Aftermath

4.75 starsAs with all of Terri Blackstock books, Aftermath was a highly enjoyable, engaging, quick read for me. Her novels are Christian mysteries that have a balance of suspense, an intriguing, thought-provoking topic, a bit of romance, and a compelling, uplifting message.The story starts with a explosion at a political rally and concert. We follow a victim who survives and her rapid decline into paranoia and madness as a survivor of such a traumatizing event. Meanwhile, Dustin Webb, the co-owner of a security firm is wrongfully accused of the bombing and calls upon his estranged childhood friend and defense attorney, Jamie Powell to help. To make matters more complicated, Dustin’s business partner is in hospital with his wife and crippled by grief as he faces the her impending death to cancer.This story delves into some heavy, but pertinent topics of terrorism, fear and trauma, mental health, grief, loss, faith in trying situations and forgiveness. With likeable and relatable characters it hits all of the emotions. These issues are wrapped up in a message of hope and healing. Life is scary and hard, but we are not alone. How we live this life matters and having faith when it seems impossible provides not only the hope we need to persevere, but is also what will see us through.The slow reveal of the perpetrator was heart-wrenching, though the revelation of the culprits was less shocking and definitely downplayed. They were perhaps, not really the point of the story. The title was apropos, in that we all have to figure how to handle the aftermath of trauma of some kind in our own lives. The summation was lovely and fulfilling. Aftermath was yet another story by Terri Blackstock that I couldn’t put down, but was sad to see it end.

Taylor Reid and her friends go to enjoy a night out at a concert when an explosion separates them and only Taylor makes it out alive. Dustin Webb is arrested in association of the bombing and swears he is being framed. He calls the one person he thinks can help with his biggest problem, his next-door neighbor from when he was growing up, Jamie who is now an attorney. Jamie puts her career on the line by agreeing to help Dustin, whom she knows could never have had anything to do with what they are accusing him of. Together they must figure out who framed him for the bombing and why before anything else happens to hurt themselves or others.It has been a long wait for a new Terri Blackstock book, and I have to say she did not disappoint with Aftermath. The writing was very well done and kept the suspense throughout all while writing a clean and engaging story. Terri Blackstock has been one of my favorite authors for a very long time, writing fun, exciting, novels all while keeping an element of faith. As the story progresses, readers see flashbacks of Dustin and Jamie’s time growing up together and makes it hard to keep from rooting for them to succeed, not only in proving his innocence but also in finding a relationship together. There is a lot of exploration in this novel, between why the characters act the way they do and how each choice affects the others involved. A few lose strings that didn’t get tied up but not enough to keep the story from being a really enjoyable read. I recommend this to readers that have enjoyed Blackstock’s writing before and are aching for a great new romantic suspense read.

Terri Blackstock is one of my favorite authors. She knows how to tell a. thrilling story, while including God and His love. Excellent writing.The characters in this story feel so real. As I read through the story I could feel the emotions of Taylor, Harper, Jamie, Dustin, Wendy and Travis.Terri's personal note at the end is very encouraging and inspiring. I encourage everyone to read this book! It's a very good read! Once again Terri didn't disappoint in her twists and mystery!

"This was the Twilight Zone. He couldn't have been more confused if he'd been on a three-day bender, but he hadn't had a drink since he got out of the army."Arrested, due to an anonymous tip regarding the explosive materials found in his trunk, Dustin Webb places a call to the one person who had always believed in him. Jamie Powell.Surprised would be an understatement. Criminal attorney Jamie Powell couldn't imagine why her best friend growing up, whom she had not spoken to in years, would be calling her from the county jail. After listening to Dustin's predicament, she couldn't agree with him more, he needed legal representation quickly. Jamie was determined to learn why the authorities had arrested Dustin as a suspect in an explosives heist, in addition to an horrific downtown bombing that killed dozens of people, including an up and coming politician. He had clearly been set up.Put on your seat belt. This amazing romantic suspense takes dips and curves at a very high speed, sending your heart into overdrive and muddling your brain to the point that you may feel as sleep deprived as the characters. Desperate people do desperate things, leaving Dustin and Jamie tangled in the "after math"."He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. . . . . For it is he who delivers you from the snare of the trapper and from the deadly pestilence . .. " Psalm 91

The plot could have been more intense. Knew the ending long before I got there. However, I enjoyed the book. It’s an easy read and most everyone will enjoy it.

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