Playing Saint by Zachary Bartels | RE:View

I had high hopes for this book...and it didn't dissapoint! Come on, with a recommendation from Steven James, I had a pretty good idea Playing Saint was going to be good.

Parker Saint is a pastor rising quickly to fame by telling people what they want to hear. He hasn't lost touch with truth, but with the influence of his mentor, he's realizing it doesn't sell. When faced with the loss of his reputation, Parker agrees to work as a consultant with the Grand Rapids PD, and the walking-cliche, Detective Ketchem.

Filled with a fantastic cast of believable characters, a psycho-killer on the loose, and refreshing humor, you can't go wrong with Playing Saint. I found myself comparing it to Ted Dekker and Frank Peretti with the added bonus of humor that didn't take away from the intrigue, but only added interest.

This is a definite must read from me! If you like a good thriller* that weaves in faith realistically and keeps you guessing, look no further. I'm anticipating more from Zachary in the future and will definitely make time to read what he puts out next.

*One note here: There are elements of the demonic represented in this book. I found that it aided the story and in no way created nightmares for me, but I understand some readers could be sensitive to that - thus the slight warning.

Rating: 5*
Purchase: Playing Saint

Book Description

(from Zachary's website)

Yesterday, Parker Saint’s only concern was his swiftly rising star power. Today, he’s just trying to stay alive.

Parker Saint is living the dream. A cushy job at a thriving megachurch has him on the verge of becoming a bestselling author and broadcast celebrity—until life takes an abrupt turn that lands him on the wrong side of the law. To avoid a public scandal, he agrees to consult with the police on a series of brutal murders linked by strange religious symbols scrawled on each victim. Parker tries to play the expert, but he is clearly in over his head. Drawn ever deeper into a web of intrigue involving a demanding detective, a trio of secretive Vatican operatives, and a centuries-old conspiracy to conceal a mysterious relic, he realizes for the first time that the battle between good and evil is all too real—and that the killer is coming back . . . this time for him..

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I received a free copy of this book for review purposes, but was under no obligation to read the book or post a review. I do so under my own motivation and the opinions I have expressed in this review are honest and entirely my own.