AUDIO BOOK REVIEW: WOW. DiAnn Mills has written an excellent suspense novel with an intricate plot where everyone's a suspect and danger is around every turn. I had no inkling of whodunit and was embarrassingly off the mark.

The premise of CONCRETE EVIDENCE really intrigued me as I have been a dam widow when my husband was a project manager for a reservoir and dam build in south Texas. He frequently traveled there as it was built and then inspected (and reinspected and reinspected) to finally open years after ground was broken. I remember when Hurricane Harvey hit how dams and reservoirs in the Houston area failed (not my husband's! I swear!). Serious business.

There are a plethora of characters, plots, and sub-plots to keep readers engaged, but fear not! Mills does a great job looping readers back in with reminders of who's who and what's what and plenty of red herrings that keep us enthralled and guessing.

"God doesn't cause a demolition unless He's planned a renovation."

But CONCRETE EVIDENCE is not all mystery and suspense; threaded between the murders and mayhem are tender moments of love and a steady stream of messages of faith. I appreciate that several characters actively pray when things get rough -- and that it's not always an easy thing for them to put their worries in God's hands. Also, throughout the story, characters often mention the benefit and importance of seeking professional counseling when life's burdens get too heavy. These pieces are organically included in the story and never feel false or preachy.

Parallel to the hurricane that is developing and threatening to unleash itself over Texas are the events unfolding and building tension for readers. The action-packed final chapters left this reader satisfied and relieved as I was able to let go of that breath I'd been holding. Terrific! I’ll eagerly await the next Christian fiction adventure Mills has in store.

ABOUT THE NARRATION (1 STAR): This narration didn't work for me at all. McCulloh's delivery felt stilted with odd gaps and pauses that didn't fit natural speech patterns -- and there's not a trace of a Texas accent in this very-Texas book. I could never find a comfortable speed for listening. 1x was painfully slow and unnatural; 1.3x was better but still off with those gaps. Additionally, there was very little change in voices, and without the visual cues of dialogue, it was very difficult to determine who was speaking. Fortunately, I had an eBook copy I frequently referred to (thank you, WhisperSync), but I would have preferred to have read this in print and honestly feel like the audio version does a disservice to the novel. Disappointing when CONCRETE EVIDENCE is such a stellar story.

I thank the Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this book! The opinions in this review are entirely my own.

While this was not my favorite book by the author, it was still a great read. I liked the character building, but part of the plot was quite unrealistic. If you can look past that (I could), then you will enjoy this book.

Avery Elliot, granddaughter of Senator Elliot and CEO of is construction company, is used to a comfortable life. That ends when she sees her grandfather standing over a body while holding a gun. She turns to FBI Special Agent Marc Wilkins for help. Now her grandfather is missing, people are turning up dead and her company is being investigated for fraud. I loved the way DiAnn Mills kept me guessing as to who was on which side. this boo is full of faith, suspense, family dynamics, fraud and murder.

So grab a cozy blanket and brew a pot of tea. You are going to want to settle back for a great read.

I was given a copy of this book with no expectations. All thoughts are my own.

Concrete Evidence by Diann Mills is a stand-alone novel. Avery Elliott learns that her grandfather's construction business may be involved in shady dealings, and sets out to investigate the claims. Mills enlists the help of FBI Special Agent Marc Wilkins to prove that the accusations were false. Mills blends suspense and romance to create a page-turning novel. Upon reading this book, one of my library patrons claimed Mills was her new favorite author and has checked out all her other books.

Everything that Avery has always believed about the man who raised her is turned on its head when she finds hi standing over a dead body, gun in hand. She teams up with FBI Agent Marc Wilkins to find some answers, but the more clues that they find the more questions arise.

An engaging read, though it took awhile until everything started to fall into place. I liked that Avery was personally challenged to take a look at her own personal faith, while she and Marc look for the truth. A tangled web of deception, everything is not as it seems in this suspenseful tale that kept me guessing.

Overall, a story that kept me guessing with likable characters, though it took awhile for things to really start rolling. I liked the strong threads of faith that ran throughout, as well.


