Cover Image: Fatal Strike

Fatal Strike

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Member Reviews

Diane Mills never disappoints in her suspense novels! This fast-paced gem will take you through danger zones and plot twists, you want to let go!

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The first two chapters were excellent and very well-written. Loved the suspense of the two main characters in their role as snipers in a tense situation. Unfortunately I lost my interest after that though I did try a couple of times.

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A really well written suspense story with a nice bit of romance. I loved the careful crafting of the story and the slow build towards the main action of the story. The location was also great as I live just north of Houston and loved picturing all the places mentioned just as I’ve seen them. The characters were realistic and genuine without being super technical- I really enjoyed their conversations and banter. This story was also a good look into the responsibilities of others and how we should be willing to help those in the right even if it means severe consequences for someone in the wrong. I will certainly be recommending this story in the hope that others will enjoy it as well.

I received this temporary complimentary EBook from Tyndale House Publishers via NetGalley in order to provide a fair and honest review. I will receive no fiscal compensation for this review and the opinions expressed herein are entirely my own.

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If you want to read a book filled with adventure, suspense, plot twists and a surprise ending, look no further! This book moves quite rapidly and makes the reader stick to the pages until the very end. I thought Diann did a great job crafting characters that were like real people. Whether you're a long time fan of Diann Mills or a new reader of her stories, this is a book you'll want to read and perhaps share with others.

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"On remote missions, she controlled her phobia with her mind. In and out, get the job done. She would learn to handle it with this case, too, and no one would learn the truth." 


If that is not the epitome of foreshadowing, I do do not know what is. Fatal Strike by DiAnn Mills is a thrill ride from cover to cover. Two FBI snipers, thrust together to solve the murders of three Galveston community members. Agents Leah Riesel and Jon Colbert are both accustomed to being in control but put their differences aside. They want to find the criminals before anyone else gets hurt...or worse. Each time they find the answer to one question, five hundred more pop up. Nothing will stop them, though, and they won't get distracted. Not even when attraction sparks between them. A happy development; that's what it was. 

Leah Riesel has a severe phobia of snakes. Even the mention of the slithery reptiles can paralyze her. So of course, this case involves rattlesnake venom. Perfect. Galveston PD and the Houston FBI office believes the notorious Venenos gang is behind the murders of a well-respected police officer, a prosecuting attorney, and a judge. Who else would inject their victims in the heart with venom? Leah is forced to face her fears basically every hour of the case. Her goal, though: Don't let anyone else see it. 

Jon Colbert, unfortunately, can read her like a book. He learns her mannerisms and how best to work with her to solve the case; meanwhile, he struggles through his own demons. God's an enigma to him, but he's studying the Word. Maybe God can help with the case and with Leah--both professionally and personally.

Fatal Strike by DiAnn Mills has the perfect mix of humor, intrigue, and suspense. The plot kept me guessing (although I did pinpoint one of the "bad guys" from his first introduction). I audibly gasped several times, jolting forward in bed with exclamations of "What?! NO!" I loved how the romance developed between Leah and Jon. Jon was patient, and Leah opened up in time. It seemed like a genuine relationship, based in an attraction deeper than the surface level. I liked, too, that both of the characters were "good enough" independently. They were not two halves to a whole. They didn't need each other, but they balanced each other out.

With so many romantic suspense novels, the romance is the main subject, and everything else is secondary. That wasn't the case with Fatal Strike. Mills put so much thought and research into the plot. The book would have been just as strong--just as enjoyable--without the romance aspect.

I truly loved this novel. It kept me entertained, asking questions with every page turn. I had to know the identity of the murderers, even if I had to lose sleep to do it. The humor never seemed forced, and the characters were well developed and relatable. Fatal Strike is a suspenseful and quick read with basically zero down time. If you read it, I think you'll enjoy it just as much as I did! Just...be mindful of the snakes; they can strike when you least expect them!

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A very good suspense. I read this when I was feeling bad one day and needed something to distract me and, because it was exactly the medicine I needed, I'm adding the fifth star because I honestly couldn't put it down.

I really enjoyed that the leads are both award-winning snipers who team together to help stop crime. It's a profession that is often stereotyped as "loners" and it was great seeing these two experts work together. I really wasn't expecting the amount of twists in the plot and there was so much there that I had plenty of suspects to consider for the final issue, and it was neat to see how the details tied together in the end.

