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Crime Scene: Houston #2
The Survivor (Crime Scene: Houston) by DiAnn Mills
Is it her next bestseller . . . Or her last words? In The Chase , award-winning author DiAnn Mills introduced you to the world of Kariss Walker, the bestselling suspense author with a nose for trouble. In The Survivor , Kariss gets the chance to tell her most powerful story yet. But will it revitalize her writing career? Or bring it to a violent end? Kariss meets Dr. Amy Garrett, who survived a brutal childhood attack in which the assailant was never found. Now Dr. Garrett wants her story written in a novel. Kariss wishes she could seek the advice of Special Agent Tigo Harris, but she broke off the relationship a few months prior and seeing him again would be too painful. She interviews Amy and conducts her own research, stepping unaware into danger. Tigo misses Kariss and wants her back, but he understands why she broke off their relationship. Instead, he concentrates on solving a car bombing and bringing the killer to justice. As Kariss’s new story attracts an onslaught of danger that she never expected, can Tigo save the woman he loves and find out who wants her dead for writing about an unsolved cold case?
Unknown Binding
First published March 5, 2013
35 people are currently reading
719 people want to read
About the author
DiAnn Mills
129 books1,978 followersDiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who invites her readers to step into stories where suspense meets adventure and romance warms the heart. Known for crafting unforgettable characters tangled in unpredictable plots, DiAnn believes every breath we take unfolds a story waiting to be told—so why not make it thrilling?
Her novels have consistently landed on bestseller lists including CBA, ECPA, and Publishers Weekly, and have won prestigious awards such as the Christy, Selah, Golden Scroll, Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and Carol awards.
DiAnn is a founding board member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Conference Advisor for the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers. She actively participates in Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, Mystery Writers of America, the Jerry Jenkins Writers Guild, International Thriller Writers, Outliers Writing University, and The Christian Pen. DiAnn passionately invests in helping fellow authors succeed through mentoring, book coaching, and editing. She travels nationwide speaking and teaching engaging writing workshops.
A proud coffee snob who roasts her own beans, DiAnn also enjoys diving into good books, experimenting in the kitchen, and unabashedly spoiling her grandchildren—whom she insists are the smartest kids in the universe. She and her husband make their home under the sunny skies of Houston, Texas.
Connect with DiAnn online for behind-the-scenes glimpses, writing tips, and lively discussions on any of the following social media platforms:
Website: https://diannmills.com/
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/diann...
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/diannmills
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/diannmillsa...
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diannmills/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/diannmills/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/diannmills
X: https://twitter.com/diannmills
Her novels have consistently landed on bestseller lists including CBA, ECPA, and Publishers Weekly, and have won prestigious awards such as the Christy, Selah, Golden Scroll, Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and Carol awards.
DiAnn is a founding board member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Conference Advisor for the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers. She actively participates in Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, Mystery Writers of America, the Jerry Jenkins Writers Guild, International Thriller Writers, Outliers Writing University, and The Christian Pen. DiAnn passionately invests in helping fellow authors succeed through mentoring, book coaching, and editing. She travels nationwide speaking and teaching engaging writing workshops.
A proud coffee snob who roasts her own beans, DiAnn also enjoys diving into good books, experimenting in the kitchen, and unabashedly spoiling her grandchildren—whom she insists are the smartest kids in the universe. She and her husband make their home under the sunny skies of Houston, Texas.
Connect with DiAnn online for behind-the-scenes glimpses, writing tips, and lively discussions on any of the following social media platforms:
Website: https://diannmills.com/
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/diann...
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/diannmills
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/diannmillsa...
