Review: The Mountains Bow Down by Sibella Giorello

Raleigh Harmon is on vacation...well sort of. She's an FBI agent on an Alaskan cruise and while she's technically off duty, she is serving as a consultant for a film crew as an official FBI agent. She also has her mom and aunt with her, and since Raleigh lies to her mother about being an FBI agent, the trip isn't exactly relaxing. It is, however, a chance to be away from her fiance, who she can't decide if she really wants to be with or not.

But no vacation can really last, and sure enough, someone ends up dead. While the ship wants to rule it a suicide, Raleigh's pretty sure it's murder. She gets the FBI involved, and another agent that's supposed to be on vacation and who just so happens to be all kinds of hot and also hot for Raleigh, shows up to help her. :) (this isn't really a romance though...it's just very lightly teased at)

This was my first book in this series, and I think it's the fourth book, but that was okay. I didn't fully know the background of the characters, but since the bulk of the book was about the present case, it didn't bother me too much. A lot of the mystery deals around precious gems. I have to admit I felt a little confused at times following the mystery and what was going on.

While technically Christian fiction, there's very little faith in this book. Raleigh, quite honestly, seemed like she was depressed to me, there was never really any joy or happiness. She seemed chained to both her mother's issues and the fiance she can't cut loose. I'm curious if this will be further explored in later books.

There is some humor, and some moments of sharp, perceptive writing. The Alaskan setting sounded beautiful and I was amazed by how many different activities were going on the cruise ship.

Rating: 4/5
Things You Might Want to Know: While I wouldn't say this was really edgy Christian fiction, I don't think it conforms to typical Christian fiction.
Source of Book: Received for review
Publisher: Thomas Nelson

Sibella Giorello is having a Facebook party on April 5th. You'll have a chance to chat with her and also win prizes. Additionally, check out other stops on the blog tour.