A Dead Body, A Cryptic Clue—Will Jo Oliver Solve the Riddle in Time?
Police Chief Jo Oliver needed a little time to herself. But when her escape to Wisconsin turns deadly, she teams up with FBI agent Nick Vitarello, hoping to catch the Bow Tie Killer. Their romantic past and complicated present leads them into uncharted territory as they match wits with a psychopath bent on destroying everything … everything they hold dear.
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Anchored by Death by Catherine Finger
Fast paced book with likeable characters. The personalities and layers of the characters are interesting and intriguing. The story line is unique and moves quickly. This book is well worth the read.
I definitely recommend reading the first two books in this series before reading this one because I was a little confused for the first few chapters about what was happening until they explained some of what happened previously. Once I figured out what had happened before I really got into this story. I liked the suspense with the twists and turns. I also thought there was just the right amount of romance. I really like Jo and Nick and Sam. I received a copy of this book from Celebratelit for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.
Anchored by Death is the first novel I’ve read by Catherine Finger. It is also the third installment of the Jo Oliver Thriller series. I am actually scheduled to also review the first two books, apparently in reverse order. That should be interesting. I cannot honestly state that this book can stand alone although I was able to understand and enjoy it. I do believe that the missing background info from the previous two books would have enhance my enjoyment tenfold.
For the most part the plot moved along at a steady rate with action scenes sharing space with routine FBI and police research. The cast includes several interesting characters, particularly Jo Oliver and agent Nick Vitarello. Their relationship is complicated. The two work well together as an investigative team but their personal relationship includes a very strong emotional attachment. Jo’s past experiences have made it difficult for her to trust men and to also question her own ability to choose. A desperate search for a dangerous serial killer whose crime spree seems to be escalating takes Jo, Nick, and the rest of their team on a dangerous and suspenseful assignment that puts their very lives in danger.
Despite beginning with the third book of the series, I did enjoy it immensely and am happy that I have the opportunity to read the previous two very soon. They may not be in order but this book raised some questions about their past that I will enjoy seeing answered. From what I’ve read thus far, I recommend Anchored by Death but strongly suggest that readers begin with Cleansed by Death and Shattered by Death.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Celebrate Lit. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
I’m a sucker for police procedurals and suspense/thriller novels, so I was excited to read Anchored by Death. This book is an intriguing blend of the above elements, as well as a large dose of both romance & Jo Oliver’s spiritual growth. Lots of high-stake suspense will keep you engaged in the story, and the adoption subplot adds an extra layer of heart to the mix.
Jo Oliver is, overall, a great character and very complex. She’s feisty and smart but also has a softer, more vulnerable side that helps make her human. She also has some weaknesses and insecurities, especially when it comes to relationships, that keep her from being unrealistically perfect and may even make her frustrating to readers sometimes. Her fairly new relationship with God plays a large role in Anchored by Death and I appreciated the nudges to pray that Jo received – and listened to – when insecurities or fears or danger loomed. She also has more men in love with her at the same time than anyone I’ve ever met lol. That part got a bit old after a while, admittedly. I also didn’t sense much chemistry between Jo and Nick – even though we’re told they have a lot and they can’t keep their hands or lips off each other. It just seemed flat to me, with no emotional depth – even though we’re led to believe that emotions are always high between them.
The suspense side of things is the book’s definite strength, with readers allowed along for the ride with Jo & Nick and the rest of the team. Danger at every turn (some of it almost unbelievable) and intriguing clues left like bread crumbs throughout the story keep you invested in the outcome. Serial killer stories are always fascinating because the stakes are so high, the clues are so odd, and the villains are so twisted – and the author has crafted these elements well in Anchored by Death.
Usually, when I review a book that’s in the middle of a series, I’m able to tell you that it will work just fine as a standalone. However, with this series – at least with this particular book – that is not the case. Anchored by Death references the previous book right from the beginning and it will leave you pretty confused if you haven’t read Shattered by Death yet. It will, at the same time, spoil the events of Shattered by Death for you – something that greatly disappointed me since I’d only read the first book in this series before starting book 3. Having read book 1 did give me a basic understanding of who the characters were – and their dynamics – but I think that people jumping in here on book 3 will just be super confused at first. All that to say (lol) – read these books in order!
Bottom Line: Anchored by Death is a good read in many ways. Breath-stealing suspense, great characters, and a heartwarming foster/adoption subplot take you on a roller coaster ride of emotions and keep you turning the pages. Readers will love the hunt for a twisted serial killer and trying to figure out if or how it connects to Nick or Jo? There are a few elements that could benefit from a tighter developmental edit, but overall this is a great choice for suspense fans!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
This novel, third in the Jo Oliver Thriller series, includes a fascinating mystery, a faith that grows amidst crisis, and love. Love for a mother, a daughter, the man she sent away, and the community of friends around her. Love of and for the mighty God who brought her into His kingdom. The hunt for a killer is breathtaking. I enjoyed reading Jo’s considerations of her job and the beautiful scenery.
