• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Home
  • Bio
  • Bookshelf
    • Audio
    • Complete List of Chautona’s Books
    • The Rockland Chronicles
      • The Vintage Wren
      • The Aggie Series
      • The Hartfield Mysteries
      • Sight Unseen Series
        • Sight Unseen Series Archives
      • The Agency Files
      • Christmas Fiction
    • Legacy of the Vines
    • Meddlin’ Madeline
      • Madeline Blog Archive
    • Ballads from the Hearth
      • Ballads from the Hearth Blog Archive
    • Legends of the Vengeance
    • Journey of Dreams
    • Wynnewood
    • Webster’s Bakery
    • The Not-So-Fairy Tales
    • Heart of Warwickshire
  • Start HERE
    • Characters
    • Suggested Reading Order
    • Free Books
  • Blog
  • Contact
  • Podcast
    • Advertising
    • Podcast Guest Information
    • Podcast Interview FAQ
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • Bonus
  • Speaking
  • New & Coming
Chautona Havig

Chautona Havig

Using story to connect YOU to the Master Storyteller

The Blue Cloak Review

by Chautona Havig · 12 Comments

The Blue Cloak, book five in the True Colors series, has a grisly history. But what did I think about the frontier murderers? Well... via @chautonahavig

She didn’t like it. After having read one of the other books in the series, I was certain she would love The Blue Cloak. But Mom had strong opinions on the book–it didn’t make sense, she said. The crime spree had no impetus, as far as she could see.  And several other elements bothered her.

These surprised me. After all, my mom is used to reading secular fiction without concern for content. So when she didn’t like a book I had been anxiously looking forward to, I wondered what I’d think. Would I like it?

I am here to tell you…

I don’t know.

See, I knew this review was due today. I was so looking forward to reading it last night. I’d sit on the new sofa at the Lighthouse, kick back, put on some lovely music, and read.

So, I got down to the Lighthouse, made a couple of videos for my publisher, and then went to retrieve the book.  I hadn’t brought it. It was at home in my bedroom on the shelf.

I thought. 

But when I went home to get it… it wasn’t there on the shelf after all. It’s still in my mother’s room–you know, that place where she’s asleep even as I write this.

I have this thing. When I can’t find a book I’ve agreed to review, or I leave one at home, I tend to just go buy it. After all, I requested this thing–gave my word that I’d have a review up by today. I’m not required to, by law, but my word does mean something to me.  Sigh.

I went to buy the book.  The Kindle version is over 12.00.  Ouch. I couldn’t bring myself to spend just sixty-five cents less than it would have cost me to buy a paperback–a paperback I already own.

So, for now, my review is this. I have been looking forward to this book for months. My mother, who likes stories like this, didn’t–like it, I mean. I’m even more eager to read it now, but my conviction of how much I’ll like it isn’t there anymore. We’ll see.

The Blue Cloak

Note: links are likey affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you

And Having Read It, I Know Even Less 

Some books are crazy easy to review. You immediately connect with the protagonist, love to hate the villain, and are drawn into the story like nobody’s business. Easy peasy.

The Blue Cloak, however, left me staring at the book, not knowing how to respond. I usually follow Amazon’s old rubric of “loved it, liked it, okay, didn’t like it, hated it.”  That doesn’t work for this one.  I didn’t like the book, but the author did her job well.  You see, I don’t think anyone should like this book.  Some books are like that, you know?

Especially since this is the story of true crime–real people who died in senseless, horrifying ways simply because two men felt like it.

I can’t compare this book to the others in the series. It’s not right to compare one book to another. Each book needs to stand on its own merit, and this one has a lot going for it.

For the most part, the writing is solid. Ms. McNear made people I wish hadn’t lived come alive on the page. That takes skills. On the other hand, the characters she created are necessary to the story, but I always felt like they didn’t let me in.

Still, that might be a good thing, actually. I mean, we’re talking about characters who have seen the brutality of mankind at its worst, fear for their friends, and fear for their own lives in trying to put a stop to heinous crimes. What felt like the desire for more from them might just be genius.

So, yeah. I can’t say I like this book.

But that leaves the question of did the author tell the story she was given to tell well? Considering I dreaded turning every page that deal with the horrible Harp men, I’d say she did. If it hadn’t been true crime, I would have considered the glee the men displayed with each killing to be way over the top. Instead, she actually managed to draw hope from me–hope that the younger Harp might have repented eventually.

