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Obedient Unto Death
Christians under the rule of Emperor Domitian walk a lethal tight-rope between evangelism and martyrdom. Sabina, a young Christian widow, knows this better than most, her Roman magistrate father is sworn to uphold the decrees of Rome and arrest any Christian who refuses to worship the Emperor.
Her separate worlds collide when a young scribe is murdered at a house church, and her pastor confesses to the crime. With his execution imminent, Sabina sets out to prove his innocence, but to do so she must defy the laws banning her faith, and step beyond the privileged and sheltered world she has grown-up in.
When a pagan idol is found hidden in the dead man’s robe, she soon discovers the life of this faithful scribe is anything but simple. Dogged by the scribe’s brother demanding justice for the death, they begrudgingly agree to join forces. They uncover fragments of a burnt scroll leading to the underworld of a mysterious Gnostic sect. The closer she gets to solving the murder, the more she endangers her family, the security of her Christian community, and her life. Can this collision between faith and Roman law bring anything but disaster?
Her separate worlds collide when a young scribe is murdered at a house church, and her pastor confesses to the crime. With his execution imminent, Sabina sets out to prove his innocence, but to do so she must defy the laws banning her faith, and step beyond the privileged and sheltered world she has grown-up in.
When a pagan idol is found hidden in the dead man’s robe, she soon discovers the life of this faithful scribe is anything but simple. Dogged by the scribe’s brother demanding justice for the death, they begrudgingly agree to join forces. They uncover fragments of a burnt scroll leading to the underworld of a mysterious Gnostic sect. The closer she gets to solving the murder, the more she endangers her family, the security of her Christian community, and her life. Can this collision between faith and Roman law bring anything but disaster?
355 pages, Paperback
Published March 22, 2022
211 people are currently reading
89 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
May 24, 2022
A terrific story set in the mid first century. I appreciated all the background work the author did to make it accurate.
I have been to Ephesus three times and could really appreciate the settings in this fast paced book.
Also, the characters were tops.
I had a bit of a theological struggle but kept reminding myself that it is a novel.
Highly recommend
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I have been to Ephesus three times and could really appreciate the settings in this fast paced book.
Also, the characters were tops.
I had a bit of a theological struggle but kept reminding myself that it is a novel.
Highly recommend
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 15, 2022
I THOROUGHLY enjoyed this book! I wasn't sure what to expect; just knew it was set in Biblical times. It's a Biblical fiction mystery! It definitely had me turning the pages; I wanted to know who did it, why, and the stories behind each character. It was fantastic! I will admit that as it went and I made guesses (highly intelligent ones, of course!), they were all wrong. I'm not even upset about it.
There are a couple caveats:
One use of a curse word that could also stand for something else. In this case, it stood for the something else, while implying the curse.
There were also several instances of another mild curse word.
The crass words being spoken weren't being uttered by believers though, which to me personally, makes it understandable and more believable. Non-Christians cuss. But. It's also something that I would like to be warned about in case my kids wanted to read it.
I'm glad I got the chance to read this new-to-me author.
*Thank you to BookSirens.com for giving me this ebook for review. All opinions are my own.*
There are a couple caveats:
One use of a curse word that could also stand for something else. In this case, it stood for the something else, while implying the curse.
There were also several instances of another mild curse word.
The crass words being spoken weren't being uttered by believers though, which to me personally, makes it understandable and more believable. Non-Christians cuss. But. It's also something that I would like to be warned about in case my kids wanted to read it.
I'm glad I got the chance to read this new-to-me author.
*Thank you to BookSirens.com for giving me this ebook for review. All opinions are my own.*
March 5, 2022
Rich in detail and early Christian history, Obedient Unto Death is also an intriguing mystery. Engaging characters and an enthralling plot make for a page-turner, even for this mostly-nonfiction reader. An enlightening and entertaining ride through first century Ephesus. Highly recommend!
