Reef Runner

Book Three of the Patty O'Donnell Series

Reef Runner Cover

Patty O'Donnell has everything she could want in life--a loving husband, a job she enjoys, and a year-old daughter she adores. An enemy from the past needs to make a lot of money quickly and believes he can use Patty's skills and talents. Forced to choose between life as his slave and her daughter's safety, Patty sacrifices her own future to save her child.

Every step takes Patty deeper into a world of theft and deception. A scam on the Great Barrier Reef nets two very different results--financial gain, and the unexpected attention of a dangerous crime boss, who offers them both a choice. Serve him, or die.

Download Chapter One in pdf

About the Book

Story and Character information coming soon.

What they are saying about Reef Runner

This is another enjoyable cozy mystery right in line with the previous Patty books. Pepper Smith once again takes readers to a beautiful and exotic location. The romance is not a key element in this story as the relationship between Patty and her husband is already firmly cemented so if you are looking for a romantic mystery this might not give you the relationship you want. But the interaction between Patty and the other characters is top notch. The "bad guys" are wonderful characters and each was so fully developed that I couldn't help but feel a connection with them whether they instilled good feelings or bad. The secondary characters added plenty of zest. Once again I felt like I not only enjoyed the book but that I gained knowledge on new subjects. If you have never read a Patty O'Donnell mystery I suggest picking up the first two and reading them before this one, not because you need them to follow along, more for the fact that you will spoil the endings of the others if you read them out of sequence. As always I find myself wondering just what our leading lady will get up to in her next adventure, and I cannot wait to find out.

Pauline Michael, Night Owl Reviews
Rating: 3.75 Stars

Full review here.

REEF RUNNER is another awesome suspense story penned by the very talented Pepper Smith. Ms. Smith draws her readers in with her vivid imagery, charismatic characters and an edgy storyline that will keep you on the rim of your seat. I did not put REEF RUNNER down until I turned the last page. I was completely captivated by the suspense and the desire to see how the tale would end. I absolutely love the character of Patty. She is strong-willed, adaptable to any situation and her sense of right and wrong is commendable. I also commend her commitment to her family and the unwavering love she has for her husband. The secondary characters are just as compelling as the main characters. I am anxiously waiting for more of Ms. Smith's work.

Billie Jo, Romance Junkies Reviewer
Rating: 4.5 (of 5)

Full review here

Pepper Smith's voice and pacing have improved with each novel she writes. The clean lines of her plots, coupled with the uniquely real irresistible force of Patty O'Donnell's character coming up against the immovable Mick Jarratt, will hold readers to the edge of their seats until the very last page.

I give this book a Muse Mark of Highly Recommended for its fast pacing and thrilling plot.

Maryann Schneider, Muse Book Reviewer

This book was a great adventure with an exciting plot line that flowed very smooth and easy. The characters throughout this story were highly developed, detailed, and completely fascinating. I thought that the locations in REEF RUNNER were very descriptive and stunning. They had me wishing for a sandy beach and an exotic drink. I enjoyed this story immensely and thought that the author did a great job of conveying Patty's strength and frustrations. This was the first Patty O'Donnell adventure that I have read and I truly cannot wait to go back and read each one in this series. I think that REEF RUNNER is a book not to be missed, so I'm giving it 5 angels and a Recommended Read.

Tammy, Fallen Angel Reviews

Full review here

Ms. Pepper Smith has written an exciting novel full of changing landscapes and ever changing villains. The heroine shows her strength and ingenuity while dealing with impossible obstacles. The hero is really the villain with a heart. Although he has a strange way of showing it, he cares enough to keep the heroine close. The plot changes will keep any reader enthralled till the surprise ending. I really enjoyed this book.

Kathy, Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance
Rating: 4 Cups

REEF RUNNER by Ms. Smith is a spine tingling tale of terror helplessness and strength. Readers will immediately empathize with Patty's dilemma as most women will put their family ahead of their own safety. All of the characters, in fact, are wonderfully portrayed with both good and evil tendencies. Mick, who starts out as cold and unfeeling, slowly reveals what is beneath the mask. Collin is a charming man who Patty feels lives in a world of delusion but is actually a rather astute observer. A myriad group of other villains and heroes contribute to turning REEF RUNNER into such an intriguing read. This reviewer couldn't put it down in case she missed anything.

Shaiha, Love Romances Reviewer
Rating: 3 1/2 Hearts