Cover Image: Dead Drift

Dead Drift

Pub Date:   |   Archive Date:

Member Reviews

As the final book in the Chesapeake Valor series, “Dead Drift” by Dani Pettrey is a wonderful ending to this series.  Dani delivered suspense and twists throughout this book, as she does every other book she’s written!  Her books, including this one, are so easy to get hooked from the very first page.

This book centers a lot around Luke and Kate.  It shows the ups and downs they are going through along with preventing a major catastrophe.  Garrett and Finley are also in this book a lot as they are trying to solve Jenna’s, Garrett’s sister, murder.  This book really had two mysteries going on.  I thought it would be hard to keep up, but it wasn’t.  I was able to keep track of both dilemmas.

I definitely recommend this book.  If you like good, clean, romantic suspense books, Dani Pettrey is the author for you.  I have read all of her books, and I’ve never been disappointed.

I received this book from the author and Net Galley for my honest opinion.
Was this review helpful?
It seemed like it took forever for DEAD DRIFT to be released, but it took very little time to read. It's definitely a book that is hard to put down after starting to read it.

DEAD DRIFT gives readers the backstory on Luke, who spent more than seven years undercover tracking down a terrorist, and his reunion with Katie, who never gave up believing Luke was alive and would return. There is also resolution to the murder of Jenna McCray, which has haunted the group of friends throughout the series.

I admit that I am a little -- okay, maybe a lot -- disappointed to come to the end of Dani Pettrey's Chesapeake Valor series. Pettrey's characters are eminently likable, and I believe a continuing Charm City Investigations series would be popular. It goes without saying that I'm giving DEAD DRIFT my highest recommendation.

I received a copy of the book from Bethany House Publishers through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
Was this review helpful?
This is the fourth book is this series and is the final book.  It is a christian romantic suspense that I can recommend to any mystery reader in my store.  I have enjoyed this series and will be watching for the next book in this series
Was this review helpful?
In Dead Drift, when Luke Gallagher vanished seven years ago, leaving the woman he loved, private investigator Kate Maxwell behind, with no answers, only questions. Now he is back to help capture a terrorist and rekindle his relationship with Kate. Can they stop the terrorist’s plot before it is too late? Is there a future for them after they catch the terrorist?
 
Meanwhile, Griffin and Finley continue to investigate his sister Jenna’s murder, uncovering a string of cases with similarities in several states. Can they catch the killer behind his sister’s murder and finally put the case to rest when others haven’t been successful?

Pettrey pens characters with strong personalities and real flaws, making it easier for readers cares about. As always, the faith element is evident, not preachy, and relationships are clean (appropriate for high school readers). Pettrey excels at creating an ensemble of characters readers enjoy, and when these characters from earlier novels reappear, the reader is delighted to catch up and continue their storyline. The violence is appropriate to the story, much like crime dramas one views on TV. As always, the plausible plot is action-packed romantic suspense at its finest. The reader will be satisfied
Was this review helpful?
A great and fast paced conclusion to this series, and yes we do wrap things up, but maybe not how you thought.
If you haven’t read the other books in this series, this one will make you want to, but you can read alone, enough facts are presented.
The author gives us some surprises, but boy the book sure doesn’t lack for action and keeps you guessing as to whom will survive to the very end. There are some very sad moments here, and most you will not see or expect. Great job!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Bethany House, and was not required to give a positive review.
Was this review helpful?
Excellent wrap up to another thrilling series.  Get ready for a mega-adrenaline rush as the team splits up to track down the guilty in two different cases.  I’m going to miss these characters, but I’m eager for what Pettrey creates next!
Was this review helpful?
This is the fourth, and final, book in the series.  The first three are Cold Shot, Still Life, and Blind Spot.  If you read her Alaskan Courage series, you might remember that series had a total of five books.  I'm not sure why this one had only four, but I'm always excited to read something by Pettrey.

In this book, Griffin and Finley are on their own, chasing down a serial killer.  The rest of the team is working together to try and stop Ebeid for good.  Luke is going to have to do something he hasn't done for quite some time: work on a team.  He's also trying to win back the love of his life, Kate, all while dodging explosions, bullets and death.

You're definitely going to want to read these in order.  I think you'd be more than a bit lost if you started the series here.  It hadn't been that long since I'd read Blind Spot, but I needed those little reminders in there of "previously, in the Chesapeake Valor series..."

I enjoyed this one, but I almost wish is had been possible to break up the two main drama story lines so that things didn't feel so rushed at the end.  It is what it is, though, and I did like the book.  I'll still be on the lookout for the next series, Coastal Guardians.  Not my favorite, but still a good book.

