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Faith McClellan #1
Fear No Truth
ASIN B07KYTLJ6S moved to the most recent edition
For fans of James Patterson and Melinda Leigh: Introducing a brand new series from bestselling thriller author LynDee Walker!
Two dead girls.
One determined Texas Ranger.
Three horrifying truths.
It's been months since Jessa DuGray left her dorm for a study date and disappeared, her charred, disfigured remains discovered outside a cave after weeks of exhaustive searching.
Tenley Andre is the poster child for the perfect life: Gorgeous. Brilliant. Champion athlete. Until her broken body is found on the drought-ravaged shores of Lake Travis one sunny April morning, igniting a firestorm of shock and speculation in one of Texas' most affluent communities. How did a young woman with everything to live for meet such a tragic end?
Texas Ranger Faith McClellan is itching to shake her 'new girl' status--and her famous father's shadow--and get back to real police work. Tenley's case is the perfect path: Faith doesn't buy the easy verdict of another privileged, pressured teen suicide, and no one else wants to look beyond it. But when the intricate web of lies surrounding Tenley and her family ensnares Jessa's high-profile unsolved murder, secrets that could destroy reputations and relationships in powerful circles are laid bare.
Now, Faith must examine old loyalties and topple ingrained biases in a race to unmask evil lurking in Austin's most sacred institutions before another life is lost. But the insidious truths at the heart of this case are darker and more dangerous than even she can imagine.
For fans of James Patterson and Melinda Leigh: Introducing a brand new series from bestselling thriller author LynDee Walker!
Two dead girls.
One determined Texas Ranger.
Three horrifying truths.
It's been months since Jessa DuGray left her dorm for a study date and disappeared, her charred, disfigured remains discovered outside a cave after weeks of exhaustive searching.
Tenley Andre is the poster child for the perfect life: Gorgeous. Brilliant. Champion athlete. Until her broken body is found on the drought-ravaged shores of Lake Travis one sunny April morning, igniting a firestorm of shock and speculation in one of Texas' most affluent communities. How did a young woman with everything to live for meet such a tragic end?
Texas Ranger Faith McClellan is itching to shake her 'new girl' status--and her famous father's shadow--and get back to real police work. Tenley's case is the perfect path: Faith doesn't buy the easy verdict of another privileged, pressured teen suicide, and no one else wants to look beyond it. But when the intricate web of lies surrounding Tenley and her family ensnares Jessa's high-profile unsolved murder, secrets that could destroy reputations and relationships in powerful circles are laid bare.
Now, Faith must examine old loyalties and topple ingrained biases in a race to unmask evil lurking in Austin's most sacred institutions before another life is lost. But the insidious truths at the heart of this case are darker and more dangerous than even she can imagine.
348 pages, ebook
First published December 17, 2018
6526 people are currently reading
1740 people want to read
About the author
LynDee Walker
36 books644 followersLynDee Walker writes about strong women who can’t seem to stay out of trouble. Her books have appeared on finalist lists for the Agatha and International Thriller awards—and once, on the weekly Amazon Charts US national bestsellers list smack in between two of her writing heroes.
LynDee is a member of International Thriller Writers, Mystery Writers of America, and Sisters in Crime. Before she started writing fiction, LynDee was an award-winning journalist who covered everything from ribbon cuttings and high school football to capital murder trials and high level police corruption. Her work has appeared in newspapers and magazines across the United States. She has written more than 20 novels and feels lucky every day to get to play with her imaginary friends for a living.
LynDee's favorite things are family, hydrangeas, porches, beaches, and books. She lives in Richmond, Virginia, where she is working on her next novel when she's not juggling laundry, children's sports schedules, and two very happily spoiled rescue dogs.
LynDee is a member of International Thriller Writers, Mystery Writers of America, and Sisters in Crime. Before she started writing fiction, LynDee was an award-winning journalist who covered everything from ribbon cuttings and high school football to capital murder trials and high level police corruption. Her work has appeared in newspapers and magazines across the United States. She has written more than 20 novels and feels lucky every day to get to play with her imaginary friends for a living.
LynDee's favorite things are family, hydrangeas, porches, beaches, and books. She lives in Richmond, Virginia, where she is working on her next novel when she's not juggling laundry, children's sports schedules, and two very happily spoiled rescue dogs.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 221 reviews
May 10, 2021
LynDee Walker’s Fear No Truth really bugged me, from the "put upon underdog climbs the mountain and takes the lumps to prove herself," "hen in the fox den" clichés to the "you get more flies with "traditionally” feminine qualities" attitude that has our protagonist allowing herself to be disrespected by nearly everyone she meets.
Things like this don't really bug me as much when the story is fresh and compelling; this one was...I'll be kind and say familiar and enjoyable.
It was entertaining but not fabulous, and there isn’t a single thing in here I haven’t read in a Tami Hoag, Sandra Brown, Linda Howard, or Nora Roberts thriller.
It's got insolated, rich, disfunctional families, a heroine driven by a tragic past, and the requisite big strong love interest who'll keep her safe and in line.
And while I am well aware that absolute originality is difficult, especially when one must adhere to a specific set of genre conventions, pulling it off is what distinguishes good writers from great writers.
You aren’t off that particular hook just because you write “popular" fiction, not with me.
