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Art Spotlight Mystery #1
Broken Windows
Jordan Axtell, an aspiring artist searching for a new beginning, escapes to Idaho. He hopes to put failure behind him and carve a respectable career out of the rock hard art community. But a black shadow girl with a red balloon warns him that his past refuses to stay where it belongs.
Strange things disappear and peculiar crimes point to Jordan's guilt. Meanwhile, Alison distracts him from his goals. Zophie drives him crazy with her expectations and questions. A Bible Zone boy pulls at his heartstrings, and his roommate forces him to enter a new world of wheelchairs.
Has the most annoying graffiti artist on the planet followed Jordan to Idaho? Or is a copycat intentionally committing weird misdemeanors just to ruin his reputation? Jordan must find the identity of the perpetrator or lose his integrity as an artist. His new friends try to help, but with friends like his, his enemies can go on coffee break.
Strange things disappear and peculiar crimes point to Jordan's guilt. Meanwhile, Alison distracts him from his goals. Zophie drives him crazy with her expectations and questions. A Bible Zone boy pulls at his heartstrings, and his roommate forces him to enter a new world of wheelchairs.
Has the most annoying graffiti artist on the planet followed Jordan to Idaho? Or is a copycat intentionally committing weird misdemeanors just to ruin his reputation? Jordan must find the identity of the perpetrator or lose his integrity as an artist. His new friends try to help, but with friends like his, his enemies can go on coffee break.
- GenresMystery
325 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 1, 2017
24 people are currently reading
305 people want to read
About the author
Deb Brammer
15 books30 followersDeb Brammer is the author of ten fiction books, one memoir and a Bible study book, as well as a variety of ministry resources. The New Beginnings series features her three most recent novels. She and her husband have served as church planting missionaries since 1978. They served 16 years in Taiwan and have served since 1998 in Invercargill, New Zealand.
Deb Brammer used the pen name Dillon Forbes as she authored the book Careful Enough?
Deb offers many free ministry resources on her website. This includes ESL Bible studies, church programs, and puppet scripts, which have been tested in her ministries.
Deb Brammer used the pen name Dillon Forbes as she authored the book Careful Enough?
Deb offers many free ministry resources on her website. This includes ESL Bible studies, church programs, and puppet scripts, which have been tested in her ministries.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
February 22, 2015
Broken Windows into Broken Lives
This review was undertaken via the Christian Books Only Review Group, in which I was arbitrarily assigned 4 books for review in return for reviews of my own book by 4 other authors, who are unconnected with the books I am reviewing.
My first reaction on receiving my assignment was that I had drawn the short straw; all the books on my list were Christian fiction. It's not that I never read it – there are some great books out there. But I worry about the sheer volume of such offerings these days; lest we become too entertainment-oriented and retreat into the world of make-believe rather than face the reality of living the life of faith in a hard and hostile world.
But as soon as I started on the prologue, I started finding common ground with Jordan, the main character, who struggles with the stigma of his parents' unsuccessful ministry in an unreceptive culture. Been there; done that; got the scars to prove it. (Only, I was the parent...)
Jordan decides to carve out his own career as a sculptor: but finds himself falsely accused of theft; and his first big break is ruined by the untimely intervention of Zaxx, an unknown graffiti artist. Moving to a new city to train under a top sculptor he accepts digs with Matt, a young man with Spina Bifida, in return for becoming his transport and carer. Things seem to be looking up. Then Zaxx shows up in Jordan's new city; and it seems that someone is trying to frame him as a thief.
But wrapped around the central thread of this 'Keyhole Mystery' is a penetrating insight into the hidden world of the disabled Matt and that of his two friends, the sophisticated Alison and the impetuous idealist, Zophie. Between them, they run a struggling Bible club for street kids; to which Jordan is quickly roped in as a helper. And as the story unfolds, Jordan finds himself forced to choose between his other great love – his classic '69 Mustang car – and God's claim to first place in his life.
