Tag: mystery

A Night to Remember  – Danny and Wanda Pelfrey

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This story is the second installment featuring a brother – a former police officer and investigator – and a sister – who is a law school student – getting involved with investigating crimes and finding the culprits.

You will find the authors’ synopsis on Goodreads.

The “God” Element

The characters provide some advice, rely on God for their lives, pray often, and are open to being guided. They portray the epitome of the Christian life; be kind, do good, help others, make a positive difference, and guide and protect.

MY LIKES

A tertiary character`s redemption. Among all the tragedies occurring in this story, his storyline is the one that touched me the most. Buster is his name.

Another of my likes is seeing the main characters’ lives evolve and watching them seek guidance from God rather than hastily react to their circumstances. They reflect and seek ways to grow rather than make a mess and hurt others. They are unafraid to explore what does not feel right and wait on the Lord.

Many characters have positive arcs; they changed their ways for the better and now live better lives, extending the blessing they received to others in the community. Many of them are humble people, and that’s very noticeable.

MY DISLIKES

It is not a great dislike, but it is noticeable. The main characters don’t sin, barely make any mistakes, and have a word of wisdom ready for anyone who crosses their paths. Even their struggles, if any, are short-lived. I understand this is a mystery novel, and psychological arcs are not a primary focus, but they seem to live in a shallow way despite their reliance on God. I like characters with depth and arcs that are manifested, not “hinted at.” Only Riley does it more to my taste; other characters do not seem “this serious” about their lives. That’s just my personal preference.

If you want to read this novel for the mystery genre, you will be pretty happy. I did not find hints pointing me to the culprit; they were too subtle for me, and it was fine with me.

Takeaways

This novel is as good as the first novel I reviewed from these authors, and although the storyline is quite different, you can feel the similarity aside from the fact that the main characters are the same people.

The last chapter took me aback. It raised a question in my mind, and once I answered it, it left me with only a few words: “That was God‘s will.”

Solid Ground – Danny and Wanda Pelfrey

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I will start by saying the mystery genre is not one I read often; I have read more suspense novels than mysteries. However, I found myself quite taken by this novel. I have watched many television shows featuring investigations, and this book brought me back to that same frame of mind, looking for clues and determining the culprit’s identity.

You will find the authors’ synopsis on Goodreads.

The book focuses mainly on Kirby, a former baseball athlete, recently promoted from policeman to investigator. The book opens on a scene featuring two people getting rid of a body, which is the event that leads Kirby on his journey. He and his sister, Riley, inherit a sizable fortune and have to go to Adairsville to deal with the estate. However, nothing is quite simple, and some events throughout the book thicken the plot.

I have to say; I did not solve the mystery before Kirby did. The story blindsided both him and me.

The “God” Element

Little communities are often tightly knit, and the church is one of those community hubs. Kirby’s father was a pastor, his uncle had a strong faith and lived his life accordingly, so Kirby and Riley are no stranger to God, but hardship drove a wedge in his relationship with God. However, he finds himself with strong church-going Christians who bring God back to his mind and heart, and these reminders lead him on solid ground with God again. I almost wrote “spoiler alert” here, but I decided the authors had given it away way before I did.

Many characters play out sinful behaviors, like gossiping, judging (without knowing or based on prejudice), or even idols (money, power, and such), allowing the characters to speak of the godly behaviors.

Overall, “Solid Ground” is an excellent reminder that faith in God is displayed by doing good to others, by forgiving, and by helping those in need.

My likes:

Solid Ground leads the reader to self-examine at times. Reading some passages brings to mind that “Oh, I do that too” conviction, not as condemnation but as awareness.

Kirby goes through some events that bring him growth and bring him closer to God.

This book is for detail lovers; they will be well served and satiated with background details. It is also a feast for the reader’s inner Sherlock Holmes. I felt I was investigating alongside Kirby.

My dislikes:

Many characters live in this novel: a roster of prominent community people and another roster of possible villains. Personally, when there are too many people to keep track of, I stick to the main character and the people close to him or her unless secondary characters stand out. I understand it was necessary; it is difficult to write a mystery novel with only five characters. I am only saying I did not pay attention to everyone.

Kirby’s character arc is well developed, but I keep wondering about Riley. I would have liked a greater arc for her character.

At times, dialogues are used to give the readers background information that would not be given in an ordinary (natural) conversation.

TAKEAWAYS

I enjoyed the story, I enjoyed the investigation it got me on, and I appreciate that godly behaviors – and reminders – are at works throughout the story. Heeding God’s words protects us from the lies we live in because Christ is king.

Well worth the read!