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The Rayne Tour #1
Always Watching
This daughter of a rock star has it all until murder crashes her world.
The exciting and suspenseful Rayne Tour series features sixteen-year-old Shaley OConnor, on tour with her mothers popular band. Shaley lives in a whirlwind of backstage secrets, hotels, and limos. With beauty and fame of her own, Shaley wants for nothing except the one thing she cant have.
During a concert, sixteen-year-old Shaley OConnor stumbles upon the body of a friend backstage. Is Tom Hutchens death connected to her?
Frightening messages arrive. Paparazzi stalk Shaley. Her private nightmare is displayed for all to see. Where is God at a time like this?
As the clock runs out, Shaley must find Toms killerbefore he strikes again.
The exciting and suspenseful Rayne Tour series features sixteen-year-old Shaley OConnor, on tour with her mothers popular band. Shaley lives in a whirlwind of backstage secrets, hotels, and limos. With beauty and fame of her own, Shaley wants for nothing except the one thing she cant have.
During a concert, sixteen-year-old Shaley OConnor stumbles upon the body of a friend backstage. Is Tom Hutchens death connected to her?
Frightening messages arrive. Paparazzi stalk Shaley. Her private nightmare is displayed for all to see. Where is God at a time like this?
As the clock runs out, Shaley must find Toms killerbefore he strikes again.
221 pages, Paperback
First published April 21, 2009
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920 people want to read
About the author
Brandilyn Collins
49 books637 followersBrandilyn Collins is a best-selling novelist known for her trademark Seatbelt Suspense®--fast-paced, character-driven suspense with myriad twists and an interwoven thread of faith.
Brandilyn is also known for her distinctive book on fiction-writing techniques, Getting Into Character: Seven Secrets a Novelist Can Learn From Actors (John Wiley & Sons). She is a sought-after teacher and speaker at writers' conferences.
Brandilyn is also known for her distinctive book on fiction-writing techniques, Getting Into Character: Seven Secrets a Novelist Can Learn From Actors (John Wiley & Sons). She is a sought-after teacher and speaker at writers' conferences.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 108 reviews
June 26, 2022
Die 16-jährige Shaley ist die Tochter der berühmten Rocksängerin Rayne. Als Rayne und ihre Band auf Tournee gehen, ist Shaley dabei. Doch dann bricht plötzlich Chaos aus, als Shaley bei einem Konzert im Backstagebereich die Leiche ihres Freundes und Stylisten Tom findet. Er wurde erschossen. Wer ist der Täter?
*
Meine Meinung:
Das Buch richtet sich an jugendliche Leser ab 12. Dementsprechend einfach ist auch der Schreibstil. Die Geschichte lässt sich sehr schnell und flüssig lesen und hat mir gut gefallen.
Die Geschichte wird aus Sicht von Shaley erzählt, doch immer wieder gibt es kurze Episoden, die dem Leser die Gedanken des Mörders vermitteln wollen. Bis zuletzt weiß man aber nicht, wer wirklich der Täter ist, so dass es immer spannend bleibt.
Ein paar Punkte gibt es aber, die ich nicht wirklich nachvollziehen kann. In einigen Situationen hätte ich mich einfach ganz anders verhalten als Shaley, so dass es mir ein bisschen schwerfiel, mich in sie hineinzuversetzen.
Doch insgesamt gesehen habe ich das Buch sehr gerne gelesen. Es hat mich gut unterhalten, nicht gelangweilt und ich freue mich nun auf den zweiten Band der Trilogie.
*
Meine Meinung:
Das Buch richtet sich an jugendliche Leser ab 12. Dementsprechend einfach ist auch der Schreibstil. Die Geschichte lässt sich sehr schnell und flüssig lesen und hat mir gut gefallen.
Die Geschichte wird aus Sicht von Shaley erzählt, doch immer wieder gibt es kurze Episoden, die dem Leser die Gedanken des Mörders vermitteln wollen. Bis zuletzt weiß man aber nicht, wer wirklich der Täter ist, so dass es immer spannend bleibt.
Ein paar Punkte gibt es aber, die ich nicht wirklich nachvollziehen kann. In einigen Situationen hätte ich mich einfach ganz anders verhalten als Shaley, so dass es mir ein bisschen schwerfiel, mich in sie hineinzuversetzen.
Doch insgesamt gesehen habe ich das Buch sehr gerne gelesen. Es hat mich gut unterhalten, nicht gelangweilt und ich freue mich nun auf den zweiten Band der Trilogie.
December 5, 2012
For whatever reason, my review on audible was cut off, and there is no way to edit it. So here's the full rant, because I feel like readers should be fully warned about the cringe-worthy writing in this laughable excuse of a novel (that's actually the size of a novella, really). I don't know what these other high-praise reviewers read, but it couldn't possibly be the same thing I did. I mean really, I feel ashamed of mankind, actually embarrassed that people think this is good writing. Just shows how much education in English has declined. Even more so that people thought the plot was *good* just shows how dense people are. And yes, I'm totally talking about you reviewers out there singing this book's praises. It's reviewers like the ones for this book that falsify what is really behind the cover. Enough is enough, I say! Be honest for once. This book was horrible!
Audiobook narration was brilliant, as always with Tavia Gilbert (and the reason I bought this from audible in the first place), but the story was like a regurgitated piece of steak. I'll just make a quick list of things that immediately stand out to me.
1) A character is killed at the beginning of the book (Tom), which is fine and all, but the main character, Shaley, is in a state of grief and sadness throughout the novel, though we have absolutely no connection with the dude who was murdered. I'd say about three minutes was spent on Tom's character before he was whacked off. There wasn't even any substantial flashbacks to show Tom's and Shaley's friendship as the investigation unfolds (unless you count her remembering him shaking a hand). So instead of sympathizing with Shaley, I wanted to rip her arms off and beat her (or myself) with them. Which brings me to . . .
