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 … 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?Award-winning author Patricia Bradley introduces you to a new series set in the sultry South that will have you wiping your brow and looking over your shoulder.
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Standoff is book one of the Natchez Trace Park Rangers series, and it starts with a bang. Rookie Park Law Enforcement officer Brooke Danvers not only wants to solve the mystery of her ranger-father’s so-called suicide, but the mystery of her old friend and former flame Luke Fereday (I love that name!), who doesn’t seem to be what he says he is. Luke is working undercover, going after a drug kingpin, and finds himself not only solving this crime, but in the role of protector to Brooke when her life is threatened more than once.
To say I loved this book is an understatement. I literally, until the last chapter, suspected every character in the book EXCEPT Brooke, for the murder of her father. The twists and turns are masterful. It’s a complicated story without being difficult to follow, and to me, that is the mark of great writing.
I can’t wait for the rest of this series. I think it will secure Patricia Bradley Standoff Patricia Bradley’s name in lists of Christian Romantic Suspense authors from now on.
Patricia Bradley has done it again. In Standoff, the first book in the Natchez Trace Park Rangers Series, she hooks you on relatable characters mixed up in dire circumstances, leaving you turning pages at all hours to find out what happens. If you like romance, this book has it in spades, such that I found myself begging my favorites to just tell each other already! She does an excellent job of keeping the story focused on the main characters, but introducing enough about a few others to make you want to learn their stories in the next novels. Not to mention that her research is excellent—I wouldn’t’ be surprised to discover she had once been a park ranger. And of course, the encouraging faith message she weaves into the story is one we can all use. It’s a fantastic read that I highly recommend.
I am very familiar with the Natchez Trace, lived in a small town on the trace for 30 years. Reading about the different stops in the book, I could visualize them as having been there. Of course it is a great run for drug dealers and that is the theme of the book. Park rangers investigated drug trafficking and their undercover agents. One ranger is killed just following a tip. WHO DID IT? His daughter Brooke is also a ranger and when his dead body is found. It is ruled a suicide, something Brooke refuses to believe and uses her first days on the job trying to prove her father would never kill himself. This in turn puts her life in danger. What a great start to this series, a thriller with lots of twist and turns, romance, action and suspense galore to keep readers glued to the edge of their seat until the very last page. Keeps you turning the pages guessing “who dunnit” and what a surprise!…….I received a copy from Revell for a review and I am happy to do so.
STANDOFF is the first book in a new series about park rangers in Natchez, Mississippi. What an enthralling beginning to this new series and a definite magnet to read the other books as they are published! The descriptive details of the small town setting in the south was well done and made me believe that I was actually there. The main character is Brooke Danvers, a young woman about to be sworn in as a park ranger, working for her father John. Then, a tragedy occurs when John is killed. The powers that be label his death as a suicide, but Brooke is determined to prove that her dad’s death was a murder and wants to find his killer. Joining her in her quest is ex-boyfriend Luke Fereday, the grandson of a beloved elderly neighbor. Brooke does not know and Luke does not share with her that he is on an undercover assignment to break up a drug ring in the area. The action is non-stop in this very complicated and well-written plot. There were a lot of characters, so at first it was hard to keep track, but once I got into the rhythm of the story, I knew who was who and was guessing right along with Brooke and Luke and the identity of the bad guys. Bradley made my guesses a challenge since she included many twists and some red herrings, but that made the book more fun for me to read. I think what I enjoyed the most was Bradley’s realistic portrayal of the challenges of undercover officers. There was plenty of suspense, some light romance and a satisfying conclusion. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series, for sure! Fans of romantic suspense that is a completely clean read will really enjoy this book.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell as part of the Revell Reads Blogger Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions 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 Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”
Patricia Bradley has gotten her latest series off to an exciting start with Standoff. It just doesn’t get much better than this as far as I’m concerned. If this is what I can expect from the rest of the Natchez Trace Park Rangers series, then sign me up! I don’t plan to miss a word.
I loved everything about this book. Its Southern setting in Natchez, Mississippi and the Natchez Trace National park was the perfect backdrop for the suspenseful tale that kept me turning the pages well into the night. In this story filled with action and danger and death, drug runners and cartels, secrets and second chances with a touch of romance, the plot and characters were very well developed and came to life within its pages. Heroine Brook Danvers is a young woman of grit and determination who refuses to rest until the man responsible for her father’s death is caught. Hero Luke Fereday has a secret life but not the kind that Brooke suspects.
The author drops a few clues along the way but managed to keep me guessing until the end. Be sure and pick up a copy of Standoff and join other readers for a breathtaking ride along the Natchez Trace.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.e
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.
