Cover Image: Concrete Evidence

Concrete Evidence

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Concrete Evidence is classic DiAnn Mills - fast-paced suspense with a unique plot that will keep you turning pages late into the night! I loved the Texas ranch setting, and the issues with the dam the Elliot family's company built provided a sense of urgency that kept the story moving. There were so many potential bad guys, I found it a little difficult to keep track of them and their motives at times, but everything came together in a satisfying conclusion.

Some of my favorite moments featured Marc's mother and sister, who added depth to his character and to the overall story. I also enjoyed seeing the authentic growth in Avery and her grandfather, as they struggled with doubts but ultimately grew in their faith and in their relationship. This story will delight fans of DiAnn Mills and anyone who enjoys romantic suspense!

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

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Right from the start Concrete Evidence by DiAnn Mills grabbed my attention. Murders, bombings, and assassination attempts are just a few of the things keeping FBI agent Marc Wilkins busy. Avery Elliott, determined business woman and heir to her grandfather’s dynasty, is right in the midst of things too as she dodges a murderer’s attempts to keep her from uncovering the truth of the threats against her family. The case keeps the two (and the reader) on their toes. The family dynamics for both Marc and Avery are a big plus, giving this romantic suspense novel a thoughtful side. Forgiveness is a strong theme, and both main characters are called upon to put it into action. The suspense thread kept me guessing, and the romantic elements were naturally woven in. The two mains are definitely attracted to each other, but keep their heads in dangerous situations. Faith elements are also strong — more than one character learns what it means to trust God to take care of them.

A quick read, Concrete Evidence is perfect for a weekend road trip or staycation!

Recommended.

Audience: Adults.

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I really enjoyed this mystery. The characters were solid as was the suspense/case. Everything built nicely from beginning to end and she kept you guessing who was responsible. I loved the elements of faith included too, it was well done and didn’t pull punches. The romance was sweet and perfectly added. It wasn’t a story stopper like some can be. It flowed seamlessly into everything else and rounded out the story just right.
My only issue with this story is that the title and how that part of the story tied it wasn’t exactly central. Most of the book focused on the Elliot’s and how someone was after them but it wasn’t because of the faulty construction as one would expect from the title and book description. So, if you ignore the title and description, the rest of the story is really good and I know you’ll enjoy it a lot.

I received this temporary complimentary ebook from the publisher and NetGalley. I am not required by anyone to write a positive review but am pleased to do so. I will receive no fiscal compensation for this review and the opinions expressed herein are entirely my own.

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A hurricane, a failing dam, and multiple murders amp the tensions up, up, up in this latest romantic suspense read from DiAnn Mills.

Will Avery Elliott and Special Agent Marc Wilkins uncover the trust before a sinister plot claims even more lives? It’s a suspense-filled ride right up to the surprise ending. I couldn’t put it down!

*Thank you to Netgalley and Tyndale House for the complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

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Avery Elliot is in charge of the business end of her grandfather's huge ranch and his construction company which focuses on building concrete dams. When she spots a dead body on the ranch property and finds records in her book work that don't make sense, Avery knows something is going wrong. FBI Special Agent Marc Wilkin's suspects his dad's death was not a heart attack like it was ruled. When he finds connections to Avery's grandfather, who has suddenly disappeared, they work together to figure out what is going on.

Once again, DiAnn Mills pens a suspense novel that keeps readers' minds twisting and turning from start to finish. I loved the setting of the ranch and the connection between those on the ranch and Avery. Marc's addition along with his newly discovered half sister, Tessa, and their relationship just added to the storyline. Add a HEA ending after a lot of hidden secrets, and Mills' book keeps your attention from start to finish.