Overall, I think this was one of my favorite reads from DiAnn Mills! It definitely kept me in suspense right up to the ending.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for a free reading copy. A favorable review was not required.

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Oddly enough I just can't get into this one. Maybe I'll give it another shot sometime but right now it's boring, weak, and reads too much like a movie does. Too much dialogue.

But hey, I love the cover!

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Another fast paced thriller by DiAnn Mills...this story will capture you attention from the first paragraph and will not let go until the final page...Enjoy the experience.

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The title Fatal Strike alludes to a killer taking down law enforcement with a lethal injection of snake venom. DiAnn Mills creates a suspensful environment but I struggled to be drawn into the plot and the character were less than memorable. With that said, I still plan to pick up Mills' next book.

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Fatal Strike by Diann Mills is an exhilarating read. When high profile people start dying around Galveston in uniquely gruesome ways, it is up to the FBI to find the culprit before it is too late. Could it be gang involvement? Diann Mills' latest book is an exciting read from start to finish. The characters are well developed and there are many components to the resolution of this story. I love the variety of characters in this book-- from FBI agents, to a priest, to judges, to dentists, to gang members-- it was such a varied cast of characters and I really found this interesting. I recommend this novel for anyone who enjoys law enforcement suspense. I received a digital copy of this book from the author with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own.

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FATAL STRIKE is one of those stories that invites the reader into the investigation as the characters try to find a murderer. It's a methodical search of interviews and facts that slowly ramps up in intensity towards the climatic conclusion. Inspirational romantic suspense readers will enjoy this one.

This story starts off really well with an intense standoff scene between police and a house invasion. Two FBI agents who are snipers are called in to help in case the police can't work out a peaceful resolution. From there the story slows quite a bit. The characters begin an investigation on another case and only get pieces of the puzzle for most of the book. There is a feeling of constant tension and danger, but there is also a light romance that begins to creep up between the two main characters.

The dialogue was really choppy in the story, which I'm pretty sure is this author's writing style. Lots of short sentences and fast talking between her characters. The romance was sweet, but I didn't feel a lot of chemistry between the characters because it just happens. The author writes those scenes like she does the rest. Short and factual. I didn't get any lead-up to the kisses or any pauses for the emotions besides a few mentions. Of course the romance is not the point of the story, so that's okay. The suspense aspect was steady and also interesting. Some things did't work for me and some things felt implausible (including FBI procedures), but otherwise the plot worked for me. There were also a few things that were tied up too perfectly. Stories tend to feel more genuine when there are a few loose ends or the characters still have some things to work through.

In the end, was it what I wished for? I enjoyed reading this. It was exciting and intriguing enough to hold my interest and I liked the characters. I'm definitely willing to grab future titles from this author.

Content: Violence, but applicable to the story.
Source: I received a complimentary copy from the tour host/NetGalley, which did not require a positive review nor affect it in any way.

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Fatal Strike has was one of the most inventive plots I've seen in a while. Snake venom as the murder weapon (and that's not a spoiler)!

When you add in a family in tatters, two agents falling in love and greatest fears being faced, you have yourself a page-turner.

DiAnn Mills says to "expect and adventure" and this certainly was a wild one. I particularly liked not being able to figure out who the baddie was, until very near the end.

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In Fatal Strike, author DiAnn Mills transports the reader to Galveston, Texas for an intriguing Christian Fiction / Romantic Suspense story that will keep the reader guessing and turning the pages.

With the murder of three law enforcement officials in Galveston comes a request for FBI assistance. FBI Agents Leah Riesel and Jon Colbert are partnered together to investigate the murders and the possible ties to the Veneno gang, whose mantra is "reconquista" a returning of Texas to Mexico. Their murderous calling card is killing a person with rattlesnake venom injected into their heart. Can Leah and Jon figure out the motives for these high-profile murders before another fatal strike occurs?

Author DiAnn Mills weaves a fast-paced and suspenseful tale written in the third person narrative that follows FBI Agents Leah Riesel and Jon Colbert's investigative mission to find the murderers and bring them to justice . With a lot of gang activity, investigative methods, and a high stakes pursuit, Leah and Jon are determined to get justice before another fatal strike occurs.