*I received a copy of this book from Bethany House through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Was this review helpful?
"Dead Drift" is a Christian romantic suspense novel. It's the fourth book in a series. It's not really a stand-alone novel as main characters from the previous novels have point-of-view roles in this one and there are two cases being investigated that are a continuation from events in the previous book(s).

Two characters worked on solving the cold case of their sister/friend while the rest focused on stopping the latest threat by the terrorist who was revealed in the last book. The suspense came from trying to stop the deadly terrorist plot while avoiding assassins (as Luke and Kate are now on a hit list). Luke and Kate still cared for each other and enjoyed working together, but Kate needed to forgive Luke for disappearing on her for so many years. She has to decide if she can trust him with her heart again.

Luke struggled with some of the things he'd done in the past under orders but decided to seek forgiveness and draw closer to God. While not frequent, the characters prayed to God when they had concerns (not just "God, save us" emergency prayers). There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this exciting novel.
Was this review helpful?
Dead Drift by Dani Pettrey is an exciting yet deadly journey. One that will reunite two old lovers who never gave up...time has a way of pushing old memories to surface and soon anger turns to passion. But now, they're both targets. A fierce enemy has found out who they are and where they're located. The end goal was to kill them both. However, FBI Agent Kate Maxwell and top agent Luke Gallagher are not to be stopped. 

Inside Dead Drift, I got to experience the thrill of chasing down and stopping the bad guys. Especially one that wouldn't stop targeting the FBI members. Danger, romance, and suspense kept me turning the pages. Dani Pettrey brought to life, the law enforcement and organization of a federal criminal case. It was both exciting and terrifying at the same time. I wasn't sure what to expect and numerous times I thought both main characters would die. Death hung in the air as the agents worked to escape and capture an enemy. Overall, I would recommend this to all Criminal Minds and NCIS fans. This book has all the similarities but the danger feels so much more realistic.
Was this review helpful?
Dead Drift #4 Chesapeake Valor by Dani Pettrey

This last book in the Chesapeake Valor series is the long awaited story of Kate Maxwell and Luke Gallagher. We could feel their love radiating through all three stories even though Luke has been missing in each one of them. Where has he been and what has he been doing all those years?. . .I am not going to say and spoil it. But, oh, what a story he has to tell and the unbelievable dangerous situation he brings right to the door of the Valor-Team (as I call them), setting things into motion that escalate to a race against time. Of the pair, Kate is my favorite character. I love her devotion and dedication to her carrier, yes, but more so for her love for Luke and never giving up on finding him. . .alive.

I like that there is a duel story-line in this one as well. As much as I wanted to read Luke and Kate’s story, I hoped to read about the case Griffin and Finely are pursuing in this story. That case is one that is very special to Griffin and I so wanted him to find a credible lead and thereby a “release/closure” of sorts. I am glad it is included in this book. Not saying more as I don’t want to give anything away. What they uncover certainly was a surprise to them as well as to me.

Dead Drift is a fast-paced, gripping story with mystery and dangerous situations that had me on the edge of my seat at times. A complected plot and story-line with twists and turns, unexpected surprises along the way, unraveling twisting threads of secrets, lies and betrayal while on the brink of a biological disaster. . .whew! In the midst of this there is sweet romance—I love how these men love their women!, forgiveness, second chances and faith. I appreciate the faith elements woven within the story-line and series. I will miss the endearing characters in the Chesapeake Valor series. Well done Dani Pettrey!

~I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author/&/or NetGalley (no monetary gain were exchanged), this is my honest review~I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255~
Was this review helpful?
The final book in the Chesapeake Valor series wraps up the series with a high action, suspense and romance. Kate and Luke's story is highlighted throughout the book along side Griffin's search for his sister's killer. There are lots of characters plus aliases that I did find hard to keep straight at times. But this conclusion wraps up the series admirably. Highly recommended!
Was this review helpful?
Dead Drift by Dani Pettrey is book 4 in the Chesapeake Valor series.  Luke is back after 7 years undercover with the CIA.  But can he pick up with Kate where they left off?  Or has he hurt her too deeply?  And can they work together to prevent an act of terrorism in the process?  The entire Chesapeake Valor series is phenomenal and Luke has been missing throughout.  Now, he's back and the suspense is greater than ever.  Ms. Pettrey is a master at building suspense and continuing to build it throughout the novel.  You won't be able to put this book down once you start!  I highly recommend it to anyone who loves novels of suspense.  I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher.  These opinions are entirely my own.
Was this review helpful?
This is a fast-paced, gripping, and intense book, the conclusion of the Chesapeake Valor series that follows a group of friends that serve in various fields of criminal justice. I was so excited to read Kate and Luke's story, especially since he's been such a mystery from the beginning. This is a series that I think is best read in order, but honestly you could still read Dead Drift on its own and be fine. I appreciate that the author catches the reader up with the characters and their relationships without info-dumping the plots of the previous books, so even if you read this book first, you can still go back and enjoy the stories of the other friends in the previous three books (which are all excellent!)

