Still Life by Dani Pettrey

Back Cover: Blacklisted in the photography business over a controversial shot, Avery Tate answered an ad for a crime-scene photographer. She expected to be laughed at, but crime-scene analyst Parker Mitchell hired her outright - and changed her life. But six months ago, when her feelings for Parker became too strong, she left his employ to sort out her heart.

Now, for the first time, Avery is facing the world that rejected her to attend the gallery opening of a photography exhibit for which her friend modeled. But the only image of her friend is a chilling photo of her posing as if dead - and the photographer insists he didn't take the shot. Worse, her friend can't be found, and so Avery immediately calls Parker for help.

As Avery, Parker and their friends in law enforcement dig into the mystery, they find themselves face-to-face with a relentless and deadly thread.


Review: This is the second book in the series, "Chesapeake Valor", and it follows the saga of a crime fighting team made up of old and new friends. The group, a mismatch of companions, is brilliant at solving crimes. With their uniquely different approaches and talents they form a formidable force. One by one, the team buts up against a person they can't quite forget.

This is the story of Parker Mitchell, a crime-scene analyst, and Avery Tate. Avery is a girl from the 'wrong side of the tracks' and would seemingly be the totally wrong sort of girl for a straight shooter like Parker. However, as Avery humbles herself to the Lord and is remade, Parker finds that he can't keep her out of his thoughts or his heart. Problems lurk, however, as old secrets have a way of coming to the surface and past relationships threaten their budding romance before it even begins. To make matters worse, a string of horrific events threaten to tear Avery apart.

While sparks fly between Parker and Avery, Declan is being driven crazy by the compassionate, free spirited Tanner. He can't figure out why she unhinges him so much... or why he acts like a complete jerk around her. For her part, Tanner can't warp her head around Declan. He can seem so nice one moment...and the next she wishes he would just disappear from her life. What is with him? More on this with the next novel, I am sure...

As Avery and Parker struggle to figure out where they stand with each other, a string of seemingly non related crimes is occurring around their city. Despite wanting to take a break from working together, they find themselves once again teamed up as they race against the clock to figure out how a terrorist, an art show, and Avery's oldest friend are all related.

This is an exciting, fast paced novel that will keep you on the edge of your seat and chewing your nails with suspense. I was pleasantly surprised by the twists and turns in this story - particularly the last few twists in the story. I won't say anything more other than I honestly did not see THAT coming...

As a warning, some of the subject matter is quite dark and disturbing. For those who frequently read crime novels I am sure the content is quite mild. For myself, it gave me a pretty bad nightmare! So, read it during the day (not in the middle of the night like I did) or perhaps pick up something a little more light hearted if you tend to be very sensitive to the more sinister side of things.

Thank-you to Graf Martin Communications and Baker Publishing House for a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.