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How Far Would He Go To Keep Them Safe?

It was more than a break-in. More than a stalking. It was personal. When a stalker targets his family, journalist Jack Crittendon must uncover who the person is and what his motives are—if he is to protect the ones he loves. It will lead Crittendon into a world of behind-closed-door secrets and faith gone awry, as does his investigation of a missing pastor, whose apparent suicide is more than it appears. Each move Crittendon makes weaves him tighter and tighter into a web of lies, greed, hypocrisy, sin, and danger. He believed he’d never give in to fear. But that was before. And holding on to his faith won’t be easy. Nor will keeping his family safe, and ending the terror. Because that might require him to step over lines he never dared to cross.

448 pages, Paperback

First published May 19, 2005

2,346 people are currently reading
3,412 people want to read

About the author

Creston Mapes

23books459followers
Creston Mapes grew up in northeast Ohio, where he has fond memories of living with his family of five in the upstairs portion of his dad's early American furniture store - The Weathervane Shop. Creston was not a good student, but the one natural talent he possessed was writing.

He set type by hand and cranked out his own neighborhood newspaper as a kid, then went on to graduate with a degree in journalism from Bowling Green State University. Creston was a newspaper reporter and photographer in Ohio and Florida, then moved to Atlanta, Georgia, for a job as a creative copywriter.

Creston served for a stint as a creative director, but quickly learned he was not cut out for management. He went out on his own as a freelance writer in 1991 and, over the next 30 years, did work for Chick-fil-A, Coca-Cola, The Weather Channel, Oracle, ABC-TV, TNT Sports, colleges and universities, ad agencies, and more. He's ghost-written more than ten non-fiction books.

Along the way, Creston has written 13 contemporary thrillers, achieved Amazon Bestseller status multiple times, and had one of his novels (Nobody) optioned as a major motion picture.

Creston married his fourth-grade sweetheart, Patty, and they have four amazing adult children. Creston loves his part-time job as an usher at local venues where he gets to see all the latest-greatest concerts and sporting events. He enjoys reading, fishing, thrifting, bocci, painting, pickleball, time with his family, and dates with his wife.

Keep informed of special deals, giveaways, new releases, and exclusive updates from Creston:

For Creston's eBooks, audio books, and paperbacks:

STAND ALONE THRILLERS
I Am In Here
Nobody

SIGNS OF LIFE SERIES
Signs of Life
Let My Daughter Go
I Pick You
Charm Artist
Son & Shield
Secrets in Shadows

THE CRITTENDON FILES
Fear Has a Name
Poison Town
Sky Zone

ROCK STAR CHRONICLES
Dark Star: Confessions of a Rock Idol
Full Tilt

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5 stars
1,846 (46%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 432 reviews
Profile Image for Olivia.
695 reviews130 followers
June 22, 2020
{4.5 stars}

This is the type of Christian fiction I want to read. And I don't mean because of the suspense. This book makes you think. It makes you ponder God's infinite plan in our lives. It opens your eyes to the needy in the world today. It makes you realize how awesome God really is. Every question the character asked in the midst of their distress only reinforced God's soverignity. It made me realize how much we as Christians question God, but don't want an answer. We just want everything to be perfect and in the midst of our wants we miss out on what God is really showing us.

So yes, this is an intense book. Very intense. It's full of emotions. It isn't necessarily fun to read. The whole deal with the pastor was hard because we like to believe that Pastor's are not susceptible to such depression or wrong-doing. But we all struggle; we all face difficulties in our lives. The question is: will we look to God no matter what?

I didn't agree with every aspect of Christianity displayed in this book (particularly certain aspects of a church service and so forth), but I can honestly say that this book has left a huge impact on me.

The last three lines of the book gives the total theme of the story:
Perhaps that was why all this had happened.
To show a man mercy.
To show a man Christ on the cross.


