Out of Time

Undaunted Courage #3

by Irene Hannon

For historical anthropologist Cara Tucker, the chance to spend a sabbatical semester on a remote country estate--with full access to its vast library and centuries-old journals--is a dream come true . . . until a series of strange incidents begin to turn her dream into a nightmare. Someone, it seems, does not want anyone diving into the past and unearthing old ghosts.
 
Sheriff Brad Adams has seen his share of suspicious activities during his law enforcement career, but what's happening at the isolated estate is out-of-pattern in his quiet, rural Missouri county. Beset by danger, Cara and Brad work together to try to untangle the clues. But when the peril turns lethal, the situation takes on a new urgency, and their mission is clear: Find out who is behind the string of menacing incidents before the perpetrator strikes another deadly blow. 
 
Hannon presents another page-turning thriller in Out of Time where danger lurks in every shadow.

Genres: Suspense, Christian, Romance, Christian Fiction, Contemporary, Romantic Suspense, Action

368 pages, Paperback

Expected publication October 7, 2025

About the author

Irene Hannon, who writes both contemporary romance and romantic suspense, is the author of more than 65 novels. Her books have been honored with three coveted RITA awards from Romance Writers of America (the “Oscar” of romance fiction) and she is a member of that organization's elite Hall of Fame. She has also received a Career Achievement award from RT Book Reviews for her entire body of work. Other awards for individual books include National Readers' Choice, HOLT Medallion, Daphne du Maurier, Retailers Choice, Booksellers' Best, and Reviewers' Choice from RT Book Reviews. She is also a two-time Christy award finalist.

Millions of her books have been sold worldwide, and her novels have been translated into multiple languages.

A former corporate communications executive with a Fortune 500 company, Irene now writes full time. To learn more about Irene and her books, visit www.irenehannon.com.

Reviews

[Laura (kroosreadsandreviews) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The main characters in the story were so interesting and each of them had such great characteristics about them. I loved that Cara had such a strength in her despite her years in foster care. The use of cochlear implants was also so intriguing as my nieces also use these. Brad had such a quiet determination to him. He fought for justice in the community that he worked but was able to balance it with compassion. My favorite character was Natalie. She was quick to give a second chance to those around her. Natalie also continued to remain calm despite the chaos that was happening around her. I did think at times that the book was a little slow moving.

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the arc. The opinions are my own.

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Out of Time is captivating from the beginning and had me hooked from the first page. There are various twists, a few red herrings, and plenty of questions that keep the story moving. I’ve enjoyed this trilogy with its wonderful characters, the relationships between the siblings, and the budding romance between Cara and Brad. Irene Hannon is a master of romantic suspense, always a go-to for me.

[A Look Inside: Reviews and Interviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Out of Time is a Christian Suspense novel and the third installment in the Undaunted Courage series. In Out of Time by Irene Hannon, readers are introduced to Cara Tucker, who has received a fellowship for the Fall as an Associate Professor. She’s working with Natalie Boyer, a woman in her eighties who has a collection of rare journals containing an ancient Paw Paw French dialect native to the old Missouri town. They work together to translate and transcribe history and open up a world about a young girl named Marie Boyer, who witnessed the highway construction between Old Mines and St. Louis in the 1920s. This piqued Cara’s curiosity even more as she transcribed and Natalie translated a centuries-old language that revealed a hundred-year mystery. But Natalie’s health is failing her, and she experiences a fainting spell that brings the EMT and Sheriff Brad Adams to her door. What seems like a fainting spell due to aging begins to trigger more sinister events happening at Natalie’s estate, and they all appear to be linked to what’s in the journals. This sets the stage for Cara and Brad to eventually work together to find out who is behind these strange and dangerous happenings.

There is a lot to unpack from the very beginning as readers are taken into this old French town of Missouri. Hannon does a great job painting the climate of this small, quiet town. The focal point is the journals because they reveal not only an ancient and dying language, but also some dangerous truths about the demise of Natalie’s aunt. Characters such as Paul Coleman are hoping that Natalie’s constant fainting spells will delay the completion of her and Cara’s translations of whatever is within those pages. He hopes that they will keep hitting enough snags for him to find a way to get the journals out of their hands and into the Historical Society. Then there’s Sheriff Brad Adams, who’s intrigued by Cara, but his interests turn into curiosity when all of the strange events begin to spiral at Natalie’s estate. They find themselves trying to piece this puzzle together that seems to be getting bigger and more dangerous as the clues unravel.

