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Judgment Day
Sensational journalism has never been so deadly.
The weekly cable news show Judgment Day with Suzanne Kidwell promises to expose businessmen, religious leaders, and politicians for the lies they tell. Suzanne positions herself as a champion of ethics and morality with a backbone of steel—until a revelation of her shoddy investigation tactics and creative fact embellishing put her in hot water with her employers, putting her credibility in question and threatening her professional ambitions..
Bitter and angry, Suzanne returns home one day to find an entrepreneur she is investigating, John Edward Sterling, unconscious on her living room floor. Before the night is over, Sterling is dead, she has his blood on her hands, and the police are arresting her for murder. She needs help to prove her innocence, but her only hope, private investigator Marcus Crisp, is also her ex-fiancé–the man she betrayed in college.
Marcus and his partner Alexandria Fisher-Hawthorne reluctantly agree to take the case, but they won’t cut Suzanne any slack. Exposing her lack of ethics and the lives she’s destroyed in her fight for ratings does little to make them think Suzanne is innocent. But as Marcus digs into the mire of secrets surrounding her enemies, he unveils an alliance well-worth killing for. Now all he has to do is keep Suzanne and Alex alive long enough to prove it.
The weekly cable news show Judgment Day with Suzanne Kidwell promises to expose businessmen, religious leaders, and politicians for the lies they tell. Suzanne positions herself as a champion of ethics and morality with a backbone of steel—until a revelation of her shoddy investigation tactics and creative fact embellishing put her in hot water with her employers, putting her credibility in question and threatening her professional ambitions..
Bitter and angry, Suzanne returns home one day to find an entrepreneur she is investigating, John Edward Sterling, unconscious on her living room floor. Before the night is over, Sterling is dead, she has his blood on her hands, and the police are arresting her for murder. She needs help to prove her innocence, but her only hope, private investigator Marcus Crisp, is also her ex-fiancé–the man she betrayed in college.
Marcus and his partner Alexandria Fisher-Hawthorne reluctantly agree to take the case, but they won’t cut Suzanne any slack. Exposing her lack of ethics and the lives she’s destroyed in her fight for ratings does little to make them think Suzanne is innocent. But as Marcus digs into the mire of secrets surrounding her enemies, he unveils an alliance well-worth killing for. Now all he has to do is keep Suzanne and Alex alive long enough to prove it.
339 pages, Paperback
First published September 21, 2010
1 person is currently reading
69 people want to read
About the author
Wanda L. Dyson
9 books22 followersWanda Dyson (W L Dyson) is the critically acclaimed author of 7 suspense novels and coauthored Tina Zahn, Why I Jumped, which was featured on Oprah. Readers characterize her books as "riveting" and "Packed with twists and turns."
She is a member of several suspense writing organizations including Thriller Writers of America.
Wanda currently resides in North Carolina where she is working on her next novel.
She is a member of several suspense writing organizations including Thriller Writers of America.
Wanda currently resides in North Carolina where she is working on her next novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
September 24, 2018
I read this book to fill the Genre: Suspense square of my 2018 Halloween Bingo card.
2 stars, my reading experience was okay. It’s strange what one finds oneself reading to fulfill certain reading challenges. One of the prompts this year was to read something by an author with whom you share a first or last name. So I checked my public library’s database for things written by other Wandas. I could read this or an Amish romance. This book won that competition, but it certainly won’t be a highlight of my reading year. Since it was supposed to be a thriller, I also scheduled it for Halloween Bingo.
I found the characters to be very stereotypical, either very bad or very good. I guess this is to be expected in something classified as “Christian fiction.” There were quite a few details that really strained my willing suspension of disbelief—for example, Alexandria, the rich man’s daughter turned private investigator, was known for shooting the ears of those who annoyed her. I’m thinking that would be a pretty tricky manoeuvre and wondering how many people she shot in the head before mastering that particular skill.
The framed TV host, Suzanne Kidwell, is morally and ethically bankrupt, hosting a show called Judgment Day—revealing corruption and supposedly rendering judgment on the high & mighty. The author obviously had verses from the Book of Matthew (7:1-2) in mind while writing it: “Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.” Suzanne gets her comeuppance and is judged for her shoddy reporting on these matters. Of course, she comes close to death and gets her “come to Jesus” moment.
The book isn’t awful, but I would be hard pressed to recommend it to anyone besides people who only read Christian fiction.
2 stars, my reading experience was okay. It’s strange what one finds oneself reading to fulfill certain reading challenges. One of the prompts this year was to read something by an author with whom you share a first or last name. So I checked my public library’s database for things written by other Wandas. I could read this or an Amish romance. This book won that competition, but it certainly won’t be a highlight of my reading year. Since it was supposed to be a thriller, I also scheduled it for Halloween Bingo.
I found the characters to be very stereotypical, either very bad or very good. I guess this is to be expected in something classified as “Christian fiction.” There were quite a few details that really strained my willing suspension of disbelief—for example, Alexandria, the rich man’s daughter turned private investigator, was known for shooting the ears of those who annoyed her. I’m thinking that would be a pretty tricky manoeuvre and wondering how many people she shot in the head before mastering that particular skill.
The framed TV host, Suzanne Kidwell, is morally and ethically bankrupt, hosting a show called Judgment Day—revealing corruption and supposedly rendering judgment on the high & mighty. The author obviously had verses from the Book of Matthew (7:1-2) in mind while writing it: “Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.” Suzanne gets her comeuppance and is judged for her shoddy reporting on these matters. Of course, she comes close to death and gets her “come to Jesus” moment.
The book isn’t awful, but I would be hard pressed to recommend it to anyone besides people who only read Christian fiction.
June 12, 2019
Lovely short story. If you think you're smart you might just be another pawn in someone else's game.
May 12, 2011
In Judgment Day, by Wanda L. Dyson, Suzanne Kidwell is a TV journalist who will stop at nothing to get the news story she wants, even if it means fudging the details. She doesn’t care if her report ruins an innocent person’s life. When she finds her own life in danger and realizes how many enemies she’s created, she begins to see her world and her work in a different light.
Dyson has constructed a pretty good mystery. As the novel begins, Suzanne gets a tidbit of gossip from a cop and reports that a school principal is the suspect in the disappearance of two teenage students. The principal is not involved, but under the cloud of suspicion, he ends up committing. Meanwhile, Suzanne’s would-be fiancé is killed in a car wreck. None of this matters too much to Suzanne, but when she wakes up in a drunken haze next to a dead body, she realizes that she’s a target. Her attorney recommends private investigator Marcus Crisp – who happens to be the best in the business. As Marcus and his partner, Alexandria Fisher-Hawthorne, try to protect Suzanne and clear her name, Suzanne continues to investigate some of the stories she’s working on — and the three of them end up uncovering a crime group that kills young runaways to save the lives of the rich.
Unfortunately, the story is not well-crafted. First of all, we the readers know too much. By showing us a conversation between Suzanne’s doctor-fiancé and his father, and by taking us into the father’s thoughts and business dealings, we realize much too soon who the killers are and what’s really going on.
Second, a lot of things just don’t make sense, like the author either didn’t think things through or didn’t want to take the time to explain. For example: in one scene, Suzanne is telling her mother that she can’t come home for her sister’s engagement party that weekend, and after hanging up, we have the impression that she just wants to relax at home. Some time later, she mentions that she couldn’t attend the party because she had to be in Chicago for a story she was working on. Huh? I went back and re-read the earlier scene to make sure I hadn’t just missed something.
Another thing that bothered me is that while Suzanne’s boss warns her a couple of times about making sure her stories are accurately reporting and that she’s pushing the envelope, she’s never sent home on leave. Even after she’s charged with murder, she’s talking about how she has to be on the air. Maybe the boss is so hungry for ratings he’s willing to keep an accused murderer on the air, but we need to see that decision made. Have him tell her that the network brass is willing to keep her on the air, but they’ll be watching closely. Something.
From 2000 until 2007, I worked as a broadcast news producer. A couple of weeks ago, after I finished reading this book, I returned to the field. The first thing Suzanne did in the book really set me off: she talked to a uniformed officer and gathered a little gossip, which she then twisted and reported as fact. I suppose some news outlets do that sort of thing, and granted, Suzanne Kidwell was presented as a do-anything-for-ratings character, but what she did really put her station and herself at risk of a lawsuit, and I don’t think that’s very realistic.
Judgment Day is published by Waterbrook Press, a publisher of Christian-themed fiction and non-fiction. It was several chapters in, as I recall, before anyone said anything religious. Marcus, Alex and their IT guy all mention at different points that religion is important to them. When Suzanne is facing imminent death, she begins to pray. More than anything, the religious stuff seems thrown in so that a Christian publisher would consider printing it. This is probably the first Christian fiction I’ve ever read, so maybe they’re all like this; I don’t know.
Bottom Line: Though the mystery plot is good, and Marcus and Alex are very likable characters, Judgment Day is not well-written enough for me to recommend it.
WaterbrookMultnomah provided me with a review copy of this book. I received no other compensation, and all opinions about the book are my own.
