Fiction Addict

Genre: Suspense

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

Publication Date: March 2009

Reviewed by Tim George

When Sibella Giorello won a Christy Award for her debut novel, The Stones Cry Out, one had to wonder if she could maintain the momentum and offer an even stronger sophomore offering. The Rivers Run Dry answers that question with a rousing “yes” as we are once again taken into the sometimes tumultuous world of Special Agent Raleigh Harmon. Raleigh is a strong female lead with a background in geology and a penchant for plunging ahead with a case even if it gets her transferred for disciplinary reasons across country.

Raleigh has barely landed in Seattle before she is thrown into the perplexing case of a missing nineteen year old girl whose wealthy parents might have more bothering them than their snobbish wealth. Solving the case isn’t made any easier as Raleigh has to face numerous personal and professional challenges. Her boss treats her like a glorified coffee girl, her mother lives in the depth of despair, and her aunt is a new age believer in the power of crystals who persists in sending her unwelcomed clairvoyant friend to help Raleigh on cases.

Giorello gives us characters with real depth. Raleigh and her mother have both been profoundly changed by the murder of her father. The Aunt is not just some nutcase but rather a woman who feels failed by her lifelong faith and now seeks answers wherever she thinks she can find them. Raleigh’s faith is stretched to the limits by a job that leads her to places from which she may not be able to return. Even her abusive supervisor proves to be human as he seeks to help a female informant in desperate need of redemption from her life of drugs and crime.

One of the things that make this story work is the detail. Raleigh Harmon’s parking space (fifteen blocks from the Bureau building) and government issued car (the oldest in the fleet) tell us more about what her superiors think of her than any dialogue could. There are no neatly packaged family epiphanies at the end. Raleigh’s aunt is embarking on yet another new age enterprise and her mother is just beginning to emerge from her depression. What we have instead is the story of a woman of faith working in a profession where faith is hard to come by. But, as Raleigh walks off the pages of this latest installment of her life we have no doubt she will maintain that balancing act with grace and strength.

I can’t wait for Raleigh Harmon’s return in Giorello’s upcoming third novel, The Clouds Roll Away.

Genre:  Suspense

Publisher: Bantam

Publication Date: November 24^th, 2009

Jake Chism’s Review:

In the Colorado Rockies, Grady Adams and his Irish Wolfhound, Merlin, have just discovered two creatures unlike anything they’ve ever seen before. As they welcome these mysterious animals into their home, they soon discover that their arrival coincides with a wondrous event that will forever change their lives and millions of other all over the world.

Dean Koontz never seems ceases to astonish me with the amount of tricks up his sleeve. Each installment in his illustrious career is unique and otherworldly, with Breathless being no exception. In recent offerings Koontz has come under fire, unfairly so in my opinion, for not being the same guy who once scared us around every turn with evil characters and harrowing plots. Lately, dogs have become main characters more than usual, and for whatever reason a lot of fans and critics alike have not looked kindly upon his change of style. In a bold and effective move, Koontz sticks it to the doubters and transforms familiar elements in a way we never imagined.

Not only is Man’s Best Friend featured in Breathless, but in this story animals play a bigger role than most of, if not all, Koontz’s previous works.  However, fans who feel like they have been missing out will be pleased to know that this is one of the most suspenseful novels Koontz has written in a while, with a fast paced plot laced with just the right amount of dread, wonder, and redemption. We’re even treated to some frightening and disturbing scenes that will have many readers looking under their beds and in their closets long after reading. Once again Koontz‘s prose and dialogue are delivered at the highest level as we follow several storylines to a powerful conclusion.

In the end we are left with a poignant glimpse into the beauty of nature and the mystery of life and the wonder that connects them.  I love what Koontz has done of late, and I particularly love what he’s given us here. Breathless is certainly a different kind of animal, but one that is well worth your time.

Frank Redman’s Review:

“In the stillness of a golden September afternoon, deep in the wilderness of the Rockies, a solitary craftsman, Grady Adams, and his magnificent Irish wolfhound Merlin step from shadow into light…and into an encounter with enchantment. That night, through the trees, under the moon, a pair of singular animals will watch Grady’s isolated home, waiting to make their approach.”

Dean Koontz doesn’t just entertain with written words, he writes novels of great importance, entreating us to be aware of the madness in our world and rise above it. BREATHLESS is a wonderful story about the power of good and light in a world full of darkness. Characters are presented with the opportunity to accept something so amazingly pure, it will change their lives forever. Some characters grasp that opportunity, which leads to healing and restoration. Some resist, despite the miraculous existence of the event in the first place, and their lives remain in the dark. It’s interesting to consider the justification given by the characters that refuse to accept the peace-breathing event in the story.

No one is better than Koontz at infusing stories with animals, and in many cases these animals play significant roles. BREATHLESS is one of these stories. Animal lovers will take great joy in recognizing the importance the animals have in this story.

This is a novel that could have easily been twice the length and still retain reader interest and enjoyment. There are multiple plot threads that leave you wondering as you’re reading how Koontz will be able to bring them all together. This leads me to my only complaint about the book—I didn’t want it to end. The ending was certainly no disappointment, and it didn’t feel too short; I just wanted the story to keep going.

“In a novel that is at once wholly of our time and timeless, fearless and funny, Dean Koontz takes readers into the moment between one turn of the world and the next, across the border between knowing and mystery.”

Life is indeed a mystery. And a mystery we are unlikely to ever solve. But there are clues that will help us have a more peaceful life which we’ll see if we simply take a moment and open our eyes. Koontz tells us about a few of these clues: hope, perseverance, selflessness… while at the same time telling us a story that takes us out of the everyday and entertains.

Genre: Suspense

Publisher: Howard Books

Publication Date: May 2009

Reviewed by Tim George

Harry Bennett is a professional scavenger who spent the last year of his life rotting away in a Barbados prison for a crime he didn’t commit. Then one morning a barrister from London shows up to announce Harry’s release from prison at the dying bequest of an old friend. The will of that friend lands Harry in the posh art world of Palm Beach, Florida, and in the company of his friend’s granddaughter. Together they began to seek a treasure that had consumed their benefactor for many years. The search uncovers far more than either ever anticipated, including the murder of the man both loved dearly.

Gold of Kings is an intelligent, action-packed tale of loyalty, love, and obsession. Harry finds himself with his allegiance divided between three equal, yet very different kinds of loves: a woman who reminds him so much of the old man that trusted him when no one else would, a Federal Agent who first sees him as a suspect but ultimately captures his heart, and the gold fever both women fear still holds him firmly in its grip. Each of the main characters is driven by his or her own burning passion which at times threatens to rip the tenuous team apart. Which will win out? Will it be the drive for revenge or the desire to be professionally recognized? Or, in spite of Harry’s growing brotherly love for one and romantic love for another, will it be the gold that wins out in the end?

More recently T. Davis Bunn has been known for his collaboration with Janette Oke but in Gold of Kings he returns to a genre in which he is quite talented. This is suspense with a brain and a heart. The villain is deadly, elusive, and smart. But, unlike many suspense novels these days his methods of killing do not take center stage. Harry Bennett isn’t perfect and still has a little larceny left in him at the end of the story. But, he has also learned much about what is of real value. He discovers the greatest protagonist each of us faces is our heart. And, the greatest treasure is more lasting even than the Gold of Kings.

