Synopses & Reviews
They said, “Hes a nobody.”They were dead wrong.
When reporter Hudson Ambrose hears an early morning call on his police scanner about an injured person at a bus stop on Las Vegas Boulevard, he rushes to the scene to get the scoop.
His world is blown off its axis when he discovers a murdered homeless man with a bankbook in his pocket showing a balance of almost one million dollars. Should he wait for the police, knowing the case will get lost in reams of red tape, or swipe the bankbook and take the investigation-and perhaps a chunk of the money-into his own hands?
With sirens bearing down on the scene, Hudson makes an impulse decision that whisks him on a frantic search for answers, not only about the mysterious dead man, but about the lost soul lurking within himself.
Uncovering bizarre links between a plane crash, a Las Vegas pit boss, a dirty cop, and a widowed Atlanta business mogul, Hudson is forced to find out: who was Chester Holte, what was he doing on the streets, and why are his homeless friends convinced he was an angel in disguise?
About the Author
Creston Mapes is a talented storyteller whose first two novels, Dark Star and Full Tilt, made him a finalist in the American Christian Fiction Writers Book of the Year awards and the Inspirational Readers Choice awards. Creston has written for major corporations, colleges, and ministries, including Coca-Cola, TNT Sports, Oracle, Focus on the Family, and In Touch Ministries. Committed to his craft and his family, Creston makes his home in Georgia with his wife, Patty, and their four children.
Reading Group Guide
1. When Hud first drove to the Civic Center North bus stop, his motives appeared pure. So, what went wrong? What temptations overtook him? Can you relate in any way?
2. Discuss the times youve been overcome by sudden sinful temptations and the negative long-term fallout some of those snap decisions may or may not have had.
3. The book of Proverbs tells us repeatedly that wisdom comes from God and implies that wisdom and understanding are two of the most vital things for which we can pray. Do you pray for wisdom? Review “wisdom” in Proverbs and discuss.
4. Hud begins chapter five by saying, “I should have gotten the cops involved right then.” But he didnt. Look up Luke 12:15 and discuss.
5. Holly was a Christian. How is it that she found herself in an abusive relationship with Ken Van Dillon? Why was it so difficult to escape?
6. Discuss Hollys friendship with Chester. Are you part of any similar mentoring relationships? Talk about those and the impact theyve had.
7. When Chesters wife died, he turned to the church for solace. To a great extent, his walk with God was based on works. Has this ever happened to you? Explain.
8. What are your motives when you serve? Do you ever find yourself attempting to please man rather than Jesus? Do you serve as a result of peer pressure and man-made obligation, or is it because youve met with God, Hes shown you what He wants, and you are being obedient? Discuss.
9. Does it ever seem as if you need to guard yourself from being pulled into too many service obligations? But that sounds so un-Christian, doesnt it? Explain.
10. Discuss how the following Scripture relates to Chester and you: “The wind blows where it wishes and you hear the sound of it, but do not know where it comes from and where it is going; so is everyone who is born of the Spirit” (John 3:8)
11. Pastor Banyon Scribe was out to build a megachurch and gain worldwide fame. What events ultimately humbled him and how did those events impact you?
12. Read the poem “I Stand by the Door” at the end of the book and discuss it as it relates to Chester and as it relates to you. (This is a can of worms…enjoy!)