Mystery and Suspense

Formula of Deception by Carrie Stuart Parks – Review & Giveaway

July 20, 2018 by Suzie Waltner 3 Comments

A few months ago, I bit the bullet and listened to my first audiobook. I was skeptical, wondering how much of the story I would actually retain? How often would I be backtracking? Now I find myself going through my TBR and determining which books I can add to my Audible account. Including Formula of Deception, this month’s new release from Carrie Stuart Parks.

In My Opinion…

At first, I thought it might be because I was listening to the audiobook, but other reviewers have mentioned the same thing, so that may not be it. There were a lot of characters to keep track of in this book. And at least a couple times, someone is introduced only to become part of the ever-rising body count.

First Line Friday: Flood Watch by Christy Barritt

February 23, 2018 by Suzie Waltner 14 Comments

Happy last Friday of February everyone! Where did this month go?

Have you read any of Christy Barritt’s books? If not and you pick one up, be warned that you will probably get hooked on one of her series. The good news is that she writes fast (about a book a month) so you have plenty to read. That’s also a little of the bad news because if you, like me, fall behind, it is sometimes hard to catch up…but I’m doing my best!

The second book in Barritt’s Lantern Beach series was released this month, so I’m sharing the first line from that one with you. PS, if you’re in search of a heated kiss, this is one to read!

And don’t forget to visit our hosts at Hoarding Books Blog to see what books everyone else is talking about this week.

When Death Draws Near by Carrie Stuart Parks

August 18, 2016 by Suzie Waltner Leave a Comment

I’m not sure whether it was the plethora of romantic suspense novels I’ve read this month or the fact I was in the mood for something more light-hearted (mostly likely a combination of both of those), but I had a little bit of a difficult time getting into the book. First, let me point out that this is categorized as a mystery and suspense novel (not romantic suspense) and it is the third in the Gwen Marcey series by Carrie Stuart Parks.

All that said, I’m glad I stuck it out because once all of the characters were introduced and I knew all the players in the game, when Gwen Marcey had something at stake, the story really kicked into high gear.

When Forensic Artist Gwen Marcey takes a job in Kentucky to identify some remains for the local Sheriff’s department, she’s immersed in a much deeper conspiracy. With an unsub dubbed as the Hillybilly Rapist’s pattern evolves, she’s not sure who she can trust—even the Sheriff and his son are suspect. Then she’s asked to investigate a religious group with some strange practices—snake handling and ingesting poison—and her confusion grows deeper. Through everything, her foremost concern is the safety of her daughter. But will she be able to uncover the truth before she becomes the next victim?

What I appreciate about Gwen Marcey is that she struggles with her faith. Her life has not been easy (if you’ve read the either or both of the previous books, you’re already aware of her fight with breast cancer and how her marriage fell apart) and there are times she gets angry and quits talking to God. But her sense of justice makes her keep pushing to bring the truth to light in her cases, even when everything in her screams to stop, ignore it, return home where life is predictable and safe.

Overall, a good read that has a slow build up that is worth the outcome in the end.

***Booklook Bloggers and Thomas Nelson provided me with a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest and fair review. All opinions expressed are my own.

The Bones Will Speak by Carrie Stuart Parks

August 11, 2015 by Suzie Waltner Leave a Comment

Forensic artist Gwen Marcey is shocked when she finds her dog playing with a skull. One that is obviously human. After calling the police, she follows the dog to the location he found the skull. Once at in the area, Gwen finds a young girl who looks like her own daughter barely alive in an abandoned cabin. As she works with the police to figure out what is going on and they discover more bodies, they know they are now searching for a serial killer. At first, the only link between the dead girls is their resemblance to Gwen’s daughter.

With a little digging, Gwen is able to link the murders to a race-hating group, one that does not tolerate people inferior to them or people who betrayed them. People like Gwen whose drawings of potential bombing suspects led to two deaths and an arrest of member of the neo-Nazi group. Someone has a grudge and they want Gwen to pay.

Fast paced and intriguing, this book held my interest from page one. While a little vulnerable from past sickness and experiences, Gwen is whip-smart and likable. She’s a good mother and friend even though she’s struggling to make a living for herself and her daughter. The book kept me guessing as to who the killer was. I waffled between three and four suspects until he was revealed near the end of the book, which is a feat in itself as so often you know who is behind everything right away. The action sequences in the book, especially the one near the end, kept me on the edge of my seat.

The Bones Will Speak is the second Gwen Marcey novel by Carrie Stuart Park. While it was the first one I read, it definitely will not be the last one. Parks’ experience with police investigations and procedures is evident in the details of her story. Fans of Terri Blackstock, Dee Henderson, and Brandilyn Collins will enjoy the Gwen Marcey series.

***Thomas Nelson Fiction provided me with a complimentary copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest and fair review. All opinions expressed are my own.