Step into the pulse-pounding world of Mission: Rescue, where heart-stopping suspense, tender romance, and unwavering faith collide! Shirlee McCoy’s beloved series, launched in 2014, follows fearless heroines facing danger and the steadfast heroes who risk everything to save them. Perfect for fans of inspirational romantic suspense, this series weaves gripping mysteries with heartfelt moments that keep readers hooked.
With its unique blend of action, emotion, and Christian values, Mission: Rescue has carved a special place in the hearts of readers worldwide. Whether it’s a widow dodging a stalker’s bullets or a mother fighting to save her kidnapped child, each story delivers thrills and hope in equal measure. Ready to dive into this captivating series? Let’s explore its origins, stories, and lasting charm!
How Mission: Rescue Began
Shirlee McCoy, a New York Times bestselling author, crafted Mission: Rescue from her lifelong love of storytelling and her passion for inspirational fiction. A former teacher and homeschooling mom of five, McCoy drew inspiration from her faith and her volunteer work with Chesapeake Search Dogs, a nonprofit dedicated to finding the missing. Her experiences shaped the series’ focus on rescue missions and the emotional stakes of saving lives.
Launched in 2014 with Protective Instincts, the series was published by Love Inspired Suspense, a line known for clean, faith-based thrillers. McCoy’s goal was to create stories that balanced high-stakes action with the redemptive power of love and trust, appealing to readers seeking both excitement and upliftment. The result? A series that’s as thrilling as it is heartfelt.
The Heart of Mission: Rescue
The Mission: Rescue series spans eight novels, each a standalone tale united by the HEART (Hostage Rescue and Extraction Team) organization, a private group dedicated to saving those in peril. Key titles include Protective Instincts, where widow Raina Lowery is stalked and saved by HEART member Jackson Miller, who offers her a second chance at love. In Her Christmas Guardian, former ranger Boone Anderson races to reunite single mom Scout Cramer with her kidnapped daughter, Lucy, before Christmas is ruined.
Exit Strategy follows widow Lark Porter, taken captive while seeking answers about her husband’s death, with HEART operative Cyrus Mitchell as her protector. Mystery Child centers on Quinn Robertson, on the run with her niece, possibly the long-lost daughter of HEART’s director, as operative Malone Henderson unravels a dangerous mystery. These stories blend fast-paced action with themes of trust, resilience, and faith, set against backdrops ranging from snowy parking lots to shadowy forests.
McCoy’s heroines are strong yet vulnerable, evoking the protective instincts of their heroic counterparts. The series’ Christian undertones shine through in characters’ reliance on faith during crises, while the romance is sweet and subtle, never overshadowing the suspense. Readers praise the series for its emotional depth, with reviews highlighting McCoy’s ability to craft “heart-hammering” plots and “believable characters” that feel like friends.
Why Mission: Rescue Resonates
Mission: Rescue has left a lasting mark on the inspirational suspense genre, offering readers a rare blend of adrenaline and heart. Its focus on second chances—whether in love, family, or faith—resonates deeply, especially with fans seeking clean, uplifting reads. The series’ connection to real-world issues, like missing persons and personal loss, adds authenticity, reflecting McCoy’s search-and-rescue background.
With high ratings (averaging 4.3–4.4 stars on Goodreads) and enthusiastic reviews, Mission: Rescue has built a loyal following. Fans call it “riveting” and “faith-filled,” appreciating its ability to entertain while inspiring hope. Though not a cultural juggernaut, its niche appeal ensures it remains a gem for those who discover it, proving that even smaller series can leave big impressions.
- Publication Years: 2014–2017
- Number of Books: 8
- Genre: Inspirational Romantic Suspense
- Publisher: Love Inspired Suspense
Grab Protective Instincts and dive into Mission: Rescue’s thrilling world of danger, love, and faith! Whether you’re a suspense junkie or a hopeless romantic, Shirlee McCoy’s series promises an unforgettable ride.