Genre: Suspense

Publisher: Kregel

Publication Date: July 2009

Reviewed by Tim George

How do you manage to work modern geo-politics, the composer of Pomp and Circumstance, an ancient and still barely understood language, and Charles Spurgeon, the most recognized preacher of the nineteenth century, into a tightly written novel of suspense? Pick up The Sacred Cipher by Terry Brennan and you’ll find out. What begins as the casual discovery of a long forgotten scroll hidden within the walls of the Bowrey Mission in New York City escalates into an all-out race to prove the existence of a rumored temple hidden beneath the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem for a millennium.

In his debut novel, Brennan puts his background as an award winning journalist and longtime officer of the Bowrey Mission to good use in weaving a fast paced story that blends strong characters, tight dialogue, and action that hits a dizzying pace as the story races to its conclusion. If you think the story idea is not plausible you would do well to bone up a little on Middle Eastern religion and politics or watch the evening news for a few weeks.

The spiritual themes of the story are strong but woven into the fabric of the story rather than seeming artificial or forced. The people sucked into this mystery have depth and reflect the personalities of real people. Some believe but doubt. Others doubt but wish they could believe. And all involved find their personal search has ramifications far bigger and potentially more destructive than any ever considered. With this kind of writing one can only hope that Terry Brennan has many more stories in him yet to be told.

Genre: Suspense

Publisher: Water Brook Press

Publication Date: May 2009

Reviewed by Josh Olds

“Even if we are all broken

We each are a reflection of God

Living with your arms wide open

Spreading your wings to take off.

-          Beautiful Bird by Cindy Morgan

(The song that completes Caitlyn’s journey in Broken Angel)

Run. That’s all Caitlyn and her father Jordan can do. The most infamous bounty hunter of them all is after them. After her. And whatever happens, she cannot be caught. Author Sigmund Brouwer begins the book at an addictive, page-turning pace and the action and intrigue never let up even as the final pages are turned.

Set in a post-apocalyptic world known as Appalachia, Caitlyn and her father are running from a bounty hunter sent by Bar Elohim, the theocratic ruler of the country hewn out of the mountains after years of government infighting in the United States. Father and daughter become separated and Caitlyn must continue on alone, relying only on his messages. She seeks out only to find safety but also understand the dark mystery surrounding her existence. Why had her parents wanted to kill her when she was born? Why was she not like the other children? Why was she being hunted?

In the background, Brouwer fleshes out the world of Appalachia. Created when religious fundamentalism became more about politics than religion, the country is a closed region. None go out and few come in. Everyone inside the country wears a vidpod, which allows their conversations to be recorded and their whereabouts to be tracked. None escape the all-seeing eye of the servant of God who rules Appalachia, the one called Bar Elohim. But secretly, a group called the Clan has been helping those that dissent with Appalachia’s rule escape to the Outside. This is where Caitlyn must run.

The story is a blitzkrieg of events that dare you to stop reading. You feel drawn to Caitlyn’s suffering as she tries to understand what is different about her that she would be hunted. You are aghast as the culture of Appalachia is unveiled—and you wonder how far it is from our own. But in the end, it is the story of one girl who must outwit a treacherous bounty hunter and soar like a broken angel.

Broken Angel is a challenging emotional story that manages to engage the mind while rending the heart. But it isn’t the end of the story. Flight of Shadows (coming Jan 2010) continues Caitlyn’s journey as trouble pursues her as she now faces life on the Outside. I am eagerly anticipating this second novel even as I continue now to wrap my mind around the first one. Truly a remarkable read.

Genre: Suspense

Publisher: Bethany House

Publication Date: March 2009

Reviewed by Tim George

Elisha’s Bones has just about everything one could ask for in an action adventure story: a flawed and somewhat misplaced hero, a love interest from the past sucked back into his chaotic profession, and a billionaire willing to spend his life’s fortune and the lives of whoever gets in the way of his slim hopes of life. Add to that a farfetched yet vaguely plausible biblical mystery and Don Hoesel’s debut suspense novel make an entertaining and intelligent read.

At the center of the story is Jack Hawthorne, a professor of archeology at a small North Carolina University with a back story that won’t wait. When an elusive billionaire dangles an unlimited budget for a short time archeological adventure to search for something that can’t possibly exist, Jack can’t resist. Within weeks his life is a tangled mess of international intrigue, murdered friends, and an ancient conspiracy that would have best been left buried. Written in first person present tense, the story has an immediacy that puts one inside this man’s shoes as he becomes first obsessed with a mystery and then running for his life with a woman he has been given an undeserved second chance with.

Hoesel gives us, in Elisha’s Bones, something Dan Brown attempts in the Da Vinci Code and the The Lost Symbol minus Brown’s seeming axe to grind against all things religious. While you may scratch your head at the end of the book and doubt if such a thing could really happen, you will also find yourself the next day wondering if perhaps it has. This is the kind of story that works on so many levels that just about anyone who loves good fast-paced suspense can enjoy. If you want, consider its themes about faith, life, and death. Or, just fasten your seatbelt and join Jack and Espy as they race from Mayan pyramids in Venezuela, to Coptic churches in Ethiopia, to the vast outback for Australia. Either way, you won’t be disappointed when you discover what might have happened to Elisha’s bones.

Genre: Suspense

Publisher: WaterBrook Press

Publication Date: October 2009

Reviewed by Jake Chism

Nina Parker has her demons like we all do. It just so happens that her demons live in the bottom of the next bottle. Alcohol has taken over her life and the thirst has separated her from everyone she loves. Saddled by guilt and desperation she makes another attempt at rehab, hoping she will find the strength to fight through her addiction.

After a successful stint of sobriety, Nina decides to return home to Abby Hills with her estranged daughter. Soon Nina befriends a mysterious stranger who seems to be more than infatuated with her. When a series of grisly animal deaths and a murder occur in her peaceful hometown, Nina begins to suspect that something sinister is lurking in the shadows. Nina must now turn to an unlikely ally to fight the both the darkness within and the terror that threatens to harm everything she holds dear.

Everywhere we look vampire novels are crowding the shelves and it comes as no surprise that the Christian market is suddenly becoming more open to the concept. At the risk of being lost in the shuffle and alienating herself from a conservative readership, Tracey Bateman has set out to write a vampire story that is both redemptive and relevant. I think Bateman does just that in her first foray into supernatural suspense.

To be fair, readers who are looking for the next Twilight or True Blood may not appreciate the story they find here. Yes there are vampires, but they are mild compared to the violent and sensual blood suckers that are so often portrayed in the genre. One could even argue that this story could have been told effectively without the vampire angle at all. Nevertheless, Bateman does a great job of effectively using the vampires to give this story a strong suspenseful feel.

The strength of this novel is found in Nina’s battle with addiction. Her fight to win back her family and conquer her demons is inspirational for anyone who has ever lived through similar situations. Nina’s personal journey alone is enough reason to pick up this novel, and this is a great story to pass on to friends and family who are dealing with addiction.

Is Thirsty the greatest vampire novel ever written? Well, I don’t think it was meant to be. Take the vampires or leave them. The choice is yours. Just don’t let your fear of the unknown or your overexposure to a familiar genre get in the way of experiencing this powerful story.

Genre: Suspense

Publisher: Bethany House

Publication Date: July 2009

Reviewed by Tim George

Aidan O’Neill is a firefighter in Reno, Nevada and very good at what he does. At least he has been until recently. But now, driven by the distraction of his father’s death, an arsonist like none he’s seen before, and a gnawing sense that the fires he faces have a personal grudge against him, Aidan’s tough exterior is beginning to show signs of falling apart. Add to that, he is losing the woman he thought he would marry and making some serious mistakes in a job where the smallest error can cost lives and we have a man in deep need of regrouping.

