by admin | May 2, 2020 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, FBI, Law Enforcement, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
Anchored by Death is the first novel I’ve read by Catherine Finger. It is also the third installment of the Jo Oliver Thriller series. I am actually scheduled to also review the first two books, apparently in reverse order. That should be interesting. I cannot honestly state that this book can stand alone although I was able to understand and enjoy it. I do believe that the missing background info from the previous two books would have enhance my enjoyment tenfold.
For the most part the plot moved along at a steady rate with action scenes sharing space with routine FBI and police research. The cast includes several interesting characters, particularly Jo Oliver and agent Nick Vitarello. Their relationship is complicated. The two work well together as an investigative team but their personal relationship includes a very strong emotional attachment. Jo’s past experiences have made it difficult for her to trust men and to also question her own ability to choose. A desperate search for a dangerous serial killer whose crime spree seems to be escalating takes Jo, Nick, and the rest of their team on a dangerous and suspenseful assignment that puts their very lives in danger.
Despite beginning with the third book of the series, I did enjoy it immensely and am happy that I have the opportunity to read the previous two very soon. They may not be in order but this book raised some questions about their past that I will enjoy seeing answered. From what I’ve read thus far, I recommend Anchored by Death but strongly suggest that readers begin with Cleansed by Death and Shattered by Death.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Celebrate Lit. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
| Book: Anchored by Death
Author: Catherine Finger
Genre: Christian Mystery/Thriller
Release Date: June, 2017
Click here to get your copy. |
 |
Police Chief Jo Oliver needed a little time to herself. But when her escape to Wisconsin turns deadly, she teams up with FBI agent Nick Vitarello, hoping to catch the Bow Tie Killer. Their romantic past and complicated present leads them into uncharted territory as they match wits with a psychopath bent on destroying everything they hold dear.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Catherine Finger loves to dream, write, and tell stories. Retired from a wonderful career in public education, she celebrates the ability to choose how to spend her time in a new way during the second half of life. So far, she chooses to write books, ride horses, serve others, and generally find her way into and out of trouble both on the road and at home. She lives in the Midwest with a warm and wonderful combination of family and friends.
MORE FROM CATHERINE:
Thank you for your interest in the Jo Oliver thriller series. Today we celebrate Anchored by Death—book three in the series. The basic plot for this book came as a result of an FBI workshop I attended on how profilers track killers. A particular method was presented that really stuck with me. As I thought it over, I had the idea to combine a map of Wisconsin with the tracking technique I had learned, and I actually built the crime scenes around the theory. I then created a killer who would do the sorts of things I had mapped out, and in that order. This was a satisfying challenge for Josie and I enjoyed my research jaunts throughout Wisconsin while writing the chase and takedown scenes.
When Josie’s off the clock and spending time with family and friends, you can catch our heroine in the kitchen. Ever since her infamous Flourless Chocolate Cake appeared in Anchored by Death, fans have requested the recipe. For the epicurean readers, here is the recipe she used when preparing this special treat:
Flourless Chocolate Cake
Ingredients:
12 ounces semisweet chocolate chips
1 ½ sticks butter
¼ salt
6 eggs, room temp
1 ½ cups sugar (white granulated or brown will do)
Confectioner’s sugar and cocoa powder for dusting top and cake stand
How To:
Heat oven to 325 degrees. Prepare springform or regular round pans with nonstick spray or butter and flour.
Melt chocolate, butter, and salt—microwave will work in a pinch—or add all to heatproof bowl and place over small saucepan of simmering water to melt without burning. Set aside to cool
Beat eggs and sugar until light and thickened, around 6-8 minutes. Fold in melted chocolate mixture until completely combined.
Pour batter into buttered and floured cake pan—springform or regular round—and bake at 350 degrees for approximately 90 minutes, until a toothpick comes out wet but relatively clean.
