What do you think?
Gwen Marcey #4
Portrait of Vengeance
An unsolved case. A tempest of memories. The future’s at stake—and time is running out . . .
Gwen Marcey has done a good job of keeping the pain of her past boxed up. But as she investigates the case of a missing child in Lapwai, Idaho, details keep surfacing that are eerily similar to her childhood traumas. She doesn’t believe in coincidences. So what’s going on here?
No one knows more about the impact of the past than the Nez Perce people of Lapwai. Gwen finds herself an unwelcome visitor to some, making her investigation even more difficult. The questions keep piling up, but answers are slow in coming—and the clock is ticking for a missing little girl. Meanwhile, her ex-husband back home is threatening to take sole custody of their daughter.
As Gwen’s past and present collide, she’s in a desperate race for the truth. Because only truth will ensure she still has a future.
317 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 8, 2017
About the author
Carrie Stuart Parks
35 books933 followersCarrie Stuart Parks is Christy, Carol, and Inspy award-winning author, an award-winning fine artist, and internationally known forensic artist. Along with her husband, Rick, she travels across the US and Canada teaching courses in forensic art to law enforcement as well as civilian participants. She has won numerous awards for career excellence. Carrie is a popular platform speaker, presenting a variety of topics from crime to creativity.
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August 27, 2017
This book is about a double murder and a missing little girl. The Nez Perce Tribal Police in Lapwai, Idaho are looking for the killer. Gwen Marcey is forensic artist who pushed to be sent out to help. She as going to go regardless because something about the murders has triggered some memories from when she was a child.
Gwen sets out to help Chief Seth Kus in finding the little girl. Gwen has to get help from her best friend Beth when her car is stolen. It seems someone doesn't want Gwen on the case. They know who she is, they know about her past. She's in danger herself. I must note that Gwen's Great Pyrenees, Winston, helped out as well. I'm always going to give credit to the animals =)
Anyway, Gwen is being shot at, attacked in all kinds of ways, trapped in places, etc and so on. BUT, this doesn't stop her and she actually finds out things from her past. She finds the murderer and another murder from years ago, more missing kids, it's like a free for all.
This is actually the first book I have read from this author. I noticed it was the 4th book in the series but it was fine as a stand alone. The book is also a quick read and a nice little mystery.
*I would like to thank BookLookBloggers for a print copy of this book.*
MY BLOG: MELISSA MARTIN'S READING LIST
Gwen sets out to help Chief Seth Kus in finding the little girl. Gwen has to get help from her best friend Beth when her car is stolen. It seems someone doesn't want Gwen on the case. They know who she is, they know about her past. She's in danger herself. I must note that Gwen's Great Pyrenees, Winston, helped out as well. I'm always going to give credit to the animals =)
Anyway, Gwen is being shot at, attacked in all kinds of ways, trapped in places, etc and so on. BUT, this doesn't stop her and she actually finds out things from her past. She finds the murderer and another murder from years ago, more missing kids, it's like a free for all.
This is actually the first book I have read from this author. I noticed it was the 4th book in the series but it was fine as a stand alone. The book is also a quick read and a nice little mystery.
*I would like to thank BookLookBloggers for a print copy of this book.*
MY BLOG: MELISSA MARTIN'S READING LIST
July 9, 2017
First and foremost, a large thank you to NetGalley, Carrie Stuart Parks and Thomas Nelson for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.
Returning with her much anticipated fourth novel, Carrie Stuart Parks takes readers on an emotional rollercoaster. After recently being hired to work on the Interagency Major Crime Unit (IMCU), Gwen Marcey attempts to curry favour with the team and her current beau by taking a case in Alaska. However, when another case is being described at the Unit briefing, Gwen cannot shake the intense flashback she has, directly tied to a traumatic event from her youth. Leaving little room for negotiation, Gwen swaps cases and heads to Idaho, where she will liaise alongside the Nez Perce Tribal Police in Lapwai. There, a couple has been murdered and their four year-old daughter is missing. When her reception is met with less than open arms, Gwen must begin her work as best she can, interviewing witnesses and providing any composite sketches that arise. When her vehicle is stolen, Gwen enlists the assistance of her best friend, Beth Noble, whose online prowess will surely come in handy. In a moment of emotional vulnerability, Gwen admits to discovering a murder scene of her ‘sorta-mom’ at fourteen, which led her out to Montana. This revelation, tied to the added admission that her parents were murdered when she was four, fuels Gwen as she tries to locate this little girl and ensure the killer is found. However, all that is easier said than done. Much of what Gwen grew up knowing changes the deeper Beth is able to dig around through old records. Gwen is distracted and she misses major elements of the crime at hand, which leads to her dismissal from the IMCU. There is surely an element that connects these past crimes to the current abduction, but the clues that tie it all together are slow to emerge. As Gwen and Beth continue to dig, key pieces of evidence fall into place, but that only pushes them into more danger. A killer lurks and Gwen appears to be their target. Her past and present collide, but someone wants to keep what is not yet known firmly veiled in mystery. Parks has spun a powerful story in this novel that will appeal greatly to the series fan and is sure to hook newbies who are just now learning about the wonders of this talented crime writer.
I have been a fan of Carrie Stuart Parks and her work for a number of years. She offers a wonderful crime thriller, but tackles her stories from a unique angle. With Gwen Marcey as a forensic artist, this individualizes the protagonist and allows the reader to approach the crime fighting from a perspective that might not receive much merit. Basing Marcey on a number of her own experiences, Parks is able to speak with confidence as she weaves an intricate backstory. This novel is saturated with Gwen Marcey’s backstory and fills in many of the gaps left from the previous three books. Additionally, Gwen’s internalized arguments with others (both her ex-husband and Beth) show a struggle the character faces on a number of topics. Rather than simply loading the narrative with these breadcrumbs, the entire story takes on a Gwen Marcey flavour, permitting exploration and growth. Other than Beth and some minor mentions of others back in Missoula, Montana, the entire cast of characters is new and exciting, with a strong Indian (aboriginal) flavour. Politics surrounding the American treatment of this part of the population is woven throughout the story, allowing the reader to learn a great deal as the story progresses. The narrative is crisp and moves forward with an intense story told in short chapters. Parks keeps the reader wondering until the very end and offers up some hints and what might be to come in the ever-evolving battle between Gwen and her ex-husband. Parks has written another winner here and is sure to garner many more accolades for this work.
Kudos, Madam Parks for another wonderful novel. You never fail to impress me as I learn much about forensics from your unique experiences.
Like/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
Returning with her much anticipated fourth novel, Carrie Stuart Parks takes readers on an emotional rollercoaster. After recently being hired to work on the Interagency Major Crime Unit (IMCU), Gwen Marcey attempts to curry favour with the team and her current beau by taking a case in Alaska. However, when another case is being described at the Unit briefing, Gwen cannot shake the intense flashback she has, directly tied to a traumatic event from her youth. Leaving little room for negotiation, Gwen swaps cases and heads to Idaho, where she will liaise alongside the Nez Perce Tribal Police in Lapwai. There, a couple has been murdered and their four year-old daughter is missing. When her reception is met with less than open arms, Gwen must begin her work as best she can, interviewing witnesses and providing any composite sketches that arise. When her vehicle is stolen, Gwen enlists the assistance of her best friend, Beth Noble, whose online prowess will surely come in handy. In a moment of emotional vulnerability, Gwen admits to discovering a murder scene of her ‘sorta-mom’ at fourteen, which led her out to Montana. This revelation, tied to the added admission that her parents were murdered when she was four, fuels Gwen as she tries to locate this little girl and ensure the killer is found. However, all that is easier said than done. Much of what Gwen grew up knowing changes the deeper Beth is able to dig around through old records. Gwen is distracted and she misses major elements of the crime at hand, which leads to her dismissal from the IMCU. There is surely an element that connects these past crimes to the current abduction, but the clues that tie it all together are slow to emerge. As Gwen and Beth continue to dig, key pieces of evidence fall into place, but that only pushes them into more danger. A killer lurks and Gwen appears to be their target. Her past and present collide, but someone wants to keep what is not yet known firmly veiled in mystery. Parks has spun a powerful story in this novel that will appeal greatly to the series fan and is sure to hook newbies who are just now learning about the wonders of this talented crime writer.
