Fear Has a Name

Reviewed by:

G. Connor Salter, Professional Writing alumnus from Taylor University, Upland, IN.

Title:

Fear Has a Name (Crittendon Files #1)

Author:

Creston Mapes

Publisher:

Rooftop Press

https://rooftoppress.fi/

Publication Date:

2023

Format:

Paperback

Length:

345 pages

OVERVIEW

Jack Crittendon is ready to go home after a long day at the newspaper office. However, nothing could make him ready for his wife’s phone call: she and their two daughters just escaped a stranger who broke into their home. The stranger leaves before anyone can identify him.

Jack hopes that this is an isolated event, but suspicious reminders at his home suggest there was more behind the break-in than just a burglar seeking to make some quick cash. Meanwhile, his new story about a disappeared pastor who may be suicidal takes a surprising turn. Life in Jack’s little town has gotten stranger than he imagined it ever could.

Fear Has a Name was originally published in 2013 by David C. Cook. Since I’ve yet to find any business page for Rooftop Press (other than a Helsinki publisher with a different logo), I assume this is Mapes’ own imprint that he is using to re-release the book. Because the copyright statement says 2013, I assume, but can’t say for sure, that this is the same text as the original edition.

If this is the same text, the suspense has aged quite well. Everything is meticulously paced. The plot starts with an intriguing setup and the suspense does not let up from there. There are occasional references to props (deadbolt locks, security systems, etc.) but nothing so specific the story feels out of date.

The religious elements, unfortunately are less great. There are plenty of discussions about faith and some interesting subplots involving pastors and reflections on healthy versus toxic Christianity. But the writing style spends a little too much time telling how the characters feel, with descriptions just a little too generic. Some of the dialogue also comes across as a bit clunky. Put these elements together, and it means that as long as there’s action, the story is fun, but everything heavy-handed when the pace slows down, and characters start thinking about what has happened. Thus, even though there’s potential for some really fun faith discussion here, the faith feels forced instead of natural.

Again, given the publication history, it’s hard to tell whether that was just standard for a 2013 Christian novel. So many things that were cutting-edge discussions about faith from the early 2010s are now well-worn cliches. Still, when the author is republishing the book independently, they have the freedom to revise the story and fix those issues.

A little awkward with the themes, but otherwise a nicely written, effective thriller.

ASSESSMENT

Rating (1 to 5 stars):

3.5 Stars

Suggested Audience:

Fans of crime thrillers with personal stakes, psychological suspense, lots of chases and twists.

Christian Impact:

That is noted above, Mapes sets up some very interesting religious discussions in this novel. Here, key characters are pastors and churchgoers, so their behavior and beliefs become central to the story. However, the dialogue and characterization never quite make the religious discussions feel natur

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