Crimson Eve

A woman on the run from a dangerous secret. Another woman, with a key to open the mystery. And men desperate to shut them down before positions of power are shaken at their foundations. Hmm. This could play right into some of the things we see in politics nowadays. The amazing thing about "Crimson Eve" is that Brandilyn Collins takes high stakes and big concepts and fits them into a small-town story. She stays focused on the characters who have so much to lose, rather than turning this into an over-the-top political thriller. Once again, we start out in Kanner Lake (boy, this town sees a lot of action), but Collins wisely detours into outlying areas, allowing us a break from that besieged town, while keeping us in touch with some of our beloved friends from previous books. She does this in ways that seem fitting to the story, never forced. The first two Kanner Lake books were mysteries with some great suspense. This book is a full-speed-ahead thriller, with some mystery thrown in. I was reminded a number of times of Harlan Coben (one of my favorite authors). Sometimes, Coben comes up with so many twists that it seems almost too much. Here, too, Collins uses some story ideas that push that edge of credulity, considering the four or five people all complicit to make this mystery work. Never fear, though, Collins is a master at her craft and she has us buying into this conspiracy theory while also relating deeply to the struggles of her main characters. She uses diary excerpts to great effect, allowing us to understand what has gone before, and what is to come. I don't know how Collins keeps coming up with these great stories. She's consistent. The stories are fast-paced. And the characters come to life. When it comes to Christian suspense, Collins is one of those leading the charge.

Crimson Eve is the third book in the Kanner Lake series by Brandylin Collins, and is my favorite. Carla Radling, a minor character in the first two books, is a realtor and showing a house to a suave British millionaire. Carla thinks the showing is going great until the handsome man drops the British accent and pulls a gun. Carla makes a split-second decision that saves her life and she manages to escape. But she can't go far. The assassin contacts her via phone and tells her she can trust no one, even the police. And if she does try and get help, those that help her will be in danger too. That's the set-up for the woman-in-jeapordy plot line. As with the first two novels in the series, there is a lot more going on, and Collins weaves in the other storylines effortlessly. Tanya Evans returned home after a long day only to see a man in her living room. He threatens Tanya to not say a word about a secret she has harbored for years. If she does, she will die. Carla is on the run, and her friends in Kanner Lake begin to notice her absence. Fiesty reporter Leslie Brymes can't help but try and get to the bottom of the story. And perhaps most compelling, Carla's secret. Carla thought she had escaped her past, but her past wouldn't let her forget. We learn about Carla's tragic teenage years through her own diary. While some of it is predictable, there are enough twists and turns to make you flip the pages as fast as you can. Taking the novel in as a whole, I don't think there is anything truly new, but Collins takes all the pieces and throws them together perfectly. Collins also gives this novel higher stakes, with Carla's fate affecting the entire country. This is a fun series and is scheduled to end with the next book, Amber Morn. While I'd love this series to go on past four books, how much tragedy can really happen in one town? Collins fans will love this book. Those considering reading this book should definitely start at the beginning of the series and not because you wouldn't be able to understand Crimson Eve, but because it is so much fun reading about Kanner Lake and its characters.

Fasten your seat belts for another great ride with Brandilyn Collins in Crimson Eve. From the first moment when Carla Radling realizes her life is in danger from the secrets of her past to the moment of conclusion, you are caught up in the intricacies only Brandilyn can devise. With Carla on the run, her friends in Kanner Lake seek to find her and help her escape whatever it is that is driving her away from them. The closer you think you are to the truth, the more twists are thrown in to drive you off track. How it all comes together makes for a truly satisfying ending, but do expect a few dead bodies along the way. Fast paced action and characters give this novel all the ingredients for a wild, but satisfying journey back to Kanner Lake.

Crimson Eve is Collin's best yet! I couldn't put it down!! It was full of suspense & excitement that keeps your full attention. Once again I was not disappointed by Collin's intriguing & suspenseful storytelling.

Crimson Eve is Collins's most intense thrill ride to date. Kanner Lake realtor Carla Radling just may have landed her dream commission. Someone is interested in purchasing the sprawling estate of the late actress, Edna San. As Carla shows the property to the eccentric potential buyer, things suddenly take a horrible turn for the worse. Now Carla is on the run from a man who wants her dead because of the shadowy past of her childhood. He will stop at nothing to claim her life, and Carla must somehow find a way to protect herself and her reputation. If the citizens of Kanner Lake really knew Carla's story could they possibly still love and accept her? How far can one flee from the past before the past catches up? Brandilyn Collin's Kanner Lake Series is hands down her best work. The fictional town of Kanner Lake is a delightful creation, full of cleverly crafted characters that are quirky, loveable, and memorable. From the twisting and turning plots to the shocking revelations, Collins proves she is a master of the suspense genre. Each story in the series is vastly different and yet all are equally entertaining and riveting. Embedded in the suspenseful storylines we find nuggets of hope and faith that are both insightful and encouraging. This series is highly recommended for fans of suspense thrillers and mystery. (Originally reviewed as a series for Christian Library Journal)