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Compass Crimes
East of Evil
A colossal fortune. A secret reaper. A young woman whose drive for due process makes her the target of dangerous people… Her law enforcement career goals take a back seat when she inherits a ten-million-dollar trust from her late parents…with a hefty chunk gone. Can she restore her inheritance before her investigation turns fatal?
First Place winner 2024 Next Generation Indie Book Award (Inspirational Fiction).
Third Place winner 2024 Christian Indie Awards (Mystery/Suspense).
Genres: contemporary Christian suspense, romantic suspense, crime, mystery
First Place winner 2024 Next Generation Indie Book Award (Inspirational Fiction).
Third Place winner 2024 Christian Indie Awards (Mystery/Suspense).
Genres: contemporary Christian suspense, romantic suspense, crime, mystery
354 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 7, 2023
8 people are currently reading
28 people want to read
About the author
Joni M. Fisher
6 books364 followersJoni M. Fisher writes suspenseful crime stories about heroines who don't wait to be rescued. After working decades in journalism, she turned to crime. Her Compass Crimes series has won awards in the 2024 Christian Indie Awards, the 2024 Next Generation Indie Book Awards, the 2023 Reader's Favorite Book Award, the Royal Palm Literary Awards, and others.
A member of the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), and a lifetime member of the Florida Writers Association, she also served on the Arts and Humanities Advisory Board for Southeastern University.
An instrument-rated private pilot, she's also a contributing reporter for General Aviation News. Her fingerprints are on file with the FBI.
A member of the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), and a lifetime member of the Florida Writers Association, she also served on the Arts and Humanities Advisory Board for Southeastern University.
An instrument-rated private pilot, she's also a contributing reporter for General Aviation News. Her fingerprints are on file with the FBI.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
April 24, 2023
East of Evil is my first book by Joni M. Fisher. While it could read as a stand-alone novel, I recommend reading the series in order. An event toward the beginning of the book made me wish I had started at the beginning of the series.
Nefi Jenkins is attending Harvard University. She is already engaged when the story starts. She has two roommates, Cassie and Mutt (and it surprised me that the rooming was co-ed, especially in a Christian novel, but it was obvious they were all just friends). Nefi grew up in a remote village in Brazil. The story alludes to things that have happened in Nefi's past. She is a strong character with a strong bent toward justice.
The beginning of the story sucked me right in. I was eager to see what happened next, and by the end, I wondered how things would resolve. I did not see the ending coming.
There were a lot of moving parts to this story. There were also a lot of characters. The author did a great job setting them up, so it was clear who was who. Some things were predictable, but I think they were supposed to be. There's a lot I want to say, but I want to be careful of spoilers. While I enjoyed the story, I know I would have better understood all the relationships had I started the series at the beginning.
Thank you to the author for the opportunity to review this book. I was not required to provide a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.
Nefi Jenkins is attending Harvard University. She is already engaged when the story starts. She has two roommates, Cassie and Mutt (and it surprised me that the rooming was co-ed, especially in a Christian novel, but it was obvious they were all just friends). Nefi grew up in a remote village in Brazil. The story alludes to things that have happened in Nefi's past. She is a strong character with a strong bent toward justice.
The beginning of the story sucked me right in. I was eager to see what happened next, and by the end, I wondered how things would resolve. I did not see the ending coming.
There were a lot of moving parts to this story. There were also a lot of characters. The author did a great job setting them up, so it was clear who was who. Some things were predictable, but I think they were supposed to be. There's a lot I want to say, but I want to be careful of spoilers. While I enjoyed the story, I know I would have better understood all the relationships had I started the series at the beginning.
Thank you to the author for the opportunity to review this book. I was not required to provide a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.
March 4, 2023
East of Evil is full of twists and turns, it provides an unexpected climax. What’s this story about? Greed, dysfunctional families, hate, anger, hope, joy, and revenge among others. It’s wholly captivating! Most of the characters are likable, but you also get a fascinating villain! Grab a copy for a good read!
