In Aftermath by Terri Blackstock, our hero, Dustin, appears to have been framed for a crime he did not commit: setting off a bomb at a political rally that killed over twenty people. Who is the first person he calls? His childhood best friend, Jamie, who happens to be an attorney. In the three-hundred-plus pages that followed the explosion, they must figure out who actually committed the despicable act and why. Meanwhile, most everyone else believes Dustin is responsible. Terri Blackstock presents an exciting tale that will draw you in from the first page. And then it will demand your attention—even when you’re not actively reading—until you finish the final page.

Though I can’t be certain, I’m pretty sure I dreamed about Aftermath after I finished it. Being a speed-reader, I finished the novel in a day, and it was time well spent. The characters drew me in from the very first chapter, when readers meet Taylor and her two friends. They’re taking selfies and screaming as their favorite band performs onstage. Before the bomb turns the world into smoke, blood, and bodies. I’ve always heard if you don’t grab your reader’s attention within the first few pages, he/she probably won’t read the entire novel. Aftermath blew up on the second page, and I was completely hooked.

Twists fill Aftermath. For a romantic suspense novel, it had very little romance, which I appreciated. The book focused on solving the crime. It’ll keep you on the edge of your seat…as long as you don’t overly contemplate the plot, like I did. Before writing this review, I read a few others’ thoughts. I disagree with many, who all said the book was unpredictable. As soon as Blackstock revealed the concert was part of a political rally, I had a vague idea how the plot would unravel. While the author surprised me with a few things, for the most part, I knew the motives of the antagonists. I knew when Blackstock introduced a particular character, that individual was somehow going to be involved. In the end, I was right.

I also had a lot of issues with Taylor, who suffers from OCD. I like knowing characters’ ages. The beginning of the novel led me to believe she was maybe in her late teens, but later, she discusses talking to her friend’s fiancé. Being in a sorority. So maybe early twenties instead? I didn’t know, and that bothered me. Taylor’s sister, Harper, also came across as overbearing and controlling at times versus the concerned older sister. Third, where were their parents?! If my child almost lost her life in a bombing, I’d rush to her location to ensure her well-being. At first, I thought it was because maybe their parents had died, but Harper mentions their mom and dad in a conversation.

The parents never call. Never talk to their daughter. Never seem to show any worry or care about her almost dying, besides Harper casually saying something along the lines of, “I promised Mom and Dad I’d look after you.” So are they alive? Are they dead? That really bugged me, and it’s still annoying me after finishing the book.

Overall, Aftermath by Terri Blackstock is very good. It’s no “insta-romance,” and affections don’t distract the characters from their purpose. The plot is complex and well developed in a classic Terri Blackstock style. But many elements in the novel bugged me, and they took away from my overall enjoyment. Aftermath is still thrilling and very exciting, and I will recommend it to my friends. It just isn’t the most memorable novel I’ve read this year, and nor does it stand out among them.

*Note: I received a free copy of this novel from the publisher in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

This novel is classic Terri Blackstock, a go-to author for contemporary suspense. An explosion takes place at a local concert hall and Dustin has been framed. Jamie, a lawyer and his childhood friend, is determined to prove his innocence. This was no cookie-cutter, insta-love, overly predictable read. There was actually very little romance. The focus was on solving the crime. The protagonists were well thought out and the antagonists were multifaceted and complex. This made the book feel realistic and less predictable. Biblical messaging was strong and well though out. I wouldn't call this a fast-paced book, but it held my interest from beginning to end. For Terri Blackstock fans, this will be a welcome addition to her extensive collection.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

This was the best Terri Blackstock book I've ever read. It packed a powerful punch of intrigue, faith and social issues. The story forced me to reexamine my own pray-life. I need to stop relying on quick prayers and dive deeper. A not to be missed book!!!

