Customer Reviews

The Sound of Red Returning: A Novel (Red Returning Trilogy)

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I'm always up to reading a good spy novel, so when I saw the invitation to review The Sound of Red Returning, I jumped at the chance. (Thanks to Litfuse for the free copy of the book in exchange for the review.) The fact that Liesl is also a pianist made me connect with her before I started reading. What a unique premise as to how her piano mentor/double agent passed information! The characters are well developed; the plot moves along, leaving me breathless at times. And I love the spiritual thread that moves through the story as well. Sue Duffy has done a masterful job at spinning a spy thriller that holds the reader's attention through the last page. I highly recommend The Sound of Red Returning, and I will be looking for more books by this author.

Sue Duffy has brought her readers a novel that is not only the start to a sure-to-be fantastic new series, but a novel that will move you completely and wholly, following the characters lives as if they were your own. The intense complexity that Ms. Duffy uses to create both the plot line and Lisle's character is truly stunning. This book is a twist of emotional ups, downs and messages that will leave the reader reflecting on this book for a long time to come.

Liesl Bower is not your everyday person. No, she's more than that. She's someone who holds the interest of the Russians. Why? Well, she's a pianist and she has something the Russians want before the CIA finds it. The roller coaster ride you take with Liesl and her passion for music, is stunning. When Liesl finds out secrets about her past and her musical mentor, the book takes the reader on a whole new politically dramatic ride.

With characters like Liesl and Cade, messages of second chances, right vs. wrong, and intriguing political suspense, this book becomes a movie for the reader. Each event unfolds perfectly and becomes life. Each character, each emotion, each twist will grip you like a vice!

This is a 5 Book worthy start to an incredibly addictive new series. I'm hooked on the Red Returning trilogy and this is just book 1! I can't wait until book 2 releases and I can dive back into the intensity of suspense. Ms. Duffy definitely is high on my recommended authors list and this book is one that I will be sharing with EVERYONE who wants that gripping, twisting novel that will be over before you know it...I know because I had it read in 2 days! It's THAT good! Great job, Ms. Duffy!

This review originated at Reviews By Molly in part with a blog tour.

As a world-famous classical pianist, Liesl Bower plays command performances for the President and various foreign dignitaries. She thinks she's seen it all and played it all, until her past comes back to chase her from her comfortable Washington DC-area home. From the moment she spots a familiar, yet frightening, man sitting so close to her as she performs at the White House, Liesl knows her life will never be the same.

Racing from rogue Russians that are determined to change the course of history, Liesl is protected by the FBI, the CIA and a couple of humble fishermen from the Florida Keys.

The Sound of Red Returning is suspenseful and exciting, but it is also romantic and sweet. The underground KGB agents and the murder of Liesl's former music professor, make this book a mysterious globetrotting page-turner. Liesl's return to her ailing grandmother's side, a simmering new romance with Cade O'Brien and the comic utterances of Cade's grandfather all provide a softer edge to this book.

As a Christian novel, each of the characters in this book all have their own opinions about God and His place in their lives. Liesl has walked away from the God she thinks was never there for her family in the very tough times. As the novel progresses, Liesl begins to see that God has used her, if if she wasn't close to him at the time.

At times the novel is a bit difficult to follow simply because some of the action has taken place 15 years ago, but now must be recalled quickly as a matter of national security. In addition, the plot can be a bit murky in spots due to a cast of international characters that are frequently hiding in the shadows. Stick with this book, though. Like all good mysteries, plot lines are tied up in the final chapters and Liesl begins her new life with her Russian past behind her.

I received this book complimentary from LitFuse in exchange for an honest review but the opinion is all mine

Once you open this book it will grab your immediate attention. The story revolves around Lisle Bower, and her refuge of music, she is a classically trained pianist.

The Red Returning is Mother Russia...or the corrupt people who want control. Poor Lisle it seems anyone she cares about or befriends seems to have a problem, or end up dead. This page turner is so filled with action and surprises. You will think you have everything figured out...but you don't!

You will meet other wonderful characters in this book...such as Lisle's grandmother Lottie. A CIA agent, who Lisle originally did not like...Ava. Then there will be Chad and his delightful grandfather Ira.

Lisle has obtained, without her knowledge some information that is vital for National Security.

The story takes place in many cities around the world and back. Loved the hidden areas in Lottie's house, someone had a lot of imagination. Then there's the secluded cabin, a family refuge, and the family boat the Exodus.

Your going to find everything her from wonderful music, espionage, murder, ransacks, traitors, and a bit of romance!

I received this book from Litefuse Tours and the Publisher Kregel, and was not required to give a positive review.

I greatly enjoy The Sound of Red Returning. This is the first book in the Red Returning series. She has written a book about a famous pianist, Liesl Bower. Liesl is being hunted down by a Russian spy who is trying to kill her. I would recommend this wonderful novel to teenagers and adults. Anyone who loves a great mystery will really enjoy trying to solve this one. Readers will enjoy trying to figure out the mole's hidden identity. I couldn't even figure out who the mole was until the very end. You just won't see it coming until you put everything together. Throughout out the book, I was captured by the details about this frightening mystery adventure. The book contains suspense that unfolds with each turning of the page. I connected with Liesl and sometimes the thing we are trying to find lies in front of us. We just don't know it yet. She didn't believe in God because she lost a number of people she cared greatly about. She didn't understand how a good God could allow so many bad things to happen to people she loved. But the brilliance of this novel is that is has a Christian theme and it can be applied to your daily life. The novel proves that God can use anything and anybody to bring you to a relationship with him. Liesl saw a lot of pain but through perseveration, determination, and love she learns the lessons that God was trying to teach her. I can't wait to read the other books in this series!! If you are a fan of the crime and action books and TV Shows you will enjoy reading this mystery novel. I think the novel has the potential to be made into a movie. I will be checking out the others in the series when they are released. If you're looking for a new mystery story to discover then look no farther and read this one! Come on and jump right in and help uncover the identity of the mole! Sue Duffy has written the next bestselling mystery series!

