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Collision of Lies
(Amara Alvarez #1)
by
Three years ago, a collision between a fast-moving freight train and a school bus full of kids led to devastation and grief on an unimaginable scale. But a fresh clue leads San Antonio police detective Amara Alvarez to the unlikely conclusion that one of the children may still be alive. If she's correct, everything law enforcement believes about the accident is a lie.
With ...more
With ...more
Paperback, 400 pages
Published
February 4th 2020
by Fleming H. Revell Company
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Start your review of Collision of Lies (Amara Alvarez #1)

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 rivet ...more
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 rivet ...more

Three years ago, a school bus full of kids is deliberately driven towards a speeding freight train! Or maybe it was an accident? Or maybe something more? Trust me, these are the questions you will be asking yourself over and over again as you are reading COLLISION OF LIES! The twists and turns will have you holding your breath and not being able to put this amazing story down. Hang on tight people! It is one crazy and emotional rollercoaster of a ride.
Detective Amara Alvarez happens to meet the ...more
Detective Amara Alvarez happens to meet the ...more

3.5 rounded up...
Tom Threadgill is a new to me author of suspense/crime fiction bordering on thrillers. His books are well researched and the writing flows brilliantly throughout. Collision of Lies is the first of two (so far?) books in the Amara Alvarez series. Alvaraz is a smart, witty detective based in San Antonio, Texas who begins in property crimes in the first novel and lands in homicide by the second novel.
I read the two books back to back but in reverse order and I think it was a good ...more
Tom Threadgill is a new to me author of suspense/crime fiction bordering on thrillers. His books are well researched and the writing flows brilliantly throughout. Collision of Lies is the first of two (so far?) books in the Amara Alvarez series. Alvaraz is a smart, witty detective based in San Antonio, Texas who begins in property crimes in the first novel and lands in homicide by the second novel.
I read the two books back to back but in reverse order and I think it was a good ...more

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
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

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell and was under no obligation to post a review.*
Collision Of Lies
By: Tom Threadgill
*REVIEW* ☆☆☆☆☆
I usually don't read any book that references tragedy involving children, and, in this case, a school bus. For some reason, though, I decided to read the first few pages of Collision Of Lies just for the sake of curiosity. That few turned into a few more and then the entire book. Don't get me wrong. There is a horrible tragic event with kids, ...more
Collision Of Lies
By: Tom Threadgill
*REVIEW* ☆☆☆☆☆
I usually don't read any book that references tragedy involving children, and, in this case, a school bus. For some reason, though, I decided to read the first few pages of Collision Of Lies just for the sake of curiosity. That few turned into a few more and then the entire book. Don't get me wrong. There is a horrible tragic event with kids, ...more

Ok beginning and I had hoped it would be worth the time within the middle and ending-considering the repetition factor it managed to pile up. No, not at all. Way too long and with an insufficient epilogue on top of it.
Within this genre and for the period (2015-20) I give this book the most impossible for reality /far-fetched plot AWARD. For all of my reading, and I could take a good guess it would be for anyone else's reading, as well. Plot is worse than a mass space starship kidnapping by alie ...more
Within this genre and for the period (2015-20) I give this book the most impossible for reality /far-fetched plot AWARD. For all of my reading, and I could take a good guess it would be for anyone else's reading, as well. Plot is worse than a mass space starship kidnapping by alie ...more

This new-to-me author definitely wrote a suspense-filled novel that I won't soon forget, and I look forward to reading more of his work.
Three years ago there was a train-school bus collison in a small Texas town that left all of those involved dead. Now Marisa Reyes has received a cryptic text that says "Help me Mom." from her dead son. Burglary officer, Amara Alvarez, hears Marisa crying and arguing with her husband when Amara stops at her local breakfast diner. Little does Amara know that this ...more
Three years ago there was a train-school bus collison in a small Texas town that left all of those involved dead. Now Marisa Reyes has received a cryptic text that says "Help me Mom." from her dead son. Burglary officer, Amara Alvarez, hears Marisa crying and arguing with her husband when Amara stops at her local breakfast diner. Little does Amara know that this ...more

