Review – The Missionary

William Carmichael, former editor and publisher of Virtue and Christian Parenting Today magazines, and author David Lambert, acquisitions editor for Howard Books, co-authored an intriguing, intense, Indiana Jones-style conspiracy in The Missionary.
The well-developed narrative and characters engage the reader from the first sentence, “Life turns on small choices,” and doesn’t let up. Exceptional underlying themes of blurred moral boundaries create a fascinating tale of moral dilemma, personal sacrifice, and unintended consequences. The fast pace and relentless tension leave the reader craving more.

The story begins when American missionaries, David Eller, and his wife and nurse, Christie, face another day of difficult choices because of inadequate medical supplies in their medical facility in Venezuela. At the outset, the couple work intently to save a homeless boy’s life. Initially, David uses the first epi pen to jumpstart the child’s breathing before he is put in the Hope Village van for transport. At the clinic, the boy’s gasps for air prompt Christie to jam a second epi pen against his thigh. Only then is his restricted airway eased. Hours later, the clinic doctor would diagnose a “stubborn form of necrotizing MRSA,” which left little hope for the youngster. In a short time, that would be the least of their problems.

When Carlos Edwards, a mysterious stranger visits the clinic and offers David a large donation for the couple’s work at Hope Village, David accepts. He sees the gift as a miracle from God, but Christie’s suspicions are aroused. Everyone in the Venezuelan dictatorship, ruled by ruthless gangs and drug lords, has an ulterior motive. She reminds David he is already at risk for lashing out against the current regime. David couldn’t know the price his family would pay when he refuses to listen.

Later, he accepts a secretive luncheon appointment at The Punta Grill, followed by the request for a small favor with a $50,000 gratuity attached, and a mysterious briefcase exchange. David’s innocent actions turn him into an international fugitive. Then his family, and the elderly couple who help at the clinic, are arrested and threatened with torture when the overthrow of the corrupt, Venezuelan government fails?a coup David unwittingly participates in.

Thus begins an extraordinary suspense thriller about moral choices, the CIA, intrigue, deception, betrayal, and the overthrow of an oppressive and corrupt government. The cutting-edge themes could be ripped from today’s headlines. The underlying principles of faith and trust in God, and the importance of love and family are foundational to the narrative.
If you don’t have time to read, do not start this book. From its bone-chilling beginning to the shock-surprise ending, the unexpected plot twists and turns will keep you guessing, and grabbing the book for, “just a few more pages,” even when you are running short of time.

From its bone-chilling beginning to the shock-surprise ending, the unexpected plot twists and turns will keep you guessing, and grabbing the book for, “just a few more pages,” even when you are running short of time.