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Water Grave
Six years ago, Hannah Leah Abelard needed a fresh start. She changed her name to Abbey Rhodes and enlisted in the United States Army as a part of the "Ever Vigilant," 18th Military Police Brigade. They taught her how to be a great cop. Abbey moved to Tennessee three years later and joined Metro Nashville's Police Department.
Now, in her third month with Homicide, Abbey is thrust into a case that may bring the walls she built crashing down around her, exposing a dark past she thought she'd left behind. A young pastor is found dead in the bottom of his baptistery and Abbey is forced to investigate the one place she swore never to return—the church. The case takes Abbey deeper into a tangled web of lies and secrets where the most dangerous ones may be her own.
Now, in her third month with Homicide, Abbey is thrust into a case that may bring the walls she built crashing down around her, exposing a dark past she thought she'd left behind. A young pastor is found dead in the bottom of his baptistery and Abbey is forced to investigate the one place she swore never to return—the church. The case takes Abbey deeper into a tangled web of lies and secrets where the most dangerous ones may be her own.
- GenresMystery
Kindle Edition
Published January 29, 2025
4 people are currently reading
57 people want to read
About the author
Mitchell S. Karnes
8 books121 followersMitchell S Karnes was born in Kansas and spent his childhood in Illinois. He lives in Brentwood, TN with his wife, Natalie, and five of their seven children. He serves as the Senior Pastor of Walker Baptist Church in Franklin. Mitchell holds a Bachelor’s degree and three Master’s degrees.
He hopes to entertain, challenge, move and teach through each and every book, using his stories as catalysts for discussions on critical topics such as bullying, making the right choices, standing firm in the face of danger, and discovering your gifts and talents. The Pact was just the beginning…the first book in a four-part series called The Canaanshade Journeys. Now he continues the tale with The Dragon’s Pawn.
He hopes to entertain, challenge, move and teach through each and every book, using his stories as catalysts for discussions on critical topics such as bullying, making the right choices, standing firm in the face of danger, and discovering your gifts and talents. The Pact was just the beginning…the first book in a four-part series called The Canaanshade Journeys. Now he continues the tale with The Dragon’s Pawn.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
March 3, 2025
Water Grave is a mysterious crime thriller you won’t want to put down! Abbey Rhodes is still new to the Homicide Department in Nashville. As only one of two woman in the entire Department, she has to prove herself. Paired up with an old timer partner, sometimes that’s not easy. In comes this big case of a dead Pastor in his own church. Abbey isn’t thrilled with the idea of going to a church, she has some past issues that make her uneasy.
I love how easy this book flowed from start to finish. I read it in one sitting! Definitely grabbed my attention early on and kept me wanting more! Abbey is likable and her character development is great. The faith element woven throughout makes this book that much more amazing! Not to mention the unexpected twists! I’m happy to know this is just the start of Abbey’s story and can’t wait to see what unfolds next!
I love how easy this book flowed from start to finish. I read it in one sitting! Definitely grabbed my attention early on and kept me wanting more! Abbey is likable and her character development is great. The faith element woven throughout makes this book that much more amazing! Not to mention the unexpected twists! I’m happy to know this is just the start of Abbey’s story and can’t wait to see what unfolds next!
February 15, 2025
Water Grave by Mitchell S. Karnes drew me in right away with its intense opening – who killed this young pastor and why? And then we meet the enigmatic, newly-minted homicide detective Abbey Rhodes and her crusty partner Sam Tidwell, and we learn more about the crime, and I was really hooked.
Abbey Rhodes is such an interesting protagonist, equal parts fierce and fragile. She has some very painful layers in her past, specifically regarding very flawed church people, so this particular case is a triggering one for her. On the one hand, you have this murdered pastor who by all accounts was one of the good guys, a Christian who really sought to live and love like Jesus calls us to. On the other hand, most of the prime suspects are also church leadership, which feeds right into all of Abbey’s resentment. I enjoyed watching her wrestle through these complex emotional layers and trying to reconcile her preconceptions with Pastor Mark’s authenticity. I especially appreciated that the author doesn’t instantly send her to a Damascus moment but instead takes her through some baby steps toward healing the wounds she’s carried alone for much too long. I look forward to continuing this journey with her in future books.
