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Ten Plagues
Join the breakneck chase through Chicago for a murderous maniac. As the victims begin piling up, detective Keren Collins’s spiritual discernment is on high alert. Will she capture the killer before another body floats to the surface? Ex-cop, now mission pastor Paul Morris has seen his share of tragedy, but nothing prepared him to be a murderer’s messenger boy. Will his old ruthless cop personality take over, leading him to the brink of self-destruction? Can Keren and Paul catch the killer before the corpse count reaches a perfect ten?
352 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2011
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October 22, 2012
Mary Connealy uses the penname of Mary Nealy for her venture into the mystery genre with “Ten Plagues,” a thriller police narrative similar to the popular television show, Criminal Minds. The fast-paced, well-characterized, well-written suspense plot includes spiritual gifts, spiritual warfare, psychology and a crazed killer with a distinctive agenda.
The story begins with detective Keren Collins camped out in her Impala alone, half-a-block from the brownstone under surveillance. She wonders again why her partner O’Shea has to be late, today of all days and whispers impatiently, “C’mon…where are you?”
Keren is a competent, no-nonsense, play-it-by-the book detective and quickly recognizes the too familiar goose bumps raising the hair on her arms, a sign that evil surrounds her. She knows her gift of spiritual discernment is limited, yet she scans the decrepit buildings hoping to learn more.
However, today was no different than all the other times she had felt “…a cold chill of evil sleet through her veins…” except this time a powerful sense of impending doom made her hands shake on the steering wheel. As she felt herself being drawn into the presence of a powerful “blackened soul.”…Full Review: http://tinyurl.com/9oersye
The story begins with detective Keren Collins camped out in her Impala alone, half-a-block from the brownstone under surveillance. She wonders again why her partner O’Shea has to be late, today of all days and whispers impatiently, “C’mon…where are you?”
Keren is a competent, no-nonsense, play-it-by-the book detective and quickly recognizes the too familiar goose bumps raising the hair on her arms, a sign that evil surrounds her. She knows her gift of spiritual discernment is limited, yet she scans the decrepit buildings hoping to learn more.
However, today was no different than all the other times she had felt “…a cold chill of evil sleet through her veins…” except this time a powerful sense of impending doom made her hands shake on the steering wheel. As she felt herself being drawn into the presence of a powerful “blackened soul.”…Full Review: http://tinyurl.com/9oersye
October 28, 2014
Good book. Didn't like the fact that a pastor was acting the way he was. Only thing I really found religious about the book were the Plagues. I'd recommend this book but not categorized as a religious reading.
September 2, 2020
I have enjoyed Mary Conneally's romance novels, and this one was a pretty solid offering for a suspenseful thriller. I hope she continues to write more.
October 31, 2011
Ten Plagues by Mary Nealy
What an incredible book. It is a suspense romance taking place in Chicago. Keren Collins is a Chicago police detective and Paul Morris is an ex-cop turned Pastor of the Lighthouse Mission. When Keren Is on a stake-out for a missing woman she sees Paul run up to the building and into the group of gang members. She has to wait on her partner before leaving her car, Mick O'Shea. When the building suddenly blows up Keren goes into action helping the kids outside and she sees the other man helping as well. It ends up the explosion and her stake-out are connected to the same woman. Paul had been arrogant as an Officer and Keren has bad feelings towards him but now they must work together as a madman has decided to play out the ten plagues of Egypt and with each plague is another gruesome murder.
As a Christian Keren works to get along with Paul. When he is in Pastor mode she is fine, when he gets his cop persona it reminds her of the damage he did years ago. Paul struggles to control his anger through out the investigation. He left the force because of who he had become. A man so involved in his work that he lost his wife and daughter, first by separation and than by death.
Keren has a gift that she has kept secret since she was teased as a child and after her fiance thought she was too odd for him and broke off their engagement. She can sense spirits. Especially demons. And this man who is committing these murders is a man full of deep evil. Keren and Paul work together to catch this madman before it's too late for his next victim, especially since he has set his sights on making Keren one of them.
Mary Nealy is the pen name for Mary Connealy's suspense books. Mary's westerns are so full of humor that I was really impressed at how different this book is from her others and yet so intriguing and a great story.
**Received through NetGalley for review.
Ten Plagues by Mary Nealy
What an incredible book. It is a suspense romance taking place in Chicago. Keren Collins is a Chicago police detective and Paul Morris is an ex-cop turned Pastor of the Lighthouse Mission. When Keren Is on a stake-out for a missing woman she sees Paul run up to the building and into the group of gang members. She has to wait on her partner before leaving her car, Mick O'Shea. When the building suddenly blows up Keren goes into action helping the kids outside and she sees the other man helping as well. It ends up the explosion and her stake-out are connected to the same woman. Paul had been arrogant as an Officer and Keren has bad feelings towards him but now they must work together as a madman has decided to play out the ten plagues of Egypt and with each plague is another gruesome murder.
As a Christian Keren works to get along with Paul. When he is in Pastor mode she is fine, when he gets his cop persona it reminds her of the damage he did years ago. Paul struggles to control his anger through out the investigation. He left the force because of who he had become. A man so involved in his work that he lost his wife and daughter, first by separation and than by death.
Keren has a gift that she has kept secret since she was teased as a child and after her fiance thought she was too odd for him and broke off their engagement. She can sense spirits. Especially demons. And this man who is committing these murders is a man full of deep evil. Keren and Paul work together to catch this madman before it's too late for his next victim, especially since he has set his sights on making Keren one of them.