I loved learning more about Luke and Kate's relationship from when they were together before his prolonged absence courtesy of the CIA. It showed why they never gave up on each other and made their reunion that much sweeter- after Kate gave him heck to pay, of course ;) The highly dangerous cases they are working on solving and attacks they are trying to prevent bring them closer together, and also heighten the fears they have of losing each other again. They have issues to work out and also get to know each other again as the changes people they have become- although the important things haven't changed. They have amazing chemistry, and I also loved the deeper ways they connect, through their faith and supporting each other.

Besides the terrorist case Luke is leading, Griffin and Finley are following up clues from his sister Jenna's murder, and the two plots woven together create a nice balance and kept the pace cracking along, making the book impossible to put down. With twists and turns along the way and dramatic, nail-biting climaxes, the story wraps up with satisfying conclusions for this group of friends that have become tight-knit and stalwart once again. Highly recommend this book and the entire series!

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)
Was this review helpful?
Luke finally gets his book!!!!! I cannot tell you how wonderful it was to finally get his story. Also, if you've been reading the whole series then you'll be glad to know this book brings excellent closure to the series (even though I'm terribly sad to say goodbye to these characters!).

This book truly has everything! It has great characters, adventure, mystery, crime solving, and my favorite: romance! This group of friends have made for amazing characters and I loved getting to know a little bit more in each book. But I definitely love Luke because I knew the least about him. His character was quite impressive. He's been through a lot and still stayed so grounded. And I loved how dedicated he was to both his mission but also to Kate. I'll admit that if I was Kate I probably wouldn't have come around as quickly as she did to his return but at the same time, I'm glad she did. I really liked how dedicated all of the characters in these books have been spiritual. I love how they pray together and for each other. I love how they rely on God and not just themselves, even though they are quite impressive in their careers.

Ever since the first book I've been anxious to see how things would wrap up. Pettrey has so much skill for drawing her readers in and keeping us engaged over the whole series. This book wrapped up every loose end without feeling like a major catch-all for all the dangling pieces. I really liked how it was basically two stories in one. One story was Luke and Kate and the other was the culmination of the series. Another part I really love about this series is how well all the characters work together. Especially the characters involved romantically. I love my husband dearly but I cannot imagine working so closely with him every day.

I would especially recommend this book to anyone that likes CSI or Cold Case or Criminal Minds. It isn't near as gory as any of those shows but contains elements from all of them. I enjoy watching TV but I'm so thankful for Christian Fiction bringing me the same type of story with a Christian element to it. I got just as much action and suspense but none of the gore or cursing or sex.

It's going to be a while before I stop thinking about Kate and Luke. They are just such a great pair. 

I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher. This is my honest review.
Was this review helpful?
"Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened."
Dr. Seuss

I think this quote perfectly sums up my feelings about this series ending. I'm sad to say goodbye, but thrilled that I got to become friends with these characters and live vicariously through them for a little while! Where do I even begin to describe the amazingness that is Dead Drift?! Kate and Luke's story was phenomenal!
As with all of Dani's books I devoured this one in under 24 hours! Dani's books always knock my socks off, but Dead Drift takes the awesomeness to a whole new level. My old friends Griffin & Finley, Parker & Avery, Declan & Tanner, and Luke & Kate grabbed hold of me and yanked me through the screen of my Kindle and into their story, and it didn't take long before I forgot I was reading and instead felt that I was tagging along and living their story right alongside them, that is how fabulous this book is! 
Once again Dani's writing thrilled me, chilled me, and inspired me, at the same time it encouraged and challenged my faith, and made a lasting imprint on my heart! I don't really know what else I can say without risking spoilers, so I will finish with this: I absolutely adored every single moment I spent reading this book, everything was tied up perfectly, and even though I hated to see it end, when I turned the final page a sigh of pure contentment escaped my lips which were temporarily frozen in the giddiest grin of all time! Dead Drift is on my list of favorite reads of 2018, and I highly recommend it! Everyone should read the Chesapeake Valor series, each book can stand alone but they are best read in order to get the full amazing experience!
I simply cannot wait for Dani's next book! READ DANI PETTREY'S BOOKS, YOU WON'T BE SORRY! Now, if you'll excuse me! *Goes to reread Submerged yet again*



Thank you to the author and publisher for sending me a copy of this book to help promote it. Which did not influence my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions are one hundred percent my own (except the quote from Dr. Seuss, of course LOL!)
Was this review helpful?
I have been anticipating this book for so long!  It's the final book in the Chesapeake Valor Series!  I would recommend reading these books in order.  They follow a group of friends and while each book is focused on one main character, each friend has story development in each one.  The books are so intertwined that reading them in order is essential.  I was so excited to finally get to Kate and Luke and reach some resolution for all these friends.