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

“‘God doesn’t cause a demolition unless He’s planned a renovation.’”

I really enjoyed Avery and Marc’s story. It was packed with suspense, family, mystery, and good old Texas money. As they worked through pain and adversity, their faith and personalities really shined. In the midst of tragedy, turmoil and an oncoming hurricane, they had to work together to stop a killer.

“How ironic she’d armed herself with Jesus, a Sig, and no common sense.”

This novel screamed big Texas money, politics, and good old revenge. Figuring out this mystery as the murders increase, made for an awesome read. The characters were memorable and engaging. Honestly, I’d love to see more stories written about this family. Overall, it was a great read with strong character development, a fantastic mystery, and strong imagery. The romance and faith was sweet, too!

I was given a copy if this book through NetGalley by the publisher. All opinions were my own and have been given honestly.

I am a HUGE fan of the work by DiAnn Mills. She has never disappointed me and with her newest release, Concrete Evidence, I can honestly say I wasn't disappointed with this release either. She knows how to craft a Christian Romantic Suspense novel so that the reader is pulled into the action from the first page and carried through to the last page. I can honestly say it was hard to not put it down when I needed to.

The characters in Concrete Evidence, Avery Elliott, her Grandfather Senator Quinn Elliott, and FBi Special Agent Marc Wilkins were all so captivating to me. I loved the love that pulsated through the conversations between Avery and her Grandad. They stole my heart. Then the interaction between Avery and Marc was electric. But the action that really brought me to tears at times was the interaction between Marc and his 'newfound' 15-year-old sister, Tessa. It was so precious.

I can't say enough about this novel. It is so well written with great characters that stole my heart. If you like a clean romantic suspense novel then I would highly recommend picking up a copy of Concrete Evidence.

On a 5-Star Scale - 5 HUGE Stars!!!

I would like to thank Revell Books, for my copy of Concrete Evidence. I received my copy for free with no expectation of a positive or negative review. The opinions are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR. Part 255.

Concrete Evidence is another action-packed novel by DiAnn Mills. From the moment I began reading, I had a hard time putting it down. Be prepared to read into the midnight hour as the twists and turns keep you guessing who the villain will be and who will die next.
Avery Elliot, raised by her grandfather on his Texas ranch, after being disowned by her parents at a young age, finds herself in the crosshairs of an unknown shooter. Why? She'd done nothing wrong. She loved her grandfather immensely and took heed of everything he told her. She worked for his construction business and thought he did nothing wrong . . . until she saw him standing over a body with a gun in his hand, then he came up missing.
Marc Wilkins, FBI Special Agent, doesn't believe her story at first, but being tossed by the force of a bomb to kill Avery convinces him she isn't fabricating danger. So many questions bombard Marc as he ponders his deceased father's connection to Avery's grandfather, Senator Elliot. Was his father's death a heart attack, as initially thought, or was he murdered too?

"The rain beat the ground like a jackhammer boring through concrete. He'd hit the same concrete trying obtain information from the circle members. (That man) "kept information locked inside his head. (He) suspected he deep-sixed evidence critical to the case."

The cast of characters in this book were interesting. I liked how they were portrayed as flawed people. Some tried to do the right thing but clearly fell short. Others were more devious. But they all combined to make a great story.

I feel like the title was very clever. How it related to the story was very interesting. Because the author lives in Texas, I think that this book is realistic because she knows the place she is writing about.

I really enjoyed this romantic suspense book by DiAnn Mills. I did receive an advanced copy to read through NetGalley. All opinions are my own in this review that I wanted to write.

Chilling! This one kept me on the edge of my seat and guessing the whole time!! Another brilliant story from DiAnn Mills and I never saw where this one was going!! So well done! Highly recommend!

DiAnn Mills continues to prove why she’s one of my go-to suspense authors, and Concrete Evidence is no exception. Right from the first chapter, I was intrigued by the complex mystery and by the character dynamics that Mills weaves throughout the story. A steady pace, a layered cast, and a unique premise ensure that readers will keep turning the pages, needing to know what happens next – just like I did. There are several different elements in play throughout Concrete Evidence (including faith, family, and romance), and each one serves a purpose to draw readers into the heart of this novel and keep them guessing until the high-intensity ending. A delightful way to spend a weekend!