2) As much as Shaley is saddened and cries over the above character, she goes shopping the next day with her bff for fun. This was a WTF? moment. If you've lost a close friend, you understand that the last thing you feel like doing is "having fun." Sure, there was much needed levity, but the author decides to write her MC as a hollow, selfish little girl. Any character that's worth a sh*t will grieve, but Shaley only does at random and when she just happens to remember that one of her close friends on tour was murdered. And even then, it's not convincing. How can it be when Tom's treated more like a plot device than her friend? With only a day passing since Tom's horrific murder (which she saw the body first), it should have been fresh and haunting in her mind. But no, name-brand jeans are more important. The mall scene was a poor attempt at a plot point. It could have been written at a different place for different reasons and had the same plot result. Instead, Shaley is made to look like a sniveling, unfeeling, rich rockstar's daughter as she battles the paparazzi while shopping.
3) When Shaley finds out her murdered friend was in love with her--and I'm talking hundreds of photos of her on Tom's walls with "I love Shaley" in big letters between them and creepy roses to form a shrine--she doesn't think it's creepy. Neither does anyone else. Not her mom, best friend, or the detective. Instead, the detective asks Shaley if they were dating, and her mother believes her daughter's been lying to her this whole time. Cause a love shrine of someone is normal in a relationship between a horny 25 year old man and an underage 16 year old girl. Another WTF? moment. Cause really, that's not weird or stalkerish. Noooo. That's "normal" and doesn't deserve a second thought except for how Shaley would have reacted to the news that Tom was in love with her if he was still alive. My reaction? Restraining order. And what really blows my mind after this revelation? No one suspects that Shaley could be Tom's murderer, even though she could possibly have a motive if she knew of said shrine, AND she found the body. Nah, that's not suspicious. Even Shaley and her best friend randomly think the room service guy at the hotel (who doesn't work at the concert hall where the murder took place) could be Tom's murderer. They don't want to "rule anyone out."
Hold on, brb as I go shake the detective and ask why he never suspected Shaley, even if she ended up not being the murderer.
All the characters were idiots!
4) The band members are mentioned by name randomly as if the reader should know who the hell they are, though they are never introduced. I didn't know, I just had to assume that's who the author meant when she listed about 5 names I'd yet to hear about. Who else would be hanging at the hotel with them? Maybe she was talking about random people staying at the hotel? Aliens, perhaps? Who knows? Certainly not the reader.
5) The entire book was written as if by an abandoned child who has never had any sort of connection with another human being. It's like me trying to write from the perspective of a dog and expecting dogs (if they could read) to believe and feel as if what I've written is real and wholly possible. They'd probably bark at me in shame for my lame attempts at their thoughts and feelings. (Though I do love giving commentary of what I think is going on through my dogs' heads.) There was no understanding of deeper emotions, no character development, nor was there a sense of mounting suspicion, which is ridiculous since this book is clearly trying to be a mystery/thriller ("trying" being the key word; I don't know what you'd call this). If it wasn't for the fact that Tavia Gilbert was the narrator, I would have stuck pencils in my ears just to stop the story from sucking away any more of my life.
6) Carly (or however it's spelled--audiobook, remember?) randomly comes onto the scene halfway through the book and starts preaching about God. The first thing I wonder is: who is this person? She hadn't been mentioned before, unless it was in passing. This seemed typical in this book, and Carly (sp?) is yet another character that just randomly shows up, has a conversation with the character, and is hardly mentioned again. On top of that, the woman didn't give any sound advice to Shaley about her problems and fears. All she did was spout religious BS about how God is "always watching" so Shaley shouldn't be worried about the potential killer who has Shaley's name on his hit-list (personally, I find this to be another reason for Shaley's name to be on the suspect list--maybe she wants people to think she's the victim). No wonder the idiot girl ends up trapping herself in a closet with the killer at the end of the book. No worries, not only is the crazy killer always watching, so is God, therefore she is safe. WTF? Also, the conversation about God is randomly brought up, even becoming a focal thought for Shaley, though God isn't mentioned up to that point. Shaley found God, and it only took a few lines of dialouge from an unknown character. Ooooohkay. If the religious aspects were written well, it wouldn't have been an issue, but it was literally thrown in there like an after thought. Every time God was mentioned, there was no segue into the idea of Him. "Let's order room service. Who is Tom's killer? No worries, God is always watching." o.O Right. Like random sentences thrown together all willy-nilly.
7) The only real praise I have for the actual writing of the book was from the killer's perspective. Only in small doses though. After about the third time of reading something in his POV, I was going, "Yeah, yeah. You're more intelligent than everyone, Shaley is ungrateful for you killing the guy who was stalking her, though I'm actually praising you for being the only one who realized how creepy that dude was, and you're tired/pissed off/or otherwise unhappy about something. Get on with it already..." Like I said, the killer's POV was interesting the first two times. Later, I was just annoyed with the repetition.
8) And last: the killer had no motive to go after Shaley. None whatsoever. It was unbelievable, and a very rookie mistake for a published author to make. How did the publisher not point this out? I mean, really? Your novel has a villain who is evil for evil's sake? Where's the motive? What was the point? Shaley was ungrateful--that's what this entire novel came down to? Forget finding out who the killer was, which wasn't suspenseful and was quickly thrown in your face, let's talk motive! The killer is there to watch after and protect Shaley--someone pays him for this--therefore he decides she needs to be killed because she doesn't realize he's keeping her "safe"? WTF? Come on! ::slams head repeatedly into the wall::
The reason for two stars instead of one? Tavia saved this book. Thank His Noodly Appendage for that! /rant
Audiobook narration was brilliant, as always with Tavia Gilbert (and the reason I bought this from audible in the first place), but the story was like a regurgitated piece of steak. I'll just make a quick list of things that immediately stand out to me.
1) A character is killed at the beginning of the book (Tom), which is fine and all, but the main character, Shaley, is in a state of grief and sadness throughout the novel, though we have absolutely no connection with the dude who was murdered. I'd say about three minutes was spent on Tom's character before he was whacked off. There wasn't even any substantial flashbacks to show Tom's and Shaley's friendship as the investigation unfolds (unless you count her remembering him shaking a hand). So instead of sympathizing with Shaley, I wanted to rip her arms off and beat her (or myself) with them. Which brings me to . . .
