In this Christian suspense story inspired in part by the hymn Amazing Grace and set in Columbus, Ohio, Elizabeth works to figure out the meaning of her recurrent dreams about her father's death and their possible connection to her fiance's accidents prior to the fast-approaching wedding.
The Way Home is the first book of four in a series of Christian mysteries. Each edition of the For Hymn Mystery series will use a familiar hymn in a similar fashion. Two of the characters introduced in the first book will become the main characters in the second of the series.
A different verse of Amazing Grace is used for each of the three parts of The Way Home. Elizabeth's father has died, and the detectives must determine the cause. Is it an accidental insulin overdose as it first appears? Or, could there be something more?
Seventeen years later Elizabeth’s dreams of this incident become more vivid and troubling as the wedding approaches. Her confusion is intertwined with questions about God. Even her fiancé, Ryan, experiences several life-threatening events in the few weeks prior to the big day.
Will Elizabeth come to know the Lord as Ryan does before the wedding? Will they be able to determine the cause of his accidents? And, will she be able to solve the mystery surrounding her father’s death before she says, ‘I do’?
Excerpt
He looked to the unmoving form on the plaid couch beside her. "His name is Daniel Perkins," Officer Kent filled in. "He and his daughter lived here alone. A co-worker expressed concern to the family when he hadn't shown up to work for a few days."
The detective nodded. The insulin bottle and the empty syringe were lying on the side table nearest the man's head. He had to agree with the officers, at first glance, it sure looked like a simple overdose.
"Well, Temke?" the older detective called from the living room. "Ready to go? Looks pretty cut and dry: accidental diabetic overdose."
"Yeah. I guess so," the rookie replied heading back to the entrance. His head agreed with his superior, but why didn't he feel the same assurance in his gut?
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Reviews for "The Way Home - Book I - The For Hymn Mystery Series"
Reviewed by Tyrone Banks
11/18/2004
I wanted to share the review that I've written for this book:
Elizabeth Perkins had a very troubled childhood. She lost her mother as she was born and her father died in an “accident “seventeen years ago. She has suffered recurrent dreams of this trauma for many years and the spirits of her parents cannot rest within her heart. She meets the man of her dreams. He is a very spiritual man with strong and unwavering faith in God and the scripture. He is the one destined to lead “Lizzie” back to God and she is on the brink of finding happiness. Her fiancé’s life is now threatened and Lizzie’s world is about to delve back into a cycle of loss and sadness. She has already lost her mother and father; must she loose her fiancé Ryan Denlinger as well? She utilizes the images that trouble her as she sleeps to recreate the scene of her father’s death and the days she spent by his lifeless body as a child. These painful memories and sleepless nights lead her to a startling realization. Is it possible that her father’s death and the threats on Ryan’s life are related? As she finds her way “home” she will find that God has been with her in many forms. She wants a closer relationship with God and her fiancé will take her there – if he survives. This book will serve a dual purpose. It will satisfy those looking for a good mystery with a surprising and unexpected ending. It will also serve to remind those that follow God or the ones who have lost “the way home” that God is alive and will guide you to your purpose and peace – if you have faith. It is suitable for any audience, young or old and it is timeless. Pick up a copy for yourself and for anyone trying to cope with loss. The therapy found within these pages is for anyone and everyone who may feel that their life is tumbling from their hands.
Tyrone Vincent Banks
Reviewed by David
5/6/2003
I've had the privilege of reading the 2nd book in the series also, and it is even better than the first. I dearly hope it is published so others may enjoy it also.
Reviewed by Dolli VanFossen
2/10/2003
Your book is a great read! I truly enjoyed it - just when I thought, 'OK,all the surprises are over,' you'd reel me back into the story. I'm looking
forward to the rest of the series.
Obviously, God gave you an amazing gift -
thank you for sharing it with the rest of us.
Reviewed by James Mauk
1/4/2003
There are so many tangents that are co-mingled, that it becomes confusing to the police and also the reader, can't wait to find out how this dilemma plays out.
Reviewed by Celesia Snyder
1/2/2003
I really enjoyed the excerpt. It leaves you wondering what is going to happen and if it was an overdose or murder.
Reviewed by Joan Krambeck
1/2/2003
I think the whole idea of the For Him Series is innovative. I'm anxious to read the book and find out how it all comes together and works out.
Reviewed by Jo Ellen Fisher
1/2/2003
Just after reading the excerpt and the background to The Way Home, I can hardly wait to read it! Even with this small amount of story given, it has caught my attention and has me wanting more. What is happening to Elizabeth? What really happened to her dad? I'm very anxious to get this book and dive into mystery!