Mary Nealy is the pen name for Mary Connealy's suspense books. Mary's westerns are so full of humor that I was really impressed at how different this book is from her others and yet so intriguing and a great story.
**Received through NetGalley for review.
Ten Plagues by Mary Nealy
What an incredible book. It is a suspense romance taking place in Chicago. Keren Collins is a Chicago police detective and Paul Morris is an ex-cop turned Pastor of the Lighthouse Mission. When Keren Is on a stake-out for a missing woman she sees Paul run up to the building and into the group of gang members. She has to wait on her partner before leaving her car, Mick O'Shea. When the building suddenly blows up Keren goes into action helping the kids outside and she sees the other man helping as well. It ends up the explosion and her stake-out are connected to the same woman. Paul had been arrogant as an Officer and Keren has bad feelings towards him but now they must work together as a madman has decided to play out the ten plagues of Egypt and with each plague is another gruesome murder.
As a Christian Keren works to get along with Paul. When he is in Pastor mode she is fine, when he gets his cop persona it reminds her of the damage he did years ago. Paul struggles to control his anger through out the investigation. He left the force because of who he had become. A man so involved in his work that he lost his wife and daughter, first by separation and than by death.
Keren has a gift that she has kept secret since she was teased as a child and after her fiance thought she was too odd for him and broke off their engagement. She can sense spirits. Especially demons. And this man who is committing these murders is a man full of deep evil. Keren and Paul work together to catch this madman before it's too late for his next victim, especially since he has set his sights on making Keren one of them.
Mary Nealy is the pen name for Mary Connealy's suspense books. Mary's westerns are so full of humor that I was really impressed at how different this book is from her others and yet so intriguing and a great story.
Ten Plagues by Mary Nealy
What an incredible book. It is a suspense romance taking place in Chicago. Keren Collins is a Chicago police detective and Paul Morris is an ex-cop turned Pastor of the Lighthouse Mission. When Keren Is on a stake-out for a missing woman she sees Paul run up to the building and into the group of gang members. She has to wait on her partner before leaving her car, Mick O'Shea. When the building suddenly blows up Keren goes into action helping the kids outside and she sees the other man helping as well. It ends up the explosion and her stake-out are connected to the same woman. Paul had been arrogant as an Officer and Keren has bad feelings towards him but now they must work together as a madman has decided to play out the ten plagues of Egypt and with each plague is another gruesome murder.
As a Christian Keren works to get along with Paul. When he is in Pastor mode she is fine, when he gets his cop persona it reminds her of the damage he did years ago. Paul struggles to control his anger through out the investigation. He left the force because of who he had become. A man so involved in his work that he lost his wife and daughter, first by separation and than by death.
Keren has a gift that she has kept secret since she was teased as a child and after her fiance thought she was too odd for him and broke off their engagement. She can sense spirits. Especially demons. And this man who is committing these murders is a man full of deep evil. Keren and Paul work together to catch this madman before it's too late for his next victim, especially since he has set his sights on making Keren one of them.
Mary Nealy is the pen name for Mary Connealy's suspense books. Mary's westerns are so full of humor that I was really impressed at how different this book is from her others and yet so intriguing and a great story.
http://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com/...
**Received through NetGalley for review.
What an incredible book. It is a suspense romance taking place in Chicago. Keren Collins is a Chicago police detective and Paul Morris is an ex-cop turned Pastor of the Lighthouse Mission. When Keren Is on a stake-out for a missing woman she sees Paul run up to the building and into the group of gang members. She has to wait on her partner before leaving her car, Mick O'Shea. When the building suddenly blows up Keren goes into action helping the kids outside and she sees the other man helping as well. It ends up the explosion and her stake-out are connected to the same woman. Paul had been arrogant as an Officer and Keren has bad feelings towards him but now they must work together as a madman has decided to play out the ten plagues of Egypt and with each plague is another gruesome murder.
As a Christian Keren works to get along with Paul. When he is in Pastor mode she is fine, when he gets his cop persona it reminds her of the damage he did years ago. Paul struggles to control his anger through out the investigation. He left the force because of who he had become. A man so involved in his work that he lost his wife and daughter, first by separation and than by death.
Keren has a gift that she has kept secret since she was teased as a child and after her fiance thought she was too odd for him and broke off their engagement. She can sense spirits. Especially demons. And this man who is committing these murders is a man full of deep evil. Keren and Paul work together to catch this madman before it's too late for his next victim, especially since he has set his sights on making Keren one of them.
Mary Nealy is the pen name for Mary Connealy's suspense books. Mary's westerns are so full of humor that I was really impressed at how different this book is from her others and yet so intriguing and a great story.
**Received through NetGalley for review.
Ten Plagues by Mary Nealy
What an incredible book. It is a suspense romance taking place in Chicago. Keren Collins is a Chicago police detective and Paul Morris is an ex-cop turned Pastor of the Lighthouse Mission. When Keren Is on a stake-out for a missing woman she sees Paul run up to the building and into the group of gang members. She has to wait on her partner before leaving her car, Mick O'Shea. When the building suddenly blows up Keren goes into action helping the kids outside and she sees the other man helping as well. It ends up the explosion and her stake-out are connected to the same woman. Paul had been arrogant as an Officer and Keren has bad feelings towards him but now they must work together as a madman has decided to play out the ten plagues of Egypt and with each plague is another gruesome murder.
As a Christian Keren works to get along with Paul. When he is in Pastor mode she is fine, when he gets his cop persona it reminds her of the damage he did years ago. Paul struggles to control his anger through out the investigation. He left the force because of who he had become. A man so involved in his work that he lost his wife and daughter, first by separation and than by death.
