Brittany Grayson's life was never going to be the same, that's a given, but what she hoped for was a semblance of normalcy and her first step was to build her dream deck. Sounds rather odd but having survived a demonic serial killer, The Professional, who kept her hostage for four months in a specially designed shed taunting her with bodily harm and death, Brittany focused on making it out alive and building her deck. Love, marriage and children just weren't in her plans, future or current. She hadn't even been able to reconcile her doubts about returning to the job she loved as a deputy of Black Rock working alongside her brothers.

Alex Cranford was well aware of Brittany's story when he accepted the job of constructing the deck. He wasn't prepared for the onslaught of feelings for this gorgeous woman who maintained an inner strength despite having lived through a nightmare. His deceased wife had been a fragile thing and although attracted to Brittany his first priority was the welfare of his six year old daughter Emily. As a single father his life was already jam packed with responsibility and demands. The last thing he needed was any involvement with this woman who had enormous baggage and was forthright in her plan to remain detached.

Life doesn't cow tow to plans and just when Alex, Emily and Brittany settle into a doable friendship, albeit with benefits, the ground under Brittany's feet once again threatens to swallow her and question her sanity. This time she doubts she can survive.

The Professional is dead. So who is leaving little reminders at Brittany's house? Is it a teenage prank, revenge against a deputy, a sick joke or could there be someone sinister and sick enough to be emulating the killer. At first the knee jerk reaction is that the strain of her captivity is finally manifesting itself with imagine threats. Her brothers are more concerned about her mental stability then her safety. As events escalate they too have to acknowledge the possibility of a copycat.

As her fears increase so does her concern for Alex and Emily and so Brittany's only option is to distance herself from these two people who are so dear to her. All those that love Brittany are closing ranks to prevent a repeat. But there are no guarantees and somehow sinister minds can breach the best intended barriers.

TOOL BELT DEFENDER is a fast moving, engaging drama that will keep you guessing to the very end. Carla Cassidy's story keeps you on your toes as you sift through clues and decide if they are real or imagined and candidly it's difficult to decide which is scarier. This is the last in the Black Rock series and it truly stands on its own.