Member Reviews

Once again, Terri Blackstock provides us with another fast-paced, gripping read—full of moments of action and unexpected twists equal to those of it’s predecessor. Blackstock skillfully creates a novel that is suspenseful, exciting, and completely addictive. The end of each chapter keeps you wanting more, making it an engrossing read that is extremely hard to put down. She continues to capture her readers with shocking—and some times infuriatingly unjust—developments, as well as characters that are easy to connect with and care about. And even as the book comes to a close, the final pages are enough to leave any reader craving more.

Casey and Dylan’s story continues as she runs for her life from the corrupt detectives who are bent on capturing her and as he works to save Casey from the dangers that lie back in Shreveport. Much like the first novel, this one is primarily a dual perspective narrative, split between Casey and Dylan. However, one notable difference is that we get a small glimpse into the mind of Detective Gordon Keegan, Casey’s most immoral and relentless pursuer.

Again, Blackstock does a wonderful job of giving each narrator a very distinctive voice, and I enjoyed being able to hear multiple sides of the story. Her writing and transitioning between perspective is very fluid, and she has a style that is easy to read and get swept away with. However, one thing I would have liked to have seen more of in terms of the narrative was Detective Keegan’s point of view. It made the story even more riveting to have a narrator speaking from such an opposing view to Casey’s and Dylan’s, but he ends up only narrating two chapters in the entire novel.

I loved getting to see more of Casey and Dylan, and really diving in to their personalities and what causes them to act in the ways that they do. There was a lot more detail about their individual struggles and how they are pushing on, trying to find ways to overcome these obstacles. It was also exciting to finally see their individual storylines truly—and literally—converge. These two kind and caring souls will do anything they can to make sure justice is served, and finally seeing them interact shows how well they compliment each other.

Casey is such an amazing heroine; she is so caring and puts everyone else’s needs above her own at all times. There were certain instances where I found myself a little frustrated by what she was doing. The obviously dangerous risks she was taking were much more prominent and a little bit more outlandish in this book. However, as I think back on these moments, they were very representative of her overall selflessness, and I applaud Blackstock for further demonstrating this as well as how she has both evolved and stuck with her natural instincts during her time as a fugitive.

I noted Blackstock’s ability to create very relatable and engaging characters in the first novel and that continues to be strong in this one as well. The subplots are definitely less developed than last time, however, this is indicative of Casey having a decreased ability to linger in one place for an extended amount of time. Despite this, I felt that the new side characters and their own storylines were fairly well-developed. She once again adds an equally intriguing subplot into the cat-and-mouse chase that is the main narrative.

This novel deals much more heavily with the subjects of faith and religion than the previous installment did—particularly on Christianity as a whole, and Casey’s gradual understanding of God. I find that it can be a rather difficult task to use these themes in a story without overpowering the reader, especially if they do not follow the same practices as described. Personally, I easily get very uncomfortable when reading about or discussing religion, simply because I believe it is a deeply personal and private thing. I am by no means against novels having elements of religion in them, in fact I applaud authors for using a subject like this, but only when it is done correctly.

Blackstock, in my opinion, went about addressing this topic in a good way. As I said, I find that I can be extremely sensitive to this subject being brought up—however, I did not feel completely overwhelmed by it at any point in time. While Blackstock does focus in on Christianity, the main message that she is sending is about having faith, both in ourselves and possibly in a power that is greater than any of us.

Casey is gradually building her own faith, her own view of God, of heaven, of prayer, and it is ever-changing as her journey continues. Her faith is woven into her struggle in a beautiful and poignant way, coming into her life when she needs it most. And Blackstock writes this all in a very accessible way, not one that would turn of the reader.

Casey’s journey into her own faith is something that most people go through and continue to go through for their entire lives. Faith and religion is something that is somewhat indefinable because we each experience it in a different way. It is constantly evolving, and it’s sole purpose is to provide us with what we need the most at any given time throughout our lives. This is the message that resonates in each detail of the experiences these characters go through in this novel—something that is unique to each one and fills them with the strength they need to carry on through the best and worst times.