Although the main plot did not have quite the 'twist in the tail' of a top-class mystery, the sub-plots held my interest, and I often found myself reading 'just one more chapter before I stop.' And the fictional genre worked well for the themes being explored, which focused on moral, intellectual and emotional perspectives and avoided recourse to the miraculous. This, in my view, was a wise choice, as miracles are all too easy in the world of make-believe. Scripture and testimony are the best vehicles for building faith and understanding in that area.
One area I would have liked to have seen addressed more, however, is the importance of a personal relationship with God. It took me quite a while to figure out if Jordan had a genuine relationship or not. Hopefully, this might be explored further in other books of this series.
This review was undertaken via the Christian Books Only Review Group, in which I was arbitrarily assigned 4 books for review in return for reviews of my own book by 4 other authors, who are unconnected with the books I am reviewing.
My first reaction on receiving my assignment was that I had drawn the short straw; all the books on my list were Christian fiction. It's not that I never read it – there are some great books out there. But I worry about the sheer volume of such offerings these days; lest we become too entertainment-oriented and retreat into the world of make-believe rather than face the reality of living the life of faith in a hard and hostile world.
But as soon as I started on the prologue, I started finding common ground with Jordan, the main character, who struggles with the stigma of his parents' unsuccessful ministry in an unreceptive culture. Been there; done that; got the scars to prove it. (Only, I was the parent...)
Jordan decides to carve out his own career as a sculptor: but finds himself falsely accused of theft; and his first big break is ruined by the untimely intervention of Zaxx, an unknown graffiti artist. Moving to a new city to train under a top sculptor he accepts digs with Matt, a young man with Spina Bifida, in return for becoming his transport and carer. Things seem to be looking up. Then Zaxx shows up in Jordan's new city; and it seems that someone is trying to frame him as a thief.
But wrapped around the central thread of this 'Keyhole Mystery' is a penetrating insight into the hidden world of the disabled Matt and that of his two friends, the sophisticated Alison and the impetuous idealist, Zophie. Between them, they run a struggling Bible club for street kids; to which Jordan is quickly roped in as a helper. And as the story unfolds, Jordan finds himself forced to choose between his other great love – his classic '69 Mustang car – and God's claim to first place in his life.
Although the main plot did not have quite the 'twist in the tail' of a top-class mystery, the sub-plots held my interest, and I often found myself reading 'just one more chapter before I stop.' And the fictional genre worked well for the themes being explored, which focused on moral, intellectual and emotional perspectives and avoided recourse to the miraculous. This, in my view, was a wise choice, as miracles are all too easy in the world of make-believe. Scripture and testimony are the best vehicles for building faith and understanding in that area.
One area I would have liked to have seen addressed more, however, is the importance of a personal relationship with God. It took me quite a while to figure out if Jordan had a genuine relationship or not. Hopefully, this might be explored further in other books of this series.
February 23, 2015
I gave this book a four-star rating based on the average of the two directions it takes.
The author markets the book as a mystery. This aspect of the book is three stars. It takes a while to get going and lacks a middle layer of suspense, but has an interesting twist as to the book's antagonist.
In the other aspect of the book, the main character asks a fundamental question - "Why does God let bad things happen too good people?" Many people that I know struggle with this idea. The author does and excellent job of exploring the issue with the events surrounding the main character's life.
The author markets the book as a mystery. This aspect of the book is three stars. It takes a while to get going and lacks a middle layer of suspense, but has an interesting twist as to the book's antagonist.
In the other aspect of the book, the main character asks a fundamental question - "Why does God let bad things happen too good people?" Many people that I know struggle with this idea. The author does and excellent job of exploring the issue with the events surrounding the main character's life.
February 15, 2015
I really liked the main character, Jordan. It was interesting to see him develop as an artist, struggle with questions about life and faith, learn and make new friends. I especially enjoyed his friendship with Leon, how he was able to use art as a way to forge a bond with a special young boy and make a difference in his life. The mystery part of the plot kept me guessing until the very end. "Broken Windows" was an enjoyable and well-written book!
