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The Cost of Betrayal
Deadly Isle
Tennyson Kent is trapped on the isolated island of her childhood by a storm surge, and she is shocked when the typically idyllic community turns into the hunting grounds of a murderer. Cut off from any help from the mainland, will she and first love Callen Frost be able to identify and stop a killer bent on revenge before they become the next victims?
92 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 1, 2019
257 people are currently reading
652 people want to read
About the author
Dani Pettrey
22Ìýbooks2,760ÌýfollowersPraised by New York Times best-selling author Dee Henderson as “a name to look for in romantic suspense,â€� Dani Pettrey has sold nearly a million copies of her novels to readers eagerly awaiting the next release. Dani combines the page-turning adrenaline of a thriller with the chemistry and happy-ever-after of a romance. Her novels stand out for their “wicked pace, snappy dialogue, and likable charactersâ€� (Publishers Weekly), “gripping storyline[s],â€� (RT Book Reviews), and “sizzling undercurrent of romanceâ€� (USA Today).
Her Alaskan Courage series and Chesapeake Valor series have received praise from readers and critics alike and spent multiple months topping the CBA bestseller lists. Dani has also been honored with multiple awards, including the Daphne du Maurier Award, two HOLT Medallions, a Christy Award finalist, two National Readers� Choice Awards, the Gail Wilson Award of Excellence, and Christian Retailing’s Best Award.
She researches murder and mayhem from her home in Maryland. For more information about her novels, visit danipettrey.com
Her Alaskan Courage series and Chesapeake Valor series have received praise from readers and critics alike and spent multiple months topping the CBA bestseller lists. Dani has also been honored with multiple awards, including the Daphne du Maurier Award, two HOLT Medallions, a Christy Award finalist, two National Readers� Choice Awards, the Gail Wilson Award of Excellence, and Christian Retailing’s Best Award.
She researches murder and mayhem from her home in Maryland. For more information about her novels, visit danipettrey.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
August 15, 2019
This is a well written, fast paced romantic suspense novella. It has an intriguing mystery, original locale and likable characters.
February 6, 2019
"Deadly Isle" by Dani Pettrey was intense and had great romantic tension! The pace was swift yet the characters felt fully developed as they work to investigate and solve the mystery so tragically close to home. Teni and Callen have a history and the memories that surfaced while they helped each other during the raging storm brought a sense of belonging and relief.
(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions expressed in this review are my own)
(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions expressed in this review are my own)
October 15, 2018
Deadly Isle was SO good. It is my favorite of the collection and grabbed my attention from the beginning scene. I didn't want to put it down and the writing was fantastic. I was intrigued by the mystery of who was the killer. Great story from beginning to end. I recommend it!
*I received a complimentary eBook copy of The Cost of Betrayal for my honest review. This is my honest opinion.*
*I received a complimentary eBook copy of The Cost of Betrayal for my honest review. This is my honest opinion.*
July 13, 2020
A quickie story set during a storm on an East-Coast island. First Teni’s cousin is murdered, but before they can solve the murder, multiple attempts are made on Teni’s life too. Sorting out motivations and suspects definitely kept me guessing.
June 30, 2019
This romantic suspense is a novella that kept me up late reading. I enjoyed the page turning storyline and loved the characters. I highly recommend to anyone who wants a shorter read and loves a good thriller.
February 6, 2019
I am a die-hard Dani Pettrey fan, her name on the cover is all that's necessary to make me automatically want to read anything she writes! I've been eagerly awaiting this novella since I first heard this collection was happening, and oh wow! It exceeded every single one of my sky high expectations! I LOVED IT SO MUCH! The whole story was incredible and I absolutely devoured every single moment! I adore reunion romances and this one was perfection, as was all the incredible suspense. I love to see diverse characters, and it is so fabulous that the hero in this story had Native American heritage, I loved that! I can't wait to reread this story! Overall, Deadly Isle was everything (and more!) that I dreamed it would be, mere words simply cannot fully convey how much I adored every single second! In case all the gushing above isn't enough of a clue, yes, I HIGHLY recommend this novella, and am waiting with bated breath for Dani's next book! I know I say this a lot, but it's so true, Dani's books are total awesomeness, if you haven't read her books yet, what are waiting for? You NEED Dani's books in your life!
November 4, 2023
Tenni is having a bad day, a really bad day. First her cousin is killed, murdered and there is a bad storm while she is trying to find out what happened. When she suspects someone killed her cousin thinking it was herself, she needs help. Enter her ex boyfriend.
