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Fragments of Fear
Stolen art. A New Mexico archaeological dig. An abandoned dog. And a secret that’s worth killing for.
Evelyn McTavish’s world came crashing down with the suicide of her fiancé. As she struggles to put her life back together and make a living from her art, she receives a call that her dog is about to be destroyed at the pound. Except she doesn’t own a dog. The shelter is adamant that the microchip embedded in the canine with her name and address makes it hers.
Evelyn recognizes the dog as one owned by archaeologist John Coyote because she was commissioned to draw the two of them. The simple solution is to return the dog to his owner—but she arrives only to discover John’s murdered body.
As Evelyn herself becomes a target, she crosses paths with undercover FBI agent Sawyer Price. The more he gets to know her, the more personally invested he becomes in keeping her safe. Together, they’re desperate to find the links between so many disparate pieces.
And the clock is ticking.
Evelyn McTavish’s world came crashing down with the suicide of her fiancé. As she struggles to put her life back together and make a living from her art, she receives a call that her dog is about to be destroyed at the pound. Except she doesn’t own a dog. The shelter is adamant that the microchip embedded in the canine with her name and address makes it hers.
Evelyn recognizes the dog as one owned by archaeologist John Coyote because she was commissioned to draw the two of them. The simple solution is to return the dog to his owner—but she arrives only to discover John’s murdered body.
As Evelyn herself becomes a target, she crosses paths with undercover FBI agent Sawyer Price. The more he gets to know her, the more personally invested he becomes in keeping her safe. Together, they’re desperate to find the links between so many disparate pieces.
And the clock is ticking.
336 pages, Paperback
First published July 23, 2019
143 people are currently reading
2001 people want to read
About the author
Carrie Stuart Parks
27books901followersCarrie Stuart Parks is Christy, Carol, and Inspy award-winning author, an award-winning fine artist, and internationally known forensic artist. Along with her husband, Rick, she travels across the US and Canada teaching courses in forensic art to law enforcement as well as civilian participants. She has won numerous awards for career excellence. Carrie is a popular platform speaker, presenting a variety of topics from crime to creativity.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 238 reviews
May 21, 2019
First and foremost, a large thank you to NetGalley, Carrie Stuart Parks, and Thomas Nelson Fiction for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.
One can usually expect something intense when Carrie Stuart Parks is writing, spun with the uniqueness of her forensic expertise. I did not feel as much of that here with her one-off novel and wish for more of the series that pulled me in while teaching me all about forensic artists. Evelyn McTavish is suffering, having just buried her fiancé. ‘Tavish� to many who know her around her New Mexico home, has to find some normalcy in her life. When she receives an odd phone call from the local dog pound, Tavish is pulled into the middle of a series of events that could put her in much danger. Somehow identified as the owner of an acquaintance’s dog, a man who soon appears murdered in his own home, Tavish must try to get answers while dodging those who would seek to hurt her. As the story progresses, more becomes known about the larger story and how Tavish may have stumbled into the middle of things inadvertently. All she thought she knew goes up in a puff of smoke, leaving more confusion. As the tension ramps up, no one is safe and any hope of a peaceful solution goes out the window. In a piece that left me feeling very distance and detached, I pined for the Parks from her past novels. While I may have missed out on much by not feeling connected to the story, I cannot offer a strong recommendation, but do hope readers will look to her past work for something I would highly suggest checking out soon.
Sometimes authors have hit or miss moments, much like a well-rounded readers who travel through the world of fiction and non-fiction over long periods of time. I know that I enjoy Carrie Stuart Parks and her writing, but felt as though there was something missing from this piece. Tavish is an interesting woman with an artistic background, but I never found myself able to fully connect with her. She seems to have found herself in the middle of a larger mystery and by doing so, she struggles to find which way is up. It could be that the story rushed by and I never ‘caught on� to her as a character, but it was almost as though I was waiting for the big Tavish reveal to hook me. Others found their place throughout the story and kept me wanting to find just a little more to pull me into the piece, but I was sadly unable to latch on. The premise, from what I ascertained, was decent, though the mystery did not get to the depths I had hoped it might. I know that established authors with strong series are sometimes judged based on that as a yardstick, which is surely what I am doing here, but I cannot help myself. I needed more and while I may be in the minority, as a reader, my own opinion matters as much as the major reviewers and slew of those on ŷ or other sites. I can hope that this was an anomaly for me and that we will return to the powerful and addictive novels before too long.
Kudos, Madam Parks, for the effort, as I know there was much that went into this piece. It was likely not my cup of tea, which surely happens. Not all readers can be enamoured all the time!
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: /group/show/...
One can usually expect something intense when Carrie Stuart Parks is writing, spun with the uniqueness of her forensic expertise. I did not feel as much of that here with her one-off novel and wish for more of the series that pulled me in while teaching me all about forensic artists. Evelyn McTavish is suffering, having just buried her fiancé. ‘Tavish� to many who know her around her New Mexico home, has to find some normalcy in her life. When she receives an odd phone call from the local dog pound, Tavish is pulled into the middle of a series of events that could put her in much danger. Somehow identified as the owner of an acquaintance’s dog, a man who soon appears murdered in his own home, Tavish must try to get answers while dodging those who would seek to hurt her. As the story progresses, more becomes known about the larger story and how Tavish may have stumbled into the middle of things inadvertently. All she thought she knew goes up in a puff of smoke, leaving more confusion. As the tension ramps up, no one is safe and any hope of a peaceful solution goes out the window. In a piece that left me feeling very distance and detached, I pined for the Parks from her past novels. While I may have missed out on much by not feeling connected to the story, I cannot offer a strong recommendation, but do hope readers will look to her past work for something I would highly suggest checking out soon.
