Stain of Guilt (Hidden Faces Series #2) | Brandilyn Collins

Stain of Guilt (Hidden Faces Series #2) | Brandilyn Collins | Brandilyn Collins' "Hidden Faces Series" is Superb, Suspenseful, and Spirital

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Stain of Guilt (Hi...

	Stain of Guilt (Hidden Faces Series #2) Brandilyn Collins Zondervan, 2004 - 368 pages average customer review:based on 19 reviews view larger image
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highly recommended

For the highly successful TV show American Fugitive, forensic artist Annie Kingston agrees to draw the updated face of Bill Bland, a cunning fugitive wanted for a double murder committed twenty years ago. In studying the man and his crime, Annie knows she must descend into the mind of a killer a mind of greed, darkness . . . and death . . . Book Two in the Hidden Faces Series.

Excellent Second Installment

Forensic artist Annie Kingston is back in this second installment of The Hidden Faces Series. Annie has been asked to draw the updated face of killer Bill Bland for the popular TV show American Fugitive. Bland has been on the run for 20 years and the authorities hope the new drawing will help flush him out. As Annie dives into her new project, she soon realizes that someone will go to great lengths to stop her from digging deeper into this case. Now Annie's life and the safety of her family is in jeopardy as she diligently works to get to the truth behind the Bill Bland case.

Not only does Collins raise the bar for other suspense authors, somehow she manages to make each installment better. Annie Kingston's first-person narrative effectively drives this series. Annie's struggles are real and we are able to relate with her as a parent and a Christian. As a single mom, Annie must juggle the demands of family with the intense responsibilities that come from working in law enforcement. On top of all of that, as a new Christian she faces an inward battle as she learns to rely on God completely. As Annie continually finds herself in the throes of danger, it is inspiring and encouraging to watch her faith increase.

Collin's writing is edgy, engaging, and absolutely thrilling. She knows how to take readers on a journey that will have them gripping their chairs and looking over their shoulders. This series is highly recommended for fans of suspense and mysteries, as well as those who love stories that challenge and inspire.

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Brandilyn Collins' "Hidden Faces Series" is Superb, Suspenseful, and Spirital

"Stain of Guilt"--the second novel in Brandilyn Collins' "Hidden Faces Series"--is, indeed, another superb work...both suspenseful and spiritual. As I wrote in a previous review of Ms. Collins' books: 'Her well-crafted plots, interwoven with her deeply held Christian faith, meet or exceed the standards of this genre, including the works by best-selling writers of secular suspense. Ms. Collins joins Terri Blackstock and James Scott Bell as one of the best in combining stories which are truly suspenseful and inspiring. Highly recommended!'
-Ron Howe (aka Toby Martin II) / Erskine, MN.

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Suspense with believeable characters

I don't typically read suspense, but decided to give this story a try. Stain of Guilt had a strong beginning, then sagged a wee bit, so I put it down. When I picked it up again, I read the rest within days. Unfortunately, I figured out the ending long before the story ended. I hate it when that happens because I'd rather be surprised. I also wish the ending would have turned out slightly different...where Annie stopped the tragedy in time. Overall, I would recommend Stain of Guilt to suspense lovers because the POV was well done and the author has an obvious mind for suspense writing and getting into the character's head. Bland's characterization was very well done. I felt sorry for the guy toward the end and experienced some of his desperation. I also appreciated the fact that Annie was portrayed as a divorced mother of two. I love how the author showed her realistic struggles raising her children with no father in the home. Very honest approach and well done. I am also curious to see who Annie ends up with romantically and I suppose I'll have to read the next one to find that out. I like that.:) Keeps me reading.

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4 1/2 Stars...Up for Grabs

Brandilyn Collins turned me into a fan with her first Hidden Faces novel, "Brink of Death." She has snared me for good with "Stain of Guilt."

Once again, Annie Kingston must use her skill to draw a criminal portrait of a cold-blooded multiple killer who has been on the lam for twenty years. With promised TV exposure, the portrait could bring long-awaited justice. Although the story races along, pitting Annie against this desperate man, it is fueled by Annie's internal conflicts--with her son, with God, with her quest for peace. She is real, likeable, and honest. We need more of these types of characters in Christian fiction.

The story is fast-paced. One scenario, involving a locked-down house, was particularly effective, using positive and negative sources to ratchet the tension. One or two reviewers have noted a following coincidence that stretches belief, but I found it realistic in light of similar stories from the actual news. Maybe a better lead-up or explanation would've satisfied those readers.

With Annie Kingston's love life and family situation up for grabs, I'll be looking forward to the next in the series.

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Annie Kingston is in danger again!

Annie Kingston's skills as a forensic artist are needed once again to help solve a murder in "Stain of Guilt," the second book in the Hidden Faces series. Her decision to draw the aged face of a suspect who has been on the run for the past twenty years to air on the TV show "American Fugitive" quickly places both herself and her family in danger.

I enjoyed this book, but as a couple of other reviewers have noted, I too guessed the plot twist early on. However, that doesn't keep me from recommending this series. Annie's character is so well drawn and realistic. She is not a super-hero, but an everyday woman trying very hard to do the right thing. She struggles as a single mom to juggle work and family responsibilities; she is afraid when she faces danger, both for herself and her children; and she is overwhelmed with her son's rebellion.

Annie's spiritual journey is genuinely written. While I know that "overnight" conversions do happen, I believe for most of us that God tries to get our attention for quite a while before we turn our lives over to Him. Annie's decision to accept Christ toward the end of this second book seemed very authentic to me.

I look forward to reading the next book in the series to learn not only how Annie's new life in Christ will affect her, but also what will happen with the hints of a romantic triangle developing. And, of course, what new danger Annie will face to keep me turning pages long into the night!

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reviews: page 1, 2, 3, 4

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