Suspense filled thrilling conclusion!

This is the fourth and final book in the series, and I would highly recommend reading them in order as the overall story continues. With this series each book became my new favorite, and this final story certainly did not disappoint. Dani Pettrey continues to blow me away with her amazing talent! I very much appreciate her use of prayer by her characters in these stories. While this is very much Luke and Kate's story, we also get to see the entire team working together again. The secondary storyline also follows Griffin and his search for answers to bring justice to his sister's killer. 

Luke Gallagher left over seven years ago to track down a terrorist. When that mission brings him back home, he must face those he left behind. Kate Maxwell never stopped searching for Luke when he disappeared, but she never believed he would walk away by his own choice. When he returns and she learns the truth, she doesn't know if she can ever trust him again. Luke is determined to stop the terrorist before their next attack. But, that choice may cost him everything... including the only woman he has ever loved. 

*I received an ARC of this book. All opinions are my own.

Dead Drift is the suspense-filled and satisfying conclusion to Pettrey's Chesapeake Valor Series. If you've been keeping up with the series, then I'm sure you are anxious to read about Luke and Katie's reunion. Will Luke be able to fan the flames of their college love back to life? Have the embers gone cold? Furthermore, will he finally catch Ebeid--the mission that drew him away from Katie some eight years ago?

In true Pettrey style, no story is over just because it was highlighted in a book earlier in the series. I've relished reading how Griffin and Finley, Declan and Tanner, and Parker and Avery's relationships have matured through each book. I also loved the bombshell Pettrey drops in book four; because it drew an interesting connection between Tanner and Luke.

If you haven't started this series, you could pick it up here, but I highly encourage you to go back to the beginning! Otherwise, you'll miss out on the rich family-like feel and camaraderie the author develops among the characters. Not to mention, you'd be cheating yourself out of the epic build-up to this memorable finale.

Fun Fact: I received an early reader copy of this book on April 2nd through NetGalley which has given me enough time to read this book twice. Yes, it's that good!
4.5 Stars

Christian Shelf-Esteem received a book to facilitate this review. The views and opinions expressed are 100% honest and my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC's 16 CFR, Part 255 Guidelines, concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising.

Luke Gallagher is back after suddenly disappearing 8 years ago, he didn't tell his friends, or even the girl he was dating. He was recruited in college for the Black Ops, and didn't think that his assignment would take him away for so long. But when his assignment bring him home, he has to face Kate and stop a biological terrorist before it's too late.



Kate has never stopped looking for Luke, and she has since started a CCI. The whole crew works together to help Luke stop the terrorist before it's too late.



This final book in the Chesapeake Valor Series, ties everything together with the four friends and their partners fighting against time to shut down a terrorist. 



Luke has done a lot of living and has his regrets. He is highly skilled, and is happy to be joining forces with his friends, in hope of finally bringing this chase to an end. Luke is dedicated to his job, and he has sacrificed a lot for his country.



Kate became friends with Luke's friend when he disappeared, and became part of their team. She's understandably upset when Luke returns, but still loves him despite everything. 



This book also follows Griffin and Finley who are working to solve his sister's murder, they finally have a new perspective and a lead that might finally lay this case to rest.



Overall, fast paced, explosive conclusion to this fantastic series. I loved how it tied everything together, and we finally get to see Luke come home. I love the interaction and relationship between all of the characters. This is a fast paced read that was difficult to put down. I was thrilled to get the chance to review this book. I highly recommend the whole series!



Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."

Dead Drift by Dani Pettrey is the fourth and final book in the Chespeake Valor series.  Pettrey ties up the loose ends of the search for a terrorist, what happened to Luke Gallagher,and the serial killer behind the murder of Griffin's sister..  Readers should start with first book and buy the subsequent books as each book leads into the next.  The series was excellent.  I am re-reading book 1 and starting the series over as Pettrey has written a series that allows you gain new insights during subsequent readings.  Dont just buy this book, but buy all of them!

Luke Gallagher vanished without a trace seven years ago. Now he has reappeared, wreaking havoc on Kate Maxwell’s carefully reconstructed life. She never stopped loving or searching for him, but she also never imagined he chose to walk away at his own volition.

For years, Luke has been part of an elite team hunting a terrorist. The search has brought him back to his own backyard and the group of friends he abandoned, including the woman he loved. Though used to working alone, Luke must join forces with Kate and the guys to thwart a deadly biological attack. As Luke and Kate work to unravel the case, they fall into the terrorist’s sights, suddenly at risk of losing more than just their hearts.

The explosive conclusion to Dani Pettrey’s Chesapeake Valor series has arrived. I have been chomping at the bit for Luke’s story ever since book one landed, and let me say, he does not disappoint. Dead Drift delivers everything readers have come to expect from a Pettrey novel, high-octane suspense, adrenaline-pumping action, and of course, a bit of romance to sweeten the deal.

