The Cover Story by Deb Richardson-Moore (Book Review!)

The Cover Story

A Branigan Powers Mystery, Book 2

by Deb Richardson-Moore

(received in exchange for an honest review)

Genre- Fiction / Christian / Mystery

Published by- Lion Fiction

Copyrighted- 2017

Number of pages- 286

Age Group- Adult

Branigan Powers is off to solve another crime.  This time it’s personal, her niece, Charlie, and her friend have been in a tragic car accident.  Charlie was badly injured, and her friend was killed.  Charlie thinks they were run off the road by an old hearse, the police think it was an accident.

Branigan and her friend, Malachi, are determined to learn the truth.  The clues lead them to a nearby university and several sororities.  Soon another young lady is killed.  Will Branigan and Malachi find the murderer?  Is Charlie’s life in danger?

About the Author-

Deb Richardson-Moore is currently a pastor in South Carolina.  She has been a journalist and worked with the homeless.  Her website is www.debrichardsonmoore.com.

My thoughts-

I know I often say that I can’t put a book down, but I really couldn’t put this one down.  I took myself to a people and animal free room, shut the door, and finished reading the book.  I did not want to be disturbed.

I liked how Branigan teamed worked again with Malachi, who is homeless.  It’s interesting how Richardson-Moore shows the invisibility of homeless, but shows that everyone’s perception of them is wrong.  They do pay attention to what you do and they are wonderful at helping in times of trouble.

I read a lot of mysteries.  I thought that it was great that Branigan could get away with look for clues, since she was a reporter.  It sure helps to solve crimes when they involve family members, if all you’re doing is looking for your next big story.

I would like to see more involvement with Pastor Liam and God in future stories.  Pastor Liam plays an important part, but his role as a pastor and advocating for God doesn’t seem as important.

I can’t wait for another book in the series to see what the memorable characters are up to.  I highly recommend this series.

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received The Cover Story, by Deb Richardson-Moore, for free from the Kregel Publications’ Blog Tour.  All links were current when posted.  I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own or those of my family.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

The Cantaloupe Thief by Deb Richardson-Moore (Book Review!)

The Cantaloupe Thief

A Branigan Powers Mystery, Book 1

By Deb Richardson-Moore

(received in exchange for an honest review)

 

Genre- Fiction / Christian / Mystery

Published by- Lion Fiction

Copyrighted- 2016

Number of pages- 299

Age Group- Adult

Description of book- paperback, listed price- $14.99, ISBN: 978-1-78264-192-6

 Branigan Powers, local reporter, is investigating the ten year murder of a wealthy widow, Alberta Resnick.  This is the only murder than this town hasn’t been able to solve.

Branigan knows that there was a homeless person living in the pool house at the time.  She also knows that the homeless often have a lot of information to share, but are often overlooked.  She contacts a local shelter to see if they can help her find those who were living in the area ten years ago.  The more she asks questions and goes to where they live the more dangerous it becomes.  The killer must be back, the homeless who knew something are beginning to die.

Is Branigan safe?  Who is living in her barn?

About the Author-

Deb Richardson-Moore is currently a pastor in South Carolina.  She has been a journalist and worked with the homeless.  Her website is www.debrichardsonmoore.com.

My Thoughts-

This was a great book to begin the series.  I have been interested in homelessness and this book brought it back into focus for me.  There are many homeless and we need to help them as much as week can.  I could tell how much Richardson-Moore had worked with the homeless and cares about them. 

This book showed me how much drugs can take you from the great works you might accomplish in life to a life of being homeless or to a life of crime.  Branigan’s brother, Davison, and Rita, a former retail clerk, I thought were the best examples.

There are a lot of people who help the homeless in this book.  There are also those who are homeless who are try to help those who live around them.  It was interesting that there were people who had excepted that lifestyle and chose to stay that way.  I think it really helped them stay anonymous in life.

The murder mystery to me was a side note on the bigger social issues being discussed.  It was captivating though.  I did not guess the guilty person.  I didn’t even have any idea. 

I’m looking forward to the next book in the series to see what other social issues are talked about.  I recommend that you read this book if you like mysteries or if you want a different viewpoint of the homeless.

If you want to learn more about Richardson-Moore’s work with the homeless, read her book, The Weight of Mercy.

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received The Cantaloupe Thief, by Deb Richardson-Moore, for free from the Kregel Publications’ Blog Tour.  All links were current when posted.  I was not required to write a positive review.  The opinions I have expressed are my own or those of my family.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

The Weight of Mercy: A Novice Pastor on the City Streets by Deb Richardson-Moore

Genre- Christian/Autobiography

Published by- Monarch Books

Copyrighted- 2012

Number of pages- 288

Age Group- Adult

Description of book- paperback, listed price- $13.99, ISBN 978-0-85721-229-0

 

 

 

After 27 years as a journalist Deb Richardson-Moore became a Baptist pastor.  She became the pastor at Triune Mercy Center.  At Triune she had to go through many different challenges.  She has had to deal with break-ins, people on drugs, the homeless, and prostitutes.  And among all the negativity, Christ was there protecting and changing the lives of all involved.  Deb Richardson-Moore took a difficult situation and made a safe place for all.

Excerpt from the book!

About the Author-

Deb Richardson-Moore is the pastor of Triune Mercy Center in Greenville, South Carolina.  She is married and has three grown children.  This is her first book.

 

 

 

 

 

My thoughts-

I was very inspired by Deb Richardson-Moore and the work she has done and issues she has overcome at Triune.  She is such a strong woman and has had such courage to continue with her work as a pastor when there were so many difficult times.  I know that I couldn’t do everything she does with her inner-city church.

This book was well written and I had a hard time putting it down, because I wanted to know what would happen to her and the people involved with the church.  There are many people who are homeless who help her in different ways and there are other churches as well.  I ‘m surprised she was able to do everything and still develop a sermon.

I would have enjoyed reading a little bit more about her family life.  I know that she lived in an area that was a lot different than her church and more comparison would have helped me understand how different her life is. 

If you are looking for a book about inspirational women or pastors or a book about an inner-city church or all three then this book is for you.  Even if you aren’t looking for those subjects this book is still a must read. 

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received The Weight of Mercy by Deb Richardson for free from the Kregel Publications’ Blog Tour.  All links were current when posted.  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.