With information that could solve a series of murders but endangers the girl he loves, a college boy grapples with what to do--and whom to trust. Ethan Langley is home for the summer, eager to renew his friendship with Vanessa Jessup and her infant son, Carter. And her parents, Police Chief Brill Jessup and her husband, Kurt, approve: Ethan is thoughtful, kind, hard-working, and ambitious. Before Ethan is even settled, a series of random shootings leaves someone he loves dead. While police are scrambling for suspects, Ethan learns shocking details that could break the case--but it imperils the lives of those he's come to love. Going to the police with what he knows endangers Vanessa and Carter . . . yet not telling them is just as dangerous. He's been dealt a risky hand in a game for which he doesn't know the rules. Will he make the right call?
Best-selling suspense novelist Kathy Herman has written twenty novels—including the Secrets or Roux River Bayou Series, Sophie Trace Series, the Seaport Suspense Series, and the Phantom Hollow Series—since retiring from her family’s Christian bookstore business. She and her late husband Paul have a blended family of three grown children. Kathy lives in the Northwest.
I enjoyed this final installment in the series. For me the suspense was not what I expected, more intriguing than edge of my seat. What I liked about this series is all the real issues the characters had to work through.
The book caught my attention during the first half of the book and than lost my attention for the rest of the book. The main character in the book did an awesome job though.
Gambling is a terrible addiction. That’s what Steadman Reeves finds out in Kathy Herman’s well crafted novel The Right Call. Steadman falls over the edge, pulling others with him into the pit. Luckily, he doesn’t lose everything. Others are not so lucky and they pay the ultimate price.College boy Ethan Langley gets caught up in Steadman’s plight and finds this awful situation threatening Vanessa Jessup, the girl he’s crazy about.
Ethan has come home for the summer to Sophie Trace, Tennessee in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains and is eager to find out if he still has a friendship with Vanessa and her infant son Carter. Without getting preachy, author Kathy Herman is able to finesse her point that we can’t avoid the consequences of the choices we make.
Ethan envisions a typical summer for a college boy, a short-term job at his uncle’s business and a good deal of free time to discover if there’s more than friendship in his relationship with Vanessa. However, before he can start romancing the girl of his dreams, his cousin Drew’s roommate is shot to death. Drew tries to revive Tal Davison, only son of the richest man in town, but the boy slips away. Drew then becomes a suspect. Vanessa’s mother, Police Chief Brill Jessup, investigates and Drew is cleared, but soon after is shot to death in front of Vanessa while she is holding her infant son.
Ethan is left reeling by Drew’s murder and feels guilty for going on with his job and his pursuit of Vanessa. He’s also worried Vanessa may be the killer’s next target. Enter Steadman Reeves, who seems about to have a nervous breakdown. Steadman tells Ethan how, because of his addiction to gambling, a bizarre plot was constructed that could frame him for the murder of Tal Davison. The conspirator did a good job, everything points to Steadman’s guilt.
Ethan does some investigating of his own and Steadman provides more information demonstrating his innocence. Ethan gets closer to the truth and realizes Drew’s murder is related to the first murder. Then a thug attacks Ethan and threatens the safety of Vanessa and little Carter. He feels he has no choice but to back off the case, after all Steadman’s sins have gotten him into this mess, but the death toll keeps rising.
A great deal of soul-searching helps Ethan decide he can’t let those responsible for Drew’s death get away with cold-blooded murder. For me, as a murder mystery lover, one of the best things about the book is that the identity of the person behind the killings is a shocker.
This is the last of the Sophie Trace suspense series. However, it can be read as a standalone novel. My only criticism is that sometimes details are repeated, especially in dialogue by characters who frequent the local coffee shop. I enjoyed the plot twists and turns and my heart was warmed when the romance ended in a charming way. This novel is a wonderful read.
“A man is a slave to whatever has mastered him. 2 Peter 2:19,� it’s a biblical truth played out in, The Right Call. Kathy Herman shows how we’re all slaves to something—either to God and righteousness, or to the flesh and its demands. I love how Kathy Herman brings bible truths to life and for that reason I jumped at the chance to receive a review copy of The Right Call � which is the final book in this series.
