Whiteout

by Brett Cain

Long hours of driving on the frigid interstate have taken their toll. In a split second, Frank Sawyer’s car drifts and clips a passing van on the otherwise empty Montana highway. In the aftermath of the wreck, Sawyer encounters a gruesome the van’s passenger did not survive. But it isn’t the crash that took his life—he’s been shot. Before Sawyer can assess what’s happened, he’s struck from behind. When he regains consciousness, he discovers that his attacker is gone, his car is missing—and the police have named him their prime suspect in the dead man’s murder. The harsh winter weather bears down as the chaos unfolds, and Sawyer finds himself trapped in the small town of Cluff. And law enforcement is keeping him firmly in their sights, so there’s no possibility of escape. As he struggles to clear his name, Sawyer looks to the past for answers, becoming embroiled in a decades-old mystery that may hold the key to proving his innocence.

Genres: Suspense

231 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 1, 2019

Reviews

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Frank Sawyer, who goes by Sawyer, gets in an accident on a snowy Montana freeway. He tries to help the injured driver in the other car, but also finds a dead FBI agent as well. Before he can report it, the driver hits him hard enough to render Sawyer unconscious. When he comes to, he's arrested and finds out that he'll be stuck in the small Montana town until the snow lets up. Since the killer is obviously also stuck in this town, the stage is set for a standoff. Can Sawyer figure out the mystery of who killed the FBI agent, before the killer makes sure Sawyer never talks?

I thought the author did a wonderful job of providing suspects and plenty of red herrings. The mystery itself had just enough twists and turns to keep things interesting. There were times where I wish there had been a little bit more, but this is a shorter story, (it's only 177 pages), the last twenty-two pages are a preview of another novel, which is too bad because the author has talent and could have explored a bit more of the emotional depths for the characters directly involved in the mystery and the whys of it all. The reader does get a lot of internal dialogue and thoughts from Sawyer, however, as well as odd memories that surface at strange times, but it lets us feel like we know him. He definitely comes across as that odd guy that everyone is nice to but no one really gets, if that makes sense. In this story, he's a bumbler at times, not thinking through the consequences of his actions, but then comes across as competent at other times and overthinks the consequences. It's compelling since the reader never knows exactly what Sawyer will do or how his actions will move the story forward as he tries to figure out who the villain is. There were tense moments for sure and some memorable characters in town that you hope find a happy ending of their own. The ending isn't what I expected, but there was closure and it is set up for a sequel. So, if you are looking for a short murder mystery with some good fight scenes, then Whiteout is definitely one you should pick up.

[Bonnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was interesting. I don't normally like a lot of internal thought or dialogue, and this book was full of it. It was one that I kept putting down but had to keep picking back up. The plot was interesting and I like the characters. It was obvious the author had extensive knowledge on a couple of things in the book. That might have been what kept me reading. I wanted to see if I was correct in my assumption of why Frank felt a certain way, and it wasn't until almost the quarters of the way through the book. The ending . . . didn't feel right for me. I can see why it happened that way, however, it left me wanting a better conclusion. I would recommend it to most people.

[Lisa (Bookworm Lisa) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed Brett Cain's debut novel. I would not have guessed it was his first book. It read well, had great pacing, and the story-line was well plotted. I was drawn in by the characters and the mystery surrounding the dead FBI agent. I will admit to wondering why Frank Sawyer would go to such extreme measures instead of letting the police handle it, but it is explained later in the story.

The book takes place in Montana during a series of heavy snowstorms. Frank is unhurried to explore the country after serving a two-year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. An automobile accident leaves him stranded in the town of Cluff. He is an outsider and therefore looked at with distrust. It isn't helpful to his case that he was found next to a dead FBI agent without his car. It would appear that he is a drifter and up to no good.

This story contains suspense. It would seem that the killer is also stranded and a step ahead of Frank. Fortunately, he makes some good friends that help him when he needs it. It appeared that there may be a little romance in the book, but it is not a main part of the story.

