Customer Reviews

Out of the Shadows (Nick Barrett Mystery Series #1)

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I know you shouldn't judge a book by its cover, but it was the cover of "Out of the Shadows" that first got my attention. Dark and mysterious, it hints of intrigue in the South, of mystery and secrets and drama. And it accurately points to the success of Brouwer's writing.

This is great fiction. With a strong hook in the prologue, Brouwer draws us into this modern-day mystery. Through a series of flashbacks, we follow Nick Barrett's search for his mother, his ex-wife, his blackmailers...and for secrets he isn't even aware of. Although the tension flags slightly through the middle of the tale, and the dialogue remains clipped, these characters come to life through solid storytelling. As the plot turns tighter, the author parcels out more and more secrets so that the last fifty pages fly by. What I thought would be a solid 4-star book became an enthusiastic 5-star recommendation after reaching the climax of this Southern mystery.

If you've read "Double Helix" and had a lukewarm reaction, let Brouwer prove to you that he's grown as a writer. "Out of the Shadows" is a gripping story, with spiritual and emotional impact. Having only recently moved to Nashville, I've decided that Sigmund Brouwer is one of this areas best-kept Southern secrets.

Nick Barrett was born into a privileged Charleston, South Carolina family -- or was he? His father was a prominent Charleston war hero, or was he? His mother was a Charleston tramp, or was she?

Nick was told his mother deserted him at age ten and ran off with his trust fund. The next nine years were spent living with relatives who could barely tolerate him for reasons he couldn't understand.

Nick eloped with his childhood sweetheart. Four days later, he survived a car accident, losing his leg. Then he agreed to have his marriage annulled and never see his wife again in order to prevent a scandal that would cause her irreparable damage ... or so he thought.

After 15 years gone from Charleston, Nick is back to find out the truth about his mother. What he learns is more than he bargained for.

I have never read a mystery with more twists and turns, with more people you love to hate, with more questions answered that only lead to more questions. The characters are delightful, especially the spinster sisters who run the antique shop and provide continual clues.

Fast-paced, rich with description of not only historical Charleston, but the power structure that makes Charleston what it is. I couldn't put the book down.

At first sight, this book looks freaky. Then, as you start to read it, its just WEIRD! Then, you want to scream and holler and tell certain of its characters to just work with the main character.
I have lent this book out to many of my friends and we all love it. They each have said basically the same about it. It's very mysterious! Definately read it. And when you are done, read its sequel: Crown of Thorns. I like that book more.

You walk into your local Christian book store, and you see a cover such as this, with a title such as this, and you're thinking, "This is Christian?" OH YEAH! Brouwer introduces us to Nick Barrett in the first person, who, by the way, has only one leg, as the result of a car accident. But he travels back to Charlestown embittered by the past, but, when someone else pays for the plane ticket, you make exceptions, right? The fact of the matter is this: Nick is looking for answers. And to do that, he has to face some of his past. It isn't always easy. In fact, you might say that it could get downright dangerous and somebody could get killed!

This was my first Brouwer book, and until you take the time to read it through, only then will you realize what the title, "Out of the Shadows" really means to Nick Barrett, and it nearly brings you to tears. A classic mystery where what you see isn't always what you think it may be. Brouwer shows a good Christian witness in this, and that makes it very much worth the reader's time. I'm glad I took my time with this one. Very well worth it! No regrets.

Sigmond Brouwer has proved to me that not only can he write books that keep kids coming back but, he can write a captivating adult novel as well! "Out of the Shadows", is a story of greed, bitterness, forgiveness and redemption. The main character in this book is Nick Barrett who has returned to Charleston a town that he grew up in and vowed to never return to again. Charleston brings back the childhood memories of his mothers abandonment as well as a very short marriage as a teenager that are too hard to bear. He is sent an anonymous letter telling him to come back to Charleston with the promise that he will be given a chance to find out what happened to his mother. Thus begins a journey of finding out the truth for Nick. As Nick finds out more about his past and who he is, he also begins a spiritual journey back to God. There are twists and turns galore as well as a story of forgiveness and love. Any one who likes a good mystery will throughly enjoy this book!

Sigmund is not only a great writer but a good father too. This is so beautifully captured in the parent/child relationship of this suspensful novel. The pathos this son experiences as he discovers more truths of his mother ...well read for yourself. Once you crack open this book keep going, you will not be disappointed ...and oh the secrets you will discover of this wealthy southern town. So, pour yourself some sweet tea and enjoy another exercise in fine writing by a wonderful novelist. Thanks Sig for a few good hours!

saddled with a difficult childhood, abandoned suddenly by his mother then crushed and betrayed by those who he needed the most, nick barrett leaves his hometown of charleston vowing never to return. years later an anonymous letter arrives with a plane ticket back to charleston and a note which propels him to begin uncovering the truth behind his mothers unexplained disappearance so many years before. in doing so he must reopen old wounds, unlock old secrets, face old enemies.
this book grabbed me right from the start with its moody mysterious intensity. you never quite know what is going to happen next, an excellent read and well worth your money

I first read Brouwer's The Last Disciple, co-written by Hank Hannegraff, due to interest in Christian history. I was so pleased with his writing style that I continued to read another 8 or 9 of his books which were basic mystery type genre. My favorite read is the Nick Barrett series. So well written with great historical insights of the old ways of Charleston affecting the city today. He is an author that presents well and has an amazing style that you will not be disappointed. I liked his other books outside of this series as well which are more inventive but not as gripping as this series. All good reads nevertheless.

Sigmund Brouwer is a writer who knows how to tell a story. Out of the Shadows will keep you guessing as you take the journey to Charleston, South Carolina with Nick Barnett in his search for an answer to the life long question why his mother left him alone as a ten year old boy. The pitfals Nick encounters are troubling mysteries he must interpret, as Brouwer builds page after page of intrigue and suspense.

Nicks emotinal scars are raw and deep, his mood bitter, as he uncovers bits of information revealing acts of greed, false witness and murder, by the upper crust of Charleston's old-line, moneyed familes intent on keeping their stranglehold of power over the city.

This is an intense book with a telling story that delivers wisdom to the reader along the way. Brouwer's skill with the pen let's you feel what Nick is going through as he distinguishes facts from gossip about his Mother's disappearance.

I recommend this book to all those individuals who love to read good stories.

Charles Hamilton Sr, Former Executive Director Northwest Teen Challenge, author of From Darkness To Light and A Step Of Faith. From Darkness To Light

Very engrossing story. Sort of reminded me of "Hush Hush Sweet Charlotte". I have to say though, I was more impressed with the cover art that was on the book I read. It matched the story better. It had a photo of a southern mansion masked in darkness.

I am most impressed with the writers description of the character's journey of salvation. Very, very good detail and description, that was so "right on target"! He did a wonderful job of capturing the true meaning of salvation that he delicately thread throughout the story...but made a very strong statement. I will be reading the next story in this series!