Dyson has constructed a pretty good mystery. As the novel begins, Suzanne gets a tidbit of gossip from a cop and reports that a school principal is the suspect in the disappearance of two teenage students. The principal is not involved, but under the cloud of suspicion, he ends up committing. Meanwhile, Suzanne’s would-be fiancé is killed in a car wreck. None of this matters too much to Suzanne, but when she wakes up in a drunken haze next to a dead body, she realizes that she’s a target. Her attorney recommends private investigator Marcus Crisp – who happens to be the best in the business. As Marcus and his partner, Alexandria Fisher-Hawthorne, try to protect Suzanne and clear her name, Suzanne continues to investigate some of the stories she’s working on — and the three of them end up uncovering a crime group that kills young runaways to save the lives of the rich.
Unfortunately, the story is not well-crafted. First of all, we the readers know too much. By showing us a conversation between Suzanne’s doctor-fiancé and his father, and by taking us into the father’s thoughts and business dealings, we realize much too soon who the killers are and what’s really going on.
Second, a lot of things just don’t make sense, like the author either didn’t think things through or didn’t want to take the time to explain. For example: in one scene, Suzanne is telling her mother that she can’t come home for her sister’s engagement party that weekend, and after hanging up, we have the impression that she just wants to relax at home. Some time later, she mentions that she couldn’t attend the party because she had to be in Chicago for a story she was working on. Huh? I went back and re-read the earlier scene to make sure I hadn’t just missed something.
Another thing that bothered me is that while Suzanne’s boss warns her a couple of times about making sure her stories are accurately reporting and that she’s pushing the envelope, she’s never sent home on leave. Even after she’s charged with murder, she’s talking about how she has to be on the air. Maybe the boss is so hungry for ratings he’s willing to keep an accused murderer on the air, but we need to see that decision made. Have him tell her that the network brass is willing to keep her on the air, but they’ll be watching closely. Something.
From 2000 until 2007, I worked as a broadcast news producer. A couple of weeks ago, after I finished reading this book, I returned to the field. The first thing Suzanne did in the book really set me off: she talked to a uniformed officer and gathered a little gossip, which she then twisted and reported as fact. I suppose some news outlets do that sort of thing, and granted, Suzanne Kidwell was presented as a do-anything-for-ratings character, but what she did really put her station and herself at risk of a lawsuit, and I don’t think that’s very realistic.
Judgment Day is published by Waterbrook Press, a publisher of Christian-themed fiction and non-fiction. It was several chapters in, as I recall, before anyone said anything religious. Marcus, Alex and their IT guy all mention at different points that religion is important to them. When Suzanne is facing imminent death, she begins to pray. More than anything, the religious stuff seems thrown in so that a Christian publisher would consider printing it. This is probably the first Christian fiction I’ve ever read, so maybe they’re all like this; I don’t know.
Bottom Line: Though the mystery plot is good, and Marcus and Alex are very likable characters, Judgment Day is not well-written enough for me to recommend it.
WaterbrookMultnomah provided me with a review copy of this book. I received no other compensation, and all opinions about the book are my own.
June 11, 2011
This is the first Wanda Dyson book that I have read and I thoroughly enjoyed the story. It was a fascinating reading from the perspective of a reporter, Suzanne Kidwell, trying to make sure she keeps her ratings up. Suzanne feels the pressure of keeping her job so she does some unethical things to get the big story. Things really change for her when she is under suspicion of murder. She is a strong, independent woman that does not want to have to lean on other people, especially her ex-fiance, for help. The characters find themselves dealing with multiple suspects and near death experiences in the process of helping Suzanne clear her name.
I found the interaction between all the characters fascinating and well written. Although it was partially clear who was guilty of the crimes, I had no idea how all the suspects were connected and who did which crime. Dyson did a wonderful job of keeping a high level of suspense without going overboard. It was a fast paced book and I finished it within a day. I enjoyed the life lessons throughout and especially at the end of the story. It was a good reminder that we should keep our integrity in everything we do and say. This is a book that will definitely re-read even though I know how the story ends and I look forward to reading more of Dyson's books.
(I received this book from LibraryThing in exchange for a review.)
I found the interaction between all the characters fascinating and well written. Although it was partially clear who was guilty of the crimes, I had no idea how all the suspects were connected and who did which crime. Dyson did a wonderful job of keeping a high level of suspense without going overboard. It was a fast paced book and I finished it within a day. I enjoyed the life lessons throughout and especially at the end of the story. It was a good reminder that we should keep our integrity in everything we do and say. This is a book that will definitely re-read even though I know how the story ends and I look forward to reading more of Dyson's books.
(I received this book from LibraryThing in exchange for a review.)
December 18, 2010
Judgment Day by Wanda L. Dyson http://www.wandadyson.com/
Published by WaterBrook Press
I went into this book thinking it might be lighter reading, somewhat like a fascinating cosy, but immediately found out how wrong I was. Fascinating, yes, but this plot is much more sinister, a significant, fast-paced thriller. This story has a deadline which must be beat! An arrogant, self-centered sensational reporter, Suzanne, with her own show, Judgment Day, is about to find out she has taken on more than she can handle. Somebody wants her to meet her own judgment day.
Teens are disappearing, most of them runaways who presumably won't be discovered as missing. Is there any connection? Her boyfriend has just been killed while driving her car. They traded cars for the day because he was worried she would have an accident, and he wanted to take it in to be checked out. Somebody is trying to kill her.
Who wants her dead? The father of her boyfriend? The senator she has been investigating? The Reverend she has accused of building his mansion with church funds? The District Attorney who is in such a hurry to prosecute her? Or maybe it's the widow of the school principle her allegations caused to commit suicide. Suzanne has been arrested for a murder she didn't commit. Her rich father has posted bond and she is back on the prowl for information.
Only one thing is sure, she is onto something, but since she hasn't been doing her homework, sensationalizing her accusations to boost her ratings without proper authentication of her facts, she doesn't realize what she has. Her lawyer knows he needs good investigation if he is going to win her case. Enter her ex-fiance, now a private investigator, and his suspicious female partner who knows their romantic history from the college they all attended. Marcos and Alexandria (Alex) suddenly find themselves baby-sitters, while trying to learn what is happening to the missing teens and if they are truly missing or just hiding. Their assistant Razz, a technical whiz who can achieve amazing results, starts digging to find out why the D.A. is in such a rush to get the murder to trial.
Everyone involved is fighting demons of their own, but somehow they must keep Suzanne safe and find out who is framing her. She certainly does not understand what she has done, how much damage she does with her lack of attention to the details of truth. She constantly takes chances as though she is immortal.
Lots of action in this book, and with so many possibilities for suspects, there are lots of red herrings, but are they really? Or is every one of them involved? This is a good storyline, up-to-date, and a fast read. I found the book intriguing and the more I read, the more I needed to. My attention was held all the way through. It is not just a case of who and why, but how many are involved. The character of Suzanne is pretty straightforward. We do get to learn what drives her, though, which gives the reader a different perspective from that which runs all through the book. Razz is a likeable character even while dealing with the death of his wife. Marcos and Alex are great characters I'd like to meet again. They work very well together.
Wanda L. Dyson has produced a great plot, involving a totally unexpected crime that is current, and delivers it with aplomb. There is in this atrocity more than the usual known facts about the dangers to teen-age runaways, and a lot more money can be made. This is a plausible, newer hazard, and profitable to people with the right connections and lack of principles.
Also reviewed on R&B: Read and Blog and Amazon.com as readerbynight
Tags: murder, investigative reporter, tv reporter, private investigator, crime, runaways, judgment, framed, mystery, madness, sinister, profiteering, medical thriller
Published by WaterBrook Press
I went into this book thinking it might be lighter reading, somewhat like a fascinating cosy, but immediately found out how wrong I was. Fascinating, yes, but this plot is much more sinister, a significant, fast-paced thriller. This story has a deadline which must be beat! An arrogant, self-centered sensational reporter, Suzanne, with her own show, Judgment Day, is about to find out she has taken on more than she can handle. Somebody wants her to meet her own judgment day.
Teens are disappearing, most of them runaways who presumably won't be discovered as missing. Is there any connection? Her boyfriend has just been killed while driving her car. They traded cars for the day because he was worried she would have an accident, and he wanted to take it in to be checked out. Somebody is trying to kill her.
Who wants her dead? The father of her boyfriend? The senator she has been investigating? The Reverend she has accused of building his mansion with church funds? The District Attorney who is in such a hurry to prosecute her? Or maybe it's the widow of the school principle her allegations caused to commit suicide. Suzanne has been arrested for a murder she didn't commit. Her rich father has posted bond and she is back on the prowl for information.
Only one thing is sure, she is onto something, but since she hasn't been doing her homework, sensationalizing her accusations to boost her ratings without proper authentication of her facts, she doesn't realize what she has. Her lawyer knows he needs good investigation if he is going to win her case. Enter her ex-fiance, now a private investigator, and his suspicious female partner who knows their romantic history from the college they all attended. Marcos and Alexandria (Alex) suddenly find themselves baby-sitters, while trying to learn what is happening to the missing teens and if they are truly missing or just hiding. Their assistant Razz, a technical whiz who can achieve amazing results, starts digging to find out why the D.A. is in such a rush to get the murder to trial.
Everyone involved is fighting demons of their own, but somehow they must keep Suzanne safe and find out who is framing her. She certainly does not understand what she has done, how much damage she does with her lack of attention to the details of truth. She constantly takes chances as though she is immortal.