Keren has a gift that she has kept secret since she was teased as a child and after her fiance thought she was too odd for him and broke off their engagement. She can sense spirits. Especially demons. And this man who is committing these murders is a man full of deep evil. Keren and Paul work together to catch this madman before it's too late for his next victim, especially since he has set his sights on making Keren one of them.
Mary Nealy is the pen name for Mary Connealy's suspense books. Mary's westerns are so full of humor that I was really impressed at how different this book is from her others and yet so intriguing and a great story.
**Received through NetGalley for review.
Ten Plagues by Mary Nealy
What an incredible book. It is a suspense romance taking place in Chicago. Keren Collins is a Chicago police detective and Paul Morris is an ex-cop turned Pastor of the Lighthouse Mission. When Keren Is on a stake-out for a missing woman she sees Paul run up to the building and into the group of gang members. She has to wait on her partner before leaving her car, Mick O'Shea. When the building suddenly blows up Keren goes into action helping the kids outside and she sees the other man helping as well. It ends up the explosion and her stake-out are connected to the same woman. Paul had been arrogant as an Officer and Keren has bad feelings towards him but now they must work together as a madman has decided to play out the ten plagues of Egypt and with each plague is another gruesome murder.
As a Christian Keren works to get along with Paul. When he is in Pastor mode she is fine, when he gets his cop persona it reminds her of the damage he did years ago. Paul struggles to control his anger through out the investigation. He left the force because of who he had become. A man so involved in his work that he lost his wife and daughter, first by separation and than by death.
Keren has a gift that she has kept secret since she was teased as a child and after her fiance thought she was too odd for him and broke off their engagement. She can sense spirits. Especially demons. And this man who is committing these murders is a man full of deep evil. Keren and Paul work together to catch this madman before it's too late for his next victim, especially since he has set his sights on making Keren one of them.
Mary Nealy is the pen name for Mary Connealy's suspense books. Mary's westerns are so full of humor that I was really impressed at how different this book is from her others and yet so intriguing and a great story.
Ten Plagues by Mary Nealy
What an incredible book. It is a suspense romance taking place in Chicago. Keren Collins is a Chicago police detective and Paul Morris is an ex-cop turned Pastor of the Lighthouse Mission. When Keren Is on a stake-out for a missing woman she sees Paul run up to the building and into the group of gang members. She has to wait on her partner before leaving her car, Mick O'Shea. When the building suddenly blows up Keren goes into action helping the kids outside and she sees the other man helping as well. It ends up the explosion and her stake-out are connected to the same woman. Paul had been arrogant as an Officer and Keren has bad feelings towards him but now they must work together as a madman has decided to play out the ten plagues of Egypt and with each plague is another gruesome murder.
As a Christian Keren works to get along with Paul. When he is in Pastor mode she is fine, when he gets his cop persona it reminds her of the damage he did years ago. Paul struggles to control his anger through out the investigation. He left the force because of who he had become. A man so involved in his work that he lost his wife and daughter, first by separation and than by death.
Keren has a gift that she has kept secret since she was teased as a child and after her fiance thought she was too odd for him and broke off their engagement. She can sense spirits. Especially demons. And this man who is committing these murders is a man full of deep evil. Keren and Paul work together to catch this madman before it's too late for his next victim, especially since he has set his sights on making Keren one of them.
Mary Nealy is the pen name for Mary Connealy's suspense books. Mary's westerns are so full of humor that I was really impressed at how different this book is from her others and yet so intriguing and a great story.
http://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com/...
**Received through NetGalley for review.
December 8, 2023
This book bogged down a little in the middle but quickly raced to a powerful conclusion. The characters were likable and realistic. They were developed in a way that I completely connected with cared deeply about their outcome. it’s not often you fine a book with a serial killer and and the gospel but this author did it well!
July 8, 2017
The book felt really out of order. I was hoping things would get clarification but it never came. Didn't finish.
September 15, 2011
Ten Plagues
Ten Plagues by Mary Nealy. Published by Barbour Publishing, Inc. Received by Netgalley.com.
As I've said before, I have been wanting to find Christian authors who write fiction that can tell the message of Jesus Christ through their story as well as serving up an excellent plot for readers to sink their teeth into. I received Ten Plagues by Mary Nealy through netgalley.com and wanted to see if Nealy could deliver what I was looking for. Sadly, this came up short for me.
The story starts out with Keren Collins, a cop investigating the deaths of ladies who have just turned their lives around. Enter Paul Morris, an ex-cop who is now a pastor at a local mission, the mission where most of the ladies turning up missing, have gone for help. Morris unexpectedly receives a package each time before the dead are found. Obviously, someone wants Morris to feel pain, by taking the very ones who come to him for help and torturing them with different plagues as are found in the Bible.
Collins and Morris work together along with Collins' partner O'Shea, who is conveniently left out on many scenes in the book. Collins and Morris have a history with each other, dating back to when Morris was a detective himself. This pairs the couple up to a stormy relationship while trying to be professional about their job in bringing justice to the killer.
The author uses scripture throughout the story to back up her plagues plot and uses some interesting dialogue between Collins and Morris on how tough it is to be a cop and a Christian at the same time. I did not mind the plot with the serial killer and wished it would have gone deeper actually. I wish it would have included O'Shea more into the story, as he is Collins "real" partner.
