Terri Blackstock's Double Minds~Reviewed

Double Minds: A Novel (Paperback)
by Terri Blackstock
Paperback: 336 pages
Publisher: Zondervan (February 1, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0310250633

If you'd like to read chapter one, click here.

Back Cover:

The young girl with the Bohemian style was on the floor where she’d fallen, between Parker's computer case and her file cabinet. She wore a long, flowing skirt—lavender, the color of calm—and camel-colored Uggs. She lay on her back, her long, wavy blonde hair matted with blood.

For struggling singer/songwriter Parker James, the music business has just turned deadly. Her desk in the reception area of a busy recording studio has become a crime scene, and Parker finds herself drawn into a mystery where nothing is as it seems.

Unraveling the truth puts her own life at risk when she uncovers high-level industry corruption and is terrorized by a menacing stalker. As the danger escalates, Parker begins to question her dreams, her future, and even her faith.

Double Minds is a double treat—combining a compelling suspense novel with an inside look at the world of the Christian music industry in Nashville. Terri Blackstock grabs readers at page one and keeps them riveted until the final plot twist is untangled.

Review:

Blackstock introduces readers to the darker side of Christian music in Double Minds. Not all is dark, of course, but the scenario she weaves includes murder, investigation, stalking and a cast of unusual characters. The underlying theme of grown-up children who've experienced horrible or painful lives ends up being an interesting thread.

Parker James, the main character, is a songwriter/performer who is at the very brink of making a name for herself. Her best friend, the girl who has made some of Parker's songs hit the charts, struggles with an eating disorder and a past that haunts her. Parker's own past is still a lingering presence in the loving divorce status of her praying mother and her alcoholic father.

A murder of a girl who was sitting at Parker's desk rattles the tight-knit community of musicians. Fortunately, Parker's brother Gibson is one of the detectives assigned to the case. But as things unravel and are revealed, the tension increases. Parker begins to fear for her life. It seems the murderer isn't finished yet.

A solid story full of humanity in its beauty and ugliness that will take readers on a roller coaster ride to the very end. A strong faith thread that may challenge readers to consider motivation and to see people in a different light.

Reviewed by: Kelly Klepfer

Bonus Review:


Terri Blackstock begins this murder mystery with a bang!! Not only is this stand-alone book filled with suspense, mystery and intrigue, it’s very thought provoking. I love how this author weaves the tough questions of life throughout this gripping tale.

Songwriter Parker James, has written some Top 10 Christian songs for her friend Serena. Serena is about to sign a deal with a Billboard record company to expand her audience. Parker is struggling with her friend’s decision to sign with a secular label. Parker’s brother says to her “…God doesn’t only call us to do things in Christian arenas. I’m not a Christian cop. I’m a cop who’s a Christian. I don’t just solve Christian murders.” I LOVED this line. How true is this? Ever struggle with that in your life? Parker struggles with that and more.

Parker learns of others agony and struggles through the course of this murder mystery. Her mother says “...a person had to want freedom more than bondage before God would grant it.(freedom) Prayers of the double-minded often went unanswered.” Wow!! Terri Blackstock has so many profound moments right from the beginning of this thrilling story up to the end. I know you’ll enjoy the message and excitement of this book so much you'll be compelled to share this with a friend or two.

Reviewed by: Nora St.Laurent Book Club Servant Leader