A huge thanks to Thomas Nelson for my ARC in exchange for an honest review. Oh man, this book was a surprise read! Someone pinch me and then pinch me some more because I have been sleeping on Terri Blackstock and now I am awake and ready for all her books. So Taylor is at a concert with her friends when a bomb explodes *sigh* but thankfully she survives. Immediately after Duston Webb an ex-army guy is picked up after an anonymous tip for the explosion and he ends up calling his childhood neighbor Jamie to help him. Oh, mayn the twists and turns in this book are everything. I don’t want to spill some good tea but read it when it comes out

Aftermath by Terri Blackstock – Fast-paced Suspenseful Story


Terri Blackstock’s books are filled with intrigue and suspense and that’s why was excited to read her newest book Aftermath. This book will hold your attention from the get-go.

Taylor Reed and her friends Desiree and Mara are at a political rally, the draw isn’t Presidential candidate Ed Loran, but instead their favorite band Blue Fire is playing. What happens next is the things nightmares are made of. An explosion, smoke, people screaming. The only thing Taylor can think of is getting out alive. Later that night, Dustin Webb is driving home and suddenly the police are pulling him over. Certain that he wasn’t speeding nor was there any cause to be pulled over, he consents to the police searching his car. What they find will land him in jail and Dustin will be the suspect in the bombing that left dozens of people dead. His one phone call will be to his friend Attorney Jamie Powell, whom he hasn’t seen in fifteen years. If anyone will believe him, it will be Jamie.

Aftermath seems like it could have been ripped from today’s headline news. It’s fast-paced and filled with twists and turns. What I liked best were the characters Dustin and Jamie, their personalities and friendship that spanned many years. Taylor was an interesting character, I found myself asking how I would handle the trauma that she endured. I also found her irrationality and thought processes very disturbing. Dustin’s friend and business partner Travis and his wife Crystal are going through their own battle as Crystal is fighting for her life. Dustin understands why Travis can’t be there to help right now, but Dustin’s fighting for his own life, and the world’s about to turn against him unless he can prove his innocence.

I liked the storyline and it grabbed my attention from the beginning. I liked the main characters Dustin and Jamie, but I was frustrated when Dustin seemed to be making illogical decisions and didn’t believe the evidence that showed who the bad guy was. I figured out who the bad guy was and his motivation, but had to see how the story all fit together. In many respects, Taylor seemed like a loose cannon and the most illogical. I liked the fast clip of the story, it fit the narrative but the end of the book seemed to drag a bit and the story came to an abrupt ending.

The Christian faith wasn’t a big part of the story, I think that the characters’ development would have been richer if their faith had been included. I appreciated that the story did not have sexual immorality and or profanity. Aftermath was an interesting story with likable characters, but it could have been richer. I would like to see the main characters in other books.

If you like mystery, intrigue, and suspense I recommend that you read Terri Blackstock’s newest book Aftermath. This book is being released on May 11, 2021.

I would like to thank Thomas Nelson Publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to read Aftermath by Terri Blackstock. I was provided with a complimentary copy of the book but was not obligated to give a favorable review.

Teri Blackstock writes amazing suspense books. They keep you in suspense until the very end. 3 teenagers went to hear their favorite band at a rally when there was an explosion and Taylor was the only one of the 3 to survive. Dustin who is co owner of a security firm is framed for the explosion because of his military experience. Travis is his partner and has been staying with his dying wife constantly in the hospital. Dustin contacts his childhood friend Jamie who haven’t seen each other in years, to defend him. Who is framing Dustin and why? How is Taylor involved and why does she feel so guilty? You will want to finish this book in one sitting. It’s a book worth reading again.

I was given a copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher for my honest opinion and review

Review Excerpt:
Renowned Christian fiction author, Terri Blackstock, delivers yet another gripping, deeply emotional novel based on the traumatic unfolding of events that affect that multiples lives after a public bombing.

