At first I honestly didn't know what to think of this story but as I continued on I became so wrapped up in the plot I was absolutely spellbound and couldn't put it down! A twisting plot, so pay close attention, an adorable pup named Marley, and a very unexpected ending! A great introduction to a "new to me" author.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins for an an advanced copy of this book. Thoughts and review of this book are mine.

I get these calls all the time. You know, the calls offering a solar-energy deal for homeowners? Only I’m not a homeowner. Or the calls offering a deal on my credit card debt. (But I don’t have credit cards). I’m so used to just disregarding these calls, although if I get a live person on the other end, I’ll have them take me off their list. Tavish got a call like that. It was a dog pound, letting her know her dog had been picked up. Only, Tavish doesn’t have a dog. When she learns the dog will be put down if she doesn’t come get it, Tavish has to push aside the fragments of fear that have defined her life the past few months and take action. When she does, she finds herself in the middle of a lot more fear, and a lot more action!

Evelyn Yvonne McTavish-Tavish to her friends (us!) – is living in a world turned upside down by her fiance’s death and the questions he left behind. And she’s falling apart. Nails bitten to bloody stubs, bailed on her job (fortunately there’s that trust fund), trying to launch her art business and not trying to belong in her mother’s rich, political, fake world. No one believes her when she insists that her fiance’s death was murder. She is ridiculed and written off as an embarrassment. Horoscopes, crystals, and mantras from her therapist don’t seem to be enough to win the fight with anxiety.

But then, she HAS to fight.
Because people have started disappearing, starting with the original owner of her surprise puppy. And once she starts digging, someone tries to make Tavish disappear too. The girl who was barely hanging onto the fragments of fear that made up her life? She’s still hanging on by a thread. But now she’s fighting to solve a mystery before more people die.

I’VE LIVED IN THE PLACE OF FEAR BEFORE.
If that’s you – if fragments of fear define your life – it’s time to get up. Cling to Jesus (he can handle the shakes and tears!), and then find something worth fighting for. Something that forces you to get up and go, because it is more important that the fear. More important than the awful feeling in your gut. When the fear comes, ask the Holy Spirit to be with you through it, and press forward. Keep moving.

WOULD I RECOMMEND FRAGMENTS OF FEAR?
If you enjoy suspense, you’ll enjoy this book. I thought the artistic element (see below), so far outside my own experience, was really neat. I really loved the courage that sprung out of this girl as she found something worth fighting for. Giving up, giving in, wasn’t an option. I loved how God drew her near after being so scattered, even using the bad guys to do it!

Tavish is a very wealthy young woman who doesn't have the best relationship with her mother. I guess if you call your mother by her first name, it is obvious there is a fracture in the relationship. I didn't care for Tavish's mother at all. Maybe her mother is upset that her daughter is independent and doesn't always do what her mother wants her to do. Her mother is always requesting Tavish's appearance at functions she doesn't want to be at. Whatever the reason, the author does a great job of exploring their relationship throughout the story.

The suspense in the book is good and has many twists in it. What would you do if you received a call from an animal shelter saying to come pick up your dog before it is euthanized? Tavish is quite confused with the call because she doesn't own a dog, but I'm so glad she has a good heart. The dog is a clue to something that brings the story to an adventure filled with secrets and danger. I adored the dog and thought it was a great addition to the story.

Sawyer is charming and wants to help Tavish while trying to keep her safe. I love that he is not afraid to share his faith and encourage Tavish to not give up. It was fascinating to read about archaeology and be able to feel a part of the dig that was going on. I love the element of art in the story and have always enjoyed learning about different pieces that an artist has put their heart into.

Tavish has a difficult time trusting people and when her life is in danger, she will have to learn to let her guard down and trust Sawyer. She is thrown into an unexpected turn of events that bring her to a place where she will encounter life and death. I loved how the author keeps readers guessing with her excellent ability to throw in curves that involve intrigue and surprises.