I really enjoyed this book and recommend it to readers of clean suspense. There is a little talk of religion, but it is mainly referencing Frank's time as a missionary prior to this book. The book contains non-graphic violence.

Source: Thanks to Covenant Communications for the complimentary copy of the book. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love to read suspense books when I know I’m perfectly safe and comfortable at home. Whiteout is a suspense book by a first time author and it’s really good.

I like the way the author writes. The way he writes, I’m able to see pictures in my mind, almost like a movie. His scenes that included a fight were intense! It was obvious that the author had experience with fighting.

Frank is the main character in this one. He’s just returned from a mission. Frank was left a sweet car by a man he ministered to before his mission. So he decides to go for a joyride. He could never have imagined the trouble he could get in in the middle of nowhere Montana in a snow storm.

But trouble he found. And it continues to find him, over and over again. Of course, he does kind of go looking for it, so that’s not overly surprising. But that’s what makes the plot of this one so interesting. You never know what danger is lurking around the next corner. There was plenty of it. And I never guessed just who the bad guy was, until it was revealed.

This one has a crazy good plot. Except for one thing, I didn’t like the ending. I’m a happy ending type of girl. This book was not quite that. I really liked everything besides the ending. The plot was great, the characters too.

If you love suspense books, you’ll love this one!

[Sheila (sheilasbookreviewer) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whiteout was a very happy surprise for me. It is a debut novel by Author Brett Cain. This action packed mystery-suspense novel starts out with a bang and never lets up. I loved how the author started the novel...

"The thing about car crashes is that they are often avoidable and always devastating. Mine was no exception."

I liked main character Frank Sawyer's voice from the beginning. He has just returned from a church mission and is now off to go "somewhere". In the dead of Winter and a very bad storm coming Sawyer's life takes an unforeseen path. This character is smart, courageous, {that often borders on recklessness},and strives to do the right thing. With nowhere to go and snowed in at the small Montana town Cluff, he fully immerses himself into the murder investigation of an FBI agent getting himself into deep trouble with the local police force.

This book truly takes you for a ride. Just when you think you know who is behind all of the chaos in town then something else is revealed. I was actually gasping in shock at some of the reveals. It took twists and turns I wouldn't have imagined happening.

This was a great book and I most certainly will be reading more books from this author.

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[Stephanie Leishman · Rating 5 out of 5]

A real page-turner. It reads like I’m binge-watching a suspenseful TV series. Unique. I love that it’s not horrific or violent and that it is clean. When I read the author bio at the end I realized that the main character is based on the author in many ways, which is a neat touch.

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

Whiteout was a huge, pleasant surprise. When I initially read the book description I was on the fence about reviewing it. But, I'm so glad I took the chance.

Sawyer goes by his last name (thankfully, because Frank makes him sound like an old man). I don't recall that it said his age, but he had just gotten home from a two-year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and the average age for a returning male missionary is 20. But, I think it mentioned that he was older than that.

Sawyer is absolutely hilarious. I really wasn't expecting that, but his comments kept the story light in the midst of the suspense. He was so different from what I'd expect a recently returned missionary to be like. The author gave little hints here and there about Sawyer's past, but even at the end of the story there was still quite a bit of mystery to him. Sometimes that drives me nuts, but I felt like I got enough information for the particular mystery of the story to be solved, and I would love to have more stories about Sawyer and his adventures where I get to learn more about his past.

Whiteout has a Jason Bourne movie feel to it (which I'm a big fan of so it's no surprise that I enjoyed the book). With the returned missionary aspect, you might expect a religious story, but it's not at all. I think mention of that only adds to Sawyer being a moral person with a strong determination to right the wrong he stumbled upon.

I really enjoyed reading Whiteout and I can definitely see myself reading this one again. Debut author Brett Cain did an excellent job, and I hope he continues writing.

There is quite a bit of violence throughout the story, but the author presented it in a way that wasn't overly graphic.