Allow cake to cool completely before removing from pan. Dust with confectioner’s sugar and cocoa—Jo used a stencil for a quick and pretty design.
Thanks again for celebrating Anchored by Death—and know that I appreciate you. Readers are a special breed. As a lover of the written word and an author, I invite you to enjoy the read.
BLOG STOPS:
| Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, April 22
Through the Fire blogs, April 22
Texas Book-aholic, April 23
April Hayman, Author, April 23
For the Love of Literature, April 24
Writer Without a Space, April 24
Inklings and notions, April 25
deb’s Book Review, April 25
For Him and My Family, April 26
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 26
Betti Mace, April 27
Holly Jo Morris, April 27
Older & Smarter?, April 28
All-of-a-kind Mom, April 28 |
Reading Is My SuperPower, April 29
Blogging With Carol, April 29
Christian Bookaholic, April 30
Maureen’s Musings, April 30
Ashley’s Bookshelf, May 1
A Modern Day Fairy Tale, May 1
Spoken from the Heart, May 2
Just Your Average reviews, May 2
Daysong Reflections, May 3
Bigreadersite, May 3
Locks, Hooks and Books, May 4
Pause for Tales, May 4
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 5 |
GIVEAWAY:
To celebrate her tour, Catherine is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Amazon gift card!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.
https://promosimple.com/ps/f982/anchored-by-death-celebration-tour-giveaway
by admin | Feb 20, 2020 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Law Enforcement, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
Tom Threadgill is a new author to me so I was not sure what to expect when I began reading Collision of Lies. I did anticipate that it would turn out to be a fairly good suspense story based on its description and the reputation of its publisher. The cover alone is enough to capture my interest and I was happy to find that the content inside held it until the end.
With a tenacious heroine, Amara Alvarez, as well as a contingent of various other interesting characters, the book progresses at a steady pace, detail by detail as it builds to a satisfying conclusion. I loved the characters, each with their own vibrant personality. It was fun to observe their interactions, some of which could be quite humorous. I particularly enjoyed Dr. Pritchard, the ME. And who could resist a detective with a pet iguana? Although not exactly the male protagonist, Starsky also grabbed my attention and I would not mind if a relationship developed between him and Amara in future installments.
The author fed his readers bits and pieces of facts slowly as what was assumed to be a monumental tragic accident became so much more. Attention to details helped me follow the different law enforcement officers as they painstakingly discovered clues to a diabolical crime. Even so I was often surprised at the twists the case took as it sometimes seemed like the team took two steps forward and one step back.
I thoroughly enjoyed Collision of Lies and plan to be on the lookout for future novels by Tom Threadgill. Fans of suspense and police procedure novels should enjoy this one.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
The case was tragic. But it was an accident. Right?
Three years ago, a collision between a fast-moving freight train and a school bus full of kids led to devastation and grief on an unimaginable scale. But a fresh clue leads San Antonio police detective Amara Alvarez to the unlikely conclusion that one of the children may still be alive. If she’s correct, everything law enforcement believes about the accident is a lie.
With time running out, Amara must convince others–and herself–that despite all evidence to the contrary, the boy is alive. And she will do everything in her power to bring him home.
A fresh voice in suspense, Tom Threadgill will have you questioning everything as you fly through the pages of this enthralling story.
Read an excerpt Here.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Photo Credit: © David M. Humphrey
Tom Threadgill is a full-time author and a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW). He is currently on the suspense/thriller publishing board for LPC Books, a division of Iron Stream Media. He lives with his wife in rural Tennessee.
by admin | Jan 10, 2020 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, FBI, Law Enforcement, NCIS, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
Rachel Dylan is quickly becoming another of my go-to authors when I want to read a good action-packed suspense novel. End Game affirmed my choice with its nonstop action and lots of twists and surprises along the way.