One thing I can't stand in stories (and this is a personal reference in which some of you already know) is the romance factor. Some authors can pull this off without me rolling my eyes very much, but in this story, it practically wanted me to stop reading half way through. Why is it that every time a man and a woman who are put together in a situation, have to act so juvenile in admitting they like each other? The author tries to make the duo have a "disturbed, troubled" history so that they fight at almost every juncture, when in the character's "mind", they can't believe how much they want to kiss the other!
I would give this a three-star rating. Wish I could have given it a better one.
Ten Plagues by Mary Nealy. Published by Barbour Publishing, Inc. Received by Netgalley.com.
As I've said before, I have been wanting to find Christian authors who write fiction that can tell the message of Jesus Christ through their story as well as serving up an excellent plot for readers to sink their teeth into. I received Ten Plagues by Mary Nealy through netgalley.com and wanted to see if Nealy could deliver what I was looking for. Sadly, this came up short for me.
The story starts out with Keren Collins, a cop investigating the deaths of ladies who have just turned their lives around. Enter Paul Morris, an ex-cop who is now a pastor at a local mission, the mission where most of the ladies turning up missing, have gone for help. Morris unexpectedly receives a package each time before the dead are found. Obviously, someone wants Morris to feel pain, by taking the very ones who come to him for help and torturing them with different plagues as are found in the Bible.
Collins and Morris work together along with Collins' partner O'Shea, who is conveniently left out on many scenes in the book. Collins and Morris have a history with each other, dating back to when Morris was a detective himself. This pairs the couple up to a stormy relationship while trying to be professional about their job in bringing justice to the killer.
The author uses scripture throughout the story to back up her plagues plot and uses some interesting dialogue between Collins and Morris on how tough it is to be a cop and a Christian at the same time. I did not mind the plot with the serial killer and wished it would have gone deeper actually. I wish it would have included O'Shea more into the story, as he is Collins "real" partner.
One thing I can't stand in stories (and this is a personal reference in which some of you already know) is the romance factor. Some authors can pull this off without me rolling my eyes very much, but in this story, it practically wanted me to stop reading half way through. Why is it that every time a man and a woman who are put together in a situation, have to act so juvenile in admitting they like each other? The author tries to make the duo have a "disturbed, troubled" history so that they fight at almost every juncture, when in the character's "mind", they can't believe how much they want to kiss the other!
I would give this a three-star rating. Wish I could have given it a better one.
October 4, 2011
Ten Plagues is a new book from Mary Nealy the suspense pen name of Mary Connealy, a Christian Western Romance author. The book revolves around a series of murders by a serial killer that is working off the ten plagues that the bible features in Exodus. You may remember them from such films as The Reaping with Hilary Swank and The Prince of Egypt with Val Kilmer.
I had received this book for review and I was hopeful for it. Although, as is seen from my affiliations in my sidebar, I am a Non-Believer (read: atheist) I actually enjoy Christian books and movies. My favorite type of Christian fiction is this type of Christian story.
I will say the author did do a decent job of getting me into the story early on; the book starts in an intense manner. Which I applaud the writer on, she really did the work to ensuring that the book drew the reader in to the action of the book. As a short story writer, I spend an obscene amount of time attempting to create not only a believable story but also introductions that entice the reader to continue.
As good as the introductory action is the dialogue and character development is lacking from what I had expected. And although my big two authors are Orwell and Hemingway, I’m not expecting that I read a fair amount of Science Fiction, Mystery and Thriller novels and I’m definitely judging it on par with other books within that same genre type. The dialogue and characters were wooden and maybe since Western Romance is her passion she spends more time on those things within those novels.
Furthermore, there was a lot of telling. In the opening paragraphs despite the awesome ability, that she has to draw the reader in, the fact that she uses the word evil so much in the first paragraphs was jarring. What did the evil feel like was it that she was in the inner city that equaled evil, I have never felt evil so I did not exactly know how to picture it in my mind. Again, I am giving the benefit of the doubt here, because she writes for Christians so maybe the majority of Christians know exactly how evil feels and it would be pandering to explain it.
Therefore, if you are a Christian and you enjoy suspense novels I would recommend it giving it a solid 3 out of 5. I had really hoped for a mystery novel that a Christian happened to write rather than a Christian Mystery Novel.
However, overall amongst all the books out there, I would give it a 2 to 2 ½ out of 5.
I had received this book for review and I was hopeful for it. Although, as is seen from my affiliations in my sidebar, I am a Non-Believer (read: atheist) I actually enjoy Christian books and movies. My favorite type of Christian fiction is this type of Christian story.
I will say the author did do a decent job of getting me into the story early on; the book starts in an intense manner. Which I applaud the writer on, she really did the work to ensuring that the book drew the reader in to the action of the book. As a short story writer, I spend an obscene amount of time attempting to create not only a believable story but also introductions that entice the reader to continue.
As good as the introductory action is the dialogue and character development is lacking from what I had expected. And although my big two authors are Orwell and Hemingway, I’m not expecting that I read a fair amount of Science Fiction, Mystery and Thriller novels and I’m definitely judging it on par with other books within that same genre type. The dialogue and characters were wooden and maybe since Western Romance is her passion she spends more time on those things within those novels.
Furthermore, there was a lot of telling. In the opening paragraphs despite the awesome ability, that she has to draw the reader in, the fact that she uses the word evil so much in the first paragraphs was jarring. What did the evil feel like was it that she was in the inner city that equaled evil, I have never felt evil so I did not exactly know how to picture it in my mind. Again, I am giving the benefit of the doubt here, because she writes for Christians so maybe the majority of Christians know exactly how evil feels and it would be pandering to explain it.
