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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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Counter Attack by Patricia Bradley

Aug1

Thrilling

Counter Attack by Patricia Bradley is a thrilling contemporary Christian crime suspense. It is the first book in the Pearl River series which promises to be fantastic.

Patricia Bradley has created an intricate plotline which draws the reader in from the start and has us glued and guessing. All the characters are believable and easy to empathise with.

The leading lady, Alexis, is relentless in her pursuit of justice. She puts her job first, above everything else in her life. “Just like your grandfather didn’t ask for God’s input, I imagine you haven’t discussed this goal of yours with God either.” Life events have meant that Alexis pushed God away, preferring to trust herself instead of God. Her grandmother fears Alexis will end up alone and full of regrets. No one on their death bed has ever wished that they spent more time in the office.

Though we may drift away from God, He is faithful and walks beside us, longing for us to turn to Him. At times of crisis, a character ‘hears’ the voice of God in her heart.

Godly grandparents remind Alexis of what is really important. “Gram nodded toward the Bible…” “Be sure to take time there.” We need to make time for God and know His Word, so that in times of trouble, we will be able to recall and stand on His promises to us.

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Deadly Reckoning by Liz Mistry

Jul4

Glued & Guessing

Deadly Reckoning by Liz Mistry is a gripping contemporary crime novel. It is the third book in the Solanki & McQueen series but can be read as a stand-alone. I recommend reading the books in order as there is a storyline running throughout the three books.

I enjoyed meeting up with familiar characters including the police team D headed up by the two leading ladies.

Once more the team sets out to solve fresh murders that have links to the past. The crime busting quartet are all different, with different skill sets but they all work well together.

Past crimes are having an effect on present day as the team once more are on the hunt for a murderous character.

Nature versus nurture rules its head as a theme. We cannot choose our family. Are some genes just pure evil?

Families are complicated affairs as we see, as we follow the families of some of the officers. Even upstanding members of the community can have troubled offspring.

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A Body In The Bookshop by Helen Cox

Jun15

Amateur Sleuthing

A Body In The Bookshop by Helen Cox is a compelling contemporary crime novel that I read in just one sitting. It is the second book in A Kitt Hartley Yorkshire Mystery series but can be read as a stand-alone.

I enjoyed once more meeting up with familiar faces. As murder and mayhem ensue, amateur sleuth Kitt Hartley finds herself once more trying to solve crimes.

There are links to books and bookshops meaning that Kitt Hartley is in her element. Like a modern-day Miss Marple, Kitt Hartley is determined to get to the bottom and solve all the crimes. She also has contacts on the local police force who help her out.

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