I highly recommend this!! Mid-teens may be fine with reading this, but it's probably better for older teens and up.
Profile Image for Crystal.
308 reviews28 followers
January 9, 2024
A bit dark. Very heavy. Definitely suspenseful. Well written and richly faith based. I wasn't expecting this book to cover such heavy material, but it was well done. I really really loved the authors ability to introduce a character and immediately build depth into the character.
The book follows two families, and a stalker. With Jack and Pamela, one of the couples, some of their thoughts regarding the stalker seemed to come from such a rich vein of faith, I had to go back and listen again. Their perspective at times drew from a deep well of true relationship with God. I just loved that. I also loved the ending, and how full of hope and redemption it was. It seemed like the most merciful ending as well for one of the characters.
This is definitely a book that delves into mental health, as well as the power of reaching out in kindness to those we see struggling. The content is heavy. Mentally unwell thoughts, dark thoughts, childhood abuse and mental abuse. But the faith is equally as strong. Really looking forward to reading the other books in this series, as well as more by this author.
Last note-I listened to this on audiobook and enjoyed the narrator. Such a great fit for a book full of suspense.
Profile Image for Lando.
5 reviews4 followers
July 15, 2013
If you love a fast paced thriller like I do please consider Fear Has a Name. As outrageous as it was at times, I found it to be quite realistic and plausible. Creston Mapes' characters are well thought out and believeable. Its easy to identify with several of them throughout the book or I know of real people similar to these; whether its the discouraged pastor, the depressed fellow with low self esteem, the mother trying to hold life all together, the overworked policeman or the tense newspaper manager.

I would agree with Robert Liparulo, who says of this book" A truly captivating work of ratcheting thrills and surprising grace. You will not be able to put it down-or get it out of your head once you finally do."

My wife and I have thoroughly enjoyed this book and we've had fun talking about various characters and incidences from this story.
Honestly, one of the best fiction books I've read this year. Our bookstore is House of James.

Profile Image for Tori.
72 reviews
March 14, 2017
4.5 Stars
Dislikes:
Mentions a married couple making love. No details at all. I had to actually reread that part just to make sure that's what it was. As it was a married couple I don't mind as much, don't prefer it, but I don't mind.

Likes:
It wasn't fun to read, but it was interesting. I love realistic books and this is defintely realistic. It's about realistic people going through realistic trials. I was amazed at the strong Christian message. It was refreshing in that sense. This was well-written and highly reccomended!
Profile Image for Mark.
2,222 reviews51 followers
July 22, 2024
Creston Mapes is a new author to me, and if this book is any indication of what kind of writer he is, I definitly want to read more of his books.

This book is the first in a series, The Crittendon Files. I really like the main character Mapes has created for the series, Jack Crittendon, a newspaper journalist, and look forward to reading more in the series.

I like it when an author writes a Christian novel and isn't afraid to make it Christian. The book is suspense, and is a great suspense novel with a lot of nail biting moments, action, and drama, but it also deals with issues of faith and has a great Christian message. The main characters struggle with strill trusting God even when bad things happen and it seeems God is not intervening and answering prayer. That must be a theme God is trying to beat into my head as I have read several novels lately dealing with trusting God.

I enjoyed this book, a lot. Mapes has written a great suspense novel while showing that God can and should be trusted, even when things are going bad for us.
Profile Image for LaurenLoveReads.
241 reviews265 followers
May 28, 2024
Wow. This was�.so good????
The faith in this book was so amazing. I loved that even through darkness, hope still finds us.

Watch my full thoughts here:
Profile Image for Loraine.
3,339 reviews
January 1, 2015
SUMMARY: It was more than a break-in. More than a stalking. It was personal. When a stalker targets his family, journalist Jack Crittendon must uncover who the person is and what his motives are--if he is to protect the ones he loves. It will lead Crittendon into a world of behind-closed-door secrets and faith gone awry, as does his investigation of a missing pastor, whose apparent suicide is more than it appears.

