Member Reviews
If I Live is the 3rd book in Terri Blackstock's If I Run trilogy. I loved the suspense in these books although I am not sure your average person could manage to survive what Casey and Dylan went through. If I Live is fast paced and keeps you on the edge of your seat. Some of the scenes did make a little queasy, but they were necessary to the realism of the story. I have come to love Casey and Dylan so that I am sad to reach the end of their story. All in all, If I Live is a totally satisfying read.
I was given this book by NetGalley.com for review purposes. All thoughts are my own.
https://www.amazon.com/If-Live-Run-Terri-Blackstock/dp/0310332540/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1517712559&sr=8-1&keywords=if+i+live+terri+blackstock
From Amazon:
“If I Live is a grabber from page one, delivering an exhilarating mix of chase, mystery, and spiritual truth. Longtime Blackstock fans will be delighted, and new Blackstock fans will be made.” —James Scott Bell, bestselling author of the Mike Romeo thrillers
THE HUNT IS ALMOST OVER.
Casey Cox is still on the run after being indicted for murder. The hunt that began with her bloody footprints escalates, and she’s running out of places to hide. Her face is all over the news, and her disguises are no longer enough. It’s only a matter of time before someone recognizes her.
Dylan Roberts, the investigator who once hunted her, is now her only hope. Terrifying attempts on Dylan’s life could force Casey out of hiding. The clock is ticking on both their lives, but exposing the real killers is more complicated than they knew. Amassing the evidence to convict their enemies draws Dylan and Casey together, but their relationship has consequences. Will one life have to be sacrificed to protect the other?
With If I Live, Terri Blackstock takes us on one more heart-stopping chase in the sensational conclusion to the If I Run series.
“Crisp dialogue and unexpected twists make this compulsive reading. . .” —Publishers Weekly review of If I Run
About the author:
Biography
Terri Blackstock is a New York Times best-seller, with over six million copies sold worldwide. She has had over twenty-five years of success as a novelist. Terri spent the first twelve years of her life traveling in an Air Force family. She lived in nine states and attended the first four years of school in The Netherlands. Because she was a perpetual "new kid," her imagination became her closest friend. That, she believes, was the biggest factor in her becoming a novelist. She sold her first novel at the age of twenty-five, and has had a successful career ever since.
In 1994 Terri was writing for publishers such as HarperCollins, Harlequin, Dell and Silhouette, when a spiritual awakening drew her into the Christian market. As she was praying about her transition, she went on a cruise and noticed that almost everyone on the boat (including her) had a John Grisham novel. It occurred to her that some of Grisham's readers were Christians, and that if she wrote a fast-paced thriller with an added faith element, she might just find her niche. As God would have it, Christian publishers were showing interest in the suspense genre, so she quickly sold a four-book series to Zondervan. Since that time, she's written over thirty Christian titles, most of them suspense novels.
Besides entertaining her readers, Terri tackles issues that she hopes will change lives. Her recent book, Predator, was inspired by her experiences on Facebook and Twitter, and her concern that people posted too much personal information about themselves. The book deals with an online predator who uses social networks as his playground. She hopes the book will change readers' online habits. Her New York Times best-seller, Intervention, was inspired by her own personal struggles with a daughter on drugs. In the book, a mother hires an interventionist for her drug-addicted daughter. But on the way to treatment, the interventionist is murdered, and the daughter disappears. Barbara, the mother, sets out to search for her daughter. Terri modeled Barbara after herself, and poured many of her own emotions and experiences into that character. As a result, many families experiencing drug addiction have written to thank her for telling their story and giving them hope.
Other recent books include her stand-alone novel Shadow in Serenity, and Vicious Cycle (Book 2 in her Intervention Series). She's also known for popular series such as the Restoration Series, the Cape Refuge Series, the Newpointe 911 Series, and the SunCoast Chronicles series.
I was honestly really excited to finish off this trilogy, but I wasn't impressed. It just felt like a waste of time and hardly nothing happened.
"I don't know if I'm talking to God in the right way, but I have learned that Jesus intercedes for me."
Since the first book in this series, If I Run, I have been hooked and have been waiting two years for the ending. What an ending Blackstock gives her readers!
Casey is hiding out in Memphis in this last book but she knows now that Dylan believes her story, that she did not kill Brent Pace or the others and that she truly is innocent of all the charges against her. Casey makes plans to turn her evidence over to the DA, only to discover that he is in cahoots with Detective Keegan and Rollins as well! Trying to fight against police corruption is beginning to seem completely impossible. Casey is also finding her footing in her newfound faith and trusting God is hard when every step you take you are hunted down like a major criminal.
