Review of Network of Deceit by Tom Threadgill

About the Book ~

She's following her instincts. They're following her every move.

After her rescue of nearly fifty kidnapped children made international headlines, Amara Alvarez gets what she's worked for: a transfer to San Antonio's Homicide Division. But reality sets in quickly when her first case, the suspicious death of a teenager at a crowded local water park, plunges her life into chaos.

As the investigation moves forward, Amara finds herself stalked online by cybercriminals who uncover her personal life in frightening detail. With few leads, she's forced to resort to unconventional methods to find the killer and prevent her first murder investigation from ending up in the cold case files.

Tom Threadgill is back with another riveting page-turner featuring the detective who is willing to put everything on the line to see justice served and lives protected.

For more information about Tom Threadgill and his books, check out his website here!

My Thoughts ~

Detective Amara Alvarez is back in Network of Deceit by Tom Threadgill! You will be flipping the pages late into the night with this one!

As Amara adjusts to life as a bona fide homicide detective, she's essentially relearning key aspects of what it means to be a good cop. I thoroughly enjoyed this fresh approach to the typical cop story. Additionally, I think the author's writing style is what sets Network of Deceit apart in the suspense genre. The author doesn't skip every mundane detail in the investigation. The result is not boredom, rather total immersion into the building investigation, mystery, and action. Amara's mind is also always moving, processing, and thinking. Not only do I love this in fiction, I find it so refreshingly authentic in crafting a realistic character! 

Network of Deceit held many surprises! First and foremost, the suspenseful plot itself. While the answers to the homicide investigation broke my heart, the suspense and mystery were excellently crafted and included truly surprising twists!  Furthermore, the spiritual message is subtle, yet very thought provoking. The struggle of how we balance our time with our responsibilities -- and the guilt that often accompanies this struggle -- as well as the line of right and wrong in a world that needs justice will stick with readers long after that last page.

Four Stars ~ Network of Deceit by Tom Threadgill is a thrilling, excellently crafted suspense! Network of Deceit is the second book featuring Detective Amara Alvarez, but the mystery can be read as a standalone. However, please be aware that there is a breast cancer thread that could be a possible trigger to readers.

Disclaimer ~ In accordance with FTC regulations, I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not compensated, nor was a positive review required. All opinions expressed are my own.

See you next time, and God bless you guys!!!

Hugs!

~V. Joy Palmer

V. Joy Palmer loves to write romantic and comedic stories that proclaim God’s deep love for us. She’s a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and an avid blogger. In her spare time, Joy loves to sing (especially Disney songs), drink large quantities of coffee, and take flowery photos for Bookstagram. When Joy isn’t fighting with fictional people, she’s hanging out with her husband and their adorable little girl. Connect with Joy via www.vjoypalmer.com!

Connect with Joy on her website, personal blog, devotional blog, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Goodreads, and Amazon Author Page!

Any questions? Check out my Disclosures and Policies Page!

Review of The Right Kind of Fool by Sarah Loudin Thomas

 

About the Book ~

Thirteen-year-old Loyal Raines is supposed to stay close to home on a hot summer day in 1934. When he slips away for a quick swim in the river and finds a dead body, he wishes he'd obeyed his mother. Desperate for help, he runs to the mountain cabin of his mostly absentee father, frantically trying to communicate the news with his hands.

Driven away by fear and guilt over his son's deafness, Creed has played a distant part in Loyal's life and language. But when he's pulled into the murder investigation, he discovers that what sets his son apart isn't his inability to hear but rather his courage. As the impact of the murder ripples through their West Virginia town, both will learn what it took to kill a man and what it takes to become one.

For more information about Sarah Loudin Thomas and her books, check out her website here!

My Thoughts ~

The Right Kind of Fool by Sarah Loudin Thomas will startle readers with the quiet intensity of its profound message of hope!

The Right Kind of Fool is an adventure from start to finish! The story follows the three different members of the Raines family. What is possibly the most surprising and the most true to life quality of the story is that it contains a little of everything -- a coming-of-age story in Loyal, a second chance romance in Creed and Delphy's reconciliation, a murder mystery, a stirring historical setting, and an emotive, sensitive look at being deaf and learning ASL in the 1930s. While I can't say the conclusion to the mystery shocked me, I was satisfied with how it ended. Furthermore, I found the differences, similarities, and changes in the investigative process then versus now to be very interesting. However, I was particularly invested in Loyal's struggles and triumphs in addition to Creed and Delphy's reconciliation as these storylines abounded in quietly convicting truths that blossomed into profound messages of hope!

The title is an apt description of the personal journeys of growth on which the Raines family embarks. Loyal, Creed, and even Delphy discover that you can be a fool for a lot of bad reasons, but being a fool for the right reasons is an entirely different -- and altogether beautiful! -- thing! Very rewarding!

