BOOK REVIEW - "CASE FILES VOL. 1: MURDER AND MEANING," BY J. WARNER WALLACE & JIMMY WALLACE

 

What connection is there between 25 year veteran detective Michael "Murph" Murphy and the serial killer who bashes his victims' heads in and then brands them? Is there a method to the murderer's madness, or is it better put "a message to his madness?" And since he does it the same day of the week, can Murph and his "A-Team" find out who it is and stop him before he strikes again?

"Case Files Vol. 1: Murder and Meaning" is a graphic novel written by Homicide Detective/Christian apologist/Author J. Warner Wallace and his son Jimmy Wallace (also in law enforcement), with great illustrations by Steve Crespo and Dario Formisani. The plot follows seasoned detective Murph, easy going Pete Leota, hard-working young mother Ashley Perez, and self-proclaimed hot shot Marco Russo as they try to catch a serial killer who keeps calling to talk to Murph. 

This story gives me a realistic view of what police-work is like. For example, Leota asked Murph if they used chalk like on TV in the old days, and the fact that the members of a team may have other cases to work on besides the main one. I'll admit that it wasn't the most joyful and enjoyable novel I've read, but the writers did a great job with the plotting and with the character development. And since this is Volume 1 and having read the ending, I'm sure there will at least be a volume 2. And I'm looking forward to it.

BOOK REVIEW - BLIZZARD SHOWDOWN (ALASKA K-9 UNIT PART 8 OF 8) BY SHIRLEE MCCOY

 

 Which is safer for Violet James' newborn? Being in a bunker with a survivalist family? Being in a cabin with Alaskan State Trooper Gabe Runyon and a gigantic dog named Bear? Or fleeing from a murderous ex-fiancee? Oh, I forgot - the last one was a given. (After all, this is a Love Inspired Suspense novel.)

Blizzard Showdown by Shirlee McCoy is the conclusion of an exciting and well written eight part series Alaska K-9 Unit. The first novel introduced you to pregnant Violet James fleeing the scene of a crime where a guide is shot, her best friend is left hanging off a cliff, and her fiancee and his buddy claim Violet was responsible. Additionally, the tech guru is trying to make his dying godmother's wish come true by reuniting her to her survivalist son, and the unit chief's assistant is dealing with stolen reindeer on her aunt's farm. The third of the stories was resolved in the seventh installment. The other two issues find their resolution in this novel. Is that a spoiler? Not really - you expect a happy ending in this series to each installment, let alone the full series. But have I told you how we reach that happy ending?

Another spoiler. Lance Wells, the fiance claiming Violet attacked him and the guide? He's lying. And if you had been reading the series, you'd be aware of that. But if you read the description on the back cover of this book, you'd have known that already.

I have currently read 53 Love Inspired Suspense novels. Out of those, there are only a few villains that stood above the rest, having a personality as well as being an evil, determined killer, and Lance Wells is in that category. I also found it easy to care for Violet James, as well as Gabe. And Bear? That St. Bernard is adorable.

I enjoyed all eight of the stories in this series. This one ended on a very strong note. One slight quibble is that the final "curtain call" where you're reintroduced to the main characters of the other stories seems artificial. But that's no reason to pass this octet of thrilling stories by an octet of great writers. I highly recommend this book and the full series.