4.5 Christian suspense romance readers will enjoy it. The main characters were engaging, complex, and reacted in realistic ways to events. an intriguing, twisty-turning, fast-paced suspense-filled thrill ride. The story is about family, broken relationships, new relationships, and forgiveness.

Madison has recently transferred from her Texas violent crimes posting with the National Parks Service, a former childhood friend park ranger Clayton comes alongside her to help with the investigation. Madison remembers Clayton as her childhood tormentor, but the Clayton she sees now is strong, dependable, and smart.

He and Madison team up to solve the mysteries and the murder of a relative close to Madison. I liked how the characters were realistically portrayed. And how They learn to work together and support each other through all the drama that unfolds. There is a substantial faith element, which I liked.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review

Deception is book 4 in Patricia Bradley’s Natchez Trace Park Rangers series. While you will see some familiar faces from the previous books, it is not necessary to have read them - although I highly recommend the entire series.
Madison Thorn’s white-collar investigation has turned violent and she finds herself partnered with Clayton Bradshaw – former childhood bully – to solve the murder. She quickly finds that her past is buried in more secrets than she knew and Clayton may be just the man she never knew she needed.
I loved the book! Bradley does a superb job of filling the plot with twists and turns. The action is edge-of-your-seat from the first page. I won’t share my favorite parts because I don’t want to spoil it but there will definitely be some twists you don’t see coming. It will keep you guessing right up to the end.
It was great watching the characters grow throughout the book. Madison is struggling with trust issues from her past and both she and Clayton are struggling to forgive and move forward after past betrayals. They each need to learn to trust God with their past and future. Addiction and grief are also strong themes in the book.
Patricia Bradley’s writing is superb, as always. Her plots are well thought out and the book will keep you reading from page one. The characters are also well developed with a sweet romance that slowly build throughout the book.
I highly recommend this book to any fan of Christian romantic suspense.

This was such a great conclusion to a fantastic series! Even though this is book 4, it could easily be read as a stand alone. I loved the suspense and all of the twists and turns. There was a strong faith element which I also appreciated. The romance part wasn't my favorite, because it happened so quickly, but that's my personal preference.

Thank you to Netgalley for the complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own.

Patricia Bradley is will known for her intriguing romantic suspense novels. This book, the conclusion to the Natchez Trace Park Ranger series, continues her excellent suspense writing. From start to finish, there are twists, turns, and unexpected revelations. I suspected there were several people involved, but never could quite pin down who they were. The relationship between the various law enforcement agencies and how well they worked together was interesting to watch. Madison Thorn was a great heroine to follow through all her experiences: strong, courageous, and brave, not much threw her. Clay Bradshaw was a perfect match to work with Madison, and it was wonderful to watch their slowly developing relationship. I also appreciated that this played somewhat in the background and did not overwhelm the suspense them of the story.

Once again, another wonderful series from Patricia Bradley. I look forward to Bradley's next amazing suspense series.

**I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions are mine alone. I was not compensated for this review.

The twists and turns of this book keep the reader coming back for more. The plot is interesting and the characters are well developed. The ending was not abrupt, but all the loose ends were tied up nicely. I enjoyed the setting of a national park. It gives the reader a peek into what another occupation might be like.

Deception is the fantastic conclusion to Patricia Bradley's Natchez Trace Park Rangers series! While all four books take place in the same location, they can each be read alone. I love the unique setting and the twist on the suspense genre by featuring law enforcement park rangers!

In this book, we meet Madison and Clayton, childhood acquaintances who are thrown together when a case becomes personal. The twists and turns keep coming when they realize there is more to Madison's adoption than she ever imagined. The intricate plot is fast-paced enough to keep tensions high, while also allowing characters and relationships to develop. I had my suspicions about who was behind the attacks on Madison and her grandfather, but there was still a twist that surprised me at the end! The faith thread is compelling and flows seamlessly in the story. If you are a fan of romantic suspense, don't miss this series!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This fourth book in the exciting Natchez Trace Park Rangers series has the wow factor—so many plot threads twist in wild ways in this thriller. The main character, Ranger Megan Thorn, had no idea what she’d have to face when she returned to her grandfather’s home area to work on a case. Could all the attacks and characters in danger be connected somehow, or did they just come together unexpectedly? Surprises and suspense make the book compelling as you race through to learn what will happen next and how it will all turn out. The book starts with a bang and manages to maintain its rapid pace, pulling readers along as the intrigue escalates. I received a copy from the author. All opinions are my own. #Deception #NetGalley

