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Coastal Investigation #2

Read Between the Lines

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What happens when someone goes from bestselling author to suspected murderer because of their writing? In Sheila Kell’s highly anticipated novel of treachery, secrecy, and romance, Cassie and JD rush to find a killer while their growing relationship is threatened on two fronts.

Cassie McKay and JD Walker are in a fix again. This time, Cassie’s author friend is suspected of murder.

What stirs the FBI’s suspicions is that the killings are playing out exactly as she wrote them, but before her book is published. It’s up to Cassie and JD to clear the author’s name before it’s too late.

As Cassie and JD attempt to find the killer, cope with Gus's odd affliction, recruit one of JD's exes, argue with Cassie's former FBI husband, and more, they continue to navigate their new relationship throughout these obstacles.

Deadly Betrayal is the second book in the Coastal Investigations series. If you enjoy a thrilling, edge-of-your-seat read, you’ll love this installment of Sheila Kell’s new romantic suspense series.

222 pages, Paperback

Published January 17, 2024

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About the author

Sheila Kell

24 books608 followers
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Sheila Kell writes about the romantic men who leave women’s hearts pounding with a happily ever after built on memorable, adrenaline-pumping stories. Or, (since her editor attempts to cut down her long-windedness) simply “Smokin’ Hot Romance & Intrigue.” Her debut novel, His Desire (HIS Series #1), launched as an Amazon #1 romantic suspense bestseller and Top 100 overall, later winning the Readers’ Favorite award for best romantic suspense novel.

As a Southern girl who has left behind her days with the U.S. Air Force, and as a University Vice President, she can usually be found nestled in the Mississippi woods, where she lives with her cats and all the strays that magically find her front door. When she isn’t writing, she has her nose in a good book, is dealing with the woodland critters who enjoy her back porch, or is wishing she had a genie to do her bidding.

For more information, visit Sheila’s website and subscribe to her newsletter: https://www.sheilakellbooks.com
You may also find and follow Sheila on:
Facebook: @sheilakellbooks
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Goodreads: @sheilakellbooks
BookBub: /authors/sheila-kell
Amazon: /author/sheilakell

Join Sheila's Facebook Reader Group: Sheila's Smokin' Hot Heroines

Contact Sheila for information on her advance teams and other ways to follow: sheila@sheilakell.com

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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
Profile Image for Nadene  (Totally Addicted to Reading).
1,453 reviews211 followers
January 27, 2024
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Read Between the Lines is the second book in the Coastal Chronicles series.  Although a different mystery features in this instalment, readers will gain more by reading Deadly Betrayal first. In Read Between the Lines, Kell delivered another interesting and fast-paced tale of murder, with romance and family drama served on the side.

JD and Cassie are basking in their newness of their rekindled relationship after several years of separation when a new case lands in their laps. This new case involves a bestselling mystery author, Missy Sauvage, and an old friend of Cassie's. Someone is committing murders in the same vein as noted in Missy's latest release. This placed her on the FBI's suspect list. Now it's up to Cassie and JD to find the real killer before they strike again.

The tale which unfolded was engaging. The author provided a sample of the intricacies of the indie publishing world. One sees how helpful beta readers are to authors by helping them to fine tune their book. In Missy's case, though, a beta reader may have carried their help too far. The challenge facing JD and Cassie is to discover if a beta reader is actually responsible or is someone else involved.

The appearance of Cassie's ex-husband added brought more tension in the story. In this instalment, readers gets a clearer picture behind the reason she divorced him. 

The killer's POV added another layer of intrigue to the story. One can tell this person believed in what they were doing. Also, they saw their kills as an act of love, which Missy would appreciate.  I like the fact that although I suspected the villain's identity, I couldn't confirm it until the author made the revelation. Unlike Deadly Betrayal, Read Between the Lines gave us more of JD and Cassie's relationship.  I loved how their relationship blossomed even in the face of jealousy and interferences from the ex-husbands and ex-girlfriends. Also, it was nice to see JD bonding with his son.

Overall, this was a solid sequel. The story wrapped up nicely with a lovely ending. Not sure if there will be more stories featuring this couple, but I wouldn't mind if the author continues with the series.This review was originally posted on Totally Addicted to Reading
Profile Image for Paula.
1,831 reviews4 followers
Read
November 22, 2023
I volunteered to read and review an advanced readers copy of Read between the lines . I really enjoyed reading this story . Cassie McKay is at her best friend
Missy's book signing when the FBI takes Missy in for questioning . Cassie doesn't trust the FBI after working with them and mostly because of her exhusband Mike .
Cassie and JD her boyfriend -partner at Coastal Investigations decide to look into Missy's case . Someone is replicating the killings in Missy's books . The killer is close to Missy . While trying to play nice with the FBI they find themselves trying to figure out what the ex Mike is up to . This story is spectacular . It's entertaining and intriguing and suspenseful and the characters are great . I highly recommend taking the time to read .
Profile Image for N.N. Heaven.
Author 6 books2,022 followers
January 25, 2024
What happens when a reader takes an author’s murders in a book as commands to prove his love?

