Only by Death (Ozark Mountain Trilogy Book #2)

Kathy Herman

Description

Is Liam Berne a loving son--or a murderer? The second book in the Ozark Mountain Trilogy, Only by Death is a thought-provoking suspense story of a man who loses everything and learns he must die to find life.After much agonizing, Liam Berne takes his mother, who has Alzheimer's, to the Sure Foot River and drowns her. A mercy killing, he tells himself, to spare her years in a nursing home. And getting his inheritance early isn't a bad thing either.Dixie Berne's body is recovered and the coroner cannot find any sign of foul play, though Liam's sister isn't convinced. Then Liam hears rumors that a twelve-year-old boy has witnessed the drowning. Terrified that he will be discovered, Liam sets out to intimidate the boy into silence. Little does Liam know that someone else suspects him--someone who intends to make him pay.

Sujets

• Romance
• Thriller

Informations

• Publié par: Baker Publishing Group
• Date de parution: 01 avril 2018
• Nombre de lectures: 0
• EAN13: 9781493422098
• Langue: English
• Poids de l'ouvrage: 2 Mo

Extrait

What people are saying about …
Only by Death
“Just when you think it’s over, it’s not … and the tension mounts. Young Jesse is brave, spunky, and lives out his faith. I want to be like Jesse when I grow up!”
Roxanne Henke, author of After Anne , book 1 in the Coming Home to Brewster series
“Kathy Herman’s Only by Death hinges on a subtle principle from God’s Word that points the reader to the secret of happiness and holiness—a secret discovered sooner or later by all true servants of the Savior. Readers of all ages will readily identify with the protagonist in this highly engaging read. Only by Death is not your typical murder mystery.”
Eric Wiggin, MsEd, speaker, author of The Gift of Grandparenting and The Hills of God , rewritten as The Recluse
“ Only by Death , book 2 of Kathy Herman’s Ozark Mountain Trilogy, is filled with action, suspense, and surprises, as well as thought-provoking questions about what it really means to live the Christian life. Looking forward to book 3!”
Julianna Deering, author of the Drew Farthering Mysteries
“What does it really mean to put God’s will ahead of your own? Kathy Herman explores the question in a heart-stopping story that kept me on the edge of my seat from the very first line until the final page. Only by Death is a riveting book that will challenge your own concept of obedience and linger in your heart.”
Carol Cox, author of the Arizona Territory Brides series
“ Only by Death is not an easy read, just as the Christian life is not a sunny afternoon stroll. But the journey this book unfolds is worth the tension and danger. Both heartwarming and chilling.”
Lyn Cote, USA Today bestselling author
“The tension in Kathy Herman’s newest book builds slowly, then erupts and leaves you wondering—and worrying—clear to the end. One of her best so far, especially in the faith thread. It will challenge you at a deep level, making you question where you would stand if the same things happened to you. I highly recommend Only by Death —truly a must read.”
Miralee Ferrell, award-winning author of Runaway Romance , also a TV movie