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diannmills/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/diannmills/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/diannmills
X: https://twitter.com/diannmills
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews
April 3, 2014
This author always brings a wonderful suspense. She brings us a chilling story about a novelist and the danger she encounters researching a cold case that is the topic of her next book. Kariss Walker is contacted by Dr. Amy Garret about telling her story of being abducted, brutally assaulted and left for dead. The idea is appealing on many levels, but Kariss must address the fact that the attacker was never found so the story actually has no conclusion or closure. She longs to talk this out with Special Agent Tigo Harris, but after their break up she feels it would just be too hard talking to him. There was issues in their relationship that she wished they could resolve, but has no hopes of that ever happening. As she begins her research into the cold case a series of accidents began happening, but when a truck runs her off the road and she ends up in the hospital Kariss decides it's time to talk to Tigo. Tigo has deep feelings for Kariss and wants to continue their relationship, but more than anything he wants to keep her safe. She may have a great faith in God to keep her safe, but Tigo feels he can do a much better job of it. Of course this is part of their problems, his lack of faith in God. At present he's working on a case that involves the bombing death of a woman and her young daughter. He longs to solve this case, but feels they are looking in every direction. Kariss' case brings her in more danger and Tigo tries to convince her she needs to let him keep her safe, but due to their prior relationship she keeps denying his help. Suddenly a link to her cold case comes to light and he's officially working both cases. Will Tigo be able to keep Kariss out of danger? Will Kariss be able to put their past behind them and work with Tigo?
A wonderfully written story. The plot flows effortlessly. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes suspense.
A wonderfully written story. The plot flows effortlessly. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes suspense.
May 30, 2016
4.5 stars
I really enjoyed the complex case in this crime thriller. It kept me guessing for sure, and the villain is truly a bad dude. It added an extra element to have him be throwing out literary taunts, since Kariss was a writer.
I do always enjoy a story with a writer in it, and it was great to have Kariss again. She's developed a bit more sense after the dangers of book one, but she's still ready to be independent and try to take care of herself. Obviously, there are issues when you don't leave that sort of stuff to the professionals. It was great to see brave, saucy Tigo again in his role as FBI agent extraordinaire, too. Despite the romantic vibes between the two in book one, they aren't even speaking when this story opens; his issues have proven too strong. A large portion of the story arc in this one is of Tigo's search for faith—he knows plenty about God, but doesn't like to give up his own independence to actually grasp true faith. When scandal rocks a local church, Tigo's fragile searching is rocked and all too nearly abandoned.
What if the literary villain is too smart?
The only thing that really bothered me on this one was how someone downloaded an app onto Kariss's phone without her knowledge. 1) It's said to be an iPhone, so she would have had to put in her password, unlike some other smartphones that could have been featured; 2) Wouldn't she notice a stray app on her screen?
I really enjoyed the complex case in this crime thriller. It kept me guessing for sure, and the villain is truly a bad dude. It added an extra element to have him be throwing out literary taunts, since Kariss was a writer.
I do always enjoy a story with a writer in it, and it was great to have Kariss again. She's developed a bit more sense after the dangers of book one, but she's still ready to be independent and try to take care of herself. Obviously, there are issues when you don't leave that sort of stuff to the professionals. It was great to see brave, saucy Tigo again in his role as FBI agent extraordinaire, too. Despite the romantic vibes between the two in book one, they aren't even speaking when this story opens; his issues have proven too strong. A large portion of the story arc in this one is of Tigo's search for faith—he knows plenty about God, but doesn't like to give up his own independence to actually grasp true faith. When scandal rocks a local church, Tigo's fragile searching is rocked and all too nearly abandoned.
What if the literary villain is too smart?
The only thing that really bothered me on this one was how someone downloaded an app onto Kariss's phone without her knowledge. 1) It's said to be an iPhone, so she would have had to put in her password, unlike some other smartphones that could have been featured; 2) Wouldn't she notice a stray app on her screen?
August 20, 2019
"The Survivor" is a Christian romantic suspense novel. The mystery of whodunit kept me guessing until the readers got some clues at the characters did not have. Because of this, I was able to guess whodunit a short while before the characters did. There was plenty of suspense due to physical danger, but it usually came from Amy and Kariss recklessly putting themselves in danger. Kariss admitted that she made foolish, stupid decisions (in the past book) that put her in danger, but she's still determined to have her own way and downplay any danger. When she conceded to staying at home with a protective detail (due to being threatened), she felt like she was being tortured even though she needed to stay home and work on her next book anyway. So she really likes to be in control, even if that means rushing straight into danger. On the other hand, she's a kind and compassionate woman.
Tigo was more mature and less reckless in this book. Kariss and Tigo enjoyed being together as a couple, but they had broken up by the beginning of this book. They had some issues to resolve before they could end up back together. There was no bad language or sex.
Tigo was more mature and less reckless in this book. Kariss and Tigo enjoyed being together as a couple, but they had broken up by the beginning of this book. They had some issues to resolve before they could end up back together. There was no bad language or sex.
