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Newpointe 911 #1
Private Justice
Staying together had seemed impossible. Now it's their only hope. A dark shadow of fear has fallen over Newpointe, Louisiana. First one, then another of the town firemen's wives has been murdered, and a third has barely escaped an attempt on her life. Incredible as it seems, a serial killer is stalking this sleepy little southern community. And Mark Branning's wife may be next on the list. Mark is determined to protect her. But keeping Allie alive won't be easy, not with their marriage already dying a bitter death. Unless they renew their commitment to each other and to God, someone else may settle their problems ... permanently. And time to decide is running out. "This tense and exciting thriller is more than a fabulous read; it has an underlying message about the place of religion within a marriage. Highly recommended." --Library Journal
Private Justice is book one in the Newpointe 911 series by award-winning novelist Terri Blackstock. Newpointe 911 offers taut, superbly crafted novels of faith, fear, and close-knit small-town relationships, seasoned with romance and tempered by insights into the nature of relationships, redemption, and the human heart. Look also for Shadow of Doubt, Line of Duty, Word of Honor, and Trial by Fire.
Private Justice is book one in the Newpointe 911 series by award-winning novelist Terri Blackstock. Newpointe 911 offers taut, superbly crafted novels of faith, fear, and close-knit small-town relationships, seasoned with romance and tempered by insights into the nature of relationships, redemption, and the human heart. Look also for Shadow of Doubt, Line of Duty, Word of Honor, and Trial by Fire.
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First published January 1, 1998
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About the author
Terri Blackstock
90 books5,559 followersTerri Blackstock is a New York Times best-seller, with over seven million books sold worldwide.. She has had over thirty years of success as a novelist.
Terri spent the first twelve years of her life traveling in a U.S. Air Force family. She lived in nine states and attended the first four years of school in The Netherlands. Because she was a perpetual “new kid,” her imagination became her closest friend. That, she believes, was the biggest factor in her becoming a novelist. She sold her first novel at the age of twenty-five, and has had a successful career ever since.
In 1994 Terri was writing romance novels under two pseudonyms for publishers such as HarperCollins, Harlequin, Dell and Silhouette, when a spiritual awakening prompted her to switch gears. At the time, she was reading more suspense than romance, and felt drawn to write thrillers about ordinary people in grave danger. Her newly awakened faith wove its way into the tapestry of her suspense novels, offering hope instead of despair. Her goal is to entertain with page-turning plots, while challenging her readers to think and grow. She hopes to remind them that they’re valued by God and that their trials have a purpose.
Terri spent the first twelve years of her life traveling in a U.S. Air Force family. She lived in nine states and attended the first four years of school in The Netherlands. Because she was a perpetual “new kid,” her imagination became her closest friend. That, she believes, was the biggest factor in her becoming a novelist. She sold her first novel at the age of twenty-five, and has had a successful career ever since.
In 1994 Terri was writing romance novels under two pseudonyms for publishers such as HarperCollins, Harlequin, Dell and Silhouette, when a spiritual awakening prompted her to switch gears. At the time, she was reading more suspense than romance, and felt drawn to write thrillers about ordinary people in grave danger. Her newly awakened faith wove its way into the tapestry of her suspense novels, offering hope instead of despair. Her goal is to entertain with page-turning plots, while challenging her readers to think and grow. She hopes to remind them that they’re valued by God and that their trials have a purpose.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 303 reviews
October 8, 2016
See the full review at Literary Cafe: http://literarycafe.weebly.com/home/p...
A few months ago I went to visit my dad's family. I simply brought my laptop in case for some reason I should need it. I returned back to my house with not only my laptop, but two bags full of Terri Blackstock books from my (incredibly amazingly perfect) aunt. She promised me that I would fall in love, and she was right, because I did.
