What Happened to Mount St. Helens?: Book Review

The Case of the Missing Mountain by Kim Jones

4 stars

The Case of the Missing Mountain is a fun and engaging way for children to learn Creation Science. The name of the book’s title refers to the events of Mount St. Helens. The pages follow two mystery rangers, Jen and Jack, as they find clues to unravel the mystery of what happened to the mountain.

Your child goes along on this activity-filled journey to pick up facts and solve puzzles. Here’s a list of the activities: crossword puzzles, unscrambling words, code breakers, science experiments, eye spy, mazes, and so much more. There are many photographs and creative designs nestled within the pages. After your child has completed everything, they will find volcano facts, Bible verses, jokes, and more at the end of the book. And there’s a special reward waiting at thenaturetour.com for solving seven of the mysteries, two Rockin’ Ranger Activities, and two Mystery Ranger Missions.

Kim is the perfect author for this, since she has a wealth of information on parks. I recommend The Case of the Missing Mountain for families who homeschool their children and teach Creationism. I was homeschooled, and I would’ve enjoyed something like this to pour through. It could be applied with learning geology, America’s parks, and nature.

Since I don’t have any children of my own, I plan on giving this copy to my nieces – who are homeschooled. I think they’ll both like it. My oldest niece wants to be a park ranger so this will be great for her.

This was reviewed for New Leaf Publishing Group

God bless!
~Grace

Startling Revelations: Book Review

The Shadowed Mind by Julie Cave

3 1/2 stars

In this second installment of A Dinah Harris Mystery series, we meet Dinah on another one of her baffling cases. She’s hot on the tracks of a serial killer, but instead of working with her prior partner (David Ferguson), Dinah is saddled with a new one by the name of Samson Cage.

Dinah and Samson make for interesting partners. Dinah is abrasive and Samson is reserved. Even though different, they both work well together. Their first crime scene investigation begins in a dark alleyway. The victim has had no visible trauma, and there’s no evidence of a struggle. They search for any clues that the killer might have left behind. The investigators are stumped when they find a printed sympathy card and an old photograph. Not left with much to go on, they wait for the killer to make his next move.

Everything in Dinah’s life has had a complete turn-around. She’s a born-again Christian with a new outlook on life. She’s also getting help with battling her drinking problem. But will this case prove to be too much for her? And will she lean on old habits?

My Thoughts on The Shadowed Mind:

In my opinion, The Shadowed Mind by Julie Cave is better than Deadly Disclosures. It has a serious tone that tackles the tough subject of eugenics. It’s not a light read and nor is it filled with any romance. I didn’t enjoy following the murderer while he befriended people. But, I like all the information that I got from the history of eugenics. This is really something that people need to be aware of in this country. I already knew about it, but this book opened my eyes to the full extent.

I was stunned by the facts on what I learned in this book. I can’t believe what our country did in the past with involuntary sterilizations. Unfortunately, this belief of who is and isn’t “fit to live” is going on now.

After finishing it all, I am very glad that I read it. It’s important to be informed on these sorts of things. It’s… a nice change instead of always burying yourself in a romance. Don’t get me wrong, I love reading romances! I would also like to note that I like how the character of Dinah is not perfect. She’s got issues just like everyone else. A unique read!

I recommend this book to both men and women who love crime/detective themed stories. Be sure to pick up the first book (Deadly Disclosures) in this series!

Visit Julie Cave’s website: juliecave.com

This was reviewed for New Leaf Publishing Group.

God bless!
~Grace

Interview With Author Julie Cave

Julie Cave has a passion for creationism and law. Both of these are combined together in her newest book. Her debut book Deadly Disclosures (A Dinah Harris Mystery Series #1) released in February of this year. She's currently working on the second book in this series.

Julie and her family live in Brisbane, Australia.


Welcome, Julie!

How did you first get interested in writing?

I loved books from a very young age and read any book I could get my hands on!  When I learned how to write, I immediately began writing stories for my parents and teachers.  When I was twelve, I decided I’d try to write a novel-length book and I was hooked from that moment.  I knew I’d discovered what I loved more than anything else.  I wrote more “novels” throughout high school which was great practice for me and helped me discover the genre that I wanted to write, and the style of writing that suited me.  I can’t really explain it – it’s been my greatest passion  for as long as I can remember.

What were your favorite books growing up?

I loved C.S. Lewis’s Narnia series.  I read every book in the series many, many times as I grew up.  I also loved Enid Blyton, particularly her Famous Five series and Secret Seven series.  It was these books, which involved children solving mysteries, that piqued my interest in the mystery/suspense genre.  In high school, I widened my reading interests to include drama, romance and even horror but I just kept coming back to my first love, mystery/suspense!

You released your debut book Deadly Disclosures (A Dinah Harris Mystery #1) in February of this year. What was the whole process of writing and getting it published like for you?

I remember a friend of mine lamenting that there were very few Christian novels that included apologetics.  At the time, I was wondering how I could combine my faith with my love of writing, and when we put our heads together, we came up with a basic plot for Deadly Disclosures.   My publisher is very committed to producing materials that uphold Biblical authority, which is why I thought they might be interested in my idea. I sent the manuscript to them in five-chapter batches!  It took about four years to write it as I was working full-time and then at law school, so it was written on weekends and late at night after work.  I was fortunate to have the book edited by experts in the apologetics field, to ensure that the information was totally accurate. 

