A serial killer bent on revenge . . . and striking too close to home. Teagan O’Rourke has always loved murder mysteries. In her job as a court reporter, she has written official records for dozens of real-life murders. She’s slapped evidence stickers on crime scene photos. She’s listened to hours of chilling testimony. But she’s never known the smell of death. And she never thought she might be … might be a victim.
Until now.
A young police officer is murdered just inches away from her, and then a man calling himself a serial killer starts leaving Teagan notes, signing each with the name of a different murderer from her favorite mystery novels.
Panicked, Teagan turns to her friend Max Kennedy. Max longs for more than friendship with Teagan, but he fears she’ll never trust someone with a past like his. He wonders how much of God’s “tough love” he can take before he gives up on love completely. And he wonders if he’ll be able to keep Teagan alive long enough to find out.
As Teagan, Max, and Teagan’s police officer father race to track down the elusive killer, they each know they could be the next victim. Desperate to save those she loves, Teagan battles fears that once haunted her in childhood. Nothing seems to stop this obsessed murderer. No matter what she does, he seems to be getting closer . . .
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WOW! I’m not usually enthralled by romantic suspense, but this one really pulled me in and I couldn’t put it down! I think it was that the main characters (and the family) wrestled through their stands on some issues and came out the other side. I like a book that makes me think. As with any serial killer novel, you’re usually not sure until the very end if your guess was correct as to whodunit (mine was, but that didn’t take away from the way Irvin built up to a dramatic and twisty finale). The pacing was solid and never lagged. I’m truly impressed with this novel and plan to read more by Kelly Irvin.
Kelly Irvin made her name in Amish romance before publishing Tell Her No Lies, her first romantic suspense novel, in 2018. I was impressed by that novel, but was less impressed by Over the Line (I’m from New Zealand, and the story was too pro-gun for my tastes, especially in the aftermath of the Christchurch shooting).
Closer Than She Knows takes all the strengths of Tell Her No Lies and builds on them to deliver a powerful novel.
Teagan O’Rourke is a court reporter. She’s not a journalist, but the person who sits in the courtroom and transcribes every word spoken during a trial. That’s new—I’ve never read a novel featuring a court reporter before. It was interesting to find the court reporter is also responsible for the physical evidence in the trial, and that’s where Closer Than She Knows starts …
Teagan is transporting trial evidence under police escort when her escort is shot in the head. That’s shocking enough, but when Teagan’s next-door neighbour is stabbed to death and another friend attacked in Teagan’s house, then the police suspect Teagan is also a target. Notes found by the bodies leave Teagan’s father, a retired policeman, suspecting the murders might be related to one of his cases—a convicted murderer and suspected serial killer.
What follows could be a typical chase-type romantic suspense novel, but it’s more than that.
There’s also Teagan’s relationship with Max, the youth leader at her church. He thinks she’s not interested in anything more than friendship because he’s a recovering alcoholic. She’s not interested … but for a completely different reason. Max challenges her on her reasoning, partly out of selfish reasons (he disagrees with her), but more because he says her belief is limiting God. That was an interesting and welcome twist.
Yes, Closer Than She Knows is definitely Christian fiction, and it isn’t afraid to address some of the hard questions in life and faith: why do bad things happen to good people? Can we go against something we believe in when the people we love are in danger? Can we trust God with the hard things? And more …
There was plenty of tension which kept me turning the pages until the satisfying end. But there were also touches of humour and some tender moments amid the suspense and the introspection. Overall, Closer Than She Knows is an excellent example of Christian romantic suspense, with a great balance between faith, romance, and suspense, and a cast of believable and interesting characters.
Recommended for fans of Christian romantic suspense.
Thanks to Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for providing a free ebook for review.
I’m honestly not trying to be melodramatic, but before I write a review on Kelly Irvin’s, Closer Than She Knows, I’m waiting for my hands to stop shaking and my heart rate to return to normal. Seriously! I knew Irvin could write great Amish books, but she can do eerie and creepy right along with the best of them!
Max Kennedy is an impressive hero—a youth pastor who’s been redeemed from a past enslaved by alcohol and drugs. He’s determined to help his friend, court reporter Teagan O’Rourke, when an elusive serial killer starts leaving her chilling notes. The notes were mystifying and added a doubly sinister touch to the who-dun-it aspect of the story.
Teagan wasn’t a likeable heroine at first…but then who would be when being stalked by a crazed killer? She eventually grew on me, but I can’t say I really felt any chemistry between her and Max. Until I did. Figure that one out. 😉
A lot of impeccable research went into this novel and I learned more about serial killers than I ever cared to know. (GULP) With non-stop, heart-pounding excitement, and plenty of twists and turns, I highly recommend this thrilling who-dun-it to every suspense lover.