Lots of action in this book, and with so many possibilities for suspects, there are lots of red herrings, but are they really? Or is every one of them involved? This is a good storyline, up-to-date, and a fast read. I found the book intriguing and the more I read, the more I needed to. My attention was held all the way through. It is not just a case of who and why, but how many are involved. The character of Suzanne is pretty straightforward. We do get to learn what drives her, though, which gives the reader a different perspective from that which runs all through the book. Razz is a likeable character even while dealing with the death of his wife. Marcos and Alex are great characters I'd like to meet again. They work very well together.
Wanda L. Dyson has produced a great plot, involving a totally unexpected crime that is current, and delivers it with aplomb. There is in this atrocity more than the usual known facts about the dangers to teen-age runaways, and a lot more money can be made. This is a plausible, newer hazard, and profitable to people with the right connections and lack of principles.
Also reviewed on R&B: Read and Blog and Amazon.com as readerbynight
Tags: murder, investigative reporter, tv reporter, private investigator, crime, runaways, judgment, framed, mystery, madness, sinister, profiteering, medical thriller
August 13, 2016
Judgement Day opens with a quotation from John Connor, leader of the human resistance in the Terminator movies: “It was never about avoiding judgment day. It was all about surviving it”. I’ve always loved sci-fi books and movies, so this had to be a good start! (Don’t worry – this is not a sci-fi book. It is Christian fiction, although the Christian element is quite understated and not at all preachy).
Suzanne Kidwell is the presenter of a TV crime show, Judgement Day. She believes she won’t “get anywhere in life unless she was willing to be a little ruthless, a little mercenary, and [have] a whole lot of ambition”, but it seems that no everyone agrees with her, as her producer is giving her trouble about not sufficiently checking her sources, and her boyfriend, surgeon Dr Guy Mandeville, is pressuring her to give up her career and get married.
However, this little problem is soon sorted when Guy is killed while driving Suzanne’s car – the car loses control and explodes, and Guy’s distraught mother has her removed from the funeral service. Suzanne’s life then goes from bad to worse when she wakes up one morning to the sound of the police banging on her door – and a dead body beside her. Needless to say, she is charged with murder, and the police consider the investigation closed. To prove her innocence, her attorney refers her to the private detective agency run by close friends Marcus Crisp and Alexandria Rachelle Fisher-Hawthorne (Alex). Oops. Suzanne and Marcus were engaged in college, the relationship did not end well, and Alex is initially hostile towards Suzanne and reluctant to take the case because of this history. But there are indications that Suzanne the victim of a conspiracy, and this persuades them to take the case (assisted by a sizeable advance from Willard Mandeville, Guy’s father). What follows is a high-octane thriller as Marcus and Alex work with Suzanne to solve the mystery before anyone else gets hurt.
While Judgement Day is a thriller rather than a romance, there is a strong thread of romantic tension between Marcus and Alex running through the novel. They have been friends since college, business partners for six years, and somewhere in that they have each developed romantic feelings for the other, but neither want to take the risk of revealing or acting on this. I thought it was extremely clever how Dyson managed to convey this tension without spelling it out in words, and without wanting to give away any spoilers, the ending was more than satisfying! Overall, a very enjoyable novel, and I would certainly be interested in reading more about Marcus, Alex and their PI work.
Thanks to Waterbrook Multnomah and Blogging for Books for providing a free ebook for review.
This review also appears on my blog, www.christianreads.blogspot.com.
Suzanne Kidwell is the presenter of a TV crime show, Judgement Day. She believes she won’t “get anywhere in life unless she was willing to be a little ruthless, a little mercenary, and [have] a whole lot of ambition”, but it seems that no everyone agrees with her, as her producer is giving her trouble about not sufficiently checking her sources, and her boyfriend, surgeon Dr Guy Mandeville, is pressuring her to give up her career and get married.
However, this little problem is soon sorted when Guy is killed while driving Suzanne’s car – the car loses control and explodes, and Guy’s distraught mother has her removed from the funeral service. Suzanne’s life then goes from bad to worse when she wakes up one morning to the sound of the police banging on her door – and a dead body beside her. Needless to say, she is charged with murder, and the police consider the investigation closed. To prove her innocence, her attorney refers her to the private detective agency run by close friends Marcus Crisp and Alexandria Rachelle Fisher-Hawthorne (Alex). Oops. Suzanne and Marcus were engaged in college, the relationship did not end well, and Alex is initially hostile towards Suzanne and reluctant to take the case because of this history. But there are indications that Suzanne the victim of a conspiracy, and this persuades them to take the case (assisted by a sizeable advance from Willard Mandeville, Guy’s father). What follows is a high-octane thriller as Marcus and Alex work with Suzanne to solve the mystery before anyone else gets hurt.
While Judgement Day is a thriller rather than a romance, there is a strong thread of romantic tension between Marcus and Alex running through the novel. They have been friends since college, business partners for six years, and somewhere in that they have each developed romantic feelings for the other, but neither want to take the risk of revealing or acting on this. I thought it was extremely clever how Dyson managed to convey this tension without spelling it out in words, and without wanting to give away any spoilers, the ending was more than satisfying! Overall, a very enjoyable novel, and I would certainly be interested in reading more about Marcus, Alex and their PI work.
Thanks to Waterbrook Multnomah and Blogging for Books for providing a free ebook for review.
This review also appears on my blog, www.christianreads.blogspot.com.
September 8, 2012
I thought the plot line was excellent and fast moving and I enjoyed the story thoroughly. I was able to get wrapped up in it easily enough though I felt that the story itself would've been far easier for me to enjoy and become flabbergasted if I were twenty years younger and not already desensitized to all the atrocities life has to offer. Forgive me for the moment of cynicism.
Wanda, the story line is absolutely incredible but I believe you could've done far more with it. You have the talent, use it. You were able to weave an in-depth tale of gaining wisdom and self-discovery though I did have a little bit of trouble getting into the beginning because I thought that though you brought several story lines into the same book and I admire that because it shows that you have the talent to place yourself in multiple situations at one time, the emotions and consequently the characters in the beginning lacked depth because you didn't seem to feel comfortable placing yourself in the role of the character about whom you wrote. If you're going to write from the point of view of a villain, be the villain and likewise with the saint. You gave so much to the self-discovery of the main character and made me empathize and relate to her very well toward the end, make me hate the villain too.
I also felt that some of the characters were somewhat typecast and nothing less than what one would expect of a modern day ass-kicking ball-busting heroine who has no problem firing a weapon but can't seem to get in touch with her "feminine side". She's is just as likely to strap a holster and firearm to the inside of her thigh underneath the ballgown she's wearing while simultaneously putting on glamour makeup and styling her hair flawlessly and can't help but pull it all off with aplomb. There's also the hero that's so lost in not crossing her and getting on her bad side that he'll refuse to stand up for himself and seems to look at her like she's the greatest creature on God's green earth anyway.
All in all, the story was relatively clean aside from some sketchy violence and I appreciated that there were no tawdry scenes that normally occupy one spot or another in a mystery thriller though I believe that there was missing character development and most of the journey of the main character brings to mind the line, "None are so blind as those who choose not to see." Though I didn't absolutely love it, I liked the story and think it suits well for an evening of light pleasure reading if a person has a few hours to spare.
Wanda, the story line is absolutely incredible but I believe you could've done far more with it. You have the talent, use it. You were able to weave an in-depth tale of gaining wisdom and self-discovery though I did have a little bit of trouble getting into the beginning because I thought that though you brought several story lines into the same book and I admire that because it shows that you have the talent to place yourself in multiple situations at one time, the emotions and consequently the characters in the beginning lacked depth because you didn't seem to feel comfortable placing yourself in the role of the character about whom you wrote. If you're going to write from the point of view of a villain, be the villain and likewise with the saint. You gave so much to the self-discovery of the main character and made me empathize and relate to her very well toward the end, make me hate the villain too.
I also felt that some of the characters were somewhat typecast and nothing less than what one would expect of a modern day ass-kicking ball-busting heroine who has no problem firing a weapon but can't seem to get in touch with her "feminine side". She's is just as likely to strap a holster and firearm to the inside of her thigh underneath the ballgown she's wearing while simultaneously putting on glamour makeup and styling her hair flawlessly and can't help but pull it all off with aplomb. There's also the hero that's so lost in not crossing her and getting on her bad side that he'll refuse to stand up for himself and seems to look at her like she's the greatest creature on God's green earth anyway.
All in all, the story was relatively clean aside from some sketchy violence and I appreciated that there were no tawdry scenes that normally occupy one spot or another in a mystery thriller though I believe that there was missing character development and most of the journey of the main character brings to mind the line, "None are so blind as those who choose not to see." Though I didn't absolutely love it, I liked the story and think it suits well for an evening of light pleasure reading if a person has a few hours to spare.
January 23, 2016
JUDGMENT DAY by Wanda L. Dyson is a suspenseful read, full of twist and turns. Though it seemed Dyson exposed the killer in the early pages of the book, you find yourself wondering if in fact that is the killer or just one of the many enemies Suzanne Kidwell has accrued with her sensational exposés on public figures and the less than honest practices they have built their careers on.