The only real complaint I have with this novel is that I found some of the events to be a bit of a stretch when it came to believability. Like the previous book, Casey demonstrates her amazing intellect and self-preservation as she navigates the world under the radar of those searching for her. However, this time around, there were some moments that seemed just a little too perfect—a little too unlikely. Extreme situations that seemingly had no possible way to end well always managed to turn in her favor. And while I definitely enjoyed seeing her conquer each obstacle, some had a slight “deus ex machina” feel to them.

Even though I ended up not enjoying this book quite as much as the previous one, this was still an incredibly action-packed read that had me on the edge of my seat, wondering what would happen next. I flew through this book, cheering Casey and Dylan on, deeply feeling each moment of triumph and injustice. Blackstock knows how to grab a reader’s attention and not let go until the heart-pounding finale. I am really looking forward to reading more of this story and finding out the fates of these characters I have come to love.

Was this review helpful?

If I'm Found

I really enjoyed this second installment in the If I Run series. It's a fun, faced paced read. I love the main characters. They have great chemistry even though they aren't together a whole lot in the book. Casey is a kind, compassionate person that puts herself above others. Dylan always tries to do the right thing even when it puts him in danger and turns others against him. I really hope these two get together eventually. I'm really excited about the final book which comes out next year. I recommend reading this series in order starting with If I Run, and, if you're not good with cliff hangers, you may want to wait for the final book to come out and marathon the series.

I received this book for free for the purpose of review.

Was this review helpful?

AnothIer great heart stopping book by Terri Blockstock. I have loved every one of her books that I've read. Disappointing, was the ending of this one. It just abruptly ends and you're left knowing you have to wait a year for the next book in this series to come out. I, personally, prefer the ones that even though in a series, each book can stand alone. That being said, I did like the book very much. Full of action and suspense and a tad of romance towards the end.
Casey, the main character is running for her life while collecting information to help put some dirty cops away. They know she has evidence on them and they are desperately trying to frame her for murder and find her to put an end to the threat she has against them.
Casey has one man, Dylan, working on her side, while pretending to be on the side of the crooked policemen. Dylan is instrumental in leading Casey to Christ.

Was this review helpful?

The second book in the series but might just be Blackstock’s best book yet. A tight, suspenseful story that will leave you begging for more.

Casey Cox is on the run for a murder she didn’t commit. She has just gotten away again from the man tasked to bring her in, PI Dylan Roberts. He had her in his grasp but let her go. She has been emailing him, insisting her innocence and he is starting to believe her. He still isn’t sure he can trust her but each day a new piece of evidence turns up making her seem more believable than those after her. Casey is trying to gather evidence about the murder she is accused of and others, exposing deep corruption within the department that is trying to frame her. During her search, she also uncovers evidence of a child being abused and a man on the verge of suicide. Even though she knows she should focus on staying safe and clearing her own name, she can’t help trying to help others, even if she ends up found in the process and killed before she would make it to jail.

I have been a fan of Terri Blackstock for a long time and must say this might be her best book. It is hard for a second book in a series to be that good, a lot of times it is just filler for what is coming in the third (and usually final) in the series. I would advise reading the first in the series, just to have the background necessary to understand what the characters are going through. The tension was at a whole new level for Blackstock making this the best I have read by her. Casey and Dylan both have problems that make them flawed characters that we can relate to and want to root for. We might not all be running from a murder we didn’t commit or have PTSD, but we all have problems. At times the problems Casey finds herself in might seem a little hard to believe, but the way it is all set up with Casey being a people person and getting involved in others’ lives when she should be keeping to herself makes it easy to see how she could wind up in the situations she does. With all the close calls that Casey finds herself in, I was on the edge of my seat and couldn’t put the book down. It is only March but I have no doubt this will be in my top ten for the year. I recommend this book to everyone that enjoys a good suspense thriller that is clean, without unnecessary crude language or sex scenes throughout.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.

Was this review helpful?

I’ve been waiting a year for this book! And was it ever worth it! The story picks up shortly after the end of book one and the action keeps pounding!

Once again Terri Blackstock gives readers a fast paced adventure. Casey Cox is running for her life from crooked cops who killed her father. She is a smart and resource girl and it’s fun to watch her get out of scraps. She also has a big heart to help the less fortunate. In this story she steps into danger on behalf of two hurting people.