May 7, 2023
East of Evil is the fourth book in Fisher’s Compass Crime Series. I was drawn in from the first sentence—“Nefi’s life-changing day started ordinary and turned peculiar on the way to morning classes.” Fisher’s writing style is snappy and fun, and lots of intrigue keeps readers turning the pages quickly to see what happens next.
East of Evil is filled with well-drawn, unique characters. Nefi Jenkins, the main character, is getting ready to graduate from Harvard. Raised in the Amazon jungle by missionary parents who were killed when she was 16, Nefi isn’t the typical college-age American girl. Fisher does a great job of bringing this out in the way Nefi thinks and acts. For example, the people she is closest to are part of her tribe, and those who betray her must be kicked out of her tribe. Some mannerisms have carried forward into her new way of life, too, like tapping the chest of someone she loves during times of stress to make sure they are really there (although she recognizes this as odd in the US and tries to refrain from it). Learning she has inherited a 10-million-dollar trust fund doesn’t change the way she lives (other than the fact someone now wants her dead!) because money wasn’t a thing in the jungle. Creating a character with a completely foreign upbringing is always a challenge, and Fisher does it superbly. Besides her fascinating background, Nefi is smart, strong, blunt and good at reading people’s emotions in their facial expressions (a great skill to have since she’s planning on a career with the FBI).
Nefi’s college roommates, Cassie and Michael Ulysses Trace the Third (“Mutt” for short), are Marines studying on the GI bill. Cassie bakes brownies and cookies when stressed, and Mutt has an aversion to kitchen duty, PTSD that sometimes has him sleeping outside on the patio, and a variety of t-shirts with sayings like “Gun control means using both hands” and “There’s no such thing as too much ammo unless your house is on fire.” East of Evil features a whole cast of characters who are fun, interesting and, in the case of the villain, cunningly evil.
The book is full of fun exchanges between the characters, too. For example, this one when Nefi is going to hire Arlo, a private investigator who is a friend of a friend:
“Barlow Investigations, how can I help you?”
“Hey, stalker. I have a job for you.”
“Nefi Jenkins?”
“Wait. Is your name Arlo Barlow?”
“Are you sure you want to make fun of my name? Because I know your real first name.”
Nefi gasped. “How?”
“I am a private investigator.”
“I’m impressed, and I apologize.”
“Apology accepted.”
East of Evil’s intricate plot will keep the reader turning pages as Nefi discovers that the trust fund she just inherited has a large chunk missing and sets out to learn what happened to the missing money.
I highly recommend East of Evil (as well as the other books in the series). They are all clean, with God and strong family values woven throughout.
East of Evil is filled with well-drawn, unique characters. Nefi Jenkins, the main character, is getting ready to graduate from Harvard. Raised in the Amazon jungle by missionary parents who were killed when she was 16, Nefi isn’t the typical college-age American girl. Fisher does a great job of bringing this out in the way Nefi thinks and acts. For example, the people she is closest to are part of her tribe, and those who betray her must be kicked out of her tribe. Some mannerisms have carried forward into her new way of life, too, like tapping the chest of someone she loves during times of stress to make sure they are really there (although she recognizes this as odd in the US and tries to refrain from it). Learning she has inherited a 10-million-dollar trust fund doesn’t change the way she lives (other than the fact someone now wants her dead!) because money wasn’t a thing in the jungle. Creating a character with a completely foreign upbringing is always a challenge, and Fisher does it superbly. Besides her fascinating background, Nefi is smart, strong, blunt and good at reading people’s emotions in their facial expressions (a great skill to have since she’s planning on a career with the FBI).
Nefi’s college roommates, Cassie and Michael Ulysses Trace the Third (“Mutt” for short), are Marines studying on the GI bill. Cassie bakes brownies and cookies when stressed, and Mutt has an aversion to kitchen duty, PTSD that sometimes has him sleeping outside on the patio, and a variety of t-shirts with sayings like “Gun control means using both hands” and “There’s no such thing as too much ammo unless your house is on fire.” East of Evil features a whole cast of characters who are fun, interesting and, in the case of the villain, cunningly evil.