Suzanne Kidwell is a bulldog when it comes to reporting corruption. The host of a weekly news show, Suzanne makes a name for herself by reporting half-truths and indicting people with nothing more than circumstantial evidence. When a body shows up in her apartment, and she with blood on her hands, Suzanne becomes the number one suspect in a high profile investigation. With her enemy list a literal who’s who of people with notoriety and means–who would like nothing more than to see Suzanne suffer–it looks as if she is now going to become a victim of her own tactics. A set-up has Suzanne desperate to find someone to help her clear her name and relies on her attorney, Ted Holden, to get her out of her current mess. But when Ted enlists the help of Marcus Crisp, a private investigator who just so happens to be Suzanne’s ex-fiancé, she’s unsure if Marcus really wants to help her, or allow her to suffer like she made him suffer so many years ago.
Marcus Crisp is a professional. And though his dislike for Suzanne is evident, he’s been given a job to do. Clear her name. Along with his partner, Alexandria Fisher-Hawthorne, Marcus delves into Suzanne’s files and finds more than one person who could be responsible for Suzanne’s set-up. Soon, Suzanne, Marcus, and Alex find themselves the targets of attempted murder. Now Marcus’ job not only includes clearing Suzanne’s name but keep her and his partner alive.
JUDGMENT DAY was an intriguing read with a fast past storyline. I really enjoyed the banter between Marcus and Alex, and then I realized why. Much of their dialogue sounded like a scene you would fine between Anthony DiNozzo and Zeva David from the popular television show, NCIS, which happens to be one of my favorites. Though this fact had me questioning the uniqueness of Dyson’s two major characters, if did nothing to slow down my need to get to the end of the book and put my own suspicions to rest. JUDGMENT DAY is filled with suspense that would entertain both female and male readers alike.
Book provided for review purposes.
Suzanne Kidwell is a bulldog when it comes to reporting corruption. The host of a weekly news show, Suzanne makes a name for herself by reporting half-truths and indicting people with nothing more than circumstantial evidence. When a body shows up in her apartment, and she with blood on her hands, Suzanne becomes the number one suspect in a high profile investigation. With her enemy list a literal who’s who of people with notoriety and means–who would like nothing more than to see Suzanne suffer–it looks as if she is now going to become a victim of her own tactics. A set-up has Suzanne desperate to find someone to help her clear her name and relies on her attorney, Ted Holden, to get her out of her current mess. But when Ted enlists the help of Marcus Crisp, a private investigator who just so happens to be Suzanne’s ex-fiancé, she’s unsure if Marcus really wants to help her, or allow her to suffer like she made him suffer so many years ago.
Marcus Crisp is a professional. And though his dislike for Suzanne is evident, he’s been given a job to do. Clear her name. Along with his partner, Alexandria Fisher-Hawthorne, Marcus delves into Suzanne’s files and finds more than one person who could be responsible for Suzanne’s set-up. Soon, Suzanne, Marcus, and Alex find themselves the targets of attempted murder. Now Marcus’ job not only includes clearing Suzanne’s name but keep her and his partner alive.
JUDGMENT DAY was an intriguing read with a fast past storyline. I really enjoyed the banter between Marcus and Alex, and then I realized why. Much of their dialogue sounded like a scene you would fine between Anthony DiNozzo and Zeva David from the popular television show, NCIS, which happens to be one of my favorites. Though this fact had me questioning the uniqueness of Dyson’s two major characters, if did nothing to slow down my need to get to the end of the book and put my own suspicions to rest. JUDGMENT DAY is filled with suspense that would entertain both female and male readers alike.
Book provided for review purposes.
May 13, 2011
Suzanne Kidwell, a reporter for a local cable news channel, spends her life exposing criminals on her Judgment Day weekly cable news show. During an investigation of a US senator, she finds her late boyfriend's nurse dead in her apartment. Suzanne is the number one suspect in the crime.
Private investigator, Marcus Crisp, might be her only hope of proving her innocence. Unfortunately he is also her ex-boyfriend. As his investigation continues, details of Suzanne's shady business ethics are called into question. Can Marcus see past his former hurt and continue with the investigation? Will Suzanne's innocence be proven before she becomes the next victim?
My Thoughts:
I sound kind of like Randy Jackson here, but this book was just OK for me. I got annoyed early on with some details that didn't match up. First of all, on the back of the book, it states that an entrepreneur that she is investigating, John Sterling, is found dead on her floor. But the book isn't written that way. In the book, it's Suzanne's boyfriend's nurse that is murdered. And John Sterling is a senator in the book not an entrepreneur. That's a pretty big detail. You'd think they'd get that right on the summary.
Secondly, towards the front of the book Suzanne attends a funeral. Then she talks about an event that happens a week after the funeral. Well...each chapter starts with a date. And that event couldn't have happened a week after the funeral because it had not been a week since the funeral on the author's timeline. That's the kind of thing an editor should catch. And this isn't a prereleased copy. This book has been out since September.
Anyway, I think because I found those two discrepancies early on, that while I read the rest of the book, I spent more time looking for more errors than I did enjoying the book.
As far as the story goes, it's one of those books where the reader knows who the murderer is. You just don't know why and if the hero will figure it all out in time. The crimes involved were actually very interesting. They are crimes I had never heard of or read about. I do give the author kudos for that.
As far as character development. Some characters were developed a lot and really grew throughout the book. Others seemed more superficial without steady growth. My vote would be to borrow this from a friend or library instead of buying it new.
Private investigator, Marcus Crisp, might be her only hope of proving her innocence. Unfortunately he is also her ex-boyfriend. As his investigation continues, details of Suzanne's shady business ethics are called into question. Can Marcus see past his former hurt and continue with the investigation? Will Suzanne's innocence be proven before she becomes the next victim?
My Thoughts:
I sound kind of like Randy Jackson here, but this book was just OK for me. I got annoyed early on with some details that didn't match up. First of all, on the back of the book, it states that an entrepreneur that she is investigating, John Sterling, is found dead on her floor. But the book isn't written that way. In the book, it's Suzanne's boyfriend's nurse that is murdered. And John Sterling is a senator in the book not an entrepreneur. That's a pretty big detail. You'd think they'd get that right on the summary.
Secondly, towards the front of the book Suzanne attends a funeral. Then she talks about an event that happens a week after the funeral. Well...each chapter starts with a date. And that event couldn't have happened a week after the funeral because it had not been a week since the funeral on the author's timeline. That's the kind of thing an editor should catch. And this isn't a prereleased copy. This book has been out since September.
Anyway, I think because I found those two discrepancies early on, that while I read the rest of the book, I spent more time looking for more errors than I did enjoying the book.
As far as the story goes, it's one of those books where the reader knows who the murderer is. You just don't know why and if the hero will figure it all out in time. The crimes involved were actually very interesting. They are crimes I had never heard of or read about. I do give the author kudos for that.
As far as character development. Some characters were developed a lot and really grew throughout the book. Others seemed more superficial without steady growth. My vote would be to borrow this from a friend or library instead of buying it new.
July 7, 2011
Have you ever watched that show TMZ (I think that is what it is called)? Where they basically are reporting gossip about celebrities and calling it “news”. Well, the main character reminded me of those reporters. Susan is reporter that isn’t really reporting on celebrities but she was basically reporting information that she couldn’t fully back up. She was accusing people of things without full proof. She is judging w/o the facts.
Then one day it all blows up in her face when she comes home to find someone unconscious and then they die and she is blamed. Everyone starts to judge her and she turns to her ex-fiancé’ who is a detective for help.
This story was just okay for me. Not sure what to say about it. I enjoyed the crime that was described; it was very unique and kept the plot very entertaining. However, I never really connected at all with the characters. I barely remember their names even right after putting the book down. I also noticed a lot of holes in the story and way too many characters involved to keep them all straight.
The main character Susan was a snob and she drove me nuts. I didn’t find her sob story very convincing and I didn’t believe her turnaround either, she was just unconvincing and unlovable.
I wanted very much too really like the two detectives, Alex and Marcus, but again they just fell short. Marcus was not a memorable person, he didn’t seem like a strong lead guy and he being a detective wasn’t described well. Also, the fact that Alex and Marcus were supposed to be Christians was just not believable.
Again, the plot was unique. The crime was fascinating and I had no trouble reading the book or enjoying the suspense and mystery involved. I just found the characters to be dull and boring and I just didn’t connect with the story.
I do think other readers would enjoy this, especially those that like mystery and suspense.
WaterbrookMultnomah provided me with a review copy of this book. I received no other compensation, and all opinions about the book are my own.
Then one day it all blows up in her face when she comes home to find someone unconscious and then they die and she is blamed. Everyone starts to judge her and she turns to her ex-fiancé’ who is a detective for help.
This story was just okay for me. Not sure what to say about it. I enjoyed the crime that was described; it was very unique and kept the plot very entertaining. However, I never really connected at all with the characters. I barely remember their names even right after putting the book down. I also noticed a lot of holes in the story and way too many characters involved to keep them all straight.
The main character Susan was a snob and she drove me nuts. I didn’t find her sob story very convincing and I didn’t believe her turnaround either, she was just unconvincing and unlovable.
I wanted very much too really like the two detectives, Alex and Marcus, but again they just fell short. Marcus was not a memorable person, he didn’t seem like a strong lead guy and he being a detective wasn’t described well. Also, the fact that Alex and Marcus were supposed to be Christians was just not believable.
Again, the plot was unique. The crime was fascinating and I had no trouble reading the book or enjoying the suspense and mystery involved. I just found the characters to be dull and boring and I just didn’t connect with the story.
