(Free for review from the CFBA Tour)
Creston Mapes has a new novel out after a lengthy hiatus titled Fear Has A Name, published by David C. Cook, and it's the first in a series called The Crittendon Files.
Jack Crittendon is an investigative reporter in Trenton City, Ohio. He's been given the story about a local missing pastor, Evan McDaniel, who is projected to have left his church to run off with a wealthy widow member or to commit suicide because of his battle with depression. His wife Wendy is convinced her husband would never leave her and their three sons for any valid reason and is working with Jack to fill in every blank she can think of as to where he might've gone and why.
However, interrupting his investigation is the terrifying daylight break-in while his wife Pamela and his two young daughters are home. They manage to escape to the neighbor's house while the burglar gains entrance to the Crittendon's home and the police are called. Pamela and the girls briefly see the intruder before they dash next door.
Precautions are taken, Jack is given leeway at work, and they assume the invasion was a one-time event until further discoveries and occurrences bring back school memories for Pam of who the thief might be.
At the crux of this story are the spiritual conditions of individuals who've experienced different origins and how they've been affected by those experiences. Jack is the model Christian man until his family, particularly his wife, is threatened by someone from her past. The fear that he won't be able to protect his family turns into a rabid hatred with a violent bent. Pamela has always clung to the spiritual strength of her husband until she's forced to put that reliance directly upon God. Evan McDaniel thought he knew God well until he became so overwhelmed by everything he experienced at his church, he's convinced God doesn't care anymore so neither does he. The man who breaks into the Crittendon home is looking for a link to something meaningful in his life but knows he's deluding himself. Having been through horrible parental abuse in a totally unloving home, he only remembers one person in his life who's shown him any concern.
In the midst of extreme weather conditions in the physical, emotional, and spiritual realms, the climactic results of these intertwining lives conclude with a valuable resolution without satisfying all of the characters. The overall story ties in nicely at the end.
Regarding the co-protagonist Jack Crittendon, I like the reporter Jack Crittendon because he's savvy, kind, not overbearing, insightful, and good at getting information. I really don't like Jack Crittendon the Christian/husband. Fear makes him oppressive and hateful, full of vengeance. Now maybe this is a man thing, but clearly Jack needs to tone down his battering ram ego. I get the over-protective thing under the circumstances - totally natural and understandable - but the hatred and turning off the God dial as if He's a radio that can be tuned in or out, I don't like Jack in the flesh. (But, hey, I don't like myself in the flesh either.) And it takes a drastic measure to get Jack off his high horse. We are left in the lurch as to what has given Jack his rage factor but further enlightenment as to his character will no doubt show up in the following segments to this series.
Pamela is a conundrum for me. She's in and out of compassion, fear, wisdom, and lack of common sense. Her journey through her fearful escapade is both admirable and manic. Strong but vulnerable, air-headed but smart, she's a confusing character, and I didn't totally enjoy her.
Evan is the classic example of an individual in the depths of depression mixed with the taunting of the enemy. His battle is well written and well done.
The criminal, Granger Meade, is a mixed-up combo of high school angst, adult rage, self-loathing, and a perpetual victim with no end in sight for his wasted life. Vascillating between lucid kindness and demonic threats of violence, he's on the verge of losing it.
Creston enables the reader to hear all points of view from these characters, observing their reactions to the ever-increasing tests and trials presented to them. Spiritual warfare hides in the shadows of this story but is never directly addressed. It's Christian fiction from start to finish and CBA devotees will enjoy the faith elements in Fear Has A Name.
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0781408164%20
Father, you know Creston, the talents you've given him, and the direction you have for him. Please lead him in your ways everlasting and bless all of his efforts done to honor you. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.