Collision of Lies by Tom Threadgill

Feb 07, 2020 Natalie Walters rated it it was amazing

Thrilling page turner, the first I've read of Mr. Threadgill's and this author knows how to keep you turning pages well into the night--not to mention leave you carrying this story around with you even when you HAVE to put the book down.

The gripping plot yanked me into a twisting story that had me on the edge of my seat. I really enjoyed the female lead character and found her development authentic. Secondary characters enhanced the storyline with their unique personalities. The story was ...more

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Jan 29, 2020 Erin Laramore rated it it was amazing

What a wild ride this book was! It hooked me in from the very beginning and didn't let up until the end. This is the first book I've read by this author, but it won't be my last. I have all of the Jeremy Winter books on my kindle and getting a small peak at that character in this book, I instantly want to know more - so the Winter series is moving up on my TBR this year. While Mr. Winter makes a guest appearance in this book (I assume it's an "easter egg" for fans of the series), this book is a What a wild ride this book was! It hooked me in from the very beginning and didn't let up until the end. This is the first book I've read by this author, but it won't be my last. I have all of the Jeremy Winter books on my kindle and getting a small peak at that character in this book, I instantly want to know more - so the Winter series is moving up on my TBR this year. While Mr. Winter makes a guest appearance in this book (I assume it's an "easter egg" for fans of the series), this book is a stand-alone and can be fully appreciated without the knowledge of that character. However, it makes me want more!

This particular novel poses the question - what if the most horrific accident in your city's history ended up not actually being an accident, but an elaborate cover-up for something so much larger? While it took awhile to set the stage for this one, the timing worked well for the story and I was able to take in all of the details. If the plot had moved more quickly, I would have felt lost - like I was missing some of the back-story. The plot line was super intricate though and needed a lot of the smaller details in order to make it work. I REALLY enjoyed the story on this one and also enjoyed the pacing. It completely sucked me in (and I'm up way too late writing this review because I finished it way too late tonight). The characters were well fleshed-out and relatable. I enjoyed the medical examiner's particular quirks and there was a great deal of banter between all of the main characters, which made the dialogue quite enjoyable. I had a few laugh-out-loud moments at those. There was not much of a faith thread (a few prayers for protection, etc.), but the novel was free of foul language, sex scenes and violence, making it acceptable for a Christian publisher. If you read Christian fiction to get a deeply spiritual story-line, I'd pass on this one, but if you read Christian fiction primarily to avoid the garbage of secular fiction, then I'd strongly recommend this one. Overall, I'd highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good suspense novel.

Special thanks to Mr. Threadgill and Revell Publishers for an advanced copy of this book. I was under no obligation to write a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own. ...more

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Feb 12, 2020 Em rated it it was amazing

Imagine that your son has been dead for three years when you receive a text message from an unknown phone number, "Help me, Mom." I know I would move mountains to find out where this message came from and what it might mean for my child.

Imagine now that you are minding your own business when this message and the parents to whom it was sent land squarely in the middle of your peaceful Saturday morning breakfast. Amara Alvarez, property crimes detective for the San Antonio Police Department, just ...more

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Feb 07, 2020 Cheryl rated it really liked it

This is the first book I have read by this author. After reading this book, I plan to check out more books from this author. This book may be published by a Christian publisher but it is not "preachy". So, anyone who is in the mood for a really good book to read or thrillers should check out this one.

I was caught up in the mystery surrounding the bus crash. It seemed like when one clue would be revealed, it just unraveled about three more questions. The mystery along with the engaging ...more

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Jan 28, 2020 Paula Shreckhise rated it it was amazing

Shelves: owned, suspense-or-mystery, contemporary, series, for-review, new-releases, interviews-and-reviews, revell, read-in-2020, new-releases-2020

Wow! Collision of Lies by Tom Threadgill is my kind of suspense story.
With a strong main protagonist and a fresh, unique plot, this one captured my interest from page one. It was like watching an excellent police procedural without the usual cursing and questionable private activities of the characters. But it did not lack in any aspect. It was gritty at times, intriguing and kept moving at a good clip. I didn’t want to put it down.
Amara Alvarez is a detective in Property Crimes but longs to ...more

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Jan 19, 2020 Maureen Timerman rated it it was amazing

Shelves: 2020

Once you turn the pages on this one you are hooked. What a mind this author has, I can’t even imagine the scenario given here, and I don’t really want to! Horrible!
We are given a tough woman detective with the San Antonio police department, she is looking to move to homicide and I don’t she could have foreseen the case she ends up working on.
We get to see banter between these officers, and some chuckles, we eat and travel on stake out, and wonder if all will be there by the end of the story. We ...more

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Feb 10, 2020 Mike rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Every once in a while, all the elements come together and turn an interesting plot into a great story. Such is the case with Collision of Lies. I was very quickly hooked, and I much enjoyed turning the pages. I could have finished the book several days earlier, but I dragged it out because the story was so enjoyable.