Therefore, if you are a Christian and you enjoy suspense novels I would recommend it giving it a solid 3 out of 5. I had really hoped for a mystery novel that a Christian happened to write rather than a Christian Mystery Novel.
However, overall amongst all the books out there, I would give it a 2 to 2 ½ out of 5.
October 13, 2011
Ten Plagues begins with Chicago PD detective Keren Collins following up a missing persons’ report. Juanita Lopez hasn’t been seen for a week, and Keren’s visit to a condemned tenement building blows up in her face – literally. Keren has the Biblical gift of discernment, the supernatural ability to sense good and evil spirits, a gift which can be both a blessing and a curse. Her gift tells her that there is evil surrounding the burning building, but that the man going in to rescue a teenager is good. Then she finds that the man, Pastor Paul Morris of the Lighthouse Mission, is the man who, as a cop, sent her career spinning backwards, and she is suspicious and resentful towards him.
Paul spend years as a hard-bitten cop, but a personal tragedy forced him to re-evaluate his life, and he now runs a soup kitchen and homeless shelter in inner-city Chicago. He is pulled into the investigation because of his seminary-taught Latin, the language used by the kidnapper to deliver his hand-carved plaques. At the same time, he becomes a potential suspect when it is discovered that both of the victims were regular visitors to the homeless shelter. To complicate matters, Paul is immediately attracted to Keren, but she seems to have an inexplicable aversion to him. Why?
As the case progresses, Keren and Paul learn to work together to solve a series of crimes that seem to be patterned after the ten plagues of Egypt. They also have their own personal issues to work through as their mutual attraction grows, including their joint history, Keren’s gift and the reason behind Paul’s change of life. I enjoyed Ten Plagues. I thought the characters were strong, the story was well-plotted, and there was an interesting mystery to solve along with some nail-biting suspense and enough romance to lighten the mood.
Ten Plagues is the first novel from Mary Nealy, the romantic suspense pen-name of award-winning Mary Connealy, who has been a Christy Award and RITA Award finalist for her ‘Romantic Comedy with Cowboys’ novels. This is not a novel for the faint-hearted (although those who like Tim Downs will probably find this somewhat tame…), but I enjoyed this new voice in romantic suspense, and I will certainly watch out for more of Nealy’s novels.
Thanks to NetGalley and Barbour Publishing for providing a free ebook to review.
Paul spend years as a hard-bitten cop, but a personal tragedy forced him to re-evaluate his life, and he now runs a soup kitchen and homeless shelter in inner-city Chicago. He is pulled into the investigation because of his seminary-taught Latin, the language used by the kidnapper to deliver his hand-carved plaques. At the same time, he becomes a potential suspect when it is discovered that both of the victims were regular visitors to the homeless shelter. To complicate matters, Paul is immediately attracted to Keren, but she seems to have an inexplicable aversion to him. Why?
As the case progresses, Keren and Paul learn to work together to solve a series of crimes that seem to be patterned after the ten plagues of Egypt. They also have their own personal issues to work through as their mutual attraction grows, including their joint history, Keren’s gift and the reason behind Paul’s change of life. I enjoyed Ten Plagues. I thought the characters were strong, the story was well-plotted, and there was an interesting mystery to solve along with some nail-biting suspense and enough romance to lighten the mood.
Ten Plagues is the first novel from Mary Nealy, the romantic suspense pen-name of award-winning Mary Connealy, who has been a Christy Award and RITA Award finalist for her ‘Romantic Comedy with Cowboys’ novels. This is not a novel for the faint-hearted (although those who like Tim Downs will probably find this somewhat tame…), but I enjoyed this new voice in romantic suspense, and I will certainly watch out for more of Nealy’s novels.
Thanks to NetGalley and Barbour Publishing for providing a free ebook to review.
November 17, 2015
Could not wait to be done with this one! And it wasn't the suspense that kept me going. I had to see just how bad it would get. I wasn't disappointed.
First the writing. So much telling and not showing. The over use of the past perfect tense:
pg 136 - She...gave him her best squinty gunslinger look
pg 337 - The smell of suffer was like brimstone
Then there were the "cleverly" written phrases...
pg 55 - She could see he'd been more prolific than a wheat field full of bunnies
pg 191 - Paul spent so many hours being grilled, he almost turned into a T-bone.
And then some of that cleverness just didn't make any sense:
pg 47 - She kept talking as if he were a buzzing insect.
pg 194 ...he smiled right into her bared teeth
pg 250 - She jabbed her finger at the torture chamber that was almost his home.
pg 291 - O'Shea was waiting for her like the specter of death
The overuse of description of the protagonist's hair...how many times should an author be allowed to use the phrase "corkscrew curls"? Or that riot explosion?
The character development was weak...so tired of the beautiful, fierce female hero..who still need rescuing. Why would a reader care about her? The exposition dialogue was so long...so unnatural. And both Keren and Paul open up to one another too quickly.
The hint that the villain was one of the regulars at the mission wasn't developed. By the time his identity was revealed, it was a "who cares?" moment. There had never been interaction with Buddy, no building of compassion towards the broken man.
The most disappointing factor was the ending. It was building to a point where God would save Keren...where the Holy Spirit would break through supernaturally and release her from the grip of evil. Instead...two men burst in and saved the day...ugh!
Another Christian suspense novel with no suspense at all, because editors and publishers do not demand (expect?) sophisticated Christian writing.
