Desperately in need
of money after the expense of her breast cancer treatment, forensic
artist, Gwen Marcey, accepts an assignment in Pikesville, Kentucky to
prepare a composite of a serial rapist. When she arrives, the local
sheriff seems less than enthusiastic about using her expertise, making
Gwen wonder about his involvement.
Most of the victims
of the rapist are either dead, or they and their families have
disappeared. When Gwen tries to interview the one remaining victim,
she too disappears. Unable to use her talents on the serial rapist,
the sheriff asks her to draw a young man found dead of snakebite so
they can find his parents. Gwen complies and learns about the
problems the area is having with a church where part of the ritual
involves handling serpents. A politician living in the area wants to
get rid of the church and asks Gwen to try to infiltrate the group.
She agrees with frightening consequences.
Gwen is a gutsy
character. Although she's worried about the recurrence of her breast
cancer, she puts her personal problems on hold and tackles the job.
Skilled in interviewing techniques, body language, as well as having
an artist's eye, Gwen is a formidable detective, which is not always
appreciated by local law enforcement.
One of the most
interesting aspects of the book for me was the serpent handling
church: their ritual and why they believe as they do. The author made
the people in the church come alive as individuals. They are ordinary
people with an unusual religious expression.
The mystery is well
done. There are plenty of twists to keep you wondering until the end.
If you enjoy a Christian mystery or just a good read. I recommend
this book.
I received this book
from BookLook Bloggers for this review.
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