With its fast, unrelenting pace and irresistible characters, the pages flew by!

"A Deadly Wilderness," the debut Christian romantic suspense novel by veteran author Kelly Irvin, updated and re-released, is an absorbing tale of police work and personal relationships. The compelling story is sure to grab readers from the start and not let go until the final page. With its fast, unrelenting pace and irresistible characters, the pages fairly flew by.

Set in San Antonio, Texas, the story looks at the murder of the youngest son of a prominent local family in one of the city’s many public parks. Partner homicide detectives Ray Johnson and Deborah Smith lead the investigation when Ray discovers the body while hiking in a park’s wilderness area. They are under pressure from city leaders to find the killer because of the victim’s father’s political connections.

The partners’ relationship is a complicated one. Newly assigned as a team, neither one is familiar nor comfortable yet with the other. She sees Ray as a “Bible Boy” or “Jesus Freak,” and he knows she has a problem with alcohol and men. This situation made for compelling reading, wondering how it would all work out.

Deborah Smith is a strong woman, but her early and meteoric rise through the ranks to her current position has taken her to the edge of burnout. Ray Johnson is a strong and forthright hero who is carrying a torch for his immediate supervisor’s sister, Susana, with whom he has a history. Susana Martinez Acosta has her hands full. A widowed former firefighter, she’s going to school in preparation for a career change, caring for two small and active boys, and making ends meet while torn by grief for a fallen husband and guilt over her interest in Ray. Long undisclosed backstories for several of the characters confused me, making me wonder if there was a previous book to this one that I had overlooked.

Besides the murder, the story examines several troubled relationships and heavy topics such as adultery and alcoholism. However, the plot remains fast-paced, with the killer just out of reach of the investigators. The villain is suitably evil, and I was on the edge of my seat for Ray and Deborah to unmask and stop him as soon as possible. The detectives are persistent, and a couple of twists kept the story extra exciting.

I recommend A DEADLY WILDERNESS to readers of contemporary Christian fiction, romantic suspense, and mystery, especially those interested in San Antonio or locations in Texas and fans of the author’s other work.

This book was well-written, with a solid storyline and good character development.

At times I felt like it dragged a bit, and I could have done without all of the religion weaved throughout. I felt like I was being preached to, but I am also aware that those are my own personal biases and it is not the author's fault. However, I would have been able to put it aside but for the fact that the main character was clearly trying to "save" his partner.

I liked the book cover and I really liked the book! The author leads us through several dangerous situations and personal problems of the characters that are so complicated that only several miracles will lead to a happy ending! Ray is a homicide detective in San Antonio, trying to let his girlfriend know how much she means to him. Suzana is a crisis center counselor who has experiences a lot of loss and struggles to know if she wants to try to love again. Ray's work partner scoffingly calls him "Bible Boy." She has secrets and struggles of her own. How the story hooks the reader in this journey is engaging! I look forward to reading more books by this author!
I appreciate the publishers in allowing me to read this complimentary book. The opinions expressed are my own.

"A frantic anonymous crisis center hot-line call counselor Susana Martinez-Acosta into the center of a murder investigation and a homicide detective’s arms. Exactly where she doesn’t want to be. Following the tragic death of her husband, she’s struggled to build a safe haven for herself and her son. That new world doesn’t include hit men and persistent detectives with dangerous jobs.
An idyllic wilderness hike turns deadly when homicide detective Ray Johnson tumbles into a ravine and lands on a corpse later identified as the son of a prominent citizen. Ray works to solve the political hot potato murder before city leaders dismisses him from the case. His determination to find the man’s killer leads him from the wealthiest enclaves in San Antonio to the city’s dark underbelly, all the while trying to win the woman he loves."
Will he figure out who the killer is? Will he win the woman over that he loves?
Great characters, great plot, first time reading this author, will read more of their stories. Give this book 4 stars.
Thanks to Ally Press, Netgalley and the author in exchange for an honest review.
Published May 23, 2023

I really really enjoyed this book! I couldn't put it down. I highly recommend this book to any romantic suspense lovers out there. I'm totally excited that there is a sequel to this one.
*I was given a copy of this book by the publisher, and this is my honest opinion.

Counselor Susana and Detective Ray must solve the mystery of a wealthy murdered family in this fast paced thriller. I didn't realize it when I began reading this, but it is the author's first novel being republished with a new cover. Regardless, it was an enjoyable read and I finished it quickly. Thanks to the publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for a review.

This was just OK. Too much God talk for me. There were plenty of interesting character arcs. While the author told us who the killer was right away, it was an interesting ride, finding out who was behind it and why.

If you love good romantic suspense novels, this book is for you. It drew me in from page one and the author, Kelly Irvan, will keep you guessing as to what will happen next. Very captivating and I highly recommend this book.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher, but was not required to leave a review.

