First and foremost, a large thank you to NetGalley, Carrie Stuart Parks, and Thomas Nelson for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.

Always a fan of Carrie Stuart Parks and her writing, I was pleased to receive an ARC of this latest novel. Parks always brings her background in forensic art to the novels, tapping into what, for me, has been a unique approach to crime and investigation. That being said, she is keen to collect other breadcrumbs and scatter them throughout, giving the reader an exiting experience as they comb their way through the story.

LaCrosse, Washington is known for little and Samantha Williams likes it that way, An art teacher at the local school, Samantha becomes a hero when an SUV careens into the school and many are hurt. Having been in her own vehicle at the time, Samantha must come to terms with what happened, though is stymied when she cannot produce any proof of her identity to authorities, as it has been removed from her purse.

Confused and relying on others, Samantha must try to piece together what’s happened and who is trying to keep her from herself. Some of these answers begin to emerge when a reporter begins asking questions and digging deeper into Samantha’s past. Samantha soon realises that there are other odd goings-on in the area, including sets of remains that were long thought buried. Is there someone trying to stir up trouble? Samantha finds herself at the heart of it all, without any answers to offer.

At a local recovery house, Clan Firinn, some others are also trying to set things straight. There appear to be a number of mysteries all tied to an old government nuclear facility close to LaCrosse and no one is quite sure what to make of it. It’s this that triggers Samantha and memories of her past, not always good. The fallout is a spiralling like no other, as the truth emerges for all to see. What secrets await Samantha on her journey and how could learning about her past be the key to understanding the present happenings? Parks offers an intriguing piece that never stops evolving.

I remember discovering the works of Carrie Stuart Parks and being instantly pulled in by the world of forensic art. It was a branch of investigation I had never considered and appeared to have ways of really stirring up the pot. Since then, Parks has evolved her stories into one-offs that pack just as much punch, but focus on other perspectives as well, including a peppering of biblical references. Parks uses her strong writing abilities to pull the reader into the middle of the story and forces them to confront whatever the narrative is spinning. This works well, as she has a depth to her characters, which adds flavour to the story and keeps the reader feeling connected to whatever is going on.

One essential to a successful story for me would have to be a clear and developing narrative. Parks offers this as she concocts what she needs to keep things progressing throughout. The story moves and has many moments where it can gain needed momentum, be that through the introduction of a new character, plot twist, or even revelation that was once deemed inconsequential. Parks has had success in crafting her stories with these ingredients and continues to do so throughout this piece. However, there were times that I felt a disconnect to the story or its progression. I was not as affixed to events as I would have liked or even expected. The investigation into the accident that opens the novel, Samantha’s past, or even how Clan Firinn fit into the larger story; all of this proved hit and miss for me. This, in turn, created a sense of confusion or lack of excitement as I flipped pages. I saw a gem in some of the foundational narrative, but did not feel the impact as strongly as I might have liked. While I have seen this book marketed as Christian fiction, that should not deter readers. It does have some biblical references, but I would not consider it fuelling the progression or flavouring of the piece. Perhaps it is my mind space at the moment that has me feeling lukewarm, which is entirely possible. I have much respect for Carrie Stuart Parks and would encourage others to red this, as well as her other books, to come to their own conclusions.

Kudos, Madam Parks, for another well-plotted novel. I hope others see some of the strong aspects I did while reading.

