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The Clouds Roll Away (Raleigh Harmon Mystery #3)

by Sibella Giorello (Goodreads Author), Cassandra Campbell (Narrated by)

3.78 · rating details · 105 ratings · 40 reviews

Raleigh Harmon's life seems as impossible to solve as the high-profile case she's pursuing. Closing her assignment with the FBI's Seattle office, forensic geologist Raleigh Harmon returns to her hometown of Richmond, Virginia, expecting a warm welcome. Instead she finds herself investigating an ugly cross burning at a celebrity's mansion and standing in the crosshairs of h...more

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Published March 16th 2010 by Oasis Audio (first published 2010)

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Dec 22, 2010

Lydia (Overweight Bookshelf) rated it

· review of another edition

Recommends it for: mystery and thriller lovers

Recommended to Lydia by: Litfuse

I haven't picked up a true suspense book since my Mary Higgins Clark high school days. I always found suspense books that fit under the "inspirational/Christian" heading to be too predictable or sugar coated. Sometimes a girl just wants a gritty book to scare a few years off her life. This is probably why I loved this book so much-it doesn't hold back the reality of investigating gruesome crimes or go with the obvious storyline. The Clouds Roll Away will have you guessing "who'dun...more

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Dec 16, 2010

Cafelilybookreviews rated it

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One of the things I like most about Sibella Giorello (besides the fact that she has a very beautiful name) is her ability to mesh relevant stories and characters with old school settings. Her subject matter and locations always fascinate me. Sibella’s talent shines in this book where she takes readers on an exploration of hate crimes, racial tensions and an FBI case that could easily be taken from today’s headline news. No wonder this title made the “top ten pick of 2010” list on Booklist. ...moreOne of the things I like most about Sibella Giorello (besides the fact that she has a very beautiful name) is her ability to mesh relevant stories and characters with old school settings. Her subject matter and locations always fascinate me. Sibella’s talent shines in this book where she takes readers on an exploration of hate crimes, racial tensions and an FBI case that could easily be taken from today’s headline news. No wonder this title made the “top ten pick of 2010” list on Booklist.

I think this one is my favorite Raleigh Harmon book to date.

Raleigh Harmon is a character who is believable and easy to relate to. According to the author, she “found” Raleigh while writing for sanity’s sake, staying at home and mothering her two young sons. From a combination of all the things Sibella loves (geology, adventure, Richmond) came this incredible character with tons of potential.

In The Clouds Roll Away, Raleigh (an FBI agent) returns home to Richmond, Virginia after spending some time on disciplinary leave in Seattle, Washington. Haunted by the unsolved murder of her father, Raleigh attempts to make a fresh start and leave her troubled past behind. Little does she know that she will be facing all new challenges including laying low and appeasing her boss who seems to relish rubbing Raleigh’s nose in her past mistakes. Raleigh has to work harder to prove herself this time around and encounters an enormous amount of challenges to her career along the way. In addition to her professional woes, Raleigh also faces some personal issues as well, including her ex-boyfriend who seems to be interested in rekindling their romance.

Raleigh Harmon fans will be happy to know that this is an ongoing series.

The first book, The Stones Cry Out won a Christy award for best first novel. Two years later in 2009, The Rivers Run Dry continued Raleigh’s story and this year, The Clouds Roll Away give fans more of what they love – Raleigh Harmon. The next book in this series, The Mountains Bow Down will be available in 2011. And thankfully for those of us who are hooked on this series, the author doesn’t plan to stop there!

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Dec 09, 2010

Sunflower rated it

· review of another edition

Shelves: 2010-book-reviews, litfuse-publicity

"The Clouds Roll Away" by Sibella Giorello is a Christian/Mystery that follows , Raleigh Harmon, a Forensic geologist agent as she works to solve a civil rights issue in Richmond, Virginia. Riddled with mature content that is not suitable for those who are more discerned with their reading content, "The Clouds Roll Away" is a gritty suspense story that, though it alludes to discussion of faith, faith plays more of a small part in a mostly suspense filled story.

Altho...more

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Apr 06, 2010

Bruce Judisch rated it

· review of another edition

FBI Special Agent Raleigh Harmon is back in Richmond, and it's about time.

