When Death Draws Near by Carrie Stuart Parks is this week’s Reader Friday. Here’s the first line in Chapter One: “Ma’am, Sheriff Reed told me to come and get you.” This book kept me up past midnight so I could finish it! But first the photo and scripture.
This photo was taken about six years ago when I visited Minnesota. It was a great trip, one I hope to repeat. And I thought this verse fit very well. 🙂
Now onto When Death Draws Near by Carrie Stuart Parks. Here’s the cover and back copy:
Gwen Marcey takes death in stride. Until she’s faced with her own mortality.
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, Gwen turns her attention to a second assignment: going undercover in a serpent-handling church. She could get a handsome reward for uncovering illegal activity—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?
In a thrilling race against time, When Death Draws Near plunges us into cold-case murders, shady politics, and a den of venomous suspects.
My Take:
Oh, wow! I started reading When Death Draws while I was waiting in the doctor’s office for a routine check-up, and I was so caught up in the story, I wasn’t in a hurry for the doctor to get there. I finished it at midnight later that day.
Carrie Stuart Parks’ books are some of my favorites, in particular, the Gwen Marcey series. She is such a strong woman! This story grabbed me from the get-go and didn’t let go. Absolutely no one in the story was who they seemed except Gwen…and maybe Blake. Time will tell about him, but I’m so glad Gwen has a love interest! And her ex-husband. I’d like to just wring his neck!
The mystery is gripping, what with people dying from snake bites and poison. It’s a story I believe readers of romantic suspense will love! This is the third book in the series and was released back in 2016. I don’t know why I haven’t read it until now! Unless it’s because it was on my Kindle and somehow got lost! At any rate, I’m delighted I found it!
Have you ever “lost” a book? Leave me a comment on that or the first line of the book you’re reading and I’ll enter you in a May drawing for a book from my library.
When Death Draws Near by Carrie Stuart Parks is this week's Reader Friday. Drop by my blog and leave a comment and I'll enter you in a drawing for a book from my library. Click To TweetNext week, if I can get permission from my editor, I’m going to post a video of me reading the first chapter of the book releasing in August!
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Comments 36
That photo sure illustrates the narrow path. I’ll bet it’s scary during one of those infamous squalls on Lake Superior. The verse says it all.
I “lost” a book that a friend lent me for a time. It was a tome, and I had never read such a long book. When my friend got around to asking how I was liking it, I had to start reading. The book was Isaac Asimov’s “Foundation Trilogy”, and it turned out to be one of the best works of science fiction I’d read up to that point.
“‘It’s time to go, sweetie.'” Jamie shook her head. Words collided in her throat, releasing in a squeak of protest.” are the first lines of “Delayed Justice” by Cara Putman. It’s part of her Hidden Justice series. It’s a tough book that deals with Jamie’s attempt to overcome the trauma of those first lines twenty years later. She was molested by an uncle starting at age 8. Now she’s an attorney in the public defender’s office, and ready to face her uncle in court.
Author
That first line is ominous, Tim! I’ve never read much of Isaac Asimov’s work…must remedy that. The photo was taken on a cold May day–the leaves had not yet put out on the tree. And that reminds me of another photo I’ll use next week! Thank you!! 😉
I enjoy Carrie Stuart Park’s books too. I cannot remember a book that I lost at the moment. I just finished A Sprinkle In Time by Dana Mentink. The first line is:
Trinidad Jones had never before realized how much her senior dog Noodles appreciated yodeling.
Author
I lose books on my Kindle, Gloria. 🙂 Dana’s book sounds interesting!
Love, love, love the photo! It looks like an adventure. That also looks like a lighthouse in the background on the right? The Scripture…perfect.
Indeed, Carrie’s books will keep you awake at night. I read, When Death Draws Near, at night, but I wish it had been in the daytime!
Yes, I’ve lost several books, but to people whom I’ve lent them to and they were never returned. Grrrr.
I’m getting ready to start reading The Debutante’s Code by Erica Vetsch. “If you lean out any farther, you’ll end up in the drink.” It’s a story about a debutant’s parents who have been living a double life as spies for the crown.
I hope your editor allows you to read the first chapter of Deception on video. It would definitely be well-worth watching!
Author
Erica’s book sounds like something I’d love. And the trip was an adventure! We left there and went on to Thunder Bay, Canada, before turning around and returning to Maple Grove, MN. 🙂
Yep, definitely a fun adventure. Plus Canada! Yay! The pic also looks like a scene in an old Nancy Drew Movie.