I love the secondary story line with Dylan’s PTSD. It’s been eye opening to see what many of our vets go through. It’s also sad. I’m looking forward to seeing what happens to Dylan when the series ends.

The story – AMAZING! Lots of action as Blackstock looks at situations that happen too often in life. And how our system often persecutes innocent people while guilty ones seem to get away with it.

If you read book one of the series you will definitely want to follow what happens next with Casey.

I do recommend reading the books in order. You might be able to pick up this book and enjoy it. But to get the fullness of the story you want to read book one.

Was this review helpful?

In the book If I’m Found, author Terri Blackstock continues the intriguing story of Casey who is on the run for the murder of her friend Brent that she did not commit. But the detectives investigating the murder are dirty and were involved in father’s death years earlier? Brent’s family has hired private detective Dylan Roberts. But Dylan believes that Casey is innocent and is working to help her and expose the corrupt detectives. But who else knows and is involved in the cover-ups?
I would highly recommend this fast pace, edge of your seat book for any reader. I look forward to the next book to see how Casey helps others while trying to bring to justice those that killed her father and friend.

Was this review helpful?

This is book two of the If I Run series and picks up right where book one finished. Casey is still on the run from the cops trying to find enough evidence to bring them down before they catch up to her. Dylan now believes she is innocent of the crime they say she committed. He has been hired to help catch her but instead is trying to collect the evidence needed to bring these cops down and keep Casey away from them until then. Story is fast paced and action filled. While on the run Casey stumbles across a separate crime where a man has been accused of something he didn’t commit and his world is falling apart because of it. Casey does her best to help prove him innocent, protect a little girl and put the guilty away all while trying to stay under the radar. She has a big heart and she can’t stop herself from helping others.

Due to influences from others in this book and the previous one Casey starts to look to God for help and begins to understand that He is there for her. I like both Dylan and Casey and do like the thought of them eventually getting together, but I struggled with their romantic connection to happen when it did, it felt weird for those feelings to come out when they did and felt rushed.

I really enjoy how Ms. Blackstock indicates the switch between POV’s clearly, this makes it easy for my brain to switch with them. It did feel weird reading from Keegan’s POV as we didn’t have this in the previous book.

I loved how the pastor described prayer: “When you pray it’s like you’re whispering into the ear of God himself. None of those prayers go unheard. They might not be answered like you hope or think they should be. You might ask for a car, and God gives you a bicycle. ... Prayers work. They come out of your mouth the way you want them to happen. Jesus translates them to the Father, telling him what it is we really need. And whatever happens, he makes sure that all things that happen are for our good.”

Book ends with one story wrapped up and the other still ongoing. Now to patiently wait for book 3 where the dirty cops will finally pay for all their crimes and Casey can safety return home (at least I hope that’s what happens).

Was this review helpful?

This is a top-notch suspense,just what one would expect from Terri Blackstock. A close follow-up to If I Run, we find Casey still on the lam and uncertain whom she can trust.

I love how Casey puts her own safety on the line more than once when she is convinced that someone else needs help. Casey is also quite concerned about others who stand to become potential victims because of her running. Casey seems to have a good head on her shoulders and really cares about those around her,whether those she has lost or those she stands to lose.

My one disappointment was I did not realize (silly me, don't most book series contain three books?) that everything would not wrap up at the end of If I'm Found.

I highly recommend this book. I obtained a complimentary copy from the publisher and NetGalley. This did not affect my opinions, which are solely my own.

Was this review helpful?

Ms. Blackstock is a wonder at developing characters with complex feelings and problems. It is these rich details that appeal to me as a reader. It makes the characters come alive. Blackstock turns the screw tighter in this book with tension and nail-biting conflict. I was not surprised to finish with me wanting to read the next chapter of this sojourn. For a full interview please see:

http://www.girl-who-reads.com/2017/03/review-if-im-found-if-i-run-2-by-terri.html

Was this review helpful?

Terri Blackstock always seems to satisfy my hunger for a good suspenseful read. I was immediately pulled into the suspense in If I'm Found. I have been waiting not so patiently for this book after the cliffhanger in If I Run. There are many twists and turns in the roller coaster plot of this book. Once again a cliffhanger. Bring on book three!