The book is full of fun exchanges between the characters, too. For example, this one when Nefi is going to hire Arlo, a private investigator who is a friend of a friend:
“Barlow Investigations, how can I help you?”
“Hey, stalker. I have a job for you.”
“Nefi Jenkins?”
“Wait. Is your name Arlo Barlow?”
“Are you sure you want to make fun of my name? Because I know your real first name.”
Nefi gasped. “How?”
“I am a private investigator.”
“I’m impressed, and I apologize.”
“Apology accepted.”
East of Evil’s intricate plot will keep the reader turning pages as Nefi discovers that the trust fund she just inherited has a large chunk missing and sets out to learn what happened to the missing money.
I highly recommend East of Evil (as well as the other books in the series). They are all clean, with God and strong family values woven throughout.
March 25, 2023
East of Evil by Joni M. Fisher is the fourth book in the Compass Crimes series which features a different but linked lead character in each book.
East of Evil focuses on Nefi Jenkins, a want to be FBI agent who was raised in a small village deep in the Amazon rain-forest by her hippy parents until their untimely death.
About to graduate, and waiting to begin an FBI internship, Nefi’s world is turned on it’s head when she discovers that her parents set up a trust fund for her with a life changing amount of money.
The trust fund also brings danger as Nefi discovers that some of the money has disappeared and she needs answers from the former trustee.
Whilst each book in the series says it can be read as a stand-alone story, I would recommend reading them in order as some of the plots take place over similar time periods and are referenced here. If you haven’t read the previous titles then this can cause the reader to feel that certain parts of the story were somewhat glossed over.
I found the balance between character and relationship development slightly heavy compared to the plot and story and at times the legal detail was unnecessarily complex in relation to the rest of the story.
The plot twists came as no real surprise but fitted well with the story and my expected outcomes.
I enjoyed the overall story and the central characters are clearly defined making it easy to remember who is who. The main villain could have been better utilised but serves their purpose to keep the plot moving on.
In summary, this is an entertaining read but to get the best out of it then I’d recommend reading the four books in order to allow the characters and semi intertwining plots to develop.
I’d recommend this to anyone who enjoys character driven light thrillers as long as you’re not expecting a complex action packed plot.
East of Evil focuses on Nefi Jenkins, a want to be FBI agent who was raised in a small village deep in the Amazon rain-forest by her hippy parents until their untimely death.
About to graduate, and waiting to begin an FBI internship, Nefi’s world is turned on it’s head when she discovers that her parents set up a trust fund for her with a life changing amount of money.
The trust fund also brings danger as Nefi discovers that some of the money has disappeared and she needs answers from the former trustee.
Whilst each book in the series says it can be read as a stand-alone story, I would recommend reading them in order as some of the plots take place over similar time periods and are referenced here. If you haven’t read the previous titles then this can cause the reader to feel that certain parts of the story were somewhat glossed over.
I found the balance between character and relationship development slightly heavy compared to the plot and story and at times the legal detail was unnecessarily complex in relation to the rest of the story.
The plot twists came as no real surprise but fitted well with the story and my expected outcomes.
I enjoyed the overall story and the central characters are clearly defined making it easy to remember who is who. The main villain could have been better utilised but serves their purpose to keep the plot moving on.
In summary, this is an entertaining read but to get the best out of it then I’d recommend reading the four books in order to allow the characters and semi intertwining plots to develop.
I’d recommend this to anyone who enjoys character driven light thrillers as long as you’re not expecting a complex action packed plot.
July 24, 2024
This book was entered in The Wishing Shelf Book Awards. This is what our readers thought:
Title: East of Evil
Author: Joni M. Fisher
Star Rating: 5 Stars
Number of Readers: 15
Stats
Editing: 9/10
Writing Style: 9/10
Content: 9/10
Cover: 4/5
Of the 15 readers:
14 would read another book by this author.
13 thought the cover was good or excellent.
15 felt it was easy to follow.
14 would recommend this book to another reader to try.
Of all the readers, 8 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘plotting a story’.
Of all the readers, 3 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘developing the characters’.
