Sherri Wilson Johnson’s Desolate Escape is this week’s Reader Friday selection. I really enjoyed this romantic suspense story set at Bon Secour Beach in Alabama.
But first, the photo and scripture. I almost titled the photo taken by my friend Deb Smith a Winter’s Sunset, but winter isn’t here yet…that’s not for another eleven days. 🙂 I think she captured the beauty of a cold day! I missed this shot so I’m glad she got it. And the scripture fits so well. I don’t know how anyone can look up at the skies and not believe in God!
Now for Sherri Wilson Johnson’s Desolate Escape…
First line: “Dr. Lacey Elrod stepped off the boardwalk onto the sugar-white sands of Bon Secour Beach fully clothed and sipping last night’s reheated coffee in a travel mug.”
It was just a weekend reunion among old friends. How did it turn so deadly?
Dr. Lacey Elrod is the first-ever medical examiner for her hometown, a place that should be safe from serial killers. But when someone murders one of her high school best friends on the morning of the wedding of two other friends, Lacey must trust U.S. Fish and Wildlife Officer Matthew Flick, the man she left fourteen years ago, to keep her safe and help her find the Dunes Killer before he strikes again. After more murders among their friend group, Lacey and Matt suspect one of their old friends of being the Dunes Killer. But when that friend turns up dead too, they must work together to rid their town of the killer.
Can Matt move past his hurt with Lacey for how she handled their unwanted teenaged pregnancy and how it ruined his plans to go into the ministry? Will Lacey be able to forgive herself? Both struggle with their faith and with each other as they track the Dunes Killer before he succeeds at killing them.
My take:
Sherri Wilson Johnson did a great job of setting the scene around Bon Secour Beach in Gulf Shores, Alabama. Lacey is a strong character and it was fun watching her and Matt go toe-to-toe. The mystery is intriguing, and just as I think I have it figured out, there’s another twist that sends me off in a different direction. There are strong characters with plenty of motives for the murder. I liked Lacey and found her believable in her job as a medical examiner.
It’s available on Amazon and Amazon KU.
Gulf Shores, Alabama, has some of the prettiest beaches I’ve seen. Do you like stories set on beaches? Or prefer them in the mountains, or does it matter?
Leave a comment and I’ll enter you in a drawing for a 2022 calendar that I made from the memes appearing at the head of my blogs. The winner will be announced on December 17…my last blog for 2021. With everyone so busy with Christmas, I plan to take off until after the first of the year. Oh, and I’ll announce the winner of Labyrinth of Lies by Irene Hannon on the 17th as well!
I'm reviewing Sherry Wilson Johnson's Desolate Escape on my Reader Friday blog today. Leave a comment and I'll enter you in a December 17 drawing for a 2022 calendar I had made from the memes on my blog. Share on X
Discover more from Patricia Bradley
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Comments 34
Pat, I can feel the shiver of those cold winter days in Michigan and Minnesota in that photo. Good matching verse.
“Desolate Escape” looks like a good book. I have not read anything by Ms Johnson before, so it looks like a good way to start. Thanks Pat for introducing us to great authors.
“The branch made a creaky noise when I crawled out on it, and the ground looked really far away.” This is the first line from Kay DiBianca’s book, “Time After Tyme”.
Author
Thanks, Tim! Sorry I’m late but today was the annual board meeting for the non-profit I helped start and serve as secretary/treasurer and it has taken all day to get ready for it and wrap it up. lol
Great first line…I have Kay’s book on my TBR table!
It sounds like great leading characters in a winning setting.
Author
Very interesting story, Delores! Thanks for stopping by.
Patricia, you’ve convinced me! Thanks for shaving Sherri’s book.
Author
You’re welcome, Connie. I really enjoyed this story.
I enjoy Medical Examiner books and TV shows, so this book sounds intriguing. I watched an autopsy on You Tube once. By the time it was finished, I was surprised to find myself in complete worship to God. How marvelous and intricate God created us!
I throughly enjoy medical examiner books and TV show, so this book sounds intriguing to me. I watched an autopsy on You Tube once. I was totally surprised to find myself in complete worship at the conclusion. Psalm 139 tells us how marvelously God designed us. I sure saw his handiwork that day.
I like both mountain and beach settings for stories. But I don’t enjoy skimpy descriptions on the clothing.
Yes that’s me too!So many amazing and wonderful things in GODS creation of us.
Author
I agree, Judy!
Author
It looks like your computer is related to mine, Barbara! Everything today has been wonky. lol. Sherri’s book is clean so no skimpy clothes. 🙂
Sorry , I don’t know what happened to my post above! I guess pick and choose the statements
I have this book. I bought it last month so I need to read it soon. Thanks for the review. Love the photo and scripture. Very nice. I enjoy both beach and mountain settings. I think mountain settings make a more suspenseful backdrop.
Author
I’m hoping so, Gloria, since my next series is set in the mountains!
This sounds like an intriguing read! THANKS for sharing!
Author
Thanks for dropping by, MS Barb! It is an intriguing read.
I love looking at the clouds and the sun peeking through the way they are in this picture. That multitude of small clouds almost look like angels. Good verse selection.
I can’t say I have a particular preference of mountains or seashore for book settings. I enjoy visiting both, so books in either setting offer enjoyable reading.
Author
Edward, I like both settings, too, but publishers seem to prefer the mountains. lol. And I love Deb’s photo!
That photo is beautiful! This book sounds quite intriguing. I always enjoy reading your reviews.
Author
Thank you, Megan! I think I used the wrong email address for you, so I’ll try and contact you again about winning November’s drawing.
Beautiful photo. It sounds like a really interesting book. Thank you for sharing.
Author
Thanks, Diana! It is interesting, and I really enjoyed the characters.
Beautiful scripture and photo. Thank you for sharing. Merry Christmas.
Author
Thanks, Lucy. I loved that photo and scripture together. Merry Christmas to you, too!
Thank you so much for the wonderful review. I’m so glad you enjoyed the book!
Author
I did! Looking forward to the next one, Sherri.
Author
So good to ‘see’ you here, Sherri! Looking forward to your next book!
love the picture and verse! Book sounds so interesting too! Merry Christmas!
Author
Hi Shelia and thank you! And the book is really interesting. Merry Christmas!
any setting
Author
I’m that way, too! Good to ‘see’ you here. 🙂
Love the scripture and photo, Pat!
Thank you for sharing Sherri Johnson’s novel.
Author
Thanks, Caryl. And I think you’d enjoy Sherri’s book.
Sounds like a wonderful read!!!
Author
It is, Natalya! And thank you for stopping by.