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Pendant: A Novel of Mystery and Suspense
A field trip gone awry. A student gone missing.
Haunted by her student's disappearance for more than a decade, Elaine finally stumbles onto a vital clue, only to discover someone will do anything to keep the truth buried. When her life is threatened, she allows the one person she trusts to whisk her away to Texas for safety. But assuming a false identity and hiding among the quirky residents of a nursing home is not what she had in mind.
Now Elaine must solve the mystery from afar, as soon as she figures out if her friend is keeping her from danger, or the truth.
If you enjoy gripping suspense with a touch of faith, you’ll love this warm-hearted debut mystery by Mary “M L” Hamilton. Start listening today!
Haunted by her student's disappearance for more than a decade, Elaine finally stumbles onto a vital clue, only to discover someone will do anything to keep the truth buried. When her life is threatened, she allows the one person she trusts to whisk her away to Texas for safety. But assuming a false identity and hiding among the quirky residents of a nursing home is not what she had in mind.
Now Elaine must solve the mystery from afar, as soon as she figures out if her friend is keeping her from danger, or the truth.
If you enjoy gripping suspense with a touch of faith, you’ll love this warm-hearted debut mystery by Mary “M L” Hamilton. Start listening today!
Audible Audio
Published March 6, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
September 25, 2018
Review Title: Pendant Found---Girl Still Missing (review of Pendant by M. L. Hamilton)
Reviewer: Janice S. Garey
***** 5 Stars
This fast paced mystery will keep you guessing and pulling for the protagonist, Elaine Sutterfeld, throughout the pages. All the characters draw you in to spend time getting to know them. Just enough backstory emerges so the reader can glimpse the driving motives of the bad guy, a perfect antagonist. Elaine has a formidable problem in not knowing who she can trust. That factor really raises the tension and suspense.
The characterizations in the novel are outstanding. I did not want the book to end, and I think roots are established to continue onward with these character's stories. The plot has a good resolution which shows that despite tragic events life goes on. Those who suffer are able to help those who suffer similarly. As in real life, some of the characters have rejected faith in God and others are believers. A small portion of the book is involved with things of a religious nature. Those uninterested in that aspect can easily skip over it to the rest of the story. The whodunit should appeal to anyone no matter which side of the fence you are on.
The fun part of the mystery is being a sideline detective trying to solve a case. This story does not disappoint with its doling out of clues. You will find yourself thoroughly engaged trying to solve the crimes. I highly recommend this book for those who appreciate mystery and suspense. Since the subject matter dips slightly into sex trafficking, I suggest this book for mature Young Adult and older readers. It is not graphic in any form, but the subject could be difficult for younger readers to grasp.
The reading aloud of this novel on Audible enhanced the story as the professional reader had all the voice parts down as believable. The characters came alive in our car as we listened on our commute. I liked it so much that I purchased a Kindle copy, too.
I received the Audible copy as a thank you for doing a reader survey from the author. I had no obligation to listen or review the book. I could have given it to someone else. I chose to listen and now have written my honest review based on my enjoyment of this author's story.
Reviewer: Janice S. Garey
***** 5 Stars
This fast paced mystery will keep you guessing and pulling for the protagonist, Elaine Sutterfeld, throughout the pages. All the characters draw you in to spend time getting to know them. Just enough backstory emerges so the reader can glimpse the driving motives of the bad guy, a perfect antagonist. Elaine has a formidable problem in not knowing who she can trust. That factor really raises the tension and suspense.
The characterizations in the novel are outstanding. I did not want the book to end, and I think roots are established to continue onward with these character's stories. The plot has a good resolution which shows that despite tragic events life goes on. Those who suffer are able to help those who suffer similarly. As in real life, some of the characters have rejected faith in God and others are believers. A small portion of the book is involved with things of a religious nature. Those uninterested in that aspect can easily skip over it to the rest of the story. The whodunit should appeal to anyone no matter which side of the fence you are on.
The fun part of the mystery is being a sideline detective trying to solve a case. This story does not disappoint with its doling out of clues. You will find yourself thoroughly engaged trying to solve the crimes. I highly recommend this book for those who appreciate mystery and suspense. Since the subject matter dips slightly into sex trafficking, I suggest this book for mature Young Adult and older readers. It is not graphic in any form, but the subject could be difficult for younger readers to grasp.