*I received a complimentary copy of this novel from Thomas Nelson via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.*
Suspenseful!! Very hard to put down!!
I enjoy reading Christian suspense books and this is a good one!
3.5
When a serial killer uses the names of the villains in her favorite murder mysteries to taunt her, life unravels for court reporter Teagan O’Rourke.
The written taunts are found each time the murderer takes the life of someone Teagan knows. Two women are murdered within hours of each, and the killer promises there will be more… including Teagan.
Her siblings—all members of law enforcement—scramble to keep her safe, but Teagan doesn’t want to be protected or play the victim. When her father, a retired detective and department consultant, figures out the killings are connected to another serial killer he sent to prison, she wants in on the investigation.
As witnesses are questioned and court records combed, Teagan is thrown for another loop when an attempt is made on the life of Max Kennedy, the man she loves but refuses to commit to.
Well-written with a steady pace, this read has a solid plot and good subplots. As each layer of mystery is lifted, the killer seems more out of reach and no one knows who or where he will strike next.
However, I had issues with two points.
Despite the O’Rourke family’s close connections to law enforcement, I found it incredible that so much information was allowed outside of the department, that members of the department held meetings in-home for the family, and that Teagan was allowed to be part of all of it.
Teagan O’Rourke is my other issue.
An only child, Teagan lost her mother at a young age and felt betrayed by her father when he remarries a woman with three children—betrayal she keeps close to the vest for the most part.
A woman of faith, the passive woman didn’t follow her father into law enforcement… but two of her step-siblings did and another went into law. This makes Teagan feel ‘set apart’ and is supposedly the reason for her determination to be independent.
To me, it just made her annoying.
Teagan did all the “right” things… she went to church, volunteered with the youth, and invited others to church, but to me, her spirituality was reactive, not proactive. It was like a cloak left to her by her mother and grandmother she put on to shield herself from the ugliness in the world, especially some of the heinous crimes she transcribed in court. To me, Teagan was not God-led, but rather made her decisions and considered them God-accepted.
As a vet with PTSD and seven years sober from prescription drug abuse and alcoholism… AND a suicide attempt, Max was much more believable, leaning on his faith to see him through and not just calling on it to save him.
But, not connecting with the main character has never stopped me from enjoying a story, and as this one comes full circle, I couldn’t put it down. The killer craves media coverage and notoriety, and Teagan finally gives it to him… and he escalates before showing his hand.
To be honest, I figured out the “who” but not the “how” and I wasn’t ready for the reveal. Well done!
Readers of crime fiction and suspense will enjoy Closer Than She Knows.
This book is fast-paced Christian romantic suspense. Although the book dealt with a serial killer, the murders were not described in graphic detail. The romance was clean and hopeful, but not the focus of the story. I didn’t necessarily feel a connection to the characters, but I appreciated that they were real people with real issues, desperately in need of Christ to get them through their daily lives.
As with most suspense novels, I figured out who the killer was. I was certain I was right, but then Irvin threw some twists that had me doubting for a few pages! This rarely happens, so I was impressed. *Minor spoiler*: I liked the hopeful ending, but also appreciated that the author acknowledged the realities of the aftermath of dealing with a serial killer.
I am now a big fan of Kelly Irvin’s Romantic Suspense books. This one did not disappoint. It is so intense and the suspense keeps you turning pages all the way to the end. This author writes police action in a way that makes you know the books are well researched. The twists will keep you guessing. And the romance between the main characters is not overdone and does not take up a major part of the book. Teagan and Max will win your heart. Loved this book and I recommend it to Suspense fans.
Teagan O’Rourke is a court reporter who runs a free library from her front yard. She lives in San Antonio, TX. Her father is a retired policeman, and her friend is Max who is a part-time youth minister. Teagan and Max both have feelings for each other that have turned from friendship to romance but they each have pasts that cause them to hesitate or doubt themselves or the viability of a relationship.
Teagan becomes the focus of a serial killer, but why? Is it something she has done to someone? Is it a former criminal her father knows? Did one of her siblings antagonize someone? Teagan and Max along with her father follow clues the killer leaves at the scene of each murder in the form of a note signed by a literary killer. However, as time advances, the killer murders those closer and closer to Teagan. Will she end up a victim too? Not if Max has anything to say about it!
This is a great suspense novel! The action moves the story along quickly. I was glued to my seat from beginning to end. The two main characters, Teagan and Max, are strong people of faith and not afraid to show it. Teagan perhaps initially has a weaker relationship with God, but that is soon grown stronger with the trial she undergoes. The author’s research is evident in the text, making the story more believable. The intensity was full-on throughout the book, building until the final scene. The ending was satisfying and wrapped everything up nicely. Suspense lovers will definitely want to check this one out!