I do think other readers would enjoy this, especially those that like mystery and suspense.
WaterbrookMultnomah provided me with a review copy of this book. I received no other compensation, and all opinions about the book are my own.
June 8, 2011
"As long as there are people out there who betray our trust, there will be Judgment Day with Suzanne Kidwell. Good night America. I'll see you next week."
Suzanne Kidwell is a Journalist that hears a rumor and doesn't look for facts, yet reports and convicts people of guilt. This time she has accused the wrong person. Someone is found dead on Suzanne's living room floor. She's accused of murder, yet she's innocent. She thinks she's being framed and thinks she knows who framing her. To find the evidence, she needs the help of PI Marcus Crisp, her ex-fiance, who caught her cheating on him. Will he help her and be able to keep her alive long enough to unveil the culprit?
I've read 'Abduction', 'Obsession' & 'Intimidation' by Wanda L. Dyson. I really enjoyed those books, so I thought that I would like 'Judgment Day' as well. I was not disappointed.
'Judgment Day' was really easy to read. It flowed nicely and held my attention. I felt like I was watching a movie when reading this. The characters were funny, yet intriguing. The plot was believable and overall I just really liked it.
I found it pretty ironic that Suzanne accused people of being guilty of a crime when she didn't have any evidence, just mere speculation, and then almost the same thing happened to her. What Suzanne's cellmate said summed that up pretty well:
"You need to stop judging by mere appearances and make right judgments. If you are without sin, be the first to throw a stone."
"Why don't you judge your own faults? You teach others; why don't you teach yourself? A false witness offers nothing but lies and will perish and whoever listens to his lies will be destroyed forever. For out of that corrupt heart comes nothing but lies and slander."
When I reached the final chapters, 'Judgment Day' became impossible to put down. I had to know what happened. If you enjoy reading a good suspense/mystery, then I would recommend 'Judgment Day'.
Suzanne Kidwell is a Journalist that hears a rumor and doesn't look for facts, yet reports and convicts people of guilt. This time she has accused the wrong person. Someone is found dead on Suzanne's living room floor. She's accused of murder, yet she's innocent. She thinks she's being framed and thinks she knows who framing her. To find the evidence, she needs the help of PI Marcus Crisp, her ex-fiance, who caught her cheating on him. Will he help her and be able to keep her alive long enough to unveil the culprit?
I've read 'Abduction', 'Obsession' & 'Intimidation' by Wanda L. Dyson. I really enjoyed those books, so I thought that I would like 'Judgment Day' as well. I was not disappointed.
'Judgment Day' was really easy to read. It flowed nicely and held my attention. I felt like I was watching a movie when reading this. The characters were funny, yet intriguing. The plot was believable and overall I just really liked it.
I found it pretty ironic that Suzanne accused people of being guilty of a crime when she didn't have any evidence, just mere speculation, and then almost the same thing happened to her. What Suzanne's cellmate said summed that up pretty well:
"You need to stop judging by mere appearances and make right judgments. If you are without sin, be the first to throw a stone."
"Why don't you judge your own faults? You teach others; why don't you teach yourself? A false witness offers nothing but lies and will perish and whoever listens to his lies will be destroyed forever. For out of that corrupt heart comes nothing but lies and slander."
When I reached the final chapters, 'Judgment Day' became impossible to put down. I had to know what happened. If you enjoy reading a good suspense/mystery, then I would recommend 'Judgment Day'.
January 17, 2011
Having never read anything by Wanda L. Dyson I wasn't quite sure what this read would be like. The cover is rather gruesome (in my opinion) so knew this read would probably be a suspense/thriller---not my usual reading.
I cautiously began reading page one AND boy.oh.boy! was I hooked! I was enthralled with all of the suspense and to be honest Suzanne made me a little angry! I had to see what was going to happen next. A definite page turner!
This IS NOT a read for the faint of heart. Suzanne has many, many issues in her life. Most of which are/have been lacking honesty of any sort. Ethics? Not sure Suzanne knows the meaning of this word. Suzanne is not my favorite heroine. She's slippery, dishonest and frankly she needs a good disciplinary action; such as, some hard knocking truths!
As I read further into the book I realized that Suzanne is actually going to get those hard knocking truths....just not in a good sort of way. First, she must realize that there is a God and that He is watching over her. Secondly, she will have to answer for untruths that have deeply hurt others. Thirdly, she'll have to come to grips with her family issues.
This was one of those reads that I won't soon forget! The whole story line was well written and the telling of such a gruesome tale was done in way as not to shock the reader. well.not.too.much. A few years back I had read about "such people" who looked for loners in life so that they could prey on them. These loners were often runaways and people weren't always looking for them. I wondered if the author had written this story after one of those news articles?
This was a fantastic 5 star read! With action, issues to work out and with a smidgen of romance. But be warned . . . the cover only gives a "slight" look at what the book entails. Be prepared to finish this read once you begin!
I cautiously began reading page one AND boy.oh.boy! was I hooked! I was enthralled with all of the suspense and to be honest Suzanne made me a little angry! I had to see what was going to happen next. A definite page turner!
This IS NOT a read for the faint of heart. Suzanne has many, many issues in her life. Most of which are/have been lacking honesty of any sort. Ethics? Not sure Suzanne knows the meaning of this word. Suzanne is not my favorite heroine. She's slippery, dishonest and frankly she needs a good disciplinary action; such as, some hard knocking truths!
As I read further into the book I realized that Suzanne is actually going to get those hard knocking truths....just not in a good sort of way. First, she must realize that there is a God and that He is watching over her. Secondly, she will have to answer for untruths that have deeply hurt others. Thirdly, she'll have to come to grips with her family issues.
This was one of those reads that I won't soon forget! The whole story line was well written and the telling of such a gruesome tale was done in way as not to shock the reader. well.not.too.much. A few years back I had read about "such people" who looked for loners in life so that they could prey on them. These loners were often runaways and people weren't always looking for them. I wondered if the author had written this story after one of those news articles?
This was a fantastic 5 star read! With action, issues to work out and with a smidgen of romance. But be warned . . . the cover only gives a "slight" look at what the book entails. Be prepared to finish this read once you begin!
April 5, 2011
Suzanne Kidwell is the host of the sensational, expose’ cable show “Judgement Day”. So what if she cuts a few corners, embellishes a few truths and disregards facts? The means justify the ends, right? Suzanne has the high ratings and fame associated with her go-get-’em show but that doesn’t protect her when her physician-boyfriend ends up dead in an explosion meant for her. When his nurse shows up dead on her apartment floor she is framed for the murder. Suzanne has made plenty of enemies along the way, so it is easy to find people with motives to do her harm. What has she stumbled upon that is so important that they want her dead?
Marcus Crisp, and his partner, Alexandria Fisher-Hawthorne are two private investigators brought in to help prove her innocence. Despite a romantic history with Marcus, Suzanne is forced to accept their help. What ensues is a page-turning suspense story that will have you asking a lot of questions!
Cloaked in a fast-paced detective story, Judgement Day raises a number of extremely subtle issues. It is a story of situational ethics and the snowball effects of selfishness. While the situations presented in the book are obviously extreme, each of us faces a myriad of small decisions every day that are pinned on situational rights and wrongs. What principles guide your life?
Although the book is categorized as Christian Fiction, the “Christian” content is more implied than overt. While you’re enjoying the fast-paced, wild, edgy ride you are subconsciously challenged to think about right and wrong. I enjoyed the book.
***WaterBrook Multnomah publishers provided me with a complementary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review***
Marcus Crisp, and his partner, Alexandria Fisher-Hawthorne are two private investigators brought in to help prove her innocence. Despite a romantic history with Marcus, Suzanne is forced to accept their help. What ensues is a page-turning suspense story that will have you asking a lot of questions!
Cloaked in a fast-paced detective story, Judgement Day raises a number of extremely subtle issues. It is a story of situational ethics and the snowball effects of selfishness. While the situations presented in the book are obviously extreme, each of us faces a myriad of small decisions every day that are pinned on situational rights and wrongs. What principles guide your life?
Although the book is categorized as Christian Fiction, the “Christian” content is more implied than overt. While you’re enjoying the fast-paced, wild, edgy ride you are subconsciously challenged to think about right and wrong. I enjoyed the book.
***WaterBrook Multnomah publishers provided me with a complementary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review***
April 12, 2011
Title: JUDGMENT DAY
Author: Wanda L. Dyson
Publisher: WaterBrook Press
September 2010
ISBN: 978-1-4000-7475-4
Genre: Inspirational/suspense
Suzanne Kidwell is an investigative reporter who doesn’t care too much about the facts—just the sensationalism that her story brings. When two teenage girls allegedly run away from home, but when she talks to one police officer she finds out that the principal of the school has porn on his computer. To Suzanne, that is enough to ruin the man’s reputation, and she goes full forth. And when the principal commits suicide, to Suzanne that is further proof of his guilt.
Suzanne’s boyfriend, Guy, seems an upstanding, kind man, but when he offers to take Suzanne’s car into the garage for her car troubles, the car accelerates and ends up killing him. She finds out later that the car problems had been planted to kill her…
Now, facing law suits for her shoddy investigations, and a dead body she’s being framed for on her living room floor, Suzanne is desperate. And the only person she can possibly find who might help is her ex-boyfriend, Marcus Crisp—the man she betrayed in college.
