Canyon of Deceit by DiAnn Mills is this week’s Reader Friday. Here’s the first line: The shrill ring of my mobile phone jolted me awake at 2 a.m., a haunting prompt that emergencies seldom emerged in daylight.
But first the photo and verse. I took the photo as we drove toward Roan Mountain a couple of weeks ago. And yes, those are my fingers I somehow managed to get in the photo. I couldn’t resist making a graphic with the photo. it reminded me that if we’re in God’s hands, we have nothing to fear, for He is with us.
Now for Canyon of Deceit Canyon of Deceit by DiAnn Mills. Here’s the cover and back copy:
A rescue team searches for a missing young girl and suspects all is not as it seems in this high-stakes romantic suspense novel from the author of Lethal Standoff and Facing the Enemy.
When wilderness survival expert Therese Palmer receives a frantic phone call from former colleague Professor Rurik Ivanov, she is shocked by the news that his young daughter, Alina, is missing—and that Rurik wants Therese’s help finding her. She’s sure Rurik hasn’t given her the whole story . . . especially since he refuses to report the kidnapping to the police. Yet with a child’s life hanging in the balance, Therese can’t turn down this mission. She knows the clock is ticking and she can’t do this alone.
Therese reaches out to Texas Ranger Blane Gardner, whom she met seven months ago during one of her training courses in wilderness survival skills. Blane’s specialized training and background with the Crisis Negotiation Unit make him uniquely prepared for this search-and-rescue mission. He agrees to help Therese and to accept Rurik’s terms to keep Alina’s disappearance quiet, and as the two begin working together, Therese is determined the spark growing between them won’t distract from their mission to save Alina.
Traversing deep into the desert of Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Alina’s last known location, Therese and Blane struggle to separate truth from lies within the mix of intel they’re receiving. As they close in on answers that suggest the involvement of Russian organized crime and a high-profile international assassination attempt, they must fight to rescue Alina before she becomes an innocent casualty of a much bigger plot—no matter the risk to their own lives.
My Take:
I listened to Canyon of Deceit as I drove to South Florida for my daughter’s birthday, and didn’t even mind when a traffic jam made the interstate a parking lot for a brief time. And earlier on Friday, I actually sat in my car in front of my sister’s house to finish listening to a chapter. 🙂
I loved this story. It kept me on the edge of my seat the whole way. Both Therese and Blaine struggled with forgiving themselves for things that happened in the past. It was also why they took on this dangerous mission. The story had twists and turns I didn’t expect as they tried to rescue the missing girl, Alina. The suspense was high-octane and I wanted to speed up the reading so I could see how it would turn out.
This is a book romantic suspense readers will love! You can find buy links on DiAnn Mills’ website.
Okay Readers, what book are you into this week? Leave the first line or leave a comment, and I’ll enter you in a drawing for one of Steve Hooley’s fine pens! (value $60) Steve’s Hand-crafted pens are made from antique and historic wood dating back to the 1700s. Check out my friend’s pens at his website. (Due to shipping costs, winner must have a US address.) You can see his other pens here.
Shadows of the Past and all the Logan Point ebooks are on sale, but don’t wait long. The sale only lasts until September 30! 
Shadows of the Past was my very first book and holds a special place in my heart, as do the characters, Taylor Martin and Nick Sinclair. And of course, Scott Sinclair, Nick’s troubled brother. When we last saw Scott, he was recovering from a murder attempt on his life and trying to get sober.
Ten years later in On the Edge of Trust, we catch up with him once again in Logan Point. During those ten years, he became an undercover FBI agent, infiltrating gangs and was known as a closer. That’s someone who provides the guns, or the money, or even the explosives to complete a job. Right right now On the Edge of Trust is available at Baker BookHouse for 40% off and free shipping! But that goes away November 4…
Here’s this week’s song, probably my favorite from John Denver.
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Comments 32
From excerpt Canyon of Deceit sounds and looks like a fantastic book to read would love to read in print format so I can review the book
Author
I think you would really enjoy it, Crystal!
I love that photo and it goes beautifuly w/ the song, “Take me home, country roads,” which I think applies to all country, not just W. Virginia.
I also just finished reading Canyons of Deceit and was impressed by the writing quality as well as the gripping story. Mills is a master at the top of her game and I believe this is her best book yet.
Author
I totally agree with your comment, Delores!
Wonderful verse from Job.
I’ve read Canon of Deceit. It’s an exciting and suspenseful read!
I am reading Survival Secrets by Lana Christian. It’s a historical fiction novel about the 3 wise men. Biblical fiction fans will love it!
Author
That sounds like am interesting book, Priscilla! And I’ve learned to love Job. 🙂
Pat, however you got your fingers in that photo, the effect is outstanding. No question why you chose that verse to go with it.
I recently read “Canyon of Deceit”, and I fully concur with your review. I think that might be one of DiAnn’s best, and she writes some really good ones.
Love John Denver’s songs. Thanks for sharing that one.
I’m currently reading, drum roll… “Shadows of the Past”. This is the first book of yours I read, and I thought it was time to read it again. I’ve read every book of yours since. Thank you so much for bringing great Christian suspense to us, and for this blog.