I have been a fan of Carrie Stuart Parks and her work for a number of years. She offers a wonderful crime thriller, but tackles her stories from a unique angle. With Gwen Marcey as a forensic artist, this individualizes the protagonist and allows the reader to approach the crime fighting from a perspective that might not receive much merit. Basing Marcey on a number of her own experiences, Parks is able to speak with confidence as she weaves an intricate backstory. This novel is saturated with Gwen Marcey’s backstory and fills in many of the gaps left from the previous three books. Additionally, Gwen’s internalized arguments with others (both her ex-husband and Beth) show a struggle the character faces on a number of topics. Rather than simply loading the narrative with these breadcrumbs, the entire story takes on a Gwen Marcey flavour, permitting exploration and growth. Other than Beth and some minor mentions of others back in Missoula, Montana, the entire cast of characters is new and exciting, with a strong Indian (aboriginal) flavour. Politics surrounding the American treatment of this part of the population is woven throughout the story, allowing the reader to learn a great deal as the story progresses. The narrative is crisp and moves forward with an intense story told in short chapters. Parks keeps the reader wondering until the very end and offers up some hints and what might be to come in the ever-evolving battle between Gwen and her ex-husband. Parks has written another winner here and is sure to garner many more accolades for this work.
Kudos, Madam Parks for another wonderful novel. You never fail to impress me as I learn much about forensics from your unique experiences.
Like/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
May 31, 2017
I am a huge fan of Carrie's books, but this was the best yet. It all came together: Historical threads, suspense twists, self-discovery. The result was a highly satisfying read. Run out and buy this book the day it releases. You won't be disappointed. Great read!
November 20, 2017
I've been wanting to try out the Gwen Marcey series for a while so when I got the chance to read this, book four in the series, did I not hesitate.
First I want to say that I was curious to see how this, a book labeled Christian mystery, would be like. I mean that's not often I come across a mystery book that is defined as a Christian one. And, as far as I can tell, after reading this book is it worked out OK. Not too preachy, just the mentioning of God now and then. Second, I was intrigued to discover that Gewn Marcey has had a double mastectomy. This is the first time I've come across that in a novel (I think) and I quite liked it because that's something that so many women have to do and I like reading books where the main character goes through situations that can happen to anyone.
However, Gwen's upbringing is definitely not normal and in this book, Gwen will learn more things about her past that will chock her. She's been running from the past for so many years, but now she finally can confront her demons. There was a moment went I thought that Gwen leaped to a conclusion without any proofs while she searched for information about her past. I mean sure, things can seem to be true, but I thought she would at least be a bit more skeptic and not take it at face value. However, I did find most of the book very interesting and I was pleasantly surprised by the ending. The funny thing is that I figured out who the killer was, and was a bit disappointed about that, but then Carrie Stuart Parks twisted the story and I must say that was a nice touch.
A great book and I look forward to reading the rest of the books in the series!
I want to thank the publisher for providing me with a free copy through NetGalley for an honest review!
First I want to say that I was curious to see how this, a book labeled Christian mystery, would be like. I mean that's not often I come across a mystery book that is defined as a Christian one. And, as far as I can tell, after reading this book is it worked out OK. Not too preachy, just the mentioning of God now and then. Second, I was intrigued to discover that Gewn Marcey has had a double mastectomy. This is the first time I've come across that in a novel (I think) and I quite liked it because that's something that so many women have to do and I like reading books where the main character goes through situations that can happen to anyone.
However, Gwen's upbringing is definitely not normal and in this book, Gwen will learn more things about her past that will chock her. She's been running from the past for so many years, but now she finally can confront her demons. There was a moment went I thought that Gwen leaped to a conclusion without any proofs while she searched for information about her past. I mean sure, things can seem to be true, but I thought she would at least be a bit more skeptic and not take it at face value. However, I did find most of the book very interesting and I was pleasantly surprised by the ending. The funny thing is that I figured out who the killer was, and was a bit disappointed about that, but then Carrie Stuart Parks twisted the story and I must say that was a nice touch.
A great book and I look forward to reading the rest of the books in the series!
I want to thank the publisher for providing me with a free copy through NetGalley for an honest review!
January 29, 2018
If I seem a little slow today, I blame Carrie Stuart Parks. I just could not put this book down until I finished it way too late last night! Well worth it!
This was my first Gwen Marcy mystery, and I can't wait to go back and read the rest. Even though I hadn't read the first three, I didn't feel lost, so if you are interested in this novel, jump on in. I loved the characters, the complex interlocking mysteries, the high stakes, and the history. Yes, it's a contemporary novel, but the history that drove some of the murders or murder attempts was absolutely fascinating. The settings were gorgeous, and I enjoyed reading the author's note about how she was able to portray them so vividly. I wasn't just entertained with this mystery, I learned about a slice of American history I wasn't familiar with. Loved this book!
This was my first Gwen Marcy mystery, and I can't wait to go back and read the rest. Even though I hadn't read the first three, I didn't feel lost, so if you are interested in this novel, jump on in. I loved the characters, the complex interlocking mysteries, the high stakes, and the history. Yes, it's a contemporary novel, but the history that drove some of the murders or murder attempts was absolutely fascinating. The settings were gorgeous, and I enjoyed reading the author's note about how she was able to portray them so vividly. I wasn't just entertained with this mystery, I learned about a slice of American history I wasn't familiar with. Loved this book!
July 9, 2018
Portrait of Vengeance is the fourth book in the Gwen Mercey series. It was really good, but my favorite of the series was the previous book, When Death Draws Near. I liked how we got to learn a lot more about Gwen's past in this book -- there were so many unexpected things revealed!
The suspense was great, as usual. I started the book and was drawn into the story right away. I didn't like the way the book ended (unless another book is planned? Then it is okay. ;)). I felt like I got left with some unanswered questions and I'm wondering how things are going to end up with Gwen. I really need a fifth story. lol
All in all, I really enjoyed Portrait of Vengeance and recommend the series if you like suspense. I do wish the ending would have had a bit more closure, but other than that is was an excellent read.
*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. 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.*
The suspense was great, as usual. I started the book and was drawn into the story right away. I didn't like the way the book ended (unless another book is planned? Then it is okay. ;)). I felt like I got left with some unanswered questions and I'm wondering how things are going to end up with Gwen. I really need a fifth story. lol
All in all, I really enjoyed Portrait of Vengeance and recommend the series if you like suspense. I do wish the ending would have had a bit more closure, but other than that is was an excellent read.
*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. 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.*
July 19, 2017
Wow! This is an intense, non stopping mystery without a dull moment. I read it quickly and was very caught up in the story from the beginning. I have a book or two in the series and have not read them yet so I plan to go back and read them.
Gwen Marcey is a forensic artist and police officer with a new job at the Interagency Major Crime Unit (IMCU) in Missoula, Montana. When the jobs are being handed out, she is assigned a case in Alaska but when she heard of a case of the murder of parents and child abduction in Lapwai, Idaho, she requested it. She feels a close connection to the case from her own background. She headed there to work with the Nez Perce Tribal Police and is welcomed by the police chief, Seth Kus, but that is about the only one to welcome her to work with the police force on the reservation. Gwen has dealt with the loss of her parents as a child, breast cancer, divorce, a demanding ex and is used to dealing with life issues but crazy things start out right away beginning with her car disappearing along with her computer and belongings. She has to call her best friend, Beth Noble, to come to her rescue and bring clothes, computer, artist tools and the use of her car. Beth is a computer expert and her skills are used throughout this wild mystery. As the police, Gwen and Beth work on unraveling the case, it becomes clear that someone is out to get Gwen and stop her investigation. As she deals with the case, she also has to deal with her past and the mystery of what happened to her parents and the woman who raised her for fourteen years, a woman who she thought had been murdered. It is an emotional story about a woman who has had so much to deal with and has a lot of things to figure out about her past but with strength, courage and faith. This is a story that is so complicated and has so many layers to be peeled back and makes for an intense, edge of the seat read that is riveting to the end. I have to say that the mystery of who committed the crimes was a surprise that I did not figure out ahead of time. Carrie Stuart Parks is a talented writer with the ability to pull you into the story and make you feel that you are there. I highly recommend this book!
Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for the opportunity to read this ARC and give an honest review.
Gwen Marcey is a forensic artist and police officer with a new job at the Interagency Major Crime Unit (IMCU) in Missoula, Montana. When the jobs are being handed out, she is assigned a case in Alaska but when she heard of a case of the murder of parents and child abduction in Lapwai, Idaho, she requested it. She feels a close connection to the case from her own background. She headed there to work with the Nez Perce Tribal Police and is welcomed by the police chief, Seth Kus, but that is about the only one to welcome her to work with the police force on the reservation. Gwen has dealt with the loss of her parents as a child, breast cancer, divorce, a demanding ex and is used to dealing with life issues but crazy things start out right away beginning with her car disappearing along with her computer and belongings. She has to call her best friend, Beth Noble, to come to her rescue and bring clothes, computer, artist tools and the use of her car. Beth is a computer expert and her skills are used throughout this wild mystery. As the police, Gwen and Beth work on unraveling the case, it becomes clear that someone is out to get Gwen and stop her investigation. As she deals with the case, she also has to deal with her past and the mystery of what happened to her parents and the woman who raised her for fourteen years, a woman who she thought had been murdered. It is an emotional story about a woman who has had so much to deal with and has a lot of things to figure out about her past but with strength, courage and faith. This is a story that is so complicated and has so many layers to be peeled back and makes for an intense, edge of the seat read that is riveting to the end. I have to say that the mystery of who committed the crimes was a surprise that I did not figure out ahead of time. Carrie Stuart Parks is a talented writer with the ability to pull you into the story and make you feel that you are there. I highly recommend this book!
Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for the opportunity to read this ARC and give an honest review.
January 13, 2022
“If I’m right—then this is a portrait of vengeance.”
“A life for a life. Save the child.”
“You can’t change the past, merely learn from it. Finish your season of searching and move on to mending.”
I always enjoy a Carrie Stuart Parks novel. The characters, plots, and settings are always so richly developed. And while I have been enjoying her stand-alone books over the last few years, I knew it was time to go ahead and finish the Gwen Marcy series (though I do hope one day we will get some more!).
This book, though it wasn’t my favorite Gwen Marcy one, was very action packed with a lot of suspense and mystery. I liked how she weaved together true historical events and a tightly plotted fictional mystery. Even though this one involved missing kids and a decent amount of dead bodies, it wasn’t ever too gritty or gory. The mystery was good; I did guess one big reveal but not a second one. And there was a great theme about going through different seasons of bad and good and how as Christians, God will not only get us through trying times but can also make us stronger as a result. And Gwen, who has been dealt a bad hand in life with a divorce, a strained relationship with her daughter, breast cancer, losing her job, and trying to find out what happened to her parents, has definitely been going through some bad seasons. As a reader, we all are rooting for her luck to change.
Can’t wait for my next Carrie Stuart Parks book to read!
“A life for a life. Save the child.”
“You can’t change the past, merely learn from it. Finish your season of searching and move on to mending.”
I always enjoy a Carrie Stuart Parks novel. The characters, plots, and settings are always so richly developed. And while I have been enjoying her stand-alone books over the last few years, I knew it was time to go ahead and finish the Gwen Marcy series (though I do hope one day we will get some more!).
This book, though it wasn’t my favorite Gwen Marcy one, was very action packed with a lot of suspense and mystery. I liked how she weaved together true historical events and a tightly plotted fictional mystery. Even though this one involved missing kids and a decent amount of dead bodies, it wasn’t ever too gritty or gory. The mystery was good; I did guess one big reveal but not a second one. And there was a great theme about going through different seasons of bad and good and how as Christians, God will not only get us through trying times but can also make us stronger as a result. And Gwen, who has been dealt a bad hand in life with a divorce, a strained relationship with her daughter, breast cancer, losing her job, and trying to find out what happened to her parents, has definitely been going through some bad seasons. As a reader, we all are rooting for her luck to change.
Can’t wait for my next Carrie Stuart Parks book to read!
June 8, 2017
OH. MY. GOSH! This series keeps getting better and better with each book! I love Gwen! I love her never give up spirit, her love of her family and friends and her passion for justice.
One of the reasons I like Gwen is her life isn’t simple. She is struggling to maintain a job, she is a breast cancer survivor, she is dealing with a jerk of an ex-husband, it’s not pretty. Like real life.
This story answers a lot of questions for Gwen and her past. I found myself crying for her and with her. And I also cheered for her at the end of the book.
This series has been so good. With the answer Gwen gets in this story it will be interesting to see where the author takes the series. I can hardly wait for the next one!
Disclaimer: I did receive a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher, I was not required to give a review and the opinions here are my own.
One of the reasons I like Gwen is her life isn’t simple. She is struggling to maintain a job, she is a breast cancer survivor, she is dealing with a jerk of an ex-husband, it’s not pretty. Like real life.
This story answers a lot of questions for Gwen and her past. I found myself crying for her and with her. And I also cheered for her at the end of the book.
This series has been so good. With the answer Gwen gets in this story it will be interesting to see where the author takes the series. I can hardly wait for the next one!
Disclaimer: I did receive a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher, I was not required to give a review and the opinions here are my own.
September 23, 2017
Well done! I've made this comment in the past three reviews...Carrie Stuart Parks writing gets stronger with each novel. In a Portrait of Vengeance, the crime gets personal. Gwen learns about her past while solving a present day crime.
I was engaged the entire novel and there was a twist I didn't see coming. Secondary characters Beth and Winston (165 pound dog) were strong.
My understanding is this is the end of the Gwen Marcey Series. I look forward to what the author writes next.
My gratitude to publisher Thomas Nelson for a complimentary copy of the novel. I was not required to post a review and the opinions expressed are my own.
I was engaged the entire novel and there was a twist I didn't see coming. Secondary characters Beth and Winston (165 pound dog) were strong.
My understanding is this is the end of the Gwen Marcey Series. I look forward to what the author writes next.
My gratitude to publisher Thomas Nelson for a complimentary copy of the novel. I was not required to post a review and the opinions expressed are my own.
August 31, 2017
I think I've read all of these Gwen Marcey books, and they just keep getting better!
So much action, suspense, and more--it's one of those books that you want to keep reading from start to finish!
Gwen is such a realistic, down-to-earth character. I feel as though I know her.
I love how she always seems to find herself in the middle of the excitement, almost without trying.
In this book, we are given more of her backstory, and it is very intriguing!
If you are a fan of Christian suspense, you won't want to miss it!
So much action, suspense, and more--it's one of those books that you want to keep reading from start to finish!
Gwen is such a realistic, down-to-earth character. I feel as though I know her.
I love how she always seems to find herself in the middle of the excitement, almost without trying.
In this book, we are given more of her backstory, and it is very intriguing!
If you are a fan of Christian suspense, you won't want to miss it!
August 31, 2017
I have read all of the Gwen Marcey novels and enjoyed every one of them. I like the characters and the plots are always entertaining yet informative. This novel concentrates on troubling events from Gwen's childhood. The current investigation reminds her of a similar crime in her past. Because of that, this novel deals more with Gwen's self discovery than I have seen in other novels in the series. At first I found this a little disconcerting. I love a strong protagonist and Gwen seemed weak, stumbling through the investigation. I almost didn't like her. As the plot progressed, however, Gwen found out more about her past. In the end she was back, the strong woman I appreciate so much.
I always like to learn something when I read a novel. Gwen was working with the tribal police in Idaho and there is much about the Native Americans, their beliefs and history.
I enjoyed the police procedure plot but I think the emphasis for this novel was more on personality development. Adversity helps us develop into the people we are today and Gwen has experienced much of it. She experiences more near the end of this novel too.
The Christianity in this novel is not blatant. There are references to Scripture, however, as well as a great lesson on forgiveness.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
I always like to learn something when I read a novel. Gwen was working with the tribal police in Idaho and there is much about the Native Americans, their beliefs and history.
I enjoyed the police procedure plot but I think the emphasis for this novel was more on personality development. Adversity helps us develop into the people we are today and Gwen has experienced much of it. She experiences more near the end of this novel too.
The Christianity in this novel is not blatant. There are references to Scripture, however, as well as a great lesson on forgiveness.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
October 24, 2022
Wow! What a ride!