I have come to rely on Patricia Bradley for suspenseful Christian fiction. If I'm in the mood for something fast-paced and exciting, I reach for her books. Her newest novel, Deception, is no exception. Deception is the fourth book in the Natchez Trace Park Rangers Series. It stands alone just fine, so if you haven't read the other three books, you will still be able to keep up with the story.

In Deception, Madison Thorn has come to Natchez on a separate assignment and ends up tripping onto another. Towards the beginning of the book, Madison discovers she has a twin sister in the hospital due to a gunshot wound. Now she has to figure out if the shooter was after her or her new-found twin, Dani.
Clayton Bradshaw is a native to Natchez and remembers Madison when she was younger. He tried to protect her from teasing and bullying when they were kids. He feels himself drawn to this older and prettier Madison and offers to help her investigate the shooting. Together, they try to solve the mysteries of who split up Madison and Dani at birth, who shot Dani, and who killed Madison beloved grandfather?

Patricia Bradley takes readers on another nail-biting trip to the Natchez Trace, in Deception. I stayed up WAY too late to finish this, but it was worth it!

Madison Thorne has recently transferred from her Texas violent crimes posting with the National Parks Service, to the white collar crimes division in Hot Springs, Arkansas. Killing a rogue FBI agent made her a pariah that no one would work with in her old unit. Never mind that she killed a man she had come to love, or that the shooting was self-defense all the way, or that she rescued a child from traffickers, the perception is that she could have taken him alive, but Madison knows the truth, and so do her bosses.

Madison's latest case takes her to Natchez. She sees it as a chance to spend time with her grandfather, but when a woman who looks like her is shot, she begins to wonder who the real target was. Since she's already in Natchez and has the skills to investigate the shooting, her boss assigns the case to her. He also asks fellow park ranger, Clayton Bradshaw to assist. Madison remembers Clayton as her childhood tormentor along with her two cousins, but the Clayton she sees now is strong, dependable, and smart. Can she lean on that strength when secrets from her past start coming to light - including an identical twin she didn't know she had, her adoption, and her grandfather's involvement in a possibly illegal adoption scheme? Can they find the killer before they succeed in taking Madison, and everyone she cares about, out of the equation?

Every time I thought I had the culprit nailed down in my mind, someone else stepped into the story, looking very suspicious! And, just when I thought all the loose ends were neatly tied up, BAM, another loose end started flapping in the breeze. This is Patricia Bradley's gift, her ability to weave a complex story into a fast-paced suspense-filled thrill ride. I really hope this isn't the last trip to the Natchez Trace, or to the law enforcement park rangers that work there!

Those who love romantic suspense will enjoy this story. There is a substantial faith element, which I liked. As always, Bradley has brought us another 5-star read.

This is a multi-layered story about family, broken relationships, new relationships and forgiveness. Madison Thorne is an ISB Ranger and returns to her home town of Natchez to investigate a white-collar crime. Once there, she is caught up in a vortex of cases, including murder and human trafficking. There are so many characters pretending to be what they are not that it was hard to keep up with all of their secrets and lies, but what a high entertainment factor! The action did not stop from the shooting on the Trace until the very end. The plot was definitely fast-paced and intriguing since I never knew what new twist would be added next. Madison was a sympathetic character with a flagging faith and loss of her ability to trust people, especially men. Clayton, the Ranger who patrols the Trace and an old nemesis of Madison’s, is a character with sin in his past that he is still trying to overcome. He and Madison team up to solve the mysteries and the murder of a relative close to Madison. I liked how the characters were realistically portrayed, with weaknesses that were difficult for them to overcome, but they kept trying. There were definitely some unlikable characters, like Madison’s father who seemed to be controlling and manipulative without caring about his daughter’s feelings at all. My favorite character was a secondary one named Nadine, the housekeeper for Madison’s grandfather, and a wonderful woman who dispensed wisdom just at the right moments. With danger closing in, Madison and Clayton have to solve the cases before they end up being victims, too. This was a race to the finish and had a spark of romance added that was a welcome addition to the story. Fans of romantic suspense will enjoy the trip to Mississippi and the unraveling of the story of deception and discovering the truth.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

You know how your English teacher says the way to read your story is to have a good hook. Well, how about this one? “Today was not a good day to die.” This sure had my attention and the opening scene was not only exciting, but also surprising and wanting to read more.