First the writing. So much telling and not showing. The over use of the past perfect tense:
pg 136 - She...gave him her best squinty gunslinger look
pg 337 - The smell of suffer was like brimstone
Then there were the "cleverly" written phrases...
pg 55 - She could see he'd been more prolific than a wheat field full of bunnies
pg 191 - Paul spent so many hours being grilled, he almost turned into a T-bone.
And then some of that cleverness just didn't make any sense:
pg 47 - She kept talking as if he were a buzzing insect.
pg 194 ...he smiled right into her bared teeth
pg 250 - She jabbed her finger at the torture chamber that was almost his home.
pg 291 - O'Shea was waiting for her like the specter of death
The overuse of description of the protagonist's hair...how many times should an author be allowed to use the phrase "corkscrew curls"? Or that riot explosion?
The character development was weak...so tired of the beautiful, fierce female hero..who still need rescuing. Why would a reader care about her? The exposition dialogue was so long...so unnatural. And both Keren and Paul open up to one another too quickly.
The hint that the villain was one of the regulars at the mission wasn't developed. By the time his identity was revealed, it was a "who cares?" moment. There had never been interaction with Buddy, no building of compassion towards the broken man.
The most disappointing factor was the ending. It was building to a point where God would save Keren...where the Holy Spirit would break through supernaturally and release her from the grip of evil. Instead...two men burst in and saved the day...ugh!
Another Christian suspense novel with no suspense at all, because editors and publishers do not demand (expect?) sophisticated Christian writing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 19, 2016
http://fallenoverbookreviews.blogspot...
I remember when I bought this book from the dollar store. The title of the book called me to pick it up and see what it was about, followed by me reading the back of the book. As soon as I saw the word serial killer I was like okay this has got to be good.
So this is a Christian author who is writing about a serial killer who believes in killing people by the plagues that was sent about back in the day with God and Jesus.
Now I have to say I was glad religion wasn't being crammed down my throat though I believe in God and Jesus.
Keren in a detective who has a special power but one she keeps quiet about so when she can literally sense the evil coming from this serial killer she knows it is bad, especially when he starts with the plagues.
In comes Paul who is a pastor and works at a missionary with the homeless. He is involved in a way that his past has come back to him. He wants to stop this serial killer before he hurts more people that the pastor knows. We see how the pastor deals with being an ex-cop and a pastor we can see him struggle with doing what is right via God to dealing with the devil trying to break him down.
Keren on the other hand doesn't lose faith she just tries her hardest not to let the job get to her.
Now I really enjoyed how the killer used the plagues to kill his victims I know quite sad to say but it was different.
When will this killer stop? Who will be his next victims?
This is a decent Christian mystery that I think most people may enjoy. The characters were complete, the story line was at a steady pace.
#PBwkendread
I remember when I bought this book from the dollar store. The title of the book called me to pick it up and see what it was about, followed by me reading the back of the book. As soon as I saw the word serial killer I was like okay this has got to be good.
So this is a Christian author who is writing about a serial killer who believes in killing people by the plagues that was sent about back in the day with God and Jesus.
Now I have to say I was glad religion wasn't being crammed down my throat though I believe in God and Jesus.
Keren in a detective who has a special power but one she keeps quiet about so when she can literally sense the evil coming from this serial killer she knows it is bad, especially when he starts with the plagues.
In comes Paul who is a pastor and works at a missionary with the homeless. He is involved in a way that his past has come back to him. He wants to stop this serial killer before he hurts more people that the pastor knows. We see how the pastor deals with being an ex-cop and a pastor we can see him struggle with doing what is right via God to dealing with the devil trying to break him down.
Keren on the other hand doesn't lose faith she just tries her hardest not to let the job get to her.
Now I really enjoyed how the killer used the plagues to kill his victims I know quite sad to say but it was different.
When will this killer stop? Who will be his next victims?
This is a decent Christian mystery that I think most people may enjoy. The characters were complete, the story line was at a steady pace.
#PBwkendread
September 24, 2011
This book had a more religious tone to it than I expected. None of the descriptions I read really pointed to this being a book about a real fight between good and evil and I never expected it to have as much to do with religion as it did. I am not religious so reading through this was hard.
I looked at this book objectively, seeing it as a mystery/thriller with a serial killer. The idea behind the killer is pretty interesting. I don't think it's something that I've seen done before. I was really looking forward to reading this because it sounded like an interesting untouched plot but the religious references became extremely old with their literal this is God and he is willing it, and because I am good nothing bad can happen to me.
Also, it's hard to believe that an ex cop turned Pastor would be invited to sit in on all aspects of this case when all of the victims are related to him in some way and not allow it to interfere is very far fetched.
Another pet peeve, the killer is revealed far too early. We're met with a description and then, the Pastor during one of his internal monologues ends up giving us the killer early on. He's right there in front of everyone, this cop supposedly can 'sense' demons and yet the killer just waltzes on by without a care, and then suddenly, she can sense him and she knows it's him and now it's her mission to save him, even as he's trying to kill her. Please, it's just not believable.
This book came from Netgalley for review.
I looked at this book objectively, seeing it as a mystery/thriller with a serial killer. The idea behind the killer is pretty interesting. I don't think it's something that I've seen done before. I was really looking forward to reading this because it sounded like an interesting untouched plot but the religious references became extremely old with their literal this is God and he is willing it, and because I am good nothing bad can happen to me.
Also, it's hard to believe that an ex cop turned Pastor would be invited to sit in on all aspects of this case when all of the victims are related to him in some way and not allow it to interfere is very far fetched.
