Deliver Us from Evil

Evil #1

by Robin Caroll

A beautiful yet tough woman working in a beautiful yet tough setting, Brannon Callahan is a search and rescue helicopter pilot for the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Strong faith and a decorated history of service have kept her one step ahead of on-the-job dangers, but there’s no precedent for what’s about to happen. After a blizzard takes down a small plane carrying U.S. Marshal Roark Holland (already haunted by a recent tragedy), Brannon must save him in more ways than one and safeguard the donor heart he’s transporting to a government witness on the edge of death. Otherwise the largest child trafficking ring in history—with shocking links from Thailand to Tennessee—will slip further away into darkness along the Appalachian Trail.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Christian, Suspense, Mystery, Fiction, Romantic Suspense, Romance

323 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 1, 2010

About the author

“I love boxing. I love Hallmark movies. I love fishing. I love scrapbooking. Nope, I've never fit into the boxes people have wanted to put me in.” ~Robin Caroll is definitely a contradiction, but one that beckons you to get to know her better.

Robin’s passion has always been to tell stories to entertain others and come alongside them on their faith journey—aspects Robin weaves into each of her published novels.

Best-selling author of more than twenty-seven novels, ROBIN CAROLL writes Southern stories of mystery and suspense, with a hint of romance to entertain readers. Her books have been recognized in several awards, including the Carol Award, HOLT Medallion, Daphne du Maurier, RT Reviewer’s Choice Award, and more.

When she isn’t writing, Robin spends quality time with her husband of twenty-eight-plus years, her three beautiful daughters and two handsome grandsons, and their character-filled pets at home.

Robin serves the writing community as Executive/Conference Director for ACFW.

Reviews

[Brenda Klaassen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a high adventure story with a twist of Christian. I really could relate to the character of Brannon. She could bend through conflict and not break. The child trafficking did touch my heart. I enjoyed the writer's style, it was easy to follow. I might try this author again in the future.

[Nora St Laurent · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a review copy of Robin Caroll’s exciting debut novel. Warning: reading this book will keep you up late—compelled to discover the final, exciting conclusion to this wonderful book.

Robin Caroll’s characters were strong, brassy and real. Roark reminded me of the U.S. Marshall in the movie The Fugitive. He liked to be in control of everything. His motto, “Don’t let them see your weakness.”

Brannon reminded me of the female character in G.I. Jane. She’s a rough and tough girl you don’t want to mess with when she’s working. Here’s a peak at how Brannon snaps at Roark, ” Let me tell you something, Mr. Marshall. I don’t care how big and important you think you are—you will not make it out of these mountains without our guidance. So you can stop with the arrogance and know-it-all, take-charge attitude. We must work together to survive.”

I felt like I was in the middle of an action adventure movie with fighting, shooting, chase scenes, fires, helicopters and police drama. This is an intriguing story filled with suspense, hope, forgiveness and justice. I enjoyed the comradery among the characters and how they chased down the bad guys. But, I especially enjoyed how this author wove a believable spiritual thread into the story; keeping the main thing the main thing even in the middle of war - I like that.

There’s a race to set little girls free from brothels in the USA, before they’re shipped to another location. I think Robin handled the topic of sex-trafficking with grace. I’m sure conditions in brothels are worse than described. The author notes she hadn’t realized how serious this problem was before doing research. It’s horrific.

I enjoyed every second of this book. Can’t wait to read the sequel called Fear No Evil. Way to go, Robin Caroll, on writing such a great and exciting debut novel.

Disclosure of Material Connection:
I received a complimentary copy of this book 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 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

Nora St.Laurent
The Book Club Network www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com
Book Fun Magazine www.bookfunmagazine.com

[Ronie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can't help it. I love this story--love the interplay between Brannon and her partner, Lincoln, and the romantic tension between Brannon and Roark is great--keeping a delicate balance as the story travels the painful and disgusting truths of child trafficking. Robin Caroll is a skilled suspense writer, and this is definitely a MUST READ!