Sometimes authors have hit or miss moments, much like a well-rounded readers who travel through the world of fiction and non-fiction over long periods of time. I know that I enjoy Carrie Stuart Parks and her writing, but felt as though there was something missing from this piece. Tavish is an interesting woman with an artistic background, but I never found myself able to fully connect with her. She seems to have found herself in the middle of a larger mystery and by doing so, she struggles to find which way is up. It could be that the story rushed by and I never ‘caught on� to her as a character, but it was almost as though I was waiting for the big Tavish reveal to hook me. Others found their place throughout the story and kept me wanting to find just a little more to pull me into the piece, but I was sadly unable to latch on. The premise, from what I ascertained, was decent, though the mystery did not get to the depths I had hoped it might. I know that established authors with strong series are sometimes judged based on that as a yardstick, which is surely what I am doing here, but I cannot help myself. I needed more and while I may be in the minority, as a reader, my own opinion matters as much as the major reviewers and slew of those on ŷ or other sites. I can hope that this was an anomaly for me and that we will return to the powerful and addictive novels before too long.
Kudos, Madam Parks, for the effort, as I know there was much that went into this piece. It was likely not my cup of tea, which surely happens. Not all readers can be enamoured all the time!
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: /group/show/...
October 1, 2020
What a crazy adventure, with quite a few twists and turns! This one made my head spin!
August 5, 2019
From the moment this book arrived in my mailbox, I inhaled it. Carrie Stuart Parks has a knack for creating interesting plots, unique characters, and a setting that lives and breathes. Fragments of Fear is a fascinating story from the first chapter and will keep you up turning pages to see if Tavish and Sawyer will survive the criminals that are out to destroy them. Better yet, a light touch of faith and a brushstroke of romance are added to this suspense novel creating the perfectly balanced creation. Just right for lovers of romantic mysteries.
September 21, 2024
Second time listening to this book and it was just as amazing as the first time. Frantic, frenzied, constantly on edge all the way through . Narrator Laura Ezzo does an incredible job of filtering that tense urgency into her performance.
---
I don't think my heart-rate is back to normal yet. What an incredible suspense! I listened to the audible version and nearly got heatstroke because I have this rule that I have to be doing something while listening to a book so I stayed out in the garden way longer than I should have just so I could keep listening! But it turned out okay because then I got to recover by languishing on my fainting couch with a cool cloth on my forehead listening to more of this incredibly unputdownable book.
Honestly, I'm not sure I can even describe how good this novel is. The suspense elements about drove me crazy -- if I wasn't hyperventilating, I was trying to puzzle out what on earth was going on! What an intricately sinister plot! Lots of surprises in store for the enterprising suspense reader. Kinda puts me in the mind of Terri Blackstock's If I Run series -- has that same kind of desperate vibe only it's all wrapped up in one book.
Evelyn (prefers to be called Tavish) is recovering from some heavy life stuff. She's broken and vulnerable and is desperately searching for peace. But between a domineering mother and past events that have brutally battered her confidence, she's pretty much a wreck when we first meet up with her. And when the crazy things start happening, no one takes her seriously. Including the police. Talk about frayed nerves and nails bitten to the quick! Parks kept me on the raw edge of reader angst right to the very end.
In a case of fight or flight, Tavish always chooses to fight. She doesn't do it well at first. Sometimes she's so hesitant it's painful but she has an inner core of strength that won't let her back down and I love that about her. She's determined to discover the truth -- no matter where it might lead. In the process she learns a lot about herself and discovers how to live out Proverbs 3:5 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding." Her journey from lost soul to claimed daughter is inspiring!
And there's a spectacular dog! A Puli -- the first I've ever encountered in either fictional or real life! Parks knows how to write in 'dog'. I think she might be a dog whisperer! Loved Tavish's connection with this lovable mutt that soon turns into an unbreakable bond. These two have each other's back -- all the time.
A spectacular edge-of-your-seat suspense that comes complete with some light romance.
---
I don't think my heart-rate is back to normal yet. What an incredible suspense! I listened to the audible version and nearly got heatstroke because I have this rule that I have to be doing something while listening to a book so I stayed out in the garden way longer than I should have just so I could keep listening! But it turned out okay because then I got to recover by languishing on my fainting couch with a cool cloth on my forehead listening to more of this incredibly unputdownable book.
Honestly, I'm not sure I can even describe how good this novel is. The suspense elements about drove me crazy -- if I wasn't hyperventilating, I was trying to puzzle out what on earth was going on! What an intricately sinister plot! Lots of surprises in store for the enterprising suspense reader. Kinda puts me in the mind of Terri Blackstock's If I Run series -- has that same kind of desperate vibe only it's all wrapped up in one book.
Evelyn (prefers to be called Tavish) is recovering from some heavy life stuff. She's broken and vulnerable and is desperately searching for peace. But between a domineering mother and past events that have brutally battered her confidence, she's pretty much a wreck when we first meet up with her. And when the crazy things start happening, no one takes her seriously. Including the police. Talk about frayed nerves and nails bitten to the quick! Parks kept me on the raw edge of reader angst right to the very end.
In a case of fight or flight, Tavish always chooses to fight. She doesn't do it well at first. Sometimes she's so hesitant it's painful but she has an inner core of strength that won't let her back down and I love that about her. She's determined to discover the truth -- no matter where it might lead. In the process she learns a lot about herself and discovers how to live out Proverbs 3:5 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding." Her journey from lost soul to claimed daughter is inspiring!
