BoneMan's Daughters tour and review

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing

Boneman's Daughters
Center Street (April 14, 2009)
by
Ted Dekker



ABOUT THE AUTHOR:


Ted is the son of missionaries John and Helen Dekker, whose incredible story of life among headhunters in Indonesia has been told in several books. Surrounded by the vivid colors of the jungle and a myriad of cultures, each steeped in their own interpretation of life and faith, Dekker received a first-class education on human nature and behavior. This, he believes, is the foundation of his writing.

After graduating from a multi-cultural high school, he took up permanent residence in the United States to study Religion and Philosophy. After earning his Bachelor's Degree, Dekker entered the corporate world in management for a large healthcare company in California. Dekker was quickly recognized as a talent in the field of marketing and was soon promoted to Director of Marketing. This experience gave him a background which enabled him to eventually form his own company and steadily climb the corporate ladder.

Since 1997, Dekker has written full-time. He states that each time he writes, he finds his understanding of life and love just a little clearer and his expression of that understanding a little more vivid. Dekker's body of work encompassing seven mysteries, three thrillers and ten fantasies includes Heaven's Wager, When Heaven Weeps, Thunder of Heaven, Blessed Child, A Man Called Blessed, Blink, Thr3e, The Circle Trilogy (Black, Red, White), Obsessed, Renegade, and Chaos.



ABOUT THE BOOK

Would you kill an innocent man to save your daughter?

They call him BoneMan, a serial killer who’s abducted six young women. He’s the perfect father looking for the perfect daughter, and when his victims fail to meet his lofty expectations, he kills them by breaking their bones and leaving them to die.

Intelligence officer Ryan Evans, on the other hand, has lost all hope of ever being the perfect father. His daughter and wife have written him out of their lives.

Everything changes when BoneMan takes Ryan’s estranged daughter, Bethany, as his seventh victim. Ryan goes after BoneMan on his own.

But the FBI sees it differently. New evidence points to the suspicion that Ryan is BoneMan. Now the hunter is the hunted, and in the end, only one father will stand.


If your an avid Dekker fan, and would like wallpaper and counters for your blog, go HERE.

You can listen to an audio clip HERE

Watch the VIDEO:




If you would like to read the first chapter of Boneman's Daughters, go HERE

MY REVIEW:

The BoneMan. A serial killer who abducts young woman after young woman, hoping one of them will become his daughter. When they disappoint him, he breaks their bones until they die. So far six have been sacrificed. The murderer, now behind bars, is being released because of compromised evidence. Is he innocent or guilty?

Ryan Evans, intelligence officer par excellence, is being forced to think like God. In a war-torn world that relies on violence in order to acquire and maintain freedom, Evans has been playing God unawares with the rest of America. But when he is captured by Muslims in dust-ravaged Iraq, his mind and emotions will be shaken to the core. His family is threatened, which makes him realize how much he loves them, perhaps for the first time.

Now the BoneMan holds Ryan’s own daughter--the unthinkable for a father. He himself is a wanted man--some think he and the BoneMan are one and the same. How will he find her before he is caught himself? Before BoneMan tortures and kills his only child? Is there anything he won’t do to save her?

Dekker continues to up the ante in his writing, amplifying the suspense almost to the breaking point, until the reader is left breathless for resolution. Using the classic “FBI hunts bad guy” plot mixed with “father of victim makes it his personal mission to stop the bad guy,” Dekker goes a step further and stirs both emotion and spirit. He shows us the Enemy’s deceitful lure, his longing to be beautiful and to have us follow in his steps, his desire to steal us from our true Father. However, the true Father’s love trumps any promise the Enemy can make and in his infinite love pursues us, does whatever it takes to rescue us. What could be a greater message?

I found this novel to be partially a throwback to Dekker’s classic When Heaven Weeps with elements of Adam and lots of new material to sink my teeth into. Everyone can get something out of this book, but it’s not for those who like everything neat and rosy. It is, however, in a way, a great love story.

Prepare for evil to be unveiled, love to be revealed, and sacrifice to be made. Your heart will join Ryan’s and be driven by love to protect that which is precious to you. You will be reminded of God’s heart for you. Watch light dispel darkness and truth triumph over evil as it should. This is Dekker’s best yet, both thrilling and touching--highly recommended.