November 11, 2017
I enjoyed writing this book. It reads a lot like a cozy mystery in that it has no profanity,sex, or gratuitous violence. It does deal with some serious issues, however, and has strong Christian content.
March 9, 2021
This was a Christian mystery with a hint (a very light hint) of romance - more of a young adult novel than an adult novel. Very different from what I usually read. But I really liked how there were several characters who used wheelchairs, all different and all fully developed. When was the last time you read a novel with even one character who used a wheelchair, let alone three? I also liked how the protagonist, Jordan, was an artist, and all the tidbits about the art world. I identified with how afraid he was to teach after a bad experience years earlier. I liked learning about “MK”s (“missionary kids”). And I really liked how many doubts and struggles Jordan had with God. The author didn’t try to sugar-coat those struggles or reach for pat answers, which I appreciated. Interesting book.
April 17, 2025
At first I didn't really like many/any of the characters in this book, but as the story developed, they grew, and they grew on me. I was drawn more and more into the book, and could identify with some of the struggles and perspectives. The book dealt with a number of difficult situations that you don't often see addressed, and the book, including the mystery aspect, had a satisfying conclusion, albeit, I felt there were a couple loose ends. Maybe I need to go back and read it again. :) (I will be looking to read the next book in the series.)
March 3, 2015
I am relatively new to the genre of Christian mysteries and works Deb Brammer has written. Broken Windows provided insight into that genre (which I now want to read). I really liked this book and could personally relate to the characters and situations which is quite unusual!! Deb Brammer wrote a great mystery with good character development and descriptive writing. I found the start of the book to be slowly engaging, but it didn’t take long before I was hooked and had to read “the rest of the story”. The world truly needs an influx of this type of mystery; well-written, no vulgarity, no overly descriptive blood and gore and no hard-hitting, descriptive impulsive sexual innuendo or visual pictures. I am someone who LOVES well written cozy mysteries. The writing was warm, engaging, and I quickly found I liked this book, but when I finished, I wanted a bit more, I believe that's a good sign. I’m hoping the author will have a sequel.
Unlike the typical cozy, Brammer’s story unravels much like Murder She Wrote. The various crime stages were set, and we follow the amateur sleuths as they hunt for clues to each situation. We want to scream “duck” or “don’t go there!” as conspirators lurk around every corner. The bad guys have a few scenes of their own, and there’s something else going on with each character’s lives that are part sideline and part red herring. The author did involve several unanticipated suspects which kept me turning pages. I enjoyed this book once it got past the few chapters of introductions which often happens when you start a new series. The characters are realistic and found myself not wanting to put it down. The author did a good job developing the plot and characters. The dialogue many times had me laughing out loud. Other times I could feel each characters frustration and pain, especially Jordan’s. The mystery surrounding a murder and graffiti kept me guessing as to and why. The romance in the book was handled in such a way that kept me wondering “who”, and many times the actions and interactions of the characters had me shaking my head. I really liked the way that the author kept Zophie centered in her belief in God’s path for her life. With all the craziness that happened to Jordan, I believed his friends truly believed that God would guide their way to support their friend. There were some surprises in the ending but it was a good ending. Deb Brammer paints a beautiful representation of forgiveness and accurately portrays a young man working through his faith making it his own. Jordan is the perfect main character. The reader follows his journey as he “finds himself” as an artist, struggling with questions about life and faith, learning tough life lessons, and make new friends. The role of Leon, an abused child, allowed Jordan to use art as a way to create a friendship with a special young boy and make a difference in someone’s life. Broken Windows deals with unanticipated death, varying levels of disability, theft and a whole range of other issues common in society today.
