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David Chance Mystery #1
Messages
David Chance can see messages in the sea of words around him, messages that warn him of future events.
Words are everywhere-- on labels, magazines, sign posts, t-shirts-- everywhere. And as much as David Chance would like to hide from them, he can't. Words keep leaping off objects around him, forming messages in his mind. But how is this possible? Has his brain suddenly taken an evolutionary leap forward, or are the mysterious messages proof of divine intervention?
Driven to answer a question he'd long ago abandoned, and stalked by the killer he's trying to stop, David risks everything to follow the messages to a dirty bomb set to go off in the heart of Boston. But can he trust the author of the messages to protect him from a terrorist who seems to know his every move.
Words are everywhere-- on labels, magazines, sign posts, t-shirts-- everywhere. And as much as David Chance would like to hide from them, he can't. Words keep leaping off objects around him, forming messages in his mind. But how is this possible? Has his brain suddenly taken an evolutionary leap forward, or are the mysterious messages proof of divine intervention?
Driven to answer a question he'd long ago abandoned, and stalked by the killer he's trying to stop, David risks everything to follow the messages to a dirty bomb set to go off in the heart of Boston. But can he trust the author of the messages to protect him from a terrorist who seems to know his every move.
294 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 23, 2011
About the author
John Michael Hileman
12 books91 followersJohn Michael Hileman is the author of seven novels with over 1 million sales. He is currently working on The Millennium Project Short Reads.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 275 reviews
October 6, 2013
You ever read a book, and you know pretty much immediately that it's going to be bad, but you've already started it, so you feel you have to finish it? That's how I felt about Messages. The concept seemed pretty cool, so I downloaded the free ebook to read on my commute. Very quick and easy read, but much of the story felt very forced to me. It came across as though the author was really excited about the concept, but wasn't sure how to portray its execution in a real and believable way. The ways in which the hero received messages had me rolling my eyes more often than not, even more so when you consider how immediately willing he (a character who self professes to have a shaky opinion on god's existence) and everyone around him just sort of accepts that he is somehow receiving divine communications relating to national security. Not once was his sanity questioned. Not once was he embarrassed to share these thoughts. Everyone just went with it, like it was an every day thing.
At times, I also felt embarrassed to be reading certain passages, as they came off racist, and ignorant and stereotypical as it relates to people of Middle Eastern heritage, or, "Arabs", as they're so fondly referred to as in this book. There were a few especially cringe-worthy moments, notably, when our hero admits that the Arab man from down the street always made him nervous (for no reason), that maybe he just doesn't smile, which is "not a good personality trait for someone of his background". There was also this gem: "All Muslims hate us because simply because we're not Muslims." Generalizing much?
And I could go on for day about the authors style. CAPS LOCK for emphasis when characters are serious and angry. Don't forget lots of exclamation points. And the jumbled, incoherent inner dialogues were difficult to bear.
But...I did read the whole thing. If you've got nothing to do for a weekend and you have no access to any other book in the world, then I say give this one a shot.
At times, I also felt embarrassed to be reading certain passages, as they came off racist, and ignorant and stereotypical as it relates to people of Middle Eastern heritage, or, "Arabs", as they're so fondly referred to as in this book. There were a few especially cringe-worthy moments, notably, when our hero admits that the Arab man from down the street always made him nervous (for no reason), that maybe he just doesn't smile, which is "not a good personality trait for someone of his background". There was also this gem: "All Muslims hate us because simply because we're not Muslims." Generalizing much?
And I could go on for day about the authors style. CAPS LOCK for emphasis when characters are serious and angry. Don't forget lots of exclamation points. And the jumbled, incoherent inner dialogues were difficult to bear.
But...I did read the whole thing. If you've got nothing to do for a weekend and you have no access to any other book in the world, then I say give this one a shot.