Hannon allows the story to breathe with every chapter. Readers will find this story unfolding at a nice and appropriately modest pace. They get to know the characters, such as Lydia, who’s come back to her brother penniless and with too little experience to get a decent job outside of house cleaning. But her escape plan is to convince Natalie that she needs a live-in housekeeper, which would put her in proximity to all of Natalie’s valuable merchandise. There are quite a few characters that ended up on my suspect list as the plot thickened. But as the suspicions grow, Hannon also shows readers just how human these characters are, in all their flaws and backstories. For instance, Natalie shares with Cara that Brad unfortunately lost his wife. We also get a peek inside Paul and his wife Becky’s conversations as they become more intense. For example, Paul dreads having to interview with the St. Louis paper about their son for fear that they will dig up a lot of scandalous information he wants to forget. Much like the ghosts Paul fears that Natalie and Cara will resurrect as they get deeper into their translating and transcribing of the journals.

Readers who will appreciate a book like Out of Time are those who enjoy similar works, such as Desolation Point by Lisa Phillips or Leigh Jones’ Look the Other Way. The suspense just keeps building, and Hannon knows when to turn all the screws.


I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Revell through Interviews & Reviews via NetGalley, for my honest opinion.

[Erin Laramore · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cara Tucker is taking a sabbatical semester from her professorship to research the Old Mines area of Missouri and get a first hand account of a journal written in a dying language from the author's great-great-niece, who is among the last alive to be able to translate it. But she shows up to a police presence and that is just the beginning of unusual happenings in this small sleepy town during her stay. Filled with unusual happenings that kept me turning pages and a sweet romance between Cara and the local sheriff who keeps getting called to the property, this story had some good things going for it.

This is the 3rd book in Irene Hannon's Undaunted Courage series, but could easily be read as a stand-alone. Fans of the series will be glad to "see" Bri and Jack and their significant others again, but you don't need their stories to enjoy this one. The first book in the series was my top read for the year a couple of years back and book 2 was in my top 5-10, so I was super excited for this one, to get the story of the final Tucker sibling; however, this one fell a little flat for me. I enjoyed the overall story line and still give this one 3.5-4 stars, but the romance moved too quickly for my liking, and there were too many "villains" with too much going on. While it lent well to the overall plot, it felt a bit "sticky" in the telling and there was no big reveal on whodunit at the end. The suspense was in how things would be resolved. The faith thread also was very light and almost felt like an afterthought. While it was still a good story, to me it didn't live up to the expectation I had after reading the other books in the series. Fans of romantic suspense who enjoy a heavier romance element with less intensity in the suspense would enjoy this one (and probably favor this one over the other 2) though. Special thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an advance e-copy of this novel. I was under no obligation to provide a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.

[Marilyn Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book three in the Undaunted Courage Series, but I truly believe it can be enjoyed as a stand-alone novel. Readers who have followed the series from the beginning will certainly appreciate the added depth, since some of the secondary characters make reappearances, and their backstories are already familiar. That said, even new readers will be able to dive right in without feeling lost.

In this installment, we get to focus on historical anthropologist Cara Tucker, a character we’ve met before in earlier books. Now the spotlight is fully on her, and her journey quickly becomes captivating. She arrives in a quiet little town to research an extinct language, expecting her stay to be about work and discovery. What she doesn’t expect is just how much her life will be changed by what—and who—she encounters there.

When Cara crosses paths with Sheriff Brad Adams, sparks begin to fly. Their relationship is filled with both charm and complexity, as Brad is a man carrying his own burdens and unresolved issues from the past. Watching these two characters navigate both their personal struggles and their growing connection adds depth and emotion to the story.

What I especially enjoyed is how the author weaves together romance, drama, and suspense in such a seamless way. The pacing keeps you hooked from beginning to end, with just the right mix of tension and heartfelt moments. The characters are well-developed and relatable, making it easy to become invested in their journeys.

Overall, this book has everything I look for in a great read—engaging characters, a touch of mystery, emotional depth, and a storyline that keeps you turning the pages. Whether you’re new to the series or already a fan, this novel will not disappoint.

I ws given a copy of this book for my honest opinion.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Out of Time" is a Christian romantic suspense novel. Though the 3rd book in the series, it works as a standalone novel. Cara travels to a large, wooded estate to work with an older woman, Natalie, in translating a journal written by Natalie's ancestor. It was written a century ago in a French dialect that few still know. It's great information for Cara's research, except strange things start happening, bringing Brad out to investigate.

The reader gets the viewpoints of Brad and Cara as well as of several people that are messing with the older woman to try to manipulate her: someone worried at what the journals may reveal about an ancestor, someone who wants Natalie to become more dependent on them, and someone in financial difficulties who believes treasure is hidden on the land. With the number of 'bad guys,' the suspense was high even though only one killed to achieve their goal.

The characters were engaging and reacted realistically to events. Brad and Cara were quickly attracted to each other (both physically and their character) and started spending time getting to know each other better. They got along well, especially since Cara's need for special hearing aids didn't bother Brad.

