Miranda Warning, book review & giveaway
Child of the Appalachian mountains, Tess Spencer has experienced more than her share of heartache.
Miranda Warning by Heather Day Gilbert
About this book: (from the publisher) Tess Spencer–Glock-wielding, knife-carrying, Appalachian housewife–knows how to survive whatever life throws at her. But when an anonymous warning note shows up in her best friend Miranda’s mailbox—a note written in a dead woman’s handwriting—Tess quickly discovers that ghosts are alive and well in Buckneck, West Virginia. Hot on a cold trail, she must use limited clues and her keen insight into human nature to unmask the killer…or the next victim might be Tess herself. Tinged with the supernatural and overshadowed by the mountains’ lush, protective presence, this twisting psychological mystery is the first in A Murder in the Mountains series.
About the author: (from her website) Heather Day Gilbert enjoys writing stories about authentic, believable marriages. Sixteen years of marriage to her sweet Yankee husband have given her some perspective, as well as ten years spent homeschooling. Heather is a monthly contributor to Novel Rocket, a site dedicated to bringing helpful information to authors.
You can find Heather at her website, Heather Day Gilbert–Author, and at herFacebook Author Page, as well as Twitter, Pinterest, YouTube. Her novel, God’s Daughter, is an Amazon bestseller. You can find it here in three formats–Kindle, softcover, and audiobook.
Genre: Fiction/Christian/Mystery
Would I read this book, judged on its cover alone? Medium-yes. Though beautiful like its heroine, I’m typically more drawn to softer lines and hues, and I’m not sure these sophisticated colors (though they’re some of my favorites) suggest the rural/mountain flavor of the story.
If this book were a movie, I would rate it: G. Squeaky clean, in the best way possible. Thank you, Heather Day Gilbert, for walking that fine line of writing a book for adults while not stooping to adult language.
Reminds me of… Rene Gutteridge, Sandra Orchard
You’ll want to buy this book if … you enjoy a good, wholesome, psychological mystery
Why did I read this book? For the author, for review.
Would I read another by this author? I’m a fan!
My take: Though I don’t often read them these days, I do love a good mystery–even more when it features a beautiful, beguiling heroine surrounded by a cast of intriguing characters in a unique setting. Are you ahead of me? Miranda Warning has all of this, and more.
Right off the top, there’s so much to like about this novel: its sassy tone, the quick chapters, sparkling dialogue, twisty plot, and the characters–especially Tess. And upon this foundation, Gilbert skillfully, subtly layers an inspirational message of hope, faith and redemption.
I also enjoyed the way Tess grew into her new role as mama-to-be, and I liked the sweet yet realistic portrayal of her marriage, which–two years in the making–experiences its fair share of ups and downs. I liked the unusual BFF relationship between Tess and Miranda as well. And if the mystery itself seemed to take its time unfolding–well, that’s been my comment for the last four mysteries I’ve reviewed, so I’m quite willing to chalk that up to just me.
On the whole, I highly recommend Heather Day Gilbert as an author to watch. She is smart, professional, and a gifted storyteller–a winning combination sure to take her far.
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Thanks to Heather Day Gilbert for providing me a free copy to review. All opinions are mine.
End notes: Bonus! This delightful author has offered her book as a giveaway to one lucky blog reader. So leave a comment for your chance to win.
On another note…it so hugely encourages me to see fine, quality novels like this one (as well as Gilbert’s first, God’s Daughter) emerging on the indie-publishing scene. The traditional publishing world has changed so much in recent years, and it continues to, in vast ways. As marketers have more and more say in acquisition decisions, niches are becoming narrower, and chances for debut novelists to be published by a traditional publisher slimmer. Fortunately, the indie option is becoming more and more appealing as quality books are finding their way into print. Gives me great hope for the future of indie (self) publishing.
I’d love to hear from you. Have you read an indie-published novel that you particularly enjoyed? (Lisa McKay’s Love at the Speed of Email springs to my mind.) I’m seeking recommendations!
