Member Reviews
I am a big fan of suspense and romantic suspense but I haven’t read many of Carrie Stuart Parks’ books but after this one that will be changing. This book grabbed me and wouldn’t let go until the end. It has many twists and I didn’t figure out who was behind all the evil until the book revealed it which is unusual for me. I loved the characters although Tavish has major confidence problems but I kept rooting for her to work them out and get to know the one and only God. Spencer is a very likable character and sometimes you wonder why he is interested in Tavish. Altogether a fantastic read that suspense fans are sure to enjoy. Don’t miss out on this book. Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the privilege of reading this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
From award-winning author Carrie Stuart Parks comes a new novel with danger that reaches from a New Mexico Anasazi archaeological dig to micro- and nano-chip technology.
Evelyn Yvonne McTavish-Tavish to her friends-had her almost perfect world in Albuquerque, New Mexico, come to a crashing end with the suicide of her fiancé. As she struggles to put her life back together and make a living from her art, she’s given the news that her dog is about to be destroyed at the dog pound. Except she doesn’t own a dog. The shelter is adamant that the microchip embedded in the canine-with her name and address-makes it hers. Tavish recognizes the dog as one owned by an archaeologist named Pat Caron because she did a commissioned drawing of the two of them months earlier. The simple solution is to return the dog to his owner, but she arrives only to discover Caron’s murdered body. After meeting undercover FBI agent Sawyer Price the mystery deepens as more people start disappearing and Tavish becomes a target as well. Her only solution is to find the links between microchip technology, an Anasazi site in the desert, her fiancé’s death, a late-night radio show, and the dog. And the clock is ticking.
My Thoughts: This is an interesting suspense mystery novel. The author has a whimsical way of writing, that puts a little humor into the storyline. When the story begins, we have a young woman at the funeral of her fiance, then finds herself with a dog she doesn't really want and then discovers that it's the owner has been murdered. No wonder Tavish had so many panic attacks. I really enjoyed this novel. It kept my attention from the beginning and did not disappoint me throughout the story.
I enjoyed this novel, the one point I did like about this novel, is that the main character does come to Christ, and learns to overcome her fears by leaning on God.
I look forward to more from Carrie Stuart Parks.
Well you definitely won’t put this one down until you are finished! The fast paced action will keep you on the edge of your seat throughout wondering if the mystery will ever be solved. Evelyn or Tavish as she liked to be called is an artist with an incredible memory, which proves to be providential in the circumstances she finds herself in. Between murder, kidnapping, flash floods, gunfire and explosions, you begin to wonder who can actually be trusted and thus solve this incredible conundrum that includes forgeries and stolen artwork.
Marley, the dog, is a great stress reliever for Tavish as well as the reader. He certainly brought a smile to my face a number of times. Marley’s unconditional love helped Tavish learn to believe in the verse left behind by her grandmother -
‘Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding’. Proverbs 3:5
This is my introduction to this author and I certainly will be looking for more. I received this ARC through NetGalley and CelebrateLit. The impressions and opinions stated are my own.
Fragments of Fear is a fast-paced Christian suspense novel. Evelyn “Tavish” McTavish is an artist with a variety of problems (nail biting, anxiety, panic attacks, self-confidence issues). Tavish lives in the guest house on her mother’s estate and is an heiress thanks to her grandmother. Just before her first gallery showing, Tavish finds herself drawn into a dangerous mystery. Sawyer Price is an FBI Agent who finds himself attracted to Tavish and tries to keep her safe which is not an easy task. Fragments of fear is an action packed mystery full of twists and turns. You never know what is going to happen next. Tavish finds herself out of her comfort zone and in unknown territory as she tries to unravel the clues and keep herself from being killed. I like that Tavish does not give up and she continues to dig for the truth. She learns more about herself and God whom she has ignored for most of her life. I appreciate that the mystery is wrapped up at the end with complete details. Marley was just a delight. Such a sweet, loving yet plucky dog. The romance is present, but it does not dominate the story. Fragments of Fear has unknown villains, art thefts, explosive situations, missing artifacts, microchips, a spunky Puli, a concerned FBI agent, and an apprehensive heroine.