Even more familiar were the lines and character traits from Walker’s Nichelle Clark series.
If you’ve read even one of those books, you’ll recognize Charlie in the cutthroat, ambitious TV reporter with Nichelle’s penchant for impractical designer shoes.
You’ll recognize Bob, Nichelle’s fatherly, overprotective mentor and editor in Archie, Faith’s mansplaining lecturer of a mentor/professional ally.
You’ll definitely recognize the repeated and unnecessary warnings(she's an armed Texas ranger who has had extensive training) to “watch yourself” and to “be careful,” as well as the scolding’s that result from the heroine’s decision to think for herself and act accordingly.
Finally, you’ll recognize Nichelle’s “every word true”
To continue, Fear No Truth works as your garden variety police procedural if you’re willing to suspend a bit of disbelief. There’s bending the rules and there’s smashing them to shards and burning them, and Faith does a great deal of the latter. I guess I was supposed to find this admirable but, if anything, it was indicative, to me at least, of Faith’s belief (I’d attribute this to her family and socioeconomic background) that the rules don’t and shouldn’t apply to her.
I counted at least half a dozen pieces of evidence that would be ruled inadmissible by any judge worth her or his salt. Worse still, a grieving mother leaves her handbag in Faith’s car, and Faith decides it’s a good idea to hang onto it long enough to perform an illegal search of said grieving mother’s phone.
So, this woman is, at the very least, without a cellphone and wallet for hours, maybe even a day, because Faith, someone who wants desperately to be seen as a good cop, thinks it more expedient to ignore the frustrating and inconvenient parts of the job.
And all of these…investigatory strategies are fine and dandy with her super experienced mentor and her straight arrow of a “partner”?
I’ve never been a huge fan of “ends justify means” logic, and I especially dislike when it’s employed by law enforcement, even in fiction.
Ultimately, this first installment of the Faith McClellan series was an OK enough read that I’ll continue with the series. Underneath all of the annoyance and BS outlined above is the kind of suspense and clue discovery I really enjoy in mysteries, police procedurals, and crime thrillers. Here's hoping things improve in book two. Three stars.
Things like this don't really bug me as much when the story is fresh and compelling; this one was...I'll be kind and say familiar and enjoyable.
It was entertaining but not fabulous, and there isn’t a single thing in here I haven’t read in a Tami Hoag, Sandra Brown, Linda Howard, or Nora Roberts thriller.
It's got insolated, rich, disfunctional families, a heroine driven by a tragic past, and the requisite big strong love interest who'll keep her safe and in line.
And while I am well aware that absolute originality is difficult, especially when one must adhere to a specific set of genre conventions, pulling it off is what distinguishes good writers from great writers.
You aren’t off that particular hook just because you write “popular" fiction, not with me.
Even more familiar were the lines and character traits from Walker’s Nichelle Clark series.
If you’ve read even one of those books, you’ll recognize Charlie in the cutthroat, ambitious TV reporter with Nichelle’s penchant for impractical designer shoes.
You’ll recognize Bob, Nichelle’s fatherly, overprotective mentor and editor in Archie, Faith’s mansplaining lecturer of a mentor/professional ally.
You’ll definitely recognize the repeated and unnecessary warnings(she's an armed Texas ranger who has had extensive training) to “watch yourself” and to “be careful,” as well as the scolding’s that result from the heroine’s decision to think for herself and act accordingly.
Finally, you’ll recognize Nichelle’s “every word true”
To continue, Fear No Truth works as your garden variety police procedural if you’re willing to suspend a bit of disbelief. There’s bending the rules and there’s smashing them to shards and burning them, and Faith does a great deal of the latter. I guess I was supposed to find this admirable but, if anything, it was indicative, to me at least, of Faith’s belief (I’d attribute this to her family and socioeconomic background) that the rules don’t and shouldn’t apply to her.
I counted at least half a dozen pieces of evidence that would be ruled inadmissible by any judge worth her or his salt. Worse still, a grieving mother leaves her handbag in Faith’s car, and Faith decides it’s a good idea to hang onto it long enough to perform an illegal search of said grieving mother’s phone.
So, this woman is, at the very least, without a cellphone and wallet for hours, maybe even a day, because Faith, someone who wants desperately to be seen as a good cop, thinks it more expedient to ignore the frustrating and inconvenient parts of the job.
And all of these…investigatory strategies are fine and dandy with her super experienced mentor and her straight arrow of a “partner”?
I’ve never been a huge fan of “ends justify means” logic, and I especially dislike when it’s employed by law enforcement, even in fiction.
Ultimately, this first installment of the Faith McClellan series was an OK enough read that I’ll continue with the series. Underneath all of the annoyance and BS outlined above is the kind of suspense and clue discovery I really enjoy in mysteries, police procedurals, and crime thrillers. Here's hoping things improve in book two. Three stars.
December 23, 2018
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Tenley Andre had her whole life ahead of her. She was a star athlete and a great student. Then her body is found at the bottom of a cliff at Lake Travis. Her death is quickly ruled a suicide but Faith McClellan doesn’t think so. Faith is the newest Texas Ranger and still is being treated with kid gloves. She hopes solving this case will show the powers that be that she has earned her spot and not floating in on her father’s coattails. Teaming up with her former partner she tries to hide her investigation until she has real evidence to prove her case. It is when she finds a connection between Tenley’s death and another young woman’s death the gloves come off and some deadly secrets are revealed.