This story has everything needed to make for good suspense. The hero is nowhere near perfect yet determined to do the right thing. The action moves along nicely with only a few scenes that sag just a bit. While there is a surprise twist along the way the real villains are the fire and the darkness threatening one’s man’s emotional, mental, and spiritual moorings.

Through the Fire is Shawn Grady’s debut novel but it is obvious he is no probie when it comes to firefighting or writing. His descriptions are vivid and the action entirely believable. While some may find themselves a bit overwhelmed by the technical details of firefighting, Grady uses those details to offer the realism needed to put one’s self in the boots of his main character. But in the end, the real hero of this story is not Aidan but the one who sees though all the smokescreens of a wounded man’s life and conquers his soul. In the words of Aidan O’Neill, “I felt warmth inside me. A timeless, familiar, and wonderful presence. And in my heart I yielded.”

A hard place to come to … a wonderful place to find.

Genre: Suspense, Thriller

Publisher: Bantam

Publication Date: May 2008

Reviewed by Jake Chism

After his not so normal stay at St. Bartholomew’s Abbey, Odd Thomas hits the road and finds himself in Magic Beach, California. In tow are his trusty ghost dog, Boo, and the restless spirit of Frank Sinatra. He finds work as a live in chef for a former silent movie star, all the while enjoying a rare moment of normalcy in his chaotic life.

As Odd fully expects, the normalcy doesn’t last and soon he is plagued by a nightmare of catastrophic proportions. His experience with the strange and unusual tells Odd that something big is about to go down, something more ominous than anything he has ever faced before. Using his psychic magnetism, Odd befriends a young girl named Annamaria who seems to be in the middle of whatever is about to happen. As Odd searches for the source of the impending doom, he uncovers a deadly plan that carries global implications. Once again, this lowly fry cook from Pico Mundo is the only one who can save the day. However, this time around the fate of the entire country rests on his shoulders.

Dean Koontz never fails to blow me away with his Odd Thomas novels. As always, the Odd One is clever and endearing with his engaging dialogue and unexpected moves throughout the story. As with the previous Odd novels, Koontz peels back more and more layers of Odd’s intriguing life, never quite giving us clear answers but all but guaranteeing that we will come back for more. The mysterious Annamaria is a delightful addition to the mix and Frank Sinatra’s performance in the police station is one of the best Odd Thomas scenes to date.

I’ve read many of Koontz’s novels, but none capture my heart and imagination as much the Odd Thomas books. Asking me to pick a favorite Odd tale would be like asking me to pick my favorite episode of Lost. Why not have it all? It’s simply that good. Oddie is back and just as enjoyable as ever.

Genre: Suspense

Publisher: Bethany House

Publication Date: July 2009

Reviewed by Tim George

When some people hear “historical” and “well researched” their eyes glaze over in anticipation of what most undoubtedly will prove to be a boring read. Not so with Pirate Hunter by Tom Morrisey! Instead what we get is the story of two men separated by three hundred years yet joined by their love of the sea, treasure, and the pressing need to unburden themselves of resentment for the wrongs done to them by their fathers.

The two main characters at first seem to have little in common. Greg Rhode is a college educated treasure hunter with a secret affinity for bluegrass music. Bold Ted Bascombe is a sixteen year old boy set free from a Dutch slave trader by the famous pirate Captain Henry Thatch.  Their stories weave in and out of each other throughout Pirate Hunter as both fall in love and both try to reconcile their Christian faith with the unresolved pain caused by fathers who failed them miserably.

If Johnny Depp is your idea of a typical pirate you may want to set that aside for the picture Morrisey paints in its place. Captain Hatch and Bold Ted are both believers who worship every Sunday. That is, unless they are claiming a ship as the property of the local governor. The Captain is a man feeling the weight of the contradictions of his life and the path he has led his young protégée down.

The technique used to tell this story works on every level. Morrisey moves us from past to present so smoothly it sometimes takes a moment to remember the characters are separated by three centuries. Though the conclusion leaves a few questions unanswered they are not the important ones. Both characters begin their journey believing treasure is what matters most. And it is; just not the kind they first believe. As always, the greatest treasures are not gold bars and rubies. The most valuable things in life are what are valuable in eternity. Something Bold Ted and Greg Rhode discover together in the most mysterious of all seas, the human heart.

Genre: Suspense, Mystery, Thriller

Publisher: Little, Brown and Company

Publication Date: October 2009

Reviewed by Jake Chism

Detective Harry Bosch is called in on what looks to be a typical robbery murder in a convenience store in south Los Angeles. As Bosch explores the crime scene he begins to notice things that don’t add up. A string of evidence leads Harry and the team to a notorious triad member. Just as the case is breaking wide open Bosch gets a message from someone in Hong Kong who is holding his daughter captive. Either he lets his suspect go, or he will never see her again. Driven by determination and fear Harry Bosch catches the next flight to Honk Kong to save his daughter and bring her home.

Michael Connelly serves up this fifteenth installment of his Harry Bosch series in superb fashion. You would think after writing a character for so long that Connelly might begin to lose his edge or run out of great story ideas. Thankfully, neither is true in this case. The Bosch we fell in love with so long ago is evident throughout these pages and we’re reminded once again why Michael Connelly consistently soars to the top of the bestseller lists.

As always we are drawn into the plot through Harry Bosch’s detailed detective work and his commitment to the badge. I love “hitting the streets” with Bosch and chasing down leads and nabbing suspects. Connelly’s meticulous detail never seems overbearing and always serves to effectively drop the reader into the middle of everyday detective work.

Much of this story takes place in Honk Kong and it was fun to see Bosch in a different environment while he searches for his daughter. Along the way he makes unlikely allies and leaves a wake of bodes in true Harry Bosch style that fans have grown to love. Connelly somehow keeps the tension throughout this setting, while at the same time giving us a revealing glimpse into both the beauty and seediness of China’s global metropolis.

The strength of this novel is found in Bosch’s relationship to his daughter. There’s plenty of suspense, action, and hard boiled detective elements to go around, but it all works together to highlight the personal nature of this story. A man desperate to save his daughter no matter what the cost? That’s enough to keep the pages churning for sure.

Readers not familiar with Michael Connelly’s work should be aware that he holds nothing back when it comes to authenticity. All of the language and violence you would expect from a hard nosed detective story are evident here, and readers who are looking for a “lighter story” might take exception.

Whether you are a veteran fan of Harry Bosch or a newbie to this series, Nine Dragons can be enjoyed by all. Michael Connelly is at the top of his game and shows no signs of slowing down.

Genre: Suspense, Mystery, Young Adult

Publisher: Zondervan

Publication Date: October 2009

Reviewed by Jake Chism

Shaley O’Connor has always longed for the father she never knew. Being the teenage daughter of a rock star certainly has its perks, but Shaley would gladly trade all the glamour and spotlight for a chance to meet her dad. However, two of her friends have recently been murdered and it seems like her father may be behind it all. Shaley and her mom, Rayne, delve into the past looking for answers unaware that someone is coming for them both.

Last Breath takes up right where Always Watching left off and immediately we’re pulled in by the tight suspense and mystery surrounding Shaley. We’re treated to a great storytelling device this time around that gives us a glimpse into the past and propels the story ahead. The suspense and mystery elements are strong throughout and Shaley’s spiritual journey never seems forced or manufactured.  Rather the questions and doubts come across as a natural reaction to the fear and turmoil she is facing.