As Jordan tries to settle in with a group of young adults after moving to a new city, accepting an invitation to live with Matt, living with Spinal Bifida, assisting with his care and transportation. This mystery gives realistic insight into the world of the disabled. The apartment also provides housing for Alison and the impetuous idealist, Zophie (each dealing with the potential upheaval and/or unknown of all of their future plans.). These young adults run a struggling Bible club for street kids and unwittingly involve Jordan. Yes, everything can go wrong at once. But yes, you can also keep on keeping on while you solve a crazy mystery. "God will make a way" takes on a whole new meaning as Jordan's adventures unfold.
I recommend this book to teens and adults who likes a good, clean, Christian cozy mystery. "Cozy Mysteries” are written for people like me. Intelligent individuals looking for a “fun read” that engages the mind, as well as provides entertainment. A book to “look forward to getting back to.” That describes my experience with Broken Window. The interwoven suspense, romance, and humor to keep the story flowing. Mixed with the various trials and tribulations the Lord allowed into each characters life, making them ask many questions about their lives and God’s will keeps the story real. If there is a sequel, I would like to the progression, hopefully growth, of Jordan’s personal relationship with God. Broken Window provided comfort food for the soul as I read it on several frigid winter evenings.
Disclaimers: With a grateful heart, I’m thankful to the author, Deb Brammer, for providing a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed in this review are my own.
Unlike the typical cozy, Brammer’s story unravels much like Murder She Wrote. The various crime stages were set, and we follow the amateur sleuths as they hunt for clues to each situation. We want to scream “duck” or “don’t go there!” as conspirators lurk around every corner. The bad guys have a few scenes of their own, and there’s something else going on with each character’s lives that are part sideline and part red herring. The author did involve several unanticipated suspects which kept me turning pages. I enjoyed this book once it got past the few chapters of introductions which often happens when you start a new series. The characters are realistic and found myself not wanting to put it down. The author did a good job developing the plot and characters. The dialogue many times had me laughing out loud. Other times I could feel each characters frustration and pain, especially Jordan’s. The mystery surrounding a murder and graffiti kept me guessing as to and why. The romance in the book was handled in such a way that kept me wondering “who”, and many times the actions and interactions of the characters had me shaking my head. I really liked the way that the author kept Zophie centered in her belief in God’s path for her life. With all the craziness that happened to Jordan, I believed his friends truly believed that God would guide their way to support their friend. There were some surprises in the ending but it was a good ending. Deb Brammer paints a beautiful representation of forgiveness and accurately portrays a young man working through his faith making it his own. Jordan is the perfect main character. The reader follows his journey as he “finds himself” as an artist, struggling with questions about life and faith, learning tough life lessons, and make new friends. The role of Leon, an abused child, allowed Jordan to use art as a way to create a friendship with a special young boy and make a difference in someone’s life. Broken Windows deals with unanticipated death, varying levels of disability, theft and a whole range of other issues common in society today.
As Jordan tries to settle in with a group of young adults after moving to a new city, accepting an invitation to live with Matt, living with Spinal Bifida, assisting with his care and transportation. This mystery gives realistic insight into the world of the disabled. The apartment also provides housing for Alison and the impetuous idealist, Zophie (each dealing with the potential upheaval and/or unknown of all of their future plans.). These young adults run a struggling Bible club for street kids and unwittingly involve Jordan. Yes, everything can go wrong at once. But yes, you can also keep on keeping on while you solve a crazy mystery. "God will make a way" takes on a whole new meaning as Jordan's adventures unfold.
I recommend this book to teens and adults who likes a good, clean, Christian cozy mystery. "Cozy Mysteries” are written for people like me. Intelligent individuals looking for a “fun read” that engages the mind, as well as provides entertainment. A book to “look forward to getting back to.” That describes my experience with Broken Window. The interwoven suspense, romance, and humor to keep the story flowing. Mixed with the various trials and tribulations the Lord allowed into each characters life, making them ask many questions about their lives and God’s will keeps the story real. If there is a sequel, I would like to the progression, hopefully growth, of Jordan’s personal relationship with God. Broken Window provided comfort food for the soul as I read it on several frigid winter evenings.