Was this review helpful?

This series is so good! Great suspense! Pretty sad themes (child abuse and suicide) in this book, but very realistic, as horrible as they are. Book may not be appropriate for some teens, or even adults, as a result.

Can't wait for the conclusion of this series!

I received an advanced copy from NetGalley.

Was this review helpful?

Once again I was left with my heart in my throat, and the wanting for justice to take place immediately, but alas it and life really don’t happen that way. This is the second book in this series, and yes the first is as good as the second, and now I anticipate the third, however they can stand alone, but you will want to know what our girl with the big heart did in the previous book.
Can you imagine looking at the face of evil and yet these are the people that you are supposed to rely on when there is trouble, members of law enforcement. Makes me so sad that the people you are supposed to trust are so untrustworthy, and I do realize that these are the rare few, but does one apple spoil the bushel, lets sure hope no. All the while I was reading this, I kept wanting justice for all, and yet for some it does come to late, how very sad.
I am really pulled into this story, and highly recommend the first two books in this series, you won’t be disappointed, and you will be waiting for book three along with me.
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Zondervan and was not required to give a positive review.

Was this review helpful?

This book comes out today! Full 5 stars for me. I was so excited to receive an advanced copy from NetGalley as I have been anxiously waiting to read what's happening with Casey Cox. This is the second book in Blackstock's "If I Run" series. You don't have to read the first book to find yourself completely wrapped up in this one but if you want the full experience of Casey's journey and struggles, you should.

We pick up right where If I Run left off. Casey is still on the run for a crime she didn't commit. Dylan is a private investigator who's been hired by his friend's parents to find her and bring her in. He saw her right at the end of the first book among all that action. He had a chance to catch her but he didn't. Is he believing her, that she didn't do this horrific crime? Yes, he believes her and now he's helping to gain the evidence needed to put the real criminals away. Casey is so clever through out this story. Being the daughter of a police officer she grew up learning things from him. She knows how to make herself invisible but yet because of her big heart and her wanting to do the right thing she seems to keep finding herself wrapped up in other's troubles. She just can't let things go when she sees something isn't right. We also see more of Dylan in this book and his PTSD.

Casey and Dylan finally connect for a short time in this book. He saves her and helps to heal her, I feel in more than one way. I love the little romance that seems to be blossoming between them. And once again we are left at the end wanting more. Casey and Dylan, now apart because they know they have to be in order to get all the evidence needed, continue to search...in the next book.

Thank you so much to Zondervan Fiction for approving my request and to NetGalley for allowing me a copy to read and review. And a huge thank you to Terri Blackstock for writing such great stories. This was an intense ride.

Was this review helpful?

‘If I’m Found’ is the second book in the If I Run series. I haven’t read the first book, ‘If I Run’ but I was told this wouldn’t be a problem. Since I love a good thriller/suspense novel this book sounded really good to me and I started reading as fast as I could.

In ‘If I’m Found’ we meet Casey Cox. Casey is accused of brutally killing her best friend. And she has been on the run ever since. Casey didn’t kill her best friend, but the people who did are very powerful, and have a lot they want to keep still. In the previous book, Casey helped free a young kidnapped girl, which almost got her caught herself. But private investigator Dylan, let her go. But does this mean he believes her to be innocent? Or is it all a trap? Although Casey most hide, since her face has been all over the news, she also needs to find proof she is not the one who brutally murdered her best friend. And in order to this, maybe she needs to start trusting someone.

From the very beginning I found ‘If I’m Found’ to be a very easy to read, very suspenseful novel. Although I didn’t read the first book, I definitely didn’t feel like I missed something big because the author made sure I still understood everything. Off course I think this book would be even better if you read the first one too, but it wasn’t a must.

The main characters Casey and Dylan are easy to like and to relate too. Casey is very good at hiding her identity which is very useful since the people she is up against are very powerful. But the thing that impressed me most about Casey, was the fact she was just so kind. Here she is in the middle of her own personal hell, but when she finds out an innocent man is being accused of sextual assault, she does everything she cans to proof he is innocent. As a fan of her character I wished she wasn’t so damn good because she really put herself in jeopardy, but it was a great way to make this book even more suspenseful.