The reading aloud of this novel on Audible enhanced the story as the professional reader had all the voice parts down as believable. The characters came alive in our car as we listened on our commute. I liked it so much that I purchased a Kindle copy, too.
I received the Audible copy as a thank you for doing a reader survey from the author. I had no obligation to listen or review the book. I could have given it to someone else. I chose to listen and now have written my honest review based on my enjoyment of this author's story.
June 3, 2018
Such a great book! I hated putting it down. Elaine's story captured my heart. My familiarity with both the Chicago and the Waco, TX, area added an even deeper enjoyment to this mystery novel that has so many qualities: 1) characters who seem to breathe from the page, whom you care about, which only makes the twists and turns more suspenseful; 2) a nice balance of roller-coaster tension and engaging and emotional character development and interaction; 3) a meaningful Christian element; 4) description that brings you fully into the setting; 5) a satisfying ending . . . and I could add more.
My favorite characters were Anthony and Ruby (and of course Elaine), but each of the people in these pages felt real and rounded. Although Elaine didn't do much detective work, the mystery embroiled her and its solution hinged on her. I loved the fact that she hid out in an assisted living home and met so many interesting people there. It was refreshing to read a book that didn't focus heavily on young unmarried women for a change. :) This novel is categorized as a cozy mystery, but it was a bit dark and sad in places and it's not lighthearted in the way that some cozy mysteries are, so be aware of that if you're looking for that type of book. It did have its funny and lighthearted moments, however.
Ms. Hamilton's writing captures life so well, and she sure knows how to spin a compelling and satisfying plot! I can't wait to read more books by her in this genre.
My favorite characters were Anthony and Ruby (and of course Elaine), but each of the people in these pages felt real and rounded. Although Elaine didn't do much detective work, the mystery embroiled her and its solution hinged on her. I loved the fact that she hid out in an assisted living home and met so many interesting people there. It was refreshing to read a book that didn't focus heavily on young unmarried women for a change. :) This novel is categorized as a cozy mystery, but it was a bit dark and sad in places and it's not lighthearted in the way that some cozy mysteries are, so be aware of that if you're looking for that type of book. It did have its funny and lighthearted moments, however.
Ms. Hamilton's writing captures life so well, and she sure knows how to spin a compelling and satisfying plot! I can't wait to read more books by her in this genre.
November 28, 2017
It has been 12 years since one of Elaine’s students disappeared on a class field trip and her life went spiraling down in shame and lost confidence. One day, she and her detective husband were discussing her upcoming birthday over breakfast when she discovered a clue to the unsolved case while skimming the newspaper.
There were so many questions surrounding the case because a body was never found and certain people seemed to want the case buried. Could the student still be alive? Her husband’s renewed probing stirs up trouble. He solved the case, but the cost may have been too high for Elaine, especially now that she cannot find the evidence he has left hidden on a disk, and someone seems to want her dead. Innocent people are being hurt so the pressure is on for her to find it to solve the mystery.
If you enjoy mysteries, I’m sure you will enjoy the recently released Pendant, a quick, intense novel by M. L. Hamilton.
For most of the story, we are in Elaine’s point of view; however, short chapters interspersed throughout get us into the mind of the killer, which leaves us feeling a bit alarmed when Elaine doesn’t recognize the danger she is in. From the start, Hamilton’s story is fast paced. Of course there are chapters when the story within the story helps us slow down just enough to catch our breath before the next complication.
The story is set in Chicago, Illinois, and in Waco, Texas. I like that Elaine is a lady we might know in our own neighborhood, reacting to what life is throwing at her much like I imagine many of us might react. The story made me think about corruption in some of our most trusted agencies and how careful we should be with familiar people whom we may not really know as well as we think we do. I also liked how she wrapped up the story. Despite troubling circumstances or difficult or devastating situations, people may still take away something good from it that can bless others.
I liked the assisted care living resident who prayed and planted seeds of hope for Elaine as she took on an alias. The descriptions of all the characters were well rounded and believable. Hamilton’s gift of writing allowed me to be immersed in the story, seeing the events played out in my imagination.
