This book was hard to put down! It's starts with a bang and doesn't let up until I got to the end and figured things out. I look forward to reading more by this author!

Title: "Trust Me" by Kelly Irvin - A Compelling Tale of Suspense

Rating: ★★★☆☆

I had the opportunity to delve into an advanced reader copy of "Trust Me" by Kelly Irvin, and it proved to be a solid suspense novel that kept me engaged throughout. Irvin's storytelling shines, bringing to life the intriguing world of suspense, secrets, and deception.

The story follows the life of Desi, who is suddenly thrust into an unsettling situation when her husband is accused of a heinous crime. As she battles to uncover the truth, she stumbles upon a web of mysteries and hidden truths that test her beliefs, as well as her trust in the people around her. Irvin's writing is steady and well-crafted, with a palpable sense of tension that keeps the reader guessing. The pacing is consistent, and the gradual unraveling of the story is executed with precision.

What sets "Trust Me" apart is its exploration of the complexities of trust and the repercussions of deception. The characters are multi-dimensional, each harboring their own secrets and vulnerabilities. While the suspense is commendable, the story's predictability in some aspects and its slower moments prevent it from reaching its full potential. I'd like to express my gratitude to both NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with the opportunity to explore this advanced reader copy. "Trust Me" is a three-star thriller that delivers a worthy narrative filled with suspense, but it leaves room for improvement in terms of unpredictability and pacing. Irvin's exploration of trust, loyalty, and the consequences of deceit makes it a compelling read for fans of the genre.

Due to a sudden, unexpected passing in the family a few years ago and another more recently and my subsequent (mental) health issues stemming from that, I was unable to download this book in time to review it before it was archived as I did not visit this site for several years after the bereavements. This means I can't leave an accurate reflection of my feelings towards the book as I am unable to read it now and so I am leaving a message of explanation instead.

I am now back to reading and reviewing full time as once considerable time had passed I have found that books have been helping me significantly in terms of my mindset and mental health - this was after having no interest in anything for quite a number of years after the passings.

Anything requested and approved will be read and a decent quality review written and posted to Amazon (where I am a Hall of Famer & Top Reviewer), Goodreads (where I have several thousand friends and the same amount who follow my reviews) and Waterstones (or Barnes & Noble if the publisher is American based). Thank you for the opportunity and apologies for the inconvenience.

Trust Me
by Kelly Irvin
Pub Date 08 Feb 2022
Thomas Nelson--FICTION, Thomas Nelson
Christian | Mystery & Thrillers



I am reviewing a copy of Trust Me through Thomas Nelson and Netgalley:



After her best friend is murdered the same way her brother was years ago, Delaney is left to wonder if there's anyone she can trust.



Delaney Broward found her brother’s murdered body at the San Antonio art co-op he founded with friends, a decade ago despite his not-guilty plea.


This morning, Hunter walks out of prison a free man, having served his sentence.


The killer warns her to stay out of it, or she will be the next victim.


Hunter has never stopped loving Delaney, but he doesn't blame her for not forgiving him He knows he’ll get his life back one day at a time, one step at a time. But he’s blindsided to realize he’s a murder suspect. Again.


After Hunter shows up on her doorstep asking her to help him find the real killer. Delaney's head tells her to run away, but her heart tells her there’s more to his story than what came out in the trial. An uneasy truce leads to their probe into a dark past that shatters Delaney’s image of her brother. She can’t stop and neither can Hunter which lands them both in the crosshairs of a murderer growing more desperate by the hour.


I give Trust Me five out of five stars!


Happy Reading!

Kelly Irvin's books are often hit or miss for me. Sadly, Trust Me is a miss. But I do still at times enjoy rereading some of Mrs. Irvin's works.

A decent murder mystery that is also a Christian novel, as well as a second-chance romance.

Set in San Antonio by an author who obviously knows, as well as loves, the Southern Texas town in the Hill Country.

A decade ago, Delaney Broward’s life imploded when she discovered the body of her last living family member — her brother — and her boyfriend went to prison for the crime.

