New York Times bestselling author Ted Dekker is on a pre-pub blog tour to promote his new thriller “The Bride Collector.” Thoughts in Progress is hosting the tour today.
Dekker’s latest book is scheduled for release April 13.
“The Bride Collector” is a fast pace suspense/thriller from beginning to end. Once you begin reading, it will be hard to put down before you reach the end. FBI Special Agent Brad Raines is on the trial of a serial killer who is targeting beautiful women.
The book begins with the discovery of the fourth victim. Like the ones before her, the latest victim is discovered in an abandoned building. The manner in which the women are killed and left is the puzzler. The killer appears to be collecting brides. Each victim is semi-nude, glued to the wall in a crucifixion-style, drained of blood, and left wearing a wedding veil.
Brad attempts to figure out who the killer is and his next move while trying 
to understand his own demons. Brad, attracted to his beautiful colleague Nikki Holden, won’t allow himself to show her any emotions.
to understand his own demons. Brad, attracted to his beautiful colleague Nikki Holden, won’t allow himself to show her any emotions.The killer leaves a note in the heel of the victim. This leads Brad and Nikki, a forensic psychologist, to The Center for Wellness and Intelligence. They believe the killer has a connection to the center.
Brad enlists the help of four residents at the center to help with the case. Cass, Andrea, and Roudy each have their own unique gift, as well as mental problems. However, it’s Paradise that draws Brad back again and again. Paradise has been diagnosed with schizophrenia but can also see ghosts when she touches a dead body.
The hunt for the ritualistic serial killer intensifies when he targets Nikki as the next bride for God.
The story is a mix of mystery, suspense, action, hope, forgiveness, and a touch of romance. Even though there is a fair amount of internal dialogue going on with both Brad and the killer, the story flows smoothly from one twist and turn to the next.
“The Bride Collector” is a book that I would recommend as a good read if you‘re looking for a mystery/thriller. However, I won’t recommend you read it at night if you’re home alone. The killer’s method of taking a bride will have you re-examining just how secure your home really is.
Ted Dekker is the author of more than 20 novels. He is known for thrillers that combine adrenaline-laced plots with incredible confrontations between good and evil. For more information on Dekker check out his website at www.teddekker.com, on Twitter at www.twitter.com/teddekker and his Facebook page at www.facebook.com/teddekker. He also offers a couple of short stories at http://www.teddekker.com/theunderground
The Bride Collector by Ted Dekker * Center Street * @2010 * ISBN:9781599951966 * 448 pages * Hardcover
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FTC Full Disclosure - This book was sent to me by the Hachette Book Group as part of the blog tour in hopes I would review it. Receiving this complimentary copy did not influence my review in anyway.
My son is reading one of Dekker's series right now...I don't think he's even registering that it's a Christian-themed book. He seems to do well with action stories.
ReplyDeleteElizabeth
Mystery Writing is Murder
Mason - Thanks for sharing The Bride Collector with us. I find the psychology of murder very interesting, and it sounds as though this one deals with that as much as it does the science of the investigation. Interesting....
ReplyDeleteNote to self - won't read at night!
ReplyDeleteI have never thought of reading any of his books-as thrillers are not my genre-I always enjoy hearing about books I would have never read -as it sometimes opens my mind to books out there.
ReplyDeleteElizabeth, this was my first Ted Dekker book and I had no idea it was going to a Christian-theme either. He does a good job combining it with the action and mystery.
ReplyDeleteMargot, it also deals with so much more (but that would spoil it for you). :)
Diane, trust me it will make you stop and think.
Esme, this book is a thriller but it does have a few twists and turns that I normally don't think as being used in that genre.
Sounds fascinating. Thanks for a great review, Mason.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a good book - but scary. Gonna have to think if I could read it without checking the door locks constantly. Thanks for reviewing it.
ReplyDeleteHelen
Straight From Hel
Carol, it keeps you thinking and wondering what is going to happen next.
ReplyDeleteHelen, the door locks aren't what you have to worry about. :)
Sounds a 'must' read. Haven't read a good thriller in ages. Thanks :)
ReplyDeleteSounds really scary!!!! Fun to read about! Thanks! :-D
ReplyDeleteYikes! Even the title gives me the chills :)
ReplyDeleteWendy, this is a thriller and more. You do get caught up in it, or at least I did.
ReplyDeleteMary, the scary part to me was thinking about how realistic the killer was. With some of the things you hear on the news, this guy would fit right in.
Jemi, the cover is what grabbed my attention. I thought maybe it was going to have something to do with an attic. But attic involved here.