Book picks similar to
Signs of Life by Creston Mapes


christian-fiction
christian
fiction
mystery-suspense

The Invitation


Nancy Moser - 2016
    Four ordinary people with little in common other than a vague dissatisfaction with their lives, and an unpretentious invitation that seems to come out of nowhere.Each dismisses the mysterious invitation as a practical joke. But when strange--some might even call them miraculous--things start happening, all four find themselves embarking on a journey that takes them beyond their wildest imaginings and tests their faith to the breaking point.Before it's over, each discovers that, with God, nothing is impossible. Faith can move mountains if you open your heart to the One who has called you.God uses ordinary people--in extraordinary ways.

If These Walls Could Talk


Dan Walsh - 2019
    Joe Boyd and his partner Hank Jensen have been tasked with creating a brand new Cold Case Squad for the Culpepper Police Department. Hoping to garner some much-needed positive publicity, their captain asks them to solve a string of unsolved murders from the 1980’s. Before they get far, Joe is interrupted with an alarming request from his good friend, Professor Jack Turner. Jack and Rachel believe they have stumbled upon evidence of a horrific crime dating back to the early 60’s, when their lake front house was built. Now it looks like Joe’s first case—instead of creating good publicity—might expose a terrible scandal involving a prominent Culpepper family’s ugly secret, one they’ve managed to keep hidden for over 50 years.

A Brother's Bond


Lee Tobin McClain - 2015
    But when he realizes who Karen Smith is and why she’s here, all he knows for sure is that he has to get rid of her… and fast. Because Karen wants to find out what really happened to her younger brother, killed in these mountains nine years ago. And if she solves the cold case, she’ll destroy Adam’s fragile sister whom he’s vowed to protect with his life. As Adam and Karen wait out the storm together, they care for Adam’s sister and her child and face mysterious threats from the outside world. Why does Karen keep getting warning texts on her phone? Who would toss a brick through Adam’s picture window? And what kind of maniac would try to set fire to a house with four people inside, one of them a vulnerable child? Working together to keep everyone safe, Adam and Karen come to admire each other’s strengths, and the two loners begin to fall in love. But Karen is getting closer to the truth that could put Adam’s sister behind bars and leave her son without a mother. The threats keep escalating. And Adam starts to wonder if he can fulfill the vow to serve and protect that he made as a teenager at the Covenant School . . . and whether he really understands anything at all about what happened all those years ago… This Christian romantic suspense novel starts off the Sacred Bond Guardians series, a spinoff from the Sacred Bond series of Christian Romance novels. Featuring rugged heroes in military and law-enforcement careers, the Sacred Bond Guardians books combine romance and mystery, similar to Love Inspired suspense novels. Christian mystery and suspense for your kindle…with a strong element of romance.

A Criminal Game (The Criminal Collection #1)


D.L. Wood - 2019
    It isn't easy, and stroke after stroke of bad luck threatens to undo it all. Her one reprieve from reality is liaising with a high-stakes poker game held at the hotel, where she hobnobs with movie stars and millionaires and can, for just a few minutes, escape. It doesn't hurt that player Kieran Carr, a handsome, confident art dealer, seems to like flirting with Evie as much as he likes playing poker.But that all ends when trouble erupts at the game, evidence points to Evie as the culprit, and the betrayed host goes after her with a vengeance. Warned by Carr just in time, Evie runs, aided by the quietly protective hotel driver who secretly also harbors feelings for her. With the host on their heels, threatening everyone Evie loves, they scramble to unravel the plot and clear Evie's name before she pays the ultimate price for a game she never intended to play.The first book in The Criminal Collection of stand-alone suspense novels.