It's hard to figure out who are the enemies and just what they are after which made me want to read as fast as I could. The book is very good with layers of complicated people who are after something of value. I have to say that I loved how intense the story is at times. Overall the story is well written and delves into the art world with drama, heart pounding action and a bit of faith scattered throughout the story.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

From the moment this book arrived in my mailbox, I inhaled it. Carrie Stuart Parks has a knack for creating interesting plots, unique characters, and a setting that lives and breathes. Fragments of Fear is a fascinating story from the first chapter and will keep you up turning pages to see if Tavish and Sawyer will survive the criminals that are out to destroy them. Better yet, a light touch of faith and a brushstroke of romance are added to this suspense novel creating the perfectly balanced creation. Just right for lovers of romantic mysteries.

Evelyn Yvonne McTavish (‘Tavish’ for short) is not being believed. She is convinced that her fiance has been murdered - the police do not believe her. Evelyn tells the city pound that Marley, the Puli (a dog breed) is not hers - Mr. Brown, the attendant, does not believe her. And when she reports the death of John Coyote (a client for whom she did some artwork), the police cannot find the body or the blood she had seen on the floor. Evelyn’s credibility is going downhill fast.

All that is in the first two chapters.

The plot involves events that are over two years old, events that may involve her mother in a criminal conspiracy, and events that may involve national security issues. Tavish and FBI Special Agent Sawyer Price will need to work independently and cooperatively to piece together the seemingly disconnected pieces of information to solve the riddles before them.

Written with a light faith-based style, the book has its protagonists looking at their own spiritual lives even as they are forced to work together on the issues before them.

The book belongs in both the church and public library, as well as in the hands of those who enjoy a thrill ride from an experienced author. For those looking for a good Fall weekend read, this book may fill the bill.
______________
This review is based on a free electronic copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review. The opinions expressed are my own.

The clock is ticking! Murder, suspense, mysterious clues that throw her into a run for her life situation. Who to trust? Take a chance on the undercover FBI agent, stick with someone she knows or both? Her choices certainly had consequences! Fear certainly plays a big part throughout this book and with plenty of action and suspense, it made for a hard to put down book.

My Thoughts on Fragments of Fear:
This book is very unique. It centers on art but then again it doesn’t.

Some big takeaways from the book. Acceptance is important no matter what we look like. The negative space is real and we need to be looking for it and at it and the people who live there. Lies are all around us and hurt can come from even the closest relatives and the nicest people.

What would you do to save someone you loved? If someone wasn’t who you thought they were which way would you remember them after they died?

All these questions and thoughts plus so much more went through my head while reading Fragments of Fear. Art is definitely not my thing. I know nothing about it. All the names in the book were just that to me. I couldn’t tell you which were real artists and which weren’t. But that’s not the reason I picked up this book.

I chose to read this book because I’m a lover of mystery, suspense, and murder books. But I don’t want the normal ones on the shelves. I want the murder mysteries that are written by Christian authors so I don’t have to worry about content that I don’t approve of. Nothing like getting into the midst of a really good mystery only to come across questionable content and have to stop reading.

This book will not make you stop reading. Instead, it’s going to make you keep reading. You might take the book to the dining table, or even possibly the bathroom because you don’t want to set it down.

While I figured out parts of the book before they were revealed there were some definite wow and you’ve got to be kidding me moments. Loved them! In fact, I loved the whole book. The style of writing is unique and flows really well. Nothing disjointed here.

I loved the strength that the main character comes to have. She develops strength in herself and learns who she can and cannot trust. Of course, learning brings about some wrong decisions. But her knowledge of negative space keeps her relatively safe and thank goodness she happened to mention to Sawyer about negative space as well. It’s like their own secret code!

Also, have you ever heard of a bad guy with a good heart? There might be one of those in here too. And let’s not get me started on that dog. Oh, how adorable. Tavish is so lucky that sweet pup got foisted on her.

Highly recommend this book and I’m going to be checking out other books by this author now as well.