Brandilyn and Amberly Collins continue to shine in a young adult market that so desperately needs quality stories laced with positive messages. Though geared towards teen girls, this series can be picked up and enjoyed by anyone who loves great suspense. Give the Rayne Tour a try and see for yourself. You’ll be glad you did.

Don’t miss our interview with Brandilyn and Amberly Collins.

Genre: Suspense, Mystery, Young Adult

Publisher: Zondervan

Publication Date: May 2009

Reviewed by Jake Chism

Shaley O’Connor has the kind of life most girls would do anything for: A rock star mom, limitless wealth, and the celebrity status to boot. What teenager wouldn’t want to tour with one of the world’s most famous bands? Unfortunately, the fame soon loses its power and appeal when one of Shaley’s closest friends is murdered back stage at the latest concert. As new evidence comes to light she soon realizes her own life is in danger. Not knowing who to trust, Shaley turns to the God who has always seemed so far to help her in her greatest time of need.

Mother and daughter team Brandilyn and Amberly Collins have stormed onto the YA scene in exhilarating style with this great new series. Always Watching is a fast paced whodunit set against the intriguing backdrop of rock star celebrity. From the opening lines, we are immersed into Shaley’s exciting life as a celebrity’s daughter. It doesn’t take long for us to see that fame is not all its cut out to be. Indeed Shaley’s struggle to balance her public status with her true identity is one of the most interesting aspects of this story.

When you read Brandilyn Collins you expect mystery and thrills, and once again she doesn’t disappoint. Her adult fans will find much to rave about here, while new teen readers will love the youthful voice and perspective that Amberly Collins brings to the table. Underlying the tension and dread is a strong spiritual message about trusting in the God who is always watching over us. In the end we are left with the closure we long for and a promise of even more mystery to come. The Rayne Tour is in full swing and you can guarantee that I won’t miss a show.

Genre: Suspense

Publisher: Zondervan

Publication Date: October 2009

Reviewed by Tim George

Warning! If you haven’t read Farraday Road yet stop here.

Swope’s Ridge continues the story Ace Collins began in his riveting debut work of fiction, Farraday Road. Lije Evans and his cast of characters follow the mystery of Swope’s Ridge to places none of them could have possibly imagined. What began as the hunt for the murderer of his wife becomes Lije’s quest to stop something far bigger than the individual pieces of the mystery.

The stakes are raised as we realize what happened in a sleepy corner of Arkansas was only the precursor to something much more sinister than first believed. The author expands the story this time to include international terrorism and the last soldier of the most infamous of all terrorists, Adolf Hitler. This time around we are carried from Arkansas, to England, to Germany, to Mexico, to Kansas, and back home again on a wild ride of suspense, mystery, and espionage.

Though the stage is much bigger than the first novel, Collins still manages to keep us close to the characters; something that is often lost in sequels. Swope’s Ridge is not a book for readers looking for stereotypical cut outs of characters. Through all the adventure we are presented a sobering look at racism, betrayal, and misplaced loyalties. Once again the plot is tight and the dialogue, engaging. And the really good news … there is no “to be continued” at the end of this one. Though Lije Evans may be back another day, you will be satisfied with the conclusion of the mystery of Swope’s Ride. Very satisfied.

Genre: Suspense

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

Publication Date: September 2009

Reviewed by Tim George

Nick Polchak is a forensic entomologist who understands one thing well … bugs. Everything else about life and people, not so much. And that is what has made Dr. Polchak such an interesting character in all of the novels in Tim Down’s, Bug Man series (Shoo Fly Pie, Chop Shop, First the Dead, and Less Than Dead). In this installment, Nick faces terrorists, possible global disaster, and most frightening of all, the attention of two women demanding he make a choice between them.

In Ends of the Earth, Tim Downs does a good job of telling a big story in a very personal way.  Eco-terrorism is something that is a very real threat and Downs paints the picture of its possibilities with frightening clarity. Few of us realize how fragile our agricultural system is and what the ramifications are if it should collapse. That story is told on a global scale. And, Nick is up to the task to finally identify the threat and help stop it.

It’s the personal side of this story that leaves Nick stymied. Two women from his past are intricately involved in Nick’s investigation. One is vulnerable (recently widowed and about to lose her farm) while the other is tough as nails. The question is, can Nick see beyond his thick-as-lead glasses and read his own heart. That is a asking a lot from a guy, who in seeking to compliment a friend’s wife, said she had the mystery and beauty of a dung beetle.

Give Nick a chance and read Ends of the Earth. The plot is tight, the action intense yet believable, and the characters memorable. In the end, this is a fun read that leaves you thinking about some things you may not have before.

Genre: Suspense

Publisher: Howard Fiction

Publication Date: August 2009

Reviewed by Tim George

An ancient disease, a modern pandemic, and the one person who offers hope for a cure has been dead for 350 years.

If that blurb on the back of TSI: The Gabon Virus doesn’t grab your attention then this book is not for you. For the rest of us, however, this first in a series of novels written by Paul McClusker and Dr. Walt Larimore offers an exciting new genre of Christian fiction. Thirty years ago, Michael Crichton warned of the potential for a deadly man-made pandemic devastating the planet in The Andromeda Strain. The Gabon Virus builds on that premise but raises the stakes in its introduction of eco-terrorists intent on not just taking the earth back to the stone age but in eliminating the human race altogether.

Though this is a big story taking place on three continents with a large cast of characters the authors do a good job of focusing on a couple of story-lines that are intensely personal and compelling. Dr. Mark Carlson has just joined the Time Scene Investigators after losing his own child to a deadly disease and his inner turmoil threatens to hamper his ability to contribute an answer to a raging epidemic of Ebola in Gabon, Africa. In Gabon, a lone teenage boy runs for his life from the horrors he witnessed in his family’s religious compound not realizing he is a carrier of the disease. And, an American general has issued a kill on site order to stop the boy not realizing the target is his own grandson.

Throw into the mix, a village in England with a graveyard full of black-death victims from the 1600’s and a local legend named the Blue Monk, and you have the makings of a great story. While one boy in Africa may unwittingly threaten death to millions, the body of a long dead monk in England may hold the key to the cure. The authors have revealed another in this series will appear in the near future following the exploits of the Time Scene Investigators to Siberia as they seek to thwart the madness of the Return to Earth eco-terrorists. That is good news. At least we can all sleep soundly until then.

Genre: Suspense, Mystery, Thriller

Publisher: Revell

Publication Date: August 1^st, 2008

Reviewed by Jake Chism

FBI Agent Patrick Bowers is baffled by his latest case in San Diego. An arsonist has been wreaking havoc on the city leaving no clues as to motive or identity. Meanwhile, a shark researcher from a local aquarium has been kidnapped by a sadistic madman who has only given Bowers a few hours to save her. The only clue left behind is a shocking video clip that reveals the torture the victim is enduring. Patrick races against time to not only save an innocent life, but also to apprehend the monster responsible.

Meanwhile, both cases take a startling turn when a top secret research facility is burned down at a nearby naval base. When the culprit is apprehended, more connections to both cases are brought to light. Soon Bowers discovers a device that was stolen from the naval base, and is shocked when its purpose is revealed. As more and more answers surface Patrick realizes he is in the middle of a grand conspiracy with far reaching implications. He must find the truth at all costs and try to stop the mastermind behind it all, the ever elusive Shade.

Steven James hooked me with his debut, The Pawn. Now in this explosive sequel he has absolutely blown me away. The Rook is thriller writing at its highest level. James is a top-notch storyteller that knows exactly how to hook readers with complex storylines, unexpected plot twists, and engaging characters. While reading The Rook, I was reminded of the works of Michael Connelly, James Patterson, and Harlan Coben among others. Yes, this guy is that good!

