Daniel's Den

Daniel Borden is a thirty-year-old government accountant who lives a quiet life and plays by the rules. But when events transpire that shatter his orderly world and a team of assassins mark him for death, Daniel must flee for his life.

While on the run, Daniel encounters Laura Sky. Carefree and easygoing, Laura is everything that Daniel isn't. But when the killers assigned to eliminate Daniel find him at Laura's bed-and-breakfast, gunfire erupts and the two set out on the run once again.

In this fast–paced thriller by popular author Brandt Dodson, a young government accountant learns to trust God when his life begins to fall apart and unseen enemies pursue him with relentless zeal.

Daniel Borden is a thirty–year–old government accountant who lives a quiet life and plays by the rules. But when events transpire that shatter his orderly world and a team of assassins mark him for death, Daniel must flee for his life.

While on the run, Daniel encounters Laura Traynor. Carefree and easygoing, Laura is everything that Daniel isn’t. But when the killers assigned to eliminate Daniel find him at Laura’s bed–and–breakfast, gunfire erupts and the two set out on the run once again.

As they try to unravel the mystery that confronts them, they discover how tenuous life can be and how their very existence depends on the God who will never abandon them.

A perfect suspense tale for readers who love Dee Henderson, James Scott Bell, Brandilyn Collins, and James Patterson.

If something can go wrong, it will in Daniel’s Den by Brandt Dodson. This seems to be the book’s theme. Daniel Borden and Laura Traynor are individuals who, unbeknownst to them, are caught in a web of conspiracy involving money and property. Although they don’t know one another at the outset of the novel, they are forced into working together to evade the men who want to kill them. Along the way there develops a mutual respect, a budding romance, and a sense of teamwork.

The pace is hectic and fun in regard to plotting, but, regrettably the characters in this novel are not very three-dimensional. Their specific motives are undefined, and they have implausible lapses in judgment. Daniel and Laura make rookie mistake after rookie mistake in trying to elude the hit men. They both have unresolved relational issues and their romantic feelings seem based on little more than their current circumstance. Additionally, the hit men seem drawn to gratuitous violence for no reason other than violence itself. Even bad guys need to be developed as fictional characters in order to provide balance to a plot.

This book would likely be best suited for those who enjoy thrillers, based upon the chase-and-evade premise. However, the weaknesses in the character development will leave fans of character-driven stories unsatisfied. – Alyssa R. Guebert, www.ChristianBookPreviews.com

Average Rating:

8 of 8 Reviews Showing:

Reviewed by Chandra Lynn (PA), July 22, 2009

When I pick up a Brandt Dodson novel I expect to be intrigued by mystery, impressed by his police and FBI expertise, drawn into the suspense, compelled by his characters, and touched by some nice romance. Daniel's Den was all of that and more. In Daniel's Den we meet Laura Traynor, widow, mother of Andy, struggling to keep the dream of a successful bed and breakfast in Northern Virginia alive. When a stranger shows up on her doorstep threatening harm to them if she doesn't sell her property, she knows something is wrong in the peaceful Shenandoah Valley. Daniel Borden is a wealthy stock analyst in New Orleans. He and his black Labrador, Elvis, lead a successful life. When one of his coworkers dies, Daniel finds himself implicated in a murder investigation. His research leads him to a small bed and breakfast in Virginia where he and Laura find themselves both targets of a group of hit men. They are join forces to seek and destroy whoever is plotting to ruin them. This book is an action packed fast read. Readers will not know who to trust, or how Laura and Daniel could possibly come out of things better for their trials. Will they succeed? Will romance and faith have a chance? Read the book and find out. You won't be disappointed. Brandt Dodson delivers.

Reviewed by Deborah (Reston, VA), June 09, 2009

I enjoy books that take me along for the ride. By that I mean books where the reader isn't left behind, they get swept up in the action. Brandt Dodson's books are always like that and his latest work is no exception. Daniel and Laura are characters that engage the reader and make you feel for them. You really get to see into their lives and see the struggles that they make. The two are living separate lives until they get thrown together and have to join forces to survive. The book is filled with action, suspense, mystery and romance. It's really quite the thrill ride that I enjoy so much. The chemistry between the two leads is great and Laura's relationship with her son is touching. There are times when she does act a little overbearing but it's totally understandable. The action is intense but not overly violent. The story is not graphic but it's told in a way that keeps you on the edge of your seat. While this book was fun to read, I didn't enjoy it as much as I did Dodson's previous series, the Colton Parker mysteries. It may be due to the fact this is a single standalone title where as the others are a four book series. Characters didn't get to fully develop and grow over a long period of time. Also this book felt a little bit more preachier and less edgier than past books. However this was a really page turner and hard to put down. I read this book during the 24 Hour Readathon and this book flew by for me. As I've said before if you are trying to get a male in your life to read, give him one of Brandt's books. This is another gem to recommend for a good guy read.

Reviewed by Robin Caroll (USA), April 08, 2009

In his latest release, Daniel's Den, author Brandt Dodson creates a hero and heroine that readers can really root for. Add in a multi-layered plot that makes the mind race faster than the flipping of the pages, and Dodson has written a story that will stay with readers long after the book is closed. A must-read for romantic suspense and suspense readers.

Reviewed by Sharon A Lavy (New Carlisle, OH), April 07, 2009

I enjoy reading mystery/suspense, and I've read other Brandt Dodson books so I knew I would like this one. As I read the characters became very real to me. I cared if things worked out for them, and at times I didn't expect, couldn't see how this story could have a happy ending. Without giving anything away, I will say the story has a satisfactory ending. The loose ends are tied up. I always look for the relationships of the characters. And in several places I found where this book emphasizes the importance of friendship in our lives. Of believing in each other. Of trust. I highly recommend this book as a satisfying read with take away value.