Faith McClellan is a fantastic protagonist. Flawed, real, believable, smart with a photographic memory, great instincts, has life experience that helps her tune into victims and be empathetic while wanting to fight to see justice served. Being treated like the “new girl”, fetching coffee and running errands was not sitting well with her so she saw an opportunity to prove herself and she took it. This is a woman I can get behind and am thrilled this is the first book in a series and not just a one-off.
The author does an excellent job of introducing both the core characters and those involved in the murder investigation. It was easy to get a clear picture of all of them. What wasn’t clear was who killed the girls and why. This journey we followed with Faith was murky, scary, and intense. There was a lot of circling back and double checking everything. Twists turned Faith’s thinking inside out. Even with two and three sets of eyes going over the evidence and giving their theories, it was hard to solve.
Having read her Nichelle Clarke series I was already of fan of LynDee Walker. Faith McClellan is a character just like Nichelle that will stick with me. A character you want to root for and know better. The fact the Faith is involved in such a wonderful, suspenseful mystery was just icing on the cake.
This series is off to an excellent start. I am really looking forward to many more adventures with Texas Ranger Faith McClellan.
Tenley Andre had her whole life ahead of her. She was a star athlete and a great student. Then her body is found at the bottom of a cliff at Lake Travis. Her death is quickly ruled a suicide but Faith McClellan doesn’t think so. Faith is the newest Texas Ranger and still is being treated with kid gloves. She hopes solving this case will show the powers that be that she has earned her spot and not floating in on her father’s coattails. Teaming up with her former partner she tries to hide her investigation until she has real evidence to prove her case. It is when she finds a connection between Tenley’s death and another young woman’s death the gloves come off and some deadly secrets are revealed.
Faith McClellan is a fantastic protagonist. Flawed, real, believable, smart with a photographic memory, great instincts, has life experience that helps her tune into victims and be empathetic while wanting to fight to see justice served. Being treated like the “new girl”, fetching coffee and running errands was not sitting well with her so she saw an opportunity to prove herself and she took it. This is a woman I can get behind and am thrilled this is the first book in a series and not just a one-off.
The author does an excellent job of introducing both the core characters and those involved in the murder investigation. It was easy to get a clear picture of all of them. What wasn’t clear was who killed the girls and why. This journey we followed with Faith was murky, scary, and intense. There was a lot of circling back and double checking everything. Twists turned Faith’s thinking inside out. Even with two and three sets of eyes going over the evidence and giving their theories, it was hard to solve.
Having read her Nichelle Clarke series I was already of fan of LynDee Walker. Faith McClellan is a character just like Nichelle that will stick with me. A character you want to root for and know better. The fact the Faith is involved in such a wonderful, suspenseful mystery was just icing on the cake.
This series is off to an excellent start. I am really looking forward to many more adventures with Texas Ranger Faith McClellan.
October 17, 2020
I was on the fence about this book, thinking my review could go one way or another up until the end. The end solidified my enjoyment of the book. I don’t want to give spoilers, so I won’t say how or why, but it’s definitely worth reading.
December 21, 2018
Lyndee Walker's new Faith McClellan mystery Fear No Truth kept me on the edge of my seat all the way through. A Texas Ranger with trauma in her past, Faith's uncanny memory and ability to follow her gut feelings leads her into dangerous places - and sometimes astray, too. The plot is complex and layered, as are the characters. No one is cardboard; every person in the book has secrets and surprises. With the help of two law enforcement friends - both guys I loved for different reasons - Faith arrives at the truth. I highly recommend this thriller and hope to read a sequel soon!
March 18, 2022
DNF...
Auch hier eine Polizisten, die ich nicht sonderlich sympathisch finde. Nebencharaktere die mich nicht interessieren und eine Story, die mich nicht halten kann.
Auch hier eine Polizisten, die ich nicht sonderlich sympathisch finde. Nebencharaktere die mich nicht interessieren und eine Story, die mich nicht halten kann.
February 19, 2019
LynDee Walker has written another real page turner.
November 1, 2024
Love finding a new detective series with great characters and plenty of suspense. I highly recommend this one.
December 17, 2018
WOW . . . just Wow!!
I've absolutely fallen in love with this new series from Lyndee Walker. Faith McClellan is a Texas Ranger who has a soft heart, but a fierce passion for justice. I was hooked from the start and couldn't stop turning pages long into the night. There were plenty of twists and turns to keep me holding on and the character development is truly wonderful. I'm already looking forward to spending more time with Faith. Once you pick this book up, you won't want to put it down.
I've absolutely fallen in love with this new series from Lyndee Walker. Faith McClellan is a Texas Ranger who has a soft heart, but a fierce passion for justice. I was hooked from the start and couldn't stop turning pages long into the night. There were plenty of twists and turns to keep me holding on and the character development is truly wonderful. I'm already looking forward to spending more time with Faith. Once you pick this book up, you won't want to put it down.
October 11, 2019
Love finding a new suspense series with a smart, tough heroine. This first book in the series was addicting from start to finish and this author gives good twists, some you see coming and some you don't. Excellent start to a series and looking forward to more.