Running Home


Barbara Ellen Brink - 2011
    She packs up the kids and moves back to her hometown to escape the fallout. Trouble is – her problems don’t stay behind in California, but follow her all the way to Omaha, Nebraska. The FBI is tracking her every move, hoping she’ll lead them to her fugitive husband, while evil men threaten her family’s safety if she doesn’t give them what they want. Agent Samson Sinclair is assigned to keep an eye on Ivy. He is her only ally against threats and suspicions that come from every side. But can he keep their relationship professional when he finds himself falling for the woman he’s supposed to be protecting? Ivy’s attempt to assemble the broken pieces of her life may prove harder than she anticipated. Especially on her own. When the past intrudes on the present Ivy is forced to deal with why she ran from God in the first place and whether faith, once lost, can ever really be found again.

Homicide at Blue Heron Lake


Susan Page Davis - 2008
    Instead, she and her high school crush, Nate Holman, discover the body of Henry Derbin, an elderly island resident. Amid rekindling her old friendship with Nate and trying to make sense of the murder, Emily shares her faith with an old schoolmate. When a second body turns up, the cottagers on Grand Cat Island are frightened and baffled. Is this why Mr. Derbin forbade everyone from going on his land? Can Emily and Nate overcome past hindrances to their romance long enough to dig up clues that will help solve both murders?

Secondhand Secrets


Angela C. Castillo - 2017
    Darcy’s have been locked up inside her since that last summer when she left Wimber, Texas, and the boy she loved, for a glitzy life in Los Angeles. Seven years later, her gran’s passed away. Darcy’s been named as the sole owner of the Tangled in Time antique store. Darcy can’t wait to get back to the place where she’s always felt she belonged. But owning a business isn’t as easy as it seems. And sometimes the past is better left alone. But Darcy is determined to push forward, despite the obstacles that cross her path. And maybe even have another chance to be with the man who stayed behind.

Knocking


Robin Merrill - 2020
    A devastated daughter. Can one woman’s faith in the Almighty’s plan right a string of wrongs?Tonya Mendell has really tried her best. Desperate to be a model pastor’s wife and mother, she’s shocked when her thirteen-year-old daughter pranks the reclusive woman next door. And when Tonya discovers her husband is having an affair, her heart sinks when her only child flees the house in response.Knowing the scandal could rock the town and cost her husband his job, the faithful woman clings to the remnants of her tattered marriage. But seeing her relationship with her daughter and her own dignity at stake, Tonya’s only hope is to put her trust in God to make things right.Can this tortured soul follow the path the Lord intends and discover the healing she needs?Knocking is the heartfelt first book in the New Beginnings Christian Fiction series. If you like relatable women, strong believers, and tales of redemption, then you’ll love Robin Merrill’s uplifting story.

A Scarlet Cord


Deborah Raney - 2018
    The possibility of a new relationship is the last thing on her mind. But when Melanie meets Joel Ellington, a new staff member at her church, she is instantly attracted to his warm spirit. As their friendship deepens, however, Melanie is troubled by something she can't quite understand or explain. Joel's past seems to be off-limits, even to Melanie. Because of her growing feelings for him, Melanie pushes her doubts away. But when Joel disappears, along with the contents of a church bank account, she can no longer ignore her suspicions. Now, torn between her feelings for Joel and the evidence mounting against him, Melanie faces a heart-wrenching decision: to forget the man who gave her reason to love again or to trust Joel enough to give him her heart. This novel was originally published in 2003 under the same title, and was a Golden Quill Award finalist.