Another pet peeve, the killer is revealed far too early. We're met with a description and then, the Pastor during one of his internal monologues ends up giving us the killer early on. He's right there in front of everyone, this cop supposedly can 'sense' demons and yet the killer just waltzes on by without a care, and then suddenly, she can sense him and she knows it's him and now it's her mission to save him, even as he's trying to kill her. Please, it's just not believable.
This book came from Netgalley for review.
December 12, 2011
5 STARS
Well it kept me on my toes guessing to the end. Looking back I can see some clues. I would be very interested to read more from Mary Nealy.
Keren is not her full name. She is a detective and her partner is senior Shae.
Keren is waiting in her car for her partner when she sees a man running up to gain members at a condemed building. Then everything goes crazy. A bomb was set off and the building is on fire. Keren tries to help get people away from the building.
Reverend P or Paul lives at the mission that shelters and feeds those in the aera who need it. He gets a delivery telling him to take a sign to this building if he wants to help get the girl back alive. He gets their and then the bomb goes off. He helps to try and get some to safty and gets injured but survives.
Paul used to be a cop until 5 years ago when he changed to and became a Reverend.
The killer compares himself with God and is going to unleash the 10 plagues to free his people.
Paul knows a few of the kidnapped girls so they figure its from one of his old cases.
Keren is not afraid to show her faith and uses her own spiritual gift to help others. I like her and would love to see her back in another book. Its a good suspense police story. I was given this ebook to read in exchange of honest review from Netgalley.
http://readalot-rhonda1111.blogspot.c...
Well it kept me on my toes guessing to the end. Looking back I can see some clues. I would be very interested to read more from Mary Nealy.
Keren is not her full name. She is a detective and her partner is senior Shae.
Keren is waiting in her car for her partner when she sees a man running up to gain members at a condemed building. Then everything goes crazy. A bomb was set off and the building is on fire. Keren tries to help get people away from the building.
Reverend P or Paul lives at the mission that shelters and feeds those in the aera who need it. He gets a delivery telling him to take a sign to this building if he wants to help get the girl back alive. He gets their and then the bomb goes off. He helps to try and get some to safty and gets injured but survives.
Paul used to be a cop until 5 years ago when he changed to and became a Reverend.
The killer compares himself with God and is going to unleash the 10 plagues to free his people.
Paul knows a few of the kidnapped girls so they figure its from one of his old cases.
Keren is not afraid to show her faith and uses her own spiritual gift to help others. I like her and would love to see her back in another book. Its a good suspense police story. I was given this ebook to read in exchange of honest review from Netgalley.
http://readalot-rhonda1111.blogspot.c...
November 22, 2011
What could be better than a crime novel set in Chicago? A lot of things of course, but this one was a pretty decent read. A killer is reenacting the plagues of Egypt in some creative murders, and it is up to a female Chicago detective to stop him. With some help from locals, and a special gift, Keren Collins must figure out what is next, and help stop a crazy person from terrorizing the city.
The book starts a little flat, and it seems somewhat disjointed in some places, but overall, it wasn’t a bad way to spend an afternoon. I have read better, but I have also read worse, and with its clear Christian message, and its exploration of the ways in which Christ effects transformation in the life of a believer, it is definitely worth a look.
If you are a fan of detective novels, this book probably would be a great read. For me, I’m a little more of a sci-fi fan, and so in some places it just didn’t work as well for me. That said, the plot is somewhat unpredictable (always a plus in a mystery) but not unsolvable, and there is enough suspense to make anyone stick around to the end, even if not everything is specifically to your liking.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
The book starts a little flat, and it seems somewhat disjointed in some places, but overall, it wasn’t a bad way to spend an afternoon. I have read better, but I have also read worse, and with its clear Christian message, and its exploration of the ways in which Christ effects transformation in the life of a believer, it is definitely worth a look.
If you are a fan of detective novels, this book probably would be a great read. For me, I’m a little more of a sci-fi fan, and so in some places it just didn’t work as well for me. That said, the plot is somewhat unpredictable (always a plus in a mystery) but not unsolvable, and there is enough suspense to make anyone stick around to the end, even if not everything is specifically to your liking.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
December 16, 2011
Keren Collin, a competent detective for the Chicago PD has learned how to separate her emotions from her job. Paul Morris a former detective, now preacher, has the capability to draw others to him. Both are former coworkers. When a serial killer is discovered using the ten plagues of Egypt in the time of Moses in present day America, the two join forces along with others to try to save lives and to locate the person responsible for creating them. The killer targets the very people Paul has looked out for at the shelter. As Keren and Paul share their lives with each other they realize that time is running out and their lives may be in jeopardy as they struggle to bring peace and justice to their city.
A intense journey that brings suspense, detective, romance and a bit of scifi together in this creative read. I found myself immersed into the plot and as it reached the climax I was glued to the book wondering what would happen. Fans of detective novels will surely enjoy this read. Character development, dialogue and scenery worked and I was challenged in my faith. I would recommend this novel to others but don't expect to finish it in an afternoon. Thanks to Barbour Publishing and Netgalley for the ARC for my review.
A intense journey that brings suspense, detective, romance and a bit of scifi together in this creative read. I found myself immersed into the plot and as it reached the climax I was glued to the book wondering what would happen. Fans of detective novels will surely enjoy this read. Character development, dialogue and scenery worked and I was challenged in my faith. I would recommend this novel to others but don't expect to finish it in an afternoon. Thanks to Barbour Publishing and Netgalley for the ARC for my review.