And there's a spectacular dog! A Puli -- the first I've ever encountered in either fictional or real life! Parks knows how to write in 'dog'. I think she might be a dog whisperer! Loved Tavish's connection with this lovable mutt that soon turns into an unbreakable bond. These two have each other's back -- all the time.
A spectacular edge-of-your-seat suspense that comes complete with some light romance.
June 17, 2022
a 4 star reread!!
Its been awhile since I have read Fragments of Fear and It still holds up to the rating I gave it before. Tavin is only trying to survive. Her fiance only wanted her for her money and then he kills himself. She is now trying to be an artist but when she gets a call from pet boarding she now has a dog that was microchip to her from one of her clients. She finds he was murdered and they are after her. So starts her journey to try to find out who is trying to kill her? Now with the help of FBI Sawyer she is trying to solve this mystery, can she before she gets killed? What an exciting novel. It had me from the beginning and I couldn't figure out who did it until the end. It will have you guessing as well. This novel is wonderfully written and the faith journey is excellent as well. I highly recommend this book for the excitement alone. Now I have to read more from Carrie Stuart Park!!!!!
Its been awhile since I have read Fragments of Fear and It still holds up to the rating I gave it before. Tavin is only trying to survive. Her fiance only wanted her for her money and then he kills himself. She is now trying to be an artist but when she gets a call from pet boarding she now has a dog that was microchip to her from one of her clients. She finds he was murdered and they are after her. So starts her journey to try to find out who is trying to kill her? Now with the help of FBI Sawyer she is trying to solve this mystery, can she before she gets killed? What an exciting novel. It had me from the beginning and I couldn't figure out who did it until the end. It will have you guessing as well. This novel is wonderfully written and the faith journey is excellent as well. I highly recommend this book for the excitement alone. Now I have to read more from Carrie Stuart Park!!!!!
September 19, 2022
A fast paced romantic suspense!
Tavish and Marley were a great pair. They were my favourite part!
Things got going right away so I didn’t feel like I got connected to the main character soon enough to care.
I also felt like there was insta-love and I wasn’t on board for a while.
The mystery was fun so I want to try another of hers for sure.
Tavish and Marley were a great pair. They were my favourite part!
Things got going right away so I didn’t feel like I got connected to the main character soon enough to care.
I also felt like there was insta-love and I wasn’t on board for a while.
The mystery was fun so I want to try another of hers for sure.
August 31, 2020
There were a lot of twists and turns in this mystery/suspense novel. I especially loved Marley, the Puli dog.
August 6, 2019
The death of her fiance and a startling revelation at his funeral turn Evelyn “Tavish� McTavish’s life upside down. A few weeks later, while attempting to reright her life and successfully pursue her art, she becomes enmeshed in something she doesn’t understand. Somehow, it involves a dog, a murder, her mother’s stolen art, an archaeological dig, and a whole lot of unanswered questions. Her life, her sanity, and her reputation are on the line as she determines how these pieces fit together.
And it is a fast-paced, thrilling ride. I love stories like Fragments of Fear, where the main character sees something, but when someone else goes to investigate, all the evidence is gone. Questions like “What’s really going on?� and “How will she prove she’s not crazy?� keep me reading like mad to get to the end. Let me tell you, as the pieces quickly come together, it’s a satisfying one.
Though I do wish the romance had been a tad more developed (for most of the novel, Tavish and Sawyer do not even interact), Fragments of Fear is an overall exciting, delightful suspense read. I definitely recommend it to any reader in need of some thrills and chills.
This review is also posted on .
I received a complimentary copy of this book and the opportunity to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own.
And it is a fast-paced, thrilling ride. I love stories like Fragments of Fear, where the main character sees something, but when someone else goes to investigate, all the evidence is gone. Questions like “What’s really going on?� and “How will she prove she’s not crazy?� keep me reading like mad to get to the end. Let me tell you, as the pieces quickly come together, it’s a satisfying one.
Though I do wish the romance had been a tad more developed (for most of the novel, Tavish and Sawyer do not even interact), Fragments of Fear is an overall exciting, delightful suspense read. I definitely recommend it to any reader in need of some thrills and chills.
This review is also posted on .
I received a complimentary copy of this book and the opportunity to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own.
June 13, 2019
''We have three hours to figure this out and disappear for a bit. It's hard to kill someone you can't find.'
Evelyn McTavish, or Tavish, as she prefers to be called, is slowly pulling herself together after her fiancé commits suicide. Then she's called by a vet clinic to pick up her dog; only she doesn't own a dog. But this dog's microchip says she does. Hmmm. From this moment forward, things begin happening at a rapid pace: murders happen, art is stolen, and absolutely nothing is as it seems. Tavish's life is turned completely upside down. Can she even believe anyone anymore? She connects with an FBI agent, Sawyer Price, and maybe, just maybe he is who he says he is. Even is nobody else is.
From the first moment, this book pulled me into the story and I read for hours at a time, finishing it in less than one day. What a mystery! This is taut, full of excitement and flies along at a rapid pace, and it is a complete surprise at the end! A clock is ticking throughout the book and so was my heart! I was gasping in disbelief. I never guessed for one minute. Not once. Absolutely loved it. Recommended.
*My thanks to the publisher, Thomas Nelson, for a preview copy of this book via Net Galley. The opinions stated here are entirely my own.
Evelyn McTavish, or Tavish, as she prefers to be called, is slowly pulling herself together after her fiancé commits suicide. Then she's called by a vet clinic to pick up her dog; only she doesn't own a dog. But this dog's microchip says she does. Hmmm. From this moment forward, things begin happening at a rapid pace: murders happen, art is stolen, and absolutely nothing is as it seems. Tavish's life is turned completely upside down. Can she even believe anyone anymore? She connects with an FBI agent, Sawyer Price, and maybe, just maybe he is who he says he is. Even is nobody else is.