Secrets of the past haunt the unsuspecting in the present as a thriller story unfolds with adrenaline laced page flipping well into the night. This is a book that is impossible to put down until you reach the heart pounding finale, with all the questions finally answered and put to rest. It starts with a horrific car crash in the first pages, leading Sam to question who the driver was and why the "accident" happened at her school. She has a past she can't remember, or even wants to. But every question that arises points to a link to her hazy past. In order to catch a killer and save herself, Sam must wash away the mist and finally find out what happened in her childhood. Or she and her new friends could be the next victims. Dutch was in the car but has no more ideas about what happened and why than Sam. The victim was a friend and he wants answers as much as Sam. Can he help her find these answers before it's too late? When they join forces to find these answers, they soon find themselves in over their heads trying to find out what is going on before the killer strikes again. Each page flips faster than the last with the suspense building with each new problem that arises. The characters bond together a story that starts in the past and ends with a look into the future.
Carrie Stuart Parks mixes high octane suspense with moments of truly human quips that bring about a story that keeps the reader hooked until the story is finished. With wit, insight, and intrigue Carrie Stuart Parks has produced one of her best books yet. I can't wait for her next book, my fingers are already wanting to flip the first page! I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This story started out with a bang! Literally... as, first, a mysterious man in a black coat and balaclava is carefully carrying a bomb to the designated spot. Then, at the beginning of the next chapter, a black Suburban smashed into the side of a school classroom where Samantha teaches. Samantha is left homeless, carless and walletless and is thrown into a mystery which somehow involves her past.

I admit to being confused a few times at the plot, but, overall, it held my attention. While I received a complimentary copy of this book, opinions expressed in this review are completely my own, and I'm grateful to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for the opportunity.

This read starts and ends with action, first a car rams a school building, and ends with gun shots, what is going on, and will answers come soon enough?

This author is a master at writing action packed suspense, and this one did not disappoint! You begin to wonder why a young woman, orphaned as a young child and now working as a teacher is being targeted?

As the cast of characters grows you wonder whom is involved, and my mind guessed, but was I right? I kept page turning as more and more danger roared it's head. The reason is very deep, and very scary, and yet, it sure felt very real!

I have read several of this author's books, and this sure won't be the last! Great read!

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Thomas Nelson, and was not required to give positive review.

This book isn’t as gripping as her other books. I still enjoyed it but I didn’t feel as invested in it as I normally do with her books.

Twists and turns in this new mystery based on true events will have readers eagerly turning pages. Sam, traumatized by childhood events has flashes of pass events that will cause her to question reality. I loved that Sam had a strong faith but didn't care for the Sneetches. For someone who had trouble trusting people, I found it odd that she trusted Mary so much. Interesting story.

Samantha Williams is a resourceful introvert; orphaned at a young age she has learned what she likes and (subconsciously) what helps her feel safe. When a series of tragic events all seem to peripherally involve her to some degree, she realizes her world is systematically being turned upside down. Sam is determined to find out who or what is behind it - and exactly why is she being targeted?

The author reveals, piece by piece, a history that may -or may not- be colliding with Sam’s present day. The Clan Firinn organization (from previous books, although this is a standalone) has a large role as well. We are not sure who is friend or foe - and the answers just may surprise you.

I thought this book was very interesting. The timeline and setting are less common (for most books I read anyways!), the story is rooted in true events, and a number of the characters have somewhat unusual pasts. I have enjoyed all of Carrie Stuart Parks’ books and am glad to recommend them.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson Publishers and NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.

This was a fast-moving story that kept me trying to figure things out until the end! The main character was easy to get behind and pull for!

Fallout
by Carrie Stuart Parks
Pub Date 13 Sep 2022
Thomas Nelson--FICTION, Thomas Nelson
Christian | Mystery & Thrillers


I am reviewing a copy of Fallout through Thomas Nelson, and Netgalley:




Samantha Williams craves simplicity after a difficult childhood. She longs for jigsaw puzzles, lectures at the library, and the students she adores in her role as an elementary school art teacher in the dusty farming community of LaCrosse, Washington.





After an SUV crashes into the building wear Samantha teaches, her entire world is upended. Samantha manages to keep the children safe, but her car isn’t so lucky. Oddly, her purse—with her driver’s license, credit cards, and other identification is missing from the wreckage.







After authorities discover that the driver in the accident was shot seconds before the crash, Samantha quickly becomes entangled in increasingly strange events that have her constantly looking over her shoulder.




Samantha tried to forget the tragedy of her past long ago, to forget the tragedy of her past




I give Fallout five out of five stars!


Happy Reading!

