Slow burn but ultimately a satisfying read with twists and turns that kept me guessing throughout.  Enjoyed the writing style and the character development.

Patricia Bradley's newest series have been hit or miss for me, but this one was a hit! At times I felt that the romance got in the way of the plot but I still very much enjoyed the suspense and mystery as Alex and Nathan hunt down the mastermind criminal. At times I struggled to relate to Alex's character and struggles, but I admired the way she stepped up in a bad situation to lead her team. Nathan was a great counterpart to Alex, although I at times felt like he was more of a supporting character than a main character and wanted more of his POV. The mystery is delightfully creepy and twisty and kept me on my toes the whole time!

Full of suspense and interesting twists and turns. I always e joy Patricia Bradley's books and this was no exception.

A serial killer that leaves a white pawn and a chess move at the scene of the crimes has targeted Alexis Stone a police officer in Chattanooga. After her grandfather has a heart attack she agrees to be interim sheriff in her home town of Pearl Springs which brings her back in contact with her old boyfriend Nathan Landry who is Chief of Police in the town. The killer still has a target for Alexis and follows her to Pearl Springs. The book is full of action, suspense, romance, faith, and tracking down a serial killer before Alexis is the next victim. I enjoy playing chess so the chess moves were an interesting part of the story.

As always, Patricia Bradley gives her readers an edge-of-your-seat ride through the pages of her books. It was no different with "Counter Attack". This book has it all, intrigue, suspense, romance and a roller coaster ride as well.

Well worth your time to pick up a copy of this one.

5-stars!

I am not a chess player but I was intrigued by this new series from Patricia Bradley. I was left guessing the next move up until the very end. If this first installment is any indication, this is going to be a riveting series.

The main character is Alexis Stone. She grew up Pearl Springs where her beloved grandfather is the chief deputy of the Sheriff's department. Alexis' aspirations center on climbing the ladder at the Chattanooga police department. But through a series of events she finds herself temporarily taking her grandfather's place in Pearl Springs.

Pearl Springs is supposed to be a sleepy little community but a serial killer that has been dubbed the Queen's Gambit Killer has begun to prey upon the town. This puts Alexis and Nathan Landry, Pearl Springs Chief of Police, on high alert. Do they have what it takes to match wits with this serial killer?

I enjoyed all the maneuvering and plot twists that this story had. Patricia Bradley is on top of her game with this one. I had suspicions about several of the characters but truthfully I was stumped as to who the serial killer was until right before it was revealed. It is very well written and if you enjoy romantic suspense I think you'll be pleased with this book.

This was such a twisty book and plot. I found it fresh and engaging with the use of the chess moves a strategy that had me wanting to break out a chess board as I tried to solve the crimes with the characters. I thoroughly enjoyed it!

Counter Attack is the first book in a new series by Patricia Bradley. I've thoroughly enjoyed reading her earlier novels, and I also loved this one.
Alexis returns to her hometown to take her grandpa's place as sheriff when terrible things begin to happen. And it all seems to be directed at her. But she has no idea who or why.

Nathan, an old friend from way back, just happens to be her hero. I loved watching the progression of their relationship, both professional and romantic.

This book has a serial killer. Nathan and Alexis must work together to figure out what is going on before more people die. Strangely enough, the victims all resemble Alexis, and Nathan is determined to keep her safe. 

Twists and turns, lots of action, danger, and murder. This book has it all. Phame is the serial killer, and I had an idea of who it might be before I reached the end of the story. But I enjoyed the reading to see how it all played out.
I recommend this to anyone who enjoys a good suspense novel. 


Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

Counter Attack by Patricia Bradley is a solid thriller from start to finish. I read this genre often but I have to admit I did not figure out who was behind the crimes in this book as I usually do. I loved the dynamics among the characters. I found this book a bit harder to finish than other books by this author, because it seemed to move at a bit slower pace. I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own.

Christian action/suspense fans need to read this book! Bradley sets the stage, introduces the players, and the action begins right away. The action never seemed to end and the entire time I was wondering if the murderer was who I thought it was. The mystery kept me page turning and the romance and sparks between Alex and Nathan was palpable. The natural and easy way the characters spoke of faith was believable and felt just right. A completely intriguing book, Counter Attack will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very last page. I received a copy of this book for free; all thoughts and opinions are my own.

# Counter Attack
by Patricia Bradley
Pub Date 16 May 2023 
Revell
Christian/Romance

As soon as Alexis Stone was sworn in as the interim sheriff of Russell County, Tennessee, a serial killer known as the Queen's Gambit Killer struck again in her hometown. Pearl Springs is merely a stopover on the way to Alex's real dream: becoming the first female police chief in Chattanooga. The killer's calling card, a white pawn and a note that contains a chess move, cannot be ignored.



The chief of police in Pearl Springs, Nathan Landry, cannot believe that his high school sweetheart Alexis (he refuses to call her Alex) has returned, and he cannot resist protecting her. Can Nathan fulfill the promises he makes to himself to bring a killer to justice before it is too late as the danger mounts and the killer closes in on him?


I give Counter Attack five out of five stars!


Happy Reading!

Action from the get-go with this story!
Alexis Stone been sworn in as the interim sheriff for Russell County, Tennessee and serial killer they are calling the Queen's Gambit Killer has killed once again. This time in Alexis' hometown. Has the killer followed Alexis? Left with each victim is a white pawn and a note with a chess move printed on it.
Nathan Landry is Pearl Springs Chief of Police, AND Alexis' old high school flame. Nathan still has feelings for Alexis and wants nothing more than for her to be safe.
This story was action, drama, suspense and romance all rolled into one!
I was given a complimentary ecopy by the publisher, Revell through Netgalley. I was under no obligation to leave a positive review.