March 23, 2022
Eyerly’s debut is a deeply moving mystery set in an exotic location during treacherous times. In ancient Ephesus, a death at a forbidden Christian worship service rocks the early church. One of the worshippers happens to be the daughter of the Roman magistrate of the cosmopolitan Greek city. Sabina is not willing to call her friend Benjamin’s death an accident or the will of God, and uses her unusual upbringing as the lonely daughter of a single father who raised her to challenge myth and tales through the lens of practical stoicism and facts.
Obedient Unto Death is a fascinating mix of faith and life in ancient times, told in a way that brings Ephesus to life. Readers walk with Sabina as she defies the Romans, the Ephesians who want to ban the Christian sect, other secret sects, and even her family and friends to get to the truth behind the death of a rising leader in her church.
Told through Sabina’s eyes, this inspirational story set during the era of the early church will keep you turning pages as she uses the four days her father gives her to unmask the real murderer or watch their congregation’s pastor die for the crime. Sabina finds Benjamin’s brother dodging her steps as he, too, is on a quest to find his brother’s killer, as well as learn more about his life. Colorful characters from Sabina’s cool, classic Roman father to her nurse to church members who all seem to have some sort of secret people this un-putdownable book. Standalone, but with future stories to come, readers who enjoy mysteries in any era will find much to love about Obedient Unto Death.
Obedient Unto Death is a fascinating mix of faith and life in ancient times, told in a way that brings Ephesus to life. Readers walk with Sabina as she defies the Romans, the Ephesians who want to ban the Christian sect, other secret sects, and even her family and friends to get to the truth behind the death of a rising leader in her church.
Told through Sabina’s eyes, this inspirational story set during the era of the early church will keep you turning pages as she uses the four days her father gives her to unmask the real murderer or watch their congregation’s pastor die for the crime. Sabina finds Benjamin’s brother dodging her steps as he, too, is on a quest to find his brother’s killer, as well as learn more about his life. Colorful characters from Sabina’s cool, classic Roman father to her nurse to church members who all seem to have some sort of secret people this un-putdownable book. Standalone, but with future stories to come, readers who enjoy mysteries in any era will find much to love about Obedient Unto Death.
January 10, 2025
Ready for part 2. Intriguing!
February 18, 2022
Spunky heroine pursues an intriguing mystery in a vivid and well-drawn setting—recipe for a read I couldn’t put down! The setting is late first-century Ephesus where Christians are a forbidden underground sect. Benjamin, a young scribe, is poisoned at a secret meeting where the newly copied scroll of the prophet Isaiah is about to be read. There is no shortage of suspects from his landlord to work colleagues to an obnoxious rival, but it is Bishop Apollos who confesses to the murder so that the other Christians will not come to the attention of authorities demanding worship of the emperor as a living god or death as a traitor. Sabina’s father is the magistrate, and the last thing he wants is for his daughter’s forbidden faith to be exposed. She teams up with Benjamin’s Jewish brother to track down the clues and discover the truth. In the process we roam this ancient harbor city, entering homes, businesses, and even a pagan temple for the meeting of a Gnostic cult. The author shows us a culture very different from our own in a natural way without making us feel like we are getting a history lecture. Bravo! I look forward to the next installment in this series.
[I had the privilege of reading an electronic ARC in order to give my honest opinion.]
[I had the privilege of reading an electronic ARC in order to give my honest opinion.]
January 9, 2023
In ancient Ephesus the first generation of the Christian church is growing, but it is considered an outlawed religion in the Roman Empire. Sabina is a devoted Christian, but as a young woman living in her father's household, she must be especially careful that her movements don't draw attention and put the church at risk, because her father is a Roman magistrate.
During a church meeting, a young scribe dies suddenly, the victim of poisoning, and the church bishop is arrested for murder. Sabina knows that Apollos is not guilty, but confessed in order to protect the rest of the church, so she is determined to find the true killer so Apollos can be set free. Her father reluctantly allows her a few days to find the murderer before Apollos is executed.