I have loved this series. It gives us a fascinating glimpse into what a forensic artist can do. I enjoyed Beth (Gwen's best friend) having a more active role in this story and missed Aynslee (her daughter) being more prominent. Gwen's Great Pyrenees, Winston, is a great addition to this story as well.
Portrait of Vengeance is the fourth book in the Gwen Marcey series, and I highly recommend reading them in order. This could act as a standalone, but Gwen (and others) refer to things that happened in previous books, especially concerning Gwen's personal life.
I love Gwen! I can appreciate her snark, sass, and oddball sense of humor. I think these traits are part of her coping mechanisms. Gwen has had a series of difficult events happen over the last few years, and her resilience is truly amazing.
There are many facets to this story. There is fascinating history about the Nez Perce tribe, facts revealed about Gwen's life and the constant search for the murderer/kidnapper. I had a hint of who the bad guy was, but I never saw the twist coming, nor could I have predicted how the story would end. It was incredible.
This appears to be the end of the series, but I am not ready for it to be over. I want to know more about what happens next in Gwen's life. There was a thread left hanging, but sometimes life is that way too.
I highly recommend this book and series to anyone who loves a good suspense novel. I recommend reading the acknowledgments section as well, as it is interesting learning how authors get their ideas for books like this!
I have loved this series. It gives us a fascinating glimpse into what a forensic artist can do. I enjoyed Beth (Gwen's best friend) having a more active role in this story and missed Aynslee (her daughter) being more prominent. Gwen's Great Pyrenees, Winston, is a great addition to this story as well.
Portrait of Vengeance is the fourth book in the Gwen Marcey series, and I highly recommend reading them in order. This could act as a standalone, but Gwen (and others) refer to things that happened in previous books, especially concerning Gwen's personal life.
I love Gwen! I can appreciate her snark, sass, and oddball sense of humor. I think these traits are part of her coping mechanisms. Gwen has had a series of difficult events happen over the last few years, and her resilience is truly amazing.
There are many facets to this story. There is fascinating history about the Nez Perce tribe, facts revealed about Gwen's life and the constant search for the murderer/kidnapper. I had a hint of who the bad guy was, but I never saw the twist coming, nor could I have predicted how the story would end. It was incredible.
This appears to be the end of the series, but I am not ready for it to be over. I want to know more about what happens next in Gwen's life. There was a thread left hanging, but sometimes life is that way too.
I highly recommend this book and series to anyone who loves a good suspense novel. I recommend reading the acknowledgments section as well, as it is interesting learning how authors get their ideas for books like this!
September 11, 2017
"If I'm right . . . . then this is a portrait of vengeance."
Forensic artist Gwen Marcy convinces the commander of her Interagency Major Crimes Unit to assign her to a case that places Gwen back into the foggy world of her childhood; two adults have been brutally murdered in Lapwai, Idaho and their four year old daughter is reportedly missing. Bracing herself, Gwen arrives on the scene to discover that one of the only remaining clues duplicates a memory from the day when her own parents had been murdered.
"Sufficient for the day is its own trouble."
While interviewing potential witnesses, Gwen continues to stumble across eerie images and inexplicable ironies, causing her to imagine that her own past might be intertwined with the present atrocities, however, no one besides her friend Beth and the local chief of the Nez Perce Tribal Police will entertain her wild theories. After narrowly escaping several attempts on her life, Gwen bravely proceeds on her own, piecing together the hideous portrait of a violent serial killer.
In brilliant fashion, Carrie Stuart Parks has written the quintessential crime novel with chilling, intriguing and complicated characters. It was my pleasure to receive a copy from the publisher; the opinions stated are entirely my own.
Forensic artist Gwen Marcy convinces the commander of her Interagency Major Crimes Unit to assign her to a case that places Gwen back into the foggy world of her childhood; two adults have been brutally murdered in Lapwai, Idaho and their four year old daughter is reportedly missing. Bracing herself, Gwen arrives on the scene to discover that one of the only remaining clues duplicates a memory from the day when her own parents had been murdered.
"Sufficient for the day is its own trouble."
While interviewing potential witnesses, Gwen continues to stumble across eerie images and inexplicable ironies, causing her to imagine that her own past might be intertwined with the present atrocities, however, no one besides her friend Beth and the local chief of the Nez Perce Tribal Police will entertain her wild theories. After narrowly escaping several attempts on her life, Gwen bravely proceeds on her own, piecing together the hideous portrait of a violent serial killer.
In brilliant fashion, Carrie Stuart Parks has written the quintessential crime novel with chilling, intriguing and complicated characters. It was my pleasure to receive a copy from the publisher; the opinions stated are entirely my own.
August 24, 2017
That was another roller coaster ride, thanks to Carrie Stuart Parks! I have to stop reading Carrie's books late at night! This one kept me awake like the rest of the Gwen Marcey series.
A master at developing original crime scenes and creative plots, Portrait of Vengeance was no disappointment. Descriptive, suspense filled and poignant, there is no guessing who Gwen can trust. With her best friend and her Great Pyrenees (a bear of a dog) along for the ride, there isn't a dull moment.
I have been waiting for this newest novel by this author, and I can't wait for her next release! If you love a fast pace and suspense filled action you need to read not only Portrait of Vengeance, but the entire Gwen Marcey series!
A master at developing original crime scenes and creative plots, Portrait of Vengeance was no disappointment. Descriptive, suspense filled and poignant, there is no guessing who Gwen can trust. With her best friend and her Great Pyrenees (a bear of a dog) along for the ride, there isn't a dull moment.
I have been waiting for this newest novel by this author, and I can't wait for her next release! If you love a fast pace and suspense filled action you need to read not only Portrait of Vengeance, but the entire Gwen Marcey series!
July 1, 2017
Gwen's most personal case yet, this was a tense read that had me racing to the finish. I hope there are many more of these to come!
Thanks to the publisher and to NetGalley for providing an e-galley in exchange for an honest review!
Thanks to the publisher and to NetGalley for providing an e-galley in exchange for an honest review!
August 23, 2017
Portrait of Vengeance
A Gwen Marcey Novel #4
By Carrie Stuart Parks
When the Interagency Major Crimes Unit that Gwen Marcey is currently working with is assigned a case that is too eerily like her past Gwen takes the case. The similarities to what she has hidden for years along with the proximity to where it happened is too coincidental to ignore.
But confronting her past may be more than Gwen can take when the very people she trying to help take offense with her very presence and her ex-husband is demanding sole custody of their daughter. But when Gwen targeted she can't help wondering if the danger is from the past or the present.
But with a young girl missing and the clock working against her Gwen has her work cut out for her. She is determined to bring Beatrice home and find the person responsible for what she believes is a string of serial killings. But is her determination to finally face her past making her see a pattern where none exists?
First off this is most definitely a mystery so mystery fans take note of this one. Second, this is the fourth book in the series, which I will admit I did not know before getting this book in my hands. Yes, I could have done a bit of research and easily found out that this was part of a series. But had I done so I might not have picked this book to review. Having not previously read the previous books I was not at a disadvantage when I started reading this book. I was not familiar with some references to previous cases, situations, etc., but that had no bearing on my reading experience.
I will admit there were a few scenes that were a tad gruesome for my normal reading fare but not to the point of where I felt a need to be done with the book. And her ex-husband is quite the "charmer" from the few scenes that he puts in an appearance. And in case you're wondering it is really hard to figure out just who the bad guy is in this one.
After reading Portrait of Vengeance and the small excerpt of the first book I have to read the other books (Time to pull out the library card!) If you want some reading that will keep up at night don't pass on this book. And for those who might find this of note Gwen is a cancer survivor and there are (I think) some attempts at humor in regard to this that I'm afraid I did not find humorous. But that could be me.
I was provided a review copy of this book by BookLook Bloggers /Fiction Guild with no expectations of a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
A Gwen Marcey Novel #4
By Carrie Stuart Parks
When the Interagency Major Crimes Unit that Gwen Marcey is currently working with is assigned a case that is too eerily like her past Gwen takes the case. The similarities to what she has hidden for years along with the proximity to where it happened is too coincidental to ignore.