Counter Attack is a great christian suspense.  The message is clear.  You must trust that GOD will do His job, but you must trust and let Him do it.  Even if you are the Sheriff or police Chief. 
 Another terrific novel from Bradley.  
I recieved a free copy so that I might tell you what I honestly think. Hope you enjoyed my review. Now go enjoy the book.

Phame wanted revenge. Alex Stone wanted to live. Alex would soon become the newly appointed Chief Deputy Sheriff of Russell County, TN. Nathan Landry was the Police Chief of Pearl Springs, the county seat of Russell County. Together they would track down Phame and identify the drug dealers that had recently arrived in town - if they could survive each other.

As in the past, Patricia Bradley has written an enjoyable, exciting, and suspenseful tale that captivated this reader, The book moves between Chattanooga, TN, and Pearl Springs. Both sound like, except for the murders, a wonderful vacation destination. Counter Attack serves as the first book of a new series being written by the author.

The book easily earns the 5+ stars given it by this reader.  This reader will look forward to the next book in the series.
______________
This review is based on a free electronic copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review.  The opinions expressed are mine alone.

She's been working as an undercover cop in Chattanooga, but Alexis Stone has her heart set on becoming its first female chief of police. Hopefully, a short stint as the interim chief deputy in her hometown will add to her resume and increase her chances. Easy peasy...right? What she doesn't count on is becoming bait for a serial killer and needing the protection of the Pearl Springs police chief, a man that she once loved.

Counter Attack is the first book of a new series by veteran suspense author Patricia Bradley and it doesn't disappoint! It has well-developed characters, twists and turns, a peek into the dark web, and a serial murderer obsessed with the game of chess. I'm not a chess player so I was very intrigued with the Queen's Gambit Killer's calling card: a white pawn and a chess move for the police to ponder! I was also eager to see if the embers of a past relationship were strong enough to be ignited once again. Alexis and Nathan Landry definitely shared a powerful connection but is it enough? Will they turn to God for guidance in planning their future?

This book is a must-read for anyone wanting a thrilling adventure, a Southern setting, and inspiring romantic suspense. Counter Attack will keep you turning the pages to see if the Queen's Gambit Killer can be outwitted, and it will leave you anxious for more Pearl River novels!

I received a copy from the author and a complimentary copy courtesy of Revell through Interviews & Reviews for my honest opinion. There were no obligations for a positive review.

A powerful read from beginnng to end this book from Patricia Bradley does not disappoint. Alexis had a plan to become the first female police chief of Chattanooga. 

Bradley uses suspense and romance to lead Alexis to her true calling. In learning that our plans are not always what God knows is best for us, Alexis must face old fears and a return of a young love.

Checkmate!
A gripping and intense romantic suspense novel with characters you will fall in love with and a whirlwind storyline that never slows down! 
“Once Dylan hit enter, Nathan’s stomach clenched. This was a mistake. He felt it in his bones, but Alexis wasn’t listening to him. She was so determined to catch this killer that she was willing to risk her own life.”
I received an ARC of this book for review. I was not required to write a favorable review. All opinions in this review are my own.

4/5 stars.

I really enjoyed this read! Patricia Bradley is a new-to-me author, and I'm definitely excited to check out more of her books. (And I'm proud of myself; this is the first book in a new series, so I'm already reading in order for a change! Hah!)

The action kicks into high gear early on in the book (yay), and doesn't let up until close to the end--just how I like it, with sufficient time to get in a satisfying denouement. I clued in to one of the mysteries midway through the read, but was certainly caught off guard on other aspects--a pleasant surprise!

I know very little about chess (just enough to get me in trouble), and felt Bradley did well at educating a noob reader like myself but also not going overboard in nuance or details; there was just enough there to appreciate the complexity without being too niche.

Not a book to read before bedtime, both due to subject matter and because I had to find out what happened next! "Just one more page/chapter" was definitely true here, haha.

Very well done, and again, I look forward to reading more by Bradley--not least in upcoming books in this series.

I received an eARC of the book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Great book! I always enjoy Patricia Bradley's books, though...and this was no different. Filled with mystery, action and suspense...along with romance, this books has it all! It kept me interested all of the way though. Loved it!

Patricia Bradley has very quickly become one of my favorite authors of romantic suspense. I've read all 3 of her previous series and can confidently say that her new, Pearl River series will be a great addition to her booklist.

Alexis Stone has a goal to be the first female police commissioner of Chattanooga, TN. Her only social life is her job, so when her grandfather suffers a heart attack, she's not prepared for what he asks of her. He's the Sheriff of Russell County and wants her to step in as his chief deputy. This means stepping down from the job she loves and moving to Pearl River. She's been on the trail of a serial killer in Chattanooga, so she's stunned when the killer strikes in Pearl River just days after she takes the job there. All the women killed have borne a striking resemblance to Alex. Could she be the link that ties everything together?

Pearl River Police Chief Nathan Landry fell for Alexis in high school but even though law enforcement drew both of them, Alexis dreamed of bigger things than tiny Pearl River. He can't believe she's back, or the leap his heart takes when she's around. When danger seems to dog her steps, he can't help wanting to protect her. Can they work together to bring a killer to justice before the next victim is Alexis?

I love romantic suspense books and read many different authors, so I was thrilled when I found Patricia Bradley's books. She is one of the best at keeping me guessing until the very end and she nearly always has a twist at the end that gives a little extra jolt of adrenaline. This book is no exception! Just when I started breathing easier, that the "bad guy" had been caught, another one creeped out of the woodwork to threaten our heroes. 

Readers who love a good "whodunit" or are fans of romantic suspense should snap up Counter Attack. I, for one, cannot wait until Fatal Witness publishes!!!