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A Penelope Chance Mystery #1
One Chance
Accused of a murder he didn’t commit, she may be his only chance...
A small-town cop struggles to stay true to her faith as she investigates the most challenging case of her career...one that will bring up dark memories from her own past.
Not much happens in Franklin, Florida, and that's just the way Officer Penelope Chance likes it. So when she gets the call about an attempted murder and learns her brother stands accused of the crime, her blood runs cold.
Penelope believes her brother is innocent, but she's going to have a hard time proving it when he can't remember the events clearly himself. What starts out as a hit-and-run quickly turns into a murder mystery that leaves Penelope questioning herself and the people around her.
How far will Penelope go to prove her brother’s innocence? Can she find the strength in her faith to uncover the truth...no matter the cost? Find out in One Chance, the thrilling first book in the Penelope Chance Mystery Series. Grab your copy now!
A small-town cop struggles to stay true to her faith as she investigates the most challenging case of her career...one that will bring up dark memories from her own past.
Not much happens in Franklin, Florida, and that's just the way Officer Penelope Chance likes it. So when she gets the call about an attempted murder and learns her brother stands accused of the crime, her blood runs cold.
Penelope believes her brother is innocent, but she's going to have a hard time proving it when he can't remember the events clearly himself. What starts out as a hit-and-run quickly turns into a murder mystery that leaves Penelope questioning herself and the people around her.
How far will Penelope go to prove her brother’s innocence? Can she find the strength in her faith to uncover the truth...no matter the cost? Find out in One Chance, the thrilling first book in the Penelope Chance Mystery Series. Grab your copy now!
223 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2012
137 people are currently reading
958 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
March 5, 2015
Before I even begin this review I need to be up-front about why bought and read this book. I am currently in the process of checking out the Christian Fiction scene, specifically with respect to some self published authors. I wanted to know if there is any "there" there. This process is ongoing, but I read this book (just one book among a hodgepodge of others in the genre) and felt I ought to give it a fair review.
*Minor spoilers ahead*
This book ultimately turned out to be greater than the sum of its parts. And there were some bad parts. First off, the book would greatly benefit from just a little more editing. Things like sentence structure and formatting were the most plentiful offenders, but overall these things were minor. I can see how they might distract other readers from the story but I didn't mind them too much.
Second, I'm not sure what level of research (if any) the author engaged in prior to writing. I had some head scratching moments when encountering some of the book's law enforcement details. As a reader I tried to chalk-up a lot of my misgivings to the small town police station and said to myself, "Heck, I guess when your police department is only made up of a handful of people and you know everyone one in town, maybe you can get away with a lot." But this only got me so far. For example **PLOT REVEAL WARNING** Penelope taking Doug back to her house (after Doug becomes a suspected attempted murderer) and the nights out at the Pizza Palace had me struggling to suspend disbelief.
Third, the plot moved at an erratic pace. Sometimes, the plot was hugely advanced in a single chapter while other times it took several chapters to cover the same distance. This was not a huge problem for me because, again, I tried to give every liberty to the author I could. But at the end of the day it was something I was noticing on a consistent basis and it even lingered in my mind when I finished the book.
Fourthly, the side plots and periphery characters didn't seem to mesh well with the overall story. I liked the idea of Jacob's character but his impact was so small that if he were to be written out of a future edition...I may not even notice. On a semi-positive note, I genuinely wanted to know about all the characters. What else happened in Pete's life to make him the town drunk? What led Camille to stray from her marriage to Doug? What was Penelope's church like? Whatever happened with that Ramirez guy? So on and so forth.
Despite wanting to know about most of the characters, I liked them! I always seem to latch onto a character that play's a minor role and this book was no different for me. I loved Officer Jim Saunders. I read him looking and sounding like a Sam Elliot type character.
Oh, and speaking of characters, I was nagged (and still am nagged) by a haunting question about many of the characters...how old are they?! How old or how young are these people!? Penelope, who I read as a younger woman since she was unmarried and still struggling with the events of her childhood (and looking forward to having children of her own!) was apparently old enough to become **SPOILER** the new chief of police, own her own home, and date a doctor who I am sure must be 8 to 10 years post-graduate to be running the town clinic. (To be fair though, the book never told us Jacob ran the clinic but this is what I inferred since no other doctors were ever around in the town of Franklin). Another thing that nagged me was that Doug and Penelope grew up together but I read Doug as much older for having already been married, had a 5 year-old, and now divorced with seemingly a lot of drinking experience under his belt.
But as I said at the start, the book is greater than the sum of its parts. I liked the book. The fact that I finished the book should be in no way understated. I read the book in two sittings! I felt compelled to go on! The story had enough intrigue to pull me in and keep me reading. The same could not be said for many a' novel written by extremely credentialed and accomplished authors. In my opinion, the success of any fiction must ultimately be judged by whether or not it's read - and read with enthusiasm! As for me, I did indeed read this book with enthusiasm. I have also bought another title from this author: The Devil's Game. The review forthcoming.
