Former helicopter pilot Maverick Delgardo’s injuries ended his Air Force career, leaving him bitter and one drink away from becoming an alcoholic. When his sister asks for his help on a private protection case to babysit a disgraced pop star, Mav reluctantly agrees.

Deacon Daniels, onetime lead singer and idol to his teenage fans, saw his career and reputation ruined when a reporter’s exposé led to a devastating scandal. Without money or a job, a heartbroken Deacon has lost custody of his baby niece. And just when he thinks his life can’t get any worse, a stalker’s threatening messages escalate to murder.

Mav only agreed to one meeting, but his protective instincts kick in, along with an attraction to Deacon. When the body count increases, however, Mav is unsure he is up to the task of protecting Deacon from a killer. But it is too late for Mav to step away, now that he’s lost his heart, and he must find the strength to reassure Deacon and his niece that they are in safe hands no matter the cost.

Okay, I’m going to preface this review with one word, so that you’ll know what’s coming. Wow. This book? It has been touched by darkness. The motives of the killer are his (or her) own, and they’ll keep you guessing right up until the end.

In the meantime, though… We have Maverick. By all accounts a good man who has had a lot of shit heaped on his plate. He lost part of his leg, and with it, he lost a chunk of his life to the bottle he’s lost himself in. He drinks to drown out…well, everything. It’s easier that way, you see. Only when his sister comes to him because she needs his help, Maverick realizes he’s got little choice. She’s about the only person who cares what happens to him—at least he thinks so—and he can’t refuse.

That brings another person into his life. One Deacon Daniels, who used to be somebody a lifetime ago. Popular, sought after, adored by tens of thousands of fans. Then, rather much like Maverick, life decided to pull the rug out from under him by taking away what he realizes should have been important and leaving him with a reminder of his past mistakes in the form of his niece. But now, it seems the life he used to have is coming back to haunt him, and he needs help.

This story? Liken it to a roller coaster. You’re rising up, up, up, and suddenly you’re plummeting to the ground, shrieking as it’s coming up faster and faster. This book is told in three POVs. One is Deacon, one is Maverick, and one is the killer. We don’t see much beyond snips from him, but what you do get? Freaking chilling. This guy is scary, creepy, and so very demented.

Now, fair warning to you. Don’t go into this book expecting a lot of dark, evil things. Yes, they do happen, but for the most part they occur off page, so you only see the aftermath of what happens. If you’re sensitive or squeamish, don’t be put off by this, because you won’t have to worry. Victoria Sue does an amazing job at giving you just enough information to let your mind fill in the blanks.

The ending? Oh, so satisfying. Even if you think you know who did it, you’re still going to get a chill when you find out the motives, and what this person is willing to do in order to win. Because in their mind? Failure isn’t an option.

So there you have it. My review of ‘In Safe Hands’ by Victoria Sue. Get this book. Read it, love it, but do consider having a light on, just in case.