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Chelsea Adams #1
Eyes of Elisha
The murder was ugly. The killer was sure no one saw him. Someone did.
In a horrifying vision, Chelsea Adams has relived the victim's last moments. But who will believe her? Certainly not the police, who must rely on hard evidence. Nor her husband, who barely tolerates Chelsea's newfound Christian faith. Besides, he's about to hire the man who Chelsea is certain is the killer to be a vice president in his company.
Torn between what she knows and the burden of proof, Chelsea must follow God's leading and trust Him for protection. Meanwhile, the murderer is at liberty. And he's not about to take Chelsea's involvement lying down.
In a horrifying vision, Chelsea Adams has relived the victim's last moments. But who will believe her? Certainly not the police, who must rely on hard evidence. Nor her husband, who barely tolerates Chelsea's newfound Christian faith. Besides, he's about to hire the man who Chelsea is certain is the killer to be a vice president in his company.
Torn between what she knows and the burden of proof, Chelsea must follow God's leading and trust Him for protection. Meanwhile, the murderer is at liberty. And he's not about to take Chelsea's involvement lying down.
388 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2001
73 people are currently reading
1293 people want to read
About the author
Brandilyn Collins
50 books641 followersBrandilyn Collins is a best-selling novelist known for her trademark Seatbelt Suspense®--fast-paced, character-driven suspense with myriad twists and an interwoven thread of faith.
Brandilyn is also known for her distinctive book on fiction-writing techniques, Getting Into Character: Seven Secrets a Novelist Can Learn From Actors (John Wiley & Sons). She is a sought-after teacher and speaker at writers' conferences.
Brandilyn is also known for her distinctive book on fiction-writing techniques, Getting Into Character: Seven Secrets a Novelist Can Learn From Actors (John Wiley & Sons). She is a sought-after teacher and speaker at writers' conferences.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews
March 23, 2013
I had such a blast with this book. It catches you right in the prologue and doesn't let go of you until the very end!
Our main character is Chelsea Adams. For the past year she has the gift of receiving visions, sent to her by God. Her husband and her are looking at hiring a man named Gavil to hire as the VP of her husbands business. While at the dinner meeting that she meets him she gets one of her visions. It is the worst one she has ever had and is of a young woman being murdered. When she is free of the vision, she is staring a Gavil who has a guilty expression somehow, and KNOWS it is him.
Her husband doesn't believe her and nor do the police. That is, until she finds the body! The next problem is proving who the killer is. After all, visions are not proof in a court of law.
As the police hone in on Gavil, making his life difficult, he hones in on Chelsea. And now we have a game of cat and mouse...
This book has several questioning the faith, or lack there-of. God's will vs human will, is there a God, why is God doing this? and more are asked by various characters. So yes, for those of you who have a hard time with religious books, this is a strong Christian fiction novel.
Branilyn Collins did a great job with character portrayal. I especially liked Officer Reiger. He is a stead-fast Christian walking a tough line of faith in trusting Chelsea, and finding evidence and remaining professional on the job.
This story takes us through the investigation, betrayals, the court room and beyond. While the story may seem cut and dry and you think you know how it is going to end, don't bet on it too soon. After all, there is often more than what meets the eye!
My only drawback to this book is that I want to know what is going to happen with certain characters and the author left that hanging. I hope some of those characters will make an appearance in the second book so I can get more answers.
Our main character is Chelsea Adams. For the past year she has the gift of receiving visions, sent to her by God. Her husband and her are looking at hiring a man named Gavil to hire as the VP of her husbands business. While at the dinner meeting that she meets him she gets one of her visions. It is the worst one she has ever had and is of a young woman being murdered. When she is free of the vision, she is staring a Gavil who has a guilty expression somehow, and KNOWS it is him.
Her husband doesn't believe her and nor do the police. That is, until she finds the body! The next problem is proving who the killer is. After all, visions are not proof in a court of law.
As the police hone in on Gavil, making his life difficult, he hones in on Chelsea. And now we have a game of cat and mouse...
This book has several questioning the faith, or lack there-of. God's will vs human will, is there a God, why is God doing this? and more are asked by various characters. So yes, for those of you who have a hard time with religious books, this is a strong Christian fiction novel.