Blackstock never fails to dive into the hard, unexpected realities and emotions that humans face when walking through life. In her newest novel, Aftermath, she delicately walks readers through loss, grief, poor choices, obsession and trauma while creating a suspenseful, but inspired tale of triumph and hope.


★★★★ | Terri Blackstock has successfully, once again, gifted her readers with a new novel brimming with mystery, intrigue, and suspense with her new release, Aftermath.

From the opening chapter, I was hooked on the dramatic unfolding of events that spiraled after a public bombing takes place in Atlanta, GA.

I’ve been a long time admirer of the very relatable, real characters that Blackstock creates. She places her characters in real life situations, invoking struggles, emotions and harsh realities we all have to face at one time or another in life, thus creating a story that is felt as much as it is read. This is perhaps my favorite part of this particular story. Readers are able to gain insight from several characters’ points of view in this story that serves the mystery and suspense well by adding multiple layers to the unfolding narrative.

In addition to the deep emotion and the riveting suspense, Blackstock offers readers an inspired sense of hope and showcases a deeply personal relationship with Christ. I find this to be another beautiful aspect of her novels; she never fails to weave a story that is Gospel-centered. The faith based aspects of the story are meaningful and heartfelt, something both Christian and secular readers can find uplifting. These elements balance the heart-wrenching and serious weight this story holds also.

Aftermath is very well written, emotional, captivating and the characters are well-rounded and relatable.

It was refreshing and unique to read a suspense-based story that didn’t offer a point of view from the law enforcement field. Blackstock instead delivered a case that flowed through the hearts and minds of a young woman, an attorney and two business partners as they processed and investigated the bombing in their own ways. There is a hint of romance throughout the story as well that I enjoyed. Overall, I believe readers who like mysteries and romantic suspense will enjoy this story and I highly recommend it.

Wow! What a ride this book was. I mean seriously from the very beginning there’s an explosion, and it doesn’t let up until the very end. Dustin Webb is wrongly accused of being a bomber for an event he didn’t even know about. Then he calls his childhood friend, Jamie who is now a criminal lawyer, and asks her if she’ll represent him, and from the get-go, she believes in his innocence. I raced through this book to find out that yes! Dustin Webb was innocent, but it took some twisty turns to get there. I liked the lingering friendship that remained between Jaime and Dustin all those years, even though it was kind of hinted at that there could be more between them, I liked that Jaime had no doubt about the kind of guy that Dustin was. Really liked this one!

My gratitude to Thomas Nelson and Netgalley for my copy! All opinions expressed are mine alone.

I've read this author for a lot of years and her suspense is always spot on! When Dustin is arrested for being in possession of the makings of a bomb, he turns to Jamie, now a lawyer, but who grew up next door to him after he was placed in an uncaring aunt's custody after his parents' death. Dustin has made a great life for himself by owning a security company but now all that could be in ruins. He has no clue what is going on, but he and Jamie decide to find out.

Blackstock always adds many layers to her stories and I love that. She inserts PTSD, mental health, family crises and others to the story as it progresses and the reader's attention is held throughout. I was completely surprised at how the story ended. Great suspenseful story. Recommended.

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

This is the page turning, fast paced kind of book that I love! You have to read it fast, because you have to know what's going to happen next!! So much to do; so little time for Dustin and Jamie. Will they find out who the real terrorists are? You must read it to find out, because I'm not going to tell you. :) I'd like to know more about Dustin and Jamie!
Thanks go to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance e-copy. All opinions are entirely my own.

Terri Blackstock has done it again! In my opinion, she is one the best authors of Christian Romantic Suspense. Not only do I get caught up in her excellent plots, but I feel I really come to know the characters so well that I find it hard to believe that they are a figment of her imagination.

My favorite people in this book were Dustin, who had a difficult childhood and ended up living with an aunt who always thought the worst of him, as well as Jamie, an attorney, who always saw Dustin as someone special. Another main character is Taylor who has OCD and is struggling with the events of the bomb explosion that happened at a venue she attended. The characterization of her OCD and trauma were exceptionally believable.

