Review – When Death Draws Near

Forensic artist Gwen Marcey is between jobs when she accepts temporary work in Pikeville, Kentucky—a small town facing big-city crime. But before Gwen can finish her first drawing of the serial rapist who is on the loose, the latest witness vanishes. Just like all the others.

Gwen suspects a connection between the rapist and the “accidental” deaths that are happening around town, but the local sheriff has little interest in her theories. When her digitally-obsessed teenage daughter joins her, Gwen turns her attention to a second assignment: going undercover in a serpent-handling church. She could get a handsome reward for uncovering illegal activity—a reward she desperately needs, as it seems her breast cancer has returned. But snakes aren’t the only ones ready to kill. Can Gwen uncover the truth—and convince anyone to believe her—before she becomes a victim herself?

In a thrilling race against time, When Death Draws Near plunges us into cold-case murders, shady politics, and a den of venomous suspects.

My take:

I love forensics and nothing more interesting to me than a forensic artist. It’s even more exiting to know the author, Carrie Stuart Parks, is a forensic artist as it adds such authenticity to the Gwen Marcey Series.

The joy in this series for me continues to be provided by the relatable and unique Gwen Marcey. She has a unique sense of humor, personal problems that we all can sympathize with, and a unique profession. You can’t help but cheer as she makes a step forward in her struggle with cancer and her divorce, and then feel her pain when the cancer returns.

Parks attention to detail is fabulous, and I love learning more about her unique profession. I love the creative descriptions and of course, this is a mystery so all of the twists and turns provided by the author keep you guessing and turning pages. If you love character driven mysteries, I highly recommend this series.