Dani Pettrey's romantic suspense novel Cold Shot is the first book in her Chesapeake Valor series. Featuring a twisty plot, memorable characters, and a dash of faith, this book had my attention pretty quickly and I'm so excited to share it today!
Plot Summary
Griffin McCray, Parker Mitchell, Declan Grey, and Luke Gallagher were best friends who planned to go into law enforcement after college. Then Luke disappeared, Griffin and Parker had a falling out, and slowly the four friends drifted apart.
When skeletal remains are found in Gettysburg that aren't from the Civil War era, Griffin - now a park ranger there - reluctantly agrees to investigate the crime with Declan and Parker. But he looks forward to working with anthropologist Dr. Finley Scott, who gathers evidence that their Jane Doe was killed by a sniper. As one surprising fact after another is uncovered, it becomes evident someone doesn't like all the digging their doing - and isn't afraid to take drastic measures to stop them.
When skeletal remains are found in Gettysburg that aren't from the Civil War era, Griffin - now a park ranger there - reluctantly agrees to investigate the crime with Declan and Parker. But he looks forward to working with anthropologist Dr. Finley Scott, who gathers evidence that their Jane Doe was killed by a sniper. As one surprising fact after another is uncovered, it becomes evident someone doesn't like all the digging their doing - and isn't afraid to take drastic measures to stop them.
Pros and Cons
The romance and the suspense elements are balanced throughout the story. The story is clean and any details pertaining to the crime are handled well.
Personal Thoughts
Cold Shot gripped me from the first chapter. While the skeletal remains are the main plot, the cold case subplot really hooked me. And, of course, I wanted to know what was going on with Luke. So many unanswered questions kept me reading.
The conflict between Parker and Griffin was realistic. At first I assumed some dumb misunderstanding broke up their friendship, but once I learned what it was I could understand why they had a falling out. I liked seeing them begin to rebuild their relationship.
Finley and Griffin were an adorable couple (when they were trying not to get killed). I loved how she called him Ranger Grumpy in the beginning! While their relationship wasn't the center stage, it was one of the best part of the book, in my opinion.
The conflict between Parker and Griffin was realistic. At first I assumed some dumb misunderstanding broke up their friendship, but once I learned what it was I could understand why they had a falling out. I liked seeing them begin to rebuild their relationship.
Finley and Griffin were an adorable couple (when they were trying not to get killed). I loved how she called him Ranger Grumpy in the beginning! While their relationship wasn't the center stage, it was one of the best part of the book, in my opinion.
Notes
Best for teens and adults.
For those of you who have read Cold Shot, what did you think of it? For those of you who have not read it, would you? Tell me in the comments below!
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1 Comment
I just finished reading this series for the second or third (maybe fourth?) time! I love the friendships between all the characters and the faith element (especially in the third book). It's understandable that all the friends are in different places in their walks with God, but they all help and support one another. The couples are adorable. I'd love for Dani Pettrey to write another book to let us know where they're all at 10 years or so later. :)