Deadlock, by Robert Liparulo: Tour and Review

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Deadlock
Thomas Nelson (April 2009)
by
Robert Liparulo


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:


Robert Liparulo is a former journalist, with over a thousand articles and multiple writing awards to his name. Readers of his action-thrillers were not surprised when his visual storytelling style caught the eye of Hollywood producers. Currently, three of his novels for adults are in various stages of development for the big screen: the film rights to Comes A Horseman were purchased by the producer of Tom Clancy’s movies; and Liparulo is penning the screenplays for GERM and Deadfall for two top producers. He is also working with the director Andrew Davis (The Fugitive, Holes) on a political thriller. Novelist Michael Palmer calls Deadfall “a brilliantly crafted thriller.” March 31st marked the publication of Deadfall’s follow-up, Deadlock, which novelist Gayle Lynds calls, “best of high-octane suspense.”

Liparulo’s bestselling young adult series, Dreamhouse Kings, debuted last year with House of Dark Shadows and Watcher in the Woods. Book three, Gatekeepers released in January, and number four, Timescape, comes out in July. The series has garnered praise from readers, both young and old, as well as attracting famous fans who themselves know the genre inside and out. Of the series Goosebumps creator R.L. Stine says, “I loved wandering around in these books. With a house of so many great, haunting stories, why would you ever want to go outside?”

He is currently working on his next thriller, which for the first time injects a bit of the supernatural into his gun-blazing stories. The story is so compelling, two Hollywood studios are already in talks to acquire it—despite its publication date being more than a year away. After that comes a trilogy of novels, based on the critically acclaimed short story he contributed to James Patterson’s Thriller anthology. New York Times bestselling author Steve Berry calls Liparulo’s writing “Inventive, suspenseful, and highly entertaining . . . Robert Liparulo is a storyteller, pure and simple.” He lives with his family in Colorado.


ABOUT THE BOOK

John Hutchinson thinks it's no coincidence that Brendan Page runs this modern Praetorian Guard, and that the billionaire military industrialist must have had something to do with the atrocities his son Declan committed in Canada. The Canadian and U.S. Justice departments disagree, but Hutch has been digging for dirt ever since.

Brendan Page has some dirty not-so-little secrets. he's built an empire on supplying futuristic weapons and highly trained soldiers to the world's most powerful armies. But he's saved his most destructive weapons for himself.

When Hutch discovers the secret of Page's success, Page decides to teach him a lesson. But the operation goes terribly wrong, and Hutch's son is kidnapped. While a lone man stands little chance against the best black op soldiers ever issued M-16s, Hutch manages to survive longer than Page anticipated. As far as Hutch is concerned, high-tech helmets, machine guns, and hand grenades are nothing compared to a man determined to save his son. It's a lesson he sets out to teach Page-and one that he can only hope works as well in the real world as it does in his heart.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Deadlock, go HERE

MY REVIEW:
Deadlock continues the story of John “Hutch” Hutchinson from the first book in the series, Deadfall. Over a year earlier, Hutch and some friends had gone hunting in Canada when a rich, crazy man named Brendan Page took a small town hostage and brutally murdered several people with a new satellite-based laser weapon. Hutch made friends with Laura and her son Dillon, who he protected from annihilation, a relationship that continues in Deadlock.

Now, Hutch has an obsession with finding a way to bring Page down. He spends all his time, even time he should be spending with his kids he has to share with his ex-wife, plotting. Things heat up when Laura and Dillon come to visit and Logan, Hutch’s son, is kidnapped from his home.

Liparulo never lets up on the tension, while drawing the reader in with glimpses into the characters’ hearts. It’s another winner in my book. I enjoyed Deadfall and I enjoyed Deadlock even more.

The Book Link

CFBA feature: Angel of Wrath, by Bill Myers

I haven't read this book yet, but really want to because Voice of God was cool. Myers is a highly imaginative writer.

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Angel Of Wrath
FaithWords (April 8, 2009)
by
Bill Myers


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Well, one thing led to another and even though I got C's in my one writing class in college (and told God I could do anything for him but write) I got my first writing job for a TV series. And then another and then some directing jobs and finally some books. (I think I've written and/or directed a few dozen films and about 60 books). The projects have won about 40 awards, I get to travel all over the world, and I'm having the time of my life. I often think that none of this would have happened if I lived my life my way. I would have never chosen writing and directing for a living. Instead, I might be in somebody's mouth this very minute drilling away as a dentist. Don't get me wrong, there's nothing wrong with being a dentist, it's just not what I was designed for. So, everywhere I go, I encourage people to say yes to God, no matter how foolish it may feel, because by doing that, they'll be in the center of His will and living a cooler life than they'd ever dreamed possible. It's not always easy and it can be a little scary…but it's anything but boring!