Hunter Nash is finally walking out a free man after serving for a murder he never committed. He is determined to prove once and for all to Delaney and everyone else that he is innocent. But he didn’t count on someone killing her best friend hours after his release or the police showing up at his door ready to pin the crime on him for a second time.

Delaney has no desire to let Hunter re-enter her life, but when he begs her to help him prove his innocence, she agrees determined to eliminate any doubt as to Hunter’s guilt or find a true killer who has eluded justice for ten years.

A tale of redemption and forgiveness, Trust Me by Kelly Irvin is a novel I wanted to love but unfortunately didn’t. I gravitate toward romantic suspense tales with a mystery to solve, and Irvin approaches the page with a quick-paced and engaging writing style that I liked. However, I soon found myself not caring for the characters and therefore ambivalent about their story.

The protagonists simply didn’t ring true. For someone who supposedly suspected Hunter of murdering her brother, Delaney agreed to be alone with him too easily. She never showed the trepidation or fear one would expect, which led me to wonder if she ever truly suspected him in the first place, and if she hadn’t, why treat him and act the way she did? On his part, while Hunter exemplified forgiveness, he didn’t come across as someone who spent years locked away. His personality did not match that of a man who had been isolated from the outside world and forced to survive in close proximity to hardened criminals.

Consequently, I often set aside the book, not returning for several weeks. I can’t say Trust Me was a bad book, which leads me to believe, I simply wasn’t the right reader for it. Irvin’s engaging tone does have me wanting to try another of her books to see if I connect with the story and characters more. Mystery readers who like the San Antonio art scene could enjoy this.

Review copy provided by publisher via NetGalley. Thanks!

Unfortunately this one wasn't for me. While some parts of the story were gripping, I personally had some issues with the creation of certain characters and circumstances.

“Some people had to go through hell to find heaven.”

Trust Me by Kelly Irvin is a quick-paced murder mystery with a few surprises detonating across the pages, keeping both the reader and the characters on their toes. After eight long years in prison for killing Corey Broward, his best friend no less, Hunter Nash is out on parole and determined to prove his innocence and put the past to rest. But how can he let go of the past when Delaney Broward, his former girlfriend and Corey’s sister, crosses his path when a mutual friend is slain on the very day he is released from prison? When Hunter was pronounced guilty and sent away eight years ago, Delaney broke the ties with him and became wiser, smarter, and more independent, guarding her heart and losing her faith in God in the process.

Reluctantly, Delaney agrees to work with Hunter to find the murderer of their friend, which may or may not be related to Corey’s death all those years ago. If Hunter is not responsible for both murders a decade apart, then who is, and will that person come after Delaney next?

The title of this thriller set in San Antonio, Texas, says it all. Trust Me is indeed all about trust, but Delaney’s heart has been betrayed and broken, and trust quickly followed suit, so how can she believe Hunter when he says to trust him, to believe he now has faith in God, and to help him prove his innocence and catch the real killer?

Trust Me has exciting action, dynamic characterization, undeniable romance and friendship, twists and turns aplenty, and a peek into the sordid terrain of drugs and gangs that is prevalent in so many cities, including San Antonio. Kelly Irvin knows how to pace a romantic mystery because unraveling the clues and determining the truth can be challenging for readers and characters alike (although, I did suspect someone almost from the start, based on nothing but a hunch and a weird vibe). What is clear and remains that way throughout is that Hunter and Delaney have not totally lost their attraction for each other. Hunter, of course, never stopped loving her during his time in prison, but Delaney refuses to become vulnerable once more. Can they find trust again? Can they open their hearts by letting go of past betrayal? Can they allow themselves to let love bloom anew? Can Delaney rekindle her faith in God?

All good questions, and, trust me, nothing is as it seems in this mystery, so guessing at the answers will be just that: guesses. Figuring it all out along with the characters is dramatic and entertaining, with no stones left unturned and with danger hiked up to a fever pitch as the truth eventually spills out all over the place. Trust can be difficult and sometimes even impossible to get back once it is lost, but misplaced trust can be downright dangerous.

This book just isn't for me. I only read about six chapters before dnfing it. I didn't like the writing or the characters or the religios aspect of it.