This book is classified as contemporary christian suspense. I can agree with contemporary and suspense, but I didn’t really feel any christian aspect. It certainly wasn’t ...more

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Feb 08, 2020 Max Knight rated it really liked it

Author Tom Threadgill’s latest entry into the suspense/thriller genre, Collision of Lies, is set in my home town of San Antonio, Texas. That alone was enough to pull me in! But Threadgill offers so much more than just familiar locales, he’s written an enthralling story of a horrible accident involving a school bus filled with seventeen children all of whom are killed when the bus collides with a fast moving freight train. All the evidence points to an open and shut case. Every investigative Author Tom Threadgill’s latest entry into the suspense/thriller genre, Collision of Lies, is set in my home town of San Antonio, Texas. That alone was enough to pull me in! But Threadgill offers so much more than just familiar locales, he’s written an enthralling story of a horrible accident involving a school bus filled with seventeen children all of whom are killed when the bus collides with a fast moving freight train. All the evidence points to an open and shut case. Every investigative agency comes to the same conclusion… a terrible tragedy that results in unimaginable grief by the parents of those unfortunate kids, but nothing that would indicate a crime.

Three years later a text that may have come from one of the deceased children, a note of apology left on the windshield of a car, and a series of seemingly unrelated murders all cause a property crime detective, Amara Alvarez, to reconsider that conclusion. Was everything that law enforcement believes to be true a lie? Her focus should be on a series of burglaries occurring in Leon Valley, but Amara becomes convinced that something is amiss, and she sets out to uncover the truth.

"The only thing you can trust is the evidence."

Amara is initially reluctant to get involved. She doesn’t want to give anyone false hope, and should her inquiry result in a media circus, her hopes of one day transferring to Homicide could be crushed forever. But Marisa Reyes is convinced that her son Benjamin is alive, and Amara’s empathy for the grieving mother keeps nagging at her. There are so many plausible scenarios as to what happened, none of which point to kidnapping or murder, but if Mrs. Reyes’ instincts are right, Amara is about to find herself uncovering a conspiracy that could only have been orchestrated at the highest levels.

"You’ll see. Everybody lies, either intentionally or because of their skewed point of view. the witnesses. The suspects. Even the victims sometimes. Investigating a murder isn’t like anything else. Every player has their own agenda."

The plot is intricate with twists and turns that will keep the reader engrossed from start to finish. Without giving away too many details, that bus wreck in Cotulla, Texas will lead to international intrigue and cross-border operations to bring Benjamin Reyes home.

Besides the suspense and the intrigue, Threadgill creates characters that are relatable, interesting, and often humorous. Homicide Detective Jeremiah “Starsky” Peckham loves junk food, possibly Amara, and is her contact within the San Antonio Police Department’s Homicide Division. Dr. Douglas Pritchard, the Medical Examiner, is an eccentric who eats cheetos with chopsticks and delivers insights into the origins of oft-repeated phrases at the most inopportune moments. Sara Colby is a Texas Ranger called upon to assist Amara when it becomes apparent that she might be in way over her head, and she just happens to find the ME very alluring in spite of his eccentricities. Wylie Dotson works with Amara in Property Crimes, but when he gets invited to her family’s weekly dinners, she begins to worry about her mother’s attraction to the detective. And then… there’s Larry, Amara’s pet iguana! He is both her companion and sounding board.

"When I get stressed, I talk to my iguana."

These relationships bring everything together and propel the story to its exciting conclusion. However, this is only book one with Tom Threadgill providing a sneak peek into the next case for Amara Alvarez. If it’s anything like Collision of Lies, it’s sure be another mesmerizing reading experience.

I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

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Feb 12, 2020 Lisa Johnson rated it it was amazing

Title: Collison of Lies
Author: Tom Threadgill
Pages: 400
Year: 2020
Publisher: Revell
My rating: 5 out of 5 stars.
The story hooked me from the first word till the very last! Amara Alvarez is a young lady desiring to move from the burglary division to the homicide division of the police force. The character is young, tough, energetic and definitely family orientated. Amara has a unique house pet that roams the apartment when she is home and its who she thinks out loud to when trying to unravel the ...more

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Feb 15, 2020 Rachael rated it liked it

This was a very well written suspense that had interesting characters, a lot of twists and turns, fascinating plot, and some interesting science as well.

I did put this book down a few times while reading which is unusual when reading a suspense story. It had times when it lagged a bit, but that does seem more realistic than some books where the speed exhausts the reader and makes for a totally unbelievable storyline.

I didn’t really connect with the characters, but I did enjoy the author throwing ...more

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Feb 02, 2020 Staci rated it really liked it

Shelves: read-in-2020

Three years ago a school bus collided with a freight train. The case has been closed for nearly that long. Like peeling an onion the story unravels layer by layer.

The main character, Amara Alvarez, is a divorced policewoman working property crimes that would rather be in Homicide. She is both realistic and hopeful in her role. The tale begins in a small diner in San Antonio when the grieving parents of one of the children on the school bus cross paths with Officer Alvarez. I was drawn in to the ...more

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Feb 16, 2020 Sarah rated it it was amazing

A Collision of Lies is the first novel I have ever read by Tom ThreadGill and it will not be the last. This book is one that instantly captivates the reader for a fast pace ride and does not let the reader go until the ending of the story. It is an action- packed, intense book that is suspenseful, engaging and just when you think you know where he is going to go with the story, it turns.
The other element that is super intriguing about this book, while a suspense novel, this book has added humor ...more

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Jan 17, 2020 Phillip Cole rated it it was amazing

A seemingly chance meeting in a restaurant sets Detective Amara Alvarez on an unexpected mission for answers and justice. The deeper she goes, the more questions arise as to what is going on, and who is behind it.