[Cheryl Cooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

I absolutely loved this book. Great characters and story line. Will be reading more of Robin Caroll's books. An excellent Christian suspense.

[Randy Tramp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brannon Callahan, search and rescue helicopter pilot for the Smoky Mountains National Park has strong faith. It will get tested. A blizzard takes down a small plane. It carries U.S. Marshal Roark Holland, safeguarding a donor heart of government witness who is testifying against a child trafficking ring.

A lot of action. A host of characters who create tension or wade through the darkness to do what's right. Political drama included in the book. That took the story to a deeper level. I enjoy the Christian elements in this book. Fits great into the story without being religious.

Favorite line: Her reality crashes into her fantasies.

[Penny Evenson]

This was a very interesting book. I learned a lot about child trafficking! This is very action packed and will keep you wanting to read through the night!

[Virginia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Search-and-rescue helicopter pilot Brannon Callahan responds to a crisis when another chopper carrying a U.S. Marshal goes down in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park during a blizzard. Roark is carrying a human heart to be transplanted into a government witness whose testimony can break up a horrible child trafficking ring – if he lives long enough. Together they rush to get the heart to the hospital, unaware that a brothel housing dozens of desperate and brutalized young girls is nearer than they imagine.


In Deliver Us from Evil, Robin Caroll has created a fast-paced, riveting story that is both compelling and horrifying. Compelling because of the well-honed skill Caroll expertly uses to draw us into the lives and mission of Brannon and Roark. Horrifying when we realize that the business of kidnapping children and forcing them into sexual slavery is very real, and thrives even in our so-called ‘enlightened’ society. With the same skill Caroll uses to bring Brannon and Roark to life, she gives us a vivid glimpse into the life of Mai, one of the kidnapped girls who is desperate to escape the brutality that has become a way of life. This little girl’s plight will break your heart. I was highly impressed with Caroll’s skill in portraying the horrors she endured without once resorting to relaying the graphic details.


The suspense plot is undergirded with spiritual strength, and I loved the way the characters quote scripture to each other. It demonstrated seamlessly how scripture is an integral part of the lives of believers. Also entwined with the suspense is the romance that grows between Brannon and Roark, and I enjoyed watching their relationship develop. Thanks so much to the B&H Publishing Group for sending me this copy to review. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys romantic suspense. I pray this story touches hearts, and spurs many to action on behalf of the thousands of children who pray daily Deliver Us from Evil.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

U.S. Marshall Roark Holland still has nightmares about Mindy, The little girl that he let down. He was supposed to protect her. This time he has a second chance at redemption. His latest mission is to transport a heart to a key witness, who has heart disease and will die without a new heart.

Brannon Callahan is tasked with the job of flying Roark and the heart safely to their destination. When the chopper goes down, leaving Brannon and Roark stranded, they will have to work together if they want to live.

Mai has no clue where she is. All she knows is that there are some very bad people, who want her to do bad things. Child trafficking is illegal. To find out if Roark, Brannon and Mai survive, then you need to pick up a copy of this book.

Wow…Deliver Us from Evil will have you talking about this book for a long while to come. This book started out with a big punch of adrenaline and didn’t let up till the last page! Roark and Brannon are both very strong, independent characters. I thought they will not work well together; they will end up butting heads. I was wrong as they make a great pair. There were really like two stories going on at the same time…the one with Roark and Brannon and the one of Mai and the other girls. What made this book so good is that the characters were engaging as well as the fact Deliver Us from Evil touched on a topic that is so powerful and sad that it makes you cheer for the good guys to win. I hope to deliver me some more of Robin Caroll and her books.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Robin's novel, Deliver Us From Evil, has death-defying moments, along with some romance, that keep you reading into the wee hours of the morning. A helicopter crash has stranded U.S. Marshall Roark, haunted by a recent tragedy, who is delivering a donor heart to a Federal witness who can decipher information of a major child trafficking ring. Brannon, who is the search and rescue (SAR) helicopter pilot who is out to find the U.S. Marshall in the Smokey Mountains National Park, has her own set of issues that keep popping up. The tension between them is palpitating throughout all the plot twists in the book, even in places you don't expect!