The mystery is also complicated with several plausible suspects, intriguing layers, and unexpected twists. It dives into police procedure as well as being a solid whodunnit, and I loved trying to piece together the puzzle along with Abbey and Tidwell. While I accurately guessed one aspect of the answer before they did, I definitely was keeping pace with the detectives for the rest of it, not figuring it out until they were doing so too. I also enjoyed looking at the different divisions of a city’s police force and their interpersonal dynamics, especially as Abbey still has a friendly relationship with the precinct she left.
Bottom Line: Water Grave by Mitchell S. Karnes not only kept me engaged and entertained, it also introduced me to a new-to-me author. I really liked Abbey, the depth to her layers, and her determination to see justice done, and I enjoyed watching her interact with her partner Sam, her former precinct members, and even Pastor Mark’s kids. She’s a complex character, which makes this series one to follow, and I look forward to watching her personal and spiritual journey fully unfold across future books. The mystery intrigued me from the beginning, and I only grew more invested in it as the story progressed. While there were a couple of similar-to-each-other things that happened that felt unnecessary, overall the pace kept me reading steadily to the end and I enjoyed the ride. Fans of authors like Nancy Mehl, Rick Acker, and Colleen Coble will want to read Water Grave too!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower
Abbey Rhodes is such an interesting protagonist, equal parts fierce and fragile. She has some very painful layers in her past, specifically regarding very flawed church people, so this particular case is a triggering one for her. On the one hand, you have this murdered pastor who by all accounts was one of the good guys, a Christian who really sought to live and love like Jesus calls us to. On the other hand, most of the prime suspects are also church leadership, which feeds right into all of Abbey’s resentment. I enjoyed watching her wrestle through these complex emotional layers and trying to reconcile her preconceptions with Pastor Mark’s authenticity. I especially appreciated that the author doesn’t instantly send her to a Damascus moment but instead takes her through some baby steps toward healing the wounds she’s carried alone for much too long. I look forward to continuing this journey with her in future books.
The mystery is also complicated with several plausible suspects, intriguing layers, and unexpected twists. It dives into police procedure as well as being a solid whodunnit, and I loved trying to piece together the puzzle along with Abbey and Tidwell. While I accurately guessed one aspect of the answer before they did, I definitely was keeping pace with the detectives for the rest of it, not figuring it out until they were doing so too. I also enjoyed looking at the different divisions of a city’s police force and their interpersonal dynamics, especially as Abbey still has a friendly relationship with the precinct she left.
Bottom Line: Water Grave by Mitchell S. Karnes not only kept me engaged and entertained, it also introduced me to a new-to-me author. I really liked Abbey, the depth to her layers, and her determination to see justice done, and I enjoyed watching her interact with her partner Sam, her former precinct members, and even Pastor Mark’s kids. She’s a complex character, which makes this series one to follow, and I look forward to watching her personal and spiritual journey fully unfold across future books. The mystery intrigued me from the beginning, and I only grew more invested in it as the story progressed. While there were a couple of similar-to-each-other things that happened that felt unnecessary, overall the pace kept me reading steadily to the end and I enjoyed the ride. Fans of authors like Nancy Mehl, Rick Acker, and Colleen Coble will want to read Water Grave too!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower
February 24, 2025
Mitchell Karnes' newest novel, Water Grave, is a gripping and immersive detective thriller that keeps readers engaged from start to finish. The story follows Abbey Rhodes, a young Nashville-based detective who is handed a case that deeply challenges her both professionally and personally.
Karnes masterfully propels the story forward, incorporating unexpected twists and turns that maintain suspense throughout. His integration of Biblical themes is both fresh and thought-provoking, adding depth to Abbey’s struggles with faith and belief. While themes of God’s love, grace, and forgiveness are ever-present, they are woven into the narrative in a way that feels natural rather than forceful.