Each move Crittendon makes weaves him tighter and tighter into a web of lies, greed, hypocrisy, sin, and danger. He believed he'd never give in to fear. But that was before. And holding on to his faith won't be easy. Nor will keeping his family safe, and ending the terror. Because that might require him to step over lines he never dared to cross.

REVIEW: With a double plot line that converges at the end, this was a very different and interesting read. It was a little grittier than my usual reads, and I wasn't sure at times whether I liked it or not as the author took you to some disturbing places. Definitely fits in the Christian thriller genre along with authors like Brandilyn Collins. But I found that the ending definitely spoke of eternal truths and a God of second chances. A page-turner that keeps the reader wondering what will happen next. This is definitely NOT a comfort read. I look forward to reading more from this author.

FAVORITE QUOTES: "God had an uncanny way of showing up, often right in the middle of the trials life dealt."

"She was always quick to forgive--always. Jack could tell Pam recognized that his outburst was a character flaw issue between him and God. She'd completely relinquished it. That was her way. Forgive. Leave it with God. Forget"

"After all these years...I'm still learning, He just wants us to know He's God. He's in charge. He does what he wants--what He needs to do."
Profile Image for ChrisGA.
1,264 reviews
March 26, 2013
I had never before read anything by this author, being leery of the series involving a rock star as something this 65-year-old probably wouldn’t relate to very well. However, this first book in a new series has won me over. It is a thriller revolving around two storylines: a mysteriously missing pastor and the dangerous harassment of a reporter and his family. The main characters are easy to like and to identify with, and the nightmare situations they find themselves in are all too believable as happening to regular, everyday people. The suspense builds rapidly and doesn’t ease up. With adrenaline pumping, I stayed up late several nights reading this novel and heartily recommend it.

The book examines many issues in a nonpreachy way: Why does God allow evil to exist? How far should one go to protect his family? Can God enable us to love and pray for our enemies? How many Grangers are there out in the world damaged by cruel and uncaring parents and peers? How might one random act of kindness be the best moment of someone’s otherwise wretched life? How is one’s faith tested while going through the fire? These questions are woven into the plot but don’t dominate it. It is just good storytelling.

I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed are my own.
394 reviews11 followers
June 9, 2017
Amazing story!

The action started on the first page of this story and didn't stop until the last. What a ride! The characters were real and well developed and I cared about each one, even the bad guy. AND a thriller with no sex and no bad language even from the bad guy - truely amazing!

I will definitely be reading more books by Mr. Mapes.
Profile Image for Sarita.
1,428 reviews650 followers
May 8, 2024
This is a new to me author and I would recommend him to fans of suspenseful stories, with a strong male voice and a strong faith element.

I listened to the audiobook and loved the narrator’s voice and his presentation of the story.

The suspense plot of the stalker was trilling and kept me engaged. On top of that, the subject of mental illness was handled very well. I loved how the different character plots were all brought together at the end.

I will definitely read more by this author and looking forward to the rest of the series.
Profile Image for Narelle.
Author24 books84 followers
August 16, 2013
This book is action packed from the start and I couldn’t put it down. The plot twists kept me turning the page to learn what happens next. Jack’s faith is tested and pushed to the limit when a dangerous stalker threatens to destroy his family.

Fear Has a Name deals with hypocrisy and corruption in unlikely places. It has a supernatural element and the manifestation of evil in the world is a strong theme in the book. Jack and his wife, Pam, learn that evil can arise in unimaginable ways. Being a good person and doing the right thing by God is not a ticket to an easy life without fear, pain, struggles and hardship. I recommend this book to those looking for an exciting supernatural thriller.

