Zachary Bartels has quickly become one of my favorite Christian fiction writers. The Last Con is not what I expected. Exciting, ( )

The Last Con is the first book I have read by Zachary Bartels. From what I experienced, I will definitely be reading his others. This novel is filled with mystery and suspense and enough bad guys to keep the reader guessing. With historic details that made me hit Google, a fast-paced and twisting plot and characters that I immediately connected with, this novel is a recommended read from me.

Fletcher, an ex-con and grifter, has been out of jail for just a short time. His family is still adjusting from the shock of his arrest and incarceration as well as their change in finances and home. Trust is a big issue, but Fletcher, his wife Meg and daughter Ivy are really trying to make their new normal work. But . . . with the addition of a concerned neighbor/landlord and temptations from his former life, Fletcher must decide just what is important and true.

I really liked Fletcher, the grifter who can’t decide if he grifted himself when it comes to his faith in Christ. Even before he gets involved with another con, Fletcher struggles with walking in faith without the rules of prison. A life in Christ is about freedom — from sin, from guilt, but also the freedom to make choices. Although most readers don’t struggle with returning to a life of crime😉, they will identify with the struggle of discerning God’s will and following it. Paul puts it this way in Romans 7:19 — For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do–this I keep on doing. That’s Fletcher’s struggle as it is my own. Godly sorrow vs. worldly sorrow is also examined. The Last Con is also a great suspense novel — lots of shady and sinister actors, tense scenes involving breaking and entering, and a really good game of cat and mouse. You’ll never see the ending coming either. There is also a historical feature, including ancient Knights, kings, queens, and lost treasure, that intersects with the modern day story. There is enough truth in the story that it will make you wonder what if.

The Last Con is a safe bet for those who love suspense. You can’t lose with this one!

Recommended.

Audience: adults.

(Thanks to the publisher for a review copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.) ( )

Title: The Last Con
Author: Zachary Bartels
Pages: 400
Year: 2015
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
My rating is 5 stars out of 5.
Last year I read the author’s novel, Playing Saint, which quite exceptional and its tale unique. Now readers are given a different type of story to read that is rooted in historical fact involving the Knights of Malta. I don’t know about you, but what the author shares about history after the ending of the story was new to me and quite fascinating.
It is hard to tell if some characters are protagonists or antagonists, which is part of the mystery surrounding the attempt to learn the identity of the Alchemist. One male lead is a man named Fletcher who, after serving time in prison, is seeking to reconcile with his wife and daughter. Fletcher is also trying to understand himself as to whether he is a true follower of Christ or just playing a game.
Another aspect of the novel is the relics that belong to…well, that is what the story is leading readers to discover. The twists and turns of the plot keep the attention of the audience especially as readers travel back and forth between 17th century and current day events. There are background characters that are willing to take whatever steps necessary to protect the identity of a secret organization as well as recover property they believe belongs to them from ages past.
If you have read Playing Saint, don’t plan on encountering a similar tale in The Last Con as they are vastly different. If you love mysteries, history along with action, adventure and some surprises in the story, then this novel is definitely one to sit back and enjoy. It took me a couple of chapters to understand where the author was going, but that was mainly due to expecting it to be like the author’s other novel Playing Saint. I loved the historical aspects and facts woven into book and I hope that you will as well, especially because the history included is factual and not made up. I really enjoyed the plot, characters and timeframes and hope to see the author write another intriguing novel soon. So grab a copy and go back in time to a different land and people who were committed to keeping their past a closely guarded secret.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255. “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” ( )