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About this item
Highlights
- Her next move just might be her lastNo sooner has Alexis Stone been sworn in as the interim chief deputy for Russell County, Tennessee, than a serial killer dubbed the Queen's Gambit Killer strikes again--this time in her hometown.
- About the Author: Patricia Bradley is the author of Standoff, Obsession, Crosshairs, and Deception, as well as the Memphis Cold Case novels and Logan Point series.
- 384 Pages
- Fiction + Literature Genres, Christian
- Series Name: Pearl River
Description
About the Book
The day Alexis Stone is sworn in as interim sheriff, the Queen's Gambit Killer strikes again, leaving a chilling calling card of a white pawn and a note with a chess move printed on it. Alexis must join forces with Police Chief Nathan Landry to find the killer before their next move.Book Synopsis
Her next move just might be her lastNo sooner has Alexis Stone been sworn in as the interim chief deputy for Russell County, Tennessee, than a serial killer dubbed the Queen's Gambit Killer strikes again--this time in her hometown. Pearl Springs is just supposed to be a temporary stop along the way to Alex's real dream: becoming the first female police chief of Chattanooga. But the killer's calling card--a white pawn and a note with a chess move printed on it--cannot be ignored.
Pearl Springs chief of police Nathan Landry can't believe that his high school sweetheart Alexis (he refuses to call her Alex) is back in town, and he can't help wanting to protect the woman he never stopped loving. But as the danger mounts and the killer closes in, can Nathan come through on the promise he makes to himself to bring a killer to justice before it's too late?
"Plenty of action and interesting details about the dark web and police procedure keeps this thriller with light Christian messaging moving."--Booklist
"Balancing a slow-burning romance with a twisty mystery, this will keep Bradley's fans hooked until the final page."--Publishers Weekly
From the Back Cover
Her next move just might be her lastNo sooner has Alexis Stone been sworn in as the interim chief deputy for Russell County, Tennessee, than a serial killer dubbed the Queen's Gambit Killer strikes again--this time in her hometown. Pearl Springs is just supposed to be a temporary stop along the way to Alex's real dream: becoming the first female police chief of Chattanooga. But the killer's calling card--a white pawn and a note with a chess move printed on it--cannot be ignored.
Pearl Springs chief of police Nathan Landry can't believe that his high school sweetheart Alexis (he refuses to call her Alex) is back in town, and he can't help wanting to protect the woman he never stopped loving. But as the danger mounts and the killer closes in, can Nathan come through on the promise he makes to himself to bring a killer to justice before it's too late?
"This book will have readers flipping the pages late into the night."--Lynette Eason, bestselling, award-winning author of the Danger Never Sleeps series
"This first novel in the new Pearl River series from Patricia Bradley ticked all the right boxes for me. I couldn't put it down!"--Lynn H. Blackburn, bestselling author of the Defend and Protect series
"Checkmate! Patricia Bradley hits the mark again in this fast-paced, high-stakes suspense!"--Natalie Walters, award-winning author of Lights Out and Harbored Secrets
About the Author
Patricia Bradley is the author of Standoff, Obsession, Crosshairs, and Deception, as well as the Memphis Cold Case novels and Logan Point series. Bradley is the winner of an Inspirational Reader's Choice Award, a Selah Award, and a Daphne du Maurier Award; she was a Carol Award finalist; and three of her books were included in anthologies that debuted on the USA Today bestseller list. Cofounder of Aiming for Healthy Families, Inc., Bradley is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Sisters in Crime. She makes her home in Mississippi. Learn more at www.ptbradley.com.Dimensions (Overall): 8.5 Inches (H) x 5.5 Inches (W) x 1.1 Inches (D)
Weight: .75 Pounds
Suggested Age: 22 Years and Up
Series Title: Pearl River
Sub-Genre: Christian
Genre: Fiction + Literature Genres
Number of Pages: 384
Publisher: Fleming H. Revell Company
Theme: Suspense
Format: Paperback
Author: Patricia Bradley
Language: English
Street Date: May 16, 2023
TCIN: 88220430
UPC: 9780800741624
Item Number (DPCI): 247-02-6841
Origin: Made in the USA or Imported
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Estimated ship dimensions: 1.1 inches length x 5.5 inches width x 8.5 inches height
Estimated ship weight: 0.75 pounds
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4.3 out of 5 stars with 12 reviews
100% would recommend
12 recommendations
Checkmate!