In The Clouds Roll Away, our intrepid forensic geologist turned special agent finds herself once again embroiled in a racially charged federal crime. And, at first blush, everything seems normal, predictable: on the surface, the notorious Ku Klux Klan is on a crusade against a hip-hop mogul who has the audacity to move into and garishly rennovate a historically sensitive plantation along the hallowed James Rive...moreFBI Special Agent Raleigh Harmon is back in Richmond, and it's about time.

In The Clouds Roll Away, our intrepid forensic geologist turned special agent finds herself once again embroiled in a racially charged federal crime. And, at first blush, everything seems normal, predictable: on the surface, the notorious Ku Klux Klan is on a crusade against a hip-hop mogul who has the audacity to move into and garishly rennovate a historically sensitive plantation along the hallowed James River; on the surface, the ensuing hate-crime events intone yet another social lamentation of 'how things are' in the South, and; on the surface, our hero's best efforts are hindered by those who can't understand her and by those who simply refuse to.

But authors as accomplished as Ms. Giorello rarely spend much time on the surface.

In her previous two books, The Stones Cry Out and The Rivers Run Dry, you could sense an underlying spiritual metaphor of the human condition like a subterranean stream flowing just close enough to the surface to disturb the soil, but not dampen your feet. In Clouds, the stream splits into multiple layers and, at the just the right times, breaks the surface of the narrative like an artesian spring. Then it gently soaks back into the storyline, leaving just enough of a remnant to moisten the path. Raleigh's story has come into its own, as has the author's skill in telling it.

Example? Perhaps the widest branch of this multi-thematic stream is the Hope of the Advent Season, whose vibrant current underlies the tale and contrasts the despair we earn when we choose to ignore it. Ms. Giorello infuses the Yuletide into the story in a variety of ways that are just plain cool. Strategically placed snippets of familiar Holiday lyrics sporadically lift our minds above the dogged grit of Raleigh's world as they briefly capture her own attention. An inexplicably resurgent Christmas spirit defeats dormancy in Raleigh's mother, Nadine, who is just emotionally unstable enough that I think we're eventually going to find out how together she actually is. Then there's...oh well, enough. You just need to read this--and not only for the message, but for the sheer enjoyment of reading Sibella Giorello.

I've noted Ms. Giorello's unique writing voice before. In Clouds she has honed it to a razor's edge. The reader's thoughts of the destination are nearly forgotten amid the joy of the journey. As an author, it's hard--not to mention a bit selfishly depressing--to grasp how this much raw action, dry wit and gutty poignancy can be finessed so seamlessly into a single story. When I grow up, I'd like to be able to write like this. Until then, I'll just tap my fingers and wait for the next book–which, oh-by-the-way, is The Mountains Bow Down, due for release next year. Not soon enough.
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Mar 31, 2010

Ruth rated it

· review of another edition

While mystery/thriller-type books are not my usual read, I haven't had the best luck lately with my usual historical/romantic-type fiction, and there was something intriguing about this one, so when Phenix & Phenix Publicists offered me a complimentary review copy, I accepted. First of all, the author, Sibella Giorello can write, and write beautifully. I'm a rapid reader, I read for ideas, not details, as a general rule. I devour books, I don't generally savor them. Language is usually the m...more

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Mar 17, 2010

Laura rated it

· review of another edition

Raleigh Harmon is finally back home in Richmond, Virginia, after being sent to Seattle, Washington in disciplinary action. But she is hardly getting a warm welcome. Instead, her new supervisor seems to have it in for her, putting her on phone calls for a task force, and yet expecting her to devote full attention to a cross burning at a local celebrity’s mansion.