Many thanks to NetGalley and David C. Cook for providing a review copy.
Profile Image for Karen Stoller.
20 reviews5 followers
August 1, 2013
Amazing book that makes you think about bullying and violence... what you would do if someone was causing harm to your family... it's suspenseful, yet caring as you come to understand a bit of the perpetrators background - interestingly the original break in concept comes from a real life situation in the author's family.
Profile Image for Maygon Brack.
191 reviews5 followers
January 12, 2023
4.5 ⭐️
This was my first time of the combo Christian/thriller/mystery/suspense book and it was fantastic!! I didn’t know what to expect with Christian genre mixed with thriller would be like. I will be reading more with these genres combined. It was a page turner for sure!!!
Profile Image for Gail Welborn.
609 reviews19 followers
October 6, 2013
***This author makes readers keep the lights on!***

New York Times bestselling author, Creston Mapes begins his new Crittendon Files series, with Fear Has a Name, an inspirational tale of fear, suspense and intrigue that keeps the pages turning long after the lights should go out. The multifaceted and gripping dual story line includes a possible murder-suicide, a missing pastor, a family terrorized by a crazy stalker and a journalist whose lives intersect in mysterious ways.

The story opens midday with Pamela, wife of ace reporter Jack Crittendon, drawn to the front door by an aggressive and insistent ringing doorbell. When she sees a large, pasty faced stranger in black through the glass she pauses, Jack’s at the newspaper and their seven-year-old daughter Rebecca and five-year-old sister Faye are upstairs playing.

When the front doorbell rings “a third time� without response, the man outside raps so hard on the door’s glass inset the harsh sounds drew Rebecca and Fays to the head of the stairs. Pamela’s rising fear reflects in her voice as she tells the girls to go into the media room and shut the door. Then she yells, “Who is it?�

When the man sees Pamela in the foyer he tears at the door handle until Pamela fears the decorative knob will break. Now drenched with fear she shouts hysterically, “Get out of here�
…Full Review:

Profile Image for J.D. Sutter.
247 reviews25 followers
March 7, 2019
4.5 stars

Whoa! What a ride! I thoroughly enjoyed this thrilling suspense story. The characters were genuine and believable, the action was nearly non-stop, and the plot was compelling and kept me hooked to the end.

Minus half star due to the slightly too tidy wrap-up and a couple of other easily "guessable" plot points.

Overall, loved the book and will surely be continuing the Crittendon stories. More detailed review on the Bookworm Banquet podcast.
Profile Image for Jess Peterson.
8 reviews1 follower
June 4, 2013

It's no surprise that Creston Mapes delivers once again with Fear Has a Name. Within the first two pages, I was completely hooked by this page-turning, adrenaline-rushing, heart-pounding book. The suspense was riveting. The detailed descriptions of characters and emotions - spot on. I felt as if I was right alongside the characters as this thriller unfolded like a screen play in my mind. I found myself gasping out loud countless times as I hung on every word.
This book has substance, not only through its well-built plot, but through the faith that is interwoven and expressed from beginning to end. The reader can relate to the strength and weakness of this faith, the heavy weight of sin, and the humility of receiving mercy and grace - undeserved mercy and grace extended by humans and by God.
Through the twists and turns each chapter brings, one is led to give great thought to the question: "Could you bless his name if tragedy struck?"
This first installment of the Crittendon Files follows suit with what I've come to expect from Creston Mapes: you just can't put the book down.
Profile Image for Sherri Johnson.
Author18 books269 followers
July 4, 2013
I began Fear Has a Name late one Saturday night, thinking I'd just read the first chapter to get my feet wet and then pick it back up the next night. Well, little did I know it was going to suck me in and almost make me late for church the next morning because I stayed up too late reading. The story starts with a home invasion that leaves you a little unnerved and hoping you locked your doors before you went to bed. There's more to this story than just the break-in though. There's a web of interconnected characters that each have questions in life that need answering. I found myself sympathizing with characters I normally wouldn't have—like the bully. There is a struggling minister in this story and, having been in the church and in a pastor's family for most of my life, I truly related to the angst this family felt. Toward the end of the book, the tension and thrilling fast-paced scenes just about made me chew my nails off. I recommend reading this book today!
Profile Image for Hannah.
151 reviews6 followers
March 3, 2015
Fear Has A Name is the first thing I have read by Creston Mapes, and it most certainly won't be my last. I struggled with the writing sometimes, especially for Pamela's POV. I thought the side characters POV's were the best. There were some parts of the plot that made me go "wait, whaaat?"... Some of Pamela's choices and actions didn't really make sense. However, fhe story connected in a really cool way at the end, and I really enjoyed reading it. The Christian message was written very strongly, and really, really well in my opinion. I am a Christian, but occasionally I find Christian fiction annoying. Many Christian novels have the most basic, repetitious, childlike, sunshine and rainbows version of the gospel in them that I find very shallow and unrealistic.The Christian message here was deep and real, and dealt with some tough issues; I appreciated that. Overall, 3.5 stars for a good Christian thriller with minor plot issues.
Profile Image for DAISY READS HORROR.
1,069 reviews162 followers
September 22, 2013
**I was given a free copy from the Publisher in exchange for an honest review**