Patrick Bowers is now becoming one of my favorite literary characters and James does a masterful job of portraying a man who is both a genius in his profession and a novice as a father. Patrick’s relationship with his step-daughter, Tessa, is emotional and real, bringing a welcome dose of family values and heart to the story. While Patrick and Tessa both struggle with their faith, their search for meaning and hope is heartfelt and inspiring.

Steven James is continuing to prove what an amazing talent he is. This one is not to be missed!

Genre: Suspense

Publisher: Zondervan

Publication Date: October 2008

Reviewed by Tim George

After years of producing a number of excellent non-fiction works, Ace Collins has entered the world of fiction with style. His debut novel, Farraday Road, introduces us to Lije Evans and a cast of characters that are hard to forget. The story begins with Lije, a small town attorney, found shot on a dead-end road and his wife dead not far from him. Lije is offered little chance to grieve as his junior law partner is accused of the crime and the Arkansas Bureau of Investigation shows up intent on proving her guilt.

Farraday Road is a classic southern mystery. Lije lives in the biggest house in town and is wealthy from inherited “old money.” His murdered wife is loved by all and remembered as a great benefactor of charity. Each chapter of the book finds Lije drawn deeper and deeper into something that is far bigger than anything little Salem, Arkansas has ever experienced. But don’t be fooled; this is not a little story. The more Lije seeks to answer why someone would kill his wife the bigger the story gets. Everything from old Indian legends to the James Gang to German SS espionage blend together to make for a story with plenty of plot twists and surprises.

This is a story with rich characters and a mystery with incredible implications. I know it’s overused, but this is the kind of book that really is hard to put down. The story flows so seamlessly it is easy to get lost in its magic. The prose and plot are powerful reminding me of Athol Dickson’s first novels (Gar Reed Mysteries). The spiritual themes of the book are presented in the natural conversations of the characters and the setting of the Deep South. Nothing is forced or preachy but at the same time this is not just a clean story. There is a solid spiritual dimension to it.

A word of warning though; Farraday Road ends with the words, “to be continued.” The mystery is not resolved until Collin’s sequel, Swope’s Ridge, is released in October 2009. The good news is I have already read Swope’s Ridge and can guarantee you the story gets even bigger and the mystery is solved with final resolution. I could review Swope’s Ridge for you but I think I’ll let you guess for now. After all, this is a mystery.

Genre: Suspense

Publisher: Zondervan

Publication Date: March 1, 2009

Reviewed by Frank Redman

James Scott Bell writes wonderful, character driven stories, consisting of characters that are believable and flawed. They are “everyday people” trying to get along in life. As we read about them, they draw us into their stories and cause us to cheer for them. We ride shotgun, living their life events as they do. Deceived is no exception.

When Liz Towne and her husband, Arty, stumble upon the body of a dead motorcyclist in a canyon, they find the discovery of a lifetime—diamonds. Lots of them. Priceless. And stolen. She argues with her husband on what they should do with the hot ice, and decides to take a path that leads her ever-deeper down a path of deceit, in which she must continuously make choices to keep up the deception, or jump off.

Arty’s sister, Rocky Towne, is an insurance fraud investigator and suspects foul play with Liz, but she’s unable to find proof. We also meet Mac MacDonald, whom Liz takes an interest to and to the church life that Mac now lives. But is her interest real, or part of the deception?

Liz lived through a traumatic childhood. Mac is a veteran suffering from Gulf War Syndrome. Rocky has a scarred face, damage caused after being mauled by a dog as a child, which has a negative impact on her self-esteem, in turn negatively affecting all she does. Bell has breathed depth into each character, bringing them to life on the page. They could be the guy mowing the lawn next door, or the lady putting gas in her car while you’re cleaning your windshield.

This story hit home for me, as my wife and I worked at a children’s home for a few years. Many of the kids suffered some form of abuse. In most of those cases, their parents had in turn suffered abuse, and so the cruelty climbs down the family tree. Love and hope can break the chain, but the effects can manifest in different ways. In Deceived, they lead to the absence of a filter in the mind that allows for the discernment of right and wrong.

There are multiple twists in the storyline and plausible tension throughout. What you expect to happen doesn’t. What does happen is another thought-provoking, wonderful story by James Scott Bell.

Genre: Mystery, Suspense

Publisher: Bethany House

Publication Date: May 2008

Reviewed by Jake Chism

Vera Gamble leads a quiet life as a CPA in Dallas. Haunted by her past, she hides behind the numbers to keep from facing the pain. A stranger calls out of the blue bearing news that forces Vera to remember things that she longs to forget. Her brother, Siggy, has been found dead washed up on the shores of Winter Haven, a small island community just off the coast of Maine. Reluctantly, Vera embarks on the long journey to claim the body of her older brother who has been missing for thirteen years.

Upon arrival at Winter Haven, Vera is instantly aware of how unique this place is. Trees of seemingly unnatural height tower overhead and the streets are lined with antiquated homes and buildings that look as if they have been untouched by time. The people are quite and keep to themselves and seem bothered by the presence of a stranger.

Vera is lead to the old shack where her brother’s body has been preserved. She is shocked to discover that that not only is the body indeed her brother, but he also hasn’t aged a day since he vanished thirteen years ago. Vera stets out on a quest for the truth behind this startling revelation and along the way learns the dark history of Winter Haven. Her search for truth will bring her face to face with her greatest fears and her troubled past. The truth that is uncovered will forever change Vera and the people of Winter Haven.

Athol Dickson is fast becoming one of my favorite authors. Winter Haven is further proof of the depth of his talent and his storytelling ability. At its core this is a mystery novel, yet it is so much more. Dickson treats us to a wonderfully drawn story that includes suspense, chills, a hint of romance, and a search for spiritual truth that will resonate with the reader long after the last line.

Dickson’s strength is found in his ability to cause readers to slow down and savor every word. I often find myself flying through the pages of a book that I love, but this time I constantly found myself holding back to enjoy the rich imagery and the methodical character development. Dickson paints word pictures like no one else and he effortlessly drops us into the strange and beautiful world of Winter Haven. Even though we are presented with more and more questions as the story unfolds, Dickson cleverly ties up all the loose ends in a way I never anticipated.

This is Athol Dickson at his best and fans of unique mysteries and suspense will love this story. Clear your schedules, kick back, slow down, and prepare to enjoy every word of this rich, mesmerizing tale.

Genre: Mystery, Suspense

Publisher: Mira

Publication date: June 26, 2007

Reviewed by Jeremy Taylor

This satisfactory debut novel from Jason Pinter features nearly nonstop action, mostly believable and sympathetic characters, a realistic plot conflict, and a likeable first-person narrator. Armed with a formidable list of endorsers, including James Patterson, Lee Child, and Joseph Finder, the book is well written enough to make this young author successful once he irons out some of the rough areas.

Henry Parker is a fresh-faced 24-year-old reporter for the New York Gazette. Though his personal life isn’t everything he once hoped it might be, he’s thrilled with the opportunity to live out his journalistic ambitions at one of the nation’s most respected institutions. Little does he know his first big assignment could spell not only the end of his career but the end of his life.

After narrowly escaping death at the hands of a crooked police officer while researching a story, Parker finds himself framed for the cop’s murder. Now the target of a nationwide manhunt, he struggles to escape New York while trying to track down leads pointing to the real murderer. Parker spends most of the book trying to stay one step ahead of both the cops and the real criminals as Pinter builds the suspense and mystery right to the climactic final scene.