Raleigh is having trouble getting to the bottom of the case too. The deeper she digs, the murkier the waters become, makin...more

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Feb 24, 2010

Manda rated it

· review of another edition

The second book, in Sibella Giorello's Raleigh Harmon series, The Clouds Roll Away finds Raleigh back in her hometown of Richmond, Virgina after closing her assignment in Seattle. She is immediately pulled in investigating a cross burning at a celebrities estate. With this new case and her still unhappy boss at the Bureau, Detective Harmon receives anything but a peaceful homecoming. The deeper Raleigh gets into the case the more she realizes there is more to be found. On top of everything at...moreThe second book, in Sibella Giorello's Raleigh Harmon series, The Clouds Roll Away finds Raleigh back in her hometown of Richmond, Virgina after closing her assignment in Seattle. She is immediately pulled in investigating a cross burning at a celebrities estate. With this new case and her still unhappy boss at the Bureau, Detective Harmon receives anything but a peaceful homecoming. The deeper Raleigh gets into the case the more she realizes there is more to be found. On top of everything at work, her personal life leaves something to be desired. Her mother falls into the holiday spirit, something she hasn't done since the death of her husband and Raleigh's former boyfriend vies for her attention. What more will this case uncover? Will Raleigh let Demott back in her life? Most of all will she survive till Christmas? Read The Clouds Roll Away to find out for yourself.

This is the first Sibella Giorello book that I have read, but I was pleasantly surprised. Giorello's use of imagery and visuals is astounding. She truly allows her readers to visualize Raleigh's surroundings and feel what is happening rather than just assuming. Giorello's characters are well built and there is a depth to Raleigh Harmon that is hard to find with many leads. Giorello also has a very comfortable, even balance of themes in her book. I never felt that the romance was too stifling and definitely did not feel that the action was too much to handle. Even though this is listed as religious fiction, I didn't feel that the religious elements were ever overwhelming. Giorello's writing is well structured and her plot and themes are believable. Never did I feel that any of the FBI and case elements were fictional or far-fetching. All in all I was very pleased with this book, and I would gladly read more from Sibella Giorello in the future. Giorello is definitely one to keep an eye on.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” (less)

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Dec 21, 2010

Nancy added it · review of another edition

Forensic geologist Raleigh Harmon returns home for Christmas but discovers Richmond, Virginia running low on goodness and light.

Although her exemplary service in Seattle lifted her disciplinary transfer, Raleigh lands a hometown civil rights case riddled with problems that could get her sent away again. When she helps out a fellow cop, her life goes on the line, forcing her undercover in a sting operation. As Raleigh realizes the lines are crossing and double-crossing, her domestic lif...more

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Dec 17, 2010

Molly rated it

· review of another edition

Recommends it for: everyone

Recommended to Molly by: litfuse

Shelves: litfuse

When I sat down to read this book by this new-to-me author, I started out a little disappointed. Why? Because, for some reason, it was difficult for me to really get hooked. But, I pushed myself because I feel every book deserves a chance. And, once I reached Chapter 3, things looked up for me and man, was I ever hooked after that! This is book 3 in the Raleigh Harmon Novel series, but, while there is mention of some things that were in the previous books, I was not overly lost or confused. Sibe...moreWhen I sat down to read this book by this new-to-me author, I started out a little disappointed. Why? Because, for some reason, it was difficult for me to really get hooked. But, I pushed myself because I feel every book deserves a chance. And, once I reached Chapter 3, things looked up for me and man, was I ever hooked after that! This is book 3 in the Raleigh Harmon Novel series, but, while there is mention of some things that were in the previous books, I was not overly lost or confused. Sibella Giorello mentions these things in a way to bring the reader up to date with the current happenings in the novel.

That being said, I did become totally hooked on the story and really loved it! The are complex and fit their personalities and rolls perfectly. Raleigh Harmon is a character that just stands out and is one that you root for through out the story. To me, she reminds me of James Patterson's Alex Cross. Yep. She's the Alex Cross of Christian suspense. The message of relying on God with a strong, unwavering faith to overcome anything, including a crime that is confusing as the case keeps getting crossed, shines strongly through Raleigh and can be felt by the reader fully.

This book has a great look, while written to be a fiction novel, at a serious subject: cross burnings and hate crimes. The research the author did for this novel was outstanding, and, having been raised in Virginia Beach, could picture Virginia being the way that was described in the novel. Virginia is the perfect setting for this novel. It was very interesting to read about this subject. You just wouldn't think that there would be these awful events in the world today, but sadly, there is. It is all portrayed perfectly in this novel, as Raleigh tries to uncover the truth and fight the bad guys.