Of all the readers, 4 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘writing style’.
15 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
14 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.
Readers’ Comments
“A very enjoyable mystery/thriller with a strong, relatable protagonist. The writing style is very accessible, and the plotting is spot on. I will be hunting out the author’s other novels.” Female reader, aged 55
“I enjoyed the ‘trust fund’ plot, and Nefi is a complex, fun to root for character. The author works particularly well with speech; it’s sparky, developing the plot and the characters too. Never a dull moment.” Male reader, aged 32
“Is this the last book of the set? If so, what a shame. It’s excellent. I’m now going back to check out the other three.” Female reader, aged 68
“A well-written, suspense-filled thriller. I was thoroughly engrossed from the opening page. Works as a standalone although I’m tempted to suggest reading them in order. The plot is complex, but not too complex, and the characters, particularly the MC, are fully developed. Strong writer.” Male reader, aged 77
To Sum It Up:
‘A fast-paced thriller packed with twists, turns – and suspense! A FINALIST and highly recommended.’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
Title: East of Evil
Author: Joni M. Fisher
Star Rating: 5 Stars
Number of Readers: 15
Stats
Editing: 9/10
Writing Style: 9/10
Content: 9/10
Cover: 4/5
Of the 15 readers:
14 would read another book by this author.
13 thought the cover was good or excellent.
15 felt it was easy to follow.
14 would recommend this book to another reader to try.
Of all the readers, 8 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘plotting a story’.
Of all the readers, 3 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘developing the characters’.
Of all the readers, 4 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘writing style’.
15 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
14 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.
Readers’ Comments
“A very enjoyable mystery/thriller with a strong, relatable protagonist. The writing style is very accessible, and the plotting is spot on. I will be hunting out the author’s other novels.” Female reader, aged 55
“I enjoyed the ‘trust fund’ plot, and Nefi is a complex, fun to root for character. The author works particularly well with speech; it’s sparky, developing the plot and the characters too. Never a dull moment.” Male reader, aged 32
“Is this the last book of the set? If so, what a shame. It’s excellent. I’m now going back to check out the other three.” Female reader, aged 68
“A well-written, suspense-filled thriller. I was thoroughly engrossed from the opening page. Works as a standalone although I’m tempted to suggest reading them in order. The plot is complex, but not too complex, and the characters, particularly the MC, are fully developed. Strong writer.” Male reader, aged 77
To Sum It Up:
‘A fast-paced thriller packed with twists, turns – and suspense! A FINALIST and highly recommended.’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
March 22, 2023
The final book in the Compass Crimes series will have the reader sitting on the edge of their seats. There is evil lurking just around the corner ready to sink its talons into Nefi. Nefi has survived the unimaginable in her short life, but now things are looking up. She has a summer internship with the FBI. She has her wedding to look forward to. And she’s about to graduate with her Bachelor's degree. But there is a twisted evil ready to pounce.
There is a strong Christian influence in this book that helps balance the good with the truly evil.
This book slowly developed the cruelty, the evil, lurking just outside Nefi’s door. It slowly spun its web around the reader, teasing and taunting, hinting at things to come. Hinting at an evil that is too close for comfort. A thrilling story. A perfect conclusion to the series.
December 3, 2025
East of Evil by Joni M Fisher is a gripping, faith filled thriller that kept me hooked from the first chapter. Nefi Jenkins is a compelling heroine smart, brave, and deeply grounded in her faith as a student at Harvard University. When danger from her past resurfaces on the dark, rain soaked streets of Boston, the story explodes into a tense race for survival.
The suspense is relentless, with twists that constantly challenge Nefi’s trust in both people and in God when answers seem painfully silent. I loved how the novel balances high-stakes danger with spiritual struggle, showing faith under pressure rather than easy resolution. The emotional depth, fast pacing, and strong sense of purpose make this a powerful conclusion to the Compass Crimes series. Fans of smart, clean suspense with real emotional weight will not be disappointed.