I kicked off my adventures with Emerald Windows. I then continued on to the Newpointe 911 Series. I read each book in one day, and the entire series in 5. It absolutely was that good. Christian, thriller, mystery, suspense, romance... What more could you ask for? To top it off, the book was set in Louisiana, where I'm from. '
Things I loved:
motives
After about the 60% mark I had narrowed down the culprit to two people, and then just a little later I had figured it out. What made me keep reading was the motive. It was odd, out there, unpredictable, but so realistic and legitimate. Eventually, you figured out who the perpetrator was, but until Mrs. Blackstock revealed the purpose, you honestly had no idea.
small town blues
Ok, I'll admit it. I'm a sucker for small towns. (If you read my review for At Home in Mitford, you'll probably gather that). The people (Especially Aunt Aggie and the Andy Griffith Show references), the buildings and setting, and even the events and how they were quaintly described. I realize not everyone enjoys this, but it pushed my enjoyment level for this series over the top.
accents
I've read few books centered in the south, but when I have, they murdered the accents. Thanks to Terri we now have a *mostly* correct representation of how we actually speak. I'm sure that, since she's from Mississippi, it helped.
injuries
People were actually injured and killed, y'all! Which would be convenient since this was a murder mystery... But nevertheless, it wasn't a happy-go-lovely everyone-ends-up-ok story.
depth
What generally characterizes a shallow story is not that the basic plot is superficial, but that there is only one plot. It doesn't keep you interested. It can't, no matter how commendable the writer's creativity is with that single line. Blackstock weaves multiple issues throughout the story that all connect to one another, but are in and of themselves inherently different.
emergency personnel
I would ask you to read this if only for the appreciation you gain for our 911 personnel. It made me feel connected, in some way, to them. They were personable and endearing. I'll tell you the absolute truth, once I finished this series, I never saw cops, firefighters, detectives, or emergency medical workers in the same light. Through all the shootings and ambushes that have recently been taking place, my heart aches because of the knowledge and insight that this book gives into their personal pains and sacrifice.
Things to work on:
love triangle
Eh. Pretty typical. Wife walks in on husband hugging a woman who had a hard day (she was a paramedic and multiple people had died on her watch). Wife see's it as unfaithfulness and they separate. Both of them want to get back together, but neither thinks the other does so they stay in misery... and on and on and on. I just felt that maybe a little more creativity was warranted because of how talented I know Mrs. Blackstock is.
preaching
The 'preaching' in this book I didn't personally find disconcerting at all, but I've read and talked to several people who found it as a problem. Maybe it could just be integrated into the story a little better.
That about wraps it up! Thank you, thank you, thank you, Aunt Cynthia. You're the sweetest (:
A few months ago I went to visit my dad's family. I simply brought my laptop in case for some reason I should need it. I returned back to my house with not only my laptop, but two bags full of Terri Blackstock books from my (incredibly amazingly perfect) aunt. She promised me that I would fall in love, and she was right, because I did.
I kicked off my adventures with Emerald Windows. I then continued on to the Newpointe 911 Series. I read each book in one day, and the entire series in 5. It absolutely was that good. Christian, thriller, mystery, suspense, romance... What more could you ask for? To top it off, the book was set in Louisiana, where I'm from. '
Things I loved:
motives
After about the 60% mark I had narrowed down the culprit to two people, and then just a little later I had figured it out. What made me keep reading was the motive. It was odd, out there, unpredictable, but so realistic and legitimate. Eventually, you figured out who the perpetrator was, but until Mrs. Blackstock revealed the purpose, you honestly had no idea.
small town blues
Ok, I'll admit it. I'm a sucker for small towns. (If you read my review for At Home in Mitford, you'll probably gather that). The people (Especially Aunt Aggie and the Andy Griffith Show references), the buildings and setting, and even the events and how they were quaintly described. I realize not everyone enjoys this, but it pushed my enjoyment level for this series over the top.
accents
I've read few books centered in the south, but when I have, they murdered the accents. Thanks to Terri we now have a *mostly* correct representation of how we actually speak. I'm sure that, since she's from Mississippi, it helped.