As someone who grew up in a church similar to Living Water Church in East Nashville, I found the descriptions and characters incredibly authentic, making the setting and interactions feel even more lifelike.
One minor drawback of the novel is the recurring theme of Abbey doubting herself or acting younger than her age. While this likely serves to emphasize her inexperience as a detective with a complicated past, her background suggests she might exhibit a more mature demeanor. That said, her internal struggles make her a relatable and compelling protagonist.
Overall, Water Grave excels as both a detective thriller—complete with multiple murder investigations—and as a poignant exploration of a young woman who has become disillusioned with the church and distanced from God over the past decade. Her journey toward rediscovering faith is compelling and heartfelt. If this novel marks the beginning of a series, I eagerly anticipate seeing Abbey’s growth, both in her career as a detective and in her spiritual journey.
Well done, Mitchell Karnes!
Karnes masterfully propels the story forward, incorporating unexpected twists and turns that maintain suspense throughout. His integration of Biblical themes is both fresh and thought-provoking, adding depth to Abbey’s struggles with faith and belief. While themes of God’s love, grace, and forgiveness are ever-present, they are woven into the narrative in a way that feels natural rather than forceful.
As someone who grew up in a church similar to Living Water Church in East Nashville, I found the descriptions and characters incredibly authentic, making the setting and interactions feel even more lifelike.
One minor drawback of the novel is the recurring theme of Abbey doubting herself or acting younger than her age. While this likely serves to emphasize her inexperience as a detective with a complicated past, her background suggests she might exhibit a more mature demeanor. That said, her internal struggles make her a relatable and compelling protagonist.
Overall, Water Grave excels as both a detective thriller—complete with multiple murder investigations—and as a poignant exploration of a young woman who has become disillusioned with the church and distanced from God over the past decade. Her journey toward rediscovering faith is compelling and heartfelt. If this novel marks the beginning of a series, I eagerly anticipate seeing Abbey’s growth, both in her career as a detective and in her spiritual journey.
Well done, Mitchell Karnes!
April 3, 2025
A surprisingly enjoyable read that left me wanting more. Can’t wait to see what the series will bring.
Hannah Leah Abelard decided she needed a new start six years ago and so she changed her name to Abbey Rhodes, joined the army, and learned the ins and outs of becoming a cop. Using the knowledge she gains from this experience, she moves to join the Metro Nashville’s Police Department. She is with the homicide department, and she has spent all her energy trying to keep the walls she has built around herself from crashing down. More than anything she wants to leave her past behind and move on but when she is called to a case at a church with a young pastor is killed it might bring up all the secrets she has tried to keep buried.
This book was a great one for me to pick up in the middle of a reading slump. I enjoyed this book from beginning to end. There were great twists and turns, and it is set up to be a great series. A bit of a slow start to grab my attention and motivation to care for Abbey but once I did I was greatly invested in her and wanting to see her have a happy outcome. This was a good clean thriller that even though it dealt with hard subject matter; it wasn’t one to shy away from. Readers will find this story a very enjoyable read with hopefully many more to come in the series
I received a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.
Hannah Leah Abelard decided she needed a new start six years ago and so she changed her name to Abbey Rhodes, joined the army, and learned the ins and outs of becoming a cop. Using the knowledge she gains from this experience, she moves to join the Metro Nashville’s Police Department. She is with the homicide department, and she has spent all her energy trying to keep the walls she has built around herself from crashing down. More than anything she wants to leave her past behind and move on but when she is called to a case at a church with a young pastor is killed it might bring up all the secrets she has tried to keep buried.
This book was a great one for me to pick up in the middle of a reading slump. I enjoyed this book from beginning to end. There were great twists and turns, and it is set up to be a great series. A bit of a slow start to grab my attention and motivation to care for Abbey but once I did I was greatly invested in her and wanting to see her have a happy outcome. This was a good clean thriller that even though it dealt with hard subject matter; it wasn’t one to shy away from. Readers will find this story a very enjoyable read with hopefully many more to come in the series
I received a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.
