About the Book

Book: Anchored by Death
Author: Catherine Finger
Genre: Christian Mystery/Thriller
Release Date: June, 2017

Police Chief Jo Oliver needed a little time to herself. But when her escape to Wisconsin turns deadly, she teams up with FBI agent Nick Vitarello, hoping to catch the Bow Tie Killer. Their romantic past and complicated present leads them into uncharted territory as they match wits with a psychopath bent on destroying everything they hold dear.

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MY THOUGHTS.....

Jo Oliver is like so many of today's women. She has worked her way up and is now the Haversport Chief of Police but she also yearns to be a mother and this isn't working out quite as well. From the beginning of this book it's evident that Jo is a strong, capable woman but she is also emotionally fragile. Her efforts to adopt a seven year old girl appear to be on hold and she is also being forced to take a short leave from her job. It is while she is on vacation that she becomes caught up in the search for a murderer and her life is changed drastically. A serial killer, lots of twists and turns, and Jo herself as a target make this a book that will satisfy all who enjoy mystery and suspense.

This is the third book featuring Jo Oliver but author Catherine Finger shares prior history from the first two books to help readers who haven't read them. FBI Agent Nick Vitarello joins Chief Oliver in the hunt for the serial killer and the romantic feelings that they once shared are ignited once again. Romance lovers will enjoy this development and while they are tastefully handled, there are a few instances that may not appeal to everyone. What should appeal is that Jo's past is exactly that. She is now a Christian and there are many references to her faith and her belief in the power of prayer.

If you enjoy realistic characters, romantic suspense, and a faith-filled message, you will want to read Anchored by Death.

I received a copy of this book from the author via Celebrate Lit. There was no obligation to post a favorable review. These are my own thoughts.

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

About the Author

Catherine Finger loves to dream, write, and tell stories. Retired from a wonderful career in public education, she celebrates the ability to choose how to spend her time in a new way during the second half of life. So far, she chooses to write books, ride horses, serve others, and generally find her way into and out of trouble both on the road and at home. She lives in the Midwest with a warm and wonderful combination of family and friends.

More from Catherine

Thank you for your interest in the Jo Oliver thriller series. Today we celebrate Anchored by Death—book three in the series. The basic plot for this book came as a result of an FBI workshop I attended on how profilers track killers. A particular method was presented that really stuck with me. As I thought it over, I had the idea to combine a map of Wisconsin with the tracking technique I had learned, and I actually built the crime scenes around the theory. I then created a killer who would do the sorts of things I had mapped out, and in that order. This was a satisfying challenge for Josie and I enjoyed my research jaunts throughout Wisconsin while writing the chase and takedown scenes.

When Josie’s off the clock and spending time with family and friends, you can catch our heroine in the kitchen. Ever since her infamous Flourless Chocolate Cake appeared in Anchored by Death, fans have requested the recipe. For the epicurean readers, here is the recipe she used when preparing this special treat:

Flourless Chocolate Cake

Ingredients:

12 ounces semisweet chocolate chips
1 ½ sticks butter
¼ salt
6 eggs, room temp
1 ½ cups sugar (white granulated or brown will do)
Confectioner’s sugar and cocoa powder for dusting top and cake stand

How To:

Heat oven to 325 degrees. Prepare springform or regular round pans with nonstick spray or butter and flour.

Melt chocolate, butter, and salt—microwave will work in a pinch—or add all to heatproof bowl and place over small saucepan of simmering water to melt without burning. Set aside to cool

Beat eggs and sugar until light and thickened, around 6-8 minutes. Fold in melted chocolate mixture until completely combined.

Pour batter into buttered and floured cake pan—springform or regular round—and bake at 350 degrees for approximately 90 minutes, until a toothpick comes out wet but relatively clean.

Allow cake to cool completely before removing from pan. Dust with confectioner’s sugar and cocoa—Jo used a stencil for a quick and pretty design.

Thanks again for celebrating Anchored by Death—and know that I appreciate you. Readers are a special breed. As a lover of the written word and an author, I invite you to enjoy the read.