"The Witness" by Josh McDowell

Josh McDowell has a remarkable testimony. The books that he has written are powerful tools for the Christian who needs answers for skeptics.
I've had the privilege to hear Josh McDowell speak in person, and his winsomeness and speaking ability make it easy to see why his ministry has blossomed so much. He truly has impacted many people around the world for the sake of God's truth.

This is the first fiction book I've read by Josh McDowell (I'm not even sure if he has any others). And, I must say that he did a very good job putting together an enjoyable story.

The main character is Marwan Accad, owner of a Middle-Eastern security company that caters to the ultra-wealthy. When one of Marwan's clients is assassinated, Marwan is framed for the hit. He must find a way to clear his name while keeping one step ahead of those who are now trying to kill him.

Along the way, he is confronted with questions about death, God, and eternity. The answers to these questions remain elusive - until God brings a few unlikely people into his path (as you can probably tell from the silhouette on the cover, he falls in love with one of them).

I enjoyed the story. It was fast-paced and had a lot of action. There was also a very good Gospel message throughout the book, which I love. Even the graphic scenes (and there was some violence and death, as well as some drug usage and immoral encounters) were written very discreetly and tastefully. It is hard for a Christian author to write realistically about the sins of those without Christ and to remain tasteful and gracious, but the author managed to do so.

However, while Josh McDowell certainly is a skilled story-teller, this book was not quite as polished as some of my other favorite thrillers. Sometimes the conversations were a little forced. Sometimes the scene descriptions were over-the-top, and sometimes they were lacking. But all in all, the book was a good read. I would have no trouble recommending it. And the ending may or may not be satisfying to you. (I, personally, was a little bummed at the ending...)

I finished the book in a couple of sittings, so if you are looking for a quick, enjoyable, and Christian thriller - try this one out.