*I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Crystal (Books Are Sanity!!!) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story started with a bang and I was immediately hooked, wanting to know what would happen to Sawyer and his stolen car. Not to mention the dead body and whoever knocked him out! I love action and suspense stories so Whiteout was right up my alley. The story kept me on my toes the majority of the time and I couldn't help but feel cold from the blizzard Sawyer was in! I liked the small town of Cliff where everyone knew each other and the author laid the town out so well, I could picture it in my own mind. Sawyer was a great main character; he was driven to help others. And can we mention he is this huge guy who happens to be some type of amazing fighter? Who is Sawyer really? Is he some ex Navy Seal or a former Marine? This reader cannot help but think there is more to his story! My favorite part of the story was trying to solve the mystery of whodunnit. Cain definitely kept me guessing and I was surprised when I found out who and what had actually happened. If you are a fan of action/suspense, you should give Whiteout a try! I received a complimentary copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Linda · Rating 1 out of 5]

Just not plausible. Come on! He breaks into a house and fixes his self some breakfast!? Too much dialogue about things that don’t pertain to the story and 2 pages of a fight scene, a whole page of him washing his clothes. I usually don’t want books to end, this one couldn’t end fast enough. By then I just didn’t care about the ending.

[Charlotte Halterman · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was so boring and cliche. I definitely do not recommend.

[Mara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this one as an audiobook from Deseret Bookshelf. Frank Sawyer (aka Sawyer) gets into a car accident outside of a small town in Montana. When he checks on the driver of the other car involved he's knocked unconscious that car's driver. Sawyer wakes up cold and disoriented to find that his own car has been stolen by the driver of the car involved in the accident, which has been left behind. Searching that car for clues as to who the driver could be Sawyer discovers that the passenger is dead, but not from injuries sustained in such a minor accident--he's been shot. Before he knows it, the local police show up and arrest Sawyer. Cluff, Montana is a small town and Sawyer's an outsider so he's looked upon with suspicion. Sawyer just wants to get his car back so he can continue on his way, but there's a storm headed in and no one's going anywhere--including the killer.

This was a great debut suspense. I had the opportunity to read Out by Night, which comes after this book, so when I found out there was a previous book by this author I wanted to read it. Sawyer is a different kind of guy--he served a two year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Peru and recounts some of his experiences as the story unfolds. He's previously boxed and did MMA fights so he can handle himself, but doesn't like to injure others unnecessarily. He surprised me with some of the decisions he made in the story but understand why he made them.

The story is told from Sawyer's perspective and since he tends to think about all sorts of things, we get to know Sawyer through his internal dialogue. There were several possiblilities as to who the killer(s) could be, and I thought more than once that the entire police department might be crooked. This book definitely held my interest, I needed to know who the bad guy was and why he did it. I liked several of the other characters in the story, even one I didn't like at first.

I'm not sure how I feel about the ending. The bad guy is caught and Sawyer has his car back, but I didn't really like how Sawyer left things with some of the characters. I guess I'm used to romance novels where happy endings are a must. I look forward to reading more of Sawyer's adventures, because I'm sure he's going to have more.

[Mr L · Rating 5 out of 5]

TL;DR

An exciting book that’s easy to read with a very interesting perspective on Christian ethics

My Review


I do not normally have time to sit and read through a book, and it is even less often that I can find a book that is sufficiently engaging to warrant reading it through in one sitting. “Whiteout” is just such a book. It is definitely a thriller. I could tell how it would likely end, but it was a thoroughly enjoyable ride along the way.

Many people writing reviews about this book complain about the internal dialogue (of which there is a lot), but it never really bothered me. Sawyer thinks a lot like I do. He is a sensitive young man and I don’t expect everyone to understand him, but I do.