Blackstock takes her readers along for the ride of their life in this most satisfying conclusion to the series. I was on pins and needles throughout, could barely put the book down. Through many twists and turns, not to mention a few gasp-worthy surprises along the way, the book is brought to a wonderful ending. Readers of Blackstock's suspense books will be amazed at how fast she moves along in this book. Catapulting her readers into the dangers her characters face is her specialty. I enjoyed every moment.
*My thanks to the publishers for the preview copy of this book. All opinions are entirely my own.
If I Live, the third and final book in Blackstock’s If I Run series, is a fantastic conclusion to an action-packed series. Casey Cox is still on the run after being indicted for murder and Dylan Roberts, the investigator who once hunted her, is now her only hope. Can Casey and Dylan finally prove Casey’s innocence?
Christian Fiction and suspense are a great combo in my opinion. However, if you’re more a suspense junkie than a fan of Christian Fiction, have no fear. While faith plays a part in this story, it is by no means what the entire book is about. It’s talked about at times, but even then is not shoved down the readers throats. The suspense is fast-paced and page turn worthy.
This is one series I recommend you read from the beginning, don’t start here. You need the setup from If I Run and If I’m Found before you can fully appreciate the conclusion. Being that the series is only a trilogy, readers can read them all quickly.
I enjoyed this series so much I wish there were more, but I’m satisfied with the conclusion. I’m glad Casey can finally stop running! Read this trilogy. You’ll thank me later.
Incredible conclusion to this three part series. I had never read Terri Blackstock before but this makes me want to read more of her books. I dont't usually like books written in first person, but the way this was written, it just grabbed me and I couldn't put it down. The conclusion was perfect and tied up all the loose ends. I have been recommending this series to anyone who will listen. I absolutely loved it!
"If I Live" is a fantastic conclusion to this great series. I always love Terri Blackstock books and series. This is no exception! In fact this is one of her best. The conclusion after spins and turns is well done! I do suggest reading the first two for this book to be totally enjoyed! I voluntarily received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed this series! I had not read this author before and I was pleased with how much I enjoyed her writing. The plot moved along at a great pace and I couldn't wait to see what happened next. The first two books set readers up for the final book and what would happen to Casey. The ending was exciting and perfect. It wrapped up the series in a great way.
Casey Cox is still on the run after being indicted for murder. The hunt that began with her bloody footprints escalates, and she’s running out of places to hide. Her face is all over the news, and her disguises are no longer enough. It’s only a matter of time before someone recognizes her.
Dylan Roberts, the investigator who once hunted her, is now her only hope. Terrifying attempts on Dylan’s life could force Casey out of hiding. The clock is ticking on both their lives, but exposing the real killers is more complicated than they knew. Amassing the evidence to convict their enemies draws Dylan and Casey together, but their relationship has consequences. Will one life have to be sacrificed to protect the other?
This is the continuing story of Casey Cox as she runs for her life from the persons responsible for her fathers death and that of her best friend. I was reading up into the night to finish the book because I didn't wand to put it down.
The negative side to this series is that books one and two didn't end. Casey is still on the run at the end of them. I dislike that. I want a book to finish. This was one book split into three.
I would recommend getting all three books and reading them straight through.
I was given this book by Net Galley in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated in any way.
This time around, I've jumped from reading the middle of a series of books, to straight up reading the last book in the series first. But If I Live by Terri Blackstock was still a great read! It's been a while since I've read a book by Blackstock, and I was reminded in this book of why I collect and hang on to her stories.
If I Live tells the story of Casey Cox and her time on the run from a corrupt cop. Aided by an investigator who was previously chasing after her, Cox sets out to prove her innocence. Cox is being framed for the death of a friend (this storyline must be explained in previous books in this series). And because of the word of one police officer, her face is plastered all over the news. It appears Cox has run because she doesn't believe anyone else will work to actually solve the crime in lieu of the evidence planted suggesting she was the murderer.
I definitely need to go back and read the first two books in this series. That will give me a much better understanding of the story. Despite that, I enjoyed reading If I Live. Blackstock is a detailed storytelling and weaves a narrative filled with suspense.
Wow what a great book! Terri Blackstock has hit another home rung with her newest book, If I Live. A well crafted plot that will keep you on the edge of your seat. I recommend this book to anyone who loves a good suspense
And so concludes the If I Run series. If I Live finishes the series with a whole lot of tension, lots of near-death moments, and some long-awaited romance. The action and suspense in If I Live picks up right where book two left off, and, finally, Casey Cox has a chance for justice - if she can stay alive long enough.
