Customer Reviews

Coral Moon

5 star:		(27)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Brandilyn Collins may be unknown to new readers in the Christian suspense market, but she is more than willing to convert you as a fan. For a number of years now, she has proved herself one of the most consistent writers around. She keeps kicking out stories. She keeps turning up the chills. And her quality never flags.

Here, in "Coral Moon," she gives another glimpse into the mysteries of Kanner Lake. Although second in the series, it can be read first and still enjoyed. This time around, a local reporter named Leslie finds herself at the heart of a murder investigation when a dead body is found in the front seat of her car. With political and personal intrigues at play, there are lots of possible suspects to keep the police chief busy.

Collins, as usual, begins delving into her antagonist's past, never giving away his identity, yet providing insight and motivation into his actions. She also surrounds her main character with a cast of memorable sidekicks, while keeping us guessing as to the real killer's identity.

This is one more cool page-turner from one of our best suspense writers. Mixing mystery, suspense, and even some supernatural shivers, "Coral Moon" is proof that Kanner Lake belongs on the map.

This is the first Brandilyn Collins book I've read. I won't say that I couldn't put it down because I had to put it down. I've been quite busy trying to get some of my own writing done for some self imposed deadlines as well as some short fiction for submission. Add in work, the stack of books I have to read and critiques for my critique group and well, I had to put it down. However, I didn't want to. I finished Coral Moon on Wednesday night and I can honestly say I haven't felt that freaked out (in a good way) by a book in a long time.

Brandilyn's "brand" of seatbelt suspense is a moniker she definitely deserves. As I struggle with what I long to see in Christian fiction, I will say that I found Brandilyn's writing humorous and her descriptions so well written I may as well have been at the hunting lodge on Reckless Lane or in the Java Joint ordering a Biggie. If you enjoy suspense infused with moments of humor, CSI type drama and quirky characters, you should definitely pick up Coral Moon. However, if you're a Big Honkin' Chicken and wouldn't want to read realistic descriptions of murder scenes and other violent acts, don't pick up the book. Brandilyn is an author with a great sense of humor and she has a special club (BHCC) for fans of the author, who are decidedly not fans of her "scary" books.

I'm looking forward to book three in the Kanner Lake series and will have to go back and catch up by reading Violet Dawn. Oh and . . . another thing to add regarding Brandilyn's writing . . . while Coral Moon is the second in the series, I didn't feel at all lost while reading the book nor did I feel she slowed the story down with a lot of explaintions about what happened in Violet Dawn. It does make me want to know the story of Edna San's death. As well as to read more about the great characters who are real characters :) in Kanner Lake. But Brandilyn has done a masterful job of keeping and holding the reader's attention and wetting your appetite to read more about the characters in past books without slowing down the action.

Kanner Lake....don't really want to visit, but I sure am enjoying reading about the place. Sounds beautiful, homey, like a slice of traditional America....except for the murders.



Nothing like a little murder to totally twist a sweet little tourist spot into a mutated pretzel of doom.



At least poor Paige gets to sit this one out. Well kind of. She's at least got other things to think about than the body she found in her hot tub. Hint...a certain handsome.



Oops don't want to spoil the story.



Bottom line, if you love Collins stuff, you'll find much to like in Coral Moon. This is her best yet. Plenty of gruesome and twisted creepiness to keep the suspense fans whipping through the pages, and lots of down home sweet and charming characters. Most of them anyway.



Well done. Quick read. Great story. Might want to read it in the full on sunshine. After dark...trust me, you don't want to go there.

Brandilyn Collins' name on the book jacket insures that the reader is in for a roller-coaster ride of thrills and suspense. This book, the third in her Kanner Lake series, is no exception. There's a murder almost before the first page is turned, hints of supernatural events, and it just builds from there.
If you like suspense, you should like this one. But invest in a night light, and lock your doors.

This book was very well written and extremely suspenseful. The story kept me on the edge of my seat. It was not a good story to read at night. The characters were well-written and the book had creepy written all over it.