4 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
Fitzysmom - 2 years ago
I am not a chess player but I was intrigued by this new series from Patricia Bradley. I was left guessing the next move up until the very end. If this first installment is any indication, this is going to be a riveting series. The main character is Alexis Stone. She grew up Pearl Springs where her beloved grandfather is the chief deputy of the Sheriff's department. Alexis' aspirations center on climbing the ladder at the Chattanooga police department. But through a series of events she finds herself temporarily taking her grandfather's place in Pearl Springs. Pearl Springs is supposed to be a sleepy little community but a serial killer that has been dubbed the Queen's Gambit Killer has begun to prey upon the town. This puts Alexis and Nathan Landry, Pearl Springs Chief of Police, on high alert. Do they have what it takes to match wits with this serial killer? I enjoyed all the maneuvering and plot twists that this story had. Patricia Bradley is on top of her game with this one. I had suspicions about several of the characters but truthfully I was stumped as to who the serial killer was until right before it was revealed. It is very well written and if you enjoy romantic suspense I think you'll be pleased with this book.
Action-Packed Mystery
4 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
BlessednBookish - 2 years ago
Counter Attack by Patricia Bradley is an action-packed suspense sure to keep you turning pages deep into the night. It is full of realistic and fast-paced suspense and twists of mystery. I loved following along in the investigation with Nathan and Alexis and building my own suspect list. I enjoyed Nathan and Alexis's second chance/friends to more romance. I felt like the timing was genuine, and I loved the slow building of their relationship from their difficult past. The romance in some suspense novels can seem forced, but I felt like for Nathan and Alexis, their relationship flowed naturally with the rest of the story. I also appreciated the inspirational themes and the references to specific Scripture as the characters grew in their faith. I love being challenged by their faith struggles while I read! Overall, I enjoyed these characters and watching them navigate through one obstacle after another. I'm a big fan of romantic suspense novels, and Counter Attack was pure entertainment. I was given a copy of this book by the publisher with no expectations of a positive review. All opinions are my own.
An Action Packed Suspense!
3 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
- 2 years ago
This book didn't draw me in as much as I would have thought. I also had a hard time connecting to the characters. If you are an avid reader of romantic suspense, then you already know that usually within the first couple of chapters you know who the protagonist is going to end up having a romance with and that was the case with this book as well. However, I felt Nathan (The MMC) was a bit obsessive with his thoughts and feelings toward Alexis (our MFC). I know the two had a past, but it still just felt too forced. I was really interested in the story of our serial killer that was killing and leaving behind a white chess piece and I felt that the plot moved along at a good pace, however, I didn't really like that there was somewhat of a secondary plot line dealing with drug dealing. I felt that it took away from the main plot/suspense, and because of that, I lost a bit of interest. These are my personal reading preferences as to what I like in the romantic suspense genre and nothing against the author and her writing. Overall, I believe this was a well written book and is a good start to a new series. It is a quick, clean read, and for those who enjoy serial killer mysteries, you may really enjoy this one. Thank you to Baker Publishing and Revell for providing a copy to read and review honestly.
Intense
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
Kimp - 2 years ago
Counter Attack by Patricia Bradley is the first book in her Pearl River series. Alexis Stone is now the interim chief deputy for the Russell County sheriff’s department. As if a new job wasn’t hard enough to deal with, she now has a serial killer on the loose in her county. Alex and Pearl Springs chief of police Nathan Landry are running out of time. The killer is getting closer. This was a great beginning to the series! The action and suspense kept getting more intense and the ending is one you won’t see coming! I can’t wait for the next installment. I received this book from the publisher for my honest review.
