Book Description:
A suspicious death. A desperate search for truth. With danger hovering, can they uncover the killer’s plan?
Private Investigator Deckard MacLeod is thrilled when Harper Grace returns from her humanitarian trip overseas. It’s been three months since he’s seen her, but when she shows up on his front porch haggard, with a desolate look in her eyes, he knows something has gone very wrong.
Harper, a forensic botanist, needs refuge, and that can only be found with Deckard, who is a protector at heart. But after what she’s endured, how can she possibly move forward with a relationship? Deck deserves someone whole, someone present, and her mind is still imprisoned in that desolate land.
She’s barely set foot on Deck’s ranch when news comes that her dear friend died suddenly. A heart attack in her early thirties? Something feels very off. As clues surface and suspects become evident, Harper trusts her gut to lead her and Deckard forward, but the closer they come to the truth, the closer they get to death. And if they aren’t careful, it’ll be their own. . . .
Dani Pettrey keeps readers on the edge of their seats in this taut romantic thriller filled with high-stakes action and suspense. For readers of Lynette Eason, Irene Hannon, and Elizabeth Goddard.
Narelle’s Thoughts:
I enjoyed reading Three Steps Behind, the third book in Dani Pettrey’s Jeopardy Falls series set in New Mexico. Harper is a FBI forensic botanist who travels overseas to do humanitarian work. She escapes a life threatening situation in a war torn country and lands in Jeopardy Falls, battered and bruised physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. Harper is struggling with trauma and she seeks refuge with Deck and his family at their ranch.
Deck is a private investigator who works with his siblings in their family PI business. Danger is lurking and Harper stays with Deck for safety reasons. I loved Harper and Deck’s sweet romance and journeying with them as they learn to trust each other, deal with their emotional baggage, and consider the possibility of a serious relationship. They’d previously friend zoned each other and tried to ignore their growing feelings.
The twists and turns in the suspense plot kept me guessing. Deck’s family is being targeted by an enemy connected their parents’ shady past. There are multiple mysteries to solve, including a suspicious death that might be murder. Many characters are dealing with grief and loss. The story explores faith issues including trusting God, justice, and forgiveness themes.
I was intrigued by the suspense subplot and the fascinating side characters who were in danger. I loved the satisfying story ending and the series mystery connected to Deck’s family.
I recommend Three Steps Behind to romantic suspense readers who like friends-to-more romances with high octane suspense, danger, forced proximity, multiple mysteries, grief and loss, family drama, international intrigue, a suspense subplot, and strong faith elements in the story.
Many thanks to Bethany House and NetGalley for the advanced reader copy.
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