There were so many questions surrounding the case because a body was never found and certain people seemed to want the case buried. Could the student still be alive? Her husband’s renewed probing stirs up trouble. He solved the case, but the cost may have been too high for Elaine, especially now that she cannot find the evidence he has left hidden on a disk, and someone seems to want her dead. Innocent people are being hurt so the pressure is on for her to find it to solve the mystery.
If you enjoy mysteries, I’m sure you will enjoy the recently released Pendant, a quick, intense novel by M. L. Hamilton.
For most of the story, we are in Elaine’s point of view; however, short chapters interspersed throughout get us into the mind of the killer, which leaves us feeling a bit alarmed when Elaine doesn’t recognize the danger she is in. From the start, Hamilton’s story is fast paced. Of course there are chapters when the story within the story helps us slow down just enough to catch our breath before the next complication.
The story is set in Chicago, Illinois, and in Waco, Texas. I like that Elaine is a lady we might know in our own neighborhood, reacting to what life is throwing at her much like I imagine many of us might react. The story made me think about corruption in some of our most trusted agencies and how careful we should be with familiar people whom we may not really know as well as we think we do. I also liked how she wrapped up the story. Despite troubling circumstances or difficult or devastating situations, people may still take away something good from it that can bless others.
I liked the assisted care living resident who prayed and planted seeds of hope for Elaine as she took on an alias. The descriptions of all the characters were well rounded and believable. Hamilton’s gift of writing allowed me to be immersed in the story, seeing the events played out in my imagination.
February 23, 2018
I don't know how long it's been since I enjoyed a mystery so much. Thank you, M. L. Hamilton, for a truly great book. So good I kept telling myself to quit at the end of this chapter for the night, and kept ignoring my own instructions.
Elaine Sutterfield had been a teacher, and a pretty good one at that. But that was before 13-year-old Jenny disappeared. It had been twelve years since the school dismissed Elaine for not taking good enough care of the students under her care on a field trip. She had been declared innocent at her trial. Her husband Roy's boyhood friend, Ted Owens, then a defense lawyer, had been brilliant in defending her. Now he was a judge in the Juvenile Courts, and responsible for setting up a city-wide program in Chicago to keep kids out of gangs.
Elaine spotted a newspaper article that named a young girl as recipient of an award for the anti-gang program. The picture of the girl choked Elaine Sutterfield up--literally. She inhaled coffee when she spotted the pendant the girl was wearing ... the same homemade carved wooden pendant the missing Jenny had been wearing the day she disappeared. When she could talk again, she pointed out the pendant to Roy. Roy was a police detective, and it had been his passionate hope to solve it for twelve long years.
He never told Lainie--his pet name for her--where he was going or how long he'd be. He is killed in a car wreck on his way home -- after he phones to tell her he knew who it was and hoped the man would voluntarily come forward. And then their house burns down.
A neighbor--also a cop--takes Elaine with him when he goes to visit his mother in Texas. She should be safe there, right?
Find out by purchasing from Amazon or Barnes and Noble. You won't be sorry.
I was given a free copy of this book by the author, but the opinions and evaluations are my own.
Elaine Sutterfield had been a teacher, and a pretty good one at that. But that was before 13-year-old Jenny disappeared. It had been twelve years since the school dismissed Elaine for not taking good enough care of the students under her care on a field trip. She had been declared innocent at her trial. Her husband Roy's boyhood friend, Ted Owens, then a defense lawyer, had been brilliant in defending her. Now he was a judge in the Juvenile Courts, and responsible for setting up a city-wide program in Chicago to keep kids out of gangs.
Elaine spotted a newspaper article that named a young girl as recipient of an award for the anti-gang program. The picture of the girl choked Elaine Sutterfield up--literally. She inhaled coffee when she spotted the pendant the girl was wearing ... the same homemade carved wooden pendant the missing Jenny had been wearing the day she disappeared. When she could talk again, she pointed out the pendant to Roy. Roy was a police detective, and it had been his passionate hope to solve it for twelve long years.
