CFBI agent Jasmine McLellan leads a psychically gifted team in the hunt for a serial arsonist―a murderer who has already taken the lives of three people.
Jasi and her team members―Psychometric Empath and profiler Ben Roberts and Victim Empath Natassia Prushenko―are joined by Brandon Walsh, the handsome but skeptical Chief of Arson Investigations. In a manhunt that takes them from Vancouver to Kelowna, Penticton and Victoria, they are led down a twisting path of sinister secrets.
Sifting through ashes and clues, Jasi realizes that there is more to the third victim than meets the eye. Perhaps not all of the victims were that innocent. The hunt intensifies when she learns that someone they know is next on the arsonist's list.
Unleashing her gift as a Pyro-Psychic, Jasi is compelled toward smoldering ashes and enters the killer's mind―a mind bent on destruction and revenge. And in the heat of early summer, Jasi discovers that a murderer lies in wait…much closer than she ever imagined.
Book 1 in the Divine series; same story text as 2004 edition
"Sci-fi and mystery fans will love this book." ―Writer's Digest
"Para-psychic, Para-psychotic, Para-captivating!" ―Yale R. Jaffe, author of Advantage Disadvantage
“A genuine Canadian crime novel." ―Midwest Book Review
I am an avid reader and an international bestselling suspense author. My novels are often cross-genre works that fall into the categories of suspense, mystery or thriller.
My books have been compared to works by Stephen King, Jodi Picoult, Sue Monk Kidd, J.D. Robb, Kay Hooper, James Patterson, Dan Brown, and Michael Crichton.
I am always asked that one question: "Cheryl, what do you do?"
My reply: "I kill people off for a living." ;) CKT
Summary: CFBI agent Jasmine McLellan is assigned a hot case—one that requires the psychic abilities of the PSI Division, a secret government agency located in the secluded town of Divine, BC.
Jasi leads a psychically gifted team in the hunt for a serial arsonist—a murderer who has already taken the lives of three innocent people. Unleashing her gift as a Pyro-Psychic, Jasi is compelled toward smoldering ashes and enters the killer's mind. A mind bent on destruction and revenge.
Jasi's team, consisting of Psychometric Empath and profiler, Ben Roberts, and Victim Empath, Natassia Prushenko, is led down a twisting path of dark, painful secrets. Brandon Walsh, the handsome, smooth-talking Chief of Arson Investigations joins them in a manhunt that takes them across British Columbia—from Vancouver to Kelowna, Penticton and Victoria.
While impatiently sifting through the clues that were left behind, Jasi and her team realize that there is more to the third victim than meets the eye. Perhaps not all of the victims were that innocent. The hunt intensifies when they learn that someone they know is next on the arsonist's list.
The case heats to the boiling point as Jasi steps out of the flames…and into the fire. And in the heat of early summer, Agent Jasi McLellan discovers that a murderer lies in wait…much closer than she imagined.
I really expected a straight-up PNR with this read but instead I got a true cop mystery! Sure, the agents that work in this division of the CFBI have psychic powers but it wasn't the focus. The focus was the crime and I loved that. It was refreshing and reminded me of all the Chick Suspense I used to read. I still do read it but I find myself committed to lots of other genre's. I am very happy with this and will be reading the second installment soon. I highly recommend this to, not only lovers of UF and PNR, but mystery readers as well!
When Cheryl Kaye Tardif writes a book you know it will grip you right from the beginning and take you on an intense and fascinating ride. This book is no exception, but readers should keep in mind this book was written in 2004 as a futuristic techno-psi-thriller and has now almost caught up with itself. I loved this book, even though it may be a little dated futuristically. In fact, that was part of its allure for me, it takes place in British Columbia and references some of the past I know. I feel connected to this story. It's curious to see what might have been, technically speaking, in 2012 and where we actually are (to the best of our limited knowledge) in 2011. As the average reader knows, when it comes to technology and psychic resources for certain areas of our lives, we are definitely left out of the loop be it governmental, military, or even local policing.