I probably wouldn’t have dealt with Luke’s return as gracefully as Kate did, but he is a persuasive fellow, and I enjoyed watching the couple’s story develop.

Our beloved team pursues two mysteries — the terrorist plot and the killer of Griffin’s (book one’s hero) sister. I enjoyed both, but finally uncovering what happened to Jenna was definitely the highlight. The deceased young woman we never met in life, seemed to become more real and watching justice prevail was reason to rejoice.

Fans of Chesapeake Valor won’t want to miss Dead Drift. Those who are new to the series will probably want to start at the beginning since a lot of details carry over and enhance the understanding of the story.

We meet both Kate and Luke in the previous books in this series, and I have been waiting to finally get into their story and have my questions answered. Why has Luke been gone for so many years? Now that he is back, will things pick up with Kate, or has there been too much hurt there? I have also been waiting for the conclusion to Jenna’s story. This fourth book in the Chesapeake Valor series answers all of the questions I have been asking throughout this series and does not disappoint! This book is fast paced and once I picked this book up, I could not put it down, reading it all at once in one day. This was a satisfying conclusion to a favorite series for me. This is a series that is best read in order.

Dead Drift is Dani Pettrey at her best. In the fourth and final book in the Chesapeake Valor series, readers are finally given the answers to the top two questions raised throughout the series: Who killed Jenna and What happened to Luke? Along the way, the story unfolds in Dani's signature nail-biting, have you on the edge of your seat writing style, and I found myself glued to the story right from the first page.

One of my favorite parts of reading one of Dani Pettrey's novels is the way that the cast of characters from the previous books play a prominent role in each continuing additon to the series. In Dead Drift, all of the characters from the previous novels come together to try and help Luke stop the terrorist threat he's been chasing for the past seven years-since he walked out of all of their lives. Luke's stayed away until now, believing he was only putting a target on the back of those he loved otherwise, especially Katie. However, when events take a turn that he never saw coming, he finds himself entwined with his old college buddies, and Katie, the woman he never fell out of love with. It'll take everyone working together to put a stop to one of the worst pending terrorist attacks the United States has ever seen, and failure is definitely not an option.

This was definitely the most action packed of all the books in the Chesapeake Valor series, and it was honestly hard to even put down. Twists and turns were around each and every corner, and the side mystery of Griffin and Finley investigating Jenna's murder was just as compelling and intriguing as the main mystery was. Throughout this series, the characters have started to feel like family, and I'm really happy with the way Dani Pettrey chose to wrap everything up, and how the readers were given one last glimpse into each and every one of the main characters, not just Luke and Katie.


Dead Drift gets the highest recommendation from me. It was action packed and fast moving from page one, it was spine chillingly terrifying, and most of all, it emphasized the true importance of a close personal relationship with our Heavenly Father. Dani Pettrey's novels are addicting, refreshing, and hard to put down, and Dead Drift may just be her best yet. As a bonus, I was pleasantly surprised with this series to see a character (Finley), that had Raynaud's syndrome, as usually when I tell people I have this, they never know what I'm talking about, and I really enjoyed that addition.


All in all, Dani Pettrey once again proved why she's a top voice in Christian Suspense, and this novel gets a perfect five star rating from me. I definitely recommend picking this one up when it releases on July 3rd, as it was the conclusion I've been waiting for since I picked up the first book!

Final Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐


I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher (Bethany House) via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to leave a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This is a “no spoiler” review.  I’m not going to write anything about the plot because I don’t want to lessen the suspense in this book in any way,

My first thought when I finished this “every-page-has-a-heart-stopping moment” book was that I could finally breathe normally again.  My second thought was to wonder when Dani Pettrey would have another new book published.  If you’ve followed this series, you’ll agree that this is the perfect ending to all the storylines through the books,  However, you can read this book without having read the others and it will still keep you on the edge of your seat.  I loved the fact that it was completely clean Christian fiction with no bad language or embarrassing scenes.   

Forget watching your favorite TV drama.  The suspense,  intrigue, romance and faith in this book will far surpass any TV show.  This book gets five stars from me.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher for review.  I was not required to give a positive review. All opinions are my own.

Dead Drift is the thrilling fourth (and sadly last) book in the Chesapeake Valor series by Dani Pettrey. Dead Drift concludes the series in stunning style, with touching romance, non-stop action and life and death tension that will keep you guessing and hanging on the edge of your seat.

Kate has always believed -hoped- that the love of her life, Luke Gallagher was alive and out there somewhere. Meanwhile, Luke has spent the last seven years with one mission - bring a major criminal and terrorist to justice and finally return home to Kate. Now, Kate knows Luke is alive, but his being back in her life and the lives of their friends threatens them all. Luke and Kate must team up as the terrorist threat to US soil increases and overlaps with FBI Agent Declan Grey’s case. As danger looms ever closer, Luke, Kate and the whole gang will have to push harder than ever before to find answers and justice. 

