Playing Saint Reviews

Blurbs

“A thought-provoking exploration into the power of faith and the reality of evil. Filled with memorable characters and tight writing, Playing Saint is an impressive debut from an author to watch.”

— -STEVEN JAMES, bestselling author of Placebo and The Queen

 
“This is an exciting step forward for thrillers. Playing Saint grapples with complex themes as well as being richly suspenseful. Highly recommended.”

—CLIFF GRAHAM, NYT bestselling author of Day of War
and Shadow of the Mountain: Exodus

 
“Zachary Bartels is a new name to watch in the mystery/suspense genre. His debut Playing Saint is everything I love in a novel: great characters, edge-of-the-seat plot, and great twists and turns. I’m ready for his next book already. Highly recommended!”

—COLLEEN COBLE, bestselling author of Seagrass Pier
and the Hope Beach series

 
“Zachary Bartels has redeemed Christian fiction for me. I can’t remember the last time I couldn’t put a book down, and I can’t remember the last time I’d read a Christian novel. And I really can’t remember the last time those two were one. To my pure delight, I discovered not only a well-written, entertaining read, but other fun things like this: Zachary Bartels is not afraid of head-on collisions with complicated issues. I loved Playing Saint for the recognizable reality, and the humor, and the way I felt when I finished the book—entertained, satisfied, and looking for more.”

—TRACY GROOT, award-winning author of Mad Man
and Flame of Resistance

 
“Fueled by an encyclopedic knowledge of action movies and popular culture, and a reverence for scripture born of seminary study and faithful service as a pastor, Zachary Bartels is uniquely equipped to write the kind of novel that will make you think differently about Christian novels. Playing Saint is a reflection of its author—risky, fast-paced, sarcastic, clever, and ultimately hopeful. What happens when an author’s influences are Frank Perretti, The Boondock Saints, and the Apostle Paul? A book as current, engaging and believable as Playing Saint. We need more novels, and more authors, like this!”

—TED KLUCK, award-winning author of
Why We’re Not Emergent and Facing Tyson

 
“I loved this from the first chapter because of the characters and dialogue. But as the story progressed, I loved it even more,not just for the way it kept me turning the pages, but for the way it demonstrated the danger and foolishness of dismissing our desperate need for Christ . . . Playing Saint is a riveting suspense novel, but even better than that, it packs a powerful theological punch without ever coming across as preachy.”

—JOCELYN GREEN, award-winning author of
Spy of Richmond and Wedded to War

Editorial

 
“Bartels holds readers’ interest in this intrigue-filled thriller . . . Saint's character is particularly well developed as he changes from a self-absorbed TV personality into a true man of faith. This book will be enjoyed by those who love a mystery combined with supernatural elements.”

 
“Bartels’ debut novel is a page-turner from the very beginning.  His excellent use of foreshadowing and his glimpses into the past create a story that readers can’t put down.  In the vein of Ted Dekker and Frank Peretti, Bartels weaves the supernatural into the natural in ways that are gripping and realistic, adding a shocking surprise that will leave readers stunned. ★★★★½”