This is a clean story without the sex and cursing that is in a lot of fiction these days.

Aftermath is so suspenseful that I read it in one day. I just could not put it down. The explosiion, then the arrest, and the psychological trauma of the survivors keeps you turning page after page. Terri Blackstock is an amazing writer and her characters are so well-developed that you feel like you are in the story with them until the surprising end.

This story had everything I want in a book. There were characters that I started to care about and wanted to know how things turned out for them. It had a romance of sorts with a love twist. Then it had the mystery/thriller part that has me turning the pages. The author even finished it off with somewhat of a happy ending. Bittersweet is still sweet right?!
The beginning was a little slow though. picking up about a third of the way through. Then the speed was decent, with the end a little intense.
I liked the last book I read from this author and I also enjoyed this one. I'll have more of her books to my reading list! I suggest you do the same!

Fast moving drama that will hold readers' attention. The characters are likeable, down to earth and realistic. The police were a little slow in the uptake but got the job done in the end. I loved that the mystery of the event was not obvious. Lots of twists and turns in the story with a satisfying conclusion. Highly recommended!

Aftermath by Terri Blackstock
Jamie Powell, a lawyer, gets an unexpected call from an old friend who needs her legal skills. Even though they were close friends as children, she hasn’t heard from Dustin Web in years. He has been framed by someone who set off an explosion killing 26 people. It will take all of Jamie’s legal expertise to free Dustin and find the real criminal.
This is Terri Blackstock at her trademark best: suspense, plot twists, and a touch of romance. The real bad guy was a surprise to me, and the addition of a victim out for justice only added to the suspense. The romance between Jamie and Dustin was sweet and appropriate as the culmination of their long but interrupted friendship.
This book is for those readers who enjoy Blackstock, Colleen Coble, and the romantic suspense. I am grateful to the publisher and Netgalley for the arc. In return, this is my honest review.

I have read and enjoyed many of Terri Blackstock’s books, so I was very excited to receive an ARC of her latest book Aftermath. This book centers around the after effects of a deadly bombing during a presidential rally. One storyline involves the man accused of the bombing and his friend who is serving as his lawyer. She whole heartedly believes that he is innocent and is determined to prove it. The other storyline follows a young survivor of the bombing who is struggling with guilt and the desire to punish the person who bombed the building.

What I liked: This was definitely a quick read with some suspense (my preferred genre). I definitely enjoyed the faith aspect woven throughout the story and the relationship between Dustin and Jamie.

What I didn’t like: I guessed early on who the culprit actually was and it was pretty obvious why they did it as well. This book is also sad in that it details a very young mother who is dying of cancer.

Overall, I would recommend this book for anyone who would enjoy a faith based suspense style book. Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for an ARC of this book!

Note: I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Strong main characters, a decent plot, some good twists but it was predictable. There was a lot of emphasis on faith/religion but it was not a turn off, it was more that the characters had strong moral fiber and a sense of right and wrong. I liked the cover. Can recommend to other religious people but I was not mind blown by this book.

Thanks to Netgalley, Terri Blackstock and Thomas Nielsen Fiction for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Available: 5/11/21

Blackstock's latest incorporates faith, suspense, and a bit of romance. The characters are realistic. Topics such as depression and OCD are addressed. There were a few unexpected twists. Some plot points were a bit predictable, but it was an enjoyable read overall.

I enjoy Terri Blackstock's book.
I was excited to read the ARC of this upcoming book.

I started reading and everything else fell away, I read entire book in 1 sitting.
I could not stop until the final word. I was mesmerized and needed to keep with it.

I highly recommend this book!

4.5 stars-- I really enjoyed this novel, even though I anticipated a major twist. The characters are well formed, the plot points engaging, and the different points of view kept the narrative moving. Highly recommended for those who love engaging Christian romantic suspense.