January 21, 2012
Mr. Hileman kept me up until 2 in the morning! I started reading this book and could not put it down. David starts ‘seeing’ words that mysteriously put themselves together to warn him of something or tell him something he needs to do. Has he become physic? Is it a deceased relative? Is it God? There were many times in the book when I found myself thinking, ‘that’s exactly what I would have thought or done if I were in David’s place.’ Mr. Hileman has taken an ordinary man and made his life suddenly extraordinary, David goes from being an intern at a news station to trying to stop the detonation of a dirty bomb in downtown Boston and the assassination of the president, quite a feat of story telling if you ask me. The courage David develops over the course of the story is amazing, I don’t think I could have done what he did in the end, was truly surprised at the ending!
There were many twists and turns to the plot but it was so well written and the characters came alive so well that I had no trouble following the story. The Christian themes woven into the story intrigued me as well, I don’t know many people who have not questioned the existence of God at some point in their lives and Frank (his neighbor) does an excellent job of answering David’s questions.
If you want a good clean suspense story this is the book for you! Definitely giving this one 5 stars.
DeborahR for Kindle Book Review
There were many twists and turns to the plot but it was so well written and the characters came alive so well that I had no trouble following the story. The Christian themes woven into the story intrigued me as well, I don’t know many people who have not questioned the existence of God at some point in their lives and Frank (his neighbor) does an excellent job of answering David’s questions.
If you want a good clean suspense story this is the book for you! Definitely giving this one 5 stars.
DeborahR for Kindle Book Review
February 29, 2012
This book . . . baffled me at times. I wasn't sure how I felt about it. I loved the concept and thought it could be something truly fantastic. I didn't fall in love with the characters or the dialogue though. There is some part of me that kept saying, "would a person really say or do that?" Forget believing myself that someone could get messages from God in the form of words coming together -- and that he needs to stop the president from getting assassinated, I didn't believe the interactions between the other characters.
The tension of the action and the idea went a long way with me though. I wanted to find out how he was going to stop the bad guys. It kept me "flipping pages" until the end. I think this author shows a lot of creativity.
The tension of the action and the idea went a long way with me though. I wanted to find out how he was going to stop the bad guys. It kept me "flipping pages" until the end. I think this author shows a lot of creativity.
January 6, 2015
Good God this one was painful!
To be fair, my early impressions were that this was a nice, light read – it wasn't brilliant writing but entertaining nonetheless. I like a good sci-fi action thriller, and that is what I was expecting. Then it all started getting a bit ridiculous...
Our protagonist, David, starts seeing messages forming from random words he sees all around him, and these messages predict the future, so naturally he thinks he's going a wee bit crazy. Not his friends and family though, they all believe him immediately, no questions asked... I mean really?!
Then, Oh, hello religious propaganda! – of course it's God speaking to him isn't it?! Telling him that the president is going to die in two days, then leading him to the terrorists behind the plot, and instructing him to stop it all from happening.
Of course this is God, so he doesn't tell him exactly what or how to do this – enter David's neighbour, Frank, who will happily explain all about God's mysterious ways and how important it is for a 'prophet' like David to have faith in these messages – it's fine buddy, just go into that warehouse full of dirty bombs and gun-wielding zealots and look around for some words that will vaguely tell you what to do next...
Now as ridiculous as this all sounds, and God-bothering and xenophobia aside (there is a lot of it), there was something somewhat faintly redeeming in the plot. I mean, it had some action and suspense. Unfortunately this just became comical when the plot moved far too quickly, was completely far-fetched (and I'm a sci-fi fan!), and as far as the discourse between the characters goes... well you can almost hear truly awful actors on some made-for-tv movie reading these lines, and for added zing there are even a couple of Bruce Willis-esque one liners in there! Jeez!
Oh and I particularly liked the 'daddy issues' part where David could not tell a little white lie to get out of work (in order to protect his family from the terrorist neighbours across the street) because that would make him a liar and he would never be like his father... oh come on!!
