There’s a killer on the loose in Galveston, targeting law enforcement officials and using a fatal injection of snake venom to take them down. Authorities have reasons to believe the Veneno gang is behind the hits, and FBI Agents Leah Riesel and Jon Colbert team up to track down those responsible. Their best lead is an eyewitness who identifies a young man dumping the third body on a church … doorstep. But their suspect has gone into hiding, and those closest to him are reluctant to reveal anything that might help investigators find him.As Leah and Jon check connections among the victims and dig deeper into motives, they discover appearances may be deceiving. Someone is desperate to keep their secrets hidden, and Leah and Jon must face their greatest fears in order to stop the next fatal strike.
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DiAnn Mills has done it again! Fatal Strike captivates the reader from the first to last page. Deliciously detailed, this fast-paced romantic suspense novel creates an emotional rollercoaster that keeps the pages turning as quickly as they can be read.
FBI Agents Leah Riesel and Jon Colbert are partnered together in this real-life thriller that will likely hit on the reader’s own fears. My hands literally shook while reading several pages. (gulp!) The deep characterization and attention to detail that trademark DiAnn Mills’ writing are incredible. The reader literally walks, runs—and falls—beside the main characters as they race for answers, interrogating witnesses and suspects alike. Pressure rises as they work to prevent murders from stacking up. The severity of the case requires sharp focus. Any mutual attraction must be in check to avoid disaster.
A resident of Texas, DiAnn covers local topography and venues with such detail that the reader is ordering from the menu and fanning the heat off his/her face. In keeping with current news, DiAnn researches current trends and problems. She appreciates the FBI and law enforcement personnel that keep her writing accurate and realistically frightening.
DiAnn’s philosophy of hands-on research makes each scene authentic and visual. Her slogan, “Expect an Adventure” is an understatement. This book will keep you awake until you finish reading it.
While reading Fatal Strike, the intensity of my fast-thumping heartbeat prevented me from hearing conversations. Who was guilty? I guessed…and then enjoyed the puzzle pieces falling into place and learning that I was way off.
Step into the world of Texas law enforcement.
Warning: Do not hold a beverage while reading. It may spill when you jump!
A pair of FBI agents partner up to investigate a string of murders involving law enforcement officials. They have never worked together before, and but fall into a professional rhythm to work the case. What ensues is a police-procedural-type story involving a gang that kills with rattlesnake venom, a mother desperately trying to protect her son, missing persons, faith, trust, and a few interesting turns thrown in.
I read this book in 2 days, and really enjoyed it. The main characters, Leah & Jon, were smart, compassionate, and professional. They both had back stories that provided depth without being overly emo and cliched. And both had phobias that they were determined to overcome, and that they had the chance to face in the book.
I liked the way the case unfolded, with some developments that kept me guessing. I did figure out who the kingpin was, but wasn’t bothered by figuring it out in advance. In fact, I remember thinking that if didn’t go that way, I was going to question some of the author’s choices. There were a couple of smaller elements that were presented that seemed to be left hanging, but they didn’t bother me too much. I also had a very difficult time following the action in the climax, and didn’t understand why some of the things happened.
Some of the dialog seemed kind of stilted, especially between the main characters. Most of the time I couldn’t really tell who was talking, because they were so similar to each other. I’m not sure that’s a fault in the characterization, because it was clear from the beginning that they WERE similar, so maybe it was an issue with dialog tags and narration as much as anything. I also did not care for the kingpin’s dialog near the end of the book. It made him seem a lot less intelligent and dastardly than I think he was supposed to be.
The romance is a slow-burn, which is my favorite type. The characters are completely respectful of each other and of their situation (partners working a case), and the romance that develops between them is understated, almost to a point of coming from out of left field, but I prefer a little bit of a leap to the in-your-face type of romances.
And finally, the Christian aspect is well-presented. Most of the faith that is presented in the book comes from a priest who is involved in the investigation. He is wise and insightful, and even clearly shown to be a human with some flaws, but kind and devoted. Through this influence, as well as some others, both of the main characters individually begin to examine their belief in God and what it might mean for them. I even appreciated the way that the too-familiar question of why a loving God would allow bad things to happen to good people is addressed.