And Dylan is suffering from PTSD. Although his character was a little harder to get to know than Casey, I loved reading how passionate and determined he was to find proof Casey is innocent. And above all I loved how unselfish he was. Here Dylan was, being unable to get a good night of sleep due to his PTSD but all he wants is to save Casey. I loved that about him.

There were two little things I didn’t really get in this book. The first one was Casey’s sudden believe in God and everything having it’s reason. I don’t mind if a character is religious at all, but to me this sounded like it was coming out of the blue. And on a personal note, I find it hard to believe there is a God when Casey is dealt so much crap, but that’s beside the point.

The other thing that I didn’t really get was the romance part at the end of the book. Maybe I missed something because I haven’t read the previous book, but that romance bit I definitely didn’t see coming. I just didn’t get that, and I think it didn’t really fit the story.

But overall I definitely think ‘If I’m Found’ is a great read. And I would love to be able to read more in this series. If you’re a fan of suspense novels, this is definitely a book you would like.

Was this review helpful?

Terri Blackstock, a best-selling author of Christian fiction, has another winner with If I'm Found, book two of the If I Run trilogy. If you haven't read book one, this review might have a few spoilers to it.

Casey Cox has been on the run since book one of the trilogy. In book one she found her friend's body and was framed for his murder by crooked cops. Book two picks up as she is running away again to avoid prosecution and probable death.

In addition to being pursued by the crooked cops, she is also being sought by Dylan Roberts, a private investigator who was hired by her friend's parents. Dylan says that he believes she is innocent and wants to help her. Casey is slightly skeptical. Both of them seek ways for her to clear her name and keep her safe.

The book is written with alternating points of view in different chapters. This works in part because each chapter is clearly labeled as to who is telling the story at that point. It's also effective because it lets us get into the different characters heads.

There are two interesting subplots. One is about Dylan's struggle with PTSD. The other has to do with Casey finding a suicide note and an abused girl. Both reveal more about the characters.

The book also has a small focus on the relationship Dylan and Casey have with their faith. In Casey's case, it is a question of establishing and developing faith. Dylan prays for Casey on at least one occasion.

The pace of the book is fast for the most part increasing towards the end as things come to a head. Even though you can pretty much tell "whodunit," how it will be resolved is still up in the air. Casey has to decide if she will trust Dylan among other things.

I had not read book one. I had no trouble getting into book two and up to speed on what was going on. Things are not totally resolved at the end of this book. It will leave you anxious to have book three in your hands.

I give this book 4 out of 5 stars. It's a good thriller. I would read book three to find out what happens next. It's well-written suspense.

If I'm Found is due to be released March 21, 2017 from Zondervan.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Was this review helpful?

After waiting a year to find out how the story for Casey Cox would continue, I had forgotten some things about the previous book in series, "If I Run". Thankfully, bit by bit details returned and I remembered. But a year waiting for a sequel is an awful long time. That having said, I enjoyed this new installment very much and I dreaded the ending, because I knew the author couldn't wrap it all up in this book . . . so now I'm wondering if I have to wait another year to see how things will end. Ack! So, I'm a bit frustrated and disappointed that I have to wait again, but besides that, this is an excellent series. The suspense is high, just like my heartbeat while reading. Blackstock is a fantastic writer and her characters are well developed.

Was this review helpful?

Once again Casey Cox is on the road to try to find evidence of her innocence in the murder of her best friend. Slowly the man hired to find her is beginning to believe she is innocent. But he still must find her if only to protect her from the evil and corrupt cops looking for her.

Casey is nearly caught several times in this story in the series leading to several heart stopping moments. She becomes entangled with two families with whom she is able to provide some relief. Unfortunately her role is not as evident as in the last book in the series.

Casey continues to be the " brace little girl" her long dead father called her as she tries to save herself, her family while helping strangers along the way. Her struggles with her life are much more difficult but she does have one thing in common with many of us. She is trying to run from those things that are evil or stressful or are challenging our life. So far she is close but not found.

Was this review helpful?

Looking for an edge of your seat suspense novel? Well, I say If I'm found is the book for you! It is book two in the series and you really need to have read book one (another edge of your seat read) to know what's going on. The gist of the story is Casey is on the run for a crime she didn't commit and Dylan has been hired to find her. The action is non-stop making it hard to put the book down for things like work or sleep!

