Capsized by Death: A Jo Oliver Thriller

Jo Oliver Thriller #4

by Catherine Finger

“Move over Kinsey Malone, Josie is in the house!” —Elizabeth Martin Stearns, Waukegan Public Library

“This skillfully crafted suspense story of a police chief tracking a serial killer will have you on the edge of your seat.” —Patricia Bradley, award-winning author of Shadows of the Past

As Police Chief Jo Oliver prepares for her dream wedding in Maui, she must keep a killer with ties to her past from derailing her plans for the future.

Genres: Romance

176 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 24, 2019

Reviews

[Joan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the fourth book in a series and unfortunately, the first I have read. Since much of the plot deals with previously established relationships, it was difficult for me to completely appreciate the story. The novel is mostly about those relationships, preparing for marriage, and the wedding. Oliver's involvement in a murder case does not come until midway through the book.

Finger does some head hopping in that the point of view changes from Chief Oliver to the killer within a chapter. There was a decorative dividing line but that line also appeared when the preceding and following scenes were from the same point of view. I found the inconsistency disconcerting.

I did not find Chief Oliver an engaging heroine. For being the police chief of a small town, she was frequently over reactive to imagined harm, such as someone's hard blue eyes looking at her. That she was heroic in the end seemed inconsistent.

Reading this novel would be best if you are already engaged with the characters by having read the previous books in the series.

I received a complimentary digital copy of this book through Celebrate Lit. My comments are an independent and honest review.

[Maureen Timerman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Now this is the fourth book in this series, and the first I had read, while the author did a great job of letting me know about the characters, I was lost at times.
From the first page forward there is danger and action, and we are part of it. What should be the most wonderful time in her life, Police Chief Jo Oliver, is soon caught up in murders and attempted murders, and maybe of herself. She is on Maui to be married, and yes, we get to experience some of the beauty here, along with the plush and ritzy place they are staying in the Penthouse. We are also given some great characters including a new daughter, to go along with the new husband!
If you like action, suspense, and non-stop action, this book will fit the bill!
I received this book though Celebrate Lit, and was not required to give a positive review.

[Sara Williams · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wish I’d known this was a 4th book in the series. I am positive I missed a whole bunch of very relevant information that would’ve helped fill in many gaps. This story seemed to be the culminating closure in the series, with some suspense thrown in.

The suspense was paced fairly well, interspersed with the romantic happy-ever-after feelings you get while reading any story about a wedding. The beginning was epic, a great suspenseful, action-filled opening. However, after that, some of the timing of events did not quite pan out for me. I’m actually a stickler for books following a sequence of time that makes sense and I strive to create believable timelines in all my books. If it’s clearly been only one day through the sequence of events, and later you say it’s been two days, that doesn’t jive with me.

There are a few things that didn’t quite make sense to me when it came to who Jo Oliver was, and how she reacted to situations that arose. I am positive reading the previous book especially, would have helped me understand Jo’s character much better so I will refrain from negative comments and simply state that you should absolutely read the previous books in the series. If not the first 2, definitely the third.

I enjoyed the plot line, the confusion and strange events that surrounded the beautiful island wedding and vacation. The way she wove in threads of faith from various religion, without preaching intrigued me. You don’t often see that in Christian Fiction books. The beginning began well, but the religious aspect, in my opinion, seemed to fade as the story unfolded further.

Do I recommend this book? I recommend this book if you’ve read the others in the series.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Thoughts on Capsized by Death:
I love a good mystery/thriller book. It’s really hard to find a good clean one of them unless they advertise as Christian mystery though. Capsized by Death is the fourth book in a series of books titled A Jo Oliver Thriller.

Because this is the fourth book in a series I highly recommend you read the first three first. I started with this book and felt like I’d started watching a movie halfway through. The characters were not making all the sense and I was having trouble figuring out who was who. I really feel that with how well the author has written this book that if you read the other books in the series as intended that this one will make perfect sense and you’ll be lost within the pages.

