rachel Sloan is a wonderful female protagonist who needs to learn who murdered her mother. Lieutenant Boone Callahan is a caring man who wants to help Rachel. You will enjoy this story set during Elvis Week in Memphis! There is plenty of intrigue as they work to find the connection between several murders! I recommend Justice Betrayed to anyone who enjoys romantic suspense. I won my copy of the book in a Patricia Bradley giveaway. This is my honest opinion.
Justice Betrayed Isn’t enjoyable mystery, romantic suspense-phew That was a typing full. I enjoyed this book. It is portrayed like a real life event. The book was at a steady flowing clip. It keeps you going and guessing who is the killer and who is gunning (yes that is a pun) for Rachel. Will Rachel accept the help of Boone? Even after their romantic past? Will they rekindle? Will they catch who it is before it is too late? Who is it that is killing these Elvis impersonators and now after her? Are you going to find out? I received a copy of this book from the Publisher and Netgalley; all of the opinions expressed in this review are all my own.
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Interesting from the very beginning that drew you into the story…enjoyed getting to know the characters and why/how they interacted with each other.
I really enjoyed this new romantic suspense by Patricia Bradley, even though I have not read the first two books in the Memphis Cold Case series. This could easily be a standalone book. The story is memorable because the author draws you into the tale of Rachel, an intelligent and strong young woman who lost her mother at an early age and blames herself for her mother’s murder. Her love interest is her boss in the police station, so their interaction is emotionally charged but manages to stay “clean.” It is is engaging because Rachel is so determined to find the truth, and the reader is brought along on her journey there. The fact that there were Elvis impersonators being killed was especially interesting to me because I have visited Memphis and Graceland and know that the city is filed with Elvis wannabes. I loved that the entire book was written without any bad language or steamy bedroom scenes, not even any bleeps. Christian fiction is the best! Fans of Patricia Bradley and romantic suspense will thoroughly enjoy this book. It has a twist at the end that you won’t see coming, so that makes it even better for the diehard mystery fans who try to figure it out before the killer is revealed. I don’t think you’ll be able to figure out this one, even though Ms. Bradley does leave bread crumbs along the way to try to help us along the way. Excellent book with memorable characters and a flowing and satisfying plot and conclusion!
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. 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”
Justice Betrayed was a terrific read. Our heroine Rachel Sloan is assigned to homicide with Lt. Boone Callahan as her new supervisor (also someone that still sits her heart aflutter). I know, an old fashion term but it seems to fit. Its Elvis Week in Memphis and people from all over the world are there. Rachel’s mother was killed 17 yrs previously during a burglary gone wrong (according to the police). Then an Elvis impersonator tells Rachel her death was died to another death. The next day Vic is found dead before he can provide the proof to Rachel. More bodies are added to the count and the list of suspects increase.
I love the way Pat Bradley keeps the suspense moving, just a touch of romance but not enough to take away from the suspense, the characters are well developed and she always brings faith into the equation without being preachy.
No one asked me to leave this review and all opinions are my own. I pre-order all of Patricia Bradley’s books through a local independent bookstore. When another author recommended Pat Bradley’s books to me I bought one and have been hooked since. Pat is one of my top favorite authors and I love her style of writing, the suspense and the characters. I highly recommend anything by Patricia Bradley. She always writes wonderful Christian suspense with some romance. Know you will enjoy her books as much as I do.,
This is the third book in this series and all can stand alone, they all deal with cold case murders.
The author has given us a case with a homicide detective working active cases, she is given information that may lead to who killed her mother seventeen years ago.
Wow, you will be scratching your head and wondering, and then thinking you know who committed the crimes. In the meantime, the bodies are climbing.
For Detective Rachel Sloan, the case becomes personal, and her new boss Lt. Boone Callahan is there to help. We also add in a lot of Elvis’s, both past and present, and it all gets tied together.
You are in for a great mystery and once you think you have solved it, be prepared to change your mind, more than once, the author keeps you on your toes.
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Revell, and was not required to give a positive review.
OUTSTANDING!
Justice Betrayed (A Memphis Cold Case Novel Book 3) by Patricia Bradley is outstanding! It’s Elvis Week in Memphis so the city is filled with Elvis wannabes, Elvis impersonators and then the Elvis tribute artists. There is a big difference in all of these. Detective Rachel Sloan is going to find out just how strange the world of Elvis Week is when she has to immerse herself inside one of the competitions to help solve a cold case that took place seventeen years ago. As she attempts to learn whether there is anything to this new information, a new murder occurs which greatly complicates matters. Lieutenant Boone Callahan offers to help but the officers are desperately trying to fight their attraction to each other. This case quickly becomes complex and intense! The characters are real and believable. Bradley does a masterful job with the plot and will keep you on the edge of your seat. This is one you won’t want to miss! I was provided an ARC of this book by Revell and NetGalley. The opinions expressed here are completely my own and without influence.
Detective Rachel Sloan has believed for 17 years that her mother’s death was more than just a break-in gone wrong. When another Elvis Week in Memphis rolls around, she is surrounded by memories. Vic Vegas, a tribute artist who was a friend of her mother’s, asks her to look into a cold case. He says he has been investigating the death of another Elvis impersonator, and that he believes his death is somehow tied to her mother’s murder. He asks for Rachel’s help, and she agrees. Before she can check out his files, Vic turns up dead. Can she find his files when no one else seems to even believe they exist?
Lieutenant Boone Callahan fell for Rachel the last case they worked on together. Unfortunately, now he’s her superior in the homicide division, and she doesn’t want any hint of impropriety between them, so she calls off their budding romance. That doesn’t mean, however, that he’s done looking out for her, or that he’s done pleading his case. Working together to solve Vic’s death shows Boone what a capable cop Rachel is, but it also proves that his feelings are the real deal. Can he convince her that they are worth taking a chance on?
When the danger targets Rachel and those she holds dear, can she and Boone protect those she loves while catching a killer that has killed more than once?
Justice Betrayed is the third book in Patricia Bradley’s Memphis Cold Case series. While it is part of a series, it can be read as a stand-alone. Those who enjoy romantic suspense, with a heavier emphasis on the suspense, will love Justice Betrayed. I definitely recommend!
Patricia Bradley returns to Memphis. And what says Memphis more than Elvis Presley?
When Detective Rachel Sloan is approached by an Elvis tribute artist about a murder more than a decade old who later turns up dead, she’s forced to confront a tragedy from her past.
With attacks, investigations, interviews, an Elvis contest, and more, Rachel and a former flame, Boone Callahan (who is now her Lieutenant) are thrust together. Boone knows Rachel is something special but Rachel is focused on her career and doesn’t want to jeopardize it for romance.
Justice Betrayed gives readers a taste of Memphis. Elvis contests, Beale Street, The Pink Palace, and more. But more than that, it is a romantic suspense with lots of suspects! My guess at who the murder is changed with every interview or piece of uncovered evidence. Even getting the villains point of view didn’t help narrow down who did it.
Another fast-paced, keep-you-guessing romantic suspense in the Memphis Cold Case series.
Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.