Thriller

Review: Deadly Sanctuary by Shannon Hollinger

April 6, 2026

Synopsis:

She’s no stranger to trouble…

Deep in the heart of the untamed Florida Everglades lies a web of secrets, danger, and deceit. For FBI Agent Cassidy Knox, it’s the only home she’s ever known—one she vowed never to set foot in again. But after a harrowing confrontation with a serial killer, Cassidy finds herself with no choice but to return to the animal sanctuary of her youth. Grieving the recent death of her beloved grandfather, Butch, on top of her own trauma, she hopes for a brief respite to heal her wounds.

Only the swamp, where the past lurks just beneath the surface, has other plans. When a neighbor is found murdered, the suspicion surrounding her grandfather’s death intensifies, drawing Cassidy into a chilling investigation that threatens everything she holds dear. With old friendships rekindling and new betrayals surfacing, the lines between ally and enemy blur.

As Cassidy races against time to uncover the truth, she clashes against her inner demons—and the boy who once stole her heart. With danger lurking around every corner the only thing she knows for sure is that she can’t trust anyone. Because the killer’s taking aim… and they have her in their sights.

Review:

I didn’t expect to connect with Cassidy as quickly as I did. She’s a strong character who has already been through something horrific, only to be confronted with another difficult situation soon after. The emotional toll she carries is very real.

She had to grow up after losing her parents and find her place in a small town where everyone knows everyone else’s business. Her choice of partner is questionable, and it’s no surprise that she wants to escape her life the moment she gets the chance.

Returning to a place filled with painful memories is never easy. She has to face the people she grew up with – people who remind her of everything she once tried to leave behind.
At the same time, there are small moments of joy that remind her that not everything about the town was bad. When she begins to realize that something darker is going on and that she can’t fully trust those around her, she puts herself in real danger.

I was hooked early on and couldn’t put the book down. I loved it overall, and aside from a few cliché characters, I found very little to fault. I’m glad I had the chance to read it and am very much looking forward to the next one.

🌙 Recension: Deadly Sanctuary (Cassidy Knox #1) by Shannon Hollinger
📚 Genre: Thriller
📅 Release Date: September 8, 2025
📗 available in various formats
📱 Read as: Kindle
💸 I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
🗣️ Language: English
📆 Pages: 254
⭐️ 4/5