With so many reasons to dislike this book, why oh why did I keep reading? I can only deduce that it was some sort of morbid curiosity, akin to picking a scab... it hurts, but you have to keep going until you're done. Or perhaps it was God willing me on...
When I don't like a particular book, I do always try to think of the kind of people who may enjoy it, so... If you are a heavily religious, xenophobic, sci-fi nut who isn't too snobby about plot-holes, poor characterisation, and cheap, tacky discourse..then yeah, this might be for you.
To be fair, my early impressions were that this was a nice, light read – it wasn't brilliant writing but entertaining nonetheless. I like a good sci-fi action thriller, and that is what I was expecting. Then it all started getting a bit ridiculous...
Our protagonist, David, starts seeing messages forming from random words he sees all around him, and these messages predict the future, so naturally he thinks he's going a wee bit crazy. Not his friends and family though, they all believe him immediately, no questions asked... I mean really?!
Then, Oh, hello religious propaganda! – of course it's God speaking to him isn't it?! Telling him that the president is going to die in two days, then leading him to the terrorists behind the plot, and instructing him to stop it all from happening.
Of course this is God, so he doesn't tell him exactly what or how to do this – enter David's neighbour, Frank, who will happily explain all about God's mysterious ways and how important it is for a 'prophet' like David to have faith in these messages – it's fine buddy, just go into that warehouse full of dirty bombs and gun-wielding zealots and look around for some words that will vaguely tell you what to do next...
Now as ridiculous as this all sounds, and God-bothering and xenophobia aside (there is a lot of it), there was something somewhat faintly redeeming in the plot. I mean, it had some action and suspense. Unfortunately this just became comical when the plot moved far too quickly, was completely far-fetched (and I'm a sci-fi fan!), and as far as the discourse between the characters goes... well you can almost hear truly awful actors on some made-for-tv movie reading these lines, and for added zing there are even a couple of Bruce Willis-esque one liners in there! Jeez!
Oh and I particularly liked the 'daddy issues' part where David could not tell a little white lie to get out of work (in order to protect his family from the terrorist neighbours across the street) because that would make him a liar and he would never be like his father... oh come on!!
With so many reasons to dislike this book, why oh why did I keep reading? I can only deduce that it was some sort of morbid curiosity, akin to picking a scab... it hurts, but you have to keep going until you're done. Or perhaps it was God willing me on...
When I don't like a particular book, I do always try to think of the kind of people who may enjoy it, so... If you are a heavily religious, xenophobic, sci-fi nut who isn't too snobby about plot-holes, poor characterisation, and cheap, tacky discourse..then yeah, this might be for you.
March 17, 2015
Well I was going to give this one 2 stars but then I thought about books that had received 1 star from me and all of them are better written than this one by far, so... First book with 1 star of the year, and I hope this will be the last one. I'm trying to be selective in my readings because there's a lot of books I want to read. But I let myself be carried away by the free sign in the Kindle store...
Where to start... the premise was awesome, but the execution is pretty poor to say the least. And I've read this in English so I can't blame its flaws to a bad translation. The plot in the end made no sense, the characters are plain, and their reactions to the situations unbelievable. SPOILER ALERT: Are you trying I believe someone is shot in a major artery and is working a few hours later?? Or the main character is receiving all those strange messages and he tell it to a lot of people and everybody is like... fine, sure, we believe you... Are you serious?? If someone tell me he is receiving messages from God through the words surrounding him, at least, I'll arch an eyebrow at that! And then, there's all that religious talk that doesn't contribute to the plot... not my cup of tea either. I'm very dissapointed, and I'm not going to read the next books in the series.
Where to start... the premise was awesome, but the execution is pretty poor to say the least. And I've read this in English so I can't blame its flaws to a bad translation. The plot in the end made no sense, the characters are plain, and their reactions to the situations unbelievable. SPOILER ALERT: Are you trying I believe someone is shot in a major artery and is working a few hours later?? Or the main character is receiving all those strange messages and he tell it to a lot of people and everybody is like... fine, sure, we believe you... Are you serious?? If someone tell me he is receiving messages from God through the words surrounding him, at least, I'll arch an eyebrow at that! And then, there's all that religious talk that doesn't contribute to the plot... not my cup of tea either. I'm very dissapointed, and I'm not going to read the next books in the series.
