Fragments of Fear

I absolutely loved this book. It kept me reading and not wanting to put it down. Suspenseful till the very end. Kept me guessing. I recommend this book . A must read

The culture of New Mexico, fine art theft, archaegological digs, microchips, a Puli dog, and an innocent bystander accused of murder--or is she innocent? You'll find it all in Fragments of Fear, a new novel by suspense author Carrie Stuart Parks. She keeps readers engaged with an interesting story line, a likeable and believeable main character, truly bad bad guys, and edge of the seat suspense. If you're looking for a good read, this suspense novel won't disappoint, but be prepared to let other things go by the wayside, because you'll have a hard time putting down Fragments of Fear. It's the perfect book for a holiday or vacation time. Just when you think you know which way the plot is headed, you'll find some surprises. If I say any more, it might spoil the read, and you don't want that! Pick up a copy of Parks' Fragments of Fear today.

FRAGMENTS OF FEAR by CARRIE STUART PARKS will keep you guessing right to the very end. i love the author's easy way of writing, of getting into the characters' thoughts, and the "conversations" Tavish has with Marley the dog! I also like the way Tavish, who is a nervous wreck, holds on to Proverbs 3 verse 5, which is on her beloved grandmother's tombstone, and calls out to the Lord when she finds herself in frightening situations.
It is a suspense story with many twists and turns, a thriller with a difference, and altogether a most enjoyable read.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Thomas Nelson. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

Wow - what a fun ride! This book hit the ground running and did NOT let up! I literally could not put this one down. The entire book had so many twists and turns. While I didn't have any trouble keeping track, I was left guessing until the very end. Very well written suspense with just a hint of romance. There was also a solid faith thread that was not in the least preachy, but did come through loud and clear.

Evelyn McTavish (known as Tavish) has recently lost her fiance. Though she refuses to believe it was suicide, the police do not give her any credence. While she's still grieving, she gets a call from an animal shelter to come and get her dog before they put it to sleep. Tavish has never had a dog, but she doesn't want to be responsible for an animal being euthanized, so she goes to check it out. Picking up the dog sets a whole series of events in motion that she could have never imagined.

This book had a little bit of everything. An intense mystery with suspense, non-stop action, fun lovable characters, drama, great dialogue and little bit of romance. My only complaint (and this may be something that gets fixed in the final edits) was that though the book was written in 3rd person, it would shift to 1st person whenever someone was "thinking". It wasn't difficult to track - just a bit distracting. Since it didn't detract from the story at all (nor was it confusing), it did not take away any stars from my rating. I would strongly recommend for readers who enjoy inspirational mystery/suspense or romantic suspense.

Special thanks to NetGalley for an advanced e-copy of this book. I was under no obligation to write a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.

I have adored Carrie Stuart Parks's writing since I picked up her first novel. I'm really glad to have another Christian suspense author to enjoy. So many Christian play it safe by writing romantic suspense, but those lean toward the romance side as more of a plot tactic. But Parks is definitely not like that. She writes suspense that grips me in the first chapter and doesn't let go. In Fragments of Fear, the plot had me guessing a couple time of where I thought the story would head to, but Parks would throw a curve ball in the action and take the story in a different direction. I love how each one of Parks' heroines are artist who use their ability to capture the bad guy. There was a budding romance between Tavish and Sawyer, but I really didn't believe they fell in love as fast as Parks claimed they did by the end of the novel. While the romance really didn't fit, the suspense was well-written and captured my attention. I believe fans of Steven James, Ronie Kendig, and Lynette Eason should pick up this book or anything by Carrie Stuart Parks.

I received a complimentary copy of Fragments of Fear by Carrie Stuart Parks from Thomas Nelson Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.

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 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.

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.

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.

Very entertaining mystery with lots of rabbits trails! The character, Tavish is a complex person with quirks that will intrigue readers. Is she just seeking justice or imagining things? This is a fun read. Recommended!

I think I have read all of Carrie Stuart Parks' books, and this one might be one of my favorites. There were many twists that I did not see coming at all. I really liked the theme of facing who we are and who we are called to be. The only possible downgrade (which obviously did not reflect my rating) was the fact that the main characters' relationship did not seem to reflect the actual time that they spent with each other. How they related to each other at the end did not fit the storyline. But other than that, I found it to be a very enjoyable read!

There’s so much I adore about Carrie’s books, but let’s just chat about this one.

Characters: Well-crafted. Real. I related to the main character Tavish (love that nickname). She’s a bit cynical, but not in a “whiny I don’t like you” way. She’s had some hard hands dealt her in life. I also love her wit/humor. She’s a fighter, a survivor, and a searcher. I will say she finds everything she’s searching for which brings us to…

Faith Thread: Carrie always has a faith thread in her books, some a little more overt than others. This one is in the middle. I wouldn’t consider it preachy in any way and I think it can cross both markets, Christian readership and General Market without getting dinged for being “too Christian” or “not Christian enough”.

