When Avery Tate‘s friend goes missing, she must turn to Parker Mitchell—crime scene analyst, her former boss, and the subject of her unrequited feelings—for help. The search takes many exciting turns, which of course, help the pair to sort out their feelings amidst unsettling discoveries. A fun read.

Dani Pettry Author Review of Chesapeake Valor Series
Chesapeake Valor is a 4 part series by award-winning Dani Pettry. Still Shot is the first one I read of the series and can be read as a stand-alone story (but why would you not read the others? I mean it is Dani Pettry. Suspense is what she does best) Especially since it was such a great book I needed to see more of what was going so I went back to read the rest of the series, Blind Spot, Dead Drift and Cold Shot (which is the first).
“In college, Griffin McCray and his three best friends had their lives planned out. Griffin and Luke Gallagher would join the Baltimore PD. Declan Gray would head to the FBI and Parker Mitchell would go on to graduate school as a crime scene analyst. But then Luke vanished before graduation and their world--and friendships--crumbled.” (Description from Amazon)
My one of my favorite things about the books is they are a team A terrorist attack is coming and each person is using their gifts to solve the plot and save the world from terrorists . Another thing really makes the books over the top Is that the book is written from more than one point of view. You get to hear the reasoning behind the good, the bad, and the ugly. Secrets are revealed and relationships are restored.
Each book in the series focuses on one of the friends. The storytelling is fabulous and there is great attention to detail from the science of crime scene investigation to the protocols. The details to gun descriptions are spot on, as well as the processes of photography of the crime scenes.
The women in the book are strong and struggle with letting the men trying to protect them from the the terrorist plot to destroy our country I love how the struggles of our relationship with Christ are explored and dealt with, leaving you with a bigger understanding of who God is. I love the zeal the characters have for God, even after experiencing some terrible things. Zeal for God is what Dani’s books are all about. The zeal for truth found in Jesus.
I received these books complimentary from the publisher in return for my honest review. I love them so much I bought all four. Dani calls her books “up all night” and this is spot on as well because once you get started you stay up all night to read them. I mean what else are you going to do? You opened it, right? It is like turning the movie off in the middle if you have to sleep.
Did the bad guy get away? Are they going to find the bomb in time? Who is going to get shot next? Each time a new one comes out I reread the others first to make sure I remember all the character development. I see something new to love every time.in time for my vacation.
I am looking forward to her new book The Killing Tide coming out sometime this summer.

Still life is a satisfying conclusion to the series, wrapping up the disappearance of Luke and the terrorism plot. I would suggest that you read the previous titles in this series as it will be difficult to follow along.

The Chesapeake Valor series is an epic, binge-worthy romantic suspense brimming with perilous escapades and tender moments. Let your mind feast on intense investigations as simmering attraction and blossoming relationships set your reader heart aflutter.

As former best friends, Griffin, Parker, Declan, and Luke, reunite through professional collaboration, they seek answers to not only their joint and tandem investigations but also vow to solve the mysteries which bind them together. Each man faces unique personal and professional challenges along the way, including matters of faith and love.

Parker’s intoxicating charm and dreamy brogue knocked me right off my feet yet the sensitive, broken man beneath the surface tangled my heartstrings into a double dutch tempo. As hard as talented and streetsmart Avery tries to keep Parker in the friend zone, she’s a moth to his flame.

Pettrey’s masterful storytelling weaves intricate investigations with complex intimate relationships in a delightfully complex multidirectional plot. I have already begun rereading this intense adventure and I highly recommend the Chesapeake Valor series. I am eagerly anticipating future works from this author!

I borrowed book 1 through the Kindle Unlimited program and received a complimentary copy of books 2-4 from the publisher. I was under no obligation to post a review. The opinions expressed are my own.

We first met the main characters Avery Tate and Parker Mitchell in the previous book. Avery is a photographer who was blacklisted from the art community because of a photograph she took of a prominent political figure in a compromising situation. Parker is a crime scene analyst and Avery worked as his photographer in the last book. This book finds them no longer working together due to Avery's feelings for Parker and his inability to move past the death of his girlfriend years before. A missing friend of Avery's and a disturbing photograph taken of her bring the two together again to solve another possible crime. Add in a human trafficking case and the continued search for Luke (an old friend of the group) and the mysteries begin to pile up.