For me, this book was more romance and less suspense/thriller. I love a good thriller/suspense murder book that keeps you on your toes and makes you not want to close your eyes at night. This one just didn’t fit that mold. Maybe because I hadn’t read the other books but I feel this is more a conclusion book that is wrapping up the series and not so much a big mystery in and of itself.

Even with that, I do recommend this author and I think this would be a wonderful series if you read the whole series in the correct order.

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.

[Ruth Hill · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I was not financially compensated and all opinions are 100 percent mine.

First of all, this book is clean and moralistic. Christianity is practiced by the main characters but it is more implied rather than overt. When our heroine comes in contact with alternate religions, it is clear she is strong, but she is choosing the right time to have a spiritual conversation with them. There is romance and a wedding, but all actions relating to romance are entirely keeping with the tenets of the Christian faith.

This is the first book I've read in this series, so I was already at a disadvantage. I do not recommend beginning with this book if you choose to read the series. The characters are still a bit of enigma to me, but that is nit the fault of the author.

The disappointment in the book to me was that it lighter than I expected. I appreciate humor, but since this is a thriller, I expected it to be heavier in terms of action and adrenaline. There is some, but most of the potential nail-biting action does not occur till the second half of the story. And even then, I was not nearly as invested as I thought. I guess if you are looking for a Christian thriller with humor and light thrills, this may be the very book for you.

I appreciate the way the author wrote, and I have an inkling that if i were to read the earlier books, i may be more intrigued. I did appreciate and enjoy the characters. For me, I feel like I need to acquaint myself better with the main characters.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first read by this author, and the series. I was not at first aware that this was a fourth in the series. Relationships and characterizations are already established so I was kind of late to the wedding so to speak.


However, from the very first page the author brings us to a beautiful place, Hawaii, and within that beauty brings an eerie feeling to that paradise. Police chief Jo Oliver is getting married and she has arrived with her daughter and best friend to paradise. She is awaiting her groom, Nick, who is an agent and he is on an impromptu mission at this time. She is just hoping he will be able to make it to his own wedding. Jo is also a people watcher and is very observant, even of her surroundings. And she keeps getting some creepy vibes, especially since she has already had quite an adventurous begining on their first day there.


After a bit I really became invested in this story. When Nick comes to the island and they begin their journey into wedded bliss I was really hoping they could have that much needed honeymoon, but danger is lurking and Jo seems to be right in the middle of it. I did enjoy these characters, their spiritual journey and now I am curious how they got to be who they are.


I received a copy of this novel from the author. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

https://pausefortales.blogspot.com/20...

[Caitlyn Santi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! What a fabulous book! I've read the entire series and this one is definitely my favorite! After all Jo has been through in the previous novels it was a joy to see her get her happily ever after! The pacing in this one is great, it moves right along, but at the same time it gave me all the romance and suspense that I crave in a book like this! One of my favorite things about this book is the setting, I have never been to Hawaii, but it was described so beautifully that I felt I went on an armchair vacation there!
Once again I loved how very real Jo is, I think we can probably all relate in some way to her struggles, and I also love how tough and spunky she is!
I love Nick too, he is such a fabulous hero!
I have to say this book has one of the loveliest and most unique wedding scenes I've ever seen in a book and I absolutely loved that!
Capsized By Death is an absolutely fabulous read! I totally and completely loved it from start to finish! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! This is book 4 in a series and could probably be read as a standalone, but to get the richest reading experience I would recommend reading the series in order!
(5 Stars!)



I received a copy of this book from the publisher. Which did not influence my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions are one hundred percent my own!