The Chesapeake Valor series has so far brought this loveable group of friends through heartache, murder cases, near-death experiences and ever closer to the answers they seek about what happened to their friends, Luke and Jenna, so many years ago. The threads of mystery that have woven throughout the entire series all start to weave together in this final book. The action starts from the first page and literally doesn’t stop. While most of the gang work with Luke to prevent a bioterrist attack and bring to justice the man Luke has been chasing these past seven years, Finley and Griffin work to solve the cold case of Jenna, Griffin’s sister, who was murdered eight years ago. While the terrorist case brings non-stop action and big dramatic scenes, I enjoyed the detective legwork that Griffin and Finley engage in to bring a serial killer to justice.

The story jumps perspective between a number of the main characters, predominately Luke, Kate and Griffin, which enables the readers to stay fully immersed in the enfolding action. Of course, Dani Pettrey leaves one perspective just when major intel is about to be revealed or a character’s life hangs in the balance, only increasing the already high suspense and making Dead Drift impossible to put down.

I have really loved the Chesapeake Valor series and Dead Drift is the perfect conclusion. It celebrates the friendship this talented group share, and their dedication to finding justice. I enjoyed Kate and Luke’s story of reunion and the opportunity they have to rekindle their romance. There are a lot of pent up emotions surrounding anger, passion, grief and betrayal they must work through while juggling the enfolding case and constant attempts on their lives. There is no doubting their connection, and the sweet moments of competition and trust they share are very enjoyable. I also loved the celebration in Dead Drift of each of the other romantic relationships that have been forged throughout the series. I loved Griffin and Finley’s support for one another as they face the difficult task of finding Jenna’s killer, and their enjoyment of married life, and treasured the moments of new-found closeness between Tanner and Declan. Avery and Parker take more of a backseat, but their relationship and the conclusion of Parker’s history with Jenna are also wonderful parts of this story.

If you have not yet read the Chesapeake Valor series, I highly recommend it. I can’t wait to devour Dani Pettrey’s next series which is sure to be just as brilliantly written, engaging and loveable as this one has been.

The publishers provided an advanced readers copy of this book for reviewing purposes. All opinions are my own.

This is finally the suspense-filled conclusion to the Chesapeake Valor series from Dani Pettrey.
As always, I have a love/hate relationship with a conclusion of a series. 
It was a relief to finally get some answers, find out what was going on in the over-arching mystery, present in all four books.
I loved seeing Luke & Kate finally get a chance at their happy ending.
And once again, I found myself just really loving these characters. 
Griffin & Finley. Parker & Avery. Declan & Tanner. These old familiar friends, and now I got to spend one more book with them.
The suspense in this book was perfect. I had no idea where the story line was heading. The mystery about the killer of Gray’s sister….had me hanging on and barely breathing as I finally got to see the resolution of it.
And yes. Luke & Kate. They are finally together. But someone is hot on their trail. A terrorist. How do they find him in time to stop him?! These events, and much more, will keep you reading just one more page…until you get to the end!
I’ve loved each and every book written by Dani Pettrey. I’m sad at the end of this series, but I can’t wait to see what’s up next!
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

DEAD DRIFT by Dani Pettrey. Chesapeake Valor 4
Luke with CIA has been gone for seven years, part of him doesn’t like what he has become. Now with anthrax being stolen, FBI must be called in. To see friends again, and Kate a love of his, never forgotten. Terrorists to hunt down, before a national disaster happens and forgiveness for what he put Kate thru. A heart warming story of the strong love between Kate and Luke is shown in their story here. Looking forward to her next series. Her books are always a welcome to her readers, they are filled with tension, and love.  Given ARC by Net Galley and Bethany House for my voluntary review and my honest option .

I love this series! This one was the best yet. Action, adventure, and suspense, all in one inspirational story. 

Luke left to join an elite group to take down a terrorist. Seven years later he's back. He's never forgotten the girl he left behind. Has she forgiven him for leaving? Is she still waiting? 

Kate doesn't know what to think when Luke walks back into her life. She is a private investigator now. Can she trust him not to leave her again? 

Luke and Kate's story will pull you in from the first page. Luke joins his old group of friends to counter the attack against the US. Will they be in time? From investigating a serial killer to the threat of anthrax, the action never stops. 

I would recommend Dead Drift for anyone who enjoys inspirational fiction with lots of action and suspense. The cover goes along with the storyline, as you'll see. I enjoyed the inspirational element in this story as well. No matter how far you've gone, God is always waiting for you. 


I received a free copy from Net Galley in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Dead Drift is a great addition to the Chesapeake Valor series.  This one kept me on the edge of my seat.  The plot is very intense.  I highly recommend this book to fans of suspense..  this can be read as a stand-alone,but if like me you will want to read them all.