Read
January 10, 2012A serial killer is stalking Chicago, using the plagues of Exodus as his signature. Detective Keren Collins discovers the victims are connected to a ministry run by former police officer. This cop, Paul Morris, caused major problems for Keren early in her career, giving her plenty of reasons to be suspicious and hostile toward him.
Author Mary Nealy does an excellent job incorporating the spiritual dimension into this suspense story. Demon possession and exorcism are shown in their true cost, without melodrama. While Keren uses her gift of discerning spirits to enhance her police work, Paul struggles as his personality wavers between arrogant cop and humble servant of God. Christianity is not a one-size-fits-all life.
Also I like how crimes were solved, but not all the lose ends were neatly tied up. Well done!
Author Mary Nealy does an excellent job incorporating the spiritual dimension into this suspense story. Demon possession and exorcism are shown in their true cost, without melodrama. While Keren uses her gift of discerning spirits to enhance her police work, Paul struggles as his personality wavers between arrogant cop and humble servant of God. Christianity is not a one-size-fits-all life.
Also I like how crimes were solved, but not all the lose ends were neatly tied up. Well done!
January 23, 2012
I own all Mary Nealy's books written under the name Mary Connealy. She writes Christian fiction about cowboys with humor. This one, too, is Christian fiction, but it's totally all serious.
It drew me in from the very first line: "A cold chill of evil sletted through Keren Collins' veins."
The book is about spiritual warfare in the natural world. Keren Collins operates in the gift of discernment and can feel evil spirits. She is a detective who also must operate in the real world.
Someone is killing people in accordance with the ten plagues in the book of Exodus. He seems to be unstoppable but Keren is after him, along with an old enemy.
Don't hesitate to buy this book. I can only hope Mary Connealy (Nealy) writes more in this vein along with her romantic cowboy comedies.
It drew me in from the very first line: "A cold chill of evil sletted through Keren Collins' veins."
The book is about spiritual warfare in the natural world. Keren Collins operates in the gift of discernment and can feel evil spirits. She is a detective who also must operate in the real world.
Someone is killing people in accordance with the ten plagues in the book of Exodus. He seems to be unstoppable but Keren is after him, along with an old enemy.
Don't hesitate to buy this book. I can only hope Mary Connealy (Nealy) writes more in this vein along with her romantic cowboy comedies.
Read
January 23, 2013I rarely consider a book perfect, but this one is. It's one of the best romantic suspense titles I’ve read in years. The suspense is palpable, the characters unique, both differentiated and believable, and the romance is touching and realistic given the life-or-death circumstances in which the characters find themselves. Ten Plagues is well-crafted, with the right mix of dialogue vs. narrative. I could envision the various locales, from urban and populated to remote, where the action took place. And each plague was described so vividly that readers will experienced them along with the characters. Outstanding!
July 25, 2011
This books starts off with Keren Collins investigating the disappearance of Juanita Lopez. Kerin is a detective working for the chicago police department. Her investgation leads her to Pastor Paul Morris. Paul used to be a police officer in chicago. In this book, he helps her find the killer.
Paul has problems with his anger and it's one of the reason's why he became a pastor, but throught the book he is conflicted between being a cop and a pastor.
Overall Ten Plagues is nicely written and I love how you see the relationship grow between Paul and Keren.
Paul has problems with his anger and it's one of the reason's why he became a pastor, but throught the book he is conflicted between being a cop and a pastor.
Overall Ten Plagues is nicely written and I love how you see the relationship grow between Paul and Keren.
November 23, 2012
I did not enjoy the first chapter, but the rest of the book was great.I simply had a difficult time getting into the book. I enjoyed how the author had the characters have character flaws. I believe even heroes have flaws and characters in books should reflect inconsistencies within us all.
The author's description of Keren's gift was too overstated at times and did not need as much explanation in my simple opinion.
The author's description of Keren's gift was too overstated at times and did not need as much explanation in my simple opinion.
May 5, 2012
I liked this book. However, there were a few things I didn't necessarily care for.
I figured out who the killer was almost 200 pages before it was revealed in the book. It wasn't that difficult to figure out who it was which was kind of a disappointment.
Also, the ending was a bit cheesy for my taste.
I figured out who the killer was almost 200 pages before it was revealed in the book. It wasn't that difficult to figure out who it was which was kind of a disappointment.
Also, the ending was a bit cheesy for my taste.
January 23, 2014
I don't think it was the best book I've ever read, but it definitely kept my attention. The plot pretty easy to follow. And, being a Christian, it was cool to see the theology intertwined into a modern day type of story. All in all, it was the first book in awhile that made me anxious to turn the page and I'd recommend it to anyone who wants a good solid story to pass the evenings.
July 18, 2013
It was fulfilling & exciting; maybe a bit less action than our generations of minds look for in a "thriller," yet I thought it was an incredible portrayal of God's love & protection when Satan is on his feet & roaming.
December 15, 2011
A little heavy on the religious aspect of the story, but overall, a good suspenseful read!
January 23, 2012
Awesome book! Check out my review here: http://writingchristiannovels.blogspo...
August 1, 2012
I am always fascinated when authors incorporate bible with fiction. This book was suspenseful and well written. It had me guessing up to the very end as to "who dun it." Great book!
July 5, 2012
This book was not only suspenseful and thrilling but it was spiritual and up lifting. Great book loved it
March 26, 2013
Just awful!
December 31, 2015
A fair read, with some interesting ideas that could have been explored more or pushed further. The romance subplot was a liability.
June 7, 2013
awesome! Couldn't put this one down!
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