From the back cover: While investigating a double homicide in an isolated northern Wisconsin town, FBI Special Agent Patrick Bowers uncovers a high-tech conspiracy that twists through long-buried Cold War secrets and targets present-day tensions in the Middle East. In his most explosive thriller yet, bestselling author Steven James delivers a multi-layered storytelling tour de force that not only delivers pulse-pounding suspense but also deftly explores the rippling effects of the choices we make. The Queen is a techno-thriller that will leave you breathless, offered by the author Publishers Weekly calls a “master storyteller at the peak of his game.”
I have to be honest and admit that I had a hard time getting through this book. The graphic images were very disturbing and it wasn’t like my normal reading fare. This book is not for the faint of heart but…I THOUGHT THE WRITING WAS STELLAR! This book scared and haunted me and I think the author did a great job with plot and descriptions. However, before you read this novel, you need to be warned that there are things that happen in this book that you don’t normally see in Christian fiction – they even had images of cannibalism and reading that made me stop, close the book, and have to wait before picking it up again.
The novel starts off with a botched abduction, complete with exploding body parts. Fast forward to a trailer park where Patrick Bowers is on a stake-out to catch a serial killer. Pat is then told to switch gears and investigate the murder of a mother and her four-year-old daughter. The father is missing, and when Pat investigates, he finds information about the Cold War.
The extremely complex plot moves forward quickly and if you like this kind of novel, it could be a real page-turner. You get to know about Patrick’s background in this novel, too – you find out what makes him tick. I haven’t read the rest of the stories in this series, but, if you like graphic fiction, filled with evil, before being overcome by goodness, then you should give this book a try. This novel shows how we need to overcome evil, true evil, and lean on God.
If you’re interested in knowing why Steven James writes about evil, then you should visit this link.
Have you read this book? If so, what did you think about it?
“Available September 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”
Many thanks to Baker/Revell for providing me with a free review copy.
Just about to start this one. Love, love, love Steven James’ books. Have you read any of the prior ones? I suspect, like the Harry Potter series, the books are getting darker as the series progresses. But make no mistake, the early ones are something to read too.
Are you a fan of the TV series, Criminal Minds? Most people who like that series will also like Steven James’ books.
Hey Patricia
Nope, I haven’t read the rest of the books in the series. Yep, I thought this book was very dark. Criminal Minds – ya know, you’re about the second person who has recommended that series to me. No, I haven’t watched it, but, I should probably keep it in mind. I don’t watch much TV except for the Food Network Channel.
Thanks for the review, Cecelia. My husband is a fan of Stephen James’ books and has collected the whole series. Right now he’s reading The Queen. I haven’t started the series yet, but from what I hear, it’s wildly good.
Brandi, hope both your and your hubby enjoy the novel! 🙂