Overall, I enjoyed this fast-paced read and would recommend it to all fans of suspense or crime dramas, with a little faith thrown in.
Thank you to Netgalley and Tyndale House Publishers for providing me a copy of this book to review.
This is a well-written, intriguing romantic suspense novel with numerous twists and turns and a sweet romance.
DiAnn Mills never disappoints. This story kept me riveted, and with goosebumps. Loved all of the plot twists! Thrilling to the end.
If you want to read a novel filled with adventure, suspense, twists in the plot and a surprise ending, look no further! In Fatal Strike, two FBI agents, well qualified and trained, are working with each other for the first time due to circumstances beyond their control. One of the agents is a young woman named Leah whose past she wouldn’t let drag her down, instead channeling her energy and pushing herself to be one of the top agents that FBI calls on. The other agent is named Jon who has his own demons that haunt his steps and dreams relentlessly. Thrust together to face dangerous people and situations, these two people might also find that they have an attraction to each other that may not be ignored.
The novel moves quite rapidly and makes the reader stick to the pages until the very end! I thought DiAnn did a great job crafting characters that were like real people. They have different past mistakes that come to their minds often; they have fears, nightmares from the past and wonder if there is any hope or God. Many times, while I was reading I thought I had figured out who the mastermind was behind the events happening in the scenes set in Texas, but at the end of the book I was surprised by the who it turned out to be!
Whether you are a long-time fan of Diann Mills or a new reader to her stories, this is a book you will want to read and perhaps share with other readers.
If you haven’t read DiAnn’s new release now’s the time to get your hands on a copy and get started. As Lynette Eason says, “DiAnn Mills Never Disappoints.” I must agree. The opening scenes are filled with action which keeps the adrenaline flowing through to the end. Special Agent Leah Riesel and her newly assigned partner Agent Jon Colbert fight for their lives while investigating a murder.
Rattlesnakes aren’t my thing, but the deadly use of their venom being injected into law enforcement officials keeps your feet tucked under you on the couch and your nose in the novel while you bury yourself in this intense read. The questions continue. Where are these snakes coming from and who will be the next victim. Is the Veneno gang behind the killings?
Leah refuses to back down from this dangerous investigation. She must face her fear of snakes as she visits a rattlesnake farm and digs deeper into the murders. About the time you think you’ve got it all figured out, a twist occurs. Just how close will she get to the snakes? You’ll have to read this riveting book to find out.
I love the way the plot thickens while the suspense builds and the romantic attraction between Leah and Jon blossoms. These characters work well together. Congratulations to DiAnn Mills on another successful novel.
The author has given us a story showing the detail work that goes into a murder case with the FBI agents trying to figure out, the connection,the motive, and the killers. Gang related and being close to Mexico played a part. Had a nice subtle touch of romance,as was the religion and family . It was woven together for a good closer, and recommend reading.
The relationships in this book are certainly connected and complicated. Until the end, I was uncertain as to all of the characters involved in the fatal strike. Parts of the ending were happy but still some tragedy was involved. The only thing I wondered about was if the main characters would really be allowed to stay partners in both work and life. (I do not think that is a spoiler since it is pretty clear from the beginning as to who is going to become a couple.) While this reads like a Mills novel, at the same time, she did take the plot line different directions, so the theme did not seem repetitive. This is definitely a page turner!
Fatal Strike by DiAnn Mills is a predictable, unoriginal tale of drug chasing. From the first chapter, I had a good idea of how the story would lay out, and I was proven correct. The characters were flat and had told their story before. I had a hard time staying focused on the story. I have seen the story before written by a number of romantic suspense authors. Not that Mills doesn’t know how to write; she does, but I have read this drug chasing and terrorists plots a number of times, and they are really repetitive and boring. While this story might be just the right story with plenty of action for some fans of romantic suspense, Fatal Strike did not work for me. I wanted something a little more original with tons of hair raising moments and an unpredictable ending. Fans of Irene Hannon and Colleen Coble might be overjoyed with Fatal Strike, but not me.
I received a complimentary copy of Fatal Strike by DiAnn Mills from Tyndale Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.
3.5 stars
“I’d rather face a dozen armed bad guys than one snake.”