Regardless, this is fun, intense, serious, futuristic fiction done up with great characterizations, full of futuristic tools. I say tools because these are the good guys, no bombs here. They are police, firemen, and secret law enforcement agents under the recently formed CFBI, a Canadian counterpart to the FBI. In "Divine Intervention" this group has just taken charge of two cases from different parts of British Columbia after evidence in both cases points to a serial arsonist murderer. What is different in this group is the covert Psi factor.
The group we follow is part of the PSI division, Psychic Skills Investigators, secreted in an underground complex under the direction of Matthew Divine. Very specialized in different areas, this close-knit group is comprised of Agent Jasmine McLellan, leader, profiler Ben Roberts, and Natassia Prushenko. Jasmine, Jasi to her friends, is a Pyro-Psychic who "reads" fires, her psychic ability to see through a killer's eyes and mind is drawn out by the smell of fires. Ben is a Psychometric Empath, able to read thoughts and emotions by touch. Natassia is a Victim Empath, touching a cadaver, she "relives" the victim's last sights and thoughts. Is the high profile but insufferable Premier of B.C. a suspect or a victim? What is the real reason his father was murdered? Who would have any reason to kill a foster mother and 4 year old child? How do these all fit together? These are the questions they must find answers to, and there is every reason to believe the murderer will claim another victim very quickly. There is one clue only when the team starts its investigation.
This book is exceptionally well-written, interesting in its handling of unusual circumstances, and equally unusual characters. It is taut, cohesive, yet personal. I enjoyed the thoughts going through Jasi's mind when she wasn't working, and "hearing" her read seems like a jolt of reality, this girl is definitely seeing through the killer's eyes and speaking his/her thoughts and words. The author has a way of creating reality from paranormal or psychic abilities and puts the words in her characters' mouths. I was completely glued to the book. I heartily recommend Cheryl Kaye's books, no matter the subject. I have the feeling she could write about any subject and makes us want more.
I sat down to review Divine Intervention and was pulled into the book.
Set in the year 2012, join Jasi and her team of psychic investigators to unravel the mystery of a fire and murder. Psychic powers being used to investigate crime. I love the premise and that fact that this is plausible. There is sexual tension going on all over the place between Jasi and Brandon the sexy arson investigator and Ben and Natassia, members of the team. I always enjoy books that leave me turning the page to find out more about the main character. What makes them tick and why they do what they do. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
5 star review rating. Thanks Cheryl for your masterful storytelling. I would recommend this book for readers who enjoy mystery/thrillers with a dash of ESP. Will keep you wanting to read more and pull you into Jasi's story.
Divine Intervention is a very good, fast-paced thriller. It features three, young Canadian FBI (CFBI) agents who solve crimes using pyschic powers as well as through conventional police work. This case involves arson and the murder of four people. All of the victims are tied together through their past relationships. Its not just finding out who did it but its also about finding out why the victims are tied together. Its an exciting chase and the pyschic powers come into play for all three young agents. The one draw back of the book and why it didn't get the "amazing" rating from me is that there is some rather silly sexual tensions in the book involving all three agents that, frankly, seem to take away from an otherwise exciting storyline.
Readable and reasonably entertaining but definitely fell short of other series in this specific genre. Reminded me a bit of some of the FBI series with the paranormal characters with hints of the "In Death" series but didn't quite make it work for me.
Too much romance/emotional angst that didn't really seem all that believable. The paranormal connection was good but again, seemed a bit superficial. The storyline was interesting enough but the ending, while not a cliffhanger, as this particular plot was resolved, indicated an ongoing line with the romance, which is what I found the least interesting.
I suspect this book (and the series) would appeal more to readers who also read a lot of romance novels, which I do not.
The 'Divine' refers to a surname, and not at all about divinity. Matthew Divine heads a psychic division of the CFBI; and very much like Charlie of Charlie's Angels, he's almost just in the background.
The year was 2012, and there were quite a number of high-tech equipment that this special group of agents use. I thought that was a bit off, or maybe because it's now 2013 and I don't think such technology exist yet.