injuries
People were actually injured and killed, y'all! Which would be convenient since this was a murder mystery... But nevertheless, it wasn't a happy-go-lovely everyone-ends-up-ok story.
depth
What generally characterizes a shallow story is not that the basic plot is superficial, but that there is only one plot. It doesn't keep you interested. It can't, no matter how commendable the writer's creativity is with that single line. Blackstock weaves multiple issues throughout the story that all connect to one another, but are in and of themselves inherently different.
emergency personnel
I would ask you to read this if only for the appreciation you gain for our 911 personnel. It made me feel connected, in some way, to them. They were personable and endearing. I'll tell you the absolute truth, once I finished this series, I never saw cops, firefighters, detectives, or emergency medical workers in the same light. Through all the shootings and ambushes that have recently been taking place, my heart aches because of the knowledge and insight that this book gives into their personal pains and sacrifice.
Things to work on:
love triangle
Eh. Pretty typical. Wife walks in on husband hugging a woman who had a hard day (she was a paramedic and multiple people had died on her watch). Wife see's it as unfaithfulness and they separate. Both of them want to get back together, but neither thinks the other does so they stay in misery... and on and on and on. I just felt that maybe a little more creativity was warranted because of how talented I know Mrs. Blackstock is.
preaching
The 'preaching' in this book I didn't personally find disconcerting at all, but I've read and talked to several people who found it as a problem. Maybe it could just be integrated into the story a little better.
That about wraps it up! Thank you, thank you, thank you, Aunt Cynthia. You're the sweetest (:
July 4, 2018
I've read Terri Blackstock's more current novels. Interesting to go back to one of her earlier series. Her writing was just as good then. She is the top suspense writer.
In Private Justice, there is a serial killer that is rapidly taking out victims. Policeman and Fireman work together to find the villain. The main characters in the story were fireman Mark Branning and his wife Allie. While the mystery is solved, there is focus on their relationship as well.
Solid suspense novel.
In Private Justice, there is a serial killer that is rapidly taking out victims. Policeman and Fireman work together to find the villain. The main characters in the story were fireman Mark Branning and his wife Allie. While the mystery is solved, there is focus on their relationship as well.
Solid suspense novel.
January 10, 2019
Love anything by Terri. Fast pacing, great characterization and beautiful themes of God's sovereignty and love.
December 11, 2021
Another exciting thriller from Terri Blackstock. I wish I had the sequels on hand.
August 30, 2023
3.75⭐️
A firefighter and and wife are experiencing a separation due to infidelity, meanwhile, a serial killer targets the wives of the firefighters.
I enjoyed this book quite a bit and even called the killer quite early on.
What I did not like was a pregnancy being used as a plot device….🙄
A firefighter and and wife are experiencing a separation due to infidelity, meanwhile, a serial killer targets the wives of the firefighters.
I enjoyed this book quite a bit and even called the killer quite early on.
What I did not like was a pregnancy being used as a plot device….🙄
December 31, 2015
This was a great romantic suspense by Terri Blackstock. The suspense was great and building as the book progressed and the plot surrounding Allie and Mark was executed well.
Mark and Allie: At first I didn't like Mark. He didn't realise the relationship with Issie (not physical) was wrong and not pure and blamed Allie for all their marriage issues. I sympathized with Allie, but at some point felt for Mark as Allie made up her mind of what was going on between Mark and Issie and was not open to hear Mark out. It took a tragic incident for them to realise their marriage is worth fighting for. My opinion of Mark changed when I saw how he protected Allie from the killer and at what lengths he would go to keep her save. They way he also faced her parents, who hated him for what he did to Allie, also made me respect him, it was not an easy situation and he did not take the easy way out.
The theme of always focusing on your first love (God) and trust Him came through strongly. When we take our eyes of Him we allow open doors which have negative effects, as shown through Mark and Allie. Also the message about God's grace and redemption was a strong theme for me at the end.
The suspense plot: Someone is killing fire wives. I was right on with my guess very early in the book.
