Blood Bayou

Title: BLOOD BAYOU
Author: Karen Young
Publisher: Howard Books
May 2009
ISBN: 978-1-4165-8750-7
Genre: Inspirational/suspense

Camille St. James is an advocate for prisoners, especially those on death row who are innocent. But within days of the state exonerating Chester Pelham, a woman is brutally murdered. Since the method strongly resembles the murders Chester was originally arrested for, Chester is immediately the prime suspect.

Camille finds herself on the sharp side of reporter’s tongues, a merciless killer is on the loose, and Camille’s life is in danger. If that isn’t enough, now her ex-husband, Jack, is back in Camille’s life and he wants to reconcile with Camille. He swears he’s turned his life around and is now a minister.

Camille doesn’t have the time or energy to deal with Jack, and she’s doubtful of his sincerity. Camille relies on the law to guide her life, while Jack is supposedly turning to God. Can she trust the law to lead her to the true killer? Is it Chester or someone else? Or will she need to turn to God to guide her through the murky waters of this case and her relationship?

BLOOD BAYOU is the debut Christian novel by Karen Young. The story starts out with a very chilling prologue, in the point of view of one of the soon-to-be murdered victims. Then the actual story begins with lawyer talk and reporter questions which did slow the beginning down somewhat, but introduced the immediate cause for concern. The story did pick up from there.

Complex characters, and a skillfully woven plot turns this book into a story that you won’t want to read when you’re alone at night. Spine tingling at times, this book is a true nail-bitter. If you like “seatbelt suspense” then Karen Young’s book, BLOOD BAYOU is a story to consider. A preview of her next novel is included at the end of the book. $14.99. 432 pages.