Author
Tim, thank you so much for re-reading Shadows of the Past. You’ll be glad you did when you read On the Edge of Trust. Shadows is the only one of my books I’ve read after they were published and I did that because I needed to refresh my memory of Logan Point. 😉
Canyon of Deceit is indeed fantastic. I read it several weeks ago and thoroughly enjoyed it. That was a great review, Pat. I’ve had a few of those sitting extra time in the car to finish a chapter moments. lol
The superimposed fingers are a marvelous addition to the photo, and it couldn’t go more perfect with that verse. It’s a GREAT reminder of being held always and forever in God’s hand. I love the fingers in the photo! Do not delete that. It is frame worthy along with the Scripture added to it. Totally blessed me.
Just finished, at midnight, a WWII novel by Elizabeth Musser, From the Valley we Rise. “Isabelle shivered despite the almost debilitating heat of the late July night in the Basses-Alpes of Sisteron. She pulled her lightweight shawl over her shoulders and entered Café de la Tante. A glance at her watch. It was time.”
Author
Barbara, the fingers were a total accident. I took the photo through the windshield and the reflection caught my fingers. I almost deleted it when that verse came to mind. And Elizabeth Musser’s book sounds fantastic!
Air Marshall Kristine Duncan leaned back in her seat, her eyes skimming over the sunrise outside the Airbus 319’s window. This is book 4 of Lynette Eason’s, Lake City Heroes series. My next book to read is yours, Deadly Revenge. Our library here has been having a hard time getting books they ordered in from the publishing company.
Author
I my company gets the problem worked out, Kim! I loved Lynette’s book.
Just finished I Think I Was Murdered by Colleen Coble and Rick Acker. Currently reading a series by Bruce Hammack (not labeled as Christian fiction but they are clean fiction and good detective mysteries.
Author
I loved I Think I Was Murdered by Colleen Coble and Rick Acker, Sharon. I have their latest on Audible, ready to listen to.
Great verse and picture. That was my Dad’s favorite song. My sister sang it at my Dad’s memorial, but replaced West Virginia with Pennsylvania.
My first line comes from A Very English Christmas by Carrie Turansky, Carol Lehr Johnson and Margurite Martin Gray:
Chauton (England)1816
Violet Walford dragged her wet brush across the vibrant green paint block and swept it over the paper, her strokes mimicking the sway of the grass in the field before her.
Author
I love that song, Paula and I’m glad it was sung at your Dad’s memorial! And that sounds like a fabulous book.
The Winter Guest – Pam Jenoff
PROLUGE
New York 2013
“They’re coming around again”, Cookie says in a hushed voice.
Happy Fri-yay! Enjoy your weekend.
Author
Thanks! Enjoy yours, Caryl…
Mistletoe and Mayhem by Janice Thompson
“Mom, please don’t cry.” I settled into the spot next to my mother on the sofa and rested my palm on her shoulder.
God gives everyone that lives the breath of life. I like to picture that as each baby is born. Loved the picture, and your fingers add to it.
John Denver was one of my favorites. I learned to play Today on my guitar but couldn’t do it today if my life depended on it.
Author
Thanks, Gail! I love that song as well. I wish I could play anything! lol
Lovely photo, Pat. I am about to start reading Sense and Suitability by Pepper Basham. It begins with:
Prologue
Emmeline Lockhart’s life teemed with secrets.
Author
I enjoy Pepper Basham’s books, too, Gloria!
sounds suspenseful
Author
It is, BN!
It sounds like a really interesting book. Thank you for sharing.
Author
It’s really interesting, Diana. And suspenseful…
I love this photo Pat! I must confess I was a little confused about seeing the fingers in the trees until I read your explanation. Very intriguing! Very fitting verse. Isn’t it comforting to know God always has us in the palm of His hands!
I’m reading the second novel, Apples Don’t Fall by Terry Toler in the 4 in 1 book, Secrets Beneath the Waves. “”The man at the bar had a gun. Ellie Austen had one as well.”
Blessed weekend!
Author
So glad you enjoyed the photo after figuring out the fingers, Mary G. 😉 I thought the photo was so unique. I have Secrets Beneath the Waves on my Kindle, and I hope to read it, maybe tonight!
That is such a meaningful picture and verse. I love it when something unexpected like that occurs in a photograph adding a depth that was not intended. The song fits with the picture even if the picture was taken in Tennessee. I’ve always enjoyed the song, but I switch one word to make it more personal to me. Instead of West Virginia, I say Old Virginia.
I finished reading Perilous Tides earlier today. Now I’m waiting for the third book. I’m getting ready to start reading Whispers of Fortune by Mary Connealy. I enjoy her historical Christian romances.
June 1874
A fist slamming against the door startled Beth Ellen Hart. She shrieked and dropped the china bowl she was washing, which shattered on the floor.
Author
I’m waiting for the third book, too, Edward. And I’ve got to read one of Mary Connealy’s books!
Look forward reading these books in print format so I can review them
Author
They are great books, Crystal!