April 22, 2013
Karissa Walker agrees to write the story of the brutal attack on Amy Garrett when she was a child in novel form, but someone doesn't want that book to be written. Karissa and FBI agent Santiago "Tigo" Harris broke off their relationship prior to the opening of the book, but are thrown back together as danger seems to stalk Karissa. Will Tigo finally give in to God? Will their relationship be put back together? Has Karissa gotten in over her head--again?
I thoroughly enjoyed the storyline of this book, but it had what seemed to me some major flaws.
Karissa Walker is an interesting character. Having gone through so much and been so close to death in the previous book, you'd think she'd have a little more wisdom and caution about her. No, that would make the book too boring, I guess. Never mind she and her sister and baby niece have been run off the road, someone is sending threatening emails, Amy's brother is threatening her and, oh yeah, someone has shot and grazed her as well, within less than 24 hours she's going stir crazy sitting in a hotel room, feeling like she's in prison. So let's up the ante and kill two more people and within 48 hours she's trotting off to a gun range to practice shooting by herself--no security. What an idiot!
Amy Walker is supposed to be a great Christian counselor and person, but lies, is rude, puts people in danger to fit her own agenda staying pretty much unlikeable throughout the book.
I really enjoyed Tigo and Ryan's characters. Ryan is a Christian--imperfect, but trying to win his partner to the Lord. Tigo is struggling with faith, but due to a promise to his mother and the desire to have Karissa in his life is still searching--not sure if he's willing to believe in and trust God, but not willing to give up yet. He also struggles throughout the book trying desperately to keep Karissa safe as she constantly makes boneheaded and dangerous decisions.
It was an unusual move to make most of the characters--including most of the victims/victims' families--rather unlikeable. There were precious few in the book that I really cared about by the end. I just wanted most of them to go away! Not the way I want to feel about a book! All in all, I'd have to say I really can't recommend this book. If the above things don't bother you, this just might be your cup of tea. Unfortunately, it definitely was not mine.
I received a digital copy of this book from Zondervan through NetGalley.com for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I thoroughly enjoyed the storyline of this book, but it had what seemed to me some major flaws.
Karissa Walker is an interesting character. Having gone through so much and been so close to death in the previous book, you'd think she'd have a little more wisdom and caution about her. No, that would make the book too boring, I guess. Never mind she and her sister and baby niece have been run off the road, someone is sending threatening emails, Amy's brother is threatening her and, oh yeah, someone has shot and grazed her as well, within less than 24 hours she's going stir crazy sitting in a hotel room, feeling like she's in prison. So let's up the ante and kill two more people and within 48 hours she's trotting off to a gun range to practice shooting by herself--no security. What an idiot!
Amy Walker is supposed to be a great Christian counselor and person, but lies, is rude, puts people in danger to fit her own agenda staying pretty much unlikeable throughout the book.
I really enjoyed Tigo and Ryan's characters. Ryan is a Christian--imperfect, but trying to win his partner to the Lord. Tigo is struggling with faith, but due to a promise to his mother and the desire to have Karissa in his life is still searching--not sure if he's willing to believe in and trust God, but not willing to give up yet. He also struggles throughout the book trying desperately to keep Karissa safe as she constantly makes boneheaded and dangerous decisions.
It was an unusual move to make most of the characters--including most of the victims/victims' families--rather unlikeable. There were precious few in the book that I really cared about by the end. I just wanted most of them to go away! Not the way I want to feel about a book! All in all, I'd have to say I really can't recommend this book. If the above things don't bother you, this just might be your cup of tea. Unfortunately, it definitely was not mine.
I received a digital copy of this book from Zondervan through NetGalley.com for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
August 28, 2013
The Survivor is a fast paced, action packed, suspense filled mystery with a touch of romance. Kariss Walker is a bestselling novelist looking for her next story when she is contacted by Amy Garrett, a woman who survived a near death attack as a child and who used her second chance to counsel individuals who have dealt with tragedy. Amy wishes to turn her experiences into a novel and asks Kariss to write it. Kariss is instantly intrigued since her last book also sprung from a cold case. The fact that story ALSO almost lead to Kariss’s death is pushed aside.
