SOLVED. Horror Novel from 00-07, possibly 90s. It took place in a small town (I think Texas or the Southwest) where people who died suddenly came back to life as if divinely resurrected. [s]

[Tony]

I have been racking my brain trying to come up with the title and author of this horror novel that I read as a teen. It was a paperback original, possibly from Pinnacle. It took place in a small town (I think Texas or the Southwest) where people who died suddenly came back to life as if divinely resurrected. However, those who come back are now convinced that they have to murder others so that they too can be reborn. It becomes clear that the resurrected are in thrall to a particular person (view spoiler)[the town's undertaker (hide spoiler)], and the novel's protagonists--a teen and his high school teacher--try and stop the growing threat.

Any ideas? Thanks!

[Tab]

Was this for teens or adults?
Part of a series?
Anything about the cover?

[Tony]

It was an adult novel. And not a series unless a sequel was written after, but the story had a pretty firm resolution.

I am almost positive the book is not a novelization of any movie, as well. It kind of has a Salem's Lot vibe to it in that it hops around from person to person as the citizens are taken over by the villain. I think the protagonists think the town's preacher is responsible until the reveal at the end. I feel like the title is something like Resurrection or Perdition or something like those. The cover, from what I can recall, features several pale figures looking ominous as they are wont to do.

[Deanne]

I know you said it wasn't a novelization, but somewhere on goodreads, I remember reading a debate about a book that very, very much resembles the French series Les Revenants, (The Returned) and is supposedly the basis for the series. If I remeber correctly, the debate was over which really came first, the series or the book. Either way, this is the book: The Returned/ . I haven't read the book, but in the series, the dead do come back, and there is focus on each of them, their stories and their families/friends, as well as the overall story of how and why they returned.
Good luck!

[Tony]

Sorry, not that one either. This event takes place only in one small town and is the machinations of one individual and not a world-wide phenomenon. Also this book came out in 2013. I am 90% certain the book was published between 2000-07. 10% it was the late 90's.

[Tony]

And just like that the title came to me!

Risen by J. Knight (This is the edition that I read with the cover art that I remembered vaguely): https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3...

Since I read the book, the author has re-released it under his own name, Jan Strnad: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8...

Thanks for the help, everyone!