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Well-written with excellent plotting, this novel kept me in suspense until the surprising conclusion. It is the first time I have read this author's writing and I was pleasantly surprised as I found the quality of the writing good, the characters were relatable and there were very few clues as to who was the mastermind behind the heinous deeds being committed. Directed to FBI Special Agent Marc Wilkins, Avery Elliott III, cannot be sure who she can trust, little realizing that her life together with Marc's is more intertwined than she could have suspected. As the layers are peeled back, suspects start to emerge, but who is innocent and who is to blame, especially as the perpetrators have very successfully covered their trail? Standing together and fighting an unknown enemy, Marc and Avery develop a connection that blooms into romance, but one that cannot be fully explored until such time as the crisis has passed. Although Marc and his partner become Avery's protectors, they quickly realize that they are also in the killer's cross-hairs. Ultimately the novel comes to an excellent conclusion, bringing resolution and justice to those who need it. I received a copy of this excellent crime drama through NetGalley as a gift and this is my honest and voluntary review.

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A thrill ride from beginning to end! When Avery Elliott III sees something that she wasn’t meant to, her whole world tilts. Her beloved grandfather, Senator Elliott, couldn’t be responsible for a man’s death, could he? She works with her grandfather at the family’s Brazos River Ranch and in their successful construction company. They just completed construction of the Lago de Cobre dam when her grandfather disappears. If she needs anything, she is to contact FBI Special Agent Marc Wilkins and trust no one else. When she questions invoices for the dam, she contacts Marc. With the recent deaths of two of her grandfather’s friends, one of which was Marc’s father, something is terribly wrong. Marc is dealing with the death of his absentee father from a heart attack. His mother believes his father was murdered and asks Mark to pursue the cause of death. He is further shocked to learn that he has a teenage half-sister. Danger is at every turn as everyone near Marc and Avery continue to be targeted. No one is safe as the attacks come from every direction! I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (paytonpuppy)

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Concrete Evidence certainly kept me guessing. Romantic suspense served up just how I like it.

The book centers around a former senator and his granddaughter accused of adjusting the designs of a dam to cut costs and make money. But when bodies start dropping, the fight to keep Avery Elliott and her grandpa overtake the suspicion that surrounds them. Enter FBI Special Agent Marc Wilkins. His estranged father was close to the senator and is collateral damage as the body count grows.

I liked a lot of things about Concrete Evidence. I trusted the the technical parts about dam construction, and the author made her meticulous research clear. The book is set in Texas and felt like it, without it being overdone or clichéd. I lived in Fort Worth for several years and this felt like going back to our former home.

As is often the case with a DiAnn Mills story, there are a number of potential suspects and a couple of false flags, however, it wasn’t until I was around ninety percent of the way through that I figured it out. There is plenty of action, this is a romantic suspense. But the trouble is understated and not gratuitous.

Concrete Evidence has great characters that climbed into my heart quickly. I read this book in three days. That tells you everything you need to know. Highly recommended.

I received a copy of the book via Netgalley. The opinions are my own.

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DiAnn Williams has once again written a suspenseful story. Here we meet Avery Elliott granddaughter to Senator Quinn Elliott. Avery hears a gunshot, while at the family ranch, and finds her grandfather standing over a body holding a shotgun. Her grandfather tells her to contact FBI Special Agent Marc Wilkins, her life is in danger. Marc is dealing with his own issue, the death of his father. His mother believes his father was murdered. Marc at first skeptical of this, becomes suspicious himself, when he learns of a connection between his father and Quinn Elliott.

Avery and Marc begin to investigate. Clues lead them to a dam project and some questionable issues regarding that project, which could put lives in danger. The action takes off as they find themselves being pursued. There are plenty of villains to choose from and a hurricane to prepare for.

The author blends the action of the story with a message of faith. I will say the romance between Avery and Marc seemed forced. This is a good read, lots of characters, but not the best DiAnn Mills book.

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC. The review is my own.

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Concrete Evidence by DiAnn Mills is set on Brazos River Ranch in Texas where Avery Elliott manages the family business. She discovers her grandfather, a man she admires, may have murdered a man. Enter FBI Agent Marc Wilkins, who helps Avery sort out the mess her grandfather left behind after he disappears. The bad guys turn the tables and go after Avery when she gets too close to the truth.