From the first moment, this book pulled me into the story and I read for hours at a time, finishing it in less than one day. What a mystery! This is taut, full of excitement and flies along at a rapid pace, and it is a complete surprise at the end! A clock is ticking throughout the book and so was my heart! I was gasping in disbelief. I never guessed for one minute. Not once. Absolutely loved it. Recommended.
*My thanks to the publisher, Thomas Nelson, for a preview copy of this book via Net Galley. The opinions stated here are entirely my own.
August 7, 2019
Can she trust anything...or anyone?
Carrie Stuart Parks is definitely one of my go-to, must-read, favorite authors. All I have to do is see her name on the cover and I know I am going to seriously love the book. Her brand of suspense/thriller, sometimes with a dash of romance, is right up my alley. And I simply love her no nonsense writing style.
Needless to say, I've been pretty excited about reading Fragments Of Fear since I first heard about it several months ago. And, oh, I was so NOT disappointed! It was everything I had hoped for and more! Sorry, but I just had to gush a little there. I wasn't kidding when I said that she is one of my favorite authors.
Anyway... Fragments Of Fear was an excellent read. It's a taut psychological thriller slash romantic suspense novel and I was totally engrossed in the story right from the start. One of the things that Carrie Stuart Parks does well, aside from painting vivid mental images of the characters and settings, would be the psychological element. Seriously, you feel every bit of Tavish's emotional roller coaster as she seeks the truth, and a little justice, while being gaslighted and terrorized by some very nasty bad guys.
Carrie Stuart Parks brings the New Mexico landscape alive, from the elegant art world to a dusty archaeological dig, in Fragments Of Fear. It's a story that I really enjoyed and would definitely recommend.
(I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)
Carrie Stuart Parks is definitely one of my go-to, must-read, favorite authors. All I have to do is see her name on the cover and I know I am going to seriously love the book. Her brand of suspense/thriller, sometimes with a dash of romance, is right up my alley. And I simply love her no nonsense writing style.
Needless to say, I've been pretty excited about reading Fragments Of Fear since I first heard about it several months ago. And, oh, I was so NOT disappointed! It was everything I had hoped for and more! Sorry, but I just had to gush a little there. I wasn't kidding when I said that she is one of my favorite authors.
Anyway... Fragments Of Fear was an excellent read. It's a taut psychological thriller slash romantic suspense novel and I was totally engrossed in the story right from the start. One of the things that Carrie Stuart Parks does well, aside from painting vivid mental images of the characters and settings, would be the psychological element. Seriously, you feel every bit of Tavish's emotional roller coaster as she seeks the truth, and a little justice, while being gaslighted and terrorized by some very nasty bad guys.
Carrie Stuart Parks brings the New Mexico landscape alive, from the elegant art world to a dusty archaeological dig, in Fragments Of Fear. It's a story that I really enjoyed and would definitely recommend.
(I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)
July 29, 2020
This was the craziest most thrilling book I’ve read this year! I loved it!!! So many twists and turns and it all finally comes together at the end. I highly recommend it!
July 20, 2019
Fragments of Fear is a fast-paced Christian suspense novel. Evelyn “Tavish� McTavish is an artist with a variety of problems (nail biting, anxiety, panic attacks, self-confidence issues). Tavish lives in the guest house on her mother’s estate and is an heiress thanks to her grandmother. Just before her first gallery showing, Tavish finds herself drawn into a dangerous mystery. Sawyer Price is an FBI Agent who finds himself attracted to Tavish and tries to keep her safe which is not an easy task. Fragments of fear is an action packed mystery full of twists and turns. You never know what is going to happen next. Tavish finds herself out of her comfort zone and in unknown territory as she tries to unravel the clues and keep herself from being killed. I like that Tavish does not give up and she continues to dig for the truth. She learns more about herself and God whom she has ignored for most of her life. I appreciate that the mystery is wrapped up at the end with complete details. Marley was just a delight. Such a sweet, loving yet plucky dog. The romance is present, but it does not dominate the story. Fragments of Fear has unknown villains, art thefts, explosive situations, missing artifacts, microchips, a spunky Puli, a concerned FBI agent, and an apprehensive heroine.
November 25, 2023
3.75⭐️
Started off soooo strong! A fast paced story of a woman whose fiancé has died under suspicious circumstances, and at his funeral, her whole world rapidly spirals out of control…she keeps finding herself in compromising situations, the police don’t trust her, and someone is out to either ruin her or kill her�
I really liked the first half, but after a while I was starting to lose interest and had zero reaction to the conclusion 🤷🏼♀�
I also felt like her conversion to faith in Jesus Christ didn’t seem authentic.
Language: 1 abuse of God’s name
Started off soooo strong! A fast paced story of a woman whose fiancé has died under suspicious circumstances, and at his funeral, her whole world rapidly spirals out of control…she keeps finding herself in compromising situations, the police don’t trust her, and someone is out to either ruin her or kill her�
I really liked the first half, but after a while I was starting to lose interest and had zero reaction to the conclusion 🤷🏼♀�
I also felt like her conversion to faith in Jesus Christ didn’t seem authentic.
Language: 1 abuse of God’s name
January 13, 2024
DNF ch.3
This one was shaping up to be quite the tense suspense story (there were at least three solid hooks in the first two and a half chapters), but the leading lady’s nickname (Tavish) was annoying (her given name, Evelyn, was much more enjoyable), and I didn’t appreciate the profanity that showed up in chapter three.