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

This is one you can't put down? The suspense starts in the first chapter and never ends. Finding your grandfather over a dead body with a gun - What? You know a book that starts like that is going to be good.

Avery Elliot, who runs a large commercial construction company, sees her beloved Grandfather, a retired state senator, standing over a dead man. He has a gun in his hand. Her grandfather disappears and urges her to do the same. Someone is out to get them. Avery goes into hiding but after several attempts on her life, she decides to fight back. With the help of FBI Special Agent Marc Wilkins, she attempts to piece together her grandfather’s disappearance and its connection to the construction of a dam, now threatened by a raging hurricane.
This is the second murder mystery thriller I’ve read by author Diann Mills and it did not disappoint. Tightly plotted with a strong female protagonist it’s a real page turner. The narrative explores family dynamics and has a strong Christian theme. Mills kept me guessing and threw in some great red herrings. Just when you’re certain you know who did it, you find out you’re wrong!
I enjoyed the story and getting to know Avery and her family, as well as Marc and his relationship with his estranged father. The story has a sweet romance with a satisfying outcome. The Texas setting was fun for this Texas reader!
I recommend this book to readers of murder mysteries/thrillers.

My heart went out to FBI agent Marc Elliott and Avery Elliott as they team up to search out leads. Leads that would uncover evidence leading to Texas Senator Quinn Elliott’s secrets, they hoped would connect to Marcs father’s death and solve the mystery behind the construction of the Lago de Cobre Dam.

I enjoyed the natural spiritual thread intertwined in the action showing hope, redemption, and the courage of her characters. I like how the author does this in her novels. It’s natural, not preachy.

This author usually has a unique setting with characters you grow to love, and a gripping story filled of mystery, and danger that increases as main characters Marc and Avery get closer to the truth. This story is filled with twists, and turns, with a splash of romance. All this goes into making a page-turning story I had difficulty putting down. This author delivers a story you won’t soon forget. It’s a powerful read.


Disclosure of Material Connection: I requested and received a copy of this book by the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins! https://psalm516.blogspot.com/
The Book Club Network blog

On the family’s Brazos River Ranch in Texas, Avery Elliott helps run her grandfather’s commercial construction business. Raised by Senator Elliott, Avery has never doubted her grandfather is the man of integrity and faith she’s always believed him to be . . . until the day she finds him standing with a gun over the body of a dead man. Then Avery’s discovers a billing discrepancy for materials supposedly purchased for construction of the Lago de Cobre Dam. Needing answers, Avery contacts FBI Special Agent Marc Wilkins for help. As Marc works to identify the dead man Avery saw, threats toward Avery create a fresh sense of urgency to pinpoint why someone wants to silence her. With a hurricane approaching the Texas coast and the structural integrity of the Lago de Cobre Dam called into question, time is running out to get to the bottom of a sinister plot that could be endangering the lives of not only Avery and her loved ones but the entire community.

This book was picked for my church Book Club, and I was not familiar with the author. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and the writing of the author. Her characters are so believable that I feel like I know them. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book. I will check out more books written by this author.

"Times like these, she didn't understand God's hand. But that's why he was God, and she wasn't."

Whew, what a ride! I've heard a lot of good things about Mrs. Mills' writing, and believe me, it was all true! This is a masterfully crafted, clean and sweet, romantic suspense thriller. Concrete Evidence is a thrill ride that keeps you second-guessing your suspect list over and over, and leaves you breathless!

Also, you can tell she researched the topic of the dam and the possibility of widespread devastation really well. I know because my dad works as an electrical engineer for USACE at a local dam, and that's exactly what could happen in an emergency or disaster.

Thank you to the author, publisher and Netgalley for this complimentary e-book. A positive review was not required of me but was gladly given, and the thoughts above are my own.