Secrets, corruption, murder, and action had Madison, Clayton, and me all trying to untangle the web of deceit that Madison had been completely unaware of even existed. That is, until someone totally unexpected comes crashing into her life and turns everything upside down. With twists and turns and several false leads, you are sure to want to read this book.

Deception is this fourth book in the Natchez Trace Park Rangers series, but can be read as a standalone. I have read the other three books, but there are only cameo appearances from other characters in the series and they are only there to provide assistance and support to Madison and Clayton.

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Revell, and was not required to give a positive review. All opinions are my own.

I have visited the Natchez Trace in Mississippi (beautiful place by the way) so I had to read this series, and loved it! Sadly this is the last book but can be read as a stand-alone, although you’ll miss lots of great reading if you do.
It involved layers and layers of mystery and suspense. Danger, murder, attempted murder, grief and new relationships are just the tip of the iceberg.
Madison is a ranger and after a traumatic incident in the violet crimes unit, she transferred to the white collar crimes unit. When she is sent to the Natchez Trace to investigate a series of thefts she unwilling becomes involved in a violet crime that hits close to home. She meets Clayton Bradshaw who is investigating a recent shooting in his job capacity. They team together looking for answers but so much more is involved and than they first realize. Climb aboard a wild ride through the Natchez Trace and I predict you won’t be able to put this novel down until the very end when all is revealed. I never, ever would have guessed the outcome and was blown away by the revelation!
I received a complimentary ebook copy of this book from the publisher through the author but was not required to write a review positive or otherwise.

This is a five star romantic suspense novel. National Park Service Ranger Madison Thorn works white collar crimes after a devastating end to a violent crimes case four years prior. Now she is personally facing violence at every turn from an unknown source, and there is no shortage of suspects.

Bradley skillfully embeds clues, red herrings, and deep thematic elements in her well-paced plot. She deals with additions and forgiveness in a true-to-life manner in this, her latest release. I have read most every book Bradley has written, and have thoroughly enjoyed each of them, including Deception. I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy from Revell via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

I think this was my favorite book out of this series! It was exciting and kept me guessing!

Four years ago, Madison was horribly hurt and betrayed by someone she trusted with her life. The fallout required her to shift her career and she's trying to move on but events in Natchez won't let her take a breath. She's called in to help on a corruption case but that soon shifts to the back-burner as shootings happen and a women who looks just like her shows up and her grandfather's life is threatened. Madison wasn't asking to get back into solving violent crimes but she's left with little choice.

There is a LOT going on in this book and many surprises. I suspected something fishing in one storyline from the beginning but some of the other details took me by surprise for sure. There was quite the tangled web and there is a crazy "small world" kind of connection between some of the cast members in this drama. I can't say too much for fear of spoilers but I think you'll be quite surprised when all is said and done.

That all being said, there was at least one side storyline that seemed extra. Did Madison really need one more thing? It just seemed like too much but it happened and it was dealt with.

What a really good story this was. And the opening chapter of Madison's life was pretty darn dramatic. The story was like a three ring circus. But I mean that in the best possible way. Surprise after surprise pops up like a Jack-in-a box. But it was woven together so well that it doesn't feel choppy, or distracting at all.
I really enjoyed stoic Madison who was so good at her job. She has made enemies along the way, even though that wasn't her intention. There is so much more to Madison than just that stoic exterior. It was hurtful to see just how that hiding her feelings came from her very dysfunctional childhood. And it was a "gift" that just kept on giving. The emotional pull of the story was so well done and not just on Madison's behalf.
Clayton had his own share of troubles and hurts that once again is so well played out. It was afraid to point out his flaws and struggles too. His reliance on God to get through the tough things was also a part of the story and will help others too. I liked that this was not crammed down anyone's throat as some people might think. A fact that I think is important to point out to non-Christians. The story is just too good to miss. Also add in a sweet romance and we're good.
Madison's grandfather was keeping some BIG secrets but his love for his granddaughter was big too. There are additional people in the story who really keep things moving. Some in really good ways and others well, they have secrets to protect.
I liked how the story ended with so many things revealed and some really bright futures for more than two people.