Branilyn Collins did a great job with character portrayal. I especially liked Officer Reiger. He is a stead-fast Christian walking a tough line of faith in trusting Chelsea, and finding evidence and remaining professional on the job.
This story takes us through the investigation, betrayals, the court room and beyond. While the story may seem cut and dry and you think you know how it is going to end, don't bet on it too soon. After all, there is often more than what meets the eye!
My only drawback to this book is that I want to know what is going to happen with certain characters and the author left that hanging. I hope some of those characters will make an appearance in the second book so I can get more answers.
March 14, 2018
Oh my, what a whirlwind of a read! Brandilyn Collins took me on a heart-racing journey with this one!
Chelsea Adams has a very vivid vision and from that point forward this book was nonstop twists and turns. I thoroughly enjoyed it!
Chelsea Adams has a very vivid vision and from that point forward this book was nonstop twists and turns. I thoroughly enjoyed it!
January 29, 2017
I was in the book store looking for a book and called Kim, she suggested this, it was my first book by Collins. I will be reading all her books now, I enjoyed that she did not continue to recreate the story for me in every chapter, and she even gave away some clues so that you wondered if things might not be as they appeared.
March 27, 2018
A very exciting book from beginning to end. Sometimes hard to put down, always needed to find out what is going to happen next. Over half of the book took place in a courtroom, and the impression was that were it was going to end. But it didn't. A good book that showed the kind of miracles that Christians can experience today so that God's purpose will be done.
February 26, 2010
This is an awesome story of God’s faithfulness and mercy even in the darkest of times.
Chelsea Adams, a young Christian, has received the gift of visions. While her past visions were fairly innocuous, the newest visions God gives her sends her on a frightening journey of discovering a murder victim and learning just how essential it is to wait on God rather than relying on her own strength and wisdom.
Police Sergeant Dan Reiger is also a Christian and has been in law enforcement long enough to see a little of everything. When Chelsea walks into his office and tells him of her vision containing details of a murder no one has reported yet, he isn’t quite sure what to do. He’s never dealt with a vision from God before. Chelsea’s strong faith makes him take a hard look at his own Christianity and he doesn’t like everything he sees about the way he’s handled it…especially in not sharing his faith with others.
There is also a cast of non-Christian characters, from Reiger’s partner Detective Pat Turnbow to Chelsea’s husband Paul to the prime suspect in the murder case. Each of them and others must face God’s power and the fallibility of even the most faithful Christians.
Eyes of Elisha takes the reader on a roller coaster ride of suspense and faith. Ms. Collins has written an amazing tale of a Christian woman struggling with the gift God has given her, and the struggles her family faces because of it, but never once does Chelsea doubt God’s love and mercy. Instead, each character in the story learns something through this vision and some develop a closer relationship with God. The twists and turns in this story keep the reader guessing, and the vivid descriptions bring the story to life.
I highly recommend Eyes of Elisha to anyone who loves suspense. It’s also a great read for those looking for a realistic portrayal of Christians trying to live out the plan God has for their lives.
Chelsea Adams, a young Christian, has received the gift of visions. While her past visions were fairly innocuous, the newest visions God gives her sends her on a frightening journey of discovering a murder victim and learning just how essential it is to wait on God rather than relying on her own strength and wisdom.
Police Sergeant Dan Reiger is also a Christian and has been in law enforcement long enough to see a little of everything. When Chelsea walks into his office and tells him of her vision containing details of a murder no one has reported yet, he isn’t quite sure what to do. He’s never dealt with a vision from God before. Chelsea’s strong faith makes him take a hard look at his own Christianity and he doesn’t like everything he sees about the way he’s handled it…especially in not sharing his faith with others.
There is also a cast of non-Christian characters, from Reiger’s partner Detective Pat Turnbow to Chelsea’s husband Paul to the prime suspect in the murder case. Each of them and others must face God’s power and the fallibility of even the most faithful Christians.