I’ve read one of Ms. Dyson’s books before and really liked the book, but to me JUDGMENT DAY didn’t live up to the standards of the other book I’ve read. The story jumped from place to place and person to person with no real grounding of where we were, or what was happening. It was disjointed at best.
Still, the story is intriguing, and I had to keep reading to find out what happens to Suzanne. I never did really grow to care for her, but I was intrigued by the mess she managed to get herself into and wondered if she’d be able to find her way out. This is a suspense with some good parts, and it will keep your interest. $13.99. 340 pages.
Author: Wanda L. Dyson
Publisher: WaterBrook Press
September 2010
ISBN: 978-1-4000-7475-4
Genre: Inspirational/suspense
Suzanne Kidwell is an investigative reporter who doesn’t care too much about the facts—just the sensationalism that her story brings. When two teenage girls allegedly run away from home, but when she talks to one police officer she finds out that the principal of the school has porn on his computer. To Suzanne, that is enough to ruin the man’s reputation, and she goes full forth. And when the principal commits suicide, to Suzanne that is further proof of his guilt.
Suzanne’s boyfriend, Guy, seems an upstanding, kind man, but when he offers to take Suzanne’s car into the garage for her car troubles, the car accelerates and ends up killing him. She finds out later that the car problems had been planted to kill her…
Now, facing law suits for her shoddy investigations, and a dead body she’s being framed for on her living room floor, Suzanne is desperate. And the only person she can possibly find who might help is her ex-boyfriend, Marcus Crisp—the man she betrayed in college.
I’ve read one of Ms. Dyson’s books before and really liked the book, but to me JUDGMENT DAY didn’t live up to the standards of the other book I’ve read. The story jumped from place to place and person to person with no real grounding of where we were, or what was happening. It was disjointed at best.
Still, the story is intriguing, and I had to keep reading to find out what happens to Suzanne. I never did really grow to care for her, but I was intrigued by the mess she managed to get herself into and wondered if she’d be able to find her way out. This is a suspense with some good parts, and it will keep your interest. $13.99. 340 pages.
April 7, 2011
Suzanne Kidwell hosts a weekly cable show called Judgment Day where she is known for her sensational journalism. Her goal is to exploit and expose people of prominence for the lies they tell. She fancies herself a champion of ethics when in fact, she is quite the opposite. Suzanne’s lazy investigation tactics and creative embellishments put her job in jeopardy and leave innocent people ruined.
Things begin to go terribly wrong when Suzanne’s boyfriend dies in a car accident that was meant for her. Then the police find someone murdered on her living room floor and she has the blood on her hands. Jail is the last place Suzanne ever expects to find herself and when she comes face to face with a man she betrayed in college, things really start to heat up. Suzanne knows about something big, something worth killing for if she can just stay alive long enough to prove it.
This book was fast paced and I couldn’t help but be sucked in to the plot. The character of Suzanne as a cold hearted journalist looking for fame and success definitely came across well. In fact, I really didn’t like her at the beginning and I still didn’t like her at the end. I felt like her change of heart at the end was shallow and more about her brush with death than actual regret for her horrible treatment of others. The plot rotates around the horrible practice of organ harvesting and it is a sad and sick thing. I’m sure it does happen today, but I shudder to think of it. Overall, if I view this book as a distraction and don’t think too much about it, I liked it. It was a quick, engaging read.
I received this book courtesy of Blogging for Books for my honest review.
Things begin to go terribly wrong when Suzanne’s boyfriend dies in a car accident that was meant for her. Then the police find someone murdered on her living room floor and she has the blood on her hands. Jail is the last place Suzanne ever expects to find herself and when she comes face to face with a man she betrayed in college, things really start to heat up. Suzanne knows about something big, something worth killing for if she can just stay alive long enough to prove it.
This book was fast paced and I couldn’t help but be sucked in to the plot. The character of Suzanne as a cold hearted journalist looking for fame and success definitely came across well. In fact, I really didn’t like her at the beginning and I still didn’t like her at the end. I felt like her change of heart at the end was shallow and more about her brush with death than actual regret for her horrible treatment of others. The plot rotates around the horrible practice of organ harvesting and it is a sad and sick thing. I’m sure it does happen today, but I shudder to think of it. Overall, if I view this book as a distraction and don’t think too much about it, I liked it. It was a quick, engaging read.
I received this book courtesy of Blogging for Books for my honest review.
December 11, 2010
This thriller sees a muckraking television journalist accused of murder after a woman is found dead in her house. She has previously lost her boyfriend when they switch cars and her car exploded. She was slso attacked outside her house.
Suzanne Kidwell is a very unsympathetic character. She is the stereotypical shark-like female journalist who is willing to do anything for a story that is sensational enough to boost her show's ratings. Underneath, though, we get hints of a woman who is insecure and feels unloved. She is quite self-absorbed. When she needs a detective, she goes to the fiancé she dumped in college and his partner for help. Marcus and Alex have formed a strong partnership and have romantic feelings for each other that they are reluctant to mention. She is from a very wealthy family and he is not. Her parents want her to give up the detective business and come home to run the family business or, at least, to marry someone from the right social class to manage the business.
There are lots of plot threads that weave in and out of this book beginning with missing teenagers and leading to the black market organ transplant business. Not so coincidentally, Alex's mother is in need of a heart transplant. The villain of the piece is never in doubt but he is really evil and likely crazy too. He blames Suzanne for the death of his son even though he was the one who had the bomb planted in the car.
This was a very good thriller with lots of action and suspense. I recommend it to those who want an exciting quick read.
Suzanne Kidwell is a very unsympathetic character. She is the stereotypical shark-like female journalist who is willing to do anything for a story that is sensational enough to boost her show's ratings. Underneath, though, we get hints of a woman who is insecure and feels unloved. She is quite self-absorbed. When she needs a detective, she goes to the fiancé she dumped in college and his partner for help. Marcus and Alex have formed a strong partnership and have romantic feelings for each other that they are reluctant to mention. She is from a very wealthy family and he is not. Her parents want her to give up the detective business and come home to run the family business or, at least, to marry someone from the right social class to manage the business.
There are lots of plot threads that weave in and out of this book beginning with missing teenagers and leading to the black market organ transplant business. Not so coincidentally, Alex's mother is in need of a heart transplant. The villain of the piece is never in doubt but he is really evil and likely crazy too. He blames Suzanne for the death of his son even though he was the one who had the bomb planted in the car.
This was a very good thriller with lots of action and suspense. I recommend it to those who want an exciting quick read.
May 5, 2011
Suzanne Kidwell has a weekly cable news show, Judgment Day, where she exposes criminal doings among businessmen, politicians and religious leaders. She may not be quite as ethical as she portrays herself, but she’s certainly queen of the ratings, and cutting a few corners to get more viewers is nothing more than standard practice. Unfortunately, others cut corners too, and when a dead body’s found in Suzanne’s living room, she’s hoist with her own petard.
Author Wanda L. Dyson creates some very plausible and interesting characters in Judgment Day and carries them through many twists and turns. There’s the rich girl who doesn’t want to follow in daddy’s footsteps, the jilted fiancé who’s trying to be fair, missing runaways, shady dealings, and mobsters out to get their share. Self-centered Suzanne might yet be redeemed, and smug manipulators condemned. Meanwhile the body count rises.
The novel delves into society’s morals, family relationships, romance, ethics, and even faith, but all serve the purpose of a story that keeps the reader glued to the page. Exciting fight scenes, the roller coaster of capture and escape, the misery of prison, the view from a penthouse suite, all are convincingly portrayed through the eyes of a group of characters the reader really comes to care about. An exciting novel, quickly read but neatly inspiring too, Judgment Day tells a scary tale and just might offer some light on the judgments we make every day.
Disclosure: I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review
Author Wanda L. Dyson creates some very plausible and interesting characters in Judgment Day and carries them through many twists and turns. There’s the rich girl who doesn’t want to follow in daddy’s footsteps, the jilted fiancé who’s trying to be fair, missing runaways, shady dealings, and mobsters out to get their share. Self-centered Suzanne might yet be redeemed, and smug manipulators condemned. Meanwhile the body count rises.
The novel delves into society’s morals, family relationships, romance, ethics, and even faith, but all serve the purpose of a story that keeps the reader glued to the page. Exciting fight scenes, the roller coaster of capture and escape, the misery of prison, the view from a penthouse suite, all are convincingly portrayed through the eyes of a group of characters the reader really comes to care about. An exciting novel, quickly read but neatly inspiring too, Judgment Day tells a scary tale and just might offer some light on the judgments we make every day.
Disclosure: I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review
May 18, 2011
I used to love to watch investigative/justice themed/debate shows, there was just something about watching an investigative reporter go after folks and say all the things to them that I was thinking. Honestly, I used to wonder, how'd she get in my head? I'd sit there glued to the television as the host would all but pronounce judgement on the accused. Not once did I ever question the credibility of the host nor did I ever wonder about the accuracy of the reporting, I just assumed that because it was on television and it had a quasi~legal environment that everything said had to be true without the slightest bit of embellishment. Bad librarian.
For me, the biggest takeaway from this book is to abide by John 8:7 which states:
They kept demanding an answer, so he stood up again and said, "All right, but let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone!"
