It's been awhile since I last read a mystery book that actually made me feel nervous. Author Lynette Eason managed to get my blood pumping with "Always Watching". More than once while reading this page turner, I had to stop and remind myself that it wasn't real. It wasn't real.
Another reason to congratulate the author is this: I didn't see the ending coming. Well, most of it anyway. I don't want to say more because I don't want to spoil the ending. All the way through the book, there were many twists and turns that kept me riveted. If I read too long, I end up with an ache over my right eye that takes days to go away. "Always Watching" would not let me put it down! (and I now have an ache over my right eye)
Here's the one aspect of the book that didn't sit so well with me. Actually there's two.
1. The main male character is a Christian who talks about having recommitted his life to the Lord and yet, he falls in love for the bodyguard who isn't a Believer. Faith Fiction authors - please stop promoting missionary dating.
2. The main bodyguards are all women. There I've said it. As a woman who has taken karate, pumped iron and taught self defense classes, I'm the first to say, the top 10% of women are only physically stronger than the weakest 10% of men. Do I believe women are equal to men? Yes absolutely! Would I want one as my bodyguard? Not a chance.The story would have been a whole lot more believable if the gender roles had been reversed.
Oh I know there are a ton of TV shows and movies showing a woman taking down 10 guys but it isn't reality. Truthfully I think it's detrimental to teach young women that they can handle themselves physically against a man. Plus, don't we want our young men willing to protect women and children? Then why are we constantly trying to prove that a woman doesn't need protecting?
I'm sure I'll receive backlash from some but it is what it is.
At the end of the day, "Always Watching" was very entertaining, well written and I highly recommend it to the over 18 crowd. (While not grotesque, there is some graphic violence.)
"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc."
(However my review of based on my honest opinion.)