Sheila Kell has crafted a riveting story detailing just that in the second book of her Coastal Investigation series.

Cassie McKay and JD Walker need to find the person who’s killing people in the exact same way as the murders best-selling Missy Sauvage has written.

Wait. There’s a twist. The book hasn’t even been published yet.

Wait. There’s another twist. Cassie’s ex, Mike, leads the FBI investigation in this case, threatening to upset the growing romance between Cassie and JD.

The story is told from three points of view: Cassie’s, JD’s, and the killer’s. The inclusion of getting into the mind of the person committing the crimes ramps up the suspense. We get a glimpse of his motive. We also have information the investigators don’t: hints at his next moves.

Read Between the Lines is more than a suspense, though. It’s a story of second chance love, family, and friends. The crew at Coastal Investigation is a tight-knit group and the subplots allow the reader to share in the concern they have for each other.

Every character Kell creates is believable, from JD’s son to the killer. Her ability to show us each person as an individual is second to none.

I recommend this book, even if you haven’t read the first. But just be careful, because once you read it, you’ll be hitting that buy button for its companion.

My Rating: 5 stars

Reviewed by: Terry

This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/po...
3,453 reviews35 followers
January 15, 2024
This is book two in The Coastal Investigations series and it continues Cassie and JD’s story. Cassie’s best friend Missy who is a best selling author is expected of murder because the scene is exactly the same as in her latest book which as only just been released has now happened in real life so now Cassie and JD needs to find the murderer before the FBI makes Missy the scapegoat and while this is all going on Cassie and JD who used to be high school sweethearts years ago but are now in a relationship after reconnecting are having their own problems because Cassie’s ex husband who treated her so badly and works for the FBI is also investigating the murder and is making Cassie and JD’s life even more complicated. Cassie and JD need to concentrate with the task at hand while trying to protect their relationship and be true to each other to stop everything from falling apart yet again. The twists and turns keep coming but will they be able to identify and eliminate the killer before they strike and take away the future and happiness from Cassie and JD while also proving that Missy is innocent. Wow I absolutely loved this book and this action packed series and I read this book in one sitting because I couldn’t put it down as the story takes you in right from the first page and keeps your attention throughout the whole as it was so addictive and I can’t wait to read the next book in this amazing series.
1,228 reviews9 followers
January 17, 2024
Read Between the Lines is the second book set within the Coastal Investigation series. Cassie and JD are still navigating their new relationship and working together when her best friend is questioned about murder cases that follow a little too similar to her unreleased book. As the sticky situation gets messier, will they be able to solidify their relationship and save her friend from the murderer?

I enjoyed reading this book. It was fun to follow the same characters from the first book in the series and watch their relationship continue to develop while centered around a new case. Also, I really enjoyed the concept of the case, of a best-selling author who is facing charges because her unreleased book is having murderous results. Cassie was dedicated to her friend, to helping solve her innocence while battling against her ex and the FBI. I liked that she didn’t give up, but still showed she could use some improvement as a private investigator. JD was trying to figure out his own path with his son, with Cassie, and dealing with his emotions surrounding her ex, all while working on the case with his girlfriend. I have to be honest, I was hoping for a little more involvement with the case, especially since the book started off so strongly with insight into the murderer, but I loved some of the twists and turns that the case took and how events played out in the end. All in all, it was a good book, interesting read, and I hope there’s more in Cassie and JD’s future.
3,246 reviews32 followers
January 2, 2024
We are back in Mississippi and Coastal Investigation, where former FBI analyst , Cassie McKay, and her HS sweetheart, former cop, JD Walker , have not only reconnected and rekindled their relationship but are once again partnered to figure another whodunit.
This time it’s Cassie’s long time friend, Missy Sauvage, a famous suspense author, who is suspected of murder since the latest MO is following the murders in a book yet to be published.
When Mike McKay, Cassie’s ex and the FBI agent in charge, shows up, JD’s jealousy meter goes up, and Cassie is not about to let Mike take over the investigation.
This story, though catalogued as a romance suspense, it’s more a story about the relationship that is building between Cassie and JD as well as the relationships that the members of Coastal Investigation have amongst themselves. Building up the characters for possible future stories.
The story was entertaining and the main characters likable.
I was entrusted a copy of this book. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
2,181 reviews17 followers
January 19, 2024
JD and Cassie are still new in their relationship and second chance when one of Cassie’s friend, Missy, is targeted by a serial killer and Cassie just happens to be there when she is brought in for questioning. They take on the case and due to the allegations, Missy needs a pit bull lawyer, who happens to be JD’s ex. Not only that the FBI is involved and who comes back…Cassie’s ex. The exes wreak havoc on their relationship and a murderer is still on the loose. It will test JD and Cassie’s commitment to each other and their investigative skills to catch the killer.
A good read with suspense, some drama, surprises and good characters. The drama was not over the top, which I loved and the bad guy kept you guessing to who it was. I liked seeing these two again, navigating their personal and professional lives and still working through their HEA. I also liked how JD treated his son, being a new dad and doing what is best for him and their family.
*I voluntarily read an advanced copy and expressed my honest opinion*
Profile Image for Sheila Fowler.
Author 35 books511 followers
January 1, 2024
I love the way Sheila Kell told this story. The killer in first person was brilliant. It also helped to learn the inner workings of the killer before we even meet him.