Patricia Bradley has long been a favorite of mine for authentic, sure-fire suspense. The start to her new series is right on target with the mystique of the Natchez Trace. This one is unique because of the focus on the Park Ranger Service and its different branches.
Brooke Danvers has made a career change within the Ranger Service. She has passed her qualifications and is waiting to be sworn in as a Law Enforcement Ranger, following in her dad’s footsteps. Unfortunately, Ranger John Danvers is found dead in a remote place. Brooke is determined to find his killer, although she is not assigned to the case.
Luke Fereday is undercover to get close to a drug kingpin who is moving product up the Trace. He is equally determined to find out who killed John and see if there is any connection to his case.
Danger is ever present and so is the question of who to trust. Ms. Bradley has captured the atmosphere of the Trace and of Natchez and its residents. She keeps you guessing who the villains could be, leaving subtle clues along the way that culminate in a heart-stopping ending.
Drugs and murder are not the only things to discover in this book. Brooke and Luke learn how their faith can be strengthened through tough times. And if they can come to terms with their shared background and growing attraction. Each quandary is expertly summed up in this thrilling novel.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell on behalf of the author. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own. *
I knew when I saw who wrote this book that it would be great, and it was, I was just wanting more when the last page was turned, but, there is a teaser at the end, and now I can’t wait.
We are kept on our toes thought out this read, and you will wonder if all will survive at the end. Yes, there are some tragic deaths here, and they are senseless, and I kept changing my mind as to whom was the evil one? I was sure I knew, and then something would happen to change my mind.
There are some real bombshells dropped, and there is a bit of sweet romance, but there again I kept changing my mind on whom our girl should end up with!
You won’t be disappointed with this one, and you will be quickly page turning for answers!
I received this book through LibraryThing. and was not required to give a positive review.
Luke Fereday is working undercover to take down a drug ring. Brooke Danvers is ready to be sworn in as a National Park Service law enforcement ranger, proudly following in her father’s footsteps when he is murdered. The death of John Danvers is officially declared a suicide, but Brooke, Luke, and others who knew him disagree. Luke is in danger of blowing his cover by protecting Brooke. He had left Natchez fifteen years ago without saying goodbye to her, but being with her now awakens his former attraction to her. Brooke doesn’t entirely trust Luke. She’s been told he’s a bartender now, but his actions awaken her suspicions. And his presence breaks open the barriers she has in place to protect her heart. She’s being romanced by Mississippi State Senator Jeremy Steele. Which member of the Natchez police force or National Park Service Rangers is helping the drug dealers? Plenty of suspense in a well-crafted novel, I enjoyed reading Standoff, and had to keep turning the pages to find out “who-done-it” and who gets the girl.
This was an excellent read filled with love, loyalty, and deception.
In my opinion, Patricia Bradley has earned her spot among the top authors of Christian Romantic Suspense, and she weaves another excellent tale here. I have no doubt she’ll continue to be one of my favorite authors.
I can’t believe this was my first time reading a Patricia Bradley book. I’m definitely gonna have to check out more from her. This one was so good! It had everything I look for in a romantic suspense. It was impossible to put down and full of great characters, lots of suspense, an intriguing mystery, sweet romance, and an inspirational message.
This pulled me right in and didn’t let go until the very end. There were a lot of characters and there was a lot going on, so I was a little concerned that I’d be lost. But no worries. It wasn’t long at all before I had everything straight.
There were quite a few suspects, and I kept going back and forth on who I thought the guilty party was. I was still guessing right up to the reveal. Each person had a strong motive, so I was never one hundred percent sure who it would be. I love when a mystery can keep me guessing like that.
If you’re a fan of this genre, I highly recommend checking this book out. I’m excited to pick up a copy of the second one!
Standoff is Book #1 in Patricia Bradley’s new Natchez Trace Park Rangers series and what a start it is!
Suspense readers will love the nail-biting “who is the hidden bad guy” feeling that runs through the book, and romance readers will like the relationship that develops between Brooke Danvers and Luke Fereday.
I haven’t met a Bradley book I didn’t like, and this one further cements her with my top favorite suspense authors. A strong faith element comes through, as both main characters depend on prayer as well as on their abilities to defend themselves and others.
I absolutely recommend Standoff, and can hardly wait for Book #2, Obsession to come out!
Standoff by Patricia Bradley is book 1 in the Natchez Trace Park Rangers series. This book is a fascinating look into park rangers law enforcement. It is obvious that the author did great research to write this book. The story itself is multi-layered and full of twists and turns. This is the perfect read for those who love great suspense. I adored it and cannot wait to read book 2! I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own.