2) As much as Shaley is saddened and cries over the above character, she goes shopping the next day with her bff for fun. This was a WTF? moment. If you've lost a close friend, you understand that the last thing you feel like doing is "having fun." Sure, there was much needed levity, but the author decides to write her MC as a hollow, selfish little girl. Any character that's worth a sh*t will grieve, but Shaley only does at random and when she just happens to remember that one of her close friends on tour was murdered. And even then, it's not convincing. How can it be when Tom's treated more like a plot device than her friend? With only a day passing since Tom's horrific murder (which she saw the body first), it should have been fresh and haunting in her mind. But no, name-brand jeans are more important. The mall scene was a poor attempt at a plot point. It could have been written at a different place for different reasons and had the same plot result. Instead, Shaley is made to look like a sniveling, unfeeling, rich rockstar's daughter as she battles the paparazzi while shopping.
3) When Shaley finds out her murdered friend was in love with her--and I'm talking hundreds of photos of her on Tom's walls with "I love Shaley" in big letters between them and creepy roses to form a shrine--she doesn't think it's creepy. Neither does anyone else. Not her mom, best friend, or the detective. Instead, the detective asks Shaley if they were dating, and her mother believes her daughter's been lying to her this whole time. Cause a love shrine of someone is normal in a relationship between a horny 25 year old man and an underage 16 year old girl. Another WTF? moment. Cause really, that's not weird or stalkerish. Noooo. That's "normal" and doesn't deserve a second thought except for how Shaley would have reacted to the news that Tom was in love with her if he was still alive. My reaction? Restraining order. And what really blows my mind after this revelation? No one suspects that Shaley could be Tom's murderer, even though she could possibly have a motive if she knew of said shrine, AND she found the body. Nah, that's not suspicious. Even Shaley and her best friend randomly think the room service guy at the hotel (who doesn't work at the concert hall where the murder took place) could be Tom's murderer. They don't want to "rule anyone out."
Hold on, brb as I go shake the detective and ask why he never suspected Shaley, even if she ended up not being the murderer.
All the characters were idiots!
4) The band members are mentioned by name randomly as if the reader should know who the hell they are, though they are never introduced. I didn't know, I just had to assume that's who the author meant when she listed about 5 names I'd yet to hear about. Who else would be hanging at the hotel with them? Maybe she was talking about random people staying at the hotel? Aliens, perhaps? Who knows? Certainly not the reader.
5) The entire book was written as if by an abandoned child who has never had any sort of connection with another human being. It's like me trying to write from the perspective of a dog and expecting dogs (if they could read) to believe and feel as if what I've written is real and wholly possible. They'd probably bark at me in shame for my lame attempts at their thoughts and feelings. (Though I do love giving commentary of what I think is going on through my dogs' heads.) There was no understanding of deeper emotions, no character development, nor was there a sense of mounting suspicion, which is ridiculous since this book is clearly trying to be a mystery/thriller ("trying" being the key word; I don't know what you'd call this). If it wasn't for the fact that Tavia Gilbert was the narrator, I would have stuck pencils in my ears just to stop the story from sucking away any more of my life.
6) Carly (or however it's spelled--audiobook, remember?) randomly comes onto the scene halfway through the book and starts preaching about God. The first thing I wonder is: who is this person? She hadn't been mentioned before, unless it was in passing. This seemed typical in this book, and Carly (sp?) is yet another character that just randomly shows up, has a conversation with the character, and is hardly mentioned again. On top of that, the woman didn't give any sound advice to Shaley about her problems and fears. All she did was spout religious BS about how God is "always watching" so Shaley shouldn't be worried about the potential killer who has Shaley's name on his hit-list (personally, I find this to be another reason for Shaley's name to be on the suspect list--maybe she wants people to think she's the victim). No wonder the idiot girl ends up trapping herself in a closet with the killer at the end of the book. No worries, not only is the crazy killer always watching, so is God, therefore she is safe. WTF? Also, the conversation about God is randomly brought up, even becoming a focal thought for Shaley, though God isn't mentioned up to that point. Shaley found God, and it only took a few lines of dialouge from an unknown character. Ooooohkay. If the religious aspects were written well, it wouldn't have been an issue, but it was literally thrown in there like an after thought. Every time God was mentioned, there was no segue into the idea of Him. "Let's order room service. Who is Tom's killer? No worries, God is always watching." o.O Right. Like random sentences thrown together all willy-nilly.
7) The only real praise I have for the actual writing of the book was from the killer's perspective. Only in small doses though. After about the third time of reading something in his POV, I was going, "Yeah, yeah. You're more intelligent than everyone, Shaley is ungrateful for you killing the guy who was stalking her, though I'm actually praising you for being the only one who realized how creepy that dude was, and you're tired/pissed off/or otherwise unhappy about something. Get on with it already..." Like I said, the killer's POV was interesting the first two times. Later, I was just annoyed with the repetition.
8) And last: the killer had no motive to go after Shaley. None whatsoever. It was unbelievable, and a very rookie mistake for a published author to make. How did the publisher not point this out? I mean, really? Your novel has a villain who is evil for evil's sake? Where's the motive? What was the point? Shaley was ungrateful--that's what this entire novel came down to? Forget finding out who the killer was, which wasn't suspenseful and was quickly thrown in your face, let's talk motive! The killer is there to watch after and protect Shaley--someone pays him for this--therefore he decides she needs to be killed because she doesn't realize he's keeping her "safe"? WTF? Come on! ::slams head repeatedly into the wall::
The reason for two stars instead of one? Tavia saved this book. Thank His Noodly Appendage for that! /rant
April 18, 2016
About this book:
“This daughter of a rock star has it all—until murder crashes her world.
