Cover Image: Aftermath

Aftermath

Pub Date:   |   Archive Date:

Member Reviews

"Aftermath", by Terri Blackstock, is a Christian thriller/mystery which is easy and enjoyable to read. Dustin, a former military man, has been falsely accused of planting and initing a bomb which killed dozens. In order to prove his innocence, he turns to former childhood friend, lawyer Jamie Powell to help him. Along the way, the two begin to remember why they were so drawn to each other when they were younger. This novel has a pretty big twist which surprised me, but it was handled well. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to my next Terri Blackstock book!

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

Was this review helpful?

This is definitely one of those books you can’t put down because you have to know what’s going to happen. The female and male characters are very much real and likable. The story of someone wrongly accused of a crime happens too often so it’s very easy to believe it is really happening in the storyline. This is my first book by Terri Blackstock, and I’ll be looking for more. I like how she weaves in belief in God, and a few gospel messages. It is refreshing to read a “clean” book. I received an arc of this book from NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.

Was this review helpful?

“The deafening sound, like some confusing combination of gunshot and lightning bolt, a blast that blacked out the lights and knocked her to the ground.”

“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, ‘My refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust!’”

“‘He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters; He restores my soul.’”

4.25 Stars Out Of 5

I hadn’t read Terri Blackstock in awhile and almost forgot how much I enjoyed her writing style and books. Aftermath is no exception and will surely be a book enjoyed by all readers. The book begins with a bang, or rather an explosion, at a presidential candidate’s rally. Blackstock does an excellent job setting the stage in Atlanta, Georgia with plenty of three dimensional characters. Jamie was a great main character, a widowed lawyer and mother of a daughter. Dustin had a lot of layers as the accused bomber. I liked the dynamic between the two as we learned their history of growing up as next door neighbors. Great spiritual aspects as well.

One thing to note about this great book is that it is less of a whodunnit book (that part is not much of a mystery) but more of a series of events that unfold and how it affects its characters.

All in all, I really enjoyed this book and need to make it a priority to reading some of Terri Blackstock’s previous books.

* I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley and Thomas Nelson. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.*

Was this review helpful?

I loved this book! The author does a wonderful job of creating a great storyline and getting you involved with the main characters.
When Jamie, a successful lawyer, receives a surprise call from her old neighbor and childhood friend, Dustin, from jail, she immediately is ready to take on his case, even though there could be terrorism charges.
It is a delightful read to find out who is behind the scenes and how justice prevails.
This is well written suspense that keeps you guessing until the end to discover the villain.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Was this review helpful?

Terri Blackstock is a master story-teller. She pulls multiple stories together, woven almost seamlessly, to create a true suspense experience. As you get glimpses at multiple story lines and characters, you start to question things. You become a sort of couch-detective, wondering if you can catch the bad guy (or gal) before the author reveals it. I was not disappointed in this story at all and I know you will really enjoy it when it releases in a few months!

I did receive an ARC via Netgalley but I freely give my honest review.

Was this review helpful?

This book was a page turner from beginning to end. A unexpected terrorist event happens at a president elect rally killing multiple people. The story follows the life of a survivor of the explosion and parallels the life of someone wrongly accused and their struggle to find the person who actually caused the event. I literally couldn’t put this book down and finished in one reading. Amazing character development and integration. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Was this review helpful?

“Aftermath” by Terri Blackstock was a fantastic read! Of course, Terri Blackstock always gets my attention from the first page to the last page.

I loved how the author took three different situations and wove them all together. The plot was great and very interesting. And there were twists and turns along the way. I also love how Terri Blackstock weaves the gospel into her books, but she isn’t preachy.

I highly recommend this book. This was a book that I didn’t want to end! Terri Blackstock is able to catch your attention and keep your attention throughout the whole book.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Was this review helpful?

Such a great plot! You will not see the twists and turns in this plot! I highly recommend this book for all ages, as it is clean and appropriate even for teens.
The author did a great job explaining the grace of God and the redeeming nature of His plans for our lives. Truly an encouraging message for every heart.

I was given a free copy of this book in exchange of this review.

Was this review helpful?

