Category: Mystery/Suspense

So this is a mystery in the classic sense, and reminds me of a better version of Nancy Drew. Reyna Cruz’s best friend Summer is married to a man who is physically abusive. When Summer shows up dead, Reyna who is an investigator, decides to find out what really happened. Summer’s brother also wants to find out what happened. It just so happens that he is also Reyna’s ex-fiance. I really enjoyed this book because not only did I like the characters, the whole book I was like is it him? her? that guy? It was romantic and Reyna’s assistant adds humor to a serious situation.

Spiritually, Reyna has to learn to accept that Jesus is her Lord and while some salvation stories in books are cheesy, I thought this one was well done and made complete sense. Highly recommended!

Steven James is a phenomanal mystery suspense writer. If I had to liken him to someone I would say he’s like the earlier James Patterson books. The first book is The Pawn. The Pawn introduces you to Patrick Bowers who is an FBI detective who uses geographic locations to solve his murders. I appreciate that Ms. James decided to make his detective distinct and unique. Patrick is also raising his step-daughter alone which adds a familial layer (and humor) to an oftentimes serious book. That said, things can get a little bloody. I do have a tendency to fast-forward through the murders and killings. This is not your typical romantic suspense as romance is not the focus. But if you read all four of the Patrick Bowers books, you will be rewarded.

Spiritually, his mystery novels, though, are a little different in the sense that there is no overt Christian message. Once again it’s kind of woven through until the last novel (which may not be the last because I just ordered something from Amazon with Patrick Bowers!!). But the novels are clean (no cursing, nothing illicit). He also has a new series coming out with Bethany House this year so stay tuned!

 Submerged is my kind of mystery. Not too many details where I’m feeling lost, but enough details to keep you in suspense. I felt that the villains really acted as villians which is not always the case in some books. A little dose or two of reality is always good in a book. Not to mention great characters and a good story. Throughout the novel I just kept wondering whose story would be next (I’m assuming its a series) because I didn’t want to close the book on such an interesting family. The romance between Bailey and Cole was sweet and heart-warming, and it was one of those books where you can just imagine the couple riding into the sunset (or white picket fence, two kids and a dog…take your pick).

Spiritually, the author dealt with forgetting one’s past and moving on with one’s future. A lesson we all can learn. Lord knows I have said and done things that I regret, but thank you Lord for your grace. I’m looking forward to the next book by Ms. Pettry, hopefully we won’t have to wait long!