Today I live in California, not too far from Hollyweird (where I'm still trying to make a difference) with two cats, two kids, one dog and one wife.

Another Faithword book by Bill Myers is The Voice.


ABOUT THE BOOK

Thirteen-year-old Jazmin, her ex-Special Ops uncle Charlie, and former FBI agent Lisa are reunited in the second of the Voice of God series to stop a an assassin driven to murder members of a megachurch led by Lisa's brother. This assassin has drawn in a coven of teens toying with satanic practices to support his efforts. The naive youth engage in ceremonies that appear to usher in the death of each of his victims. When their rituals open a portal into the spiritual realm, a terrifying and mysterious entity crosses over to our world.
The battle culminates with the capture of Lisa's father as the next target and a Black Mass requiring both their deaths as a sacrifice. The team will, once again, have to rely on all their wits, strength, and faith to survive in this action-packed, unearthly warfare.

If you would like to read an excerpt from Angel Of Wrath, go HERE

Win 10 Free Novels!

Do you read Christian novels? Do you buy Christian novels? GRPR (Glass Roads Public Relations) is conducting a research study and wants to know more about you! If you would like to participate, go here to take an anonymous survey about buying Christian fiction. At the end, you can enter to win a library of TEN Christian novels!

Mini-review of great book

A while ago I posted with the CFBA about Terri Blackstock's Double Minds. At the time, I had not read the book. But I picked it up at B&N the other day, and I'm so glad I did. It was thoroughly enjoyable.

My favorite aspect of it was the insight into the Christian music industry. As someone very interested in music in general--and more specifically, faith-filled songs--a look at the good, bad, and ugly of being a recording artist in this business was enlightening. Blackstock focuses on our minds and how they waver between faith in God and what we know he wants us to do, and doubt, compromise, and people-pleasing. The story had just the right pace and proved to be very believable. And, the author forewent the "someone gets saved/everything is peachy keen now" ending for a more reasonable, real world resolution.

I recommend this for music and suspense lovers. The second time I read this it will not be for enjoyment, but to learn about the crafting of a good suspense.

I'm a Winner!

Recently, I told you about a friend of mine, Tracy Ruckman, who started Write Integrity Editorial Services. She had a big contest to celebrate her new business, and I won what she calls "The Image-Building Package." Read about it here:

Pix-n-Pens

I'm so excited! Tracy is a super person who is great to work with. I'll have an update later to announce my newly designed website, a la WIES. Thanks so much, Tracy!

CFBA this week: Terri Blackstock's Double Minds

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Double Minds
Zondervan (February 1, 2009)

by
Terri Blackstock


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Terri Blackstock hasn’t always written for the Lord. Just over a decade ago she was an award-winning secular novelist writing for publishers such as HarperCollins, Harlequin, and Silhouette. With thirty-two titles published and 3.5 million books in print, she found that she was miserable. The compromises she had made in her career had taken their toll on her spiritual life, and she yearned to renew her relationship with Christ.

After much soul-searching and wrestling with God, she finally told the Lord that she would never write another thing that didn’t glorify Him. Thinking she might never be published again, she began planning ways to supplement her income, while she worked on her first idea for a Christian novel.

Because she enjoyed reading suspense novels, she tried weaving a faith message into a fast-paced page-turner with ordinary people in jeopardy. When Christian publishers expressed great interest, she realized that a secondary job would not be necessary. God was paving the way for her to enter the Christian publishing world.

Since that time, she’s sold 2 million Christian novels. She has over thirty Christian titles, many of which have been number one best-sellers. Her latest book, Dawn's Light is part of her popular Restoration Series. True Light, reached number one on the Top 50 of all Christian books the first full month it was in stores. Night Light was the winner of the 2007 Retailer’s Choice Award for General Fiction. Other reader favorites include her Cape Refuge Series, her Newpointe 911 Series, her SunCoast Chronicles Series and her “Seasons” books written with co-author Beverly LaHaye.

Terri is literally a native of nowhere since she was raised in the Air Force, She makes her home in Mississippi. Terri and her husband are the parents of three adult children--a blended family which she considers one more of God's provisions.

Terri has appeared on national television programs such as “The 700 Club” and “Home Life,” and has been a guest on numerous radio programs across the country.



