"WITNESS IN THE DARK," by Lynne Larson, Covenant Communications, $14.99, 193 pages (f)
Lynne Larson creates a nail-biting tale full of suspense and faith in "Witness in the Dark." The novel takes place in Tooele with characters traveling to other familiar locations like Cedar City and Salt Lake City.
Jenny Brodie, 19, who is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, is home for summer vacation from Brigham Young University and witnesses a crime. Before she can tell anyone what she's seen, she goes missing. The plot unfolds as family and friends try to find her before time runs out.
While the story is compelling, Jenny is presented as a flawless character. She does well in school, has a family that loves her, a handsome boyfriend, loves children and her faith never wavers even when she finds herself in dire circumstances. Brodie’s goodness and kind nature cannot save her from danger.
Jenny and her family are the picture-perfect LDS family, standing in stark contrast to other shady characters whose low morals, lack of conscience and greed cause heartache and ruin. The lines between good and evil are sharp and clear. LDS culture plays a strong part in the lives of the characters and how they handle trauma and trials. Questions of faith, hope and love are explored and discussed throughout by characters trying to make sense of extraordinary events.
This novel is a quick read and Larson, who has been a school teacher for 30 years, manages to create enough suspense to keep the pages turning. While squeaky clean characters may not be realistic, Larson’s writing has a depth that speaks to the heart of a sympathetic reader.
Mild physical violence is described as well as some psychological torture. There is no sexual innuendo or references nor is there swearing.
Stacey L. Nash is a freelance writer/blogger and full-time kid wrangler. Website: staceylnashwrites.com