Sibella Giorella really surprised me with this novel. She is an author who has made a fan out of me. Her books pull the readers so completely in, that they become a part of the FBI along with Raleigh, hoping the clouds roll away in time to solve the crime. I am definitely looking forward to reading more 5 star work from Sibella when I go back and read books 1 and 2, as well as checking out book 4! Can't wait! (less)

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Dec 15, 2010

Barbara Brink rated it

· review of another edition

The Clouds Roll Away is the third book in Sibella Giorello’s Raleigh Harmon series. FBI Special agent Raleigh is back in Richmond after a disciplinary transfer to Seattle for a year. She is happy to be home again, but before she can really settle in and get back to normal, a cross burning in front of the plantation house that a well-known black rapper has recently moved into, starts racial tensions soaring and brings unwelcome media attention to bear on how the case is handled. Her supervisor wa...moreThe Clouds Roll Away is the third book in Sibella Giorello’s Raleigh Harmon series. FBI Special agent Raleigh is back in Richmond after a disciplinary transfer to Seattle for a year. She is happy to be home again, but before she can really settle in and get back to normal, a cross burning in front of the plantation house that a well-known black rapper has recently moved into, starts racial tensions soaring and brings unwelcome media attention to bear on how the case is handled. Her supervisor wants it solved and solved quickly, but Raleigh’s resolve to get to the truth rather than just tie things up in a neat bow could mean the death of her career.
Raleigh Harmon is still dealing with the unsolved murder of her father, a mother who is teetering on the brink of an emotional breakdown, and feelings for an old high school boyfriend whom she can’t quite get over. In the midst of that are dead bodies with KKK tattoos, crack houses, and gangbangers.
The Clouds Roll Away is not just a novel about race issues, but about heart issues. Without God’s redemption we are all lost in our depravity. Raleigh witnesses the sickness of sin in the rich as well as the poor, black and white, male and female. During the hap-happiest time of the year—Christmas—Richmond is seething with violence and hatred. I was profoundly moved by a scene in a crack house where two young children and their addict mother sit watching A Charlie Brown Christmas while a man is beaten and crack is being cooked on the stove in the next room. The children listen to Linus reciting the story of the Lord’s birth while their father plans murders and makes drug deals.
As an FBI agent, Raleigh witnesses horrors no one should have to see, while trying to maintain a calm, professional exterior. Her faith in God, and hope that someday she will solve her father’s murder seem to be what keeps her going. Raleigh doesn’t believe in luck. She knows who’s in control. And every once in a while the clouds roll away...
(I received this book in exchange for a review)(less)

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Jul 09, 2010

Staci rated it

· review of another edition

Shelves: 2010-reads

My Thoughts:
First off, I can't believe that I read book 3 in a series without reading 1 and 2...this totally blows me away. I never read out of order...EVER. I really feel that it hindered my ability to enjoy this book. There were several references to Raleigh's past behavior which landed her in trouble with the FBI and caused her to be reassigned to Richmond. I felt the NEED to know the why and how and without those first two books under my belt I was a bit lost. I don't like this feeling...more

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Dec 23, 2010

Jodie rated it

· review of another edition

Shelves: 2010, litfuse

"And then, just as quickly, the clouds returned, leaving us to walk by faith, not by sight." Raleigh finally returns home to Virginia after serving her "penance" in Washington for not following her supervisor's rules. She is thrust into the case of RPM, a famous rapper, when a cross is found burned in his yard. After not following her supervisor's strict rules once again, Raleigh is told to solve the case before the end of the year or be sent away again. But when she feels he...more

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Dec 17, 2010

Amber French rated it

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Raleigh Harmon has just returned from a transfer with the FBI back to her hometown of Richmond, Virginia. On the heels of her homecoming, Raleigh finds herself in an investigation centering around a cross burning at a famous rapper’s home. Her boss is pushing her to solve the case as soon as possible and the deeper she digs, the more complicated things become. Raleigh also begins work on a gang task force. The lines between the two seemingly separate cases start to blur with each new development...more

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Dec 17, 2010

Katy rated it

· review of another edition

Raleigh Harmon is an FBI agent returning home just in time for the holidays. Her first assignment is to investigate a hate crime at a rap mogul's estate--a cross-burning that turns out to be much more complicated than it appeared at first. There is a lot of tension at Raleigh's office, since her boss keeps her on a short leash and finds an assortment of ways to punish her for something that happened in a previous book. Meanwhile, Raleigh's mother is acting strangely and her former boyfriend keep...more