Intriguing and suspenseful throughout. The story takes place near the Hanford Nuclear Power Plant in Washington state and plays an important role in the plot. The characters were all great even though I didn't believe one of them was telling the truth. Samantha is one of the main characters in the story and the plot revolves around her and the trauma from her past. Dutch is another main character who joins up with Samantha to discover why a lady named Beatrice was killed. The story has lots of twists and turns, interesting characters, inspirational aspect, a touch of romance, and a history lesson. I truly enjoyed it.

Fallout by Carrie Stuart Parks is a complex mystery with plenty of twists and turns to keep readers intrigued. Samantha Willis finds herself smack dab in the middle of a mystery with ties to her past. A car crashes into her classroom full of students. Her life pretty much falls apart, and she has no money, ID or place to stay after the crash. She meets a few strangers, including Mary Thompson who is looking for her wayward husband, and Dutch Van Setter, an anthropologist working for Clan Firinn. Sam has to figure out who she can trust and who might be trying to kill her.

I love Carrie Stuart Parks for her quirky characters! You’ll never have boring run-of-the-mill characters in one of her novels. Sam is definitely the quirkiest, and it makes her all the more likable. I like that Clan Firinn comes into this story (I think it was first mentioned in Woman In Shadow) because it’s an interesting concept – it’s a retreat/rehab center that works with former military/law enforcement who suffer PTDS among other things.

The mystery is complex and filled with danger. The only thing I did struggle with was that the pacing was a bit slow. It was hard to connect everything together until about part way through the story. However, the author takes seemingly random events and weaves it into a fabulous tale with creative characters and an intriguing mystery. Just a warning for fans of romantic suspense, there wasn’t much in the way of romance…fine by me, but I know some readers may look for this. All in all, if you are a fan of complex mysteries with even more complex characters, definitely check out Fallout when it releases 9/13/22.

I received an ebook review copy of this book through NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

** “The definition of a selfless act is one where you don’t weigh the consequences, measure out the cost, add up how many crowns you’d receive in heaven.” **

Carrie Stuart Parks delivers an incredible can’t-put-down standalone thriller with “Fallout,” a story about second chances and overcoming fear.

While Samantha Williams is teaching an art class at her small town school, an SUV comes crashing into the building, nearly killing Sam. Authorities must determine if this deadly accident also has anything to do with human remains recently located in the area.

Sam joins forces with Dutch Van Seters, an anthropologist from the nearby Clan Firinn, a specialized rehabilitation center for first responders, to look into the increasingly deadly occurrences that keep happening. And are these events to pay for the sins of the fathers?

“Fallout” is an amazing suspense thriller filled with so many didn’t-see-that-coming moments readers will be guessing until the very end. She develops great characters that have dark and secretive pasts, as well as very real flaws, doubts and insecurities.

Besides having an incredible plot, “Fallout” is filled with several great themes, like it’s hard to accept kindness; each day has enough trouble of its own that we don’t need to worry about tomorrow; peace surpasses all understanding; second chances; and with God, whom shall I fear (“I am not afraid of storms … for I am learning how to sail my ship”).

Fans of authors like Terri Blackstock, Irene Hannon and Colleen Coble will love this story, which is due out Sept. 13.

Five stars out of five.

Thomas Nelson provided this complimentary copy through NetGalley for my honest, unbiased review.

Another A+ offering from Carrie Stuart Parks! This captivating, suspenseful mystery drew me in with the dramatic beginning and kept me engaged throughout the story. The cleverly constructed plot is replete with unexpected twists and tied up neatly with a satisfying ending. The diverse characters are well-developed and compelling. I could relate to the endearing heroine’s love of children’s books and jigsaw puzzles. Her literary quotes and references are delightful. Detailed descriptions of forensic art and facial reconstruction are amazing and add authenticity to the read. Interesting history is woven seamlessly into the narrative. A gentle faith element and a dash of romance add to the enjoyment of the reading experience. I totally enjoyed this book and recommend it especially for fans of mystery and suspense.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley with no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I have loved all of Carrie Stuart Park's books, but "Fallout" was a little harder to get into. That being said, I am glad I stayed with the book, because after the first few chapters, I couldn't put it down! This book had a few surprises throughout and a twist at the end I'm glad I stayed with it until the end!

