Description
Flames cast an ominous orange glow against the night sky as a barn catches fire, consuming everything within: from the hay bales to the victim bound and left to die.
News of the murder sparks fear in the small community of Cherry Creek, and that fear only grows when the arsonist leaves a calling card belonging to a killer everyone believed was long dead.
The Dragonfly mysteriously disappeared from the local asylum decades ago, stepping out of existence and into legend. The story draws the attention of Noelle McKenzie, a local author, and she digs into details from the past while Captain Derek Dempsey searches for evidence in the present.
But there’s more going on than either of them suspect, and this threat doesn’t just come knocking; it kicks in the door with a wicked plan and a lit match. If they don’t stop the Dragonfly soon, there may not be anything left of Cherry Creek to save.
Erin Laramore –
Amy –
Oh, WOW! C.C. Warrens’ books just keep getting better! I didn’t think it was possible to top the raw emotion and hope evoked by Firefly Diaries, but Dragonfly Ashes does just that.
This book really leans into the characters’ healing journeys. It kicks off a few months past the end of the first book in the series, and life has calmed down for them in that intervening time – but little do they know just how much is about to change. Warrens’ forces them to face their fears and the consequences of past trauma as a new villain emerges, which both jumpstarts new growth and gives readers a deeper look into each character.
I love how quirky and real this cast of characters is. I’m not sure how many books Warrens’ has planned for this series, but I seriously hope that there are more coming, because I’m not ready to let Noelle, Derek, and Skylar go – but the best part of all is the way that Warrens’ sprinkles truth throughout the story. You’re reading along and suddenly BLAM! – she’s written something poetic yet clear and true that makes your heart take notice. My digital copy is full of bookmarks noting alllll of these truths that I need to remember.
I needed to bookmark them, because Dragonfly Ashes is the kind of book that makes me think while I read. (Usually I’m more of an escapist-reader, just along enjoying the ride, figuring out the plot without too much effort, but this one?) Every time I thought I had something figured out, no, it was just another red herring that Warrens’ had planted just for that purpose! For me, that makes the book even more fun – because I know she’s doing it and it makes me want to solve it even more; but no – this one was a total surprise. How often does that happen – when you can read an entire story and be so into the plot twists and the clues and the quotes and not have even a glimmer of the real story by the time you get to the big reveal?
It just shows what a master CC Warrens’ really is. Please, keep’em coming. Holly, Noelle – I’m here for them all.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. All opinions are my own.
Anna Krug –
This is another FANTASTIC book by CC Warrens.
Dragonfly Ashes is the second book in the Cherry Creek Mysteries.
There are rumors that The Dragonfly has returned. The problem is, he died years ago; didn’t he? The small village of Cherry Creek is once more plagued by arson and murders. Will the firefighters and law enforcement find the arsonist before more lives are taken?
Noelle is trying to come up with an idea for her next book as she is renovating her home, learning to be a mom to her adopted daughter, starting a relationship with Derek, and, oh yes, stay alive.
I was totally surprised when the arsonist was revealed.
CC Warrens writes suspense (with a little bit of romance in this book), creates realistic characters who are Christian without being preachy. This book had me laughing out loud at times, because CC always knows when to add humor.
If you have not read the first book, Firefly Diaries, you should read it before Dragonfly Ashes.
Tonya Furr –
C. C. Warrens has outdone herself with this book. It has held me captivated, intrigued, and completely mystified. She hits the ground running and doesn’t stop until the very last page. As someone who loves to figure out what is going on along the way, I had absolutely NO clue where this suspense packed mystery was taking me, and I LOVED every single moment along the way. I will be completely honest and admit I was a little creeped out while reading this book. The desire to look over your shoulder and be aware of your surroundings is strong! I love the interaction between Noelle, Sky, Derek, and Walt. Seeing all the beloved characters develop was beautiful!! I’m not going to give away any surprises, but I absolutely LOVED one character development the most, and I look forward to seeing how he continues to grow through love, grace, and mercy.
A definite MUST read! I promise you will NOT be disappointed!! Hang on to your seat because it will be a bumpy ride.
Carla –
This was an amazing book and you really need to read the Firefly book first. It is hard to put down and it has many twists and turns. The ending was an absolute surprise!
Miss Warren’s character development is wonderful in all of her books. You feel as if you know everyone personally and you want to fight for the injustices along side the characters. I have read the Holly books multiple times. I am sure these two books and characters will be old friends also.
Denise Ridgley (verified owner) –
Dragonfly Ashes is a phenomenal book that I highly recommend!! It is the second book in the Cherry Creek series and it is a standalone, but I would recommend reading Firefly Diaries (first of the series) before reading this one. That book is awesome also, and it sets the stage for this book. The story is very well written and the characters come alive as you read it. There are moments that will have you laughing out loud, and others that will bring you to tears. There is a strong element of Christian faith throughout the book and yet it’s not “preachy” or judgmental. The suspense builds throughout the story, and the twists and turns will keep you guessing right up to the end!! I rarely am surprised at the revealing but my mind was blown with this one!! I never saw this coming!!! Bravo C. C., well done!!!
YahshuaishRW –
The newest book from C.C. Warrens does not disappoint! It’s a Rollercoaster of emotions from spooky to sweet, freaky to funny. Rambunctious to romantic. Ok. I’ll stop the alliteration, but seriously, you don’t want to miss this one!
Judy Lawson –
CC Warrens new book, Dragonfly Ashes, literally has it all. Mystery, suspense, romance, heart stopping and heartwarming moments. I’ve found that as I get older, suspense stories can cause some anxiety. (Read that I often skim through those parts.) In Dragonfly Ashes, CC Warrens does an amazing job of building suspense without creating anxiety. As I turned the pages, I found that I didn’t want to miss a single word. The story captured my interest immediately and kept me enthralled the entire time. A spooky stalker, a new book release, an old legend of the firefly that has gained new life, and a murder lends a great deal of suspense as it moves the story along to its dramatic conclusion. You will love it. You’ll need to read Butterfly Diaries first to get the maximum pleasure in this book.
Cindy’s Book Corner –
Dragonfly Ashes picks up where Firefly Diaries (book 1) ends, and continues with Noelle, Dereck, and Skylar’s story. For this reason, I think it is best to read Firefly Diaries before reading this one.
This was another fabulous, edge-of-your-seat thriller by C.C. Warrens. There were a few heart-stopping moments, excellent character development, tender moments, and a developing romance. The stalker’s perspective enhanced the creepy factor.
I thought I knew who the bad guys were. They were so obvious! But, I was soooo wrong! I was shocked when all was revealed. I do not know how Warrens can weave such a diabolical tale, with plot twists and a surprise reveal, and have it all come together so seamlessly!
I hope there are more books in this series because I am NOT ready to be done with Cherry Creek.
Many thanks to the author for the opportunity to read this book. I was not required to provide a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Deena Adams (verified owner) –
C.C. Warrens has done it again. This book has everything a suspense/mystery/suspense reader wants in a story. There’s even sweet relationship developments between Noelle and Derek that will thrill romance fans.
This book seems to have more thriller-type elements than the Holly series, but the author does an excellent job giving enough detail to set us in the middle of the scene without creeping us out too much.
I highly recommend this read! You can read it as a stand-alone, but I think you’ll enjoy it much more if you read Firefly Diaries and get to know the characters through that story first.
Amanda A –
C.C. Warrens is my one of my favorite authors and her Holly novels are probably some of my favorite books of all time. So when I finished those are decided to read Firefly Diaries, my expectations were high but I didn’t think I could possibly love the Cherry Creek Mysteries quite as much. I’m happy to report that I was wrong!
Dragonfly Ashes picks up where Firefly Diaries left off and immediately launches you into a whirlwind of suspense, mystery but most importantly, back into the lives of the characters that you can’t help but love. One of the things I love about these books is how well the characters are developed and how genuinely likable each of them are to the reader (yes, even Mr. Walt).
The storyline keeps you on the edge of your seat and despite my attempts to guess the identity of the Dragonfly and to make sense of everything going on, I happily failed and was totally shocked by the twist at the end.
You’ll definitely want to read Firefly Diaries before this one—although it’s possible to enjoy without reading the first book, I think the first book is really essential to getting to know the characters and some background here.
Marie –
I’ve been anxiously awaiting this second book in the Cherry Creek Mystery Series. The first book was excellent, and I recommend reading it before this one. C. C. Warrens is one of my absolute favorite authors and this book does not disappoint. She has a way of developing characters with solid depth the reader can identify with easily. You just can’t put it down. The story is masterfully woven and told in just the right timing. I’m already waiting for Book 3. Well done!!!