Full of twists, dynamic characters, and a thrill ride plot, Standoff by Patricia Bradley is a must read. When Brooke’s father is found dead on the Natchez Trace she doesn’t believe the suicide ruling. Determined to investigate, Brook soon finds herself in a killer’s crosshairs. But even as the case becomes more deadly, her heart keeps turning to Luke Fereday – a man who she’s certain knows more about her father’s death than he wants her to believe. Standoff is definitely one suspense fans won’t want to miss!
The first book in The Natchez Trace Park Rangers is a book filled with suspense, tension, lots of twists and of course, Romance. The Author will keep you guessing until the end on who the bad guy is. The romantic aspect of the book is well done and not overly gushy. The two main characters, Brooke and Luke, are very likable and I found myself hoping against hope that they would survive and get together. The book also has lots of information on the Mississippi location where the story takes place. I can’t quite agree with the storyline on the legalization of marijuana and it’s benefits for people with seizures and cancer. But all in all a great book that I enjoyed tremendously.
This is a terrific start to a new suspense series! The story kept me hooked and turning pages from the beginning. I enjoyed the characters and the whodunit mystery element, but I loved that Bradley made sure there was true suspense (danger to the heroine) throughout this story. I will definitely check out book 2 of this series!
Bradley continues to grow in her craft and I like each new book better than the last. I definitely enjoyed this first installment of the Natchez Trace Park Rangers series. All of the suspense of an award-winning mystery with just the right amount of romance to keep the story moving. Bradley does a delightful job of placing you in the scene and describing the delightful sights in and around Natchez.
Brooke is changing to the investigative division of the rangers, when her father is murdered in the very park she’s hoping to protect. Ruled a suicide, Brooke knows her father would never kill himself. The farther she digs, the more she suspects, but she isn’t sure who she can trust.
Luke (Brooke’s high school boyfriend) is living next door and keeps conveniently showing up close to suspicious happenings. Brooke is cautious, despite her attraction to Luke. He hurt her when he left, and she doesn’t know who he has become since then. She soon finds out Luke is working undercover to bring down a local drug ring, and her dad’s death could be a piece in his puzzle. Working together, they find that there must be a bad cop on the payroll, but who could it be?
With all of the possibilities, you’ll never see this one coming. While it takes a bit of time to absorb all of the different characters, I think the effort is worth it. Hopefully they will set the following books up in this series nicely.
I was given an early copy of this manuscript through NetGalley for my honest review. I enjoyed it enough that I purchased it, as well. All opinions expressed are my own.
This is a new author for me and this book was pretty good. I felt like in the beginning the author had almost too much going on. I felt like it was hard to figure out what was what but as the story progressed it did become easier to figure out who was who and what was happening. I liked that the book was suspense but I also felt like because there where so many players it made it really easy to figure out what and who did it, I really wish the author would have left a little mystery for the reader. That being said I really liked Luke and Brooke. Brooke has a heart of gold and would doing anything for anyone and would help them regardless she was a fighter and super stubborn and independent which made her good at her job. Luke a man of many mysteries he also has a good side to him while trying to do that right thing in the world. I did like out the author kept the book a clean read and she did discuss some very tough subject but did it in away to bring awareness. This book was a good read overall I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.”
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell and was under no obligation to post a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Standoff
Natchez Trace Park Rangers #1
By: Patricia Bradley
REVIEW
I’ve always thought park rangers have such an interesting job, so I was very glad to see a book about a female park ranger. Brooke is a rookie law enforcement park ranger for the Natchez Trace park. When her father dies from an apparent suicide, Brooke doesn’t believe it’s true. She intends to find the person who killed her father. Unbeknownst to her, an old flame, Luke, is in town. He was a friend of Brooke’s father and finds his death suspicious, too. Luke is also working undercover to infiltrate a drug ring using the Natchez Trace Parkway to move drugs. Of course, Brooke and Luke have a bit of chemistry and possibly more. They have other things to worry about, though, because Brooke is in danger now. Who is the killer? I was surprised at the end! This story is an excellent read with mystery, action, romance and drama in a unique setting. I like Brooke and Luke together. They make a dynamic couple. It is a beautifully depicted yet sharp and thrilling story that will have you guessing all the way to the end. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series!
Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced reader copy.
Having a son work in the national park service made this book particularly interesting to me.. This book addresses what lengths some people go to so that they can save their loved ones. The author managed to keep the bad guy a secret from me to the end. She did throw out some red herrings to make you stay alert and try to watch for future clues. The characters are well developed and the action moved at a good pace. I look forward to the next book in this series.