Love your thoughtful review, as always, Katherine! And I appreciate your kind words on indies! I actually have a list of some indies I’m reading now here: http://heatherdaygilbert.com/2014/07/29/books-im-reading-this-summer/, so you can check out the great cover art and blurbs there, if you want. I’ve been blown away by the number of indies putting out books comparable to traditional titles, and they are often more unique in their subject matter/locales (one is Nancy Kimball’s Chasing the Lion, set in Rome! Don’t see that every day). I agree, as traditional publishing doors close to new authors/subjects/time periods/locales, I believe God is raising up a generation of Christian indie authors to reach not only CBA readers, but unsaved readers as well. Thank you again and I always enjoy your blog.
I love mysteries/psychological thrillers but I Do.Not.Want the graphic language that some authors use in their writing. Your review makes me want to read this book. Thanks, Katherine, for offering a cooy.
Blessings,
Connie
I hear you, Connie! I don’t understand why so many authors seem to think gratuitous graphic language is an add. It’s always a treat to find a writer who finds ways to express without resorting to profanity. I hope you get the chance to enjoy this one.
I agree with both of you and am willing to give a clean indie mystery a shot. I love a good mystery!
Haven’t had the best of luck with indie fiction, but this one sounds like it could be a winner.
As always, your reviews keep my “to read” list overflowing! Appreciate your guidance and thorough reviews, Katherine.
Nor have I had the best of luck with indie fiction, which is why it makes me particularly happy to see books like Heather’s. I’m optimistic that we’re at the front of a new trend in quality reads.
Good review and good afterthoughts, Katherine. I enjoyed (and reviewed) Miranda Warning. Heather’s a good writer. If you’re willing to take chances on indie authors and independent storytelling, I would suggest The Famous One – but only after reading the reviews to see if it’s for you. Again: good review.
Duly noted, Nicole–thank you! Am enjoying learning about all the other great indie books out there. Will be sure to check this one out too.
Thank you for being here today, Heather! I am so delighted to feature you on Story Matters and look forward to more such connections. Love the list of authors, many indie, that you’ve compiled. Thanks for sharing those. I’ll be on the lookout for ways I can connect with those authors too. I consider it a new mission of mine to get the word out on all these excellent writers going the non-trad publishing route. It’s very exciting to see this new trend taking off. Of the books you’ve listed, I’m familiar only with A Miracle in Dry Season, which is on my review list. When I saw it was set in W. Va., I thought of you. Glad to know you found it read-worthy.
Miracle in a Dry Season is actually the only book on my list that is traditionally published, Katherine! But I’m enjoying it. Definitely takes me back to a different time in this wild, wonderful state!
I like this style of reviewing, Katherine — so helpful for a reader. Now you have me rethinking my own review style. 🙂
Miranda Warning is one of those books I kept thinking about when I couldn’t be reading. I loved God’s Daughter, too.
Another quality indie novel I’ve enjoyed recently is Majai’s Fury by Valerie Comer. I’d call it mainstream but clean, and it’s fantasy.
Thanks for the kudos, Janet, and for the recommendation! Love hearing about these other indie books–I’ll be following up on each recommendation I receive.
Hi! I went straight away to KCLS to check out his title, but, alas…it is not there! So, it would be cool to win it. Since Kathy made it sound quite appealing!
Thanks,
Sandi
Sandi, is that a library? You can always request your library get the book. It is available via Amazon and CreateSpace store. That’s how indie books will get into libraries–donations or people requesting them! Thanks and hope you can read it!
Yes, it is our King County Library System! I will request them to get your book. Oh and thank you for offering a free book! I won!!!!
So glad you won, Sandi, and thanks for requesting it for your library, as well. I really appreciate Katherine taking time to read and do excellent reviews on books like mine!
Hi Sandi! I’ve found KCLS to be quite responsive to my requests for book purchases, especially when the book is a new release. Would be terrific to get it added to their shelves.
Sounds like another fine book for my future-read list.
Thank you, Mary–I hope you get a chance to read it!
Congrats to Sandi, winner of the drawing for a copy of Miranda Warning! And thanks again to Heather for making this possible. Sandi, we’ll be in touch for your info. Enjoy the book! 🙂