However, even though I knew who it was I didn't know why he did it, and to follow the clues and that process was still interesting.
Highly recommended to romantic suspense fans.
Mark and Allie: At first I didn't like Mark. He didn't realise the relationship with Issie (not physical) was wrong and not pure and blamed Allie for all their marriage issues. I sympathized with Allie, but at some point felt for Mark as Allie made up her mind of what was going on between Mark and Issie and was not open to hear Mark out. It took a tragic incident for them to realise their marriage is worth fighting for. My opinion of Mark changed when I saw how he protected Allie from the killer and at what lengths he would go to keep her save. They way he also faced her parents, who hated him for what he did to Allie, also made me respect him, it was not an easy situation and he did not take the easy way out.
The theme of always focusing on your first love (God) and trust Him came through strongly. When we take our eyes of Him we allow open doors which have negative effects, as shown through Mark and Allie. Also the message about God's grace and redemption was a strong theme for me at the end.
The suspense plot: Someone is killing fire wives. I was right on with my guess very early in the book.
However, even though I knew who it was I didn't know why he did it, and to follow the clues and that process was still interesting.
Highly recommended to romantic suspense fans.
June 4, 2010
Pretty good thriller, but a bit too preachy on the Christian side for me. I'm a Christian, a Catholic to be specific, and I felt that the "God in in Control" message was hammered in with a sledge hammer. It didn't have to be that way. I felt that it distracted from the good suspense of the novel. In general, I really liked the story and the characters.
February 2, 2023
This was a reread and it was just as good the second time around 😍
January 8, 2023
Sooooo good😁😁 I loved this book ad I am excited to read the rest of the series. Thanx Avery and Kayla for recommending it.😊😊
December 31, 2023
A fun suspense that has a great storyline of forgiveness and the importance of marriage. Highly recommend!!
March 25, 2010
I like a good sermon as much as the next person, but enough is enough in this book. I wish she had dialed it down a notch or two.
February 4, 2018
Setting: Newpointe, Louisana.
Plot: Firemen's wives are being murdered. Mark seeks to protect Allie, but that's not easy since his marriage is falling apart.
I read this book years ago and loved it then, and loved it now. The characters are likable, the plot is exited and the twists are surprising. Tossing in the right amount of Bible verses makes this an excellent read.
I can't get enough of Blackstock's book as it lifts my faith and entertains me at the same time. Can't ask for more than that. I look forward to the next one in this series.
Plot: Firemen's wives are being murdered. Mark seeks to protect Allie, but that's not easy since his marriage is falling apart.
I read this book years ago and loved it then, and loved it now. The characters are likable, the plot is exited and the twists are surprising. Tossing in the right amount of Bible verses makes this an excellent read.
I can't get enough of Blackstock's book as it lifts my faith and entertains me at the same time. Can't ask for more than that. I look forward to the next one in this series.
June 22, 2010
The mystery part of this book was very well done. The Christian part was very preachy and not well integrated into the story. I think the author is talented, but needs to learn to get her message across in more subtle ways, as the preaching really disrupts the story. I take some issue with the theology of the message as well -- God doesn't cause bad things to happen to punish us ... that keeps being brought up by the characters in the book -- I think that is pretty weak theology.
January 5, 2011
I thought I would try out a new author. The synopsis raised my interest, being a fire-wife myself. The mystery part of the book was good. I was surprised at who the murderer was, so I was impressed about that. However, the story dragged on and on. It would've been much better without all the bible quotes over and over, and how much god "affects" how people act. It would have been a better story without all the preachy talk.
April 3, 2014
I really loved this book. Mark and Allie had some problems in their marriage, but after a string of murders decided to recommit themselves to it. There were a lot of edge of your seat moments in this book, as well as a lot of insightful moments. I loved when Mark told Allie the truth about his relationship with Issie. It may not have been physical, but there was a relationship that was forming that was disrespectful to his wife and his vows. I can't wait to read the next book in this series.