Kariss was a very strong willed woman who doesn’tt really listen to people regarding her safety. Once Amy’s car is blown up, it becomes clear Amy’s assailant is still out there and ready to finish what he began so many years ago. With her connections to Amy, Kariss has also become a target.
Kariss’s romantic interest, FBI agent Tigo Harris made for some additional tension. The two were in a relationship (developed in a previous book) but separated due to a disagreement. When it became clear Kariss broke it off because Tigo didn’t tell her about his failed marriage I thought that was a bit harsh. Yes, he should have told her but really? Getting bent out of shape over this seemed extreme. They hadn’t been together that long from what I gathered. Perhaps I need to read the first book so I fully understand.
Parallel to Kariss and Amy’s storyline, Tigo is working on another car bombing that ended in the death of a mother and her child. Eventually he realizes that his case and Amy’s car bombing are linked which ramps up the danger factor because it is so difficult to pin down what the connection is.
I really enjoyed the suspense aspect of this story and how you had no idea who the killer was until the VERY end. I never would have guessed who it was on my own. This story also had a strong spiritual/Christian aspect to it. I understood this going in and usually I can take some preaching but at times the character’s need to get their answers from God irritated me. But I forgave my irritation because it was such a well written, suspenseful story.
3.5 out of 5 stars.
I received a copy of this book through Booksneeze for an honest review
Kariss was a very strong willed woman who doesn’tt really listen to people regarding her safety. Once Amy’s car is blown up, it becomes clear Amy’s assailant is still out there and ready to finish what he began so many years ago. With her connections to Amy, Kariss has also become a target.
Kariss’s romantic interest, FBI agent Tigo Harris made for some additional tension. The two were in a relationship (developed in a previous book) but separated due to a disagreement. When it became clear Kariss broke it off because Tigo didn’t tell her about his failed marriage I thought that was a bit harsh. Yes, he should have told her but really? Getting bent out of shape over this seemed extreme. They hadn’t been together that long from what I gathered. Perhaps I need to read the first book so I fully understand.
Parallel to Kariss and Amy’s storyline, Tigo is working on another car bombing that ended in the death of a mother and her child. Eventually he realizes that his case and Amy’s car bombing are linked which ramps up the danger factor because it is so difficult to pin down what the connection is.
I really enjoyed the suspense aspect of this story and how you had no idea who the killer was until the VERY end. I never would have guessed who it was on my own. This story also had a strong spiritual/Christian aspect to it. I understood this going in and usually I can take some preaching but at times the character’s need to get their answers from God irritated me. But I forgave my irritation because it was such a well written, suspenseful story.
3.5 out of 5 stars.
I received a copy of this book through Booksneeze for an honest review
July 5, 2018
DiAnn Mills is the best Christian author of crime drama/suspense books.
At the start of this book, I was annoyed to find the main characters were estranged. The previous book's happy-ever-after hadn't stuck. I knew the book would be good if I just got past my irritation, and it was.
Her books are well-researched, well-written and exciting. No fluff.
And this second HEA ending was one of the most romantic I have ever read. Seriously. The inscription on the ring took me by surprise. Big and unexpected swoony moment.
At the start of this book, I was annoyed to find the main characters were estranged. The previous book's happy-ever-after hadn't stuck. I knew the book would be good if I just got past my irritation, and it was.
Her books are well-researched, well-written and exciting. No fluff.
And this second HEA ending was one of the most romantic I have ever read. Seriously. The inscription on the ring took me by surprise. Big and unexpected swoony moment.
September 24, 2014
A fairly interesting book, with some issues.
First, The Survivor is too convoluted and bogged down with too many details. Karisss is nonsensical. No one has such disregard for their own life and safety. It's like she wanted to die. I thought she was dumb in the last book but in this book she is positively absurd. Tigo is much more likeable, but I couldn't understand his attraction to Kariss or how their relationship shifted from friendship in the last book to forlorn lovers in this sequal. Kariss continuing her friendhip with a main character that uses her as bate to draw out a psychopath is also illogical.
Next, the body count is way too high making this an incredibly bloody story. Having part of the story told by a child rapist makes the story much darker than what it needs to be, especially for a so called Christian novel.
The Survivor makes up for some of its shortcomings with several twists and a satisfying ending that answers many of the book's ongoing question. The villan's identity blew me away. BUT....