The exciting and suspenseful Rayne Tour series features sixteen-year-old Shaley O’Connor, on tour with her mother’s popular band. Shaley lives in a whirlwind of backstage secrets, hotels, and limos. With beauty and fame of her own, Shaley wants for nothing … except the one thing she can’t have. During a concert, sixteen-year-old Shaley O’Connor stumbles upon the body of a friend backstage.
Is Tom Hutchens’ death connected to her?
Frightening messages arrive. Paparazzi stalk Shaley. Her private nightmare is displayed for all to see.
Where is God at a time like this?
As the clock runs out, Shaley must find Tom’s killer—before he strikes again.”
Series: Book #1 (of three) in “The Rayne Tour”.
Spiritual Content- A few prayers; Talks about God & Jesus; ‘H’s are not capital; Carly talks about God openly & prays aloud over Shaley twice; Carly witnesses to Shaley; Shaley isn’t sure what Jesus can do for her, since He’s in Heaven, but she does want to believe in something bigger; *Spoiler* *End of Spoiler*; A couple mentions of sin; Mentions of prayers;
*Note: Brittany can sense the future (mainly when something bad is going to happen), but it’s never said if it’s a gift from God.
Negative Content- Minor cussing including: an ‘idiot’, two ‘dumb’s, three ‘shut up’s, and eight ‘stupid’s; Many mentions of curses (said, not written); Murders, the bodies, blood, hand-prints of blood & a missing facial feature (semi-detailed); Shooting, Blood & a gun to aimed to Shaley’s head (semi-detailed); Hating & Wanting to kill; The Killer’s POV (he’s obviously messed up, the actual murder parts are not in his POV, though); Nightmares (semi-detailed); Mentions of deaths, bodies, blood & accidents (semi-detailed); Mentions of killing & having to kill someone; Mentions of shooting & debris; Mentions of jail; A few mentions of crime shows & corpses (up to semi-detailed); A couple mentions of an alcoholic who later robbed a bank; A couple mentions of drugs; A couple mentions of gangs & gambling; A couple mentions of vomiting; A couple mentions of tattoos; A couple mentions of hunting; A mention of a lamb to the slaughter;
*Note: A mention of Starbucks; A few mentions of & shopping at Abercrombie & Fitch.
Sexual Content- Shaley doesn’t know her father (Her mother was 17 and the father didn’t know. Shaley wants to know about him & mentions of him); *Spoiler* *End of Spoiler*; two ‘hot’s; A mention that Shaley’s parents’ love created her; A mention of a tabloid that shared fake story about Rayne’s “wild s*x parties”; A couple mentions of cheaters; A couple mentions of Rayne being lenient about Shaley dating; A couple mention of men ogling Shaley’s mom; A few mentions of jealousy & boundaries; Mentions of stalkers & men obsessed with the O’Conner ladies.
-Shaley O’Conner, age 16
1st person P.O.V. of Shaley & 3rd person of the killer
214 pages
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- One Star
Early High School Teens- Two Stars
Older High School Teens- Three Stars
My personal Rating- Three Stars
Intense? Yes.
Suspenseful? Definitely.
Did I like it? Somewhat.
It’s the first book by Brandilyn Collins I’ve read, and she’s definitely got the whole suspense/action parts down pat. I’m not really a fan of seeing/reading the point of view of the villain, so those parts were not really enjoyable for me. While I understand the authors wanting to give the serious of the situation, all the blood and gore got to be more than a bit much in my opinion. The ending left a great intro into the next book, though, and I’m curious about what will happen. :)
Link to review:
http://booksforchristiangirls.blogspo...
*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
“This daughter of a rock star has it all—until murder crashes her world.
The exciting and suspenseful Rayne Tour series features sixteen-year-old Shaley O’Connor, on tour with her mother’s popular band. Shaley lives in a whirlwind of backstage secrets, hotels, and limos. With beauty and fame of her own, Shaley wants for nothing … except the one thing she can’t have. During a concert, sixteen-year-old Shaley O’Connor stumbles upon the body of a friend backstage.
Is Tom Hutchens’ death connected to her?
Frightening messages arrive. Paparazzi stalk Shaley. Her private nightmare is displayed for all to see.
Where is God at a time like this?
As the clock runs out, Shaley must find Tom’s killer—before he strikes again.”
Series: Book #1 (of three) in “The Rayne Tour”.
Spiritual Content- A few prayers; Talks about God & Jesus; ‘H’s are not capital; Carly talks about God openly & prays aloud over Shaley twice; Carly witnesses to Shaley; Shaley isn’t sure what Jesus can do for her, since He’s in Heaven, but she does want to believe in something bigger; *Spoiler* *End of Spoiler*; A couple mentions of sin; Mentions of prayers;
*Note: Brittany can sense the future (mainly when something bad is going to happen), but it’s never said if it’s a gift from God.
Negative Content- Minor cussing including: an ‘idiot’, two ‘dumb’s, three ‘shut up’s, and eight ‘stupid’s; Many mentions of curses (said, not written); Murders, the bodies, blood, hand-prints of blood & a missing facial feature (semi-detailed); Shooting, Blood & a gun to aimed to Shaley’s head (semi-detailed); Hating & Wanting to kill; The Killer’s POV (he’s obviously messed up, the actual murder parts are not in his POV, though); Nightmares (semi-detailed); Mentions of deaths, bodies, blood & accidents (semi-detailed); Mentions of killing & having to kill someone; Mentions of shooting & debris; Mentions of jail; A few mentions of crime shows & corpses (up to semi-detailed); A couple mentions of an alcoholic who later robbed a bank; A couple mentions of drugs; A couple mentions of gangs & gambling; A couple mentions of vomiting; A couple mentions of tattoos; A couple mentions of hunting; A mention of a lamb to the slaughter;
*Note: A mention of Starbucks; A few mentions of & shopping at Abercrombie & Fitch.