Content: profanity
This one was shaping up to be quite the tense suspense story (there were at least three solid hooks in the first two and a half chapters), but the leading lady’s nickname (Tavish) was annoying (her given name, Evelyn, was much more enjoyable), and I didn’t appreciate the profanity that showed up in chapter three.
Content: profanity
December 10, 2022
I think this is so far my favorite book of Carrie Stuart Parks. I loved the action and mystery. A girl who is called and says that a dog has her name on its ID chip...but she doesn't have a dog. And the mystery just spirals down from there. Action, danger and romance!
June 18, 2019
Fragments of Fear is a thrilling and intricately woven suspense novel. With endless twists and loads of action, it is a novel that continued to keep me guessing and marvelling at the unexpected strength of the main character. Fragments of Fear is the first novel I have read by Carrie Stuart Parks and I was impressed with her storytelling and mastery of the suspense details.
Evelyn McTavish, Tavish to her friends, is rocked when her fiancé dies by suicide. A surprise visitor at the graveside service further shakes Tavish’s confidence in herself. Her art isn’t exactly making the waves she thought it would, she hates her accounting job and she still lives under her mother’s roof - even if it’s a guesthouse. When she receives a call saying her name and number was in the microchip of a lost dog, she stumbles into a world of stolen artefacts, drugs, and murder. When the killer’s target is turned her way and the police label her as crazy and don’t believe her story, Tavish sets out to find out what’s really going on.
Tavish is an unlikely heroine. She is not exactly self-confident, has zero experience solving crimes and taking on bad guys, but she never gives up. Even when everyone writes her off, doesn’t believe her or calls her crazy. Even when she has been shot at, blown up and left for dead. Tavish, despite having no detective experience, is pretty good at investigating. I liked that this is a citizen-driven investigation and while she and FBI Agent Sawyer cross paths and work together at some points, they don’t unrealistically team up or are unnecessarily thrown together. Parks leaves the characters, Tavish in particular, to find their own way and answers, which I found refreshing.
There are so many threads in Fragments of Fear. I like a good, thick plot and that is exactly what you get with this story. Along with all the action and life endangerment, there are threads of drug crime, art crime, artefact theft, murder, family drama complications, cons, and mysterious coverups, as well as a touch of romance and discovery of faith. Fragments of Fear is a detailed and well planned suspense novel, which I greatly enjoyed.
The publishers provided an advanced readers copy of this book for reviewing purposes. All opinions are my own.
Find more reviews, reading age guides, content advisory, and recommendations on my blog
Evelyn McTavish, Tavish to her friends, is rocked when her fiancé dies by suicide. A surprise visitor at the graveside service further shakes Tavish’s confidence in herself. Her art isn’t exactly making the waves she thought it would, she hates her accounting job and she still lives under her mother’s roof - even if it’s a guesthouse. When she receives a call saying her name and number was in the microchip of a lost dog, she stumbles into a world of stolen artefacts, drugs, and murder. When the killer’s target is turned her way and the police label her as crazy and don’t believe her story, Tavish sets out to find out what’s really going on.
Tavish is an unlikely heroine. She is not exactly self-confident, has zero experience solving crimes and taking on bad guys, but she never gives up. Even when everyone writes her off, doesn’t believe her or calls her crazy. Even when she has been shot at, blown up and left for dead. Tavish, despite having no detective experience, is pretty good at investigating. I liked that this is a citizen-driven investigation and while she and FBI Agent Sawyer cross paths and work together at some points, they don’t unrealistically team up or are unnecessarily thrown together. Parks leaves the characters, Tavish in particular, to find their own way and answers, which I found refreshing.
There are so many threads in Fragments of Fear. I like a good, thick plot and that is exactly what you get with this story. Along with all the action and life endangerment, there are threads of drug crime, art crime, artefact theft, murder, family drama complications, cons, and mysterious coverups, as well as a touch of romance and discovery of faith. Fragments of Fear is a detailed and well planned suspense novel, which I greatly enjoyed.
The publishers provided an advanced readers copy of this book for reviewing purposes. All opinions are my own.
Find more reviews, reading age guides, content advisory, and recommendations on my blog
July 30, 2019
“My hand is a positive shape. The negative space is the shape between my fingers. If I focus on the negative space, I will always draw the positive shape correctly.�
Carrie Stuart Parks, once again, deftly and masterfully weaves an intense tale brimming with suspense and authenticity that begs to be read in one sitting. The author is well-known for her intricately and tightly woven plot that feels like a 5000-piece puzzle systematically snapping into place page by page and this book is classic Carrie Stuart Parks. From reading her previous books, I knew to look out for the villain amongst the many secondary characters introduced during the plot, but I was (yet again) stunned at the ending. I was somewhat surprised at the book’s third person limited point of view since the author’s previous Gwen Marcey series was in first person perspective but it worked well for this book.
Tavish is an heiress since the death of her grandmother, a fledgling artist, and a quirky and impulsive twenty-five year driven by anxiety, fear, somewhat overactive imagination, and compassion. Sawyer is a loyal, compassionate, loving FBI agent who runs into Tavish at a local gallery during one of her art showings. Tavish’s wealthy mother’s art is stolen then returned, Tavish’s fiancé is murdered as well as quite a few others Tavish has known, then Tavish herself is hunted down by a faceless ruthless entity, and Sawyer gets involved in the swirl of conspiracy and secrecy as he tries to protect Tavish. The romance is a small subplot but enough to keep their budding friendship and attraction interesting.
If you enjoy a well-written, fast-paced suspense, you will absolutely love this book! I received a copy of the book from Thomas Nelson via Celebrate Lit Tours and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.