Carrie Stuart Parks always delivers a terrific book and Fragments of Fear is no exception.. I was pulled immediately into the well written plot. Just couldn’t put this book down! Great suspense. I highly recommend this book to fans of suspense. Thanks to the publisher for my advance ebook. This is my unbiased review.
*3.5 stars*
From cover to cover, Fragments of Fear was a total page turner! I was instantly wrapped up into Tavish's world and could palpably feel the suspense as the drama unfolded. It's a psychological suspense novel that gets inside your mind and will kick your thoughts into overdrive. Did a murder actually happen or was Tavish's mind really playing tricks on her? Which characters are truly the good and bad guys? Where does her mother truly fit into the puzzle? There were answers I simply needed to know and thus my nose was in the book until the very end.
Although I was fully captivated by the action and suspense in this novel, I have to admit that the faith element was rough for me. Tavish started out saying she wasn't religious but also wore a necklace symbolizing her belief in the power of crystals. The only time she expressed interest in calling out to God was when she was being chased and was asking for His help in escaping. There really needed to be another strong Christian character to have more dialogue with especially since there was only one verse she called to remembrance from her grandmother in the past. It felt like God was minimized to a wishmaker and so I really struggled with that aspect.
If you're looking for a page-turning psychological suspense then this is one I could easily recommend. I needed more from the faith element, but the story itself held my attention and kept the pages turning rapidly. I'm curious what the author will come up with next.
*I received a copy of this book from the author. Thoughts and opinions expressed are mine alone.
I've read and thoroughly enjoyed all the earlier fiction writings of this author. I couldn't wait to read this one!
This is one of those books where you are never quite sure that all is what it seems to be. I remembered from the last book I read by Ms. Parks...well...I don't want to go into all that here, but she is definitely an author that keeps you on your toes (mentally, of course! ;) )
I loved the heroine, right from the start. Even though I wasn't quite sure what to think of her. Everyone else thought she was crazy, and she was partially convinced of that herself. And she kept seeing things that didn't seem to be real. Or weren't there later.
I know, it sounds confusing, because it really IS confusing! This book will give your brain a mental workout as you race to solve the mystery before the story ends!
There is a hint of romance included, so if you like mystery and romance, then this is your book!
It kept me guessing from start to finish! And I had to read it all at once--I couldn't lay it down, couldn't WAIT to find out what happened next!!
Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
This book shows again why Carrie Stuart Parks is on my “must-read author” list. The story starts out with a crazy twist that has Evelyn McTavish questioning what she thought to be true. And it keeps building as crazy things pile up one after another. Even her own mother questions her sanity. But as the danger builds, Evelyn begins to wonder if her mother has her own reasons for wanting her discredited.
Evelyn holds up surprisingly well even though she is having the worst month of her life. She is given a huge gift in FBI agent Sawyer Price as he is one of the few people who believe her. The focus and action go all over…from archaeology to modern art to nano-chip technology. Parks weaves it all together in dramatic fashion. The danger builds; the action is relentless. There are surprising twists. It’s a great read. I’d highly recommend it.
Thank you to Thomas Nelson for providing me with a complimentary e-copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
This might be my favorite Carrie Stuart Park book yet! I have loved them all and she keeps bringing such interesting plots and characters! I was not sure if I was going to like Tavish at first, but she grew on me and I loved that she wasn’t like 90% of main characters out there. It normally takes me a week or so to read a book, but I read this in a few days. There was always something to consider or happening that I missed out on some sleep, but don’t regret a moment of it. I am not always a huge suspense fan. I do have a handful of suspense authors that I really love and Carrie Stuart Park’s is at the top. I was thrilled when Net Galley approved me, thank you, Net Galley for the ecopy! I highly recommend this book for suspense fans and maybe even those who don’t often venture into the genre.
