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Book Review Archives
TITLE: Blood and Water
AUTHOR: Linda Armstrong-Miller
GENRE: Suspense Fiction
PUBLISHED: Publish America 2004
ISBN: 1-4137-2928-2
REVIEWER: Jan Ackerson
AVAILABLE FROM: http://lindaarmstrongmiller-ivil.tripod.com/
In the opening scene of "Blood and Water," by Linda Armstrong-Miller, a mysterious man contemplates one shocking act and commits another. A few days later, a father and son rush to the hospital to reunite with a wounded family member. The ensuing chapters of this book relate in flashback how these two events are connected. Readers who appreciate suspense and intrigue may enjoy this novel, which centers on the kidnapping of Lisa Rivers, who has technological knowledge that is in demand by a sinister organization.
A secondary plot deals with Lisa's relationships with three men: her estranged father, the son (now 15) who was born to her at a very young age, and the FBI agent who was the father of that son. The theme of reconciliation is strong, and the tangled relationships are resolved in a realistic and satisfactory manner. Although the role of faith is played very lightly in that reconciliation, it is apparent that both Lisa and her father have come to rely on God.
The book is action-packed, and the three central characters (Lisa, her father Sam, and her son Zach) are well-developed and interesting. As Sam and Zach--and later the FBI agent Mitch--race to rescue Lisa from her kidnappers, readers feel their mounting desperation as they attempt to solve riddles and to use Lisa's advanced technological knowledge to save her.
An element that may be problematic to some Christian readers is introduced in the middle of the book, when Sam's dead wife, Sally, returns from heaven in bodily form to talk to Sam, and to help him solve the riddle that will free his daughter. Their conversation, and the way that Sally speaks of heaven, differs greatly from prevailing theology about the afterlife. Sensitive readers should also be aware that this book has some violent scenes which, although necessary to the plot, may disturb some.
The final chapters of "Blood and Water" will have readers wringing their hands in suspense. Armstrong-Miller is a deft story-weaver, and has used many twisted threads to create an intriguing tapestry.
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