One of my favorite authors, this one just didn’t click with me. Sometimes it just happens. This is part of a published large print book with three different authors. Library book
One of my favorite authors, this one just didn’t click with me. Sometimes it just happens. This is part of a published large print book with three different authors. Library book
September 7, 2018
DEADLY ISLE starts with Ms. Pettrey's usual bang. Teni breaks up with her boyfriend on almost the eve of their wedding, but a race by her teasing cousin, Julia, in hopes of cheering Teni up turns into murder when Julia disappears and is discovered with her head bashed in. Callen is quick to come to Teni's rescue, but he's the last person Teni wants to help since he was the first to break her heart.
As the day progresses, an attempt is made to kill Teni and succeeds in destroying all she holds dear. Not only that but Julia's body has gone missing!
Who is behind this?
This story moves a LOT faster than Ms. Henderson's and I was able to read it in mere hours. I greatly enjoyed getting to know Teni and Callen and even researched some things Ms Pettrey referred to in her book to see what they were.
If you like romantic suspense, do not miss this novella.
As the day progresses, an attempt is made to kill Teni and succeeds in destroying all she holds dear. Not only that but Julia's body has gone missing!
Who is behind this?
This story moves a LOT faster than Ms. Henderson's and I was able to read it in mere hours. I greatly enjoyed getting to know Teni and Callen and even researched some things Ms Pettrey referred to in her book to see what they were.
If you like romantic suspense, do not miss this novella.
August 4, 2020
Now this is suspense! From the very first page, the action and stakes were high—and they kept rising! The characters were three-dimensional and interesting, and the backstories were inserted in small chunks along the way to help fill in the blanks of the past as we cruised through the present.
The mystery surrounding a murder off the coast of an island during a nor’easter was wonderful. I enjoyed how the weather played a large role in this novella. That was a brilliant touch by the author, and delivered well. The way clues were dropped here and there along the way was great, but I still didn’t figure out who was behind it before the big reveal. Well done, Mrs. Pettrey!
Content: one sexual term, a couple of derogatory terms, mention of a one-night stand (with a drug involved)
The mystery surrounding a murder off the coast of an island during a nor’easter was wonderful. I enjoyed how the weather played a large role in this novella. That was a brilliant touch by the author, and delivered well. The way clues were dropped here and there along the way was great, but I still didn’t figure out who was behind it before the big reveal. Well done, Mrs. Pettrey!
Content: one sexual term, a couple of derogatory terms, mention of a one-night stand (with a drug involved)
June 10, 2019
This novella is fast-paced and intriguing. There are many possible villains and the romance and suspense balance is excellent. The relationship feels naturally developed and the mystery kept me guessing.
May 26, 2025
2nd story of 3 novellas.
January 21, 2019
Deadly Isle by Dani Pettrey was a very thrilling novella that kept me guessing the entire time. Dani Pettrey kept the action moving throughout the novella. Tennyson Kent’s cousin died suspiciously the same day that Tennyson’s house exploded while she was supposed to be inside. With help from former boyfriend Callen Frost, they search for answers of who is behind the crimes before another life is taken too soon. I really enjoyed the characters� belief in God and their prayers to him during the difficult times they faced. I look forward to reading other books by this author!
February 5, 2019
Dani Pettrey is a huge favorite of mine and I never miss anything she writes. I am a forever fan. This time around she ramps up the suspense on an island with a huge storm. Oh, it's good! Don't miss this one. I loved every minute!
December 29, 2018
Deadly Isle, one of the novellas included in The Cost of Betrayal collection, is classic Dani Pettrey. Fast-paced action, likable characters, romantic sparks, and twists that will keep you guessing are all included. The novella is set on a small, private island off the coast of Maryland. Talbot boasts an independent community that values their historic roots. But some harbor animosity for the owner, Tennyson Teni Kent. But who could hate her enough to kill her? The attacks come fast and furious, but Teni is a trained investigator and along with her first love, Callen Frost, she is determined to uncover who the threat really is. Pettrey kept me guessing � there were several very suspicious characters lurking on the island. The stormy and isolated setting added great atmosphere, and the romance was both sweet and electric! I really liked the two main characters and would love for them to make an appearance in another novel.
If you are looking for a quick and suspenseful, then Deadly Isle is a great choice.
Recommended.
Audience: adults.
(Thanks to Bethany House for a complimentary copy of Cost of Betrayal. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)
If you are looking for a quick and suspenseful, then Deadly Isle is a great choice.
Recommended.
Audience: adults.
