Cold Shot is the first book in the Chesapeake Valor series by Dani Pettrey.  This book will certainly get readers excited to read subsequent books in the series.  The story resolves itself well, but leaves a desire for learning more about the other characters and their stories.

This narrative is nice because the people in the novel generally behave responsibly and the plot is not moved forward based solely upon foolishness.  The basic premise is interesting and keeps readers engaged.  It also contains a few surprises. 

The plot and character development are more enjoyable than the previous series written by Pettrey. Cold Shot immediately draws a person into the story and gets the action started.  The pacing continues to add excitement and build suspense.  An interesting read with plenty of opportunity for introspection and a touch of romance.

Review of a digital Advanced Reader Copy

This book was sent to Compass Book Ratings for review by Bethany House Publishers

Content Analysis:

Profanity/Language:  None 

Violence/Gore:  Several instances of people pulling guns on others; a body is discovered and a description of its desiccated state is used; many reports of individuals shot in the head; people have blood dripping from various injuries; report of murders and killing for sport, minimal details; characters are shot and bleeding, some fatal others not; two characters strike one another with fists; there is a photo of dead people, including a child and blood is mentioned; report of a person found hung; report of a person being bound, drugged and assaulted, not descriptive; person is tied up and held at gunpoint.

Sex/Nudity:  Non-married characters hug, kiss and hold hands; characters use the word sexy to describe others; rumor that a man charms his way into women’s beds; reports of a man molesting girls, no details; indication that girls were used against their wills for sexual pleasure, but no details; report of a rape, no detail.

Mature Subject Matter:

Human trafficking, report of rape, death of a family member, murder.

Alcohol / Drug Use:

Mentioned in passing that a person was drugged.