April 6, 2011
Couldn't even really get going into the book because it became so preachy. I thought it would be a mystery/suspense book, but I guess it was more about trying to convert the masses than about fiction. I'm sorely disappointed.
March 15, 2019
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
.
.
December 10, 2019
Terri Blackstock has become one of my favorite authors. I love the action and the Scriptural truths in this book. I’ve learned I will always enjoy a book I pick up by her.
What I Liked: This was the first book in the series and it was fun to be introduced to new characters. The firefighter families contained in this story were so lovingly tight and I felt so sorry for the firefighters who were having to go through such trials. It seemed like when you didn’t think it could get any worse, things continue to go downhill and something else happens.
I enjoyed the main plotline with Mark and Allie Branning. I appreciated Mark’s pursuit of his wife. I enjoyed the message of marriage being for life and that no matter what, you should work at your marriage. It was neat to see the growth throughout the book.
I did guess who the culprit was and I will say I was correct, but that didn’t disappoint me one bit. It was still a harrowing tale and see who it would end.
My favorite part of the book was the Scriptural content. The struggles of the characters within the pages were real, and I liked how this author weaves Scripture throughout the story.
What I Didn’t Like: I don’t remember anything that I disliked about this book.
I give this book 5 stars and it has also been placed on my favorites of 2019 shelf.
What I Liked: This was the first book in the series and it was fun to be introduced to new characters. The firefighter families contained in this story were so lovingly tight and I felt so sorry for the firefighters who were having to go through such trials. It seemed like when you didn’t think it could get any worse, things continue to go downhill and something else happens.
I enjoyed the main plotline with Mark and Allie Branning. I appreciated Mark’s pursuit of his wife. I enjoyed the message of marriage being for life and that no matter what, you should work at your marriage. It was neat to see the growth throughout the book.
I did guess who the culprit was and I will say I was correct, but that didn’t disappoint me one bit. It was still a harrowing tale and see who it would end.
My favorite part of the book was the Scriptural content. The struggles of the characters within the pages were real, and I liked how this author weaves Scripture throughout the story.
What I Didn’t Like: I don’t remember anything that I disliked about this book.
I give this book 5 stars and it has also been placed on my favorites of 2019 shelf.
October 20, 2020
Terri is by far one of my favorite Christian writers! It’s always entertaining and easy to read! Loved this story:)
July 9, 2025
Who knew??? A Christian thriller! I highly recommend this book and look forward to reading everything she has written. SO good.
July 20, 2025
Something I’m getting really tired of yet I’m plagued with is action books where the authors don’t seem to know how the action group functions. It’s been a while since I read about a cop/detective as clueless as Stan. When you’ve read enough good suspense books, you catch clues easily and also have an idea of the level of skill/intelligence law enforcement agents should have. Here, everyone was worse than an amateur. Missing all the clues. Extremely delayed reactions. Refusing to suspect obvious suspects (Craig and Dan should’ve been investigated about 50% in but Stan somehow overlooked all that?)
Also, after the firemen knew their wives were targets, it should almost have been impossible to kill another because they should have been on incredibly high alert and guarded. But somehow one of them slept off while his wife was murdered right beside him?
I also don’t know how Stan needed a professor to tell him what he did about the serial killer; it’s basic stuff.
That was my main frustration with the book.
I thought the romance/drama was promising, but it just didn’t hit all the way for me. I started out liking Ally’s voice, but then she seemed too weak and whiny. I did like her ish, but not as much as I expected to. I was annoyed when she geared her parents up to be mad at Mark but then when she changed her mind about him, she didn’t take the time to explain why to her parents. She made them look bad when they were acting off what she had told them.
I liked how she and Mark both realized their mistakes. I really liked how Mark saw himself through the Bible. And him taking the bullet for her was awesome show of love and courage. His commitment to protecting her was admirable. I also thought the plot idea was a great one; targeting firemen’s wives. I felt so much sadness over how their children were being orphaned and their husbands widowed. There was a lot of potential for deep emotions to be felt!
