How Big Is Your God?
Shattered By Death by Catherine Finger is a contemporary Christian thriller and the second book in the Jo Oliver series. It can however be read as a stand-alone.
Catherine Finger presents another fabulous thriller with action that keeps the reader guessing to the end.
The novel is written in the first person from the point of view of police chief Jo Oliver. The reader become intimately acquainted with her. Jo is a very realistically drawn character. She is incredibly strong as a police officer but also has her insecurities. No one is ever completely strong so the reader finds it easy to identify with her.
Jo Oliver is a fairly new Christian. She finds it hard to trust God completely as she still equates Him with man. “I needed more work in the trusting God over man department.” Jo finds it easier to trust what she sees rather than have faith in the One she cannot see. I am sure most of us can identify with that thinking at times.
Jo has her fears but knows that “God is bigger than your fears.” As life becomes uncertain so Jo will need to place her hope and trust in God, Who still calms the storms.
As in book one Jo is still planning to adopt Samantha. Like all prospective parents she fears she will not be a good enough mother, but “No one’s prepared for parenthood until they step into it.” Jo will have to trust her instincts and take each day as it comes.
The novel shows the importance of having good friends. Friends whom you can rely on to help and support you when life throws you curve balls.
Within the story there is a tension between listening to the lies the enemy tells you and hearing the voice of God. “I need You God. You’ve got to swoop down and clear my head of these lies.” As Jo’s Christian walk becomes stronger, she recognises her clear need for God. There will never be a day when she doesn’t need God by her side. God is a faithful God and He longs to have His children call out to Him.
As a police thriller Shattered By Death does deal with crime scenes and subjects that do not make for easy reading. Two topics covered are domestic abuse and abuse of the vulnerable. Catherine Finger has clearly done her research and sensitively presents the facts and the cases. She shows that abuse can happen to anyone regardless of their age or social standing. It is never the victim’s fault and it is always important to get help.
Once again I was completely caught up in the world of Jo Oliver. She is an extremely likeable character and I cannot wait for her next case.
Catherine Finger is a sensitive and talented writer and I can highly recommend her books.
I received this book for free in exchange for a fair and honest review. No monetary compensation was received and all views expressed are my own.
JULIA WILSON