ABOUT THE BOOK

Struggling to succeed in the Nashville music scene, talented singer/songwriter Parker James finds the competition fierce – even deadly. A young woman’s murder, industry corruption, and a menacing stalker draw Parker into danger and intrigue. Nothing is as it appears, and unraveling the truth challenges everything Parker believes about her talent, her future, and her faith.

The young girl with the Bohemian style was on the floor where she’d fallen, between Parker's computer case and her file cabinet. She wore a long, flowing skirt—lavender, the color of calm—and camel-colored Uggs. She lay on her back, her long, wavy blonde hair matted with blood.

For struggling singer/songwriter Parker James, the music business has just turned deadly. Her desk in the reception area of a busy recording studio has become a crime scene, and Parker finds herself drawn into a mystery where nothing is as it seems.

Unraveling the truth puts her own life at risk when she uncovers high-level industry corruption and is terrorized by a menacing stalker. As the danger escalates, Parker begins to question her dreams, her future, and even her faith.

Double Minds is a double treat—combining a compelling suspense novel with an inside look at the world of the Christian music industry in Nashville. Terri Blackstock grabs readers at page one and keeps them riveted until the final plot twist is untangled.

You can preview a Book Trailer on her site HERE

If you would like to read the first chapter of Double Minds, go HERE



**This book is definitely on my TO READ list--it sounds right up my alley.

Day 2: CSFF Blog Tour

Yesterday, I gave a link to my review and to others' reviews. Since you loved what you saw...here are the links to Jeffrey Overstreet's sites so you can get more familiar with him and consequently buy his books. :)

Website

Blog

Facebook Page

CSFF Blog Tour presents: Cyndere's Midnight, by Jeffrey Overstreet

Second in the Auralia Thread series, Overstreet has created another tapestry of depth and texture. I enjoyed this one even more than the first, and any fan of Fantasy will grab these up.

Buy it here

View my review at The Christian Suspense Zone here.

And of course, you'll find more great content at my fellow bloggers' sites:

Brandon Barr
Keanan Brand
Rachel Briard
Melissa Carswell
Valerie Comer
Amy Cruson
CSFF Blog Tour
Stacey Dale
D. G. D. Davidson
Shane Deal
Jeff Draper
April Erwin
Karina Fabian
Andrea Graham
Todd Michael Greene
Katie Hart
Timothy Hicks
Jason Isbell
Jason Joyner
Kait
Carol Keen
Magma
Rebecca LuElla Miller
Eve Nielsen
Nissa
Wade Ogletree
John W. Otte
John Ottinger
Steve Rice
Crista Richey
Alice M. Roelke
Chawna Schroeder
James Somers
Rachel Starr Thomson
Robert Treskillard
Steve Trower
Speculative Faith
Fred Warren
Jill Williamson

Good News for Writers

Are you looking for someone trustworthy and experienced to design your writer website or edit your manuscript? I'm happy to announce that Tracy Ruckman at Write Integrity provides these services and more. Go check out her site here:

Write Integrity

And, if that wasn't enough excitement, she is holding a contest on her Pix-n-Pens blog. Visit soon to see what you can win. I've entered her contests before--they are well-organized and fun, too.

Tracy is an accomplished professional who has inspired and encouraged me in my writing journey. Acquaint yourself with her today. You'll be glad you did.

My One Word 2009

What kind of person do I want to become?

That's a hard question. Most of us can tick off a laundry list of adjectives that answer it. But it gets overwhelming when we realize how much work God still needs to do in us. I know it's that way for me.

For the last few years, my pastor has suggested throwing away the "New Year's Resolution" and adopting a "My One Word." For more information, visit the website here: My One Word

This is my third year picking a word. In 2007 I picked "surrender." I was struggling with what God wanted me to focus on, and with my own desires for my life. But focusing on surrender helped me see what God wanted and not what I wanted.

For 2008, I picked "perseverance." I tend to obsess about things, but quit them when they get too difficult or I find a new passion. I decided I wanted to finish my first novel before I turned 40 (in September), but that didn't happen. However, I entered NaNoWriMo and finished it November 30th. Thank God for perseverance. I needed it.

It has been a struggle the last month or so trying to pick a word for this year. I want God to accomplish so much through me. However, I often rely on what I already know to propel me forward in my walk with God instead of keeping a vibrant, day-by-day, moment-by-moment relationship with him, hearing his voice in the here and now. I tend to be a run-around Martha instead of a sit-at-his-feet Mary.

