Redemption

Charlotte Marshall Mysteries #3

by Becky Johnson

Charlotte Marshall’s life changed dramatically when she uncovered a serial killer and narrowly escaped alive. With Lawrence Pheares gone, relationships more validated and trusted than ever, and a new book just aching to be written, careless bliss should have been just around the corner. But when her car is bombed and her worst intuitions realized, a dangerous game of revenge begins to unravel, and for the elusive killer with dark secrets, this time its personal. With all she loves threatened and time running out, Charlotte must outwit her deadliest adversary yet before evil can destroy all she holds dear. A fast-paced, suspenseful, cat-and-mouse story with shocking twists around every page turn, Redemption keeps the heart pounding and intrigue building for both experienced Charlotte Marshall fans and those new to the series alike.

212 pages, Paperback

First published July 21, 2015

About the author

Books are my passion and always have been. I used to get in trouble in school for reading during class!
I have degrees in social work and history, and for my day job I am a social worker. In my writing I try to answer a question that is important to both social work and history, why. I always want to know why people do the things they do or feel the way they feel.
When I am not reading or writing I enjoy yoga, running and cooking. I make a pretty mean chili!
Thank you for stopping by my goodreads page. I hope you enjoy my stories.

Reviews

[Brenda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Having read the previous two books, I thought this third would probably be the final book of an apparent trilogy. I can find no news of any additional books by Becky Johnson.

Charlotte is targeted by Georgia who is looking for revenge. Everything Charlotte holds near and dear is in danger, and she decides the threat has to end. I'll warn you; there is a tear-jerker scene in this book. The conclusion was satisfactory, but expected.

Overall the three books were an enjoyable read. They really do need to be read in order to get the entire story. There were quite a few proofreading errors that ought to be corrected. I don't usually mention this in reviews, but in this case they make the books seem amateurish, and that's a shame.

[Pamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Redemption” is the last installment in the “Charlotte Marshall Mystery” series, and what a terrific ending it is. I absolutely love this trilogy. Beck Johnson delivers a well-written mystery that’s engaging and oh so intriguing.

The story continues with Georgia Layeen’s ultimate goal, kill Charlotte, and boy how she does her best to accomplish this. She does everything she can to destroy everything and everyone that Charlotte cares and loves. Without fail, the author once again delivers a novel full of mystery and suspense. Back again is Skeet, her sparring partner, as well as her partner when it comes to investigating and finding Georgia before she completes her final goal.

As much as I loved the story and the execution of it, the ending, with respect to Georgia, was a tad disappointing. I wish it was drawn out a bit more as I thought it ended a little too quickly.

Reading the second installment, I was wondering if Charlotte would ever find love with either Skeet or Jack, or someone new. Well, it seems she’s found love. That being said, I thought the romantic angle was also rushed. I wish the romance was a little more detailed. Mind you, I did love how Jack declared his love for her, and her for him. In some sense, I thought the romantic angle was a little surprising. When they first went out on a couple of dates in book one, “Run,” they both agreed they were better off as friends. Then he dated someone else for a while in book two, “Stand.” I just never felt any romantic notions coming from Jack. I guess since I loved both Charlotte and Jack, I was hoping to read about their blossoming romance. Considering since the trilogy is more mystery than romance, I can understand why so little was written about it. Too bad though.

This is one trilogy I highly recommend as it’s a great read that’s truly engaging and intriguing. I look forward to reading more works by this terrific author.

[Delta · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did not read the first two books in the series, but Redemption definitely felt like the finale of a thriller that has been building for some time. The writing style has a noir tone to it, so be aware of that if you aren't a fan of that writing style. Otherwise I thought it was fast-paced and easy to get caught up in.

**I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.**

[diane lo verde · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great series

These series of books were all great. Well rounded characters, suspenseful, and fast paced.
Can't wait for The next one

[Cheryl Malandrinos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Redemption is the third book in Becky Johnson's Charlotte Marshall Mystery series. While I didn't read the previous books, I never felt lost in this action-packed, intriguing novel where the villain has made it her sole mission to destroy Charlotte one step at a time.

A strong plot, well-defined characters, and a hint of romance swirl through the pages of this dangerous cat-and-mouse mystery.

The only thing I can say I didn't care for is the mixed points-of-view. Told mostly in first person, there are short scenes told in third person where Charlotte is not present to provide the reader a glimpse into the villain's life and motivations. While in some novels this works well, here I just didn't feel it was necessary. Yes, perhaps it made the villain a bit more sympathetic or hated--depending upon the scene--but overall I felt some of this information could have been uncovered through the course of the investigation and would have given Jack--the FBI agent involved in the case--the full importance in the story that he deserved.

I'm planning to pick up the first two books in the Charlotte Marshall Mystery series soon. That way I can get Charlotte's story from the beginning and eagerly anticipate the next installment. Becky Johnson is definitely an author who is being added to my "To Be Read" list.

[Paula Ackley · Rating 3 out of 5]

When I read that this was the third book in the Charlotte Marshall mystery series I was expecting a third mystery, not the final part of the mystery started in books one and two. The author did give enough of a background so that I never felt lost. While the story line was good I wouldn't call it a mystery. I'm sure the characters were supposed to be strong, but they came across to me as being weak. Redemption is considered fast paced because the author does not develop the story or the characters enough for my liking. It is more of a novella than a novel. I may not have felt this way if I had read the first two books. I also did not like the story being told in the first person and then switching to the third person. It just felt awkward.

[Trude · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read by Becky Johnson...and I enjoyed it very much. Redemption is the 3rd book of a trilogy and even though I haven't read the other 2 I had no problem understanding what had happened before.
Charlotte is after a serial killer...but the killer is coming after her by coming after those she cares about. The story grabs you from page 1 and doesn't let go, the tension and fast pace kept me quickly turning pages.
I recommend this story...and will definitely read the other 2 titles in the trilogy.
Full disclosure...I received this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Nancy Scannell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Still reading, but so far I'm enjoying this book. Will update this review when I'm done.

Just finished, the story line was great.

That being said, there was way too much unnecessary detail. The story line with two strong women was enough keep this story interesting. I think if both women were were developed more this story would have been much more intriguing.

It started out strong and ended up strong. The middle of the book was not all that interesting or necessary to the story line. The two women should have been the focus.

This story is worth reading.

[John Hanscom · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maybe even more. This novella-length book is like a 100-yard dash runner - lean, determined, and fast. If someone is looking for great depth (think Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance or Sophie's World), this book is not it, but, if someone is looking for a mystery which grabs the reader right away, with action that starts on the first page and goes barreling on throughout, and has a good story and interesting characters, that person could hardly do better.

[Teresa Kander · Rating 4 out of 5]

This final installment in the Charlotte Marshall Mysteries is a terrific ending to the trilogy. It is an engaging, well-written mystery that I couldn't put down once I started reading it. The action starts on the first page, and it never stops until the end.

The story is well-written, and the characters are well-developed and realistic. I would highly recommend the entire trilogy to everyone.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I won this little book, Redemption, from Goodreads, I was unprepared for the thrilling ride. Kudos to Miss Becky for packing a page-turning, got to read to the end & find out what happens kinda book. If this doesn't become a movie, someone is asleep at the wheel. She is now on my "read All her books" list.