*Minor spoilers ahead*
This book ultimately turned out to be greater than the sum of its parts. And there were some bad parts. First off, the book would greatly benefit from just a little more editing. Things like sentence structure and formatting were the most plentiful offenders, but overall these things were minor. I can see how they might distract other readers from the story but I didn't mind them too much.
Second, I'm not sure what level of research (if any) the author engaged in prior to writing. I had some head scratching moments when encountering some of the book's law enforcement details. As a reader I tried to chalk-up a lot of my misgivings to the small town police station and said to myself, "Heck, I guess when your police department is only made up of a handful of people and you know everyone one in town, maybe you can get away with a lot." But this only got me so far. For example **PLOT REVEAL WARNING** Penelope taking Doug back to her house (after Doug becomes a suspected attempted murderer) and the nights out at the Pizza Palace had me struggling to suspend disbelief.
Third, the plot moved at an erratic pace. Sometimes, the plot was hugely advanced in a single chapter while other times it took several chapters to cover the same distance. This was not a huge problem for me because, again, I tried to give every liberty to the author I could. But at the end of the day it was something I was noticing on a consistent basis and it even lingered in my mind when I finished the book.
Fourthly, the side plots and periphery characters didn't seem to mesh well with the overall story. I liked the idea of Jacob's character but his impact was so small that if he were to be written out of a future edition...I may not even notice. On a semi-positive note, I genuinely wanted to know about all the characters. What else happened in Pete's life to make him the town drunk? What led Camille to stray from her marriage to Doug? What was Penelope's church like? Whatever happened with that Ramirez guy? So on and so forth.
Despite wanting to know about most of the characters, I liked them! I always seem to latch onto a character that play's a minor role and this book was no different for me. I loved Officer Jim Saunders. I read him looking and sounding like a Sam Elliot type character.
Oh, and speaking of characters, I was nagged (and still am nagged) by a haunting question about many of the characters...how old are they?! How old or how young are these people!? Penelope, who I read as a younger woman since she was unmarried and still struggling with the events of her childhood (and looking forward to having children of her own!) was apparently old enough to become **SPOILER** the new chief of police, own her own home, and date a doctor who I am sure must be 8 to 10 years post-graduate to be running the town clinic. (To be fair though, the book never told us Jacob ran the clinic but this is what I inferred since no other doctors were ever around in the town of Franklin). Another thing that nagged me was that Doug and Penelope grew up together but I read Doug as much older for having already been married, had a 5 year-old, and now divorced with seemingly a lot of drinking experience under his belt.
But as I said at the start, the book is greater than the sum of its parts. I liked the book. The fact that I finished the book should be in no way understated. I read the book in two sittings! I felt compelled to go on! The story had enough intrigue to pull me in and keep me reading. The same could not be said for many a' novel written by extremely credentialed and accomplished authors. In my opinion, the success of any fiction must ultimately be judged by whether or not it's read - and read with enthusiasm! As for me, I did indeed read this book with enthusiasm. I have also bought another title from this author: The Devil's Game. The review forthcoming.
March 31, 2015
I would first like to thank the author for sending me a copy of this book. I loved this book because I am a huge fan of the genre mystery. This book has a great story line and it's very well written. Daniel Patterson is a very creative and a spontaneous writer.
December 9, 2014
Excellent Novel
I liked this novel because it had the best aspects of a cosy without being sickly sweet. Likeable characters populate the town. The plot is complex without being unrealistic. The Christian message mostly flowed naturally from who the characters are. I only give 5 stars if I can't think of any way to improve the story. I can't think of any way this could be better.
I liked this novel because it had the best aspects of a cosy without being sickly sweet. Likeable characters populate the town. The plot is complex without being unrealistic. The Christian message mostly flowed naturally from who the characters are. I only give 5 stars if I can't think of any way to improve the story. I can't think of any way this could be better.
June 10, 2017
Keeps You Guessing
Very well written. This book kept my attention and kept me wondering who was behind it all. I was unable to walk away from it for long. I love the most how he incorporated faith and struggles we face in real life.
Very well written. This book kept my attention and kept me wondering who was behind it all. I was unable to walk away from it for long. I love the most how he incorporated faith and struggles we face in real life.
December 24, 2023
one chance
A good mystery, lead and other characters talk in prayer to God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Nice to read a book with real life and someone reaching out to God often and transparently. Highly recommend!
A good mystery, lead and other characters talk in prayer to God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Nice to read a book with real life and someone reaching out to God often and transparently. Highly recommend!
