I have a huge fascination for true crime books & TV shows, forensics and investigation work, and the horrible court notes no one wants to read. Books like these get hard reviews because I tend to have a very low tolerance for poor crime writing, or the ability to escalate suspense in a thriller novel. The authors I enjoy in this genre are Kathy Reichs, James Patterson, Mary Higgins Clark, etc… In the chummy, crime fighting partner books: Janet Evanovich kicks it with Fox and O’Hare, and Stephanie Plum and Morelli or her and Ranger. So you have to see my bar is high and and I’m going into this book with a lot of cannabes and wonnaflies; things that just can’t be and just won’t fly.

Amish raised Hannah Grace has a sketchy suitor and at the age of sixteen a ‘No, dude–you freak me out, GTFO!’ begins a waterfall of bad events which sends Hannah into the English world to seek the answer to the mystery of where her father went missing, to give her closure, that she might one day return to her congregation. Crap, that was a long sentence. Once in the outworld she gets her GED, goes to the big peoples school and goes and gets a badge. She goes to the place where they carry a big stick, get answers and ask questions; often in that order. She has been away from her upbringing and family for ten years, and carries the insecurity, ego, guilt and pride of a sinner with each step like a true champ while self righteously holding an inner commentary on people’s squandered wealth, blasphemous tongue and turning away of the simply life by getting lost in the trappings of the common day. Just so you know Hannah, if the intent to swear is there and you use another word it is still a curse. If I commit murder and I use a knife or a gun it doesn’t matter the method it’s still murder. You can insert any word you want into the slot of a word that lowers one’s esteem or dignity; It is a curse. You still sin, you just make the word less or more creative than someone might otherwise think it is. Continue Reading