Every Clue Matters

Scent of Peril

Series: National Park Protectors, Book 3

Written by Darlene L. Turner

Narrated by Leonor A. Woodworth

Published by Love Inspired Suspense Harlequin Audio

Release Date: 05.26.26

Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense

5 Stars!

Scent of Peril may be my favorite Darlene L. Turner book so far. I absolutely loved this one.

The search for Levi pulls me in from the start. A child in danger will get my attention every time, and I so badly want him found safe. Taylor, Wyatt, and Shadow keep following the clues through the wilderness, and I keep listening because I need to know they will reach him.

This audiobook has that heart-pounding kind of suspense I love, but it also has so much feeling. Wyatt’s fear as a father makes the story ache. Taylor’s courage feels steady, capable, and compassionate. She is strong in a way I really admire. Not cold or distant. Focused and brave. And Shadow is wonderful. The K-9 part of this story is not just exciting. Shadow is important to the search and to the heart of the story.

What makes this one stand out to me is how deeply personal the rescue feels. Levi is never just “the missing child” in a suspense setup. I care about him. I care about every clue he leaves behind. Darlene L. Turner makes the search urgent because the child at the center of it is precious.

The wilderness setting gives everything a rugged, breathless feeling. The attacks and traps make the suspense intense, and the weapons-smuggling thread keeps the danger growing.

Leonor A. Woodworth’s narration is wonderful. Her voice carries the urgency without making it feel too sharp or overdone. I can feel the danger, but I can also feel the tenderness in the story. That means a lot to me. She makes it easy to stay connected to Taylor, Wyatt, Levi, and Shadow, and her narration helps the emotional moments land beautifully.

I especially love the clearly Christian content. Scripture, prayer, trust in God, and lived-out faith are not little decorations tucked around the suspense. They matter. The faith thread gives this story the kind of hope I long for in Christian romantic suspense. The danger is intense, but it never feels like darkness gets the final word.

I highly recommend Scent of Peril. This one gives me the heart-pounding suspense I enjoy and the clearly Christian hope I treasure. What a wonderful audiobook.

I received a digital ARC of this audiobook book from the publisher via NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review and was not compensated in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own and reflect my honest evaluation of the writing, content, and narration.