Sometimes in our daily lives, we are quick to judge the lives of others without knowing all the details. And, really, who are we to judge? Shouldn't that role be reserved for the One who is sinless? Without being overly preachy, this book is a lesson on judgment and how quickly reputations and lives can be ruined by baseless accusations.
I’d recommend this book to readers who are interested in suspense intermingled with romance and faith. Bonus points for the book being faith based without being overly preachy and not using any profanity without being too precious.
For me, the biggest takeaway from this book is to abide by John 8:7 which states:
They kept demanding an answer, so he stood up again and said, "All right, but let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone!"
Sometimes in our daily lives, we are quick to judge the lives of others without knowing all the details. And, really, who are we to judge? Shouldn't that role be reserved for the One who is sinless? Without being overly preachy, this book is a lesson on judgment and how quickly reputations and lives can be ruined by baseless accusations.
I’d recommend this book to readers who are interested in suspense intermingled with romance and faith. Bonus points for the book being faith based without being overly preachy and not using any profanity without being too precious.
April 18, 2011
This action-packed mystery features the detective duo of Marcus Crisp and Alexandria Fisher-Hawthorne. Marcus is a tall, dark, handsome tough guy who operates from a deep code of honor. He’s controlled, methodical, and as honest as the day is long. Alexandria is a sophisticated, rich girl who has spurned her parents’ world for a life of adventure with Marcus. She’s headstrong, thrives in chaos, and has a habit of nicking the bad guys’ ears to keep them in line.
In this adventure, Marcus and Alexandria work to prove the innocence of his former flame, the cold-hearted news anchor, Suzanne Kidwell, when she is accused of murder. During the twists and turns of the investigation, we meet an array of suspects, from the most important men in the city to mafia types to petty thugs. The lives of the main characters, as well as their loved ones, are periodically endangered. And several characters suffer family tragedies unrelated to the crime. This story is an exciting, fast read with just the right amount of suspense, danger, and heart.
Marcus and Alexandria are so good together, they’ve earned a place on my list of favorite male/female detective pairings along with other literary and television greats, such as Nick and Nora Charles, MacMillan and Wife, the couples from Remington Steele and Castle. Trust me, they’re worthy of this good company.
And Wanda L. Dyson is worthy to be on anyone’s list of must-read authors!
In this adventure, Marcus and Alexandria work to prove the innocence of his former flame, the cold-hearted news anchor, Suzanne Kidwell, when she is accused of murder. During the twists and turns of the investigation, we meet an array of suspects, from the most important men in the city to mafia types to petty thugs. The lives of the main characters, as well as their loved ones, are periodically endangered. And several characters suffer family tragedies unrelated to the crime. This story is an exciting, fast read with just the right amount of suspense, danger, and heart.
Marcus and Alexandria are so good together, they’ve earned a place on my list of favorite male/female detective pairings along with other literary and television greats, such as Nick and Nora Charles, MacMillan and Wife, the couples from Remington Steele and Castle. Trust me, they’re worthy of this good company.
And Wanda L. Dyson is worthy to be on anyone’s list of must-read authors!
May 7, 2011
"...Because you see something, and you immediately make a judgment based on your own desire to be better than everyone else. You look for the worst, so you see the worst and condemn everyone you don't like." pg. 166
Suzanne Kidwell thought of herself as an investigative reporter, but the quote above was uttered about her and her show "Judgment Day." Suzanne wanted so badly to get the jump on others that she didn't always check the facts before destroying someone's life or reputation. Now, the shoe is on the other foot. Suzanne is accused of murder and with the evidence stacked against her, she turns to a former boyfriend and his PI partner. Marcus and Alex agree to find the real murderer and free her, setting in motion a series of events that they may be powerless to stop. Murder, extortion, deceit, kidnapping, organ harvesting, and more await the reader of this thriller! Come along as Marcus, Alex, and Jazz attempt to solve this case and make things right. Who will survive is anyone's guess!
This book was unputdownable for me! While I pegged the main murderer early on, the twists and turns kept trying to point me in a different direction and tell me I was wrong. This is a book I will read again and recommend to many of my friends and family. I think it makes a great read for an individual, but think groups would have a lot of fun dissecting it. I want to thank the Book Blogging program for my copy of the book! It was a pleasure to read and review.
Suzanne Kidwell thought of herself as an investigative reporter, but the quote above was uttered about her and her show "Judgment Day." Suzanne wanted so badly to get the jump on others that she didn't always check the facts before destroying someone's life or reputation. Now, the shoe is on the other foot. Suzanne is accused of murder and with the evidence stacked against her, she turns to a former boyfriend and his PI partner. Marcus and Alex agree to find the real murderer and free her, setting in motion a series of events that they may be powerless to stop. Murder, extortion, deceit, kidnapping, organ harvesting, and more await the reader of this thriller! Come along as Marcus, Alex, and Jazz attempt to solve this case and make things right. Who will survive is anyone's guess!
This book was unputdownable for me! While I pegged the main murderer early on, the twists and turns kept trying to point me in a different direction and tell me I was wrong. This is a book I will read again and recommend to many of my friends and family. I think it makes a great read for an individual, but think groups would have a lot of fun dissecting it. I want to thank the Book Blogging program for my copy of the book! It was a pleasure to read and review.
December 29, 2011
Suzanne Kidwell, is looking for fame, and she is willing to destroy anyone in order to get it. This is what it seems as she goes about her job, as an investigative reporter for a television series known as "Judgment Day", but is Kidwell about to meet her own "Judgment Day"?
When Kidwell finds a friend of hers dead in her apartment, she is immediately charged with the murder. Suzanne, seeks and enlists the help of a pair of Private Detectives to prove her innocence. Can these two detectives, Marcus Crisp, a former boyfriend and his partner Alex (Alexandria) Fisher-Hawthorne, from a well to do family, who want her to return home to run the family business.
As the story develops, there are many instances of crimes being covered up and there is also a twist, when Suzanne Kidwell's fiance is killed while driving her car. Is there a connection there? Maybe.
I must say that this story peeked my interests right from the start, and Dyson is a wonder writer. My hat goes off to her for your writing ability and the way she weaves a story. "Judgement Day", by Wanda L. Dyson is sure to make the Best Sellers list. Thank yous go out to WaterBrook Press and Blogging for Books, for offering me the opportunity to read and review this wonderful piece of art.
Once the reader picks up this selection, they will not want to put it down. Bravo to Wanda L. Dyson on her accomplishments. "Judgment Day" is Great.
When Kidwell finds a friend of hers dead in her apartment, she is immediately charged with the murder. Suzanne, seeks and enlists the help of a pair of Private Detectives to prove her innocence. Can these two detectives, Marcus Crisp, a former boyfriend and his partner Alex (Alexandria) Fisher-Hawthorne, from a well to do family, who want her to return home to run the family business.
As the story develops, there are many instances of crimes being covered up and there is also a twist, when Suzanne Kidwell's fiance is killed while driving her car. Is there a connection there? Maybe.
I must say that this story peeked my interests right from the start, and Dyson is a wonder writer. My hat goes off to her for your writing ability and the way she weaves a story. "Judgement Day", by Wanda L. Dyson is sure to make the Best Sellers list. Thank yous go out to WaterBrook Press and Blogging for Books, for offering me the opportunity to read and review this wonderful piece of art.
Once the reader picks up this selection, they will not want to put it down. Bravo to Wanda L. Dyson on her accomplishments. "Judgment Day" is Great.
October 29, 2011
Judgement Day with Suzanne Kidwell is a cable news show that tends toward the sensational rather than the factual. Suzanne feels that is what the public wants, and it is what gets her ratings. Her producer doesn't feel the same; he wants her suspicions backed up with evidence. Who cares if she has to doctor that evidence sometimes... Someone does, someone willing to kill. Suzanne's boyfriend dies when her car is "altered." Then Suzanne is attacked outside her home. Finally she is framed for murder, and it looks like the only hope she has are private investigators, Marcus and Alexandria: the same Marcus to whom she was engaged and betrayed in college.
Starting out fast with a teenage runaway who gets abducted, a fatal crash, and a hidden love, this book never stopped. Dyson uses short chapters and starts with a number of storylines that weave together as you continue through the book. The action itself does a nice job of developing the characters, and the plot is full of interesting twists. Judgement Day is a suspenseful page-turner with beautiful truths woven through it. I truly enjoyed it and would highly recommend it!
You can purchase this book directly from RandomHouse.com . If I were you, I'd do it right now!!
Thank you to Staci and Random House for my copy of this book. I really enjoyed it!
Starting out fast with a teenage runaway who gets abducted, a fatal crash, and a hidden love, this book never stopped. Dyson uses short chapters and starts with a number of storylines that weave together as you continue through the book. The action itself does a nice job of developing the characters, and the plot is full of interesting twists. Judgement Day is a suspenseful page-turner with beautiful truths woven through it. I truly enjoyed it and would highly recommend it!
You can purchase this book directly from RandomHouse.com . If I were you, I'd do it right now!!
Thank you to Staci and Random House for my copy of this book. I really enjoyed it!
November 25, 2010
I found this to be an enjoyable book and a super fast read. I finished it in under 12 hours during the beginning of my Thanksgiving vacation!