November 11, 2022
Faith McClellan, Texas Ranger
I was a big fan of this authors Nichelle Clarke reporter series so when I finished those I jumped into these. I absolutely loved Nichelle's character and story lines from the first book on. This time, I liked Faith but I'm still wondering if I will love her as much as Nichelle. There is of course a love interest n the form of her ex-partner
Faith is a Texas Ranger and daughter of the former governor. They are estranged pretty much and Faith has no interest in trying to get back into her fathers good graces. Because of her family connections she is not treated the same as the others and is mostly used for busy work. When she goes back to her previous place of employment to pick up paperwork, she manages to get involved with the murder of a teenage girl. It ends up being quite the murder case! I’ll definitely be getting the next book. Enjoyed the read!
I was a big fan of this authors Nichelle Clarke reporter series so when I finished those I jumped into these. I absolutely loved Nichelle's character and story lines from the first book on. This time, I liked Faith but I'm still wondering if I will love her as much as Nichelle. There is of course a love interest n the form of her ex-partner
Faith is a Texas Ranger and daughter of the former governor. They are estranged pretty much and Faith has no interest in trying to get back into her fathers good graces. Because of her family connections she is not treated the same as the others and is mostly used for busy work. When she goes back to her previous place of employment to pick up paperwork, she manages to get involved with the murder of a teenage girl. It ends up being quite the murder case! I’ll definitely be getting the next book. Enjoyed the read!
July 16, 2024
Wow! Just WOW.
This is my first book by this author and let me tell you...it won’t be my last. Man can she write a badass woman in law enforcement and what a story she told.
I was completely blown away by the complexity and sheer brilliance of this plot. I didn’t want to put the book down but life kept getting in the way.
So many creepy suspects. Murder, twists, turns and at some points the author just about throws you off a cliff.
Texas Ranger Faith McClellan is so cool and man I can’t wait to really get to know her. November can’t get here quick enough for the next book.
Pure Awesomeness!
This is my first book by this author and let me tell you...it won’t be my last. Man can she write a badass woman in law enforcement and what a story she told.
I was completely blown away by the complexity and sheer brilliance of this plot. I didn’t want to put the book down but life kept getting in the way.
So many creepy suspects. Murder, twists, turns and at some points the author just about throws you off a cliff.
Texas Ranger Faith McClellan is so cool and man I can’t wait to really get to know her. November can’t get here quick enough for the next book.
Pure Awesomeness!
November 17, 2020
HARD TO RATE
I think this was a very well-written tale, but with couple of big flaws. One, as a mystery there really wasn't much mystery about "whodunit" ; and, two, the main character was too hollow - almost an actual "Barbie Does Austin". She has a much mentioned super memory skill that's not really illustrated....and that was the problem, she was a caricature with the author telling us what she was like instead of showing us. I simply didn't really care what happened to her from one page to the next.
I think this was a very well-written tale, but with couple of big flaws. One, as a mystery there really wasn't much mystery about "whodunit" ; and, two, the main character was too hollow - almost an actual "Barbie Does Austin". She has a much mentioned super memory skill that's not really illustrated....and that was the problem, she was a caricature with the author telling us what she was like instead of showing us. I simply didn't really care what happened to her from one page to the next.
Read
June 21, 2021A good book with various twists and turns. A few comments :
- Not a huge fan of the patting on the back the main character kept giving herself. Also, despite being around 35, at times the behavior and train of thought of the MC were those of a teen...
- Sexual orientation and consequent bullying and rejection from the family were a cornerstone of the plot, however the impact and result on mental health and the illness ensued should have been better and more developed IMO.
- Finally I either missed it, or the author altogether didn't give an explanation as to how and why Tenley was gathering money.
- Some of the characters were really promising and would have benefitted from being more developed, mainly Tenly and also Erica. A lot was left unsaid.
Author's style otherwise was flowing easily, all in all a nice read. Will def read the next in the series
- Not a huge fan of the patting on the back the main character kept giving herself. Also, despite being around 35, at times the behavior and train of thought of the MC were those of a teen...
- Sexual orientation and consequent bullying and rejection from the family were a cornerstone of the plot, however the impact and result on mental health and the illness ensued should have been better and more developed IMO.
- Finally I either missed it, or the author altogether didn't give an explanation as to how and why Tenley was gathering money.
- Some of the characters were really promising and would have benefitted from being more developed, mainly Tenly and also Erica. A lot was left unsaid.
Author's style otherwise was flowing easily, all in all a nice read. Will def read the next in the series
December 17, 2018
Faith McClellan has achieved her goal to break into the male dominated old boy world as a Texas Ranger, but she's been relegated to gopher status from one a successful investigator as a police officer.
"I started Tuesday with a promise to help Tenley's family find peace and I'd raced through the week determined to avenge two bright young women who had life stolen from them far too soon - Like Charity. I could deliver justice for them.
Faith's relationship with Graham takes a new direction. Her powerful parents come to her aid when things get tough.
The first in a grizzly crime drama series, Faith McClellan is a character whose life experience along with her photographic memory should make for a very interesting series.
I volunteered to read an ARC. Publication date is Dec 17 2018.
"I started Tuesday with a promise to help Tenley's family find peace and I'd raced through the week determined to avenge two bright young women who had life stolen from them far too soon - Like Charity. I could deliver justice for them.