(Thanks to Bethany House for a complimentary copy of Cost of Betrayal. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)
September 23, 2024
FL's cousin got murdered then her house exploded.She stayed with ML and next day they patched up and shared a kiss. Then she was attacked. They further solidified their relationship and exchanged(random) love declarations. Then they caught the killer and it was a "HEA".
One dimensional characters.Stupid heroine.She would keep saying that she was a cop and I found it hard to believe.Day 1 started with her sobbing about her painful breakup and broken engagement and next day she was in the arms of the hero and kissing him. This was too much to digest even for a novella. One would think that losing her only family member,she would be consumed with finding the killer,rather than kissing the hero and also be having atleast some kind of feelings for a person she was about to marry.It was not even that she broke the engagement because she was in love with ML.She would have got married if the other person hadnt refused to get married.
There was no one to root for in this book.
One dimensional characters.Stupid heroine.She would keep saying that she was a cop and I found it hard to believe.Day 1 started with her sobbing about her painful breakup and broken engagement and next day she was in the arms of the hero and kissing him. This was too much to digest even for a novella. One would think that losing her only family member,she would be consumed with finding the killer,rather than kissing the hero and also be having atleast some kind of feelings for a person she was about to marry.It was not even that she broke the engagement because she was in love with ML.She would have got married if the other person hadnt refused to get married.
There was no one to root for in this book.
September 5, 2018
Deadly Isle is a nice little murder mystery that ended too soon. I realize this is a drawback particular to novellas, but the two main characters, Callen and Teni, were people I wanted to spend more time with, and because novellas are short, there wasn’t enough time to enjoy them fully.
The action-packed story had me guessing to the end as to who the killer might be. I’d settled on three possible suspects, but still felt a little surprise at the reveal. I definitely would have enjoyed understanding more about the killer than the novella’s length allowed.
And, of course, there was romance, which I always enjoy. Faith was an important element in the story, and I like that too. All in all, I’d highly recommend reading Deadly Isle, and give it five stars.
I had pre-ordered the book, but received a copy for review from the publisher. The copy I ordered will be gifted to a friend.
The action-packed story had me guessing to the end as to who the killer might be. I’d settled on three possible suspects, but still felt a little surprise at the reveal. I definitely would have enjoyed understanding more about the killer than the novella’s length allowed.
And, of course, there was romance, which I always enjoy. Faith was an important element in the story, and I like that too. All in all, I’d highly recommend reading Deadly Isle, and give it five stars.
I had pre-ordered the book, but received a copy for review from the publisher. The copy I ordered will be gifted to a friend.
September 16, 2018
Deadly Isle is a novella by Dani Pettrey. It is her contribution to the Cost of Betrayal Collection along with Dee Henderson and Lynette Eason. Readers will be hooked from page one of this romantic murder mystery. Teni and Callen, the main characters, are right in the middle of the action as they are on the hunt for a killer who seems to want them dead as well. I enjoyed this quick murder mystery that kept me guessing until the end. Although this is a novella, readers will still get to know the complex relationship the main characters have, be on the edge of their seats as Teni and Callen search for the killer on a stormy night on an isolated island, and enjoy a Dani Pettrey story with the perfect balance of romance and action!
I was given a copy by the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
I was given a copy by the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
July 17, 2020
Swimming contest with her cousin in the lake out to the buoy and back who had the best time. When Teni got there no cousin, something happen, finding her down current. She was part of the NRP officers reporting any
accident near or on water. With a big storm coming she took pictures, and securing her cousin body in the ice house.They are isolated of getting help and a killer is loose on the island, with Callen help would they find.
A gripping, tense story, the emotion of losing someone as close as a sister, following others in the family who had just died.
Good characters in Teni and Callen as they worked together.
accident near or on water. With a big storm coming she took pictures, and securing her cousin body in the ice house.They are isolated of getting help and a killer is loose on the island, with Callen help would they find.
A gripping, tense story, the emotion of losing someone as close as a sister, following others in the family who had just died.
Good characters in Teni and Callen as they worked together.
April 5, 2019
Dani Pettrey is one of my favourite authors. I usually just buy her books when I can without really reading reviews or what it is about.
She delivered a great suspense filled with action and never ending events. However, for some reason I only liked this. There was some repetition of facts which I found unnecessary, and I knew who the killer was and why as soon as said character were revealed.
Still highly recommended for fans of christian suspense. This is a standalone novella, so if you want to give Dani Pettrey's books a try, this one is a great option.
She delivered a great suspense filled with action and never ending events. However, for some reason I only liked this. There was some repetition of facts which I found unnecessary, and I knew who the killer was and why as soon as said character were revealed.