Out of a Dream


Rosemary Hines - 2011
    From the outside, it all looks idyllic. A newlywed settling into a quaint coastal town, her husband establishing himself as a junior partner in a law firm—what more could she want? But a series of disturbing nightmares haunts Michelle. Her quest to understand these dreams leads her to the New World bookstore, where she begins a spiritual journey that will challenge her Christian heritage as well as her marriage. Captivating characters, suspenseful story lines, and thought-provoking themes—bestselling author, Rosemary Hines crafts gripping, and at times poignant, tales of the challenges Christians face in contemporary culture. Known for her realistic portrayal of life and her sensitivity in tackling tough topics, her novels examine issues such as the prevalence of New Age beliefs and practices in today's society, the tragedy of suicide in families of all walks of life, the struggles of children from broken homes, the heartache of infertility as well as unwanted pregnancies and abortions, and the difficulties of aging. Never preachy but always leading the reader to a message of hope and redemption, Rosemary is a committed follower of Christ. The novels of the Sandy Cove series—Out of a Dream, Through the Tears, Into Magnolia, Around the Bend, and From the Heart convey profound Christian messages that touch hearts and impact lives. Refreshingly honest and true to life, the characters resonate with readers and become their friends, and the stories transition seamlessly from one novel to the next. "Out of a Dream quickly introduces you to characters that parallel people in our own lives. Shaped by traits that enhance the plausibility of the plot, you could swear that you’ve met them all before. This novel resonates with the theme of how people often go looking for love in all the wrong places when seeking spirituality. The beauty here is that although some explore false approaches to knowing God, there is hope for everyone who diligently seeks the truth.” —Irene Dunlap, co-author of Chicken Soup for the Kid's Soul, Chicken Soup for the Preteen Soul, and Chicken Soup for the Soul: Christmas Treasure for Kids

Ben in Love


Luana Ehrlich - 2021
    Not until he discovers Ben is lying about being in love with the daughter of a Turkish cleric. Ben's love life is complicated . . . Ben claims to be in love with Kamila Hanim, the daughter of an exiled Muslim cleric, who's been accused of trying to overthrow the Turkish government. Titus doesn't believe him. He thinks Ben is in love with Jennifer, another CIA operative. Can Ben's feelings for Jennifer survive his deception?Ben's love life is confusing . . . After Titus decides to put Ben under surveillance, he follows him to a compound in northern Virginia, where he discovers Ben is entangled in a duplicitous joint operation involving the FBI and an operative from Titus's past. Will Titus be able to share his newfound faith with an old enemy? Ben's love life is cunning . . . Once Titus learns the truth about Ben's deception, he and Jennifer join with Ben to prevent a Turkish terrorist cell from carrying out a kidnapping operation on American soil. Can the two men discover the truth before it's too late? Ben's love life is complicated, confusing, and cunning . . .And then it turns deadly. Book I in the Ben Mitchell/Titus Ray Thriller Series builds on the relationship Titus developed with Ben in the Titus Ray Thriller Series and continues Titus's reluctant mentoring of the younger covert operative when he becomes involved in a dangerous love triangle. If you enjoy a clean, amusing, multilayered thriller with a hero who's trying to figure out how to make his faith and his CIA career work together, you'll love this book!

Missing on Main Street


Sarah Hualde - 2019
    She decides to put her worries to rest by taking on the search for her missing student. Lydia begins to fear for Ivy's life when she discovers Ivy has a stepfather who denies he has a stepdaughter and an ex-boyfriend with sinister intentions. She recruits her friends, in spite of their hectic holiday schedules, to help her find Ivy  before it's too late.Book #1 in The Honey Pot Mystery series stars Lydia, Kat, and Flora searching for clues and getting into trouble. You'll love this small town mystery series starring three stay at home moms. Warm up your coffee and get ready to meet your new besties.*** previously titled Another Cliche Christmas*** More in the Honey Pot Mystery Series: #1 Missing on Main Street#2 Lethal In Lavender#3 Farmers Market Fatality #4 Death By Donation  #5 Killer Con Fuego (Coming Spring 2020) You don't want to miss a single clue in this faith building Christian Mystery Series.

