Book of Nathan

Rick Bullock, who runs a homeless shelter, gets more than he bargained for in this plot-twisting mystery. When down-and-out Zeus is charged with the murder of a famous televangelist in Florida, Bullock refuses to believe that this gentle man could have committed such a heinous crime and goes to Florida to see what he can find out. But when he reaches his destination, he realizes that his journey has only just begun. Discovering that a lost book of the Bible holds not only the answer to one of life's most troubling questions but also the key to exonerating Zeus, Bullock must work quickly to save his friend's life—and his own—before it's too late. This collaborative effort by former corporate exec Weeden and publishing veteran Marek is a wild ride, but the stilted dialogue, stock characters, and outlandish plot make the novel more kitschy than classy. Nevertheless, mystery fans who crave fast-paced narratives and surprises at every turn will most likely get a kick out of this ambitious collaboration. (Aug.)