This was a very satisfying conclusion to the Chesapeake Valor series.  Connections to WWII atrocities and bioweapons research combine to make the worst possible scenario since 9/11.  Luke and Kate work with the team to stop the terrorists.  Their own futures depend on their success.  Griffin and Finley meanwhile are working to find his sister’s murderer. 
Pettrey does a beautiful job with her characters.  They are flawed but still likeable.  The characters from the past books in the series still get their due which really solidifies the team aspect.  
There’s a lot of urgency and suspense as the team works on the two cases.  The danger builds as they get closer to their targets.  There’s even a surprise or two.  I felt that everything was resolved and finished well.  I appreciated that. I am always sorry to see a good series end but will look forward to Pettrey’s upcoming Coastal Guardians series. 
Thank you to Bethany House for providing me with a free e-copy of this book.  I was not required to leave a positive review.  All opinions are my own. 
 Chesapeake Valor series:
Book 1:  Cold Shot
Book 2:  Still Life
Book 3:  Blind Spot
Book 4:  Dead Drift

This book is the conclusion of Dani Pettreys Chesapeake Valor series, and in my opinion is the best one.  As a top Christian author of romantic suspense, Pettrey does not disappoint her readers with this explosive thriller.  Over seven years ago, Luke Gallagher disappeared from Kate Maxwell’s life.  Now he has returned and brings with him his passion for her and his desire to stop terrorist Khaled Ebeid.  Together with others from the team, Kate and Luke race to discover Ebeid’s evil plan and to stop him before he is able to carry out his massive attack.  There is also a sub-plot of Griffin and his wife Finley trying to uncover the murderer of his sister, Jenna, and other women for years.  Their dogged determination in the face of immeasurable odds is a testimony to the theme of never stopping, but just to “run the race” that God has given us to run.  Since each Chesapeake Valor story has shown Luke in one location and Kate in another, both doing their jobs and both yearning for each other, it was wonderful to see them working together for the same goal.  I also enjoyed the fact that Ms. Pettrey focuses on the heartfelt love of the men for the women; this new viewpoint was refreshing.  What a great and satisfying read!  It will be available at all of your local booksellers on July 3rd, but you can pre-order it now.

Dead Drift is the perfect ending to the Chesapeake Valor series by Dani Pettrey.  We are introduced to Kate and Luke in the previous books and finally get to read their story in this final book.  Where has Luke been?  Doesn't he love Kate?  If he does, can she forgive him for leaving her all those years ago?  This story ties up all the loose ends from the first three books and solves the mystery of Jenna's death and the terrorist attacks.  Pettrey is a master of suspense story telling with just the right amount of romance.  This is not a stand alone novel.  Readers must start with the very first book and read the books in order, but, believe me, you will want to!!!

I love Dani Pettrey's writing! Her characters are very believable and could be your neighbors! I really hated to see this series end. Dani's plot twists are unexpected and leave you guessing. "Dead Drift" really got me thinking about how the main plot could be possible; she did her research to make it believable! This is her second series. I will continue to read her books, she is an extremely talented author!

Review	Dani Pettrey has crafted an explosive (literally an explosion on the first page) and quite enjoyable finale to her Chesapeake Valor series. It kept me spellbound and engaged the whole way through as she weaved satisfying conclusions to both the cold case murder of Griff's sister and the terrorist threat that the team has been chasing through out the series. I loved the interactions of Kate and Luke and the ending wrapped everything up nicely. This has been a series that has been exciting and engaging for both my husband and I and he has been waiting impatiently for me to finish so he can read it too. All in all, if you love gripping Christian Fiction, read this series. It will NOT disappoint!!

I was provided the book by the author and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.

Dead Drift is the last book in the Chesapeake Valor Series and it is magnificent! The storyline immediately draws you with suspense making it difficult to put down, yet I wanted to savor it so it did not end. While full of spell binding suspense, it is also full of romance and endless emotions of grief, surprise, heartache and joy. 

Ms. Pettrey does a beautiful job of giving us Luke and Kate’s story while wrapping up the stories of the other characters to give us closure. Luke and Kate’s story has heartache, unending commitment, and undying love.  This is one of my favorite series and I hope we catch up with Chesapeake Gang in future books! 

I was given a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House thru NetGalley. All opinions expressed are strictly my own.

Dead Drift satisfyingly wraps ups all of the threads in the Chesapeake Valor series - the romances, the cold cases, the family issues, and even domestic terrorism. The book is well-paced - fast-paced! - and integrates the large cast of characters well. With all of that going on, there's not a whole lot of room to develop romance, but the main hero and heroine (Luke and Kate) have a history, and that helps. 

Fans of Christian romantic suspense will heartily enjoy Dead Drift!