Sexual Content- Shaley doesn’t know her father (Her mother was 17 and the father didn’t know. Shaley wants to know about him & mentions of him); *Spoiler* *End of Spoiler*; two ‘hot’s; A mention that Shaley’s parents’ love created her; A mention of a tabloid that shared fake story about Rayne’s “wild s*x parties”; A couple mentions of cheaters; A couple mentions of Rayne being lenient about Shaley dating; A couple mention of men ogling Shaley’s mom; A few mentions of jealousy & boundaries; Mentions of stalkers & men obsessed with the O’Conner ladies.
-Shaley O’Conner, age 16
1st person P.O.V. of Shaley & 3rd person of the killer
214 pages
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- One Star
Early High School Teens- Two Stars
Older High School Teens- Three Stars
My personal Rating- Three Stars
Intense? Yes.
Suspenseful? Definitely.
Did I like it? Somewhat.
It’s the first book by Brandilyn Collins I’ve read, and she’s definitely got the whole suspense/action parts down pat. I’m not really a fan of seeing/reading the point of view of the villain, so those parts were not really enjoyable for me. While I understand the authors wanting to give the serious of the situation, all the blood and gore got to be more than a bit much in my opinion. The ending left a great intro into the next book, though, and I’m curious about what will happen. :)
Link to review:
http://booksforchristiangirls.blogspo...
*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
October 10, 2019
This book is such a fast-paced page-turner. I whipped through the story, compelled to find out what would happen next. I really liked how the authors included faith in the story. When Shaley is scared and not sure who she can trust, someone shares with her that God will always be there for her watching over her.
July 26, 2009
SPOILERS I was thrilled to win this book on goodreads, firstreads and looked forward to reading it. Unfortunately, this book fell short on my expectations. I didn't realize that it was a YA/Christian read, which really didn't matter. The Christian angle was just there, almost if it was put in as an after thought. The story lacked substance and there was little to no character development. The ending was just bizarre, I had to re-read the beginning to remind myself who the killer was...he was such a peripheral character and again we had no background on him. I understand this is part of a series, but I won't read the rest.
March 4, 2016
A good story, and decently written...but a lot of wasted space.
January 10, 2018
YA thrillers are my jam, so I was excited to pick this one up. It’s about a girl named Shayley who is the daughter of a famous singer. In the middle of her mother’s concert tour, someone is murdered.
I thought the murder mystery was well done with plenty of red herrings. I didn’t suspect the perpetrator at all so that made reading much more exciting.
Overall I enjoyed this one and I am excited for book 2 - that was quite the cliffhanger!
I thought the murder mystery was well done with plenty of red herrings. I didn’t suspect the perpetrator at all so that made reading much more exciting.
Overall I enjoyed this one and I am excited for book 2 - that was quite the cliffhanger!
January 20, 2024
Always Watching begins with Shaley O'Connor traveling on tour with her mother's band, Rayne, and looking forward to a visit from her best friend, Brittany. Then everything is turned upside down. Tom, her mother's makeup artist and Shaley's closet friend on tour, has been murdered.
I really enjoyed story. The tour setting was something new and fun. It's rooted in reality, but something outside the every day norm. I also enjoyed that the story revolves around Shaley, who is the daughter of a celebrity and has become something of a celebrity by proxy, rather than a celebrity herself. Given her unusual lifestyle, I found her to be pretty grounded. There were the bratty moments that are to be expected of a teenager, both due to the amount of stress and shock she's experienced and also because of feelings of jealousy/resentment toward her mother's career.
I enjoyed the plot. It was very fast-paced, taking place over the course of only a few days. It never felt like it lagged along because there was something always happening. I also liked the switch off from Shaley's point of view to seeing through the eyes of a killer. I also thought that the reveal of the killer was pretty good too. There were a lot of players mentioned throughout the story, and I didn't feel like any one person stood out at the obvious culprit.
As this is the first book in the series, there was some set up for the next book; namely the mystery of Shaley's dad. I'm intrigued to see how that pans out since Rayne, Shaley's mother, doesn't like to talk about him while Shaley longs to know more about the man she's never met.
However, I did have a few issues with the book. The first being that Tom is killed so early in the book, and though Shaley's grief is clear, I would have liked to have learned more about him. Also, we discover some things about Tom after he's been murdered that I found to be rather creepy. At first, I wondered if it was true, or if it was a distraction tactic by the killer, but later it seems to be confirmed to be true. Considering that, I feel like there should have been a bigger reaction on, at least, Shaley's part.
I also didn't care for the shopping the day after Tom's murder. I'm sure it was meant to help take her mind off of what was happening, but it just felt really insensitive since she claimed to care so much for her friend.
I'm also somewhat confused as to why this book is considered Christian Fiction. I have no problem with the genre itself, but it feels like a bit of a stretch to label a novel Christian Fiction just because one religious character discusses her faith in God and says some prayers. Perhaps, more will come of it later, which is fine, but, instead of really adding to the story, those scenes actually seemed somewhat contrived.
Overall, though, this was a quick, enjoyable mystery, and I'm looking forward to reading more of the series very soon.
I really enjoyed story. The tour setting was something new and fun. It's rooted in reality, but something outside the every day norm. I also enjoyed that the story revolves around Shaley, who is the daughter of a celebrity and has become something of a celebrity by proxy, rather than a celebrity herself. Given her unusual lifestyle, I found her to be pretty grounded. There were the bratty moments that are to be expected of a teenager, both due to the amount of stress and shock she's experienced and also because of feelings of jealousy/resentment toward her mother's career.
I enjoyed the plot. It was very fast-paced, taking place over the course of only a few days. It never felt like it lagged along because there was something always happening. I also liked the switch off from Shaley's point of view to seeing through the eyes of a killer. I also thought that the reveal of the killer was pretty good too. There were a lot of players mentioned throughout the story, and I didn't feel like any one person stood out at the obvious culprit.
As this is the first book in the series, there was some set up for the next book; namely the mystery of Shaley's dad. I'm intrigued to see how that pans out since Rayne, Shaley's mother, doesn't like to talk about him while Shaley longs to know more about the man she's never met.