Teagan’s career as a court report gives her an inside look at the evil and horrors humans can commit. When she and her friends and family become targets of a serial killer, she often views the situation through the lens of her job. And since the rest of her family are law enforcement, she gets plenty of opinions.
By far, my favorite character in this book is Max. He’s made some mistakes in his past and is trying to let them go but he’s human and falters sometimes. His affection for Teagan is obvious as is his hesitancy to push for more than their friendship.
While the suspense is ratcheted up with each new discovery and a few red herrings are thrown at the reader, I figured out who the culprit was early on and his motivation became clear upon meeting a certain character.
I’ve watched Kelly Irvin’s growth as a suspense writer over the past few books, and Closer Than She Knows raises that bar a little higher.
Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
I received an ARC for reviewing purposes. All opinions are my own.
This is a first of Kelly Irvin’s books for me and I was definitely not disappointed! The first chapter grabs you and it doesn’t let go. Irvin’s descriptive writing puts us right in the middle of the action, letting us live it, rather than telling us. Teagan is a peace-loving woman, surrounded by a family of police officers and a best friend, who helps keep her rooted in faith.
Teagan O’Rourke is a court reporter in San Antonio, Texas who finds herself being stalked by a serial killer. He communicates with her through notes left with his victims, signing them with the names of literary figures. When her family and friends jump on the case and the past collides with the present, old and new wounds are opened for everyone. This is one creepy serial killer who is hitting way too close to home.
I enjoyed the romantic touch to the story and felt like it added to the suspense you feel reading. You begin to hope for Teagan to let herself be completely head over heels with Max. Her restraint is understandable, but you also want them to overcome their personal obstacles.
The clues are impressively woven throughout the book. I had my mind dead set on the killer and their motive until I would be pulled in a new direction. Irvin touches on subjects that can often be difficult to read, yet they are beautifully executed. It’s clear that she did the deep research to ensure a flawless delivery! I couldn’t put this one down until I reached the final page. Be ready — it’ll absorb you!
Closer Than She Knows by Kelly Irvin is a suspenseful romantic thriller I read straight through without stopping for sleep. Teagan O’Rourke who is a court reporter is a lot like me as she enjoys reading murder mysteries. She was raised with a family of law enforcement officers and her father now serves as a consultant to the sheriff’s department. She feels a bit estranged from her father due to his remarriage after her mother’s death years ago.
Her life takes a drastic turn when she becomes the target of a serial killer. When Teagen is being escorted with evidence to be stored in an ongoing trial, the officer driving her is shot and killed. Later her friend Max is attacked as he tries to help her sweet neighbor from a murderer.
More deaths follow as Teagan is being taunted by the murderer. I think because I read suspense thrillers each week I was able to figure out the serial killer’s identity the second time he appears in the story. I like the characters of Teagan, Max, and her family. I appreciate the inspirational values of the characters.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
3.5 stars
Kelly Irvin is a new to me author. The synopsis of this book intrigued me and it was definitely a well-written plot. This book grabbed my attention from page one. Court reported Teagan O’Rourke figures out she is in the crosshairs of a serial killer when people around her start dying and the killer is leaving messages cryptic messages for Teagan at each crime scene. Her whole family is in law enforcement so they quickly get involved to protect her. But who could be after her? Someone from a case she was involved in or someone from a case of someone in her family or someone else entirely? It’s a race against time to figure out who is behind all this before this person goes after Teagan herself!
Although I really enjoyed the plot and was interested to get to the end to see what happened, I had a problem with some beliefs of the main character, Teagan. I don’t want to say too much to fear giving too much away and spoiling something for a reader, but I did not find some of her beliefs to be realistic or believable given the situation she was in.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Net Galley. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
The first page starts a crazy, hold onto your hat, adrenaline pumping ride that doesn’t stop until the end of the book. Each corner has another surprise around it, keeping the pulse pounding through the whole book. Kelly Irvin has obviously done her homework, with attention to detail that adds a whole new level of suspense and entertainment to a great read.
Teagan has been raised in a family of cops with no interest to join herself. But she does have justice running through her veins and finds her outlet in court room reporting. She finds great satisfaction in her job, priding herself on a high level of competency. The ins and outs of police work are not foreign to her. With the judge wanting the evidence for her latest case locked up tight at police headquarters, Teagan gets a ride with a police woman who wants to do her job well and get home. Then there is a bang, blood and the officer is down. This starts a nightmare ride that Teagan desperately wishes she could get off of. A new serial killer has got Teagan in his sights and he has no intention of stopping or letting her go. With friends dying and answers in short supply, Teagan must depend on family and her best friend, Max. Max has loved Teagan for years, but with his past is convinced they will never work. One thing he can do is offer support and a level of protection as the serial killer continues to get closer. But will Max become another target, used to hurt the woman he loves?