I loved reading this action-packed story. Leah and Jon kept me intrigued as they investigated the murders of the three law enforcement officials. The reader will be easily drawn into this well written story with its richly descriptive plot that will keep them guessing as secrets, possible motives, and clues are uncovered during the investigation. I loved the intertwining of Leah and Jon's methodical procedural investigation with the unexpected attraction that sparked between them, their banter was humorous, and they worked really well as a team.

Fatal Strike has enough drama, tension, action, dark secrets, a touch of romance, and unexpected twists and turns that will take the reader on one heck of a thrilling roller coaster ride.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author / publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest book review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Partners In Crime Virtual Book Tours.

https://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot.com/2019/09/fatal-strike-by-diann-mills-vbt-book.html

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I have read Mills books for years and love them. She is in her element with her romantic suspense books. In this fast paced, page turner, Mills shows why she has been publishing books for years. She leaves you guessing to the end, which is what makes the books so fun to read. You will be wondering who is the good guy and can you trust them.

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Loved this new story by DiAnn Mills!!
I have read every one of this author's books because her style of writing!!
DiAnn's books are just superfab!! I highly recommend her.
She fascinates me with this new set of characters named Jon and Leah
I love it that they are no nonesense snipers that know how to get the job done.
I love that they keep no secrets and discuss everything.
Oh and did I mention they have great chemistry together?
If you love suspenseful books then this is sure to satisfy your appetite. It did mine! This is a book that has of course suspense, mystery and romance all rolled into one.
My thanks to the author for this book. No compensations were received. All opinions are my own

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Two snipers team up to uncover who is behind a string of murders but multiple suspects, wrong turns, and possible gang involvement keep Leah and Jon (and readers) on their toes in Fatal Strike. DiAnn Mills doesn’t give readers time to take a breath once they pick up this romantic suspense novel.

I appreciated that Leah and Jon discussed whatever was on their minds. They communicated like the adults and professionals they are. While they both have fears and regrets they’ve run from for too long, the case makes both partners face them head-on.

Even the supporting characters were well-rounded. And so many of them have secrets, it’s no wonder the FBI agents find it challenging to solve their investigation.

Leah and Jon’s romance flows naturally into the storyline, and I loved that they could tease each other but also had each other’s back’s when required. Mills also weaves a faith thread into this story in such an organic way, the book would feel incomplete without it.

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.

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With a combination of FBI Snipers, murder using rattlesnake venom, and a budding romance, DiAnn Mills has crafted a thriller fans will not want to miss.

Galveston is being hit by a new kind of killer using rattlesnake venom for murder. A local gang called the Veneno is the prime suspect and the FBI calls in agents Leah Riesel and Jon Colbert to tackle the case. They have a witness that saw a body being left on a church doorstep but soon disappears. Without their witness, they don’t have much of a case. No one around is willing to help without the fear of being the next victim and the more Leah and Jon dig, the darker the motives become. The more secrets they uncover, the more they have to face fears they didn’t even know they had.

DiAnn Mills says to expect an adventure with her books and that is definitely what readers will get with this book. The premise is gripping: death by snake venom, no thanks! My mind was reeling with what could be coming as I turned the pages. Leah and Jon had a great story, I really connected with them and the feelings they developed for each other over the course of the story. The ending kept me guessing, which I love in a suspense novel. I don’t want to be able to figure everything out quickly, I like those little surprises and DiAnn Mills always exceeds my expectations.

I have always enjoyed DiAnn Mills books and know I am going to get a great story. Fatal Strike was a really good story, but certain aspects of this story fell short for me. Leah had the ability to be a great female lead but the way her backstory was written didn’t resonate with me. If you take that out of the story, readers will have a heart pounding thrill ride. This is not my favorite novel Mills has written but it was still a very enjoyable read and one I recommend to readers that enjoy a good romantic suspense novel with a great romance and a story line that will keep you up thinking late into the night.

I received a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.

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Fatal Strike by DiAnn Mills is another example of why she is a bestselling author. Oh My! I am not sure where to start- how she literally made me gasp at one point or one of the best sniper/ officer partnerships I have read in a while.Both Leah and John are snipers and have a past that they are trying to overcome.