Suspense/Thriller: I enjoyed putting the puzzle pieces together while hanging on throughout the danger scenes and there were aplenty to keep avid suspense readers enthralled as well as mystery readers who love trying to figure out what is going on and whodunnit.

Resolution: Everything is wrapped up and explained in a natural way that makes sense. No ‘give me a break’ moments! At least not for me.

Highlight: If you love dogs, you’ll love really all of Carrie’s books as they have a direct role, but this one features a pretty cool Puli.

Evelyn McTavish’s world came crashing down with the suicide of her fiancé. As she struggles to put her life back together and make a living from her art, she receives a call that her dog is about to be destroyed at the 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.
Evelyn recognizes the dog as one owned by archaeologist John Coyote because she was commissioned to draw the two of them. The simple solution is to return the dog to his owner—but she arrives only to discover John’s murdered body.
As Evelyn herself becomes a target, she crosses paths with undercover FBI agent Sawyer Price. The more he gets to know her, the more personally invested he becomes in keeping her safe. Together, they’re desperate to find the links between so many disparate pieces.
And the clock is ticking.

The minute I started reading I was hooked. I didn't want to put it down. There were a lot of characters thrown at you in the beginning of the book. But once I had them figured out it was easier to follow the story line. All the different characters were part of the mystery and were needed. Some that I thought were just thrown in there were part of the big picture. The only negative thing I would say about the book is the very end. Sawyer and Tavish ran into each others arms and proclaimed their love for each other. They were only with each other for a few times in a span of several days. I think it would have made more sense to have them want to explore they feelings they are starting to have rather than proclaim their love.

I recommend this book to all who enjoy a good mystery.

I was given this book by Thomas Nelson Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated in any way.

FRAGMENTS..OF..FEAR.....Carrie..Stuart .Parks
Evelyn found her fiancé, a meeting place he had suggested and he was in a rental car. The body unviewable, saying it was suicide, he left her no note, and he would have, saying why. Tonight was to be a celebration asking her Mother for Evelyn’s hand in marriage. Gravesite, with the fake grass, and his death seemed unreal. A mourner comes, saying she had so much she wanted to say to him., they were to be married. Asking to whom she meant, , it was the name of her fiancé.
Life for Evelyn was out of control, a grandmother had died, a fiancé, saying suicide, a job she hated, a mother did she even love her, her art would it sell.
Life was mix up, and then a call for a dog, the chip had her information, but not hers. The stranger at the gravesite, saying she was dumpy, and he only wanting her money. A novel full of twists, the uncertainties would life ever be normal again. Great story, that keeps one reading to the end.
Given ARC for my voluntary review and my honest opinion by Net Galley and
Thomas Nelson.

This is an exciting and suspenseful book with so many twists and turns that I’m not going to review specifics of the plot in this review because I don’t want to give away any of the storyline. This is one of the most unusual Christian suspense stories that I’ve ever read and I enjoyed it very much because of that. Tavish is such a great character. She doesn’t fit in any “fiction character” box, and that adds to the story. At first I found it a little bit hard to connect with her, but as I kept reading, I became a cheerleader for her as she escaped danger time and time again. I’d read another book about her because I’d like to see what she does next. The ending of this story had one last surprise twist that I had not guessed and made the ending perfect.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

There were so many things I enjoyed about this book. Tavish's life was out of control and she was a mess at the beginning. Missing her recently decreased grandmother, reeling from her finance’s supposed suicide, feeling unloved by her mother, and afraid her art was never going to sell, Tavish had plenty to deal with. Then she gets a call to pickup her dog from the pound - but Tavish doesn’t have a dog! She argues with the pound but finally relents and gets the dog when they tell her to get her today or she will be euthanized that night. She recognizes the dog immediately as belonging to a man who recently commissioned her to do a portrait of him and the dog. When she tries to find the owner, she finds him murdered. Things only get worse for her from there. I believe her relationship with the dog is the first step in her journey to a better life. But things get worse before they get better - she discovers more murders and then there are attempts on her life. The story is full of suspense, twists, and surprises up until the very end. By the end, Tavish has matured and grown into a more self-confident woman with a bright future. A little romance adds to the adventure also. Ms Parks pulls all the pieces together into a tense and fun read. I will read more books by this author.

In full disclosure, I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own."

The title totally fits the main character, she is afraid of everything, thinks she is fat and unattractive and chews her nails to the bone and she's rich. Her fiance has just died -apparent suicide- she believes he was murdered but the police don't agree and think she is crazy. She receives a call from an animal shelter that her dog is about to be put down but she doesn't have a dog. When she goes to check it out she finds the dog belongs to an art client of hers but she has no idea why he registered the dogs chip to her. She goes to his house to return the dog and finds the man dead. This begins a frightening and thrilling chain of events that threatens to get her killed as she tries to find out what is going on and who to trust.This turned out to be a nail-biting thrilling race of a read and I enjoyed it immensely. It is Christian fiction approached in the most natural real-life way.