However, this book was not what I expected for the second book in the Kanner Lake series. Nothing in the first book prepared me for the dark turn the author would take in this book. The story centered around ghosts, curses, seances, and demons. Basically, any power of the dark side was used in this book. This is not my type of fiction and I avoid authors that write these works. The first book in this series did not dabble in this area at all so I was unprepared for this sudden emersion into evil. If I had any type of warning I would not have read this book.

Many people like this type of fiction. If you do then you will love this book. The author does a great job creating a very creepy story. If you have any qualms about reading this type of story I would highly recommend avoiding this book.

In Coral Moon Collins brings us a fascinating tale laced with supernatural chills and gut wrenching suspense. Leslies Brymes, reporter for The Kanner Lake Times, has her world turned upside down when she discovers a dead body in her car. Suddenly, a typical workday turns into a nightmare for Leslie and the other citizens of Kanner Lake. Police Chief Vince Edwards searches diligently for the culprit, only to be floored when his best suspect turns out to be the dead husband of the victim. As the truth is slowly uncovered, the citizens of Kanner Lake are faced with a dark truth and their faith will be challenged at every revealing turn.

Brandilyn Collin's Kanner Lake Series is hands down her best work. The fictional town of Kanner Lake is a delightful creation, full of cleverly crafted characters that are quirky, loveable, and memorable. From the twisting and turning plots to the shocking revelations, Collins proves she is a master of the suspense genre. Each story in the series is vastly different and yet all are equally entertaining and riveting. Embedded in the suspenseful storylines we find nuggets of hope and faith that are both insightful and encouraging. This series is highly recommended for fans of suspense thrillers and mystery. (Originally reviewed as a series for Christian Library Journal)

Clear your calendar before you even open this book. Brandilyn Collins has woven another spellbinding tapestry of story, suspense and characterization. Book two in the Kanner Lake Series does not disappoint.

Leslie Williams strives to be a great journalist. Her role in solving the Edna Sans murder six months ago catapulted her career into new directions. The quiet little mountain vacation spot of Kanner Lake was also catapulted into a grander focus of tourism. Battle lines against change are drawn. Leslie determines to investigate both sides.

Her plans alter the morning she walks out to her car and discovers a dead body with a note and a number attached. Her life spirals into a whirlwind of murder and séances as both human and spiritual forces that threaten to destroy her peaceful community and her self-confidence.

Brandilyn Collins has created a town in Idaho where you may wish you lived, but not until it's solace returns. From the first sentence you will be hooked. Be sure to leave a light on, because things happen in the night. And, if by chance, you look into the sky and see a crescent moon the color of coral, think of the folks in Kanner Lake and remember to breathe.

created a super shocking, super thrilling, super fantastic read! How does Brandilyn do it? The woman is skilled! =)

The Kanner Lake series is not one to be missed. I read a lot of suspense books, and let me tell you, Brandilyn is one of the few out there who actually get me shaking in my boots! (Now, I know I'm from Louisiana, but they're not cowboy boots, I promise. :wink:) This second novel in the Kanner Lake series doesn't disappoint! I was freaked out in a totally Brandilyn way - yet at the same time, this was one novel I did NOT want to end!! I can't wait for the next.

Pick up a copy today and see for yourself!

Coral Moon is even better than its predecessor, Violet Dawn (Kanner Lake Series). Leslie Brymes is in the spotlight in this book as an ace reporter who takes her job very seriously and knows the new threat in town to her friends and her career is perilous...and deadly.

The characters truly come to life in this latest installment of the Kanner Lake series by Brandilyn Collins. True to her reputation for weaving seatbelt suspense, this story had me holding my breath many a time. At one point, one carefully veiled twist had me nearly fooled and over the edge.

Collins also explores a strong spiritual thread dealing with the forces of evil--directly, and the ramifications of "playing with fire." For once, we get a chance to see the power of Christ's name in action--and win.

So far, Coral Moon is my favorite in this series. Not only do I love the small town characters of Kanner Lake, but I really enjoyed the twists and turns all the way through the book. The female protagonist, Leslie, is spunky and strong. The only problem I had with this book is that I was out of breath when I turned the last page! Coral Moon is a satisfying read and more.