Carrie Stuart Parks, once again, deftly and masterfully weaves an intense tale brimming with suspense and authenticity that begs to be read in one sitting. The author is well-known for her intricately and tightly woven plot that feels like a 5000-piece puzzle systematically snapping into place page by page and this book is classic Carrie Stuart Parks. From reading her previous books, I knew to look out for the villain amongst the many secondary characters introduced during the plot, but I was (yet again) stunned at the ending. I was somewhat surprised at the book’s third person limited point of view since the author’s previous Gwen Marcey series was in first person perspective but it worked well for this book.
Tavish is an heiress since the death of her grandmother, a fledgling artist, and a quirky and impulsive twenty-five year driven by anxiety, fear, somewhat overactive imagination, and compassion. Sawyer is a loyal, compassionate, loving FBI agent who runs into Tavish at a local gallery during one of her art showings. Tavish’s wealthy mother’s art is stolen then returned, Tavish’s fiancé is murdered as well as quite a few others Tavish has known, then Tavish herself is hunted down by a faceless ruthless entity, and Sawyer gets involved in the swirl of conspiracy and secrecy as he tries to protect Tavish. The romance is a small subplot but enough to keep their budding friendship and attraction interesting.
If you enjoy a well-written, fast-paced suspense, you will absolutely love this book! I received a copy of the book from Thomas Nelson via Celebrate Lit Tours and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.
May 22, 2019
Wow - what a fun ride! This book hit the ground running and did NOT let up! I literally could not put this one down. The entire book had so many twists and turns. While I didn't have any trouble keeping track, I was left guessing until the very end. Very well written suspense with just a hint of romance. There was also a solid faith thread that was not in the least preachy, but did come through loud and clear.
Evelyn McTavish (known as Tavish) has recently lost her fiance. Though she refuses to believe it was suicide, the police do not give her any credence. While she's still grieving, she gets a call from an animal shelter to come and get her dog before they put it to sleep. Tavish has never had a dog, but she doesn't want to be responsible for an animal being euthanized, so she goes to check it out. Picking up the dog sets a whole series of events in motion that she could have never imagined.
This book had a little bit of everything. An intense mystery with suspense, non-stop action, fun lovable characters, drama, great dialogue and little bit of romance. My only complaint (and this may be something that gets fixed in the final edits) was that though the book was written in 3rd person, it would shift to 1st person whenever someone was "thinking". It wasn't difficult to track - just a bit distracting. Since it didn't detract from the story at all (nor was it confusing), it did not take away any stars from my rating. I would strongly recommend for readers who enjoy inspirational mystery/suspense or romantic suspense.
Special thanks to NetGalley for an advanced e-copy of this book. I was under no obligation to write a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.
Evelyn McTavish (known as Tavish) has recently lost her fiance. Though she refuses to believe it was suicide, the police do not give her any credence. While she's still grieving, she gets a call from an animal shelter to come and get her dog before they put it to sleep. Tavish has never had a dog, but she doesn't want to be responsible for an animal being euthanized, so she goes to check it out. Picking up the dog sets a whole series of events in motion that she could have never imagined.
This book had a little bit of everything. An intense mystery with suspense, non-stop action, fun lovable characters, drama, great dialogue and little bit of romance. My only complaint (and this may be something that gets fixed in the final edits) was that though the book was written in 3rd person, it would shift to 1st person whenever someone was "thinking". It wasn't difficult to track - just a bit distracting. Since it didn't detract from the story at all (nor was it confusing), it did not take away any stars from my rating. I would strongly recommend for readers who enjoy inspirational mystery/suspense or romantic suspense.
Special thanks to NetGalley for an advanced e-copy of this book. I was under no obligation to write a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.
July 24, 2019
This was such an interesting mystery to follow. With twists and turns all over the place, readers are kept on their toes while they follow Tavish, Sawyer, and the clues. Carrie Stuart Parks never ceases to amaze me with her attention to detail. From the archaeological site, to the crystals Tavish wore around her neck, there were so many aspects that she needed to pay attention to and research. Plus, her background as a forensic artist is evident in her writing, which only enhances the story in my opinion.
I will say that this story had less of a faith theme then I would have thought. The positive is that it’s a good way to reach a broader market. But with Tavish’s thoughts in the beginning regarding God, I would have assumed there would be a big growth in character and faith. Not that there wasn’t any, I think I was just expecting more. Just a personal preference here though.
Readers who are looking for a fun, suspenseful puzzle to solve will devour Ms. Parks� latest book. You’ll find a few surprises at the end, and will feel completely satisfied once you read the last few words. You may even want to look into traveling to New Mexico. I know I want to go there now!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I will say that this story had less of a faith theme then I would have thought. The positive is that it’s a good way to reach a broader market. But with Tavish’s thoughts in the beginning regarding God, I would have assumed there would be a big growth in character and faith. Not that there wasn’t any, I think I was just expecting more. Just a personal preference here though.
Readers who are looking for a fun, suspenseful puzzle to solve will devour Ms. Parks� latest book. You’ll find a few surprises at the end, and will feel completely satisfied once you read the last few words. You may even want to look into traveling to New Mexico. I know I want to go there now!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
July 31, 2019
I have adored Carrie Stuart Parks's writing since I picked up her first novel. I'm really glad to have another Christian suspense author to enjoy. So many Christian play it safe by writing romantic suspense, but those lean toward the romance side as more of a plot tactic. But Parks is definitely not like that. She writes suspense that grips me in the first chapter and doesn't let go. In Fragments of Fear, the plot had me guessing a couple time of where I thought the story would head to, but Parks would throw a curve ball in the action and take the story in a different direction. I love how each one of Parks' heroines are artist who use their ability to capture the bad guy. There was a budding romance between Evelyn and Sawyer, but I really didn't believe they fell in love as fast as Parks claimed they did by the end of the novel. While the romance really didn't fit, the suspense was well-written and captured my attention. I believe fans of Steven James, Ronie Kendig, and Lynette Eason should pick up this book or anything by Carrie Stuart Parks.
