Tea & Read: The River Runs Dry

Title: The Rivers Run Dry
Author: Sibella Giorello
Rating: Spend the Day Sleepy

The Christian fiction scene is changing so rapidly that it's easy to discover a new writer you love. This is the case with Sibella Giorgello. Even though The Rivers Run Dry is the second book in the series, it didn't feel like it (which completely impressed me). I normally can't jump into a series without reading the first book first.

I think the thing that impressed me the most about this novel is how well it was written. Giorello doesn't add an ounce of fluff to her narratives and descriptions, but they are powerful and moving. I enjoy her writing for the same reason I like Earnest Hemingway: they both employ a minimalistic style. It's also reminds me of the style of Paul Robertson (I'm reading According to Their Deeds right now, but you'll get a review later).

This novel has all the making of a great suspense novel. The ticking clock, the troubled detective and setbacks. Sibello also gets cool points for the main character, Raleigh Harmon, being a forensic geologist and the relationship she has with her boss is quite entertaining. Also, the all the characters, not just the main characters, are memorable and draw you deeper into the story, especially the stranger ones. And best of all, I didn't guess who the bad guy but once it was revealed, it made sense. I love it when an author cleverly hides the clues in plain sight throughout the book. Suspense should be unpredictable but logical and this book meets that requirement.

Normally I end my reviews with saying that I can't wait to read the next book, but in this case, I'm looking forward to reading her first book, The Stones Cry Out and her next book.