WOW! THis story took me on so many great twists and turns!! The action never let up and I enjoyed reading every second of this book!

I really loved the message the book has at the end. Forgiveness is a very powerful thing. I must admit that I was surprised this was a book that had God in it a lot. I had never read a book like this before that was so suspenseful. I really loved how the author made these 2 elements work well together! If you pick this book up, get ready for a great time because the action begins right at the first 10 pages of the book! 5 stars all the way!! LOVED IT!!
Profile Image for Abigail Johnson.
30 reviews
May 27, 2019
I had to read a book for school so I chose a random book and it happened to be this one. This book was very good. from the very start, it drew you right in and you had to know what happened. Since this book was written in the first person and switched back and forth between characters you got to connect to the characters and know the true feelings of them. This book was a more mature book though and I would definitely not recommend it for children under 12.
Profile Image for Christopher Long.
Author6 books39 followers
April 5, 2019
Suspense and tension on every page. Compelling characters and an edge-of-your-seat story. A sensational read from one of today's hottest authors. And I'm delighted that this is only the first installment in the "Crittendon Files" trilogy, as Mapes has much gas left in the tank and Jack Crittendon has legs to carry on for volumes to come!
Profile Image for Karen.
576 reviews58 followers
August 1, 2016
This will probably be my top or in my top 3 for best reads of the year. I have read everyone of this author's books and they are always worth reading more than once. Adding it to my "Best Christian fiction" and my "Hard to put down-suspense" shelf.
Profile Image for Destiny.
25 reviews2 followers
November 3, 2017
This was a fast read. The story moved quickly and wasn't nearly as predictable as I first thought it might be. There was sufficient resolution for this to stand completely alone with the rest of the series.
Profile Image for Elizabeth.
8 reviews
May 6, 2013
It was one of te best books I have ever read. And how all the characters fit together was amazing.
Profile Image for Natalie.
4 reviews
June 28, 2013
Loved the book! I found myself double-checking the deadbolt several times. Full of suspense. Eager to read Poison Town next.
Profile Image for Terry Conrad.
292 reviews20 followers
May 22, 2019
A couple friends introduced me to this author. I really enjoyed this book. It was fast paced, well written and easy to read. I enjoyed the 2 different stories that were going on. I do recommend this book. My only issue was the 2 swear words. Yes, I always mention this in Christian Fiction. I'm not judging this author or saying he shouldn't do it. We just differ a bit in our opinions. It was still a very good read.
Profile Image for Kristine.
130 reviews4 followers
September 29, 2021
Wow! This book had me at page one!!! The storyline was suspenseful, believable, never dull�. The characters were very relatable and I LOVED how the author interwove Biblical principles throughout the book!! Excellent!!! Cannot wait for book 2 in this “series�!!!!!
Profile Image for Joni Fisher.
Author6 books352 followers
November 19, 2021
This fast-paced story accelerated quickly on multiple tracks. The deep dive into the multiple points of view gave the story humanity and a more complete grasp of the interwoven actions.
I love this story for its directness in how the characters struggle in life and faith. Now, I’m hooked on this series wherever it leads.
The author is a master storyteller!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 432 reviews

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