One thing Ms. McNear definitely demonstrated was that brutality begets brutality. It’s an ugly, ugly thing.

in the end, I’ll say this. Ms. McNear did a good job of showing the horror of those years and the senselessness of their crimes. She took the crime she chose to expose and made us feel the horror of that era, the hopelessness of the women trapped in such a terrible life, and the relief when it all ended. And she did it well.

But again, no. I didn’t like the book. by the old rubric, that should mean a 2-star rating, but that’s not right. The Blue Cloak is better than that. So, this doesn’t follow my usual grading scale. I’m saying four because I can’t decide if the created characters are done crazy well or if they leave something wanting. I just don’t know.

The Blue CloakAbout the Book

Book:  The Blue Cloak

Author: Shannon McNear

Genre:  Christian Historical/Suspense

Release Date: March, 2020

Evil Incarnate Leaves a Trail of Destruction across the Frontier

Book 5 in the True Colors series—Fiction Based on Strange-But True History

Rachel Taylor lives a rather mundane existence in 1797 at the way station her family runs along the Wilderness Road in Tennessee. She attends her friend Sally Rice’s wedding only to watch the marriage dissolve into horror has the groom, Wiley Harpe, and his cousin Micajah become murderers on the run, who drag their families along. Declaring a “war on all humanity,” the Harpes won’t be stopped, and Ben Langford is on their trail to see if his own cousin was one of their latest victims.

How many will die before peace can return to the frontier?

 

Share544
Pin
Tweet
Email
545Shares
Share
Pin
Tweet
Email
545Shares

Related

Filed Under: Book Reviews

Previous Post: « Sometimes Even a Good Book Isn’t a Good Fit
Next Post: It’s Time to Stop with the Backhanded Attacks »

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You have to agree to the comment policy.

Or, you can subscribe without commenting.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You have to agree to the comment policy.

Comments

  1. Florence Wright says

    July 9, 2020 at 12:00 pm

    I hear every word you are saying about this book. It was horrible and good at the same time. I did like the way she wrote. I think I found it kind of a relief to not be too “inside” the heads of the characters, especially the poor lady who got stuck in that nightmare life.

    Reply
    • Florence Wright says

      July 9, 2020 at 12:02 pm

      I just realized I commented before, but that was before you got your review inserted OR maybe I missed your review the first time, not sure now.

      Reply
  2. Florence Wright says

    April 20, 2020 at 8:21 am

    As a story, I loved it!!!! As history it was horrendous!! The writing and issues it brings up are amazing, but the backdrop .. as we say in NJ “fuhgedaboutit”!!! Terrible!! awful and horrible all in one big ugly ball. (apparently, I’m not NJ enough, because Grammarly had to provide me with correct spelling options for “fuhgedaboutit”. pfft.

    Reply
  3. Kathy Jacob says

    April 9, 2020 at 7:42 pm

    Agreed. The author did what she did well. The whole scenario was horrifying.

    Reply
  4. Caryl Kane says

    March 25, 2020 at 9:53 am

    I’ve been enjoying this series! Thank you for participating in the tour.

    Reply
  5. Vivian Furbay says

    March 25, 2020 at 2:27 am

    What an interesting story! I really enjoy historical fiction and this sounds like a good one.. I would like to know what happens to these two brothers and their families when they are on the run.

    Reply
  6. Emma says

    March 24, 2020 at 8:58 pm

    I hope I remember to come back and look for your review when you read this one! I’ve read a couple others in the series and really enjoyed them, but decided I didn’t want to read this because it sounded too gory for me. I’m quite curious about your reaction to it, though.

    Reply
  7. Shannon McNear says

    March 24, 2020 at 6:52 pm

    You know what? I’m not surprised … and not offended, either, not a bit. (Your mom is right–there was no rational motive behind these crimes.) And I don’t blame you for not buying it on Kindle! Thank you so much for featuring my story anyway, and for taking part on the tour. 🙂 And I’d love to hear your thoughts when you do actually get around to reading it.

    Reply
    • Chautona Havig says

      March 24, 2020 at 10:36 pm

      I have it down at the Lighthouse with me right now. I should be able to give my .02 on this one in the morning.

      I think for me it won’t be about whether I think the crimes made sense but what you did with the story of them. And I’m glad you weren’t offended at Mom. She’s blunt, but she really is kind. 🙂

      Reply
      • Anonymous says

        March 26, 2020 at 10:14 am

        Hey, I have family like that! ? And I don’t mind honesty. I’m looking forward to it!