But confronting her past may be more than Gwen can take when the very people she trying to help take offense with her very presence and her ex-husband is demanding sole custody of their daughter. But when Gwen targeted she can't help wondering if the danger is from the past or the present.
But with a young girl missing and the clock working against her Gwen has her work cut out for her. She is determined to bring Beatrice home and find the person responsible for what she believes is a string of serial killings. But is her determination to finally face her past making her see a pattern where none exists?
First off this is most definitely a mystery so mystery fans take note of this one. Second, this is the fourth book in the series, which I will admit I did not know before getting this book in my hands. Yes, I could have done a bit of research and easily found out that this was part of a series. But had I done so I might not have picked this book to review. Having not previously read the previous books I was not at a disadvantage when I started reading this book. I was not familiar with some references to previous cases, situations, etc., but that had no bearing on my reading experience.
I will admit there were a few scenes that were a tad gruesome for my normal reading fare but not to the point of where I felt a need to be done with the book. And her ex-husband is quite the "charmer" from the few scenes that he puts in an appearance. And in case you're wondering it is really hard to figure out just who the bad guy is in this one.
After reading Portrait of Vengeance and the small excerpt of the first book I have to read the other books (Time to pull out the library card!) If you want some reading that will keep up at night don't pass on this book. And for those who might find this of note Gwen is a cancer survivor and there are (I think) some attempts at humor in regard to this that I'm afraid I did not find humorous. But that could be me.
I was provided a review copy of this book by BookLook Bloggers /Fiction Guild with no expectations of a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
January 10, 2018
If you’re looking for a fast moving, edge of the seat, suck in a breath (it might be your last) thrill ride - then this book might just be for you.
I haven’t had a chance to read the preceding titles in the Gwen Marcey series but this still worked just as well as a stand alone - although judging from the quality of this one, it won’t be long before I pick up the previous books. It was that good.
Forensic artist (not a vocation you see in many books) Gwen Marcey volunteers to assist local law enforcement to apprehend a potential serial killer who murdered the parents of a small girl and then appears to have kidnaped her following the murders. Add to that the fact that he used an axe to do it and you can imagine the scene only too well.
Journeying to the small town and seeing many similarities to her own history, Marcey immediately feels like the outsider that she is and unwelcome at that. But the dishy police chief may make it a little more tolerable.
Portrait of Vengeance may at first glance look like a cozy mystery but it soon morphs into something much more dramatic and horrific without become macabre. There were several instances of “Oh my!!!” - wasn’t expecting that at all and did that JUST HAPPENED???
If you love to be surprised and to find a book that makes putting it down simply impossible then look no further.
I received a copy of this book for free from the publisher as part of the Thomas Nelson/ Zondervan Fiction Guild. I was not required to post a positive review and the views and opinions expressed are my own.
I haven’t had a chance to read the preceding titles in the Gwen Marcey series but this still worked just as well as a stand alone - although judging from the quality of this one, it won’t be long before I pick up the previous books. It was that good.
Forensic artist (not a vocation you see in many books) Gwen Marcey volunteers to assist local law enforcement to apprehend a potential serial killer who murdered the parents of a small girl and then appears to have kidnaped her following the murders. Add to that the fact that he used an axe to do it and you can imagine the scene only too well.
Journeying to the small town and seeing many similarities to her own history, Marcey immediately feels like the outsider that she is and unwelcome at that. But the dishy police chief may make it a little more tolerable.
Portrait of Vengeance may at first glance look like a cozy mystery but it soon morphs into something much more dramatic and horrific without become macabre. There were several instances of “Oh my!!!” - wasn’t expecting that at all and did that JUST HAPPENED???
If you love to be surprised and to find a book that makes putting it down simply impossible then look no further.
I received a copy of this book for free from the publisher as part of the Thomas Nelson/ Zondervan Fiction Guild. I was not required to post a positive review and the views and opinions expressed are my own.
September 27, 2017
I have enjoyed Carrie's books since I read her first one. Forensic artists fascinate me, and the fact that she is one in real life makes her novels all the more interesting and believable. In addition, her main character is far from perfect in more than one way, being a breast cancer survivor with prosthetic breasts..... you don't run onto that in many novels.
All three books that precede this one have been great reads, but this one may be the best yet. I found it to be more suspenseful than the others, and it seemed more was going on in this book. Also in this book, the story is much more personal for the main character.
This was not an easy book to figure out. The plot was intense and intricate, and the suspects abounded, made more difficult by events several years prior. This book kept me on the edge of my seat, and I found myself reading it as fast as I could. I enjoyed the book, and look forward to reading more by this author.
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
All three books that precede this one have been great reads, but this one may be the best yet. I found it to be more suspenseful than the others, and it seemed more was going on in this book. Also in this book, the story is much more personal for the main character.
This was not an easy book to figure out. The plot was intense and intricate, and the suspects abounded, made more difficult by events several years prior. This book kept me on the edge of my seat, and I found myself reading it as fast as I could. I enjoyed the book, and look forward to reading more by this author.
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
October 21, 2017
A Portrait of Vengeance is the fourth Gwen Marcey novel, following When Death Draws Near, The Bones Will Speak, and A Cry from the Dust. Each novel centres on a crime or series of related crimes, with an underlying thread about Gwen’s relationship with her teenage daughter (not good) and her ex-husband (even less good).
But Portrait of Vengeance was unique in that it gave some of Gwen’s own personal history. This gave an insight into the person she has become, and showed us what she has overcome–not just the breast cancer and divorce we learned about in the earlier novels, but something of her childhood and upbringing.
As Gwen investigates the disappearance of a native American child from a small town in Idaho, she finds details which are similar to her own childhood memories. Is the person behind this disappearance the same person who destroyed her childhood? And what happens when the memories don’t make sense.
I don’t want to say too much, because it’s impossible without giving away spoilers. If you’ve read the previous Gwen Marcey novels, you’ll want to read this—it’s the best yet in terms of both the characters and the suspense. If you haven’t read any Gwen Marcey novels yet, and you enjoy Christian thrillers from authors such as Colleen Coble, then you’ll want to read this—but you might want to start with When Death Draws Near.
Recommended for those who enjoy fast-paced thrillers with great characters. Thanks to Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for providing a free ebook for review.
But Portrait of Vengeance was unique in that it gave some of Gwen’s own personal history. This gave an insight into the person she has become, and showed us what she has overcome–not just the breast cancer and divorce we learned about in the earlier novels, but something of her childhood and upbringing.
As Gwen investigates the disappearance of a native American child from a small town in Idaho, she finds details which are similar to her own childhood memories. Is the person behind this disappearance the same person who destroyed her childhood? And what happens when the memories don’t make sense.
I don’t want to say too much, because it’s impossible without giving away spoilers. If you’ve read the previous Gwen Marcey novels, you’ll want to read this—it’s the best yet in terms of both the characters and the suspense. If you haven’t read any Gwen Marcey novels yet, and you enjoy Christian thrillers from authors such as Colleen Coble, then you’ll want to read this—but you might want to start with When Death Draws Near.
Recommended for those who enjoy fast-paced thrillers with great characters. Thanks to Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for providing a free ebook for review.
August 22, 2017
Previous to this book, I had never read anything from Carrie Stuart Parks. I will go back and read her other three books now. This was thrilling. I did, however, feel I was missing something, then realized that the main protagonist's back story had been told in the three previous books. I took off a star for that. The writing is well done, the plot is awesome. I look forward to reading the other books in this series. It is a bit gritty, but it is a crime story. It's not offensive, though, or vulgar.
*I was given a copy of this book by the Fiction Guild. My review is my own honest opinion.
*I was given a copy of this book by the Fiction Guild. My review is my own honest opinion.
August 18, 2017
Wow. I had not expected to begin my new read one day and finish the next.
The story had me from the beginning and only the need for sleep kept me from finishing the book on day one. So hard to put down.
Great story with characters that pull you in for a ride full of questions, guesses and twists through to the end.
A very big thank you to Goodreads and Harper Collins for the opportunity to meet and enjoy the work of Carrie Stuart Parks.
I now have a new Author with stories I cannot wait to digest.
The story had me from the beginning and only the need for sleep kept me from finishing the book on day one. So hard to put down.
Great story with characters that pull you in for a ride full of questions, guesses and twists through to the end.