Once again, Pettrey's characters struggle with very difficult, very real pasts. I enjoy seeing them overcome obstacles and find their new identities in Christ. There is a lot going on, and it is sometimes difficult to follow because of that, but the story is fast paced and enjoyable. I liked how even though you thought you knew what was going on, things kept popping up to make you second guess or change your mind. Even though there is a satisfying ending for Avery and Parker, there are still quite a few things that need to be tied up in the next book. Yet another good Christian suspense novel from Dani Pettrey.

Oh, Dani Pettrey has done it again! I just love all her books; this one included! I loved the relationship between Avery and Parker. I enjoyed the suspense on every page. I like how we get a feel for the characters for her next book so we aren't just being introduced at the beginning of their story. "Still Life" also is an awesome reminder that no matter what you have done in the past, God forgives when you give your heart to him. He's always a prayer away. I'm anxiously awaiting for the next in the series!

~I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.~

I stopped a few chapters in- the grotesque art gallery opening kinda just turned me off. I wasn't quite prepared to read the rest of the book- so I gave it a pass.

Still Life, book two in the Chesapeake Valor series, was so good and yet SO creepy at times. The opening scene to the story was disturbing and really made me invested into the story and feel for the characters.

I loved the romance. Because the characters already knew each other and had feelings for the other, it was interesting to see how or when those feelings would actually progress into a relationship.

The mystery was great. While I did not see the surprise ending/twist coming, it was very good and kept me in suspense.

All in all, I loved Still Life and recommend it if you enjoy romantic suspense. I don't think you need to read the first book in order to enjoy this one. Can't wait for the third story!!

*I received a complimentary copy of this book for my honest review. As always, all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*

Another thrilling read in an exciting series that is an absolute page turner! I thoroughly enjoyed this book and it took no time at all to read.

I really enjoyed this second book in the Chesapeake Valor series. I felt more connected with the characters than in the first book in this series; Cold Shot.
Still Life is a treat for mystery lovers. I hadn’t figured out who murdered Skylar. Only when the author intended the reader to find out, I had my ‘aha’ moment. Parker and Avery are a nice couple, but they have to overcome obstacles before they can get serious.
There’s another investigation going on as well, lead by Declan. The reader gets to know Declan well enough to look forward to the next book in the Chesapeake Valor series where no doubt Declan’s love story will be told while working a case.
An interesting and suspenseful read that kept my attention throughout the story. Nicely done, Dani.

This series reminds me of why I sometimes wish I wasn’t a reviewer and could wait for the entire series to be published before I begin reading it. Both “Cold Shot” and “Still Life” feature a group of friends with a couple of them playing a predominate role in each book. I anticipate that “Blind Spot” will do the same. I spent some time trying to remember where each of them fit into the group but did not have time to go back and reread “Cold Shot”. Nevertheless, it did not detract from my enjoyment of “Still Life”.

Let me just say that “Still Life” is one intense suspense. Reading it made me want to bar the windows and doors for a night or two. The author paced the plot so well that the suspense built with each chapter and the mystery became more confusing. Several possible suspects made their appearance and it was difficult to tell whether any of them were guilty or not. Even the title has a gruesome meaning behind it but I’ll leave it at that.

Ms. Pettrey’s talent at developing her characters and their interaction is brilliant as well. Parker is a hero few women could resist with his Irish accent and protective side. Avery may be a bit more difficult to cozy up to with her apparent hard protective shell but once the reader sees her true heart, Avery is also pretty likeable.

I enjoyed “Still Life” very much and look forward to reading “Blind Spot”. I really hate to have to wait for it.

I am happy to give a 5 star review of this book! I read the first in the series last year, really enjoyed it, and was looking forward to reading the next in the series. This did not disappoint and if anything I enjoyed it just a little bit more. Parker was one of my favorite characters in the first book, so perhaps that’s why I liked this one so much. It was great to see all the other characters again as well, and follow the continuing threads of their various stories. I find Kate and Luke’s thread the most intriguing and am really looking forward to seeing it play out in coming books.

As for the mystery, despite the fact that the premise was a little gruesome, I honestly didn’t find it too hard to handle. It didn’t really go into too many gory details leaving it more to the imagination. There may be one scene that was the exception, but once again I didn’t find it that disturbing probably because I was more focused on where the bad guy was gonna jump out from, and less on what was being discovered. As for who killer was? Definitely unpredictable, which is actually the way I like it. Despite the fact that there is a certain amount of glee in saying “I knew it!” I still love the mysteries where I’m like, “Wow, never saw that coming!”

