Time for another edition of What’s On Your Nightstand?, a monthly carnival hosted by 5 Minutes for Books, in which we all talk about what we’re reading, or what we just read, or what we’re about to read. Click the graphic to visit the carnival headquarters and check out the other participants.
I just finished Dark Pursuit, the most recent book by Christian suspense novelist Brandilyn Collins.What’s it about?
Darell Brooke: A bitter writer whose mind has betrayed him, leaving him unable to think clearly enough to write the suspense novels he’s famous for.
Kaitlan Sering: The writer’s estranged granddaughter, pregnant and scared, who has just found a murdered woman in her apartment…and suspects that her own boyfriend is the killer.
Out of desperation, Kaitlan flees to her grandfather for help, but will he help her? And even if he’s willing to help, will his troubled mind be of any use in catching a killer?
True to form, Brandilyn starts the book off with a bang and keeps the reader turning pages until the end. She used one of my favorite suspense formats in this book: short, punchy chapters, with alternating points of view. Just when you’re wondering what one character will do next, you’re switched to a different character, and there’s nothing to do but keep reading.
Not surprisingly, there are a couple hefty twists and turns before the end of Dark Pursuit, and a few nail-biting scenes that leave the reader in a breathless rush to find out what will happen.
As much as I enjoy Brandilyn’s books, I have to admit that this one wasn’t my favorite. I did enjoy it, but I felt it lagged a bit. There seemed to be a lot of “Will this plan really work?” discussion and contemplation, and I would have preferred that the action keep racing along unimpeded.
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So what’s next for me? I just started Dean Koontz’s new book, Your Heart Belongs to Me. My 10-year-old took one look at it and said, “Is this another one of your creepy mystery books?” Yes son, I think it is. I’m a little nervous because this book has received quite a few negative reviews on Amazon, but I’ve enjoyed so many of Koontz’s novels that I’m going to give this one a fair shot.
I’m also continuing to work through Sacred Chaos (which is very good), and just started Loving God with All Your Mind, which I’m going through with a friend.
So…what’s on your nightstand? Let me know in the comments if you’ve read a good book lately, or feel free to join in the fun and write your own post for this month’s What’s On Your Nightstand? carnival.
{ 18 comments… read them below or add one }
Yay–you’re playing along! (I linked you up).
Did I ever tell you that I tried to read Koontz again last year? It was Intensity, which was a little TOO intense for me, so I put it aside. I do want to try to read him again, because I used to LOVE his books, but I do agree with C.’s assessment.
I’m a big fan of the “creepy mystery book” genre too
‘The Copper Scroll’ by Joel Rosenberg – finished
that in 4 days, as it was hard to put down.
Great author. I am now working on ‘Spy’
by . His “Alex Hawke” character is James Bond-like,
but original enough for me. Could be less carnal but
overall a good series.
I have 3 devotionals also, one for me – one for me
and my wife – one that I am working through with a
friend.
Next on the list is a novel called ‘Inferno’
that I got from the “good buy $5″ rack at
the local Christian bookstore.
I’ve not heard of Brandilynn Collins … I might have to look her up. I love a good suspense book.
I just finished the Story of Edgar Sawtelle and thought it was pretty good! I posted in the carnival as well
We can’t get anything past our kids, can we?
I like mysteries, and it’s been awhile since I read one. Thanks for the reminder!
Yours is the second reference I’ve seen lately about Brandilynn Collins. I need to check her out! Thanks for sharing!
I read Dean Koontz a few years ago, but I sort of moved away from the genre. I used to own almost all of his books, but when I decided that I wasn’t really interested anymore I gave them to the second hand store. Mind you, he has written a lot of books since… I do have his Frankenstein duology on my TBR pile, though. It sounds really good!
I like just the TITLE of Sacred Chaos. ;D That sounds like it could be a fascinating read.
I haven’t read Brandilyn Collins. I’m not really into scary books, so I don’t know if I’d like hers. Maybe I should try one some day. The others sound intriguing.
Much to Hubby’s dismay, I’m just not a Koontz fan. However, I am going to go look at Amazon for Brandilyn Collins, I don’t know much about her. Happy Reading Katrina!
I enjoyed dark pursuit and the twist at the end totally threw me. I’ve never read any of koontz books but just added Your Heart Belongs to Me to my wishlist. I like creepy scary books. Thanks.
I thought I had Dark Pursuit figured out, but I was wrong! I have not read any Koontz books.
Me again, I have an award for you at my blog. Come visit me.
Robin
Dark Pursuit was the first Brandilyn Collins book that I’ve read, and I thought it was pretty intense. I wonder if I’d be up to reading her other books.
On my night stand. One dark cobalt and silver-mottled glass vase, a lamp with the palest lemon yellow shade, a book of David Whyte poems (3 more of these on the floor), packing tape (what in the world is that doing on my night stand?), a porcelain Peter Rabbit cup I have forgotten to take back down to the kitchen. : )
Could you please write a new post soon?
I’m reading Daisy Chain, by Mary E. DeMuth. It isn’t out until April, but it’s really good.
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