Crimson Lake (Crimson Lake, Book One)

 

CANDICE FOX

Stats for my copy: Trade paperback, Forge, 2020.

How acquired: Borrowed from my mom.

First line: I was having some seriously dark thoughts when I found Woman.

(For Goodreads synopsis, scroll down.)

My thoughts: A unique plot, with Ted, an accused child rapist/murderer (his case was dropped for lack of evidence that could sway a jury) teaming up with Amanda, a convicted murderer turned private investigator, to look into the disappearance of a local well known author. Told in first person POV by Ted, a former police detective, we get a deep dive into what his life is like after having spent eight months in prison and losing his job, his reputation, his wife, his baby daughter, and all of his friends. While working with Amanda, a strange and quirky woman who pled guilty to her crime, he begins to secretly look into her case and stir things up.

I love stories set in Australia, though mostly what I've read was in the Outback, so I did not expect to read about people in cities and towns living with crocodiles practically in their back yards. The author did a wonderful job setting the atmosphere, and convincing me I do not want to live anywhere near a croc. Though I wouldn't mind having a goose and her babies for pets, as Ted finds himself doing.

I never knew where the plot would go next, and the last 30 pages or so had me on the edge of my seat. I need the second book immediately!

Goodreads synopsis: How do you move on when the world won't let you?

12:46: Claire Bingley stands alone at a bus stop
12:47: Ted Conkaffey parks his car beside her
12:52: The girl is missing . . .

Six minutes in the wrong place at the wrong time--that's all it took to ruin Sydney detective Ted Conkaffey's life. Accused but not convicted of a brutal abduction, Ted is now a free man--and public enemy number one. Maintaining his innocence, he flees north to keep a low profile amidst the steamy, croc-infested wetlands of Crimson Lake.

There, Ted's lawyer introduces him to eccentric private investigator Amanda Pharrell, herself a convicted murderer. Not entirely convinced Amanda is a cold-blooded killer, Ted agrees to help with her investigation, a case full of deception and obsession, while secretly digging into her troubled past. The residents of Crimson Lake are watching the pair's every move . . . and the town offers no place to hide.

The Reluctant Christians

 

KRISTINE JOHNSON

Stats: Dorrance Publishing Co., 2023

How acquired: From the author via ReedsyDiscovery.

First line: The child waited, buried deep within the worn blankets of her small bed.

(Goodreads synopsis below.)

My thoughts: This was a much deeper read than I expected, almost dense, but not in a bad way. The writing felt a little awkward at first, with so many places that seemed to be missing a comma, and then other places that seemed to have extra commas just thrown in wherever. I thought the book needed some editing, but then I began to wonder if this was just the author’s writing style. And once I got used to it the narrative began to flow easier. I was never quite sure in what direction the story would go at any given time, and when I thought I did see the path I was often wrong.

I love a good character study, and the author definitely delivered on that score. I enjoyed watching Kate blossom from a shy quiet child, who hid in her closet at night when her mother had men over, to a confident young woman learning to navigate her way through life. But her mother’s growth and journey was even more satisfying. Nora started the book a very unlikable character, who seemed to be the villain. But thanks to the kindness, although belated, of her ex-husband’s parents, she began to find redemption and became a very sympathetic character.

A vivid and detailed accounting of two women rising above their misogynistic upbringing and finding their own strength and resilience.

*Received via ReedsyDiscovery and voluntarily reviewed*

Synopsis from Goodreads:

This compelling and exciting fictional story of the Reluctant Christians depicts the lifelong journey of a mother, Nora Young, and her daughter Kathryn (Kate) as they struggle to remove themselves from the restrictive tentacles of life in a small town dominated by a conservative, misogynistic religion. This is a love story that exposes abuse within religious organizations, but by no means is this story anti-religion. Rather, it is a story of self-reliance and resilience that explores the strength of the soul within. This is a love story that spans decades of pioneering a new path for a family in a new time for women who seek freedom, and break barriers of behavior dictation, despite the fear of repercussion. 

The characters find themselves united to bring comfort and forgiveness to their lives. The strength of their relationships challenges them to defy the unjust suffering and persecution of sister ancestors, one another, and all women who have encountered prejudice and abuse of power. Together they rise above with wisdom, compassion, lessons learned and groundbreaking leadership. Together they confront the past and carve the future. There are children to be cared for, loves to be discovered, death and grief to be endured, and life to be lived by the characters entwined in this dramatic love story.

Shadows at Dusk (Missing in Alaska, Book Two)

 

ELIZABETH GODDARD

Edition read: Trade paperback, Revell, 2023

How acquired: Revell Reads Blogger Program

First line: The old cargo plane vibrated as the pilot descended into the airdrop zone, the turbulence shuddering through Carrie Jams.

(Goodreads synopsis below.)

My thoughts: Another wonderfully written, action packed romantic suspense from Ms. Goddard! In this second book in the Missing in Alaska series, Carrie is a pilot in Shadow Gap, ferrying passengers around Alaska, delivering supplies to residents living in remote areas, and whatever else is needed of her. When Trevor arrives in Alaska looking for answers to his sister’s disappearance, Chief Autumn Long, the heroine of the first book, recommends Carrie as a guide. Carrie is reluctant, as she’s about to leave for a long awaited vacation, and despite being intrigued by Trevor, she refers him to another local pilot. But when Carrie’s business partner, mentor, and best friend is murdered, her whole life is turned upside down, for the second time.

I really liked and admired Carrie. Ten years ago she miraculously survived an attack on her life, and still carries the emotional and physical scars. She’s worked hard to overcome adversity, and flying brings her peace and comfort. I loved Trevor. He uprooted his own life to help his sister escape an abusive marriage, and thought she’d created a good life for herself, only to have her disappear without a trace on a vacation to Alaska, leaving only a handful of photos for Trevor to decipher.

So we have two mysteries running concurrently as it becomes clear that someone does not want Trevor investigating his sister’s disappearance, and it becomes clear that someone is trying to kill Carrie. I love an Alaskan setting. The wild land, the mountains, the seclusion, all lend themselves to the perfect backdrop for mystery, suspense, action, danger, and survival. But we also get an engaging story and great character studies of Carrie and Trevor and what drives them. I can’t wait for the next book in the series!

*Received from the publisher and voluntarily reviewed*

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Montana Detective Trevor West is desperate to learn what happened to his sister, who went missing in Alaska over a year ago, leaving nothing but a few photographs as clues to her whereabouts. At the advice of Police Chief Autumn Long, Trevor enlists the help of an experienced bush pilot. If Carrie James can't help him find the places in the photographs, no one can. 

But Carrie has her own agenda. Grieving the death of her closest friend and the only person she could trust, Carrie will help Trevor find his sister on one condition--that he help her track down her friend's killer. 

As the two close in on the answers they crave, they'll face dangers and connections they could not have imagined. They'll have to learn to trust one another--and face the dark secrets of the past--if they are ever to discover the truth and bring a killer to justice.