Forensic artist Gwen Marcey is between jobs when she accepts temporary work in Pikeville, Kentucky---a small town facing big-city crime. But before Gwen can finish her first drawing of the serial rapist who is on the loose, the latest witness vanishes. Just like all the others.
Gwen suspects a connection between the rapist and the "accidental" deaths that are happening around town, but the local sheriff has little interest in her theories. When her digitally-obsessed teenage daughter joins her there, Gwen turn her attention to a second assignment: going undercover in a serpent-handling church. She could get a handsome reward for uncovering illegal activity there---a reward she desperately needs, as it seems her breast cancer has returned. But snakes aren't the only ones ready to kill. Can Gwen uncover the truth---and convince anyone to believe her---before she becomes a victim herself?
My review:
This is only the third book by Parks, and I have enjoyed all three and have found myself wishing she had more books out there to read. This one may be her best yet, and is one I didn't want to put down. The plot and story line were really great, and I found the whole snakes being used in worship thing fascinating. Even though I still think people who do that are nuts, I understand it a little more after reading this novel.
I have never been - and will never be - a big fan of first person point of view writing, but Parks does it so well that I had to go back and look after finishing the book to see which point of view she used for writing.
The author uses her expertise in being a forensic artist to bring authenticity to the main character's work in that area, and does a good job of making it interesting.
The suspense element is always important to me, and this book is full of it. I was in the dark as to the identity of the killer until the last minute, and found myself totally surprised. It is fun to figure that out, but it is also fun to be surprised, and this book did just that.
Loved and really enjoyed the book, and am looking forward to reading more about Gwen and her work.
This book was given to me in exchange for my honest review.
About the author:
Carrie Stuart Parks is an award-winning fine artist and internationally known forensic artist. She teaches forensic art courses to law enforcement professionals and is the author/illustrator of numerous books on drawing. Carrie began to write fiction while battling breast cancer and was mentored by New York Times best-selling author Frank Peretti. Now in remission, she continues to encourage other women struggling with cancer.
Carrie Stuart Parks’ ‘When Death Draws Near’ Undercover Artist Starter Set
Plunge into forensic artist Gwen Marcey's world, full of cold-case murders, shady politics, and a den of venomous suspects. Add Carrie Stuart Parks' new Gwen Marcey novel, When Death Draws Near, to the top of your must-read list. Gwen accepts temporary work in Pikeville, Kentucky—a small town facing big-city crime. But before she can finish her first drawing of the serial rapist who is on the loose, the latest witness vanishes. Just like all the others. Can Gwen uncover the truth—and convince anyone to believe her—before she becomes a victim herself?
Join Carrie in celebrating the release of When Death Draws Near by entering to win an Undercover Artist Starter Set.
One grand prize winner will receive:
- A copy of When Death Draws Near
- A $30 Michael's or Hobby Lobby gift card (winner's choice)
- Colored pencils
- A sharpener
- A pencil case
- An eraser
- A coloring prayer book
- A coloring notecard set
- A lap desk
Enter today by clicking the icon below, but hurry! The giveaway ends on August 22. The winner will be announced August 23 on the Litfuse blog.
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