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The Strange Man (The Coming Evil #1)

by Greg Mitchell (Goodreads Author)

4.15 of 5 stars 4.15 · rating details · 54 ratings · 23 reviews

Dras Weldon lives in a world of horror movies and comic books. Twenty-two and unemployed, he is content to hide in the shadow of adolescence with a faith that he professes but rarely puts into action.

But when a demonic stranger arrives and begins threatening his friends, Dras is drawn into a battle that forces him to choose which side he is on. In a race against the clock,...more

Paperback, 304 pages

Published February 1st 2011 by Realms

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Apr 15, 2012 Edward Erdelac rated it 3 of 5 stars

I’ve never read Christian horror fiction in my life, outside of a few pages of the Left Behind series, and I don’t even know if that counts.

Reading The Strange Man, don’t expect a squirm-inducing read of gut churning gore. There are monsters sure, and they’re threatening, yeah. But the harrow in The Strange Man exists on a personal, frankly more thought provoking level. It’s composed of the thoughts that keep a man of faith up at night, or really anybody who ponders their own existence more than...more I’ve never read Christian horror fiction in my life, outside of a few pages of the Left Behind series, and I don’t even know if that counts.

Reading The Strange Man, don’t expect a squirm-inducing read of gut churning gore. There are monsters sure, and they’re threatening, yeah. But the harrow in The Strange Man exists on a personal, frankly more thought provoking level. It’s composed of the thoughts that keep a man of faith up at night, or really anybody who ponders their own existence more than superficially. Its central horror is the thought that you’ve been living your life wrong, and that you’ve been letting down the people around you, the people you love the most, and that there are consequences of that.

Mitchell embodies those consequences in a gaunt boogeyman reminiscent of King’s Walking Dude. A character who’s obviously supernatural, and puts on an air of the puppet master who’s totally in control, manipulating everything, but who, through certain moments and actions, betrays the unending animal rage that drives him, that is barely under control at all times. The Strange Man is a fire burning on the edge of what we know, waiting for an opening to plunge in and immolate us.

Now when I started reading it, I was pleased with how easily readable it was. You blaze through the story. The characters are believable and mostly relatable. Dras Weldon is a bit of a goofball, but Mitchell plays with that. He knows it too. I was taking the book as a bit of light fluff. The monsters were cool but not too terrifying. The whole thing really feels like an 80’s horror movie. Like The Gate and Gremlins, except the ‘kid’ protagonist is really too old to be in it. And that’s his weakness. And midway through the book Dras himself realizes this, and he experiences some very real, very deep emotions, which Mitchell realizes particularly well in two scenes, one where Dras goes to the bedside of his terminally ill father (this scene actually caused a stir in me, something no book has done in a long time). Is this a literal re-enacting of the parable of the prodigal son? Yeah probably. The actual parable is referenced a couple times in the story. But what could have come off as cheesy, just doesn’t thanks to the writing. It’s a very real moment.

The second is when Dras, now convinced of the existence of supernatural evil (and logically, of the reality of its converse), stumbles to his would-be girlfriend’s apartment and blathers about Jesus and salvation to her, in a way that is off putting to her and cringe inducing for the reader. It’s like the scene in Taxi Driver where Travis culminates a pretty successful-thus-far-courtship of Cybil Shepard by obliviously taking her to a porno theater.

OK maybe that’s not a great example. But basically the point is, the reader wants Dras to come through. You want him to convince her of the reality of the danger she’s in spiritually, but Dras just isn’t the guy to deliver the message, having been so long out of practice. That’s what I mean. It’s a missed opportunity, and it’s pretty well written.

Now The Strange Man doesn’t answer most of the questions it poses, doesn’t resolve the hard issues that come up. But it’s the first in a trilogy.

And I’ll be reading the rest.
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Jul 29, 2011 Cindy rated it 4 of 5 stars

This book was different. Classified as a suspense book, I found it to be more of a thriller. I enjoyed the story and look forward to the next book in the trilogy. This debut novel from Greg Mitchell was very well written, I had to just laugh out loud at his humor. The name of the church really struck me as funny. The Good Church of the Faithful, it might not have been intentional but it struck me as funny. I also enjoyed the humorous people who attended the church, because we have all seen that...more

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Jan 31, 2011 Carly rated it 4 of 5 stars

When I first heard about this book, I knew it was going to go one of two ways. First, it could have been really cheesy, boring and completely lacking substance. Or, it could have been scary, but with a very strong Christian message. I am not always very enthusiastic about reading Christian “horror” books, but I do like to give them a chance because in my experiences as a reviewer, I have found that these types of books tend to have the most powerful messages. I did find The Strange Man to be one...more

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Feb 21, 2011 Molly rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: everyone

Recommended to Molly by: Strang

Shelves: book-review

Absolutely AWESOME. That's one of MANY ways that I can describe this debut novel. Greg Mitchell penned this novel with the anticipation that his readers would be engrossed completely by the words, the plot, and the characters. His anticipation was well played because this reader not only become engrossed by this debut, but I became a part of the actual story. It came to life for me, almost as if I was watching a movie, or a real life happening.

