Holly Garden, PI: Red Is for Rookie: Book 1 in Handcuffed in Texas Series… by Anne Greene

I received a copy of this book from bookfun.org for an honest review

Holly is a private detective who has several agendas. She is trying to clear her dad's name, find out who killed him and prove to her family that she can handle the job of being a PI and being able to protect herself. The action starts at a Valentine's meet party. Holly and her partner Matt are doing security for the party. Holly notices a group of men that look out of place and before you can blink an eye, chaos erupts.

When the fighting and turmoil  is over , Holly finds her partner hurt. She asks someone to call 911. Within minutes they arrive and she notices something doesn't feel right. Her partner is being stuck with a needle and rushed off in an ambulance. Holly can't find out what hospital Matt has been taken to and realizes something is very wrong. Before long , word has gotten back to Holly that Matt has been kidnapped . Why would someone want to kidnap her partner? The bigger question is who is Stryker? Why was he at the party as security also?

I found the book to be a light quirky and funny mystery. Holly tried to put out a fire with a prime rib, she seems to always be just a few feet away from danger and she is hopelessly clumsy. Her character is very well written and centers on her faith. She has two men vying for her attention, but she is so distracted by the case, will she miss her chance at love? The story flows effortlessly and with action that keeps you glued to the pages.

The author references scriptures throughout the book in a thoughtful way. I loved her use of Deuteronomy 31:8 " The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid ; do not be discouraged."  What a great encouragement for Holly as she tries to shuffle through a case that can save her partner and perhaps clear her dad's name. The author wrote "If a place is dark, even a flickering candle sheds a lot of light." Holly uses her faith to shine light on the darkness that surrounds her life. I am excited to know that there will be another book in this series. Thank you Anne Greene for an amazing mystery and a story filled with hope and God's direction.