Sabina begins tracking down information about the dead scribe and his contacts, and eventually enters into a tense partnership with his brother to find the answers. They uncover several possible suspects, and realize that not everyone is telling the truth about their interactions with the scribe, or even about their religion and loyalties. Sabina's pursuit of the truth puts her in danger of being exposed as a member of an outlawed religion, and puts her very life in danger.
This was an interesting mystery, because without reliable eyewitnesses or a confession, how could murders be investigated in a time before DNA evidence or time-stamped surveillance videos? Sabina must be creative and use logic and intuition to figure out who might have motive and opportunity, and how to prove it. The contentious interactions with her father, the scribe's brother, and others complicate her search. She also finds out that Apollos has some information related to her mother's death, and must decide whether to press him to reveal what he knows about that; and there's a suitor likely to propose to her, so she must navigate through those expectations and her own feelings about it. There are a lot of threads to weave together for the story to work, and overall I felt that it worked well and kept me interested in all facets of her journey of discovery. The answer to the murder mystery made sense but I wasn't completely convinced about the proof, and although the wrap-up didn't neatly tie up every loose end with appropriate justice, it was believable because rarely does a real tragedy get wrapped up in a neat and perfect ending. I also appreciated the elements of faith and the history of the early Christian church that were woven into the narrative and figured in the mystery itself.
**I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
During a church meeting, a young scribe dies suddenly, the victim of poisoning, and the church bishop is arrested for murder. Sabina knows that Apollos is not guilty, but confessed in order to protect the rest of the church, so she is determined to find the true killer so Apollos can be set free. Her father reluctantly allows her a few days to find the murderer before Apollos is executed.
Sabina begins tracking down information about the dead scribe and his contacts, and eventually enters into a tense partnership with his brother to find the answers. They uncover several possible suspects, and realize that not everyone is telling the truth about their interactions with the scribe, or even about their religion and loyalties. Sabina's pursuit of the truth puts her in danger of being exposed as a member of an outlawed religion, and puts her very life in danger.
This was an interesting mystery, because without reliable eyewitnesses or a confession, how could murders be investigated in a time before DNA evidence or time-stamped surveillance videos? Sabina must be creative and use logic and intuition to figure out who might have motive and opportunity, and how to prove it. The contentious interactions with her father, the scribe's brother, and others complicate her search. She also finds out that Apollos has some information related to her mother's death, and must decide whether to press him to reveal what he knows about that; and there's a suitor likely to propose to her, so she must navigate through those expectations and her own feelings about it. There are a lot of threads to weave together for the story to work, and overall I felt that it worked well and kept me interested in all facets of her journey of discovery. The answer to the murder mystery made sense but I wasn't completely convinced about the proof, and although the wrap-up didn't neatly tie up every loose end with appropriate justice, it was believable because rarely does a real tragedy get wrapped up in a neat and perfect ending. I also appreciated the elements of faith and the history of the early Christian church that were woven into the narrative and figured in the mystery itself.
**I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 14, 2022
Obedient Unto Death is a novel that follows Sabina as she tries to find the murderer of one of her fellow illegal churchgoers. It’s set in apostle John’s time.
The first thing I noticed about this book is that it made me feel. When I thought about the excitement of hearing the book of Isaiah read for the first time, even I got excited. I could actually imagine the joy and anticipation these people felt.
This thriller/mystery from Biblical times was new for me, and I was not disappointed. Ms. Everly kept me engaged, and I couldn’t stop reading. The novel isn’t filled with needless information, though I did have many questions in the end.
The author also did an amazing job showing the expectations and trials that came with the time period. Christianity was seen as dangerous, and she showed that very well. I couldn’t help but see the parallel of worshipping in secret then compared to the many who worship in secret around the world. Christianity is still illegal in many countries. The parallel co to yes when the cult within the church came up. One character called it a “dangerous distortion.” Even today people try to add or remove words and actions from the Bible. It’s like a warning to trust the scripture over man.
My favorite parts of the book were when Sabina, Yechiel, and Zarmig worked together to find the murderer. Their interactions were gold.