I also really liked the faith aspect and Nick.
However, if a couple would have these much problems just four years into marriage, especially a couple that should know the Lord, I’m skeptical and am not convinced the marriage would last. Four years just seems like way too soon for a Godly couple to start thinking of a divorce.
The book has potential, but after reading so many romantic suspense books, I’m sad to say it didn’t quite reach the standard of books I’ve read. But I will say the author’s writing has promise!
Also, after the firemen knew their wives were targets, it should almost have been impossible to kill another because they should have been on incredibly high alert and guarded. But somehow one of them slept off while his wife was murdered right beside him?
I also don’t know how Stan needed a professor to tell him what he did about the serial killer; it’s basic stuff.
That was my main frustration with the book.
I thought the romance/drama was promising, but it just didn’t hit all the way for me. I started out liking Ally’s voice, but then she seemed too weak and whiny. I did like her ish, but not as much as I expected to. I was annoyed when she geared her parents up to be mad at Mark but then when she changed her mind about him, she didn’t take the time to explain why to her parents. She made them look bad when they were acting off what she had told them.
I liked how she and Mark both realized their mistakes. I really liked how Mark saw himself through the Bible. And him taking the bullet for her was awesome show of love and courage. His commitment to protecting her was admirable. I also thought the plot idea was a great one; targeting firemen’s wives. I felt so much sadness over how their children were being orphaned and their husbands widowed. There was a lot of potential for deep emotions to be felt!
I also really liked the faith aspect and Nick.
However, if a couple would have these much problems just four years into marriage, especially a couple that should know the Lord, I’m skeptical and am not convinced the marriage would last. Four years just seems like way too soon for a Godly couple to start thinking of a divorce.
The book has potential, but after reading so many romantic suspense books, I’m sad to say it didn’t quite reach the standard of books I’ve read. But I will say the author’s writing has promise!
September 6, 2025
OVERALL STAR RATING: 4/5
CLEAN RATING: 5/5
Have you read a Terri Blackstock novel? If you have, drop your recs in the comments below. Up until now, I had only read her “If I Run” series. I was so excited to jump into more of her work. The woman has SO many books. This one was published back in 1998! There’s something extra fun about reading a suspense novel in an era when not everyone had a cell phone in their pocket. The dynamic is just different, and I enjoy it. This one was super-fast paced. I THOUGHT I had the killer pegged pretty early on, but I was so very wrong. LOL
A serial killer is on the loose in Newpointe, Louisiana…their target…the wives of local fire department heroes! Talk about intense. This small-town is now headlining the news and there’s an interesting little twist that makes finding the killer EXTRA complicated. You’ll just have to read this one to find out what that twist is. No spoilers from me here. This is a page-turner for sure with fantastic elements of Christian faith woven throughout.
There were quite a few characters introduced in this book to the point that I did have a slightly difficult time keeping track at first. I’m now invested in all their lives and individual stories though. A lot of personal struggles and growth happen with these characters. I feel Terri did a great job of bringing them to life. And while I’m looking forward to continuing in the series, I’m worried about how much this one little town is about to endure within these next four books! LOL
*For more reviews and bookish content, be sure to follow me on Instagram @aliciasbooksanctuary
CLEAN RATING: 5/5
Have you read a Terri Blackstock novel? If you have, drop your recs in the comments below. Up until now, I had only read her “If I Run” series. I was so excited to jump into more of her work. The woman has SO many books. This one was published back in 1998! There’s something extra fun about reading a suspense novel in an era when not everyone had a cell phone in their pocket. The dynamic is just different, and I enjoy it. This one was super-fast paced. I THOUGHT I had the killer pegged pretty early on, but I was so very wrong. LOL
A serial killer is on the loose in Newpointe, Louisiana…their target…the wives of local fire department heroes! Talk about intense. This small-town is now headlining the news and there’s an interesting little twist that makes finding the killer EXTRA complicated. You’ll just have to read this one to find out what that twist is. No spoilers from me here. This is a page-turner for sure with fantastic elements of Christian faith woven throughout.