Police Chief Jo Oliver is in her Wisconsin hometown, recovering from almost dying as a result of the last case she worked. Her personal life is up in the air, and all she wants to do is take her vacation, get the adoption finalized of the child who captured her heart, think about the man she loves who she sent away, and get back to work. The sixth hole of the golf course where she is playing is next to special Indian burial mounds. As she tries to find the ball that went astray, she finds a body on this ancient sacred site. She calls her old friend, Sheriff Tom Quinn, and is quickly enmeshed in this fourth of a series of murders in four weeks, with Tom, Nick and his fellow FBI agents.
Jo Oliver is a complex, intelligent woman for whom faith in the Lord has come with the intensity of a woman who knows she cannot change the world. She endured much in the past couple years and needs to regroup even as she pursues adopting a young girl she loves. Nick Vitarello is a man who knows what he wants and will do whatever it takes to get it, whether it be a criminal on the run or the woman he has loved most of his life. Every believer needs a Gino Rivera in their life, someone who prays, encourages, and exhorts when necessary. I enjoyed meeting Lisa Bhatt and hope to see more of her in the future! She is tough, kind, and intelligent, a woman who is prepared for anything.
This is the first novel I have read of the series. I suggest reading them in order so some situations make better sense. I very much enjoyed the mystery and the chase of the killer(s). Too much for my personal preference, Jo focused her thoughts almost obsessively about Nick and her feelings for him. Her reactions when they meet up again might be considered edgy for some, unexpected in a Christian novel. Otherwise, it was the perfect police and FBI thriller, an author whose books I want to read more of.
Watching the team, including Jo, discover the identity of and capture the whodunit was intense and incredible. The last half and resolution of this thriller far exceeds the expectations I had based on the first half. Again, simply my own preference regarding preferring more mystery, adventure, and faith than romance. Plot twists kept me on my toes, and I was impressed by the deductive processes and profiling of Nick, Tom, Jo, and Lisa. I highly recommend this thriller to those who enjoy Christian novels with strong doses of faith and prayer that includes suspense and romance in equal amounts, and courageous men and women.
From a thankful heart: I received a complimentary copy of this novel from Celebrate Lit, and this is my honest review.
This is the third book featuring Jo Oliver but author Catherine Finger shares prior history from the first two books to help readers who haven’t read them. FBI Agent Nick Vitarello joins Chief Oliver in the hunt for the serial killer and the romantic feelings that they once shared are ignited once again. Romance lovers will enjoy this development and while they are tastefully handled, there are a few instances that may not appeal to everyone. What should appeal is that Jo’s past is exactly that. She is now a Christian and there are many references to her faith and her belief in the power of prayer.
If you enjoy realistic characters, romantic suspense, and a faith-filled message, you will want to read Anchored by Death.
I received a copy of this book from the author via Celebrate Lit. There was no obligation to post a favorable review. These are my own thoughts.
Anchored By Death by Catherine Finger is a contemporary Christian suspense thriller and the third book in the Jo Oliver series, which I am loving.
This novel sees Jo Oliver tracking down a serial killer. As the bodies mount up, so do the clues which the police put together.
The book is about the chase, which reminds the reader that God chases after us with a relentless passion so we do not escape His loving arms.
We label people ‘good’ or ‘bad’ but we all are “made in the image of God.” No one is too far from His love and grace. The novel shows that at times it is hard to forgive but we are told “as I forgave you, so forgive him.”
God is our loving heavenly Father who adopts us into His family. Likewise within the tale there is a physical adoption as a seven year old needs her forever home.
The action is told in the first person from the point of view of Jo Oliver. As such, the reader becomes intimately acquainted with her.
Fears of past mistakes may prevent us from making present commitments. We need to learn to trust again and live again.
I am loving this Jo Oliver series. I would like to leave you with my favourite and most powerful quote:
“Weathered by the pain but softened by grace.”
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
This is the third book in this series, and Jo Oliver is on a required rest, and while doing so, she finds a body. Now this is the second book in this series that I have read, and like the first, this one is full of action, to the point she may not make it beyond this read.
You never know what will set a killer off, and this one is deep, and will Jo, Quinn and Nick, along with others be able to take this person down, and stop the madness? Will Jo be able to bring her daughter home? Then the big question will there be a family for Samantha?
If you like a story with lots of action, bringing in the police and the FBI, this one will be the answer!
I received this book through Celebrate Lit. and was not required to give a positive review.