The Death and Life of Gabriel Phillips

Stephens first book Unusual Suspect was written like I never seen a writer write before. He has a very unique way that he cuts out most of the fillers is his stories but you still get the whole picture. I couldn't wait for him to write a new one and it is everything I expected and more it holds you right to the end!

The Death and Life of Gabriel Phillips by Stephen Baldwin and Mark Tabb is an unusual Christian fiction book. Police officer Andy Meyers responds to a call to find a dead boy, Gabriel, whose father is reacting strangely. Meyers had been sleeping with the boy's mother and bonding with the child, so he feels a deep-seated need for justice for the boy's death. The father doesn't react like Meyers would expect with tears and hysteria. Instead, he's calm and talks about how Gabriel has gone home to be with the Lord. This infuriates Meyers who sets out to prove that the father killed Gabriel because he was angry about the affair. The plot is delightfully twisted and convoluted, especially because the narrator is Meyers' son, who he abandoned as soon as he discovered his wife was pregnant. Despite the complicated plot, Baldwin and Tabb keeps things running smoothly from the death to a trial and finally an execution. There has been some concern about the strong language used in the book. While I admit, it is stronger than most Christian fiction on the market, it's nowhere near as strong as plenty of secular fiction, and it's always used appropriately to the character and never for titillation. The only character who is a Christian is Gabriel's father, so the occasional cuss word helps create the character and scene. It works. The authors keep the reader guessing as to exactly what happened to Gabriel, as well as what Andy is going to do next. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and hope that Baldwin continues writing!

This is an unusual read for several reasons! First, the author is a celebrity. Having seen Stephen Baldwin on NBC's Celebrity Apprentice, I was quite excited to have the opportunity to read his first work of fiction. Written in conjunction with Mark Tabb, this murder mystery with a twist is an enjoyable book. Secondly, this purported Christian fiction contains profanity--quite a bit of it--which is why the following disclaimer was sent out: The statement from FaithWords is: Normally, it is not the policy of FaithWords to include foul language in our fiction titles. The Death and Life of Gabriel Phillips has dialogue which reflects the heart of the main character. His transformation and ultimate conversion to Christ throughout the book is key to the story and the author's intention was to make that transformation clear. We apologize if this inclusion offends our readers. We are committed to publishing fiction that depicts the power of Christ's love in even the darkest life and situation. Harry Helm, Associate Publisher, FaithWords Thirdly, my observation is that the profanity and adult themes contained in the novel are not attributable to only the main character. Other characters speak with profanity too, and some of the adult themes are spread amongst them throughout the story. Fourthly, although this is not a book of humor, I laughed out loud when I read the Santa scene. I can't tell more without revealing secrets, but it's funny. I bet you'll laugh too at the Santa part. The characters are believable. The story is believable. And, (sigh) the dialogue is believable. I must say that it's a good story, and I enjoyed it.

Stephen Baldwin and Mark Tabb have touched the heart with "The Death and Life of Gabriel Phillips." This is a beautifully written, heart-wrenching dramatic tale of the death of one too young and the man, his father no less, who is accused of the deed. Like Anne Rice's "Interview With A Vampire," I became lost in the storyteller's tale, forgetting that the storyteller was sitting with an interviewer. This book has a solid story, engaging characters and writing that draws the reader intellectually and emotionally. With regard to the controversy of language use, I can see why the writers believed it was necessary. Its use did not diminish the impact that the story had on me. In fact, it may actually have brought scenes more alive out of shock value.

I loved the style in which this book was written. Let me give you a little sample of Stephen and Marks opening page... "Andy Myers didn't want children...Period. Case closed... You would think someone so adamant about not reproducing would have gone out and had a vasectomy, but Andy didn't think that way." And so it goes. The story of Andy Myers drew me in as his son describes him, what he went through in his life and how he met Gabriel Phillips - who was an 8 year old boy!! Remember Andy hated children, but this kid gets under his skin! Andy Myers thought differently about many things and you discover that throughout the course of this book. For example, the night Andy responded to a call for help and he discovers Gabriel Phillips' body on the floor. The only logical explanation was that the kid was murdered. No one falls out of bed and dies - not with that much blood. Andy soon makes it his mission in life to see that the killer of Gabriel Phillips is found and convicted. Not only that, but Andy wants a confession. This consumes his every waking moment of life. This story clearly shows what revenge and unforgiveness can cost you in the long run. The one thing that Andy Myers couldn't shake about John Phillips (Gabriel's father) was the peace this man had. Where did that come from? This guy was faking he was a born again Christian Andy just knew it. Andy was all torn up inside and out, and this wasn't even his kid. He didn't like kids. Andy couldn't get past any of this. Reader beware!! I truly was engaged in this powerful story, but I was uncomfortable by all the cursing in this book. Yes, they were police officers doing their work, and I'm sure they talk like this, but I it made me uncomfortable reading the words. It's not what I'm accustom to reading. After all, these cops are in the trenches of life at it's worst. I understand that and you will too when you read this story. This is a story of hope for the hopeless and peace for the oppressed. It helps explain what the peace that passes all understand that we can only get from our heavenly father looks like. This book also shows our criminal system and how fast things can go from bad to worse; how people can get stuck in the maze of stuff so far, they can't see out. This is Stephen Baldwin's first fiction book with Mark Tabb. I surely hope it won't be his last. Stephen Baldwin wrote a non-fiction book before this called "The Unusual Suspect" that looks good. I was pleasantly surprised and very moved by this story, and you will be too. Finding Hope Through Fiction [...]