There were quite a few characters introduced in this book to the point that I did have a slightly difficult time keeping track at first. I’m now invested in all their lives and individual stories though. A lot of personal struggles and growth happen with these characters. I feel Terri did a great job of bringing them to life. And while I’m looking forward to continuing in the series, I’m worried about how much this one little town is about to endure within these next four books! LOL
*For more reviews and bookish content, be sure to follow me on Instagram @aliciasbooksanctuary
August 11, 2025
Great suspense with twisty turns and a surprise ending! Can't wait to read Book 2!
March 3, 2018
I didn't suspect who it was until near the end.
September 6, 2022
This author is one of my favorites. I have to say that the Allie character was a bit whiney for me but I really enjoyed reading a suspense novel without raunchiness in it. After reading some of the reviews, some say it was too preachy. It was not for me, I God everyday of my life. Instead of looking at it as too preachy, I took the message that the author tried to relay. This book is for you if you're looking for a good clean thriller suspense.
February 12, 2020
Loved it.
May 13, 2010
"Private Justice" is a fast-paced, suspenseful mystery. The mystery was a who-done-it that kept me uncertain until the end. The suspense was created by the tension between Mark and Allie due to their marriage troubles and the fact that Allie and the other firemen's wives were being stalked by a killer.
The characters made mistakes that increased the suspense, but they were very believable, human mistakes. They were smart people. The mistakes were due to ignorance or the character thought he was making the right choice (and it was a reasonable one) or the mistake was followed by the thought, "I probably shouldn't have done that...but it shouldn't matter" and they had no real reason to think the mistake was a critical one. So it worked for me.
The characters were complex and very realistic. Allie was exasperating at times, but since her parents were exasperating in the same way, I can see where she picked up the habit. I initially had a hard time caring about Allie, though, since I didn't find her very likable. I liked Mark and many of the secondary characters, though.
The author writes "about flawed Christians in crisis and God's provisions for their mistakes and wrong choices" (from her bio). So the novel had a strong Christian element with the characters discussing (and struggling with) God's character and why He let bad things happen. It was realistically handled, and I wouldn't call it preachy. Christians and non-Christians were portrayed realistically, with both flaws and strong points.
There was a very minor amount of "he cussed" style bad language. There was no explicit sex. There was no graphic gore. Overall, I'd recommend this novel as well-written, clean reading.
Reviewed by Debbie from Genre Reviews
The characters made mistakes that increased the suspense, but they were very believable, human mistakes. They were smart people. The mistakes were due to ignorance or the character thought he was making the right choice (and it was a reasonable one) or the mistake was followed by the thought, "I probably shouldn't have done that...but it shouldn't matter" and they had no real reason to think the mistake was a critical one. So it worked for me.
The characters were complex and very realistic. Allie was exasperating at times, but since her parents were exasperating in the same way, I can see where she picked up the habit. I initially had a hard time caring about Allie, though, since I didn't find her very likable. I liked Mark and many of the secondary characters, though.
The author writes "about flawed Christians in crisis and God's provisions for their mistakes and wrong choices" (from her bio). So the novel had a strong Christian element with the characters discussing (and struggling with) God's character and why He let bad things happen. It was realistically handled, and I wouldn't call it preachy. Christians and non-Christians were portrayed realistically, with both flaws and strong points.
There was a very minor amount of "he cussed" style bad language. There was no explicit sex. There was no graphic gore. Overall, I'd recommend this novel as well-written, clean reading.
Reviewed by Debbie from Genre Reviews
April 22, 2021
This is the first Terri Blackstock novel I've ever read, and will probably be my last due to a hot mess of inaccuracies. I did enjoy the characters, but I'm afraid they couldn't make up for the rest...
1) The legalistic teetotaling preachiness was 100% cringe-inducing.