Into the Darkness


Margaret Daley - 2007
    Betrayal. Murder. Dead? Kate Collier refuses to believe her brother and last remaining family member died in the Brazilian rainforest. Determined to find the missing biochemist, she launches an expedition to find him. A.C. Slader’s past is as dark and turbulent as the Amazon. Consumed with his own problems, when Kate tries hiring him to find her no-doubt deceased brother, he turns her down cold. The last thing he needs is to fight his way through an impassable jungle for a woman who wouldn’t know a stick from a snake. Only when he narrowly rescues her from an attack before she’s even left the relative safety of the town does he realize that without his help, she’ll get herself killed. Together, they begin a perilous journey that will test the limits of their faith and each other…

Target For Terror


L.A. Iding - 2014
    After the Deputy Prime Minister of Russia dies under her care, her house explodes in front of her eyes and now she’s found her best friends brutally murdered. Ironically, the only bright spot in this nightmare is Sloan’s bad Ukrainian accent and his willingness to protect her.Sloan is convinced that someone wants to kill Natalia and when he finds a link to her family, he’s not sure who they can trust. As they run for their lives, and from the attraction simmering between them, they uncover a terrorist plot that could bring the nation to its knees. Time is running out. Can Sloan and Natalia save their country and their future, before it’s too late?

Books 1-5 Collection : After, New Beginnings & The Excellence Club


Joy Ohagwu - 2020
    Over 500 Five Star series reviews. Quoted by the famous and churches alike. The First Five Novels of the acclaimed After, New Beginnings & The Excellence Club Christian Inspirational Series. Enter your most impactful Christian Fiction series yet.Book 1 - AFTER - Candace had a stunning voice but he plotted her downfall and the loss of her faith. When she falls before thousands, will shame win, or will her newfound faith in Jesus build her a new platform?Book 2 - JABEZ - Born into a family where support was lacking, will his dreams fall before it began? Or will an encounter with a pastor change the direction of his life and destiny?Book 3 - AFTER 2 - Blinded by tears, broken by rejection, and caught at her wits end, Blossom mistakenly plunges her car into the Potomac River and isn't sure whether she will survive. Will she drown or can she be rescued before it's too late? Will she trust God to carve her a fresh start while sinking to the bottom of the Potomac?Book 4 - AFTER 3 - Harboring a secret that torpedoed every chance at finding love, can she trust God to lead someone who accepted her...including her challenge? His grief for a tragedy soured his choice to live. After his chance encounter with her, a future filled with sorrow seemed like a choice. Would he accept hope?Book 5 - HER UNDYING FAITH - Sharon Parsons is no stranger to being different. However, she did not expect to fall in love with a man who not only didn't share her faith, but any faith at all. When her heart gets deeply in love, and their faith differences more stark and impossible to ignore, what ends - his faithlessness or their marriage?Dive into this beloved series by USA Today bestselling author Joy Ohagwu, hailed as a top 17 Christian Fiction Author, stories applauded by thousands, and hope-filled adventure and don't stop until you flip the last page. Books by Author Joy Ohagwu in reading order:The New Rulebook & Pete Zendel Christian Suspense Series-1- Red2- Snowy Peaks3- The Wedding4- Vanished5- Rescued6- Delivered7- Freedom8- Rest9- Sunshine10-Whisper11-The Secret Heritage12-Hunter13-Hunted14-Courageous15-Defended16-Warrior17-Emergent18-Reign19-Legacy20-Emerald EyesThe Pleasant Hearts & Elliot-Kings Christian Suspense Series:Uncommon GroundUnbound HopeUnveiled TruthUnshaken LoveDecoyA Home RedeemedA Trust RestoredA Tainted FruitA Righteous CallingRaspberry KissesThe After, New Beginnings & The Excellence Club Christian Inspirational Series:AfterJabezAfter 2After 3At First SightTo Have & To HoldHer Undying FaithHis Changed LifeHis Secret MissionTheir Sister's RescueHis Stubborn ChaseA Daring AdventureTheir Happy HomeA Sacred TrustA Sealed DealAn Opened TreasureA Restored PromiseA Three-fold CordA Cherished BlessingA Godly CovenantAsia Bancroft Christian Suspense series:She Knows Her GODShe Had A Name