Wow. This book gives you a God view of what’s happening. We follow 4 different characters and at times see what is happening through each perspective. Ex: Travis at 4pm then Dustin at 4pm and Jamie at 4pm. Terri Blackstock does this so seamlessly that you barely even notice but it gives an amazing overview to get a clear picture of what is going on. Her books always amaze me and make me wish for more.

Was this review helpful?

"I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own."

AFTERMATH was interesting from the very beginning. The plot was well thought out. The characters multi-dimensional. The ending satisfying. The suspense way high.

I would recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a book to get lost in. I would not recommend reading this before bed. You might not be able to sleep.

Was this review helpful?

I had never read a Terri Blackstock book before. It definitely won't be the last one I read. This book was part mystery, part legal, part drama and part romance (so a little bit of everything).

The story was comprised of three main stories as well as a smaller side story. I liked how the characters were incorporated into the story and given layers within their character arcs. I think this added to my overall enjoyment of the story. I was left wondering what happened to a couple but I used my imagination to tie them up especially as their endings were implied.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Was this review helpful?

A group of friends are at a concert to introduce a man that is wanting to run for President. When a bomb goes off only one of those friends gets out of the building. The police get a tip that Dustin could be the bomber. Dustin is innocent and there is only one person he knows who will believe him and help him. A friend he hasn't kept in touch with. When Jamie gets Dustin's call she drops everything to go help him. As an attorney it is up to her to find the evidence to get him out of the charges and from keeping an angry city from exacting vengeance.

Author Terri Blackstock never disappoints in the suspense department. Nor does she disappoint in the drama department! I enjoyed both Dustin and Jamie's characters as they were both pretty level-headed and not ruled by their emotions. Yes, they expressed emotions but they did not let those emotions overrun their ability to think and strategize. The story was fast-paced and kept me going from chapter to chapter wanting to see what happened next. I did think that some of the other characters needed a bit more wrap-up at the end. There were a few left hanging that I would have liked to have known what happened to them as a result of their actions. An exciting read and I definitely recommend it!

Was this review helpful?

The author has done it again, mixing thriller, legal procedures, medical issues, relationships, and faith in a well-written novel with characters you care about and a story that unfolds in an enjoyable manner.

Was this review helpful?

Started off well but turned into just another little romance. Predictable, decent writing, too much use of the word "man" in conversation (probably to show masculinity) but really such old news. Characters were not believable.

Was this review helpful?

Another great suspense story from Terri Blackstock.

A tragic explosion begins the story. An anonymous tip finds Dereck Webb pulled over, unknowingly with explosives in his trunk. Set up to take the fall, he calls on an old friend, and lawyer Jaime, to help him out. There's also a parallel story is that of Taylor, who was present at the explosion and made it out alive, but without her friends.

There is a progressive unfolding of relationships, friends and strangers, the pieces of the mystery get pieced together, in unexpected ways. It's a story that will keep you on your toes right til the end!

Was this review helpful?

I devoured this book!!!!! Perfect vacation read!! I loved that it had a little bit of everything, mystery,law, romance, friendships. It was so good!! I admit I did figure out who did it halfway through BUT not for the reason I thought!

Was this review helpful?

AFTERMATH is a legal thriller which shows TERRI BLACKSTOCK at her best. It is an exciting read with great characters and a strong Christian message in which we see God's grace and restoration, and His gift of second chances to those who follow Him.
When Dustin Webb is framed for the explosion at a concert and political rally. he calls a childhood friend, Jamie Powell, to defend him. She is a lawyer in a big firm and has to talk the partners into letting her take the case.
Taylor Reid is a young girl who survives the explosion and feels guilty for escaping when her two best friends did not make it.
Travis Grey is Dustin's best friend and a partner in their high powered security firm. He has his own problems with his wife, the mother of his two year old twin sons, who is in hospital dying of leukemia.
Two more characters we find in the mix are Avery, Jamie's daughter, and Dude, Dustin's boisterous and loving black Labrador.
The scene is set and you will have to read the book to find out more!
The story is fast paced and I guarantee it will keep you up until you have read the last page. I highly recommend Aftermath to anyone who enjoys a good romantic thriller.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Thomas Nelson. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

Was this review helpful?