25 Book Reviews

Tuesday, December 29, 2015

Another Great Mennonite Mystery/Suspense By Nancy Mehl

"Rising Darkness"
  By Nancy Mehl 

Synopsis:

Sophie Wittenbauer left her strict Mennonite hometown under a cloud of shame and regret. After a rough childhood, her teenage poor choices harmed others, leaving her with no choice but to change her life. Her entry-level writing job at a newspaper puts her in the right place at the right time to overhear office gossip about a prisoner who has information on a decades-old unsolved crime. While the other reporters write off the tip as the ravings of an angry criminal, Sophie can't ignore it because she knows the name of this prisoner from her old life. 

Upon learning from the man that one of the other suspects is hiding out in the Missouri town of Sanctuary, she takes on a false identity to investigate and meets the young pastor of a local church--the very man she'd loved as a troubled teenager. As she gets closer to finding the suspect, will the truth of her own past come out before she discovers the identity of the criminal--or the very person she's seeking puts a fatal stop to her investigation?

My Thoughts:

This is the third in Nancy Mehl's series, entitled "Finding Sanctuary". Although it can be read as a stand alone, I would highly recommend the reading of the previous two in the series. It gives the reader a greater understanding of this very unique community and the type of people who reside there. All three of these books are full of intrigue, mystery and suspense and yes, even romance.

This book is one that makes the reader think. It is a story of learning to trust, allowing the past to remain there, not determining our future.  God holds us  in His hands and as difficult as it may be, we must turn to Him and let him carry out His plan for us. 

The setting of this book is unique and very different. It is a small community that is occupied by many of the Mennonite faith. There are mysteries that seem to be hidden in many of the residents' pasts and that where they stay- in the past! Seemingly forgotten! Sanctuary is  a town that appears to be oh so peaceful, but is it really what it seems??

The characters are realistic and well described, such that you easily identify with them and feel their every challenge and fear. I trembled along with Sophie as she met with frightening memories of her past. Can she turn to God and let Him deal with her regrets and shames?? Or, will she let these memories form her future?? It is up to her!!

The plot is full of twists and turns that keep the reader intrigued from beginning to end. Mysterious events keep one on the edge of their seat as the feeling of suspense mounts and grows!! Romance is present, intricately woven into this tale. 

Nancy Mehl's talent at building the tension and suspense is outstanding. Her unique writing style keeps readers totally engaged in the plot. 

A five star book!! I highly recommend this book to all readers!! Take a chance, try something different!!

This book was provided by the author in exchange for a fair and honest review. 

About the Author:

Nancy Mehl is the author of twenty-one books, including the Road to Kingdom and Finding Sanctuary series. Nancy writes from her home in Missouri, where she lives with her husband, Norman, and their puggle, Watson. Visit www.nancymehl.com to learn more.


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