I may need an intervention after reading Blood from a Stone because I’m not seeing how things are going to turn out right for Rembrandt Stone after this installment. At the conclusion of the previous books I knew he would somehow figure out how to adjust something that would provide a better ending for him. I had the same expectation for this installment. Wham! It’s like a two-by-four to my head and I’m spinning with disbelief.

“There are no happy endings,” says Rembrandt, and I’m starting to wonder if he isn’t right. Seriously, the ending for Blood from a Stone is such a horrific shocker I don’t know even want to think about what might happen next. But I’m keeping the faith that David James Warren will not let this stand. Surely, there’s a happy ending a reader can live with.

Learning to Stand

And speaking of standing, standing is the emerging theme for this whole series. “Be Stalwart” is engraved on the back of the watch, the time traveling mechanism. ”And, in this fifth book, Rem’s dad reminds him, “Our job is to just be stalwart.” He goes on to say, “Our job in life Rem is just to stand firm on what we believe in.” Rem’s had trouble deciding what he believes in, but his experiences are clarifying for him what the most important things are that he should fight for and cling to.

Characters You’ll Love

Rem’s been growing since book one. He’s more self-aware, more considerate, and more willing to give up control he’s tried to exert on every situation. He’s less selfish, less cocky, and more in love with his wife Eve. I’ve always liked Eve and in Blood from a Stone, she shines. You’d want to know her if she were a real person. Rembrandt’s acted like a jerk in the past, but he’s evolved into the best sort of man. He’s tender with Eve and more considerate with others.

With each installment, I’m more invested in the characters, and I want history to change so everyone gets a happy ending. The only character I don’t want to make it through is the dastardly villain, who is still unknown. I say unknown, although I think I’ve figured out who the real serial killer is. Clues abound, but I don’t know why he kills, other than he’s crazy. It will be fabulous to see how Rem puts it all together and takes care of this despicable character.

Appreciating Life

When this series ends, I think Rembrandt will see how God has used this entire experience to show him how He can make the worst situations turn out for good. That no matter how bad things get, God is in control. And once he accepts this, he’ll be a better husband, father, and investigator. Rem will appreciate his life and believe wholeheartedly, “… I would be happy. Until now, I wouldn’t realize how happy, but as I sit here, I know I had a happy ending.” I’m keeping my fingers crossed that he gets that happy ending.

Final Thoughts

I’ve truly enjoyed each book and think it’s the best series of 2021. I don’t want it to end.

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