Eyes of Elisha takes the reader on a roller coaster ride of suspense and faith. Ms. Collins has written an amazing tale of a Christian woman struggling with the gift God has given her, and the struggles her family faces because of it, but never once does Chelsea doubt God’s love and mercy. Instead, each character in the story learns something through this vision and some develop a closer relationship with God. The twists and turns in this story keep the reader guessing, and the vivid descriptions bring the story to life.
I highly recommend Eyes of Elisha to anyone who loves suspense. It’s also a great read for those looking for a realistic portrayal of Christians trying to live out the plan God has for their lives.
July 1, 2012
The novel has a chilling start. And a surprising finish. With an interesting mystery novel twist. Because the “eye-witness” didn’t witness the crime. She saw it through a God-given vision.
The premise was enough to give me chills and the opening of the novel quickly maintains that edgy quality. Chelsea is an incredibly likeable and sympathetic heroine. She doesn’t want these visions, but because of her faith is convicted to make sure the proper people know what she has seen.
Now, I’m not usually the terribly bright reader that spots the villain before he/she is revealed and this book did leave me in the dark to who did it. But by the time the book closed, every doubt I might have had about this twist being pulled out at a desperate last minute, was completely erased.
Middle to end of the book slowed a bit for a murder mystery I thought and became more wordy. The ending didn’t hold that gripping suspense that I’ve become used too, but I will say one of the last scenes was especially well written. I was right there…but I dare not say more for spoilers.
I did like the courtroom scene, though a bit wordy, the back and forth dialogue fling was like I was watching the lawyer shout, “objection!”
Often chilling word pictures, likeable main character and deep spiritual truths. “Eyes of Elisha” is a well-rounded suspense novel.
This review is my honest opinion. Thanks to the publisher for my copy to review.
The premise was enough to give me chills and the opening of the novel quickly maintains that edgy quality. Chelsea is an incredibly likeable and sympathetic heroine. She doesn’t want these visions, but because of her faith is convicted to make sure the proper people know what she has seen.
Now, I’m not usually the terribly bright reader that spots the villain before he/she is revealed and this book did leave me in the dark to who did it. But by the time the book closed, every doubt I might have had about this twist being pulled out at a desperate last minute, was completely erased.
Middle to end of the book slowed a bit for a murder mystery I thought and became more wordy. The ending didn’t hold that gripping suspense that I’ve become used too, but I will say one of the last scenes was especially well written. I was right there…but I dare not say more for spoilers.
I did like the courtroom scene, though a bit wordy, the back and forth dialogue fling was like I was watching the lawyer shout, “objection!”
Often chilling word pictures, likeable main character and deep spiritual truths. “Eyes of Elisha” is a well-rounded suspense novel.
This review is my honest opinion. Thanks to the publisher for my copy to review.
August 4, 2012
http://ceceliadowdy.com/blog/2012/07/...
My husband recently asked me for book recommendations. Knowing his reading taste, I immediately recommended Brandilyn Collins. I told him to read Eyes Of Elisha. I read this book several years ago and I was hooked from the first page! I think one reason that I was drawn to this book so much was because it had such a strong suspenseful thread – there’s a murder involved. Also, the main character, Chelsea, has the gift of prophecy. Here’s what I originally said in my review for this novel: A chilling winner! This book was so suspenseful! The story just grabbed me from the beginning and I barely put the book down for two days. If you want to read a gripping, intriguing story then this book is for you! I highly recommend it!
September 8, 2010
This was a good book, not quite as gripping as I expected from reading some other reviews, but it definetly holds your interest. This is a Christian fiction suspense thriller and as such it includes several religious references. Personally I enjoy Christian fiction but if that is not your cup of tea this book is still ok because it is not preachy or pushy. Also this is book 1 of the Chelsea Adams series, book 2 is called Dread Champion. This is pretty common in this genre, so if you find a character you like you get to see that character fleshed out more fully due to their continuing storyline. Fair warning, it is hard to out quess the author, she manipulates the story line so that there are always new suprises popping up. Happy Reading!
July 7, 2009
I started this book on 07/02/2009. I finished this book on 07/07/2009.
I really wanted to finish this book last night but my eyes just wouldn't stay open any longer. I loved this book. As you know if you've read other reviews on the books I've read then you know I'm very picky with my 4 and 5 star books. This is a 5 star. I wasn't sure when I picked it up at the library if I was going to like it but I was sucked into the book as soon as I read the first page. Gotta love when books do that. I loved all the characters and the stories they told. I also loved God having a part in the story. Wonderful!