Disclaimers: With a grateful heart, I’m thankful to the author, Deb Brammer, for providing a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed in this review are my own.
February 27, 2015
I am relatively new to the genre of Christian mysteries and works Deb Brammer has written. Broken Windows provided insight into that genre (which I now want to read). I really liked this book and could personally relate to the characters and situations which is quite unusual!! Deb Brammer wrote a great mystery with good character development and descriptive writing. I found the start of the book to be slowly engaging, but it didn’t take long before I was hooked and had to read “the rest of the story”. The world truly needs an influx of this type of mystery; well-written, no vulgarity, no overly descriptive blood and gore and no hard-hitting, descriptive impulsive sexual innuendo or visual pictures. I am someone who LOVES well written cozy mysteries. The writing was warm, engaging, and I quickly found I liked this book, but when I finished, I wanted a bit more, I believe that's a good sign. I’m hoping the author will have a sequel.
Unlike the typical cozy, Brammer’s story unravels much like Murder She Wrote. The various crime stages were set, and we follow the amateur sleuths as they hunt for clues to each situation. We want to scream “duck” or “don’t go there!” as conspirators lurk around every corner. The bad guys have a few scenes of their own, and there’s something else going on with each character’s lives that are part sideline and part red herring. The author did involve several unanticipated suspects which kept me turning pages. I enjoyed this book once it got past the few chapters of introductions which often happens when you start a new series. The characters are realistic and found myself not wanting to put it down. The author did a good job developing the plot and characters. The dialogue many times had me laughing out loud. Other times I could feel each characters frustration and pain, especially Jordan’s. The mystery surrounding a murder and graffiti kept me guessing as to and why. The romance in the book was handled in such a way that kept me wondering “who”, and many times the actions and interactions of the characters had me shaking my head. I really liked the way that the author kept Zophie centered in her belief in God’s path for her life. With all the craziness that happened to Jordan, I believed his friends truly believed that God would guide their way to support their friend. There were some surprises in the ending but it was a good ending. Deb Brammer paints a beautiful representation of forgiveness and accurately portrays a young man working through his faith making it his own. Jordan is the perfect main character. The reader follows his journey as he “finds himself” as an artist, struggling with questions about life and faith, learning tough life lessons, and make new friends. The role of Leon, an abused child, allowed Jordan to use art as a way to create a friendship with a special young boy and make a difference in someone’s life. Broken Windows deals with unanticipated death, varying levels of disability, theft and a whole range of other issues common in society today.
As Jordan tries to settle in with a group of young adults after moving to a new city, accepting an invitation to live with Matt, living with Spinal Bifida, assisting with his care and transportation. This mystery gives realistic insight into the world of the disabled. The apartment also provides housing for Alison and the impetuous idealist, Zophie (each dealing with the potential upheaval and/or unknown of all of their future plans.). These young adults run a struggling Bible club for street kids and unwittingly involve Jordan. Yes, everything can go wrong at once. But yes, you can also keep on keeping on while you solve a crazy mystery. "God will make a way" takes on a whole new meaning as Jordan's adventures unfold.
I recommend this book to teens and adults who likes a good, clean, Christian cozy mystery. "Cozy Mysteries” are written for people like me. Intelligent individuals looking for a “fun read” that engages the mind, as well as provides entertainment. A book to “look forward to getting back to.” That describes my experience with Broken Window. The interwoven suspense, romance, and humor to keep the story flowing. Mixed with the various trials and tribulations the Lord allowed into each characters life, making them ask many questions about their lives and God’s will keeps the story real. If there is a sequel, I would like to the progression, hopefully growth, of Jordan’s personal relationship with God. Broken Window provided comfort food for the soul as I read it on several frigid winter evenings.
Disclaimers: With a grateful heart, I’m thankful to the author, Deb Brammer, for providing a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed in this review are my own.