Brad, Cara, and Natalie were Christians, which affected how they treated people. Natalie was willing to give people a second chance if they confessed and were sorry for what they did. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this interesting suspense novel.

I received an ebook review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Her dream sabbatical was not off to an auspicious start."

Arriving at Natalie Boyer's unfrequented estate in rural Missouri, associate anthropology professor Cara Tucker hoped the flashing lights weren't a sign of things to come. Yes, her benefactor was in her eighties, but had clearly been coherent and physically able upon initial introduction. Accepting the sheriff's request to keep an eye out for any recurring dizzy spells or falls, it seemed the initial emergency call had been merely precautionary.

As the days passed, Cora and Natalie developed a rhythm for translating family journals, written in a disappearing regional dialect and the basis for Cora's research. However, indistinct coincidences begin to raise Cora's concern before she made one very startling discovery on one of her afternoon walks; the dead body of Natalie's long time groundskeeper.

Readers will love the formatting of this romantic suspense, for they are privy to a trickle of inside information throughout the narrative, which of course increases an investment into the characters' best interests. And there is quite a bit of interest going on, if you know what I mean, especially between the pretty professor and the protective sheriff. Predictably they have their work cut out for them, for the primary culprit is extremely cunning and getting more and more desparate as time begins to run out.

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book from Baker Publishing through Interviews and Reviews.

[Anne Wolters · Rating 5 out of 5]

This final installment in Irene Hannon’s Undaunted Courage series is a compelling blend of mystery, romance, and emotional depth. While each book can be enjoyed as a standalone, I highly recommend reading all three to fully appreciate the journey of the Tucker siblings, who appear throughout the series and bring a wonderful sense of continuity and heart.
I’ve been reading Irene Hannon’s work for years, and I’m continually impressed by her gift for storytelling. Her characters are not only lovable and memorable—they leap off the page with authenticity and warmth. In this poignant tale, we follow Cara Tucker, a historical anthropologist who takes a sabbatical from her university post to spend time on a secluded estate to decipher century-old journals. Nestled in a cottage on the estate grounds, Cara begins to notice strange lights flickering through the dense woods at night. What starts as curiosity quickly escalates into danger, drawing local Sheriff Brad Adams into a mystery that turns deadly.
The story is rich with twists and turns, and the slow-burn romance adds just the right touch of sweetness and tension. I was completely hooked from the first page and found myself racing to the end, unable to put it down. Hannon masterfully balances suspense with emotional resonance, making this a truly satisfying read.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All comments and opinions are my own.

[Randi Sampson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Irene Hannon is one of my must read Christian suspense authors. Anytime I pick up one of her books, I know without a doubt I'm going to find a story that will keep me at the edge of my seat from start to finish. This one was absolutely no exception with it's perfect blend of romance and suspense. Cara and Brad were both such great characters, whose lives I couldn't help but be drawn into as strange things start happening as Cara works to translate some centuries old journals with secrets it seems someone doesn't want revealed. I loved that we also get to see inside the head of the bad guy, which adds another great layer to this already compelling story! With lots of twists and turns along the way, this is definitely a must read for readers who enjoy Christian romantic suspense!

Out of Time is the third book in the Undaunted Courage series. All the books are great and definitely recommended but I do believe that this could be enjoyed just fine as a standalone as well.

**ARC received via Netgalley for consideration. All opinions are my own.

[Maureen Timerman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I confess I love Irene Hannon's books and this one sure did not disappoint!
This is the third and final book in the Undaunted Courage series, and I now have enjoyed them all. This is the third siblings story, the youngest, Cara Tucker, a historical anthropologist, whom has to opportunity to work with and stay with Natalie, at her remote home. She will be working on translating and preserving the journals Natalie's aunt left behind, after her untimely death at a young age.
What an awesome job the author does with the cast of characters, and I kept changing my mind as to whom was the culprit. Enter the sheriff, Brad Adams, a man whom is hurting, but is soon interested in our girl Cara.
There is danger here, and we are also offered some sweet romance, along with some really good friends.
Loved the forgiveness here that is freely given, especially by Natalie!
This one will have you on the edge of your seat, and holding your breath, you don't know whom will survive!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Revell, and I was not required to give a positive review.

[Anna B · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just have to say I loved this book, particularly the characters who all fit their parts of the story seamlessly. They were so well written I felt like I knew them. Each one were interesting, not cookie cutter, and I was happy to see that two of the suspects—though having their flaws which put suspicion on them—were redeemed by the end.

I was surprised to have a heroine who wore cochlear implants. I’ve never read a book with a character who had this challenge. It added a different element of interest, and I learned a little while reading it.

There was a great balance of suspense, romance, connection and family, with a bit of eeriness added in for fun. Cue Micah the caretaker whose character unfolded in through the story.

I found it to be an enjoyable and completely satisfying read and appreciated the thread of faith that ran through the book especially in Natalie’s thoughts and behaviors.

