The Death and Life of Gabriel Phillips: A Novel

by Stephen Baldwin, Mark A. Tabb

When Officer Andy Myers met Loraine Phillips, he had no interest in her son. And he certainly never dreamed he'd respond to a call, finding that same boy in a pool of blood. Even more alarming was the father standing watch over his son's body. Myers had never seen a man respond to death-particularly the death of a child-in such a way. When the father is charged with murder and sentenced to death, he chooses not to fight but embrace it as God's will. Myers becomes consumed with curiosity for these strange beliefs. What follows is the story of the bond these two men share as they come to terms with the tragedy and the difficult choices each one must make.

Genres: Fiction, Christian Fiction

Kindle Edition

First published October 17, 2008

Reviews

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

There's an awful lot not to like about Stephen Baldwin, but I do have to give him a lot of credit for consistently and fearlessly standing up for what he believes in. Sure, he's responsible for a whole lot of crap movies and awful reality TV programming these days, but I find his whole "Jesus freak meets Code Red Mountain Dew" persona more interesting and unique than the typical Hollywood icons usually fostered on us by the mainstream media. This novel of his initially surprised me with its willingness to push the envelope of Christian fiction, and I was even a bit reminded of Stephen King's "The Green Mile" in the first couple of chapters. Unfortunately, after that, the writing gets a lot worse (one sentence even ends with the use of four question marks in a row--how exciting!!!!) and the book quickly settles down into yet another syrupy, Hallmark movie-style tale of redemption and forgiveness, full of implausible scenarios that drive the story toward its utterly predictable conclusion. I'm guessing that Baldwin's writing partner, Mark Tabb, actually wrote the majority of the book, but I don't hold that against Stevie B. because that's generally the way it's done with books "written" by celebrities. Anyway, the book started out with potential, so I hope that Baldwin will eventually try again. But Christians who think that off-color language has no place in Christian bookstores will want to stay far away from this one. As for me, I'm glad somebody is at least trying to write spiritual fiction with a little bit of grit.

[Kristy · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75 A tragic story that kept me engaged until the very end.

[Kelly Crosgrove Sullivan Bredon · Rating 2 out of 5]

Good writing and was a fast read. It is a "Christian Book" and I am a Christian, but I didn't like the way it ended at all. I'd say the first 3/4's was great but the ending really was flat out uncalled for.

[Nora St Laurent · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the style in which this book was written. Let me give you a little sample of Stephen and Marks opening page...

"Andy Myers didn't want children…Period. Case closed… You would think someone so adamant about not reproducing would have gone out and had a vasectomy, but Andy didn't think that way." And so it goes. The story of Andy Myers drew me in as his son describes him, what he went
through in his life and how he met Gabriel Phillips - who was an 8 year old boy!! Remember Andy hated children, but this kid gets under his skin!

Andy Myers thought differently about many things and you discover that throughout the course of this book. For example, the night Andy responded to a call for help and he discovers Gabriel Phillips' body on the floor. The only logical explanation was that the kid was murdered. No one falls out of bed and dies - not with that much blood.

Andy soon makes it his mission in life to see that the killer of Gabriel Phillips is found and convicted. Not only that, but Andy wants a confession. This consumes his every waking moment of life. This
story clearly shows what revenge and unforgiveness can cost you in the long run. The one thing that Andy Myers couldn't shake about John Phillips (Gabriel's father) was the peace this man had. Where did that come from? This guy was faking he was a born again Christian
Andy just knew it. Andy was all torn up inside and out, and this wasn't even his kid. He didn't like kids. Andy couldn't get past any of this.

Reader beware!! I truly was engaged in this powerful story, but I was uncomfortable by all the cursing in this book. Yes, they were police officers doing their work, and I'm sure they talk like this, but I it made me uncomfortable reading the words. It's not what I'm accustom to reading. After all, these cops are in the trenches of life at it's
worst. I understand that and you will too when you read this story. This is a story of hope for the hopeless and peace for the oppressed.

It helps explain what the peace that asses all understand that we can only get from our heavenly father looks like. This book also shows our criminal system and how fast things can go from bad to worse; how people can get stuck in the maze of stuff so far, they can't see out.

This is Stephen Baldwin's first fiction book with Mark Tabb. I surely hope it won't be his last. Stephen Baldwin wrote a non-fiction book before this called "The Unusual Suspect" that looks good. I was
pleasantly surprised and very moved by this story, and you will be too.


Disclosure of Material Connection:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are 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”

Nora St.Laurent
The Book Club Network www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com
Book Fun Magazine www.bookfunmagazine.com

[Kate · Rating 2 out of 5]

Told by the son of a cop who abandonded him before he was born. The cop gets attached to the boy of his lover. The child dies and the cop,deeply affected, tries to uncover if this was an accident or if the boy's father was responsible. I didn't finish it. The device of the abandonded son telling the story, didn't work for me. How and why he would have so much detail to relate was inexplicable and, when I quit halfway through, wasn't integrated into the story.
OK for a fan of police procedurals, maybe, though the cop is acting without authority most of the time.

[Laura Rizza · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't realize when I picked this up that the author was actor, Stephen Baldwin. I would've put it back on the shelf had I realized. I'm not much into his religious diatribe. I found this book to have unnecessary dialogue and weak and uninteresting imagery. The way he addressed the "power of prayer" made it sound like something more magical than spiritual. The only reason why I finished it was because it was a mystery and curiosity got the better of me. The ending did have a big twist to it, which made it the most enjoyable part of the book. I wouldn't even bother reading it.

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

So many events in this book parallel a friend's experience that it's uncanny. Other questions it draws is how many people are wrongfully convicted of crimes they did not commit? How can our legal system be so corrupt as to accuse and convict the innocent? On the other hand, God can change the course of a river and can change the heart of a king.

[Peter · Rating 3 out of 5]

the storytelling style is not to my liking: the speaker is the estranged son of the main character and he inserts himself mostly with silly asides about his dad and the times the story takes place--late 1970s. It is a story that did keep my attention though!

[Kristin · Rating 2 out of 5]

This story of forgiveness and redemption is built on a strong foundation, but it’s awkward in its execution.

Read the full review at http://www.nightsandweekends.com/arti...

[Lori Campbell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this book although it was a little slow.

[Jrabotte · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was good, a little spiritual renewal that i needed right now, I had never read on of his books but really enjoyed it

[Nicolle Sterling · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was all into this until it turned into a god book at the end.

[Ck · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sad, sad, sad.

[Lavonne Pinkston · Rating 3 out of 5]

garage sale book