© 2018 Kathy Herman
Published by Bethany House Publishers 11400 Hampshire Avenue South Bloomington, Minnesota 55438 www.bethanyhouse.com
Bethany House Publishers is a division of Baker Publishing Group, Grand Rapids, Michigan. www.bakerpublishinggroup.com
Previously published by David C Cook
Ebook edition originally created 2018
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means—for example, electronic, photocopy, recording—without the prior written permission of the publisher. The only exception is brief quotations in printed reviews.
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data is on file at the Library of Congress, Washington, DC.
ISBN 978-1-4934-2209-8
This story is a work of fiction. Characters and events are the product of the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to any person, living or dead, is coincidental.
All Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION® and NIV® are registered trademarks of Biblica, Inc. Use of either trademark for the offering of goods or services requires the prior written consent of Biblica, Inc.
Published in association with the literary agency of Alive Communications, Inc, 7680 Goddard St., Suite 200, Colorado Springs, CO 80920.
Cover Design: Kirk DouPonce, DogEared Design
Cover Photo: iStock
To Him who is both the Giver and the Gift
CONTENTS
Cover
Endorsements
Title Page
Copyright Page
Dedication
Acknowledgments
Prologue
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
A Note from the Author
Discussion Guide
An Excerpt from A Treacherous Mix
Back Ad
Back Cover
Acknowledgments
This is the first time in my writing career that my husband is not here with me to celebrate the release of a new book. My sweet Paul—best friend, business manager, sounding board, ardent supporter, and the other half of my heart—stepped into eternity before this book was finished. I have yet to find words adequate to describe how much I miss him. But though he’s absent in body, his words of wisdom and encouragement still echo in my heart and mind, reminding me of why I do what I do. My success, to a large degree, is the result of Paul’s partnership in my writing ministry, and his unselfish willingness to work our personal life around my deadlines and commitments. Without his support, understanding, and prayers, I would never have been able to write professionally. I am forever grateful.
I love Arkansas! After moving to the rolling hills of East Texas from the Front Range of Colorado, I discovered that anytime I missed the mountains, I could travel to nearby Arkansas to satisfy that longing. I chose the Ozark Mountains of northwest Arkansas to provide the backdrop for this series and many of the images I describe in the story. However, Sure Foot Mountain, Angel View Lodge, Raleigh County, and the town of Foggy Ridge exist only in my imagination.
During the writing of this book, I drew from several resource people, each of whom shared generously from his or her storehouse of knowledge and experience. I did my best to integrate the facts, as I understood them. If accuracy was compromised in any way, it was unintentional and strictly of my own doing.
I owe a special word of thanks to Re tired Commander Carl H. Deeley of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department for helping me to understand the finesse of obtaining a child’s eyewitness statement; ways to legally obtain DNA evidence when a warrant is not justified; why and when an Amber Alert is issued; details about autopsies, postmortem bruising, and covert surveillance; and how a mobile command post is equipped and operated. Carl, you generously gave of your time and expertise. You’re a joy to work with!
I want to thank my reader friend, Paul David Houston, former assistant district attorney, for advising me on trusts and power of attorney. Paul, we go back a long way. You’ve always been a trusted source of information. Thanks!
To my novelist friends in ChiLibris, who allow me to tap into your collective storehouse of knowledge and experience—what a compassionate, charitable, prayerful group you are! It’s an honor to be counted among you.
To Nancy Godsey, Betty Mix, Martha Shelton, Sharon Mayville, and Gloria Langford, my friends at the Waterton Inn in Tyler, Texas, for falling in love with my books. Your newfound excitement lit a fire in me during a difficult year when grief had snuffed out my creativity. You will never know how God used you. He is faithful!
I’m immensely grateful to my faithful prayer warriors: my sister Pat Phillips; dear friends Mark and Donna Skorheim, Susan Mouser, and Susie Killough; my online prayer team—Pearl Anderson, Judith Depontes, Jackie Jeffries, Joanne Lambert, Diane Morin, Kim Prothro, Kelly Smith, Carolyn Walker, and Sondra Watson; and my friends at LifeWay Christian Store in Tyler, Texas, and LifeWay Christian Resources in Nashville, Tennessee. I cannot possibly express to you how much I value your prayers.
To my agent, Lisa Jackson, at Alive Communications, for being such an advocate for this series. I never have to wonder if you’re looking out for my best interests.
To my editor, Jamie Chavez, for never being afraid to speak the truth—but with such grace. Thanks for affirming, instructing, and inspiring. Your suggested improvements to this story proved immeasurable. I’m looking forward to working with you again.
To Cris Doornbos, Dan Rich, Alice Crider, and the amazing staff at David C Cook publishers for believing in me and investing in the words I write; thanks for all you’ve done to support my writing ministry, and for giving me the opportunity to finish this series. I have loved being a part of the Cook “family” for an entire decade.
And most important, thank you, Heavenly Father, that I am Your handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which You prepared for me before I was ever born. Open the hearts of my readers to see and understand that it is only by death that we live, only by death that we find our true selves. Let my words glorify Your Name.
Prologue
“For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live.” Romans 8:13
Liam Berne was about to commit murder—at least according to Arkansas law. He blocked out the voice of his railing conscience as he clutched tightly to the wheel of his old Chevy Caprice, bumping and rocking over an unmarked road that led to a secluded bank on the Sure Foot River. Tall leafy trees and short-leaf pines lined both sides of the road and formed a tight verdant canopy, allowing only an occasional glint of sunlight to peek through.
He glanced over at his elderly mother, who had started rambling again.
“I do love ridin’ the roller coaster,” Dixie Berne declared, sounding as if she actually knew what she was saying. “But Roland’ll have a conniption if he finds out I threw away hard-earned money on a carnival ride.” She folded her hands in her lap and exhaled loudly. “How much farther’s the church? We’re fixin’ to be late for the weddin’!”
“It’s just over yonder,” Liam said, trying to sound calm.
“Who’re you ?”
“I’m your son, Liam.”
“You can’t drive without a license, young man.”
Liam smiled, then reached over and gently clasped her wrist. “It’s okay, Mom. I passed my driver’s test.” Nearly forty years ago.
“Carry me to the bus stop!” she said, her voice suddenly frantic. “I need to get home and fry my chickens. Aunt Lena and Uncle Jack are comin’ for sup