Trust Me by Kelly Irvin – Lots of twists and turns, but not my favorite.

Trust Me is Kelly Irvin’s newest book, a mystery set in San Antonio in the Arts District.

Actually, there are two mysteries, one dating back to 2010 in which Delaney Broward’s brother Corey was killed. Ten years later, Hunter Nash, the man convicted of Corey’s murder, has been released from prison. He’s maintained his innocence all this time, and now Hunter’s on a mission to find the person who killed Corey. To investigate and find the real killer, he needs to reconnect with his former girlfriend Delaney. She wants nothing to do with Hunter. To make matters worse, on the day Hunter was released from prison, Corey’s former fiancée Ellie was found murdered. Coincidence? Did Hunter kill Ellie? Or is someone out to implicate Hunter?

This novel has a lot going on with two murders, past and present. While there is action in the story, emotions and memories are a big part of the story. At times that kind of drags the story.

I liked Hunter, and he was the one character whose Christian faith was focused on. He was a changed man from his eight years in prison. While he wanted to find Corey’s murderer, he wasn’t bitter. Instead, Hunter was humbled as he reflected back on his life. I appreciated the support Hunter had from his family and a local pastor who helped him to get a job. I didn’t care for Hunter pushing his way back into Delaney’s life, and I don’t think her reaction was portrayed realistically.

Delaney had abandoned her faith and the other characters seemed spiritually empty. That surprises me in a book from a Christian author. As the story goes along, it’s revealed that there were a lot of secrets and people weren’t necessarily who they represented themselves to be.

The ending was a bit of a stretch. When characters do something that isn’t logical, only to put themselves at risk, it doesn’t make a lot of sense. I guessed who the villain was but didn’t believe the scenario of the hitman being manipulated because of his low intelligence.

What was done well? Kelly Irvin is a good writer and captured the atmosphere and vibe of San Antonio and the Arts District. I wish the characters had been more likable and relatable. Other than Hunter, faith was not a big part of the story and I wish it had been.

If you like Kelly Irvin’s writing or like reading mysteries, you may enjoy this book. For me there was something a bit off about it and at times rather dark.

I would like to thank Thomas Nelson Publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a complimentary copy of Trust Me by Kelly Irvin. I was under no obligation to give a favorable review.

There are common expectations when one picks up a Christian romantic suspense novel – the usual tropes if you will. On the Christian angle, there are one or two characters, or maybe more, who have a strong faith and are open to sharing that faith with others. Then when the central character’s faith has been shattered for some reason, someone, usually the other primary character, leads them gently back to believing again.

On the romance side, there are two characters, perhaps who have loved before when circumstances pushed them apart; and now circumstances pull them back together. Of course, it would be a very short book if the coming-together happens quickly or easily, so the personal relationship struggles are as paramount to the story as the suspense – the third side of this triangle of tropes.

Kelly Irvin handles all angles of the story well, with vivid descriptive narrative, great characterization, a tantalizing mystery, and unique lines that help raise her books above the ordinary. One of those clever lines is this response from Hunter after Delaney comes at him with a baseball bat when when comes to her house and it’s priceless: “He’d spent eight years in prison dreaming of seeing her again. In his dream there had been no bat.”

Delaney and Hunter are wonderful characters, and I was fully invested in their story as they work together, tentatively at first, to find out who really killed Delaney’s brother ten years ago because Hunter swears it wasn’t him. In fact, during all the years he served in prison after being convicted, he’s asserted that he did not kill Corey. Then Delaney’s good friend Ellie is killed, and in the midst of that investigation, Delaney is assaulted by the killer and given a warning to stay out of it. The warning adds another layer of danger and ratchets the tension up several notches.

The supporting cast of characters are interesting and relatable, especially Hunter’s mother. Her actions stay within character and make her believable, and I particularly liked her support of Hunter as well as her enduring affection for Delaney. Michael, Ellie’s husband of just a year, is the one character who comes across unevenly for me. He does things that don’t seem to fit the image of a successful, wealthy accountant, and I had a hard time believing in him.

