Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Release Date: August 8, 2017
Genre: Contemporary Fiction / Suspense/Thriller

Genre: Contemporary Fiction / Suspense/Thriller

An unsolved case. A tempest of memories. The future’s at stake—and time is running out...
Gwen Marcey has done a good job of keeping the pain of her past boxed up. But as she investigates the case of a missing child in Lapwai, Idaho, details keep surfacing that are eerily similar to her childhood traumas. She doesn’t believe in coincidences. So what’s going on here?
No one knows more about the impact of the past than the Nez Perce people of Lapwai. Gwen finds herself an unwelcome visitor to some, making her investigation even more difficult. The questions keep piling up, but answers are slow in coming—and the clock is ticking for a missing little girl. Meanwhile, her ex-husband back home is threatening to take sole custody of their daughter.
As Gwen’s past and present collide, she’s in a desperate race for the truth. Because only truth will ensure she still has a future.
Gwen Marcey has done a good job of keeping the pain of her past boxed up. But as she investigates the case of a missing child in Lapwai, Idaho, details keep surfacing that are eerily similar to her childhood traumas. She doesn’t believe in coincidences. So what’s going on here?
No one knows more about the impact of the past than the Nez Perce people of Lapwai. Gwen finds herself an unwelcome visitor to some, making her investigation even more difficult. The questions keep piling up, but answers are slow in coming—and the clock is ticking for a missing little girl. Meanwhile, her ex-husband back home is threatening to take sole custody of their daughter.
As Gwen’s past and present collide, she’s in a desperate race for the truth. Because only truth will ensure she still has a future.

Portrait of Vengeance by Carrie Stuart Parks is the 4th novel of the Gwen Marcey series. Unfortunately, I have not read any of the previous installments, though the good thing is I don't feel like I've missed anything. The bad thing? I haven't read the rest of the series. Being my first book of this author's, I didn't know what to expect. I just know that I love that cover and it has a haunting feel to it that I can't let go. And boy, the story was just as haunting, or maybe more as the cover.
With unmistakeable psychological personification within its characters' development, readers will be unsure what to expect next. However, I did pick the villain out quite early on, but it was with uncertainty. Characters were quite developed, at least the main characters, but many of the side / supporting characters felt unfinished. It is possible they played a bigger role in the previous installments.
In all, Portrait of Vengeance is filled with rich characters and a suspense that haunts you through the night, wrapped in a pretty package of a cover and an equally spectacular title.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and have not been compensated for this. This is my honest opinion.
BOOKS IN THE GWEN MARCEY SERIES

Carrie Stuart Parks is an award-winning fine artist and internationally known forensic artist. Along with her husband, Rick, she travels across the US and Canada teaching courses in forensic art to law enforcement as well as civilian participants. She has won numerous awards for career excellence. Carrie is a popular platform speaker, presenting a variety of topics from crime to creativity.
Thank you for your review! The cover looks like one of my watercolors.
ReplyDeleteThank you Carrie for stopping in!! How awesome is that. It's really beautiful!
DeleteCarrie, congratulations on your Christy win!!
DeleteGreat review, Annie!
ReplyDeleteThanks Caryl!!
DeleteThis is one of my favorite series - I have been checking my library vigilantly to see if they have a copy. You need to go back and read the others!
ReplyDeleteLOL Dianna! Love your enthusiasm for sure!! I can't wait to catch up on the rest of the series!
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