Four Stars ~ The Right Kind of Fool by Sarah Loudin Thomas possesses a quiet, simple beauty in a story overflowing with convicting lessons! The Right Kind of Fool is a standalone, but the author has other books in her backlist for readers to enjoy!

Disclaimer ~ In accordance with FTC regulations, I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not compensated, nor was a positive review required. All opinions expressed are my own.

See you next time, and God bless you guys!!!

Hugs!

~V. Joy Palmer

V. Joy Palmer loves to write romantic and comedic stories that proclaim God’s deep love for us. She’s a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and an avid blogger. In her spare time, Joy loves to sing (especially Disney songs), drink large quantities of coffee, and take flowery photos for Bookstagram. When Joy isn’t fighting with fictional people, she’s hanging out with her husband and their adorable little girl. Connect with Joy via www.vjoypalmer.com!

Connect with Joy on her website, personal blog, devotional blog, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Goodreads, and Amazon Author Page!

Any questions? Check out my Disclosures and Policies Page!

Review of The Haunting at Bonaventure Circus by Jaime Jo Wright

About the Book ~

Welcome to Bonaventure Circus,
where misfits go to hide.

In 1928, the Bonaventure Circus has become a refuge for many, but Pippa Ripley was rejected from its inner circle as a baby and is no longer content to leave the reason for that rejection unquestioned. When she receives mysterious messages from someone called the "Watchman," she is determined to find him and the connection to her birth. As Pippa's search leads her to a man seeking justice for his murdered sister and evidence that a serial killer has been haunting the circus train, she must decide if uncovering her roots is worth putting herself directly in the path of the killer.

Decades later, an old circus train depot's future hangs in the balance--it will either be torn down or preserved for historical importance, and its fate rests on Realtor Chandler Faulk's shoulders. As she dives deep into the depot's history, she's also balancing a newly diagnosed disease and the pressures of single motherhood. When she discovers clues to unsolved murders of the past, Chandler is pulled into a story far darker and more haunting than even an abandoned train depot could portend.

For more information about Jaime Jo Wright and her books, check out her website here!

My Thoughts ~

The Haunting at Bonaventure Circus by Jaime Jo Wright is the perfect read for a cozy autumn night -- spooky and full of faith! 

When I saw that part of this spilt-time novel was set in the late 1920s, I knew I NEEDED to read this story as soon as I could get my greedy little hands on it -- and the author did not disappoint my Roaring Twenties heart with Pippa's side of the story! The author wonderfully balanced the glitz and glam of the Roaring Twenties with the wonder of the circus. However, the contemporary piece of Chandler's tale proved to be just as enthralling! I was immediately swept into the small town with its dark history -- which brings us to the multiple mysteries. No spoilers, but I loved how the author kept me guessing! I loved how the author surprised me even when I was sorta, kinda right...ahem, okay...I was wildly guessing. Bottom line is that I loved each reveal that shocked me to my reader core! Bravo! 

Both Pippa and Chandler struggled with their self-image and identity, and the spiritual message layered into these complicated topics gripped my heart! The author's loving approach to physical qualities that are demeaned and ridiculed, the sensitive look at autoimmune diseases, and the mental chains that hold a person captive when they hold themselves to impossible standards was froth with piercing conviction, grace, and the feeling that the readers themselves are seen, understood, and loved. Through Pippa and Chandler's journeys, readers will be encouraged to settle their identity in their heart through the One Who gives us an identity in His steadfast love.

Five Stars ~ The Haunting at Bonaventure Circus by Jaime Jo Wright is a thrilling romantic suspense that is the perfect fall read! The Haunting at Bonaventure Circus is a standalone, but the author has other suspenseful stories in her backlist.

Disclaimer ~ In accordance with FTC regulations, I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not compensated, nor was a positive review required. All opinions expressed are my own.

See you next time, and God bless you guys!!!

Hugs!

~V. Joy Palmer

V. Joy Palmer loves to write romantic and comedic stories that proclaim God’s deep love for us. She’s a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and an avid blogger. In her spare time, Joy loves to sing (especially Disney songs), drink large quantities of coffee, and take flowery photos for Bookstagram. When Joy isn’t fighting with fictional people, she’s hanging out with her husband and their adorable little girl. Connect with Joy via www.vjoypalmer.com!

Connect with Joy on her website, personal blog, devotional blog, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Goodreads, and Amazon Author Page!

Any questions? Check out my Disclosures and Policies Page!

