Exciting
Fatal Witness by Patricia Bradley is a fabulous Christian contemporary crime novel that entertained me from the start. It is the second book in the Pearl River series but can be read as a stand-alone. I recommend reading the books in order for maximum enjoyment.
I thoroughly enjoyed my return visit to Pearl River and meeting up with familiar faces. Fatal Witness had a different main character who interacted with those whom we had met in book one.
We see the love and care that surrounds the characters. The police department functions as part of the Pearl River family. The officers are relentless in their pursuit of justice.
A cold case is the main focus – just who did kill Dani’s parents twenty-five years ago? And why is the killer back and active again?
As a nine-year-old, Dani saw her parents’ killer but it has been locked away in her mind. The intervening years have seen her with a new home and a name change. A chance photo in a magazine sees the grown-up Dani recognised by her maternal grandmother.
We see the importance of trusting God who can give us a peace despite our external circumstances. “How do you get that peace?” Peace comes by knowing God; trusting God; and leaning on God.
Prayer is important. “It sounded like God had answered her prayers. Not that He didn’t always, but His answer wasn’t always the answer Alex wanted.” We can trust that God will always answer our prayers, not necessarily giving us what we want, but always giving us what we need.
When life happens. We have a choice to make – Run to God or run away from God. “The bad things that come my way make me depend on God more.”
A character has been fearful. “You can’t let fear keep you from moving forward in life.” When we give our fears to God, He exchanges them for His peace and faith – and faith can move mountains. Faith makes a way when there is no way.
When darkness comes, we need to look for the light. “Don’t let the darkness rule you.” “What you don’t realise is how much light is there.” Just a speck of light is enough to drive the darkness away.
We see a character who has let hate eat them up for over twenty-five years. Hate and greed have been powerful motivations. The love of money is sure to bring a downfall.
There is a glorious reunion within the novel. This reminds us that God always rejoices when the prodigal returns home.
All the characters were well drawn, likable and believable. Their interactions were a delight to witness.
Fatal Witness is an exciting, entertaining and engrossing read. It would make a marvellous television series.
I received a free copy from the publisher. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
JULIA WILSON