I’m glad to have been given the opportunity to read this book by Interviews and Reviews, courtesy of Revell, through NetGalley and this is my honest opinion of the book.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Irene Hannon does it again with another exceptional book. I was hooked from the beginning in this action-packed, romantic, suspense-filled story. This is the final installment in the author’s Undaunted Courage series with Cara’s story, the youngest of the Tucker siblings. Cara, a historical anthropologist, has her dream opportunity fulfilled when she spends a sabbatical researching 100-year-old journals on a remote estate in the Old Mines area of Missouri. However, someone doesn’t want a century-old mystery to be unearthed. Brad Mitchell, the local sheriff, gets involved when strange mishaps occur endangering Cara and Natalie, the homeowner of the estate. I love the strength and fortitude of Cara, a woman with a hearing disability that does not slow her down in life. I highly recommend this book, but all three books will give you the dynamics of Cara and her siblings, Bri and Jack.

[Catherine Graham · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Irene Hannon book is always guaranteed to be a page turning read and this one is no exception. The story took us on many paths that merged together beautifully at the end making a satisfying and compelling read.
Out of Time is the third and final book of the Undaunted Courage series. It wraps up the Tucker siblings' stories as Cara embarks on a translation project located in the 'hinterland' in her job as a historical anthropologist. She doesn't expect to meet the local Sheriff, Brad, on her first day there however, though he certainly made an impression. As this story develops there are layers of mystery that create a captivating story full of drama, suspense and romance.  Everytime I thought I had the mystery sorted in my head something else happened and left me guessing again. 
I really enjoyed this book. While part of a series you can read it as a standalone book without any problems. For anyone loving Christian Suspense books this is a must read.

[Rae · Rating 5 out of 5]

Out of time is the the final book in the 'Undaunted Courage' series. It's sad to say goodbye to the three siblings however, Irene Hannon has written a great book to end it all on. This book can be read as a standalone but you will want to read the series afterwards if you haven't already.

I liked the psychological element to this book. There's a few things at play here as well as a side plot or two, keeping the reader guessing. The main character also has a hearing disability which is great to see that community represented, especially with a kick butt kinda of heroine as an example.

I receive complimentary books from various sources, including NetGalley, authors, and others. I am not required to write a positive review, and I have not received any compensation for my thoughts.

[Connie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Out of Time by Irene Hannon is book 3 of 3 in the Undaunted Courage series. It works well as a standalone, but if this is the one you start with, I am positive you will want the other two.

The main character, Cara, has cochlear implants because of hearing loss from measles as a child. I thought this was a good thing to bring up. In the world we live in today, it helps to read books that encourage us to be more understanding of the issues others face. Cara is a strong female character so this is not something that controlled her life.

The plot was extremely well done. There were three people who deserved a bit of investigation as they all had a reason that they felt trickery was a good idea. The characterization was extremely well done--not surprising as Hannon excels at that.

[Penny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Out of Time is a great ending to the Undaunted Courage series. I loved the older character Natalie and her calm persona amidst mystery and confusion. Professor Cara Tucker is the sibling the story focuses on, although her brother, Jack, and sister, Brei, appear in the story. I adored Sheriff Brad Adams and his care and kindness for Cara and Natalie. I wasn't surprise by the bad guy, but I enjoyed how the story played out. My favorite part of the story was the relationship between Natalie and Cara and of course Cara and Brad. The setting is wonderful and the story entertaining and touching. I received a free copy and opinions are my own.

[Psusan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Out of Time is the latest Christian suspense book by Irene Hannon. As always this is a suspenseful story with strange events happening on a remote estate. Then the strange turns deadly. Great characters with Sheriff Brad Adams and historical anthropologist Cara Tucker. Characters who are steady, not easily shaken and strong but the incidents become menacing so the truth must be reached. Out of Time is a wonderful blend of suspense and romance in a faith-based book that Iren Hannon always writes so well.

[Leanne Munn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third book in the Undaunted Courage series. There's mystery and suspense with a few twists along the way that is sure to keep you reading. I like the interaction between the characters, but would have liked if this book would have included the characters from the previous books a little more at the end. Just a personal preference though. Overall, it was a great read.

I was given a complimentary copy from Netgalley and wasn't required to leave a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Blessing Okwuofu · Rating 4 out of 5]

Out of Time by Irene Hannon is an interesting Christian romantic mystery/thriller. This is not a fast-paced book but I enjoyed how the story and romance developed, including the character development. It had the right element of suspense and twists and the ending was great. I also liked the inclusivity in having a character with a hearing disability. Good and inspiring read overall.
I got the ARC from Revell via Netgalley. This is my honest review

[Julie Graves · Rating 5 out of 5]

review to come oct. 7, 2025