 |
Scream Click title to read excerpt or buy from CBD.com By Mike Dellosso/ Realms 
Reviewed by Gail WelbornDellosso delivers a challenging and relevant message through the vehicle of thriller fiction-the reality of hell.Mark Stone, rebellious son of a preacher turned auto mechanic, grieves over his estranged wife Cheryl and their failing marriage on his long drive home to emptiness. There was little stability left in his life except for the impossible to remove grease under his fingernails. Strange as it sounded, he drew comfort from that predictability. He couldn't know he would soon lose even that comfort. Stone's recent affair had blown his marriage apart, even though he begged Cheryl's forgiveness. She was too hurt, too angry, and too disillusioned to forgive him. But, that too would soon change in an unforeseen way. When his cell phone chirped the "The Dukes of Hazard" melody, he turned down the radio and flipped open the phone, grateful for the distraction. His best friend Jeff had called to check on him. Stone couldn't know this phone call would change the direction of his life and turn the world as he knew it upside down. Minutes into their conversation, the gruesome chorus of what sounded like millions weeping in "bone-crushing pain and agony," drowned out his friend's voice. Wails, grunts and groans shrieked into Mark's ear drum and involuntary goose bumps crossed both forearms. He jerked the phone away from his ear as if it burned him. The hellish sounds lasted five seconds and then abruptly stopped. He quickly redialed. This time sounds of screeching tires, crunching metal and shattering glass interrupted their second conversation. Then only silence until the robotic voice said to leave a message when Mark redialed for the third time. Within days, Mark would join other mourners at his friend's grave site, the first of many grievous moments, forecast by a screeching telephone call from hell. Thus begins this engaging, deep, dark thriller that conveys a strong spiritual message, while delivering a terror filled, inspirational story. The secondary plot weaves the maniacal, serial kidnapper Judge, and his extreme agenda, against the backdrop of Stone's supernatural telephone calls. Story lines converge when the Judge kidnaps Cheryl and she joins four other kidnapped victims in an abandoned barn. This time its Cheryl's voice Stone hears on the telephone, Cheryl's life in imminent danger. Stone has quickly learned what the bizarre, unexplainable phone calls meant for others-this time the bells chimed for his wife. Dellosso delivers a challenging and relevant message through the vehicle of thriller fiction-the reality of hell. Although the message is clear, delivered without any sense of preaching, the engrossing story is fiction told with such subtlety, readers won't fully grasp what the author has done until the last page is turned. This book does not disappoint! I look forward to reading more from this author. |
 |
About Gail Welborn Visit Gail's website. |
|
|
Scream Click title to read excerpt or buy from CBD.com By Mike Dellosso/ Realms
Reviewed by Susan SleemanScream by Mike Dellosso is a relentless thriller, replete with wonderfully flawed characters, a creative plot, and strong spiritual message.Mark Stone thinks his biggest problem is finding a way to reconcile with his estranged wife. That is until he hears screams during a phone conversation with his friend. Not the ear piercing high mewls of an excited child, or the lower more subdued screams from an adult, but otherworldly, terrifying screams. And this is not an isolated incident as the screams reappear in other conversations. It doesn't take Stone long to figure out that each time a scream rips into him, the person he's talking with dies during or shortly after the conversation. Imagine, receiving advance warning that another person will die unless you intervene. A horrible situation to find yourself in. Right? Not horrible enough for author Mike Dellosso who continually ups the ante for Stone as the book unfolds. When he hears the screams during a phone conversation with his estranged wife, Mark must act fast. But can he save her from the screams? Or will she, too die? And why is he the one hearing the screams? What do they mean? That's all I'm telling you about the plot. I don't want to spoil the incredible ride you will take when you read Scream. Warning! Read Scream with the lights on. Better yet, during daylight hours. Dellosso's depiction of hell is so real it rises up from the Screams, reaches out, and grabs hold, convincing you of the very brutal price exacted for a life lived without Jesus. Mike Dellosso, an astonishing new voice in supernatural thrillers, cements his right to be grouped with the likes of King and Peretti with this relentless new thriller. Dellosso's sophomore effort is packed with wonderfully flawed characters, a very creative plot, and a strong spiritual message. Scream is one of those books that stays with you long after you've put it down. Not only for the excellent writing that we've come to expect from Dellosso, but also for the incredible message he weaves into the story. Even if you don't read supernatural suspense, you need to read Scream. You won't be sorry you did. |
 |
Romantic suspense author Susan Sleeman's books include High-Stakes Inheritance, a romantic suspense novel to be released in September by Love Inspired Suspense an imprint of Steeple Hill Publishers and Nipped in the Bud, a cozy mystery coming in October from Barbour Publishing. Read more about Susan Sleeman |
 |
|
|
Scream Click title to read excerpt or buy from CBD.com By Mike Dellosso/ Realms
Reviewed by Deena PetersonI'm giving "Scream" the Golden Bookmark for writing excellence and voting it "Best Christian Thriller of 2009".What if, while you were on the phone with a friend, you suddenly heard blood curdling screams....screams from the pits of hell? What would you think? What would you do? Author Mike Dellosso proposes that question in his new thriller, "Scream", the most chilling novel I've read this year. Mike had a hit on his hands with "The Hunted", and he continues the streak of stellar stories with this soon to be released faith driven suspense tale. Mark Stone has lost hope. After losing his beloved wife through his own stupid mistakes, all he has left is his auto repair garage and the few friends that are still speaking to him. A phone call from one of those friends, Jeff Beaverson, interrupts his melancholy thoughts late one night at the garage. In the middle of their conversation, an unearthly scream comes over the phone line, heard by both parties. What happens next is a ride unlike anything Stephen King could dream up. Bone-chilling and thought provoking are words I'd feel comfortable using to describe Mike Dellosso's writing. The scenes are intense, but always hold a powerful spiritual message. A subplot of kidnapping and potential murder seems unrelated to the story...and then "BOOM!"--out of nowhere the two storylines collide in a way that will steal your breath and make you wonder why you didn't see it coming. Stunning writing! In "Scream", the story boils down to where will you spend eternity? Because life can be over in an instant. Recently, a 17 year old girl lost her life on the way to a friend's birthday party. I'm sure she didn't know she was going to die last week. And we never know when we will pass from this life. So read "Scream" and let it soak into your soul. It will leave you changed if you'll let it. And isn't that the reason for good storytelling? I'm giving "Scream" the Golden Bookmark for writing excellence and voting it "Best Christian Thriller of 2009". It's THAT good! Watch for it to release from Strang Publications...and pick up "The Hunted" while you're at it! |
 |
About Deena Peterson View this review and more |
Susan Sleeman
is passionate about Christian Suspense as both a reader and a writer. She is the author of High-Stakes Inheritance, a romantic suspense novel to be released in September by Love Inspired Suspense an imprint of Steeple Hill Publishers and Nipped in the Bud, a romantic cozy mystery in October from Barbour Publishing.
Read more about Susan's. . .
Christian Suspense
To Die For
©2006-10
Susan Sleeman
Susan Sleeman