Now onto a few questions. Did women really prefer muscular men in those times? Also why was Marcus included in the book? I don’t feel like it added anything and left it open at the end. And will Sabina ever confront her father or find those who were kept from her? Again, the author kept that open.
All in all, this novel is great. I enjoyed every page and would read another book by the same author.
I received an advance review copy of this book for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The first thing I noticed about this book is that it made me feel. When I thought about the excitement of hearing the book of Isaiah read for the first time, even I got excited. I could actually imagine the joy and anticipation these people felt.
This thriller/mystery from Biblical times was new for me, and I was not disappointed. Ms. Everly kept me engaged, and I couldn’t stop reading. The novel isn’t filled with needless information, though I did have many questions in the end.
The author also did an amazing job showing the expectations and trials that came with the time period. Christianity was seen as dangerous, and she showed that very well. I couldn’t help but see the parallel of worshipping in secret then compared to the many who worship in secret around the world. Christianity is still illegal in many countries. The parallel co to yes when the cult within the church came up. One character called it a “dangerous distortion.” Even today people try to add or remove words and actions from the Bible. It’s like a warning to trust the scripture over man.
My favorite parts of the book were when Sabina, Yechiel, and Zarmig worked together to find the murderer. Their interactions were gold.
Now onto a few questions. Did women really prefer muscular men in those times? Also why was Marcus included in the book? I don’t feel like it added anything and left it open at the end. And will Sabina ever confront her father or find those who were kept from her? Again, the author kept that open.
All in all, this novel is great. I enjoyed every page and would read another book by the same author.
I received an advance review copy of this book for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 13, 2024
This book is set in Ephesus during the time of the early church. You feel like you are there with those early church members coping with all the various challenges. Many members had to hide their beliefs from family members or might even have been cast out of the family because of their decision to be a Christian. Women were especially vulnerable, since they didn't matter and had to be dependent on their husbands, father or perhaps if widowed - husband's family or sent back to the father. If the man of the house disagreed, the woman would be forced to leave the church.
Sabina is the main character of this story and she is in a very unique position. Her father is a Roman magistrate (non-believer) but he had made a vow to his dying wife to allow their daughter to still be a member of the church. In addition, according to the culture of the time, she is considered cursed because two fiancees died before they married her and her third died in their bed on the wedding night. She is considered a widow but has never known a man.
She encounters betrayal of the group, Gnostic Christians, other families that betray them and a murder to solve. The book weaves in the culture and how slaves, Christians and the elite of the time are treated. There is a lot of scripture interlaced through the story. Sabina's strength in the adversities she encounters is amazing but she does not recognize that in herself.
After reading the story, it made me go back and reread Ephesians, 1st Timothy and 2ndTimothy. It gave me a different prespective on those books. I encourage you to read this story and I am getting ready to read book 2.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Sabina is the main character of this story and she is in a very unique position. Her father is a Roman magistrate (non-believer) but he had made a vow to his dying wife to allow their daughter to still be a member of the church. In addition, according to the culture of the time, she is considered cursed because two fiancees died before they married her and her third died in their bed on the wedding night. She is considered a widow but has never known a man.
She encounters betrayal of the group, Gnostic Christians, other families that betray them and a murder to solve. The book weaves in the culture and how slaves, Christians and the elite of the time are treated. There is a lot of scripture interlaced through the story. Sabina's strength in the adversities she encounters is amazing but she does not recognize that in herself.
After reading the story, it made me go back and reread Ephesians, 1st Timothy and 2ndTimothy. It gave me a different prespective on those books. I encourage you to read this story and I am getting ready to read book 2.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 19, 2022
4.5 rounded up.
This is a murder mystery meets Christian historical fiction, and I am here for it! If there is a target market for this book, it is me!
Set in Ephesus during the time of the early church (about A.D. 96 according to context clues), it is clear a lot of research went into the writing of this novel. The city (and even some key characters in the Bible) are brought to life, and the story is told in a way that (to my understanding) is true to the lifestyle, challenges, and mindsets of that time period.
