Brandilyn Collins markets her novels as Seatbelt Suspense, promising fast-paced and adrenaline-laced plotting with enough twists and turns to keep the reader guessing. Dark Justice is By The Book’s November selection. It has been a while since we have read one of Collins’ books, but she is a favorite of our group. The premise of this book is certainly relevant today and is the subject of evening news programs — is our electrical grid vulnerable to attack? Collins presents a plausible scenario in which homegrown terrorists are in a race to bring the United States economy and government to its knees. All that is standing in the way of achieving their goals is a 50-something woman, her elderly mother suffering from dementia and her computer whiz daughter. It’s difficult for Hannah, Carol and Emily to identify the bad guys as they evade capture from law enforcement and gun-wielding terrorists.

There is a lot to like about Dark Justice. Strong characters make this novel. Collins takes us inside a family coping with the effects of Alzheimer’s. The frustrations and struggles are handled realistically and with sensitivity. The terror plot could be taken out of today’s headlines. And I loved the combination of first person, third person and Congressional testimony that she uses to tell the story. This novel is all about perceptions and the errors we make when relying heavily on what we feel or think we know. Hannah’s suspicions seem natural at first, but become a bit implausible as the story progresses. I’ll chalk that up to the extreme fatigue she endures trying to keep her mother calm while evading attacks from all sides.

I’m looking forward to discussing Dark Justice with my book club. Have you read it? We’d love to know what you thought.

Recommended.

Audience: adults. ( )

What a chilling tale of terrorism and how easily cyber attacks can take place and the damage that can be done. This book is so realistic, the characters are the best. Hannah and her mother are on their way home after a few days of relaxing in Raleigh when they come upon an accident. While trying to help the elderly gentleman he keeps telling them things they don't understand except for "don't tell anyone". Hannah's mother is in a confused state, suffering from dementia yet ends up being a help.

Arriving home Hannah discovers a flash drive in her pocket that doesn't belong to her. While looking at the images on the computer two FBI Agents show up at her door asking questions. Uneasy, she asks them to leave, Later she will learn that they are not FBI and that her life as well as her mother's is in danger.

This is one of Collins' best books, she is a very talented suspense writer. Her writing style puts you right in the middle of all the action!

I received a copy of this book free from B&H Publishers in exchange for an honest review. ( )

Title: Dark Justice
Author: Brandilyn Collins
Pages: 329
Year: 2013
Publisher: B&H Publishing Group
There is a reason Brandilyn Collins’ books are part of the Seatbelt Suspense Series…you’ll need to strap yourself in for the ride of your life! I have read some of this author’s other books and enjoyed them immensely. This book will not disappoint her fans or any new readers.
This is a contemporary story set in California. Hannah Shire is a receptionist at a cardiologist’s office during the day, and when she is at home, she is the caretaker for her 82-year-old mother who suffers from dementia. Hannah has a 27-year-old daughter, Emily, who lives about five hours away and works at a marketing firm, producing videos. Hannah’s husband died two years ago, but while he was alive he taught Hannah how to use a gun. This is knowledge she never thought she was need, but out of the blue she finds herself firing a gun at someone.
Hannah and Carol, her mother, are on their way home from a weekend stay at the Ritz Carlton when they happen across a car accident. Hannah rushes to help the victim, an older man named Morton. While waiting for the ambulance, Morton tries desperately to tell Hannah something. He also tells her to be careful and to tell no one what he has said. After the ambulance takes him away, Hannah and her mother continue home. Hannah discovers a flash drive in her coat pocket and deduces Morton put it there. She watches a video on the flash drive, but has no idea what she is seeing. The FBI shows up on her doorstep, wanting to know what Morton told her. Hannah becomes suspicious of them, and then the story blasts off. Readers will be turning the pages so quickly smoke will be coming from their fingertips!
I could not put this book down! The plot is so well done and draws the reader in from the get-go. The tension and suspense keep readers on a tightrope, reading furiously to find out how each situation will be resolved. I really liked the realism of the relationship between Hannah and her mother. It is heartwarming to read about her retaining the truths of Scripture learned long ago while forgetting current events. Carol trusted with a childlike faith. This is just a fantastic story. I’m so looking forward to see what Brandilyn writes about in her next riveting novel!
My rating is 5 stars.
Note: I received a complimentary copy for an honest review of this book. The opinions shared in this review are solely my responsibility. Other reviews can be read at http://seekingwithallyurheart.blogspot.com/ . Also follow me on Twitter @lcjohnson1988, FaceBook at https://www.facebook.com/lisa.johnson.75457 ( )