It was a great view into the life of a child sibling of adoption and special needs. She was dealing with her action and feelings from that and trying to make up for it. I loved that she was so good at her job. You cannot help but like her.

John is a great character. I loved their banter in the car. And their honesty about working together. It was a slow building romance that fit them perfectly.

The main storyline is that they are trying to find out who has killed a judge, lawyer and police officer. A gang is taking credit for it. Who is the killer and why are they killing them. Admittedly you will probably figure out who the main killer is at the end. But don’t be disappointed. DiAnn still has some surprises in store for you when you least expect it.

I really enjoyed how the author took us through the research and interviews and the brainstorming of who, what and why was this happening. You were right along with the characters trying to figure it out. There were several characters that you just were not sure about. Why were they lying or withholding info. There are several characters in the book only a couple were hard for me to keep up with.

From a deeper perspective DiAnn beautifully and heartbreakingly displays the love of a parent to their child. How far will they go to help their child? And will they love them no matter what they do. On a different note, both of the lead characters are learning about God and whether to trust Him.

I highly recommend the book. I really think you will enjoy the characters and their banter and budding relationship. And if you enjoy suspense you are going to love it. Clear your calendar.

Sexual content - 1 kissing
Violence - the book opens with the snipers called to help with a scene. There are a few deaths, kidnappings,

I received this book from Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review.
You can see my full review at More Than a Review dot com where I rate the level of sex, violence, language and drug/alcohol use in books.

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Fatal Strike as been gifted to me in exchange for a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Right from the beginning of the opening scene I knew that I was going to really love this book. We open on an action packed scene meeting our two main characters that kept me intrigued right from the first page.

We open up with a really intense scene that got me intrigued the moment I start reading. Fatal Strike follows a slow burning investigation which I like because it shows that both detectives are doing their jobs and bring the criminal to justice. We don’t normally see the intricate details of an investigation in books very often.

I really loved this story and learning all about these characters. In Fatal Strike we see small hints of attraction and romance between our characters which is really sweet and a great comic relief between violent scenes.

At times throughout the story I found myself thinking this story is going to get boring but I was so wrong. Each time the story began to slow down something unexpected popped up which peaks interest and made me to continue reading.

This story truly caught me by surprise and the many twists and turns this story took truly shocked me. I did not see any of it coming!

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A pair of FBI agents partner up to investigate a string of murders involving law enforcement officials. They have never worked together before, and but fall into a professional rhythm to work the case. What ensues is a police-procedural-type story involving a gang that kills with rattlesnake venom, a mother desperately trying to protect her son, missing persons, faith, trust, and a few interesting turns thrown in.

I read this book in 2 days, and really enjoyed it. The main characters, Leah & Jon, were smart, compassionate, and professional. They both had back stories that provided depth without being overly emo and cliched. And both had phobias that they were determined to overcome, and that they had the chance to face in the book.

I liked the way the case unfolded, with some developments that kept me guessing. I did figure out who the kingpin was, but wasn't bothered by figuring it out in advance. In fact, I remember thinking that if didn't go that way, I was going to question some of the author's choices. There were a couple of smaller elements that were presented that seemed to be left hanging, but they didn't bother me too much. I also had a very difficult time following the action in the climax, and didn't understand why some of the things happened.

Some of the dialog seemed kind of stilted, especially between the main characters. Most of the time I couldn't really tell who was talking, because they were so similar to each other. I'm not sure that's a fault in the characterization, because it was clear from the beginning that they WERE similar, so maybe it was an issue with dialog tags and narration as much as anything. I also did not care for the kingpin's dialog near the end of the book. It made him seem a lot less intelligent and dastardly than I think he was supposed to be.

The romance is a slow-burn, which is my favorite type. The characters are completely respectful of each other and of their situation (partners working a case), and the romance that develops between them is understated, almost to a point of coming from out of left field, but I prefer a little bit of a leap to the in-your-face type of romances.

And finally, the Christian aspect is well-presented. Most of the faith that is presented in the book comes from a priest who is involved in the investigation. He is wise and insightful, and even clearly shown to be a human with some flaws, but kind and devoted. Through this influence, as well as some others, both of the main characters individually begin to examine their belief in God and what it might mean for them.

Overall, I enjoyed this fast-paced read and would recommend it to all fans of suspense or crime dramas, with a little faith thrown in.

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