A very big thank you to Goodreads and Harper Collins for the opportunity to meet and enjoy the work of Carrie Stuart Parks.
I now have a new Author with stories I cannot wait to digest.
September 19, 2017
Let me start off by saying that if you haven't read any of the previous Gwen Marcey stories, I'd recommend checking out the earlier books with this particular series. While the cases themselves could technically make for stand-alone works, there are characters and certain details of Gwen's life that are carried through all the books.
In this fourth installment in the series, forensic artist Gwen Marcey is investigating the murders of a married couple within the Nez Perce tribe (Lapwai community) as well as the whereabouts of the victims' missing (presumed kidnapped) young daughter. Some of the particulars of the case, as far as clues at the scene and specifics regarding the profiling of the killer, appear to echo traumatic events from Gwen's own childhood. As the case / plot progresses, Gwen becomes more and more convinced that finding the answers within this present case will, in turn, answer questions about her own traumas that have plagued her for years.
The journey to the truth proves to be a solidly uphill battle, as Gwen finds that many of the key witnesses she is relying on for information have deep-seated prejudices against Caucasian people. In what's now become a signature mixture within this series as a whole, author Carrie Stuart Parks creates her characters and environments by bringing forth a compelling blend of historical fact, details / inspiration from actual true crime cases, and occasionally details from cases Parks herself worked during her own years as a forensic artist. While working within the Nez Perce tribal lands, our protagonist Gwen gets a crash course in the history of such traumatic events as Wounded Knee / Pine Ridge, as well as the development of AIM (the American Indian Movement). It takes little time for Gwen to see that she will need to tread lightly when working with the descendants of people involved in these painful moments within Native history. Though the years have passed, the hurt has hardly diminished.
Having followed this series from the beginning, I couldn't help but laugh and shake my head to find 8 pages into this latest book that Gwen is STILL having fights & custody battles with her ex-husband. I couldn't help but think "it's been four books now, that kid can't have too much high school left for this argument to be relevant much longer.." I feel for Gwen there. On the happier side though, I'm loving that the stories within this series seem to be quietly steering toward a "Gwen & Beth Investigate" kind of trend. Beth has a bigger role in this book than in some of the previous ones. She's such a hoot, I love to see her getting more of the spotlight! Keep your dictionary nearby though. Beth loves her some "word of the day" usage and Parks works in some words that definitely had me feel like I was back in SAT prep days!
The true star for me though has to be Winston, Gwen's Great Pyrenees dog. While Parks always gave him quite the humorously entertaining dog personality, he, like Beth, was more in the background in much of the previous books. In Portrait of Vengeance however, Winston gets solid book "screen" time, scenes that will make dog lovers cheer at the protectiveness of pups over their humans. Go ahead, hug your own pooch after this one. :-)
So far, the very first book in the series, A Cry In The Dust, still proves to be my very favorite. But this one is now in a close second. This book proved to be slightly more gruesome in parts than its predecessors -- in one scene, Gwen likens a crime scene to a Jackson Pollack painting. Yeaaah, I'll just let you art fans visualize that one. But if you're not scared off by a little edge, Parks yet again gives the reader one fun ride full of twists and turns that have you wondering who in this story is to be trusted!
It was neat to read in Parks' acknowledgements that she wrote this story (at least in part) while participating in a writing retreat at author Colleen Coble's home. She further notes author Frank Peretti as a mentor in the process of developing this series as well. For fellow fans of Gwen's investigations: when asked whether a 5th book was in the works, Parks answered (via Goodreads):
"As of now, book 5 will be a stand-alone about an artist (caught up in a case) in Kodiak Island, Alaska. My publisher wanted me to take a break from Gwen. You'll be meeting Murphy."
I, for one, am looking forward to meeting this Murphy fella!
FTC Disclaimer: BookLookBloggers kindly provided me with a complimentary copy of this book with a request that I might check it out and share my thoughts. The opinions above are entirely my own.
In this fourth installment in the series, forensic artist Gwen Marcey is investigating the murders of a married couple within the Nez Perce tribe (Lapwai community) as well as the whereabouts of the victims' missing (presumed kidnapped) young daughter. Some of the particulars of the case, as far as clues at the scene and specifics regarding the profiling of the killer, appear to echo traumatic events from Gwen's own childhood. As the case / plot progresses, Gwen becomes more and more convinced that finding the answers within this present case will, in turn, answer questions about her own traumas that have plagued her for years.
The journey to the truth proves to be a solidly uphill battle, as Gwen finds that many of the key witnesses she is relying on for information have deep-seated prejudices against Caucasian people. In what's now become a signature mixture within this series as a whole, author Carrie Stuart Parks creates her characters and environments by bringing forth a compelling blend of historical fact, details / inspiration from actual true crime cases, and occasionally details from cases Parks herself worked during her own years as a forensic artist. While working within the Nez Perce tribal lands, our protagonist Gwen gets a crash course in the history of such traumatic events as Wounded Knee / Pine Ridge, as well as the development of AIM (the American Indian Movement). It takes little time for Gwen to see that she will need to tread lightly when working with the descendants of people involved in these painful moments within Native history. Though the years have passed, the hurt has hardly diminished.
Having followed this series from the beginning, I couldn't help but laugh and shake my head to find 8 pages into this latest book that Gwen is STILL having fights & custody battles with her ex-husband. I couldn't help but think "it's been four books now, that kid can't have too much high school left for this argument to be relevant much longer.." I feel for Gwen there. On the happier side though, I'm loving that the stories within this series seem to be quietly steering toward a "Gwen & Beth Investigate" kind of trend. Beth has a bigger role in this book than in some of the previous ones. She's such a hoot, I love to see her getting more of the spotlight! Keep your dictionary nearby though. Beth loves her some "word of the day" usage and Parks works in some words that definitely had me feel like I was back in SAT prep days!
The true star for me though has to be Winston, Gwen's Great Pyrenees dog. While Parks always gave him quite the humorously entertaining dog personality, he, like Beth, was more in the background in much of the previous books. In Portrait of Vengeance however, Winston gets solid book "screen" time, scenes that will make dog lovers cheer at the protectiveness of pups over their humans. Go ahead, hug your own pooch after this one. :-)
So far, the very first book in the series, A Cry In The Dust, still proves to be my very favorite. But this one is now in a close second. This book proved to be slightly more gruesome in parts than its predecessors -- in one scene, Gwen likens a crime scene to a Jackson Pollack painting. Yeaaah, I'll just let you art fans visualize that one. But if you're not scared off by a little edge, Parks yet again gives the reader one fun ride full of twists and turns that have you wondering who in this story is to be trusted!
It was neat to read in Parks' acknowledgements that she wrote this story (at least in part) while participating in a writing retreat at author Colleen Coble's home. She further notes author Frank Peretti as a mentor in the process of developing this series as well. For fellow fans of Gwen's investigations: when asked whether a 5th book was in the works, Parks answered (via Goodreads):
"As of now, book 5 will be a stand-alone about an artist (caught up in a case) in Kodiak Island, Alaska. My publisher wanted me to take a break from Gwen. You'll be meeting Murphy."
I, for one, am looking forward to meeting this Murphy fella!
FTC Disclaimer: BookLookBloggers kindly provided me with a complimentary copy of this book with a request that I might check it out and share my thoughts. The opinions above are entirely my own.
October 30, 2017
What an incredibly suspenseful book from Carrie Stuart Parks! I’ve only read the very first Gwen Marcey novel (A Cry From the Dust) but I’ve loved her writing since reading that book awhile ago. Anyone who enjoys action-packed suspense mystery with a very well-layered and detailed plot would love this book.
Ms. Parks’ writing is intense and fast-paced. It is written in first person past tense narrative, which isn’t necessarily my favorite but I forgot about my dislike of this kind of narrative as the story unfolded. I totally became engrossed in the story from page one of the book. The dialogue is fantastic and carries the plot along at a fast clip. The setting of the northwest corner of the country is fascinating since I’ve never visited that area of our vast land. My knowledge of the injustices our Native Americans suffered is limited, so I learned quite a bit of history as well through the book. The thread of faith, hope, and prayer, though not overt, was definitely present throughout the book, especially near the end. I loved that the story actually had two plots intertwined and the conclusion of the book explained both mysteries that Gwen had been unearthing.