        Reply
  8. Amelia says

    March 24, 2020 at 11:37 am

    Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  9. Andrea Stoeckel says

    March 24, 2020 at 10:53 am

    maybe we need to acknowledge the darkness in order to fully be seen, if not actually find the light

    Reply

Primary Sidebar

The Because Fiction Podcast

The Because Fiction Podcast
The Because Fiction Podcast

Taking the pulse of Christian fiction

Episode 153: A Chat with Historical Author, Tracie Peterson
byChautona Havig

I had a delightful chat with historical romance author, Tracie Peterson, a couple of weeks ago, and boy did I learn some cool stuff!  Listen in to find out what prompted Tracie to write about trains and New Mexico and just what horned toads have to do with any of it.  She even gives us a sneak peek into what’s coming next!  Hint: it involves “brownies,” freezing people (we presume), and gold!

Note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you.

When You’ve Written This Many Books, You’re Sure to Be a Favorite

Tracie Peterson has been one of my favorite authors for years. I knew I’d read her books since at least the early days of this century, but when she said 1995, I knew I’d probably read every one of those first books, too. 

Though her first love might be Jesus, her first writing love is definitely historical fiction with romance, adventure, and maybe a little intrigue to boot! As with many historical authors, research consumes a lot of her time. Find out which books involved her going to a trick riding school and how a book about a “horny-toad man” helped her write the Love on the Santa Fe series!

In addition to chatting about her books, we also discussed the writing process. And even better, about the wonderful letters from readers.. Tracie Peterson is one prolific writer with over a hundred thirty books to her name! There’s sure to be something for everyone, wouldn’t you say?

Beyond the Desert Sands by Tracie Peterson

Can she reconcile who she’s become with who she’s meant to be? Accustomed to an opulent life with her aunt, the last thing twenty-five-year-old Isabella Garcia wants is to celebrate Christmas in her parents’ small silver-mining desert town, leaving her handsome beau, Diego Morales, behind in California. Adding insult to injury, she must bear the company of Aaron Bailey, the disapproving Santa Fe Railroad businessman her father has sent to escort her home, who clearly finds her spoiled. But she is surprised to see how much the town of Silver Veil has grown and how fragile her father’s health has become. Then a surprise visitor shows up with news that entirely upends the comfortable life she’s been leading. Faced with all these changes, Isabella struggles to sort through her future and who she wants to be. But trouble is brewing, and there are those who hope she stays just as she is, even if it costs her everything.

You can preorder the eBook and audiobook from Amazon or you can get the hardback or paperback from BakerBookHouse.com.

Find out more about Tracie Peterson and her books on her WEBSITE.

Like to listen on the go? You can find Because Fiction Podcast at:

  • Apple 
  • Castbox 
  • Google Play
  • Libsyn 
  • RSS
  • Spotify
  • Stitcher
  • Amazon
  • and more!
Episode 153: A Chat with Historical Author, Tracie Peterson
Episode 153: A Chat with Historical Author, Tracie Peterson
June 21, 2022
Chautona Havig
Episode 152: A Chat with Contemporary Romance Author, Amy Anguish
June 14, 2022
Chautona Havig
Episode 151: A Chat with Christian Romance Author, Carrie Padgett
June 10, 2022
Chautona Havig
Episode 150: A Chat with Mystery/Thriller Author, Steven C Harms
June 7, 2022
Chautona Havig
Episode 149: A Chat with Jennifer Sienes about Night Songs (and more!)
June 3, 2022
Chautona Havig
Episode 148: A Chat with Author, James R. Hannibal
May 31, 2022
Chautona Havig
Episode 147: A Chat with Biblical Fiction Author, Jubilee Lipsey
May 27, 2022
Chautona Havig
Episode 146: A Chat about The Sweet Life by Suzanne Woods Fisher
May 24, 2022
Chautona Havig
Episode 145: A Chat with Debut Women's Fiction Author, Sara Brunsvold
May 20, 2022
Chautona Havig
Episode 144: Chatting about Restored Grace with Kathleen J. Robison
May 17, 2022
Chautona Havig
Search Results placeholder

Join a Reading Challenge

2022 Write Reading Challenge

Love Audio Books?

audio book ad

Check out the Sparrow Island novels. A tiny island with a lot of heart

independence islands series

Featured Books

Finding a Memory

Finding a Memory
Buy This Book Online
Purchase with Paypal
Buy from Amazon Kindle
Buy from Amazon
Finding a Memory
Buy now!