The story and the twists were good....just found that it lacks depth somehow. It didn't draw me completely in; I was just a reader, just a spectator. There is still a sequel, so I'll see if that will somehow make up for what is lacking here.
Gosh I really wanted to like this book more. The idea was so good -- a fresh twist on the psychic detectives, this book has a woman who can read fires/arson and a victim "empath" and other interesting and imaginative ideas and characters. But I guessed "whodunit" easily pretty early in the book. I even guessed why. Also, someone please tell authors who include romance in their books that people who fall in love DO NOT ALWAYS HATE EACH OTHER AT FIRST MEET. The "boy does he irritate me and get my goat but I want him" is really getting old, folks. Find a new romance hook, seriously. I read it through to the end, but was kind of disappointed. Not a bad book, but not a great book either.
Murder by fire! This book was a little different for me as murder mysteries go. Instead of your usual serial killer with knives and axes you have someone setting fire to the houses in this Canadian town. Jasmine McLellan is called in to investigate and find out who this person is and stop them before they take another life. A suspenseful read and written with great insight. Cheryl Kaye Tardiff really knows her stuff and the attention to detail in this one is great. I highly recommend!
Jasmine McLellan will soon be one of your favorite characters!
The character Jasmine McLellan is wonderfully complex and likable. I can easily see her "starring" in many sequels. Chery Kay Tardif is an amazing story teller and this is another page turner. I look forward to her new books more than any other author.
The is the second book I've read by Cheryl Kaye Tardif, and I really like it. I enjoy books about people with "talents" and this one was a little different than usual...which is good. This is definitely not going to be the last one I read by this author!
This was a great read. A mystery all the way to the end. The woman was very confident and the hero very 'attractive'. The only thing I wasn't too keen on some of the foul language although it wasn't over done.
A divine intervention brings the successful and grieving doctor, Luke Marshall and Emma Cooper a single and hurting mother together. That intervention is a 13-year-old child. This is a sweet story of faith and love, it is a story of finding the strength to move on when life brings you down, it is a story of redemption and miracles. A story guaranteed to capture your heart.
Supernatural Crime Fiction at Its Best This story is an absolute masterclass in mixing psychic elements with classic crime, solving. The arsonist’s motives kept me guessing until the very end. The tension builds perfectly, and the reveal was both shocking and satisfying. I understand why this series is a bestseller.
If you like the futuristic books in the 'in death' books by JD Robb (Norah Roberts) you will enjoy this one. It is the first book of the Divine Triology. Written for young adults it is enjoyed by this 'older' adult. A quick enjoyable who dun-it read with twists and turns.
Interessante Geschichte, aber für mich irgendwie zu wenig packend erzählt. Sehr viele Dinge wiederholen sich zu oft, da hätte man mehr draus machen können.
Loved this thriller and all the characters. The team combines psychic abilities with an investigation into arson and murder. The story moves right along and keeps you guessing. Great read.
Divine Intervention by Cheryl Kaye Tardif begins with mysterious fires and murders that are obviously arson and Gemini lighters being left at the scenes of the crime. Initially these are all the information that Canadian Federal Bureau of Investigation agent Jasmine McLellan and her team have to begin their investigation. Well that is all they have until they arrive at the scene and use their psychic skills to gain additional knowledge.
Jasmine, or Jasi, is a pyro-psychic. She is capable of discerning information psychically about a fire, its origins and the arsonist. Her partners include a psychometric or touch empath, Benjamin Roberts, and Natassia Prushenko, a victim empath capable of receiving information from victims (living or deceased). All three work as Psychic Skills Investigators or PSI's in Divine Ops under the guidance of Matthew Divine. Their current case is potentially volatile and highly sensitive because it involves the father of the British Columbian Premier, Allan Baker.