I've previously read (listened) to Formula of Deception by Carrie Stuart Parks and I really enjoyed the characters and the story. So, I was looking forward to reading this book. Alas, I just couldn't find anything remotely interesting with this book and that's a bummer since I do love mystery book (with dogs).
It was ok. I wasn’t a fan of the chanting, horoscope, reincarnation and other non Christian aspects of this book. Tavish was annoying however Sawyer seemed to bring out the best in her.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley for my honest review. I was not required to write anything positive.
I absolutely adored 'Fragments of Fear'. This is the first book I have read by Carrie Stuart Parks, but it won't be the last. I loved the combination of acute suspense, expert mystery, complex relationship issues, romance and even humor. I especially appreciate the respect for Christianity, something rare in the world today. This book had it all and I highly recommend it! I'd give it 10 stars if I could.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
3.5 stars
I’ve read a few of this author’s past books, and I’ve always enjoyed them, so I was thrilled to read her latest. If you enjoy a good mystery, you’ll want to check this one out.
The fast pace kept me engaged throughout, and I enjoyed the various twists and turns along the way. I enjoyed Marley, who livened up some of the scenes. I liked the details about the artwork, as it made this story different from many mysteries I’ve read in the past. There is a Christian angle to the story, but it’s not overwhelming. I appreciated the fact that the romance took a backseat to the suspense. Tavish is an easy heroine to connect with and root for. The author did keep me guessing on a few plot points until near the end … and that’s always a good thing!
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy, but I wasn’t required to leave a positive review.
An impressive storyline!
This mystery was impossible to put down. Possibly a part of that was the familiar setting, having spent a number of years in Albuquerque. But mostly because it was that good.
Themes of isolation and not knowing who to trust made the story rich and the drama intense.
I could relate to Tavish's insecurity after several tragedies. The emotional baggage from those losses was heavy.
Her self-doubt is completely understandable in the story, and also relatable. I'd be doubting myself too if half of what happened to her, happened to me.
*note, the insecurities and self doubt DO NOT make this book depressing. They add a layer to the drama that is invaluable.
There was also genuine frustration with several relationships. When your relationship with your mother leaves anyone with the impression she might be crooked enough to have you murdered, well, something's not right!
I was inspired by Tavish as she had to make choices, to be resourceful and resilient in the face of more than anyone would choose to experience.
This was my first book by Carrie Stuart Parks. Overall, I laughed plenty, questioned motives, wanted to shake a character or two, and can't wait to pick up another by this author.
📚 Note: I recieved a copy from the author through Celebrate Lit & NetGalley. I chose to review it here, all thoughts are my own.
Great mystery, romance that keeps you guessing. The clues are there, but just when you think you know the story, the story changes.
Artist Evelyn McTavish has been working to rebuild her life after the suicide of her fiance. One day she gets a call from the dog pound saying that they are going to put down her dog, the problem is that she doesn't even have a dog. She recognizes the dog as the belonging to a previous clients, so she decides to return the dog to its owner, but when she goes looking for him, she finds that the dog's owner has been murdered.
Tavish finds herself a target, after witnessing incriminating events. She has always struggled with anxiety, and now with everything being thrown at her at once, she doesn't know where to turn.
Her path crosses with FBI Agent Sawyer Price, and they must work together to unravel the increasingly dangerous plot at hand, before time runs out.
Fast-paced and complex, I couldn't put this book down. Cliffhanger after cliffhanger, kept the pages turning. I never knew what to expect, or who to trust, stunning plot twists, and suspenseful story telling, alongside compelling character development make this book an absolute, must read!
Tavish is a great heroine, instantly likable and easy to cheer for the whole way through. She grew up having everything, and knowing that something was missing, she's tried shrinks, pills, and crystals, but her mother has always warned her away from Christianity. She finds strength that she didn't know she had, and is quick thinking under pressure.
Sawyer is detail oriented and excellent at his job, he feels compelled to do everything he can to protect Tavish, while putting together all the pieces of the case.
