August Book Review

Good and evil clash in Ted Dekker's newest thriller. On the side of good is Special Agent Brad Raines, an FBI investigator. He, along with his partner, Nikki Holden, is hunting a maniacal killer who has become known as The Bride Collector. Four women have been killed by having small holes drilled in their heels, allowing the blood to drain from their body. They have then been glued and hung on the wall of a deserted barn. A handwritten note and a bridal veil have been found with each victim. Nikki and Brad have deduced that the killer may have some sort of psychoses, so they have enlisted the help of the Center for Wellness and Intelligence, a private home for gifted, mentally challenged patients.

On the side of evil is Quinton Gauld. A former employee of CWI, Quinton now lives a rich life, driving fancy cars and living in an upscale apartment. Quinton believes that he's on a mission from God; to deliver the most beautiful women in the world to Him as His brides. Four have already been accosted by Quinton, and that number soon grows to six. The seventh awaits.

Meanwhile, Brad has enlisted the help of four people from CWI. The most intriguing is Paradise; a disturbed young woman who suffers from manic depression. However, she has a gift; the ability to see images. Brad believes that she might be able to help catch the Bride Collector. However, the game is about to get much more deadly than Brad and Paradise can begin to imagine. Will Paradise and Brad be able to catch the Bride Collector before it's too late, or will the Bride Collector succeed in delivering his 7th and final victim to God?

This is a first-rate thriller. The battle boils down to Brad & Paradise vs. the Bride Collector, and only one side can win. The story is exciting and full of twists and turns. The character development is excellent, especially the growth of the relationship between Brad and Paradise. The reader develops a real connection with each of the characters. Dekker throws in plenty of surprises along the way, too.

I give this fine book my highest recommendation. I've only recently started reading Ted Dekker's books ("Boneman's Daughters" was my first), but he has quickly become one of my favorite authors. I especially like the way he includes good vs. evil in his stories. His style of writing is first-rate, and the reader is quickly drawn in. If you like fast-paced, thrilling stories, then don't miss "The Bride Collector".

Review written by
Jeffrey T. Munson, Library Director