Haven of Swans: (Previously Published as Abomination)

Five stars for the "blew-me-away" surprise near the end as to who the serial missionary killer was. Very good writing. My guess changed every few chapters. I never did get it right, till the author explained. Five stars for weaving together multiple plots, such as a romantic story, a murder mystery, and just some realistic dealing with typical American life-styles & family conditions such as: divorce, adoption, drugs, Alzheimer, religion & work issues. Five start for my introduction into swan differences and the use of a GFS as a treasure hunt tool. The technology and geocachers' quests sound fun. That is, if you stay away from black-billed swans, and mutilated body caches. Or...was it orange bills? Perhaps I'll stick with reading Colleen Coble books. Safer. Assured of gaining rewards with that. Five big stars for putting a serial killer story with gruesome mutilations into perspective with a more up-beat ending than could have been imagined during first 90% of the story. At first it seemed that the only honest religion included was a references to a Bible passage left as clues by the killer for a reason to dismember blonds. True lessons: "But I know I don't deserve the good things God has given me." "Oh, Eve, I prayed and prayed." "Some of us don't pay the price for our sins." NO PREACHING laid on heavy in this novel, but a statement, none the less. Five stars for an Indiana author, making me proud to be a Hoosier grandparent, too. This was my first experience with Colleen Coble. It will not be the last. I'm already buying another copy to send to a friend who is a Christian mystery reader. That's my recommendation, buy two, and bless another reader.

It's easy to write off most books released under a "Christian" label. They're often pale and flimsy, and leave you thinking, "No way this book would have been published by a 'real' publisher." It's wonderful, then, to stumble across a book that is simply good. Not "Christian" good, not "non-Christian" good, but just good. I'm far more interested in a good read than knowing what the author believes (especially in a genre like suspense). The book was interesting, with several subplots, and a lot of candidates for the killer. I enjoyed thinking through who "the guy" might be, and even once I had a strong suspicion, I read with interest and questioning. The ending was strong, there was a particularly horrific scene at the end that was very unique and original, and I think suspense lovers will get a kick out of this. It's not a continuation of the Rock Harbor series (I had not read any of those, and didn't have any questions about what was going on), either. Tons of tension, realistic characters, and a great premise. I'd recommend it to anyone without a second thought.

A serial killer is loose in Upper Peninsula, Michigan, punishing people for their sins. One of his victims escaped with her life and small daughter. Now the race is on to identify the serial killer before he can finish his task. I am a huge fan of Colleen Coble's books, and Abomination is the best yet. One of the reasons I love her books is that she constantly writes stronger with more intricate plots in each book. She cares so deeply about the craft of writing and delighting her readers with a story that will absorb them. Abomination is Colleen's first hardcover and represents a subtle shift. In it, she returns to Rock Harbor. If you've read her Rock Harbor series, you will love the return trip and the chance to see what's happened in Bree and Kade's lives. If you haven't read those books though, you will still enjoy this read. Colleen's done a great job of balancing a setting that's familiar without making it dependent on the earlier series. This plot is also richly layered. Eve Andreakos has amnesia, which severally complicates her attempts to stay safe and protect her daughter - and even though I've seen this type of plot in other books recently, it worked very well in Abomination. Her ex-husband is the lead investigator on the case. Because of their divorce Eve knows there are issues between them, but isn't sure what they are. He wants to start their lives together again, but she can't. Her sister has shown up demanding something Eve can't and won't give her. And a former boyfriend dances into her life again. The suspense in this book is high-paced, probably one of the tightest I've seen from Colleen. And the romance is there, a slight step behind the suspense. The book strikes the balance I love when reading a suspense. If you love suspense, you will love Abomination.

I am so glad Colleen went back to Rock Harber! It was great to read about Bree and Samson again! This book is one of Colleen's best yet! Her character development was fantastic, and the storyline was great. She kept me guessing until the very end. I read this in one sitting because I couldn't bear to put it down! Way to go, Colleen- can't wait for the next one!

Colleen Coble fans can rejoice as her new release, Abomination, takes them back to Rock Harbor for a visit with beloved Bree & Samson. But with Abomination, Coble spreads her creative wings as a master of mystery/suspense. While the book takes place in Rock Harbor and readers will get to visit with the characters from that series, the main character of this book is Eve and the mystery of a serial killer and his fascination with her. Sure, we love being able to get inside Bree's head again, and who doesn't love seeing Samson once more, but this level of mystery goes beyond what we've seen from Colleen Coble before. With true-to-life characters and an intricate plot that will keep readers guessing until the final chapter, Abomination is the perfect burn-dinner, stay-up-late, sleep-with-the-lights-on reading delight. Coble's Abomination is sure to be a hit with readers, as well as with the bestsellers lists. Don't miss this one! I have to give Abomination my highest rating. Run, don't walk to the store and grab this book.