Is Liam Berne a loving son–or a murderer? The second book in the Ozark Mountain Trilogy, Only by Death is a thought-provoking suspense story of a man who loses everything and learns he must die to find life. After much agonizing, Liam Berne takes his mother, who has Alzheimer’s, to the Sure Foot River and drowns her. A mercy killing, he tells himself, to spare her years in a nursing home. And … years in a nursing home. And getting his inheritance early isn’t a bad thing either.
Dixie Berne’s body is recovered and the coroner cannot find any sign of foul play, though Liam’s sister isn’t convinced. Then Liam hears rumors that a twelve-year-old boy has witnessed the drowning. Terrified that he will be discovered, Liam sets out to intimidate the boy into silence. Little does Liam know that someone else suspects him–someone who intends to make him pay.
more
The tension in Kathy Herman’s newest book builds slowly, then erupts and leaves you wondering — and worrying — clear to the end. One of her best so far, especially in the faith thread. It will challenge you at a deep level, making you question where you would stand if the same things happened to you. I highly recommend Only by Death — truly a must read.
What does it really mean to put God’s will ahead of your own? Kathy Herman explores the question in a heart-stopping story that kept me on the edge of my seat from the very first line until the final page. Only by Death is a riveting book that will challenge your own concept of obedience and linger in your heart.
Only by Death, book 2 of Kathy Herman’s Ozark Mountain Trilogy, is filled with action, suspense, and surprises, as well as thought-provoking questions about what it really means to live the Christian life. Looking forward to book 3!
Only by Death is not an easy read, just as the Christian life is not a sunny afternoon stroll. But the journey this book unfolds is worth the tension and danger. Both heartwarming and chilling.
Just when you think it’s over, it’s not… and the tension mounts. Young Jesse is brave, spunky, and lives out his faith. I want to be like Jesse when I grow up!
Could not put it down! Inspired my own faith.
Welcome back Kathy Herman. Have missed your writing/books. I know you’ve been through a lot and even made a big move to Oregon from TX. Kathy writes riveting romantic suspense with characters that are flawed but overcome through faith. This is part of a series but can be read as a stand alone.
Only by Death started a little slow for a Kathy Herman book but after a few pages it picked up and didn’t slow down. Liam takes his mother to the river (she suffers from Alzheimer’s) and a young boy sees him as he leads her into the water. The 12 yr old boy is fishing about 50 yards away. He tells himself that drowning his mother is a mercy killing but he does have ulterior motives. The police tell Jesse not to tell anyone that he might have seen his teacher’s mother being drowned. Jesse being a typical kid tells his best friend, who tells his fellow football team so they will think his friend is a hero. Then Liam receives a note demanding money for what they saw. Liam think’s Jesse told someone who is now blackmailing him now. Jesse is very mature for a 12 yr old Christian and when he is running for his life he remembers the story of the Good Samaritan and tries to apply it to his life.
I’ve been reading Kathy Herman’s books for several years and I’ve never been let down by her books. If you read the first book in the series then you can tell where Jesse’s mother is coming from in her faith. She’s been through a lot and it took awhile for her to be able to give it all to God and take her hands off. She’s a strong woman who likes to be in control. Makes it harder to give everything to God.
I pre order all of Kathy’s books through a local indy bookstore and no one asked me to leave a book review. Neither the author nor the publisher knew I was leaving a book review and all opinions are my own.