Only by Death - (Ozark Mountain Trilogy) by Kathy Herman (Paperback)

About the Book

Is Liam Berne a loving son--or a murderer? The second book in the Ozark Mountain Trilogy, Only by Death is a thought-provoking suspense story of a man who loses everything and learns he must die to find life.

Book Synopsis

Is Liam Berne a loving son--or a murderer? The second book in the Ozark Mountain Trilogy, Only by Death is a thought-provoking suspense story of a man who loses everything and learns he must die to find life.

After much agonizing, Liam Berne takes his mother, who has Alzheimer's, to the Sure Foot River and drowns her. A mercy killing, he tells himself, to spare her years in a nursing home. And getting his inheritance early isn't a bad thing either.

Dixie Berne's body is recovered and the coroner cannot find any sign of foul play, though Liam's sister isn't convinced. Then Liam hears rumors that a twelve-year-old boy has witnessed the drowning. Terrified that he will be discovered, Liam sets out to intimidate the boy into silence. Little does Liam know that someone else suspects him--someone who intends to make him pay.

From the Back Cover

"The tension in Kathy Herman's newest book builds slowly, then erupts and leaves you wondering clear to the end. One of her best so far--truly a must read."--Miralee Ferrell, award-winning author of Runaway Romance, also a TV movie

Mercy killing--or ruthless murder?

After must agonizing, Liam Berne takes his mother, who suffers from Alzheimer's, to the Sure Foot River, where he coaxes her into the water and drowns her. A mercy killing, he tells himself, to spare her years in a nursing home. And getting his inheritance isn't a bad thing either.

Dixie Berne's body is recovered, and the coroner can't find any sign of foul play, though others aren't convinced. When Liam discovers a child witnessed the drowning, what he's willing to do shocks even him.
But unbeknownst to Liam, someone else suspects him--someone who intends to make him pay.

Review Quotes

"Only by Death is not an easy read, just as the Christian life is not a sunny afternoon stroll. But the journey this book unfolds is worth the tension and danger. Both heartwarming and chilling."--Lyn Cote, USA Today bestselling author

"Only by Death, book 2 of Kathy Herman's Ozark Mountain Trilogy, is filled with action, suspense, and surprises, as well as thought- provoking questions about what it really means to live the Christian life. Looking forward to book 3!"--Julianna Deering, author of the Drew Fathering Mysteries

"Just when you think it's over, it's not ... and the tension mounts. Young Jesse is brave, spunky, and lives out his faith. I want to be like Jesse when I grow up!"--Roxanne Henke, author of After Anne

"Kathy Herman's Only by Death hinges on a subtle principle from God's Word that points the reader to the secret of happiness and holiness--a secret discovered sooner or later by all true servants of the Savior. Readers of all ages will readily identify with the protagonist in this highly engaging read. Only by Death is not your typical murder mystery."--Eric Wiggin, MsEd, speaker, author

"The tension in Kathy Herman's newest book builds slowly, then erupts and leaves you wondering--and worrying--clear to the end. One of her best so far, especially in the faith thread. It will challenge you at a deep level, making you question where you would stand if the same things happened to you. I highly recommend Only by Death--truly a must read."--Miralee Ferrell, award-winning author

"What does it really mean to put God's will ahead of your own? Kathy Herman explores the question in a heart-stopping story that kept me on the edge of my seat from the very first line until the final page. Only by Death is a riveting book that will challenge your ownconcept of obedience and linger in your heart."--Carol Cox, auhor of Arizona Territory Brides series

About the Author

Bestselling suspense novelist Kathy Herman (www.kathyherman.com) has written twenty novels--including Not by Sight, the Sophie Trace trilogy, and the Secrets of the Roux River Bayou Series--since retiring from her family's Christian retail store in Tyler, Texas. She and her late husband, Paul, have three grown children. Kathy now lives in the Pacific Northwest.