For more information visit Jonathan Weyer’s offical website

Book blurb:

My thoughts:  I have to confess that even though I’m religious and believe in God I was a bit doubting whether I would enjoy this book as I have never read anything pertaining to faith or a religious topic for fun (except of course the Da Vinci Code, but that doesn’t count ;-p), and especially written by a pastor! But I’m really glad I took the chance and read The Faithful because I discovered an amazing new author and The Faithful became one of my favourite books read in 2010!

Do not be put off of The Faithful because it is categorized as “religious horror”, I myself don’t like horror and I can honestly and in all seriousness recommend The Faithful to everyone, you don’t have to be a believer or religious to enjoy it, the only requirement is that you like exciting, thrilling stories and breathholding mysteries. And The Faithful is definitely one where you will be holding your breath…

I can’t remember the last time a fictional book, one I read for pleasure was so full of intelligent, thought provoking ideas and yet remained engaging and entertaining at the same time. But besides the very captivating (and entertaining) philosophical reflections and dilemmas expressed by the hero (which I believe everyone has asked themselves and the universe at one time or another during their life), The Faithful is an action packed, fast paced and very exciting mystery novel.

The story is narrated by the hero: Aidan Schaeffer who is a pastor! I know, not the usual, everyday narrator to an exciting thriller about serial killers, but it’s exactly due to the fact that the hero is not a cop/special agent/amateur detective that the reader feels more connected to the story. Aidan is such an ordinary guy that everyone can relate to him. I loved how Jonatahn Weyer did not put him on a pedestal or make him a larger than life character just because he is a pastor, no, Aidan is just a guy next door who also has insecurities and fears and who is just as normal and human like us.

Jonathan Weyer blends mystery, philosophy, romance and humour in just the perfect mix to make The Faithful a compelling and gripping novel. The author’s flowing and fantastic writing lets the story and mystery unfold naturally, while spending enough time and detail on developing ideas and giving the characters some depth and character. The Faithful is a real pageturner and one you will be sorry to see end as there are no sequel novels (yet).

Verdict: The Faithful is an amazing and exciting debut novel, perfect to curl up with on a cold winter night with a hot chocolate/tea and forget the outside world for a couple of hours. You definitely don’t want to miss it! I can’t wait to read more by Jonathan Weyer!

I give The Faithful 5 bookies, no complaint whatsoever, one of the best books I have read in 2010!