Though the setting is many many years ago, the story dives into challenges Christians today face: persecution, hatred, misunderstanding, false teaching, bending truth to meet your own needs/desires, fear of changing your lifestyle, etc.
The story follows Sabina, a spunky woman who is part of the underground church. When a young scribe in her group is poisoned, Sabina finds herself in a unique situation that allows her to investigate the murder. I enjoyed Sabina's inquisitive mind and her determination to stay true to her beliefs.
While the pace of the novel is a little slow at times, it is engaging throughout. There are a few questions that are left open-ended at the conclusion of the book, but the ending is satisfying overall. Great book and I hope to read more like it!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This is a murder mystery meets Christian historical fiction, and I am here for it! If there is a target market for this book, it is me!
Set in Ephesus during the time of the early church (about A.D. 96 according to context clues), it is clear a lot of research went into the writing of this novel. The city (and even some key characters in the Bible) are brought to life, and the story is told in a way that (to my understanding) is true to the lifestyle, challenges, and mindsets of that time period.
Though the setting is many many years ago, the story dives into challenges Christians today face: persecution, hatred, misunderstanding, false teaching, bending truth to meet your own needs/desires, fear of changing your lifestyle, etc.
The story follows Sabina, a spunky woman who is part of the underground church. When a young scribe in her group is poisoned, Sabina finds herself in a unique situation that allows her to investigate the murder. I enjoyed Sabina's inquisitive mind and her determination to stay true to her beliefs.
While the pace of the novel is a little slow at times, it is engaging throughout. There are a few questions that are left open-ended at the conclusion of the book, but the ending is satisfying overall. Great book and I hope to read more like it!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 27, 2024
When I first read the synopsis for this book whilst browsing Booksirens I was sold. A mystery set in 1st Century Corinth. A young Christian widow investigating the crime? Yes please.
Although the book was a bit slow at first (mysteries can be) it came to involve some very complex and controversial aspects of church history. Gnostics, early translations of Scriptures. Jewish nationalist movements aimed at reclaiming the land of Israel. Persecution, it’s all here.
Sabina and her friends having to navigate an increasingly hostile society to claim basic rights and justice is a story which has relevance today. She was a delightfully strong and determined character, but one who worked within in the historical context. No spouting 21st Century ideals.
I have the next book in the series, recently released, and will be reading that soon. I would recommend this to all lovers of Historical Fiction and Mysteries.
Thanks to BookSirens for my review copy of this title. This did not influence my opinions which are my own.
Although the book was a bit slow at first (mysteries can be) it came to involve some very complex and controversial aspects of church history. Gnostics, early translations of Scriptures. Jewish nationalist movements aimed at reclaiming the land of Israel. Persecution, it’s all here.
Sabina and her friends having to navigate an increasingly hostile society to claim basic rights and justice is a story which has relevance today. She was a delightfully strong and determined character, but one who worked within in the historical context. No spouting 21st Century ideals.
I have the next book in the series, recently released, and will be reading that soon. I would recommend this to all lovers of Historical Fiction and Mysteries.
Thanks to BookSirens for my review copy of this title. This did not influence my opinions which are my own.
May 16, 2022
Obedient Unto Death has great writing, great descriptions, great characters, and a plot that kept me reading late into the night. I love historicals because of learning about times gone by; the way people dressed, their surroundings, and their typical behaviors. This book made me feel like I was journeying with the characters in the second century (after Jesus died) to solve a murder. Throughout the story, I was fearful for the Christians who met in home churches and were persecuted. The plot begins with Benjamin dying unexpectedly during a home church meeting, and Sabina sets out to learn how he died, why he died, and who did it. On the last page, I craved more of the characters because I came to admire them, especially Sabina, Apollos, Yechiel, and Livia. And the apostle who shows up in the story. I hope there's a sequel. I'd love to read more from Ms. Eyerling, I received an ARC for an honest review.