January 9, 2018
Fast read
Thanks Mr. Patterson for a nice read.
Nice characters and lots of twists and turns, great setting. Different than the big cities. Good Christian book.
Thanks Mr. Patterson for a nice read.
Nice characters and lots of twists and turns, great setting. Different than the big cities. Good Christian book.
July 1, 2019
Good book!
Really enjoyed your book. Especially liked the fact that it wasn't schmaltz and that real faith was used without apology.
Really enjoyed your book. Especially liked the fact that it wasn't schmaltz and that real faith was used without apology.
October 30, 2019
Loved it ! Great characters and I'm sure going to continue to read the next book in this series !! Twist and turns, suspense and faith based , everything I look for in the books I read . Enjoy !
February 19, 2021
Storyline is good but just have one critism ... the narrator reads too quickly. Almost no break between sentences. I tried slowing it down but that was just worse.
July 4, 2022
A Great Mystery Book!!
This book was captivating! It held my attention from beginning to end. I loved the plot and the twists and turns. A great clean mystery book !!
This book was captivating! It held my attention from beginning to end. I loved the plot and the twists and turns. A great clean mystery book !!
May 17, 2023
It was a pretty good book. There were a few typos but overall a good story. I will.check out book 2. I want to know when they are getting married.
October 21, 2024
This was a beautiful crime story. About how God can truly work in mysterious ways even uncovering the truth!
September 18, 2013
The book was interesting, but not the type of book I typically gravitate toward. I like mystery/suspense (and even cozy), and that genre tends to not have too much sex if it won't advance the plot line.
So I was curious what makes a religious mystery different from a cozy mystery, and excited to win the giveaway. The author couldn't have been more gracious. The book was autographed with a personal note to me - what a sweet touch!
It was a nice read, and I like the progression of the plot line. I appreciated that Penelope had a strong faith, and was true to character. I also ascribe to the fact that if you are a genuinely nice person, you tend to surround yourself with nice people.
There were a few points that I had difficulty with though. After the opening sequence about hoodlums painting swastikas on a local establishment's door and the morality of their actions discussed, I was disappointed to read the interview with Mrs. Fitch, the neighbor, a few pages later. Black, Baptist, and uneducated Mrs. Fitch. It seemed stereotypical and at odds with the messaging a few pages prior.
I thought that reponses to challenges presented to Penelope weren't as realistic as one would expect. A friend accused of attempted murder under house arrest at her place, approved by the police chief? Teenagers talking openly after being detained? A flirt backing off after one exchange? I agree that Penelope could have achieved the same outcomes, but the challenges leading up to each even almost weren't even challenges. Those instances could have tested Penelope's strength and resolve more than her just talking about God in conversation over the phone with her fiance. I like the message delivered by the author, I just would have liked it to show more of a battle between the events in the storyline and Penelope's inner character.
I was a bit surprised that in the second edition, a few grammatical errors remained. I must confess, I do editing work during my typical job, so I notice items like questions that have periods or double periods, and find it a bit irksome. I've certainly picked up a book or two that I've had to just put aside (or pulled out my red marking pen). It probably won't be noticed by most, but I was perhaps a little too hypervigilant after a day of reviewing and bemused that those things passed through two rounds of editing.
All in all, a nice little book. A nice message.
So I was curious what makes a religious mystery different from a cozy mystery, and excited to win the giveaway. The author couldn't have been more gracious. The book was autographed with a personal note to me - what a sweet touch!
It was a nice read, and I like the progression of the plot line. I appreciated that Penelope had a strong faith, and was true to character. I also ascribe to the fact that if you are a genuinely nice person, you tend to surround yourself with nice people.
There were a few points that I had difficulty with though. After the opening sequence about hoodlums painting swastikas on a local establishment's door and the morality of their actions discussed, I was disappointed to read the interview with Mrs. Fitch, the neighbor, a few pages later. Black, Baptist, and uneducated Mrs. Fitch. It seemed stereotypical and at odds with the messaging a few pages prior.
I thought that reponses to challenges presented to Penelope weren't as realistic as one would expect. A friend accused of attempted murder under house arrest at her place, approved by the police chief? Teenagers talking openly after being detained? A flirt backing off after one exchange? I agree that Penelope could have achieved the same outcomes, but the challenges leading up to each even almost weren't even challenges. Those instances could have tested Penelope's strength and resolve more than her just talking about God in conversation over the phone with her fiance. I like the message delivered by the author, I just would have liked it to show more of a battle between the events in the storyline and Penelope's inner character.
I was a bit surprised that in the second edition, a few grammatical errors remained. I must confess, I do editing work during my typical job, so I notice items like questions that have periods or double periods, and find it a bit irksome. I've certainly picked up a book or two that I've had to just put aside (or pulled out my red marking pen). It probably won't be noticed by most, but I was perhaps a little too hypervigilant after a day of reviewing and bemused that those things passed through two rounds of editing.
