Violet Dawn, Kanner Lake Series #1

From the author of the best-selling Eyes of Elisha comes a suspenseful tale of murder, the need to belong---and faith. As Paige Williams slips into her hot tub in the blackness of night, she feels something wispy brush against her. Suddenly facing death, what wrenching decision must she make about her hidden past? 352 pages, softcover from Zondervan.

A young woman with a mysterious past and a deep need to belong. An assassin with unusual methods and great professional pride. One woman’s secrets unleash an entire town’s pursuit, and the truth proves as elusive as the killer in their midst.

As a shy newcomer in the tiny tourist community of Kanner Lake, Idaho, Paige Williams is already considered reclusive by the gregarious standards of the village. But townspeople don't realize that Paige is fleeing a past so damaging that when she discovers a dead body, she dispenses with the evidence and hides the truth rather than go to the police, whom she mistrusts. With this opener, Collins (Dead of Night) spins a tale of murder in a smalltown with an added twist of Christian faith, which is lightly handled. The writing is competent for the most part, with false notes occurring in some formal and stilted dialogue and Collins's penchant for overusing dramatic similes ("her heart drummed like the rataplan of rain on a roof"). One real strength is Collins's skill in handling multiple points of view and time shifts, which flow easily together and advance the plot. Short chapterlets keep the story moving, particularly in the fast-paced final third of the novel, and Collins throws in some interesting details of police procedure and crime scene investigation. Some characters, like the town's tough-but-tender police chief, are beautifully developed, while others, such as the monologues and predictability of the villain, are flat. In all, however, this is a promising and entertaining beginning to the Kanner Lake series. (Sept.) Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.

Plagued by insomnia, Paige Williams steps into her hot tub one night and finds a corpse. She can’t tell the police, and so must make an unthinkable choice – one that will affect the entire small town of Kanner Lake.

The town has a cast of eccentric and lovable characters – Bailey Truitt, owner of the Java Joint, a local hangout; Vince Edwards, the police chief still grieving the son killed in Iraq; Leslie Brymes, a young journalist wanting to make it big; Wilbur Hucks, an ornery coot who insist on showing everyone he meets his triple-bypass scar; and there are others.

Between their stories flows the tale of a young girl growing up in a difficult home. And through it all slithers a killer who calls himself Black Mamba.

Brandlyn Collins gives her signature seatbelt suspense a different twist in this new series. She spreads her depth of characterization over a town full of people, lessening the thriller impact only slightly. Keeping the pace brisk, the main plot covers less than 24 hours. To tie in with her new series, Collins has created a blog which features posts from the novel’s supporting cast, where readers can go to learn more about the characters. Recommended for all suspense fans and even those who are a bit chicken about the genre. – Katie Hart, Christian Book Previews.com

Average Rating:

8 of 26 Reviews Showing:(View All Reviews)

Reviewed by Debbee (Idaho), December 20, 2009

----My Favorite Author!!!---- Brandilyn Collins is an author you can trust for a consistent, strong read, and she doesn't disappoint in this first release in the Kanner Lake series. The book provides a large cast of characters--as if the town itself is a character--and yet makes us care about the individuals central to the action. Collins is also excellent at weaving in scenes of backstory between current action, deepening the mystery and making us hungry for more. Her point of view shifts are deliberately placed to tighten the screws and the resolution highly satisfying. If you've never read anything by Collins, you're missing a treat.... "But once you've read just one in anyone of Brandilyn's Seatbelt Suspense Stories..." You'll find out why "we can't get enough of her!... (The Kanner Lake Series is awesome, So is "The Hidden Faces Series") .... Hmmm, They are "ALL" Excellent Suspense Novels!

Reviewed by Lori Barbieri (Vero Beach, FL), June 19, 2009

IThis book certainly made me want to read the rest of this series. Good reading.