This start to an incredible trilogy, has a little o...more

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Feb 01, 2011 Kristi (Books and Needlepoint) rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: arcs

About the book: Dras Weldon is the son and brother of pastors. He has grown up believing in God, but at 22 is really not grown up at all. He wastes his rent money on action figures, money he usually has to get from his parents, and spends his nights getting loaded at The Rave Scene. Rosalyn, his best friend since they were kids, usually is the one who cleans up after him and makes sure he gets home okay. They can usually be found together, and if not at The Rave Scene are watching movies togethe...more About the book: Dras Weldon is the son and brother of pastors. He has grown up believing in God, but at 22 is really not grown up at all. He wastes his rent money on action figures, money he usually has to get from his parents, and spends his nights getting loaded at The Rave Scene. Rosalyn, his best friend since they were kids, usually is the one who cleans up after him and makes sure he gets home okay. They can usually be found together, and if not at The Rave Scene are watching movies together or on the phone. Dras hasn't given it much thought, much like his faith, but really couldn't live without Rosalyn.

Rosalyn, however, has been accepted at a college out of state. She is not sure she is going to be able to leave Dras, even though they are just friends. Then, one night at The Rave, she dances with a stranger, one that leaves her breathless and lingers in her mind. Unfortunately, he is the devil in disguise, and he is both attracted to her and wants to kill her, as she reminds him of someone from his past.

This Strange Man - as the few who see him in his true form think of him, has not walked the streets of Greensboro for a long time. There are stories that have been passed down from generation to generation about the bogeyman that scratches on children's windows and if they are still awake he snatches them away. Could this be the bogeyman?

The Strange Man realizes that he will not be able to have Rosalyn until Dras is out of the picture. Their love and loyalty for each other is too pure, so he shows his true self to Dras. He finds he cannot harm Dras as he is protected by God, so tells him to leave town or Rosalyn will pay. Dras realizes he cannot leave Rosalyn to face the strange man alone and sets out to share with Rosalyn about God's love - but will it be too little too late? Has the life he lived up to this point made too big of an impact on her already?

My thoughts: This is one book that I could not put down! I ended up staying up way later than I should have one night to finish it - and then remembered it was the first of a trilogy!!! I can't wait for book 2 to go on with the story. Where it was a good ending for book 1, there is still so much that can happen and so much that we don't know. I really liked Dras. He was very realistically portrayed as a young 20 something in today's world - someone who is searching for something, but at the same time not really looking. The book would be great for someone who is on the line about their faith or as a good jumping off point to introduce someone to Christ without overwhelming them at all. I can't say it enough - terrific book and terrifying at the same time!

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Apr 24, 2012 Jessica Thomas rated it 3 of 5 stars

Can a demon materialize into physical form, walk among us and torment us with his demonic minions? Literally? I’d say, no. However, based on scripture, it’s clear that satan and demons can and do affect human thought and actions.

Though I don’t think any of us are likely to encounter The Strange Man in physical form, his fictional representation does serve as a reminder that we all need to be diligent to put on the armor of God.

I give this one 3 1/2 stars.

See my full review here: http://jessicath ...more

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Apr 11, 2011 Jackie rated it 3 of 5 stars

I received this book as a Goodreads First Reads book.

I have mixed feelings about this.

First, the story was slow to start moving. It was difficult for me to get in to at first. Once it got moving, I enjoyed it. More than I wanted to.

Second, it is definitely a 'christian' novel. I haven't read a ton in this genre, and it is possible that this is common to 'christian' novels, but it came off as kind of preachy. The point was made early on that Dras was a christian who wasn't walking the talk. But b...more

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Oct 07, 2012 Jill rated it 5 of 5 stars

Dras Weldon, 22 years old and unemployed, might have grown up the son of a preacher, but you would hardly know it from his behavior and the bar he frequents. Jeff Weldon, his brother, followed in his father’s footsteps and became a preacher. He is serving as pastor of the Good Church of the Faithful, the same church his father, Jack Weldon, pastored.

The bogeyman has taken up residence in Greensboro. The town of Greensboro has an evil secret. “The Strange Man” by Greg Mitchell is the first insta...more

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Apr 25, 2012 Melanie rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: review-books

Link to review on blog

The Strange Man is the first book in The Coming Evil Trilogy and also the first book I've read by Greg Mitchell, but it won't be the last! While it wasn't as scary as I had anticipated (I had heard it referred to as "Christian horror") there were a few suspenseful scenes - and that made me enjoy this book all the more!