Unfortunately, there have been a series of Galveston murders using rattlesnake venom as the weapon of choice. Paired with a new partner, F.B. I. Agent Leah Riesel can only hope that Jon Colbert doesn’t have the opportunity to eyewitness her full blown phobia. Tasked with tracking down the murderers, supposed members of a local gang who call themselves The Venonos, Leah and Jon have very few clues and only one eyewitness to a body dumping behind a local Catholic church. They’re on a race against time to make sure the killers don’t have the opportunity to make a fourth “fatal strike”.
This fast paced suspense blends numerous suspects with sparse evidence; a bit dis-jointed in places, allowing the relational side story between Leah and Jon to fill in the gaps. Both of these highly trained snipers bring shame, guilt, fear and regret into their partnership, but it’s amazing how “half the fun of fishing is who you’re with” . . . . . guaranteed to be the favorite scene of most readers!
Two snipers team up to uncover who is behind a string of murders but multiple suspects, wrong turns, and possible gang involvement keep Leah and Jon (and readers) on their toes in Fatal Strike. DiAnn Mills doesn’t give readers time to take a breath once they pick up this romantic suspense novel.
I appreciated that Leah and Jon discussed whatever was on their minds. They communicated like the adults and professionals they are. While they both have fears and regrets they’ve run from for too long, the case makes both partners face them head-on.
Even the supporting characters were well-rounded. And so many of them have secrets, it’s no wonder the FBI agents find it challenging to solve their investigation.
Leah and Jon’s romance flows naturally into the storyline, and I loved that they could tease each other but also had each other’s back’s when required. Mills also weaves a faith thread into this story in such an organic way, the book would feel incomplete without it.
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.
Fatal Strike has was one of the most inventive plots I’ve seen in a while. Snake venom as the murder weapon (and that’s not a spoiler)!
When you add in a family in tatters, two agents falling in love and greatest fears being faced, you have yourself a page-turner.
DiAnn Mills says to “expect and adnveture” and this certainly was a wild one. I particularly liked not being able to figure out who the baddie was, until very near the end.
DiAnn Mills delivers another smashing hit with Fatal Strike. Two FBI snipers, Leah Riesel and Jon Colbert, start the story off when they are assigned together for the first time to take down a criminal in true sniper fashion. Despite both agents’ reluctance to give up the driver’s seat in their new partnership, they get along quite well, and they are immediately plunged into another deadly case. While the physical attraction between these two is mutual, their relationship is first and foremost based on trust and respect. They are battling past mistakes and fears, making them both hesitant to even contemplate a serious relationship.
After that first heart-pounding scene, the chapters that follow slowly build into an interesting and unique story of a Galveston community besieged by illegal prescription drugs, deception, betrayal, and murder by rattlesnake venom. The spiritual/Christianity aspect is moderate as both main characters grapple with self-forgiveness and faith, adding a thought-provoking layer to their character development. The overall pace of the story picks up considerably as the two agents inch closer to the truth and closer to discovering the identities of the real culprits behind all the murder and illegal activity. DiAnn Mills does a fantastic job of stringing the reader along without revealing too much too soon.
The two main characters, Leah and Jon, are well developed and likable. Jon’s easy going personality and daily gift of a steaming cup of coffee for Leah set the bar pretty high for a leading man. Leah’s love for Steampunk decor automatically makes her a favorite in my book.
All levity aside, a few serious themes set the tone for the overall story: handling the often tumultuous relationship between parents and adult children, facing and overcoming fears and phobias, and opening the heart to forgiveness and new beginnings. The action is not always nonstop in Fatal Strike, which gives the reader time to breathe in between the high-impact activity, unexpected twists, and a scene that had me mentally cowering in a corner. The author’s ability to elicit such heart-pounding emotion makes Fatal Strike a slam dunk.
Fatal Strike is a must read for any fan of soft romance with a high dose of intriguing mystery, all presented through well-written prose and impressive characterization.
Following a string of recent and prominent murders using snake venom that has the calling card of a local gang infiltration, a team of FBI agents, led by a highly trained sniper duo, descend on Galveston to deescalate the threat and bring justice to the victims. Tensely woven from the opening sequence, the story was incredibly fast-paced and set a desperate tone to find the answers to what has set a community on edge.