“I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.”

From the opening pages, this book grabbed me!
Madison had to face a difficult situation with the man she thought she loved and the man who betrayed her. It cost her a lot.

Madison was an incredibly strong woman but yet she struggled with the past mistakes and played it safe. Until she was forced to face the ugly lies that come to light in the worst way.

We've seen Clayton Bradshaw in all of the books in this series and often times he was a very unlikeable, but Clayton has gotten his life straightened, but he's not perfect, he shows the reality of addiction.

The story itself was really good. The plot was interesting and fast paced. Some of the things I figured out before the end, but not everything which made the story even more interesting for me.

This is another winning book by Patricia Bradley! Although it is a book 4 you really don't have to read books 1 -3 to enjoy this story.

Disclaimer: I did receive the book from the publisher, but was under no obligation to provide a review. Opinions expressed here are strictly my own.

Sadly after numerous attempts I have been unable to download this book. I would have loved to read it..... maybe some other time.

** “Trust God from the bottom of your heart … don’t try to figure out things for yourself.” **

Patricia Bradley once again delivers another intense thriller with “Deception,” the fourth installation in her Natchez Trace Park Rangers series.

Four years after a fatal incident, Madison Thorn is returning to her grandfather’s hometown to investigate theft in the county supervisor’s office. But she quickly gets drawn back into solving violent crimes when several shootings and murders occur close to Madison.

With the help of her childhood acquaintance Clayton Bradshaw, can she solve the mysteries surrounding her, and find if there’s a connection between them? And will they be able to get past their issues and insecurities and give into the feelings brewing between them?

“Deception” is a fast-paced thriller filled with a number of heart-pounding mysteries. The author does an incredible job of providing enough clues to keep the reader guessing, wondering who is the guilty party and do the crimes tie into each other. Bradley also does a good job of creating characters that are very relatable with real flaws and insecurities.

She also fills “Deception” with several great themes, like sometimes it’s hard to accept kindness; we need to turn to God for life’s answers; faith gets us through the hard times; the need to belong; revenge and bitterness; and forgiveness (“But I found forgiveness freed me. Anger and resentment no longer hold me prisoner”). It also deals with addictions and the hold they can easily have on us.

Fans of authors like Irene Hannon, Lynette Eason and Janice Cantore will love this book.

Five stars out of five.

Revell provided this complimentary copy through NetGalley for my honest, unbiased review.

Thank you to Revell Books/Baker Publishing and NetGalley for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily. I always enjoy anything written by Patricia Bradley, and this one was no exception. The suspense and mystery in Deception were completely off the charts.

ISB Ranger Madison Thorn is back at home in Natchez. She has been sent there to investigate a white collar crime. She gave up being an investigator for violent crimes years ago, and she truly has no desire to return. However, she is forced into a situation which requires her expertise, and she will have to investigate a violent crime. The process is made a little easier with the help of Park Ranger Clayton Bradshaw. She and Clayton have known each other almost their entire lives. The characters were "real" to me as a reader with real world problems. I loved the way Patricia Bradley wove the inspirational message into the book with regard to overcoming addiction by leaning on God and their faith. These character traits and stories made them more believable. As you delve further into the book you will fully appreciate and understand the title of the book. Deception is a key component of the plot of this book. There is also more than one story evolving in this book, and the author does a great job of weaving them together to a very satisfying conclusion! I love a good suspense-filled thriller that is also clean, and this one checked all of the boxes. Patricia Bradley provides plenty of clues to the reader, as well as a large suspect pool which makes solving the mystery more imaginative for the reader. This one is definitely worthy of FIVE stars!

This was an exciting ending to a great series. Although this book could easily be a stand alone novel. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves romantic suspense. It kept me guessing to the very end.