Review of Don't Keep Silent by Elizabeth Goddard

About the Book ~

Justice comes easy for these two. But forgiveness? That's another matter altogether.
Investigative reporter Rae Burke will do anything to find her missing sister-in-law, even if it means facing Liam McKade, a man who almost lost his life saving hers. A former DEA agent, Liam thought he could find peace at his Wyoming ranch, but he doesn't feel at home anywhere anymore. When the reporter who blew his cover on an important investigation inserts herself back into his life, he's less than thrilled. But Rae's keen investigative skills have led her down the right path--and directly into the dragon's mouth--leaving Liam no choice but to protect her.

As the danger increases, the past they both tried to flee catches up to them, along with the feelings they once had for each other . . .

For more information about Elizabeth Goddard and her books, check out her website here!

My Thoughts ~

Ready for a mystery that will have you shifting the story's sands for that one and only clue that will tie everything together? If so, then Don't Keep Silent by Elizabeth Goddard is for you!

In addition to an intricate mystery -- no spoilers! -- there was several key aspects that I really loved in Don't Keep Silent! I loved the setting! The author does a wonderful job bringing this town in Wyoming to life, and the wildness of the land reminds me of my own backyard. Additionally, one of the things I was delightfully surprised to find in Don't Keep Silent was the representation for the Autism Community. As a mom to a young child with Autism, I love seeing Autism represented in stories! While this wasn't a huge focus in Don't Keep Silent, the fact that it was represented there at all blessed my heart!

The spiritual dynamic in Don't Keep Silent was more subtle. Due to Liam and Rae's history, they're struggling to forgive each other -- or are they? In reality, this was a convenient façade they each donned in order to keep them from dealing with the real issue -- that they are both uniquely called to protect those can't cry out for help. They are individually struggling with the painful realities of that calling and the traumatic ways it has impacted their lives. Because of this, they are afraid to open their hearts -- and each other -- up to the pain that love can bring. I loved that once they stripped that façade away and looked this fear in the face, they bravely choose one of the scariest gifts God gives us: love.

Three Stars ~ Don't Keep Silent by Elizabeth Goddard is an intricate mystery that will keep you asking questions! Don't Keep Silent is the third book in the author's Uncommon Justice Series. The overall mystery can be read as a standalone, but readers will understand the family dynamics better if the series is read in order.

Possible triggers ~ Death, abduction, human trafficking.

Disclaimer ~ In accordance with FTC regulations, I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not compensated, nor was a positive review required. All opinions expressed are my own.

See you next time, and God bless you guys!!!

Hugs!

~V. Joy Palmer

V. Joy Palmer loves to write romantic and comedic stories that proclaim God’s deep love for us. She’s a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and an avid blogger. In her spare time, Joy loves to sing (especially Disney songs), drink large quantities of coffee, and take flowery photos for Bookstagram. When Joy isn’t fighting with fictional people, she’s hanging out with her husband and their adorable little girl. Connect with Joy via www.vjoypalmer.com!

Connect with Joy on her website, personal blog, devotional blog, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Goodreads, and Amazon Author Page!

Any questions? Check out my Disclosures and Policies Page!

Review of Collision of Lies by Tom Threadgill

About the Book ~

The case was tragic. But it was an accident. Right?

Three years ago, a collision between a fast-moving freight train and a school bus full of kids led to devastation and grief on an unimaginable scale. But a fresh clue leads San Antonio police detective Amara Alvarez to the unlikely conclusion that one of the children may still be alive. If she's correct, everything law enforcement believes about the accident is a lie. 

With time running out, Amara must convince others -- and herself -- that despite all the evidence to the contrary, the boy is alive. And she will do everything in her power to bring him home.

A fresh voice in suspense, Tom Threadgill will have you questioning everything as you fly through the pages of this enthralling story.

For more information about Tom Threadgill and his books, check out his website here!

My Thoughts ~

I almost didn't read this book.

I'm serious. The horrific deaths of innocent children made my mama heart burst into tears at the thought of something so tragic!

But I decided to give this new-to-me author a chance, and I'm so very glad I did! Because OHMYGOODNESS! I highly recommend Collision of Lies by Tom Threadgill!

I really enjoyed entering Amara's story when she's trying to work her way out of Property Crimes. The daily grind, the smaller cases, and the subtle weaving of Amara's backstory, hopes, and dreams helped me feel connected to her as a character despite the fact that this is a more plot-driven story. Watching all these clues come out on a smaller scale before Amara was ushered into the multi-agency investigation also helped make this story feel more realistic. There's also, possibly, maybe a subtle romance in the works. Maybe. Regardless, I'm pining for it to happen, LOL!