“Her faith will be her strength or weakness.”
As Jon and Leah set out to seek the truth behind these horrible crimes, their detective work picks up the pace and so too does the mutual attraction felt between them. Despite their tough exteriors, both are fragile individuals, yet it is through their weaknesses that their strengths can shine. Each carries quite a bit of baggage, making them reluctant to get too close, yet as the circumstances unfold it becomes harder and harder to deny the feelings developing between them. I appreciate the light romance aspects of the story that take backstage to the importance of professionalism. Additionally, I am such a fan of how the author is able to balance the very real human characteristics of grit and grace in such a gentle and admirable way. Leah’s job as a sniper doesn’t make her any less feminine than her best friend who has a house full of children. Jon’s questioning of faith doesn’t make him a hypocrite. The author is able to masterfully showcase both spiritual and social messages throughout the story while also using them to make connections to the plot.
“People aren’t perfect. Just because they have faith doesn’t mean they don’t make mistakes.”
I love that these characters are so well developed and relatable. From the criminals committing the crimes to the high ranking officials within law enforcement seeking justice, everyone has something to hide. These secrets not only draw out the investigation, but also make it quite difficult to know who to actually trust! And as with any good mystery, you’ll be led astray by the fantastically placed red herrings a few times along the way before the shocking truth is discovered.
This suspenseful crime drama is action-packed with very little down time! Even the dialogue is short, sweet, and to the point! Insightful storytelling makes this an entertaining and engaging read that should not be missed! I can’t wait for the next one!
I received a copy of this book for free. This is my thoughtful and honest review.
There’s a lot of FBI investigation novels going around the book world. While I adore reading these types of stories, I have never read one like Fatal Strike by DiAnn Mills. In Fatal Strike, Mills entwines the lives of Leah and Jon as they get placed as partners on an FBI investigation in the town of Galveston, Texas. Along the way of their case, they both come to realize that they may have more between them than just a job. Feelings come into play as they track down a killer with a habit of using rattlesnake venom as a weapon.
It’s a breath of fresh air to step into a novel based in a town that I grew up around for family vacations. While reading, it was easy to imagine the story unfolding before my eyes in my childhood stomping ground. Mills does a great job of drawing out the town with its new lives in it.
Oh and don’t you dare forget that romance! Typically, romance novels can get a bit childish. Leah and Jon are amazingly grown-up about their budding relationship even with having to deal with their pasts at the same time. Not to mention, the stress the case alone puts on them during this time.
Fatal Strike is a novel for bedside tables. Or coffee tables. In other words, everyone should own this novel. It’s brilliant, fast-paced, and the personification of page-turning. Easily is four out of five stars for me.
This is another winner by DiAnn Mills. She is a master story teller and throws twists and turns in all around.. Her character development and story development keep you engaged in the book. She introduces a new (at least to me) way to kill people–snake venom.
I received an ARC from the author for an honest review.
DiAnn Mills’ books have been hit or miss for me, and there’s only been one or two I’ve really liked. But her newest release, Fatal Strike, is a fascinating and page-turning suspense novel with fabulous characters and a touch of romance. Five stars from me!
Honestly, the romance aspect may have been one of my favorite parts of this book. Both characters acted like the adults and professionals they were and, instead of acting like hormonal teenagers, they communicated (!!!) and didn’t let their feelings for each other get in the way of their job or other relationships. Well done, Mills! I also really appreciated how instead of finding a significant other and their problems magically melting away, the characters found themselves having to confront their issues and pasts and in that process drew the other to God.
The plot was full of suspense and plot twists and I was left guessing at every turn! The story felt like a unique twist on your typical suspense novel, which was a breath of fresh air. Both our main characters are very realistic humans that I found easy to relate to. The faith themes, as I briefly mentioned, were woven throughout the story and weren’t too backseat, while also not being too prominent and “in your face.”
Overall, I greatly enjoyed this romantic suspense novel and look forward to reading what Mills writes next! I highly recommend checking this one out if you love suspense, realistic characters, and a bit of romance.
FTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley for promotional purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.
I am not even sure where to begin with my thoughts on this book! I haven’t read one of DiAnn’s books in a while and I’m not sure why. Her books are gripping, remind us of faith, family, and ties in a multitude of issues that we see in the world today.
