4.5-STAR REVIEW: THE TAKEN by Donnette Smith

Spirit Walkers: Book 3
Publication Date: November 6, 2023

All Jenna Langley wanted was a chance to finally marry the man of her dreams. But when the spirit of a dead girl shows up at her wedding that only she can see, it becomes clear Jenna’s latest brush with death has caused the heightening of her psychic abilities to reach an unfamiliar and frightening level. Her new husband, Detective Cole Rainwater, vows to do whatever it takes to get to the root of Jenna’s disturbing sightings. But before he can investigate this mystery, his bride is taken right under his nose.

What started as a romantic honeymoon has turned into a fight for Jenna’s life. And the only path to freedom is through the help and guidance of a dead girl who was once the victim of the sex traffickers that have stolen away with Jenna.

For all intents and purposes, Jenna Rainwater should be the happiest woman in the world. She and Cole have tied the knot and are heading for their honeymoon.

However, author Donnette Smith throws a wrench in the plans when Jenna is kidnapped by sex traffickers. Jenna’s psychic abilities allow her to communicate with a former dead victim, giving her a bit of an edge.

The Taken provides an action-packed thriller shedding light on the sex trafficking trade. There are references earlier in the story to the challenges Jenna and Cole have faced to get to the altar, including a showdown with a serial killer and being buried alive.

The story includes plenty of detailed spice, so readers who prefer it left to their imagination will want to do some skipping.

The action, though, is top-notch as Jenna fights for her freedom and unravels the message conveyed by the dead girl, ultimately exposing a trail of corruption.

The Taken serves as another adventure in the Spirit Walkers series, once again threatening to separate the two main characters.

Although not a native Texan, Donnette Smith has spent more than half her life living in the Lone Star State. She is an entrepreneur and former business owner of Tailor Maid Services LLC. After spending a few years working as a journalist for the Blue Ridge Tribune, she realized her love for writing romantic detective novels. Her stories cover a wide range of genres, from horror, time travel, mystery, fantasy, paranormal, and thriller. But one theme stays the same, there is always a detective solving a crime, and a gorgeous victim he would lay down his life to protect. Donnette’s biggest fascination is with forensic science and crime scene investigations. Her novels include, Cunja, a horror/mystery/suspense that debuted in 2012. Book 1 of The Spirit Walker Series, Killing Dreams, a fantasy/romance story with a paranormal element became available in September of 2021. Book 2 of The Spirit Walker Series, Buried Alive, was published on March 14, 2022. And her latest, book 3 of The Spirit Walkers Series, The Taken.

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