"The String" by Caleb Breakey

The String (July 16, 2019) by Caleb Breakey.*

The conductor runs the show. It is elaborate, and his rules are simple. Know that participation is mandatory, and know that if you don’t follow the rules, threats aren’t mere threats, but heinous actions against others, whether those close to you or your fellow participants in the string. University cop and SWAT team member Markus Haas has gotten tangled in the conductor’s twisted web. How he came to the attention of the conductor isn’t right away known, but Markus is a good guy, and in the conductor’s shattered mind, there must be something about breaking down a strong person. Someone who is strong in mind and body. Markus has no intention of playing this game by the conductor’s rules, but will he change his mind when the conductor takes those whom he cares for the most?

            This psychological thriller was unlike anything I’ve yet read in inspirational fiction. It was unexpected, though not in a negative way. The plot is certainly intricate and is weighed down by the gravity of the situation. This story is not for the faint of heart; the story can get violent. It is as twisted as the mind of its conductor. I thought the number of “strings” (unwilling participants) were too many, and it frustrated me that the protagonist seemed so far behind the antagonist when the protagonist clearly has the training, skills and smarts to investigate. And while I appreciated that this Christian fiction story wasn’t preachy, I still thought the threads of faith were too subtle. Not to say I expected vocal prayers every few chapters from the characters, but this is a story of keeping the faith in the midst of evil. Because of that, I expected faith to be a little bit more than subtle, but this first in the Deadly Games series remains a solid debut.

* Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Revell Books. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions are expressly my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”