Closer Than She Knows By Kelly Irvin

Teagan O’Rourke is a court reporter. Using 14 keys, she can transcribe a court case and figure out her dinner menu at the same time. Her whole family is involved in law enforcement one way or another. Dillion O’Rourke, her Dad, is retired from the police force and is writing a book on serial killers. He is also a consultant with the police. Her step-brother and a step-sister are also police officers. The youngest of the family, Lela, is going to school to be a lawyer. Teagan refuses to carry a gun even though her father had taught her how to use a fire arm. She was against all violence. She took a self-defense class but could she really protect herself from an attack?

Teagan has a special friend, Max Kennedy. Max is a recovering alcoholic and drug addict. He also suffers from PTSD from his military service. Max is a youth pastor at Teagan’s church. The church members trust him. He has been sober for seven years. Max has a sponsor for his AA meetings. Max loves Teagan and would like to marry her. He tries to protect her but can he keep her safe?

Teagan was responsible for securing the evidence in a gang case. While being escorted by Police Officer Moreno, shots rang out and Kristin Moreno was shot in the head and neck. What was the purpose of the shooting? Later they found a letter addressed to Teagan. The killer was taunting Teagan. Her sweet neighbor, Evelyn Conklin was found stabbed to death. This was extremely personal to Teagan. The neighbors were becoming fearful while the police worked to find the killer. The killings have the same MO as Leo Slocum. They thought he was in jail until it was revealed that he escaped.

Teagan loves Max but she doesn’t want any children. She knows Max wants children of his own. In a messed up, evil world how can Teagan consider bringing children into this world. She long ago decided that she would not have children. How could she keep Max but not give him what he desired most?