Dark Justice

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Dark Justice B&H Books (October 1, 2013) by Brandilyn Collins

  Brandilyn Collins is a best-selling novelist known for her trademark Seatbelt Suspense®. These harrowing crime thrillers have earned her the tagline "Don't forget to b r e a t h e . . ."® Brandilyn's first book, A Question of Innocence, was a true crime published by Avon in 1995. Its promotion landed her on local and national TV and radio, including the Phil Donahue and Leeza talk shows. Brandilyn's awards for her novels include the ACFW Carol Award (three times), Inspirational Readers' Choice, and Romantic Times Reviewers' Choice. 
Brandilyn is also known for her distinctive book on fiction-writing techniques, Getting Into Character: Seven Secrets a Novelist Can Learn From Actors (John Wiley & Sons). The Writer magazine named Getting into Character one of the best books on writing published in 2002. 
When she's not writing, Brandilyn can be found teaching the craft of fiction at writers' conferences.  Brandilyn can be reached through the Contact link on her Website.

  If I’d had any idea what those words would mean to me, to my mother and daughter, I’d have fled California without looking back. 
While driving a rural road, Hannah Shire and her aging mother, who suffers from dementia, stop to help a man at the scene of a car accident. The man whispers mysterious words in Hannah’s ear. Soon people want to kill Hannah and her mother for what they “know.” Even law enforcement may be involved. 
The two women must flee for their lives. But how does Hannah hide her confused mother? Carol just wants to listen to her pop music, wear her favorite purple hat, and go home. And if they turn to Hannah’s twentyseven- year-old daughter, Emily, for help, will she fall into danger as well? 
Pressed on all sides, Hannah must keep all three generations of women in her family alive. Only then does she learn the threat is not just to her loved ones, but the entire country . . . 
If you'd like to read the first chapter of Dark Justice, HERE. 
My Thoughts: Dark Justice was my first Brandilyn Collins novel to read, but it certainly won't be my last!  Collins writes with heart pounding mystery and suspense that propels you forward.  I couldn't read fast enough!  While highlighting the strength and generational bond of Hannah, Carol and Emily, Collins offers a story relevant to our times and throws light onto a very real fear of many in our country - who can you really trust?  Through the faith of an older woman suffering from dementia, Collins reminds us Who we can trust.  While so much of Christian Fiction can come off as "preachy" and full of cliches, I love how Collins' writing wasn't like that.  She incorporates biblical truth into the story and it comes off genuine.   With rich characterization,  intricate plot development and relevant subject matter, Dark Justice was a joy to read!  You won't figure this one out until you've read the last page.  I've thought about this story many times since I finished it...for me, that's the sign of an excellent novel!
Happy Reading,
Jennifer