MY REVIEW:
I always look forward to Lisa Carter’s suspense novels and she always hits the mark as far as I’m concerned. The Sound of Falling Leaves was no exception. I feel that I must warn others that this one may be a bit edgy for some readers. With some pretty evil people involved who will stop at absolutely nothing to achieve their goals, the reader will encounter several murders, at least one of which is fairly gruesome. I personally appreciate the fact that the author did not describe the scene in detail because my imagination took me quite far enough, thank you.
I did enjoy learning more about mountain culture, if you could call it that. Some of those mountain folk seem to be mostly uncultured if you ask me. The mountain setting was so vividly described that I could almost see the turning leaves and smell the smoke from area chimneys. Both protagonists took some time to grow on me. Both Tessa and Zeke carried multiple secrets and held them close so it was difficult to get to know either of them quickly. It was fun observing their growing relationship as they worked together to uncover the buried secrets of the isolated community. Multiple twists and surprises kept me reading and a developing romance and journey to faith were added bonuses.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Sound of Falling Leaves and look forward to the next suspense novel by this author.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Kregel Publications. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
After aspiring opera singer Tessa loses her voice in a fire, she needs both a place to heal and a way to keep music in her life. She retreats to her aunt’s apple orchard in rural North Carolina to collect folk ballads. But amid the autumn splendor of this isolated Appalachian community, she uncovers an unnerving connection between a murder case and a long-ago disappearance. Tessa gets a glimpse into an almost-forgotten world, encounters a corrupt, small-town political dynasty, and finds superstition and prejudice at every turn.
She’s also drawn to Zeke, the handsome but enigmatic orchard caretaker, who shows her that mountain justice is neither impartial nor just. But battling a conspiracy of silence, Tessa isn’t sure if she can trust him. Yet somewhere in the mists of the Blue Ridge Mountains, evil lurks, and a killer is determined to keep the past where it belongs–dead and buried.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Lisa Carter is the best-selling author of seven romantic suspense novels, four historical novellas, and a contemporary Coast Guard series. Her book Under a Turquoise Sky won the 2015 Carol Award for Romantic Suspense. Blending Southern and Native American fiction, she likes to describe her suspense novels as “sweet tea with a slice of murder.” Lisa enjoys traveling to romantic locales and researching her next exotic adventure. When not writing, she loves spending time with her family and teaching writing workshops. A native North Carolinian, she has strong opinions on barbecue and ACC basketball. Visit her online at lisacarterauthor.com.
