CFBA Tour - According to Their Deeds

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
According To Their Deeds
Bethany House (March 1, 2009)
by
Paul Robertson


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Paul Robertson is a computer programming consultant, part-time high-school math and science teacher, and the author of The Heir. He is also a former Christian bookstore owner (for 15 years), who lives with his family in Blacksburg, Virginia.








ABOUT THE BOOK
A Deadly Game of Justice Versus Mercy Charles Beale lives outside the shadow of Washington, D.C. Politics and power matter only when a client crosses the Potomac to visit his Alexandria Rare Books shop.

But that all changes when a former client--a man deeply connected in the Justice Department--is found murdered after a break-in gone bad. When Charles reclaims at auction the books he'd once sold, he quickly discovers he's bought more trouble than he could have ever imagined.

Inside one volume are secrets. A collection of sins that, if revealed, could destroy reputations, careers--even lives. Charles soon learns he isn't the only who knows. Going to the police means ruining a multitude of lives. But staying silent puts a target on his shop, his wife--and himself. Charles must decide: Should one mistake really cost you everything?

If you would like to read the first chapter of According To Their Deeds, go HERE

MY THOUGHTS:
This was a fascinating book. On one level, it was an intriguing mystery of hidden sins, veiled threats, and mysterious interactions. Added to that was the process of redeeming a prodigal and the questions of trust and doubt that arise. And throughout the entire book, words are masterfully employed in a variety of ways. As a wordsmith and lover of double meanings and puns, I enjoyed, for example, the significance and connotation of the book titles that had beeen sold as Alice would report to Charles. Or a snippet of a conversation between Charles and his wife, Dorothy:

"Of all the books, why he would..." Charles couldn't help but smile. "Why did he pick the Locke?"

Dorothy closed the book she was reading. "I know that you and the employees do that, but I do not allow puns in this house."

"It was unavoidable."

"I don't think so." (p. 147)

Much of it is subtle and intriguing, and it adds depth to the story and character to the setting of the antique book store and its personalities. Deciphering the mystery is a challenge for the reader as much as for Charles, and the dilemma of what to do with the information is agonizing. I recommend this book.

Happy Reading!