I have a special place in my heart for Brandilyn Collins’ Kanner Lake Series. First of all, I started following her blog in early 2005, and heard about the conception of the series and various tales from its development throughout reading her blog. Then in 2006 I had the great opportunity of being chosen as one of the “Scenes and Beans” bloggers. We would blog as the characters from Kanner Lake, telling humorous stories from their perspectives. I was one of the writers for Pastor Hank, which was good fun as well as a writing challenge. It is hard to keep up with one of CBA’s top suspense writers!

This being said, I am saddened in a way to be participating in the blog tour for Amber Morn, the 4th book in the Kanner Lake series. Since I had a tiny part in helping it along, I’m bummed that the ride is almost over. The good news, for fans of suspense in general and Brandilyn in particular, is that the end of the ride is a catch yer breath, hold on to your seat, not gonna stop fer nuthin’ thrill that will keep your heart pumping until the end. Her trademark is is “Seatbelt Suspense,” as in you better fasten yours. And she’s not kidding in this one.

Amber Morn again features Kanner Lake, but instead of focusing on one person, it is an ensemble piece. The Scenes and Beans bloggers are gathering at the local coffee shop Java Joint for a special celebration. However, three desperate men have other plans, and soon a hostage crisis unfolds. The men want the truth told, and the only way Police Chief Vince Edwards can communicate with them is through the comments on the blog itself.

Brandilyn is a great teacher. She has poured herself out on her blog Forensics and Faith, spending a lot of time helping aspiring writers with their craft. The proof is in the pudding though, and she proves herself as such a strong suspense writer through this series and in particular this book. Her last book, Crimson Eve, was very well received, but it was a little more character driven. Amber Morn, with its multiple viewpoints, can’t quite match that intimacy. It makes up for it with white knucle action. There were several times when I had to put the book down very reluctantly to do things like go to work. Just when you think there’s a little hope, she turns a different screw to put pressure on her characters, and when you think it can’t get worse…oh ho ho! You have to read it for yourself.

All of the books of the series (#1 was Violet Dawn, #2 Coral Moon) were very good reads and fascinating suspense. Brandilyn Collins closes the series with a real bang in Amber Morn. This book does rely on the past books more than any of the others, although you can still pick it up and read it alone. However, I would simply suggest buying the whole series! Just be careful that you don’t forget to b r e a t h e…