Review of Deadly Guardian by Deborah Sprinkle

 

Back of the book:

Someone is killing the men she once loved … and calling it protection.

Madison Long was looking forward to a quiet summer—until a cryptic note signed Your Guardian turns her life upside down.

Then one of her former boyfriends is found dead.

When Madison discovers the body, she becomes the prime suspect.

Detective Nate Zuberi isn’t convinced she’s guilty—but the evidence is stacking up, and his partner isn’t so sure. As threats escalate and another man from Madison’s past is murdered, it becomes clear someone is watching her… someone who believes he’s protecting her from harmful relationships.

Someone willing to kill for her.

As fear tightens its grip, Madison and Nate race to uncover the truth before the so-called guardian strikes again. But the closer they get, the more dangerous the game becomes.

Because this killer isn’t finished.
And his final target may be the only man Madison has ever truly loved.

In a deadly chase filled with deception, obsession, and unexpected betrayal, Madison must fight not only to prove her innocence—but to survive.

If you love page-turning suspense, high-stakes danger, and stories where faith and courage shine in the darkest moments, you won’t want to miss Deadly Guardian.

Start reading today and uncover the truth before it’s too late.

 I wrote this Review for Clean Fiction Magazine Autumn 2026 edition

First impression: A fast-paced whodunit, starting in the first paragraph with a watcher. Every chapter held more of the urgency of finding the Guardian, whom Madison feels watching her but cannot see the person.

Action: A small-town feel, until you get near the community by the lake, where everything shifts into high gear. Shadows hide an intruder, the one who has slithered his way into the life of Madison. She trusts more people than she should and no one around her is safe. She finally agrees to self-defense classes, but that heads them to the gun range to learn to shoot. Investigation leads to hiking and an unexpected fall into the lake. Will Madison resort to B &E?

Adventure: Discovering the Guardian’s identity before more bodies pile up amid the tranquility of the lake. Threatening messages, car rides and crashes, gunshots, murder, and a loveable German shepherd.

Romance: A sweet romance buds, even as boundaries between them are built. Don’t get involved with a suspect? Right. Don’t fall for a police officer? Right. Can’t do it if the heart says differently. The attraction will not let the rules apply. Everyone sees it, everyone, and that can be unfortunate.  

Religion: Deadly Guardian is light on faith. This book is not preachy and there are only a few references to God and faith.

Final Thoughts: FYI, there are guns and kidnapping. Small towns are supposed to be peaceful but stalking and murder change all that. I love the dog, Oscar, who is a typical friendly, wish he could, but too large for a lap kind of dog. He could tell tales if they would let him. The writing is good and the action perfect. Romance is just right and the suspense takes the reader on a ride. I highly recommend this book.  

 Buy Deadly Guardian