In the Shadow of Evil

The local meteorologist is predicting a major snowstorm tomorrow, and I can feel it in my bones. I can usually predict changes in weather by my pain, and I'm predicting that tomorrow's will be a doozy. I'm blessed to have good family that I can count on in times of trouble. Mom picked Mia up from the bus for me, Doogie took care of stuff round the house and will handle supper. So I can just use the day to take it easy, don't move any more than absolutely necessary, and try not to take the pain out on those around me. Which makes it a perfect day for reading! Here's hoping that tomorrow is a snow day, and that when the storm finally hits, my pain will loosen up.

In the Shadow of Evil by Robin Caroll is the third book in the Evil romantic suspense series. Maddox Bishop is investigating an arson/murder at a brand new house that brings him to question Layla Taylor, the contractor for the  building. Sparks quickly fly between the two, but Maddox keeps finding connections between Layla and the crimes that are popping up all over town: three mysterious deaths that seem to be tied to her church, her office is robbed, and the rehabilitation center her sister, Alana, runs is bombed. But the crimes are all tied to Layla because the culprit is desperate to keep her from discovering his identity. Meanwhile Maddox is dealing with his prickly relationship with his father that stems from his mother's murder years earlier, and Layla hasn't seen her mother in eight years since her drug overdose left her with a permanent brain injury. The couple must deal with their pasts before they can build a future together, and that is threatened by a killer who will stop at nothing to hide his sins. Each book in this series is essentially a stand-alone with minimal reference to the characters from the previous book. Maddox was a cop in Fear No Evil, but you don't need to have read that to enjoy this novel. Caroll is very good at creating nail-biting suspense, and the scene where Layla faces the murderer is a heart-stopper. One flaw in the book is that by naming Maddox' partner Houston, a dramatic scene becomes unintentionally funny by the inclusion of the phrase, "Houston, we have a problem," This is a solid series sure to please fans of Christian fiction with plenty of romance and suspense.

Thank you to B&H Publishing for providing me with a copy of this book for review.