Collision of Lies is a gripping story that blends several elements into a great plot. The main part is suspense, but other themes, like family and humor, combine to enhance the book. Once I started reading, I didn’t want to stop. The action keeps coming, and you want to find out what is ...more

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Jan 11, 2020 Rebecca rated it really liked it

"'Help me, Mom'. That's all it said."

Three words. From the woman's dead son. Even a property crimes detective couldn't completely ignore the feeling that there was more to the message than a simple coincidence. But what? And why?

Assuring the frantic parents that she would have "one of our tech guys take a look" at the phone, detective Amara Alvarez tried to put the bizarre incident out of her mind. End of story, except that it wasn't. And the story that followed would take Amara and many of her ...more

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Jan 29, 2020 Amy Dohmen rated it it was amazing

I really enjoyed this story. Interesting characters. Nice tension throughout. Loved the ending, because in some ways it reminded me of my favorite (possibly the most heartbreaking) episode of Criminal Minds. I won't say which since I don't want to spoil it for you. Now, I want a pet iguana.
I received a free copy from the publisher, but my opinions are completely my own.

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Dec 30, 2019 Monica rated it really liked it

Shelves: books-read-in-2019

Collision of Lies is my first book by Tom Threadgill, but I already am anticipating my next one from this author.

Collision of Lies hooked me from the first page. I liked how Threadgill layered in both the mystery and the characters. I found it easy to follow who the characters were and how they fit in to the story even though there are quite a few characters in this book by the time the reader turns the last page. I was disappointed that there wasn't more of a spiritual element to this book. ...more

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Dec 08, 2019 Jennifer Robb rated it really liked it

Recommends it for: readers of suspense

Recommended to Jennifer by: LibraryThing Early Reviewers Program

As far as I remember, this is the first book I've read from this author. I thought it started out a bit slowly, but the suspense built well and kept me interested. I would probably read future books in the series (or with this main character) but I don't think I'd read this book again so I didn't give it 5 stars for that reason.

Warning, Spoilers May Follow. Read at your own discretion.

*****

Three years ago, there was a horrible bus-train accident that resulted in the loss of many lives. A mother As far as I remember, this is the first book I've read from this author. I thought it started out a bit slowly, but the suspense built well and kept me interested. I would probably read future books in the series (or with this main character) but I don't think I'd read this book again so I didn't give it 5 stars for that reason.

Warning, Spoilers May Follow. Read at your own discretion.

*****

Three years ago, there was a horrible bus-train accident that resulted in the loss of many lives. A mother gets a text she thinks is from her son who supposedly died in the accident. A few days later, another mother finds an apology note under her windshield wipers.

Something about Amara Alvarez pursuing the case bothered me--there just didn't seem to be logical reasons for her to do what she did or to keep pushing for more information on the case. I get that it was a plot point the author needed to advance the story--if no one looked into it, there would be no story--but that doesn't mean I believe it would have really happened.

I liked that Alvarez had an iguana as a pet. It's different--not the standard dog or cat--and it does provide some information about an animal that many people may not know.

I liked Alvarez's family (even though we don't see much of them) and am glad her former co-worker/supervisor seems to be finding love with Alvarez's mother. I was also glad to see relationships develop between the ME and a Texas Ranger and between Alvarez and Starsky. (Will we learn why he has his nickname at some point in the books? I suspect it relates to the TV show "Starsky and Hutch" but I haven't figured out why he got the nickname yet.) I liked that there were several strong females as part of the team.

The romances aren't overdone--the suspense part takes more precedence in the plot than the romances do. I do wonder if Alvarez gets transferred to homicide whether she would still be allowed to date another homicide detective.

I was suspecting something like sex trafficking as the reason behind the abductions but instead it was some kind of pseudo-scientific research. I don't know enough about DMT or the science discussed to know if it is a true thing or whether the author manufactured the idea for his plot.

I liked the ME's quirk of wondering where and how idioms came to be and what their meaning is/was. I did something like that myself, but related it more to sayings that dealt with things in my profession. It wasn't always easy to find the origins of the sayings--and some even meant something different than I'd thought they did.

Disclosure: I received an ARC free through LibraryThing's Early Reviewers Program. As part of the program, a review was requested but not required. Content of the review is my own thoughts on the ARC. ...more

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Feb 10, 2020 Marie rated it really liked it

Thank you in advance to Revell Books (a division of Baker Books Publishing) for providing a complimentary review through their Revell Reviewers program. A positive review was not required. All words and thoughts are my own.