So this year "abide" is my word. In John 15, Jesus says that apart from him we can do nothing. If I am not constantly attached to the vine, I cannot bear fruit. My vain attempts at success will be failures without him. And I want to bear fruit that will last. I want to become more like Christ--to have his heart and his mind and to fulfill my purpose. In this way, he is glorified.

Thank you, Mike, and Port City Community Church. I have grown so much through My One Word and through your ministry.

For more info about my church, click here: PC3

New Year, New Must-Read Book

"Finally!" is my usual response when another of Ted's books releases. Kiss will not disappoint new readers or those who have come to expect excellence from Ted. The storytelling is awe-inspiring and to me feels like a throw back to some of his more romantic tales. Both authors can be proud of this breathtaking plumb into the workings of the mind, heart, and soul.

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
KISS
Thomas Nelson (January 6, 2009)
by
Ted Dekker
and
Erin Healy

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Ted is the son of missionaries John and Helen Dekker, whose incredible story of life among headhunters in Indonesia has been told in several books. Surrounded by the vivid colors of the jungle and a myriad of cultures, each steeped in their own interpretation of life and faith, Dekker received a first-class education on human nature and behavior. This, he believes, is the foundation of his writing.

After graduating from a multi-cultural high school, he took up permanent residence in the United States to study Religion and Philosophy. After earning his Bachelor's Degree, Dekker entered the corporate world in management for a large healthcare company in California. Dekker was quickly recognized as a talent in the field of marketing and was soon promoted to Director of Marketing. This experience gave him a background which enabled him to eventually form his own company and steadily climb the corporate ladder.

Since 1997, Dekker has written full-time. He states that each time he writes, he finds his understanding of life and love just a little clearer and his expression of that understanding a little more vivid. Dekker's body of work encompassing seven mysteries, three thrillers and ten fantasies includes Heaven's Wager, When Heaven Weeps, Thunder of Heaven, Blessed Child, A Man Called Blessed, Blink, Thr3e, The Circle Trilogy (Black, Red, White), Obsessed, Renegade, and Chaos.

*******************
Erin Healy is an award-winning fiction editor who has worked with talented novelists such as James Scott Bell, Melody Carlson, Colleen Coble, Brandilyn Collins, L. B. Graham, Rene Gutteridge, Michelle McKinney Hammond, Robin Lee Hatcher, Denise Hildreth, Denise Hunter, Randy Ingermanson, Jane Kirkpatrick, Gilbert Morris, Frank Peretti, Lisa Samson, Randy Singer, Robert Whitlow, and many others.

She began working with Ted Dekker in 2002 and edited twelve of his heart-pounding storiesbefore their collaboration on Kiss, the first novel to seat her on "the other side of the desk."

Erin is the owner of WordWright Editorial Services, a Colorado-based consulting firm specializing in fiction book development. She and her husband, Tim, are the proud parents of two children

ABOUT THE BOOK

Let me tell you all I know for sure. My name. Shauna.
I woke up in a hospital bed missing six months of my memory. In the room was my loving boyfriend-how could I have forgotten him?-my uncle and my abusive stepmother. Everyone blames me for the tragic car accident that left me near death and my dear brother brain damaged. But what they say can't be true-can it?

I believe the medicine is doing strange things to my memory. I'm unsure who I can trust and who I should run from. And I'm starting to remember things I've never known. Things not about me. I think I'm going crazy.

And even worse, I think they want to kill me.

But who? And for what? Is dying for the truth really better than living with a lie?

Sometimes dying with the truth is better than living with a lie.

After a car accident puts Shauna McAllister in a coma and wipes out six months of her memory, she returns to her childhood home to recover, but her arrival is fraught with confusion.

Her estranged father, a senator bidding on the White House, and her abusive stepmother blame Shauna for the tragedy, which has left her beloved brother severely brain damaged. Leaning on Wayne Spade, a forgotten but hopeful lover who stays by her side, Shauna tries to sort out what happened that night by jarring her memory to life. Instead, she acquires a mysterious mental ability that will either lead her to truth or get her killed by the people trying to hide it.

In this blind game of cat and mouse that stares even the darkest memories in the face, Shauna is sure of only one thing: if she remembers, she dies.