As with most national investigatory agencies, these CFBI agents are stepping on toes with their investigation, especially those of Arson Investigations or AI Chief Brandon Walsh. Sparks fly (pun intended) between Jasi and Brandon, as they do between Natassia and Ben. As this quartet embarks upon their investigation, they begin to realize there is more going on than a potentially politically sensitive murder. The current murder reveals medical malpractice, a for-profit and highly illicit abortion clinic, a previous murder, attempted murder and child abuse within the foster care system and all were covered up. Unfortunately these are secrets that won't stay hidden. The story seemed quite realistic and not at all farfetched given the psychic abilities of the main characters. However, Ben and Natassia seem to have limited secondary roles and are, at times, relegated to doing minor background investigatory work rather than working with Jasi as full partners. The prickly and somewhat off-putting behavior by Jasi takes a bit of getting used to but is accepted as a facade that keeps people away. If she doesn't have people close then she doesn't have to worry about them, or so she thinks. To say that Jasi is a bit of a control freak is a major understatement. The arsons, investigations, action and characters (major and minor) provide for a really good story. I would classify Divine Intervention as a mystery-suspense with a slight paranormal and romantic slant.
Divine Intervention by Cheryl Kaye Tardif is a cracking good read that kept me engrossed until the end. It is a paranormal crime novel with a special set of investigators gifted with psychic abilities, known as Psychic Skills Investigators or PSI's. The title, "Divine Intervention", despite the expectations it might raise in the reader's mind, does not refer to some mystical dimension to the story or to the investigators' special gifts. There is no particular spiritual subtext to this story, unlike First Grave on the Right, which I reviewed some time ago. In fact, "Divine" refers to Matthew Divine, the director of a Canadian complex known as the Enviro-Safe Research Facility that both trains and employs psychics in police detection. This is what made the novel really interesting and original to me, it's no-nonsense approach to psychic abilities, treating them as something 'natural' and unsurprising, no matter how much they might disconcert the uninitiated. In this subtle way, Tardif has made her own small contribution to breaking through the outmoded scientific paradigm that has been with us since Newton. When 'minds' are connected beyond the body and the five senses, then 'clearly' the brain is not the origin of consciousness. The situation is really the reverse, the brain acts as a transmitter or conduit for an energy field that both transcends and unites individuals. This is unquestionably a pointer to a spiritual dimension, but Tardif wisely does not make too much of this or she would spoil the fun of this very entertaining crime mystery. Psychic abilities are simply 'there' as a natural part of life, there is nothing particularly 'supernatural' about them. As the Swiss psychologist, Carl Jung remarked in the 1930's, Western culture is undergoing a shift away from the rational mode and into what he termed the "psychic phase' of it's evolution, and one sign of this would be an increasing openness to the reality of psychic gifts - accompanied by a ferocious backlash as skeptics resisted this shift.
This is the first novel I've read by Cheryl Kaye Tardif, but it won't be the last! This is a highly thrilling crime story. In Vancouver, British Columbia, Agent Jasi McLellan, 26 years old, awakes screaming from a lifelong nightmare. There is a message on her video-screened wall which has just been added to her security system. It's 5:30 a.m., a message from Ben is voiced, "We need you!" What was so important to call her to duty when she still has two days left of vacation time? Benjamin Roberts is her friend and partner with the Canadian Federal Bureau of Investigations (CFBI). Ben is a Psychometric Empath, having the ability to read thoughts and emotions of others by touch; therefore, he wears specially designed gloves when out in public. He is a Psychic Skills Investigator (PSI) as well as her other partner, Natassia Prushenko. Jasi's talent is related to arsonists, where she can read their thoughts as they commit the crime. This team reports via helicopter to Divine Operations, an underground complex below the Enviro-Safe Research Facility. Matthew Divine is the one who initiated the construction of the facility which investigates psychic phenomenon. Divine has assigned them to a mission: A serial killer/arsonist is on the prowl. A killer who is using a Gemini lighter to cause fatal fires, one in Victoria and now in Kelowna. The latest victim is Dr. Norman Washburn, father of Premier Allan Baker, who at age 32 is the youngest ever voted into office in any province in Canada. He's also the front runner for Prime Minister of Canada. This is an absolutely outstanding novel full of high action, advanced sci-fi technology, mystery, and awesome plot twists. I loved it and I'll continue on to the next book in the series, "Divine Justice." Great writing style, easy to read.