Read
February 12, 2025Water Grave is the first book in the Abbey Rhodes mystery book series. Abbey has been working in Homicide for the last 3 months, so she is still fairly new to the job to say the least. And Abbey has a partner named Detective Tidwell who helps her adjust to the job and also is kind of like a mentor figure to her about police work. Abby is a relatable character in this book as she is our FMC. I liked her immediately as a reader. She is smart and really seems to know her job as a detective.
Tidwell and Abbey are called to a murder scene at a local church where the church pastor is found murdered. Something just doesn't add up to Abbey and she is not a fan of churches in general due to her past. I can relate to that a lot, which is another reason I loved Abbey as a character. I also found the part where Abbey talks about the 'Water Grave' which is the title of the story very interesting. I had never heard that phrase before! We get some views into the past of Abbey as the story goes on and we get to hear who murdered pastor Mark and also what really happened to Abbey when she was younger and why she hates the church. This was a very engaging read, and I highly recommend this one to fans of mysteries and also religious reads, as there is quite a bit of religion in this book!
Tidwell and Abbey are called to a murder scene at a local church where the church pastor is found murdered. Something just doesn't add up to Abbey and she is not a fan of churches in general due to her past. I can relate to that a lot, which is another reason I loved Abbey as a character. I also found the part where Abbey talks about the 'Water Grave' which is the title of the story very interesting. I had never heard that phrase before! We get some views into the past of Abbey as the story goes on and we get to hear who murdered pastor Mark and also what really happened to Abbey when she was younger and why she hates the church. This was a very engaging read, and I highly recommend this one to fans of mysteries and also religious reads, as there is quite a bit of religion in this book!
February 16, 2025
This is a very interesting mystery. It is almost an adult coming of age novel as Abbey is a flawed character who must face and conquer past trauma. She is assigned to investigate the murder of a pastor when she herself was sexually abused by a pastor as a young teen. She must work out her own feelings or she might destroy her job and future. She struggles with the whole idea of a good God who loves and cares for her.
I am always fascinated when an author writes the main character of the opposite sex. Karnes did a pretty good job of creating a female heroine with feelings of hurt yet the determination to succeed, to make it through. I like how Abbey was able to help others because of her own experiences. Her interaction with Aaron was the only aspect of her character that did not seem right to me.
The murder plot was good. Karnes created a number of possible villains, some of whom had strong feeling because of the changes the new pastor was making. There was a twist at the end that was a bit shocking but actually fit the spiritual intensity of this novel.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book through Partners in Crime Book Tours. My comments are an independent and honest review.
I am always fascinated when an author writes the main character of the opposite sex. Karnes did a pretty good job of creating a female heroine with feelings of hurt yet the determination to succeed, to make it through. I like how Abbey was able to help others because of her own experiences. Her interaction with Aaron was the only aspect of her character that did not seem right to me.
The murder plot was good. Karnes created a number of possible villains, some of whom had strong feeling because of the changes the new pastor was making. There was a twist at the end that was a bit shocking but actually fit the spiritual intensity of this novel.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book through Partners in Crime Book Tours. My comments are an independent and honest review.
January 24, 2026
Great story, combining mystery, drama, and faith
A great mystery with a lot of twists and turns. Woven throughout the story is the story of God's love and what that looks like in the real world. I read the book straight through in one day and never guessed the ending. I can't wait for the next book!
A great mystery with a lot of twists and turns. Woven throughout the story is the story of God's love and what that looks like in the real world. I read the book straight through in one day and never guessed the ending. I can't wait for the next book!
February 15, 2025
Water Grave
An Abbey Rhodes Mystery Volume 1
Mitchell S. Karnes
01/29/2025
Detective Abbey Rhodes has spent years burying and hiding her past – even changing her name. But why? As the story progresses, we get little pieces of the puzzle which, for me, made Abbey more relatable and the kind of character that you will continue to cheer on. At the end of Water Grave I immediately want to see what she does next.