Still highly recommended for fans of christian suspense. This is a standalone novella, so if you want to give Dani Pettrey's books a try, this one is a great option.
January 3, 2020
I loved Deadly Isle, which comes from the Cost of Betrayal Collection. Dani Pettrey has a knack for mixing mystery with heart-pounding suspense and a sweet romance story. There were so many things I loved about this story: the strength of the heroine, Tennyson 'Teni' Kent, the caring nature of Callen Frost, the believable pacing of their relationship, and enough background info that everything made sense. Topping everything off with a terrifying killer and bad things happening all around Teni makes an unforgettable novella.
December 28, 2020
Wow! This was suspenseful! I never would have guessed the outcome either. The author did a great job building the plot.
The romance aspect wasn’t my favourite, and I did not appreciate a certain description of a mistake the male character made with someone. I do appreciate that the author did not justify it and the male character got right with God.
The main female lead deals with guilt throughout this book, and I like how she turned to God when all hope seemed lost for her.
Good read that I would recommend.
The romance aspect wasn’t my favourite, and I did not appreciate a certain description of a mistake the male character made with someone. I do appreciate that the author did not justify it and the male character got right with God.
The main female lead deals with guilt throughout this book, and I like how she turned to God when all hope seemed lost for her.
Good read that I would recommend.
March 16, 2024
Easy read, and pretty good mystery/romance. Seemed a little rushed in some places. I read this as part of a collection of stories in a book called "Cost of Betrayal". I rated one of the novellas three stars, and did not feel it was fair to score the whole book based on three different authors, so I broke them up, and I am rating them individually.people. Some parts were rushed through, and some parts drug on a bit. I liked the main character in this book, and wish it had been a couple of chapters longer, so I could know the motives and backstory a little bit more on the guilty party.
June 9, 2025
Tennyson Kent is visiting the island off the coast of Maryland that was her childhood love. But when a storm surge comes in and a killer loose on the island starts tracking her, will she and her first love, Callen Frost, be able to stop him?
Dani Pettrey is one of my favorite mystery writers, and this novella did not stop the pace from start to finish. I especially enjoyed that the male lead was a native American and knew much about the island and the area around it. Definitely another good read from Dani Pettrey.
Dani Pettrey is one of my favorite mystery writers, and this novella did not stop the pace from start to finish. I especially enjoyed that the male lead was a native American and knew much about the island and the area around it. Definitely another good read from Dani Pettrey.
February 6, 2019
Wow...loved it! Pettrey delivers an action packed romantic mystery. The opening is engaging and held my interest throughout the book. If you love murder, mystery, and stories of betrayal, you’ll love this novella.
I was provided a copy by the publisher. I am providing my honest review & I honestly LOVED it!
I was provided a copy by the publisher. I am providing my honest review & I honestly LOVED it!
August 15, 2019
the isolated island of Tennyson Kent childhood is having a major storm that is leaving her and everyone trapped with a madman that is using the island as his hunting grounds and no one can get to the island to help her. Tennyson realizes the only person who can help is Callen Frost. The very first love.
March 15, 2020
What a wonderful story! This story had so much in it even though it was a novella. It had action, love and most importantly God. I loved Callen, he was trying to fix mistakes from his past. He had a rock solid faith in God. Teni had struggled a lot and had her faith shaken. She came back to God and her faith was restored. Highly recommend this book. I loved it!!
March 27, 2022
Good read
Whew!!!! Buckle up for a roller coaster ride from the very first page to the last page. This is a really good story from start to finish, a quick read and very well written......I almost always figure out who done it, but I didn't this time. I highly recommend this story.
Whew!!!! Buckle up for a roller coaster ride from the very first page to the last page. This is a really good story from start to finish, a quick read and very well written......I almost always figure out who done it, but I didn't this time. I highly recommend this story.
January 24, 2024
Whew, was this a page turner!
The book begins with someone murdering Teni Kent’s best friend and cousin, Julia, then the murder attempts never stop. But who is trying to kill her and destroy her whole life?
A bit of a romance and a genuine faith arc we’re a sweet addition to this already terrific story.
The book begins with someone murdering Teni Kent’s best friend and cousin, Julia, then the murder attempts never stop. But who is trying to kill her and destroy her whole life?
A bit of a romance and a genuine faith arc we’re a sweet addition to this already terrific story.
September 9, 2018
i'm not sure if this island of Maryland is fiction or real in this story but Callen and Teni's story was quick paced through a storm. Sense of betrayal as the book title portrays in the novella collection. What's your new book series Dani? Look forward to that.
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