A fast-paced, entertaining read, The Mark nevertheless suffers from some avoidable rookie bloopers. A few loose connections in the story aren’t quite sewn up, and unfortunate grammatical errors, improper word usage (e.g., confidence instead of conscience), and awkward phrasing serve as obstacles to the reader’s enjoyment as well. On the positive side, the action is intense, and the newspaper backdrop allows for some intelligence behind the intrigue and mystery. Pinter adds some texture by employing a mixed narrative, switching back and forth between first-person and third-person storytelling.

The story is unfortunately marred by foul language and crass humor, and the underlying worldview is one that takes sexuality very lightly, so caution is required. Sophomoric humor and some lame analogies (“my statement sunk in like a hypodermic needle”) betray the author’s inexperience as well. Still, this is a solid first effort from an author who will undoubtedly be entertaining mystery fans for a long time.

Genre: Suspense, Horror

Publisher: Realms

Publication Date: March 2009

Tim George’s Review:

Mike Dellosso stretches his writing wings in his sophomore tale of suspense, Scream. Offering the same intensity and smart pacing as his debut novel, The Hunted, Mike offers even better character studies in both his hero, Mark Stone and Stone’s protagonist, aptly named Judge.

Mark Stone is a hero with problems. His marriage is on the rocks and it’s his fault. What went wrong is doled out in little slices along the way but the hope of seeing things made right seems futile almost from the beginning. As though that isn’t enough to distract a man, Stone has even bigger problems. On several occasions he is talking to various people on the phone only to have the conversation interrupted by unworldly, you guessed it, screams. When he finds those he was talking with dead, our hero knows he is being plunged into a world he had believed to be behind him.

In spite of his disillusionment with the church, Mark Stone is left with nowhere to turn for answers for the hellish screams and resulting deaths except ministers. His conversations with these “men of God” reveal how little some who claim to believe in the spiritual actually do. While Stone is tempted to discount one minister’s explanation, the stakes are raised when a conversation with his estranged wife is interrupted by similar nightmarish sounds. This sets the stage for his ultimate confrontation with the reality of evil and grace.

Dellosso does an excellent job of painting the portrait of the man we know as Judge. This is no two-dimensional villain but rather a complicated man that has experienced deep tragedy in his own life. His misdirected thirst for justice has prompted him to open the door of his heart to a darkness that offers only one horrible option to satisfy that thirst. Time is taken to thoroughly develop the nature of Judge before he and Mark Stone are brought together.

In typical Dellosso style, the story begins fast and races toward its dramatic conclusion from one chapter to the next. In spite of its weighty subject matter it does it with style and suspense. It’s one scream of a ride.

Jake Chism’s Review:

Mark Stone never thought one phone call would turn his world upside down. While driving home one night he receives a call from his friend that is interrupted by a series of horrendous and piercing screams. Immediately after the screams his friend dies in a horrible car accident. As Mark searches for answers, he unwittingly finds himself involved in more similar incidents that lead to more horrible deaths. Things become even more personal when his wife is kidnapped by a madman and the same eerie screams are heard over her desperate phone call for help. Now Mark is in a race against time and evil as he desperately tries to find his wife before he loses her once and for all.

Mike Dellosso has once again brought us an engaging thriller full of gut-wrenching suspense and strong spiritual truth. In his impressive debut, The Hunted, Dellosso stormed onto the scene proving he has what it takes to scare the wits out of his audience while at the same time delivering a challenging and relevant message. Scream ups the ante on all levels bringing us even more terror, more suspense, and ultimately more heart.

Mark Stone is a fallible, yet endearing character that you can’t help but pull for from the opening chapter. His resilient search for truth and meaning provides the perfect backdrop for this incredibly creepy premise. Mark’s struggles as a husband are also effectively explored throughout and help to bring more depth to this intense thrill ride.

There is much controversy surrounding the mix of the horror genre with inspirational fiction. I’m thrilled to see that authors like Mike Dellosso are consistently churning out novels that prove how powerful this type of storytelling can be. Indeed, Scream will have you breathlessly flying through the pages and closely examining your heart at the same time. Mike Dellosso is a bright new talent that demands to be noticed.

Genre: Suspense

Publisher: Realms

Publication Date: June 2008

Reviewed by Tim George

The Hunted has everything needed for a good suspense novel. A hero that has to learn how to be heroic, a small town (Dark Valley) with a mix bagged of characters for residents, a demented villain driven by forces beyond his control, unseen monsters that lurk in the darkness, and a twist ending that hits you out of right field just when you thought all the loose ends had been tied up.

When Joe Saunders’ nephew turns up missing Joe is drawn back to a place he would just as soon forget. Called by his sister-in-law, Joe returns to the site of a personal failure that has haunted him for years and the love he walked away from without looking back. To complicate matters, that love is now the Chief of Police. Whether Maggie Gill is friend or foe is a large part of the story. She is fourth generation law enforcement and part of a family that has carried a burden for nearly a hundred years known only as “the Secret.”

Something is prowling the woods and back roads of Dark Valley leaving a path of death in its wake. Something that will force Joe Saunders to use every bit of strength and courage he has and then appeal to God for what he does not have. That too is a challenge since Joe hasn’t exactly been on speaking terms with God for some time.

Mike Dellosso breaks all the rules in current Christian fiction: his stories are classic horror, he ignores the current rule of intricate pre-plotting before writing, and he is unapologetic is his direct presentation of overt spiritual themes. I can only hope others will follow his example.

Genre: Suspense, Supernatural

Publisher: NavPress

Publication Date: May 18th, 2007

Frank Redman’s Review:

I have to admit thrillers are my favorite genre. I love the action and the pacing. But even with thrillers, it’s rare when I get so lost in a novel that I’m not mindful of the page numbers as I’m turning pages. Despite the fact Tosca Lee’s DEMON: A MEMOIR is not a thriller and not action oriented, the story is so wonderfully engrossing it literally captured my imagination. I was amazed when, finally cognizant of the act of turning pages, I’d look at the current page number and realize twenty pages just flew by. The story—the writing—is mesmerizing.

The story begins as we join Clay wandering aimlessly in an earthly purgatory. He’s recently divorced, a recovering alcoholic, a failure as a writer, and in a dead-end job. Life has no meaning. Enter Lucian, a mysterious fallen angel who desires to tell his version of biblical history. “I’m going to tell you my story, and you’re going to write it down and publish it.”

DEMON was in my queue to read, but I was in the middle of another book for review. Succumbing to the temptation to look at DEMON, one night I opened it and perused through the first few pages. Just a peek. I soon found myself obsessed with finishing it.

I admired the melodic feel to the words and phrasing. The dialog is also “voiced” well. There were no instances in which I was removed from a scene because of disjointed or boring dialog. The settings are enjoyable with sufficient description to effectively imagine the background, but not so much that it impedes the flow of the story.

Never before have I read a novel that made me really think about my lifelong perceptions of religion, angels, demons, and culturally defined happiness. I gained insight into things I had previously taken for granted—new perspectives. Unfortunately, I cannot provide examples here as they would spoil the impact of the discovery for yourself as you’re engaged with the story. Just as Clay (and I) had to experience these things firsthand, you will have to as well. But let me say traveling through time with Lucian is absolutely worth the trip.

Clay is propelled face-first through spiritual realms while he desperately tries to grasp all that is happening, as best as humanly possible. Lee kills our complacency as we read, constantly changing the character manifestations of Lucian and his demeanor. This does not detract from the enjoyment of the story, but adds to it. We don’t know when or where Lucian is going to appear and we never really know what’s going to happen next. Just when you think you might have something figured out, you’re wrong.