Suspects abound in this engrossing thriller, and Delaney and Hunter are on a wild ride to find the killer. The suspense is taut, with only the occasional moment for the characters, and the reader, to catch collective breaths. Highly recommended to fans of the genre.

Kelly Irvin has a real winner in Trust Me. I will say up front that it is Christian fiction, and her characters talk about and struggle with their faith openly. It’s an integral part of the story. If that isn’t your jam, then this may not be the right read for you (good romantic thriller though it is!).

Now, if you enjoy a story that includes faith and the ups and downs of living it out, read on! It’s set in San Antonio, and while I’m a Louisiana girl, I lived in Texas for a bunch of years. It will always have a piece of my heart, and I love stories that are set there.

Delaney Broward lived through the trauma of discovering her brother Corey dead in his art studio ten years ago. Her boyfriend, Hunter Nash, went to prison for the crime. So imagine her shock when she not only finds her best friend, Ellie Hill, brutally slain (and gets herself attacked in the process), but learns that Hunter has been released from prison that same day. Hunter is quickly bumped up to the top of the suspect list for Ellie’s murder, and Delaney doesn’t know what to think.

Delaney lost her faith in God when Corey was killed and Hunter was convicted of the murder. Hunter found his faith in God within the prison walls, and through the assistance of the prison chaplain, he’s found himself a job now that he’s out. He’s trying to convince Delaney that he’s innocent of Corey’s murder, both to clear himself and to restore her faith. She reluctantly agrees to work with him, and they go poking under some serious rocks and digging in some dark corners to uncover the truth, putting themselves in danger in the process.

Irvin writes believable characters. Hunter is intent on clearing himself, as you would expect an innocent man to be. Delaney is hesitant to open herself up to hurt, to letting the man she loved and lost back into her heart. Hunter’s mother is an absolute jewel and responds to him the way I’d hope I would if it were one of my boys in a similar situation. His siblings are realistic, some good, some annoying as all get out. You can tell a lot of thought went into each character’s personality and characteristics to make sure they fit their role in the story.

It’s a well-paced story, too. The suspense builds and moves along at a good pace, without any bits that drag. It kept me guessing, too. I’d think I’d figured out the killer, and then something would happen that I didn’t see coming, and I was back to square one. Then the big reveal had my jaw on the floor. It was stunning to me, and I love stories that can surprise me at the end!

The only thing that rubbed me wrong just a bit was the fact that Delaney let Hunter stay anywhere near her when he showed up unexpectedly at her house. I’m reasonably confident that, in that situation, I would have been all, oh, HAIL, no, and I am on the phone to 911 just as fast as I can be. Or maybe not. I’ve never been in that situation, after all, still attracted to the man convicted of killing my brother, and said man is swearing he didn’t. I worked my way past it and enjoyed the book all the same!

This is a thoroughly enjoyable read, and the title is apt. The story focuses heavily on trust lost, and the process of rebuilding that trust. There’s tension, and action, and danger, and romance, and humor, all of which combine to make this a five-star read for me.

I do not believe that I have read a book by Kelly Irvin but the topic and title intrigued me. I like suspense, mystery, and a hint of romance thrown in. I was not disappointed. It took me longer than normal to read it but I didn't want to put it down even though life got in the way. There were times I got emotionally invested in the characters and I wanted to respond to them. For me, that's a great sign of a book. Even if it was uncomfortable to sit in on a troubling time for the characters, I still wanted to see things work out. I don't give summaries because I want you to read it for yourself. Just know that if you do, you will see characters from different walks of life interact to find the truth, even if it is a painful truth. You will see healing, new hurts, forgiveness, and even death. Weaved throughout, albeit not in a preachy or overwhelming way, you will see the message of God's grace. I totally recommend this book!

I did receive an ARC but I freely give my honest opinion.

