Oddly enough I just can't get into this one. Maybe I'll give it another shot sometime but right now it's boring, weak, and reads too much like a movie does. Too much dialogue. ( )

A pair of FBI agents partner up to investigate a string of murders involving law enforcement officials. They have never worked together before, and but fall into a professional rhythm to work the case. What ensues is a police-procedural-type story involving a gang that kills with rattlesnake venom, a mother desperately trying to protect her son, missing persons, faith, trust, and a few interesting turns thrown in.

I read this book in 2 days, and really enjoyed it. The main characters, Leah & Jon, were smart, compassionate, and professional. They both had back stories that provided depth without being overly emo and cliched. And both had phobias that they were determined to overcome, and that they had the chance to face in the book.

I liked the way the case unfolded, with some developments that kept me guessing. I did figure out who the kingpin was, but wasn’t bothered by figuring it out in advance. In fact, I remember thinking that if didn’t go that way, I was going to question some of the author’s choices. There were a couple of smaller elements that were presented that seemed to be left hanging, but they didn’t bother me too much. I also had a very difficult time following the action in the climax, and didn’t understand why some of the things happened.

Some of the dialog seemed kind of stilted, especially between the main characters. Most of the time I couldn’t really tell who was talking, because they were so similar to each other. I’m not sure that’s a fault in the characterization, because it was clear from the beginning that they WERE similar, so maybe it was an issue with dialog tags and narration as much as anything. I also did not care for the kingpin’s dialog near the end of the book. It made him seem a lot less intelligent and dastardly than I think he was supposed to be.

The romance is a slow-burn, which is my favorite type. The characters are completely respectful of each other and of their situation (partners working a case), and the romance that develops between them is understated, almost to a point of coming from out of left field, but I prefer a little bit of a leap to the in-your-face type of romances.

And finally, the Christian aspect is well-presented. Most of the faith that is presented in the book comes from a priest who is involved in the investigation. He is wise and insightful, and even clearly shown to be a human with some flaws, but kind and devoted. Through this influence, as well as some others, both of the main characters individually begin to examine their belief in God and what it might mean for them. I even appreciated the way that the too-familiar question of why a loving God would allow bad things to happen to good people is addressed.

Overall, I enjoyed this fast-paced read and would recommend it to all fans of suspense or crime dramas, with a little faith thrown in.

Thank you to Netgalley and Tyndale House Publishers for providing me a copy of this book to review. ( )

58221

Fatal Strike is an excellent example of DiAnn Mills’ fast-paced plots, which are chock full of twists and turns. This is a tightly-written tale – the dialogue is crisp and every scene is purposeful.
The storyline is complex, taking on gang violence (with a really creative method of murder) and illegal drugs. The book hurtles along at a fast pace with all of Mills’ trademark misdirection and twists. I think the biggest difference in this book was the layers of misdirection – it felt like everyone has a secret or something to hide, and no one was quite who they seemed. The main characters, too, are real and complex – smart and professional, but carrying their own baggage.

This book falls into the Christian category, but the treatment here leaned more philosophical and spiritual than preachy. Father Gabriel’s steadfast convictions and faith in his work are at odds at times with the work the FBI agents are trying to do, but he is unwavering. He is a fascinating and complicated character.

This was a hard-to-put-down and enjoyable read. If you like layered, suspenseful police procedurals with a touch of romance, this is the book for you! ( )

enjoyed this book. thought it moved a little slow though. it was wishy washy on any kind of presentation of the gospel. There was actually nothing that clarified it. ( )