Book of Nathan Book

Rick Bullock takes the road less traveled when he quits his job as an advertising executive to become director of a homeless shelter. Trading in a six-figure salary for paltry pay and even less respect? Costly. But helping oneman get back on his feet? Priceless.

When Zeus, a mentally challenged gentle giant and longtime shelter resident, is arrested for murdering evangelist Benjamin Kurios, Rick wants answers. Convinced Zeus is incapable of such a horrific act, Rick, along with a colorful cadre of characters, sets off on a journey to keep an innocent man off death row.

The trip takes a disturbing detour when the bizarre group stumbles upon a transcript of the Book of Nathan and the discovery attracts the sinister attentions of a Jersey mobster, pro-life and pro-choice groups, and a billionaire used to getting his way. Rick knows how to save a life, but this time, his life may be the one at stake.

Publishers Weekly

Rick Bullock, who runs a homeless shelter, gets more than he bargained for in this plot-twisting mystery. When down-and-out Zeus is charged with the murder of a famous televangelist in Florida, Bullock refuses to believe that this gentle man could have committed such a heinous crime and goes to Florida to see what he can find out. But when he reaches his destination, he realizes that his journey has only just begun. Discovering that a lost book of the Bible holds not only the answer to one of life's most troubling questions but also the key to exonerating Zeus, Bullock must work quickly to save his friend's life--and his own--before it's too late. This collaborative effort by former corporate exec Weeden and publishing veteran Marek is a wild ride, but the stilted dialogue, stock characters, and outlandish plot make the novel more kitschy than classy. Nevertheless, mystery fans who crave fast-paced narratives and surprises at every turn will most likely get a kick out of this ambitious collaboration. (Aug.)