Unlike the typical cozy, Brammer’s story unravels much like Murder She Wrote. The various crime stages were set, and we follow the amateur sleuths as they hunt for clues to each situation. We want to scream “duck” or “don’t go there!” as conspirators lurk around every corner. The bad guys have a few scenes of their own, and there’s something else going on with each character’s lives that are part sideline and part red herring. The author did involve several unanticipated suspects which kept me turning pages. I enjoyed this book once it got past the few chapters of introductions which often happens when you start a new series. The characters are realistic and found myself not wanting to put it down. The author did a good job developing the plot and characters. The dialogue many times had me laughing out loud. Other times I could feel each characters frustration and pain, especially Jordan’s. The mystery surrounding a murder and graffiti kept me guessing as to and why. The romance in the book was handled in such a way that kept me wondering “who”, and many times the actions and interactions of the characters had me shaking my head. I really liked the way that the author kept Zophie centered in her belief in God’s path for her life. With all the craziness that happened to Jordan, I believed his friends truly believed that God would guide their way to support their friend. There were some surprises in the ending but it was a good ending. Deb Brammer paints a beautiful representation of forgiveness and accurately portrays a young man working through his faith making it his own. Jordan is the perfect main character. The reader follows his journey as he “finds himself” as an artist, struggling with questions about life and faith, learning tough life lessons, and make new friends. The role of Leon, an abused child, allowed Jordan to use art as a way to create a friendship with a special young boy and make a difference in someone’s life. Broken Windows deals with unanticipated death, varying levels of disability, theft and a whole range of other issues common in society today.
As Jordan tries to settle in with a group of young adults after moving to a new city, accepting an invitation to live with Matt, living with Spinal Bifida, assisting with his care and transportation. This mystery gives realistic insight into the world of the disabled. The apartment also provides housing for Alison and the impetuous idealist, Zophie (each dealing with the potential upheaval and/or unknown of all of their future plans.). These young adults run a struggling Bible club for street kids and unwittingly involve Jordan. Yes, everything can go wrong at once. But yes, you can also keep on keeping on while you solve a crazy mystery. "God will make a way" takes on a whole new meaning as Jordan's adventures unfold.
I recommend this book to teens and adults who likes a good, clean, Christian cozy mystery. "Cozy Mysteries” are written for people like me. Intelligent individuals looking for a “fun read” that engages the mind, as well as provides entertainment. A book to “look forward to getting back to.” That describes my experience with Broken Window. The interwoven suspense, romance, and humor to keep the story flowing. Mixed with the various trials and tribulations the Lord allowed into each characters life, making them ask many questions about their lives and God’s will keeps the story real. If there is a sequel, I would like to the progression, hopefully growth, of Jordan’s personal relationship with God. Broken Window provided comfort food for the soul as I read it on several frigid winter evenings.
Disclaimers: With a grateful heart, I’m thankful to the author, Deb Brammer, for providing a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed in this review are my own.
September 11, 2015
This is definitely a good teen read. The characters struggle with real-life challenges. That is good. While some answers naturally appear, others hover just out of grasp, and that is very much like real-life.
I liked the way these young Christian adults wrestled with faith challenges and questions. I liked the way they finally understood that Christians are family. Character development was good. Some were strong, others became stronger, but the main characters were developed well. The children were so much like today's kids that have never lived in Christian homes. I could feel their pain.
The dialogue is teenage level. It isn't snappy, or all that real-feeling. Brammer should focus on honing the dialogue in her next work.
Plot is good, but takes a little while to get moving. The head jumping is a bit jolting as the reader is jerked from one character to another without a well-plotted transition. Although, I have to qualify my remarks with the fact that I really hate head jumping. The mystery is actually a subplot. The book is not a mystery, but more of a Christian life study. It does not come across as preachy, which is well done. The situations and actions may be a bit heavy-handed, but that is so that the reader can easily see the problems and where the character should grow. That is also well done.
I liked the book. If the dialogue were better I would give it 4 stars, as it is, I give it 3 stars.