In Judgment Day, a reporter by the name of Suzanne, just can't keep her mouth shut. She wants to be the first to release the story, no matter the cost. When it's suspected that the principal is the one abducting young girls, Suzanne jumps to scoop the story on air without having all the facts. Needless to say,the principal is not impressed and is not guilty either. When he takes his life, other events take place that cause Suzanne to have to hire a private investigator. Did it have to be her former flame?
This is my first read by Wanda Dyson and it won't be my last! Looking at her website, I see several other books that interest me! You can read an excerpt of this book by clicking
Many thanks to the publisher for providing a review copy of this book!
In Judgment Day, a reporter by the name of Suzanne, just can't keep her mouth shut. She wants to be the first to release the story, no matter the cost. When it's suspected that the principal is the one abducting young girls, Suzanne jumps to scoop the story on air without having all the facts. Needless to say,the principal is not impressed and is not guilty either. When he takes his life, other events take place that cause Suzanne to have to hire a private investigator. Did it have to be her former flame?
This is my first read by Wanda Dyson and it won't be my last! Looking at her website, I see several other books that interest me! You can read an excerpt of this book by clicking
Many thanks to the publisher for providing a review copy of this book!
December 28, 2010
I really enjoyed this book. Marcus was my favorite character, and I was drawn into and attracted by his personality and demeanor immediately. He’s a cool, calm, collected guy who is really good at what he does (private investigating). He’s a guy who has a heart, who loves what he does, and who doesn’t care what others think. Alex was another character I liked. Her no-nonsense, take-no-crap-from-anybody attitude was so refreshing. I could relate completely the way she and Marcus responded to the other main character, Suzanne, and I have to admit to laughing aloud at the cleverness with which they dealt with many of her issues.
The book was also intense for me. I was drawn into the story, equally fascinated and horrified, and I had a hard time putting the book down. This was one of the most intense Christian fiction books I’ve read. I finished the book in just 2 days, and I’d recommend it. I’m giving Judgement Day 4 stars: I really liked it.
*I received no monetary compensation for my review. I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review. The opinions are mine, and mine alone.
The book was also intense for me. I was drawn into the story, equally fascinated and horrified, and I had a hard time putting the book down. This was one of the most intense Christian fiction books I’ve read. I finished the book in just 2 days, and I’d recommend it. I’m giving Judgement Day 4 stars: I really liked it.
*I received no monetary compensation for my review. I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review. The opinions are mine, and mine alone.
May 22, 2011
Suzanne Kidwell is a journalist who thrives on sensationalism. She will do anything to get her story, even to the point of altering a story to make it more newsworthy or just plain making it up to drive up the ratings of her show. Suzanne ends up in trouble, accused of a murder she did not commit. Unfortunately, her only option is to hire a private investigator to find out who the real murderer is. The problem with this is that she hires an ex-boyfriend she once betrayed but feels he is her only hope. He has a partner who is not too keen on taking the case of his ex-girlfriend, knowing the history behind their relationship. Once they do take the case, they begin to uncover things they never expected to find.
This was a highly suspenseful novel that addressed a very different issue. It definitely was a turn of events that I never saw coming. I enjoyed this book and the characters in it. My only problem was with the quick changing of scenes to introduce new characters. There was a lot going on at the beginning, but in the end it was worth completing the book. I would recommend this book to friends who enjoy a good suspense with a little romance and intrigue.
This was a highly suspenseful novel that addressed a very different issue. It definitely was a turn of events that I never saw coming. I enjoyed this book and the characters in it. My only problem was with the quick changing of scenes to introduce new characters. There was a lot going on at the beginning, but in the end it was worth completing the book. I would recommend this book to friends who enjoy a good suspense with a little romance and intrigue.
October 5, 2010
Suzanne Kidwell is not a likable woman. She's a person who is all about fame, fortune and ratings of her show "Judgment Day". She will go to any length to get top ratings, including not doing the research needed, but instead, will air the sensational story that will keep the viewers coming back.
Suzanne doesn't care if she ruins other people's lives. She doesn't grasp the damage she has done to others until the table turns, and she is the person who now is being talked about and the one who is in danger of being stalked and killed.
This story was an enjoyable read and a real page turner for me. It had the twists and turns that I enjoy in a suspense, and the outcome had a few surprises. I liked disliking Suzanne. I was very unsympathetic towards her situation, and it was different for me not to like the main character. This kept the story alive and interesting and kept all true to character.
I enjoyed Wanda Dyson's writing style and am looking forward to reading more by her. She has 4 other suspense novels out including "Shepherd's Fall".
Suzanne doesn't care if she ruins other people's lives. She doesn't grasp the damage she has done to others until the table turns, and she is the person who now is being talked about and the one who is in danger of being stalked and killed.
This story was an enjoyable read and a real page turner for me. It had the twists and turns that I enjoy in a suspense, and the outcome had a few surprises. I liked disliking Suzanne. I was very unsympathetic towards her situation, and it was different for me not to like the main character. This kept the story alive and interesting and kept all true to character.
I enjoyed Wanda Dyson's writing style and am looking forward to reading more by her. She has 4 other suspense novels out including "Shepherd's Fall".
March 29, 2011
I just finished "Judgement Day" by Wanda L. Dyson (Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing Group). It's a mystery/crime/suspense novel. Those are one of my favorites!
Susanne Kidwell is a selfish journalist that will do anything to make it. Soon she steps on the wrong toes and finds herself in a whirlwind of trouble. Exposing notable members of society is never easy.
Susanne finds out that her boyfriend is linked to a horrible scandal. A dead body finds it's way onto her kitchen floor. Will she go to jail or worse? And, of all people, Susanne's ex-fiance and his partner take her case.
I love the chemistry between Marcus (Susanne's ex) and Alexandria. Alex comes from a wealthy family but is a tough cookie. She kicks butt and takes names, while Marcus is her sidekick. They reminded me of any famous pair like Abbott and Costello or Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz.
I enjoyed the story. There is comedy, suspense, crime, etc. The characters were well developed. I didn't notice any blatant errors in the book.
Susanne Kidwell is a selfish journalist that will do anything to make it. Soon she steps on the wrong toes and finds herself in a whirlwind of trouble. Exposing notable members of society is never easy.
Susanne finds out that her boyfriend is linked to a horrible scandal. A dead body finds it's way onto her kitchen floor. Will she go to jail or worse? And, of all people, Susanne's ex-fiance and his partner take her case.
I love the chemistry between Marcus (Susanne's ex) and Alexandria. Alex comes from a wealthy family but is a tough cookie. She kicks butt and takes names, while Marcus is her sidekick. They reminded me of any famous pair like Abbott and Costello or Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz.
I enjoyed the story. There is comedy, suspense, crime, etc. The characters were well developed. I didn't notice any blatant errors in the book.
September 27, 2010
Judgment Day by Wanda Dyson is a fast-paced thrill ride with lots of twists and turns. Suzanne Kidwell has achieved some notoriety with her television show Judgment Day, but after the mysterious death of her fiance, Guy Mandeville, she's accused of playing fast and loose with her stories and not doing enough research. When she is framed for murder, she hires former boyfriend Marcus Crisp, whose heart she broke in college, and his partner Alexandria to find out who wants to take her down. Marcus and Alex take the case with no idea what they are getting themselves into, and as the bodies pile up and the secrets come out, they just may discover that the truth is more than they can bear. Dyson's writing is full of thrills and chills, and frighteningly believable. The novel is Christian fiction, but the faith is never in your face. Marcus, Alex, and partner Razz are fantastic characters with complicated backstories and plenty of potential; I hope that Dyson uses them again soon.
October 2, 2010
I have enjoyed Wanda Dyson's books in the past and was really looking forward to this book. Since I was reading this book based on the author and not the content I didn't read the back of the book first, I just read and enjoyed every moment of the book. Great plot, wonderfully flawed characters (I hate perfect characters) and enough twists and turns to keep me flipping the pages fast! Wanda is a master of letting the reader in on somethings while holding just enough back to make us beg for more. One interesting note... after finishing the book I turned it over to finally read the back cover copy and see if it did the book justice. Well, I was a little surprised to see that it names the wrong dead person in Suzanne's house... a minor detail since who it named as dead is actually a main antagonist for a large part of the book! Someone missed that mark on that one (I bet it gets changed before the reprint), but Wanda wrote a book that I truly enjoyed.
December 9, 2010
Suzanne Kidwell is a cutthroat journalist for her weekly cable news show, Judgment Day. She will use any means possible to expose corruption, but her own methods of doing so are called into question. Suddenly the tables are turned and she must prove her own innocence in a murder.
Suzanne is a character you will love to hate. At first, you may even cheer when she is in trouble, but eventually she is forced to learn to be humble. Marcus and Alexandria are both good solid characters that provide a light romance (very light). I liked the character of Alexandria and the way she turned her back on her father’s wealth and business to take her own road.
There were some twists in the book including one that took place early into the book that took me by surprise. I would recommend this book for those who enjoy Christian fiction without obvious preaching.
Suzanne is a character you will love to hate. At first, you may even cheer when she is in trouble, but eventually she is forced to learn to be humble. Marcus and Alexandria are both good solid characters that provide a light romance (very light). I liked the character of Alexandria and the way she turned her back on her father’s wealth and business to take her own road.
There were some twists in the book including one that took place early into the book that took me by surprise. I would recommend this book for those who enjoy Christian fiction without obvious preaching.
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