June 29, 2022
A fast-paced glimpse into the early Christian church and dangers of its believers. Sabina, forbidden by her Roman magistrate father to practice Christianity, is shaken when her friend Benjamin is poisoned at one of their gatherings. More alarming is the bishop admits to the murder in order to save his congregation and will be executed in four days if the murder mystery is not solved. Sabina is determined to save her bishop and discover the true murderer. As she plunges into a dangerous and secret journey, uncovering a secret secrets and battling challenges, will she succeed? An exciting story, and I'm hoping there will be more of this kind. The characters and descriptions of life in the early Christian church pulled me in from the very beginning. I highly recommend this book. I received a complimentary ARC of this book and have voluntarily given my honest opinion in this review.
February 6, 2025
This was a fantastic novel, one of the best I've read recently. The story captivated me from the first page and held my attention until the final word. The characters are well-developed and believable with dialogue that is realistic and natural. The scenery is decribed in sharp, crisp detail; it's very easy to imagine yourself walking the same streets, peering into the same rooms, looking at the same faces, hearing the conversations and inhaling the perfumes and scents. The story is beautifully told, unfolding bit by bit at the perfect speed.
I don't want to give any spoilers but if you enjoy strong, intelligent female characters, mystery and historical fiction, this book is one you'll enjoy!
Disclaimer: This review is based on an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) which I received free of charge and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I don't want to give any spoilers but if you enjoy strong, intelligent female characters, mystery and historical fiction, this book is one you'll enjoy!
Disclaimer: This review is based on an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) which I received free of charge and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 6, 2022
Seventeen years after Vesuvius destroyed Pompeii, sleuth Sabina sets out to prevent another destruction. Authorities, including her father, have falsely accused her beloved bishop of killing a scholar. If she doesn’t find the real murderer, Apollos will die.
Books like OBEDIENT UNTO DEATH are my favorite way to learn about other times in history. Liisa Eyerly’s authentic details made it easy for me to immerse myself in biblical times. I lived both the gritty scene of her visiting her bishop in a dungeon-like prison, and the more light-hearted moment when Sabina receives a marriage proposal.
Mystery lovers will have fun navigating the plot twists and turns to discover the true murderer. This one is a winner.
April 23, 2022
Obedient Unto Death is a novel by Liisa Eyerly. The story is set shortly after the resurrection of Christ. Sabina is a believer while her father is a Roman magistrate in Ephesus. This time in history is volatile for believers. When Benjamin is poisoned, Apollos is beaten and jailed; but, no one knows where. I thought that the story was very faithful to the history of the early Christian. The characters were realistic and believable. I found the story to be exciting and the ending was good. I think if you enjoy inspirational books, this is one I strongly recommend. I received an arc for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.
April 23, 2022
At a time when the church was outlawed by the Romans . . .
A man is murdered at one of their meetings!!! AND no-one knows who killed him or why!! And so the leader says he did it , . . so that the whole church will not be arrested!!! But one of the women is the Roman magistrates daughter . . . .and she KNOWS it was not Apollo!!! BUT who was it? And so she investigates! THIS BOOK IS SUPERB!!! Absolutely loved it. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
A man is murdered at one of their meetings!!! AND no-one knows who killed him or why!! And so the leader says he did it , . . so that the whole church will not be arrested!!! But one of the women is the Roman magistrates daughter . . . .and she KNOWS it was not Apollo!!! BUT who was it? And so she investigates! THIS BOOK IS SUPERB!!! Absolutely loved it. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 27, 2023
Sabina and her story is a powerful tale of what it is like to be a new Christian in Ephesus during the time Timothy would have been a pastor. Shrouded in Roman rule, life becomes one of hiding. It is especially difficult when considering her father is a notable magistrate. Compound the issue with a murder of a church member during the service. The twist build. Tension heightens. Eyerly masterfully crafted this story that kept me so very intrigued.
I was pleased to see Eyerly include the resources she used so readers can investigate for more information.
Highly recommend
I was pleased to see Eyerly include the resources she used so readers can investigate for more information.
