A Cross to Kill ~ Review

A Cross to Kill A Shepherd Suspense Novel #1 By Andrew Huff John Cross has a secret past and he wants to keep it that way, but occasionally the CIA needs his help. But he is determined to not take a life if he can help it. His past as an assassin for the CIA is at odds with his current call - that of a small-town pastor.  When he is again called to rescue Christine Lewis, a news journalist captured by AIM (Alliance of  Islamic Military) he has to act fast and keep his shots sure so as to not take a life. But his rescue of Christine soon has her on the scent of a story - the story of her own rescue and the mystery man who saved her just in time. But when Cross's past comes looking for him everyone he cares about is in danger.  Can he keep his vow of peace when lives are at stake?  A Cross to Kill is the first book in the Shepherd Suspense series and it promises to be a most intriguing series if this book is any indication. And if you are wondering about the "Shepherd" well there are two reasons - the first with Christine's rescue the code name Cross uses and the second that Cross is a pastor.  This book is Christian Suspense and it definitely falls well within this heading but don't expect a clean no violence read - it just isn't excessive like some suspense reads. This book explores the moral compass of a life that has determined to change. But can the sins of the past ever truly be left behind? This is the situation that John Cross finds himself in and it proves to be a most excellent story thread throughout without being in your face and preachy. I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own. About the book: A gripping debut thriller pits a man of God against terrorists—and his own deadly past  John Cross is a small-town pastor, bent on leading his flock to follow God's calling. He's not the sort of man one would expect to have a checkered past. But the truth is that the man behind the pulpit preaching to his sheep was once a wolf—an assassin for the CIA. When John decided to follow Christ, he put that work behind him, determined to pay penance for all the lives he took. He vowed never to kill again. Now someone wants the peaceful pastor to pay for his sins with his own life. And when a terrorist out for revenge walks into the church, John's secrets are laid bare. Confronted with his past, he must face his demons and discover whether a man can truly change. Can he keep his vow—even when the people he loves are in mortal danger? Will his congregation and the brave woman he's learning to care for be caught in the crossfire? In the end, his death may be the only sacrifice he has left to offer.  Andrew Huff's thrilling debut is not only a riveting story of suspense, but also a deep exploration of the moral quandaries that face those who choose to follow the Prince of Peace in a violent world.