He never told Lainie--his pet name for her--where he was going or how long he'd be. He is killed in a car wreck on his way home -- after he phones to tell her he knew who it was and hoped the man would voluntarily come forward. And then their house burns down.
A neighbor--also a cop--takes Elaine with him when he goes to visit his mother in Texas. She should be safe there, right?
Find out by purchasing from Amazon or Barnes and Noble. You won't be sorry.
I was given a free copy of this book by the author, but the opinions and evaluations are my own.
December 15, 2021
Author M.L. Hamilton grabs the reader from the first line. She masterfully weaves the love between Elaine and Roy and their decades long marriage as key to this mystery. Elaine’s loss of a promising student, Jenny, from a class 12-years before caused her to quit teaching. She retreated into a self-imposed prison of guilt with Roy her rock of support. Roy had been a detective with Chicago’s finest but lost his job in pursuit of solving the case of Jenny. He supports his wife working as a private detective. Their lifestyle is simple in suburbia with Elaine a gifted gardener.
Insight into the isolation Elaine’s created shows up early in this story told in first person. It compelled me to continue if only to learn why her attitude. I found out that was just the starting hook compelling me to finish a book I was barely able to put down.
Laruen called my name as I reached my front door. Now that the mommy committee dispersed, she hurried along the sidewalk waving an envelop in the air.
“I meant to run this over to you yesterday, but I didn’t get a chance. The mail carrier left it in our box by mistake. Might be junk, but I thought it looked like a real letter.” She handed me the envelope. I didn’t recognize the address, but I thanked her and pushed the door open.
“Oh, before you go—” Lauren held out her hand, then drew her finger to her mouth and nipped at her fingernail. “Didn’t you used to teach math?”
“Yes.” I transferred the letter to the same hand as the newspaper and tried to think how I might dodge the request that was sure to come.
“I wondered; would you be willing to tutor Emma? She really struggles with math, and I’m not very patient when it comes to helping her….”
The story section above, continues with Elaine’s excuse to avoid being responsible for a student—ever again. Over the subsequent breakfast with Roy, they share the newspaper when an article catches Elaine’s attention. The photo of the featured girl shows her wearing a necklace with a pendant Elaine believes was Jenny’s. It’s distinctive because Jenny’s father is an accomplished artisan.
Author Hamilton layers the story adding on the efforts Roy makes to try to solve the case. The tragedy that impacts Elaine bring her the realization that someone doesn’t want the case pursued. The suspense rises with each roadblock escalating at a breakneck speed. Elaine flees to Texas with the help of a police officer neighbor and friend with a daughter. Roy treated Anthony like a son and helped him when he lost his wife. He proves himself a valued friend.
This page-turning-mystery drove me to non-stop reading to find out the culprit and why. I enjoyed all the layers that built upon one another to a surprising end. The faith building added to Elaine in a way that opened her eyes. This was my first venture into the work of M.L. Hamilton, and I highly recommend the story and the author. Great for curling up over the holidays to laugh, cry, yell, and appreciate hope.
Insight into the isolation Elaine’s created shows up early in this story told in first person. It compelled me to continue if only to learn why her attitude. I found out that was just the starting hook compelling me to finish a book I was barely able to put down.
Laruen called my name as I reached my front door. Now that the mommy committee dispersed, she hurried along the sidewalk waving an envelop in the air.
“I meant to run this over to you yesterday, but I didn’t get a chance. The mail carrier left it in our box by mistake. Might be junk, but I thought it looked like a real letter.” She handed me the envelope. I didn’t recognize the address, but I thanked her and pushed the door open.
“Oh, before you go—” Lauren held out her hand, then drew her finger to her mouth and nipped at her fingernail. “Didn’t you used to teach math?”
“Yes.” I transferred the letter to the same hand as the newspaper and tried to think how I might dodge the request that was sure to come.
“I wondered; would you be willing to tutor Emma? She really struggles with math, and I’m not very patient when it comes to helping her….”
The story section above, continues with Elaine’s excuse to avoid being responsible for a student—ever again. Over the subsequent breakfast with Roy, they share the newspaper when an article catches Elaine’s attention. The photo of the featured girl shows her wearing a necklace with a pendant Elaine believes was Jenny’s. It’s distinctive because Jenny’s father is an accomplished artisan.