Faith's relationship with Graham takes a new direction. Her powerful parents come to her aid when things get tough.
The first in a grizzly crime drama series, Faith McClellan is a character whose life experience along with her photographic memory should make for a very interesting series.
I volunteered to read an ARC. Publication date is Dec 17 2018.
December 4, 2018
I finished this advanced readers copy in no time. I love a good mystery, and this is a dark one that truly surprised me with the ending. Great page turner!
January 1, 2019
I’m a big fan of walker’s Nichelle Clarke series and was thrilled to be offered this new series. It is going to be another winner. Good writing, enjoyable characters, smart crime solving.
partially-read
March 5, 2024I got the digital edition of this book from Amazon because it was free and sounded like it could be interesting. In reading the prologue and getting partway through the first chapter, some text was popping up that I don’t like reading in books, so I decided to do a keyword search and found that this book is littered with profanity…
This book also has a lot of content having to do with sex, rape, alcohol/drinking, drugs, mental illness… and I’m not sure what else… but this is enough for me to know this book and its author are not for me.
This is my personal opinion that I wanted to share for others who care about these things.
This book also has a lot of content having to do with sex, rape, alcohol/drinking, drugs, mental illness… and I’m not sure what else… but this is enough for me to know this book and its author are not for me.
This is my personal opinion that I wanted to share for others who care about these things.
January 19, 2019
This book exploits the fear of mental illness and treatment exacerbating the prejudices that people have against people who struggle with this disease. Creating a monster from someone who is gay who was treated with ECT and somehow was suddenly given bipolar with a ‘dark side’ that causes black outs and killing rages is ridiculous. This book twists common sense and causes the ignorant to be afraid of mental illness. Having bipolar I am insulted as should be anyone with any knowledge of the disease. Life is hard enough living with a mental disability and the prejudices of those who are ignorant and mistreat us already. Having a book like this perpetuate that mistreatment to make money is sad. Shame on you LynDee Walker for writing this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 13, 2019
OMG! This book was terrific and I'm looking forward to more Faith McClellan books.
Years ago, I read the Rose Strickland books by Terri Austin. That led me to Heartache Motel -- which has novellas by Terri Austin, Larissa Reinhart, and LynDee Walker. I liked the novellas by all 3 authors and have read ALL of the Rose Strickland (Austin), Cherry Tucker (Reinhart), and Nichelle Clark books by LynDee Walker.
Years ago, I read the Rose Strickland books by Terri Austin. That led me to Heartache Motel -- which has novellas by Terri Austin, Larissa Reinhart, and LynDee Walker. I liked the novellas by all 3 authors and have read ALL of the Rose Strickland (Austin), Cherry Tucker (Reinhart), and Nichelle Clark books by LynDee Walker.
November 28, 2019
There is a character in this murder thriller who is a runner, the fastest runner anyone knows, a champion of speed. I’d apply this concept to the way LynDee Walker writes: She is the speed demon of plot. I’ve read hundreds of suspense/detective/thriller novels, and no one else moves the plot along as fast as she does. It’s dizzying. And I mean that in a good way. The detectives in the story can barely keep up with the twists and turns and surprises. Likewise the reader.
After I read a couple of her Nichelle Clark crime thrillers, I became hooked on Walker. I thought I’d try her newest character, Faith McClellan, a dedicated detective with the Texas Rangers, who comes from a dysfunctional family, has tragedy in her past, and some quirky and touching relationships with her colleagues. I am delighted to say that Walker is able to simultaneously create a new character and a frenetic new plot, drawing the reader in from page one, immediately generating suspense along with deliciously frantic curiosity about McClellan’s life.
A good suspense writer is a tease. Walker teases us with tidbits from McClellan’s past, frustrating the reader with the desire to know more, more, more. Meanwhile, the plot hurtles on like a runaway roller coaster, as does the spot-on dialogue. Every 25 pages or so, the reader is lead to a different perpetrator, only to be gobsmacked 25 pages after that (and toward the end, nearly twice as often!). That’s great suspense. The result is that you, the reader, will be up past your bedtime. “Just one more chapter, then I can turn out the light. No, just one more after that. I promise. No, no. Something just threw the plot into turmoil again. Just one more chapter, I swear.” Give it up. Just finish the book, even if it’s 2 a.m. in the dead of night.
In short, here is a murder thriller with a bracing, lightning-paced plot, subtle character development, a boatload of surprises, whip-smart dialogue, and enough humor to keep your brain from exploding due to Fiction Induced Stress Trauma (FIST). Yes, that’s a real diagnosis in DSM-V. Look it up if you don’t believe me. The ending will leave you a bit shaken, but isn’t that what the best suspense fiction is supposed to do?
I have a long list of favorite suspense writers. Walker is on that list. With each book of hers that I read, she moves up the list. Where it will end, I can’t say. But I’m staying with her for the wild ride.
After I read a couple of her Nichelle Clark crime thrillers, I became hooked on Walker. I thought I’d try her newest character, Faith McClellan, a dedicated detective with the Texas Rangers, who comes from a dysfunctional family, has tragedy in her past, and some quirky and touching relationships with her colleagues. I am delighted to say that Walker is able to simultaneously create a new character and a frenetic new plot, drawing the reader in from page one, immediately generating suspense along with deliciously frantic curiosity about McClellan’s life.