The spiritual content was also really good! Maybe not as strong as it could have been, but still I didn’t find it weak at all. It dealt with the theme of moving on from the past which a character was saved out of, giving the gospel to close friends from that past, and yet not blaming yourself if they don’t make the choices you wish for them.

Overall a great book and nearly impossible to put down, once started (at least for me)!

*Disclaimer: I received this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest review.

Another gripping story my Dana Pettrey. Kept my attention from the first with senates till the very last page

Still Life by Dani Pettrey

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

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Story Notes

Dani Pettrey brings to chilling light the drama of a crime-scene photographer and the realization of her greatest fear - working on a case involving her friend and her past.

Dani Pettrey's second book in the Chesapeake Valor series will help to cement her as one of the best new writers featuring the world of criminal investigations. I have always enjoyed reading these types of books but have really come to appreciate authors who think outside the expected and focus on those who are often overlooked at a crime scene - CSU techs, anthropologists, and, in the case of this story, crime scene photographers. I had grown rather attached to Ms. Pettrey's characters through her first book in the series, Cold Shot, and was glad to see this second book offered for review. Ms. Pettrey brings a unique style to her series, choosing to allow multiple characters beyond the two primaries to have a point of view in the story. This allows readers to better connect with everyone in the story and I, for one, was drawn into the action faster and felt like I was walking alongside them through the story scenes. Ms. Pettrey has adopted an essential element for her writing that I am always glad to see when I read a book - that of making her characters relatable and real by giving them life-like backstories and tragedies that have shaped them into the characters they are now. All of the male characters in the series have grown up as best friends until the murder of Griffin McCray's sister Jenna threatens to separate them. Add to that the disappearance of Luke and the remaining three friends are struggling to work through blame while also working crime scenes together. Parker Mitchell was in love with Jenna for years and when she was kidnapped, tortured and killed on her way to meet him one night, he takes all the blame on himself. Guilt still burns deep inside and colors his view of love - keeping him from developing deeper relationships with any of the women he has dated in the years since. Parker carries a deep seeded fear that anyone else he might love will be taken from him too. But when he begins to feel attraction to his new crime photographer, Avery Tate, he will have to decide if he can let go of fear enough to fall in love. Avery Tate carries many secrets from her childhood - secrets that she knows she should move past but just cannot seem to let go of yet. Having found forgiveness and acceptance in Christ, she has moved beyond her broken past and become a successful photographer. When her career is derailed by a photograph that exposed a corrupt political official's crimes, she finds herself blackballed by the photographic community of Baltimore. Hired by Parker Mitchell as a crime photographer was an answer to prayer and she has enjoyed the work and getting to know Parker. But his guilt over Jenna keeps them from exploring a deeper relationship, causing her to seek work elsewhere. However, when Avery find herself in the middle of a missing person's case involving her former best friend, she calls on Parker, Griffin and the others for help to discover if the incredibly real looking "death" picture of her friend is an actual picture of her demise. What follows is a case so creepy in details and facts that it will leave readers with desire to double check the locks on their doors at night. Ms. Pettrey did an excellent job of keeping the reader engaged not only in the crime solving aspects of the story but the criminal aspects of it as well by giving short conversations and thoughts of the person(s) committing the crime. She gave just enough clues to keep me thinking I had discovered the culprit but then would throw in a twist that made me realize I was wrong. Add to this the multiple self-seeking characters Ms. Pettrey included and I was thinking "man, I hope all these selfish jerks get what they deserve!" And, thankfully, most of them did. But Ms. Pettrey kept a couple of them out of consequences - to use later on in the series, I'm thinking. Ms. Pettrey also added wonderful elements of faith to her story, showing a journey that would help both Parker and Avery move passed their tragic pasts into a incredible future filled with love and forgiveness. The sub story of Declan and Taylor was a good touch too, setting the scene very well for the next book the the series. I am excited to see where this series will go next and how everything will be worked out between the rest of the friends/investigators. I will most certainly recommend not only this book but the series to my friends and family; this is one they will not want to miss out on. Well done, Dani Pettrey!!


I received this E-book free of charge from Bethany House Publishers via NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. I will receive no fiscal compensation from either company for this review.

Excellent second book in the series. Nice unexpected plot twists. Can't wait for the next book.