Author Hamilton layers the story adding on the efforts Roy makes to try to solve the case. The tragedy that impacts Elaine bring her the realization that someone doesn’t want the case pursued. The suspense rises with each roadblock escalating at a breakneck speed. Elaine flees to Texas with the help of a police officer neighbor and friend with a daughter. Roy treated Anthony like a son and helped him when he lost his wife. He proves himself a valued friend.
This page-turning-mystery drove me to non-stop reading to find out the culprit and why. I enjoyed all the layers that built upon one another to a surprising end. The faith building added to Elaine in a way that opened her eyes. This was my first venture into the work of M.L. Hamilton, and I highly recommend the story and the author. Great for curling up over the holidays to laugh, cry, yell, and appreciate hope.
July 12, 2018
( Format : Audiobook )
"Be strong, Lainie!"
A newspaper picture of a young girl, recently missing, caught the attention of Elaine. Not so much the girl herself, but the pendant she was wearing. She'd seen that pendant before.
Twelve years earlier, she had been a teacher and husband, Roy, a police detective when a girl in her charge had been lost from a group she was escorting. Never found, the girl had worn an identical necklace, custom made by her father. Both husband and wife lost their jobs over the disappearance, Elaine for actually losing the girl, Roy dismissed because he felt someone in authority had not wanted the girl found. Now, another missing youngster was wearing her pendant.
This nicely crafted and well written book is not so much an investigation into that initial disappearance as the consequences that follow after Roy does, indeed, find out who took her, although this is not revealed until quite late in the story. Instead it builds a picture of emotional friendship, trust, loyalty - and betrayal. Perhaps somewhat predictable, it is nevertheless is a thriller with tensions building as Lainie simply does not know who to trust. Characterisation is excellent, these three dimensional people growing ever more real as the story progresses.
This is additionally assisted by the excellent performance of narrator, Jenny Hoops, whose warm and pleasing voice captures the nuances of Elaine's emotion, the reading well paced and modulated. As well as becoming the voice of the main protagonist, she also breathes extra life, through the dialogue, to all of the other characters giving each very individual and appropriate voice, be they female or male.
My thanks to the rights holder of The Pendant, who, at my request via Audiobook Boom, freely gifted me a complimentary copy. Although I usually avoid stories of abducted children, this one felt different, a celebration of life and hope rather than wallowing in the depravity of the crime itself. Which isn't to say that excitement is missing - far from it - but it is the people who are formost and their relationships with each other.
"Be strong, Lainie!"
A newspaper picture of a young girl, recently missing, caught the attention of Elaine. Not so much the girl herself, but the pendant she was wearing. She'd seen that pendant before.
Twelve years earlier, she had been a teacher and husband, Roy, a police detective when a girl in her charge had been lost from a group she was escorting. Never found, the girl had worn an identical necklace, custom made by her father. Both husband and wife lost their jobs over the disappearance, Elaine for actually losing the girl, Roy dismissed because he felt someone in authority had not wanted the girl found. Now, another missing youngster was wearing her pendant.
This nicely crafted and well written book is not so much an investigation into that initial disappearance as the consequences that follow after Roy does, indeed, find out who took her, although this is not revealed until quite late in the story. Instead it builds a picture of emotional friendship, trust, loyalty - and betrayal. Perhaps somewhat predictable, it is nevertheless is a thriller with tensions building as Lainie simply does not know who to trust. Characterisation is excellent, these three dimensional people growing ever more real as the story progresses.
This is additionally assisted by the excellent performance of narrator, Jenny Hoops, whose warm and pleasing voice captures the nuances of Elaine's emotion, the reading well paced and modulated. As well as becoming the voice of the main protagonist, she also breathes extra life, through the dialogue, to all of the other characters giving each very individual and appropriate voice, be they female or male.
My thanks to the rights holder of The Pendant, who, at my request via Audiobook Boom, freely gifted me a complimentary copy. Although I usually avoid stories of abducted children, this one felt different, a celebration of life and hope rather than wallowing in the depravity of the crime itself. Which isn't to say that excitement is missing - far from it - but it is the people who are formost and their relationships with each other.