Last year, during part of a “tour” with a publicity/review group, I was introduced to the genre of Christian Suspense. As I like suspense, this was an intriguing genre to me. I didn’t see how the two could co-exist. But, I quickly fell in love with it. And, it’s easily one of ...more

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Feb 12, 2020 Jenn Z at That's What She's Reading rated it it was amazing

With an opening chapter that grabs hold of you and doesn't let go until its very contemplative ending, this book will take you on a ride unlike any other. It's hard for me to believe that my reflections on this story will adequately give it the justice it so deeply deserves. There is so much to unpack, but as with any thriller or mystery, it's best to go into it with as little information as possible in order to feel the complete impact this book has to offer. However, with every ounce of bias I With an opening chapter that grabs hold of you and doesn't let go until its very contemplative ending, this book will take you on a ride unlike any other. It's hard for me to believe that my reflections on this story will adequately give it the justice it so deeply deserves. There is so much to unpack, but as with any thriller or mystery, it's best to go into it with as little information as possible in order to feel the complete impact this book has to offer. However, with every ounce of bias I have, let's just say that I was blown away!

"I feel like this whole thing is right there on the fringes. Like some great conspiracy that's got just enough semi-facts to make it plausible, but not enough to make it believable."

Masterfully told, this intricate plot posits the idea that perhaps the most tragic accident the town of Cotulla ever experienced may have in fact been a lie. Three years after those catastrophic events, a victim's family receives an unknown text simply stating "Help me, Mom." What initially begins as a quiet, internal examination into a potentially bad prank gradually unleashes a torrent of law enforcement expertise to unveil an extensive cover up. With immense compassion and the right amount of curiosity, detective Amara Alvarez solidifies her footprint among other great female investigators in the suspense genre. This story is smart, perceptive, riveting, fast paced, and incredibly hard to put down. Short, suspense filled chapters keep the pace moving at breakneck speed and the pages flying!

Readers follow Amara in this spectacular view of the criminal investigation as well as bearing witness in her pursuit towards becoming a homicide detective, a vastly different line of work than her current assignment in property crimes. All along the way, we see how committed she is to her profession and the proficiency she displays that will continue to make her successful. This opportunity to watch the case unfold alongside Amara is captivating to read and will tug at every emotion. There is a sneak peek into the next book of the series, which I CANNOT wait for now! Especially to see more of the ME, Dr. Pritchard, an eccentric individual with an affinity for explaining idioms and developing creative methods to enjoy annoyingly messy snacks. Every character has a personality, and it will be hard not to enjoy every minute of their company.

Though the book is published by a Christian fiction publisher, the story will have you reevaluating any preconceived notions you might have had about that label. In an author interview for a previous post on the blog tour, which you can check out HERE, the author states that while his faith dictates how he will write, it doesn't include a heavy dose of religion: "I'm writing to entertain, not convert, and trying to be true to what I believe." In his hands, the author's deft storytelling has crafted a narrative to rival the more mainstream bestsellers without graphic language, sex, or violence.

This book delivers thrilling suspense and action that keeps coming to the very end and should not be missed!

Many thanks to Lone Star Book Blog Tours and the author for providing me with a free copy of the book. This is my honest and thoughtful exchange. ...more

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Feb 04, 2020 Mandy rated it it was amazing

Suspense So Riveting, Readers Will Find Themselves Devouring Collision Of Lies! Threadgill Keeps His Readers Spellbound And Guessing At Each New Chapter…

What a marvelous new story from Tom Threadgill. A master in suspense writing, he has perfected the art of storytelling and created a true heroine in Detective Amara Alvarez. Her grit, determination and witty office banter with the other cops put me right at ease with her as the main character. In fact, I found myself wanting to BE her! This was Suspense So Riveting, Readers Will Find Themselves Devouring Collision Of Lies! Threadgill Keeps His Readers Spellbound And Guessing At Each New Chapter…

What a marvelous new story from Tom Threadgill. A master in suspense writing, he has perfected the art of storytelling and created a true heroine in Detective Amara Alvarez. Her grit, determination and witty office banter with the other cops put me right at ease with her as the main character. In fact, I found myself wanting to BE her! This was a book I simply could not put down and immediately wanted more of Amara’s story the moment this one ended!

When I first chose this book to review, I wasn’t certain what to expect. Author Tom Threadgill is new to me and I’ve not read any of his books before. The synopsis sounded intriguing so I thought I’d give it a try. Wow, am I ever glad I did! Collision of Lies is a captivating, masterfully created page turner!

I always love when I find a book that is hard to put down. I found myself sneaking a chapter or two of Collision of Lies on work breaks and during lunch or dinner. Threadgill has a unique, edgy writing style. He offers plenty of background, insight and knowledge for readers to absorb in a fun, captivating way. Detective Amara Alvarez, the main character is a force to be reckoned with. I loved her Hispanic ethnicity, grit, determination, and her relationship with her Iguana. I found myself laughing out loud over the witty conversations between Amara and her detective colleagues and biting my nails over the mystery that Threadgill begins to unravel in the first chapter. Along with Detective Alvarez, Threadgill introduces a host of other great characters who compliment the story well with their own characteristics and quirks. I found the characters to be authentic, relatable and likable. Threadgill’s style of dispersing crime and law enforcement terminology and procedure throughout the novel is easy to understand and not overwhelming, though definitely thorough.

