Mapleton Murders — Sarah Stewart

A youth minister investigates a series of murders in her sleepy upstate New York town when international intrigue and corrupt politicians rear their heads. On the run and the killer's next target, she joins forces with an honest detective to solve the mystery before her life comes to a premature end. A Christian murder mystery full of surprising twists and startling turns, Sarah Jean Stewart's debut is a spine-tingling tale full of danger, intrigue and ultimate redemption. Kate Feeney is nothing if not a devout believer in the power of God. A beautiful youth minister in the small town of Mapleton, New York, she has overcome an abusive childhood to become a strong young woman anchored in her faith. Which is good, because when things start to go haywire in the small rural village, it will be her belief that keeps her from losing her headwhile all others around her seem to lose theirs. A school board member calls out the four dark forces threatening the town only to be murdered that night and a local police officer tries to rape Kate but a mysterious assailant kills him-but not before Kate hears the assailant's voice. The town's growing fear is palpable and the suspects many, including the town's mayor, local moonshiners, corrupt cops, and a wealthy Arab sheik. Kate teams with Detective Mike Roberts to uncover a terrorist plot at the nuclear power plant that leadsto Kate's abduction at the hands of the fleeing sheik. And when Mike rescues her, it puts them back on the trail to unmask the Mapleton murderer before Kate becomes his next victim. A rollicking thrill ride full of intrigue and suspense, Stewart delivers the goods with ingenious plotting and sharp dialogue that crackles with intensity. She explores the rock solid Christian faith that allows Kate to survive-her simple, unadorned prose reveals the foundational aspects of its strength. As uplifting as it is entertaining, Mapleton Murders will enchant you as it careens breathlessly towards its surprising finish.