by Lis Wiehl, Peter Nelson
Series: East Salem Trilogy #3
Genres: Faith-Based Fiction, Paranormal, Suspense
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
Dani and Tommy discover that the vicious killings in East Salem were merely the birth pangs of a greater evil about to be born. Occultist leaders at Saint Adrian’s school are in league with an East Salem pharmaceutical company. Together they’ve developed a drug that acts as a time-bomb in children, attacking and killing the prefrontal cortex—the moral center of the brain—once adolescence begins. East Salem residents Dani Harris, forensic psychiatrist, and Tommy Gunderson, former pro-football player, have discovered the plan to deliver this drug into the water system and will stop at nothing to halt it. Their secret weapon? Reese Stratton, a student who barely escaped from St. Adrian’s—without his twin brother. Now demonic creatures are terrorizing East Salem under the cover of darkness. Having killed two residents, the beasts have surrounded Tommy’s hillside home. But their deadly attacks seem to have been just a prelude to greater disaster: during a physical battle between angels and demons, a dam breaks, flooding the town of East Salem, but also washing it clean.
From the East Salem setting to the strange prophecies and the engaging characters, I have been enjoying the East Salem Trilogy by Lis Wiehl. I was more than a little excited to read Fatal Tide the conclusion and to see how it all turned out. Steeped in religion, evil, greed and mythological beasts this final chapter had me flippin the pages as we loomed towards the final battle. Mini review: fast-paced, edge of your seat action with a side of romance.
In order to fully appreciate Fatal Tide, it is important to begin at the beginning with Waking Hours, where all of the key players come together, and the mystery begins. Equally important is the middle with Darkness Rising, where we discover the scope of evil making its presence in East Salem. Some spoilers may be present if you have not read the previous books. Although I will make every attempt to avoid using them.
Dani and Tommy are closer to discovering the secrets at St. Adrian’s school and those of a pharmaceutical company located in East Salem. Dani is a forensic psychiatrist and Tommy is an ex-pro football player turned PI. They have unearthed diabolical plans to deliver a mind altering drug to the world’s water supply and the key to the plot begins in East Salem. In this last chapter, new characters emerge, and clues piece together. Dani and Tommy begin to amass allies and a plan is hatched to stop the devil and his pawns.
While the series has been more plot driven than character, the author has given us a colorful cast of heroes. Danni has spunk and is fearless and Tommy is unbending in his faith. Their romance continues to deepen and their faith in each other never waivers. Cassandra, Tommy’s ex really shows development in this third novel, and I was impressed with her involvement. A student from St. Adrian’s becomes an ally. I liked Reese, even if he wasn’t fully fleshed out. They draw others into their inner circle to help as well; a police officer and an FBI agent. All of these characters help move the plot and add to the ominous tone. A biker, and an Indian (two angels) are present again and help even the odds. Quinn has a pivotal role in this tale, and I was quite taken with this silent soul.
Fatal Tide and the East Salem Trilogy is one of good vs. evil, of faith and the power to overcome. Wiehl did an excellent job of building the suspense as we progressed in this trilogy. She kept me on edge and had me piecing together the clues along with the rest of the team. While religion is at the forefront of this series, it is never preachy and open to all forms of religion from Hindu to Catholic. In the context of this trilogy, religion was a key factor and added to the overall intensity. St. Adrian’s school was creep-tastic, as were the tech toys Tommy surrounded the team with. The whole time I was reading I could hear the sound track to Ave Satani. While the tale takes place in East Salem and slowly builds to the day of the planned attack, we also travel abroad as we move to thwart them..It was intense. Wiehl gradually increased the attacks and intensity as we counted down, and the climatic ending was riveting. While a few little things bothered me, some unnecessary threads, and questions left unanswered I was pleased when I closed the book and quite enjoyed the ride.
Fans of quests, suspense, good vs. evil and battles against demonic forces will enjoy Fatal Tide and the East Salem trilogy. I will continue to enjoy Lis Wiehl’s work and look forward to seeing what she does next.
Four cups of coffee out of five
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Lauren
I love suspenseful stories of good vs. evil, and this sounds like such an interesting story! And I’m glad to hear you’re happy with the series end, it makes it so much easier to start a series when you know it ends well. Lovely review!
kimbacaffeinate
Absolutely, too many trilogies have had disappointing endings this year..but this was solid and suspenseful.
Mishel
First time hearing about this trilogy but I love that it was good till the end. I enjoy these kinds of books too so I’ll have to check out the first book.
kimbacaffeinate
This was a good one, and each book was a solid read. Hope you enjoy then Mishel 🙂
Pamela D
It is refreshing to hear that you enjoyed all three books in the trilogy. This seems to happen rarely nowadays. Fabulous review.
kimbacaffeinate
Agreed, this series showed tremendous growth and just wow 🙂 psst..you didn’t see me, or hear from me..I am on a blogging break this weekend. *spies hubby and hides ph…
Pamela D
Walking away. Nothing to see here. Nope. Nope. Nope.
Michelle
I skimmed over this since I haven’t read the first two. I’m going to have to find a copy of book one and give it a try. I haven’t heard of this series before but it sounds like something I would really enjoy.
kimbacaffeinate
Enjoy Michelle 🙂
kim { Book Swoon }
Oh- I like the sound of this series- and that it’s got that scary Omen vibe to it. I love a good Supernatural thriller, thanks for bringing a new series to my attention Kim 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Yes, it has that kind of vibe, hope you get a chance to try it 🙂
anna
Wow that sounds pretty darn exciting. I hadn’t seen this one before. I’m totally loving that cover!
kimbacaffeinate
This was a fun series, I loved the suspense and mystery. Thanks Anna 🙂
Nick
I haven’t heard of this one before, but this series appeals to me. I’ve been looking for more adult paranormal books and this one sounds like something I might enjoy with the intriguing plot and the characters.
Lovely review, Kim.
Hope you’re having a good Thanksgiving! 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
This was good Nick, and the suspense kept me engaged.
aurian
Great review Kimba, somehow I have not yet come across this series. Adding it to the maybe list.
kimbacaffeinate
Awesome Aurian 🙂 enjoy your day!
kindlemom1
Oooo I think I would like this trilogy and I am glad it ended nicely.
Great review!!
kimbacaffeinate
thanks Ali, I loved the paranormal elements and the uncovering of clues 🙂
Braine Talk Supe
I usually fall in love with the characters than with the plot but this sounds like there’s a good balance of both. I’m not into this kind of plot per se but it seems like the pace is snappy and I like snappy.
Happy Thanksgiving!
kimbacaffeinate
It had a whole supernatural Omen vibe, I loved the mystery and putting the pieces together 🙂
Mary
Sounds like a really intriguing series. I like a good plot-driven story. As long as the characters are also worth hanging out with!
kimbacaffeinate
thanks Mary 🙂
Jeann
Wow, I’ve never heard of this book before but it sounds completely different and dark. I don’t really read religious based fiction though but glad you enjoyed it!
kimbacaffeinate
I don’t mind it, in this context..it is more supernatural
Jennifer Bielman
Totally not my thing but happy it was good for you.
kimbacaffeinate
Yeah, the religious aspect might be a turn off for you, I like it when it’s like this. It is more like The Hallowed Ones, Omen, Dan Brown..creepy
blodeuedd
Sounds cool and evil 😉
Happy thanksgiving!
kimbacaffeinate
It was cool :0