I recommend Collision of Lies to suspense readers and even contemporary fiction readers. This book is not a romance and in my opinion, is not for teen readers under 16. I was disappointed to find that while published with a Christian publisher, it held little to no traces of faith or a mention of God. Threadgill does mention profanity being used but does not include it himself. There are also a handful of subtle insinuations, like one about “getting lucky”. On a personal preference note, there is a mention of “privates” when detective Alvarez needs relieve herself on the side of a building and I found that particular word distasteful as a female reader. It could have been avoided all together. Again, the book is edgy and a little different from what I’m used to with Christian fiction, but overall, it’s clean and now, a new favorite of mine! I do hope you’ll give Collision of Lies a chance for yourself and then we can look forward to book #2 of Detective Alvarez’s story coming up next!

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell at Baker Publishing Group in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own. ...more

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Jan 27, 2020 Jay W Williams rated it it was amazing

After reading his Winter series, I signed up for Tom Threadgill's email and received this book free from the publisher for an honest review. I finished the book in one day, so that should provide some precursor to my opinion, but let me be a little more specific.

The writing. I have read a few early copies of books and most have serious need of editing, this was the exception. There were no extraneous errors, no plot inconsistencies, and no typographical or syntax errors to interfere with the After reading his Winter series, I signed up for Tom Threadgill's email and received this book free from the publisher for an honest review. I finished the book in one day, so that should provide some precursor to my opinion, but let me be a little more specific.

The writing. I have read a few early copies of books and most have serious need of editing, this was the exception. There were no extraneous errors, no plot inconsistencies, and no typographical or syntax errors to interfere with the book's flow. I was immediately drawn to the character development. This is often problematic, but the introductions, background and personalities of the characters were impeccably developed and were spot-on, fleshing them out and resulting in my immediate connection with Amara, and ultimately with all of the primary characters in the book. There was enough time spent in personal details to flesh out not only Amara, but also the other persons in her orbit. I found myself caring for each of them and concerned with their well-being. Making her likable also was a positive, along with her obvious skill as a detective. The prose was very well written, and definitely reflected one of the better writers I have sampled recently.

The story line. From the first meeting with the parents until the conclusion, the story was tightly constructed and held my interest - enough so that I finished the book in one sitting. When Amara accidentally meets with grieving parents who believe they have just received a message from their son who was killed in an accident 3 years prior she reluctantly agrees to pursue the matter on her own, despite residing in the burglary division of the San Antonio PD. After a note of apology appears on another victim's mother's car, things start to create doubts about a catastrophic train accident that killed a number of children. Continuously pulling on the slim threads of the clues, Amara unearths evidence of a plot that includes deceit, murder and complicity in those with whom she works, and some characters who lurk in the shadows. Leaning on her deductive skills and engaging a Texas Ranger, a homicide detective and ultimately the highest levels of the PD and the FBI, she manages to put all the pieces together for a satisfying conclusion. Any more detail would amount to a huge spoiler for the reader, so I will stop here.

I can honestly say it was an excellent novel, and one I enjoyed immensely. Tom is a great writer and his ability to hold my interest so well means a long relationship as a reader. ...more

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Feb 06, 2020 Jessica Higgins rated it it was amazing

One of the best thrillers I have read in a very long time. It’s hard to call a book unputdownable, but that perfectly describes Collision of Lies.

When detective Amara Alvarez overhears an argument between a couple on her day off, she feels compelled to see if she can help. She quickly discovers it is much more than a disagreement between a husband and wife. Their son was on a bus hit by a train three years ago. He and everyone onboard was killed and they have had to live with the loss for the One of the best thrillers I have read in a very long time. It’s hard to call a book unputdownable, but that perfectly describes Collision of Lies.

When detective Amara Alvarez overhears an argument between a couple on her day off, she feels compelled to see if she can help. She quickly discovers it is much more than a disagreement between a husband and wife. Their son was on a bus hit by a train three years ago. He and everyone onboard was killed and they have had to live with the loss for the past three years. That is until they received a text from someone claiming to be their son needing help. With these new clues, the authorities try to open the case without getting many others involved. If this was no accident, then whoever was behind it had to have help from people on the inside. Time is running out as Amara rushes to convince others of her theory and save the lives of as many as she can to reunite families with the ones they lost.

Tom Threadgill is a fresh new voice for me in suspense writing. Collision of Lies started with a bang only to pick up speed and not stop until the final pages. I loved so much about this book. The story was compelling, the characters were relatable and easy to like and cheer for, the pace was fantastic, and the overall plot was unique and exciting. I was surprised how well Threadgill wrote a female lead protagonist as he captured Amara beautifully. I felt like I was right there with her at the office or in the field trying to solve the crime. Her interactions with others played out seamlessly; it didn’t matter if she was having a family dinner or dealing with her boss at work. I believed every interaction and her behavior added up exactly how I pictured her in my mind. It is so hard in the age of movies, television, video games, apps and so forth to read something and be able to picture the scenes in your mind as vividly as I did here. Most of the time it is easier to watch something than read to get the mental image, but for those readers that love to see it play out in their minds, this book will be a welcome addition to their shelf. This is the first book I have read by Tom Threadgill but will for sure not be the last. I recommend this book to readers that love a great suspense read, but make sure you don’t have any plans for a few days because you will not want to put this one down.