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.

The fragments mentioned in this novel’s title could also be applied to the many shards scattered throughout this story. If they can be connected, like the pieces of pottery at the archeological site, perhaps the mystery could be solved. All the various people and events can make your head spin, as the main character’s did more than once. Tavish must deal with the tragic death of her fiancé then a odd encounter at the cemetery and a dog that isn’t really hers. Strange happenings accumulate, along with more deaths. Could her society mother be involved somehow? All the exciting situations make for engaging reading. The surprising evidence that turns up offers unexpected connections and leads to answers. The plot and story offer a satisfying read. I received a copy from Celebrate Lit. All opinions are my own.

I am a big fan of Carrie Stuart Parks. She always delivers great high-octane suspense! Her latest novel, Fragments of Fear, starts out fast and the action never lets up. I really liked main character, Tavish. She is wounded and quirky, with no real sense of who she really is. But throughout her ordeal she gains wisdom, confidence, and control of her life. She also grows spiritually, although she does has a long way to go in finding out Who she really believes in. If you love dogs, you will love the very present character of Marley — I loved her interactions and responses with Tavish. The third person point of view gives the reader insight into Tavish, as well as FBI agent/love interest, Sawyer Price. Yes, there are sparks that accompany the suspense. There is also a good bit of humor mixed in, giving Fragments of Fear almost a cozy mystery feel. But only almost — the bad guys are very bad. The New Mexico setting is vivid — I felt I was right there with Tavish.

I found Fragments of Fear to be a very quick read. I just couldn’t wait to find out whodunit! I am betting you won’t be able to put it down either.

Recommended.

Audience: adults.

Fragments of Fear by Carrie Stuart Parks is the first in what I hope is a new series based on the characer Evelyn McTavish. Evelyn may be rich but she does not have a great life. An artist, she soon finds herself in the middle of a homicide and with the murderers out to get her next. Ms Parks has written a fascinating new novel with memorable characters. The author’s experience as an artist really came through in this book, adding details like negative space that definitely made the story interesting. In contrast to the author’s other books, this book has some quirky elements. I really enjoyed this aspect of the book, along with the never-ending suspense that this author does so well. Don’t miss this book! It’s a joy. I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own.

Reading this book felt like speeding down a twisting mountain road full of potholes and rockslides. This is a high energy read the caught me attention at the very first chapter and held it throughout. This is a clean, mystery type thriller that is well written and the plot was really done well and had me guessing all the way until the end. The characters were fully developed, my favorite of whom is Tavish, she is the perfect (yet flawed) heroine in this story. There is a little bit of a faith element woven into the story but it doesn't stand out all that much, honestly I would have liked to see more of it.. Overall, I loved this book and highly recommend it to you Suspense/Thriller readers out there.

This is a book that will keep you on the edge of your seat. This is a great thriller that keeps you guessing from start to finish. I loved the characters and they were well portrayed. There was so much action in this story. I received a copy of this book from Celebratelit for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

Fragments of Fear is the newest suspense novel from Carrie Stuart Parks. It is quite action-packed from the very beginning. Tavish, the main character, is thrown into a mystery of her own when she finds a dead body, inherits a dog, and escapes many life threatening situations. She quickly figures out she has no idea who she can trust and she feels like the police think she is crazy so she sets out to figure out herself what is going on. I can tell you this, I did not see the ending coming. Totally took me by surprise. This is the first novel I have read of hers and it definitely will not be the last.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson Publishers through Net Galley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

It took me a while to get to the point of liking this novel. Parks goes in a new direction, away from the series featuring the forensic artist I thoroughly enjoyed. The heroine in this novel is also an artist but that is where the similarity ends.

Tavish is insecure and has anxiety attacks. She is so different from Parks' previous heroine it took me quite a while to get caught up in the plot. The plot is complex but everything comes together in the end. I like that Parks uses her knowledge of art in her novels. I learned about negative space in this one and how it can be used in art.