I really wanted to finish this book last night but my eyes just wouldn't stay open any longer. I loved this book. As you know if you've read other reviews on the books I've read then you know I'm very picky with my 4 and 5 star books. This is a 5 star. I wasn't sure when I picked it up at the library if I was going to like it but I was sucked into the book as soon as I read the first page. Gotta love when books do that. I loved all the characters and the stories they told. I also loved God having a part in the story. Wonderful!
March 11, 2018
I listened to this book on a 9 hour road trip. I didn't want to stop the car to get gas or anything because of the suspense. I have never read a book by this author and was very impressed by the suspenseful story line and characters. I was also impressed by the wonderful inspirational message presented in the book. I will most definitely be reading more from this author.
December 19, 2024
I loved this book. It shows God's great power in spite of all the mistakes we do and how he uses all circumstances even though we doubt Him.
It's a great suspense novel with very interesting plot, strong characters and explicit Christian message (but fortunately not overshadowing the story line)
It's a great suspense novel with very interesting plot, strong characters and explicit Christian message (but fortunately not overshadowing the story line)
March 2, 2023
I loved this book! Very suspenseful and I didn't get bored, even when I anticipated how it would end, it still kept me interested! It was nice to read a book without cuss words on every page and without taking the Lord's name in vain all the time. If you don't like Christian themed books then you might not enjoy this, but I enjoyed the good mystery plot and will read more of this author's books.
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January 9, 2019 I am pretty sure I read this but never did a GR review.
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November 22, 2017Good Book. I enjoyed it
July 19, 2008
It is a relief to know there are still a few great mystery writers out there. I am always a skeptic when it comes to mystery and suspense because I can usually pick apart the plot from the very beginning (darn my early love of crime television! *sigh*). Did I have a surprise coming to me! I was very impressed that ALL of my hunches were wrong. Collins has a wonderful way of weaving together the mysteries of our earthly world and the mysteries of God. The supernatural has always appealed to me, and her writing has allowed me explore it without fear of leaning too far over the line as a Christian. A wonderful illustration of how God has His hand in everything, yet letting us exercise our free-will-- and how those decisions, when based on our own fear and misunderstanding rather than faith and trust in Him, can create unnecessary "trouble." Worth every penny.
August 14, 2007
WOW!!! talk about intrigueing, and filled w/ thrilling twists and turns, and ...
i had a REAL hard time putting this one down. was DEFINITELY worth the LONG wait to get my hands on it. i'm also now not quite as mad at David for "abandoning" me yet again, as i could then put the sleepness nite to good use by staying up til i had this finished.
of course, i'm not allowed caffeine, so my kids might not appreciate me much by this afternoon when i'm starting to get REALLY cranky! 8^) but ...
i'll feel a little better once i get to start on the next one in the series, which i DO have in the house, so ...
there's SOME balance in my life, right?! 8^) and all IS is right w/ the world, yes?!?!
i had a REAL hard time putting this one down. was DEFINITELY worth the LONG wait to get my hands on it. i'm also now not quite as mad at David for "abandoning" me yet again, as i could then put the sleepness nite to good use by staying up til i had this finished.
of course, i'm not allowed caffeine, so my kids might not appreciate me much by this afternoon when i'm starting to get REALLY cranky! 8^) but ...
i'll feel a little better once i get to start on the next one in the series, which i DO have in the house, so ...
there's SOME balance in my life, right?! 8^) and all IS is right w/ the world, yes?!?!
June 17, 2011
I enjoyed the story. The mystery was fun. I have enjoyed Collins' books. I know she's going to trick the reader and I'm usually pretty good at picking up on it- and she still does a great job of surprising me. That being said, I love reading Christian themed books because I know it's not going to be raunchy, but this one felt a little pushy too me. If there were one thing about the main characters I didn't like it was that they felt too pushy for some reason. Maybe it was just me. But the storyline was great. The mystery was great. I like that I felt sympathy for the "bad-guy" too. Interesting.
