"When Death Draws Near"

A Gwen Marcey Novel

by Carrie Stuart Parks

Description

Gwen Marcey takes death in stride. Until she’s faced with her own mortality.

Forensic artist Gwen Marcey is between jobs when she accepts temporary work in Pikeville, Kentucky—a small town facing big-city crime. But before Gwen can finish her first drawing of the serial rapist who is on the loose, the latest witness vanishes. Just like all the others.

Gwen suspects a connection between the rapist and the “accidental” deaths that are happening around town, but the local sheriff has little interest in her theories. When her digitally-obsessed teenage daughter joins her, Gwen turns her attention to a second assignment: going undercover in a serpent-handling church. She could get a handsome reward for uncovering illegal activity—a reward she desperately needs, as it seems her breast cancer has returned. But snakes aren’t the only ones ready to kill. Can Gwen uncover the truth—and convince anyone to believe her—before she becomes a victim herself?

In a thrilling race against time, When Death Draws Near plunges us into cold-case murders, shady politics, and a den of venomous suspects.

Biography

Carrie Stuart Parks is a Christy finalist as well as a Carol award-winning author. She has won numerous awards for her fine art as well. An internationally known forensic artist, she travels with her husband, Rick, across the US and Canada teaching courses in forensic art to law enforcement professionals. The author/illustrator of numerous books on drawing and painting, Carrie continues to create dramatic watercolors from her studio in the mountains of Idaho. 




My thoughts ~

Don't trust anyone! Simply doing her job as a hired forensic artist, Gwen Marcey's life is at stake as numerous questionable incidents arise. Who can help her? The police force appears inadequate. Rapes continue, and the victims disappear. The suspect could be any number of people.

Carrie Stuart Parks is a well accomplished forensic artist who knows how to compose a suspense-filled book as easily as she creates a composite of any number of people. The pace is fast and unpredictable, and her characters are deeply developed and true to form. A snake handling cult will curl your toes and send the hair on the back of your neck on end! You may want to read this book with all the lights on!

This is the third book I've read by this artist, and I continue to be captivated by the powerful suspense and unpredictability of her writing. Detailing is outstanding! There is so much action in this story that you'll find it very difficult to put the book down. Everyone is suspect in this book, and there are a number of subplots woven into an impressive thriller.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from LitFuse in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own, and no monetary compensation was received for this review.