by K.A. Tucker
Genres: Romantic Suspense
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
Heat Level:
Making a Murderer meets Scandal in this story of police corruption, family secrets, and illicit affairs from bestselling author K.A. Tucker, celebrated for her “propulsive plot twists and searing seduction” (USA TODAY).
Noah Marshall has known a privileged and comfortable life thanks to his mother, the highly decorated chief of the Austin Police Department. But all that changes the night she reveals a skeleton that's been rattling in her closet for years, and succumbs to the guilt of destroying an innocent family's life. Reeling with grief, Noah is forced to carry the burden of this shocking secret.
Gracie Richards wasn't born in a trailer park, but after fourteen years of learning how to survive in The Hollow, it's all she knows anymore. At least here people don't care that her dad was a corrupt Austin cop, murdered in a drug deal gone wrong. Here, she and her mother are just another family struggling to survive...until a man who clearly doesn't belong shows up on her doorstep.
Despite their differences, Noah and Gracie are searching for answers to the same questions, and together, they set out to uncover the truth about the Austin Police Department's dark and messy past. But the scandal that emerges is bigger than they bargained for, and goes far higher up than they ever imagined.
Complex, gritty, sexy, and thrilling, Keep Her Safe solidifies K.A. Tucker's reputation as one of today's most talented new voices in romantic suspense.
I have enjoyed K.A. Tucker’s stories since she first began writing and have watched her transition from contemporary romances to romantic suspense. Each book has been more powerful than the next. Keep Her Safe delivered a suspenseful mystery thriller with a side dish of romance that finished out my 2017 reads with a bang!
Noah Marshall, the son of Austin’s highly decorated chief of police, is grieving while trying to accept his mother’s late-night confessions. Determine to fulfill her final wishes and hoping for answers he sets out to find his childhood friend.
Gracie Richards lives with her drug-addicted mother in the Hollows, a beaten down trailer park. They left Austin years ago when her father died and was fingered as a dirty cop. Tucker takes us on a suspenseful, heartwarming and engaging journey as we investigate the past and present.
The story started off slow for me but quickly picked up as Gracie and Noah connected. The tale shares both present and past perspectives giving us insight into events that occurred some fourteen years ago. While the majority of the story is told from Noah and Gracie’s POV, We get chapters from the past featuring Jackie, Noah’s Mom then chief of police and those of Abe, Gracie’s father as he becomes entangled in something that will forever alter Gracie’s course in life.
Police corruption, secrets, missing persons and unanswered questions soon have both Noah and Gracie facing danger and wondering who to trust. With a one-eyed dog by their side will they be able to clear Gracie’s father and what will it cost Noah?
Tucker does give us a romance, but it is served on the side as the mystery and investigation take center stage. Tucker did a great job of revealing what happened and tying it into events and characters in the present all while building up the suspense. She did so without sacrificing the characters, and I love that she fleshed them out and allowed me to know them. I enjoyed seeing Noah and Gracie’s relationship grow from unease into something more.
Keep Her Safe is a standalone story that delivered a dark, gritty and suspenseful tale. Tucker threw in twists, powerful villains, and a tenacious FBI agent that kept me on edge. While the story is entirely fictional and inspired by news stories, Tucker made it seem very plausible. The plots threads were developed and tightly woven into a fantastic tapestry that delivered a powerful, believable conclusion.
Keep Her Safe is a standalone story that delivered a dark, gritty and suspenseful tale. K.A. Tucker threw in twists, powerful villains, and a tenacious FBI agent that kept me on edge. Share on X
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Adriana @ BooksOnHerMind
I’ve read K.A. Tucker’s Ten Tiny Breaths and it was heavy with romance/lust so it’s nice to see this one focus more on something different – mystery. I do like Tucker’s writing so I wouldn’t mind giving Keep Her Safe a try especially since I want know the mom’s secrets.
Geybie’s Book Blog
Oh wow, awesome review, Kim. I’m planning to read this book. Thanks for sharing. ❤️
Quinn @ Quinn's Book Nook
I keep hearing these amazing things about KA Tucker, but still haven’t gotten to her books. I’m so glad you enjoyed this.
Jenea's Book Obsession
I loved this so much!!! If course Tucker is one those authors i just adore anyway, her writing just pulls you in!
Debbie Haupt
Oh wow I just saw this reviewed some place else and I just know I need it. I loved her last novel, it was my first by her. Thanks Kim
Bookworm Brandee
*sigh* I have so much Tucker to read and although that excites me because she’s an incredible storyteller, it’s kinda overwhelming. Ha! I may pick up this one since it’s standalone and seems to be a well crafted thriller. Great review, Kimberly! I’m happy you enjoyed it. 🙂
Sophia Rose
Amen, Sister! You said so much about what I feel about her progress as a writer and about this latest. This one will likely be one of my favorite reads this year. Such a great combo of suspense and characterization down to this irascible dog. 🙂
Tyler H. Jolley
Excellent review, Kimba. And is it just me, or do you kinda get Blair Witch vibes from the cover?
Angela Adams
Love these plots that find the hero and heroine working together to solve a mystery. Thanks for the post. Hope you’re feeling better.
Melissa
Agreed! I love Tucker.
Mary Kirkland
That really sounds good.
Nadene
I have read one book for this author so far. I so badly want to read this one. Adding it to my wishlist.
Blodeuedd
I have heard good things
Jonetta (Ejaygirl)
I’ve become a fan of this author and have this on audio. Can’t wait to listen to this story. Nice review!
ShootingStarsMag
I’m glad the romance wasn’t the main focus – sometimes it takes away from a good mystery. Seems like an enjoyable read!
-Lauren
Lorna
I am 59% done with this one right now. She’s one of my favorite authors as well and has been since her paranormal days. I had a slow start as well and only last night realized that this was coming out tomorrow! I need to get to reading and write a review. I’ve only had the book for about ten days though. Great review!
sherry fundin
This sounds right up my alley. I am familiar with Tucker’s name, but I don’t think I have read any of her work. Have to check my Kindle and see if I have something.
Stefanie
Good morning. I haven’t heard of this author. It’s always nice to be exposed to new ones. Thanks for the rec and I’ll check her out. Have a good Monday.
Tanya @ Girl Plus Books
So excited to see such a great review for Keep Her Safe! Tucker is one of my handful of favorite authors so every new release gets me excited. 🙂 I already like the sound of Noah and Gracie and can’t wait to dive into the mystery.
Katherine @ I Wish I Lived in a Library
I’ve really been wanting to try a book by K.A. Tucker and this one looks amazing! I love dark and gritty with a nice twist of romance. Adding to my TBR!
kindlemom1
I really loved this one too and the different feel to it than her others. So much fun!
Ailyn Koay
saw a similar good review somewhere, great minds think alike?
Melliane
I confess that I haven’t tried a book by this author yet but I keep hearing amazing things about her books so I confess that I’m curious!
Onyinyechi
I love K.A Tucker. Read a lot of her books. Will add this to my ever growing booklist. Great review!
http://www.onyixtus.com