Like Suspense, Murder and Mayhem?

Into gut-wrenching, totally twisted, violent suspense? You might want to pick up SAINT by Ted Dekker (ISBN 10: 1-5955-4006-7/ISBN 13: 978-1-5955-4006-5)

Carl is certainly not the nicest man on the block. By the time the super-secret agency was done with him, Carl was the perfect sniper, do his handler's bidding (killing) without thought or moral qualms. Truth and fiction twist into a knot until he has no idea who he used to be-until an assassination goes wrong, he goes on the run and he meets a man who seems to know him, knew him-before. Or is it all lies? What is truth and what an illusion and to what purpose? With an assassin on his heels, Carl must figure out the truth, not only to save his life, but those he cares most about. And just how does his past tie in with Project Showdown?

Dekker fans will love this chase oriented story of loss, betrayal and redemption.

****

Shades of CSI! If you like the CSI shows, you'll love HAZARDOUS DUTY by Christy Barritt (ISBN 0-8254-2016-4). A semester short of obtaining her forensic science degree, Gabby drops out due to the death of her mother and to help her father. When she starts her own business of crime scene clean up, she has no idea she'll find a key piece of evidence or that she'll clash with the detective in charge of the case, and that all the wrong people will be targeted...including her. How can a good God allow innocent people to suffer, especially when everyone seems bent on protecting the person she's convinced is guilty?

But when Gabby's new neighbor Riley not only shows her another side of faith, but also saves her life-more than once, Gabby takes notice. Will she find answers in time to save the innocent-including herself? Or will she be convinced once more that God really doesn't care.A good read and a solid mystery with a laid back faith message. An intriguing beginning to what could and should be the first of a series.

****

How about a look behind the world of perfume making? SCENT: A Dark Secret Hidden in Petals of Pink by C.L. Kelly (ISBN 10: 0-310-26299-2/ISBN 13: 978- 0-310-26299-2) does just that and with sinister results. Nick risked his life to bring back a scent that other perfumers would kill for--literally. As Cassie and Nick race to ready Cassandra for distribution in order to save their business, they neglect more important things such as their needy teen daughter, their marriage and their faith.But when they are personally attacked and their business undermined and when the most horrific things seem to be happening in the animal kingdom, Cassie and Nick must discover the truth before they lose everything.

Can something so captivating, really be so deadly? Suspense that sneaks up to the horror of truth. The book is a well of inside information on those in the business of peddling perfume. The faith message is laid back, but present in the affable priest whose faith is who he is, a faith that draws Cassie and a reluctant Nick to the only one who can meet their need.

A positive beginning to what promises to be an interesting series.

Three books to intrigue and quicken the heartbeat. Enjoy!