All in all, a nice little book. A nice message.
September 2, 2016
Very good book with a Heroine that lives her faith and depends on God every step of the way. An excellent plot and suspense throughout the book. I thought I had it all figured out until the end when I found out that I did not at all. Very good picture of police work in small town America. I recommend this book. You will not be sorry you read it. Thank you Daniel Patterson for giving me a copy for my reading enjoyment with no requirement for a positive review. All views stated are my own.
August 13, 2014
A restful who done it read.
A restful who done it read.
some who done its cause me tense anxiety. this was
more realistic of police work and Penelope actually sounds like a real person. many believers keep a running conversation with the LORD during the day, seeking guidance and giving thanks. if felt like a true story. thanks for a job well done.
A restful who done it read.
some who done its cause me tense anxiety. this was
more realistic of police work and Penelope actually sounds like a real person. many believers keep a running conversation with the LORD during the day, seeking guidance and giving thanks. if felt like a true story. thanks for a job well done.
October 14, 2020
This is the first time I have read anything by this author. I really enjoy clean reads. I think you can tell a good story without all of the swearing and sex. I also enjoy when the characters faith is a part of them. That criteria was pretty much met in this story. I can't say I loved it but it was a good solid read.
Read
August 23, 2013It was a quick read. I had read 13 Chapters before I could put it down. I thought that the things weighing Penelope down were going to be horrific the way it sounded and was disappointed that it wasn't such a big deal after all! All in all it was a good read.
April 16, 2014
Penelope Chance lives in a town where nothing happens. When the action picks up and she is investigating a murder and an attempted murder, she must remain professional when her good friend is accused of both. Not bad for a debut novel. I would read more by Mr. Patterson.
August 21, 2013
I enjoyed the mystery, and the spiriual interlay. Penolope took God with her every sshe went. A good lesson for us all. But, mostlly it was nice to read a mystrey or any fiction book that is spiritual aand clean. A book I would gladly encourge my teen age daughter to read.
July 2, 2016
This page turner of a book was a refreshing blend of professional courage, integrity and honesty. The story started out running and kept by attention all the way through. I am looking forward to reading the sequel.
Read
February 4, 2014Very good read
5 Stars
I enjoyed this book very much. It was very well written and kept my interest. I hope there will be more books about Penelope Chance. I would tell anyone to read this book they will enjoy it. I plan to read more of his books.
5 Stars
I enjoyed this book very much. It was very well written and kept my interest. I hope there will be more books about Penelope Chance. I would tell anyone to read this book they will enjoy it. I plan to read more of his books.
November 19, 2014
Just so, so.
if the proper editing had been done, this book would have been so much better. Too many grammatical errors and incorrect sentence structuring for me. I found myself looking for errors, thus taking away from my total enjoyment.
if the proper editing had been done, this book would have been so much better. Too many grammatical errors and incorrect sentence structuring for me. I found myself looking for errors, thus taking away from my total enjoyment.
February 5, 2015
Depend on God in all circumstances.
The Christians walk by faith is emphasised. The intensity of police work shows how the public needs to reassure our officials with an encouraging wood. An exciting drama with a strand of love interwoven that keeps you reading.
The Christians walk by faith is emphasised. The intensity of police work shows how the public needs to reassure our officials with an encouraging wood. An exciting drama with a strand of love interwoven that keeps you reading.
April 25, 2015
The story kept my interest and I wanted to learn how the crime was solved
I would recommend this book to any reader who reads Christian based stories with include scripture. A good read for sure.
I would recommend this book to any reader who reads Christian based stories with include scripture. A good read for sure.
November 15, 2015
Faith
I have never read a Daniel Patterson book before but I am glad that this is my first one. It will renew your Faith or strengthen it even more in God. The main character Deputy Penelope's faith is so strong it guides her in all her decisions.
I have never read a Daniel Patterson book before but I am glad that this is my first one. It will renew your Faith or strengthen it even more in God. The main character Deputy Penelope's faith is so strong it guides her in all her decisions.
May 29, 2013
Enjoyed this book very much... Lots of twists and turns.
June 13, 2013
Really enjoyed this book. Cant wait for mext one to come out
December 4, 2013
I really enjoyed this book. The characters are believable and endearing, the story grabs & holds your attention. Looking forward to 'Second Chance'.
January 6, 2015
Great Christian/Mystery
I love Christian books.
I have loved a good mystery since I was a child. Great combination.
My 1st Daniel Patterson. I will definitely be reading more.
I love Christian books.
I have loved a good mystery since I was a child. Great combination.
My 1st Daniel Patterson. I will definitely be reading more.
March 2, 2015
One of my favorite authors.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews