On the surface, Reverend Theo Goody appeared to be everything that single mother Keynetha needed. He was gorgeous, committed to the church, and wasn’t fixated on getting her into bed like her other suitors.
Women packed the church every Sunday for a glimpse at the sexy, mysterious and available preacher, and hope for a shot at becoming First Lady. Keynetha managed to skate past her competition and begin a tumultuous relationship of some sort with the Pastor. Sure, he was awkward and hesitant when it was time to take their relationship to another level, but Keynetha chalked that up to his lack of experience with women, due to his dedication to God.
When he takes a sudden interest in her son, Keynetha is cautious but she’s eventually won over by Reverend Theo’s charm, however, this man of God is hiding dark and horrifying secrets that will rock Keynetha to the core.
Will she be blinded by love and desire, or will she uncover the deadly truth about Theo in time to save her son?
Kenya is the proud author of the collections Sick xoxo, Daymares, and The Mixtape. Her novels include Prey for Me, the hard-hitting story of a monstrous child-abusing preacher, the romantic thriller series A Good Wife, and Devil Inside, a disturbing tale about a cancer patient who morphs into something unrecognizable during treatment.
Dipping her toes into dark fantasy, Kenya debuted The Forever Souls, a bloody romantic series set in the distant future. A talented multi-genre writer, Kenya also appears in the Freestyle Cypher, a collection of urban drama/thrillers, with more volumes on the way.
Watch for her dark fantasy brand to emerge in 2024!
Find her short stories in other anthologies such as Forever Vacancy, Black Magic Women, and Deadly Bargain.
This book has everything that many Urban Fiction books are lacking today. A great plot, solid storyline, suspense, and more twists and turns than a dark cave in the Himalyas. Read it, leave a review here and on iUrban.org the actual site...
Before I give you the 911 on my editorial review concerning The Pulpit Chronicles let me clear the air about a few things. Namely, I must say this about Kenya Moss Dyme. If she were a stick of dynamite someone must have already lit the fuse because she is about to blow up. From my personal opinion I must add that Kenya has what the Urban Genre has sorely amiss; talent, and originality. Don’t get me wrong, there are many talented individuals out there but they have been overrun by a swarm of seemingly misguided individuals who seem to believe that writing a book means simply picking up a pen and writing words on paper.
The Breakdown
Consequently, what The Pulpit Chronicles brings to the table is an eloquent meal for the mind. It is a well-written, thought out story that has many memorable characters such as my two favorites Jamal, and TeeTee. Most of all this story will make you think about leaving your children in the hands of someone who we all are taught to reverence since birth. Let me just say that like one checks under the hood of a car looking for oil leaks. One should check under a man’s robe before allowing him to lay hands on you and yours.
The Plot
The plot I must say is a twisted tale of a man who has a perverse past that is intertwined with who he has become. Reverend Goody, the main character is sweet as licorice candy, and twisted just as well. He is described as a fine looking gentleman with all the right words for anyone looking for salvation in the world. However, he is more of a monster than King Kong mixed with a bit of Jeffrey Dahmer, and has inherited the despicable ways of his grandfather Paw Paw, an overly abusive, domineering grandfather who everyone will want to kill several times over. Nonetheless, Reverend Theo, although a monster deserves a bit of sympathy. Despite feeling sympathetic for the Reverend I still wanted to stone him to death because of what he had become. This story will shock you as you turn the pages and witness how an innocent child becomes the neighborhood monster we all know in addition to have come to trust as did Keynetha; a single parent of one child. The end of this tale will not leave you disappointed.
More On My Favorite Characters
My first, is Jamal, the young man who felt the need to break away from the iron fist of an overbearing mother. Throughout these hypnotic pages Jamal has sought to find release from his prisonlike home. But, in doing so he finds himself under the despotic care of Reverend Theo Goody who has more than your average sweet tooth I must say. And since I’m not one to give away a great storyline… Let’s just say Jamal finds himself in a bind that even the Devil would turn red with rage.
My second favorite character in this thrilling novel is Keynetha’s mentally supportive cousin TeeTee. She is a wise cracking, ghetto, loud mouth, rat packing, who’s-my-babies’-daddies type of woman who is your stereotypical b**ch from the hood. Pardon my French. She’s the one woman who everybody loves and hates at the same time. Tajuana AKA TeeTee is smart, uncanny, and so real to the point that you will either laugh with her, or cry.
My Summary
When I first received my copy of The Pulpit Chronicles: Prey For Me in my mailbox along with an author photo, some book marks for two other books (A Good Wife, and Daymares) which I am now adding to my list of must reads along with the bio of Kenya Moss Dyme. My first thought was why does this woman look so angry? And why did she send me a book with the word ‘Prey’ misspelled? I thought the i-Team had been playing games once again.
However, after making a few calls and speaking to Malarie Mitchell, and a few others they felt that I would enjoy this story. After reading the synopsis which had me wanting to know more I sat down and began reading. Soon thereafter, I looked up at my clock and two hours passed before my stomach growled signaling that it was time to eat. I had lost track of time as I entered into the world of this mad woman with a great mind. I will end this by saying, Kenya Moss Dyme has something to smile about because I have rated this story a 5 out of 5 stars, and also recommended it as the Book of the Month for iUrban.org’s Magazine
very good debut novel from this author. she told the story of a monster that many people encounter every Sunday. a monster that one would never dream coming into their life. I would recommend this book to others.
Reverend Theo Goody is a well respected Pastor in the community and his church. He is every single woman's ideal for a husband. But there’s one big secret that no one knows...
Single mother Keynetha falls for Reverend Goody's charm not realizing she is putting her 10-year-old son in the arms of a monster.
Kenya Moss-Dyme’s “The Pulpit Chronicles: Prey for Me” is a good read and I really enjoyed it. It kept my interest from the first page until the final page. I like the character development and how each played a great role in the story. I like the way the author took the characters back through their pasts, helping readers get a better understanding of each character.
I really can't compare this book to anything that I've read before. It was one of the best books I've read. I would love to read more books from this author.
Can you spot a monster if you don't know you're supposed to be looking for one?
Whew! Although 'Prey for Me' addressed a heavy subject, it was an excellent book to read.
The story takes readers on a dark and twisted journey involving Reverend Theo Goody, a religious leader with malevolent secrets locked away in his basement.
With sights set on becoming the first lady, Keynethia, a single mother, invites Theo into her home. But after Keynethia tries in vain to seduce the Reverend-who has been giving her mixed signals- she is pleasantly surprised when he decides to take their relationship to a new level. But, Theo has wicked motives…and Keynethia discovers his true intentions when it's already too late.
The author did an outstanding job seamlessly weaving these characters and their stories together. I was engaged until the very end and appreciated that the readers got a full circle moment.
Now, the only problem I have is deciding which of her books I will read next 😜
Firstly please read the tw before proceeding. This was really really goodt, Rev Goody was a sick bastard who is the true definition of a devil in sheep’s clothing. If hiding in plain sight was a person it would definitely be Rev. Goody. His childhood played a major part in what occurred in his adult like and that was very unfortunate. His Paw paw and grandmother played major parts in that. She turned the blind eye to the madness and that was the very unfortunate part. Theo and Freddy had to grow up without their mom because she was doing the best she can to take care of her boys and life happened to her in the worse way 😭. Keynethia (speechless). I am glad she took action immediately versus turning the blind like. I loved that part and Jamal I felt for him many times while reading, couldn’t even imagine how he was feeling and what he had to endure. At times while reading cried for him because when you think you know someone it comes out that you don’t. Please read it and give an honest review! A great emotional read!
I bypassed this book for like a year because after reading just like the first sentence of the description, I was like, I don't want to read a book about church. I wish I would have picked this book up back then. It was so freaking good that now I'm annoyed I waited this long to read it. That damn reverend, maaaan! The way I was ready to vomit in my mouth so many times! The way I just sat with my mouth open SO many times! The way I slid into the author's DMs like 15 times to verbally express my shock, horror, and disgust. Conversely, the way Kenya described all of his heinous behaviors without being too graphic... The way the characters were so well written and developed. All of it. This book was so good! Part of me wants to reread it to make sure I didn't miss anything, but the other part of me is like, walk away because she did way too well at getting into the mind of a child predator. That said, this is officially one of my favorite reads from this author. 10/10. Run. Go get.