I received a complimentary copy of Fragments of Fear by Carrie Stuart Parks from Thomas Nelson Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.
I received a complimentary copy of Fragments of Fear by Carrie Stuart Parks from Thomas Nelson Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.
November 15, 2022
Carrie Stuart Parks had me at ‘stolen art� and ‘archaeological dig�! I was immediately drawn into this book and found it hard to put down. The characters were vulnerable and relatable, developing throughout the story and McTavish and Price made for a great duo.
This book was a fascinating and intense read with nuances of faith and romance in all the right places. Thumbs up from me on a job well done!
This book was a fascinating and intense read with nuances of faith and romance in all the right places. Thumbs up from me on a job well done!
August 22, 2020
What a great read! The characters were relatable, the story shifted and turned like a sleek racecar in Monte Carlo, and my fingers flipped the pages as fast as they could.
What a gifted author, I'm reading as many of her novels as I can in the future. As a bonus, you don't need any caffeine while reading, it's a pure adrenaline rush!
What a gifted author, I'm reading as many of her novels as I can in the future. As a bonus, you don't need any caffeine while reading, it's a pure adrenaline rush!
October 10, 2019
I had such high hopes for this, but alas, it was not to be. Everything was convoluted, and I figured out who the bad guy was as soon as he came on scene. Also, insta-love! ugh. Just no.
July 25, 2019
Fragments Of Fear by Carrie Stuart Parks is the most marvellous contemporary Christian murder suspense. I read it with heart racing as the action hotted up.
Carrie Stuart Parks drew me in from the start as I questioned, along with the main character, exactly where the truth lay. The novel is about truth and lies, reality and fantasy, authenticity and fakes � not everything is as it seems. The main character questioned events, trying to piece together the truth. Likewise I did the same.
The action was fast paced, as the crimes and body count rose, so did my heart rate. There was always the question of trust � apart from God who else was trustworthy?
Carrie Stuart Parks has created realistic, believable characters. Her lead character was a remarkable mixture of strength and vulnerability. Her mental strength overrode any physical weakness as she spoke positively to herself. Her poor body image belied her beauty within. Recovering from loss, there seemed to be nowhere to turn.
I loved the inclusion of a slopping kissing dog called Marley. Due to a comprehensive description I was able to picture him in my mind. I loved his loyalty and unconditional love. He could be seen as a motif for the love of Jesus. Jesus walks closely by us, loving us unconditionally.
There was the theme of homelessness. Good people strove to help their plight. There were some very kind hearts. The saddest quote in the book came from a homeless woman:
“To the world we’re invisible. They look through us, not at us.�
May we have eyes that see and hands that help all people.
Fragments Of Fear was absolutely fabulous and completely gripping. I could not solve the crime and hung on to Carrie Stuart Parks every word to the very end. This is certainly a cracking suspense that you do not want to miss.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
Carrie Stuart Parks drew me in from the start as I questioned, along with the main character, exactly where the truth lay. The novel is about truth and lies, reality and fantasy, authenticity and fakes � not everything is as it seems. The main character questioned events, trying to piece together the truth. Likewise I did the same.
The action was fast paced, as the crimes and body count rose, so did my heart rate. There was always the question of trust � apart from God who else was trustworthy?
Carrie Stuart Parks has created realistic, believable characters. Her lead character was a remarkable mixture of strength and vulnerability. Her mental strength overrode any physical weakness as she spoke positively to herself. Her poor body image belied her beauty within. Recovering from loss, there seemed to be nowhere to turn.
I loved the inclusion of a slopping kissing dog called Marley. Due to a comprehensive description I was able to picture him in my mind. I loved his loyalty and unconditional love. He could be seen as a motif for the love of Jesus. Jesus walks closely by us, loving us unconditionally.
There was the theme of homelessness. Good people strove to help their plight. There were some very kind hearts. The saddest quote in the book came from a homeless woman:
“To the world we’re invisible. They look through us, not at us.�
May we have eyes that see and hands that help all people.
Fragments Of Fear was absolutely fabulous and completely gripping. I could not solve the crime and hung on to Carrie Stuart Parks every word to the very end. This is certainly a cracking suspense that you do not want to miss.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
August 31, 2019
Loved Tavis! Missed Gwen :(
May 19, 2019
Evelyn McTavish is having a bad day, maybe a bad week, definitely a bad month. Her fiancée has committed suicide and she is left devastated. Her anxiety disorder is running rampant and she is unable to deal with all that is happening. Then she gets a call. The animal shelter says her dog is there and she needs to come get it. But she doesn’t have a dog. But the chip in the animal definitely comes back to her as the owner.
The dog belongs to John Coyote. Why does her name appear in the paperwork. That is the first of many strange happenings. Evelyn decides to take the dog to John and find out what happened. Only that is where the mysteries get deeper. When she arrives John is dead, murdered. Then a policeman shows up but not to help, but to take John’s body away and dispose of it.
Evelyn is seen and chased. Now the race is on to discover what is truly happening. Take into account that Evelyn is wealthy and timid and full of anxiety and you have quite a story. But she will work hard to find the truth and during this time come to know more about herself and more about a God that she has ignored most of her life but now realizes she might need.