All Ethan wanted to do for the summer was spend time with Vanessa and her little son, Carter, to see if they had something more than a friendship between them. But, an unexpected death has Ethan reeling in grief over someone he loved. He almost feels guilty about wanting to hang out with Vanessa and concentrate on their growing love for one another, until a co-worker, Stedman Reeves, calls Ethan, all in a panic, and asks for his help. Stedman is up front about his addictions and how it’s lead him to be framed for a murder. All the proof points to Steadman’s guilt, and he knows that there is no way he can prove his innocence. Steadman begs Ethan to go to Vanessa’s mother, Police Chief Brill, with the facts he’s just heard. Ethan’s been dealt another blow. He’s faced with the hardest choice of his life. Will he make the right call?
This is definitely a page turning and suspenseful story, that's intermingled with heart altering truths brought to life. I also enjoyed the town Kathy created, along with its supporting characters at Nick’s Grill. Not only did you get to see the police chief up-close and personal at work and with her family, but Kathy gives you a glimpse into what the town thought of her and what was happening around them. The restaurant most of the town people ate at, sort of reminded me of the T.V. show Cheers, 'where everyone knows your name'. It’s where they ate, had fun, the food sounded great and the fellowship was even better. I will most definitely be reading more of Kathy Herman.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising�
Nora St. Laurent The Book Club Network The Book Club Network Book Fun Magazine
"Kathy Herman's The Right Call is a tour de force of all that's best in her books--deep family connections, emotions that ring true and heart-speeding suspense. Put this on your TBR pile for sure!"
So glad I read this story The Right Call, has helped me to realize what an addictive world we live in, how sometimes doing the right thing is so much harder than we think possible! How important principals and knowing our God is watching our every move so doing the right thing is extra important! We need to be ready to always do the uncalled to correct the wrong in ourselves so that others can want to follow! I am so blessed to have read this amazing book and you will too. Kathy Herman has done it again turned reading (The Right Call) into learning how sometimes impossible things can be possible when you know God is in your life we know more what an addictive world we live in and how this needs to change at least in my life! Thank you so much for an amazing story! Loved the ending an can’t wait to find out what happens with Ethan Langley & Vanessa??
Pride goes before a fall. This is evident when a father would kill the son he raised because their DNA doesn't match. Some of the best dads are those whose kids are not biologically theirs. Also, money is the root of all kinds of evil. When it is your "god", your worship is definitely misplaced.
Miss Kathy has given several great Biblical lessons in this novel. Love your neighbor is one. Ethan maintained a Jesus type attitude by standing for someone falsely accused of a serious crime. By doing so, he most likely brought a lost soul to the Savior. Once again, she produced a great story that kept me turning pages until the very end. All her works are fit for all the family to read and be blessed.
Hard decisions make this an intriguing story to the end, especially for a college boy. To be loved and excepted by Vanessa and her family. Things turn ugly and who to turn to, her Dad was Chief Of Police. A murder, and putting people he loved in danger, which ever way he turns. Well done, and the series was a good.
I have had The Sophie Trace Trilogy on my To-Read list since 2012, and I regret having waited so long to read it. (Actually, I read The Roux River Bayou Trilogy, the sequel series, first.)
It really didn't matter; Kathy Herman's books can be read and enjoyed in any order.
I think this was the best book in the trilogy. I loved the story, the suspense and the ending. I love be that there will be more to the story in the next series.
So this guy has a gambling problem.. a big one.. and how is he going to pay it off? By killing someone... just a one time thing to erase his debt... but he chickens out and this kid ends up dead anyhow along with another girl.. so whodunit?
That is the question.
The Right Call takes you down a suspenseful road of whodunit and reasons behind why it's happening even though they don't see it. Addictions - gambling, drinking, smokes and other sins like pride are displayed and shown how destructive they can be over time.
This is the third book in the Sophie Trace Trilogy. I haven't read the first two. It was good as a stand alone, but there were a few parts that I know I would have gotten better at the beginning of the story if I had already read the first two books. That being said, it was still easy to pick up and read.
I liked how Herman made the characters all collide together without them knowing it. It melded the story smoothly together and allowed me to get the big picture. I love the "old folk" group in there, especially when the one guy gets asked how are you? and he always replies "I can't complain, but I always do." LOL. That just torched me each time.
Seriously though Kathy Herman takes a good look at life through this suspense-filled book and how small sins can overtake our lives and destroy what we've built. It made me pensive about them and how/what sins I let control me.
