Review – Deadly Devotion

Kate knows the truth is out there–but if she’s right, that means a killer is out there too.

Research scientists Kate Adams and Daisy Leacock were on the brink of a breakthrough for treating depression with herbal medicine when Daisy was suddenly found dead. Kate knows that her mentor’s death wasn’t suicide or a careless accident–and she’s determined to do whatever it takes to unearth the truth about what happened to the woman who changed her life.

Former FBI agent Tom Parker is finding it hard to adjust to life back in his hometown of Port Aster. Though an old buddy gave him a job as a detective on the local police force, not everyone approves. Tom’s just trying to keep a low profile, so when Kate Adams demands he reopen the investigation into her friend’s death, he knows his job is at stake. But despite his attraction to her, Tom thinks Kate may have something to hide.

As evidence mounts, a web of intrigue is woven around the sleepy town of Port Aster. Can Kate uncover the truth? Or will Tom stand in her way?

DEADLY DEVOTION is the first book I’ve read by Sandra Orchard. Kate knows her friend and mentor well, but she is stunned by her apparent suicide. She is convinced someone killed her—but who, when she had no known enemies? Tom is just doing his job. He responds nicely when Kate flies in and blows up in his face, but that just unleashes his distrust in Kate, especially when she leaves and goes directly to her mentor’s house and removes a box of stuff.

I figured out who-dun-it as soon as the killer was introduced, so it came as no surprise to me. I was surprised that Kate was as open as she was, about how she was searching for a killer, telling everyone she met pretty much. That didn’t seem plausible. Did she think they’d step forward and admit it?

I didn’t really connect with these characters, though I wanted to. I’ve enjoyed Revell’s other romantic-suspense, but was disappointed in this one. I probably will give the other books in this series a try as DEADLY DEVOTION was the first book in the Port Aster Secrets series. A preview of the next book in the series is included at the end.