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Dec 22, 2010

Julia rated it

· review of another edition

The Clouds Roll Away by Sibella Giorello was a welcome read this holiday season. I found myself immersed in FBI Agent Raleigh Harmon's life from the very beginning. Because I am a recent convert to the Catholic Church, I loved the way Sibella describes the inner dialog that Raleigh has with herself throughout this riveting tale! I loved the imagery and I fell in love with Raleigh as a person.

I'm not sure what will strike other readers from this story but for me, the relationship that...more

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May 18, 2010

Sherrie rated it

· review of another edition

This book started off kind of slow, but boy did it pick up and move along really fast. And I just found out this is the third book in a series. The first book is The Stones Cry Out, the second book Rivers Run Dry and due out Fall of 2010 is The Mountains Bow Down. Now I'm going to have to get the first 2 so I can find out what happens to Raleigh before. She has just come back from Settle where she was kind of banned for disciplinary problems with her last case. So now Raleigh is given a ca...more

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Dec 29, 2010

Michelle rated it

· review of another edition

Shelves: christianfiction, forreview, forpleasure, blog-tour-book

For me this was more like 3.5 stars but closer to three than four, so that's why I gave it three. Interestingly enough, I read through chapter 7 of The Stones Cry Out and never had the desire to pick it up again, so I didn't. But then I'd read some positive things about this author's work and saw some nominations for awards and thought maybe I missed something. So I agreed to do a blog tour for this book.

I did finish The Clouds Roll Away because I agreed to post a review for the tou...moreFor me this was more like 3.5 stars but closer to three than four, so that's why I gave it three. Interestingly enough, I read through chapter 7 of The Stones Cry Out and never had the desire to pick it up again, so I didn't. But then I'd read some positive things about this author's work and saw some nominations for awards and thought maybe I missed something. So I agreed to do a blog tour for this book.

I did finish The Clouds Roll Away because I agreed to post a review for the tour, or I probably wouldn't have finished this book. The writing style seemed kind of choppy to me and sometimes spiritual reflection seemed to come out of the sky. It was nice that I read it around Christmas since that was the time period for the majority of the story, but at the same time the continual references to phrases in well-known Christmas songs and hymns annoyed me. Why not just say mom was listening to Silent Night? Or O Holy Night? Most people know the lyrics anyway, so quoting partial phrases didn't make sense to me. Even non-Christians know those songs.

Anyway, I did find some aspects of the FBI theme compelling and it was kinda cool how various seemingly unrelated elements pulled together toward the end. At the same time, I found some of the details a bit gruesome (like people's faces being blown off and then described further than that) and so I got some unpleasant visuals of bloated dead bodies and such. I was scared for her when she kept dealing with the crack house. But other than that, I would have to say if I never read another book by Sibella I wouldn't be sad about it. She just doesn't write the type of stories I enjoy reading. If she had gotten a little deeper into her relationship with her mother or with Demott, then I would have enjoyed the story more. It just seemed too superficial to me and other than worrying about Raleigh on occasion, I didn't connect much with the characters in the story.

On the positive end, I did feel like I knew Raleigh better by book's end, so that was good, but if I hadn't been doing the tour I probably would've stopped reading it about halfway through when the part about finding the dead guys in the water came up, because it grossed me out so much. At that point I still felt like I barely knew Raleigh. It could be one of those situations where reading prior novels in the series would have given me an entirely different perspective.