Fragments of Fear is a mystery style novel, but deviates from your typical run-of-the-mill heroine. Evelyn McTavish, who goes by Tavish, is a complex character with flaws and traits that most authors by-pass. She has obsessive compulsive tendencies, issues dealing with her overbearing mother, and suffers from low self esteem. But when confronted with a series of murders, it’s clear someone wants her dead. Tavish has to break out of her self-imposed box and delve into a world completely out of her comfort zone.

Readers become engrossed in Tavish’s pursuit for justice and will root for as she tries to navigate a world that is very different than the life she’s led. The author gives an interesting perspective into the way others see Tavish versus how she sees herself. I rather enjoy novels with characters and stories lines that are complex and unique. This isn’t a typical heroine saves the day story. Readers will spend time trying to figure out Tavish. Is she a train wreck or a super hero? There is a love story, but Tavish take center stage and the romance element almost seems like an afterthought, although it does play into how Tavish views the world around her.

The novel took me some time to get into, but I found Tavish to be delightful and loved to see her transformation throughout the story. There is definitely a lot of high stakes action and suspense, so if you are a fan of danger and life-or-death situations, you’ll find this an exciting read. Carrie Stuart Parks always has intriguing settings, and this takes place in the deserts of New Mexico. It’s the perfect backdrop for this mysterious plot line.

Fragments of Fear is a thrilling and intricately woven suspense novel. With endless twists and loads of action, it is a novel that continued to keep me guessing and marvelling at the unexpected strength of the main character. Fragments of Fear is the first novel I have read by Carrie Stuart Parks and I was impressed with her storytelling and mastery of the suspense details.

Evelyn McTavish, Tavish to her friends, is rocked when her fiancé dies by suicide. A surprise visitor at the graveside service further shakes Tavish’s confidence in herself. Her art isn’t exactly making the waves she thought it would, she hates her accounting job and she still lives under her mother’s roof - even if it’s a guesthouse. When she receives a call saying her name and number was in the microchip of a lost dog, she stumbles into a world of stolen artefacts, drugs, and murder. When the killer’s target is turned her way and the police label her as crazy and don’t believe her story, Tavish sets out to find out what’s really going on.

Tavish is an unlikely heroine. She is not exactly self-confident, has zero experience solving crimes and taking on bad guys, but she never gives up. Even when everyone writes her off, doesn’t believe her or calls her crazy. Even when she has been shot at, blown up and left for dead. Tavish, despite having no detective experience, is pretty good at investigating. I liked that this is a citizen-driven investigation and while she and FBI Agent Sawyer cross paths and work together at some points, they don’t unrealistically team up or are unnecessarily thrown together. Parks leaves the characters, Tavish in particular, to find their own way and answers, which I found refreshing.

There are so many threads in Fragments of Fear. I like a good, thick plot and that is exactly what you get with this story. Along with all the action and life endangerment, there are threads of drug crime, art crime, artefact theft, murder, family drama complications, cons, and mysterious coverups, as well as a touch of romance and discovery of faith. Fragments of Fear is a detailed and well planned suspense novel, which I greatly enjoyed.

The publishers provided an advanced readers copy of this book for reviewing purposes. All opinions are my own.

This is a wonderful book!! It is full of action, suspense, twists and turns, and will keep you guessing. It will keep you turning the pages because you have to know what happens next. This is a must read!! Thank you Thomas Nelson--Fiction via NetGalley for the ARC copy of this awesome book. All opinions expressed are my own.

''We have three hours to figure this out and disappear for a bit. It's hard to kill someone you can't find.'

Evelyn McTavish, or Tavish, as she prefers to be called, is slowly pulling herself together after her fiancé commits suicide. Then she's called by a vet clinic to pick up her dog; only she doesn't own a dog. But this dog's microchip says she does. Hmmm. From this moment forward, things begin happening at a rapid pace: murders happen, art is stolen, and absolutely nothing is as it seems. Tavish's life is turned completely upside down. Can she even believe anyone anymore? She connects with an FBI agent, Sawyer Price, and maybe, just maybe he is who he says he is. Even is nobody else is.

From the first moment, this book pulled me into the story and I read for hours at a time, finishing it in less than one day. What a mystery! This is taut, full of excitement and flies along at a rapid pace, and it is a complete surprise at the end! A clock is ticking throughout the book and so was my heart! I was gasping in disbelief. I never guessed for one minute. Not once. Absolutely loved it. Recommended.

*My thanks to the publisher, Thomas Nelson, for a preview copy of this book via Net Galley. The opinions stated here are entirely my own.

Fragments of Fear by Carrie Stuart Parks

I loved this book! It had some of my very favorite things in a book: a twisting plot, a character who isn’t what you think, a quirky but strong female main character and a satisfying conclusion. Throw in some missing art, a strained mother-daughter relationship, an unusual dog and non-stop action and you get an excellent read!

Carrie Stuart Parks is one of my favorite authors. I loved her previous series’ main character, Gwen Marcy, and Tavish is just as relatable and likeable. I hope to meet her again in the next book by Parks.

If you like a good suspense with a dash of romance, this is the book for you! I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Read it!