Coldwater

Author: Samuel Parker
Genre: Thriller/Suspense

The vigilantes behind him are nothing compared to the enemy within.

Having forfeited his youth to the state prison system, Michael moved back to the still vacant house of his parents in a town with one stoplight. A town that hated him. Had always hated him. And was ready to pick up where the prison system had left off.

Now he's on the run from men who've tried to kill him once; but Michael is more than an ex-con. A powerful, sinister force skulks within him, threatening and destructive. What--and who--it will destroy next is the only real question. 

From the bold voice that brought readers down Purgatory Road comes a new pulse-pounding, spine-rattling tale of vengeance and justice.

Reviewer: Robert Morton

It is very hard to talk about this book without giving away major plot points. The story opens with a man in a pine box struggling to get out. It is the start of many struggles that this man will go through in his life for the next few days. 

Branded a murderer as a child and sent to jail, he is released as an adult and tries to live by himself at his home, venturing out to a bar once a week for a drink. This does not sit well with the locals, and they want him dead, so that is why we find him in a box in the opening. 

Characters are quite well developed in this book, even the minor ones. There was no one sided character in the book. We got to see what made them tick and why they were the way they were. 

The plot was excellent. When I thought that the author could not pull out a new twist to the story anymore, he still did. It was an excellent thrill ride through why these people were like they were. Nothing was out of place. Each new reveal went with the others. It was well written. The only reason that I put it down once I started was that was bedtime, or I had work to do. It just latched on and would not let go. 

One surprise to me was that the website that allowed me to request a review copy of the book is a Christian website. The books at this site are Christian books, and Revell is a Christian publishing organization. With that, I was expecting some mention of Christianity, but it was just not there in the story straight out. As I thought about it, the story could seem a little allegorical. I cannot talk about why I feel that way because it would give away major plot points. But there is a big need for empathy and forgiveness in this story. The story revolves around if the main character will get them, but also the need for them from some of the minor ones. 

I highly recommend this book with the understanding that there is a lot of death in it. For that reason, if it were a movie (and I could see this becoming one) it would at least get a PG-13 rating. Drinking is done but not glorified. Sex is non-existent. If death bothers you, this might be a book to avoid. ​

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Reviewer: Sabrina Wade

Interesting read. The story of a child growing into a man with a heavy darkness cloaked over him because of his sin. Logically it makes sense. Every sin we commit leaves us in a world of darkness least we be forgiving and absolved of our sins by a great sacrifice. Michael undeserving, received such a sacrifice.

Furthermore, as it was once said, hate cannot drive out hate only love can do that. Hateful people cannot successfully drive away murders. The day evil can correct evil will be the day of non-existence. Love, Grace, and Mercy work together to drive out evil. That's what's soooo amazing about it.

​Pick up a copy for yourself and conclude your own opinion.

Book received courtesy of Baker Publishing

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Reviewer: Kelly Potts

I received a complimentary copy of “Coldwater” to review from a Christian standpoint. I finished reading Coldwater three days ago and I have yet to fully decide if this book deserves to be on a Christian bookshelf. I liked the book and it would have easily scored a 5 star if I removed the low rating I gave it for the Christian message category. Michael is a very intriguing character. He carries a living sin within him that mysteriously kills living things near him. He is on the run from a lynch mob that faults Michael for every evil thing that happens in their town. Throughout the book there is no mention of salvation, faith or trust in God. When the “evil” finally leaves Michael there is no sense of his own redemption from a Christian standpoint. But overall, a very interesting and intriguing read – just not Christian.

Book received courtesy of Baker Publishing

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