However, I did have a few issues with the book. The first being that Tom is killed so early in the book, and though Shaley's grief is clear, I would have liked to have learned more about him. Also, we discover some things about Tom after he's been murdered that I found to be rather creepy. At first, I wondered if it was true, or if it was a distraction tactic by the killer, but later it seems to be confirmed to be true. Considering that, I feel like there should have been a bigger reaction on, at least, Shaley's part.
I also didn't care for the shopping the day after Tom's murder. I'm sure it was meant to help take her mind off of what was happening, but it just felt really insensitive since she claimed to care so much for her friend.
I'm also somewhat confused as to why this book is considered Christian Fiction. I have no problem with the genre itself, but it feels like a bit of a stretch to label a novel Christian Fiction just because one religious character discusses her faith in God and says some prayers. Perhaps, more will come of it later, which is fine, but, instead of really adding to the story, those scenes actually seemed somewhat contrived.
Overall, though, this was a quick, enjoyable mystery, and I'm looking forward to reading more of the series very soon.
October 28, 2009
A very interesting young adult read. It took a little bit for me to get into this book as the stage had to be set for the series in the beginning. But once I started getting to know the characters and the setting the book really came alive for me.
The book focuses on Shaley daughter to Rayne who is a popular musician on tour with her band. Shaley is surrounded by people all the time that are with her mom and she is thrilled that her best friend from back home is about to join them on the tour. However before Brittany can show up one of Shaley's dear friends on the tour is murdered and Shaley finds the body.
After that the story focuses on the investigation and on Shaley's thoughts and actions. It's interesting to watch Shaley's interaction with the other characters and also her thoughts. It's also interesting to try and figure out who is behind the murder and what is going on in the big picture. You also get a glimpse into the bad guy and his motivations, but never truly to who he is until the authors want you to know.
Very suspenseful and well-written. I think this will appeal to young adults and adults alike. The ending wraps up this story but also opens the door for the next book in this series which is out and I will have a review up for in a day or two.
I think the mother-daughter writing team did well. It's a great clean book, yet realistic in it's writing. The Christian element in it is very subtle - there is one character that talks to Shaley but she talks in such a way to turn Shaley on to God not away from God. She doesn't push and Shaley really likes her.
It's just an amazing book that I can't recommend enough.
The book focuses on Shaley daughter to Rayne who is a popular musician on tour with her band. Shaley is surrounded by people all the time that are with her mom and she is thrilled that her best friend from back home is about to join them on the tour. However before Brittany can show up one of Shaley's dear friends on the tour is murdered and Shaley finds the body.
After that the story focuses on the investigation and on Shaley's thoughts and actions. It's interesting to watch Shaley's interaction with the other characters and also her thoughts. It's also interesting to try and figure out who is behind the murder and what is going on in the big picture. You also get a glimpse into the bad guy and his motivations, but never truly to who he is until the authors want you to know.
Very suspenseful and well-written. I think this will appeal to young adults and adults alike. The ending wraps up this story but also opens the door for the next book in this series which is out and I will have a review up for in a day or two.
I think the mother-daughter writing team did well. It's a great clean book, yet realistic in it's writing. The Christian element in it is very subtle - there is one character that talks to Shaley but she talks in such a way to turn Shaley on to God not away from God. She doesn't push and Shaley really likes her.
It's just an amazing book that I can't recommend enough.
January 29, 2015
I was actually impressed. This one took me by surprise from the beginning with immediately seeing into the killers eyes. Then we switch to Shaley and her rock star mom Rayne. The length of the plot is three days but by the end I feel like Shaley and that it was more like a few months but in a good way. We follow through the lives of Shaley and her mom as they deal with the murder of a close friend. From there everything begins to be not what they thought and people not who they thought. Even up until the end I was shocked to figure out who the killer was. The writers did a great job of keeping you guessing and turning pages as fast as you could to get to the next one. I literally didn���������t want to put it down. I just had to know what the killer was going to do next and try to get some clue as to who it might be. The writing only switched between Shaley���������s perspective and the killers ��������� a fact to which I was very grateful. The transitions were smooth and easy to get. I liked how it ended and from the preview I got of the next in line it literally picks up where this one leaves off. I think this is a great beginning of a great mystery series. The Christian influence is actually barely there which is a nice backdrop for Christian fiction. It���������s not in your face or shoved down any characters throat it���������s just simple reminders that someone is watching out for you ��������� someone good.
May 20, 2009
As her mother’s concert wraps up, Shaley O’Connor gathers her things backstage to head off to the airport to pick up her best friend. Shaley is so excited that Brittany’s mother granted her permission to come on the tour for a few days. As fun as the band and crew are to hang out with, Shaley misses her home and friends. Brittany’s visit will be just the thing she needs.
But before Shaely makes it to the limo, she stumbles upon the dead body of her friend Tom. Everything falls apart. Shaley struggles to understand secrets she never knew about Tom while the paparazzi watches her every move, hoping to snap a picture of the mourning teen. Brittany’s mom threatens to send her home, and Shaley gets a few mysterious, anonymous gifts.
If the killer is a member of the band or crew, he’s still out there, and, as the messages in Shaley’s gifts say, he’s always watching.
Brandilyn Collins is a master of the murder mystery. She crafts a story that makes it nearly impossible to guess who the murderer might be. How exciting to have her storytelling in the young adult genre. Brandilyn and her daughter cowrite this series and create a smart and realistic character in Shaley. I’m looking forward to Rayne Tour, book 2 to discover more about Shaley and her past. Recommended.
But before Shaely makes it to the limo, she stumbles upon the dead body of her friend Tom. Everything falls apart. Shaley struggles to understand secrets she never knew about Tom while the paparazzi watches her every move, hoping to snap a picture of the mourning teen. Brittany’s mom threatens to send her home, and Shaley gets a few mysterious, anonymous gifts.
If the killer is a member of the band or crew, he’s still out there, and, as the messages in Shaley’s gifts say, he’s always watching.
