What Readers are Saying
Running
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Jim Mitchell has everything a good character should. He’s appealing, interesting, humorous, and delightfully flawed. Let’s face it. I’m a sucker for a good guy who gets a well-deserved smackdown now and then… as long as he’s got something more going for him, too.
Jim’s wife, his friends, his advisors… they all just really had a lot going for them. I loved it. Even the antagonists… fit. Chautona Havig, Just the Write Escape One of the things I liked about the story was how much faith flowed through the different characters. The behind the scenes of politics were very impressive and shows the author has done some research to heighten the story. There is a lot of intrigue and danger that keeps readers on their toes. Deana Dick, Texas Book-aholic Running is a tightly-plotted, fast-paced thriller/political suspense novel with believable and interesting characters. Dave Milbrandt obviously knows his way around the political scene, journalism and police procedure; he handled all of those aspects skillfully, without distracting the reader with extraneous details. Blogger Cathe Swanson Milbrandt created a fast paced political thriller that I couldn’t put down.... The family dynamic of Jim’s funny, endearing relationship with his pregnant wife Melissa and niece Rebecca provided a nice balance to the otherwise dramatic novel. Alana Daly, LOGOS Magazine Faith, family life, political life and all the trappings that come with them. Dave Milbrandt has, yet again, shown just how the stormy nature of life tends to weigh heavily on the soul of a man. The constant shift from witty humor to shock and terror makes "Running" a force to be reckoned with. This is a great read for those who enjoy the "sausage making" of politics, the covert operations of law enforcement, or the down-to-earth issues of the everyday American. – Joel Dominguez @ Amazon Once again, Dave Milbrandt's portrayal of realism through characters, situations, and descriptive details make this story impressively believable and interesting. Interwoven intrigue, danger, politics, ethical dilemmas, family life, and a sprinkling of humor (so you can take a breath) make this the best Jim Mitchell adventure yet! Buckle up and enjoy the reading ride! – Kathi Casey @ Amazon A fun, fast paced, thrill ride. Milbrandt does a great job building suspense, and creating realistic characters that draw you into the story. A real page turner that’s fun to read. – Derek Heisey @ Goodreads Jim Mitchell is back. The former journalist of Dave Milbrandt's previous novels is now thrust into the turmoil of partisan politics as he runs for the seat of an assassinated assemblywoman for whom he had worked. He quickly learns that going into politics means being attacked for your past mistakes. Running will keep readers on edge whether they are catching up on the latest exploits of this appealing character or encountering him for the first time. – Joseph Bentz Author of A Son Comes Home |
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Undue Pressure
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The complex crime at the center of this novel perhaps could only happen in an institution where appearances matter more than what is really happening. In other words, it could have happened in just about any institution in modern America, and that is one of the compelling things about this story as I think about it. But also, I commend Dave Milbrandt for writing a Christian novel that confronts the issue of rape on a Christian college campus. Like his protagonist, Jim Mitchell, Milbrandt shows real integrity in not shying away from a real problem, though it may cost him some readers, perhaps, who don't want to "go there." Of course, it should be added that Undue Pressure is not just an "issue novel," with a story there just to serve the issue. No, this novel is full of life and the usual complexity of living.
– T. Allbaugh @ Amazon Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter Jim Mitchell may have moved from the gritty world of daily newspaper journalism to the ivy-covered walls of academia, but he has not put scandals behind him. A star athlete at the Christian university where Jim now teaches is accused of rape, a prominent staff member goes missing, and a vice president may be having an extra-marital affair—or worse. As advisor to the student newspaper, Jim gets entangled in all of it and has to put his career on the line to hold on to his integrity. In Undue Pressure, Dave Milbrandt has created a compelling and multi-faceted story that will keep readers satisfied from beginning to end. – Joseph Bentz Author of A Son Comes Home If you're looking for romance, intrigue, suspense, and more, this book delivers. From introducing relatable, interesting characters to follow (and root for), to unraveling a mystery piece by piece, Undue Pressure hits all the highs and takes the reader on a journey across a college campus to the community around and behind it. The writing is enjoyable and easy to read, and even such difficult topics as date rape and murder are handled with tact and respect. I'd recommend this book to anyone looking for just a little more in a good "whodunit." – DB @ Amazon |
High School Declassified
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Do you know a high school student: your son or daughter, a grandchild or godchild, maybe a nephew, niece or neighbor? Pick up a copy of High School Declassified: An Insider's Guide to Helping Your Student Succeed. And, while you are at it, buy a copy for your favorite teacher or school administrator. It's new, it's practical, and it's really useful.
– Diana Glyer @ Amazon Even though I don't yet have high schoolers I definitely want to be prepared for that phase in life because it's coming! I want to have a rough idea of what I'm going into ahead of time, not seek out help when I'm already knee deep in high school angst! Reading High School Declassified I would equate to classes or books prepping for the SAT's. You don't just want to go in blind without any idea of what you are going to experience. This is like a handy guidebook to prepare for what's coming and to advise for those that are already there. Milbrandt's obvious love of his job and genuine care of his students shines throughout. His wealth of experience has given him the unique opportunity to educate parents entering this journey of high school. I have a small measure of comfort knowing that there are educators like this out there teaching our future and understanding the impact each person has on their journey. High School Declassified is like a cheat sheet for parents! I feel much better equipped to face the high school years head on! – Lindsey Silvestrini The IE Mommy Blog |
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Chasing Deception
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Finding a well-rounded book with the perfect balance of mystery, religion and romance is pretty difficult and a challenging feat for any author. The fact that Dave Milbrandt accomplished this in his debut novel Chasing Deception is nothing short of spectacular.
– Lindsey Silvestrini The IE Mommy Blog In Dave Milbrandt's compelling new novel, Chasing Deception, talented reporter Jim Mitchell faces every kind of challenge—professional, ethical, and romantic. Whether he's trying to nail down an evasive politician, track down the truth about a corrupt pastor, or figure out his own relationship with fellow reporter Melissa Jenkins, Mitchell is a character who is easy to root for. This book takes readers on a journey they won't want to miss. – Joseph Bentz Author of A Son Comes Home I could not put this book down...I read through it in one day. It was well-thought-out, moved at a great pace and was suspenseful and emotional. San Gabriel Valley-dwellers will love the local references, and those that don't live here will get a great sense of the surroundings. While the main characters are journalists, the moral dilemmas that arise are thought-provoking and really transcend any profession. It's a fabulous and faith-affirming book. – Amanda @ Amazon |