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Words of Conviction
The clues are hidden in the kidnapper's words. Can the message be decoded in time? When Zoe, the five-year-daughter of a powerful Senator, is abducted, the FBI brings in Special Agent MacKenzie Graham, a forensic psycholinguist, to analyze the written threats of the vengeful kidnapper. An expert at what she does, Kenzie probes criminal minds more accurately than she does her own heart. Working alongside fellow FBI agent John Crowfeather, Kenzie refuses to acknowledge her mysterious attraction to John, and continues to build walls she believes will protect her not only from men but God as well. John is no fan of hers, either, but they have little time to dwell on it as the case grows more dangerous. When the perpetrator begins posting messages on the Internet, the race is on to save Zoe. Can Kenzie and John rescue the girl before it's too late? Or will their misguided convictions cost a little girl her life?
304 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 1, 2014
144 people are currently reading
146 people want to read
About the author
Linda J. White
15 books505 followersLinda writes "white-knuckle fiction"--FBI thrillers with a twist of faith--from her home in rural Virginia. She's had careers as a government worker, a stay-at-home mom, and a journalist. Her husband, Larry, worked at the FBI Academy for over 25 years. Together they have three grown children. These days, Linda stays entertained by two cats and a Sheltie who tries to herd them. When she's not writing, you can find her walking in the woods, at the beach or doing something (anything) with dogs.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
June 22, 2017
This is the first book that I have read by Ms. White and I enjoyed it so much that I decided to look at her other books. They are on my wishlist! WORDS OF CONVICTION was very suspenseful and hard to put down. The FBI was called in when a senator's child is abducted from her home. Friction between the father and mother and the parents and the team keeps things on edge as does the stress of a child with health issues missing. Kenzi, one of the FBI team members who is a forensic psycholinguist has an interesting job that helps break the case. Great book!
December 17, 2015
This book is very good! I just wish I had the time to write a decent review of it. :/
If you're looking for a suspense book that has a bit of romance, but that doesn't focus on the romance much at all, you might just like this book as much as I did.
If you're looking for a suspense book that has a bit of romance, but that doesn't focus on the romance much at all, you might just like this book as much as I did.
July 3, 2014
Senator Grable’s daughter Zoe has been kidnapped, and FBI Linguist MacKenzie Graham must unravel the clues in order to find the little girl before it’s too late.
This is not a genre I would normally read. FBI thrillers usually do not appeal to me, but I was given a complimentary copy of the novel to review, and I have to say I was wholly surprised at how quickly and easily I dove into the story.
This is well-crafted, fast-paced, and suspenseful plot with plenty of side-stories to keep the reader enthralled. The senator and his wife are having difficulties in their marriage on top of the kidnapping crisis; Kenzie is troubled by her past and the abuse suffered at the hands of her mother; and a potential love story is also part of the equation.
White’s dialogue is realistic, engaging, and clever, and she paints her characters with just the right amount of humanity. Kenzie Graham is believable and dynamic, even though the position she holds at her young age is questionable. Crow, a Special Agent and a Navajo, is a fascinating character and extremely compelling as a descendent of one of the World War II “Windtalkers.” Even team leader Scott Hansbrough is an interesting character, as he attempts to show Kenzie her need for God.
Overall, I found this novel enjoyable and well-written, with plenty of twists, turns and “gasp” moments to keep me engaged right up to the nail-biting conclusion. Regular readers of FBI thrillers will love this book!
This is not a genre I would normally read. FBI thrillers usually do not appeal to me, but I was given a complimentary copy of the novel to review, and I have to say I was wholly surprised at how quickly and easily I dove into the story.
This is well-crafted, fast-paced, and suspenseful plot with plenty of side-stories to keep the reader enthralled. The senator and his wife are having difficulties in their marriage on top of the kidnapping crisis; Kenzie is troubled by her past and the abuse suffered at the hands of her mother; and a potential love story is also part of the equation.
White’s dialogue is realistic, engaging, and clever, and she paints her characters with just the right amount of humanity. Kenzie Graham is believable and dynamic, even though the position she holds at her young age is questionable. Crow, a Special Agent and a Navajo, is a fascinating character and extremely compelling as a descendent of one of the World War II “Windtalkers.” Even team leader Scott Hansbrough is an interesting character, as he attempts to show Kenzie her need for God.