Leah and Jon have a hard job, or at least one that I wouldn’t want to perform, they are snipers for the FBI. It is an important job but I wonder how someone can put aside the fact that they will most likely kill someone in the line of duty? Granted anyone that is killed is usually a criminal, but it must weigh heavily on their hearts, or I would think that it might. Despite their jobs and their alpha personalities, there is something between them that sparks further investigation to see if it might be more than just friendship.
There were so many aspects of this book that I enjoyed. The characters were fleshed out and sometimes complex, the Christian part struck the perfect balance to the fast-paced action, there is a priest that struggles with his faith and doing what is right for society, and even a bit of potential romance for Leah and Jon. All of the characters felt real with their own issues and how they dealt with those issues. A big one for Leah is her fear of snakes and this book has them “thrown” at her from multiple directions. I admired her strength despite it all especially in working to overcome that fear. I felt like Jon was supportive of her and understood that sometimes there are things we are afraid to address in this life.
The main story centers around the deaths of three prominent citizens in Galveston, a gang, and a drug crisis. The stories are interwoven neatly without giving away too many details to keep the reader in suspense. I have to admit I did figure out part of the story only because looking at all of the characters, this was the only one that didn’t feel right. There were many more involved in the end and I had a flurry of different emotions for the various characters. Happy to see some get their just rewards, and sad that others had to endure the situations in which they were placed.
Leah and Jon both had unresolved issues when it came to family or close friends and their journey to closure rounded out the story. The only thing I didn’t figure out was Leah’s heritage. She mentions an ancestor that escaped slavery and there is a brief description of Leah, but that is about all is said in the story. It didn’t really matter in the end, was just something I questioned.
Overall I really enjoyed this story and give it 5 paws up.
Mills is a master story teller of suspense and mystery. This book ropes you in from the very first chapter….. FBI snipers Leah Riesel and Jon Colbert are brought together when their regular partners are unable to work the immediate case of rescuing women and children from a hostage situation. Both of them are excellent marksmen. Then they are subjected with solving some gruesome murders taking place in Galveston. The victims are not shot nor strangled, no marks found on the bodies. Autopsy shows the victims are being injected with rattlesnake venom. The only witness they have, identified a young man, seen near the latest body found on the church steps. This young man is missing. What does he know? Did he killed the man? What does the priest of the church know and is he hiding something or someone? …..Mills definitely has a winner in Fatal Strike. There are so many new developments as the mystery unfolds that will keep you guessing “who dunnit?” More murders taking place and they seem to be gang related, but are they? The connections that were drawn between all the characters are interesting and intriguing. The main characters are intelligent and unrelenting in their quest to unravel this mystery……. Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy, but I wasn’t required to leave a positive review.
I was attracted to this book because – DiAnn Mills is one of my favorite authors. Her stories are always compelling in their adventure and relevant in events and characters.
This book was about – FATAL STRIKE is another book in the Houston: FBI series. A pair of FBI sniper agents are assigned to solve a series of homicides in Galveston before the killer can strike again. As they work the case, they struggle with the motives and actions of each person they interview. To solve the crimes, they will have to sort through misdirection and falsehoods, as they both face their own internal fears.
Things I liked about this book – In a providential way, this story brings the 2 FBI agents together at the point in their lives when they needed a partner to anchor their lives and to encourage each other to face their demons. The cascading consequences of sin is clearly shown in the actions of all the characters. The themes of forgiveness and redemption are expressed from the opening to the closing pages. I also enjoyed the double entendre of the title. There is the obvious reference to stopping the killer. But, after finishing the book, I realized it is also pointing to specific events in the story. Those are still haunting me.
Why you should read this book – FATAL STRIKE is a fast paced story, with intriguing characters. While the crimes were complex, it is the subtle way they had been inserted into the lives of the victims which are the most disturbing. It makes you wonder about the people around you, even those you sit by in church. And the romantic tension between the main characters bring tender and hopeful emotions to a devastating adventure.
This book lived up to the back cover copy – DiAnn Mills, in FATAL STRIKE, fulfills the promises made on the back cover.
While I received a copy from the author, I also pre-ordered the book.