The Rector—A Christian Murder Mystery

MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE, December 20, 2015— Combine a suspenseful murder mystery with theology (the study and explanation of religious faith, practice, and experience) and you have The Rector—an allegory of Christ’s ministry. Shepherd King Publishing is pleased to announce the release of The Rector, a 75,000 word #ChristianFiction from author Michael Thompson, a native of Mississippi. 
 
Martha McRae is a widow living in a small Mississippi Delta town in the 1950s. She’s obsessed with the sudden death of her Episcopal church’s young rector. A murderer will go scot-free if she doesn’t investigate. But Martha is torn. If she pursues the guilty, her Bible study friend’s awful secret will be exposed, and devastating. When the new rector arrives, she encounters a different sort of problem. One that takes her into Parchman Penitentiary where she comes face to face with evil.
 
“This novel is a superbly written story involving spiritual victory in spite of murder, deceit, and
lust in a small town in the 1950′s. High stars for a Christian story that reads like a thriller.”
~~D.S. Hale, author of YA Christian spec fiction (“I don’t know D.S. Hale, nor Diane Gardner, below.”)
 
“Michael Thompson offers a tantalizing murder mystery filled with chilling explorations of hypocrisy, true faith, and small-town secrets. It’s about sin and redemption. It’s about the search for truth, in both the physical and spiritual realms. And it’s all wrapped up in a puzzle that keeps even skeptics on their toes. The writing is compelling with a plot that grows ever thicker and offers even ardent mystery fans delightfully unexpected twists and turns. The intrigue is well developed with well-placed clues and cliffhangers. The characters are multidimensional and fascinating. The faith themes are so masterfully woven in that those who aren’t religious should simply find the novel to be top-notch suspense.” ~~ Diane Gardner, ForeWord’s Clarion Review.
 
 
“There are so many theological discussions between the rectors and Martha, I was able to write a six-week study guide for Bible study groups and book clubs,” says Thompson. The guide is free and available at www.TheRectorGuide.com.
 
The Rector, first in The Solo Ladies Bible Study series, is Thompson’s fourth published novel. Born and raised on a small Mississippi farm, Thompson claims to know about strong Christian women, alcoholic men, and Jesus. And prison ministry.