If I Live is the third and final book in the If I Run series. I recommend that this series be read in chronological order to fully understand the crimes detailed within and the overall plot line. Since the first book, Casey Cox has been on the run, trying to stay one step ahead of the criminals who have framed her for the death of her best friend. Now, Casey has Private Investigator Dylan Roberts on her side. It is just a matter of staying alive long enough to bring the evidence to light.
The If I Run series has been one tense ride from book one all the way up until If I Live. I don’t think there is a slow moment amongst all three books. If I Live is the perfect conclusion to the story. The chapters are written from alternating perspectives, predominately Casey and Dylan’s, but the bad guy gets a few sections of his own, allowing the reader a glimpse of his plans and motives, and only increasing the suspense. I couldn’t put this book down once I started reading it and I literally read it while on the edge of my seat.
But it isn’t only action, mystery and suspense that will have readers hooked to If I Live. Casey and Dylan finally get a chance to explore their growing feelings. Their romance has developed slowly over the three books, from enemies, the hunted and the hunter, to allies and the only safe person in each other’s lives. It was so wonderful to see them finally get a few stolen moments to just enjoy each other’s company.
I highly recommend the If I Run series to readers of crime-driven suspense, especially if they want a series that doesn’t hold back on tension. All three books should be read in series order, and are well worth enjoying. I am sad to have finished Casey and Dylan’s story, but I am totally satisfied with the ending they were given.
Oh, and have you noticed how all three book covers line up to complete one image? Awesome.
The publishers provided an advanced readers copy of this book for reviewing purposes. All opinions are my own.
This book is a page turner wanting to find out what is going to happen.
This has been a long wild ride that I am happy to see finally over. It is really a picture of good versus evil in this world. Casey is trying to stay out of reach of the corrupt cops from her hometown of Shreveport, Louisiana that killed her father and framed her for her best friend's death. Brent, a journalist, was helping Casey find answers to what happened to her father. Her dad's death was staged as suicide but Casey and her family know that he was murdered. Brent got too close in his investigation and was murdered. His phone was tapped and "they" knew that he wanted Casey to go to see him on her lunch break. But Casey found Brent's body. She has been on the run since and has managed to stay just out of their reach. She has gotten to know and trust Dylan Roberts, Brent's childhood friend and former criminal investigator in the Army, hired by Brent's parents to find her and bring her back to Shreveport. Casey and Dylan got to know each other through emails when Dylan decided that she might be innocent. Casey sent Dylan a flash drive that Brent got off to her before his death. It contained information from his investigations, incriminating information about the corruption in the department, including homicides and blackmails. Dylan is out to make sure that justice is served, wherever it leads. He is convinced of Casey's innocence at this point. His life and Casey's life, as well as others, have been in danger and not just from the cops but other evil people encountered along the way. Both have been injured and had close calls. The story comes to an end but what a cost to people along the way. I was surprised at the depth of evil and hatred espoused by especially one person and his minions. But their faith helps both Casey and Dylan through this fight. Part of Casey's problem is that she wants to help others that she meets and she really can't afford to expose herself and get caught. This is an intense series that really should be read in order. It is an amazing story with an intense finish. Get ready to lose sleep and enjoy edge of your seat reading.
Thanks to NetGalley and Zondervan Publishing for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Not that long ago, I wrote a blog post about why suspense authors can't carry the suspense over one book. Television shows do it every season, so why can't books do the same thing. Terri Blackstock took the idea of a suspense that carries over three books, and I have loved them all.
The plot moved very fast with the final conclusion to Blackstock's If I Run series, If I Live. Just like the previous two books, Casey Clark was on the run from the law and didn't know who to trust. I really enjoyed following and getting to know Casey as she star lighted in three different novels. In If I Live, just when I thought the novel was completed, Blackstock threw a twist in the plan and made Casey and me struggle a little more to that moment of happiness. I really enjoyed that. This third book was worth waiting for. I stayed up really late finishing the book in one day. It was great.
Through the entire three novels, I watched as Casey finally learned to trust God and give all her struggles over to him. She learned to lean on him and see his movement in her dire situations. Her transformation story was really cool to watch. Blackstock's ability to dig deep into what it really means to hunt and surrender to God stroke a cord with me.
Dylan is a huge character in the final book. I think he gets more air time in the If I Live than Casey does. He works really hard to free her, so he can spend the rest of his life getting to know her. He was a strong, honorable man of God. I liked him as a hero. He grew on me.
