Counter Attack (Pearl River Book #1)

Patricia Bradley

May 2023 · Pearl River Book 1 · Baker Books

About this ebook

A brand new heart-stopping series from a USA Today bestselling author

No sooner has Alexis Stone been sworn in as the interim sheriff for Russell County, Tennessee, when a serial killer dubbed the Queen's Gambit Killer strikes again--this time in her hometown. Pearl Springs is just supposed to be a temporary stop along the way to Alex's real dream: becoming the first female police chief of Chattanooga. But the killer's calling card--a white pawn and a note with a chess move printed on it--cannot be ignored.

Pearl Springs chief of police Nathan Landry can't believe that his high school sweetheart Alexis (he refuses to call her Alex) is back in town, and he can't help wanting to protect the woman he never stopped loving. But as the danger mounts and the killer closes in, can Nathan come through on the promises he makes to himself to bring a killer to justice before it's too late.

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"Plenty of action and interesting details about the dark web and police procedure keeps this thriller with light Christian messaging moving."--Booklist

"Balancing a slow-burning romance with a twisty mystery, this will keep Bradley's fans hooked until the final page."--Publishers Weekly

Ratings and reviews

Lots going on: This was an enjoyable start to the new Pearl River series and there was plenty of action to keep things interesting. The hits kept on coming and the investigative aspects of the book did take precedence. I was kept wondering and second guessing who the culprit actually was although I must say it was who I thought it was from early on. Unfortunately I didn't find the relationship aspects of the book quite as fulfilling. Nathan and Alex were a nice couple, I just didn't feel much chemistry between them and most of their conversations and interactions were related to the case. I did like the small town feels and I would be interested in spending more time in this community. There was a light Christian message but I think this book would still appeal to unbelievers. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

Counter Attack is an intriguing, action packed, 2nd chance romantic suspense that drew me in from the start. It’s the first book I’ve read by Patricia Bradley & look forward to reading more. I was pulled in by the premise of a serial killer known as the Queen’s Gambit whose calling card is a chess pawn. The murders are captured & uploaded to the dark web as part of a sick game. It’s up to a female detective & her former childhood sweetheart to solve the mystery before the killer strikes again.

Counter Attack pulls the reader in on page one and takes you into the killer's thoughts and game. Author Patricia Bradley does a masterful job of keeping the suspense level high throughout the book. The relationship between Nathan and Alexis is professional, but also personal. I found both characters to be very likeable.. This is a well-done second chance romance embedded in fantastic romantic suspense. I definitely recommend this book. I received a complimentary copy and am sharing my opinion.

About the author

Patricia Bradley is the author of Standoff, Obsession, Crosshairs, and Deception, as well as the Memphis Cold Case novels and Logan Point series. Bradley is the winner of an Inspirational Reader's Choice Award, a Selah Award, and a Daphne du Maurier Award; she was a Carol Award finalist; and three of her books were included in anthologies that debuted on the USA Today bestseller list. Cofounder of Aiming for Healthy Families, Inc., Bradley is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Sisters in Crime. She makes her home in Mississippi. Learn more at www.ptbradley.com.