The theme of this story surrounds the battle between creationism vs. evolution. Did it take a lot of research to put this together for the book?

Yes, it did.  The bulk of the research involved  the arguments that both an evolutionist and a creationist would use.  Half-way through writing Deadly Disclosures, I watched the documentary Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed by Ben Stein and was further inspired to continue.  It seemed that my storyline wasn’t so fictional and that scientists and academics all over the world who dare to admit they believe in Biblical creation or even just question evolution face all kinds of harassment and discrimination.  As I mentioned, I was fortunate to have experts edit the book to ensure it was accurate.  I also did research into school shootings, depression/alcoholism, death and suffering and even forensic science!

What are some sites that you would recommend to people who are interested in learning more about creationism?

The best site without a doubt is www.answersingenesis.org. They have a wealth of experts and PhD scientists on a wide range of topics.  They can answer questions regarding the age of the earth, astro-physics, Biblical accuracy and historicity, how evidence such as fossils should be interpreted and many other subjects.

The main character in Deadly Disclosures is the tough and brash Dinah Harris. Where did you get the inspiration for her?

She is a collection of personality traits that I’ve observed in myself and other people over the years.  She has my sense of humour, for example!  I had a very specific journey that I wanted her to take, and this helped formulate her personality and experiences.  I also wanted to create a character that was real and flawed.  I wanted her to struggle with issues that Christians and non-Christians alike can identify with.  I also wanted to illustrate that nobody is beyond Christ’s redemption.

I heard that you’re working on the next book in the Dinah Harris Mystery Series. What is the title and when will it be released?

The title is The Shadowed Mind and will be released in the fall.  There is sneak peek at it in the back of Deadly Disclosures.

Could you share a short sample of your upcoming book with our readers?

The Shadowed Mind broadly address eugenics, euthanasia and racism and the vast difference between what Christianity teaches about human life, and what social Darwinists/eugenicists teach about human life.  The plot revolves around a killer who is targeting victims he considers to be unworthy of life.  Dinah Harris is helping the police to investigate and her personal journey continues as she begins life as a recovering alcoholic and must face old temptations.  Add to this a sociopathic Senator who will stop at nothing to see a euthanasia bill passed, an exhausted daughter caring for her father who suffers from Alzheimer’s disease, an explosive family secret, and a detective who refuses to talk about his past!

Do you have any advice/tips for the aspiring writers out there?

I would have two tips: the first is to keep practicing.  It can take some time to find a style of writing that is uniquely yours, and practice can only make you better.  Seek feedback and read from authors whose style you admire.  Secondly, think about your target audience and start a blog that might appeal to such an audience.  Writing a blog is great practice for your writing, and it can connect you to potential readers.

How can readers get in contact with you?

You can find me at www.facebook.com/julieacave; www.twitter.com/julieacave or at www.juliecave.com.

Thanks so much for doing this interview with us, Julie! We look forward to your next book.

Thank you for having me!

You can order Deadly Disclosures by Julie Cave here: nlpg.com
Read my book review

God bless!
~Grace

Discovering The Truth: Book Review on Deadly Disclosures

Discovering The Truth

3 1/2 stars

Thomas Whitfield is a renowned anthropologist who just recently became Secretary of the Smithsonian. His fame keeps growing thanks to a group named IAFSI – Individualist Association for Scientific Integrity. Everything seems to be going quite well for Thomas: he makes TV appearances, writes speeches, and does anything else that will further his cause. But Thomas’ seemingly perfect world comes to a complete halt when someone kidnaps him.

Dinah Harris was once an FBI agent at the top of her game, working with gangsters to stop the violence on the streets. But there’s an unfortunate accident that costs Dinah her job and respect. Now, Dinah gets a second chance when her former colleague, Ferguson, puts her on a case – the case of Thomas Whitfield’s disappearance.

Ferguson and Dinah start their investigation in Thomas’ office at the Smithsonian. What they find is… basically nothing. The office is almost empty, void of typical objects that an office would have. They search the computer that sits on Thomas’ desk but discover it’s been completely wiped out. What did Thomas have on his computer that had to be wiped out?

While investigating Thomas’ disappearance, Dinah feels desperate and frustrated. She has a short temper and a quick tongue - both of which get her into trouble. Dinah has gone through so much… so much loss. The only way that she can cope with it is to drown her sorrows. So she drinks excessively. Dinah doesn’t really notice that her drinking is pulling her down, ruining her job and life. Can someone save Dinah before it’s too late?

My Thoughts on Deadly Disclosures:

Deadly Disclosures by Julie Cave is unique in that it explores creationism vs. evolution. I’ve never read a fiction book that deals with this sort of thing – it’s a nice change. There is a lot of debating that goes on throughout the story, though, which can be a little tiring.

It’s not a thriller, but it has more of a detective feel to it. Which is what it is; it provides many details/info on the murders and crime scenes. It reminded me of a detective show on TV – kind of CSI style.

The cover design on Deadly Disclosures is attractive. Also, I find the drawings on the inside of the book to be different – in a good way. Whoever put it together did a great job.

Julie Cave is currently writing the next book in this series (A Dinah Harris Mystery). I’m curious to see what happens in Dinah Harris’ life, so I’m sure that I’ll read the second one.

Visit Julie Cave’s website: juliecave.com

This book review was written for Master Books (a division of New Leaf Publishing Group).

God bless!
~Grace