Cleansed by Death A Jo Oliver Thriller Paperback 1946638676 9781946638670 Catherine Finger

This is the book that starts the exciting series that pushes this author to the top as a suspense writer. I have read the other books in the series but it is still nice to read how it all started. Josie is a take charge kind of woman when it comes to her job as Chief of Police. I wish I could say the same for her marriage. It really bothered me that she refused to report her abusive husband and have him arrested. It seems ironic that as a police officer she investigates domestic violence but she wont stop it in her own home. But we have to dig deep to understand what makes Josie make decisions that go against her oath to protect and serve. She is very close with an FBI agent named Nick. It is obvious that there is an attraction between the two. At some point Nick will get tired of seeing bruises on Josie and hopefully get Josie to finally leave her husband. At this point I have to say that we are all flawed. We may be Christians but we stumble like everyone else. Im not justifying Josies attraction to Nick, but I want you to remember this woman is in need of someone to love her, make her feel important and protect her. It is easy to judge others when we arent in their situation. Her friend Gino is a wonderful character who reminds Josie that God loves her and He is waiting for her with open arms. There is a scene in the book that may be sensitive to some when suicide is thought about by a character. It shows how desperate someone can be and how much they need to find peace that only God can give. He can heal the broken hearted and the unloved and fill them with joy. Josie has been called in to help in the investigation of a serial killer. The gruesome murders are hard to read and at times I had to take a break from the story. I feel like the author is finding her style in this book and trust me the other books just get better and more intense. I enjoy her writing and love that she keeps readers glued to the story. The killing spree gets more gripping as the serial killer is out of control. There are questions of who it is and why certain women are being targeted. The author lays out the investigation in subtle hints that at the end will fit together like a puzzle. The ending is Oscar worthy as the police get closer to finding out who the killer is. The author integrates powerful techniques to reveal the person behind the destruction, torture and an reveals an unstable mind. The faith element grows strong at the end and shows a transformation of several characters. I recommend you find a place where you wont be disturbed and get ready to immerse yourself in a suspenseful story that never lets up till the last page. I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

A Chief of Police who is a woman. An accomplished woman who is hiding a secret. An overwhelmed woman who suffers abuse from her husband. Jo Oliver is the woman described above and now, because of a serial killer and the intense search to find him, her secret is about to be exposed. Cleansed by Death explores the hunt for the Mentor Sister Serial Killer and Chief Jo's emotional distress that engulfs her during this search. There is a disturbing scene when she contemplates suicide but author Catherine Finger also shows the immense support that she receives from her co-workers and friends. Jo's special friend Gino constantly reminds her that she isn't alone and that she is truly valued by God. And then there is Nick Vitarello! He joins in the hunt for the killer and his support suggests that some old feelings still linger. What if Jo wasn't a married woman? Is is possible that their relationship might be renewed? If you enjoy reading suspense novels with a faith message running through them, you will certainly want to read Cleansed by Death. I received a digital copy of this book from the author and Celebrate Lit. I was under no obligation to write a favorable review. These are my own thoughts and opinions.