What’s not to love about Concrete Evidence? I love books that start right in the action, and the shocking chapter one reeled me in. I also love books with a long list of suspects for me to try and figure out the who-dunnit. And there are plenty of suspects in Concrete Evidence, as Avery’s grandfather is a former senator with a long list of enemies. And finally, I love books that have a chase. Avery goes on the run, and Marc helps her pick up the pieces of her shattered life while keeping the bad guys at bay.

Definitely pick up a copy of Concrete Evidence on October 4th for an action-packed, suspenseful read.

I received an ebook review copy of this book through NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

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Just when you think DiAnn Mills can't write a better book than the last, she produces another great novel. The scary thing about this book is that it has a hurricane approaching the ranch. I read this book while I awaited Ian's arrival in Florida (Sept. 28, 2022) The action is constant and the characters are relateable. DiAnn plays with your mind in a masterful way. You may think you know the direction of the story or who committed the crime. But in the end, you just throw up your hands and give up trying to figure it all out. Besides, it's not who you might think it to be. DiAnn Mills does not disappoint the reader with this fabulous novel. Not only are her books entertaining, but they are educational as well. You learn about topics that you may never have heard about. Suspense, action, and education - what's not to like!

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC for an honest review.

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Thank you to Tyndale House Publishers and NetGalley for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily. This was a hard core mystery. Avery Elliott works for her uber rich and powerful grandfather, Senator Elliott. She has always believed that her grandfather had flawless integrity, but when she witnesses him standing over a dead body with a gun in his hand, she starts to question what she has always believed. She ends up on the run for her life (not fully understanding why she is running). Per her grandfather's instructions, she contacts FBI Special Agent Marc Wilkins. In the background of this mystery there is something amiss in the books of Senator Elliott's commercial construction business as well which could cause a disastrous domino effect for the senator and his lovely granddaughter. There was plenty of suspense with bullets buzzing by and car explosions. The bodies are piling up and the suspects are piling up as well, but there is just too much doubt from one suspect to another. I wanted to believe it was one person, and then the author would point me in the different direction. This was a well plotted mystery bringing everything to a neat conclusion in the end.

Some call this a "romantic suspense" novel. However, I disagree. If you are looking for romance, this is the not the book for you. There is a little hint of romance, but this is more of thriller/mystery, which is what I love anyway! The characters were very likable. I loved Marc's FBI partner, Agent Roden. From the description of him, I imagined a man who looked like a linebacker with the heart of a teddy bear. It was a very complex mystery with lots of moving parts, but it was easy to keep up with the characters as DiAnn Mills knows how to smoothly transition from one character to the next. Although there were quite a few characters in this book, I felt like I understood each one and got to know each one. This was a book of forgiveness and healing, as well as learning to move forward instead of looking back. There was a wonderful inspirational message embedded in this story as well. DiAnn Mills never disappoints with her mysteries. She is a master of suspense and intrigue. This one is no exception. For mystery lovers who prefer a clean read, this one is for you.

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What an awesome job the author did blending a bit of sweet romance with non-stop action, and a feeling that all would not survive!

Avery is distressed and wants answers about things that don't add up in their business, her grandfather has her contact FBI Agent Marc Wilkins, and this sets up a set of events that makes all look for answers.

This is Christian Suspense at its best, and I kept guessing who was responsible, and did I guess right? Well, sort of, but not really, all the way to the end we are looking for who or whom is responsible, and possibly more lives on the line.

I highly recommend this read, and now I am looking for more from DiAnn Mills!

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Tyndale House, and was not required to give a positive review.

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DiAnn Mills does it again!

Avery Elliot lives on her family ranch with her grandfather helping to run his business. She's always believed that he is a man of integrity and faith, but an incident makes her question everything she's ever believed. Wanting answers, she reaches out to Special Agent Marc Wilkins for advice at the insistence of her grandfather.

Together Avery and Marc must learn to trust each other and solve the mystery of what is going on, not only with her grandfather, but also in a discrepancy in billing for materials used in Avery's grandfathers commercial construction business.