The storyline brings out the drama of SAR and the horrors of child trafficking, along with the travesty of justice, in a way that opens your eyes to the plight of this horrific dilemma. It will give you a more healthy respect for the law enforcement and government officials who risk their lives for our safety and the children caught up in child trafficking.

This is a powerful book that opened my eyes to the vastness of child trafficking today! Here are some sites the author used for facts, but can also be used if you want to become involved. One could `Google' child trafficking to find others, but use caution on all the sites.

1. www.lirs.org Do a search under "child trafficking."

2. www.childtrafficking.org

3. www.msnbc.msn.com/id/4038249/

4. www.gooddeedsinternational.org/index....

[Christy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always get a thrill when I feel like I've stumbled upon a real gem in the vast collection of Christian fiction. With so many books available that I could spend my time reading, I always appreciate it when I come across one that I will recommend over and over again. Let me tell ya....Deliver Us From Evil was such a book. The suspense was top-notch, the action intense, and the romance.....oh, the romance (giddy smile) took my breath away.

I have to admit, though, that the beginning of the book was a little slow. I could sense that the heart-pounding action was within my grasp, but it took a little longer than I wanted for it to arrive. Once it did, it was all downhill from there. :o) I literally had to make myself put it down at midnight so I could get some sleep!

I have no doubt that I will be reading more of Robin's books in the future, including the rest of this series. There was a little teaser at the end that leads right into the next book in the series, Fear No Evil. Brannon's close friend, Lincoln, was one of my favorite characters in the book, and I'm anxious to see what will happen to him next.

So in case you're still wondering whether or not you should try Robin's books for yourself, let me end the suspense for you right now.... Yes!!! You should! You should go to the store right away and get a copy for yourself right now! :o) You'll have it read in no time flat, I promise you!

4.5 Stars

[Julie Graves · Rating 5 out of 5]

U.S. Marshal Roark Holland has recently come back to work after losing a family in the Witness Protection Program. The death of the young child haunts him.

Brannon Callahan is a Search-And-Rescue helicopter pilot who has heart-ache of her own.

While on a mission to deliver a heart to a hospital for a witness in a child-trafficking ring the helicopter that Roark is in crashes. Brannon is the pilot that goes out in the storm to bring he and the survivors to safety. When events happen to cause her own helicopter to be non-0perational they have to hike out of the Smoky Mountains to get the heart to the hospital in time to save the witness.

Woven between Roark and Brannon’s story and the story of young girls being sold into prostitution, Robin Caroll weaves an exciting, heart-breaking tale that places the reader at the edge of their seat until the very end.

From the Prologue straight through to the Epilogue this story had me! The story had me feeling all kinds of emotions. I was biting my nails in the action scenes. Angry and sickened by the child trafficking. And elated that justice prevailed. I would recommend this book to a more mature audience.

[Theresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although Robin Caroll has authored eight books before "Deliver Us From Evil", this is the first I have read by her, and I promise you, it certainly won't be the last. I thoroughly enjoyed the story line. It was filled with suspense that kept me up way into the night reading, making it nearly impossible to put down.

I enjoyed the characters. Roark was every bit what I would have expected from a Marshall, and I adored Brannon and her partner, Lincoln. They are a fantastic team and their way of keeping themselves grounded in bad situations was brilliant. Their messages of faith, love and courage, woven throughout the story were well done and meaningful.

I was very pleased with way the child trafficking was handled. You were made to realized the horror of of the situation, and the description was just enough, without too much information - giving it realism without being too graphic. Because of this, I did rate the book for older teens.

"Deliver Us From Evil" should be on everyone's reading list. This powerful story of the horrors of human trafficking packs a punch that will leave you looking at your comfortable and quite world in a whole new light.

[Chickadee · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you’re a fan of the suspense genre and are looking for a gritty read minus the sex, profanity and gore – this book may be your answer.