The spiritual message included is subtle but I liked how it was presented. I ultimately came to like Tavish and how the book ended. I really like Parks' writing style and will be looking for her next novel, whoever the main character might be.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book through Celebrate Lit. My comments are an independent and honest review.

I have lived in New Mexico my entire adult life and have an interest in Native Americans and archaeology. Fragments of Fear contains all of those, which is what drew me to the book. Carrie Stuart Parks has written a suspenseful story that is hard to put down. I read it in just one day.

Tavish is a very believable character, in spite of the fact that her mother and police do not seem to take her seriously. Tavish and the other main characters in the story are well-developed. There was at least one surprise in a character that I didn’t see coming, part of good character development. With the many plot twists I found myself thinking, how much more trouble can Tavish handle. But handle it she did and the trouble drew her to God and learning to trust in him.

In Fragments of Fear Carrie Parks combines her knowledge of fine art and forensic art in the plot line. Details about forgery are included that only an artist or art connoisseur would know. Carrie Parks appears to have done her homework regarding Native American art, Fine Art, and police work as she presents seemingly accurate descriptions.

I would not hesitate to add Fragments of Fear to my K-12 Christian School library. It is appropriate for high school and up.

I want to thank JustRead Publicity Tours for the complimentary copy of Fragments of Fear.

Fragments of Fear by Carrie Stuart Parks was a truly enjoyable read. I enjoyed this story and the mystery around it to the point I read it in less than 24 hours.
Tavish was a mess and I like my heroines to have their life together. However you could not help but like her. The scenes with her and the dog were hilarious.
Tavish has lost her grandmother and her fiancé. She deals with anxiety and uses all kinds of methods to try and calm herself. From biting her nails to crystals. Let me mention this is a Christian story but is not mentioned much throughout the book.

Tavish suspects that her fiancé was murdered when the police think it is a suicide. Then she sees another murder and the police do not believe her.
She meets Sawyer (loved that scene) who I really liked as a character. He is an FBI agent finishing an undercover job when they meet and he starts helping her. And best of all he believes her.
Lots of action in the book. My favorite parts were watching Tavish develop and come into her own.

Sexual content – none
Violence – deaths, a body appears to have been tortured but no details, kidnapping, shooting,
Language and drinking - none

With her usual deft characterization, Carrie Stuart Parks has brought to life a cast of unique and believable people (and dog) in Fragments of Fear. This book moves fast, with as many twists and turns as any thriller, without losing sight of the individuals’ character development. The book begins with a rather ditzy, anxiety-ridden woman, burdened with shock and sorrows, but as soon as I started getting impatient with her, the story shifted, and I was hooked.
Each of the supporting characters is well-drawn and has a meaningful role in the story, just as every detail is important to the tightly-constructed plot. The author knows art and archaeology, and that expertise is obvious in the story. There’s also murder, theft, a disappearing corpse and chip technology in the mystery. The ending was surprising and satisfying.
I had to look up the breed of dog in the story, because it sounded so unusual. Marley is a Puli. Google it.
It’s action-packed suspense, all the way through, but there’s a little romance and a light faith theme. If you like thrillers and suspense, you will enjoy this one!

Whoa! Carrie Stuart Parks really knows how to come up with some fabulous plots. This one had me spinning from the first chapter, wondering what was going on and who to believe. And there were some great psychological elements to it, although I ended up feeling as though some of those elements weren’t explored as thoroughly as they could have been, particularly in relation to the main character.

What makes Carrie Stuart Parks’ books even better in my opinion is the unexpected shades of humour that add dimension to her scenes—in this case, aided and abetted by a small black Puli called Marley, easily mistaken for an animated black string mop. It’s far too subtle to be considered laugh-out-loud humour, but Tavish’s conversations and interactions with Marley were some of my favourite parts of the book.