The romance developed over the three novels, and I liked how Casey and Dylan had to learn to trust each other and started to fall in love with each other by the end of the series. I really enjoyed how Dylan didn't want to rush the relationship at the end because he understood that relationships that start under dire circumstances might not last. He wanted to take it slow and get to understand the real Casey. That was realistic.
Overall, If I Live by Terri Blackstock is a fast-pace thrilling ending to a three book suspense series with an admirable heroine and a hero worth waiting for. I really enjoyed this series. Now I need to sit down and read all three of them in a row to fully grasp the story. Fans of Lynette Eason, I believe, would love this series. I really hope more suspense writers create a story that lasts more than one novel.
I received a complimentary copy of If I Live by Terri Blackstock from Zondervan Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.
IF I LIVE has been one of my most anticipated releases. I've been clamoring to find out what the outcome would be for Casey. It's been a thrilling, and oft times anxiety-ridden, ride following along with Casey as she's been on the run after being set up for her best friend's murder.
This book was a real edge of your seat thrill ride. It's extremely fast-paced, moving at a breakneck speed. There's so much action, danger, and suspense that I could hardly catch my breath and many places throughout where it felt like my heart was going to pound right out of my chest. There were quite a few twists and turns and I never knew what would happen next.
This whole series is written in an extremely engaging way, keeping me fully invested in the lives of the characters. One of my favorite aspects has been seeing the way Casey and Dylan have grown in their faith and relationship with God.
IF I LIVE was such a great conclusion to the series. It did not disappoint. It definitely lived up to my expectations and was everything I'd hoped it would be. I seriously can't recommend it highly enough. If you've read the previous books in this series, IF I LIVE is a must read. If you haven't started this series yet, start with book one and prepare yourself for an exhilarating, unputdownable adventure.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.
I really loved this series but If I live was a bit slower to read then the first two in the series. I was expecting as much action and thrills as the first two books. Casey and Dylan were great characters and Keegan was the perfect villain to this story. Loved this series but the conclusion was a bit slow. I would read all three books back to back because once you start you will want to keep going to the conclusion.
IF I LIVE is the third and final book In TERRI BLACKSTOCK's IF I RUN series. Although it is all right to read it as a stand alone, I recommend reading IF I RUN and IF I'M FOUND first. This not only helps in understanding the story but also shows us how Casey's relationship with Dylan and her relationship with the Lord unfold.
It is a gripping suspense novel with a strong Christian message. We see police corruption at its worst, spreading out like a huge net, affecting so many lives. No wonder the dirty cops will do anything to keep the truth from getting out!
Casey Cox is a fugitive. She has been accused of murdering her best friend, Brent Pace, who was murdered by the same crooked cops who murdered her father when she was twelve years old. Brent had found information about her father's murder, so he was brutally silenced and Casey was set up to look guilty.
Dylan Roberts is a war vet who suffers from PTSD. He has been asked by Brent's parents to find Casey and bring her to justice. Brent was his best friend and he spent his happiest childhood years at their home. He ends up as something of a fugitive himself because he knows the truth and is doing all he can to protect Casey and get enough evidence to put the criminals away.
A warning - do not start If I Live in the evening or you will never get to sleep! I really enjoyed this novel and can highly recommend it.
my review can be seen at RT Book Reviews - 4.5 stars / TOP PICK
The conclusion of this series, brings Casey and Dylan's story to a close. It is filled with the build up of us wondering if the truth will really set her free or if evil will triumph.
I was not disappointed in this book at all and felt it wrapped up loose ends well, and without giving the story away, you will be on the edge of your seat the whole book, so don't start it when you are ready for bed or you will have a short night.
One thing I really liked was how distinct the lines were between evil and good, but still how you could be sympathetic to the bad guy and ask yourself why the good guys did what they did. It was quite realistic and frustrating like it is in real life. I would not recommend reading this without having read the previous two books.
“If I Live” is the third and final book in Terri Blackstock’s If I Run Series. The main character, Casey Cox, is still on the run after falsely being accused of the murder of her best friend. Dylan Roberts is the private investigator on the case and is pursuing leads and trying to gather the evidence to clear Casey’s name. Dylan is finding that corruption is rampant throughout the police department, including the district attorney.
This book is written in the first person narrative. I often have a difficult time getting engrossed in a novel written in the first person, but not with this book. As the book races towards its exciting conclusion, the author captures and holds your intentions through many unexpected twists within the story.
Belief in God is a central theme in this book, and the author does a good job of including that without being preachy.
Terri Blackstock is one of my favorite Christian suspense authors and I enjoyed this book immensely and highly recommend it. I was glad that I’d read the first two books in the series first, or I would have been lost, as the story builds throughout the series.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.