When one Coast Guard officer is found dead and another goes missing, Coast Guard Investigative Service special agent Finn Walker faces his most dangerous crime yet. His only clues are what little evidence remains aboard the dead officer’s boat, and the direction the clues point to will test Finn and the Guard to their limits.When investigative reporter–and Finn’s boss’s sister–Gabby Rowley … Rowley arrives, her unrelenting questions complicate an already volatile situation. Now that she’s back, the tug on Finn’s heart is strong, but with the risks she’s taking for her next big story, he fears she might not live through it.
Thrown together by the heinous crime, Finn and Gabby can’t ignore the sparks or judgments flying between them. But will they be able to see past their preconceptions long enough to track down an elusive killer, or will they become his next mark?
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I absolutely love Dani Pettrey. In this newest book in her Coastal Guardians Series, she again delivers with her hallmark style: unforgettable characters embedded in a plot that keeps you riveted with plot twists, danger, and romance. This combination is a winning success, and I have never been disappointed with her writing. Each book is an adventure that leaves you with a mixture of satisfaction combined with anticipation for the next book – which can never come out soon enough! Fans of contemporary suspense will not want to miss this book.
I received this book from Netgalley. All opinions are my own.
“A corpse that only leads to secrets.
An old flame with danger written all over her.
Things are about to get very complicated.”
Once again Dani Pettrey delivers! She’s one of my top inspirational romantic suspense authors and I’ve read every book she’s written. “The Killing Tide” is an exceptional tension filled story that had my sleuthing abilities on high gear. I was trying to piece things together along with the characters. The ending was shocking! Or at least the culprit behind everything. I also loved learning about the Coast Guard Investigative Service; something I didn’t even know existed until now. But I suppose it makes sense that each branch of service has its own unit for crime investigation.
The only thing I didn’t like in this is the amount of characters Pettrey introduces in the beginning. I never did really figure out who was who by the end; only Finn and Gabby. I tend to get overwhelmed with a lot of people in the story and their roles aren’t clear in my mind. It took a bit of the enjoyment factor out for me. I’m sure some readers don’t mind and would not find this to be a problem.
Pettrey is a solid suspense author with an eye for detail and accuracy. Her characters show how it’s supposed to be as a team working together and her procedurals are top notch. I also admire how she interweaves faith and Biblical truths as if it were a natural part. Pettrey fans will applaud this beginning to a new series “Coastal Guardians”!
*I received a complimentary copy from the author and was not obligated to leave a favorable review. *
What a story! The author, Dani Pettrey, amazingly weaves a tale of intense suspense – from start to finish and I thoroughly enjoyed it! Several times while reading I got lost in the story, which was not appreciated by my husband! I especially loved that although there was blood and guts and suspense, there was also a spiritual element as the characters kept an open dialogue with their heavenly father – not just during the suspenseful times but also during daily life.
This novel is the first in the Coastal Guardian Series so there were a lot of characters to keep track of in the beginning – and maybe some were from the previous series. I certainly was not expecting the “bad guy” to be who he was and had to reread some parts! Great read and I recommend! I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I am freely writing a review – all thoughts and opinions are my own.
What happens when you mix boats, an angry drug dealer, a natural born reporter, a dedicated team of Coast Guard Investigators and a deadly mystery? The result is a fast paced, action filled story that won’t disappoint. The author did a fantastic job developing believable characters, while keeping the reader guessing what would happen next. I loved this book. I like how the author interweaves Christianity without being preachy. If you’re looking for a book that will grab you and yank you into it’s world, this book is for you!
I was very excited to read The Killing Tide. I’ve read all of Dani Pettrey’s published work and a new series is a very exciting prospect. The first series, Alaskan Courage was set, funnily enough, in Alaska. Then came Chesapeake Valor, in and around Baltimore. Now, for Coastal Guardians we land at the beach in North Carolina.
Considering there’s a whole new location to set up, I felt like I knew the town of Wilmington, N.C. really quickly. But the thing with this book is the action. It begins very boldly and then the bodies start dropping. There’s a journalist on the run, one Coast Guard officer missing, another dead, and we are off.
Highly recommended.
The Killing Tide, Book 1 of the Coastal Guardians series by Dani Pettrey
Finn coast guard officer and Gabby an investigative reporter team up to fight crime. He is put in charge of protecting her from a crime lord she put away and he is also investigating the murder of a fellow officer but the reporter in Gabby keeps getting in the way. They have tried to make a relationship work between them in the past but failed. Now that they are given this second chance, can they make it work. Sparks fly and the attraction is strong. Wow what a fantastic book. If you like fast paced action and suspense, well developed characters, and faith then this is the book for you. The Killing Tide is book one of a new series Coastal Guardians by Dani Pettrey. This one follows are same great writing style she has always possessed. I give The Killing Tide 5 stars and can’t wait for book two.
Another great book by Dani Pettrey! Once again I could not put it down once I started reading it.
The Killing Tide was an amazing read full of suspenseful action and many twists that kept me guessing. The story is fast-paced and leads you into one chilling situation after another. I found myself wondering what would happen next. It’s a book you simply can’t put down.