The characters are fantastic. I didn't particularly like Gwen at the beginning. Though she is bullied by her ex-husband, Gwen really does come across as a selfish, self-absorbed woman who is irresponsible and unfocused. She has issues with her job, her daughter, and her boyfriend, and doesn’t seem to know what she wants out of life. At the end, though, Gwen does emerge more mature. She learns to extend forgiveness, grace, and mercy. She learns from her past and gives herself time and thought to figure out who she really is and what she really wants. Gwen has a wicked sense of humor, which I thoroughly enjoyed. Her best friend Beth is an awesome side-kick and clearly more level-headed and likable.
I knew from reading her first book that the villain will be someone who is a minor character that’s been given some spotlight. I kept a mental list of the minor characters to try and figure out who’d done it.....man, was I totally wrong. The plot took many twists and turns and rollercoaster rides to bring me to the conclusion and I was absolutely blown away.
Now I must go and catch up on the other two Gwen Marcey books that I’ve missed!
I was given a review copy of this book by Thomas Nelson via NetGalley. I was not required to write a favorable review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.
Ms. Parks’ writing is intense and fast-paced. It is written in first person past tense narrative, which isn’t necessarily my favorite but I forgot about my dislike of this kind of narrative as the story unfolded. I totally became engrossed in the story from page one of the book. The dialogue is fantastic and carries the plot along at a fast clip. The setting of the northwest corner of the country is fascinating since I’ve never visited that area of our vast land. My knowledge of the injustices our Native Americans suffered is limited, so I learned quite a bit of history as well through the book. The thread of faith, hope, and prayer, though not overt, was definitely present throughout the book, especially near the end. I loved that the story actually had two plots intertwined and the conclusion of the book explained both mysteries that Gwen had been unearthing.
The characters are fantastic. I didn't particularly like Gwen at the beginning. Though she is bullied by her ex-husband, Gwen really does come across as a selfish, self-absorbed woman who is irresponsible and unfocused. She has issues with her job, her daughter, and her boyfriend, and doesn’t seem to know what she wants out of life. At the end, though, Gwen does emerge more mature. She learns to extend forgiveness, grace, and mercy. She learns from her past and gives herself time and thought to figure out who she really is and what she really wants. Gwen has a wicked sense of humor, which I thoroughly enjoyed. Her best friend Beth is an awesome side-kick and clearly more level-headed and likable.
I knew from reading her first book that the villain will be someone who is a minor character that’s been given some spotlight. I kept a mental list of the minor characters to try and figure out who’d done it.....man, was I totally wrong. The plot took many twists and turns and rollercoaster rides to bring me to the conclusion and I was absolutely blown away.
Now I must go and catch up on the other two Gwen Marcey books that I’ve missed!
I was given a review copy of this book by Thomas Nelson via NetGalley. I was not required to write a favorable review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.
April 26, 2017
I became a fan of Carrie Stuart Parks writing when I read her first book A Cry from the Dust.As a debut author, she did a fantastic job drawing me into the lives and mysteries of Gwen Marcy. With each book after that, The Bones Will Speak and When Death Draws Near, Parks still captures my attention. When I found out that there would be more Gwen Marcy books than the typical three books, I was excited. With her latest addition to this series, Portrait of Vengeance, I really enjoyed this novel.
Like in her previous books, Parks uses her knowledge of forensic art to solve the crime put forth in the first chapter in the story. Her research flies off the page, allowing me to lose sleep as I fly through the pages. The writing is clear and concise. I had no problem visualizing the setting and followed along Gwen as she interviewed people and took a tour through the wilderness.
As for the continuing characterization of Gwen, Parks allows me to empathize with Gwen as she still struggles with her job, her ex-husband, and her daughter. This time the mystery centers around Gwen's past and made Gwen wonder if she was imaging the connection to the current crime she is working on. While this time, her daughter isn't a prominent struggle in her life; Gwen does receive a phone call from her ex-husband declaring he was taking full custody of their daughter. More internal and external struggles for Gwen.
As for the mystery, it was non-stop thrill ride. A thriller that kept me guessing. I figured out who the bad guy was sixty percent in, but I wanted Parks to prove me wrong or right, which is how I enjoy my stories. This novel keeps moving at a rapid pace and doesn't let up. I enjoy the connection between Gwen's past and the present mystery. Made it easier to stay engrossed in the story. I finished this book in less than one day. I couldn't put it down.
Portrait of Vengeance is an original novel with a reoccurring character that I have come to enjoy. Fans of Parks other works or Steven James' (my favorite thriller writer) should pick up this book. Highly recommended.
I received a complimentary copy of Portrait of Vengeance by Carrie Stuart Parks from Thomas Nelson Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.
Like in her previous books, Parks uses her knowledge of forensic art to solve the crime put forth in the first chapter in the story. Her research flies off the page, allowing me to lose sleep as I fly through the pages. The writing is clear and concise. I had no problem visualizing the setting and followed along Gwen as she interviewed people and took a tour through the wilderness.
As for the continuing characterization of Gwen, Parks allows me to empathize with Gwen as she still struggles with her job, her ex-husband, and her daughter. This time the mystery centers around Gwen's past and made Gwen wonder if she was imaging the connection to the current crime she is working on. While this time, her daughter isn't a prominent struggle in her life; Gwen does receive a phone call from her ex-husband declaring he was taking full custody of their daughter. More internal and external struggles for Gwen.
As for the mystery, it was non-stop thrill ride. A thriller that kept me guessing. I figured out who the bad guy was sixty percent in, but I wanted Parks to prove me wrong or right, which is how I enjoy my stories. This novel keeps moving at a rapid pace and doesn't let up. I enjoy the connection between Gwen's past and the present mystery. Made it easier to stay engrossed in the story. I finished this book in less than one day. I couldn't put it down.
Portrait of Vengeance is an original novel with a reoccurring character that I have come to enjoy. Fans of Parks other works or Steven James' (my favorite thriller writer) should pick up this book. Highly recommended.
I received a complimentary copy of Portrait of Vengeance by Carrie Stuart Parks from Thomas Nelson Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.
September 10, 2017
Gwen Marcey has finally landed the type of job she was hoping for with the Interagency Major Crimes Unit, one that will fully utilize her skills as a forensic artist. But when she tackles the case of a missing child in Lapwai, Idaho, she soon finds herself unearthing details that bear a disturbing similarity to pieces of her own childhood. As she follows one lead after another, she finds herself in the crosshairs of a killer who makes it abundantly clear that Gwen's very life is at stake.
With plenty of action-packed scenes, characters I continue to adore, and a mystery that kept me gripped to the pages, "Portrait of Vengeance" is an excellent addition to the Gwen Marcey series. Each novel in this series has revealed a new side of Gwen, and this novel does so more than any other before it, delving deep into her childhood in a way that will help you understood her all the more. Parks expertly unfolds one strand of Gwen's past at a time, blending it with the present day in a way that builds the tension in the story all the more. Although I'd only planned on reading a few chapters of this book at a time, doing so proved impossible as I wanted to see how things played out. By the final third of the book I simply couldn't put it down, as I began to realize that there was even more going on than I'd thought. The pacing is spot-on, the scenes filled with suspense, and Gwen continues to be a fabulous character who you can't help but love, flaws and all!
Readers who have been enjoying the exploits of Gwen Marcey thus far are going to definitely want to add this 4th novel in the series to their collection. I highly recommend "Portrait of Vengeance" and award it 4.5 out of 5 stars.
Book has been provided courtesy of the Booklook Bloggers review program. Available from your favorite book retailer from Zondervan, a division of HarperCollins.
With plenty of action-packed scenes, characters I continue to adore, and a mystery that kept me gripped to the pages, "Portrait of Vengeance" is an excellent addition to the Gwen Marcey series. Each novel in this series has revealed a new side of Gwen, and this novel does so more than any other before it, delving deep into her childhood in a way that will help you understood her all the more. Parks expertly unfolds one strand of Gwen's past at a time, blending it with the present day in a way that builds the tension in the story all the more. Although I'd only planned on reading a few chapters of this book at a time, doing so proved impossible as I wanted to see how things played out. By the final third of the book I simply couldn't put it down, as I began to realize that there was even more going on than I'd thought. The pacing is spot-on, the scenes filled with suspense, and Gwen continues to be a fabulous character who you can't help but love, flaws and all!