"I received this book for free from Litfuse Publicity Group for this review".

Music often "calms the savage beast," and for Liesl Bower, it is a way to deal with death. But she is haunted by memories she can't quite touch until she sees someone in a concert that unnerves her. As the memories of the murder of Dr. Devoe come rushing back, Liesl discovers that she is the object of interest by both the CIA and the Russians.Why? What did Dr. Devoe have to do with either and how did that involve her? Liesl has a piece of music that he had altered, but she had no idea that it contained the clue everyone was looking for. Will Liesl know who to trust and be able to stay alive? How do Cade and Ian fit into the picture? Come along and help Liesl solve the mystery of a murder that happened fifteen years ago, with consequences for her today.

This is the first book in a new series by Sue Duffy, and it has me hooked for the rest! I really enjoyed the characters, suspense, and story They seemed realistic and the story flowed nicely. I love the double-agent twist that leaves you with questions and concerns. This book is great for readers of suspense and for book groups that enjoy multi-layered discussions. I received my free review copy from Litfuse and am happy to be part of the blog tour.

"The Sound of Red Returning" by Sue Duffy offers something for everyone. Musicians will immediately identify with the main character's passion for her music and appreciate the concept of passing secret messages through sheet music. Mystery fans are sure to love the political intrigue, plot twists and fast-paced action. Suspense surrounds one particular character who lurks in the background, unidentified until the last chapters. Those who like a little romance will enjoy watching the candid interactions and growing attraction between Leisl and Cade. And Cade's grandfather Ian is a delightfully cantankerous character everyone will love.

Sue Duffy is back with a brand new three book series, Red Returning. The first release, The Sound of Red Returning Liesl Bower currently lives in Georgetown. Growing up in Charleston, South Carolina, we learn of her interesting past and now present day, she is a famous concert pianist eventually realizing that she has been associated with a close mentor who happened to be a double agent for the Soviet Union and the US.

When Liesl witnesses the horrific murder of her friend and mentor in Moscow, she turns to her music to escape. One day while picking up some sheet music, she learns that her life is in extreme danger. This piece of sheet music is partly written in code and the now the KGB and CIA are after her.

The action and suspense continues when she recognizes an eerie face (flashback to 15 years ago) in the audience of a concert she's giving for the U.S. President. Can Liesl survive this powerful force weaving a plot of murder and world upheaval?

Liesl Bower is an accomplished pianist. She had been mentored by her Harvard professor, Dr. Devoe. Fifteen years ago she saw her mentor killed, shot by Russians. She was shocked to find that Dr. Devoe had been a double agent for the CIA and for the Russians.

Unknown to Liesl, as she picked up her music, she also picked up a piece Devoe had altered to reveal the name of the Russian mole high in the Israeli Ministry of Defense. While she had been interrogated, no evidence was found to incriminate her so she had been released. She had been pursuing her music since then. Liesl had once played the piece of music Devoe had altered, was a bit confused at the "errors," but had merely packed it away.

International tensions have been recently mounting as it appears some in the Russian government are planning to regain the nation's former power. New intelligence suggests that Liesl has a document that would impact the security of the U.S. and a favored ally. Finding the coded piece of music may be the only hope in keeping Israel from being destroyed. But the ruthless Russians know of the music too and are bent on finding it before the Americans. Liesl's life is in danger as agents from both countries are desperate to find the document.

This is a well crafted book. The plot is reasonable and realistic.

I have to admit, at the first I felt like I was reading a sequel, as there is great deal of important action that happened fifteen years before. However, as the book progressed, Duffy deftly included the past into the current action so that it was a pleasure to read.

There is a good measure of intrigue and suspense. There is a past that Liesl must deal with, including a father who abandoned his family. There is a nice hint of romance for the independent Liesl to embrace.

And there is the God who Liesl shuns. Be He will not let her go, bringing people across her path who keep reminding her of His love.

This is the first in a series so I look forward to the sequel.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for the purpose of this review.

The Sound of Red Returning takes on a very interesting angle to the war--15 years after it ended. Liesl's harrowing adventures come back to haunt her when she suddenly becomes a target of former KGB agents and the CIA. Pretty cool opening to this story, isn't it?

Liesl seemed a bit extreme at times, but besides that, she was a likeable character that is sure to intrigue the readers. I liked Cade right off! And Ian, his grandfather. The camaraderie the two of them had was so humorous, it really added to the story.

The Sound of Red Returning opens with Liesl seeing the man who murdered a close friend in the audience during a performance. And from there on, things keep moving. There is one mention of a wife cheating on a husband--he catches them in the act--but not too much detail is given.

The mystery/suspense was a bit confusing at times and, honestly, I was lost in a few places. But I kept pushing ahead and it all came to a very satisfying conclusion. There was suspense, a bit of mystery, and a journey of healing hurts and redemption.

I reviewed this book for OakTara via Litfuse. It was not required that I give a positive review, but solely to express my own thoughts and opinions of this book, which I have done.