Mills writes a story that is engaging, packed with excitement and will keep you guessing until the end. I thoroughly enjoyed the storyline, One thing I appreciate with Mills writing is that she will drip out information that helps lend to the conclusion of the story throughout the book rather than waiting for the last few chapters to wrap it all up. It lends to better pacing through the story, and feels more realistic!

I read everything that DiAnn Mills writes and this story is one of my favorites!

Thank you Netgalley and Tyndale for a copy of this book! This review is my own, honest opinion.

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DiAnn Mills has written another outstanding romantic suspense. CONCRETE EVIDENCE is a fast-paced page-swiping thriller that will leave even the savviest of suspense readers guessing until the very end.

PLOT: Avery Elliott follows the sound of a gunshot only to see her beloved, godly grandfather, former Texas Senator Elliott holding a gun over the body of a dead man! Then her grandfather disappears leaving Avery to doubt everything she thinks she knows about this man who raised her. He finally leaves word that she is in danger and for her to disappear herself, then to contact only FBI Special Agent Marc for help with answers, and protection. But who will protect all of them?

Lots of action and suspense! As always, DiAnn organically integrates faith themes and realistic familial conflicts that add to the mystery.

I highly recommend CONCRETE EVIDENCE. A soft blankie, cuppa something hot, and a snug spot could only make this book any better.

Thanks to Tyndale for the advanced eBook copy of #ConcreteEvidence through #NetGalley for my honest review.

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Concrete Evidence by DiAnn Mills is a romantic suspense stand alone novel. The suspense had several suspects and some plot twists thrown in.

Avery was raised by her grandfather who was a Senator. She is not my favorite character. She seemed to make several stupid decisions and frustrated me.
I liked FBI special agent Marc and Roden. The romance between Avery and Marc just didn’t flow very well.

There was plenty of action; we start with a dead body on the ranch but it will not be the only one. We find out if Marc’s dad really died of a heart attack. And Avery barely survives a bomb.

The book is well written and DiAnn is a great author. I just struggled connecting with Avery and the romance in this one. If it is your first book by DiAnn make sure you give her other books a read.


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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I had mixed feelings about this book. I really liked Tessa and enjoyed seeing her and Marc starting to relate to each other. I didn't find Avery and Marc's relationship very compelling or believable so that was a distraction for me.

There was a lot of mystery to figure out with several possible villains. I enjoyed that. The one person who could shed a lot of light on everything was remarkably tight lipped which put many in danger. I didn't always understand the Senator's actions.

It was an enjoyable read but it wasn't my favorite by Mills. Thank you to Tyndale House for providing me with a free e-copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

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DiAnn Mills brings us another suspenseful romance. I like the way the romance part is clean and respectful. The characters are interesting and are growing and changing throughout the novel. I also appreciate the strong female character. The beginning half of this book was excellent! The second half had a few extra twists, when I was ready to have the conclusion already. All in all, it was an enjoyable read. And I enjoyed the stand alone aspect of this novel. I find a there are a lot of series lately - which I do enjoy, but it is nice to read it and be done. Not be left hanging every time.

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Avery is in shock to hear a gunshot and see her beloved, godly grandfather holding a gun above the body of a dead man! She contacts FBI Special Agent Marc for help with answers when her grandfather unexpectedly disappears.
I know each book written by DiAnn Mills will be one that I love, because of her inspirational romance-suspense stories. It is like walking on a trail with lots of unexpected twists and turns, and being gloriously surprised at the end! It is true with this book, too! It was especially interesting to me to read about how Marc's father had abandoned him, but the man became a better man and father to the sister Marc never knew he had.
I am grateful to Tyndale House Publishers for this complimentary Advanced Reader Copy. The opinions stated are my own.

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Lots of action and suspense! Loved the faith of the characters throughout the story. The author added enough rabbit trails to deter readers from guessing the suspects right away. The relationship between Avery and the Senator was sweet. Some aspects of the FBI handling of the case were not believable as was riding out on a horse in the aftermath of a hurricane. Overall, this was an enjoyable story. Looking forward to the next book by the author. Recommended.

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