Readers who have been enjoying the exploits of Gwen Marcey thus far are going to definitely want to add this 4th novel in the series to their collection. I highly recommend "Portrait of Vengeance" and award it 4.5 out of 5 stars.
Book has been provided courtesy of the Booklook Bloggers review program. Available from your favorite book retailer from Zondervan, a division of HarperCollins.
January 14, 2018
A missing child. And the past echoes - which actually might not be just echoes. This might be very personal for Gwen Marcey - as the circumstances are the same as what has happened to her.
Yay for another winner! This series consistently delivers all what I covet in my thrillers - a real, raw heroine, a heart-wrenching mystery with time to solve it running fast and the true personal issues.
And this time the conflict is the closest to the Gwen´s heart yet - her very personal history, hidden in her heart and never told to anybody. But the time is now to tell - and to review what she has thought was true. Might the real truth be different from the perceived one?
Gwen is relatable as always! And this time also her sidekick Beth has entered my heart, too (I usually find her sweetness being a bit overbearing, but this time Beth fight as well - and I have learnt to appreciate her true friendship to Gwen).
This time we don´t explore the religious issues, but not the less attractive topic - an American Indian history, as the case of missing child happens in Lapwai, Idaho - the Nez Perce tribal area.
(Actually, what is British royalty to the American reader, is Wild west and the American Indian motives to the European reader - a sentimental, romanticized topic.).
There is a lot of pain and anger in the hearts of the native Americans Gwen meets (and I am sure that their complaints are warranted. It is not easy to be member of the minority).
So the issue of forgiveness is in the air. Will you forgive the ones who had hurt you? Or who are constantly hurting you (like Gwen´s egoistical ex-husband Robert)?
I could not turn the pages fast enough!
And a very personal point - I am fully and wholeheartedly in the team Seth.
Yay for another winner! This series consistently delivers all what I covet in my thrillers - a real, raw heroine, a heart-wrenching mystery with time to solve it running fast and the true personal issues.
And this time the conflict is the closest to the Gwen´s heart yet - her very personal history, hidden in her heart and never told to anybody. But the time is now to tell - and to review what she has thought was true. Might the real truth be different from the perceived one?
Gwen is relatable as always! And this time also her sidekick Beth has entered my heart, too (I usually find her sweetness being a bit overbearing, but this time Beth fight as well - and I have learnt to appreciate her true friendship to Gwen).
This time we don´t explore the religious issues, but not the less attractive topic - an American Indian history, as the case of missing child happens in Lapwai, Idaho - the Nez Perce tribal area.
(Actually, what is British royalty to the American reader, is Wild west and the American Indian motives to the European reader - a sentimental, romanticized topic.).
There is a lot of pain and anger in the hearts of the native Americans Gwen meets (and I am sure that their complaints are warranted. It is not easy to be member of the minority).
So the issue of forgiveness is in the air. Will you forgive the ones who had hurt you? Or who are constantly hurting you (like Gwen´s egoistical ex-husband Robert)?
I could not turn the pages fast enough!
And a very personal point - I am fully and wholeheartedly in the team Seth.
September 15, 2020
There should be a picture of Gwen Marcey under the word 'survivor' in the dictionary! Oy, what she goes through in this page-turning frenzy of a read! If I started listing things, I'd be posting spoilers so I won't but...whoa! I could not put this book down! (Well, stop listening since this one is in my audible library.)
I love Gwen! She's a surprising mix of snark and faith and her sardonic wit had me in stitches. Her delivery is terrible, though, which makes her snappy comments all the funnier since no one else in the room either a) appreciates her humour or b) gets it at all. Except for me, of course. I snort-laughed as much as I screamed and cringed my way through this gripping suspense.
So many twists and turns! So many big reveals about Gwen's past which makes it so much easier to understand her quirks now. Love how she's grown throughout this series (and I'm devastated that this is the last Gwen Marcey book!) You could read Portrait of Vengeance as a standalone but I think you'll find more depth in both plot and characters if you've read the first three books.
Love that Gwen's friend, Beth is back as her unconventional sidekick. The give and take between these two brings a real charge to the story. And Winston!!!! Great Pyrenees extarordinaire! He is my all time hero!
I am both sublimely happy (because this series is so good) and dejectedly morose (because this series seems to be over way too soon.)
I love Gwen! She's a surprising mix of snark and faith and her sardonic wit had me in stitches. Her delivery is terrible, though, which makes her snappy comments all the funnier since no one else in the room either a) appreciates her humour or b) gets it at all. Except for me, of course. I snort-laughed as much as I screamed and cringed my way through this gripping suspense.
So many twists and turns! So many big reveals about Gwen's past which makes it so much easier to understand her quirks now. Love how she's grown throughout this series (and I'm devastated that this is the last Gwen Marcey book!) You could read Portrait of Vengeance as a standalone but I think you'll find more depth in both plot and characters if you've read the first three books.
Love that Gwen's friend, Beth is back as her unconventional sidekick. The give and take between these two brings a real charge to the story. And Winston!!!! Great Pyrenees extarordinaire! He is my all time hero!
I am both sublimely happy (because this series is so good) and dejectedly morose (because this series seems to be over way too soon.)
August 4, 2017
Unless you live or have lived in the Pacific Northwest, you probably haven’t head of or been to the small Idaho towns where Carrie Stuart Parks’ fourth Gwen Marcey novel is set. For those of us who do know or have been to towns such as Lapwai, Orofino, or Kamiah, it’s a pleasant surprise to run across them in a story.
What was even more enjoyable about this story was the mystery around Gwen Marcey’s past. In Portrait of Vengeance, Gwen has a probationary position with a new task force and delves into a case of a double homicide with a missing four-year-old. The similarities to what happened to her was too much coincidence for her to leave alone.
I love this character’s sense of humor, her relationship with her best friend, and the fact she doubts herself where her personal life is concerned. She’s usually got it together professionally but when the personal bleeds into her job, it’s hard for her to keep it together. The behind-the-investigation scenes are interesting and engaging, but it’s Gwen’s journey that made this book an emotional and enjoyable read.
Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
What was even more enjoyable about this story was the mystery around Gwen Marcey’s past. In Portrait of Vengeance, Gwen has a probationary position with a new task force and delves into a case of a double homicide with a missing four-year-old. The similarities to what happened to her was too much coincidence for her to leave alone.
I love this character’s sense of humor, her relationship with her best friend, and the fact she doubts herself where her personal life is concerned. She’s usually got it together professionally but when the personal bleeds into her job, it’s hard for her to keep it together. The behind-the-investigation scenes are interesting and engaging, but it’s Gwen’s journey that made this book an emotional and enjoyable read.
Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
November 16, 2017
Portrait of Vengeance by Carrie Stuart Parks is the 4th novel of the Gwen Marcey series. Unfortunately, I have not read any of the previous installments, though the good thing is I don't feel like I've missed anything. The bad thing? I haven't read the rest of the series. Being my first book of this author's, I didn't know what to expect. I just know that I love that cover and it has a haunting feel to it that I can't let go. And boy, the story was just as haunting, or maybe more as the cover.
With unmistakeable psychological personification within its characters' development, readers will be unsure what to expect next. However, I did pick the villain out quite early on, but it was with uncertainty. Characters were quite developed, at least the main characters, but many of the side / supporting characters felt unfinished. It is possible they played a bigger role in the previous installments.
In all, Portrait of Vengeance is filled with rich characters and a suspense that haunts you through the night, wrapped in a pretty package of a cover and an equally spectacular title.
This review first appeared on Just Commonlyblog.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and have not been compensated for this. This is my honest opinion.
With unmistakeable psychological personification within its characters' development, readers will be unsure what to expect next. However, I did pick the villain out quite early on, but it was with uncertainty. Characters were quite developed, at least the main characters, but many of the side / supporting characters felt unfinished. It is possible they played a bigger role in the previous installments.
In all, Portrait of Vengeance is filled with rich characters and a suspense that haunts you through the night, wrapped in a pretty package of a cover and an equally spectacular title.
This review first appeared on Just Commonlyblog.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and have not been compensated for this. This is my honest opinion.
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