Book Review: The Lord Is My Shepherd: The Psalm 23 Mysteries #1 by Debbie Viguie

This is a solidly entertaining mystery: good plot and warm characters (except for the killer, of course).
The Lord Is My Shepherd: The Psalm 23 Mysteries #1
by Debbie Viguie

File Size: 1027 KB
Print Length: 290 pages
Publisher: Abingdon Press; 1 edition (March 1, 2010)
Publication Date: March 1, 2010
ASIN: B00AKJXORW
Genre: Mystery
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Cindy’s church is getting ready to celebrate Easter, and Jeremiah’s Temple is preparing for Passover when Cindy literally stumbles over the body of an unknown man lying dead in the sanctuary. The church was locked, and a bloody cross necklace on the floor seems to be the only clue. The killer is likely a member of the congregation, but there are hints that similar deaths have happened in the past. Are Cindy and Jeremiah dealing with a serial killer? They have to unravel the clues before Easter Sunday arrives and more people die.
Cindy and Jeremiah come from two different worlds, even though they work right next door to each other. Cindy is a strong Christian who lives a normal but somewhat dull life, working as a church secretary. Jeremiah is a Reformed rabbi with a mysterious past full of danger and excitement. But one eventful Easter/Passover week, the two find themselves working together to solve a murder and stop a serial killer from striking again. Solving the mystery should put an end to their alliance, but the church secretary and the rabbi quickly find themselves enmeshed in another mystery. Soon the two form a friendly alliance and friendship, exploring personal history and faith and growing closer with each passing adventure. Despite their differences Cindy and Jeremiah find a lot of common ground.

Review:
Cindy is the secretary at her Presbyterian Church. They are preparing services for Easter when she opens the church one morning and tumbles upon a body in the sanctuary. A dark figure rushes in upon hearing her scream. Initially she is frightened but he introduces himself as the neighboring Rabbi, Jeremiah. Thus begins an unlikely friendship as Cindy continues to uncover bodies and Jeremiah continues to come to her rescue.

The murders are being posed to represent scenes from the Biblical week leading up to Easter. Cindy and Jeremiah are intent on helping the police find the killer as the gruesome scenes escalate. The detective, Mark, has to investigate to eliminate Cindy and Jeremiah as suspects, especially since they seem to show up at each crime scene.

This story jumps right into action with the first body appearing very early in the reading. It continues at a good pace with natural dialogue and actions of the characters. The author maintains a bit of mystery as to Jeremiah and his history throughout the story which adds an interest element. I enjoyed learning details I didn’t know about the Jewish celebration of the Passover Seder.

There was a touch of crossword puzzle questions which I always find fun and Ms. Viguie adds humor through the dialogue too. There were a few inspirational tidbits but nothing preachy. I really liked the positive message the Rabbi shared to help deal with the deaths of friends and loved ones.

Although the name was familiar, I didn't initially recognize that this is an author I read and reviewed before: Kiss of Night. This was an easy, fast paced mystery and I would enjoy reading more in the series (and more by Ms. Viguie). I recommend this to readers who like a good mystery with warm characters.

This is a title from my Kindle library, free in 2010. It is one of the titles for my 2015 TBR Pile Challenge.

Book Review and Copy Giveaway: Kiss of Night by Debbie Viguie

I liked this and will want the next book since this ends with mysteries still to be revealed! (Including the Q in the product blurb.)

Kiss of Night

by Debbie Viguié

• Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: FaithWords; 1 Original edition (October 7, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0446570869
• ISBN-13: 978-0446570862

Genre: Fantasy
My Rating:  4.25 of 5.0

Product Description:
Centuries ago, Raphael was a blasphemous knight who fought in the Crusades purely for his own mercenary benefit, and to satisfy his taste for killing. Now, condemned for his evil passions and hypocrisy, he wanders the earth a vampire, cursed with first-hand knowledge of the supernatural world he once denied existed. The powerful relic he still possesses from his days as a Crusader has been stolen by a rival vampire who has recruited an army of soulless underlings to aid him in spreading evil. At the time he learns this, Raphael has been hunting this vampire for nearly a century, and it seems the final battle is destined to take place in Prague.

For help in this quest, Raphael must enlist the aid of two humans, David and Susan, who suddenly find themselves immersed in a world they never imagined, entangled with supernatural forces they can’t control. Susan, in particular, finds herself conflicted as she struggles with her inexplicable attraction to Raphael. In the end, both Susan and Raphael will be called upon to exercise courage and faith, and in the process, the question What would happen if a vampire truly accepted God? is answered.

Review: I was very anxious to review this book and I wasn't disappointed...at least not till the end. Now I have to wait till 2012 for the next book in the series.

Susan is just a young woman who is in Prague for the funeral of her beloved grandmother who raised her.  She seeks solace and sanctuary in church before the funeral and thinks she hears whispers and gets a glimpse of a dark figure.

That night Susan gets dragged out by her cousin, Wendy, to go dancing. It seems Wendy has met a guy but Susan finds him creepy. Suddenly Wendy takes off and another dark man warns Susan that Wendy is in trouble. Susan discovers just how creepy and dark these guys are as she becomes the focal player in a battle of good vampires versus bad vampires. She is frightened by Raphael but also strangely drawn to him.

Raphael knows that Susan is to help him in the battle against the truly evil vampires. Not that all vampires weren’t evil and monsters when they were created. But some vampires have learned to seek redemption after years of seeing the consequences of their misdeeds.  Raphael is on the side of good although he hasn’t quite gotten to the point of seeking salvation. His monk/vampire friend, Paul, holds out great hope.

Another stranger, David, hears the commotion in the next hotel room and tries to rescue Wendy from what appears to be an attacking vampire.  David seems to have a natural resistance to Vampire mesmerism and is quickly caught up to be trained as a warrior for the impending fight.

I liked the protagonists and the good vampires who are interesting characters. Wendy and David are likeable and make a nice cozy couple too.  David becomes an unlikely but brave and valiant warrior.  I felt there were some flaws and unrealistic circumstances in the tale, including some simplistic writing. Still I liked the overall story which kept my attention with its intensity and mystery.  It is very fast paced and full of action. I read it in two days and was really unhappy only because it ended — at a crucial stage of events! Ack!

Thank you to Faith Words for providing this book for review.

TO ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY for the book copy:
1. Visit the author's website and tell me something of interest you found there. This is required for entry.

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It isn't necessary to use separate entries unless you want them in different chronological order.
(Four total entries possible.)

* Open to the US & Canada only.

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* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on October 28, 2011.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
The WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED on October 29. 
Winners will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.