Kelly Irvin has masterfully woven a tale of suspense and intrigue that keeps the pages turning and the heart pounding. She develops intricate relationships with her characters that helps pull the reader further into the story. They feel like real people, living around the corner. I wanted to ask the suspects questions to help get the answers needed to end the killing. If you want an entertaining story with lots of excitement, you need to grab this book. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
This intense story dealing with a serial killer who toys with the protagonist was not one I could keep reading all at once. I had to take some breaks because the author made it all so real. The true-to-life characters, attention to details, and threatening situations felt like I were experiencing them with those in danger. Teagan, a court reporter from a family of cops, and her close friend Max, a youth pastor, face both personal struggles and the larger enigma the murderer presents. Cryptic notes left by the killer tease Teagan, but the man who seems to be guilty is in prison. The stakes keep escalating as he sets his sights on her. The intriguing tale will hold you in its grip. If you like compelling mysteries, you should enjoy this novel. I received a copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
Closer Than She Knows
By Kelly Irvin
Since losing her mother as a child, Teagan O’Rourke fears the thought of losing the people closest to her. With her father, step-sister, and step-brother all police officers, it is a possibility. Opting for a safer career, Teagan works as a court reporter, but soon she finds herself and those she loves targetted by a killer.
Now she is getting an up-close look at death as the killer taunts her using her love of mysteries to communicate his intentions with each murder he commits. Can Teagan, her family, and closest friends discover the killer’s identity before he kills one of her family?
Max Kennedy will do anything he can to keep Teagan safe. Max knows Teagan sees him as one of her best friends. He wants something more that involves a lifelong commitment but doesn’t want to lose the friendship that they have. With a killer targeting her, he needs to work with Teagan’s family to keep the killer from exacting his revenge. But Max has a secret that he fears will alter Teagan’s opinion of him, a secret that he’s not ready to share.
Closer Than She Knows is not a book to read before bed if you have an early morning because you won’t be able to put it down. The identity of the killer is well hidden so that the reader is wondering, is this him? The taunting letters have a unique signature that only has significance to Teagan, and the contents reveal just how close the killer has gotten to her. And he is getting closer to his end goal, making Teagan and her family feel the full force of his revenge. This is the perfect read if you are looking for suspense that keeps the pages turning.
I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion ~ all thoughts expressed are my own.
3.5 stars
“The Triple S stands for Shoot, Stab, and Strangle.”
Teagan O’Rourke finds herself living and breathing in the middle of a nightmare. A cold, calculating killer is not only toying with her, but killing dear friends and acquaintances at a dizzying rate. While her family members use their law enforcement connections to find clues, Teagan’s dearest friend Max maintains a steady presence at her side. If only . . . . . if only things could look different when Teagan gazes into her future.
“Closer Than She Knows” moves at a frantic, almost frenzied pace. A lot goes wrong for a lot of people. There are more dead ends than clues, and more to fear than fear itself. Even though Teagan and Max readily admit their flaws, they demonstrate an unshakable determination to forge ahead with a “them”. For as the author concludes, “Scripture promised joy in the morning. It had arrived right on time.”
In Ms. Irvin’s latest suspense, be prepared for all of the twists and turns throughout this book! Readers will be on a fast-paced track to discover what and who is behind the crimes that are happening in this book. I have read her other suspense books and loved those just like this one! The main character, Teagan, is a court reporter who has seen and heard all types of criminal acts in the courtroom. At the beginning of this book, a young police officer is killed in her presence. Then, she realizes a serial killer is on the loose and has his/her sights on her. Along with her friend Max, they are in a race to discover the true killer. As readers read they will constantly encounter another twist as the plot thickens. This book is really good and once you start you won’t want to stop. I highly recommend this book! If you love Christian suspense books, then this is a book for you!
***I was given a free electronic copy of this book from the publisher. This is my honest opinion. Even though I received this copy free, this is my own opinion.
CLOSER THAN SHE KNOWS …..Kelly Irwin
Teagan was a court reporter, having written official records for dozen of murder trials. The judge wanted the actual evidence from storage. brought to him, going to get it, they were shot at. She now knew the fear, and smell of death. When Max was sure she would be okay he would go feed Tigger for her. He is greeted with yells from her elderly neighbor, then an attach happened to Max. He means so much to her, but she won’t let it happen. As a youth minister she knew what his dreams were. He still has some inner demons, and riding on his motorcycle helps, The pieces come together, was she the. target, and innocence people are now dead. A good mystery with
some romance. An emotional ride from the beginning, that readers will want to read. Given ARC for my voluntary review and my honest opinion from
Net Galley and Thomas Nelson.
This is a well written book that will keep you on the edge of your seat. It is full of suspense, drama and a touch of romance. If you like clean suspense, you will love this book. I read it in one day, yes it’s that good! Thank you Thomas Nelson–FICTION via NetGalley for the ARC copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.