A good suspense writer is a tease. Walker teases us with tidbits from McClellan’s past, frustrating the reader with the desire to know more, more, more. Meanwhile, the plot hurtles on like a runaway roller coaster, as does the spot-on dialogue. Every 25 pages or so, the reader is lead to a different perpetrator, only to be gobsmacked 25 pages after that (and toward the end, nearly twice as often!). That’s great suspense. The result is that you, the reader, will be up past your bedtime. “Just one more chapter, then I can turn out the light. No, just one more after that. I promise. No, no. Something just threw the plot into turmoil again. Just one more chapter, I swear.” Give it up. Just finish the book, even if it’s 2 a.m. in the dead of night.
In short, here is a murder thriller with a bracing, lightning-paced plot, subtle character development, a boatload of surprises, whip-smart dialogue, and enough humor to keep your brain from exploding due to Fiction Induced Stress Trauma (FIST). Yes, that’s a real diagnosis in DSM-V. Look it up if you don’t believe me. The ending will leave you a bit shaken, but isn’t that what the best suspense fiction is supposed to do?
I have a long list of favorite suspense writers. Walker is on that list. With each book of hers that I read, she moves up the list. Where it will end, I can’t say. But I’m staying with her for the wild ride.
December 17, 2018
The first book of Lyndee Walker's new series, Faith McClellan Novels, starts off with a bang and doesn't let up until the end.
In a new job with the Texas Rangers, former investigator with the State troopers, Faith McClellan, is doing nothing but being used as a glorified delivery person and assistant instead being out in the field, which she loves. When she hears about an unresponsive girl found by the dam, Faith decides to take an alternate route back to her office to check it out. Finding a locket containing photos of the victim and a boy, Faith recognizes him and his high profile father.
Police feel the victim committed suicide, but Faith's gut is telling her something else. Taking a week of vacation so she can help her former partner with the troopers investigate, the investigation leads to a town full of secrets, all of which people want to keep hidden.
If you have read Ms. Walkers Nichelle Clarke series, then you know what a wonderful writer Ms. Walker is. This is a very well written book that will have you staying up at night to finish it as I did. It is a book that will pull in you, and you will not want to stop reading until you finish it. 5 Stars!!
Note: I was given a copy of the book by the author for an honest review
In a new job with the Texas Rangers, former investigator with the State troopers, Faith McClellan, is doing nothing but being used as a glorified delivery person and assistant instead being out in the field, which she loves. When she hears about an unresponsive girl found by the dam, Faith decides to take an alternate route back to her office to check it out. Finding a locket containing photos of the victim and a boy, Faith recognizes him and his high profile father.
Police feel the victim committed suicide, but Faith's gut is telling her something else. Taking a week of vacation so she can help her former partner with the troopers investigate, the investigation leads to a town full of secrets, all of which people want to keep hidden.
If you have read Ms. Walkers Nichelle Clarke series, then you know what a wonderful writer Ms. Walker is. This is a very well written book that will have you staying up at night to finish it as I did. It is a book that will pull in you, and you will not want to stop reading until you finish it. 5 Stars!!
Note: I was given a copy of the book by the author for an honest review
July 9, 2020
Trigger Alert: lurid plotlines with depraved behaviors!
There is a fine line between overcomplicated and over simple! This was the former! The myriad of conflicting clues and suspicious characters got buried under the minutia. The storylines crisscrossed the pages, as the grotesque nature of the crimes became more depraved! The author rubbed the readers face (in the fecal material)
as if the audience would enjoy rather than be repulsed by the sick details! I should have stopped reading at this point (2/3rds of the way through)! Unfortunately, I was hooked and finished reading this novel.
I also found many descriptive passages to be baffling
"And the night erupted.
Bright blue white lit everything in sharp contrast, the honeysuckle perfume swallowed by the sting of fried ozone".
"I rested pale fingers on her sprayed tan arm, nearly landing on my ass when she plunged headlong for the polished stone drive".
You get the point....I could list these kind of descriptions all day!
The writing just confused the details!
I give this book 2.5 stars because I finished it, and it was certainly creative. I liked the protagonists and forensic team!
There is a fine line between overcomplicated and over simple! This was the former! The myriad of conflicting clues and suspicious characters got buried under the minutia. The storylines crisscrossed the pages, as the grotesque nature of the crimes became more depraved! The author rubbed the readers face (in the fecal material)
as if the audience would enjoy rather than be repulsed by the sick details! I should have stopped reading at this point (2/3rds of the way through)! Unfortunately, I was hooked and finished reading this novel.
I also found many descriptive passages to be baffling
"And the night erupted.
Bright blue white lit everything in sharp contrast, the honeysuckle perfume swallowed by the sting of fried ozone".
"I rested pale fingers on her sprayed tan arm, nearly landing on my ass when she plunged headlong for the polished stone drive".
You get the point....I could list these kind of descriptions all day!
The writing just confused the details!
I give this book 2.5 stars because I finished it, and it was certainly creative. I liked the protagonists and forensic team!
January 26, 2022
I rather enjoyed this.