I loved how Dylan portrayed the members of various agencies and how well they all worked together – both men and women with no one-upping between the agencies. These agents were shown to be dedicated to their jobs, with integrity and determination to solve the murders as quickly as possible. This riveting suspense had me second guessing the characters and on the edge of my seat at times. I appreciated the subtle Christian message that flowed throughout the narrative as well as the fact that the romantic relationship between Bailey and Marco did not overshadow the plot.
End Game was a fun and intriguing tale that left me sorry to reach its end. I look forward to the author’s next offering.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by the author through Bethany House. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Each New Clue . . .
Every Crime Scene . . .
Brings Them Closer to Discovering the End Game
When elite members of the military are murdered on the streets of Washington, DC, FBI Special Agent Bailey Ryan and NCIS Special Agent Marco Agostini must work together to bring the perpetrator to justice. Unfortunately, all evidence points to a Navy SEAL sniper who Bailey refuses to believe is guilty.
When Bailey and Marco start to connect the dots between the victims, they wonder if there’s a deeper cover-up at play. After Bailey is targeted, it becomes clear that someone is willing to kill to keep their dark secrets.
With the stakes getting higher by the moment, Bailey and Marco rush against the clock to determine whom they can really trust in this twisted conspiracy. As allies turn to enemies, the biggest secret yet to be uncovered could be the end of them all.
Read an excerpt here.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Rachel Dylan (www.racheldylan.com) was a litigator in one of Atlanta’s most elite law firms for over eight years and now works as an attorney at one of the Big Three automobile manufacturers. She is the author of Deadly Proof and four Love Inspired Suspense novels and lives in Michigan with her husband.
by admin | Oct 5, 2019 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Law Enforcement, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
The exciting conclusion to Lynn H. Blackburn’s Dive Team series, One Final Breath begins and ends with a bang. In the pages between Gabe, Anissa, and the rest of the team are in over their heads as they work together to solve not one, not two, but three seemingly unrelated separate crimes at the same time, one over thirteen years old.
It was fun watching Gabe and Anissa work together so well and even more fun watching romance blossom between them. Meanwhile the escalating danger to Anissa’s life and the team’s effort to protect her kept me turning the pages as fast as I could when I had a moment to spare due to family health problems that demanded my attention. Blackburn’s plot was developed perfectly and the circumstances made it quite difficult for me to even begin to guess the identity of the villain.
One Final Breath is not only a great suspense novel but also emphasizes the importance of relying on God, forgiveness toward those who have wronged you, and learning how to identify God’s plan for your life. I enjoyed this book as well as the entire series and would recommend it to all who enjoy a good suspense or crime novel.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Revenge has no statute of limitations
When investigator Gabe Chavez had his cover blown by an aggressive reporter, the silver lining was being able to rejoin the dive team. The downside? Dive team captain Anissa Bell, a woman who both fascinates and frustrates him.
Anissa grew up as a missionary kid on the Micronesian island of Yap and always planned to return after college. But she remained stateside, determined to solve the case that haunts her–the murder of her best friend and the disappearance of a three-year-old child.
When Anissa’s fractured past collides with Gabe’s investigation into the tragic shooting death of a teenage boy in Lake Porter, they’ll have to put aside their complicated history with each other in order to uncover the killer’s identity.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Lynn H. Blackburn is the author of Beneath the Surface, In Too Deep, Hidden Legacy, and Covert Justice. Winner of the 2016 Selah Award for Mystery and Suspense, and the 2016 Carol Award for Short Novel, Blackburn believes in the power of stories, especially those that remind us that true love exists, a gift from the Truest Love. She’s passionate about CrossFit, coffee, and chocolate (don’t make her choose) and experimenting with recipes that feed both body and soul. She lives in Simpsonville, South Carolina, with her true love, Brian, and their three children
by admin | Aug 22, 2019 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Law Enforcement, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
Deadly Intentions is one of those books that makes me a bit resentful of the demands of real life. Cooking and cleaning just do not stand up very well against finding out what might happen next in this fast-paced, suspense-filled narrative. Several of Caitlyn’s research team have died randomly over the past year and Caitlyn herself has just survived a hit-and-run. She needs to talk with someone but there is no one she can trust, except perhaps her dead friend’s husband Josh Solomon who is also a police detective. As she shares her suspicions with Josh, they agree that the deaths cannot be merely coincidental and find themselves right in the middle of a deadly game.