Deliver Us From Evil is a fast-paced story centered around Brannon Callahan, a female search and rescue pilot whose path collides with U. S. Marshall, Roark Holland.

When a government witness comes forth and attempts to provide evidence to the FBI regarding an ongoing child-trafficking ring, he is mysteriously shot on the grounds of the FBI office. With a failing heart, the witness lies in a coma at the brink of death waiting on a heart transplant that is his last hope. As a donor heart becomes available, U.S. Marshall Roark Holland is responsible for escorting the heart to the hospital, but is waylaid when the Life Flight helicopter he is on, crashes in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Brannon and her partner, Lincoln, begin the search and rescue process, locating the downed helicopter and Roark – only to find themselves running for their lives as they are pursued and shot at by an unseen enemy. This story is the perfect combination of suspense, tension and romance as the trio attempts to stay alive.

[Ziaria · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't normally read Christian Fiction but this sounded good so I thought I would give it a shot, and it turned out to be a pretty quick and interesting read. It was full of action, suspense, some romance, with a little bit of faith added to the story without being overtly preachy.

The characters were well rounded and believable. I loved the setting of the book, the Smoky Mountains, and that some of the main characters were park rangers. I find myself drawn to books set out in the wilderness and this one was no exception.

The story was intriguing and kept me on the edge of my seat. Lastly it was well written and it flowed easily enough that I finished the book quickly without getting bored with it. I'd have no problem recommending this to anyone looking for a good suspense/thriller type novel.(Library Thing Early Reviewer)

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could hardly stand to put down this book once I had started it. Roarke is a U.S. Marshal transporting a human heart to hospital and Brannon is a Great Smoky Mountains Park Ranger who has to rescue him when his helicopter crashes in a blizzard. From there they have to escape killers trying to stop them to keep the heart from reaching its intended recipient, a government witness who can blow the lid off a massive child trafficking ring. Woven throughout is the story of two of the child victims and their horrible ordeal, as well. I thoroughly recommend this book and am now about to start the second book in the series, Fear no Evil. One of the characters in the first book is the protaganist in the second one.

[Everydayreader1 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Deliver Us From Evil: A Novel by Robin Caroll is long on Christian values, adventure, and suspense. It is filled with action, all packed into a short period of time.

Brannon Callahan is a woman who has suffered much loss, and Roark Holland is also no stranger to tragedy. When they meet, there is an instant attraction. They are both committed to their careers. A blizzard brings them together, and their lives are intertwined as they work together to bring down a human trafficking ring.

Scripture quotations abound, and there is much to be said for the lessons of this book. I didn't feel compelled to give it a five star rating, however. At times, the action seemed too contrived and a bit unrealistic.

[Erica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deliver Us From Evil was incredible! Brannon and Roark's story was intense and believable, the other characters captured my heart as well especially Mai and Kanya. I've always been passionate about stopping child trafficking and Robin Caroll turned child trafficking into a reality in this book. She opens the eyes of people to the fact that this is real, it can happen and is happening and the terror in the girls' hearts came alive right off the pages. I loved this book and it definitely deserves 5 stars.

[Jennifer · Rating 1 out of 5]

An Early Reveiw book

MEH.

A mediocre action/crime novel. The phrase "as the kiss deepened, she moaned against his mouth" did not improve when repeated.

Also, while I have no objections whatsoever to Christian themes in stories, the constant scripture quizzes between two of the main characters were stretching credibility a bit. What? TWO National Park Rangers who have memorized both the New and Old Testaments? Hmmm.
Not recommended.

[Mishellalee · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book is a really awsome book, i would recommend this book to anyone who is willing to stay up all nights of the hours just to see what will happen. Its a story that is mysterious, romance, and tragic all at the same time :] The tragic side is the child trafficing which makes you feel the sympathy of two young girls trying to escape... but to know what happens.. you must READ IT :] i love this book XD

[Deborah Keady · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Read

While the subject of child trafficking is horrific the storyline of this book was engrossing and fast paced. The book held my interest from start to finish and I liked that it did that without any use of profanity or undesirable graphic detail.
I found a new author to read!