On the other hand I'm going to have freaking nightmares. Because when they find
The procedural aspect was good. The case was full of twists and turns and I had no idea which way it was going to fall. Some of it did start coming together for me but it was a crazy trip. That said, there were a few farfetched parts relating to discovery of evidence. I didn't guess that it was
I liked the main character, Faith. She seemed like a dedicated and genuine cop. And I'm a fan of the dead/missing parent/sibling/friend trope. (And doesn't that sound morbid.) I liked her friendship/mentorship with Archie, although I didn't really get what was going on between her and Graham - you work together that long surely there should have been a greater ease between them.
Interesting read, will definitely pickup the next one to see where the story goes. 4 stars.
On the other hand I'm going to have freaking nightmares. Because when they find
The procedural aspect was good. The case was full of twists and turns and I had no idea which way it was going to fall. Some of it did start coming together for me but it was a crazy trip. That said, there were a few farfetched parts relating to discovery of evidence. I didn't guess that it was
I liked the main character, Faith. She seemed like a dedicated and genuine cop. And I'm a fan of the dead/missing parent/sibling/friend trope. (And doesn't that sound morbid.) I liked her friendship/mentorship with Archie, although I didn't really get what was going on between her and Graham - you work together that long surely there should have been a greater ease between them.
Interesting read, will definitely pickup the next one to see where the story goes. 4 stars.
October 1, 2023
This story begins Faith's role in the Texas Rangers. Right now, the only thing she seems to be doing is running errands and the like. After visiting with Archer, she goes on one more errand run when she hears about an incident and she decides to look into it. Once she was on the scene, she felt alive once again doing real police work. The incident appears to be a suicide, but something tells Faith that doesn't seem right. She decides to look into it and winds up working with her old partner Graham.
As she was working on this case, she was also assisting another ranger, Archer, who had a case he was getting stumped on. With Faith's help, Archer began to see a clearer picture and it was learned that there might be a connection to both cases Faith was dealing with.
To discover what Faith learned as she did her investigation, what the connection between the two cases was, what dangers Faith faced, and what other crime was discovered as a result in addition to who was the killer, then you need to read this book.
As she was working on this case, she was also assisting another ranger, Archer, who had a case he was getting stumped on. With Faith's help, Archer began to see a clearer picture and it was learned that there might be a connection to both cases Faith was dealing with.
To discover what Faith learned as she did her investigation, what the connection between the two cases was, what dangers Faith faced, and what other crime was discovered as a result in addition to who was the killer, then you need to read this book.
May 3, 2024
Heart pounding conclusion…I don’t think I took a breath!
This first book in the series definitely will have me coming back for more. Interesting setup, intriguing characters, lots of gray, heart pounding action, and a conclusion that rocked me. Overall enough to make me less annoyed about the TSTL moments that I detest.
In this book a teenager who seems to have everything is found dead after a fall from a dam. Powers that be believe it’s suicide and want it wrapped up quick. But Faith and her, we are told, impressive senses and clever brain, doesn’t believe it’s suicide. As a new Texas Ranger who is being treated like the coffee girl she is anxious to do real cop work again. When her former partner from the Sheriff’s dept is assigned the case they work together to figure it out. The more they dig the more secrets they find and the more suspects they have. Lots of awful people were in this young girl’s life.
The action is fast paced, there are lots of twists and turns, and the MCs are human and likeable. Looking forward to reading the next book.
This first book in the series definitely will have me coming back for more. Interesting setup, intriguing characters, lots of gray, heart pounding action, and a conclusion that rocked me. Overall enough to make me less annoyed about the TSTL moments that I detest.
In this book a teenager who seems to have everything is found dead after a fall from a dam. Powers that be believe it’s suicide and want it wrapped up quick. But Faith and her, we are told, impressive senses and clever brain, doesn’t believe it’s suicide. As a new Texas Ranger who is being treated like the coffee girl she is anxious to do real cop work again. When her former partner from the Sheriff’s dept is assigned the case they work together to figure it out. The more they dig the more secrets they find and the more suspects they have. Lots of awful people were in this young girl’s life.
The action is fast paced, there are lots of twists and turns, and the MCs are human and likeable. Looking forward to reading the next book.
December 17, 2018
Faith McClellan worked hard to get to be a Texas Ranger, but is stuck with nothing more than being a delivery gal. Faith is dealing with a lot of emotions and memories this day of April 24th. When Faith sees an alert on her phone that an unresponsive female was found, she makes a decision to head to the site as an unofficial acting police officer. While at the site, she finds a piece of evidence that she pockets.
The evidence leads to a name, and then identifying the victim. While trying to investigate, Faith encounters her old partner from the Sheriff's Office, Graham. Graham already feels that the case has been solved, but Faith puts doubts into Graham's head, and convinces him to dig a little more. As Faith and Graham join forces, each stone turned over leads to more questions.
This was a thrilling, fast paced, with lots of twists read! I'd recommend this to anyone who enjoys a good suspense thriller.
I received an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
The evidence leads to a name, and then identifying the victim. While trying to investigate, Faith encounters her old partner from the Sheriff's Office, Graham. Graham already feels that the case has been solved, but Faith puts doubts into Graham's head, and convinces him to dig a little more. As Faith and Graham join forces, each stone turned over leads to more questions.