Child molestation and child torture, a minister committing adultery with a parishioner, gratuitous, sensationalized violence, including the murder of a child, references to pornagraphy, prostitution, strip clubs, and famous murderers make this book much too sick and twisted to even be classified as Christian. The language is also problematic, words like "slut", an implied bword, a few alluded to swear words poisin the book. This is a dark thriller punctuated throughout with several quotes from mainstream horror writers to underscore its ominous intentions. In short, it aint for kids, folks. While i do not regret reading this book,I'm glad I rented it from the library instead of purchasing it. This is my last Diann Mills book.
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First, The Survivor is too convoluted and bogged down with too many details. Karisss is nonsensical. No one has such disregard for their own life and safety. It's like she wanted to die. I thought she was dumb in the last book but in this book she is positively absurd. Tigo is much more likeable, but I couldn't understand his attraction to Kariss or how their relationship shifted from friendship in the last book to forlorn lovers in this sequal. Kariss continuing her friendhip with a main character that uses her as bate to draw out a psychopath is also illogical.
Next, the body count is way too high making this an incredibly bloody story. Having part of the story told by a child rapist makes the story much darker than what it needs to be, especially for a so called Christian novel.
The Survivor makes up for some of its shortcomings with several twists and a satisfying ending that answers many of the book's ongoing question. The villan's identity blew me away. BUT....
Child molestation and child torture, a minister committing adultery with a parishioner, gratuitous, sensationalized violence, including the murder of a child, references to pornagraphy, prostitution, strip clubs, and famous murderers make this book much too sick and twisted to even be classified as Christian. The language is also problematic, words like "slut", an implied bword, a few alluded to swear words poisin the book. This is a dark thriller punctuated throughout with several quotes from mainstream horror writers to underscore its ominous intentions. In short, it aint for kids, folks. While i do not regret reading this book,I'm glad I rented it from the library instead of purchasing it. This is my last Diann Mills book.
Like what you read? Visit me at my blog
March 27, 2013
Review on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/review/R2LQCQFI...
Review on my blog: http://christianbookshelfreviews.blog...
The Survivor was a really good read with a lot of suspense. I found it interesting how the novel was based on a solved cold case - it made the things that had happened to Amy all the more chilling.
I don't really have a favorite character from The Survivor. I liked both Tigo and Kariss, but a few things annoyed/frustrated me about them. Mainly, how stubborn Kariss was and all the risks she took. Also, all the mentions of Buzz Lightyear and Tigo were annoying - it was fine at first, but got to be too much towards the end.
The mystery was great! It took me a long time before I actually had a plausible guess of who the killer might be.
At times there seemed to be a little too much detail in The Survivor and that was one reason I didn't love the book. Still, it was very good and I really enjoyed it.
If you like suspense novels, I think you'll enjoy The Survivor. You'll probably want to read book one, The Chase, first, though it's not completely necessary for you to enjoy this one.
*I received this book for free for my review. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*
Review on my blog: http://christianbookshelfreviews.blog...
The Survivor was a really good read with a lot of suspense. I found it interesting how the novel was based on a solved cold case - it made the things that had happened to Amy all the more chilling.
I don't really have a favorite character from The Survivor. I liked both Tigo and Kariss, but a few things annoyed/frustrated me about them. Mainly, how stubborn Kariss was and all the risks she took. Also, all the mentions of Buzz Lightyear and Tigo were annoying - it was fine at first, but got to be too much towards the end.
The mystery was great! It took me a long time before I actually had a plausible guess of who the killer might be.
At times there seemed to be a little too much detail in The Survivor and that was one reason I didn't love the book. Still, it was very good and I really enjoyed it.
If you like suspense novels, I think you'll enjoy The Survivor. You'll probably want to read book one, The Chase, first, though it's not completely necessary for you to enjoy this one.
*I received this book for free for my review. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*
March 26, 2013
When she was a girl, Dr. Amy Garrett was attacked and left for dead. Although the assailant was never caught, Amy is ready to tell her story, and she asks author Kariss Walker (from book one in the series) to write her story. Amy's attacker comes out of the shadows at the news of the book, and Kariss just might have to turn to Tigo, her ex-boyfriend, for help when her life's on the line.
The Survivor picks back up where the first book left off: full of adventure, suspense, and romance.
