This book is the first of four in the Sun-Coast Chronicles, all published from 1995 to 1997. They are openly Christian stories which include at least one person becoming a Christian by story’s end.

I am a Christian and I like a story that includes a Christian message. But I don’t care for the in-your-face approach of this book and many others. Blackstock has sold over six million copies of her many books and this one is still listed on Amazon  as

• #99 in Books > Literature & Fiction > Genre Fiction > Religious & Inspirational > Mystery

This was her first effort in the religious mystery genera so I should cut her some slack. The story is fast-paced. Her hero, Lynda, faces death three times, including the opening plane crash that leaves self-centered Jake paralyzed. As the story progresses, her character arc is about recovering her Christian upbringing, trying to support Jake in his physical rehab, and leading him to Christ. In addition, she is the lawyer representing a battered woman trying to protect her child.

The key weakness in the storyline was the lack of red herrings. It was easy to figure out who was trying to kill her. Blackstock did shield the reader from his identity early on, but without credible alternatives, it did not last.

Overall, I liked the story. I would have liked it better if Lynda had done less preaching. Subtle is the word that comes to mind.

Mike Lawrence