Penelope’s Pursuit

Penelope’s Pursuit
Buy This Book Online
Buy from Amazon Kindle
Buy from Amazon
Purchase with Paypal
Penelope’s Pursuit
Buy now!

The Last Gasp

The Last Gasp
Buy This Book Online
Purchase with Paypal
Buy from Audible.com
Buy from Amazon
Buy from Amazon Kindle
The Last Gasp
Buy now!

Upcoming Posts

  • book chapter vows release (July 26, 2022)

Or just subscribe to the newsletter

Recent Blog Posts

  • Some Books Grip Your Heart So Hard You Can’t Escape (and don’t want to)
  • When You’ve Written This Many Books, You’re Sure to Be a Favorite
  • Ready for a Fun, Funky, Romance-Filled Road Trip This Summer?

I buy my stickers here! (affiliate)

Custom Stickers, Die Cut Stickers, Bumper Stickers - Sticker Mule

Footer

What Am I Working On?

Book, Chapter & Vows
Book, Chapter, & Vows
Phase:Week 3
Due:7 months ago
53.1%
Get Book Updates

Featured

Finding a Memory

Finding a Memory
Buy This Book Online
Purchase with Paypal
Buy from Amazon Kindle
Buy from Amazon
Finding a Memory
Buy now!

Dial W for Wrangler

Dial W for Wrangler

Disclosure:

Disclosure: Links on this website may or may not be affiliate links and as such, I may receive compensation from the retailer indicated for linking to their product. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Note: I DO NOT link to products that I do not recommend.

Privacy & Cookies. This website uses cookies (not the delicious kinds that make life grand) to do stuff it needs to do. By staying on the site, you agree to this evil substitution of yummy cookies for internet calorie-free substitutes. For more info, click here and read the boring stuff. Cookie Policy
The end of Finding a Memory had a twist I didn't e The end of Finding a Memory had a twist I didn't even see coming, and now... it's time to find out what happened... and get Mallory and Benjamin's story.  I can't wait to share it with you!
Releases July 26. Stay tuned for release day fun from Minnesota!  WOOT!  An #affiliate preorder link (at a discount) is in my bio.
#IndpendenceIslandsSeries
#ChristFic
#Preorder
#BeachReadsArentJustForSummerAnymore
My, "books on the cover" book for @chantelreadsall My, "books on the cover" book for @chantelreadsallday 's #ReadYourBookshelfChallenge2022 , The Words Between Us by @erinbartelswrites . Great book. My review is uo at chautona.com under the blog tab. The short version?
Do not go past the Bookshelf, do not collect more books for your TBR until you've read this book.
#amreading 
#christfic 
#canyourtop5listhavesixbooks
The end of Finding a Memory had a twist I didn't e The end of Finding a Memory had a twist I didn't even see coming, and now... it's time to find out what happened... and get Mallory and Benjamin's story.  I can't wait to share it with you!
Book, Chapter, & Vows releases July 26. Stay tuned for release day fun from Minnesota!  WOOT!  An #affiliate preorder link (at a discount) is in my bio.
#IndpendenceIslandsSeries
#ChristFic
#Preorder
#BeachReadsArentJustForSummerAnymore
My next nonfiction read. Adorning the Dark by @an My next nonfiction read.  Adorning the Dark by @andrewpetersonmusic 
Cannot wait. 
#AmReading 
#nonfiction 
#creative
Reposted from @celebratelit Did you know, Hooper S Reposted from @celebratelit Did you know, Hooper Safe Haven by Rachel Skatvold is ON SALE, 25% off! 

More about the book: 

Harbors should be safe havens, but what if…
Reposted from @karitrumbo Thank you so much!! Repo Reposted from @karitrumbo Thank you so much!! Repost from @staceylovestoread
•
🤠🤠🤠 Book Two in The Belle Fourche Chronicles by @karitrumbo is not to be missed! 

#karitrumbo #valleyofpromise #thebellefourchechronicles #newrelease #junerelease #historicalromance #christianhistoricalfiction #christianromance #bellefourche #southdakota #bookstagram
Acts for the soul and broccoli salad for the body. Acts for the soul and broccoli salad for the body.
#BibleStudy 
#journible
  • Home
  • Bookshelf
  • New & Coming
  • Blog
  • News!
  • Disclosure & Policies
  • Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2022 · Chautona Havig · All Rights Reserved · Coding by Gretchen Louise

Don't go before you grab your FREE short story collection!