If you would like to read the first chapter of KISS, go HERE

Watch the Video Trailer




What people are saying about KISS:

“The human brain could actually be the real final frontier—we know so little about it and yet it drives the world as we know it. So when authors like Erin and Ted bravely explore these mysterious regions, going into complex places like memory and soul and relationships, I become hooked. The creativity of this suspenseful story is sure to hook other readers as well. Very memorable!”
~Melody Carlson, author of Finding Alice and The Other Side of Darkness

“Dekker and Healy prove a winning team in this intriguing, imaginative thriller.”
~James Scott Bell, bestselling author of Try Darkness

“Kiss by Erin Healy and Ted Dekker is a superb thriller that hooked me from the first sentence. The original plot kept me guessing, and I may never look at a kiss the same way again. I’ll be watching for the next book!”
~Colleen Coble, author of Cry in the Night

“The writing team of Erin Healy and Ted Dekker has taken me through a page-turner with Kiss. It’s one of those books that you think about when you’re not reading it. I highly recommend it, especially if you don’t mind staying up late because you can’t put the book down!”
~Rene Gutteridge, author of Skid and My Life As a Doormat

The book link

Prepare Him Room

As the lyrics to a favorite Christmas hymn say, “Let every heart prepare him room.”

Our pastor has been talking about the arrival of Christ. And what our response to that should be. I think sometimes we as believers and followers of Jesus push this idea aside. We think that we have already let him into our hearts and lives and so it does not apply to us. This is the wrong perspective.

How many of us, if Jesus physically walked into our homes, would be uncomfortable, shuffling things we are ashamed of into closets or cupboards, straightening our clothes and wondering how long he was going to stay so we could get back to normal?

We can’t pretend the clutter is not there. We can’t shove things behind the sofas of our hearts and expect Jesus not to see them. Every nook and cranny is his to search and to transform. Are we allowing him access to the very depths of us?

How are we allowing Christ room in our lives? Not just now in the holiday season, but every day? His will is for us to be conformed to his image, to do good works, to go and make disciples, to be holy. The list goes on.

What one thing can you give Jesus more access to in your walk with him? Something that perhaps you have not brought to him in prayer because you didn’t want to deal with it. Some area that causes unrest or guilt but that brings too much pleasure to lay entirely at his feet. Some sacrificial gift with which he will be pleased.

Think about it. Make more room for him in your life. He deserves it.

CFBA presents: Dark Pursuit, by Brandilyn Collins

I'm sorry to say I haven't had a chance to read this one yet, but I'm sure I will at some point. Brandilyn is always interesting, but usually not scary enough for me. :)

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Dark Pursuit
Zondervan (December 1, 2008)
by
Brandilyn Collins


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:


Brandilyn Collins is known for her trademark Seatbelt Suspense®. She is currently working on her 20th book. For chances to win free copies of her work, join her Fan Club on Facebook. Here’s what Brandilyn has to say about why she wrote Dark Pursuit:

In John Milton’s Paradise Lost Satan’s followers, kicked out of heaven, boast about storming the gates and reclaiming their territory. Beelzebub scoffs at their boasting as merely “hatching vain empires” and suggests a different revengeful scheme: seduce mankind away from God. So Satan visits the Garden of Eden to teach humans the very thing he and his cohorts have learned to be futile—the dark pursuit of hatching their own vain empires instead of following God. He presented man with this “gift” of death, disguised as life. And man fell for it.

Upon this theme of man’s fall and spiritual blindness, I created the characters and events in Dark Pursuit. The story clips along at a fast pace, with much symbolism running underneath.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Dark Pursuit—A twisting story of murder, betrayal, and eternal choices

Novelist Darell Brooke lived for his title as King of Suspense—until an auto accident left him unable to concentrate. Two years later, reclusive and bitter, he wants one thing: to plot a new novel and regain his reputation.

Kaitlan Sering, his twenty-two-year-old granddaughter, once lived for drugs. After she stole from Darell, he cut her off. Now she’s rebuilding her life. But in Kaitlan’s town two women have been murdered, and she’s about to discover a third. She’s even more shocked to realize the culprit—her boyfriend, Craig, the police chief’s son.

Desperate, Kaitlan flees to her estranged grandfather. For over forty years, Darell Brooke has lived suspense. Surely he’ll devise a plan to trap the cunning Craig.

But can Darell’s muddled mind do it? And—if he tries—with what motivation? For Kaitlan’s plight may be the stunning answer to the elusive plot he seeks...

Read the first chapter of Dark Pursuit, HERE.

CSFF Blog Tour presents: Shade, by John B. Olson

Fairly recently, before I knew this tour was coming up, I read and reviewed Shade. I really, really enjoyed this novel. Here's the link to my review:
Suspense Zone review

I hope some of the other participants interviewed him. If so, please visit those sites. John is a super nice guy who answered a bunch of my questions about the book via e-mail. Unfortunately, I can't share those questions and answers here, because we talked about too many plot points.