The writing is captivating, the story is riveting, and the themes are enlightening. Lee makes you evaluate what we believe regarding grief, grace, and spiritual beings. I’m thankful I read DEMON. It has jumped high onto the list of my all-time favorite novels.

Kaci Hill’s Review:

I said in my Havah review I’ve been looking forward to reading Tosca Lee’s books since I first started hearing rumors about this demon lurking in Bosnian cafes. Well, Demon: A Memoir was hiding from me but was at last apprehended. And I have to say, again, I’m far from disappointed.  Okay, so the recently-divorced fiction editor, Clay, receives a summons from a demon named Lucian, who has a story to tell that begins one way and ends another.

Demon begins with a tone dark and tense, full of conflict, with the story of a man in transit with his life. Honestly, the demon is compelling, and I was a little unnerved at my own appreciation for his storytelling presence. This command is, in fact, Lee’s ability to combine intensity and beauty manifesting itself once again. It’s the subtle attention to detail that, once more, is full of surprises. Even Clay’s name has a purpose.

There are two stories going: Lucian’s narrative, and Clay’s life as it’s further affected by the conflict imposed on him by his personal demon, and the two quickly become one.  Unfortunately a great deal of what I would like to say is too wrapped up in spoilers. The end is definitely not what I was expecting, almost a challenge.

Once again, Lee covers an extensive amount of ground and subject matter: creation, the Fall, the nature of man, the nature of God, how they related to one another, sin and redemption, spiritual warfare – honestly, it’s all in there.  Oh, yes, and the temptation of the angels. I almost wish I’d read Demon first and Havah second, even though the order doesn’t actually matter because they’re stand-alone titles, if only because the thought of reading Lucian’s account before Havah’s is intriguing to me personally.  I’m definitely looking forward to whatever comes next.

Genre: Suspense

Publisher: Center Street/Hachette Book Group

Publication Date: April 14^th, 2009

Reviewed by Jake Chism

Ryan Evans has served his country well as an intelligence officer for the navy. On the other hand his role as a husband and a father has been lacking at best. When a mission goes wrong near Fallujah, Ryan comes face to face with a horrific reality causing him to reflect on his own personal failures. After a narrow escape Ryan vows to return home a better man for his wife and his daughter, Bethany.

Meanwhile in Austin, TX, new evidence has come to light regarding the capture of the serial killer known as Boneman. Two years ago Boneman went on a rampage capturing young girls and then torturing them by breaking all of their bones without breaking their skin. Boneman was finally captured, but the new evidence suggests they have the wrong man. Their suspicions are confirmed when the real Boneman captures Bethany Evans soon after her father returns from Iraq. Ryan will now stop at nothing to save his daughter from this monster. Unfortunately for Ryan, the FBI is convinced that he is Boneman.

Ted Dekker has sold more than three million copies of his titles and Boneman’s Daughters shows us why. With an astonishing twenty-three novels in nine years, Dekker has done what many authors fail to do after time: he only continues to get better.  This latest installment easily showcases the best writing of his short, yet illustrious career.

This well crafted plot is packed with tension and suspense. Dekker gives just the right amount of information to keep us hooked, but never enough to spoil the ride or reveal the final destination. Each of the main characters are wondrously brought to life, and the twisted glimpses into Boneman’s world are terrifying and disturbing. Dekker has crafted his share of memorable villains, but Boneman may be his darkest creation yet.

While I was effortlessly drawn in by the mystery and relentless pacing of this story, my favorite aspect was the personal struggle of Ryan Evans. This is a brilliant, yet flawed character that has completely made a mess of his life. Ryan’s resolve to make things right is the driving force that fuels this story along. In the end we are left with perfect closure and a fitting message of redemption that resonates loud and clear.

Boneman’s Daughters is Ted Dekker’s first book not published by Thomas Nelson. While that relationship continues, it’s great to see a publisher like Center Street/Hachette making an effort to get this story out to the masses. I hope this move will introduce Dekker and his writing to a whole new host of fans who have truly been missing out on some of the best storytelling around.

Genre: Suspense

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

Publication Date: April 2009

Reviewed by Tim George

Face of Betrayal co-authored by Fox News Legal Analyst Lis Wiehl and April Henry, is the first in a promised series of four called the Triple Threat Novels. And, with acknowledgments from the likes of Bill O’Riley, Sean Hannity, and Nancy Grace there is no doubt a lot of people will read this book. The question is will they find a great story once they open the cover?

There high school classmates find a common bond in their ten year reunion and a chocolate desert called, the Triple Threat. One is a Federal Prosecutor, another FBI special agent, and the third a TV reporter. As the story begins, it is apparent they have shared their resources in the past to solve various cases. When a 17 year old US Senate page disappears, the three find themselves in the center of her apparent kidnapping.

There is much to like about Wiehl’s first outing in Christian fiction. The pace is fast without sacrificing character development making for a quick and interesting read. Wiehl brings a wealth of knowledge from her experience with the Washington inside to an otherwise oft-told story: wealthy family involved in a kidnapping, powerful politician obstructing justice, etc … What brings real life to Face of Betrayal is its description of justice and journalistic procedures without becoming bogged down bogged down in needless detail.

While an excellent freshman effort, this suspense novel has a few distracting drawbacks. Most notable is the hurried up feel of the ending. Too much is introduced too late in the story and then lose ends are tied up in ways that feel more forced than necessary. The end result is a mixed bag. Perhaps by the time the sequel arrives the writing will have been tightened up. I hope so.

Genre: Mystery, Suspense, Thriller

Publisher: Little, Brown and Company

Publication Date: May 26^th, 2009

Reviewed by Jake Chism

Jack McEvoy made headlines when he helped track down a deadly serial killer early in his career. These days he is being forced out of the Los Angeles Times because of budget cuts. It seems the world has forgotten about the hero reporter who avenged his brother’s death. Just as Jack is ready to throw in the towel, he catches wind of a story that might just allow him to go out with a bang. As Jack digs deeper he soon discovers that the newspaper may be done with him, but a deadly new killer is certainly not.

We first met Jack McEvoy in Michael Connelly’s highly acclaimed novel, The Poet. Many consider that first introduction of the character to be Connelly’s finest work, surpassing even the dearly loved Harry Bosch novels. Thankfully, Connelly decided to prove to us all that Jack McEvoy is anything but a one hit wonder.

The Scarecrow is the perfect blend of vintage Connelly with a welcome dose of tech savvy thriller. While The Poet dealt much more with the daily life of a beat reporter, this time around we get more action layered with the perfect amount of detail. One of Connelly’s trademarks is his thoroughness, giving the audience an all access pass into the lives of his characters. While that element is still strong throughout here, it almost feels like Connelly holds back just enough to let the characters tell the story. The Scarecrow has a much tighter, fast paced feel that makes for an even better read than The Poet.

Rachel Walling is of course back and Connelly does a masterful job of portraying the ache of old flames and the hope of what might be. Jack and Rachel have both matured in different ways, yet they can’t deny the spark that never died. Their relationship feels like a natural overflow of the story and even helps carry the tension along as the plot unfolds.

The Scarecrow himself is a deeply disturbing villain whose weapon is the one thing that makes us all vulnerable: technology. This is a whole new frightening breed of serial killer, and Connelly wondrously brings this character to life through some riveting third person narrative.

