Title: Expert Witness
Author: Rachel Dylan
Pages: 219
Year: 2015
Publisher: Love Inspired Suspense
My rating is 4 stars.
My two favorite things about the Love Inspired Suspense stories is that they get the story going quickly and readers get to see faith in action not just in word. This book is no exception. It takes place in Atlanta, Georgia. The two main characters are Max Preston, a U.S. Marshal and Sydney Berry, a forensic artist and expert witness.
Sydney has given part of her testimony on opening day in the trial of a prominent businessman’s murder trial. She is set to give the bulk of her testimony tomorrow. Due to suspected ties to a local drug gang by the defendant, Sydney is assigned a protective agent from the U.S. Marshal’s Office in the person of Max Preston. Upon leaving the courthouse, she is in immediate need of his protection as she is the target of a drive-by shooting. She is uninjured, but she has been put on notice that she is not safe to go home. She and Max head to a safe house, but soon after arrival their lives are again threatened.
Hereafter, they can no longer be sure who they can trust and are on the run. They are kept in the loop by a couple of co-workers as to the trial of the status as Sydney is determined to complete her testimony so she can give justice to the young murder victim. Another threat from Sydney’s past also enters in to play, that of her abusive ex-boyfriend. He has no idea of the strong woman she has become since their relationship ended when she ran away from him. She ran from him and to a church where she found God and faith in Him. She now lives her faith daily and with Max spending so much time around her, he has begun to renew his childhood faith that had previously been put by the wayside. With constant threats and attempts on their lives, can there be time for a romantic relationship? Can Sydney move beyond her mistrust of men?
This story get the heart pumping from beginning to end with lots of action and suspense. There is little down time, so hold on to your hat! Sydney’s strong faith will be put into action as she must run for her life. Max revisits his past and why he veered from his faith after he sees Sydney’s dependence on God. This is a good story for a rainy afternoon or anytime readers have a few hours. It won’t take long to read as the pages will flip quickly! ( )

Expert Witness by Rachel Dylan is a fast-paced, adrenaline-laced read right from the start. Part of the Love Inspired Suspense series, it is a quick read perfect for busy fans of that genre. It’s perfect to tuck into your carry-on bag for that late summer getaway.

Sidney Berry is a forensic artist and is often called upon to give expert testimony in criminal cases. But the case she is currently on gets a bit personal when multiple attempts are made on her life. US Marshall Max Preston is determined to keep her safe, even when it is hard to tell the good guys from the bad guys.

Both romance and suspense are front and center in Expert Witness. But I never thought that Dylan stinted on details as she fleshed out her characters. The novel is short, but the timeline spans a few weeks so the romance doesn’t really feel too rushed amid all the action. I particularly liked Sidney’s character. A victim of abuse in the past, Sidney takes charge of her own welfare so that she won’t be a victim in the future. Her self-defense skills make her a strong and determined character, not a woman solely depending on others. Her faith is even stronger, and her interactions with the skeptical Max are a big part of the story. Max, for all his strength and courage, has a vulnerable and tender side which makes him a swoon-worthy hero. The only thing I didn’t like was all the bad cops that kept popping up. While I get the trust no one story line, it became a bit too unbelievable.

All in all, though, I liked Expert Witness and look forward to reading more by Rachel Dylan.

Recommended.

Audience: adults.

(Thanks to author for a review copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.) ( )