This was a thrilling, fast paced, with lots of twists read! I'd recommend this to anyone who enjoys a good suspense thriller.
I received an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
December 19, 2018
This is the first of Lyndee Walker’s novels that I have read. A well-written page turner. The start of a new series.
Faith McClellan is a Texas Ranger. Currently she is an errand girl. She has worked hard to become a Texas Ranger. She notices an alert on her phone about an unresponsive female. She decides to show up at the scene even though she hasn’t been assigned the case. She finds some evidence that leads her to identify the young girl. As she unofficially investigates, she runs into Graham, her old partner from the Sheriff’s Department. She gives Graham reason to doubt the cause of death. She takes a leave from her job to join Graham in the investigation.
I liked: the twists and turns the plot took; that Faith keeps thinking of the victims as people and; Faith is a strong individual.
Looking forward to the next book.
I was given a copy of the book by the author. These are my own opinions.
Faith McClellan is a Texas Ranger. Currently she is an errand girl. She has worked hard to become a Texas Ranger. She notices an alert on her phone about an unresponsive female. She decides to show up at the scene even though she hasn’t been assigned the case. She finds some evidence that leads her to identify the young girl. As she unofficially investigates, she runs into Graham, her old partner from the Sheriff’s Department. She gives Graham reason to doubt the cause of death. She takes a leave from her job to join Graham in the investigation.
I liked: the twists and turns the plot took; that Faith keeps thinking of the victims as people and; Faith is a strong individual.
Looking forward to the next book.
I was given a copy of the book by the author. These are my own opinions.
February 17, 2021
LynDee Walker has started this series off with a bang. Faith McClellan has achieved her lifelong dream of becoming a Texas Ranger, but unfortunately her confidence has taken a hit from the ‘good ole boys’ network. Her policing skills aren’t being used, she’s become nothing but an errand girl for her new boss and she’s constantly called ‘New Girl’ rather than Ranger McClellan. While making a delivery, she hears an alert about a potential suicide at a local dam and decides to go to the scene. Things just don’t seem to add up to it being a suicide. Faith promises the victim’s mother that she’ll find answers for her. Faith investigates even knowing that it could cost her job.
This is a well written book that grabs and holds your attention until the very last page. It’s important to point out that there are sexual assault situations that are difficult to read about and that could be triggers for some people.
This is a well written book that grabs and holds your attention until the very last page. It’s important to point out that there are sexual assault situations that are difficult to read about and that could be triggers for some people.
May 30, 2021
Fast Paced Must Reas
I have been a fan of Ms. Walker’s books for a long time. But she has hit the literary lottery for this genre with her new protagonist, Faith McClellan. I had to buy it when I realized her heroine was a female Texas Ranger, another strong, independent and gutsy woman. She did not disappoint. I loved every minute of this book, the characters, the plot, the background. Her writing skills have been honed. I literally could not put this book down and have ordered Book 2 and Book 3 in the series. Cannot wait for further adventures starring my new favorite heroine, Faith. I am a Texan and a fan of the Rangers (not the baseball team). There are only four female Texas Rangers currently. Faith’s character makes a compelling case for more. Read this book if you like well written, well paced murder mysteries with a female lead and strong supporting characters, all of whom have interesting backstories.
I have been a fan of Ms. Walker’s books for a long time. But she has hit the literary lottery for this genre with her new protagonist, Faith McClellan. I had to buy it when I realized her heroine was a female Texas Ranger, another strong, independent and gutsy woman. She did not disappoint. I loved every minute of this book, the characters, the plot, the background. Her writing skills have been honed. I literally could not put this book down and have ordered Book 2 and Book 3 in the series. Cannot wait for further adventures starring my new favorite heroine, Faith. I am a Texan and a fan of the Rangers (not the baseball team). There are only four female Texas Rangers currently. Faith’s character makes a compelling case for more. Read this book if you like well written, well paced murder mysteries with a female lead and strong supporting characters, all of whom have interesting backstories.
April 14, 2020
A dark and excellent thriller
Just when you think you know where this story is headed, think again. Ms Walker is a master storyteller and does not disappoint with the first book in this Texas Ranger series. If you’re a fan of her other female lead journalist series, this one is darker, but no less enthralling.
Tenley Andre is an All-American sweetheart who has it all. Wealthy family, perfect grades, Star athlete. So why would she jump from a local dam?
Texas Ranger Faith McClellan doesn’t think that’s the right answer, but she’s alone in her opinion, at first.
It’s not Faith’s case but that doesn’t stop her from investigating. Something about this case feels wrong from the start and nothing will stop her from finding the truth.
Excellently written with provocative characters and storylines that will leave you wanting more.
Just when you think you know where this story is headed, think again. Ms Walker is a master storyteller and does not disappoint with the first book in this Texas Ranger series. If you’re a fan of her other female lead journalist series, this one is darker, but no less enthralling.
Tenley Andre is an All-American sweetheart who has it all. Wealthy family, perfect grades, Star athlete. So why would she jump from a local dam?
Texas Ranger Faith McClellan doesn’t think that’s the right answer, but she’s alone in her opinion, at first.
It’s not Faith’s case but that doesn’t stop her from investigating. Something about this case feels wrong from the start and nothing will stop her from finding the truth.
Excellently written with provocative characters and storylines that will leave you wanting more.
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