Fear No Evil by Robin Caroll

Reviewed by Dale Lewis

"...excels in interweaving redemption, forgiveness and letting go of bitterness as the foundational ingredients in the storyline."

Supporting character, Lincoln Vailes, from Carroll’s Deliver Us From Evil assumes the lead in the bayou town of Eternal Springs, Louisiana. This former Great Smoky Mountains ranger becomes a small town police officer. Lincoln is immediately thrown into a troublesome mystery with more than a few missing pieces. His first encounter with over eager rookie social worker, Jade, is less than inviting. It doesn’t take long before he’s covering her back at every opportunity and/or police call.

The haphazard action intensifies as Jade becomes a victim of a hit and run while a mother and daughter she has sworn to protect are fired upon while in a park. Questions remain unanswered and that doesn’t sit well with Lincoln. Even as he is dealing with his Dad’s descent into Alzheimer’s as well as his frustration with God for allowing this disease, he needs to continue protecting his new community from big-city gang warfare brewing up north. All this and Jade’s childhood memories begin to resurface as she tries to deal with the realities of her present life.

The interconnection between the characters is real and believable. There are several levels of conflict (person vs. person, person vs. self) woven throughout these pages. This inviting storyline is full of powerful imagery. It touches on social issues, i.e. domestic violence and gang-banging ripped from today’s headlines.

Fear No Evil clearly excels in interweaving redemption, forgiveness and letting go of bitterness as the foundational ingredients in the storyline. However, I’ve never been a fan of the “one word (period) one word (period) sentence.” I do understand its purpose of building intensity and suspense but it can be overused.

Carroll has crafted a masterful, plot-twisting, intrigue-filled storyline once again and yet there is no formal obligation to read Deliver Us from Evil prior to reading this title. The “Dear Reader” and “Readers Guide” sections, at the conclusion, solidifies the author’s approach to writing novels and enhances the reader’s take from reading her stories.

Dale Lewis now mans the front desk at the EFCA (The Evangelical Free Church of America) National Office in Minneapolis, MN. He was the graphic designer/pre-press production artist for over twelve years before being asked to step into this new role. Prior to that, he was the publications manager at his alma mater, Northwestern College in St. Paul, MN in the public relations office as well as the adviser to the college’s yearbook. He's a director/actor/writer for the Hope Church (Oakdale, MN) adult drama worship team and was the senior editor of the church newsletter. He's also written two collections of poetry, “Whispers of Assurance” and “On Life: Constant Communion Without Ceasing” as well as a devotional entitled “Eternal Education.” He and his family live in Oakdale, Minnesota.