February 7, 2018
“Pendant” is the story of Elaine, a former school teacher who lost a student on a field trip and has been haunted by the memory for more than a decade. She and her husband, a police officer at the time of the abduction, lose their jobs over the incident.
After 12 years, a girl’s picture in the paper triggers memories as Elaine sees the pendant her student was wearing the day of the disappearance around the neck of the girl in the photograph prompting her husband to reopen his file and start investigating the case again.
As Elaine loses everything in her fight for justice, she fears for her own life and turns to her neighbor, a police officer, to help keep her out of danger, but can she trust him?
M.L. Hamilton has a way with words. She grabs your attention on the first page, but just as the action begins to pick up, the story seems to halt until the mystery is near resolution.
As much as I found the plot riveting, this would have made a better short story. The details about the retirement home where she was “hiding” is material for a separate book and was too much to include in this story.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Blue Mist Publishing, and Interviews and Reviews, as part of their Book Review Blogger Program. I was not required to write a review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
After 12 years, a girl’s picture in the paper triggers memories as Elaine sees the pendant her student was wearing the day of the disappearance around the neck of the girl in the photograph prompting her husband to reopen his file and start investigating the case again.
As Elaine loses everything in her fight for justice, she fears for her own life and turns to her neighbor, a police officer, to help keep her out of danger, but can she trust him?
M.L. Hamilton has a way with words. She grabs your attention on the first page, but just as the action begins to pick up, the story seems to halt until the mystery is near resolution.
As much as I found the plot riveting, this would have made a better short story. The details about the retirement home where she was “hiding” is material for a separate book and was too much to include in this story.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Blue Mist Publishing, and Interviews and Reviews, as part of their Book Review Blogger Program. I was not required to write a review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
September 20, 2020
I heard the blurb for this book in an ad and was immediately intrigued. As a teacher, the scenario of losing a student on a field trip really is one of the worst situations I can imagine.
The book was engaging. All the characters were well developed, and I cared what happened to them. The subplot worked well, and the story kept my attention. I appreciated that it was well edited.
However, I have to admit I was disappointed. Readers never actually get to see the scene where the girl disappeared from the field trip. Yes, that was years ago, but it would have been great to at least watch it happen in a memory or flashback, or perhaps a prologue. I mean, it was THE most significant event in the main character's life. I was also frustrated that the author missed several key opportunities to up the danger and suspense. For example (mild spoiler alert), it was foreshadowed that she would not be able to call a taxi from a certain place if she needed to, which made me assume she would eventually need to and not be able to. Sure enough, there was a time when she was in danger and should have tried to get out of there fast, but she never even thought about calling a taxi, let alone ended up with more problems because she couldn't.
Still, it was an enjoyable book. I wavered between giving it three or four stars but decided to round up.
The book was engaging. All the characters were well developed, and I cared what happened to them. The subplot worked well, and the story kept my attention. I appreciated that it was well edited.
However, I have to admit I was disappointed. Readers never actually get to see the scene where the girl disappeared from the field trip. Yes, that was years ago, but it would have been great to at least watch it happen in a memory or flashback, or perhaps a prologue. I mean, it was THE most significant event in the main character's life. I was also frustrated that the author missed several key opportunities to up the danger and suspense. For example (mild spoiler alert), it was foreshadowed that she would not be able to call a taxi from a certain place if she needed to, which made me assume she would eventually need to and not be able to. Sure enough, there was a time when she was in danger and should have tried to get out of there fast, but she never even thought about calling a taxi, let alone ended up with more problems because she couldn't.
Still, it was an enjoyable book. I wavered between giving it three or four stars but decided to round up.
August 9, 2018
Elaine had experienced a teacher's worst nightmare ten years earlier when one of her students disappeared. The incident resulted in her forced retirement. Her husband Roy's police career was also a victim of the incident and through his private investigation business, he continued to try to solve the mystery of the child's strange disappearance. When Elaine sees a picture of a girl wearing a distinctive pendant that had belonged to the missing child, she and Roy hope they can break the case open again. But there are powerful people who don't want that to happen and are desperate to silence them both.
