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When Death Draws Near
by Carrie Stuart Parks
From the back cover:
Gwen Marcey takes death in stride. Until she’s faced with her own mortality.
Forensic artist Gwen Marcey is between jobs when she accepts temporary work in Pikeville, Kentucky—a small town facing big-city crime. But before Gwen can finish her first drawing of the serial rapist who is on the loose, the latest witness vanishes. Just like all the others.
Gwen suspects a connection between the rapist and the “accidental” deaths that are happening around town, but the local sheriff has little interest in her theories. When her digitally-obsessed teenage daughter joins her, Gwen turns her attention to a second assignment: going undercover in a serpent-handling church. She could get a handsome reward for uncovering illegal activity—a reward she desperately needs, as it seems her breast cancer has returned. But snakes aren’t the only ones ready to kill. Can Gwen uncover the truth—and convince anyone to believe her—before she becomes a victim herself?
In a thrilling race against time, When Death Draws Near plunges us into cold-case murders, shady politics, and a den of venomous suspects.
About the author:
Carrie Stuart Parks is a Christy award, Inspy award, and multiple Carol award-winning author. She has won numerous awards for her fine art as well. An internationally known forensic artist, she travels with her husband, Rick, across the US and Canada teaching courses in forensic art to law enforcement professionals. The author/illustrator of numerous books on drawing and painting, Carrie continues to create dramatic watercolors from her studio in the mountains of Idaho. Visit her online at CarrieStuartParks.com, Facebook: CarrieStuartParksAuthor, Twitter: @CarrieParks.
My thoughts:
How do you respond to those who sincerely believe in the Bible but interpret it differently than you do? Gwen faces not only crimes to solve but challenges to her personal beliefs as well. When Death Draws Near is not just another suspense story. The characters face issues that I look forward to discussing with my book club.
I loved feeling like I had actually learned something from reading. As Gwen interacts with witnesses and people in the community, we gain insight into her work as a forensic artist, which is fascinating.
There are multiple threads in When Death Draws Near, woven skillfully together to keep you turning pages. Great twists lead to a satisfying ending.
When Death Draws Near is the third Gwen Marcey book. There are a few references to prior events that would have meant more if I’d read those stories. However, I was able to follow this story well as a stand-alone. Of course, now I need to read the others!
If you enjoy suspense, When Death Draws Near is not a multi-award winner without good reason. But I would start at the beginning of the series, because I suspect they’ll all be good!
Becky Smith says
February 1, 2018 at 10:22 amFun interview! I like to read suspense stories, and I liked in your review that you said you feel like you learned something.- that’s at least 2 things I like! I can’t help but wonder what issues from the book you want to discuss. I have not yet read Carrie’s books, but I am looking forward to it.
Carrie Stuart Parks says
February 1, 2018 at 7:42 pmHi Becky Smith,
Gwen goes undercover to a Pentecostal snake-handling church. The belief system of these folks is presented for the reader to make up his/her own mind. I placed the story in Kentucky-the only state that enacted laws forbidding snake handling in a religious service. More thoughts here on enacting laws to restrict religious practice. Also touched on the acceptance of the Pentecostal’s to African-Americans at a time when lynching was a common response. Throw in a heap of forensic art, questioning why we pray if God knows everything (and if prayer even works,) the terror of cancer returning, icky ex-husbands, and a grand, knock-down, drag-out fight with God and you’ll find quite a bit to talk about (I hope!) Blessings. And PS Sarah, thank you for a lovely review!!!
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Caryl Kane says
February 1, 2018 at 10:32 amGreat review, Sarah! Death Draws Near is in my TBR. 🙂
Dianna says
February 4, 2018 at 6:40 pmThis series by Carrie Stuart Parks is one of my favorites. I have read all of the others, and bought this one for myself for Christmas. It wasn’t my favorite of the series, but I will continue reading it. I love the way Parks makes the characters feel so real, and the suspense is perfect. It’s nice to have an action-packed Christian read.