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
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Hopefully the first in a new series
Detective Amara Alvarez works in the Property Crimes Division for the San Antonio Police Department. Her dream, though, is to be a Homicide detective.
By chance she meets with a grief-stricken couple who supposedly received an email from their son. The only problem is that their son was killed three years ago in a horrific freight train/school bus accident.
Amara is soon looking into this accident and finding out there might be more than meets the eye about what ...more
Detective Amara Alvarez works in the Property Crimes Division for the San Antonio Police Department. Her dream, though, is to be a Homicide detective.
By chance she meets with a grief-stricken couple who supposedly received an email from their son. The only problem is that their son was killed three years ago in a horrific freight train/school bus accident.
Amara is soon looking into this accident and finding out there might be more than meets the eye about what ...more

Alright, all you fans of suspense-infused novels, look no further for your next thrilling journey! "Collision of Lies" is exactly what you have been looking for.
Many of you may be like me and have not yet heard of Tom Threadgill. But I can tell you that by the time I had finished only the first few chapters, I'd already decided that I'd found another author to add to my "must keep" section of my book shelf. The underlying premise of the story is equal parts intriguing and disturbing to contempla ...more
Many of you may be like me and have not yet heard of Tom Threadgill. But I can tell you that by the time I had finished only the first few chapters, I'd already decided that I'd found another author to add to my "must keep" section of my book shelf. The underlying premise of the story is equal parts intriguing and disturbing to contempla ...more

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 t ...more
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 t ...more

I'm always on the lookout for a decent suspense or thriller novel. But I'm sorry to say, while it certainly was clean of the big three (though it does not have any Christian/faith aspect whatsoever), I was disappointed with the bland new book, Collision of Lies, by Tom Threadgill. This story begins with a bored Property Crimes cop and doesn't ever get much more exciting than that, even when Detective Amara involves herself in a cold case. While some of the characters are likable enough, others a
...more

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 anti-christ ...more
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 anti-christ ...more

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,
...more

A definite first for me by this author! I've never read anything by him before and I think I like him.
In fact, I know I do! This author will give you the ride of a lifetime along with mystery, twists and turns throughout the story.
I loved this action packed story and this is another one that you won't want to put down until you finish and plus, you'll be thinking about the characters long after the book is finished.
This story y'all! Just totally fantastic and a wowzers!
I spent the whole nigh ...more
In fact, I know I do! This author will give you the ride of a lifetime along with mystery, twists and turns throughout the story.
I loved this action packed story and this is another one that you won't want to put down until you finish and plus, you'll be thinking about the characters long after the book is finished.
This story y'all! Just totally fantastic and a wowzers!
I spent the whole nigh ...more

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
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

Another Revell publication that sucked me in practically from the first page and kept me engrossed to the end. Detective Amara Alvarez spends her days investigating property crimes, but her goal is to investigate the real cases - homicides. Through fate, she finds herself embroiled in investigating an old case, where a school bus crashed into a train, killing the driver and several children. The mother of one of those kids is convinced her son is still alive after she receives a text message sup
...more

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 character ...more
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 character ...more

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
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

Dear reader,
Many things about this book really struck me. There were many things (actually all the things) that I absolutely adored about this book. Like the characters. Honestly, y’all, I don’t think I’ve met funner (because that’s a word) characters in all my years reading. They were real and full of humor while still having a seriousness about them.
And then there’s the humor. I don’t generally like humor in my books, but the humor in this one? It was brilliant. And that mix of humor and suspe ...more
Many things about this book really struck me. There were many things (actually all the things) that I absolutely adored about this book. Like the characters. Honestly, y’all, I don’t think I’ve met funner (because that’s a word) characters in all my years reading. They were real and full of humor while still having a seriousness about them.
And then there’s the humor. I don’t generally like humor in my books, but the humor in this one? It was brilliant. And that mix of humor and suspe ...more