Abbey has only been working homicide with the Nashville Police Department for three months and is placed with Detective Tidwell when they are called to a homicide investigation at a local church. The new pastor was apparently murdered and was found in the baptistry. When Tidwell and Rhodes start interviewing and investigating this church has more problems than what one would expect.
Water Grave has all of the elements that I love in crime fiction. We have a flawed but relatable protagonist, supporting characters that are fleshed out as well, a linear timeline, unexpected twists, an urgency to solve the crime, red herrings and our villain will get their comeuppance.
Mitchell S. Karnes is an author to watch in the future and I cannot wait for the next book in this series.
BLURB
Six years ago, Hannah Leah Abelard needed a fresh start. She changed her name to Abbey Rhodes and enlisted in the United States Army as a part of the "Ever Vigilant," 18th Military Police Brigade. They taught her how to be a great cop. Abbey moved to Tennessee three years later and joined Metro Nashville's Police Department.
Now, in her third month with Homicide, Abbey is thrust into a case that may bring the walls she built crashing down around her, exposing a dark past she thought she'd left behind. A young pastor is found dead in the bottom of his baptistery and Abbey is forced to investigate the one place she swore never to return—the church. The case takes Abbey deeper into a tangled web of lies and secrets where the most dangerous ones may be her own.
An Abbey Rhodes Mystery Volume 1
Mitchell S. Karnes
01/29/2025
Detective Abbey Rhodes has spent years burying and hiding her past – even changing her name. But why? As the story progresses, we get little pieces of the puzzle which, for me, made Abbey more relatable and the kind of character that you will continue to cheer on. At the end of Water Grave I immediately want to see what she does next.
Abbey has only been working homicide with the Nashville Police Department for three months and is placed with Detective Tidwell when they are called to a homicide investigation at a local church. The new pastor was apparently murdered and was found in the baptistry. When Tidwell and Rhodes start interviewing and investigating this church has more problems than what one would expect.
Water Grave has all of the elements that I love in crime fiction. We have a flawed but relatable protagonist, supporting characters that are fleshed out as well, a linear timeline, unexpected twists, an urgency to solve the crime, red herrings and our villain will get their comeuppance.
Mitchell S. Karnes is an author to watch in the future and I cannot wait for the next book in this series.
BLURB
Six years ago, Hannah Leah Abelard needed a fresh start. She changed her name to Abbey Rhodes and enlisted in the United States Army as a part of the "Ever Vigilant," 18th Military Police Brigade. They taught her how to be a great cop. Abbey moved to Tennessee three years later and joined Metro Nashville's Police Department.
Now, in her third month with Homicide, Abbey is thrust into a case that may bring the walls she built crashing down around her, exposing a dark past she thought she'd left behind. A young pastor is found dead in the bottom of his baptistery and Abbey is forced to investigate the one place she swore never to return—the church. The case takes Abbey deeper into a tangled web of lies and secrets where the most dangerous ones may be her own.
February 16, 2025
Abbey Rhodes is a new Homicide detective in the Nashville police department. This was her dream job after learning to be a great cop in the US Army. She's sharp but she has some painful memories in her past that she keeps to herself. She's the partner of Sam Treadwell, a detective with a lot of years of experience but who seems happy cutting corners and not investigating enough when he makes his arrests. The case that they get assigned to involves a minister who is killed and the need to investigate many members of the church leadership. The fact that it involves a church is a trigger for Abbey and reminds her of the reason that she left her family and her minister father.
Abbey was an interesting and well written main character. She's a very complex character - very strong when dealing with suspects but also very soft when dealing with children and her friends. She doesn't want to share her past with anyone but it really affects her especially in a case like this one that involves a church and its pastor. She had promised herself years before that she'd never return to a church. Sam was also a complex character. Even though he appears to take the easy way out it all makes sense when his past is revealed. The partner relationship between Abbey and Sam starts out very rocky but trust gradually grows between the two of them. Can they become friends as well as partners?
