This is on par for the genre, action packed and suspenseful, but with an occasionally more thoughtful line. It is not all empty action.
We are not given enough clues to guess either whodunit. It is more of a fun "watch-the-characters strategize and run" sort of book.
I love the code names that the men gave themselves and each other. I thought they were pretty funny, and most of the time, apt: Angel, Hawkeye, Richie Ritch, Weasley brothers, Dumbledore, Wild Rover, Superstar, Grifter.
It is also funny that the women compared themselves to the characters in Scooby Doo. While I realize the author is poking fun at the cartoon, some of their actions, "Split up and look for clues," is dumb. And no, Jeremiah wouldn't want them needlessly walking into danger, whatever they might think.
I wondered if the author was going to have the plot take a turn into the supernatural in that haunted house. I won't say whether or not she did.
Like the last book, the book has a lot of talk about sex for a book without any sex in it. I realize that's normal, especially for a bachelorette party, but be aware. Some readers of Christian fiction/romance prefer books without sex to try to guard their own hearts more.
Also, there's still the topic of either intentional or reflexive murder for a couple of the characters. For people who claim to follow God, they don't seem to understand that murder is forbidden. Self-defense and defense of others are different. both of which are discussed. Being prepared is different. But envisioning killing others because of their minor annoyances is not okay. It is both not healthy and not right. They seem to have no brakes on that type of thinking short of the actual murder, and that thinking will eventually win out, to someone's detriment and their own trouble.
I'm over there with Kyle on that topic.
The whole series about people becoming accepting of this trained murderer's tendencies. There are some things we should not be accepting of, even if we like the people and respect them in other regards.
Why is the guy having no emotional qualms about killing people the one to counsel someone feeling guilty about killing someone in self-defense?
This story actually has nothing to do with the title, "The House of the Lord." There is a place of worship, but the characters don't go inside.
"I love them [children] to pieces but the first year especially was rough. You'll see how it is. Just remember, no matter how hard the first few weeks are, it's just a baby, not a demon spawn sent to torment you."
"You run from your emotions and think the more adrenaline rushes you experience, the less the dark stuff can catch up to you. It's just not true. The grief and depression and remorse are just waiting for the day that you have no choice but to acknowledge them."
That's true, and reminds me of a good friend, who "lived on her feet," always moving, hiking, and dancing, but has now suffered a prolonged, perhaps permanent, lack of mobility due to an accident. Her life is changing, and she doesn't know how to be still, having resisted it for so long. There are plenty of things there for her to grieve. She posted a sad quote to the effect of activity chases away the darkness, but what happens when you can no longer run? My heart goes out to her. She is, however, researching possible new hobbies.
She's since taken down the quote and I can't find it doing a search. I like the quote as a succinct way of explaining her experience. If you're aware of such a quote, add it in the comments below. When I tried to search for it, Google only wanted to find uplifting quotes or how-to fight depression quotes, and this one was not either of those categories.
I think it is better, little by little if possible, to come to terms with yourself, or come to a peace with yourself, before you have to.
Favorite quote:
"We stand in God's mercy and make a difference in the lives of others."
SPOILER: I am a little disappointed in the mechanism for Jeremiah changing his views, not that it couldn't happen, but that it is too tidy, and doesn't thoughtfully consider and answer all the conflicts between the two ideologies.