This book drove me crazy. I was so creeped out that I kept wanting to stop reading, but I couldn't stop because I had to know what happened. Waking Hours was published by a Christian publisher, but don't make the mistake of thinking that means it's not a book that will keep you up at night. It just means there is no cussing or sex in the book. Trust me, you won't miss it.

Tommy Gunderson is the town hero: former high school football star, former NFL player. He's also a Christian, which makes for some very interesting conversations with Dani Harris, who is a scientist through and through, and doesn't believe in anything she can't see and touch. There is no preaching going on here, though. I can't say that the Christian part is downplayed because the mystery Dani and Tommy are unravelling seems to literally be a battle between good and evil, God and Satan.

Aside from the crime-solving, watching Tommy and Dani get to know each other is sweet and funny. There is a lot of humor in this book, despite the subject matter. Tommy, in particular, has a corny sense of humor. I could give a dozen examples, but my favorite line is,

At the double door to the east wing, a workman on a stepladder was mounting a bracket to the moulding. "I have one just like that. I love my stepladder," Tommy told Dani. "But it makes me sad to think I never knew my real ladder."

This book has it all: mystery, humor, a battle between good and evil, a little hint of romance. Waking Hours is the first in the The East Salem Trilogy, and I'll be waiting for the next installment.

About the book
Title: The Waking Hours (The East Salem Trilogy)
Author: Lis Wiehl with Pete Nelson
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Release date: October 4, 2011
Pages: 336
Where I got the book: I got this book for free from the publisher as part of the BookSneeze review program. All opinions are my own. ( )

A High School girl is found murdered. Forensic psychiatrist, Dani Harris is determined to unravel the mystery. all of her suspects are teenage boys that attended the same party with the murdered girl but none can remember anything beyond drinking the "zombie" juice. It will take astute analysis and forensic skills to solve this crime, but the evil they are facing may just be more than human. I understand this to be the first of the East Salem series. It was a well done spooky story and really kept your interest. ( )

Remind me to look at goodreads before reading a book! This is Christian Fiction.

I have nothing against Christian fiction, but since I am not Christian I avoid CF. Very slow book, and the whole millionaire motorcycle riding ex-football star who is a damn-near virgin made me roll my eyes. I gave up. ( )

Waking Hours is the first book in the East Salem series by Lis Wiehl and Pete Nelson. A bit of a departure from Wiehl’s other books, it is still a page-turning suspense novel. This time, however, the supernatural is a big factor in the action. This book definitely has a creepiness factor that is a good fit for those who like a little edge to their books.

Dani Harris, a forensic psychiatrist, and Tommy Gunderson, former NFL player and now aspiring P.I., join forces in investigating the horrendous murder of a local teenager. Everything seems routine, until weird signs and occurrences and some very disturbing dreams disrupt their investigation. There is much more going on than a psychopathic killer. An unexplained malevolent force seems to be in play.

I really enjoyed getting to know Dani and Tommy and loved their growing relationship. The two characters are great compliments to each other. I also liked the addition of the supernatural to the crime investigation, giving the story a higher stakes angle. There is much more going on in this small town, and I look forward to more to come in this series. I listened to the audiobook version and thought the narrator did a great job.

All in all a good book for fans of edgier suspense novels.

Recommended. ( )

Title: Waking Hours (East Salem #1)
Author: Lis Wiehl with Pete Nelson
Pages: 329
Year: 2011
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Lis Wiehl along with Pete Nelson have written a thriller that I couldn’t put down! This contemporary fictional story is set in East Salem, New York, which is about 50 miles from New York City. East Salem is a small town where the wealthy retreat to escape from the city for the most part. There are some not so wealthy residents as well.
Danielle Harris or Dani is a 29-year-old forensic psychiatrist. She is single and lives alone in her parent’s house. Her parents were killed in an airplane trip while on a missionary trip in Africa. Dani was also serving on an internship there to help reintegrate African kids, who had been forced to become soldiers, back into society. Now she is back in the states serving with a practice that works with the district attorney’s office. She is called to serve on a case and for the first time she is without her boss along to guide her. She must investigate some members from the local high school who may or may not have participated in the killing of one of their classmates. She also teaches at a college and while there runs into a former classmate from high school, Tommy Gunderson. She felt like the two of them had experienced a connection while dancing together as king and queen. Does Tommy remember her? Did he feel the same connection? Why has she been having these strange dreams involving her parents and waking up every night at 2:13 a.m.? Who killed Julie Leonard?
Tommy Gunderson is a former professional football star, who has more money than he can spend. He does indeed remember Dani, and he has had a secret crush on her since their dance together. He is training and studying to become a profession investigator and then volunteers his help to Dani to help her investigate her case. Tommy is a Christian and puts his faith in the Lord. He also is taking care of his ailing father, who lives with him. Tommy takes no chance with safety and has state-of-the-art security and “toys” for protection. He has friends on the local police force, who give him the inside scoop. He also has a good Christian friend, who mentors him. Tommy also has the same strange dream Dani has. What are the chances of that happening? The town is on edge with the murder and other strange happenings going on. Tommy senses the evil present and prays for protection. Can he and Dani solve the case and stop the evil before someone else gets hurt?
A great start to what looks to be a captivating series. I’ve already got the second book and can’t wait to get started on it! I definitely recommend this book if you like suspense/mystery. Look for my review of the second book right here.
My rating is 5 stars.
Note: I received a complimentary copy for an honest review of this book. The opinions shared in this review are solely my responsibility. Other reviews can be read at http://seekingwithallyurheart.blogspot.com/ . Also follow me on Twitter @lcjohnson1988, FaceBook at https://www.facebook.com/lisa.johnson.75457 ( )