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 no ...more
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 no ...more

Amara Alvarez was awesome.
I found that when a good male author writes a female character, I like them a lot more than ones written by female authors. Why is that?
Anyway. This book was well done. I really had a blast reading through it and wondering what was going to happen next. I loved the relationships that Amara had with her coworkers and the way they related to each other. I loved the fact that there wasn't actually a romantic thread as a major part of the plot, which happens in way too man ...more
I found that when a good male author writes a female character, I like them a lot more than ones written by female authors. Why is that?
Anyway. This book was well done. I really had a blast reading through it and wondering what was going to happen next. I loved the relationships that Amara had with her coworkers and the way they related to each other. I loved the fact that there wasn't actually a romantic thread as a major part of the plot, which happens in way too man ...more

When I signed up to review this book I thought it would be sad, suspenseful, enjoyable, and maybe have a little romance.
From flipping through the last bit of the book trying to get into it I found out I was right … Do you hear the "but" yet? Because it is there.
BUT the lead lady, Amara, is divorced, now I know that for the reasons she's divorced are okay according to the Bible, cheating and all, I just can't read it. It is so cliche, and sickening. So, I am not going to finish the book since the ...more
From flipping through the last bit of the book trying to get into it I found out I was right … Do you hear the "but" yet? Because it is there.
BUT the lead lady, Amara, is divorced, now I know that for the reasons she's divorced are okay according to the Bible, cheating and all, I just can't read it. It is so cliche, and sickening. So, I am not going to finish the book since the ...more

This book was a page turner. There are so many layers to it that I did get a little lost, but it was well worth the ride the author took me on. I kept trying to figure out who was involved and what would happen. I can’t wait to read the next book that this author has in store.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in order to share my honest opinion of it. My thoughts and opinions are my own.
Recommended to fans of Robert Whitlow, Tom Clancy
Rating: 4 stars
I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in order to share my honest opinion of it. My thoughts and opinions are my own.
Recommended to fans of Robert Whitlow, Tom Clancy
Rating: 4 stars

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 agen
...more

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
...more

Collision of Lies is a thoroughly enjoyable mystery/ thriller/ police procedural, and the first installment of a new character, Amara Alvarez, detective in the San Antonio Police Department. The strengths of the novel: (1) The main character is interesting and likable. The POV is third person, but it feels like a first-person story. In fact, it feels a lot like a Kinsey Millhone story, only without all the four-letter words (which I also appreciate, even though I loved Sue Grafton's work). (2) T
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And the award for best thriller so far this year goes to “Collision of Lies” by Tom Threadgill! I’ve recently read a few great suspense novels, but this one went above and beyond. It’s always a delight to find a new Christian suspense author because the secular market for this genre is so full of profanity and lewdness. Another perk for me was that there was not a romantic side plot. I prefer to focus on the suspense and not be distracted by romantic affairs. Like the train wreck that forms part
...more

I almost didn't read this book.
I'm serious. The horrific deaths of innocent children made my mama heart burst into tears at the thought of something so tragic!
But I decided to give this new-to-me author a chance, and I'm so very glad I did! Because OHMYGOODNESS! I highly recommend Collision of Lies by Tom Threadgill!
I really enjoyed entering Amara's story when she's trying to work her way out of Property Crimes. The daily grind, the smaller cases, and the subtle weaving of Amara's backstory, hop ...more

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 kn ...more
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 kn ...more
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Tom Threadgill's books have a distinct focus on clean, suspenseful action with strong character development. He is a member of the International Thriller Writers (ITW) and American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW). In his downtime, Tom enjoys woodworking, riding his Harley, and chasing the elusive Yard of the Month award. He currently resides with his wife in the Dallas area and can be reached thr
...more
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