Review: Dark Justice by Brandilyn Collins

About the book:

"If I’d had any idea what those words would mean to me, to my mother and daughter, I’d have fled California without looking back." -------------

While driving a rural road, Hannah Shire and her aging mother, who suffers from dementia, stop to help a man at the scene of a car accident. The man whispers mysterious words in Hannah’s ear. Soon people want to kill Hannah and her mother for what they “know.” Even law enforcement may be involved.


The two women must flee for their lives. But how does Hannah hide her confused mother? Carol just wants to listen to her pop music, wear her favorite purple hat, and go home. And if they turn to Hannah’s twentyseven- year-old daughter, Emily, for help, will she fall into danger as well?

Pressed on all sides, Hannah must keep all three generations of women in her family alive. Only then does she learn the threat is not just to her loved ones, but the entire country.

My rating:

(View my rating system)

My thoughts:

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CFBA: Dark Justice by Brandilyn Collins

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Dark Justice B&H Books (October 1, 2013) by Brandilyn Collins

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Brandilyn Collins is a best-selling novelist known for her trademark Seatbelt Suspense®. These harrowing crime thrillers have earned her the tagline "Don't forget to b r e a t h e . . ."® Brandilyn's first book, A Question of Innocence, was a true crime published by Avon in 1995. Its promotion landed her on local and national TV and radio, including the Phil Donahue and Leeza talk shows. Brandilyn's awards for her novels include the ACFW Carol Award (three times), Inspirational Readers' Choice, and Romantic Times Reviewers' Choice.

Brandilyn is also known for her distinctive book on fiction-writing techniques, Getting Into Character: Seven Secrets a Novelist Can Learn From Actors (John Wiley & Sons). The Writer magazine named Getting into Character one of the best books on writing published in 2002.

When she's not writing, Brandilyn can be found teaching the craft of fiction at writers' conferences.

ABOUT THE BOOK

If I’d had any idea what those words would mean to me, to my mother and daughter, I’d have fled California without looking back.

While driving a rural road, Hannah Shire and her aging mother, who suffers from dementia, stop to help a man at the scene of a car accident. The man whispers mysterious words in Hannah’s ear. Soon people want to kill Hannah and her mother for what they “know.” Even law enforcement may be involved.

The two women must flee for their lives. But how does Hannah hide her confused mother? Carol just wants to listen to her pop music, wear her favorite purple hat, and go home. And if they turn to Hannah’s twentyseven- year-old daughter, Emily, for help, will she fall into danger as well?

Pressed on all sides, Hannah must keep all three generations of women in her family alive. Only then does she learn the threat is not just to her loved ones, but the entire country . . .

If you'd like to read the first chapter of Dark Justice, HERE.

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Review: Double Blind by Brandilyn Collins

Double Blind by Brandilyn Collins

B&H Books / 2012

Find on: Amazon, Goodreads

About the book:


Twenty-nine-year-old Lisa Newberry can barely make it through the day. Suddenly widowed and a survivor of a near-fatal attack, she is wracked with grief and despair. Then she hears of a medical trial for a tiny brain chip that emits electrical pulses to heal severe depression. At rope’s end, Lisa offers herself as a candidate.

When she receives her letter of acceptance for the trial, Lisa is at first hopeful. But—brain surgery. Can she really go through with that? What if she receives only the placebo?

What if something far worse goes wrong?

Written in the relentless style for which Brandilyn Collins is known, Double Blind is a psychological thriller with mind-bending twists. Lisa faces choices that drive her to the brink, and one wrong move could cost the lives of many.


My rating:

My thoughts:

I've read most of Brandilyn Collins books (I think all but her Bradleyville series) and I've yet to be disappointed. She is definitely one of my favorite authors. I was somewhat curious going in to Double Blind, as it's a psychological thriller and I had little to no idea what to expect... well, it was a fantastic read!

From the first page (literally) I felt for Lisa and all she had gone through. Not only did she suffer three miscarriages, then lose her husband in a car accident, but she was also attacked and almost killed by her attacker. I can completely understand why she deals with depression after going through all that, and it's no wonder she's thinking about participating in a medical trial to heal the depression.

I have to say, the story was really... bizarre. I loved how it was so weird and I couldn't guess the ending. Seriously, there were so many times I "thought" I knew what was going on but I was so very wrong. There were just so many twists.

There were a couple times I was a little confused and I wish the ending would have had a bit more closure. I also didn't like how a character would hear/feel a reply from God (it's one of my pet-peeves).

Still, Double Blind was a very good read and I did not see the ending coming AT ALL! Such a shocker. :) If you enjoy psychological thrillers or suspense novels with some weird elements, I definitely recommend Double Blind.