Author
It was definitely a fun trip!
I love your books especially the Natchez Trace series, as I feel a connection. I lived in Kosciusko for 31 yrs. and now in Raymond not far from the trace. I would like to read Stuart’s new book. Thanks for writing.
Author
Hi Judy! I love that area of Mississippi and will be in Weir, near Mississippi State in July. 🙂
Oh, wow! I have many of hers on my TBR list. Now, it’s a must. Yes, I have lost books. It’s never a good thing.
First line “Miss Willadean Dearmon found the body on the courthouse steps at exactly 8:59 a.m.” by A H Gabhart
Author
That one I have to read, Lisa! In fact, it may be on my Kindle now. lol
I have lost books and then celebrated when I found them again!
Author
Absolutely, Shelia! Glad you stopped by.
Pat, is that the Grand Marais Lighthouse? I love that picture. The verse goes with it so well!
I am definitely going to seek out Carrie Stuart Parks’s book. It sounds interesting, plus the setting in Pikeville, KY. I have spent a night there on two occasions (also lived in Central Kentucky for almost four years).
I’m reading Irene Hannon’s Sea Gate Cottage. I don’t know why I keep punishing myself reading her Hope Harbor series. I read about how much people are enjoying Charley’s fish tacos, my mouth starts watering, and I can’t find fish tacos anywhere that seem to be as good as she describes Charley’s. LOL! First line: Asking for help from a man who hated you was hard.
Author
Edward, yes, it is the Grand Marais Lighthouse! Beautiful area. I hate to read about a food I love and then not be able to find it. lol And that first line is intriguing!
I love that verse! It’s my go-to when I’m feeling indecisive.:-)
Oh goodness, yes, I’ve lost a book before. I lost a library book once, years ago.:-( But I haven’t lost a book in decades, yay!
Good review, Patricia!
Author
Thanks, Priscilla! I really enjoy Carrie’s books. Thanks for stopping by.
Beautiful picture! The verse fits it so well. I’m going to have to check out Carrie’s books. I have never read any. This sounds like a great book. I’m reading The Dark Guest (The Cold War Legacy, #1) by Sarah Hamaker. You have a date tonight? Rainer Kopecek smiled from his seat by the window, which overlooked the manicured lawn of the Happy Hill Assisted Living Facility.
Author
I really enjoy Sarah’s books, Erika! I think I’ve reviewed this one, if not, I need to!
never lost a book
Author
I applaud you, BN! I haven’t lost many, except on my Kindle and those aren’t really lost. lol
I don’t remember ever losing a book. I mean they are a precious gem…right?
Author
Right! I don’t actually lose them, Lucy…I just can’t always find where I hid them. 🙂
I don’t remember losing a book. It sounds like a really interesting book. Thank you for sharing.
Author
Diana, see the answer to Lucy’s comment. lol It is a very interesting book!
I’ve had books I bought and was super excited to read and then I misplaced them on a shelf and didn’t come across them foe a time.
Author
That’s what I do, Megan! Thanks for stopping by.
“Your Majesty, I am afraid the news is not good. “ In Search of a Prince by Toni Shiloh
I lose books all the time. Hence, it is the reason I have duplicates
Author
Sonnetta, I have that book! Now to find it so I can read it!!
Love the scripture and photo!
Carrie Stuart Parks is an exceptional author. I enjoyed the Gwen Marcey series.
Author
Thanks, Caryl! I have really enjoyed the Gwen Marcey series and hope she adds to it!
I often do get “lost” in a story, especially a good one! The latest one I did was Karen Kingsbury…she always draws me in & it only takes me 24 hrs to read them. I read “The Baxters: A Prequel and here’s the first line:
“Outside Kari Baxter’s French bedroom window, storm clouds gathered in the early morning sky over Bloomington, Indiana. Dark and tinged in green. Tornado clouds.”
Author
Trixi, I think a bomb could go off beside me when I’m reading and I probably wouldn’t even notice. lol Love the ominous sound of that opening!
Our Central Church bookclub is reading Terri Blackstock’s AFTERMATH. A really good book. Terri always has good mysteries just like you Patricia. I’m looking forward to DECEPTION. I know our bookclub will enjoy it.
Author
Thank you, Jane! Terri is also from Mississippi, the Jackson area. And I love her books! I’d love to visit with your bookclub if you do choose it. Either in person (depending on where you live, and forgive me if I should know. I still have deadline brain!) or via Zoom.