I received an ARC copy of this book from the author and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.

Fallout by Carrie Stuart Parks
I love Carrie Stuart Parks books. That being said, I had trouble getting started with this one. I just had a hard time connecting to the characters in the beginning. I was pleased to see the continuation of Clan Firinn as part of this book. Once I got into the middle and end of the book, it seemed to take off and run. I did enjoy the book, just not as much as some of her other ones.
I received a copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. The opinions expressed here are my own.

Carrie Stuart Park’s books are very fascinating. Not only is she a good writer, but as a forensic artist, she brings extra interest into her books. I enjoy the forensic side of her stories very much. My thanks to Thomas Nelson Publishing for a copy of this book via Net Galley. The opinion in this review is expressly my own.

I’ve read quite a few mystery and thriller type books in my life. This one was my first by Carrie Stuart Parks, and I must say I will be looking for her books in the future! The book definitely leaned toward an adult audience with the themes etc., but nothing overreaching or explicit. I found even the worst situations to be tastefully dealt with.

The plot leaned heavily on the mystery and thriller side. I think this is one of those mysteries that draws you on and on, but you can’t possibly figure out the ending on your own. I had suspicions that included the right characters! However, I didn’t know the full story until it was being explained to me. Just the type of mystery book you want! I was also very impressed to be surprised mid-book about a character I thought I knew pretty well. Very masterfully weaved plot!

I won’t say anymore for fear of ruining part of the plot! You’ll just have to read it yourself, which I highly suggest doing.

This was a very interesting read because it starts off with a car crashing into a school classroom and teacher saving all the children. The driver crashed the car because she was shot and killed. Someone had planned this because called and told her to meet there,

The teacher Samantha Williams has her car destroyed in the accident and her purse taken. She needs to survive on the kindness of strangers.

This book is so interesting as it has blackmail, murder, an abandoned town, secret government projects and mystery all wrapped up in one book. Samantha is busy trying to figure out how all the puzzle pieces fit together and who is behind it.

I like how the story starts off slow and builds and how Samantha must trust her faith and pray to get through it all.

I was intrigued to finally read a book by Carrie Stuart Parks, since I've heard her speak at writers conferences--and this book is even set in a farming community in Washington state where I live.

I found Fallout a bit hard to get into, and once I was interested in the story, I still couldn't figure all the characters out, nor did I know which ones to trust. As much as I wanted to like the main character Sam, she seemed in many ways flat and devoid of personality--and yet maybe that was intentional on the author's part.

As the story went on, I began to pick up threads of the mystery, and I definitely was reading quickly there at the end to see what would happen.

I'd be curious to read another of the author's books to see if I could get to know another of her main characters better.

Carrie Stuart Parks has been one of my favorite suspense authors for a while, so I went into this with great expectations. The historical information was very interesting, I learned so much! I liked going back to Clan Firinn, a place for first responders and law enforcement personnel to heal from tragic experiences.

Unfortunately the story itself was hard to enjoy, mostly because of the characters. Main example -- our protagonist, Sam, just fell from one scene to another in a naive cloud. Spend the night with people you barely know? Sure! Tell virtually everyone your secrets? Absolutely. Trust every person you encounter? Definitely. I am generally okay with suspending disbelief. In fact, that's probably one of the things I do best while reading. In this case, though, it was TOO MUCH.

The other reason I didn't really like this book was the never-ending crazy events. When one strange thing after another keeps happening, yet people just go back to their regularly scheduled programming, it does not make sense. I did appreciate how the author tied things together in the end. By that point, though, I was just ready for this wild ride to be over so I could unbuckle and move on to the next book.

Thanks to the publisher for giving me a copy of this book. I read an advance reader's ebook, which had several issues with formatting. It was so difficult to figure out when the character perspective changed, or sometimes to even tell who was speaking. I'm sure those things will be worked out in a finished copy. Although it did impact my reading experience, it did not affect my review of this book. Opinions shared are mine.