Elaine and the other characters, both likable and evil, are well-drawn. I stayed up long past my bedtime one night because I was so caught up in the story. This book was a very entertaining suspense with a light touch of Christian faith woven in very effectively and naturally.
Elaine and the other characters, both likable and evil, are well-drawn. I stayed up long past my bedtime one night because I was so caught up in the story. This book was a very entertaining suspense with a light touch of Christian faith woven in very effectively and naturally.
July 16, 2018
I have listened to several books by M L Hamilton and really enjoy her writing style and the level of suspense and character development. I was greatly impressed by the narration by Jenny Hoops. I love it when a narrator performs various characters of different ages, genders, and ethnicity. This book was refreshing to me having the main character of a similar age that I am. I could relate to many things in this book. I loved how the author included some mention of having faith, especially near the end where it was so fitting. I requested this review copy audiobook and have voluntarily written this review. Without giving away spoilers, the ending in this book was spectacular. I never suspected who the killer was. Well done!
November 17, 2024
I found Mary's novel Pendant a captivating read. I finished it in four days, which, with my other responsibilities, is a very short time. I immediately connected with the protagonist, Elaine, because we are both former teachers. The excitement of her escape and the encounter with new friends drew me into her thinking and emotions involved in her necessary deception. The climatic scene kept me from closing the book and going to bed when I should have. I would highly recommend this novel. Bill S.M L Hamilton
November 6, 2017
This book had me at page one. From the moment the main character, Elaine, sees a photo in the newspaper that offers a clue to an unsolved crime, her life takes a series of shocking turns. I kept guessing who was behind it. Who wanted her dead? And as Elaine hides out with a handful of curious residents in a care home, subplots and humor interweave with Elaine's fears. But just when it appears help might be on the way, everything turns upside down and Elaine faces the greatest challenge of her life. Who will help her now?
If you enjoy a good suspense novel, don't miss Pendant!
If you enjoy a good suspense novel, don't miss Pendant!
November 6, 2017
A former schoolteacher like the main character, this novel caught my interest. When Elaine spots a newspaper photo linked to a missing student, she is swept into a dangerous river of twists and turns involving the local justice department as she attempts to solve a cold-case crime. Filled with humor and a hint of romance, the author tackles a serious subject in cozy mystery fashion. A suspenseful read to the end!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.
March 6, 2022
Pendant was a great read by M.L. Hamilton. For the last decade, Elaine is haunted by the field trip when one of her students went missing. After a decade she stumbles on a vital clue and discovers just how much someone will do to keep the truth buried. Her life is threatened and she goes to Texas with the only person she can trust for safety. She finds herself hiding among the quirky residents at a retirement home. She finds herself having to solve the mystery from afar, but she is still in danger. I enjoyed reading this book and can't wait to read more by the author.
November 24, 2017
A Must Read if you love reading suspenseful books!
Definitely one of those suspenseful books that once you start reading it, you can't put it down! Even when I thought I had it all figured out, the suspense of the "how & why's" keep me wanting to see what happened next! It reminded me that when I am going through something hard, I shouldn't question if God hears my prayers, instead, I need to hold on to and stand firm on my faith in God!
Definitely one of those suspenseful books that once you start reading it, you can't put it down! Even when I thought I had it all figured out, the suspense of the "how & why's" keep me wanting to see what happened next! It reminded me that when I am going through something hard, I shouldn't question if God hears my prayers, instead, I need to hold on to and stand firm on my faith in God!
August 11, 2018
Great story! Full of intrigue and suspense, and held my interest from beginning to end. I thought the author and the narrator both did an excellent job of telling us a great story. The characters are beautifully developed, and the story is gripping throughout. I'd definitely recommend this book, it's a very compelling story that will grab you and keep you :)
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
September 8, 2018
Another masterpiece by M L Hamilton, pure genius, beautiful creation !
Her writing style is excellent, so easy to understand and follow which just makes you fall in love.
This is one of those books that you just can’t put down no matter what !
Excellent story full of twists and turns, guaranteed that all will love this one so I can without a doubt full heartedly recommend this one to all !!!
My honest review even so that I got this audiobook for free.
Her writing style is excellent, so easy to understand and follow which just makes you fall in love.