Overall, I found this novel enjoyable and well-written, with plenty of twists, turns and “gasp” moments to keep me engaged right up to the nail-biting conclusion. Regular readers of FBI thrillers will love this book!
February 28, 2025
Loved it! Author Linda J. White writes characters who stay with you! In this case of a high profile kidnapping, the FBI brings in Special Agent MacKenzie Graham, "a forensic psycholinguist, to analyze the written threats of the vengeful kidnapper. " She has never worked in the field and finds herself in dangerous situations on this case. She meets and works with FBI agent John Crowfeather. I loved the mystery of the case and the fact that MacKenzie and John don't hit it off right away, but it was fun watching that change. Highly recommend!
July 22, 2014
Linda J. White in her new book, “Words Of Conviction” published by Abingdon Press brings us into the lives of Mackenzie Graham and John Crowfeather.
From the back cover: There’s nothing as convicting as words that threaten your daughter’s life.
You want your kid back? Do just as I say. You do not know who I am. But I’ve studied you, you and your family. I’ve been watching you. You’ve been using people. Because you’re greedy. Now, it’s payback time.
Terrifying for any parent, these words are especially grim for Senator Bruce Grable, whose guilt may be the reason his five-year-old daughter, Zoe, has disappeared. Or is it because of his wife, whose words make her sound more the victim than their daughter? Or their nanny, whose silence harbors her own secrets?
One thing is for sure: The words hold the clues to finding Zoe alive. And it’s up to Special Agent Mackenzie Graham, a forensic psycholinguist, and FBI agent John Crowfeather to decode the messages in time.
A kidnapping, FBI Agents and a psycholinguist and those are just some of the ingredients in this very clever mystery. Get ready for an up all night thriller. Kenzie is a psycholinguist which means she can build a profile of the subject from the words he uses and the way he uses them. Both Kenzie and John are going to need this skill if they have any hope of rescuing Zoe. Ms. White knows how to ratchet up the tension so that your nerves are strung tight as you work with Kenzie and John to figure out who the kidnapper is and rescue Zoe. “Words Of Conviction” is filled with intrigue, deceit and a complex mystery. On top of everything Ms. White manages to weave a romance into this story that just captivates you. She makes you care for all the characters and their journey. This is also just plain fun and exciting as well. Don’t start this book late at night because it will cost you sleep. I look forward to more from this very talented author.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Abingdon Press. I was not required to write a positive 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.”
From the back cover: There’s nothing as convicting as words that threaten your daughter’s life.
You want your kid back? Do just as I say. You do not know who I am. But I’ve studied you, you and your family. I’ve been watching you. You’ve been using people. Because you’re greedy. Now, it’s payback time.
Terrifying for any parent, these words are especially grim for Senator Bruce Grable, whose guilt may be the reason his five-year-old daughter, Zoe, has disappeared. Or is it because of his wife, whose words make her sound more the victim than their daughter? Or their nanny, whose silence harbors her own secrets?
One thing is for sure: The words hold the clues to finding Zoe alive. And it’s up to Special Agent Mackenzie Graham, a forensic psycholinguist, and FBI agent John Crowfeather to decode the messages in time.
A kidnapping, FBI Agents and a psycholinguist and those are just some of the ingredients in this very clever mystery. Get ready for an up all night thriller. Kenzie is a psycholinguist which means she can build a profile of the subject from the words he uses and the way he uses them. Both Kenzie and John are going to need this skill if they have any hope of rescuing Zoe. Ms. White knows how to ratchet up the tension so that your nerves are strung tight as you work with Kenzie and John to figure out who the kidnapper is and rescue Zoe. “Words Of Conviction” is filled with intrigue, deceit and a complex mystery. On top of everything Ms. White manages to weave a romance into this story that just captivates you. She makes you care for all the characters and their journey. This is also just plain fun and exciting as well. Don’t start this book late at night because it will cost you sleep. I look forward to more from this very talented author.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Abingdon Press. I was not required to write a positive 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.”
March 5, 2016
Fast paced. Action packed. Guaranteed to keep you glued to your seat!
Words of Conviction by Linda J. White is a fantastic FBI thriller set in the heart of Washington, D.C. following the kidnapping of five-year-old Zoe Grable, daughter to powerful Senator Bruce Grable.
Special Agent Mackenzie "Kenzie" Graham is still green in regards to her involvement in the field as an FBI agent. Smart, beautiful, and a talented forensic psycholinguists, she may be the only hope to get Zoe safely back in the arms of her father.