July 7, 2013
This review contains spoilers.
I never figure out who did it before the author tells me but this time I did. I knew it wasn't Gavil as soon as they brought up the garden gloves, who they belonged to, and how they were used in the murder. It really disappointed me that that the twist was so easy to figure out. (Thanks a lot prologue for giving everything away)
The characterization and dramatic events really save this story for me but my favorite part was the courtroom scenes. The banter between the two lawyers was very interesting. The author did a good job of trying to make everything as real as possible with the police and justice system which I really appreciated.
I never figure out who did it before the author tells me but this time I did. I knew it wasn't Gavil as soon as they brought up the garden gloves, who they belonged to, and how they were used in the murder. It really disappointed me that that the twist was so easy to figure out. (Thanks a lot prologue for giving everything away)
The characterization and dramatic events really save this story for me but my favorite part was the courtroom scenes. The banter between the two lawyers was very interesting. The author did a good job of trying to make everything as real as possible with the police and justice system which I really appreciated.
January 30, 2014
If you are a "born again Christian" you will identify with the challenges, doubts, and epiphanies of Chelsea Adams. If you are a reader/listener who is looking for engaging, literary, prose and well crafted multidimensional characters, you will be very disappointed. Why Christian authors are afraid to sculpt interesting sinful characters who make their metamorphosis to spiritual maturity at a slow pace with frequent regressions is beyond me. Their model, The Holy Bible, spares no detail in describing the depravity of its heroes and villains. There is an empty genre waiting for believably gritty tales populated by recognizable sinful characters,but with a honest spiritual tone.
April 22, 2009
It's been years since I've read this book. I remember really enjoying it. I have to warn, although this book is a murder mystery with the main character being somewhat "psychic" with her visions, the author is heavy with religion, as the character is somewhat "born-again." I didn't mind it because the story was a page-turner, (my favorite kind of books. If I'm not interested by the end of chapter one, I'm not reading the book). If you like murder mysteries, and you don't mind a little religion thrown in, you'll enjoy this book.
June 8, 2012
This is the first Brandilyn Collins' book I have read. I throughly enjoyed reading a good suspense novel written by a Christian! Collins successfully kept me riveted throughout the twists of the plot. Faith in God along with the frailities of mankind were expertly woven into the story leaving me with a sense of God's control over our universe. I recommend this book to those Christians who are having difficulty finding good, mind-challenging Christian fiction and who are looking for a story that keeps one reading into the night to see what will happen next.
September 26, 2011
I love Brandilyn Collins. She does a great job of hooking a reader from page one and keeping them hooked through the entire book. I only gave this book four stars rather than five because there could've been a bit more depth to the characters, and the court scenes dragged on a bit long, but overall this is a very good book with a great twist. I can't wait to pick up the next book in the series.
May 23, 2017
DNF.
Okay so I put this book down with every intention of picking it back up. But when I went to pick it back up, I honestly had no desire to read past what I'd already read, so yeah, not reading this any further.
Maybe in the future I can come back to it. Maybe. I mean it wasn't bad, it just wasn't holding my attention either.
Recommended? Not really
Buy/Borrow? Borrow.
Okay so I put this book down with every intention of picking it back up. But when I went to pick it back up, I honestly had no desire to read past what I'd already read, so yeah, not reading this any further.
Maybe in the future I can come back to it. Maybe. I mean it wasn't bad, it just wasn't holding my attention either.
Recommended? Not really
Buy/Borrow? Borrow.
February 15, 2014
This was my first read by Brandilyn Collins but it won't be my last. Great suspense that kept me awake a night or two because I just had to find out what happens next. A few twists and turns that made it even more exciting.
February 23, 2008
I couldn't put this book down. I LOVED it! This book is #1 in the Chelsea Adams Series. #2 is called Dread Champion.
July 4, 2008
I couldn't put this book down. It is terrifying with a twist i didn't see coming.
April 15, 2009
Excellent Book! Thank you Georgi for letting me borrow this one. I loved it....gave me chills.
December 23, 2009
I really enjoyed this book! Definitely a good one if you like Terri Blackstock/Dee Henderson books
July 7, 2010
Kept me going till the last page! I love when books do that!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews