Fatal Strike

By DiAnn Mills

There’s a killer on the loose in Galveston, targeting law enforcement officials and using a fatal injection of snake venom to take them down. Authorities have reasons to believe the Veneno gang is behind the hits, and FBI Agents Leah Riesel and Jon Colbert team up to track down those responsible. Their best lead is an eyewitness who identifies a young man dumping the third body on a church doorstep. But their suspect has gone into hiding, and those closest to him are reluctant to reveal anything that might help investigators find him.

As Leah and Jon check connections among the victims and dig deeper into motives, they discover appearances may be deceiving. Someone is desperate to keep their secrets hidden, and Leah and Jon must face their greatest fears in order to stop the next fatal strike.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers
• Release date: Sep 3, 2019
• ISBN: 9781496427120

DiAnn Mills

DiAnn Mills is the bestselling, award-winning author of more than 95 novels. Her titles have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists; won two Christy Awards; and been finalists for the RITA, Daphne Du Maurier, Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and Carol awards. She and her husband live in Houston, Texas.

Reviews for Fatal Strike

[thegenreminx · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

In Fatal Strike, Leah Riesel and Jon Colbert were initially teamed up to use their sniper skills in order to deescalate a threat. Their pairing was the first time they had come together and it was only out of desperation that it even took place because both of their partners were unavailable. Neither one of them were sure if they could work well together but they soon realized that they were compatible, one sniper to another. On the heels of that one situation they were called in to investigate a killing that had the calling card of a gang that was slowly infiltrating the area, the Veneno gang.Despite their hesitation about working with a new partner, Leah and Jon had to hit the ground running as they were thrust headlong into a case that would take all of their investigative powers. Not only were they pushed to the max in this investigation but they both would have to face the pasts that they have been running from for far too long. With one suspect on the run, assassination attempts, well-meaning but interfering loved ones, and unreliable witnesses that were giving only half truths, Leah and Jon were going to have to be on the top of their game in order to drill their way to the absolute truth of who was behind the killing spree taking place in Galveston, TX.There is a religious element in Fatal Strike as much of the plot revolves around the characters faith and a connection to a certain church. Both Leah and Jon struggle with their pasts and their questioning faith is expressed along with their uncertainties about forgiveness. The plot was tight and the connections that were drawn between all the characters were intriguing. There were many twists and turns to follow and there was very little down time as the action kept Leah and Jon hopping. The relationship that developed between Leah and Jon was fun but serious at the same time. They had to get to know each other in the toughest of circumstances, even with an attraction smoldering between them. Overall, Fatal Strike was a suspenseful crime drama that packs a powerful punch on many levels!This review is based on a complimentary book I received from NetGalley. It is an honest and voluntary review. The complimentary receipt of it in no way affected my review or rating.

[alekee_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A book that is not for the faint of heart, with FBI snipers on the scene, and evil lurking, there is never a dull moment here.This story begins with action and ends on the same note, and in between you won’t know whom to trust, and even when you think you know a person, be careful!We get close and personal with agents Leah and Jon, and actually learn what makes then tick, and their weak spots, and how they work to take down those responsible for wicked deeds, but can they face the hurtle God is showing them?A read that kept me page turning right to the end, and actually wanting more!I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Tyndale, and was not required to give a positive review.

[darcia_10 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Fatal Strike is part police procedural and part romantic suspense, with a unique plot and a quick pace.The killers in this book get bonus points for creativity. Why use a boring old gun when you can make a statement with snake venom? The whodunit of this case kept me guessing throughout.The main characters are well developed. With Leah, the words that kept coming to mind were “staunch” and “stiff.” She’s the kind of person you could work alongside for a decade and still not know much about. Jon comes across as more relaxed, and he’s ultimately good for Leah, breaking down her walls of defense.When I requested this book to review, I didn’t realize it was Christian fiction. Admittedly, this is not a genre I typically read. This aspect is more of an undercurrent, as the characters explore their personal issues with faith in a way that many people struggle with throughout their lives, but the content isn’t at all preachy.

[vintagebeckie · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I have been on a bit of a suspense reading-kick lately. I love the twists and turns and hold your breath action that the genre provides. Fatal Strike by DiAnn Mills was another fast-paced, action packed read that kept me guessing. Gang activity, shootouts, hot pursuits, and some particularly slithery characters are all part of what keeps this book’s pages turning late into the night. I could not get enough! The mystery surrounding three law enforcement-related deaths on Galveston Island kept me guessing — I had my doubts about so many of the suspicious characters. And I loved FBI investigators/snipers Leah Riesel and Jon Colbert. Dedicated to justice and highly competent and expert in their field, these two mains were perfect in portraying the professionals that they are. I really liked the methodical investigation that slowly, but surely uncovered clues and the many secrets surrounding the crimes and their victims. That was a great balance to the dangerous situations that seemed to come out of nowhere. I also liked that the attraction between the two was kept low-key. So often romantic suspense is all about the sparks with the plot being just a vehicle for romance. But Fatal Strike has just the right balance that kept the events believable. The faith journeys of the two characters — one a seeker and one a non-believer — was naturally developed as well. Family issues, fears, and past mistakes were overcome with the help of God.If you like puzzling out a mystery, the breath-holding of suspense, and the beginnings of romance, then Fatal Strike is the book for you. It is definitely a recommended read!Recommended.Audience: adults.(Thanks to Tyndale for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)