Reviewed by Lawrence Lewis (Flowery Branch, GA), March 17, 2009

This may be a fiction novel but it mirrors big business and banking. Dodson pulls the reader into the depths of the story. Very well written and enjoyable read.

Reviewed by Cathi Hassan (Cincinnati, Ohio), March 01, 2009

Daniel's Den is a murder mystery taken right out of today's society, including identity theft, technological tracking and listening devices, and computer hacking. Unscrupulous characters backed by seemingly unlimited wealth and power; how can anyone stand up to them or survive if standing in their way? Laura and Daniel are like many people today who want to make it on their own. They think that if they work hard enough at it, they can make things right. Neither one of them considers including God in their plans, but they are up against forces beyond their abilities to control or conquer on their own. For those who enjoy mysteries, in particular murder mysteries, Daniel's Den is a sure bet. We know who the bad guys are early on, or at least some of them, but there is still a lot to unravel before the whole scheme is revealed. The use of modern technology smacks of real possibilities, although I don't know enough about it personally to know whether some of it exists only in Mr. Dodson's head. The whole story is completely believable. To me, that's what makes it scary. It's also part of what makes it a great story. Of course there is some violence in the story; after all, it deals with cold-blooded murderers who don't think twice about eliminating anyone who is in the way or has witnessed too much. Yet there is no gratuitous or overly graphic violence. Some of the bad guys are rather two-dimensional, but the main ones are fairly well developed. While there is a bit of romance, it is an undertone with no sexual actions at all, other than maybe a kiss. And while it is definitely a story that leads to the importance of God in our lives, it never becomes preachy or overly trite about the need for a relationship with God. Overall, I recommend Daniel's Den to all mystery lovers and those who want to read good literature with a Christian world view. Even for those who don't care about the viewpoint: it's a compelling tale.

Reviewed by Sally (Pembroke Pines, FL), February 24, 2009

I enjoyed this Christian fiction thriller. The reader is taken into the world of investment banking and money laundering, with more than a glimpse of the underbelly of evil that pervades our world. Tension builds as whistle-blower, Daniel becomes the victim of powers he cannot control. There are unexpected twists and turns that keep the pages turning. There are some tender moments such as when Daniel plays catch with Andy. Obviously, this author has experienced a lesson such as this with a child. In addition, there are many moments between Andy and Elvis that are sweet. Characters are a bit flat. The dog, Elvis, is surely the smartest dog in the world--almost mystic-like. Daniel is good--totally good; I see no flaws. Laura, shows no human flaws. Perhaps that's why the romance doesn't give an "aww" feeling. The romance does not flow quite as smoothly as it should. However, I thoroughly enjoyed the plot. It's a good book to read and experience. If you like plot-driven books, here's one for you!

Reviewed by Sally (Pembroke Pines, FL), February 24, 2009

Enjoyed this Christian fiction thriller. The reader is taken into the world of investment banking and money laundering, with more than a glimpse of the underbelly of evil that pervades our world. Tension builds as whistle-blower Daniel becomes the victim of powers he cannot control. There are unexpected twists and turns that keep the pages turning. There are some tender moments such as when Daniel plays catch with Andy. Obviously, this author has experienced a lesson such as this with a child. In addition, there are many moments between Andy and Elvis that are sweet. Characters are a bit flat. The dog, Elvis, is surely the smartest dog in the world--almost mystic-like. Daniel is good--totally good; I see no flaws. Laura, shows no human flaws. Perhaps that's why the romance doesn't give an "aww" feeling. The romance does not flow quite as smoothly as it should. However, I thoroughly enjoyed the plot. It's a good book to read and experience. If you like plot-driven books, here's one for you!

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Author: Brandt Dodson
Located in: Newburgh, Indiana
Submitted: February 08, 2009

    Tell us a little about yourself.  I am a novelist who writes to entertain while imparting biblical truth.

    What was your motivation behind this project?  The disaster of Hurricane Katrina taught me that there is nothing in this world on which we can rely with the absolute certainty that our faith has not been misplaced. We saw government fail at every level. We saw neighbor turn against neighbor and friend against friend as looting and other horrific crimes were committed. But we saw positive things, too. We saw people caring for each other, and a sense of hope that began to grow in the midst of despair. And we've seen resurrection, rebuilding. Isn't that what God is all about? Didn't Jesus say, "Behold. I make all things new?"

    What do you hope folks will gain from this project?  I hope that the reader is, first of all, entertained. I wrote this thriller with the intent that the reader cannot put it down until the last page is read. But I also want the reader to come away from the book with a sense of "God will be with me, even when the chips are down. Even when I have no where else to turn." I want the novel to stay with the reader long after it's been placed on the shelf - especially when the trying times come.

    How were you personally impacted by working on this project?  This story allowed me to work out a lot of my own deficits of faith. There are times when we all simply feel like God isn't there; that delay means forgotten. But He has this inexplicable way of always showing up at just the right time, and each time He does this the strength of our faith moves up a notch.

    Who are your influences, sources of inspiration or favorite authors / artists?  I read in a lot of different genres so I would have to say; Dean Koontz, Ken Follett, Jack Higgins, Raymond Chandler, Robert B. Parker, Nathaniel Hawthorne, Edgar Allen Poe, Mark Twain, and Tom Clancy to name a few.

    Anything else you'd like readers / listeners to know:  Daniel's Den is a story about the disaster that can occur when corrupt politics meets easy money. But it is also the story of hope. Even when we've lost everything, including our very identities, God has not forsaken us. We can rest in Him.

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