[Jerry (Rebel With a Massive Media Library) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful mix of romance and suspense...though heartbreakingly real.

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

U. S. Marshall Roark Holland is back on the job after a tragic loss. His assignment is to guard a donor heart being transported for a government witness who is comatose after being in the line of fire. When a blizzard causes the helicopter to crash, Brannon Callahan, a helicopter pilot who runs search-and-rescue missions in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, must find him and help save him and the heart. If she doesn’t, the witness will die, and a child trafficking ring will continue its operations.

The writing is good. There’s no question about that. Caroll makes you want to see what happens next, and has created distinguishable characters. That being said, I only got through the first five chapters.

This isn’t a reflection on the author, but my ability to read the content. I have a hard time reading books (or watching movies) where children are being hurt. There are chapters that are from the point of view of a child stuck in the trafficking ring, and while they are not overly descriptive (some things are left to the imagination), it is vivid enough that my stomach turned.

Had the chapters with the child not been included, or possibly done a bit differently, I probably could have continued with no problem. The action was done so that I could see this would be an engaging thriller, but I couldn’t get past the child. And that would be my one content warning.

I may try another book from Caroll in the future, but this one wasn’t for me.

[Donna Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one was special to me

When I read what this book was about, I knew I had to have it. My beloved Smokies. I grew up in Knoxville. Very familiar with the places used in the storyline. My husband passed away at Park West hospital but I definitely didn't have a similar experience as this Congressman. I love the Drs and staff there. I no longer live in Knoxville but now I'm in Wildwood. Quite surprised to learn that one of the bad guys was from here. LOL I loved these characters and bonded with them quickly. Lincoln's story will be my next read. Thank you Robin for bringing this story home for me. 💕

[Laurie · Rating 1 out of 5]

My initial reaction to finishing this book is: thank goodness that's over. I received this book as part of the Early Reviewer program and the book's description did not read as a Christian fiction book to me. And Christian Fiction is not a genre that I generally enjoy and this was a definite downfall of the book in my opinion. The plot and storyline were interesting, although the writing seemed amateurish. The flow of the story was continually interrupted by two of the main characters game of “Name that Scripture”. The story was completely hindered by this game and various characters conversations with God. This halting dialogue is not a good formula for a first-rate suspense.

[Deb Brammer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is packed with action and suspense. It deals with child trafficking in a sensitive way, without too much detail in what the girls are forced to do. There is a lot of gun play and a number are wounded or killed, but this book doesn't give graphic depictions of bodies that have been shot. Christians in law enforcement use force when necessary, but struggle the the human toll this takes. I never like to see Christian fiction depict a growing Christian falling in love with an unbeliever or someone far from God, but this book has that.

[Annagail · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good book about protecting the innocent

Like any book with this subject matter, it pulls on the heartstrings and brings to the forefront that such horrific things such as children being sold are around us in the shadows, in our country. This book brings to light those heros that are fighting for the lives of these innocent lives even at a high cost.

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great book. It could be the first I've read by this author but hopefully will not be the last. I like the different storylines all converging together until the final chapter. The look kept me interested from beginning to end and had just the right amount of suspense.

[KIM · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very slow read. Inconsistent character development an Okay storyline and very preachy. I did not know this book was going to be quoting chapter and verse preachy. The synopsis sounded great and I was extremely disappointed.

[Marilyn Levia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Roark has to be in control.

That is the only way things can the out right. Brannon has to be in charge of the helicopter. But there are children that need to be saved as Roark's heart needs to heal. Can they survive the problem they have to solve?

[Anita · Rating 4 out of 5]

Intense and very fast paced read! A female National Park rescue ranger and a US marshal race against time to catch a deadly trafficking group working in and around Great Smoky National Park. Very action packed with very strong Christian focus of the Lord helping them catch the evil doers.