Deadly Betrayal by Sheila Kell is the first book in the Coastal Investigation series. Having enjoyed the author’s Agents of H.I.S series, I went into Deadly Betrayal with high expectations. While not as great as the books from her Agents of H.I.S series, Deadly Betrayal delivered an interesting and fast-paced tale of murder and betrayal.

The story in Deadly Betrayal follows Cassie McKay and JD Walker. At the beginning of the story, the reader learns that Cassie was a divorcee and a former FBI analyst. She returned home to Mississippi after the failure of her marriage and the lack of recognition by the FBI. The reader learns she is to start her new job as a private investigator. However, she doubted her abilities and planned to inform her prospective employer that she had second thoughts about the job. Then she learns that her new partner would be JD Walker; the boy, now a man, who broke her sixteen-year – old heart. 

Now, this new development should have her running in the opposite direction, especially when their reunion started out on a bad note. However, with the murder of his son’s mother and with him as the only suspect, Cassie would be the one to help him clear his name. Will they have the ability to overcome the pain of the past? Can they work as a team and find the actual murderer?

The mystery emanated a cosy vibes. Suspense was non-existent, nevertheless the need for answers had me turning the pages.  Granted, this was not a long book, so it was an easy read. Initially, guessing the identity of the perpetrator proved a challenge, but as the story unfolded, it all became clear. With this knowledge came the understanding for the reason behind the name of the book.

Now, while I enjoyed the mystery element, the romance failed to win me over. It was quite underwhelming and lacked authenticity. In fact, hardly any page time was given to this aspect of the story. It’s understandable that there was an urgency is clearing JD’s name.  Nevertheless, one would expect that after years of separation, it would take some time for a rebuilding of their relationship. Especially, given how their relationship ended in the first place.  The author glossed over their past issues. Also, it stuck me as odd that JD during his tenure as police detective never took advantage of all the resources at his fingertips to verify information given to him that led to the end of his relationship with Cassie.

Overall, while not my favourite from the author, Deadly Betrayal delivered an interesting tale. A tale which would appeal to readers who enjoy romantic suspense with emphasis on the suspense.

Story Evaluation
Plot	3
Characters	4
World Building	3
Writing Style	4
Pacing	4.5
Cover	3
Enjoyment	4
Ending	4
Overall:

Title: Read Between the Lines
Author(s): Sheila Kell
Series: Coastal Investigation #2
Published by The Wild Rose Press on January 16, 2024
Pages: 195
Genre(s): Mystery, Romantic Suspense
Source: Author
Format: eArc

Purchase: Amazon
Reading Challenges: 2024 COYER Chapter One Winter Rules
Rating:
Series Rating:
Heat Level:

From Romantic Suspense BEST-SELLING and AWARD-WINNING Author Sheila Kell...What happens when someone goes from bestselling author to suspected murderer? In Sheila Kell’s highly anticipated novel of treachery, secrecy, and romance, Cassie and JD rush to find a killer while their growing relationship is threatened on two fronts.
Cassie McKay and JD Walker are in a fix again. This time, Cassie’s author friend is suspected of murder.
What stirs the FBI’s suspicions is that the killings are playing out exactly as the author wrote them, but before her book is published. It’s up to Cassie and JD to clear the author’s name before it’s too late.
As Cassie and JD attempt to find the killer, cope with Gus's odd affliction, recruit one of JD's exes, argue with Cassie's former FBI husband, and more, they continue to navigate their new relationship through these obstacles.
Deadly Betrayal is the second book in the Coastal Investigations series. If you enjoy a thrilling, edge-of-your-seat read, you’ll love this installment of Sheila Kell’s new romantic suspense series.***
The Wild Rose Press Books written by Sheila Kell
Coastal Investigation SeriesDeadly BetrayalRead Between the Lines

I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

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Read Between the Lines is the second book in the Coastal Chronicles series.  Although a different mystery features in this instalment, readers will gain more by reading Deadly Betrayal first. In Read Between the Lines, Kell delivered another interesting and fast-paced tale of murder, with romance and family drama served on the side.

JD and Cassie are basking in their newness of their rekindled relationship after several years of separation when a new case lands in their laps. This new case involves a bestselling mystery author, Missy Sauvage, and an old friend of Cassie’s. Someone is committing murders in the same vein as noted in Missy’s latest release. This placed her on the FBI’s suspect list. Now it’s up to Cassie and JD to find the real killer before they strike again.

The tale which unfolded was engaging. The author provided a sample of the intricacies of the indie publishing world. One sees how helpful beta readers are to authors by helping them to fine tune their book. In Missy’s case, though, a beta reader may have carried their help too far. The challenge facing JD and Cassie is to discover if a beta reader is actually responsible or is someone else involved.

The appearance of Cassie’s ex-husband added brought more tension in the story. In this instalment, readers gets a clearer picture behind the reason she divorced him. 

The killer’s POV added another layer of intrigue to the story. One can tell this person believed in what they were doing. Also, they saw their kills as an act of love, which Missy would appreciate.  I like the fact that although I suspected the villain’s identity, I couldn’t confirm it until the author made the revelation. Unlike Deadly Betrayal, Read Between the Lines gave us more of JD and Cassie’s relationship.  I loved how their relationship blossomed even in the face of jealousy and interferences from the ex-husbands and ex-girlfriends. Also, it was nice to see JD bonding with his son.

Overall, this was a solid sequel. The story wrapped up nicely with a lovely ending. Not sure if there will be more stories featuring this couple, but I wouldn’t mind if the author continues with the series.

 

Story Evaluation
Plot	3
Characters	4
World Building	3
Writing Style	4
Pacing	4
Cover	2
Enjoyment	4
Ending	4
Overall:

About Sheila Kell

Sheila Kell writes about the romantic men who leave women’s hearts pounding with a happily ever after built on memorable, adrenaline-pumping stories. Or, (since her editor attempts to cut down her long-windedness) simply “Smokin’ Hot Romance & Intrigue.” Her debut novel, His Desire (HIS Series #1), launched as an Amazon #1 romantic suspense bestseller and Top 100 overall, later winning the Readers’ Favorite award for best romantic suspense novel. As a Southern girl who has left behind her days with the U.S. Air Force, and as a University Vice President, she can usually be found nestled in the Mississippi woods, where she lives with her cats and all the strays that magically find her front door. When she isn’t writing, she has her nose in a good book, is dealing with the woodland critters who enjoy her back porch, or is wishing she had a genie to do her bidding.Sheila is a member of Romance Writers of America. For more information, visit Sheila’s website and subscribe to her newsletter:

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Reading this book contributed to these challenges:

• 2024 COYER Chapter One Winter Rules
• 2024 Netgalley and Edelweiss