I grew to like the characters right off. I loved the determination and courage of Gabby and Finn’s protective nature and dedication to his job. The addition of the tension due to their prior relationship made for some quirky moments.
I love when a book is suspenseful and full of action, but then has a connection to scripture. The author’s writing style was easy to read and her descriptions of the setting and scenes with violence were handled very well. I enjoyed the storyline very much. Even the ending wasn’t bothersome due to the fact of knowing the next book would pick up where this one left off.
I can’t wait to read the next in the series. I highly recommend the series.
The Killing Tide by Dani Pettrey was my first read into this author’s works, but it most definitely will not be my last. This story is stellar! It’s an edge-of-your-seat kind of read that kept me so engaged I read well past my bedtime. I very much enjoyed the cast of characters, and found the deep sense of camaraderie and loyalty among the Coastal Guardians to be endearing. What a team they make! The plot is great and kept me guessing the whole time. I found the romance the perfect blend of realism and passion. There are a couple of kisses that made me a tad weak in the knees! And, I very much appreciated the thematic discussions weaved throughout. All in all, I find The Killing Tide a must-read Romantic Suspense story.
Gabby is quite the go-getter as an investigative reporter. So much so, she’s constantly willing to put herself in seriously dangerous spots to get her story. I’ve never understood purposely putting myself in harm’s way for a good story, but it was fun to watch Gabby do her thing. There are quite a few nail-biting scenes in this book. But I have to admit, there were moments in the story where Gabby frustrated me. I found myself wishing her character would take a second to think of others before she acted. And this point is actually made by a couple of the characters. Gabby believes that investigative reporting is her calling. God put the drive in her to seek out the truth, therefore it must be the path He set her on. Gabby has gotten to the point, though, where she is willing to sacrifice EVERYTHING and EVERYONE for the truth. Both Noah — her super cool brother — and Finn — her totally hot, James Bond-esque boyfriend — scold her a little because of her myopic self-focus. When one person critiques you, perhaps take their words with a grain of salt, but when more than one of your loved ones scolds you for the same thing, it’s probably God trying to get your attention. In fact, Gabby realizes that in all her searches for truth she’s never once consulted God to see if this truth searching was even the path He had for her. She just assumed that because the passion burned so deeply in her it must have been put there by God. I really love this self-reflective moment as it made me think about my own passions. How many times have I jumped into something absolutely positive that it was God’s will for me, but never actually took the time to ask if it was? Passions can be great. They can make life fuller. But passions left unchecked can cause some serious issues not just to oneself, but to our family, friends, and other loved ones. Of all the facets of this novel, this discussion of checking one’s passions against God’s will is quite thought-provoking.
I very much enjoyed The Killing Tide and heartily look forward to book number 2 in the series, The Crushing Depths. If you have not yet read The Killing Tide, and you enjoy a great Romantic Suspense novel, then I cannot recommend this book enough. Purchase your copy today. You won’t be disappointed that you did!
I received a review copy of this novel in eBook form from the author via Celebrate Lit. I also purchased a copy of this novel in eBook form from Amazon.com on June 17, 2020, in order to review. In no way has this influenced my review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.
I loved this story so much. This book has you on the edge of your seat for sure. The author has a few main characters not just 2 or three, but they all play a huge part in the story and without them the story would not be what it was, also that being said it was not that hard to follow either. This book is a murder mystery and you won’t want to put it down. This is a good clean read and well worth it. I can’t wait to read Rissa story, oh man I can only imagine what’s going on there. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.”
From page one, the action begins and doesn’t stop until the end! This is an excellent suspense! As I’ve reflected on this book and as I read it, it almost played out in my mind like an episode of a tv crime show, but so much better! One of the things I loved was the knowledge about the Coast Guard in this book. The characters were members of the Coast Guard, so it was so nice and encouraging to see more of what they do. Such a well written, non- stop action book! Definitely a must read for suspense/thriller fans! And bonus! There was romance! I’m looking forward to reading more about these characters and the Coast Guard from Author Dani Pettrey. I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All views stated here are my own.
What an excellent way to start Dani’s new series, Coastal Guardians. The Killing Tides was a quick read, but full of surprises and suspense. Several things happened throughout the story that I did not expect especially the ending. Will Finn and Harper be able to ignore the sparks between them? Will they be able to see past their preconceptions long enough t9 track down an elusive killer before they come his next Mark? Looking forward to the second book.
This is a series that should be on everyone’s to be read pile.
I received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest opinion.
“ A corpse that only leads to secrets. An old flame with danger written all over her. Things are about to get complicated.”
I have been a fan of Dani Pettrey since I first opened Submerged from the Alaskan Courage series and I continued to love her writing in the Chesapeake Valor series. I eagerly anticipated the new Coastal Guardian series. The Killing Tide is the first of this one.
Ms. Pettrey’s newest book starts out with a heart wrenching rescue scene which shows the hero, Finn Walker as a motivated, caring person. The excitement continues throughout the book. I did find the introduction of so many characters in the beginning to be a little confusing.