I did find it interesting that a white author had written so many negative things into this storyline that were racial stereotypes for both white and black folks, and the author hasn't been criticized. Then again, this story was set in the old south, so racial tension has pretty much been a deep thread in Virginia history for centuries, so it fit the storyline. Did this book inspire me? Not really. But it might inspire someone else. The author definitely knows how to weave a compelling, if not a bit gruesome and complex suspense/crime mystery. That was well done.(less)

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Mar 07, 2011

Patrick Miller rated it

· review of another edition

I read this book for its tourism connection to modern Richmond and the James River Plantations. With so many historical novels about Richmond, it was intriguing to read about modern day settings. As part of the feature for the Southeastern Literary Tourism Initiative, I designed a tourism guide for the novel complete with photos, links, and an excerpt for readers interested in visiting the area. Sibella was very helpful in setting up the tourism guide and getting the photos. This area is very be...more

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Jan 03, 2011

Melissa rated it

· review of another edition

The book was written well and I was hooked from the first page. This is the third book in the series and I had no difficulty reading it. As I was reading it, I noticed that Sibella included information from the other two books to keep you up to date. I really liked Raleigh because she was believable and had a good relationship with her mother, Nadine. The storyline included mystery, a little romance, and plenty of twists and turns to keep it exciting. All of the characters were developed well an...more

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Feb 26, 2010

Casey rated it

· review of another edition

I like to read the occasional mystery, but The Clouds Roll Away just wasn’t for me. Things didn’t always make sense. This novel is geared more for the crowd that is well read in criminal activities and the workings of the FBI.
I did enjoy the main character’s voice. Raleigh Harmon reminded me of Hercule Poirot from Agatha Christie. Raleigh’s voice is distinct and drew me in. The writing of the book is more literary and makes me think, which I enjoy. There was a spice of humor and suspense, ...more

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Apr 27, 2010

Mishel Zabala rated it

· review of another edition

Shelves: for-review

Here’s another review that I waited WAY too long to write… and this time I’m actually pretty peeved at myself because I really enjoyed THE CLOUDS ROLL AWAY. I knew beforehand that the book was considered Christian Fiction and while I’m slowly starting to introduce myself to the genre, it still shocks the crap out of me when I find one that exceeds all of my expectations.

THE CLOUDS ROLL AWAY is a mystery/suspense/thriller that had me addicted to it in the first few chapters. Raleigh ...more

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Dec 22, 2010

Andi Newberry ~Tubbs rated it

· review of another edition

Sibella is a new to me author. WOW! This story was so true to life without any of the gore. I was pulled in from the very first page and kept on the edge of my seat the entire time. I like how she handled the racial issues, they weren't overdrawn out. I had no idea this book was part of a series prior to being asked to review it, or while I was reading it, this could easily stand alone. I am interested in getting the other books in the series to read as I really enjoyed this one. I would highly ...more

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May 08, 2011

Renee rated it

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I’ve always been drawn to a well-written mystery or detective novel. Some of my favorite protagonists have been quirky, angst-ridden men and women detectives who delved into the seedy side of life to save those who couldn’t save themselves. However, these intense characters usually ended up in stories that were too graphic, and often too hopeless, for me to follow to their inevitable outcomes.

After a while, I realized the view of life presented in these stories was oppressing my sense ...moreI’ve always been drawn to a well-written mystery or detective novel. Some of my favorite protagonists have been quirky, angst-ridden men and women detectives who delved into the seedy side of life to save those who couldn’t save themselves. However, these intense characters usually ended up in stories that were too graphic, and often too hopeless, for me to follow to their inevitable outcomes.

After a while, I realized the view of life presented in these stories was oppressing my sense of optimism. And I found myself wishing the detective/protagonist had more to offer the sad folks in the books. Eventually, I began to loath entering those story worlds and reading the “realistic” portrayal of down-and-out folks who were wasting their lives on transitory things. I’d imagine how the story would be transformed if the author presented her characters with the hope of a better life to come and approached her novel from an eternal perspective.

Then I discovered the world of Raleigh Harmon as created by Sibella Giorello. Sibella’s books have all the elements I love in great contemporary detective literature–tight writing, clever dialogue, great plot twists, eccentric characters, intense protagonists wrestling with inner demons. But Sibella’s story world has something to offer that the others don’t: a biblical world view. These suspense novels ring more true for me than any others. Because I truly believe that only through Christ can you view the flawed humans and misery of the world around you exactly as they are and still have hope!

Who is Raleigh Harmon? Here’s the blurb about her from the back of the book: She’s a forensic geologist who returns home for Christmas but discovers that Richmond, Virginia, is running low on goodness and light!