From Amazon:

In this riveting sequel to the USA TODAY bestseller If I Run, evil lurks, drawing Casey out of the shadows . . . but there is light shining in the darkness.


Casey Cox is still on the run, fleeing prosecution for a murder she didn’t commit. Dylan Roberts—her most relentless pursuer—is still on her trail, but his secret emails insist he knows the truth and wants to help her. He’s let her escape before when he had her in his grasp, but trust doesn’t come easily.


As Casey works to collect evidence about the real murderers, she stumbles on another unbearable injustice: an abused child and a suicidal man who’s also been falsely accused. Casey risks her own safety to right this wrong and protect the little girl from her tormenters. But doing so is risky and may result in her capture—and if she’s captured, she has no doubt she’ll be murdered before she ever steps foot in a jail cell.

About the author:

Terri Blackstock has sold over seven million books worldwide and is a New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author. She is the award-winning author of Intervention, Vicious Cycle, and Downfall, as well as such series as Cape Refuge, Newpointe 911, the SunCoast Chronicles, and the Restoration Series.

Was this review helpful?

Casey Cox still continues to run from the man sent to capture her, and bring her home so she can be formally sentenced with her friends death. While she didn't commit the murder she is being accused of, she still feels the need to flee for her own personal safety, the folks hunting her down had a hand in her father's death and she knows if they catch up to her she is likely to be next on their list of casualties. Casey knew all along her father's death was not a suicide and now she has all the information she needs to prove it, only the men involved in covering up her father's murder want to keep her quiet because they are afraid of all of their shady dealings being discovered.

When Dylan Roberts set out to capture the woman responsible for murdering his friend he thought it was an easy case to tackle, but the farther he digs into Casey's past, the more he realizes the people who he is supposed to be helping are not exactly on the up and up. They have deep ties to Casey's father's death and they know she is closing in on them, and they want to keep her silent. Now Dylan finds himself wanting to protect the very woman he is supposed to be capturing and turning over the police.

The moment you start this one you will be pulled right back into the thick of things with Casey and Dylan, feeling as though you never really left them, and also finding yourself right back on the edge of your seat. This addictive story line is packed with twists and turns, heartfelt emotion, and carried out by two endearing characters that you can't help but root for, and have hope for! I loved revisiting them, seeing their personal growth since the first installment, watching them find hope in the darkest of places, and now I am anxiously awaiting the third installment to see how it all ends for them!

Highly recommend this series, it is sure to take you on a thrilling literary ride!!

I voluntarily requested, read and reviewed an advanced copy of this title.

Was this review helpful?

I received this book for free from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

"If I’m Found" by Terri Blackstock is the second Christian Fiction thriller in a series (If I Run). I love Terri Blackstock’s books because they depict the struggles and sin of real life.

“If I’m Found” picks up immediately where the first book ends… with Casey fleeing from authorities after helping Laura Daly and her child to escape. The book follows their attempts to get evidence to exonerate Casey from Brent’s murder (the thing that started her running in the first book). Casey is very resourceful and it is interesting read how she evades those searching for her.

Casey can’t turn off her desire to help others. Once again, she is almost caught and comes close to being murdered because of her need. At times, you want to yell at her to just stop and do what she needs to do to survive.

If you or someone you love suffers from PTSD, parts of this book may be hard to read. However, Ms. Blackstock writes of the disorder and ways to help those suffering. Hunting Casey and then assisting her gives Brent a purpose.

This book is Christian Fiction and the author discusses how to be saved and feel God speaking to you. She talks about prayers and how “none of those prayers go unheard. They might not be answered like you hope or think they should be.” “You might ask for a car, and God gives you a bicycle.” She also explains what it means to be “washed in the blood.” These passages are beautifully written.

I have read the first book in this series, too and can’t wait to read the next one to find out how Casey and Dylan are going to get enough evidence to finally put Keegan, Rollins and their buddies away! Notice the book covers when they are side by side as they make a cool larger picture. Truly enjoyed the note from the author. Read it and practice “intentional gratitude”!

Was this review helpful?