Dead Center is the fifth book in Susan Sleeman‘s Truth Seekers series. In this story, we witness the drama when Veritas Center co-workers Grady Houston, weapons expert, and Ainslie Duncan, forensic photographer, are forced to work together to clear Ainslie’s brother of a murder charge.
Ainslie Duncan is a new edition to the Veritas team. Hired by Sierra Byrd, the forensics partner of the Veritas Center, Ainslie is determined to stand on her own two feet and ignore the attraction to has to a certain weapons specialist. But when her brother is arrested for a murder she is sure he didn’t commit and her life is put on the line, she has no choice but to accept the help of her boss, Grady, and their team.

Grady Houston knows everything about firearms, amunition, and the tools that make a great marksman. We’ve seen him in the previous Truth Seeker books as he’s answered questions about weapons, bullets, and the like. In Dead Center, his expertise becomes a vital part of the investigation to clear Ainslie’s brother and keep Ainslie alive. Whether that puts his heart at risk is something he has to deal with since there’s no way he will ever spill the secrets of his past.
Let met start out by saying that I love Susan Sleeman’s books. However, Dead Center didn’t begin as one of my favorites. There’s a lot of technicality, which is fascinating, but the story took it’s time gaining traction. But, Grady and Ainslie made this story and by the end, I didn’t want to say goodbye to their characters. They had a subtle, excellent character arc that truly made this story great.
If you’ve been following along with the Truth Seeker series, don’t miss this installment. Grady and Ainslie are worth getting to know. And the story is fun, too.
I received this book free from the author in order to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”