Mysterious Reviews, mysteries reviewed by the Hidden Staircase Mystery Books, is publishing a new review of The Molech Prophecy by Thomas Phillips. For our blog readers, we are printing it first here in advance of its publication on our website.
The Molech Prophecy by Thomas Phillips
Non-series
Whitaker House (Trade Paperback)
ISBN-10: 1-60374-055-4 (1603740554)
ISBN-13: 978-1-60374-055-5 (9781603740555)
Publication Date: July 2008
List Price: $9.99
Review: After he is enlisted by his pastor to find a missing church secretary, reformed criminal Tommy Cucinelle stumbles into more of a mystery than he bargained for. As his investigations lead back to a cult and a terrible prophecy, Cuicinelle draws closer and closer to the horrifying secret behind the group’s prophecies.
Thomas Phillips’ The Molech Prophecy features everything readers would expect from a classic mystery: thrilling adventure, plot twists, and even a little romance. But while The Molech Prophecy doesn’t lack any of the classic elements of mystery, it does include one theme not usually found in the genre: strong Christian faith. Cucinelle contemplates his relationship with God as well as his relationship to his criminal past throughout the work. Phillips has obviously worked hard to make the Christianity in this book non-threatening and approachable.
Cucinelle’s struggles with his faith will undoubtedly appeal to mystery lovers who also want to understand the mystery of God’s love. Tommy’s yearnings to better understand his own faith lend a contemplative, deeper element to the books sometimes shallow story, which might not fully appeal to readers who don’t share Phillip’s beliefs. As Phillip’s protagonist Tommy notes, the story of an anti-Christian murderous Wicca cult may not seem believable and interesting to all readers, Christian and non-Christian alike.
Yet, the religious elements of The Molech Prophecy by no means prevent it from being a fast-paced, exciting story that captures the reader’s attention and keeps them drawn into a thrilling story, although the plot's resolution feels rushed and a bit predictable. The book’s characters are likable and believable, despite sounding more like small town Christians than the reformed gangsters that Phillips intends.
In all, The Molech Prophecy is undoubtedly worth the read for Christians seeking a good thriller story, as well as for non-Christians with open minds. Although it is a little unsubtle, the book is exciting and fun, pulling readers into a tangled web of intrigue and an examination of faith and what it means.
Special thanks to Rebecca Henderson for contributing her review of The Molech Prophecy and to Thomas Phillips for providing a copy of the book for the review.
Review Copyright © 2008 — Rebecca Henderson — All Rights Reserved — Reprinted with Permission
If you are interested in purchasing The Molech Prophecy from Amazon.com, please click the button to the right.
Synopsis (from the publisher): Former gang member Tommy Cucinelle thought he had left his old life behind when he became a Christian. That’s why he’s surprised when his pastor asks him to use his old "skills"--finding people who don’t want to be found--to locate the church secretary after she mysteriously disappears and the church is vandalized. The police don’t have any leads.
Tommy’s investigation brings him face-to-face with unpleasant memories from the past that threaten his new identity, but inner turmoil is soon the least of his worries. A local Wiccan church is at the heart of the mystery, and Tommy’s search uncovers a startling prophecy about child sacrifice to the pagan god The Molech. When the missing woman's sister--and Tommy’s newfound romantic interest--disappears as well, the quest becomes personal.
For more mystery book reviews visit Mysterious Reviews, a partner with the Hidden Staircase Mystery Books which is committed to providing readers and collectors of mystery books with the best and most current information about their favorite authors, titles, and series.
Return to Mystery Books News ...
0 comments:
Post a Comment