Divine Intervention has nothing to do with the Holy Spirit, let’s get that out of the way right off. It does have to do with a group of people who have a bit extra in their genetic make-up: and they all work for Matthew Divine. Ben can read minds with a touch, Natassia read the last moments of someone’s life by being with their corpse and Jasi, well; Jasi reads fires. Someone is burning folks up around Victoria, B.C. and the Divine crew is sent to investigate. The killer left behind a “clue” in form of a Gemini lighter. Just like the one Jasi received in the mail awhile ago. Hmmm. Upon arrival they are immediately saddled with Brandon Walsh, top fire scene investigator and ‘way better looking than someone has a right to be. There are several suspects, many thoughts from the fires and corpses and it all seems to link to a very nasty foster mother named Charlotte Foreman. But Charlotte did in a fire a month ago along with a 4-yr old girl she was caring for. Who was out to get Charlotte and then also caused a local Doctor to burn to death? Ms. Tardiff does a great job of winding plots, sub-plots and lust around our heroes. This plus the interesting futuristic gagets used by the team make the book a great summer tale of murder, mystery and other things. Even better – book 2 in this series – Divine Justice came out in March so you can get them both and continue on! Enjoy!
Set in British Columbia, "Divine Intervention" follows CFBI agent Jasmine McLellan and her team of gifted psychics who are on the case of a series of connected arsons.
Although it took me a while to get into the book, the case Tardif created and wound into a mystery was compelling. Just when the reader is convinced they know who the arsonist serial killer is, another twist is thrown in the characters' way and send them back to square one. It took me about halfway through the book to finally get interested in it, but once the plot hit that halfway point, the action really took off and sent Jasmine and her team on a suspense-filled trail of a sadistic killer, the reader not knowing who the killer is until Jasmine does.
I found the characters hard to relate to. Jasmine being the main character really didn't develop or change much as main characters should. Her partners remained secondary characters involved in a small romantic plot that really didn't go anywhere. There is also a romantic plot line involving Jasmine which seemed just kind of thrown in there.
The plot of the book was well thought-out, but I wish the characters had been more well thought out as well. I had trouble relating to them and the romance plot lines seemed more like an afterthought thrown in there more than anything. I don't think this book enticed me enough to read the rest of the series.
I liked this way more than Children of the Fog and there were way fewer mistakes too. That alone makes it worth an extra star alone !! I really liked the story as well. I'm not a big sci-fi fan but it's not TOO much like that. Just up on technology, really. Now't wrong with that. Gave it an extra dimension along with the investigators' special abilities. Now, they were very intriguing. I liked the idea of a mood wall as well. I have the second in the series downloaded too. There don't seem to be anymore than the two so I'm wondering if she packed it in which would be a shame. I laughed and cried at the author's dedication and disclaimer at the very start of the book for different reasons. They were well done. There were some apostrophe mistakes (especially a repetitive one-Foreman's and not Foremans') and annoyingly the usual pouring used instead of poring. A great annoyance of mine as it's so rarely used properly. A surprise missed apostrophe was in cant. I've never seen that done before and discernible is not spelt discernable. The book ended 10% before the end in order to advertise the next in the series. This seems to be something done quite a lot in e-books and there's no need because if a book is good the reader isn't daft and knows how to find more by the same person !! Sure, make a note, but I don't need to read chapters of the next one.
I had downloaded this book a good while back and had gotten side-tracked with all the wonderful books out in this world. However, I often think I'm led to my timing of reading and was open to enjoying this first in a trilogy.
We are introduced to the CFBI (Canadian FBI) through the visions and thoughts of lead investigator, Agent Jasmine (Jasi) McLellan. We quickly learn that Agent Jasi is special in many ways. One being Jasi's abilities to have 'visions' and lead a team of psychic investigators that are a regular department of the DFBI (although it is kept quiet.)