However, I can say that there will be a second book in the series called Powers that should answer some of our questions and relieve some of our confusion. Sounds good to me!

The Book Link
John Olson's website

Participants' links:
Brandon Barr
Jennifer Bogart
Justin Boyer
Keanan Brand
Kathy Brasby
Valerie Comer
CSFF Blog Tour
Stacey Dale
Janey DeMeo
Jeff Draper
April Erwin
Karina Fabian
Todd Michael Greene
Katie Hart
Joleen Howell
Jason Isbell
Jason Joyner
Kait
Magma
Margaret
Rachel Marks
Melissa Meeks
Rebecca LuElla Miller
Eve Nielsen
Nissa
John W. Otte
Steve Rice
Mirtika or Mir's Here
Chawna Schroeder
James Somers
Robert Treskillard
Steve Trower
Speculative Faith
Jason Waguespac
Laura Williams
Timothy Wise

Spotlighting TitleTrakk.com--A Must See Website

Welcome to the 1st ever
TitleTrakk.com Blog Tour!

This week we're chatting about:

The Fantastic Fall Giveaway Contest!

Just in time for the holidays, you could win over $335 worth of books, cds and dvds!

Sponsored by our friends at:

The Grand Prize Winner will receive:

BOOKS:

Whispers of the Bayou by Mindy Starns Clark
Rachel's Secret by BJ Hoff
Beach Dreams by Trish Perry
Playing God by Michelle McKinney Hammond
White Soul by Brandt Dodson
The Legend of the Firefish by George Bryan Polivka
Finding Marie by Susan Paige Davis
The Power of Praying Through the Bible by Stormie Omartian
A Man After God's Own Heart by Jim George
Evidence for Faith 101 by Bruce Bickel & Stan Jantz

CDS:

Wake Up! Wake Up! by Everyday Sunday
Rock What You Got by Superchick
Sunday by Tree63
Houston We Are Go by Newsboys (Live CD/DVD)
Nothing Left To Lose by Mat Kearney
I Am Free Worship Collection
Salvation Station by Newworldson
Not Without Love by Jimmy Needham
Pages by Shane & Shane
Colors and Sounds by Article One

MOVIES:

Love's Unfolding Dream
The Ten Commandments Animated
Between the Walls

But that's not all!
We're giving away even more!

During this blog tour (November 10th - 16th) we'll be drawing 2 winners daily from the contest entries to win an additional free book or cd!

Visit the TitleTrakk.com Contest page today to enter the contest and place yourself in the running to receive the Grand Prize, plus all the daily prizes! Deadline to enter is November 17th.

About TitleTrakk.com:
Founded in 2006 by Tracy & C.J. Darlington, TitleTrakk.com is an interactive website spotlighting Christian books, music & movies. Updated weekly, we feature author and musician interviews, album and book reviews, music videos, movie reviews and interviews, book excerpts, surveys, polls, and fun contests. Learn more: http://www.titletrakk.com/about.htm

Today, Glass Roads PR features THE ROOK, by Steven James

Recently on this blog, I featured my review of The Rook. James has one of the best writing styles, imho, of any author I've ever read. And I've read hundreds if not thousands of novels. Of course, it doesn't hurt that my favorite genre is suspense. I think James is destined to acquire a huge following. I know I'll be reading everything he releases.

Check out the link below and read what I have to say about this book.



Happy reading!

It's Finally Here! Eric Wilson's Field of Blood

A little bragging here: I've had this book for quite some time, but now it's available to the general public! So read my review and then go out and buy it. You won't be disappointed.

I can honestly say I’ve never read a novel anything like this one. It’s really hard to put into words everything Field of Blood is. Suffice it to say that it’s a must read.

The ancient site where a traitor’s blood was spilt two millennia ago is a potential breeding ground for vile, unearthly spirits who wait to be freed from their vaporous wanderings. In 1989, their hopes are granted when excavators accidentally disturb tombs outside Jerusalem. The Collectors inhabit bodies of the dead, feeding on the blood of the living, and often infesting them with thorny brambles on which they feast.

For Gina Lazarescu, life in Romania as an almost twelve-year-old is hard work. Her mother is overprotective, her father dead. After a handsome stranger holds a secretive conversation with her mother, she is whisked away with them away from the home she has always known to avoid impending revolution and other unnamable dangers. She will not forget the man’s promise to watch after her and find her again one day.