Reverend Goody was indeed a monster. One sick man. He most definitely fit the saying “a wolf in sheep’s clothing”. His childhood played a big part in who he turned out to be. I hate Papa Joe treated him the way he did as a child. Reverend Goody was abused as a child while Big Momma allowed it to happen. The backstory of each character was well developed. I can't understand for the life of me if Keynetha had instincts that something was wrong with Reverend Goody why did she allow him to get close to Tavion? I can understand wanting to have a good man for your son but all the red flags were there. It’s sad Tajuana lost her life in all the chaos. In the end the Reverend got what he deserved. This was a great read but be aware there are some things in this book that may trigger anyone who has been in a situation this book discusses.
I highly enjoyed this book. I wanted to give it 5 stars. First the book kept me intrigued. The characters were so wonderful and the plot was amazing. Theo seemed like the perfect person however he was a twisted person. I loved the language throughout the book also. It was perfect for the characters which I enjoy immensely in books with African Americans. Overall I would have given 5 stars however I didn't like the very end of the book when Keynetha meets Theo's brother. Overall I recommend this book to anyone who likes a good thriller and revenge.
I honestly can't recommend this book enough. I literally stumbled across it on KU as I was in a terrible reading slump, but this here was truly the book I didn't know I needed to read. I thoroughly enjoyed it from the first page through the epilogue. This author had all elements of the story, provided details of all characters without it being too wordy or overly written. I am adding her catalog now to devour more of her writings! She is definitely a new fav. Read the book, y'all!
This was a very difficult read for me. I was clearing out my kindle and boy I should have re-read the synopsis as I was not prepared for the context of this book. There are so many feelings that I am feeling that I have no words. The FMC was extremely irritating as she let this man’s title null/ void her standards she set to keep her son safe. I have no other words but despair and anger for all the young souls affected by this so called reverend.
Kenya is on fire and I'm looking forward to read more of her novels. This is her Debut novel and she hit everything right. Every page had me interested and on the edge of my seat.
Definitely different and not at all what I expected. I was invested from the first few pages to the end. Love the friendship between Key and TeeTee. This book will have you wondering what other monsters are "hiding in plain sight?"
It all started with the grandparents! The grandmother knew what her husband was doing to the daughter and grandson but turned a deaf ear! I am so glad that preacher got what happened to him!
This book was a bit slow in some places and the heroine was sometimes unlikeable. Her cattiness and constant search for a man was annoying, but understandable, given the explanation provided within the storyline.
The protagonist was horrendously evil, I do wish the author had chosen to hide the mystery in some way, so there was a bit more of a challenge to the story. Most of the story was waiting for the heroine to come to her (seriously lacking) senses. By the end of the book, I wanted to reach into the pages and give her a serious bitch-slap. Of course, this showed the author had created a character that made me react, so that shows good writing.
The villain is evil in a real world way that draws the reader into the pages and keeps those pages turning until the very end. The reader wants to make sure there is some type of ending to this story. There must be closure. Read this book and you'll understand more thoroughly what I mean by this.
I had a hard time determining how to accurately rate this story. There were some issues with the writing that were a bit off-putting to me, BUT the characters and the plot did draw me in and the author has talent that will definitely continue to grow over time.
I was given a copy of this book by Goodreads for the purpose of a review. All opinions are mine alone.
I rate this book three and one-half stars, rounded up to 4 glowing stars!
Where do I begin? This book literally had me from the first line. Reverend Goody is all that a preacher is supposed to be; holy, handsome, charismatic, and possessing an uncanny ability to gain people's trust. To his congregation and those in it, he can do no wrong. As always, when a pastor is young, handsome and powerful, he is sought after by any and all women, vying for the prestigious position of first lady. Unfortunately for them all, but especially Jamal, Tavvy, TeeTee and Sister Keynetha the dark, dirty secrets of the pastor will change their lives forever and, someone won't make it out alive. Kenya Moss-Dyme takes us back, into the beginning of the pastor's life where, we learn what has shaped him into the monster that he is as well as what allows Keynetha to ignore all the signs, and open herself and her son up to be preyed upon by a monster. The author covers multiple sensitive societal issues in this page turning tale. I am hooked and absolutely ready for anything else she has to offer. Kenya Moss-Dyme takes a controversial topic and brings it to life in a way that allows the reader to not only see how abuse of any type and family secrets can affect a family for generations to come but, can also affect the innocent lives that come into contact with them. Please don't hesitate to head over to Amazon.com and purchase this book. I couldn't put it down and you, won't be disappointed.