Although her exemplary service in Seattle lifted her disciplinary transfer, Raleigh lands a hometown civil rights case riddled with problems that could get her sent away again. When she helps out a fellow cop, her life goes on the line, forcing her undercover in a sting operation. As Raleigh realizes the lines are crossing and double-crossing, her domestic life starts to unravel. Her mother’s mental health cracks like ice, her closest friend grows cold, and her old boyfriend DeMott comes a-calling, hoping for more than chestnuts by an open fire.

While the city glows with Christmas lights and carols, Raleigh is forced to rely on her sharpest skills to stay alive, hoping for that one clear moment when everything makes sense and the clouds roll away.

If you’re a lover of detective novels and police procedurals and the gritty world in which the men and women featured in them thrive, this suspense-filled novel is for you! It’s fast-paced and sure to entertain with its well-drawn characters and clever plot twists. And the subtle spiritual themes give it depth and hope. (less)

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Jan 30, 2011

Ariel rated it

· review of another edition

This book was not my normal genre, so it took me a long time to get into it. While I do love suspense and mystery (and my two favorite tv shows are crime labs) I don't like reading about detectives and such. So this book started out really slow for me. However, once it got started it was really good! One thing that kept me on my seat was the twists and turns regarding both the cross burning and her fragile relationships. I felt so horrible for her every time her former best friend said something...more

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May 08, 2010

Clockstein Lockstein rated it

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The Clouds Roll Away by Sibella Giroello is the third book in the Raleigh Harmon series about a Virginia FBI agent with a specialty in mineralogy. Raleigh has returned home from her exile in Washington and is assigned a hate crimes case against a high-profile rap star known for his philanthropy. Her boss hates her and regularly throws her scut jobs, including working the phones on a gang task force which leads to more troubles with authority as well as an up close and personal view of the gang m...more

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Jul 25, 2010

Chrissy rated it

· review of another edition

I started reading the clouds Roll Away before I found out that this book is part of a series. This book could be read as a stand alone book, however reading the first of the series and then going on from there would of got me more into this book I believe.

I had some places where I got lost and had to go back to get caught up and other spots to me were a little drawn out. This book wasn't a bad book I did enjoy it after getting threw the middle of the book where I felt it dragge...more

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Apr 23, 2010

Jerry rated it

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I found that the novel was fragmented and gave gave many negative messages. Interspersed with the text were religious preaching that would have been better if left out of the book. It painted a small town where nobody wanted change; even change for the better. Where people talked behind each other's backs, and nobody could really be trusted. It made criminals out of the vulnerable and painted a depressing picture of southern small town rural community that it depicted.

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May 17, 2011

Valerie rated it

· review of another edition

This series combines two very great things- crime solving and God. In our society today we really do need both.

Oh, and I find it ironic that I read this book while my school was on lockdown the other day. Some burglars were running from the police and happened to run into our school's parking lot. At the time my class had no clue what was happening, and this book wasn't helping me calm. However, it did give me something to do for twenty minutes of the time.

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Dec 21, 2010

Jennifer rated it

· review of another edition

From my book review blog Rundpinne...."Giorello’s writing is quite vivid and descriptive, making it easy for readers to imagine themselves in the story."...My full review may be read here.

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Dec 13, 2010

Katie rated it

· review of another edition

Oh my word!!!!

While this book wasnt a fast-paced, edge-of-your-seat, nail-biting suspense/mystery book, I thoroughly enjoyed this story!

WOW!

I have never heard of this author before, but I can promise you I will be looking out for her name in the future! :-) I highly rocommend this - look for my review on this book next week!

· see review

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About Sibella Giorello

Sibella Giorello began writing features as a reporter for newspapers and magazines. Her stories won numerous awards, including two nominations for the Pulitzer Prize.
She lives in Washington state with her husband and homeschooled children.

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last activity Jan 23, 2012 10:39am

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title link	preview: The Clouds Roll Away
avg rating	preview: The Clouds Roll Away Goodreads rating: 3.78 (105 ratings)
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BBCode	[url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8086324-the-clouds-roll-away?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book][img]http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1328749027m/8086324.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8086324-the-clouds-roll-away?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book]The Clouds Roll Away by Sibella Giorello[/url]

The Clouds Roll Away (Raleigh Harmon Mystery #3)

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