Fatal Standoff by Ruth Douthitt is this week’s Reader Friday. Here’s the first line: It’d been one of those weeks–the kind that made even the simplest task feel overwhelming.
But first the photo and verse. This is one of the grands racing into the waves at Dauphin Island. He’s the adrenalin junkie–never met a challenge that can’t be conquered. And I’ve always loved that verse–children have a special place in Jesus ‘ heart.
Now for Fatal Standoff by Ruth Douthitt. Here’s the cover and back copy:
A missing teen. A deadly conspiracy. A past that won’t stay buried.
Private investigators Emma Fortier and Liam Harper take on a runaway teen case in Arizona. Their search is derailed when Emma receives a chilling message: her adoptive parents were murdered to cover up a medical scandal. Determined to uncover the truth, she dives into a dangerous investigation on her own.
As Liam tracks the missing teen, he uncovers a horrifying twist—she’s been kidnapped and taken to Mexico. The FBI is closing in, but the case stirs painful memories, driving Liam toward a destructive spiral.
When Emma pieces together a sinister cover-up involving Novatera, a pharmaceutical giant with deadly secrets, she discovers her mother was warned to stay silent or suffer the consequences. Days later, a fatal car crash sealed her fate. Now, someone wants Emma silenced, too.
As threats close in, Emma and Liam fight to expose the truth—before they become the next victims.
Book two in the Desert Shadows Suspense series, Fatal Standoff is a gripping thriller packed with high-stakes action, shocking twists, and a pulse-pounding mystery that won’t let go.
My Take:
I read Fatal Standoff in two nights, finishing last night at 1 a.m. Could not put it down. This is book 2 in the series, and you can read my review of the first book, Fatal Chapters, here. That said, Fatal Standoff is a stand-alone, and you don’t have to read the first one to enjoy the second one…but you will want to!
Fatal Standoff has it all–two mysteries, murder, big pharma, the cartel–with an interesting twist. Douthitt has a knack for creating interesting characters you care about. Liam’s search for his aunt’s granddaughter takes him to the edge emotionally. He hits rock bottom after seeing the body of a teenage girl who reminds him of his younger brother’s death. The brother was murdered after Liam wouldn’t let the brother accompany him and his friends on a bicycle outing.
Emma becomes a target when she threatens to expose a pharmaceutical giant and their part in hiding the harmful effects of a drug they developed. She wouldn’t be the first person who threatened to tell the truth and ended up dead.
This is a story romantic suspense readers will enjoy. You can purchase Fatal Standoff here.
So, Readers, what are you reading this week? Leave the first line, or just say “hi”. If you do, I’ll enter you in a June drawing for one of Steve Hooley’s fine pens! You can check them out at his website.
Now for this week’s music video. I love Matt Redman’s 10,000 Reasons and use it for my ringtone sometimes. I hope you enjoy!
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Comments 36
It sounds like a really interesting book. Thank you for sharing.
Author
It was very interesting, Diana!
“Kenna raced up the last couple of steps and pushed the bar on the door to get out onto the roof” – from One More Chance by Lisa Phillips.
Author
Love Lisa Phillips’ books, Linda!
I just purchased both books. Ruth Douthitt is a new author to me. I know I will enjoy her books. I really appreciate all of the Christian authors that share their faith in their writing.
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They are both very good, Sharon!
nice cover
Author
I thought so, too, BN!
Fatal Standoff sounds gripping! I am reading The Feathered Bone by Julie Cantrell. It’s a Christian suspense novel that takes place in Louisiana during Katrina days. It’s grim (includes sex trafficking), but Cantrell does a superb job of skirting particular scenes so that sensitive readers aren’t confronted with, you know, horrid stuff. I’m halfway through and loving it!
Author
Priscilla, I met Julie Cantrell right after she wrote her first book, Into the Free and oh, goodness, she was so sweet and so friendly. She lives in Misssissippi, but not near me. I’ll have to check it out!
Beautiful photo and great verse to match. I also enjoyed Matt Redman singing 10,000 Reasons. It’s a favorite song at our contemporary worship service.
That book sounds really good. Thanks for the tip.
I am reading “Grave Secrets” by Elle Kay. It begins with “Vacation couldn’t come soon enough. At four o’clock, Gavin would be free for two full weeks.” Ah, a nice positive frame of mind. Well, we know that won’t last. I read the first book in her Pennsylvania Parks series (one of the several in the “Cold Case. Warm Hearts” anthology a few weeks ago) and wanted to read more of Ms Kay’s books.
Author
Thank you for introducing me to a new-to-me author, Tim! I will check it out!
Great photo & I love the song. I’m rdg. I’m half-way through Fellowship of the Frazzled Moms and will be ready for a thriller again after that. Have a great weekend!
Author
I lovd The Fellowship of the Frazzled Moms, Delores!
Love the photo and the verse! Nothing like grands and great-grands!
I also love Matt Redman’s song, 10,000 Reasons. Beautiful! Thanks for sharing!
I am currently reading Doyle by Susan May Warren. “Three months on a Caribbean Island helped a man find clarity.”
Wishing everyone a blessed weekend!
Author
Anything by Susan May Warren will keep you flipping pages, Mary G!
I so enjoyed worshipping along with the song, Pat. Great way to start the day.
Your review sure piqued my interest in Fatal Standoff. Sounds like a real page-turner.
“Being chased by highwaymen was certainly cause for concern, as was the idea she was in imminent danger of losing her seat because riding sidesaddle, and while dressed in the most fashionable of riding habits, was not exactly conducive to escaping from a most dire situation.” This is the opening sentence to Meeting Her Match book 3 in The Matchmakers Series by Jean Turano.
I haven’t started reading this book, yet, but knowing Jen Turano’s writing style, I’m sure to be in for a few hysterical laughs and lots of adventure.
Author
I thought that first line was familair, Barbara! I’ve read that one and loved it.So glad you enjoyed the song!
I just finished Fire Mountain. Running from an erupting volcano while a human trafficker is chasing them.
The Other Sister was so overwhelming that I’m going to have to read it a second time with clarification.
Author
Oh, my goodness, Gail! The Other Sister had me up past 2 a.m., Gail. I loved that book! And I was hoping there would be a sequel, but Jessica said no, that was it. Grrrr. 🙂
This is a new to me author. It sounds like a good book.
Prologue
He inhaled the stiff resolution of her death.
One Wrong Move by Dani Pettrey
Author
Dani Pettrey will keep you glued to the page, Gloria! I’ve read that one and couldn’t put it down.
“She’s never gonna leave,” Lena muttered, thinking this was a bad idea. Wicked Ways by Lisa Jackson and Nancy Bush.
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That sounds really intriguing, Deborah!
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I’m reading Beauty Shop Tales by Beth Pattillo
Author
That is an intriguing title, Shelia! I’ll have to check it out…
Reporter Dani Barlowe wasn’t sure which was worse—facing down an actual bear in the wilds of Alaska or duking it out with a pompous, gruff, grouchy hotshot aptly named Grizz.
The first line of Burning Truth by Kelly Underwood.
Author
Love that first line, Jean!
“Emma Johnson, you must surely grieve your ma and pa.” I am just starting Designed With Love by Tracy Peterson.
I love your new headshot!
Author
Thank you! I’ve had several done in the six months, but I’m always changing my hairstyle so I feel like I need to get a photo that reflects my current style. My favorite photographer did this one…
Author
Tracy Peterson is such a good writer, Paula!
I love the picture. The little boy reminds me of my grandsons when they were that age. We were only able to go to the beach a couple of times with them, but the picture brings back fond memories. Great verse!
I am reading Dan Walsh’s The Scandal of Mercy. I don’t have the book with me and can’t take time to get it, but it starts with two prologues. In the first few lines, it has the title of a German SS officer in World War II. The title seemed to be longer than most opening sentences. LOL!
Author
Hi, Edward! I hope your wife is feeling better. I really enjoy Dan Walsh’s books and will check this one out. And yes, sometimes the title is longer than the opening. 🙂
Great picture! I’m currently reading Awakened by Roseanna M. White. It’s her first foray into the fantasy genre and so far I can’t put it down!
Author
I love Roseanna’s historicals, Megan and I’ll bet her fantasy books are every bit as good!