A Cross to Kill

Author: Andrew Huff
Genre: Mystery/Suspense
Series: A Shepherd Suspense #1

John Cross is a small-town pastor, bent on leading his flock to follow God's calling. He's not the sort of man one would expect to have a checkered past.

But the truth is that the man behind the pulpit preaching to his sheep was once a wolf--an assassin for the CIA. When John decided to follow Christ, he put that work behind him, determined to pay penance for all the lives he took. He vowed never to kill again.

Now someone wants the peaceful pastor to pay for his sins with his own life. And when a terrorist out for revenge walks into the church, John's secrets are laid bare. Confronted with his past, he must face his demons and discover whether a man can truly change. Can he keep his vow--even when the people he loves are in mortal danger? Will his congregation and the brave woman he's learning to care for be caught in the cross fire? In the end, his death may be the only sacrifice he has left to offer . . .

Andrew Huff's thrilling debut is not only a riveting story of suspense, it's also a deep exploration of the moral quandaries that face those who choose to follow the Prince of Peace in a violent world.

---

Reviewer: Kandace Perry

A Cross to Kill is everything you want a suspense novel to be... Fast Paced. Thrilling. Filled with dangerous rescues.

An adventurous plot line packed with twists and turns page after page. Huff skillfully weaves faith filled decisions with the tough choices of crime, law enforcement and the greater good of the country.

Pour your hot drink, and get comfy because you won't want to put the book down until you read the final page.

This book was provided courtesy of Kregel Publishing through Interviews & Reviews.

---

---

Reviewer: Susan Poll

I am so happy to have found this author. This was a fast action, page turning, roller coaster ride of a story. 

This felt like those spy-type action movies I can’t get enough of. Definitely thriller vibes with car chases and dangerous situations all around. I highly recommend this for older teenage boys (and girls) on up. If you like action packed stories, spiritual thread that reminds us who we are and what is worth standing up for, chases, witty banter, hilariously spot-on church ladies, and national security betrayal then grab this book and hold on.

I received this from the publisher through Interviews and Reviews and this is my honest personal opinion. 

---

---

Reviewer: Kara Linaburg

When I chose to review this book, I didn't know what to expect. I'd never heard of Andrew Huff, but an assassin turned pastor? Terrorists? Suspense? All in one?!

YES. PLEASE.

The storyline is a complete thumbs up. I loved the idea behind it all -- especially because pastors are normally left in the back burner of exciting stories. When you depict pastors it's normally in the stuffy, cliche fashion. Pastors hold a special place in my heart: my dad is a pastor, and he is by no means stuffy. 

Andrew Huff accomplished that and more -- he created a fascinating character who is trying to run from his past, but it's catching up with him! The writing style is clean and well done, and I loved Cross' character and his sassiness.

I wanted to like this book (a lot), but the cheese was pretty obvious at times when it came to the fight scenes, which at times spread out into several chapters. I'm rating this three stars because I liked it, but the cheesiness was a bit much. He took a couple guys down at once (with no weapon), enjoys showing off and basically loves the thrill of a hunt (even though he wouldn't admit it). This can be fine, but after all I just wanted to get to know Cross on a more personal level and see him in his new normal as a pastor and trying to adjust to civilian life. 

The Christian themes are a little in your face too--especially towards the end, with the conversion scene being a bit predictable. I appreciate them being there, but I wish it hadn't been done so predictable and generic.  

For those looking for a solid, Christian read with themes of forgiveness though, Andrew Huff's series is it. It just wasn't for me when it came down to it. 

This book was provided courtesy of Kregel Publishing through Interviews & Reviews.

---

---

Reviewer: Anna Bottoms

If you like nonstop adrenaline-pumping action, A Cross to Kill is definitely the book for you. John Cross, former CIA operative and current pastor, takes you on the ride of your life as he rescues Christine, a reporter who's being held captive by terrorists. That's only the beginning.

John is a complex character who battles between his old life desensitized to the suffering of others, and his new life as a Christian and shepherd to a small congregation. His story is one of the old sinful man's pull on us, and the new life offered through Christ. 

Christine faces the worst possible consequences and must learn to turn her fear and newfound fame into something of value. As she sees John's faith at work in him, and the same in the life of one of his congregants, will she make the same choice? Or will she trust in herself?

If you love thrillers and suspense, with threads of faith, forgiveness, and redemption, I recommend this book.

I was given a copy of this book by Kregel Publications through Interviews and Reviews for my honest review.

---