I am grateful to Deb for being in the Christian Books Only group and allowing me to read her book for my honest review.
Engraved in His palm,
Gina
http://ginaburgessediting.com
I liked the way these young Christian adults wrestled with faith challenges and questions. I liked the way they finally understood that Christians are family. Character development was good. Some were strong, others became stronger, but the main characters were developed well. The children were so much like today's kids that have never lived in Christian homes. I could feel their pain.
The dialogue is teenage level. It isn't snappy, or all that real-feeling. Brammer should focus on honing the dialogue in her next work.
Plot is good, but takes a little while to get moving. The head jumping is a bit jolting as the reader is jerked from one character to another without a well-plotted transition. Although, I have to qualify my remarks with the fact that I really hate head jumping. The mystery is actually a subplot. The book is not a mystery, but more of a Christian life study. It does not come across as preachy, which is well done. The situations and actions may be a bit heavy-handed, but that is so that the reader can easily see the problems and where the character should grow. That is also well done.
I liked the book. If the dialogue were better I would give it 4 stars, as it is, I give it 3 stars.
I am grateful to Deb for being in the Christian Books Only group and allowing me to read her book for my honest review.
Engraved in His palm,
Gina
http://ginaburgessediting.com
March 14, 2015
This book is well written and has a nice cozy mystery plot to it. That was a good aspect about the book. As far as the writer's technical skills, it was great. As a former Sunday School teacher, I could appreciate the difficulty of reaching hardened kids. Their forthrightness in the questions and attitudes they had mimicked my own experiences somewhat. Although these kids seemed a little too aggressive in their skepticism but I'll chalk it up to the writer's creative license.
I guess this book just doesn't fall into my reading interest as a genre. I actually like cozy mysteries on TV but this didn't do it for me. It started off slow and though it picked up some I found my interest wandering which shouldn't happen in a mystery. Some of the apologetic stuff seemed crammed into my face as I was reading and not a seamless, interwoven flow. The characters were okay but seemed one dimensional with little depth. Yeah, Jordan has questions of faith and all that but then who doesn't? That wasn't unique for me.
Also other reviewers have noted the 'clean' aspect of the book which probably is fine for some people but I like things edgier. Again, this has nothing to do with the writer or her ability but my reader preference. Please don't let my personal preference affect anyone's choosing to buy this book. Like I said, it's well-written, good mystery plot, and probes questions of faith I think a lot of Christians have. I don't believe this was the book for me.
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I guess this book just doesn't fall into my reading interest as a genre. I actually like cozy mysteries on TV but this didn't do it for me. It started off slow and though it picked up some I found my interest wandering which shouldn't happen in a mystery. Some of the apologetic stuff seemed crammed into my face as I was reading and not a seamless, interwoven flow. The characters were okay but seemed one dimensional with little depth. Yeah, Jordan has questions of faith and all that but then who doesn't? That wasn't unique for me.
Also other reviewers have noted the 'clean' aspect of the book which probably is fine for some people but I like things edgier. Again, this has nothing to do with the writer or her ability but my reader preference. Please don't let my personal preference affect anyone's choosing to buy this book. Like I said, it's well-written, good mystery plot, and probes questions of faith I think a lot of Christians have. I don't believe this was the book for me.
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 19, 2015
This book is well written and has a nice cozy mystery plot to it. That was a good aspect about the book. As far as the writer's technical skills, it was great. As a former Sunday School teacher, I could appreciate the difficulty of reaching hardened kids. Their forthrightness in the questions and attitudes they had mimicked my own experiences somewhat. Although these kids seemed a little too aggressive in their skepticism but I'll chalk it up to the writer's creative license.
I guess this book just doesn't fall into my reading interest as a genre. I actually like cozy mysteries on TV but this didn't do it for me. It started off slow and though it picked up some I found my interest wandering which shouldn't happen in a mystery. Some of the apologetic stuff seemed crammed into my face as I was reading and not a seamless, interwoven flow. The characters were okay but seemed one dimensional with little depth. Yeah, Jordan has questions of faith and all that but then who doesn't? That wasn't unique for me.