Cassie and JD are trying to make their relationship work as well as try and protect Cassie's best friend and author Missy Sauvage. Missy's book is coming to life in the worst way possible. A killer is using each murder that she wrote about in a book that hasn't hit the shelves yet. Could the killer be one of her Beta readers? They are the only ones besides her agent and publisher who know the inner workings of her book.

You will enjoy the way the story flows. The killer will be unexpected. There are kinks in JD and Cassie's love life. I can't wait to read more of Coastal Investigations and see who JD and Cassie end up helping next.

617 reviews3 followers
January 11, 2024
Another amazing story by Sheila Kell. Coastal Investigations, CI, to the rescue again. When Cassie’s best friend is pulled in by the FBI she immediately calls her coworkers to get Missy out of a scarey situation. Gathering all of the that they can, JD and Cassie work with the rest of the CI crew before the FBI stops them from doing the job of protecting Missy. Working around the chemistry that JD and Cassie try to keep out of the office gets a little tricky when Cassie’s ex husband shows up as the FBI lead. Alpha male attitudes, a murderer on the loose, a medical scare and dealing with a young boy’s feelings make for a read that you don’t figure out the who dunnit til the end!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
6,406 reviews27 followers
January 15, 2024
This the second book in this wonderful new series and continues the story of JD and Cassie They are navigating their new relationship after reconnecting they were in a schoolyard relationship. This is complicated by two things Cassie best friend Missy is the prime suspect in a murder that eerily replicated the murder scene in her about to be released book and she is the FBI's prime suspect and Mike McKay the man leading the FBI case is non other than Cassie's ex husband. Can JD and Cassie keep their relationship on track even though Mike is trying to destroy it Can they solve the murder and clear Missy's name You will have to read to see

Not only is this a well written murder suspense but it is a brilliant exposay of building relationships and friendship.
Profile Image for Kari Hansen.
11.1k reviews95 followers
January 17, 2024
Cassie finds herself embroiled in another investigation when the suspense books that her friends write are proving to be more fact than fiction. The FBI believe that Missy has inside knowledge of recent events and it is up to Cassie and JD to prove them wrong.

If the case isn’t difficult enough it also brings Cassie’s ex, who is an agent, back into her life which causes some waves both in the case and with the relationship she is building with JD. Let the complications begin!

I am enjoying this series and seeing how Cassie has changed now that JD is in her life as the intrigue keeps you on edge and the surprises keep coming.
746 reviews6 followers
January 11, 2024
I'm really liking this new series from Sheila Kell. The Coastal Investigations cast is interesting and a great team. I enjoyed the blend of the personal relationship along with the case they were working on. Cassie and JD are great leading characters and I'm rooting for them as a couple. The appearance of Cassie's ex makes for an interesting twist to the story. The case they are working on has a number of suspects and I enjoyed a glimpse of the life of a popular author. There was a good blend of action and romance in the story. I received an advance copy and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,055 reviews11 followers
January 17, 2024
I have never read anything by Sheila Kell before, OMG this was fantastic!! Cassie's best friend is Missy Sauvage, famous mystery writer; with her new book Cross my Heart just coming out. Their is a murderer out there imitating the killings in Missy's new book. These killings started before the book came out. So who knew about the storyline; her agent Robert, a reporter Carl, her beta readers or someone else? So who is the real killer? Love the plot, great setting, and strong intense interesting characters.
Profile Image for Sophie Ruthven.
2,146 reviews139 followers
January 15, 2024
While this wasn't my favourite from this author, it was still an enjoyable read.
I think for me personally there was just so much going on it was hard to keep straight and a lot of the characters irked me in this one.
Could just be the head space I'm in because it definitely wasn't a bad book in the slightest.
The twist despite being slightly brushed over was cleverly done and I can't wait to see what she comes up with next.
Profile Image for Aspen G.
1,029 reviews3 followers
January 21, 2024
Read Between the Lines is the highly entertaining continuation of JD and Cassie’s story! With a fresh and fun plot, some new characters, more of the villainous Mike’s antics, and a serial killer on the loose, this story keeps you engaged from start to finish, wondering who the killer is and how they know what they know. The action is intense, the plot twists surprising, and the ending is unexpected. Loved it!