*I received a complimentary eBook copy via Netgalley for my review. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. I also received a print copy from a blogging friend (thanks!). All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*

Was my review helpful? If so, please click "yes" on Amazon. Thanks!

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Review: Gone to Ground by Brandilyn Collins

Gone to Ground by Brandilyn Collins

B&H Publishing Group / 2012

Amazon / Goodreads

About the book:

Amaryllis, Mississippi is a scrappy little town of strong backbone and southern hospitality. A brick-paved Main Street, a park, and a legendary ghost in the local cemetery are all part of its heritage. Everybody knows everybody in Amaryllis, and gossip wafts on the breeze. Its people are friendly, its families tight. On the surface Amaryllis seems much like the flower for which it’s named—bright and fragrant. But the Amaryllis flower is poison.

In the past three years five unsolved murders have occurred within the town. All the victims were women, and all were killed in similar fashion in their own homes. And just two nights ago—a sixth murder.

Clearly a killer lives among the good citizens of Amaryllis. And now three terrified women are sure they know who he is—someone they love. None is aware of the others’ suspicions. And each must make the heartrending choice to bring the killer down.

But each woman suspects a different man.

My rating:

My thoughts:

I'm quite familiar with Brandilyn Collins' books (I think I've read every suspense book she's published so far) and she is one of my favorite authors! Gone to Ground might just be my favorite of hers to date! I absolutely loved it!!

The way the chapters were set up was great! They were written in first person, but the POV went back-and-forth between Cherrie Mae, Tully, and Deena. Also, every once in a while, there was an excerpt from The Jackson Bugle.


Gone to Ground was a great mystery - it kept me guessing! It wasn't until the last moment that I guessed who "The Closet Killer" was and even then there were some twists left.

I can only think of one thing I didn't like in Gone to Ground - how it portrayed God talking to Cherrie Mae. Other than that, I completely loved this book and it is one of my favorite books now.

If you are looking for a great mystery novel, you should definitely try Gone to Ground. I think you'll have a hard time guessing what happens. :)

*I received this book for free for my review. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*

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Over The Edge Giveaway!

I just recently finished reading 'Over The Edge' by Brandilyn Collins (you can read my full review here) and can tell you that it is a great book.

Christian Book is giving away 3 copies! Contest ends June 11th, 2011, so click on the following link and enter for your chance to win 'Over The Edge'.

http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/giveaway?code=671623

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Over the Edge - Brandilyn Collins

Over the Edge: A Novel by Brandilyn Collins

My rating: 


'Over The Edge' started out with a horrible scenario - imagine while you were sleeping someone comes into your house, walks past your daughter's bedroom and enters your bedroom. He then places Lyme infected ticks in your hair - without you even knowing he had been there - that's what happened to Janessa McNeil.

'Over The Edge' opened my eyes to Lyme disease. I knew little to nothing about Lyme disease and what people who have it go through before reading this book. I have read most of Brandilyn Collins books and 'Over The Edge' is now one of my favorite books that she has written.

I felt for Janessa and all she was going through, imagining if I was her how I would feel. The story was great, full of mystery and had a major twist ending! I hope there will be a sequel in the future, just so I can know what happens next.

I think if you read this book you won't be disappointed because I wasn't! 'Over The Edge' is sure to put you on the edge of your seat in suspense of what's going to happen next!

View all my reviews

• Find 'Over The Edge' at Christianbook.com
• Author's Website: Brandilyn Collins
• Author's Twitter: Twitter.com/brandilyn
• Author's Facebook: Brandilyn Collins
• Publisher's Website: B & H Publishing Group

Brandilyn Collins talks about the story behind her novel 'Over The Edge'

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Deceit by Brandilyn Collins

Deceit: A Novel by Brandilyn Collins

My rating: 


I really enjoyed reading 'Deceit'. There were twists everywhere, that I didn't expect, which kept me guessing until the end.

Brandilyn Collins is really good at combining suspense with a great story that keeps your attention to the end. I think 'Deceit' should have had about two more chapters because it didn't seem 'finished'.

I really liked the subtle message about how lies are lies and even if you do it for your job it is still a lie. I have read almost all of Brandilyn Collins books and loved most (if not all) of them. I recommend 'Deceit' if you love reading books that keep you guessing and are filled with suspense.

View all my reviews

• Author's Website: http://www.brandilyncollins.com/
• Author's Twitter: Twitter.com/brandilyn
• Author's Facebook: Brandilyn Collins
• Publisher's Website: Zondervan

Brandilyn Collins Talks About Writing Novels

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