What sets The Scarecrow apart from the rest is the character of Jack McEvoy. Michael Connelly nails every aspect of this veteran reporter with an unyielding sense of justice. The use of the first person is second to none here and the switching from first to third person throughout works as a clever storytelling device.

Millions of Michael Connelly fans wait with bated breath for the next Harry Bosch novel, and rightly so. I, however, can’t help but hope that we haven’t seen the last of Jack McEvoy.

Genre: Suspense

Publisher: Bantam Books

Publication Date: November 25th, 2008

Reviewed by Jake Chism

Ryan Perry made a fortune after he created the internet’s largest social networking website. Only thirty-four years old, Ryan is one of the wealthiest men in the country and has everything a man could want. Even his love life is better than he could have hoped, and he has no doubt Samantha is the one he will spend the rest of his life with.

One fateful day while Ryan is surfing he feels an intense pain in his chest, scaring him enough to visit the doctor. His worst fears are confirmed when he discovers he needs a heart transplant to live. As Ryan waits for a donor his world is torn apart by strange events and suspicions that he has no answer for. He begins to believe that those who are closest to him may be responsible for his medical condition. His search for the truth will lead him down a dark road that could destroy him in ways he never imagined.

Your Heart Belongs to Me might be one of the most unique novels of Koontz’s career. Depending on your perspective, that can be good or bad. It’s hard to fit this story into one clear cut genre. While there are terrifying moments, this is not a horror novel. Much of the story is full of drama, emotion, and romance, yet this is not a typical love story. This novel is very suspenseful, but driven at a much slower pace than Koontz’s previous works.

Much of Koontz’s early career was highlighted by suspenseful stories with both supernatural and horror elements. Many of his die hard fans still want that from him, and subsequently are quick to turn on his later works that are full of powerful explorations of light overcoming the darkness. While I enjoy many of the vintage Koontz novels, I have also thoroughly enjoyed his more recent approach to storytelling. This latest offering is certainly no exception.

In my book, no one equals Koontz when it comes to prose and dialogue. Those strengths shine here, but what carries this story is the character of Ryan Perry. His journey is full of struggle, hope, torment, and redemption. Koontz gives us a rich guy that has everything, and he still makes us care for and hurt alongside him at every turn. We’re able to see through the riches and security Ryan has built up around him and look into the heart of a person who is frightened by the realities of life and death. As we’re drawn deeper into the story, we are effectively drawn deeper into Ryan’s life, making this a more profound, heartfelt tale.

While the pacing of this story is slower than we’ve come to expect from Koontz, in no way does it take away from the suspense. Ryan’s paranoia about his situation and his search for truth amidst a world of confusion makes for a very addictive read. This is also one of the most spiritual themed novels Koontz has written and maybe one of the most poignant. In the end, Koontz delivers a great little twist that is both powerful and sobering. Even if you are aching for some classic Koontz give this one a chance and enjoy yet another wondrously crafted tale from the master.

Genre: Horror, Suspense

Publisher: Faithwords

Publication Date: May 28th, 2009

Frank Redman’s Review:

Dennis Shore is a successful horror novelist but has suffered one of life’s greatest tragedies in the past year, the death of his wife. “When stricken by a paralyzing case of writer’s block and a looming deadline, Dennis becomes desperate.” He plagiarizes an unstable fan’s manuscript, setting off a chain of events and the pursuit of violent revenge that threatens his sanity and the lives of his daughter and friends.

This was a difficult review for me to write. I’m a fan of the horror genre, but loathe the excessive profanity, sexual content, and gratuitous gore that so many writers in the genre depend on to make an impact with the reader. I had not previously read a Travis Thrasher novel, so I was excited to see what he had to offer.

It would be an injustice to the readers of this review, to myself, and ultimately to the author if I merely stated “This book is great—read it,” and was negligent in revealing some disappointment. The fan in me loved this story. The critic in me found some minor negatives.

I was concerned a few pages in whether I would truly enjoy it. The story took a while to develop and incidents occurred that seemed disjointed from the plot. The dialog felt forced. There are some editing errors, for example, the wrong pronoun used (p.17 “Did you threaten you?” The first “you” should be “she.”). To the author’s defense, it is tricky starting a novel, establishing the plot and characters, and simultaneously hooking the reader. If you stop reading this book because of these flaws, you’ll miss out on what simply can be defined as an extraordinarily good story. I’m incredibly grateful I stuck with it.

Yet there was still one more thing that frustrated me—I couldn’t wait to see what happened next! This… was a good feeling. For thrill-seekers, GHOSTWRITER is very much like the beginning of a monster rollercoaster. After climbing that first big hill (having time to look around, check your watch, shift around in your seat…), the rest flies at you in an eye-watering rush and your focus is dominated by what’s coming in the next stage of the ride. Kudos, Mr. Thrasher.

When you read a scary story and you’re not really sure what’s going on, but just when you think you’ve nailed it, something unexpected happens and your perception is shattered, that is the outline of a great horror story. That’s a great story, period. That is what GHOSTWRITER is.

It’s easy to develop compassion for Dennis Shore and identify with his grief, lack of faith, and his struggles with what’s real and what’s not. While it’s a remarkably frightening story, it is also an emotional love story. The reader feels Shore’s nightmarish fears and also his gut-wrenching sorrow.

Shore bounces in and out of lucidity so the reader cannot always discern what is real and what is the product of his poor mental health. This element can be difficult to pull off while mitigating reader confusion, but Thrasher makes good use of the technique, effectively keeping the reader guessing.

While this may sound like just a scary love story, do not be deceived. It is a full-on horror novel. Unspeakable supernatural evil tries to destroy the very essence of Shore’s life with an unhealthy serving of shocking violence.

GHOSTWRITER is an emotionally intricate masterwork of how evil can destroy us and love can redeem us.  Thrasher has proved to me to be an exceptional storyteller.

Do you believe in ghosts?

Jake Chism’s Review:

Dennis Shore has made quite a name for himself as a bestselling horror novelist. Every year his rabid fans anxiously anticipate the release of his new and terrifying creation. What his fans don’t know is that this year things aren’t what they seem with his new book. Sure it’s scary and addicting, some would even say his best work yet. Although his name may be on the cover, Dennis Shore didn’t write this book. Unfortunately for Dennis, the man who did write it is out to get him. And Dennis Shore will pay.

Like the fictional Dennis Shore, Travis Thrasher himself has begun to make quite a name for himself in the horror genre. Isolation proved that Thrasher has what it takes to scare the wits out of his audience while challenging them at the same time. Ghostwriter takes Thrasher’s writing to a whole new level of terror and heart.

From the opening lines we are effortlessly drawn in with Thrasher’s delectable prose and revealing insight into the mind of a novelist. Dennis Shore is an endearing character that demands our compassion because of the struggles life has thrown him. Yet on the other hand the more we get to know Dennis our compassion only grows as we realize how fallible he is.

The horror elements are very strong throughout as Dennis goes head to head with a madman that will stop at nothing to see him suffer. Ghostwriter truly offers some of Thrasher’s most disturbing scenes to date. Time after time I wanted to look away, but the quality of Thrasher’s writing made it impossible to do so. As the story progresses and truth is brought to life we are treated with a wondrous display of light in the midst of the deepest darkness.

Travis Thrasher only continues to astonish me with not only the quality of his writing, but his ability to tell powerful stories. It’s rare to find an author who can take us to places we don’t want to go in order to bring us to a place we long to be. Ghostwriter is the kind of gem that comes along far too seldom; displaying the kind of writing that deserves to be devoured by the masses.