I received a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.
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Dec 28, 2019 Abigail rated it really liked it

When it was time to choose a new book to read, I searched for one that was different from any others I had been reading at the time. Collision of Lies by Tom Threadgill piqued my interest, and though I knew it would pull at my sensitive heartstrings, it was a story I wanted to read. I’m glad I did.

This was a story I had a hard time putting down, though there were times I knew I had to. From the very beginning I was hooked. Amara Alavarez has become a new favorite character for me, and the humor When it was time to choose a new book to read, I searched for one that was different from any others I had been reading at the time. Collision of Lies by Tom Threadgill piqued my interest, and though I knew it would pull at my sensitive heartstrings, it was a story I wanted to read. I’m glad I did.

This was a story I had a hard time putting down, though there were times I knew I had to. From the very beginning I was hooked. Amara Alavarez has become a new favorite character for me, and the humor that laces itself throughout the story starting with her character and the characters she comes in contact with is a delight. I enjoyed Alvarez’s honesty. She knew what she wanted - or didn’t want - and she didn’t hide it.

The very first lines of chapter one give a peek into Alvarez’s character:

Thirty seconds.
If they were still arguing, she’d call the cops then. Let the professionals deal with them.

The humor in this is that she was one of those professionals. It just so happened that it was her day off, and she didn’t want to be bothered.

However, she does end up intervening, reluctantly though it may have been, and it sets up the rest of the story: A search for children who may or may not still be alive after their burials three years earlier.

Tom Threadgill did a wonderful job making me feel like I was a part of the story. The characters were real, the story believable. It was as though I was on the clue search right along with Alvarez, Colby, and Starsky. I was invested in this story and needed to know how it was going to end. And though I would have preferred a different ending, I appreciate how the author chose to keep it real. Not everything can wrap up with a happily ever after.

One thing that did bother me was all the missed opportunities to bring God into this story. Though He wasn’t completely disregarded - His name was brought up randomly - there were times God could have been relied on more since this story is Christian fiction. However, this would not deter me from reading more from this author.

I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to anyone looking for a light suspense thriller with some humor. I’m looking forward to more adventures with Detective Amara Alvarez.

I received this book courtesy of Baker Publishing Group/Revell, through Interviews & Reviews. ...more

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Feb 13, 2020 Ruthie Jones rated it it was amazing

Shelves: lone-star-book-blog-tours, kindle-book

"Power and money. Everybody wants them. But if you've already got them, there's something far more important."

Collision of Lies by Tom Threadgill will keep you on the edge of your seat, reading at a breakneck speed and hungry for more. The author has certainly mastered the ability of duality in this high-tense drama. Collision of Lies is humorous and serious, slow and fast, expertly mixing the mundane with the thrilling until everything swirls together into a story that is both haunting and "Power and money. Everybody wants them. But if you've already got them, there's something far more important."

Collision of Lies by Tom Threadgill will keep you on the edge of your seat, reading at a breakneck speed and hungry for more. The author has certainly mastered the ability of duality in this high-tense drama. Collision of Lies is humorous and serious, slow and fast, expertly mixing the mundane with the thrilling until everything swirls together into a story that is both haunting and exciting. Local cop drama plus international intrigue equals one incredible story.

Detective Amara Alvarez, with the San Antonio Police Department, Property Crimes Division, is ready to transfer to homicide, and the waiting is excruciating. A chance encounter at her favorite diner one morning sets off a chain of events that will test her detective abilities and her resolve to do whatever necessary to unearth the truth on a case that was solved and closed with absolutely no hint at anything more sinister than a suicidal bus driver. Nothing about Collision of Lies is ordinary or stale. The plot is unique, the characters are painted with an extremely colorful brush (including a pet iguana named Larry), and the twists and surprises will keep you riveted. No dramatic irony here because the reader finds out everything bit by bit right along with the main characters.

Even though the clues take their sweet time drifting in, the plot remains thoroughly engaging and fast paced, with a sense of urgency and bewilderment building to a fever pitch. What exactly happened on that fateful day three years ago in Cotulla, Texas, when a freight train slammed into a school bus full of children?

Tom Threadgill delivers a story so outlandish and so intricate that you can't help but fall headlong into it and come up believing that it could all really happen, and on an international stage no less. If that sounds cryptic, then good. Racing through the pages to discover the truth alongside Detective Alvarez and all the others must be experienced and fully appreciated firsthand. The entertainment level is off the charts in Collision of Lies, and great news! This is just book one.

I received a free copy of this book from Lone Star Book Blog Tours in exchange for my honest review. ...more

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Feb 02, 2020 Conny Reviews rated it liked it

“You’ll see. Everybody lies, either intentionally or because of their skewed point of view. The witnesses. The suspects. Even the victims sometimes,” Amara is reminded in Tom Threadgill’s novel, Collision of Lies.

~ Wha
This four-hundred-page paperback targets those who enjoy a suspense story about a school bus traffic accident that may have been covered up. With no profanity, topics of exhuming bodies, murder, and death may not be appropriate for immature readers. The ending includes an excerpt “You’ll see. Everybody lies, either intentionally or because of their skewed point of view. The witnesses. The suspects. Even the victims sometimes,” Amara is reminded in Tom Threadgill’s novel, Collision of Lies.