A compelling mix of romance and suspense with faith being an element. Loved it.
Many thanks to Thomas Nelson Fiction and to NetGalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

Delaney’s world is shaken again when her best friend is murdered 10 years after her brother’s death. And to make things worse, Hunter – who was convicted of killing her brother – was released that same day. He contends that he was framed and she doesn’t know what to believe. Reluctantly, Delaney joins forces with Hunter to find out what happened to her friend and determine whether the two deaths are connected. As they unroot the culprit, their trust is gradually restored. The murder mystery is an interesting one that moves along at a nice pace, with some twists along the way. Overall, enjoyable mystery.

That said, although I have no problem with a touch of religion or spirituality in a good book, I found the discussions of finding god and faith were too numerous and somewhat repetitive. I get that Hunter found religion in prison, but I would have preferred it not feature quite so prominently in their interactions.

Exciting standalone read that catches the reader's interest and keeps it until the very end. I have only read a couple of Irvin's books, but if you like romantic thrillers, this book is for you.

Delaney is a strong character who seeks justice, but her heart is also tied to Hunter, the man who served time for killing her brother. He claims to be wrongfully convicted, but Delaney can't be totally sure.

Now that Hunter has served his time, he's released from prison, but no sooner does he gain his freedom that Delaney's best friend, Elle, is murdered. Could Hunter truly be the killer? Has she misjudged Hunter?

A cryptic note threatening Delaney leads her to find out what actually happened, with the help of Hunter. This powerhouse of a read will keep you guessing and is full of twists and turns.

I was an early reader, thanks to #Netgalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Ten years after Delaney's brother was murdered, his killer is out of prison. She has to wonder how was that enough punishment for the person who took her brother from her? She still has nightmares of finding her brother stabbed to death. The man sent to prison for Corey's murder was Delaney's boyfriend, Hunter. How could she have been so wrong about someone?
Now, she has found the body of her best friend, Ellie stabbed to death. The killer was still in Ellie's shop when Delaney got there. He told her to stay out of it or she was next. Then, to her dismay, she learns that Hunter is now out of prison. Could he have possibly done this to Ellie? Even though the killer was masked, wouldn't she have known if it was Hunter?
Hunter declares his innocence and somehow puts doubt in Delaney's mind and the two of them begin investigating themselves. Now, for me, that was a little tough to comprehend, as it doesn't seem very likely that that would really happen in real life. But, I went with it and finished the book.
This is a fast paced story with twists and turns. I had no idea who the real killer was until almost the end.
Overall, I liked the story and the characters.
I was given an advanced ecopy from the publisher Thomas Nelson through Netgalley. I was under no obligation to leave a positive review.

True to Kelly Irvin's style, her newest standalone novel, Trust Me, is the kind of heart-pounding suspense that will keep you on the edge of your seat right from the very first page. I stayed up way past my bedtime with this one. I just couldn't go to sleep until I knew how it ended!

It's been ten years since Delaney found her brother's body and her then-boyfriend, Hunter, was imprisoned for the murder he claims he didn't commit. Today is Hunter's first day as a free man, and it's also the day that Delaney found her best friend in the shop next door to hers. An ominous warning delivered by the killer tells Delaney she's next on the list.

I was rooting for Hunter as soon as I "met" him. Despite how Delaney felt about him after everything that happened, he still did his best to prove that he would never have hurt his best friend or the girl he loved. I appreciated that Delaney was able to at least try to see his side despite what her friends and law enforcement had to say. I loved that the author wove biblical truth throughout the pages. I had a pretty good idea of who the villain was about halfway through the book, and kept catching myself wanting to give Delaney a good wakeup call, but still thoroughly enjoyed all the twists and turns throughout the story. The plot was strong, easy to follow, and full of excitement.

I highly recommend Trust Me to anyone who enjoys a clean romantic suspense.

*I received a complimentary copy of Trust Me through the publisher and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. My positive review is not required.

Such a good book! I loved the twists and turns and trying to ferret out the killer from the clues provided. While I didn't guess it right away, I had my suspicions about a certain character because something didn't feel right.

This story is more than just finding the truth, it is also about forgiveness, redemption, and admitting that maybe the love you had for someone isn't dead.

I enjoyed the whole cast of characters and not all were as "good" as you might think. It seems like several had things they were hiding, even a murder victim.

Great combination of plot, mystery, suspense, romance, and faith.