Today I am reviewing Unexpected Target by Penny Zeller.
Book description:
Sometimes evil lurks in plain sight…
Oaklee Newbold never imagined her quiet life would be disrupted by a break-in that isn’t as random as it seems. When stalkers and unanticipated enemies begin targeting her every move, she learns the spaces that should be the safest are anything but. Someone sees her as a threat, but she has no idea who…or why. She finds an ally in handsome Detective Grayson Brenneman, who has his own struggles after hastily leaving, then finally returning to his hometown.
Questions mount, and danger intensifies. As it becomes apparent that random acts of crime aren’t as random as initially believed, Oaklee finds herself in a literal fight for survival. When a series of sinister events finds her held in the deadly clutches of evildoers, Grayson races against the clock to find the woman he has grown to love…before it’s too late for everyone involved.
Hidden enemies watching her every move.
Danger lurking in every shadow.
Answers just out of reach.
**Please note: Unexpected Target is a faith-filled Christian romantic suspense novel.**
My review:
This is the third book in the series but can be read as a stand-alone. This time we have Grayson Brenneman the youngest in the family back working as a detective at the local police station. He has been away for a few years due to something that happened several years back. Oaklee Newbold arrives home but notices a few things don’t seem right. She contacts the police as she is sure someone has been in the house, but nothing seems to be missing.
There is a spate of break ins with nothing missing and Grayson is tasked with investigating. Oaklee teaches a spin class at the local gym three times a week before her regular job at the bank. Here she first meets Grayson also taking the class and person taking the class that makes her feel uneasy.
A few small incidents happen, and Oaklee is left feeling uneasy. Nothing seems to be connected, and Oaklee isn’t sure why they are happening. At this time Grayson isn’t sure why either. I like how this book is a slow burn with the suspense you can feel something isn’t right but it’s not high action from the start. It slowly builds up just enough to keep Oaklee confused but not sure what is exactly happening. When it does ramp up it ramps up fast.
I am satisfied with the ending and was left guessing. I also appreciated the faith element; Grayson hasn’t been going to church for several years due to something that happened but is still seeking. How the author deals with this issue is realistic. I hope this isn’t the last in the series.
If you enjoy Penny Zellers previous books in the series this book won’t disappoint. If you enjoy romantic suspense that builds the story this is a book for you.