Rating: 
Summary: Move over Mary Higgins Clark!
Review: A Christian version of suspense queen Mary Higgins Clark? Terri Blackstock's skill at writing suspense fiction reminded me much of the mystery queen. "Evidence of Mercy" (available as a separate novel, or as one of four best-selling Blackstock novels in the "Suncoast Chronicles" anthology) is a humdinger of a suspense story, revolving around the lives of three main characters. The main protagonist, Lynda, is a Christian lawyer whose life is threatened by an unknown killer. The second central character is the atheist Jake, who becomes a paraplegic after crashing on Lynda's sabotaged plane while test-flying it as a prospective buyer. The third main character is one of Lynda's clients, Paige, a single parent trying to avoid her abusive ex-husband. Suspense mounts as the mystery killer and his motive remain unidentified in the first half of the story. It's a terrific and captivating story that draws you in, and at the same time gives you much to think about, because the characters not only battle a mysterious killer, but also their own personalities and weaknesses. Much Christian fiction falls into the trap of featuring an artificial conversion story. Terri Blackstock shows that writers can craft a mouth-watering Christian story without artificially sprinkling it with an obvious theological twist of this kind, and yet retain a deeper spiritual significance. In the afterword, Blackstock explains that the idea of her book came after a personal struggle with her faith, and the growing awareness that faith needs to be put into action. "I thought I believed, I said I believed - but I did nothing to put the belief into action. I was neither hot nor cold, but luke-warm, and absolutely fruitless." The title "Evidence of Mercy" describes this important spiritual theme that Blackstock wants to convey. The struggles of the three characters mirror Blackstock's own struggles, as she explains: "the characters interested me because their own spiritual battles were so much like my own: Lynda, a lukewarm Christian who would let someone die without witnessing to him; Jake, an agnostic who couldn't give up the pilot's seat in his life until it was taken from him; and Paige, a spiritual infant on the verge of belief, who lacked the faith to make the final plunge." For instance, Lynda comes to conclude "she'd made a god of an airplane, an altar of her job, and an idol of her ego" (p.38), and Jake realizes the folly of relying on his good looks: "If I'd known I was going to be left with just my character, I'd have worked harder at building some." (p.135) Without taking on an preaching tone that many Christian writers unwittingly do, Blackstock brings out these important spiritual truths by showing them in the lives of her characters in a convincing and persuasive manner. Terri Blackstock's novels are a welcome addition to the ranks of Christian fiction. The genre has been dominated especially by the historical romance, much of it inferior to secular fictions on most levels. With her successful efforts in suspense fiction genre, Terri Blackstock shows that it doesn't have to be that way (aside from an unnecessary kiss in the last pages), and that Christian writers can successfully take on new genres, and do so with style. As a fan of suspense fiction, I'm grateful to see Christian writers provide exciting alternatives to secular novels in the genre. Move over Mary Higgins Clark!
Rating:
Summary: Move over Mary Higgins Clark!
Review: A Christian version of suspense queen Mary Higgins Clark? Terri Blackstock's skill at writing suspense fiction reminded me much of the mystery queen. "Evidence of Mercy" (available as a separate novel, or as one of four best-selling Blackstock novels in the "Suncoast Chronicles" anthology) is a humdinger of a suspense story, revolving around the lives of three main characters. The main protagonist, Lynda, is a Christian lawyer whose life is threatened by an unknown killer. The second central character is the atheist Jake, who becomes a paraplegic after crashing on Lynda's sabotaged plane while test-flying it as a prospective buyer. The third main character is one of Lynda's clients, Paige, a single parent trying to avoid her abusive ex-husband. Suspense mounts as the mystery killer and his motive remain unidentified in the first half of the story. It's a terrific and captivating story that draws you in, and at the same time gives you much to think about, because the characters not only battle a mysterious killer, but also their own personalities and weaknesses. Much Christian fiction falls into the trap of featuring an artificial conversion story. Terri Blackstock shows that writers can craft a mouth-watering Christian story without artificially sprinkling it with an obvious theological twist of this kind, and yet retain a deeper spiritual significance. In the afterword, Blackstock explains that the idea of her book came after a personal struggle with her faith, and the growing awareness that faith needs to be put into action. "I thought I believed, I said I believed - but I did nothing to put the belief into action. I was neither hot nor cold, but luke-warm, and absolutely fruitless." The title "Evidence of Mercy" describes this important spiritual theme that Blackstock wants to convey. The struggles of the three characters mirror Blackstock's own struggles, as she explains: "the characters interested me because their own spiritual battles were so much like my own: Lynda, a lukewarm Christian who would let someone die without witnessing to him; Jake, an agnostic who couldn't give up the pilot's seat in his life until it was taken from him; and Paige, a spiritual infant on the verge of belief, who lacked the faith to make the final plunge." For instance, Lynda comes to conclude "she'd made a god of an airplane, an altar of her job, and an idol of her ego" (p.38), and Jake realizes the folly of relying on his good looks: "If I'd known I was going to be left with just my character, I'd have worked harder at building some." (p.135) Without taking on an preaching tone that many Christian writers unwittingly do, Blackstock brings out these important spiritual truths by showing them in the lives of her characters in a convincing and persuasive manner. Terri Blackstock's novels are a welcome addition to the ranks of Christian fiction. The genre has been dominated especially by the historical romance, much of it inferior to secular fictions on most levels. With her successful efforts in suspense fiction genre, Terri Blackstock shows that it doesn't have to be that way (aside from an unnecessary kiss in the last pages), and that Christian writers can successfully take on new genres, and do so with style. As a fan of suspense fiction, I'm grateful to see Christian writers provide exciting alternatives to secular novels in the genre. Move over Mary Higgins Clark!
Rating:
Summary: My Favorite
Review: EVIDENCE of MERCY is Terri Blackstock's first book in her new "Sun Coast Chronicles. Once again Blackstock has penned a memorable narrative to introduce her new series. Lynda Barrett, busy attorney, has to sell her beloved airplane to cover the debt left by her father's death. Reluctantly she agrees to let Jake Stevens, shallow, handsome, carefree playboy and potential buyer, test flight her small Piper. While in the air they discover a mutual animosity that doesn't disappear when sabotage downs the plane. Jake wakes up in the hospital with a marred face, a missing eye and no feeling in his legs. Lynda soon realizes that someone wants her dead. The captivating narrative that follows as Lynda fights for an abused client, befriends a suicidal Jake and fights to stay alive will stay long term in your memory. If EVIDENCE of MERCY is any indication of the rest of the "Sun Coast Chronicles" series, it is sure to be Blackstock's best.
Beverly J Scott author of "Righteous Revenge" and "Ruth Fever." Reviewer for Intriguing Authors and Their Books at http://www.funeralassociates.com/authors.htm
Rating:
Summary: Suspenseful, thought provoking, romantic Christian mystory
Review: Evidnece of Mercy captures the readers attenetion from the first page. The suspence and plot will keep you burried in the book until the last page is read. The descriptions and events that occure are recorded in such a way that this appears to be more of a factual document than a fictional story. This book is a definite keeper
Rating:
Summary: excellent christian fiction
Review: I am a "left behind" groupie and was looking for something to fill the void til the next book in left behind is released. While browsing, I found a new hero. Terry Blackstock has captured fiction and christianity in a wonderful, suspenseful adventure! The characters are realistic, and most of us can identify with the moment of question that they experience. Her ability to show faith after seperation in Lynda's life, and bring Jake around to understanding brought me to tears. (Not that it takes much to bring me to tear!) I would recommend this book to believers and especially for those that aren't sure. What I mighty God we serve!
Rating:
Summary: SUSPENCEFULL AND TOUCHING
Review: I am a "left behind" groupie and was looking for something to fill the void til the next book in left behind is released. While browsing, I found a new hero. Terry Blackstock has captured fiction and christianity in a wonderful, suspenseful adventure! The characters are realistic, and most of us can identify with the moment of question that they experience. Her ability to show faith after seperation in Lynda's life, and bring Jake around to understanding brought me to tears. (Not that it takes much to bring me to tear!) I would recommend this book to believers and especially for those that aren't sure. What I mighty God we serve!
Rating:
Summary: excellent christian fiction
Review: I am a "left behind" groupie and was looking for something to fill the void til the next book in left behind is released. While browsing, I found a new hero. Terry Blackstock has captured fiction and christianity in a wonderful, suspenseful adventure! The characters are realistic, and most of us can identify with the moment of question that they experience. Her ability to show faith after seperation in Lynda's life, and bring Jake around to understanding brought me to tears. (Not that it takes much to bring me to tear!) I would recommend this book to believers and especially for those that aren't sure. What I mighty God we serve!
Rating:
Summary: SUSPENCEFULL AND TOUCHING
Review: I am currently about 2/3rds through this book. I am enjoying the book very much, but I just noticed that the very last pages including the last page of the book was ripped in half. I don't want to have to send the book back to Amazon, but would be greatful if someone has the book, would make a copy of the last 2 pages and fax to me at 404/648-8500 attn: Vicky.........Thanks! This is really a great book and I plan on ordering the 3 sequels.
Rating: 
Summary: Life can change quickly
Review: I enjoyed this book after picking it up on a recommendation. The story flows smoothly and, while often a bit cliche, keeps you interested throughout. The other reviewers here didn't mention the best aspect of the book in my opinion. There is a story within the story about an arrogant playboy who is paralyzed and maimed in the plane crash and has to come to terms with his character as his looks and career are derailed. He finds out much to his dismay that he really doesn't have any depth, having relied on his looks and focused on his Porsche, his pursuit of women, and his material possessions. This was truly a thought provoking treatment and was the highlight of the book. As a mystery, it doesn't really work because you as the reader know who's who by halfway through the book. I also found the love story to be a bit contrived. There is a fair amount of suspense and the characters are pretty well developed, except for the villain, who is simply a one-dimensional character whose behaviors are never really explored beyond anger and resentment. This is too bad because there could have been some real development here, considering the rest of the characters have to undergo some brokeness to change. Despite some flaws, I gave the book 4 stars because it is a fun book to read, and the values are sound. The insight into how fast life can change is also excellent.
Rating:
Summary: Life can change quickly
Review: I enjoyed this book after picking it up on a recommendation. The story flows smoothly and, while often a bit cliche, keeps you interested throughout. The other reviewers here didn't mention the best aspect of the book in my opinion. There is a story within the story about an arrogant playboy who is paralyzed and maimed in the plane crash and has to come to terms with his character as his looks and career are derailed. He finds out much to his dismay that he really doesn't have any depth, having relied on his looks and focused on his Porsche, his pursuit of women, and his material possessions. This was truly a thought provoking treatment and was the highlight of the book. As a mystery, it doesn't really work because you as the reader know who's who by halfway through the book. I also found the love story to be a bit contrived. There is a fair amount of suspense and the characters are pretty well developed, except for the villain, who is simply a one-dimensional character whose behaviors are never really explored beyond anger and resentment. This is too bad because there could have been some real development here, considering the rest of the characters have to undergo some brokeness to change. Despite some flaws, I gave the book 4 stars because it is a fun book to read, and the values are sound. The insight into how fast life can change is also excellent.
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