There is an serial killer using the mode of murder of arson. So far, the arsonist has claimed three victims including a young child. The team is sent to solve this 'dead-end' case.
This was a fast read and interesting topic to me. I will admit that I had some clues right off and although I wasn't 'sure' of the culprit, I was fairly confident. I was correct. However, I did not allow this to stop my enjoyment of the chase and the reasoning for the killings and crimes.
I think too much was made of Jasi's love life and not enough of who Jasi is and why and how she became involved with the 'Divine' team.
All in all, I will read the next book in the trilogy in hopes to learn more about the team and it's work. A good concept for a book.
Divine Intervention has nothing to do with the Holy Spirit, let’s get that out of the way right off. It does have to do with a group of people who have a bit extra in their genetic make-up: and they all work for Matthew Divine. Ben can read minds with a touch, Natassia read the last moments of someone’s life by being with their corpse and Jasi, well; Jasi reads fires. Someone is burning folks up around Victoria, B.C. and the Divine crew is sent to investigate. The killer left behind a “clue” in form of a Gemini lighter. Just like the one Jasi received in the mail awhile ago. Hmmm. Upon arrival they are immediately saddled with Brandon Walsh, top fire scene investigator and ‘way better looking than someone has a right to be. There are several suspects, many thoughts from the fires and corpses and it all seems to link to a very nasty foster mother named Charlotte Foreman. But Charlotte did in a fire a month ago along with a 4-yr old girl she was caring for. Who was out to get Charlotte and then also caused a local Doctor to burn to death? Ms. Tardiff does a great job of winding plots, sub-plots and lust around our heroes. This plus the interesting futuristic gadgets used by the team make the book a great summer tale of murder, mystery and other things.
Divine Intervention blends murder and arson with psychic abilities and romance to come up with its own genre. I must admit I am a sucker for psychic stories, the ability totally fascinates me. The author, Cheryl Kaye Tardif, did a great job using the three psychics and their specific talents in the story. I liked how they each had their own strengths, thus were responsible for separate parts of the investigation.
The story flowed smoothly and was well-paced. It kept my interest, so I read it quickly. The romance between Jasi and Brandon didn't overshadow the plot of the mystery, which is a huge plus for me. I would have liked even a little more fleshing out of the characters, but I thoroughly enjoyed each of the main ones.
I hear Cheryl has a sequel to Divine Intervention coming out and I'm looking forward to reading it. In the meantime, I recommend you read this one!
*Disclaimer: I received this book for free from the author, I was not required to write a positive review.
This was a crime fighting mystery with a side order of psychic abilities and romance. As a police procedural, it is exciting with a slight futuristic vibe. It is a bit disconcerting to read a “future” story set in 2012, but it is still fun and exciting.
The psychic abilities in the story were unique and interesting. I loved how everyone’s individual abilities worked together to create a coherent team. I would love to read more about each person’s abilities as I am sure they each have a story in their past. The team members also have a history together that is only hinted at, but I want to know more about.
The romance in the story is steamy and hot. There is one sex scene, but it is not overly graphic. The romance feels slightly cookie-cutter as there is nothing really unique about two stubborn people fighting their attraction to each other.
Overall, this was a fun read that worked better as a paranormal procedural than a romance. I’d love to read more about the team and their investigations, although it would be better without the stereotypical romance butting in.
DIVINE INTERVENTION CHERYL KAYE TARDIFF Welcome to the world of the Canadian version of the FBI. Jasi, Natassia, and Ben are specialists on the case of several fires that include the deaths of several people. The three agents have special skills that will help solve the case. Ms.Tardiff has penned a suspenseful tale with paranormal elements involved. This adds a new twist to the story that makes it hard to put down. I, myself had a hard time parting with the book when I finished and wanted to read more. The novel also touches a bit on potential romances for the characters but basically concentrates on the mystery. There are plenty of twists and turns that will keep the reader guessing who the culprit is right until the end. If you love a great page turner DIVINE INTERVENTION is an excellent read for suspense fans. I give this novel 5 stars