I found Dras Weldon to be funny/silly - he was like a grown-up kid in the beginning of The Strange Man. I liked seeing how his character grew and in the end t...more

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Apr 19, 2011 Amber French rated it 3 of 5 stars

Dras Weldon refuses to grow up. Though he’s twenty-two, he still enjoys collecting comic books and action figures. His best friend, Rosalyn, rolls her eyes at his immaturity but loves him anyway. He knows he’s let his family down but can’t bring himself to change. However, he gets a wake up call when a mysterious stranger appears in the small town of Greensboro. This man leaves a trail of death in his wake and is after Rosalyn. Dras is the only one who can save her. But what can he do? Will he b...more

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Aug 14, 2011 Heather rated it 4 of 5 stars

I won this signed copy on Goodreads and this book can be best described as a Christian horror novel. The town of Greensboro has held an ancient evil at bay for many years, but the townsfolk's lack of faith has allowed the demonic Strange Man to once again break free of his confines and walk amongst the unknowing humans. Dras Weldon has two preachers in his family: his ill father and his older brother, but this hasn't kept him from going down his own path away from the church while living out his...more

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Jun 21, 2011 Jackie rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: religion-spirituality, suspense, horror, adult-fiction, good-vs-evil, devil, goodreads-firstreads

Mixing religious overtones with the classic fight between good and evil, The Strange Man author Greg Mitchell tells the story of a modern day prodigal son, Dras Weldon and his ignorance of God. Although 22, Dras is a kid at heart, loves action figures and booze. He doesn't have a job, lives off his parents, and shuns Jeff, his brother, and his preaching. He does love one person though, he childhood friend, Roslyn.

That all changes, however, when Dras is visited by the strange man...the bogeyman,...more

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Apr 02, 2011 Jennifer rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: first-reads, gregmitchell

Wonderful! I was so excited to be chosen to First Read" this book and received it for free from Goodreads First Reads. I do a ton of reading and it was refreshing to read a whole book with no curse words. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants a great read. It kept me entertained and hanging on from the first chapter. Basically what this book comes down to is right vs. wrong, heaven vs. hell, good vs. evil. When faced with a life or death choice for you and those you love most, which wi...more

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Apr 12, 2011 Danielle Hoover rated it 4 of 5 stars

I just finished reading this book and I must say it was worth the time. I have never read a Christian paranormal book before and was a little skeptical but the book was very well written and delivered a good message along with the story line, I would keep reading just to see what happened next. I very much got wrapped up in Dras and Roslyn's world and cannot wait to see what happens next.

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Apr 03, 2011 Kevin Lucia rated it 4 of 5 stars

Solid debut, solid story - many CBA (Christian Bookseller Association) novels claim the title of being "Christian Horror" but very few get the "horror" part right. Mitchell's one of them. Reads a lot like those classic 80's horror flicks.

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May 10, 2013 Kimmyh rated it 5 of 5 stars

It was a bit like a Christian themed mash-up of a Grimm's Fairy Tale/'Something Wicked This Way Comes' and 'Donnie Darko.'

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Feb 22, 2011 shinfu marked it as to-read

This looks like it will be a great book to read.

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Oct 27, 2012 Noir rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: horror

I received the book for free through Goodreads First Reads.

Honestly, I was wary when I found out this is Christian Horror; there are moments where it came off kind of preachy. It has a slow start but once it got going it was an easy read. For me, the characters were realistic and relatable. I think Mitchell did a good job on showing how there are many sides to a person, the good and bad/evil; and how people were reacting to the events that happened and they didn't even know there was a real-lif...more

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Mar 30, 2011 Sue rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: horror, own

I won this book through Goodread's giveaway. Wow! I really enjoyed reading this book. Looking forward to The Coming Evil #2.

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Nov 28, 2011 Mary rated it 3 of 5 stars

I liked the writing style of this book, but had difficulty with some of the basic premises of the book (for example: though I'm Christian, I don't think that reciting verses from the bible is going to stop a demon from attacking me). If you do believe that type of thing then I can see why you'd give this 4 or 5 stars; but that combined with (view spoiler) detracted from Mr. Mitchell's story telling for me.

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Apr 09, 2011 Tina on the Hill rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: first-reads

Disclaimer: This book was received for free through Goodreads First Reads.

This book was well written and interesting. I did find the last chapter a bit forced, but I would recommend this book.

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Feb 23, 2012 Candy rated it 3 of 5 stars

The Strange Man is the first of a trilogy about demons being unleashed on a small town. While I enjoyed the book as a whole I found parts of it very cheesy and probably won't finish the series.

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May 11, 2013 Melissa marked it as to-read

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Apr 28, 2013 D.M. Dutcher marked it as to-read

Apr 27, 2013 Jess Hanna marked it as to-read

Apr 22, 2013 Michael added it

Apr 18, 2013 Eva marked it as to-read

Apr 17, 2013 Tabitha Davis is currently reading it

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About Greg Mitchell

Greg Mitchell is the author of "The Coming Evil Trilogy", beginning with his debut novel "The Strange Man". A lifelong fan of monster movies and comics, he writes novels for movie lovers, striving to capture cinematic storytelling in a literary format. While he is best known for writing in the "Christian Suspense" genre, he also has written horror, media tie-in fiction, and has one produced screen...more

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Enemies of the Cross (The Coming Evil, #2)

Lengthening Shadows (The Coming Evil, #2.5)

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