Brandilyn Collins is a master of the murder mystery. She crafts a story that makes it nearly impossible to guess who the murderer might be. How exciting to have her storytelling in the young adult genre. Brandilyn and her daughter cowrite this series and create a smart and realistic character in Shaley. I’m looking forward to Rayne Tour, book 2 to discover more about Shaley and her past. Recommended.
May 8, 2009
Always Watching by Brandilyn and Amberly Collins is the first in The Rayne Tour series. The mother and daughter authors write about a mother and daughter in the midst of a terrifying murder mystery. Sixteen year old Shaley O'Connor is the daughter of Rayne, a top rock star, and along with a large crew they are touring the US. Shaley has learned to make the best of life on the road, especially by bonding with Tom, her mother's makeup artist. But her world suddenly spins out of control when she finds Tom's body in a dressing room, and the search for his murderer turns up secrets that Rayne would rather keep hidden. Someone is stalking Shaley, and there's far more to this murder than meets the eye. The authors keep the pages turning briskly with a plot full of twists and turns; I think my jaw dropped on every other page. They've created a realistic teenage girl in Shaley. She alternately loves and hates her mother, stresses about her body image, and wants security more than anything in her life. I don't think she'll be finding any of that soon in the ongoing series; the authors have set up lots of subplots and mysteries that will keep Shaley running for a long time.
January 23, 2016
Another Brandilyn Collins novel that does not disappoint. ALWAYS WATCHING is the first in The Rayne Tour series. Teaming up with her daughter, Amberly, Collins has penned an exciting, fast-paced mystery with a youthful audience in mind.
Shaley O’Connor is living the life most young girls would die for. Sixteen, and on tour with her rock star mom, Shaley makes the most of living on the road. In spite of the wealth she and her mother enjoy, Shaley feels her relationship with her mother is growing distant. Bonding with the crew and band, Shaley develops a close relationship with her mother’s hairstylist. When Shaley finds him murdered, she is shocked. When it is discovered that his death might’ve been caused by a stalker focused on her, the life she knows is completely turned upside down.
ALWAYS WATCHING is the first in what I am sure will be a wonderful new series. With the drama and suspense you’ve come to appreciate from Brandilyn Collins, coupled with the fresh voice of Amberly Collins, ALWAYS WATCHING will entertain both young and old alike.
Shaley O’Connor is living the life most young girls would die for. Sixteen, and on tour with her rock star mom, Shaley makes the most of living on the road. In spite of the wealth she and her mother enjoy, Shaley feels her relationship with her mother is growing distant. Bonding with the crew and band, Shaley develops a close relationship with her mother’s hairstylist. When Shaley finds him murdered, she is shocked. When it is discovered that his death might’ve been caused by a stalker focused on her, the life she knows is completely turned upside down.
ALWAYS WATCHING is the first in what I am sure will be a wonderful new series. With the drama and suspense you’ve come to appreciate from Brandilyn Collins, coupled with the fresh voice of Amberly Collins, ALWAYS WATCHING will entertain both young and old alike.
May 31, 2009
Shaley loved being on tour with her mom Rayne and Rayne's band. Since she was just 16, the hardest thing was leaving all her friends behind for months at a time. Thankfully, she had Tom to hang out with backstage. He was her mom's hairdresser and make-up artist and her closest friend on the tour. Her best school friend, Brittany, was flying in to spend a week on the tour with her.
Before they could leave the concert to go get her friend, Shaley's world comes crashing down. Someone murders her friend Tom and she is the one that finds his body.
The next three days as they wrap up in San Jose and head for Denver are filled with mysterious gifts, photos, messages, paparazzi and more murder.
This was a fun quick read and I look forward to learning more about these characters as the series continues. This book contains the 1st chapter of the 2nd book, Last Breath, and it doesn't skip a beat!
Before they could leave the concert to go get her friend, Shaley's world comes crashing down. Someone murders her friend Tom and she is the one that finds his body.
The next three days as they wrap up in San Jose and head for Denver are filled with mysterious gifts, photos, messages, paparazzi and more murder.
This was a fun quick read and I look forward to learning more about these characters as the series continues. This book contains the 1st chapter of the 2nd book, Last Breath, and it doesn't skip a beat!
August 15, 2010
I got this book free after reading about it on the nook blog. It was described as a modern Nancy Drew where teenage Shaley investigates the death of a friend. However Shaley isn't even close to being a teen detective. She spends time thinking about events that happen to her and information the police tell her but doesn't really do any sleuthing. This book is more of a teen thriller than a mystery. The story ends abruptly and continues in the second book. The murderer is revealed but the details the reader is interested in will be in book two. It wasn't a terrible book. I was disappointed because I expected a teen sleuth not a thriller. I think teens would like this book if they were interested in reading a thriller. The Christian parts were not thrown in randomly. A Christian friend talks about Jesus to Shaley in an atempt to comfort her which fits in the story.
April 11, 2013
What if you were the daughter of a famous pop star? What if your life revolved around concerts and tours? And what if your friend was murdered-on the very stage your mom preformed on?
Shaley O'Connor isn't the typical sixteen-year-old girl. Her mom Rayne is a popular rock singer who tours America with her talent. Then the unthinkable happens. Shaley's friend Tom is murdered on the night of her mother's concert. Her world crashes as she is chased by paparazzi and threatened with notes from her hidden past. The police say Tom's killer could be on the set of the tour but Shaley is in denial that one of her friends could be a murderer. Will Shaley stay out of harm's way before it's too late?
We rate this book by Brandilyn Collins and Amberly Collins 4.5/5 stars. "Full of suspense and mystery."
Visit our blog at http://theteenbooksblog.blogspot.ca/ for more teen book reviews.
Shaley O'Connor isn't the typical sixteen-year-old girl. Her mom Rayne is a popular rock singer who tours America with her talent. Then the unthinkable happens. Shaley's friend Tom is murdered on the night of her mother's concert. Her world crashes as she is chased by paparazzi and threatened with notes from her hidden past. The police say Tom's killer could be on the set of the tour but Shaley is in denial that one of her friends could be a murderer. Will Shaley stay out of harm's way before it's too late?