First, the mystery: Although parts of the book are from the attacker's point of view, the readers aren't quite sure who it is, and Mills drops a few clues but keeps the identify as one of the final twists. The sideplot of the car bombing keeps the book moving along at a quick pace and makes the reader want to keep going.
Second, the romance: Kariss ended things with Tigo, but the feelings didn't stop. This book delves a little more into the characters, and there's a nice conclusion to Kariss' lingering questions about Tigo.
My only complaint was that there seemed to be a couple loose ends wrapped up a little too smoothly at the end or not really resolved at all (like Amy's brother).
Overall, fans of Christian suspense will enjoy this addition the series. I do recommend reading them in order though!
I received this book in exchange for my review.
The Survivor picks back up where the first book left off: full of adventure, suspense, and romance.
First, the mystery: Although parts of the book are from the attacker's point of view, the readers aren't quite sure who it is, and Mills drops a few clues but keeps the identify as one of the final twists. The sideplot of the car bombing keeps the book moving along at a quick pace and makes the reader want to keep going.
Second, the romance: Kariss ended things with Tigo, but the feelings didn't stop. This book delves a little more into the characters, and there's a nice conclusion to Kariss' lingering questions about Tigo.
My only complaint was that there seemed to be a couple loose ends wrapped up a little too smoothly at the end or not really resolved at all (like Amy's brother).
Overall, fans of Christian suspense will enjoy this addition the series. I do recommend reading them in order though!
I received this book in exchange for my review.
August 2, 2013
Really enjoyed DiAnn's latest. Great suspense,action and romance :)
March 30, 2013
One of the main characters in this book is a psychologist named DOCTOR Amy Garrett. I laughed out loud when I read this.
August 19, 2017
In the second of the Crime Scene: Houston books, Tigo and his partner are still working hard to bring down gangs until their SAC pulls them off that assignment to assist the Houston Police Department in a case involving the bombing deaths of the wife and the daughter of a high profile businessman. In the meantime, Kariss is drawn into writing another novel of a cold case of a woman who was taken from her bed at the age of nine while her family slept. She was left for dead in a nearby field after being raped and her throat cut. After twenty-three years, the woman wants her story told to try to flush out the bad guy. Kariss and Tigo both seem to thrive on excitement and do they ever get it. In the process of trying to solve his own case and attempting to protect Kariss from the danger in which she has inadvertently placed herself, Tigo keeps wrestling with his personal struggles concerning a God who allows all these bad things to happen. The story has many twists and turns that keep the reader guessing right up until almost the last page.
September 2, 2019
I liked this one much more than the first, even though a bunch of stuff was skipped over to get from there to here. Apparently, Kariss and Tigo dated and then broke up. Part of it was over faith and the other part was over Tigo hiding things from his past. I can see how both of those things would be cause to end things. I also understand how you can go on caring about someone even when you know they need to have distance in your life.
I think a big part of what made this book more interesting was the bad guy was still out there, waiting to be caught. You're trying to figure out who it is and how the two cases connect. I always wonder what the voices that people hear are. Demons seem the most likely. So creepy.
These were little parts, but the whole Buzz Lightyear thing was kind of cute, especially . The other little thing that was cool to me was Kariss' "too much electricity" problem. My great-grandfather had the exact same thing.
I think a big part of what made this book more interesting was the bad guy was still out there, waiting to be caught. You're trying to figure out who it is and how the two cases connect. I always wonder what the voices that people hear are. Demons seem the most likely. So creepy.
These were little parts, but the whole Buzz Lightyear thing was kind of cute, especially . The other little thing that was cool to me was Kariss' "too much electricity" problem. My great-grandfather had the exact same thing.
April 10, 2022
The suspense in this book is done very well, and the way the author weaves clues to many possible suspects into the story prevents the reader from discovering the culprit too early. There were a couple of flaws in the plot, in my opinion. The Christian counselor, Dr. Amy Garrett, had a terrible experience as a child, but it didn’t seem like she was far enough in her recovery to counsel others yet. Lying and not considering the danger her choices were putting others in did not seem like actions a trained counselor would do, especially not one using Christian faith to help others. I also felt Kariss would have been a little more reluctant to make the same dangerous mistakes again. I love how the clean romance ends. This is a great Christian thriller and definitely worth reading.