The only two things that I didn't care for in the book was that it repeated itself a few times over - reestablishing the characters -- reminded me of school.. which I kinda get, just not my favorite thing; felt like it was drilling it into me.. of course I forget things easily so it did make the characters stick well in my head.. so it wasn't a huge issue and probably not a bad thing.. just something I noticed. And the other thing that bothered me was that I started at book three! Now I'll have to get copies of books one and two so I can read them in order!!! ***Special thanks to Audra Jennings of The B&B Media Group for sending me a review copy.***
'The Right Call' is the third book in the Sophie Trace trilogy, a fact I was unaware of when I picked up the book to read. I began the book with no expectations, I just wanted a mystery to tide me over for the weekend, unfortunately I wound up very disappointed. The book begins with an apparently 'random' series of shootings where three people are killed. This is quickly followed by the fourth shooting of a potential witness in front of the police chief's daughter, Vanessa. Vanessa and her boyfriend, Ethan (who happened to be the cousin of the fourth shooting victim) are now drawn into the 'murderous mystery'. However, there are several serious issues with this book. The first being the plot. Ethan is described as a God-fearing, smart, logical, young man who despite his personal connection with the police chief decides it would be best to not mention to her that he was warned at knife point to walk away or 'they' would kill his girlfriend and her son. What? Where did that smart young man suddenly go? Sadly, this was only a minor example of the character and plot line disconnect. Despite guessing almost immediately who the antagonist was and roughly how he had accomplished the murders, Herman spent very little time developing his character. This contributed to making the conclusion less satisfying. Lastly, 'The Right Call' is distinctly Christian. In fact I would define it as a Christian mystery, if such a thing exists. The primary message I received from the characters was the wonder of God's love. This is not a bad thing, but I would have liked to have known before I started the book that one of the primary drives was to spread the word of God. All in all, I finished the book in hopes that it would suddenly improve or at least become more tolerable; it didn't. The mystery is sugary sweet and insubstantial.
Kathy Herman’s book, The Right Call, the third book of the Sophie Trace Trilogy, which also includes The Real Enemy and The Last Word, picks right up with another thrilling, dangerous episode that includes Police Chief Brill Jessup, which ultimately endangers her family and her daughter’s boyfriend, Ethan. If you have read the previous two books, you are well-acquainted with the well-rounded, in-depth issues and characters of the Jessup family.
The Right Call drives you right into the center of murder by hire, random shootings, greed, addiction, deeply held secrets, and poor choices made by some of her characters, affecting whole town of Sophie Trace.
Ethan learns of details behind the deaths of five people that could break open the case. However, his decision to disclose this information will affect the lives of others and maybe even himself. Even if he doesn’t disclose the information, other lives are still at stake. His walk with the Lord gives him insights and wisdom of what to do in this deadly situation.
Kathy’s novel will show you that we are all addicted to something, and what or Who we choose to follow will make all the difference in the world. Choices we make do not just affect just ourselves–there’s a ripple effect of consequences that incorporates others around us. The importance of a relationship with God, so that you can call on Him for wisdom and direction in making decisions in difficult situations, is one of the main insights gleaned from this book. I highly recommend the whole series.
This book was provided free by Audra of The B & B Media Group, Inc., for my honest review of the book. No monetary incentives were received to gain a positive review by myself.
THE RIGHT CALL is the third and final book in the Sophie Trace Trilogy. Police Chief, Brill Jessup, has had her struggles both personally and professionally. But, with her marriage back on track, her college age daughter at home with her infant son, and the town of Sophie Trace regaining its small town charm, all seems well. Unfortunately, the peace is shattered by a string of shootings.
Ethan Langley returns to Sophie Trace anxious to explore his relationship with Vanessa Jessup and her son, Carter. But when his cousin is shot in a string of random killings, his world begins to spiral out of control. When he finds out information about the shootings his life and the life of Vanessa and Carter are threatened. He struggles with doing what is right or what is safe.
Though I didn’t read the first book in the Sophie Trace Trilogy, I have thoroughly enjoyed book two, THE LAST WORD, and THE RIGHT CALL. The Jessup family is not without their flaws, but familiar and inviting. The characters that work with Chief Jessup in the Sophie Trace precinct are rich as well. But, the characters that gather at the local coffee shop though quaint, become a bit bothersome after a while. I found myself breezing over the sections containing their dialogue because I felt it slowed the story down.
Kathy Herman is a talent storyteller that knows how to keep her readers interest.
Everyone has adjusted to the recent uproar in their lives, when Vanessa announced she was pregnant by one of her college professors. Vanessa’s son, Carter is growing up fast.
Before Ethan Langley went back to college; He and Vanessa were starting up a romantic relationship. Now that Ethan is back in town, Vanessa can’t wait to see Ethan again. Before things can really get heated up, Ethan’s Cousin, Drew’s room mate is killed in a drive by shooting. There is something about the shooting that doesn’t seem right to Ethan. The more Ethan digs the deeper things get. He uncovers something that could tear two families apart. Ethan must make a difficult choice.