The suspense is relentless, with twists that constantly challenge Nefi’s trust in both people and in God when answers seem painfully silent. I loved how the novel balances high-stakes danger with spiritual struggle, showing faith under pressure rather than easy resolution. The emotional depth, fast pacing, and strong sense of purpose make this a powerful conclusion to the Compass Crimes series. Fans of smart, clean suspense with real emotional weight will not be disappointed.
May 7, 2023
This is the 4th book in the Compass Crimes series. They can be read independently of each other but best would to be to read in order.
Each book features different characters but all have many of the same characters.
This final book in the series focuses on Nefi who has a lot of great plans and changes upcoming, graduation, plans for special FBI training, marriage.
An unexpected turn of events revolving around a large trust fund and the greed and surprise of who was involved in misuse and then also action against Nefi is pretty sad.
This book was very well written, has a some humorous lines.
I recommend reading this series and look forward to this authors next book.
I did receive an advance copy of this book for an honest review. Thanks to the author.
Each book features different characters but all have many of the same characters.
This final book in the series focuses on Nefi who has a lot of great plans and changes upcoming, graduation, plans for special FBI training, marriage.
An unexpected turn of events revolving around a large trust fund and the greed and surprise of who was involved in misuse and then also action against Nefi is pretty sad.
This book was very well written, has a some humorous lines.
I recommend reading this series and look forward to this authors next book.
I did receive an advance copy of this book for an honest review. Thanks to the author.
June 15, 2025
East of Evil is a Christian suspense novel. It’s book 4 in Fisher’s Compass Crimes series, but it works well as a standalone. Nefi is a student at Harvard. She’s engaged to Vincent, and someone’s been embezzling from her trust fund for years.
Fisher excels at characterization. I enjoyed getting to know the different players in the story, their strengths or their evil side (bad guy). The bad guy (or gal, no spoilers here) became the kind of character you love to despise.
My only con is I couldn’t picture Nefi having a male roommate. I know in college you have to pinch pennies and share expenses, but Nefi is a Christian character.
Overall, a tense story, lots of suspenseful moments. Fun read.
Fisher excels at characterization. I enjoyed getting to know the different players in the story, their strengths or their evil side (bad guy). The bad guy (or gal, no spoilers here) became the kind of character you love to despise.
My only con is I couldn’t picture Nefi having a male roommate. I know in college you have to pinch pennies and share expenses, but Nefi is a Christian character.
Overall, a tense story, lots of suspenseful moments. Fun read.
May 28, 2023
wow, what a conclusion…Book 4
This entire series is excellent, outstanding and this final book is bi exception! These are the first books I’ve read by this author, but I will certainly read more! I enjoy reading thrillers, suspenseful Christian fiction and these had a touch of faith, but not overbearing. Light romance included! I recommend reading them in order.
This entire series is excellent, outstanding and this final book is bi exception! These are the first books I’ve read by this author, but I will certainly read more! I enjoy reading thrillers, suspenseful Christian fiction and these had a touch of faith, but not overbearing. Light romance included! I recommend reading them in order.
July 10, 2025
Joni M. Fisher nailed it. This story has intensity, mystery, and faith woven so seamlessly together. I already want to read it again.
Besides being a great thriller, this book challenged me to think about trust, forgiveness, and what it means to walk by faith. Highly recommend!
Besides being a great thriller, this book challenged me to think about trust, forgiveness, and what it means to walk by faith. Highly recommend!
July 10, 2025
Nefi is such a powerful character—smart, faithful, and incredibly brave. The suspense kept me up way too late reading, and the way the author weaves in spiritual themes felt so real and timely. Loved every second!
July 10, 2025
This book has everything I want in a Christian suspense novel—danger, drama, depth, and a faith journey that doesn’t feel forced. The twists had me constantly second-guessing who Nefi could trust. Absolutely recommend it!
July 10, 2025
I was hooked from the first chapter. The pacing is perfect, the tension builds beautifully, and Nefi is the kind of heroine we need more of—strong but vulnerable, guided by faith. I’ll definitely be reading more from Joni M. Fisher!