We rate this book by Brandilyn Collins and Amberly Collins 4.5/5 stars. "Full of suspense and mystery."
Visit our blog at http://theteenbooksblog.blogspot.ca/ for more teen book reviews.
May 7, 2009
Heart. Stopping.
(Yeah. It's that good.)
Ever since I first started seriously studying the craft of writing, I've been itching to get my hands on a book by Brandilyn Collins. Always Watching, co-authored with daughter Amberly Collins for the Young Adult market, doesn't disappoint.
Sixteen-year-old Shaley O'Connor is on tour with her rock star mother. Again. And tired of it. If it weren't for Tom, her mother's hip hair stylist, she'd be totally bummed.
Then Tom is murdered, and Shaley's world is shoved into a tailspin...
(Read the rest of my review at http://wordvessel.blogspot.com and leave a comment to be entered in the drawing for this spine-tingling read.)
(Yeah. It's that good.)
Ever since I first started seriously studying the craft of writing, I've been itching to get my hands on a book by Brandilyn Collins. Always Watching, co-authored with daughter Amberly Collins for the Young Adult market, doesn't disappoint.
Sixteen-year-old Shaley O'Connor is on tour with her rock star mother. Again. And tired of it. If it weren't for Tom, her mother's hip hair stylist, she'd be totally bummed.
Then Tom is murdered, and Shaley's world is shoved into a tailspin...
(Read the rest of my review at http://wordvessel.blogspot.com and leave a comment to be entered in the drawing for this spine-tingling read.)
February 28, 2022
3 ⭐
A little story time, I found a physical copy of this series' second book at a bookstore the other day. I find it intriguing so I bought it. When I got home and looked it up on the internet, that's the only time I realized it's the second book lol.
Anyway, it's okay. I want to know more about the intentions of her father so I guess I'm omw to the next book. Read it if you want.
PS. I just realized the names of the two creepy bestfriends—Tom and Jerry. LOL
A little story time, I found a physical copy of this series' second book at a bookstore the other day. I find it intriguing so I bought it. When I got home and looked it up on the internet, that's the only time I realized it's the second book lol.
Anyway, it's okay. I want to know more about the intentions of her father so I guess I'm omw to the next book. Read it if you want.
PS. I just realized the names of the two creepy bestfriends—Tom and Jerry. LOL
August 29, 2018
I liked it...
January 29, 2025
Always Watching is a gripping thriller packed with mystery, danger, and incredible suspense. From the start, it keeps readers on edge, expertly weaving tension into every chapter. The stakes are high, and the sense of danger is palpable, making it practically impossible to put the book down.
One fascinating aspects was the window into into VIP security. Even for those who aren’t particularly interested in the world of pop musicians, the behind-the-scenes look at personal protection adds an interesting layer to the story.
The mystery is well-crafted, with twists and turns that keep readers guessing until the very end. The suspense never lets up, creating a fast-paced, heart-pounding read that will satisfy any thriller fan.
One fascinating aspects was the window into into VIP security. Even for those who aren’t particularly interested in the world of pop musicians, the behind-the-scenes look at personal protection adds an interesting layer to the story.
The mystery is well-crafted, with twists and turns that keep readers guessing until the very end. The suspense never lets up, creating a fast-paced, heart-pounding read that will satisfy any thriller fan.
February 21, 2023
2.5 stars
I picked up book 2 and 3 on sale and thought this could be an interesting series, but I was pretty underwhelmed.
It was overly descriptive on the gore, preachy in the hard moments (though I will say it had good points, just wrapped in a pushing too hard manner), and a random psychic too??? How that ties in to a Christian book is beyond me. If you have a character that senses things, Make them a Christian!! Hello??!
Just not my fav and I will read the other two to find out the end of the mystery but it won’t be a series I write home about or recommend.. to anyone really
I picked up book 2 and 3 on sale and thought this could be an interesting series, but I was pretty underwhelmed.
It was overly descriptive on the gore, preachy in the hard moments (though I will say it had good points, just wrapped in a pushing too hard manner), and a random psychic too??? How that ties in to a Christian book is beyond me. If you have a character that senses things, Make them a Christian!! Hello??!
Just not my fav and I will read the other two to find out the end of the mystery but it won’t be a series I write home about or recommend.. to anyone really
March 1, 2021
Shaley friend and her Mom’s make up artist Tom had been killed.
With questions why, and looking forward to her friend Brittany coming
for a visit. The tour continues and Brittany feels Shaley is in danger.
Shaley got a gift of a white rose, tie with red ribbon, message ‘always watching’. . The reporters find out about Tom’s walls in his apartment.
Shaley without sleep, she can hardly function. Losing more members
all she wants is her own bed. Tense, the band is like family or is it.
With questions why, and looking forward to her friend Brittany coming
for a visit. The tour continues and Brittany feels Shaley is in danger.
Shaley got a gift of a white rose, tie with red ribbon, message ‘always watching’. . The reporters find out about Tom’s walls in his apartment.
Shaley without sleep, she can hardly function. Losing more members
all she wants is her own bed. Tense, the band is like family or is it.
August 11, 2017
The story was ok. The editing issues sometimes made a sentence weird. I'm not sure how there can be another book. Not a big enough cliff hanger to make me want to read the next book.
November 25, 2017
Sophomoric at best. Kept thinking of junior high school students writing their hearts out with trite similes yet great intentions.
December 17, 2017
I think a few of my brain cells died as I was reading this book.
June 9, 2021
Love this new series and the reader was fantastic!
November 28, 2021
To paraphrase Maria Bamford, “I don’t know…sounds like church.”
January 5, 2023
short, simple book for the beach. pretty good.
April 5, 2024
Really good Christian mystery. 10 out of 10 would recommend. Great plot twist.
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