The Black Cloister

Oh my good book, yawl! Don't even finish reading my thoughts, put this one first on your reading list. This is so my type of story. Here I learned about cults while trying to unravel the mystery surrounding Catrina's death. There is political cover-up and a smidgen of romance added to just make an overall riveting read. The story wasn't depressing nor graphic, just tense at times. The author offered enough cult information to make me uneasy but not grossed out. To borrow a book blogger's overused phrase: I couldn't turn the pages fast enough. So true, so true. Not to be missed! What I can't shake even today is how easily someone can twist bible passages to manipulate vulnerable people. Shoot, you don't have to be vulnerable, just unlearned in bible truths. That's why we have to search the scriptures for ourselves and not leave it all up to our pastors.

In 1991 when Elise Friedman turned eight her mom Catrina suddenly died. Raised by an adoptive father Steve, she grew up wondering about her biological dad and her mom's life in Germany before coming to the States. She especially thought about reasons her mom left her homeland. Now seventeen years later, Elise obsesses over knowing the truth. In Berlin Elise meets her mom's best friend Ambassador Addison Wade, showing the stunned older woman a photo of Addison with Catrina. Addison wants to ignore Elise as she has buried the past especially since her next post will be American Ambassador to the UN. Elise explains discrepancies in her mom's past and Steve's story. Reluctantly Addison, understanding the resolute visitor and fearing for her going solo, takes her to Heidelberg where the quest of the Chosen began. THE BLACK CLOISTER is a fascinating look at a cult from several perspectives. The story line is fast-paced from the moment a determined Elise arrives in Berlin and never slows with one twist after another as the danger mounts. Steve's refusal to explain anything leaves Elise taking risks that turn her into a target; yet remaining true to his vows just seems wrong. Still this exhilarating thriller will hook the audience as the present inquiry into the past turns dangerous. Harriet Klausner

I read Melanie's book in a few short days! I was keep intrigued from the first page... this is a tough subject to explore, can be frightening even! but reading The Black Cloister was so well written that I couldn't put it down... The bible verses that she includes woven throughout the chapters were awesome as it gave me a better peripheral view of how easy Satan can and does twist God's truths, severing off people from His love. This book also reminds me to press on, praying and living out the grace and love of God as well as getting better acquainted with memorizing scripture again!!

I couldn't put it down - I read it start to finish during my kids naptime. Addresses a sad reality to the truth of child prostitution in our world, as well as the darkness that lies in the midst of twisted lies from truth. Definitely a good read!

This brilliantly written novel is sure to educate and inspire readers. The insight Dobson demonstrates regarding the minds of cult leaders and their victims is incredibly accurate. In fact, this is the by far best book I've read that addresses this important issue. I've worked with abused children and pedophiles for nearly two decades and the way perpetrators view the world is clearly skewed by their own twisted desires. The author brings that out in The Black Cloister and shows why women stay in situations that are obviously abusive and why they often don't tell anyone who can help them get out. Dobson weaves a powerful and emotionally gripping tale that at times was so suspenseful that I would rather read the story than eat or sleep. The conclusion is also satisfying as it shows the power of true Godly love and how truth is more powerful than evil when you cling to His promises and minister to His children. I would love to read a sequel to this story.