Still Life
Chesapeake Valor #2
By Dani Pettrey

Someone is out there.
Watching her.
WAITING.

Avery Tate has left behind her work with Parker Mitchell - she can't compete with his memories of Jenna McCary. But when her best friend doesn't show at the art exhibit where she's a featured model, Avery knows something is wrong. But when the police refuse to take her concerns seriously based on Skylar's past Avery turns to the one person she knows will help her - Parker.

But the evidence that they uncover leads to more questions than answers. And it appears that Skylar's past may have finally caught up to her - a past that Avery feels responsible for. Can they pull the clues together in time to save Skylar or is the exhibit photo a hint that they are too late?

As the team works the case, Special Agent Declan Grey has another case come up that could have far reaching implications. A person with known terrorist ties has managed to slip into the country and unless they act fast he could disappear leaving destruction in his wake. And when an unexpected link to the past is found connecting to this case the chances of mere coincidence slight. But what could the long unexplained disappearance of Luke have to do with smuggled refugees, a dead federal agent, and a terrorist?

Still Life could be even more suspenseful than the first book in the Chesapeake Valor series Cold Shot. The list of suspects is long and the reasons behind possible motivation plausible. Get ready for a case that might be impossible to prove unless the killer made a mistake.

If you've read the first book in the series you have to read this one and reading the books in order is a necessity. And this book will be one that will keep you reading - it is most definitely a "one more chapter and then I'll put it down book" and the put down comes when the last page is turned.

This book has a great mystery to it and an ensemble cast that keeps the story moving in a richly layered way. Avery is concerned that her friend has disappeared and comes to fear she may be dead. The gang gathers around to help her find her friend. While this book is the second in a series, you do not need to read the first to appreciate the story and cast of characters. This novel has enough romance to keep romance readers turning the pages and enough mystery to keep those of us who love a good suspense engaged. If you haven’t read Dani Pettrey yet, get this book. You’ll be glad you did!

This is a very fast paced book. When a young lady is discovered missing the characters from the last book begin to show up as their expertise is needed in solving the mystery. The characters are unique and they work well together and make quite an interesting group of people. This book will have you sitting on the edge of your seat. Just when you think you have things figured out, another twist happens in the story.

Story Overview


Once Avery realized she was attracted to her boss, Parker, she discreetly found a way to quit her job. Her past was too muddled and dirty to allow it to spread over to Parker's life. Before she knows it she is trying to walk the line of keeping her life on track while still connected to friends from her previous life... if they are actually friends. When her best friend is suddenly missing from a modeling break, she fears the worst. And of course, Parker is pulled into the case.

The large cast of Cold Shot all appears in this story, but the journey of Avery and Parker are the focus. After we met them shortly in the first book, it is more than refreshing to see where their lives are now heading.

Parker's attachment to Jenna continues to haunt him. He is faced again and again with the need to decide between his past and his future. When a crazed killer threatens a possible future for him, he knows he has to decide and act quickly.

My Suggested Audience

I highly suggest this book to anyone who enjoys a contemporary murder mystery. I think fans of crime dramas/murder cases would be enthralled. And of course, fans of Hallmark Mysteries will be happy as there is just enough romance to keep the drama of the crime in check.

A heads up for this book, there could be triggers for violence aimed at women, as the suspect targets a particular type of woman and then murders them in a horrible manner. I cannot give specifics without spoiling the story, but just know there are graphic scenes of a murder's plans and Pettrey does an eerie job of bringing a sociopath to life in this criminal.

"Still Life" is book 2 in Dani Pettrey's Chesapeake Valor series and it is a great addition to the series and continuation of the characters' lives as this group of friends work together.  Avery reluctantly returned to her past solely to support her friend and she is hopeful that her friend is finally getting her life on a good track.  When Skylar is a no show, Avery knows that something is drastically wrong and she knows she must call on her former colleague Parker to help her.  As Parker and Avery seek answers as to what has happened to Skylar, they find themselves immersed in the danger.  There is another storyline going on as well that started in book #1, as a friend has been missing and there is hope and thought that he is still alive.  From start to finish, this book is a whirlwind of a read that will leave you anxious for book #3 to be released!  I really enjoy Dani's style of writing as she creates characters whom are believable and easy to empathize with.  The suspense and romance are nicely mixed and balanced, and the action is non-stop!  I highly recommend this book to romantic suspense fans, but be sure to read book #1 first!