[Deana Dick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set against the beautiful backdrop of the Hawaiian Islands is a murder mystery that has our main characters scrambling to find answers. I enjoyed the description of Hawaii and all the exciting points of interest for tourist to visit. The author makes it easy to visualize the setting and I have high hopes of visiting Hawaii someday. That would involve a plane ride which I’m not a big fan of.
Most of the story centers around the upcoming wedding of Jo Oliver. You can feel the anticipation in Jo as the big day gets closer. I liked how the author gives hints of what is to come by mysterious looks from a man and rumors of women disappearing. I suppose you are always on the job if you are a police officer as Jo finds herself investigating a murder. It was pretty easy to figure out who the killer was but I still liked reading how the author unravels his guilt.
The story does have a few surprises and has faith lightly scattered throughout the story. It is not an overly complicated story but one that is enjoyable to read without graphic details. When the groom shows up on the island, the action starts to peak. Will Jo and Nick get to enjoy their honeymoon or will the mysterious deaths overshadow their wedding?
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

[Mary Hake · Rating 3 out of 5]

I felt like I was dropped into the middle of a story since I had not read the previous books in this series. I wasn’t familiar with the characters or their backstory, and I felt like I was treading water for a while. Since this novel was billed as a thriller, I expected more mystery and suspense but much of the book dealt with the Hawaiian vacation and wedding preparations and celebration. Spouts of suspense popped up periodically until the group finally got involved in connecting and solving island murders. This is a series that should definitely be read in order. It took me a while to get into the story and connect with the characters so I didn’t feel too invested, although I always root for the “good guys.” I like the way the various characters worked together but wonder how realistic that would be. As it wrapped up I still felt a bit of a letdown as it tied up too neatly and quickly. I would like to see the characters developed a bit more, with additional depth. I received a copy from Celebrate Lit. All opinions are my own.

[Donna C · Rating 4 out of 5]

What I think you should know:
Capsized By Death is a Christian Mystery/ Thriller. It is the fourth book in the Jo Oliver Thriller Series by Catherine Finger. As this book relies heavily on the previous books in the series I would not recommend you start with this book.

What I think about this book:
Capsized by Death is an action packed adventure from the first page to the last. I was very lost trying to drop into this book without having read the prior stories, however after stopping and reading the prior books in the series I was able to enjoy the story. Finger took what could be a cliche Hawaiian destination wedding and turned it into a race to catch the killer before he strikes again. While parts of the series irritated me I overall enjoyed this story and it sometimes played in my head like one of the Hallmark mysteries . Finger did a great job of making you feel like you were in the story.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Celebrate Lit, this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.

[Betti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Faithful is He who called you - He also will bring it to pass. 1 Thessalonians 5:24

What a fabulous way to spend a day! While I have not had the privilege to read the first 3 Jo Oliver Thrillers, I was totally enthralled by all the twists and turns in this edge of your seat suspense. The author has developed wonderful characters, people I would love to get to know. Chief Josie Oliver has adopted a sweet young girl, Samantha, and together they are marrying the swoon-worthy Nick Vitarello - in Hawaii!

Starting with the most incredible survival story, the author continues with murder, more accidents, strange lights at night, even stranger people and a wedding for the story books. You really will not want to put this down as the danger for our heroes heats up. I am looking forward to reading more about these fabulous characters.

I received a digital copy of this book through Elk Lake Publishing and CelebrateLit. All impressions and comments are my own and were in no way solicited.

[Tabitha Bouldin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This fourth book in the Jo Oliver Thrillers is probably my favorite. I do recommend you read all the books in order, as with most series, the story does go together. That’s not to say you can’t pick this one straight up off the shelf and settle in. You’ll enjoy it, no doubt there.

What I love most about Jo is her tenacity. Once she decides something, there’s little anyone can do to change her mind.

Jo’s most precious memories are threatened by this sudden twist in events, and it’s up to her to save her family. Jo has been a Christian through the series, and it’s been fun to watch her faith grow into this book where she must depend on God more than ever before.

And then there’s Noah. Sweet, thoughtful, and protective, Noah is the man Jo has always needed in her life.