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Fleur.
3,442 reviews26 followers
July 20, 2024
Having this case being one where an author was targeted was intriguing and showed you almost can't trust anyone!
I really enjoyed seeing where JD and Cassie were in life after reconnecting as well as the case they have to work on, unfortunately this case means meeting Cassie's ex who thinks he is all that and a bag of chips.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for NanaX8.
2,201 reviews63 followers
November 24, 2023
Mystery, murder, mayhem and a whodunnit keep Cassie and JD on their toes. Then when you add in a stalkerish ex…or 2 they begin to wonder if their love is real and if they can solve this case together. Grab it…you’ll love it too!!!!
Profile Image for Teresa Reitnauer.
851 reviews4 followers
January 7, 2024
A real who dunit. An interesting plot containing murder, mystery, and romance. Exes for both main characters cause jealousy and doubts about their relationship. I loved the ending. I received a copy, and I'm voluntarily giving my honest review.
86 reviews
November 22, 2023
Great book. Nice story line. You don’t necessarily have to read the first one to understand the story line, but I would read it first. It’s a fast paced story, with good characters.
Profile Image for Stacey.
48 reviews
January 7, 2024
Great book I couldn’t put it down. Very interesting easy to read storyline and of course the romance and mystery. Loved it!
Profile Image for Sarah Storms.
1 review
January 11, 2024
I'm new to Shelia Kell's books. I definitely enjoyed this one and couldn't put it down. I would recommend.
2,719 reviews8 followers
January 27, 2024
I just loved JD and Cassie in book 1, so I was thrilled to see the progression of their relationship in this story. They complement each other so well, and I like watching how they work through their issues. The mystery was interesting and felt unique. The pacing moved quickly, and I was definitely invested in the plot. Looking forward to #3!
Profile Image for HappyThingsBookishDreams.
65 reviews6 followers
January 17, 2024
This book contains:
✔ romance (closed door)
✔ mystery
✔ Single dad trope
✔ Workplace romance

My thoughts:
Read Between the Lines is the second book in the Coastal Investigation series.

Due to its size and simple writing style this book is great if you are looking for a quick read. I enjoyed how the author gives some insight into what it takes to make a book as the story follows a murder mystery that involves an author who is promoting her book.

*I received an review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Cheryl.
1,680 reviews20 followers
January 17, 2024
Twisty suspense! Grabs you at the prologue and carries you on a winding path. Cassie and JD are on their second investigation together, Involving her best friend, an author. While reading this I thought of author Sheila Kell and other authors. I liked how real situations with readers, authors, publishers etc. are woven into this book of fiction. I enjoyed watching Cassie and JD navigate the twists and turns in their relationships while investigating. Closed door always works for me. I get tired of pages after pages of intimate scenes that border erotica. Sheila Kell writes both and always delivers a plot. She always has me second guessing who the perp is. Kudos! This is told from 2 POVs, well 3 if you count the perps occasional POV. For some reason this felt a little young to me on occasion which is a first for me with Sheila but well worth the read and buying! Yes, I buy Sheila's books even if I was the lucky recipient of an arc. Thank you for the arc! I freely volunteer my thoughts and opinions. #ReadBetweenTheLines #CoastalInvestigation #SheilaKell EntangledPublishing Booksprout
Profile Image for Karen.
358 reviews1 follower
March 7, 2024
Another good mystery!

Read Between the Lines continues the relationship between Cassie and JD as they work to solve a new series of murders. The crew from Coastal Investigations make an appearance, and we see hints of Daisy taking a larger role. The romance between JD and Cassie continues. I like how both characters are confident in their professional roles yet show vulnerabilities when it comes to love. Definitely a good mystery to read!
Profile Image for Helen McNabb.
869 reviews9 followers
January 17, 2024
CI 2 - RBtL

Oh I am loving this new series.

It has a tamer storyline, but is still written with strength and character.

Get your copy today.
Profile Image for TJ.
1,676 reviews1 follower
March 4, 2024
We now have book 2 now of Costal Investigations about JD, Cassie and her friend Missy. I wonder if we will get more of this series.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews

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