I enjoyed the book greatly and thought that it was developed well, the characters were well written and there were enough twists and turns to keep the action flowing.
Enjoy
The dog belongs to John Coyote. Why does her name appear in the paperwork. That is the first of many strange happenings. Evelyn decides to take the dog to John and find out what happened. Only that is where the mysteries get deeper. When she arrives John is dead, murdered. Then a policeman shows up but not to help, but to take John’s body away and dispose of it.
Evelyn is seen and chased. Now the race is on to discover what is truly happening. Take into account that Evelyn is wealthy and timid and full of anxiety and you have quite a story. But she will work hard to find the truth and during this time come to know more about herself and more about a God that she has ignored most of her life but now realizes she might need.
I enjoyed the book greatly and thought that it was developed well, the characters were well written and there were enough twists and turns to keep the action flowing.
Enjoy
January 31, 2021
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.�
“This will pass. Breathe in calm, breathe out fear.�
“I have to stop running. Living in the shadows. Being afraid. Fractured by fear.�
Another winner by Carrie Stuart Parks! This one was a wild ride for sure. It had so many twists and turns that I had no clue where it was headed and couldn’t wait to see what happened next. As always with Carrie Stuart Parks books, she has a multi-layered main character. Tavish is a bit quirky and eccentric to say the least. I loved how many moments in the book where I wasn’t sure whether to trust her. Was she crazy or telling the truth?
The secondary characters were great, especially Agent Sawyer Price. I wouldn’t mind seeing him in a future book. What was also cool was the setting of New Mexico, as I don’t read many books that takes place there. There was also a lot of great thematic elements of trusting in God. Lastly, as someone who loves trying coffees from different countries, the greatest mystery in the book was what kind of German coffee Sawyer was drinking! :)
* I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley and Thomas Nelson. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.*
For more reviews, follow my blog!
“This will pass. Breathe in calm, breathe out fear.�
“I have to stop running. Living in the shadows. Being afraid. Fractured by fear.�
Another winner by Carrie Stuart Parks! This one was a wild ride for sure. It had so many twists and turns that I had no clue where it was headed and couldn’t wait to see what happened next. As always with Carrie Stuart Parks books, she has a multi-layered main character. Tavish is a bit quirky and eccentric to say the least. I loved how many moments in the book where I wasn’t sure whether to trust her. Was she crazy or telling the truth?
The secondary characters were great, especially Agent Sawyer Price. I wouldn’t mind seeing him in a future book. What was also cool was the setting of New Mexico, as I don’t read many books that takes place there. There was also a lot of great thematic elements of trusting in God. Lastly, as someone who loves trying coffees from different countries, the greatest mystery in the book was what kind of German coffee Sawyer was drinking! :)
* I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley and Thomas Nelson. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.*
For more reviews, follow my blog!
July 27, 2019
Fragments of Fear by Carrie Stuart Parks was a truly enjoyable read. I enjoyed this story and the mystery around it to the point I read it in less than 24 hours.
Tavish was a mess and I like my heroines to have their life together. However you could not help but like her. The scenes with her and the dog were hilarious.
Tavish has lost her grandmother and her fiancé. She deals with anxiety and uses all kinds of methods to try and calm herself. From biting her nails to crystals. Let me mention this is a Christian story but is not mentioned much throughout the book.
Tavish suspects that her fiancé was murdered when the police think it is a suicide. Then she sees another murder and the police do not believe her.
She meets Sawyer (loved that scene) who I really liked as a character. He is an FBI agent finishing an undercover job when they meet and he starts helping her. And best of all he believes her.
Lots of action in the book. My favorite parts were watching Tavish develop and come into her own.
Sexual content � none
Violence � deaths, a body appears to have been tortured but no details, kidnapping, shooting,
Language and drinking - none
Tavish was a mess and I like my heroines to have their life together. However you could not help but like her. The scenes with her and the dog were hilarious.
Tavish has lost her grandmother and her fiancé. She deals with anxiety and uses all kinds of methods to try and calm herself. From biting her nails to crystals. Let me mention this is a Christian story but is not mentioned much throughout the book.
Tavish suspects that her fiancé was murdered when the police think it is a suicide. Then she sees another murder and the police do not believe her.
She meets Sawyer (loved that scene) who I really liked as a character. He is an FBI agent finishing an undercover job when they meet and he starts helping her. And best of all he believes her.
Lots of action in the book. My favorite parts were watching Tavish develop and come into her own.
Sexual content � none
Violence � deaths, a body appears to have been tortured but no details, kidnapping, shooting,
Language and drinking - none
October 11, 2020
Welp. I fairly flew through this book. It was definitely one of those 'grab you from the first word and don't let go until the last' kind of reads for me. There were several times when I thought I had a handle on what was going on, but not why, but in the end, I was actually fairly surprised.
I loved Tavish, and how she slowly started to learn what it meant to 'trust in the Lord'. I also loved how her interactions with various people in the novel lead her to action . . . to become a better woman and care for 'the least of these'.
I also enjoyed Sawyer, and his determination to try and figure out what was going on . . . how he, unlike most others, actually believed what Tavish was saying about what happened, and how he wanted to protect her.
This was a wonderful introduction for me to this talented author!
I loved Tavish, and how she slowly started to learn what it meant to 'trust in the Lord'. I also loved how her interactions with various people in the novel lead her to action . . . to become a better woman and care for 'the least of these'.
I also enjoyed Sawyer, and his determination to try and figure out what was going on . . . how he, unlike most others, actually believed what Tavish was saying about what happened, and how he wanted to protect her.
This was a wonderful introduction for me to this talented author!
December 11, 2019
an addicting writing style that kept me reading
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