I requested a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. I was not required to leave a positive review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

[Patti Whitson Stephenson She Lives to Read · Rating 4 out of 5]

From the very beginning of this book, there’s a mood of impending danger and evil. The serial killer makes his appearance in the first few pages, and from that point, the story builds suspense layer by layer. Even knowing that the main suspect is very likely the killer doesn’t dampen the intensity. There’s also great joy as Jo Oliver celebrates her wedding to Nick, and the contrast between Jo being targeted by the killer in the midst of her wedding celebrations adds to the tension of the story.

I had not read the other books in this series, but I had no trouble joining in to this continued story. Everything is completely appropriate in this book, but I was glad I read in the daytime. It was a little intense for me. There is a faith element to it, too, but it’s a little vague as to actual beliefs. If you read this one, I’d love to know your thoughts.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

[Kailey · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really struggled with reading this book. I think this book should be read as a series. I started this one and have questions that aren’t being answered. Like how old is the daughter? What does the main character even look like? There isn’t any descriptions of her appearance. Maybe if I read the other books I would have answers.
Also, for the main character to claim to be a Christian, some of her behavior and comments don’t fit with that. I didn’t like her comments about sex with her fiancé. Nor did I like the comments between her and her new husband during their honeymoon. I don’t need to read those descriptions either.
Some of the dialogue doesn’t flow either. The way she always refers to her husband as husband was odd.
The story and mainly the ending seemed kind of rushed.


I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Capsized by Death" by Catherine Finger is the fourth book in the series. I haven't read all of the others but I will say that I was able to understand the story and will be reading the others.

This book dwells with a serial killer, yes, the murders are not pleasant, but the scenes aren't detail in a lot of graphics.

I think this book is mostly focus on the wedding of Chief Jo and Nick.

I think it is easy to figure out who the bad guy, but I wish I could say it was a happy ever for all the characters but not so. But, I guess that is how it goes when you are a police officer.

I recommend this book if you like a little mystery mixed in a love story and it being clean, with no cursing nor sex scenes.

I was given a complimentary copy by the author and Celebrate Lit. These opinions are my own.

[Cheri Swalwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book where the entire series should definitely be read in order to keep all the details straight. The books are about Jo Oliver, a police chief in a small town close to Chicago, but this particular book took place on the beautiful island of Maui, when Jo is getting ready to marry Nick, her fiancé. They are both in law enforcement so they understand each other’s schedules and lifestyles very well. Jo has also adopted a little girl and the book shows the adjustment to the title of “mom” as well. But that is just the backdrop of a mystery/thriller as I’m sure all the other books are as well.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit but was not under any obligation to write a review. All opinions are strictly mine.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Capsized by Death is the fourth installment from A Jo Oliver Thriller series. It is my first introduction to books written by Catherine Finger and it definitely will not be the last. Since I have not read any of her previous books and this one is part of a series, I believe it can be read as a stand alone. I did not feel as though I was lost or missing anything by not reading those.
Capsized by Death is a great read that is full of mystery and suspense. I enjoyed the adventure, danger and action. I liked getting to know Jo Oliver. She was a fun character.
I am giving Capsized by Death four and a half stars. I would love to go back and read the other books from A Jo Oliver Thriller series.
I received this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.

[Carol Keen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book isn't a stand-alone. Don't get me wrong, I like it, but I feel like I missed a chunk of stuff. It's all life as usual before that, weddings, vacations, island life, who's in love with whom, and a lot of characters that I didn't know anything about. About mid-way, the mystery starts and now we have a killer who's bent on destroying Jo.

At this point, I got involved in the story and the race to find out who, when, what and why. Some parenting issues are also involved in this book, so it has lots of layers of things for many kinds of readers. I think I enjoyed the mystery part the most, and that faith wasn't left out.

My copy came from Celebrate Lit. This review is mine, with my thoughts about this book.

[Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

Capsized by Death by Catherine Finger is the fourth book in her Jo Oliver Thriller series. Police Chief Jo Oliver is in Hawaii for her wedding. But before she can experience her happily ever after she is drawn into a serial murder investigation. This is the first book I’ve read by this author. Some aspects of the story weren’t clear to me because I haven’t read the previous books in the series and they kind of tie together. Other than that, the story was fast-paced and suspenseful in spots. The characters delightful although I don’t think they were realistic and the scenery was described very well. A great little read.


I received this book from Celebrate-Lit for my honest review.

[Julia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Capsized By Death by Catherine Finger is a thrilling contemporary Christian murder suspense. It is the fourth book in the Jo Oliver series but can be read as a stand-alone. I enjoyed catching up with familiar characters.
The setting is idyllic – a tropical island in Hawaii as we are all set for Jo Oliver’s wedding. With wonderful descriptions we can almost ‘see’ the white sand and ‘feel’ the heat. In complete contrast there is a serial killer on loose. Evil in paradise, similar to the snake in the Garden of Eden. Can you join the clues together to find the perpetrator?
Family is important. As a mother Jo Oliver is always concerned for the well being of her daughter. Her daughter is her priority which reminds the reader that each and every one of us is God’s priority. He always looks out for our well being.
I am enjoying this Jo Oliver series. It is exciting and thrilling. I am looking forward to the subsequent books.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.

[Ruby Midkiff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

This book, 4th in the series, is full of action, romance, suspense, and the unexpected. Make sure you read these books in order. Great reading pleasure.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Always on the lookout for a good Christian suspense or mystery novel, I was excited to have the opportunity to read and review Catherine Finger’s “Capsized by Death.” It wasn’t until afterward that I realized that this book is the last in a tetralogy; while it can technically stand alone, it is obviously meant to go along with the other three books in this series due to clearly-established relationships and references to people and events that did not mean anything to me but doubtless come from previous installments. As such, it did take me a while to feel that I was absorbed enough into the storyline to feel comfortable, and it was a bit difficult for me to keep the characters straight.

Nevertheless, Catherine Finger’s “Capsized by Death” is an interesting Christian mystery that takes place in Maui as police chief Jo Oliver prepares to marry the man of her dreams. The opening chapters caught me by surprise and get the story off to an unexpected start. As the plot develops, Jo and her entourage find themselves drawn into an open investigation involving disappearances and murder. I will admit that I was hoping for a bit more suspense, particularly after the exciting prologue and opening, but it is still a good mystery novel. I enjoyed having short chapters and having sections within the chapters, as this allows for plenty of stopping points while reading. Maui traditions and phrases add a layer of foreign culture, but they also underscore Christianity and how Jesus saves us from our sin and from the evil in this world.

I received a complimentary copy of this book through Celebrate Lit and was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own.

[Patti Pierce · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the fourth book in a series, and to my recollection, I have not read the other books in this series. While this book can be read alone, I think it definitely loses something without having the context of the earlier books.

Preparing for a wedding should be a joyful and wonderful time in a woman’s life, but that is not the case when a serial killer with ties to Josie’s past appears. The descriptions of the scenery and the mansion they were staying in on Maui for the wedding were captivating. But I felt a certain disconnect to the story because I had not read the other books in this series. I definitely feel this book would be best read in order with the other books in the series.

With Josie trying to ensure a happily ever after and find her place with God, I think this book is worth reading. So check it out for yourself.

I received a copy of this book for my fair and honest review.

[Randy Tramp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Capsized by Death started with a scene no parent wants to happen. On crystal waters in Maui, Jo's boat went down. Was her daughter Samantha safe? I read until I found myself in chapter four.

What a roller coaster ride. I love Catherine's use of words. Miraculous realm. My Magnificent Being.
Beautiful setting. Beautiful Wedding. Then...

Police Chief Jo Oliver chases a killer determined to ruin her future. What a story of suspense, tension, and twists. found myself stuck to the pages of this book, not able to put it down. The description of the food made me hungry. Like the Hawaiian barbeque and octopus. Great story.