~ Wha
This four-hundred-page paperback targets those who enjoy a suspense story about a school bus traffic accident that may have been covered up. With no profanity, topics of exhuming bodies, murder, and death may not be appropriate for immature readers. The ending includes an excerpt from the next author’s book, biography, and advertisements.

In this tale based in SanAntonio, Texas, thirty-two-year-old policewoman Amara Alvarez wishes she could be promoted from stolen property to homicide, especially when she learns a local mother recently received a text from her son, who was supposedly killed in a bus accident three years ago. As the detective tries to uncover the truth about the incident and if the boy may still be alive, she puts her life and others in danger.

~ Why ~
This is an interesting read for those who like mysteries involving how the police handle local, federal, and international situations involving kidnapping, especially when they concern young ones. I appreciated the last third of the book tracking down the culprits and what had to be done to solve the problem.

~ Why Not ~
Those who do not like novels about children possibly dying may want to avoid this book. Others may find the often bantering between the protagonist and several of her co-workers campy or some of the resolutions skeptical. Some may consider the storyline predictable.

~ Wish ~
I found the first half of the book a struggle to get through due to its unnecessary filler content involving gym workouts, Downton Abbey, and innocuous flirtations between a few characters that were never resolved. If these were limited, it would have held my attention more to get to the ending.

~ Want ~
If you want a suspense thriller about complicated lies covering up a crime in a Texan town that takes you to Mexico, this may be a decent read, but I struggled to complete it.

Thanks to Revell for this complimentary book that I am under no obligation to review.

#Revell #TomThreadgill #CollisionofLies ...more

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Jan 22, 2020 Rachel Kokes rated it it was amazing

Collision of Lies is a modern day thriller written by Tom Threadgill, and is book one in the Detective Amara Alvarez series.

Summary: It all started with one little text. Detective Amara Alvarez normally works Property Crimes for the San Antonio police department, but when a grieving mother asks for help tracking down the origin of a text, she reluctantly agrees to get involved.

That simple favor leads to a clue, and then another. Now curious, Detective Alvarez begins to research what will turn Collision of Lies is a modern day thriller written by Tom Threadgill, and is book one in the Detective Amara Alvarez series.

Summary: It all started with one little text. Detective Amara Alvarez normally works Property Crimes for the San Antonio police department, but when a grieving mother asks for help tracking down the origin of a text, she reluctantly agrees to get involved.

That simple favor leads to a clue, and then another. Now curious, Detective Alvarez begins to research what will turn into the biggest myster she has ever faced.

What really happened that day on the train tracks, and will she be able to discover the truth in time?

My Thoughts: This is one of the best books I have read in a long time. You avid readers will understand me-you know when you want to finish a book so badly to find out the answers to the mystery, and yet when you finish, you regret it’s over? Yep, this is one of those.

The author did a masterful job of drawing the reader into the book, and providing the tiniest clue-leaving you wondering how in the world the characters would be able to discover the answers. Then the clues unravel piece by piece to bring the story to life and solve the mystery.

The characters were written so well, that I could vividly see them in my head, and it was so fun reading about each of their little quirks, and how they interacted with each other. There are so many memorable characters (especially Detective Alvarez) and I cannot wait to read more in this series.

I guess to sum up, I will say that I enjoyed this book so much-the plot, characters, and writing style-that I literally went on Amazon and bought the author’s three previous books. I have never done something like that before in my life. I also gave this book five stars. I am a pretty picky reader, so that is as good a tribute as I can give an author.

I highly recommend this book, and especially if you like crime/police/mystery novels, this one will be right up your alley.

I would like to thank Revell for providing me with a free digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest review, and PLEASE put me on the list for the next one! ...more

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Feb 14, 2020 Becca-Rae Weidel rated it really liked it

Shelves: christian-suspense, print-book, 2020-reads

Whew, that was one heck of a ride! Collision of lies gripped me from the very first chapter and didn't let me go until I'd reached the conclusion. The need for answers kept the pages essentially turning themselves. This was my first time read by Tom Threadgill but I'm sure it won't be my last!

I got quite a chuckle out of some of the witty humor tossed back and forth between Amara and her coworkers. It added a fun layer of depth to the characters that made them come more to life for me. It added Whew, that was one heck of a ride! Collision of lies gripped me from the very first chapter and didn't let me go until I'd reached the conclusion. The need for answers kept the pages essentially turning themselves. This was my first time read by Tom Threadgill but I'm sure it won't be my last!

I got quite a chuckle out of some of the witty humor tossed back and forth between Amara and her coworkers. It added a fun layer of depth to the characters that made them come more to life for me. It added a lightness to the atmosphere to counteract some of the heaver content held within. I had no issue with it but there was some "Spanglish" sprinkled throughout that wasn't often translated. Someone who often uses it myself though, I enjoyed it.

While I really liked how some of the puzzle pieces ended up fitting together, there were also places that I felt that they'd been discovered too easily. The intricate details of the crime were quite masterful to say the least, but the characters needed to experience more failure in order for things to feel more realistic. This did improve as the story progressed and some of the action scenes started to take over, but I think it needed to be more present throughout the investigation.

While the story fit perfectly in a suspense category, I failed to see where it fit within the realm of Christian fiction. I understand that it can be difficult to be successfully woven into this genre, but it should still have some level of presence if it's being marketed as such.

