The Cost of Betrayal: Henderson, Pettrey, and Eason

By Kelly Bridgewater

In Dee Henderson's novella "Betrayed," Janelle Roberts is freed--thanks to people she doesn't know--after serving six years of a twenty-year sentence for a murder she did not commit. But a murderer is still at large, and Janelle needs to be somewhere safe with someone she can trust. She may not survive another betrayal.

In Dani Pettrey's "Deadly Isle," Tennyson Kent is trapped on the isolated island of her childhood by a storm surge, and she is shocked when the typically idyllic community turns into the hunting grounds of a murderer. Cut off from any help from the mainland, will she and first love Callen Frost be able to identify and stop a killer bent on betrayal before they become the next victims?

In Lynette Eason's "Code of Ethics," trauma surgeon Ruthie St. John saves the life of Detective Isaac Martinez. After a betrayal leads to him getting shot and then attacked while in recovery, Isaac is now a key witness determined to testify. But someone is intent on silencing him--and those around him--forever. Together, Ruthie and Isaac go on the run, desperate to escape the killers hunting him. 

From Amazon

My Thoughts:

I enjoy a good novella collection especially when it features three of my favorite romantic suspense authors: Dee Henderson, Dani Pettrey, and Lynette Eason. All of these authors have captured my attention in their full length novels, and I enjoyed their past novella collaboration Sins of the Past. I couldn't wait to get my hands on their new collection, The Cost of Betrayal. Even though all three novels have to do with Betrayal of some sort, each individual novel stands alone.

"Betrayed" by Dee Henderson

The novella starts with a familiar couple I was introduced to for the first time in Full Disclosure, Paul and Anna. So if you are familiar with that novel than you might find it enduring to have them come back and try to solve a mystery. This time the mystery centers around a jewelry box that Anna purchases at an auction with a pocket knife inside. With a number of research, Anna finds out the knife belongs to a young lady doing time for murdering her boyfriend. As the story progresses, I watch Anna as she explains her theories to Paul. The story moves pretty quickly and kept my attention. I enjoyed seeing familiar characters return. BUT . . . I felt cheated with the ending. Henderson left us with three different type of endings of how Alex could have died. She really didn't answer the question on who killed him. I read mysteries to see who did it. I didn't get it this time.

My Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

"Deadly Isle" by Dani Pettrey

The people are completely new, but the setting, I believe, is the setting for Pettrey's new series, so I believe these characters might have a comeback. While the story does move at a quick pace, I think the story was too condensed to be a well-written story. The ending moved quickly, and I had a hard time buying who the bad guy is. The writing is clear, and the tension is top-notch, which proves why Pettrey is top in the romantic suspense genre. I can't wait for her next series.

My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

"Code of Ethics" by Lynette Eason

If you are familiar with her Blue Justice series, than the last name St. James should be familiar to the reader. This story is about Ruthie, the surgeon. The sister who didn't become a member of the police force. The tension started right from the beginning and grasped my attention. Eason definitely proves why she keeps writing wonderful suspense stories and keeps her audience's attention. I loved seeing familiar characters and can't wait t read the next book in the Blue Justice series with Code of Valor. The tension is top notch, and I figured out the bad guy before Eason showed me. I can't wait to read more by Eason.

My Rating:  4.5 out of 5 stars

I received a complimentary copy of The Cost of Betrayal by Dee Henderson, Dani Pettrey, and Lynette Eason from Bethany House Publishers, but the opinions stated are all my own.

My Overall Rating:  4 out of 5 stars

About the Authors:

From Amazon

Dee Henderson

Dee Henderson is the author of 14 best-selling novels, including the acclaimed O'Malley series and the Uncommon Heroes series. As a leader in the inspirational romantic suspense category, her books have won or been nominated for several prestigious industry awards, including the RWA's RITA Award, the Christy Award, the ECPA Gold Medallion, the Holt Medallion, the National Readers' Choice Award, and the Golden Quill. Dee is a lifelong resident of Illinois and is active online. Visit her at www.deehenderson.com. (Taken from Amazon.)

Dani Pettrey

From Amazon

Praised by New York Times best-selling author Dee Henderson as "a name to look for in romantic suspense," Dani Pettrey has sold more than 400,000 copies of her novels to readers eagerly awaiting the next release. Dani combines the page-turning adrenaline of a thriller with the chemistry and happy-ever-after of a romance. Her novels stand out for their "wicked pace, snappy dialogue, and likable characters" (Publishers Weekly), "gripping storyline[s]," (RT Book Reviews), and "sizzling undercurrent of romance" (USA Today).

Her Alaskan Courage series and Chesapeake Valor series have received praise from readers and critics alike and spent multiple months topping the CBA bestseller lists. Dani has also been honored with multiple awards, including the Daphne du Maurier Award, two HOLT Medallions, a Christy Award finalist, two National Readers' Choice Awards, the Gail Wilson Award of Excellence, and Christian Retailing's Best Award. (Taken from Amazon.)

Lynette Eason

From Amazon

Award-winning, best-selling author, Lynette Eason writes for Harlequin's Love Inspired Suspense line and for Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group. Her books have hit the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists and have won numerous awards such as the prestigious Carol Award, the Selah, the Daphne, the IRCC award and more. Lynette is married, has two children, and lives in Greenville, SC. (Taken from Amazon.)