It’s worth mentioning that Tavish was very attached to a crystal pendant talisman at the beginning of the story and was only just beginning to consider the Bible and Christianity at the book’s conclusion, so those who are looking for a strong spiritual thread may be disappointed, but that aside, this story had some mind-bending twists and turns that kept me thoroughly intrigued. The only thing that detracted from the story as it developed was the feeling that some of the conclusions Tavish and Sawyer drew stretched credibility. In fact, I found it a stretch to believe that such a trail of clues would have been laid in the first place, particularly with any kind of confidence that the clues would be understood. Some of them were pretty obscure. But if you can suspend your disbelief in that regard, you’ll have a cracker of a read on your hands.

Evelyn McTavish has been struggling to recover from her fiance's alleged suicide, an allegation that she doesn't think adds up. When she is called to pick up a dog that isn't hers, she is swept into a whirlwind of secrets and cover-ups and danger until she doesn't know whom she can trust. FBI agent Sawyer Price is working his own case when he gets pulled into Evelyn's situation, and they find themselves trying to stay alive long enough to put all of the pieces together.

I really enjoyed the characters of Evelyn and Sawyer. Mostly Tavish (Evelyn), who was dealing with low self esteem, a mother who didn't care, a dead fiance, and a crazy never-ending mystery. Speaking of which, the mystery itself didn't really appeal to me. There were too many moving parts, and too many of them seemed to not really tie into each other. There were too many pointless deaths, and too many trails pointing the reader away from the actual plot. When the antagonists were revealed, it didn't feel like a clicking of the pieces together. Also, the wrap up of the story and then movement into "The Months Later" felt jarring. The story took so long to come together and reveal the characters that the conclusion should have been a little more gradual as well.

I give this book 3 stars; Tavish was compelling enough to keep me turning pages, but I was dissatisfied with the overall story. If you like twisty, turny, suspense stories, with lots of murders to keep you wondering, you may enjoy it more than I did, though!

I received a digital copy of this book, via NetGalley, from the publisher, in exchange for my honest review.

Even though this is an inspirational suspense the 'inspirational' part is very light. There is a bible scripture that is a reoccurring theme: Proverbs 3:5 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding."

Tash is a hot mess. Told mostly from her POV the book starts at the funeral of Tash's fiancé where she finds out he had a baby mama. Since his death, Tash has begun to spiral. She let her appearance go, bites her nails to help with anxiety, lives with her mom, quit her job, and pursued being an artist. A month after the funeral Tash receives an angry call from a doggy daycare center demanding she pick up her dog and pay the housing fee. Turns out Tash recognizes the dog as belonging to a previous client of hers.

Tash has a very important day scheduled with her debut art gallery but decides to take the dog anyways to return it to the rightful owner. What follows is a crazy story; dead client, fake cops, stolen art, attempted murder and conspiracy theories. What's worse is detectives don't believe a word she has to say and her mother thinks she's crazy from grief.

FBI Agent Price went to the gallery during Tash's exhibit to check out a lead on a case he had been working on for months that was wrapping up. When evidence starts piling up, agent Price doesn't believe Tash is crazy. He thinks she is in danger. Together they try to figure out all the clues and keep Tash alive.

The main character's arc went from extreme anxiety to building of confidence. Getting to see her react with different coping mechanisms made the story feel more real in an otherwise over the top suspense. My youngest daughter has a bad habit of biting her nails, it isn't all the time or to the extreme that Tash takes it, but still a way she deals with stress. Switching from harming herself to taking comfort in her fury companion and then ultimately trying to rely on God helped build confidence by the end of the story that no matter what, Tash would be okay.

The entire story there was a mutual attraction between the two main characters: Tash and Price but it wasn't the focus (which I really liked). She was getting over the death of her fiancé and he just met a potentially crazy victim. Only at the end did they acknowledge their feelings for each other and it was by saying 'I love you'. That was fast, like most of the book they weren't even around each other and they just met, crazy fast. I would've preferred he invite her to grab lunch or something like 'I can't stop thinking about you' instead. That feels like a more appropriate start to a new relationship.