3.5 Stars
On his day off Detective Ray Johnson is enjoying a hike through a state park when he stumbles, quite literally, on a dead body. It turns out to be the youngest son in a prominent family, so the political pressure is on to solve this case. The investigation takes a toll on his romantic life, as well as his relationship with his partner and his boss. Will he be able to solve this case without losing the woman he loves and ruining his career?

This was a real romantic crime thriller with a Christian themed undertone that deals with overcoming real issues like loss, grief, alcoholism and abuse. The author did a good job carrying the suspense throughout the story. The characters and storyline was well thought out and interesting. There are a few issues I had, the author tried to convey that the killer in this book was smart and an expert assassin, but instead he comes off as inept and over confident. Some of the conversations were hard to follow, and parts read almost like a sequel even though this is the first in a series, so I felt like I was missing some of the backstory. The romantic suspense did over power the crime suspense but overall I enjoyed this and would recommend to anyone who enjoys romantic crime thrillers. Thank you to Netgalley and Ally Press for the opportunity to review this book.

This was a great suspenseful romance that I breezed through in one afternoon. Kelly Irvin's books are always wonderful to read and this is no exception. I was surprised to read that this was first published in 2010! I love how Kelly writes about people having real issues to work through. Ray and Susana's love story was satisfying and I'm looking forward to more!

Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review. All opinions are my own.

Publication date: 23 May 2023.

This is an engaging inspirational romantic suspense that also explores the dangers of alcoholism and the pressure on marriage a career in law enforcement presents. Ray is a good hero. He is tenacious in his work. He is so aggressive in pursuing villains he puts the woman he loves in harms way. Ray's partner, Deborah, is a good foil. She tries to sooth her hurt with alcohol but nearly ruins her career and almost gets people killed in the process. The characters were developed well and seemed realistic.

The action is nearly continuous and Irvin's writing style is engaging. In addition to a good police procedure style novel of suspense, readers are also given a clear picture of the need for God in healing past hurts and maintaining good relationships.

There is much to like in this novel. It has lots of action and several murders so it is not a cozy mystery. It has a good pace, a good faith message, and several emotional relationship issues too.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book through Partners in Crime Book Tours. My comments are an independent and honest review.

I did really enjoyed the story. It was well written, conceived and played out. I did wonder if the main characters where supposed to be so annoying that I did find myself hoping certain people were "next"! Probably not when it is actually the so called good guys! The relationships are deep and multi-layered and it took me a time to get it straight who was all related to whom. It is a murder mystery, detective drama, slow and developing. In the meantime, Ray's life, his relationships are also becoming entwined in the case and his partner's behaviour causes him and others many problems. The killer seems to be leaving bodies in the parks and the park officers and forensics are also a big part of the stories. It is a good plot, twists and turns and the ending was not totally unexpected. I found the religion angle hard work and difficult to read so have marked down because of it. It seemed unnecessary, irrelevant and did detract greatly form the main events. Despite that I still managed to enjoy the book.

If you’re a fan of police dramas and Christian romantic suspense, you might enjoy A Deadly Wilderness. This is the first book I’ve read by this author, and it definitely pulled me in. The fast-paced, suspenseful mystery with plenty of drama kept me turning the pages.

When, off-duty cop Ray Johnson stumbles off a cliff while hiking, trying to save his girlfriend’s son, they discover the dead body of Joey Doyle, son of a wealthy San Antonio, TX family. As Ray investigates the murder, several suspects emerge. But, one by one those close to the murder begin dying and it’s up to Ray and his partner to discover who the killer is before more die.

The murder investigation isn’t Ray’s only problem. His girlfriend Susana, still grieving over her husband’s death, irrationally blames Ray for her son getting injured on the hike. He also has to deal with an antagonistic, alcoholic partner whose off duty behavior puts herself and him at risk. Ray’s boss who is also Susana’s brother has to navigate between her and Ray along with dealing with unwanted feelings towards Ray’s partner Deborah. We also get the twisted viewpoint of a deadly hitman who enjoys what he does.

This story felt like watching a police drama on tv. At first, it felt like I’d been put right in the middle of the story without understanding what seemed like already established relationships. I questioned if this was the first book in the series. As I kept reading, the author did a great job introducing all the characters and helping me understand their backgrounds. There is definitely a lot of drama along with the fast-paced mystery. It felt like a realistic portrayal of what cops deal with on a day to day basis and the toll it takes on themselves and their families.

Faith was woven throughout the story, and I appreciated how the characters grappled with real problems and overcoming temptations. The story was realistic, at times gritty, and inspirational. I liked the way Ray persevered despite his own sorrows in life. The romance between him and Susana was well done despite it not being a prominent part of the story. At first, Ray’s police partner Deborah was totally unsympathetic, but as Ray finds out more about her background and why she drinks, I gained more sympathy for her. The bad guys were pretty awful and reading from the hitman’s point of view was at times disturbing. The final scenes where Ray finally discovers what’s going on were nail biters!

