Practicing Murder

By: Erin Unger

Narrated by: Craig A. Hart

Graduate student Maddie Clare is never talking to her ex-boyfriend Joze Evans or God again. Still broken from Joze's betrayal, Mattie has to go home for her Aunt Lonna's funeral. But after a run-in with a stalker - who insists Maddie knows the secret that had Aunt Lonna investigating him - Mattie is afraid for her life and must accept Joze's protection.

As the stalker draws closer, Maddie and Joze have to face the past and a love that never died. Maddie sees she needs God's help to end her fears and to get through the new danger.

Can Maddie stay out of the stalker's grip long enough to figure out who he is and what secret he possesses? And how will Joze keep Mattie from being buried with the stalker's true identity?

©2019 Erin Unger (P)2020 Erin Unger

The past, present, & future all come to a head...

Well, I didn't see that one coming! I had some ideas about the stalker's identity, but boy, was I in for some surprises. Which, is a good thing as it keeps a book from being boring and just like every other one out there.

Erin Unger is a new author for me as Practicing Murder was the first book of hers that I've either read or listened to. Though, the story started off a bit slow for me and it took awhile to get into it, when it got going, it got going! I was listening to the audiobook and found it hard to put my phone down through the second half of the book. I did wish that one character's finding their own faith wasn't quite so convenient for the romance between the two. But, oh well. It's a pretty common thread in Christian fiction these days anyway.

The quality of the audio production was good for Practicing Murder and I did like the male narrator's as he brought Erin Unger's characters and story to life. As an audiobook I thought it was well done and it was easy to listen to.

(I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)

Missed its Mark

Unfortunately, this story and performance missed its mark. Starts off super exciting with the stalker attacking Maddie. Then Joze comes on the scene and I just kept scratching my head. Several times the text had the listener/reader thinking that Joze and Maddie were still in high school (maturity-wise) and how Maddie's Mom treats both of them. Then just when I thought I'd found my place with each character and their relationship, it would fall apart again.

There are a couple of story lines throughout the book. One is the fallout between Joze and Maddie while in high school (her sophomore year). Maddie accuses Joze's best friend of something (we don't find out what it was 'til the end) and Joze didn't believe her. The other is the stalker, who warns Maddie to leave things be, but she has no clue what he's talking about.

The story has moments of suspense and there is mystery, but the telling of it never pushed me to suspend all else around me and get lost in the world of Maddie and Joze. I never got a really clear picture of Maddie. The way Joze remembers her, she sounded high maintenance. Then other times he's remembering her as being bossy and a take-charge kind of girl. Joze was
jerk for not investigating more about 'the incident' between his best bud and his best girl, but the rush and push to make Maddie forgive him was too quick (as in two sentences). Overall I could only give it 3 stars. It was pretty good.

This is the first time I've heard Craig Hart. I would probably listen to another. His voice is clear and nice. Handles both male and female characters easily enough. I would have preferred he used his own natural voice for Joze though.

I requested a free copy of this audiobook from Freeaudiobookcodes. My review is unbiased and left voluntarily.

Mature Content: none

Good story, not great!💜

The overall storyline was okay but I guess I needed a bit more of something. Honestly I’m not sure what, it just didn’t hold my attention. I really can’t explain it because the narration was absolutely perfect. This is just my opinion, I encourage everyone to form their own.

Sisters Spotlight 💜

Suspense with a bit of romance.

Practicing Murder by Erin Unger

This was my first book by Erin Unger. How have I missed her?

Joze and Maddie have a past history that was very hurtful. When Maddie returns to take care of her aunt’s business after she dies in a plane crash, Maddie finds herself in extreme danger. Joze is the EMT called when Maddie is found unconscious. She wants nothing to do with him, but against their wills they are thrown together and fighting against her stalker.

The story had twists and turns and kept me totally engaged. It had a definite faith base, without being preachy. I will definitely read and/or listen to more of her books!

I received this audiobook free with no requirement of review. I am reviewing this book of my own accord and am giving my honest opinion.

Good Flowing Mystery

Maddie not knowing what her Aunt secret was and why she had them investigating him. All she know is she has a stalker, everytime she turns around.Fearing for her life, can an old boyfriend help her. They had broken up and bad feeling between them. A good flowing plot and first to have read anything by the author, Good suspense, and the narration added to the tension. Given audio for my voluntary review and my honest opinion