This book was full of twists and turns. Just when I thought that I'd figured out who the killer was, more information would come to light that showed me how wrong I was. I didn't know who was guilty until the very end and it was a very satisfying ending.
Water Grave appears to be the first book of a new series featuring Abbey Rhodes. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading future adventures with this character.
Abbey was an interesting and well written main character. She's a very complex character - very strong when dealing with suspects but also very soft when dealing with children and her friends. She doesn't want to share her past with anyone but it really affects her especially in a case like this one that involves a church and its pastor. She had promised herself years before that she'd never return to a church. Sam was also a complex character. Even though he appears to take the easy way out it all makes sense when his past is revealed. The partner relationship between Abbey and Sam starts out very rocky but trust gradually grows between the two of them. Can they become friends as well as partners?
This book was full of twists and turns. Just when I thought that I'd figured out who the killer was, more information would come to light that showed me how wrong I was. I didn't know who was guilty until the very end and it was a very satisfying ending.
Water Grave appears to be the first book of a new series featuring Abbey Rhodes. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading future adventures with this character.
March 27, 2025
𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐃 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐈𝐅 𝐘𝐎𝐔
📖 want to binge an amazing read
🕵🏻♀️ enjoy reading about women detectives
✝️ like to read Christian based thrillers
❤️ love likable characters
• 𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐈𝐓’𝐒 𝐀𝐁𝐎𝐔𝐓
Six years ago, Hannah Leah Abelard needed a fresh start. She changed her name to Abbey Rhodes and enlisted in the United States Army as a part of the “Ever Vigilant,” 18th Military Police Brigade. They taught her how to be a great cop. Abbey moved to Tennessee three years later and joined Metro Nashville’s Police Department.
Now, in her third month with Homicide, Abbey is thrust into a case that may bring the walls she built crashing down around her, exposing a dark past she thought she’d left behind. A young pastor is found dead in the bottom of his baptistery and Abbey is forced to investigate the one place she swore never to return-the church. The case takes Abbey deeper into a tangled web of lies and secrets where the most dangerous ones may be her own.
• 𝐌𝐘 𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒
This was a fun one to read. As a Christian, it was a bit tough at times, seeing Abbey grapple with her faith or lack thereof, and her contempt for church people, but she worked through the trauma to solve the case. I was rooting for her through the entire story. I also loved how they discussed the fact that she was one of only 2 women working the precinct and showed everyone she was a force to be reckoned with. The mystery, puzzles, and twists all kept me on my toes, and I was blown away by the ending. I can’t wait to continue this series!
📖 want to binge an amazing read
🕵🏻♀️ enjoy reading about women detectives
✝️ like to read Christian based thrillers
❤️ love likable characters
• 𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐈𝐓’𝐒 𝐀𝐁𝐎𝐔𝐓
Six years ago, Hannah Leah Abelard needed a fresh start. She changed her name to Abbey Rhodes and enlisted in the United States Army as a part of the “Ever Vigilant,” 18th Military Police Brigade. They taught her how to be a great cop. Abbey moved to Tennessee three years later and joined Metro Nashville’s Police Department.
Now, in her third month with Homicide, Abbey is thrust into a case that may bring the walls she built crashing down around her, exposing a dark past she thought she’d left behind. A young pastor is found dead in the bottom of his baptistery and Abbey is forced to investigate the one place she swore never to return-the church. The case takes Abbey deeper into a tangled web of lies and secrets where the most dangerous ones may be her own.
• 𝐌𝐘 𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒
This was a fun one to read. As a Christian, it was a bit tough at times, seeing Abbey grapple with her faith or lack thereof, and her contempt for church people, but she worked through the trauma to solve the case. I was rooting for her through the entire story. I also loved how they discussed the fact that she was one of only 2 women working the precinct and showed everyone she was a force to be reckoned with. The mystery, puzzles, and twists all kept me on my toes, and I was blown away by the ending. I can’t wait to continue this series!
