This fast-paced story accelerated quickly on multiple tracks. The deep dive into the multiple points of view gave the story humanity and a more complete grasp of the interwoven actions.
I love this story for its directness in how the characters struggle in life and faith. Now, I’m hooked on this series wherever it leads.
The author is a master storyteller! ( )

If you are looking for a psychological thriller that will keep you turning the pages while holding your breath, then pick up a copy of Creston Mapes’ novel, Fear Has A Name, book one in The Crittendon Files series. I listened to the audio version and had a hard time turning it off. In fact I found lots of excuses to extend my listening time. Tightly written, this book will appeal to those who like Steven James.

The action starts from the very beginning. The Crittendon family is subjected to a home invasion. And that’s just the start of the nightmare that includes stalking and kidnapping. A seemingly unrelated story line of a missing pastor is the focus of Jack Crittendon’s newspaper investigation. But the two stories come together in an unusual way that demonstrates God’s plan and sovereignty.

Fear Has A Name is an action packed novel, with some very well-developed characters. They struggle with real life problems — depression, doubt and insecurity. When faced with extreme stress, they react in credible ways. The bad guy, Grainger Meade, is especially compelling. The product of twisted religion and abuse, he is at once despicable and sympathetic. The plot is multi-layered, and I wondered just where the author was going with the story lines. But Mapes brings all things together to show just how God works behind the scenes, though we can trace His hand if we look close enough. The audiobook reader did a good job of providing the many voices of the characters with their turmoil and torment.

I highly recommend Fear Has A Name for anyone looking for a taut thriller, and I am looking forward to reading more from this talented author.

Highly Recommended.

Audience: adults. ( )

Fear Has a Name is a multilayered novel. The main theme is about the stalker that has targeted the Crittendon family. He has broken into their home, but taken nothing of significant value. The second theme is the pastor who seems to have disappeared in order to commit suicide. His wife though, is convinced this is not the case. There Is more going on here than meets the eye though. Crittendon is having trouble getting to the bottom of it because his mind is on the safety of his family. He has to find out who is stalking his wife.

I found this story complex and fascinating as the author not only wove both stories, but wove them together into one when they seemed disconnected at first. I liked the main characters Jack and Pam Crittendon. They seemed like real people you might meet anywhere. I felt very sorry for the stalker who I think was the way he was due a large part to his abusive upbringing.

I liked the pacing of the book too. I certainly had no problem finishing Fear Has a Name in short order, not because it was a short book, but because it was so entertaining that reading it was not a chore, but rather a pleasure and I seemed to tune out everything else.

I would highly recommend Fear Has a Name to anyone who enjoys thriller-suspense novels. This one is a winner. I rated this novel 5 stars out of 5.

I purchased this book on Amazon.

This review was published on my blog Shelf Full of Books http://kathrynsshelffullofbooks.blogspot.com/2014/09/book-review-fear-has-name-b... ( )

I won a free copy of this book through a Goodreads giveaway.

This book is filled with suspense, from beginning to end. The book never has a dull moment.

The story is seen through different characters' perspectives; about four (4) characters.

Although the book is a Christian fiction, the topic of fear is not a fictional topic. This story can apply to real fears that people face, and it provides an example of what Christians can do when they face fearful situations.

Overall, I enjoyed this book because the story contains many elements of mystery and suspense that made me want to keep on reading. Also, the author did a good job at mixing fictional elements of the story with realistic elements.

I can't wait for the next book in "The Crittendon Files". ( )

Did not finish reading. Uninteresting.