Special Agent John Crowfeather "Crow", a Navajo and former marine, is assigned to the team under Special Agent Scott Hansbrough who's calling the shots. Crow's cunning and protective instincts help to keep Kenzie safe, but could it be more than that?
I really enjoyed this fast-paced story set in D.C. The descriptions were perfect for gaining a feel for the location and White kept me guessing as to how it would be resolved all the way to the end! I would say that the relationship between Kenzie and Crow was a little stiff and sometimes felt forced. Crow is a difficult character to read, which is part of who he is, but the interpersonal aspect of the two doesn't hint much at the romance that could blossom in the future. Granted, with a fast-paced story and the hectic nature of an FBI investigation, I can see why there wasn't much time spent on developing a deeper connection between the two.
I would highly recommend this book to fans of fast-paced, FBI thrillers. If you love NCIS or Criminal Minds, you will love this book! Romantic Suspense fans will also enjoy this, though know the romance is back-burner. It doesn't take away from a great story though!
Originally posted on my blog: http://eahendryx.blogspot.com/2014/05...
__________
I received a free copy of this book for review purposes, but was under no obligation to read the book or post a review. I do so under my own motivation and the opinions I have expressed in this review are honest and entirely my own.
Words of Conviction by Linda J. White is a fantastic FBI thriller set in the heart of Washington, D.C. following the kidnapping of five-year-old Zoe Grable, daughter to powerful Senator Bruce Grable.
Special Agent Mackenzie "Kenzie" Graham is still green in regards to her involvement in the field as an FBI agent. Smart, beautiful, and a talented forensic psycholinguists, she may be the only hope to get Zoe safely back in the arms of her father.
Special Agent John Crowfeather "Crow", a Navajo and former marine, is assigned to the team under Special Agent Scott Hansbrough who's calling the shots. Crow's cunning and protective instincts help to keep Kenzie safe, but could it be more than that?
I really enjoyed this fast-paced story set in D.C. The descriptions were perfect for gaining a feel for the location and White kept me guessing as to how it would be resolved all the way to the end! I would say that the relationship between Kenzie and Crow was a little stiff and sometimes felt forced. Crow is a difficult character to read, which is part of who he is, but the interpersonal aspect of the two doesn't hint much at the romance that could blossom in the future. Granted, with a fast-paced story and the hectic nature of an FBI investigation, I can see why there wasn't much time spent on developing a deeper connection between the two.
I would highly recommend this book to fans of fast-paced, FBI thrillers. If you love NCIS or Criminal Minds, you will love this book! Romantic Suspense fans will also enjoy this, though know the romance is back-burner. It doesn't take away from a great story though!
Originally posted on my blog: http://eahendryx.blogspot.com/2014/05...
__________
I received a free copy of this book for review purposes, but was under no obligation to read the book or post a review. I do so under my own motivation and the opinions I have expressed in this review are honest and entirely my own.
May 5, 2022
This book had me thinking...and not about the plot. This book is marked as 'Christian Fiction' and while there is a spiritual battle going on between some of the characters in this novel, there are some issues with the label.
Starting with the fact that two of the characters in this book are gay. While this relationship is clearly not supported, it isn't shown in a negative way. In fact, one of the character smiles when she realizes this and seems to accept the reality as normal.
This problem grabbed most of my attention, but there were others such as language. Multiple times throughout the book, the Lord's name is dragged through exclamations that don't sound like worried prayer.
In the end, I found myself wondering if a book that claims to be written to and for Christians, is it appropriate to contain despicable material? After all, aren't issues like gay people and swearing part of the real life? Won't including them make the book seem more 'realistic'?
If I wanted to read a book with that kind of junk in it, I would've just picked any non-Christian book off the shelf in the store. But when I pick up a Christian book, I expect Christian morals and wrong viewed as wrong.
God doesn't view sin as 'okay' or 'a part of life'. Bottom line is, Christians shouldn't either. So, that's why even though this book had a decent plot and relatable characters, I'm giving it a two-star rating and wouldn't recommend it to anyone looking for a 'clean' read.
Starting with the fact that two of the characters in this book are gay. While this relationship is clearly not supported, it isn't shown in a negative way. In fact, one of the character smiles when she realizes this and seems to accept the reality as normal.