One of the more intriguing aspects of the book is the exploration of Christian ethics from an interesting perspective. You will see Sawyer presented with situations in which many would expect a good Christian man to take a certain course of action and Sawyer takes a very different course of action. Yet God’s favor is undoubtedly with him. A very interesting dichotomy that I’m sure Cain intended. It is the only book I have read like that. That is, besides many portions of the holy scriptures themselves. Many of those men I believe would take courses of action similar to Sawyer’s. Anyways, I believe this is the central theme of the book.

[Robin · Rating 3 out of 5]

So much bugged me about this book especially the main character Sawyer who was supposed to be so wholesome and good. I found all he does is brag about himself and his super heroic things he had done on his LDS Mission that helped him to learn how to survive. Whatever! The story had potential but it really lacked. Sawyer a wanderer is driving to who knows where when bad weather happens and a vehicle hit him. They both go off the road. Sawyer soon realizes the other driver is dead but not from the accident but a gunshot wound. He is suddenly knocked out from behind and wakes to find the other car is gone and no one is around. The small town he ends up in at first blame him but realize he is not the murderer. A whiteout snow storm keeps him held up in this small town for a while...just enough time to go behind the police who emphatically don't want his super instincts and help. He thus is the only person who can discover who really murdered the driver and solve all crimes. Some good stuff but also some really lame stuff too.

[Mandy · Rating 3 out of 5]

The premise of this book sounded interesting to me and I do enjoy a good suspense novel so I was excited to check out a new story by a new author. Overall, though, this book just didn't do it for me. I never quite decided what to think of the main character. Frank Sawyer more or less got brought into a deadly mystery, but at times it seemed like he should have had more of a personal connection from the start. The inner dialogue works because it gives insight into Frank's thought process, but even then, I just wasn't sure everything that was occurring or his reactions were very plausible. It seems like he had no real reason to be so involved and yet...I think had it ended differently I could have been on board a bit more, but it wasn't the best ending in my own opinion and I was a bit disappointed. That being said, I believe both the character and the author have potential so I am going to read the next book "Out by Night" and see if that changes my opinion of things.

[Dawn Kozak · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was messy. The MC's voice had potential, but he became sidetracked way too often and rambled during unsuitable points in the story. For example, we're hearing about how police dogs located a body or something along those lines, and Sawyer (our MC) is like, "By the way, dogs are so cool, right?? Let me tell you about how much I like dogs!" Not in so few words, but you get the picture.

This book was also too short for what it was trying to accomplish. For this reason, the character interactions and pacing were not believable. Also, Sawyer just made lot of questionable choices. All the freaking time. And the local law enforcement let him get away with really ridiculous things.

Not a horrible read. The prose was tight and suited the genre for the most part. I'm willing to give the author another chance in the future, perhaps with a different protagonist.

[Sandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Frank Sawyer isn't the perfect protagonist and has some interesting "quarks." At times the main character is unpredictable, cocky and a "little" too paranoid. Frank never received care from his injuries and I wonder if that's why his behavior is a little peculiar. The other characters in the book have several issues that Frank slowly discovers as he's left stranded in a little town with several big mysteries. It was an interesting story to read. After I read it, I wanted to have a discussion about it with a friend. It was a very different and unusual read. It's not the typical suspense story.

Please note that I received a free copy to review this book, however, my opinion remains my own.

[Elizabeth Reid · Rating 1 out of 5]

Here's my review for Deseret News: https://www.deseretnews.com/article/9...

[Verona · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an audiobook my husband and I listened to at night while we get on our night clothes and take our pills, and get ready for bed. We’d never heard of this author, but we liked his clear, easy listening style. The storyline wasn’t too predictable, and had some good elements of good writing. There was some humor, some love interest, some suspense, some action, and good descriptions. There was a thread of his being a returned missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, which we enjoyed. Sawyer, the main character, shared his values in his dealings throughout the story. We really enjoyed this story and would read more from this author.

[Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was pretty good. After reading quite a handful of books written by LDS authors who didn't include any characters that were members of the Church, I was pleased to find one with a strong member main character--well, mostly strong member. For a recently returned missionary, it would have been nice to see him show a little more desire to date only girls who were members also members of the Church. Nonetheless, it was good to see how he used his testimony in facing and solving some of the problems in front of him, which was very refreshing. Aside from those factors, the suspense is also good, with good pacing and good character development

[Rachel DeVaughn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this suspenseful novel. It had a good steady pace with interesting characters. It was hard to relate to the main character "Sawyer" though since he was an early 20s-very cocky at times and made stupid decisions.

Overall though I enjoyed the book and the story line. I think my 17 year old son would really enjoy it or other young adults. Clean suspense novel with no language or explicit scenes-only fighting violence.

I received a copy of this book complimentary for blog and social media review. All opinions are my own.

[NaDell · Rating 2 out of 5]

The premise of the book was good, and kept me guessing trying to figure out where it was going. I didn't like how the main character's first reaction to every challenge was to start fighting or how extensive the fight scenes were while other parts didn't explain what was going on at all. I didn't understand the main character's choices and the ending was abrupt and didn't for the story (or maybe it did fit because so much of the book was unexpected and unusual.) I finished it over a day ago and I'm still confused.

[Lydia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bizarrely intriguing. You'll get hooked once you start this mystery. You'll also learn much about boxing, what to do and not do as a busy-body sleuth. The main character, Sawyer, is both lovable and obnoxious. In the first person prose, you'll get more inside a characters head than normal- you'll not only hear his thoughts, but his advice (which if you follow will make you a great sleuth). While an interesting presentation style, I truly enjoyed it and wouldn't mind more of Sawyer's adventures.

[Colin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A who dunnit worthy of a Tom Cruise movie

Very well written story with action, thrills, mystery, and romance. Thankfully very light on the romance so the flirting doesn't spoil the pace. The story makes sense and the alliteration is very fun to read. I kept going just to see what words of wisdom the main character would apply to his situation next. Looking forward to another novel from Mr. Cain.

[Marsha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was sucked into the story from the start and found this book hard to put down. I didn’t love the ending but it was okay. I felt that Sawyer’s backstory was weak and made some of his actions seem a bit off but as a little more was revealed it helped to create a better picture. The story seemed to have a bit of a Jack Reacher flavor to it but Sawyer is certainly no Jack Reacher. I am interested to read the second book in the series.

[Sally · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved the book. It felt unfinished. I wanted to know what happened with the jeep. Did she get a new one. Did insurance cover it. One sentence could have finished it. Why didn’t he share some of his beliefs. He was a recent returned missionary. It should have been second nature to him. I was unhinged that the character had no filters even though he been on a mission. Even good guys have some scruples. I hope he goes back in another book. I’ll have to wait and see.

[Christopher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very “Jack Reacher” esque with a little bit of Dwight Schrute mixed in. Overall it was a very good read! I finished the book in just a couple of sittings, and it kept me on the edge of my seat. The author has a knack for writing witty monologue (as in the conversation you have with yourself in your head) into his characters. You get a real sense for who the character is and how they think. I really liked this book. Will probably read more by Brett Cain.

[Carroll Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Refreshing mystery

Hard story to put down. Excellent writing style. Perfect mystery for teens to seniors. I especially liked the inclusion of Max, the big black teddy bear of a dog. In fact I know that Newfoundland. To Brett Cain I say I 'm following you now and can't wait to read more of your stories.

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

An unexpected surprise in this new author. White out was mysterious and not your normal murder mystery. A return missionary who isn’t afraid of stepping on a police investigation because he wants to help where he can and does.

[Jodi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked this book up for the weather element. It was really weird. The guy was a missionary, but he knew martial arts and solved a murder. He was in a car wreck, had his car stolen twice, totaled a car and left town with a trucker.

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This books keeps you guessing. Good descriptions throughout. I loved the clean language and that you know what's happening, but that it's not graphic. Some things that happened with Frank seem a little out there, for just an average guy. I would reccomend though.