The Right Call is the third and final novel in the Sophie Trace Trilogy. It can be read and enjoyed as a stand alone novel. This story line doesn’t intertwine with the prior events in the last novel. I like that Ethan had a stronger part in this book. He seemed like a nice guy in the last book from the brief appearance that he made. This story had just the right amount of romance mixed with intrigue to make it The Right Call about reading it. I have grown to like the Jessup family. I will be sorry to see them go. I will be keeping an eye on author, Kathy Herman and what she comes out with next.
"The Right Call" by Kathy Herman, is the last book in the Sophie Trace triology and it is a very heart felt book. Center around the latest mystery that has risen up in the small town of Sophie Trace, "The Right Call" addresses how easy it is to let addictions of anything in ones life, from the extremes of gambling to even lying, can have deep trench ramifications to the lives of oneself and to that of others around you.
Both bittersweet and a heart warming love story with familiar characters, "The Right Call" is not only page turning but it shows how no one is immune from the choices that they make when they let addictions get the best of them.
What I enjoyed most was how it focus more on Vanessa Jessup and Ethan Langley and in the midst of the murder and mayhem that is around them, their budding romance.
The only cons that I could really find was the ending felt just a little rushed but at the same time, it doesn't take away from the over all story that does capture your attention and at the end of your seat.
A great read for the coming summer nights, I recommend you give the Sophie Trace triology a try if you are in the mood for a little mystery in your life.
Since this is my first venture into Sophie Trace, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I’ve loved J.D. Robb’s In Death books and was pleasantly surprised to find that this is a good comparison. With emotional ties that keep her closely connected to friends and neighbors throughout the book, Brill is able to systematically take the evidence apart and follow the trails wherever they may go. With just enough crime specific details to be believable, The Right Call is an emotional journey that will take you down the path of wondering how far you can trust someone when they’ve proven unreliable. It’s also a good balance of crime story/mystery and drama. With just enough danger to make you cringe, but not enough to be unrealistic, it’s a tight story with fast pacing and great characters you want to follow. The spiritual questions are solid without overwhelming the story and the mystery is complex enough to keep you interested until the very end.
I thoroughly enjoyed my venture into Sophie Trace and look forward to whatever Kathy Herman brings to the table for her next adventure.
When I received "The Right Call", I knew that it was the last book in the series. I wasn't sure how it would do for a stand-alone book, but it fared very well. The story and the characters didn't rely on the previous books and were easy to get to know. There was references to past happenings, but nothing that would make you feel like you needed to read the others in the series or you were really missing something.
I really enjoyed "The Right Call". It was a fast paced mystery packed with murder and excitement. It was full of twists and turns and along with the mystery, was a side story of romance. I found myself on the edge of my seat more than once. I found Kathy's writing style captivating and her characters likable and quite realistic, especially Ethan. I found that after I finished the book, I wanted to know more about these people and their lives! I now have put the first two books " The Real Enemy" and "The Last Word" down on my TBR list.
The third book in the Sophie Trace Trilogy, The Right Call offers up another tale full of suspense, crime and adventure. If you haven’t read the first two books in the trilogy, it might be helpful to do so to become more familiar with the character’s backgrounds. The story revolves around Ethan Langley who comes home from college and has plans to further his romantic relationship with Vanessa Jessup. (Vanessa is also a college student, a single mom, and the daughter of the police chief.) Instead of being able to focus 100% on Vanessa, Ethan finds himself consoling his cousin Drew, who finds his roommate dead from a gunshot wound. When a second college student is shot and killed, things become even more complicated in Sophie Trace. The plot thickens as Ethan learns information about the shootings that could break the case wide open � he also faces the risk of endangering the ones he loves.
I enjoyed this one a lot more than its predecessor, The Last Word. The third in the Sophie Trace Trilogy, this story is from Ethan's viewpoint. We met him at the beginning of the previous book, and he's returned for the summer to work and save money, as well as spend time with Vanessa and her baby, Carter. Their romance is sweet, and Vanessa has certainly grown up since the last book.
While there are references to the previous two books, this one stands alone just fine. The premise was a bit implausible and certainly predictable. However, it was also enthralling and captured my attention. The typical small-town drama is there, as well as the familiar faces at the restaurant lunch counter who discuss the latest criminal events and add an interesting subplot. But it's a fast read and perfect for an afternoon escape.