This problem grabbed most of my attention, but there were others such as language. Multiple times throughout the book, the Lord's name is dragged through exclamations that don't sound like worried prayer.
In the end, I found myself wondering if a book that claims to be written to and for Christians, is it appropriate to contain despicable material? After all, aren't issues like gay people and swearing part of the real life? Won't including them make the book seem more 'realistic'?
If I wanted to read a book with that kind of junk in it, I would've just picked any non-Christian book off the shelf in the store. But when I pick up a Christian book, I expect Christian morals and wrong viewed as wrong.
God doesn't view sin as 'okay' or 'a part of life'. Bottom line is, Christians shouldn't either. So, that's why even though this book had a decent plot and relatable characters, I'm giving it a two-star rating and wouldn't recommend it to anyone looking for a 'clean' read.
July 4, 2018
Linda J. White is a new author for me and I was very glad I bought this book. I love mystery and suspense and this book was just right. I never got bored, I loved the suspense and twists and turns in the plot.
The only thing is, I waited too long to do this review. My memory is not great and if I don't sit down and do a review right after I finish a book, then chances are I won't remember enough of it to make it decent. So, I do apologize to the author for my mistake. Because this book was definitely worthy of a great review. Even though I can't remember details, I DO remember that I enjoyed it and I recommend this book. I will read more from this author and next time I'll do a review right away!!
The only thing is, I waited too long to do this review. My memory is not great and if I don't sit down and do a review right after I finish a book, then chances are I won't remember enough of it to make it decent. So, I do apologize to the author for my mistake. Because this book was definitely worthy of a great review. Even though I can't remember details, I DO remember that I enjoyed it and I recommend this book. I will read more from this author and next time I'll do a review right away!!
May 28, 2018
My Grade!!
I have this book 5 stars.......the story flowed so easy and kept me reading until the end. We known from the beginning who the bad guy is so we learn how the FBI determines who he is by use of words and there are others problems being resolved at the same time. I am hoping to read more about Crow, Scott and Kenzie in a future book by Ms. white.
I have this book 5 stars.......the story flowed so easy and kept me reading until the end. We known from the beginning who the bad guy is so we learn how the FBI determines who he is by use of words and there are others problems being resolved at the same time. I am hoping to read more about Crow, Scott and Kenzie in a future book by Ms. white.
July 19, 2016
Sharp-edged and riveting, not for a moment does the suspenseful tension relinquish its grip in this Christian thriller. When a Senator's five-year-of daughter is abducted, the FBI must leap into action, even as the man's own wrongdoing vies with his obvious devotion to his child.
September 24, 2017
Fast-paced read you won't put down
Words of Conviction is a legal/political thriller that will grab your attention and hold it until the end. White creates very believable characters that bring you into the world of the FBI as they try to solve the kidnapping of a little girl.
Words of Conviction is a legal/political thriller that will grab your attention and hold it until the end. White creates very believable characters that bring you into the world of the FBI as they try to solve the kidnapping of a little girl.
August 6, 2021
Words of Conviction was a good, enjoyable beach read that I flew through yesterday, but it lacked the kind of suspense and puzzlement I love in a mystery. Almost right off the bat there were scenes from the kidnapper's perspective and we even knew his name. In a way that made it interesting later when the main character starts looking closer at that particular guy because we know she's on the right track... but at the same time, I still prefer an Agatha Christie type mystery, a classic whodunit.
All the same, the way it was written worked out in the end, and I wouldn't mind reading this author's other mysteries, so I'm giving it four stars.
All the same, the way it was written worked out in the end, and I wouldn't mind reading this author's other mysteries, so I'm giving it four stars.
October 12, 2025
I was on the edge of my seat for this whole novel. I kept trying to figure out who kidnapped the little girl, and if one of the parents was up to it. Had to keep reading to make sure they found the little girl alive, as there were multiple cliff hangers after some of the chapters, which made me continue wanting to read it.
August 26, 2019
Very good
Loved this book! It had the suspense you want and it had great relational writing. From the mother daughter relationship to work relationships to a possible romantic relationships, it was just enough without taking away from the main storyline.
Loved this book! It had the suspense you want and it had great relational writing. From the mother daughter relationship to work relationships to a possible romantic relationships, it was just enough without taking away from the main storyline.