Also other reviewers have noted the 'clean' aspect of the book which probably is fine for some people but I like things edgier. Again, this has nothing to do with the writer or her ability but my reader preference. Please don't let my personal preference affect anyone's choosing to buy this book. Like I said, it's well-written, good mystery plot, and probes questions of faith I think a lot of Christians have. I don't believe this was the book for me.
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I guess this book just doesn't fall into my reading interest as a genre. I actually like cozy mysteries on TV but this didn't do it for me. It started off slow and though it picked up some I found my interest wandering which shouldn't happen in a mystery. Some of the apologetic stuff seemed crammed into my face as I was reading and not a seamless, interwoven flow. The characters were okay but seemed one dimensional with little depth. Yeah, Jordan has questions of faith and all that but then who doesn't? That wasn't unique for me.
Also other reviewers have noted the 'clean' aspect of the book which probably is fine for some people but I like things edgier. Again, this has nothing to do with the writer or her ability but my reader preference. Please don't let my personal preference affect anyone's choosing to buy this book. Like I said, it's well-written, good mystery plot, and probes questions of faith I think a lot of Christians have. I don't believe this was the book for me.
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
October 28, 2016
Now THIS is Christian fiction. Deb Brammer had me at the first chapter, and I’m not just saying that. I don’t read a whole lot of fiction these days, but I’ve loved Deb’s articles and helps for small church ministry on her blog, www.DebBrammer.com. Her books are an extension of her widespread and faithful ministry. “Broken Windows” is recognizable to me. These are the situations and conversations that I am familiar with. These are the people that I know and love in churches and Christian homes and colleges all over the nation. Deb weaves through her stories an uncanny way to my own issues I’ve dealt with either in the past or right now.
You’ll have to look elsewhere if you are looking for the typical Christian romance or mystery (which really could have been written by an unbeliever). Her characters include the struggling missionary family whose supporting churches are dropping their support because they don’t see enough “results”, the MK who doesn’t want anything to do with the ministry, the twenty-something single girl who is a bit pushy and annoying yet on fire for the Lord but can’t find God’s will for her life, the lukewarm Christian, the Christan families and church members who help or hinder along the way, and if course, the mysterious bad guy.
The surprise comes in finding out which character does the most for the cause of Christ. Read it! Then read the second book, “Deja Who?”
Read more of my book reviews and articles on MostlySensible.com.
You’ll have to look elsewhere if you are looking for the typical Christian romance or mystery (which really could have been written by an unbeliever). Her characters include the struggling missionary family whose supporting churches are dropping their support because they don’t see enough “results”, the MK who doesn’t want anything to do with the ministry, the twenty-something single girl who is a bit pushy and annoying yet on fire for the Lord but can’t find God’s will for her life, the lukewarm Christian, the Christan families and church members who help or hinder along the way, and if course, the mysterious bad guy.
The surprise comes in finding out which character does the most for the cause of Christ. Read it! Then read the second book, “Deja Who?”
Read more of my book reviews and articles on MostlySensible.com.
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May 5, 2016Jordan, a MK, felt God was against him in everything he did. He kept questioning if God really cared. When he moved to Idaho to pursue what he hoped would be his artist career, he stayed in a home that housed 3 other tenants. The three tenants were involved in a kids Bible study group. They all formed a good friendship. Jordan worked hard but suffered many hardships and it was these 3 friends that worked with him to handle the hardships and to help him find God. But who was causing him all of these problems?
I believe this book is better for young adults. I found the story moved slowly but kept my interest enough to keep me reading more. What the young adults would learn about God and struggles in life would prove helpful to them.
I received this book in exchange of an honest review
I believe this book is better for young adults. I found the story moved slowly but kept my interest enough to keep me reading more. What the young adults would learn about God and struggles in life would prove helpful to them.
I received this book in exchange of an honest review
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