Mountain Witness by Lena Diaz – a Review

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Description:
A woman in hiding and a man on a mission in the Smoky Mountains

Detective Chris Downing doesn’t know much about his neighbor. In the rural town of Destiny, Tennessee, Julie Webb lives a life of seclusion, rarely even offering a smile or wave. Only when Chris hears her frantic screams one night does he gain a glimpse into the life of a woman in hiding, and in saving her life, he is forced to kill her attacker. But Julie’s troubles are only beginning to unravel. When Chris learns the identity of Julie’s attacker, questions of trust are raised and suspicions run high. Together they will uncover the motives of a killerand the undeniable attraction between them.

Review:

Death comes to us all, but by means of murder? That’s sure to keep Julie’s guard up, fend off anyone remotely interested. “Too bad the good manners his mama had instilled in him…wouldn’t allow him to ignore her the way she ignored him.” A blessing, turns out, to live in such proximity to Detective Chris Downing. But wild thoughts invade and derail the promise of the hot, new neighbor: “That maybe Julie Webb knew she was moving next door to a cop all along. That she had planned this whole thing from beginning to end. *(In italics, please – this last line)* That she’d just used Chris as a weapon to commit murder.” Things just got very interesting in Destiny. Mountain Witness is book one in Lena Diaz‘s awesome, new series, Tennessee SWAT. It is a fast-paced, why-is-someone-hell-bent-on-killing-me story packed with intensity and swoons!

Poor Julie can’t catch a break. It’s bad enough that Julie’s marriage hit a downward spiral, but when this attack notifies the assistant district attorney, we soon discover a pending investigation from Nashville is going to reach the small town of Destiny. And here she thought she’d get away from the past; trouble seemingly follows Julie. Will Chris’s theories condemn Julie or exonerate her once and for all? Because, seriously: blaming the victim? Definitely an obstacle to hurdle with the emerging attraction.

Piecing together clues is bittersweet work for Chris because he’s good at his job; it’s gratifying to explain intentions. But, it’s the nefarious nature of the crime, of the plot, to harm Julie, that interferes with the lines of professionalism.

“There was zero doubt now that more than one person was after her, trying to kill her. Whatever was going on was bigger than a soon to be ex-husband wanting to settle the score.”

Revealing privileged information while protecting the victim is delicate business. Chris’s growing feelings for Julie keep him ever vigilant and committed to nabbing the culprit, but maintaining that balance will win you over for sure! Chris is fiercely loyal and determined to make Julie feel safe again. Let me take a moment to pause in deference to Chris’s fellow SWAT officers. Lena Diaz developed camaraderie and unflinching support within each character. Yeeessss…here’s hoping Max’s story is up next!

I loved this book. You never know what you’re made of until your mettle is challenged and I saw wonderful growth and courage in Chris and Julie. They faced tremendous odds in fearsome situations, but they never undermined each other or succumbed to the evil dogging their steps. I did feel as if the end was fast approaching without resolution and I wondered if we’d be straining toward another chapter in the unfolding disaster. I was more than thrilled with its ultimate conclusion, but wished some of the aftermath hadn’t wrapped up so curiously. I’m betting Intrigue’s page count didn’t allow for full exploration. Trust me that Ms. Diaz doesn’t skimp on the feels!

Destiny might be a small town, but its effect on Chris and Julie is transformative. Another fabulous read by Lena Diaz to be sure!

Reviewed by Carmen

Copy supplied for review