November 1, 2023
Words of Conviction
This author is wonderful, her stories lifelike and fluid. She really draws you in with her twists and turns and always makes things come to a good end by the grace of God.
This author is wonderful, her stories lifelike and fluid. She really draws you in with her twists and turns and always makes things come to a good end by the grace of God.
January 18, 2019
Lots of suspense, well-developed characters, great mystery. Very engrossing and enjoyable!
February 23, 2019
I look at the FBI and the real people inside it
Fast moving and fascinating. Of faith left behind in childhood and an adult crisis. Hard to put down. A riveting read.
Fast moving and fascinating. Of faith left behind in childhood and an adult crisis. Hard to put down. A riveting read.
March 14, 2019
3.5 stars - wouldn't mind seeing this turned into a series
April 7, 2020
Really enjoyed this book. Plan to read more from of this author.
June 22, 2023
I checked this out believing it to be a Christian book. Introducing gay characters is not ok in my opinion. We get enough of that pushed on us everyday in the secular world.
January 20, 2024
Great read
I couldn't imagine the kidnapping of a little girl taking up a whole book and still be interesting but this one I couldn't lay down.
I couldn't imagine the kidnapping of a little girl taking up a whole book and still be interesting but this one I couldn't lay down.
April 24, 2024
Has to be one of the best books I've read in a while!
October 12, 2025
This was a great mystery novel. It was one that kept me engaged and wanting to keep turning the pages to see what was going to happen next.
January 17, 2026
Excellent read - suspense keeps you to the end.
June 25, 2014
Have you ever eaten something at a restaurant that’s touted as “for a limited time only”? They’ve offered McRib sandwiches at McDonalds on a limited basis, and the pretzel burger at Wendys has been for a limited time. Isn’t it exciting when you hear that one of these items are “back”? Back in 2005, I picked up a book for the church library called “Bloody Point”. I devoured it. I couldn’t wait until the author came out with a new book……… It took 8 years for that to happen. Last year Linda White was back with her first book in 8 years called “Seeds of Evidence” and she was just as exciting as ever. Now, I have “Words of Conviction” to pour through. This is one happy guy right here
Special Agent MacKenzie (Kenzie) Graham has just finished taking down Senator Grable in a sting to catch him taking bribes. A successful win for the system and a chance to wind down from all of the intense work is interrupted with the notification that the Senator’s daughter has just been kidnapped. Kenzie must now work side by side with Senator Grable as they track down the clues to where his daughter may be and who may have kidnapped her. Using her expertise in linguistics, Kenzie works on baiting the kidnapper through an online bulletin board system. Late word from the family doctor that his daughter has diabetes ratchets the situation up several notches. Who is behind this kidnapping and what do they want? Can Kenzie read into the messages to convince the kidnapper to keep the girl safe? Do they find the girl before her diabetes takes over? Put away the dictionary and go BUY THIS BOOK!!!
To say that this book is a great book is like saying the Eiffel Tower is a great landmark. This book does what I enjoy most in a great work of fiction, it teaches me at the same time that it entertains me. I’ve always been fascinated by words and word usage, guess that’s why I’ve always been a voracious reader. In the character of Kenzie, we see some of the inner workings of wordsmithing and how what we say really can tell more than just what’s on the surface. The characters in this book aren’t all Christians, but they have a regular interaction with someone that is. The story is very fast-paced, even considering that a lot of what the book is about it the waiting game concerning a kidnapping. There is enough going on in the side stories that tie everything together to keep it moving. I will say that I didn’t really like Kenzie, she seemed a bit aloof, but in the end I found out that her traits were a result of who she was and the environment she was raised in, but that with the right motivation everyone can overcome their past.
Is this a "guy's book"? If you consider a book concerning bribery stings, kidnappings, motorcycles and more to be books that guys would enjoy, then yes, this is definitely a guy’s book. Throw in suspense and intrigue and murder, oh my! You’ve got the makings of a great work of Christian fiction.
Special Agent MacKenzie (Kenzie) Graham has just finished taking down Senator Grable in a sting to catch him taking bribes. A successful win for the system and a chance to wind down from all of the intense work is interrupted with the notification that the Senator’s daughter has just been kidnapped. Kenzie must now work side by side with Senator Grable as they track down the clues to where his daughter may be and who may have kidnapped her. Using her expertise in linguistics, Kenzie works on baiting the kidnapper through an online bulletin board system. Late word from the family doctor that his daughter has diabetes ratchets the situation up several notches. Who is behind this kidnapping and what do they want? Can Kenzie read into the messages to convince the kidnapper to keep the girl safe? Do they find the girl before her diabetes takes over? Put away the dictionary and go BUY THIS BOOK!!!