A compelling, mind-bending, suspense, impossible to put down, with a multitude of shocking twists, and strong faith along the way. This is my first time reading Ms. Parks, but I'm definitely a fan now! Everything that you could dream of in a suspense novel, you won't want to miss it!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Great suspense
When Tavish finds her fiancé dead, she soon discovers that he may not have been the person he claimed to be. Then Tavish receives a mysterious phone call about a dog with a microchip that lists her as the owner. Tavish is determined to find out where the dog came from and who it really belongs to. However, Tavish soon finds that her own life is in serious danger and she must go into hiding while trying to get answers.
Carrie Stuart Parks is a master at suspense with enough plot twists to keep you guessing until the very end. I highly recommend this book!
*I received an advanced copy of this book through NetGalley by the author/publisher. All opinions are my own.
You will enjoy trying to figure out who the killer is in this story! Tavish (Evelyn McTavish) attends her fiancés funeral and she is threatened by a pregnant woman who claimed that Andrew James was going to marry her and that she was his roommate!
Tavish immediately gets a call to pick up a dog from the animal shelter - but she does not own a dog - it belongs to a client, John Coyote, who is a prominent archaeologist. Tavish drives the dog to John’s house, but she finds John has been brutally murdered, his house has been ransacked, and his safe was open and empty! To make things even more confusing, as Tavish is leaving, a police car comes up to the house, the officer retrieves John’s body, and he puts it in the trunk of his car!
Who is after Tavish and John’s artifacts - can Sawyer, an FBI agent posing as an archaeologist, help Tavish?
Read the book to find out!
"I received a complimentary copy of Fragments of Fear.. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own."
Fragments of Fear is a modern-day novel written by Carrie Stuart Parks.
Summary: Evelyn McTavish thought her life was finally getting on track. She had lost weight, figured out a career, and was even getting married. Until her fiancé committed suicide.
Evelyn is devastated by this turn of events. Numbly living day by day, she stumbles through life until she receives a strange phone call. A phone call that changes her world forever, and begins to unravel a mystery so cunning, so deceitful, so deadly, she might not make it out alive.
My Thoughts: I liked this book,. There were so many moving parts and pieces to this story, yet the author brought it all seamlessly together to create a mystery that unfolded as the pages were read. There were interesting characters, tons of action, and a really interesting plot line-different from anything I have previously read. I really enjoyed this book, and would definitely read it again. I highly recommend it!
I would like to thank Thomas Nelson for providing me with a free digital copy of this book in exchange for my unbiased review. Thank you!
Fragments Of Fear by Carrie Stuart Parks is the most marvellous contemporary Christian murder suspense. I read it with heart racing as the action hotted up.
Carrie Stuart Parks drew me in from the start as I questioned, along with the main character, exactly where the truth lay. The novel is about truth and lies, reality and fantasy, authenticity and fakes – not everything is as it seems. The main character questioned events, trying to piece together the truth. Likewise I did the same.
The action was fast paced, as the crimes and body count rose, so did my heart rate. There was always the question of trust – apart from God who else was trustworthy?
Carrie Stuart Parks has created realistic, believable characters. Her lead character was a remarkable mixture of strength and vulnerability. Her mental strength overrode any physical weakness as she spoke positively to herself. Her poor body image belied her beauty within. Recovering from loss, there seemed to be nowhere to turn.
I loved the inclusion of a slopping kissing dog called Marley. Due to a comprehensive description I was able to picture him in my mind. I loved his loyalty and unconditional love. He could be seen as a motif for the love of Jesus. Jesus walks closely by us, loving us unconditionally.
There was the theme of homelessness. Good people strove to help their plight. There were some very kind hearts. The saddest quote in the book came from a homeless woman:
“To the world we’re invisible. They look through us, not at us.”
May we have eyes that see and hands that help all people.
Fragments Of Fear was absolutely fabulous and completely gripping. I could not solve the crime and hung on to Carrie Stuart Parks every word to the very end. This is certainly a cracking suspense that you do not want to miss.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.