February 13, 2025
Water Grave by Mitchell S. Karnes is a fabulous beginning to an incredible new series! I am very happy this is a series versus a single book. Water Grave is a suspenseful mystery that has hidden secrets, danger, and murder. I loved the main character, Abbey Rhodes. She is a strong, independent, and clever woman. Her background as a military police brigade lead her to be the fantastic police woman she is now. The book gives us an inside scoop into the main character, her history, and a taste of what will this series will be like. For fans of Agatha Christie, Anthony Horowitz, and Sandra Brown will love this epic journey. Intrigue will get the best of the readers just like it did for me. I also, enjoyed how realistic the cast of characters were especially Aaron. What a piece of work that guy was! I cannot wait to see what rouble he tries to stir in the next book! Abbey is the greatest female detective ever. Overall, Mitchell Karnes has the magical ability to pull in his readers deep inside his world of fiction. Phenomenal writing.
I received this copy from the publisher. This is my voluntary review.
I received this copy from the publisher. This is my voluntary review.
February 19, 2025
Water Grave is the first book in the Detective Abbey Rhodes Mysteries. Starting right out with the murder, Water Grave continues the intensity throughout the, investigation into who would want the pastor dead, the tangled mystery, and revelation of dark secrets common not only to the case, but also Abbey's past. The murder of the pastor threatens to consume Abbey, as well as, possibly blow her former life wide open.
Abbey is an amazing character. She's strong and passionate but also human and delicate. Her delicate side isn't a weakness, it makes her relatable. Abbey's experiences with organized religion has left her jaded and this case is triggering for her. I loved watchin her throughout the story as she showcases competence. She's wonderfully written, complex, and 3-dimensional.
This novel completely engulfed me and took me on a wild ride through Nashville's religious underbelly. I tend to avoid religion-based books (for my own personal reasons) but after reading what this book was about, I knew I had to give a whirl. I'm glad I did. The story flowed well, had dynamic characters, and engrossing content.
Abbey is an amazing character. She's strong and passionate but also human and delicate. Her delicate side isn't a weakness, it makes her relatable. Abbey's experiences with organized religion has left her jaded and this case is triggering for her. I loved watchin her throughout the story as she showcases competence. She's wonderfully written, complex, and 3-dimensional.
This novel completely engulfed me and took me on a wild ride through Nashville's religious underbelly. I tend to avoid religion-based books (for my own personal reasons) but after reading what this book was about, I knew I had to give a whirl. I'm glad I did. The story flowed well, had dynamic characters, and engrossing content.
March 5, 2025
Detective Abbey Rhodes is new on the job when she and her partner, Sam, are called to a church to solve what appears to be the murder of the church’s pastor found in the baptistery.
Being raised in the church and having had horrible trauma, the case causes Abbey to relive too many dark memories. But if she is going to find the murderer, she needs to stay focused before someone else gets hurt.
I enjoyed the protagonist, Abbey Rhodes. She is strong and intuitive, yet she is also vulnerable. Her dynamic with Sam, a rough-around-the-edges detective, was fun to watch as they evolved into true partners. The insights into Abbey’s backstory and her complex relationship with the church added depth to her character.
Abbey and Sam's investigation led them down a path filled with several suspects, adding suspense and intrigue. The story is a compelling blend of mystery, drama, and faith, but the shocking twists kept me reading, eager to uncover the truth.
Thank you @tlcbooktours @mitchellskarnesauthor and @wordcraftspublisher for a gifted book.
March 24, 2025
I thought the writing the mystery of Water Grave was well done. It flowed well and the plot kept the reader guessing. At the same time, I would add a trigger warning for those readers who may be sensitive to sexual assault as there are several references to it throughout the book in various ways. I also thought there were some portions of the book that were more graphic than similar suspense books with regards to the murder mystery element. One character also deals with mental illness. Both main characters have some issues from previous traumas. I am not a fan of reading graphic scenes and I am not a real fan of psychological suspense. Again, I thought that the book was well-written but it just wasn't my type of book that I like to read right now so I probably would not go on in this series. Faith is certainly a part of the book in various ways through different characters and it is shown in various lights. At the back of the book, there are
March 1, 2025
This was an easy read for me. It's the type of book you start reading and the next thing you know you're on the last page. Abbey is a flawed but likable character. Sam is also an interesting character. I didn't know how I felt about him at first but once his past was explained everything made sense. It will be interesting to see how things turn out between them. The story is a nice blend of mystery, suspense, and a touch of faith and overall an entertaining and interesting read! Thank you Partners in Crime Tours and Mitchell S. Karnes for sharing this book with me!