To say that this book is a great book is like saying the Eiffel Tower is a great landmark. This book does what I enjoy most in a great work of fiction, it teaches me at the same time that it entertains me. I’ve always been fascinated by words and word usage, guess that’s why I’ve always been a voracious reader. In the character of Kenzie, we see some of the inner workings of wordsmithing and how what we say really can tell more than just what’s on the surface. The characters in this book aren’t all Christians, but they have a regular interaction with someone that is. The story is very fast-paced, even considering that a lot of what the book is about it the waiting game concerning a kidnapping. There is enough going on in the side stories that tie everything together to keep it moving. I will say that I didn’t really like Kenzie, she seemed a bit aloof, but in the end I found out that her traits were a result of who she was and the environment she was raised in, but that with the right motivation everyone can overcome their past.
Is this a "guy's book"? If you consider a book concerning bribery stings, kidnappings, motorcycles and more to be books that guys would enjoy, then yes, this is definitely a guy’s book. Throw in suspense and intrigue and murder, oh my! You’ve got the makings of a great work of Christian fiction.
August 11, 2014
If you're a fan of Christian books, you'll probably appreciate this one.
Personally, I found finishing it to be kind of a slog. The last 10 pages were satisfactory, but in general the second half of the book was pretty painful to get through.
I found that because the author chose to track the bad guy at the same time as the cops there was no suspense in the novel at all. The reader knows everything that's going on, there's no mystery involved. It even made some of the conclusions that the protagonist reaches feel like far leaps.
The protagonist's backstory felt oddly shoved into the story and a waste of time. Nothing involved in it was address or resolved later in the novel. All of the characters are stark stereotypes, no dynamics involved. One character, a "John Crowfeather" felt particularly racist and was uncomfortable to read. If you're going to call him Crow, why not just name him John Crow?
As much as I appreciate the art of language, Kenzie as a forensic psycholinguist did feel out of place in the field the whole time. She was told repeatedly by her stout Christian superior that she NEEDED to be there but it was never really made clear WHY she was so important--so she could be taught the Christian lesson, I suspect. The parts where she's actually doing her job were boring. It also seemed like the married Christian man cared for her more directly than the actual love interest so that was occasionally uncomfortable.
I'm not the hugest fan of this book. But it is a clean, Christian novel, and the authors obviously done her research on how the FBI operates. So, if you're into that kind of thing you should give it a shot.
Personally, I found finishing it to be kind of a slog. The last 10 pages were satisfactory, but in general the second half of the book was pretty painful to get through.
I found that because the author chose to track the bad guy at the same time as the cops there was no suspense in the novel at all. The reader knows everything that's going on, there's no mystery involved. It even made some of the conclusions that the protagonist reaches feel like far leaps.
The protagonist's backstory felt oddly shoved into the story and a waste of time. Nothing involved in it was address or resolved later in the novel. All of the characters are stark stereotypes, no dynamics involved. One character, a "John Crowfeather" felt particularly racist and was uncomfortable to read. If you're going to call him Crow, why not just name him John Crow?
As much as I appreciate the art of language, Kenzie as a forensic psycholinguist did feel out of place in the field the whole time. She was told repeatedly by her stout Christian superior that she NEEDED to be there but it was never really made clear WHY she was so important--so she could be taught the Christian lesson, I suspect. The parts where she's actually doing her job were boring. It also seemed like the married Christian man cared for her more directly than the actual love interest so that was occasionally uncomfortable.
I'm not the hugest fan of this book. But it is a clean, Christian novel, and the authors obviously done her research on how the FBI operates. So, if you're into that kind of thing you should give it a shot.
March 30, 2014
This is for the most part a fast paced FBI suspense, with a psycholinguist in the lead role. Don't know what that is? I didn't either. She analyses words in order to profile suspects under investigation. Pretty cool stuff. She graduated high school early and had a PhD by the time she was 23. She is in bigh demand to teach classes with the FBI but she's still fairly green on the field. She needs to prove to her superiors that her field is indeed relevant and useful and not quack science.