Gina is special, and she’s in danger, but so are many others. Each person must make the choice as to which side they will be on, and take responsibility for those choices. I’ll stop there with the plot so as not to reveal too much.

True to form, Wilson digs deep into history and human nature to produce the mother lode of supernatural fiction. Blood sucking vampires aside, Field of Blood isn’t overly weird or “out there.” Everything that happens is connected and has a reason. Lots of things are hidden just enough to cause confusion (at least for me), but I’ve been promised by the author himself that those things will be explained in the next book.

I give Wilson points for creativity galore, a satisfyingly complex plot line, adequate suspense, and the flowing style I’ve come to love in the course of his writings. He effectively portrays the sickening and the beautiful, exalting true life. Life is in the blood, after all…whose blood flows through your veins?

Marcher Lord Press in the spotlight

CSFF proudly promotes Jeff Gerke's new independent publishing venture, Marcher Lord Press. Believe me when I say this is a good thing for speculative fiction. No, it's a great thing.

Here's a definition of MLP from the site itself:

"Marcher Lord Press is the premier publisher of Christian speculative fiction.

Whether it's fantasy you love, or science fiction, time travel, chillers, supernatural thrillers, alternate history, spiritual warfare, superhero, vampire, or technothriller—if it's speculative and it comes from the Christian worldview, Marcher Lord Press is your publisher.

Marcher Lord Press is a small, independent press that bypasses the traditional Christian publishing industry to get Christian speculative fiction directly into the hands of the fans who devour it."

Here is the MLP link: Marcher Lord Press

The brains behind the site is Jeff Gerke (pen name Jefferson Scott). If you've never heard of Jeff, then you just don't read good fiction.

Check out his website here for a comprehensive list of speculative fiction at your fingertips: Where the Map Ends

Congratulations, Jeff! We look forward to the launching of your new site!

Be sure to visit the other tour participants' sites for more info and fun:

Brandon Barr
Justin Boyer
Keanan Brand
Kathy Brasby
Jackie Castle
Valerie Comer
Karri Compton
Courtney
CSFF Blog Tour
Stacey Dale
D. G. D. Davidson
Janey DeMeo
Jeff Draper
April Erwin
Karina Fabian
Kameron M. Franklin
Andrea Graham
Todd Michael Greene
Katie Hart
Timothy Hicks
Joleen Howell
Jason Joyner
Kait
Mike Lynch
Terri Main
Margaret
Shannon McNear
Rebecca LuElla Miller
Nissa
John W. Otte
Steve Rice
Ashley Rutherford
Hanna Sandvig
Mirtika or Mir's Here
Greg Slade
James Somers
Steve Trower
Speculative Faith
Laura Williams
Timothy Wise
Tina Kulesa
Jason Waguespac

THE ROOK, by Steven James

I can't say enough about this author or this series. Steven James knows how to craft a story. He has admitted that he doesn’t want to get bored with what he’s writing, and the complex plot structure in The Rook only serves to prove that he’s serious about creating a page-turner. Believe me, there’s absolutely no time to get bored with James’ stories.

Patrick Bowers is again on the case, one which involves a serial arsonist. When he accidentally stumbles across a wacked out homeless man committing suicide, Patrick knows there is more to the incident than meets the eye. Clues lead in unexpected directions, like to an aquarium, shark research, and stolen technology with global implications.

While embroiled in the puzzlement of his job, Patrick must also build a relationship with his angst-filled teenaged stepdaughter. Between girl and woman, she longs for freedom, yet makes unwise choices that force Patrick to monitor her activities. Can he protect her from the world while letting her grow up? Might she be entangled in his investigation like she was during the last case?

One of the first things I noticed about this novel, second in the Patrick Bowers series, was the lack of creepiness. Yes, the villain(s) is/are still evil, but the tale has a different feel. The author, in an interview you can hear HERE, states that he wanted The Pawn to feel more like a psychological thriller and The Rook to feel more like a techno-thriller. I say he was successful. It’s really incredible how involved the story becomes up until the very end, when, as all good books do in my opinion, the reader experiences a big twist.

Whether for personal entertainment, a book club, or a gift, be sure to pick up this electrically-charged action-lover’s dream. I can’t wait for the third installment, The Knight. I wonder if the series will have to end after James uses up all the chess pieces (only 3 more!). That will be a sad day.