Lisa Harris is another author who has been added to my ever-growing Must Read list. Her characters are so realistic that I can easily relate to their experiences. Her vivid plots could easily have come from today’s news. I love how she deftly weaves her Christian faith into the story in such a natural way. Lots of action, danger, suspense, and plot twists keep me reading and a bit of romance is the icing on the cake.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
There is no such thing as random
Research scientist Caitlyn Lindsey is convinced that someone is taking out her team one by one. First, a friend and research partner was killed in a home invasion. Three months ago, her boss died in a suspicious car accident. Four days ago, another partner supposedly committed suicide. And now Caitlyn herself has miraculously survived a hit-and-run. Afraid for her life with nowhere to turn, she reaches out to one of the victims’ husbands, Detective Josh Solomon.
Though initially skeptical about Caitlyn’s theory, Josh soon realizes the attack that took his wife’s life was anything but random. Now the two of them must discover the truth about who is after Caitlyn’s team–and what their end game is–before it’s too late.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Lisa Harris is a bestselling author, a Christy Award winner, and the winner of the Best Inspirational Suspense Novel from Romantic Times for her novels Blood Covenant and Vendetta. The author of more than 40 books, including The Nikki Boyd Files and the Southern Crimes series, as well as Vanishing Point, A Secret to Die For, and Deadly Intentions, Harris and her family have spent over 16 years living as missionaries in southern Africa. Learn more at www.lisaharriswrites.com.
by admin | Aug 22, 2019 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, FBI, Law Enforcement, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
Lynette Eason has come through once again with a riveting tale of suspense for her readers. The final book in her Blue Justice series, Vow of Justice features another member of the St. John family, Lincoln. Linc is an FBI Special Agent whose partner Allison Radcliffe was murdered – only she is still very much alive. Once he discovers the truth, Linc is determined to work with Allison to stop a killer and bring down a dangerous organization.
A brilliant plot soon reveals that there is much more at work behind the scenes and an unexpected, twisted killer has his own plans for Allison. At some point I actually began to suspect a certain character wasn’t exactly who he was supposed to be but I didn’t guess his true motives. I enjoyed reading more about the rest of the St. John family and loved how they all jumped in to help Linc and Allison.
Eason has outdone herself with Vow of Justice, a truly suspense filled tale that kept me turning those pages. I will miss the St. John crew but am confident that I will love the next series as well. If you are not already a fan of Lynette Eason, do yourself a favor and pick up a copy of Vow of Justice today. You may want to also pick up the rest of the series because you will probably want to read those too.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Playing dead might just get her killed
FBI Special Agent Lincoln St. John is living his own personal nightmare. When the woman he loves, Allison Radcliffe, is killed, he devotes himself to tracking down the killers and making them pay for their crimes. He expected it to be a challenge. What he never expected was to find Allison very much alive shortly after her “murder.”
As his anger and hurt mix with relief, Linc isn’t sure how he’s supposed to feel. One thing he does know for sure: he and Allison will have to work together to stop a killer before she dies a second time–this time for good.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Photo Credit: © Mary Denman
Lynette Eason is the bestselling author of Protecting Tanner Hollow, as well as the Blue Justice, Women of Justice, Deadly Reunions, Hidden Identity, and Elite Guardians series. She is the winner of three ACFW Carol Awards, the Selah Award, and the Inspirational Reader’s Choice Award, among others. She is a graduate of the University of South Carolina and has a master’s degree in education from Converse College. Eason lives in South Carolina with her husband and two children. Learn more at www.lynetteeason.com.
