FORGIVING SOLOMON LONG

Just when it seemed Christian publishers had explored every possible fiction niche, enter this debut contemporary gangster novel that occasionally falters but still tells an engaging story. When a Kansas City coalition of local churches tries to break the grip of organized crime, a mobster flies in cold-blooded hit man Solomon Long (aka "Solo") to knock off influential members. After one of Solo's dying victims forgives him, he is overcome with guilt and unable to complete the assigned serial murders. Well makes Solo a believable and fully rounded character, a killer plagued with obsessive-compulsive disorder and haunted by a fundamentalist childhood. Another compelling figure is Det. Tom Griggs, a workaholic who spends his sessions at the marriage counselor mentally working through a case rather than shoring up his faltering relationship. There's plenty of unexpected humor, including gunmen who play chess and a whiz-kid detective who likes Fruit Loops in his coffee. The snappy dialogue and occasional KER-CHUNK or BLAM, BLAM show evidence of Well's background as a comic book and radio series author, as do some short scenes and tight prose. There are a few trouble spots, including an unbelievable concluding chase scene and at least one unfortunate insider joke (a rapper named for a Harvest House editor). However, Well's fresh voice makes this an enjoyable addition to faith fiction. (Jan.)