This is one of those books that you just can’t put down no matter what !
Excellent story full of twists and turns, guaranteed that all will love this one so I can without a doubt full heartedly recommend this one to all !!!
My honest review even so that I got this audiobook for free.
February 4, 2019
Troubled for years over the mysterious disappearance of a dear student, Elaine discovers evidence that might help her solve the mystery. Her quest puts her in grave danger. The story is engaging and suspenseful. This carefully crafted book with its realistic characters, rich dialogue enhanced with excellent action beats, vivid description, and revealing internal monologue could serve as a model for aspiring novelists. Highly recommended.
December 31, 2017
The Pendant
I'm not very good at reviews, but I sincerely enjoyed reading this book. I'm a Texas girl as well so I always love reading about places I know. The characters in The Pendant were really able to talk to me and come to life! Will look forward to reading more from you in the future! Thank you!
I'm not very good at reviews, but I sincerely enjoyed reading this book. I'm a Texas girl as well so I always love reading about places I know. The characters in The Pendant were really able to talk to me and come to life! Will look forward to reading more from you in the future! Thank you!
June 12, 2020
Teacher’s worst nightmare to lose a student, on a field trip, how was that possible. This captures one from the beginning, you feel for the teacher, and how she feels hopeless. Finally a clue and her life is threaten, that takes her to .Texas. Good narration and good flowing plot.
Given audio for my voluntary review and my honest opinion
Given audio for my voluntary review and my honest opinion
December 27, 2017
This is an awesome suspense book. It kept me guessing right up to the end. One of the things I loved the most about this book was the way the author wove the Scriptural application through out the book. I look forward to reading more from this author.
January 28, 2018
Loved the suspense
I really enjoyed the characters in this book. I felt sad to say goodbye to them at the end. Great pace. Many twists. Satisfying ending. What more can one want in a story?
I really enjoyed the characters in this book. I felt sad to say goodbye to them at the end. Great pace. Many twists. Satisfying ending. What more can one want in a story?
July 12, 2018
A Christian story of murder, betrayal, and ultimately trusting God. The story had a good pace from beginning to end. I gave four stars because I found at times I couldn't remember who was suppose to be speaking, the men parts all sounded alike.
July 16, 2018
Good characters, a plot that has some teeth and a satisfying ending. While the tension was a little uneven at times, it kept me engaged and needing to get to the finish line. I'm curious to see where this writer takes future stories.
June 23, 2020
I liked this book... there were times when the main character was annoyingly trusting and didn't make the best decisions, but what can you do? Besides her being frustrating at times it was an easy read and kept me interested until the end.
February 27, 2019
This was a very well written book ... a good mystery with likable characters. I look forward to reading more from this author.
February 24, 2021
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I was able to figure out who the bad guy was but it didn't spoil the rest of the story at all. I liked the inclusion of the Christian elements.
March 2, 2022
I will try to find more books by this author. I give her a 5 of 5.
March 15, 2023
Super suspense novel
Held my attention all the way through…couldn’t put it down! Will be looking for more novels from this same author!
Held my attention all the way through…couldn’t put it down! Will be looking for more novels from this same author!
July 13, 2018
Pendant
: M. L. Hamilton
This is a a cozy mystery thats set differently than any other I've listened to or read. It was refreshing to listen to a cozy that had morality lessons that weren't crammed down the listeners throat, but gave them a chance to absorb them on their own. The characters were quirky, you loved em, hated em, or not. They each had their own personality, but the interaction between them worked well. The mystery and it's solution had plenty of twists that had me listening until the end.
The narration was well done. The characters were well portrayed. Jenny Hoops was enjoyable to listen to.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
: M. L. Hamilton
This is a a cozy mystery thats set differently than any other I've listened to or read. It was refreshing to listen to a cozy that had morality lessons that weren't crammed down the listeners throat, but gave them a chance to absorb them on their own. The characters were quirky, you loved em, hated em, or not. They each had their own personality, but the interaction between them worked well. The mystery and it's solution had plenty of twists that had me listening until the end.
The narration was well done. The characters were well portrayed. Jenny Hoops was enjoyable to listen to.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
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