Counter Attack
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
amybooksy - 2 years ago
Counter Attack is the beginning of Patricia Bradley's Pearl River series. Patricia Bradley has really started this series off with a bang. I enjoyed traveling to Pearl Springs and meeting Alexis and Nathan. I found those to be a fabulous team trying to solve who is the serial killer in town. It was not easy to predict, with a lot of twists and turns, and forcing me to continue to read until the very last page. This is now my new favorite I have read by this author. I am giving Counter Attack five stars. I believe fans and loves of clean suspense filled fiction will definitely want to pick it up and experience for themselves how wonderful it is. I can not wait to see what happens next in the Pearl River series. I received a paperback copy of Counter Attack from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.
Great Start to a New Series
4 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
Lehrerin - 2 years ago
Lace up your boots, because Counter Attack by Patricia Bradley goes full throttle from the very first page! The reader is thrown into the midst of a serial killer investigation, and with a simmering romance, family drama, and crime at an all time high, your pulse will rise as you turn each page. Chess players will love the game played by the serial killer, and all readers will enjoy the symbolism this displays. I’m not a chess fan, so while I didn’t understand the nuances of this part, Bradley explained it well, and I liked how expertly she wove chess moves throughout the story. Even more than the clever symbolism, though, I loved the characters. Alex makes a great female leading lady: she’s confident, skilled, and strong, yet she isn’t afraid to learn and work together. Nathan is chivalrous and experienced, and he’s willing to put everything the line for the people he loves. They make a fantastic fun team as they try to solve this mystery, and they’re exactly the people I want protecting my town. I actively tried to solve the case along with Alex and Nathan, so I was happy when I guessed right – and also quite surprised by some twists that Bradley through into the mix, right up until the end! I love when authors keep you guessing, and Bradley nailed this one with the perfect blend of suspense, mystery, and red herrings. Counter Attack kicks off the Pearl River series with a bang, and I can’t wait to read the next one. If suspense and mystery is your jam, you’ll definitely want to get your hands on this book. I received a complimentary copy of Counter Attack from the author. All opinions are my own.
Addictive Suspense, Action Packed
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
VickleaW - 2 years ago
This book is a cleverly written page-turner that is one I couldn’t read fast enough but I was also sad to see it end. Intriguing and intense suspense with dynamic and relatable characters, there is nothing not to like about Patricia Bradley’s new book in her new Pearl Springs series. I am already looking forward to the next one! All opinions expressed are my own.
Very satisfying!
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
Gail Hollingsworth - 2 years ago
Counter Attack is the first book in the Pearl River series and was it tremendous! I’ve read all of Patricia Bradley’s Natchez Trace series and it was extra special because I’ve been there. Counter Attack looks to be another hit that I enjoyed and I can’t wait for the next one in this series. The suspense had me spellbound from start to finish and the serial killer, Phame, was a total shocker! I’ve also never played chess or known about the dark web which opened my eyes to foreign unheard of ideas. The characters were interesting to get to know. I loved Alexis Stone’s grandparents for various reasons but especially because they reminded me of my paternal grandparents. My grandfather was even in law enforcement. Alexis and Nathan had grown up in a very small town and had known each other since the fifth grade. They had lost touch but their jobs in law enforcement brought them back together in search of a serial killer, who seemed to always be one or two steps ahead of them. Danger was all around them and finding out the killer was after Alexis made my heart beat a little faster at every corner. Great suspense, danger, a serial killer and wonderful characters, who could ask for anything more!? I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher but was not required to write a review positive or otherwise.