Reviewed by Tracy Keck (Sunny, AZ), January 12, 2009

Hi, my name is Tracy, and I’m an addict! I have just finished the book Violet Dawn, which is the first in the Kanner Lake Series by Brandilyn Collins. Brandilyn is known for her trademark Seatbelt Suspense and with Violet Dawn she did not disappoint. If you like suspense and drama this book is for you. Of course, it is a page turner and after reading it, you’ll probably think twice before jumping into a darkened hot tub The characters are completely believable and enjoyable. Continually, I wanted to reach through the book to hug Paige, the main character, who had good reasons for her fear and loneliness. I generally enjoy the MC’s in the books I read, but this is the first time I remember feeling true empathy for one. In addition, Brandilyn paints a wonderful picture of the small town of Kanner Lake, complete with beautiful north Idaho nature and quirky townsfolk. I loved the setting, the shops and the people. The whole murder thing aside, I really wanted to pack up my stuff and move there. This really was a thrilling read and I’m glad I started. It’s time now for me to get my next fix. Coral Moon, I’m coming for you…

Reviewed by Rhonda (Bright, IN), July 13, 2008

My first Brandilyn Collins book and I was quite impressed. It was a definite page turner. I am currently reading the second in the series "Coral Moon" and like the first, I have trouble putting it down! The short chapters makes the reading faster as well. I look forward to getting the next one in the series.

Reviewed by Susan Waite (Nichols Hills, OK), February 13, 2008

My first time to read Brandilyn Collins, I was quite surprised during the first chapter that this was a choice for our church Book Club. However, it drew me in. Graphic and violent without being "graphic and violent" in the usual manner of popular culture today. Ms. Collins does an excellent job of leaving some things unsaid while letting us know exactly what happened. The back and forth from present to past provided a cliff-hanger at the end of each chapter. The discussion questions provided on the Kanner Lake website provided me with better insight as to how this could be used for a church Book Club discussion of damaged, hurt people and how they might face and begin to overcome a past that simply cannot be erased or forgotten.

Reviewed by Diana Chinn (Canby, OR), February 12, 2008

I love this author and she had me finding it hard to put this book down.

Reviewed by Diana Urban (TX), May 28, 2007

Paige Williams finds herself in a terrifying situation and faces a horrible decision. She knows that any choice she makes will force worse circumstances upon her, but she has no idea of the danger in which she will entangle herself as her clumsy attempts to influence her future place her on a collision course with death. The newest thriller series by Brandilyn Collins starts with a shock, and Collins deftly weaves a tight plot that takes place within a twenty-four hour time frame. While her earlier suspense novels evidence good writing and story lines, Violet Dawn showcases the author’s finely honed skills in suspense writing, especially in the area of characterization. At the moment readers wonder about characters’ skills or motives, Collins supplies the answers, showing great planning and forethought on her part. With the Kanner Lake Series, Collins launches into the realm of great inspirational suspense writing. I look forward to reading Coral Moon, the second in the Kanner Lake Series, which is already garnering rave reviews.

Reviewed by Narelle Mollet (Melbourne, Australia), March 21, 2007

Paige Williams life couldn't get any worse after her tragic childhood....or so she thought! When she bumps up against a dead body while relaxing in her spa she quickly reconsiders. Terrified of the past coming back to haunt her, Paige chooses a dangerous and harrowing path. In Violet Dawn, the continually impressive Brandilyn Collins, introduces the small town of Kanner Lake, with it's beautiful lake, haunting forest and vibrant community brimming with entertaining and unique characters. Bailey Truitt, owner of the Java Joint faithfully prays for her town while struggling with her husband's injuries, spunky journalist Leslie Brymes always on the lookout for the "big one", S-man, the intense novelist who speakes in his own sci-fi language and Wilbur Hucks with his propensity to partially disrobe at a moment's notice! The pacing and suspense is tight, balancing well with genuine character development that has become Brandilyn's trademark. Flashbacks provide essential backstory without disruption and descriptions of the killer's inmost thoughts are chilling and revealing. You really can't go past a Brandilyn Collins' book if you are looking for, as she calls it, seatbelt suspense! Strap yourself in and hold on tight!

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