Closer Than She Knows
by Kelly Irvin
Tour June 22 - July 24, 2020
Synopsis:
A serial killer bent on revenge . . . and striking too close to home.
Teagan O’Rourke has always loved murder mysteries. In her job as a court reporter, she has written official records for dozens of real-life murders. She’s slapped evidence stickers on crime scene photos. She’s listened to hours of chilling testimony. But she’s never known the smell of death. And she never thought she might be a victim.
Until now.
A young police officer is murdered just inches away from her, and then a man calling himself a serial killer starts leaving Teagan notes, signing each with the name of a different murderer from her favorite mystery novels.
Panicked, Teagan turns to her friend Max Kennedy. Max longs for more than friendship with Teagan, but he fears she’ll never trust someone with a past like his. He wonders how much of God’s “tough love” he can take before he gives up on love completely. And he wonders if he’ll be able to keep Teagan alive long enough to find out.
As Teagan, Max, and Teagan’s police officer father race to track down the elusive killer, they each know they could be the next victim. Desperate to save those she loves, Teagan battles fears that once haunted her in childhood. Nothing seems to stop this obsessed murderer. No matter what she does, he seems to be getting closer.
Book Details:
Genre: Romantic Suspense Published by: Thomas Nelson Publication Date: June 9th 2020 Number of Pages: 352 ISBN: 0785231862 (ISBN13: 9780785231868) Purchase Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads
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This is a first of Kelly Irvin's books for me and I was definitely not disappointed! The first chapter grabs you and it doesn't let go. Irvin's descriptive writing puts us right in the middle of the action, letting us live it, rather than telling us. Teagan is a peace-loving woman, surrounded by a family of police officers and a best friend, who helps keep her rooted in faith.
Teagan O'Rourke is a court reporter in San Antonio, Texas who finds herself being stalked by a serial killer. He communicates with her through notes left with his victims, signing them with the names of literary figures. When her family and friends jump on the case and the past collides with the present, old and new wounds are opened for everyone. This is one creepy serial killer who is hitting way too close to home.
I enjoyed the romantic touch to the story and felt like it added to the suspense you feel reading. You begin to hope for Teagan to let herself be completely head over heels with Max. Her restraint is understandable, but you also want them to overcome their personal obstacles.
The clues are impressively woven throughout the book. I had my mind dead set on the killer and their motive until I would be pulled in a new direction. Irvin touches on subjects that can often be difficult to read, yet they are beautifully executed. It's clear that she did the deep research to ensure a flawless delivery! I couldn't put this one down until I reached the final page. Be ready -- it'll absorb you!
Author Bio:
Kelly Irvin is a bestselling author and two-time Carol Award finalist. She is a former newspaper reporter and retired public relations professional. Kelly lives in Texas with her husband, photographer Tim Irvin. They have two children, three grandchildren, and two cats.
I have this book in my queue and can't wait to read it.