Collision of Lies by Tom Threadgill has an intensity to the storyline that gave me all the Taken vibes, yet the plot surprised me with the twists in the mystery. The story felt very realistic and contained doses of much-needed humor that ensured I didn't feel sad for too long! Though I recommend you have tissues for that ending! In the end, this bittersweet search for truth delivers exactly what you're looking for -- truth. 

And btdubs, I am NEVER letting my daughter ride a school bus!

Four Stars ~ Collision of Lies by Tom Threadgill is an intense suspense that's realistic, funny, and filled with the search for truth! This is the author's first book in a series featuring Detective Amara Alvarez, and I look forward to reading more books by this author in the future!

Disclaimer ~ In accordance with FTC regulations, I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not compensated, nor was a positive review required. All opinions expressed are my own.

See you next time, and God bless you guys!!!

Hugs!

~V. Joy Palmer

V. Joy Palmer is the author of Love, Lace, and Minor Alterations and Weddings, Willows, and Revised Expectations, and she is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers. She is also an avid blogger and co-founder of Snack Time Devotions. In her spare time, Joy is an unprofessional chocolate connoisseur/binger, and she loves acting crazy and drinking coffee with the teens she mentors. When Joy isn’t urging the elves that live in her computer to write, she’s hanging out with her husband, their adorable baby girl, and their socially awkward pets.

Connect with Joy on her website, personal blog, devotional blog, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Goodreads, and Amazon Author Page!

Any questions? Check out my Disclosures and Policies Page!

Review of Seconds to Live by Susan Sleeman

About the Book ~

The seconds are ticking down before someone dies.

When cybercriminals hack into the U. S. Marshals' Witness Protection database and auction off witnesses' personal details to the highest bidders, the RED Team, led by FBI Agent Sean Nichols, begins a high-stakes chase to find the hacker. But before he can even get started, the first witness is targeted and barely escapes with her life. Sean believes Phantom, an obsessed hacker who previously outwitted the top minds in the field, is behind the attack, and Sean needs this witness's help, as she's the person who has come closest to discovering Phantom's identity.

Trouble is, she's under the care of U. S. Marshal Taylor Mills, and Sean is reluctant to work with the captivating Marshal who knows his deepest secrets. But Phantom seems to be one step ahead at every turn and will stop at nothing to kill the witness. To stop the hacker, Sean and Taylor must learn to trust each other as danger draws ever closer.

For more information about Susan Sleeman and her books, check out her website here!

My Thoughts ~

If you are a fan of shows like NCIS, then Seconds to Live by Susan Sleeman is the book equivalent that you need on your bookshelf!

Readers will be thoroughly pulled into the world of law enforcement in Seconds to Live! I liked how the author showed so many different agencies, their various roles, and even some of the science behind evidence recovery. While this did mean a slower pace at times, the in-depth investigative nature is what makes the story so intriguing. I have always enjoyed learning through a well-crafted story, and it was fun to experience the frustrating red tape, the crushing dead ends, and the triumphant breaks in the case right along with the characters!

Speaking of the characters, I really liked the "internet buddies" angle that the author used to give Sean and Taylor a firm foundation for their romance! It didn't feel rushed or forced at all because they had spent so many months getting to know each other online. I also really liked this angle because it felt so realistic! So many friendships and even romantic relationships are begun and strengthened via the internet now, and it was refreshing to see this angle play out in a safe, healthy way.

The emotional, spiritual, and relationship journey in Seconds to Live comes down to one word: trust. Sean and Taylor really, definitely, absolutely had some painfully-earned trust issues due to their respective pasts. While they weren't bookish soulmates for me, I could relate to their struggles to trust each other and God. The author realistically handled how deeply trust issues can affect an individual, and that made each step forward a victory I could share with them!

Three Stars ~ Seconds to Live by Susan Sleeman was a romantic, interesting, and suspenseful read! Seconds to Live is the first book in the author's new Homeland Heroes Series from Bethany House. I look forward to reading the rest of the series and discovering more information for a particular case with the RED Team!

Disclaimer ~ In accordance with FTC regulations, I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not compensated, nor was a positive review required. All opinions expressed are my own.

See you next time, and God bless you guys!!!

Hugs!

~V. Joy Palmer

V. Joy Palmer is the author of Love, Lace, and Minor Alterations and Weddings, Willows, and Revised Expectations, and she is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers. She is also an avid blogger and co-founder of Snack Time Devotions. In her spare time, Joy is an unprofessional chocolate connoisseur/binger, and she loves acting crazy and drinking coffee with the teens she mentors. When Joy isn’t urging the elves that live in her computer to write, she’s hanging out with her husband, their adorable baby girl, and their socially awkward pets.

Connect with Joy on her website, personal blog, devotional blog, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Goodreads, and Amazon Author Page!

Any questions? Check out my Disclosures and Policies Page!