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The Corpse Bell by Ian McFadyen

Nov28

Highly Entertaining

The Corpse Bell by Ian McFadyen was a gripping contemporary crime novel that consumed me from the start. It is the eleventh book in the Carmichael series but can be read as a stand-alone.

The plotline is extremely well thought out and executed. It is a thinking-mans novel as you needed to be able to join the dots and in order to solve the murders. I failed miserably as I tried to guess the perpetrator.

All the characters were well drawn, believable and likable.

The law enforcement officers all had their individual roles to play, working like a well-oiled machine as they doggedly tried to solve the case.

We see that the past will sooner or later catch up to the present. Characters go to extreme lengths in order to keep their pasts hidden.

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Witch Hunt by B D Spargo

Aug14

An Intricate Plotline

Witch Hunt by B D Spargo is a fast-paced contemporary murder suspense which I enjoyed. It is the second book in the DCI Liam Doyle thriller series but can be read as a stand-alone. I recommend reading book one first for character development, background and progression.

I enjoyed meeting with familiar faces, and witnessing their interactions, and seeing their support for each other. The inclusion of nick names shows that the characters feel secure with each other.

After an attack in book one, it was good to see the return of an officer. It was easy to empathise with the feelings of fear and uncertainty. B D Spargo certainly puts the reader in the minds of his characters.

The characters are an eclectic mix. The villains are menacing. The law enforcement officers are relentless in their pursuit of justice.

All the characters are fully rounded and believable. The homelife of some is included. We see the pressure of police work on home lives. Doyle’s young son who has autism was extremely well drawn. He brought out the mothering instinct in me.

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Deadly Revenge by Patricia Bradley

Aug1

Totally Gripping

Deadly Revenge by Patricia Bradley is a compelling, contemporary Christian crime suspense which I loved. It is the third book in the Pearl River series but can be read as a stand-alone. I recommend reading the books in order for character familiarity and progression.

Once more the reader returns to Pearl River to watch the pursuit of justice. There is a different pair of main characters to focus on.

As the title suggests, there are those seeking revenge, many years after the original event.

We see the damage done to a community by unscrupulous politicians many years before. Someone wants them to pay – but who?

The leading lady is a police officer who has recently suffered from PTSD. This leaves her questioning her judgement as others mess with her mind. She is far wiser than she believes.

Old colleagues are reunited due to their jobs. The spark that was there before is just waiting to be re-ignited – if only they will take a chance.

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Fatal Witness by Patricia Bradley

Aug1

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.

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