John Crowfeather doesn't think Kenzie belongs on this case. Her lack of real field experience could prove dangerous to herself and others. On her part, she doesn't appreciate his prickly demeanour and his obvious lack of faith in her. Will they be able to move past all this to solve the case as a team?
I really got into the beginning of the book, but then it seems to get bogged down with extra stuff that doesn't really help move the story along for a while, and then regains its momentum for the climax and ending. The ending was good but the epilogue seemed pretty much redundant and even anticlimactic. At that point I started wondering if maybe there is a sequel coming because it seems to leave things unfinished, especially between Kenzie and her mom.
This book was provided to me by Abingdon Press and Netgalley for the purpose of an honest review. My opinion is my own.
John Crowfeather doesn't think Kenzie belongs on this case. Her lack of real field experience could prove dangerous to herself and others. On her part, she doesn't appreciate his prickly demeanour and his obvious lack of faith in her. Will they be able to move past all this to solve the case as a team?
I really got into the beginning of the book, but then it seems to get bogged down with extra stuff that doesn't really help move the story along for a while, and then regains its momentum for the climax and ending. The ending was good but the epilogue seemed pretty much redundant and even anticlimactic. At that point I started wondering if maybe there is a sequel coming because it seems to leave things unfinished, especially between Kenzie and her mom.
This book was provided to me by Abingdon Press and Netgalley for the purpose of an honest review. My opinion is my own.
September 25, 2015
When have words had this much meaning ?. . . . . . . when a little girl's life is at stake. "Words of Conviction" begins quickly and ends with a "bang" (quite literally); including pages filled with heart-pounding intrigue and ongoing suspense, sprinkled with a whisper of hopeful romance.
When Senator Bruce Gable's five year old daughter disappears from his home, his ego-centric, under-handed, lucrative business deals may just have come back to haunt him. The FBI assigns Special Agent Mackenzie Graham, a forensic psycholinguist, and Agent John Crowfeather,a Navajo veteran, to discern the encrypted meanings underneath the suspected kidnapper's digital messaging. The Senator has accrued many enemies, in addition to his supposed "friends", who each have plenty of reason to use his young daughter as a serious bargaining chip. It will be up to Kenzie and Crow to locate the little girl and deliver resolution to a nearly crumbling family. Perhaps, in the end, their partnership will serve to resolve some of their own lingering doubts and fears.
Linda White's previous novel "Seeds of Evidence" was quite enjoyable and "Words of Conviction" is an equally engaging suspense.
When Senator Bruce Gable's five year old daughter disappears from his home, his ego-centric, under-handed, lucrative business deals may just have come back to haunt him. The FBI assigns Special Agent Mackenzie Graham, a forensic psycholinguist, and Agent John Crowfeather,a Navajo veteran, to discern the encrypted meanings underneath the suspected kidnapper's digital messaging. The Senator has accrued many enemies, in addition to his supposed "friends", who each have plenty of reason to use his young daughter as a serious bargaining chip. It will be up to Kenzie and Crow to locate the little girl and deliver resolution to a nearly crumbling family. Perhaps, in the end, their partnership will serve to resolve some of their own lingering doubts and fears.
Linda White's previous novel "Seeds of Evidence" was quite enjoyable and "Words of Conviction" is an equally engaging suspense.
June 17, 2014
This is a great, quick romantic suspense novel. Kenzie is an FBI linguist who helps with a high profile kidnapping case, despite her limited field experience. During the investigation she meets Special Agent John Crow and sparks begin to fly. I liked the fact that the book really was much more about the case than anything else - yes, there's chemistry building between Kenzie and Crow, but they don't end up set to walk down the aisle after the case ends. There's definitely room for a continuing series with these characters (and I hope the author has that planned.) if you're looking for a fun suspense, you wont go wrong with this one.
July 18, 2014
This is my first read from Linda J. White, and it was a great experience! Although I love reading suspense, this was also the first time I read about a psycholinguist. Let me tell you it had me intrigued to say the least; my what you can learn about people with the words they use! The characters were developed well and the real-life scenarios they faced lent credibility to the plot. This was a well-crafted suspense novel that will not leave you sorry that you bought it! Happy reading!
Thank you to Abingdon Press and NetGalley for allowing me to preview this book--the opinions which I wrote are my own.
Thank you to Abingdon Press and NetGalley for allowing me to preview this book--the opinions which I wrote are my own.
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