July 10, 2025
This story made me feel so many things—fear, hope, anxiety, and inspiration. It’s rare to find a thriller that’s also emotionally and spiritually rich. East of Evil hit all the right notes for me.
July 10, 2025
East of Evil doesn’t shy away from the reality of evil, but it also never lets go of hope. I loved watching Nefi wrestle with her faith while trying to survive. A beautifully balanced thriller with soul.
July 10, 2025
As a fan of Terri Blackstock, I was looking for something similar—and this delivered. Nefi’s story is intelligent, complex, and filled with tension. But it’s her relationship with God that makes it unforgettable.
July 10, 2025
As a fan of Terri Blackstock, I was looking for something similar—and this delivered. Nefi’s story is intelligent, complex, and filled with tension. But it’s her relationship with God that makes it unforgettable.
July 10, 2025
I couldn’t stop reading! Every chapter pulled me deeper into Nefi’s world. It’s fast-paced, intense, and filled with real emotion. Her faith journey felt honest and powerful.
July 10, 2025
This book had me on edge one moment and in tears the next. Nefi is such a strong, smart character, and I loved watching her face danger with courage and faith. So well written!
July 10, 2025
What a ride. Joni M. Fisher knows how to write suspense. I stayed up way too late reading this, and I have zero regrets. Nefi’s story is both thrilling and inspiring.
July 10, 2025
It’s been a while since a suspense novel kept me guessing like this one did. Every time I thought I knew what was going on, the story shifted. So clever and well done!
July 10, 2025
Nefi is such a refreshing character—intelligent, capable, but also vulnerable. I loved watching her figure things out and lean on her faith when everything seemed to fall apart.
July 10, 2025
It’s rare to find a book that has you sweating one minute and praying the next. This is one of those books. A must-read for fans of Christian suspense!
July 10, 2025
From the villain to the unexpected allies, every character was layered and believable. The message of relying on God, even when He seems silent, really stuck with me.
July 10, 2025
Joni M. Fisher nailed it. This story has intensity, mystery, and faith woven so seamlessly together. I already want to read it again.
July 10, 2025
Joni M. Fisher nailed it. This story has intensity, mystery, and faith woven so seamlessly together. I already want to read it again.
July 10, 2025
Nefi isn’t perfect, which made me love her more. Her doubts, instincts, and reliance on God in a terrifying situation were so well done. It felt authentic and inspiring.
July 10, 2025
This book reads like a movie—fast-paced, high-stakes, with characters you genuinely care about. I would LOVE to see Nefi’s story on screen. Until then, I’ll just keep re-reading this gem!
May 29, 2023
Wow! What a great ending to this fantastic series! I read the previous three books and eagerly waited for the final book. It was everything I hoped for. The story is full of suspense, since trouble seems to follow Nefi wherever she goes. It is great that she has close trustworthy friends surrounding her.
I enjoyed the continuing story of Nefi, who was living in the Amazon rainforest alone as a teenager, after her parents were killed. She has come a long way, now in college and hoping to join the FBI. Unfortunately, the immediate future holds another challenge.
This book was a page turner for me. The astounding plot shows that the author has an abundance of creativity and intelligence. The characters are wonderfully formed and after reading about them in the previous books, I care about them very much. The scenes are described so well that I can image this book as a movie, playing out in my mind and that is a great thought. I think this book (and entire series) would make an excellent movie!
I would also like to add that the book covers are beautifully designed and so fitting to the series. I really like when a book cover conveys the mood of the story within.
I enjoyed the continuing story of Nefi, who was living in the Amazon rainforest alone as a teenager, after her parents were killed. She has come a long way, now in college and hoping to join the FBI. Unfortunately, the immediate future holds another challenge.
This book was a page turner for me. The astounding plot shows that the author has an abundance of creativity and intelligence. The characters are wonderfully formed and after reading about them in the previous books, I care about them very much. The scenes are described so well that I can image this book as a movie, playing out in my mind and that is a great thought. I think this book (and entire series) would make an excellent movie!
I would also like to add that the book covers are beautifully designed and so fitting to the series. I really like when a book cover conveys the mood of the story within.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews