Review of:  The Piper’s Pursuit

Melanie Dickerson.  Thomas Nelson, $18.99 (320p) ISBN 978-0-7852-2814-1

New York Times bestselling author (The Merchant’s Daughter) and Christy Award winner Dickerson brings fans the latest installment in her Fairy Tale Romance series.  A re-imagining of the Pied Piper story set in 1424 in the German region of the Holy Roman Empire, Dickerson’s tale features Katerina, a fiercely private and emotionally guarded young warrior-maiden (p. 1 ff), who is determined to protect her townspeople from the evildoings of her stepfather, the mayor.  When the children of the town start going missing and are rumored to be victims of the Beast of Hamlin (p. 2 ff), Katerina vows to kill the beast and secure freedom for herself and her mother.  She meets Steffan, one of the sons of the Duke of Hagenheim (p. 5 ff), handsome but arrogant, and intent on winning the award for killing the Beast for himself to secure the love and respect of his noble parents.  The two become reluctant partners in their quest to save the children and solve the mystery of the disappearances.  Along the way, they realize their shared values and learn to trust each other.  Both discover that freedom lies not only in forgiving themselves, but in renouncing pride and surrendering control to God (p. 266 ff).  Readers will be on the edge of their seats, as Dickerson deftly weaves nail-biting suspense with tender romance.  Luckily for fans, all ends well as the children are rescued and justice is meted out with wisdom and compassion (p. 298-299).  Biblical themes will resonate with Christian readers, and an Appendix of discussion questions is included to spark deeper inquiry and reflection.  This one will top the awards lists and is sure to be a bestseller.  5 stars