This was not an easy book to read. Oh it was well written, the narrative flowed, the voices of the characters was clearly developed and the pacing was on point however the absolute horror of the predators that Ms. Moss-Dyme writes about will draw out your anger in ways you may never have thought about. Now all of that is what good writing does-- draw out an emotional response and leave you thinking-- and this book handles each of those check points. Being more familiar with Moss-Dyme's horror collection, I can see how this easily fits the genre as well as telling a gripping urban tale. If you are looking for a powerful morality tale that deals with the nature of predators but also teaches the necessity for awareness, then most certainly pick up this book and steel yourself. I was impressed to find Talking Points at the end of the book, especially considering what I felt was the need for this book to be taken in by Book Clubs, social groups, and used as an educational tool as again Ms. Moss-Dyme stressed that monsters don't have to have fangs, horrifying appearances and horns. A predator can be the nicest, finest person in the room...Truly horrifying but an excellent book!
Reverend Theo Goody is a well respected Pastor in the community and his church. He is every single woman's ideal for a husband. But there’s one big secret that no one knows...
Single mother Keynetha falls for Reverend Goody's charm not realizing she is putting her 10-year-old son in the arms of a monster.
Kenya Moss-Dyme’s “The Pulpit Chronicles: Prey for Me” is a good read and I really enjoyed it. It kept my interest from the first page until the final page. I like the character development and how each played a great role in the story. I like the way the author took the characters back through their pasts, helping readers get a better understanding of each character.
I really can't compare this book to anything that I've read before. It was one of the best books I've read. I would love to read more books from this author.
This author does not disappoint! This was a compelling standalone novel! The characters were well developed as extensive background information was given. The title was appropriate as this story touched on a sensitive subject. The well flowing storyline & content pulled me in & kept my attention until the end. Theo is the type of character I never want to meet...If you've not had the experience of reading a story by Kenya Moss-Dyme, you are missing out! Highly recommended to all!
OMG! Ms. Kenya is an excellent writer. For her first FULL LENGTH NOVEL it was great. I spoke to soon on my previous review. I read the snippet of the book first and it wasn't complete and I got mad, I'm sorry! Didn't realize there was a complete version. This book was an excellent read. It has me looming at the leader of the church in a different light. I'm glad reverend Goody didn't make it. Their wasn't a better punishment for a pedophile!
What's up with Rev. Hatchet? is it his past haunting him? Are you dedicated to God or man? Don't trust him around the kids something ain't right. Rev. need some Prozac he's a little on the coo coo side. Definitely a page turner and a must read. I am ready for part 2. Will this child be rescued will Keynetha son become a victim? She needs to pay attention to the signs.
I would've asked if I could call him Mr. Goodbar lol. Just when I thought the book was going to be o.k. it's over. There are pieces not solved and what new light did the REVEREND see Keynetha in? ugh smdh. Can I get my money back?
This is my 1st novel By Kenya Moss Dyme And sure wont be my last.This book was like no other.It held my attention from the very 1st page.I loved the introduction for each chracter in the beginning,and How well the characters were Developed.Five stars is not enough to rate this Book! EXCELLENT!!
This book just goes to show you that you can't trust everybody not even your Pastor. Key was so busy trying to get her some that she ignore all of the signs that was right there in her face
This book was truly captivating & kept me on the edge of my seat. Reverend Theo was very sick, despite his past, and got exactly what was coming to him. Very well written! Great job!
With significantly detailed background stories that allows the reader to understand the characters for who they are, this dark yet mysteriously captivating nail bitter is UNLIKE ANYTHING I'VE EVER READ!
"Prey For Me” is that read that sticks with you long after you've finished! That read that you wanna share with anyone who'll listen! That read that although fictional, forever reminds U...BE CAREFUL WHO YOU TRUST AROUND YOUR CHILDREN!
Can’t believe this is the Kenya Moss-Dyme's debut novel! GET IT GIRL! Looking forward to reading more of her work!