Concrete Evidence by DiAnn Mills is a riveting story that will hook you from the first pages. The suspense in this book never stopped and it was impossible to stop reading. I actually tried to read while walking my dog— not the best idea. With an intriguing group of characters, this plot is full of twists and you’ll keep suspecting different people. I loved this book and this readers of this genre will love it too. I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own.

Politics, a beautiful ranch, unloving family members, contracts and murder make this book one of those books you cannot put down! I really enjoyed how the story unfolded and this was one I didn't figure out. Yes - I was blindsided by the ending!

The characters were enjoyable and I found myself quite attached to a couple by the end of the story. Ms Mills did a wonderful job developing these characters! I really enjoyed Avery and her kindness and caring personality.

I did have a few moments of questioning if the character stepped a bit out of the way I had expected them to act, but then again, I didn't have a real issue with it - just a passing thought or two. Then again, I do have a habit of overanalyzing things at times.

Overall - this is a wonderful, clean and suspenseful read that even contains messages of faith seamlessly woven into the story. I absolutely loved it!!

Make sure to add this to your TBR pile - you won't be sorry!!!!

Concrete Evidence, DiAnn Mills latest stand-alone romantic suspense delivers a Christian based story featuring FBI agent Marc Wilkins and Avery Elliott. 


 Like all of Mills books I have read, a theme of Concrete Evidence is the notion of faith. Readers will encounter the occasional bible verse sprinkled throughout the story. Also, the characters reliance on their faith when faced with challenges were also noted. It should be noted, however, it did not overshadow the story.

The story began with Avery hearing gunshots and then witnessing her beloved grandfather holding a gun while standing over a dead body. She knows he’s keeping secrets, but she believes in his innocence which ha. Therefore, she makes it her mission to discover the truth. Her journey into discovering the truth led to her Marc Wilkins doorstep.

Marc Wilkins is trying to come to terms with the sudden death of the father who abandoned him when he was eleven years old. Just when he is coming to grips with his father’s death, he learns he may have been murdered. He also learns his death may somehow be connected to the incident Avery witnessed. 

Greed, betrayal, blackmail, murder and politics drove the story. The mystery with its complex layers kept me guessing throughout the story. At one point, I thought I had it all figured out, then the new evidence came to light, leading me down a different path. The many suspects, all of who had motive, added to the complex nature of the mystery. Throughout the investigation, Marc and Avery discover a connection to a fault in a dam construction project. A fault which places the residents in danger in the event of a hurricane.

I enjoyed getting to know the characters and seeing the relationships the characters had with each other. I especially love the romance which developed between Marc and Avery. Also, the banter between Marc and his FBI partner Roden brought some light moments amidst the danger.

I listened to the audiobook, which was a mistake on my part. Luckily, I had a copy of the ebook as a backup. The audio did nothing for the story. One would be better off reading rather than listening. Barbara McCulloh has a pleasant voice, but her delivery was flat. There were no changes in the voices, so one can never tell which character is speaking. It threw the pacing off and made the story felt like a chore to get through.

Despite my disappointment with the audiobook, Concrete Evidence was a solid read and which I recommend to readers who enjoy inspirational romantic suspense.

This story had a really good plot with plenty of surprises. Both Avery and Marc not only had depth to them but made for interesting people as well. I liked that both of them went through things that shook their faith but actually in the end made them stronger in their relationship with God.
There were plenty of good additional people in the story. Marc's mother, Donita is one of them although she doesn't play a huge part in the story. Someone who does play a big part is Marc's FBI partner, Roden Clement. I liked how it was shown how well they worked together, playing off of each other's strengths.  
One of my favorite things that was said in the book was how Avery's grandad always said to her that Sunrise always brought a promise of God watching over us. 
Put your seat belts on for the shocking reveal towards the end. Not only the who of the mastermind but how things come to a dangerous end.  
This story kept me on my toes, guessing all over the place, trying to figure who was behind all of the murders and threats. Also who were all of that person's minions. I liked that and how the story did end.
 
" I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this book, and this is my honest opinion about it.