All in all, a good, inspirational, police drama with lots of suspense and a touch of romance. I received an advanced complimentary copy from the publisher through PICT. All opinions are completely my own and voluntarily given. 3 1/2 stars raised to 4.

TW: child abuse, death by cop, death of spouse, alcoholism/drug abuse, brief descriptions of violence/murder.

Taking his girlfriend Susana 's son and foster nephew, off-duty homicide detective Ray Johnson tumbles across a dead man. Now Ray has not only has to solve the murder, but determine who the dead man is. Ray is also struggling on how to deal with his self-destructive alcoholic partner. Finding out who the dead man is only the start of a suspenseful story. I received a free copy of this ebook from the publisher through Netgalley. This is my honest and voluntarily given review. I like that this is more than a crime story. Nick is under pressure from his bosses, his partner, the victim's family and his girlfriend. This is a good Christian mystery.

In A Deadly Wilderness, author Kelly Irvin transports the reader to San Antonio, Texas for an intriguing Romantic Suspense story that will keep the reader guessing and turning the pages.

When a prominent citizen's son is found murdered in a wilderness park by San Antonio Homicide Detective Ray Johnson while hiking, the heat is on to find the killer by the mayor and chief of police. When more bodies are found in other city parks with a connection to the first victim, the investigation intensifies, and is made even harder when the suspect list grows, and Ray has personal struggles and a professional conflict with his partner, Detective Deborah Smith, added into the mix. Ray is determined to solve the murder case before it becomes even more deadlier.

Author Kelly Irvin weaves a fast-paced and suspenseful tale written in the third person narrative that follows Ray and Deborah as they search for the reason behind the murders and for the killer. They embark on a dangerous cat-n-mouse game with someone who will do anything to get what they want.

The reader will be easily drawn into this action-packed and well written story with its richly descriptive plot that will keep them guessing as secrets, possible motives, deceptions, and clues are uncovered during the search for the killer. Just when you think you know who is behind the murders, the author teases the reader with unexpected twists and turns that keeps them sitting on the edge of their seat until the surprise ending.

I would be remiss if I didn't mention how much I loved the intertwining of a Christian faith themed story with an intriguing and suspenseful police procedural, it kept me turning the pages. The angsty personal relationship that Ray has with his girlfriend, and the haunting addiction that Deborah has that threatens her career, had me feeling the gamut of emotions, it just doesn't get better than that!

A Deadly Wilderness 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 review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Partners In Crime Virtual Book Tours.

https://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot.com/2023/06/a-deadly-wilderness-by-kelly-irvin-vbt.html

I love a good crime novel and this one fits the bill. The story opens with a dead body found in the woods and more will be found before the end of the story. Along with the crime story there are the personal stories of these working the crime. I loved how this book focuses as much on the relationships as the crime. This is book one in a series and I can’t wait to read the next book.

I really enjoyed "A Deadly Wilderness" by Kelly Irvin. I did have a little bit of problem getting into this book, but after the first few chapters, I was hooked. This book had so many twists and turns that it was hard to know how it was going to end. I loved the characters and the faith element in this book. It isn't preachy but portrays the gospel in a good light. I highly recommend this book if you enjoy romantic suspense novels.

I received this book from the publisher through NetGalley for my honest opinion.

Detective Johnson found himself at odds with the mega-rich, who thought they were above the law. Not being able to do his investigations properly was annoying, but he didn’t give up, not even when he and his partner were taken off the case. As a Christian, being ridiculed by his fellow officers was irritating, to say the least, especially by his partner, who was drinking herself to early retirement. He found himself in a make-or-break situation and did the only thing he could. It was an intriguing, captivating, and action-filled book.

3.5 stars
A wonderful Christian mystery. I had not read this book before, but apparently it is a re-release and has been updated. Kelly Irvin is one of my favorite authors and this book is why. Action packed and very hard to put down!

This is an edgy, action-packed story that kept me engaged to the end. The mystery begins when a member of a wealthy San Antonio, Texas family is found murdered. The suspects include many people, including other family members. The question is why? Even if they didn't actually murder him, are they involved? Then the murders mount up. The main characters and secondary characters in this story are closely tied together by their jobs or friends and family. Many are having relationship issues that keep things interesting and tense most of the time. This is especially true for Ray, lead detective, and Susana, his girlfriend, who is still dealing with losing her husband. But faith plays a big part in their story. I found the mystery interesting and was somewhat surprised by the who and why in the end. This story was published several years ago and being re-released, but I found the story is relevant still today. And I am looking forward to the next installment.
I received a copy for the purpose of an honest review. These are my thoughts.