Overall I still really enjoyed this read and look forward to reading more from the author in the future. If he sticks with a Christian publisher I hope that he makes more of an effort to make sure faith is present. Even though I needed to see the detectives struggle a little more, the intricate details of the crimes were quite masterful and the investigation was able to keep my heart racing and the pages turning. I'm curious to see what he comes up with next.

*I received a copy of this book from Revell Publishers. Thoughts and opinions expressed are mine alone. ...more

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Feb 19, 2020 Kelly Bridgewater rated it really liked it

Collision of Lies by Tom Threadgill is a new author for me. Before Revell agreed to publish this story, I have never heard of him, but apparently, he has a number of other published books out there. I enjoy how the story follows a female heroine written by a male. This was an unexpected twist. The writing is fabulous. Threadgill really knows how to write a police policedural and make it interesting. I liked how he didn't give Amara the Homicide position just yet. She was a procedural detective, Collision of Lies by Tom Threadgill is a new author for me. Before Revell agreed to publish this story, I have never heard of him, but apparently, he has a number of other published books out there. I enjoy how the story follows a female heroine written by a male. This was an unexpected twist. The writing is fabulous. Threadgill really knows how to write a police policedural and make it interesting. I liked how he didn't give Amara the Homicide position just yet. She was a procedural detective, so she did what suspense lovers would call the boring job at the police department. I enjoyed the authentic Spanish phrases thrown in to show the heroines background and community. The mystery was different, and I actually couldn't wait to see how it ended. There lies my problem. The ending. I kept reading to see this climactic moment occur and the explanation for why, but it never came. Amara stands to the side and someone comes back to tell her the threat is over. Readers don't see it or hear it. It happens off-side. I was majorly disappointed in this. Didn't feel right to me. I read a suspense story to see justice served, not hear about it and see the aftermath. I also didn't like that the explanation was guessed at by the officers in the police station, but readers never know for certain this is why this happened. Being an author who has been published in the secular market, I was curious if there were moments that were going to touch the line, but Threadgill never did. It is a clean read with no language or sexual scenes. There is a teaser at the end of the this novel for the next novel, so I'm curious about that story and probably will pick it up too. Overall, Collision of Lies by Tom Threadgill was a timely and touching hunt for justice, but the ending fell completely flat for me. If readers are a fan of Janice Cantore or Susan Sleeman, I would recommend picking this novel up.

I received a complimentary copy of Collision of Lies by Tom Threadgill from Revell Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own. ...more

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Dec 14, 2019 Martha rated it really liked it

For a suspenseful mystery, that was extremely hard to put down, I highly recommend Collision of Lies, by Tom Threadgill. The focal point was a closed case that will tug at the heart strings of every parent.
Detective Amara Alvarez, with the San Antonio Police Department, reluctantly agreed to see what she could discover after Marisa Reyes received a mysterious text, “Help me Mom.” Marisa believed it was from her son Benjamin, while Enzo Reyes thought it was a hoax. The problem was Benjamin was For a suspenseful mystery, that was extremely hard to put down, I highly recommend Collision of Lies, by Tom Threadgill. The focal point was a closed case that will tug at the heart strings of every parent.
Detective Amara Alvarez, with the San Antonio Police Department, reluctantly agreed to see what she could discover after Marisa Reyes received a mysterious text, “Help me Mom.” Marisa believed it was from her son Benjamin, while Enzo Reyes thought it was a hoax. The problem was Benjamin was killed in a tragic accident at Cotulla three years before.
A train traveling at top speed collided with a school bus stopped on the tracks. The accident was extensively investigated by every local, federal, and national agency and was ruled a murder/suicide committed by the bus driver. Enough bits and pieces of body parts was discovered to identify all 17 schoolchildren on board that day and given to their parents to bury, including Benjamin Reyes.
So who would send such a text to a grieving mother?
Amara, who normally worked in Property Crimes but dreamed of becoming a Homicide Detective, saw this as her chance to investigate.
The Reyes decided to move Benjamin's casket to a cemetery closer to where they now lived and hired a private agency to complete DNA testing on the remains. When the report came in, there was enough evidence and new questions raised for the police chief to assign Amara and Texas Ranger Sara Colby to a secret non-investigation.
Collision of Lies was well-plotted, with just the right mix of characters and official jargon. The setting—mostly southern Texas—was interesting, especially with all the Mexican dishes Amara, her family, and colleagues ate.
The only problem I had with this novel was that for it to be considered Christian fiction, at some point, I expected one or more of the characters to speak or think about God and/or their faith. In Collision of Lies, there were only a few quick prayers.
I will add that the jokes were all clean, and there was no bad language.
This book was provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group/Revell, through "Interviews and Reviews." ...more

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Feb 05, 2020 Mark rated it it was amazing

This was a new author to me. He has published a few other books, but not on the Christian market. I have been eager to read his first book on the Christian market, and was not disappointed.

A lot of the suspense novels I read are non-stop action and suspense. Bad guy trying to kill or kidnap someone while the good guys are on the chase. This book was a much slower pace with a lot of investigating and interviewing going on for much of the book. That isn't to say the book was boring. Slow does ...more

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