2) Going from zero to vodka double shots overnight is laughable. You don't go from Sprite to straight vodka. Maybe he would have added vodka to his soda. Maybe he would have tried a bourbon (far more believable in a bar frequented by EMS workers anyway).
3) You cannot accurately shoot a .38 at great distances. It's designed for close quarters (fewer than 50 yards). The airport scene would have been believable with a rifle.
4) You can't add a suppressor to a .38 -- it's a revolver and not threaded for a silencer. Could you thread a revolver barrel for a suppressor? Sure, but the barrel-cylinder gap is still going to allow gas, so the noise won't be prevented.
5) Inconsistencies: The killer's right arm is "useless" yet he's able to hold a hostage with this left arm and hold/aim the gun with his finger on the trigger with his right? I don't think so.
6) Every police officer depicted in this book should have been fired for gross incompetence. In their first encounter with the killer, it's obvious he's the one and he gives them a lame story and they don't check it out. Then TWO cops are shot by a killer who can barely stand and armed only with a .38 and whom they are expecting (and they are in defensive positions in anticipation of his arrival!!)
There's just too much disbelief to suspend in this one, and I can't bring myself to pick up another in the series.
1) The legalistic teetotaling preachiness was 100% cringe-inducing.
2) Going from zero to vodka double shots overnight is laughable. You don't go from Sprite to straight vodka. Maybe he would have added vodka to his soda. Maybe he would have tried a bourbon (far more believable in a bar frequented by EMS workers anyway).
3) You cannot accurately shoot a .38 at great distances. It's designed for close quarters (fewer than 50 yards). The airport scene would have been believable with a rifle.
4) You can't add a suppressor to a .38 -- it's a revolver and not threaded for a silencer. Could you thread a revolver barrel for a suppressor? Sure, but the barrel-cylinder gap is still going to allow gas, so the noise won't be prevented.
5) Inconsistencies: The killer's right arm is "useless" yet he's able to hold a hostage with this left arm and hold/aim the gun with his finger on the trigger with his right? I don't think so.
6) Every police officer depicted in this book should have been fired for gross incompetence. In their first encounter with the killer, it's obvious he's the one and he gives them a lame story and they don't check it out. Then TWO cops are shot by a killer who can barely stand and armed only with a .38 and whom they are expecting (and they are in defensive positions in anticipation of his arrival!!)
There's just too much disbelief to suspend in this one, and I can't bring myself to pick up another in the series.
May 28, 2019
I know I can count on [author; Terri Blackstock] for not only a wholesome read but an interesting mystery and usually a lesson in the importance of forgiveness..
I was someone disappointed in this story~ not my favorite Ms Blackstock novel (this is #17 for me). The focus on fireman Mark Branning and his wife Allie seems too similar to situations that have happened in several other novels.
I am ok with the Christian focus in Blackstock novels but this novel seemed to have a bit more of religious such as the belief Only Heaven or Hell” as a Roman Catholic I believe in purgatory.
Also I was a bit surprised that police officers were always referred to as “cops” ~ which I always thought was negative. . . I suppose it is a regional thing.
The mystery had me curious, in the 16 other novels I read I know Ms. Blackstock usually comes up with some twists that keep me not only interested but wanting to read more her of novels.
I certainly will read another but perhaps not in this series.
I was someone disappointed in this story~ not my favorite Ms Blackstock novel (this is #17 for me). The focus on fireman Mark Branning and his wife Allie seems too similar to situations that have happened in several other novels.
I am ok with the Christian focus in Blackstock novels but this novel seemed to have a bit more of religious such as the belief Only Heaven or Hell” as a Roman Catholic I believe in purgatory.
Also I was a bit surprised that police officers were always referred to as “cops” ~ which I always thought was negative. . . I suppose it is a regional thing.
The mystery had me curious, in the 16 other novels I read I know Ms. Blackstock usually comes up with some twists that keep me not only interested but wanting to read more her of novels.
I certainly will read another but perhaps not in this series.
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