October 29, 2017
Wow hold on to the seat of your pants. This one will have you glued to the pages to find out what happens next. You have a bombing of a wife and child. Then you have a someone threatening Kariss who is a writer that has been asked to write the story of Dr. Amy Garrett's abduction as a child. But who is threatening her? and now Amy too? Will the FBI agents be able to figure out who bombed the car of Jonathan and who is trying to harm Kariss and Amy? Are they connected? Who will survive this ordeal? I did not figure out who was causing all the problems till almost at the end. Great read.
September 4, 2018
I got this audio book from the 'new' section of my local library like I do most books. I skim the back and if it seems interesting I borrow it. I started listening and quickly became confused about which character was in the spotlight and which one was not. I noticed the God references and hoped they would end quickly. They did not. If you are not interested in having religion mixed into your thriller then STAY AWAY FROM THIS BOOK. There should be warning labels on both the front and back in prominent display.
April 5, 2025
A FBI agent falls in love with a novelist.
Enjoyed being with this author again. Tigo and Kariss story was exciting from start to finish. Santiago was Kariss protector and hero. She had a bent for getting into things that could get her into trouble. Amy story almost got both of them killed. But God, Santiago and the FBI got them out of the evil man clutches. Kariss prayers for Santiago payed off too. Hope Vicki Cariss sister finds love again. Will read more by this author.
Enjoyed being with this author again. Tigo and Kariss story was exciting from start to finish. Santiago was Kariss protector and hero. She had a bent for getting into things that could get her into trouble. Amy story almost got both of them killed. But God, Santiago and the FBI got them out of the evil man clutches. Kariss prayers for Santiago payed off too. Hope Vicki Cariss sister finds love again. Will read more by this author.
September 2, 2018
The book was phenomenal! The only problem I had was in 2 different places. One being where the woman being interrogated called another woman a “b-witch”.
- I don’t agree that this should be in a Christian novel.
Secondly, in her email inbox, she was receiving a lot of Viagra junk mails.
- I also don’t see how this is relevant in a Christian book!
Besides these two incidents, it was a great read!
- I don’t agree that this should be in a Christian novel.
Secondly, in her email inbox, she was receiving a lot of Viagra junk mails.
- I also don’t see how this is relevant in a Christian book!
Besides these two incidents, it was a great read!
November 3, 2017
It's a great book, full of action and suspense. The only drawback for me is the ending, honestly. I understand that violence should never be a person's first choice, but when facing down a dangerous situation, you're allowed to defend yourself. It just seemed to me that the author was afraid to go there with the main character.
February 26, 2019
Another great book in the series! There are characters in the book which just make me crazy. I wanted to scold them (or something!) and tell them to act like mature, thinking adults! There was fantastic suspense, a further developing of the main characters, and plenty of action without feeling rushed.
February 4, 2019
A follow-up to the first Crime Scene Houston novel that will keep hold of your attention, but definitely didn't blow me away. The characters felt flat, deep feelings and actions still seemed superficial, and the relationship lacked that electric pizazz that makes you believe and feel the emotions.
March 12, 2019
This is second book in the Houston Crime Series. Continues with author Kariss Walker and her FBI boyfriend. They are on the outs at this timedue to major disagreements. Is full of action and adventure as was the first one.
December 2, 2022
Two storylines converge. Kariss is still an annoying, reckless character who lacks common sense. I kinda just wanted to finish this series.
The mystery part was o.k. and the story wraps up nicely. The narrator did nothing for the audiobook.
The mystery part was o.k. and the story wraps up nicely. The narrator did nothing for the audiobook.
April 25, 2025
Really enjoyed this book. Glad I read after The Chase, but it wasn’t necessary as could follow as single book or in the series. Several great aspects kept my interest and was still surprised at ending.
July 10, 2017
There is a difference between being brave and just foolish. Mills doesn't seem to understand that distinction. Just infuriating at points.
November 10, 2017
It was okay.
August 5, 2018
Strong characters and kept you guessing all the way. I really enjoyed this one and the first book in this two book series.
May 20, 2019
Light summer read
This book was fine. Good storyline but not really a suspense. It is a continuation of the romance between the two main characters, Tigo and Kariss.
This book was fine. Good storyline but not really a suspense. It is a continuation of the romance between the two main characters, Tigo and Kariss.
August 4, 2019
Great read!
June 30, 2021
Surprised who dunnit
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