Customer Reviews

Evidence of Mercy/Justifiable Means/Ulterior Motives/Presumption of Guilt (Sun Coast Chronicles 1-4)

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
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1 star:		(0)

 

 

A Christian version of suspense queen Mary Higgins Clark? Terri Blackstock's skill at writing suspense fiction reminded me much of the mystery queen. "Evidence of Mercy" (available as a separate novel, or as one of four best-selling Blackstock novels in the "Suncoast Chronicles" anthology) is a humdinger of a suspense story, revolving around the lives of three main characters. The main protagonist, Lynda, is a Christian lawyer whose life is threatened by an unknown killer. The second central character is the atheist Jake, who becomes a paraplegic after crashing on Lynda's sabotaged plane while test-flying it as a prospective buyer. The third main character is one of Lynda's clients, Paige, a single parent trying to avoid her abusive ex-husband. Suspense mounts as the mystery killer and his motive remain unidentified in the first half of the story.

The first story in this collection, "Evidence of Mercy", is a terrific and captivating story that draws you in, and at the same time gives you much to think about, because the characters not only battle a mysterious killer, but also their own personalities and weaknesses. Much Christian fiction falls into the trap of featuring an artificial conversion story. Terri Blackstock shows that writers can craft a mouth-watering Christian story without artificially sprinkling it with an obvious theological twist of this kind, and yet retain a deeper spiritual significance. In the afterword, Blackstock explains that the idea of her book came after a personal struggle with her faith, and the growing awareness that faith needs to be put into action. "I thought I believed, I said I believed - but I did nothing to put the belief into action. I was neither hot nor cold, but luke-warm, and absolutely fruitless." The title "Evidence of Mercy" describes this important spiritual theme that Blackstock wants to convey. The struggles of the three characters mirror Blackstock's own struggles, as she explains: "the characters interested me because their own spiritual battles were so much like my own: Lynda, a lukewarm Christian who would let someone die without witnessing to him; Jake, an agnostic who couldn't give up the pilot's seat in his life until it was taken from him; and Paige, a spiritual infant on the verge of belief, who lacked the faith to make the final plunge." For instance, Lynda comes to conclude "she'd made a god of an airplane, an altar of her job, and an idol of her ego" (p.38), and Jake realizes the folly of relying on his good looks: "If I'd known I was going to be left with just my character, I'd have worked harder at building some." (p.135) Without taking on an preaching tone that many Christian writers unwittingly do, Blackstock brings out these important spiritual truths by showing them in the lives of her characters in a convincing and persuasive manner. The other three stories in this anthology are equally good. In fact, I find them to be on a higher level than Dee Henderson's popular books.

Terri Blackstock's novels are a welcome addition to the ranks of Christian fiction. The genre has been dominated especially by the historical romance, much of it inferior to secular fictions on most levels. With her successful efforts in suspense fiction genre, Terri Blackstock shows that it doesn't have to be that way (aside from an unnecessary kiss in the last pages), and that Christian writers can successfully take on new genres, and do so with style. As a fan of suspense fiction, I'm grateful to see Christian writers provide exciting alternatives to secular novels in the genre. Move over Mary Higgins Clark!

These four books are so far the best Christian Fiction books I have read. My interest was captured from the first page of the first book until the last page of the last book. All the characters showed the love of Christ, the struggles Christians have in this world, and how great a blessing Chirst in your life is. This series is perfect for Christians as well as non-christians. Special meanings and feelings come out for the Christians in their walk, as for the non-christians, they would not be "threatened" by the way this book is written. Best set of books I have ever read. I have already started reading them for the second time, they are easily each read in one day, because once you start you don't stop!

I finished this book in two days, I was so caught up in it. It is much better than the Newpointe 911 I started with. I would encourage anyone who likes suspense and mystery to read it. Although I have figured out the killer rather quickly it still kept my interest.

I've been a reader of mystery/romance novels for about 20 years now. Unfortunately, many authors have turned to "trash" to sell. This series of books takes the reader into characters' lives, showing realistic examples of today's people searching for meaning in life... complete with the battle of turning lose of self desires for the greater good and an even bigger God. Great find!

Terri Blackstock's Sun Coast Chronicles series is a wonderful read! Your interest is captured from the very first page. She skillfully weaves the main characters into each subsequent installment, so that by the fourth book you are fully invested in the resolution of all of the relationships. Her faith is evident throughout every story, without ever being preachy. Her characters exemplify Christ-like principles, and are examples of what true salvation and Christian service are all about. The story lines are very intriguing; even once the villain has been revealed, you still eagerly anticipate the end of the book to see justice served. If you want a good, wholesome mystery read, these books will definitely fit the bill.

I just finished reading the fourth book in the series - Presumption of Guilt. I now intend to read the other three. I began reading the book yesterday afternoon and finished it this morning. It was so good I didn't want to put it down. It always kept you wondering what was going to happen next. You will not be disappointed by it!

There's not much to say. This collection of the Suncoast Chronicles is amazing. A great mystery and the excitement doesn't stop at all.

Anything by Terri Blackstock is worth the time invested in reading. Love her books and actually bought this one as a gift for my granddaughter, who enjoyed it and is now reading another of Terri's books.

Terri Blackstock has become my favorite author. You feel like you are right there with the characters-living what they are going through. Her work is delightful. I am now spoiled and only want to read her books.

The author, Terri Blackstock, always writes wonderful books. I enjoy everything that I read wriiten by her.