This book, as with all the other books in this series, is full of fast paced action and suspense.  It is balanced so well with character interaction and story development.  I love reading these kinds of books and Dani Pettrey is a master at writing them.  

I have loved getting to know these characters.  They feel real to me which is exactly where I want to be as a reader.  I am glad to see the conclusion of this series and some resolution for the characters.  They deserve a nice, long rest!  ha.  

Content:  violence, murder (some described in details), Christian fiction (talk of God, praying, forgiving)

- I received a complimentary copy of this book and all opinions expressed are my own.
Was this review helpful?
Action, adventure, suspense, bioterrism, murder, and romance...what’s not to love! In this stunning conclusion of the Chesapeake Valor series there are so many twists and turns, it will keep you up at night. I love the interaction between characters.The team is pulled in multiple directions to stop a terror plot and another murder. Luke and Kate’s chemistry leap off the page. I love Luke and his protectiveness, even as he left all those years ago, his heart has been to protect and serve his country. To protect the woman he loves and his friends, he has to learn to work with them as a team. And, oh how I love this team! There is another murder mystery in the midst that keeps you on the edge of your seat. My heart almost stopped at the intensity of searching out a serial killer, too. This is the long awaited conclusion to a story we all wanted. It has an amazing ending and friends you wish you could bring to life. I received an ARC copy for my honest opinion...and honestly, I loved it. It was hard to put down!
Here’s the book order, so you don’t miss a thing!

Book One: COLD SHOT
Book Two: STILL LIFE
Book Three: BLIND SPOT
Book Four: DEAD DRIFT
Was this review helpful?
From the first book in Dani Pettrey’s Chesapeake Valor series, there have been two unanswered questions: Is Luke alive? And what happened to Griffin’s sister?

While that first question was answered in book three (Blind Spot), readers get to delve further into where Luke has been in the series finale.

The entire gang is back, and in Pettrey’s signature style of keeping readers involved in two investigations, Dead Drift is as intense and swift moving as always. As Luke rejoins his friends after years of functioning as a lone wolf, he must learn to lean on them as they hunt for a terrorist on US soil. All that while keeping the woman he’s never stopped loving safe.

I’ve said this before, but it’s worth saying again if you’ve not yet enjoyed a Pettrey book. Each one is much like watching one of the first season episodes of 24 where pieces of the big picture puzzle are dropped into place. With twists, turns and surprises along the way and high-stakes for the entire country, give yourself plenty of time to read this in one sitting.

Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
Was this review helpful?
DEAD DRIFT is the fourth and final novel in DANI PETTREY's Chesapeake Valor series. Having read the first three novels, I have been looking forward to seeing how the author was going to finish everything off, and I am definitely not disappointed! The book can be read as a stand alone, but I really recommend that you read the novels in sequence.
I have read and enjoyed all of Dani PETTREY's books, but I think Dead Drift has become my new favourite. I like the way she balances an exciting story and quite a lot of romance with good Christian content. In fact we see how the characters have grown in their commitment to the Lord over the years.
It is interesting to see how Kate will react to Luke after he has been gone for over seven years, and we also wonder if Griffin will ever be able to solve his sister's murder. Add to this the very real threat of a terrorist attack in America, and the search for the elusive Ebeid, and you have a really riveting story!
I can highly recommend Dead Drift for anyone enjoying romantic suspense novels.
I was given a free copy of the book by Bethany House Publishers from NetGalley. The opinions in this review are completely my own.
Was this review helpful?
Dead Drift is the thrilling conclusion to master suspense writer Dani Pettrey's Chesapeake Valor series. This is a real page-turner with assassins, anthrax and all manner of suspenseful action. Although this is Katie and Luke's story, everyone else from the series makes an appearance. I love the camaraderie between the characters and Ms. Pettrey as always creates memorable dialogue. I love the suspense and faith in God that intertwine throughout the story. Ms. Pettery did an awesome job of tying all of the loose threads together for a truly satisfying conclusion. But make sure you read books 1, 2 and 3 first. So grab a steamy mug of black tea and curl up for a good read.

I was given a copy of this book by NetGalley.com with no expectations. All thoughts are my own.
Was this review helpful?