Great Author, Good Book
4 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
ChritianFictionandMore - 2 years ago
I am a big fan of Patricia Bradley's romantic suspense stories. I am glad to have read Counter Attack, although I wouldn't say it ranks among my favorite of her books. While there is a good suspense to romance ratio, the main characters are likable, and there is a lot of action, it was a bit too simple to identify the bad guy. Maybe the author wanted us to know and just wanted us to follow the investigators to see how they put the pieces together. Counter Attack was worth the time I spent engaged with the story. I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy from Revell via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.
STOPPIG A KILLER'S CHECKMATE
3 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
Connywithay - 2 years ago
“The officer would pay—not by her own death but knowing her actions caused the deaths of many,” the killer determines Patricia Bradley’s novel, Counter Attack. ~ What ~ The first in the Pearl River series, this three-hundred-and-seventy-eight-page paperback targets those interested in a romantic suspense involving a serial killer in a small southern town. The topics of illness, physical abuse, and death may not be appropriate for immature readers. The ending includes acknowledgments, an excerpt from another book series, the author’s biography, and advertisements. In this current-day story based in the fictional town of Pearl River, Tennessee, Alexis Stone is asked to return to her hometown to become the county’s interim chief deputy when her grandfather falls ill. Having been an undercover cop in Chattanooga, it seems like her troubles are following her when more murders begin to happen. When her high school sweetheart who is the chief of police ends up helping her track down the serial killer, not only does she have to connect the dots to her past but also question if she could love again. ~ Why ~ This is a quick read that has twists and turns with references to the chess game as a serial killer stays ahead of the game, taunting the protagonist. I like the details of the game of chess, the dark web, and caves. Some of the characters are written well, especially Alexis’s grandparents. It can be read as a stand-alone book. ~ Why Not ~ Those who do not like the beginning of a series about protecting a small town and everyone knowing each other’s business may not care for this suspenseful but clean Christian romance. Those who do not believe in God may pass it up, although it is not the theme of the book and is lightly mentioned. The romance is predictable. ~ Wish ~ Although I have read and enjoyed other books by this author, I had trouble reading this one as I figured out the killer about twenty pages into it, so it was a struggle to finish it. I wish all pronouns of God were capitalized for reverence. ~ Want ~ If you like a new series about a small-town police force that wants to do everything it can to protect its residents, this first book may hold your attention if you do not read it too thoroughly to catch the killer. Thanks to Revell and Interviews & Reviews for this complimentary book. I am under no obligation to give a positive review.
Electrifying!
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
DianFlow - 2 years ago
Wow! 'Counter Attack' certainly checked all the boxes I look for in an electrifying suspense novel! So cleverly written, tough as nails, yet vulnerable characters, plenty of twists and turns, a smidgen of romance (not too mushy, guys 😉), and a whodunit I didn't see coming. I suspicioned the killer for a fleeting moment, but hey...isn't everyone a suspect in a suspense? Although a serial killer story always has a certain measure of creep factor, 'Counter Attack' wasn't as graphic as some—more of a cat and mouse game involving taunting of the protagonist, the dark web, and chess. Nicely done, Patricia Bradley! *I received a complimentary ARC of this book by the publisher and was under no obligation to write a positive review.*
Another fabulous thriller!
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
Betti - 2 years ago
Many plans are in a man’s heart, but the purpose of the Lord will prevail. Wow! This first book in the Pearl River series is sure to keep you at the edge of your seat, suspicious of almost everyone. What appears to be suicide by cop has morphed into murder with chess moves. It will be up to Alex Stone, chief deputy to the Sheriff and her old friend Nathan Landry, Pearl Springs chief of police, to figure out who is murdering women that bear a scary resemblance to the chief deputy. Explosions, fire, kidnapping and more - will the good guys ever win? Toss in a possible drug connection and you have a book you will not set aside. Will Alex continue to try to figure things out on her own, or will she finally pray for guidance before stepping out? An early copy was received through Revell, Baker Publishing Group and NetGalley. These thoughts are my own and were in no way solicited.