Highly recommend
August 14, 2024
Liisa has a vivid imagination and an eye to detail based on her research about the first century. Combining these two skills, she has written a page turning mystery which hinges on how the transmission of various letters and documents which came to comprise the New Testament could have been compromised. Sometimes the meaning of a sentence can change entirely with just the flip of two words. Though it is a novel, it a thought-provoking read about the essence of Christianity vs other beliefs which began circulating by the end of the first century.
February 25, 2025
I loved this. I have never read anything like it, and it was so enjoyable and unique. I appreciated the descriptions and thought-out discussions between the different belief systems and how the gentile and secular groups impacted the mystery at hand, showing a realistic way to view how an at the time new faith was perceived. I am excited for book number 2!
I received a copy of this books for free and am leaving a review of my own volition.
I received a copy of this books for free and am leaving a review of my own volition.
April 27, 2022
Engaging and relatable characters. Wonderful historical details that allow you to experience first century Ephesus without feeling like a history lesson. The story revolves around Christian faith at a time when Christian worship was outlawed entangled with a murder mystery. Exciting story with lots of twists that kept me reading late into the night.
April 28, 2022
I love mysteries, and this one was different than any I had ever read! This was a historical Christian fiction mystery and so well researched! The characters were well developed and it was all very interesting to me. Great first book by my lake neighbor and friend Liisa! I can't wait for the series to continue!
August 14, 2022
This is one of my favorite genres. It did not disappoint. I liked how the Biblical characters were woven into the story. There were many twists and turns. The only downside is I have to wait for the next book to find out whether Sabina and Markus get together!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 12, 2024
I always enjoy reading books set in the early church period, so this caught my attention right away. And the fact that it was a mystery/suspense novel drew me in even more.
I enjoyed trying to figure out who the murderer was alongside Sabina, although I did feel like the plot dragged at times. And I deducted one star for the typos--it could have used another editing pass or two to polish it.
I enjoyed trying to figure out who the murderer was alongside Sabina, although I did feel like the plot dragged at times. And I deducted one star for the typos--it could have used another editing pass or two to polish it.
September 10, 2024
This Biblical fiction historical novel kept me reading from the first page to the very last! The story took me back in time with its clearly defined characters and well-researched descriptions of first century culture. The mystery aspect of the story kept me intrigued. Most of all, I came to realize the dedication and sacrifice our Christian ancestors dedicated to stand up for their faith.
February 21, 2025
Mystery meets Biblical/early church Fiction and it’s amazing!!! I loved having two of my favorite genres come together into one amazing novel and I can’t wait to read the next book in the series. I loved that this book had me in suspense the whole time and didNOT make the murderer known until the very last minute. A must read!
May 23, 2024
Incredible.
I've yet to read such a compelling work of Christian fiction. So much was actually from the Bible. It also recognized Satan's roll in fooling the world by his false teachings.
I highly recommend it and you won't be disappointed.
I've yet to read such a compelling work of Christian fiction. So much was actually from the Bible. It also recognized Satan's roll in fooling the world by his false teachings.
I highly recommend it and you won't be disappointed.
January 27, 2025
This book really made me think about what life might have been like for those living in the biblical times. And it gave me a new appreciation for the job of scribes who had the role of transcribing letters (that eventually became our Bible.)
January 30, 2025
What can one say ! Awesome !!
Murder mystery -Intrigue- love- Fellowships thru Christ Love . This Book series has it All !! This Author is New to Me Eyerly is Wonderful !! If your tired of boring ! Read this Series !! I love a good Mystery !
Murder mystery -Intrigue- love- Fellowships thru Christ Love . This Book series has it All !! This Author is New to Me Eyerly is Wonderful !! If your tired of boring ! Read this Series !! I love a good Mystery !
February 22, 2025
Amazing book! Like a mix of Francine Rivers’s Voice in the Wind and any Agatha Christie novel. I’ve never read anything quite like it, but I loved it, especially the inclusion of dynamics between Rome and persecuted early Christians, apostle John, and Gnosticism in the first century.
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