Our hero, Finn, is flawed but is very likeable and takes his job seriously. Gabby Rowely, is driven, but at the expense of a blooming relationship with Finn. At times she seems selfish and so obsessed that she takes risks and doesn’t think through the consequences. I did question her involvement in the ongoing investigation since she was a reporter. It didn’t seem quite by-the-book.
The plot kept me guessing about who was behind the scenes, pulling the strings. I wondered if the two villains would somehow be working together. To the team, the clues were confounding. All was not what it seemed and there were many possible suspects, even among those they thought they knew well.
There was a lot of action in this book. It showed the camaraderie among the members if the Coastal Guardian Investigative Service. The family dynamics of the Rowley’s were fun to watch and something to look forward to in subsequent books. A couple characters reminded me of the TV shows NCIS and Criminal Minds.
There were hints at who was going to be the focus of the next book. I’m sure the suspense level will not dissipate.
I recommend this new series to fans of Dani Pettrey and those who like romantic suspense.
*I was given a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher on behalf of the author. I was not obligated to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*
Another action-packed, adrenaline-pumping romantic suspense winner from Dani Pettrey! I have been following the author since her Alaskan Courage series and am thrilled about this new Coastal Guardians series. Her writing style is quite easy to follow and the plot is intricately woven with interlocking details and clues. The action and suspense are top notch without being scary. The camaraderie amongst the Coast Guard Investigative Service team members is amazing and enviable even though their job is dangerous; their friendships and unwavering loyalty based on mutual trust, faith, and interdependence within the team inspire admiration.
I loved Finn, the main character in this particular story. He’s been hurt and rejected by Gabby in the past but can’t seem to let her go. His protective, tender, loving ways really carry the story through to the end. Gabby’s a self-centered, headstrong, and impulsive investigative reporter whose brother is Finn’s boss on the CGIS team. She’s been terribly hurt, emotionally and professionally, by a man in her past so has a hard time accepting Finn’s love. Finn is persistent though, even as they track down a mastermind trying to kill Gabby and a smuggling ring that becomes more slippery as they uncover who is actually involved. I really enjoyed getting to know Riss, another member on the team, and can’t wait to find out her full story!
I received a copy of the book from Bethany House Publishers and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.
My Review of The Killing Tide by Dani Pettrey:
Every book by Dani Pettrey is worth reading. And the cover for this book is marvelous. And the blue/green of the water stands out so well against the white, this cover brings across the story so well.
I have waited so long for this book. But it was worth the wait! The characters were WONDERFUL! The book was so jaw-dropping good. I’d say it’s her best but I can’t, none of the couples beat Dead Drift and Luke and Kate in my opinion, though I loved Finn and Gabby. I read this all too fast, it was wonderful and I didn’t put my kindle down until I had read the last page . . . When I read Pettrey’s books I’m pulled into a suspense with themes of redemption and love. Finn, I must say was a spectacular guy and Gabby was strong without being too strong and I felt that her reasons for doing everything she had a point, unlike some of the strong female characters I’ve read about.
I do think the ending wound up a little too fast but it was all right and I love how Noah was so involved in the whole book I can not wait for the next book in this series, I also need to read the Alaskan Courage series which has been on my to-be read list for way too long.
I did feel like there was less spiritual content then I would like and it was a little more creepy when the bad guy was in it.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review and am truly happy to provide it.
Loved it.
If you enjoy a mystery with plenty of action and suspense plus a love story and characters with back stories, you’ll enjoy “The Killing Tide.”
4.5 stars
Looking forward to reading book 2
One misstep and they may be swept away…
I just have one question. Why did I wait so long to read this book?! Seriously, what I was I thinking?! Clearly, I wasn’t. I’ve been a fan of Dani Pettrey since reading her first two novels fairly close together back when the second was new. I’ve stuck with her through two wonderful series’, and, with The Killing Tide, into a third. And what a slam-bang start it was to her Coastal Guardians series!
Danger, romance, murder, intrigue, betrayal…this book has it all! Add on some fascinating scuba diving scenes, and two different cases that may have some convoluted connections, and you have a pretty exciting story! I think my two favorite things about The Killing Tide is that it’s a little on the grittier side and it features Coast Guard investigators. Trust me, in my reading experience the Coast Guard is very under represented and I honestly had no clue that they even have an Investigative Service.
From its lovely cover until the last page The Killing Tide was so hard to put down. Dani Pettrey’s trademark suspense and romance are fully present and accounted for. The story will keep you guessing and will definitely throw a surprise or two your way. But then, I’ve come to expect nothing less from a Dani Pettrey novel!
(I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)
From the beginning you are soon overwhelmed by all the different scenarios and the people connected to them. Half way thru and the dead body count has risen, two of their close friends have also been killed. Gabby is to be protected, she runs head first into getting a story, or climbing out a window all to get a story. Putting others who have their jobs to do, wondering where she is at. A big story put her into hiding, finding her, they want to kill her.
The water draws them to enjoy, for others a way to smuggle in drugs that turned deadly. Overall good characters, Gabby and Finn with a romance.