March 3, 2025
Water Grave is a fantastically mysterious police procedural Christian suspense/thriller. It is very character driven with lots of likeable and relatable characters. The message of faith - questioning it, rediscovering it and receiving God’s abundant love and protection - is a nice “feel good” aspect to this otherwise darker mystery.
While it is slower paced it felt like a quick read because I didn’t want to put it down. I knew some of the twist ahead of time but there were so many more layers to it than I could have anticipated and that made it fabulously surprising and tense. This the first book in a new series and I’m excited to read more!
While it is slower paced it felt like a quick read because I didn’t want to put it down. I knew some of the twist ahead of time but there were so many more layers to it than I could have anticipated and that made it fabulously surprising and tense. This the first book in a new series and I’m excited to read more!
April 21, 2025
It was a great story. It was interesting and a joy to read a murder mystery with a Christian theme and to show God’s healing at work with troubled people who are the main characters . I look forward to many stories in this series since this was billed as the first in the series.
May 29, 2025
phenomenal story. i got to meet the author and I bought this from him because it sounded intriguing and I have not read a lot of mysteries. the twist!!!! the development of the story is so intriguing you don't want to put it down. highly reccomend. i hope there's another book!
February 11, 2025
Water Grave is a great story, perfect for mystery lovers! Abbey Rhodes is a dynamic character, and I found myself rooting for her from the start. Through twist and turns, we follow the detective on a roller coaster of a case that hooks you in and don’t let go! I definitely recommend this book.
November 20, 2025
Great debut for this new police detective mystery series!
Water Grave is the first book in author Mitchell S. Karnes's new mystery series featuring Detective Abbey Rhodes of the Nashville, Tennessee, Homicide Division. When the body of a dynamic young pastor is discovered in the church's baptistery, rookie Detective Abbey Rhodes and her senior partner, Detective Sam Tidwell, are assigned to determine the killer. However, their early disagreement over the direction the case should take makes for an uneasy pairing and heated conflict. Abbey must decide between disobeying orders, following her instincts, and pursuing additional leads, or going along with what she feels is a hastily identified perpetrator who she believes is innocent.
I really liked Abbey, the main character with a complicated past and conflicted conscience. The child of missionary parents, a tragic childhood has pushed her away from her family and her faith, in fact, all vestiges of organized religion. However, it is the events of the past that have shaped her future and initiated her deep need to seek out the truth and justice for others. As the fresh, green detective, she shares the attitude of others new to their careers, believing that their more recent training outstrips the knowledge of their older coworkers. Still, she quickly recognized that she had more to learn from her older partner. Her relationship with her mentor/partner, Sam, is complicated; she thinks he's coasting and taking the easiest way to case closure, and he thinks she's too young and inexperienced. But the truth of what's coloring Sam's attitude toward Abbey is a surprising twist.The plot progresses quickly, with the murder occurring right away and a suspect identified, arrested, and charged soon after – all on circumstantial evidence. The investigation is a steady police procedural even after Abbey is ordered off further inquiry into the case. The story's perspective alternates between Abbey's first-person narrative and third-person viewpoints, giving the reader a more complete picture of what is happening. Abbey's past is slowly revealed in bits and pieces, and it kept me wondering for quite a while. There are a number of suspects in the murder to start with, but alibis and subsequent plot twists help eliminate some and put forward others, which kept me guessing until almost the final resolution.
I recommend WATER GRAVE to mystery readers who enjoy police procedural-style stories and strong female protagonists.I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advance Review Copy from the author through Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours.
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