Sharing my love of reading and books through book reviews. Grab a cup of coffee and a good book!

Thursday, July 12, 2012

Creston Mapes --- Liffuse Blog Tour


About the Author
Best-selling author Creston Mapes grew up in northeast Ohio where he had a type-set printing press and his own neighborhood newspaper. A fair student, he excelled at being creative through the written word. In college he was mentored by a one-of-a-kind journalism professor who was a freelancer for National Geographic; she encouraged him to pursue a career in writing.  Graduating from Bowling Green State University in 1983 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in magazine journalism, Creston moved to the Gulf Coast of Florida where he began his career as a reporter at a bi-weekly newspaper. Two years later he transferred to a daily paper in central Ohio where he was a city hall reporter, feature writer, and photographer. When Creston received a call from Phoenix Communications of Atlanta in 1986, he and his wife made the move to Atlanta. For four years he served as a creative director for Phoenix, creating, writing & producing high-end marketing materials.  After discovering his need for Jesus Christ in the late 1980s, Creston became creative director for Dr. Bruce Wilkinson (Prayer of Jabez) and Walk Thru the Bible Ministries in Atlanta. It only took a year for him to discover "management" was the farthest thing from his forte--that's when Creston began working out of his home as a freelance writer. For 22 years he has written marketing and magazine copy for clients such as Coca-Cola, Chick-fil-A, The Weather Channel, TNT Sports, Oracle Corporation, ABC TV, and others. Creston still writes for many of those fine organizations and is especially enjoying creating inspirational fiction.  His three suspense novels include: DARK STAR: CONFESSIONS OF A ROCK IDOL, FULL TILT, and NOBODY. He is currently at work on a new thriller series to release in 2013. Creston resides in Atlanta with his hometown sweetheart and four children. He loves reading, painting, family outings, watching hockey, baseball and basketball, and listening to all kinds of music, exploring old Atlanta with his wife, and being with friends.

Dark Star

Can Fame, Wealth, and Power Buy Happiness?  Everett Lester and his band, DeathStroke, ride the crest of a wave to superstardom. But the deeper they become immersed in fame, wealth, and power, the more likely they are to be swallowed alive by the drugs, alcohol, and discontentment that have become their only friends. Everett is headed down a perilous road of no apparent return when he’s charged with the murder of his personal psychic. The only hope he can cling to comes from Topeka , Kansas , and the letters written by a prayerful young lady who lives there. Consistent and persistent, the notes cut straight to Everett ’s empty heart, offering a fulfillment he’s never grasped before. But what if he’s found guilty of murder? Will he recognize the spiritual battle that’s raging for his soul?

Endora Crystal was my rock...

As I staggered through the chaos of rock ’n’ roll fame—the drugs and alcohol, the selfishness and turmoil—Endora was the gentle voice in my ear telling me I was special. Telling me I was adored. She was my personal psychic, and she said I had a unique purpose, a calling to give my fans happiness. To be their god.  My band, DeathStroke, dominated the world of rock. Yet strife ruled our inner circle. My family didn’t know me. I loved no one but myself. 
And yet Karen Bayliss was praying for me, that I would come to know the love of God and the lordship of Jesus Christ. She was not a fan. Didn’t care for my music. Karen just wanted me to know peace.  Now Endora is dead, and I’ve been charged with first-degree murder.

Everett Lester is headed down a perilous road of no apparent return. Will he recognize the spiritual battle that’s raging for his soul?


Full Tilt 

What Good Can Become of Psychotics, Meth Users, or the Mob? In this sequel to Dark Star, rock star Everett Lester is eager to share the redeeming power of Christ’s love with the world through his music. But reaching his family in their twisted lives is another issue altogether. His gambling-addicted brother, Eddie, and the rest of his deteriorating family greet Everett’s attempts with disdain and hatred. When the Mob gets involved, dangerous threats become a haunting reality. And when Eddie’s son, Wesley—who blames Everett for his brother’s death—hooks up with psychotic Tony Badino, the two meth-using antichrists will stop at nothing to bring Everett down and secure his demise!

I ONCE SOWED DESTRUCTION.

Now those I love are reaping pain.  The media hype is fading, and my life is no longer that of a glamorous celebrity. I’m Everett Lester, former lead singer of DeathStroke, acquitted of first-degree murder, now married, a Christian, and ready to take my story to the masses through music. Problem is, the turmoil of my past didn’t end when the reporters left.  My wife, Karen, and I have received news that has rocked our world. My brother Eddie’s gambling is so far out of control that the mob practically owns him. And Eddie’s son, Wesley—who blames me for his brother’s death—is mixed up with meth, a psychotic named Tony Badino, and a satanic voice that’s urging him to take me out.
Will my Living Water tour ever hit the road? Will former fans stop hissing long enough to hear about the transforming power of Christ’s love? Satan once used me for evil—only through God’s power can I be used for good. The question is: w ill my loved ones and I be able to survive the aftermath of a rock star’s life?   Everett Lester faces enemies both human and supernatural. Satan won’t give up his hold on Everett , his family, or his fans without a vicious fight. God’s victory is certain in the supernatural realm, but will Everett survive the earthly battle that’s threatening to obliterate him? 


Nobody
They said, "He's 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 man in the black Converse high-tops, 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.

My Review Summary
Let me first state that mystery books are my second favorite genre.  I hesitated about finishing these because I had a difficult time getting involved in the story lines.  The books are not bad - they are just not my types of mystery reading.  Also, being a huge reader for over 40 years, I know that everyone has different tastes.  If you like suspense novels that are written in a modern way, then these books are a good recommendation for you.  Overall, I would give them a three out of a five rating - 3 out of 5 stars.

NOTE - I received these e-books for free in exchange for an honest, personal review.  There was no expectation of a positive review given.


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