February 12, 2012
Why Him? Why Now?
Messages by John Michael Hileman
Messages is described as a "fictional allegory," similar to a parable. A parable uses physical elements to teach a spiritual lesson. David Chance develops a sudden "talent." Words stand out in posters, newspapers, even movie titles, and give him "messages." Some might object to these extrabiblical revelations. The story has plenty of Scripture and biblical teaching and the "messages" don't teach doctrine. They really just push the adventure and mystery along.
Just one example, the $400 incident, is a brilliant detail. Don't forget the $400. The full "Why Him? Why now?" mystery isn't explained until almost the end of the book. He is an ordinary man but providentially placed for the "Why Now?" of terrorists, hidden bombs and presidential assassination. Revealing these story elements isn't giving away the real surprises in the story. There are many, and they really keep the reader adrenalin-buzzed and zig-zagging right along with poor David.
"Why him?" It's a case of "be careful what you wish for." Or what you beg for, and pray for. When the response to his plea to understand God comes David learns how far from ready he is. Fortunately godly counsel is only a phone call away, even in the most extreme circumstances. The fact that part of David's extraordinary quest involves keeping his godly counselor alive is another brilliant detail.
This story examines a favorite theme of mine, how a person can believe he's "good enough," or other people are, until reality jars that nonsense out of his head. Who can you trust? Who are the good guys and the bad guys? In the end, David realizes that goodness, and trustworthiness, and faith, are not things for which man alone has the answers.
Messages by John Michael Hileman
Messages is described as a "fictional allegory," similar to a parable. A parable uses physical elements to teach a spiritual lesson. David Chance develops a sudden "talent." Words stand out in posters, newspapers, even movie titles, and give him "messages." Some might object to these extrabiblical revelations. The story has plenty of Scripture and biblical teaching and the "messages" don't teach doctrine. They really just push the adventure and mystery along.
Just one example, the $400 incident, is a brilliant detail. Don't forget the $400. The full "Why Him? Why now?" mystery isn't explained until almost the end of the book. He is an ordinary man but providentially placed for the "Why Now?" of terrorists, hidden bombs and presidential assassination. Revealing these story elements isn't giving away the real surprises in the story. There are many, and they really keep the reader adrenalin-buzzed and zig-zagging right along with poor David.
"Why him?" It's a case of "be careful what you wish for." Or what you beg for, and pray for. When the response to his plea to understand God comes David learns how far from ready he is. Fortunately godly counsel is only a phone call away, even in the most extreme circumstances. The fact that part of David's extraordinary quest involves keeping his godly counselor alive is another brilliant detail.
This story examines a favorite theme of mine, how a person can believe he's "good enough," or other people are, until reality jars that nonsense out of his head. Who can you trust? Who are the good guys and the bad guys? In the end, David realizes that goodness, and trustworthiness, and faith, are not things for which man alone has the answers.
February 13, 2014
The concept of the story was interesting but I didn't like the religious tone. It's just not my thing and others might really enjoy it but it kind of ruined the story for me. I think it could have been fine without it -- it really was an intriguing story but it just got bogged down in the end. Really would not put it at the top of my list.
June 28, 2026
The only reason I read 21 chapters is because I actually bought this book with Amazon points. I loved the concept and give 5 stars to the idea of how the protagonist got his messages.
This book would have been good had Hileman done two things. The first would have been to hire a professional developmental editor and the second a professional copy editor. A sensitivity beta reader or more would have also been a wise choice.
Aside from annoying punctuation (at least once a colon was used for a semi-colon, plus too many em dashes, many in odd places and other fiascos) and so many italics! Not just for thoughts, but to let us know which words are supposed to be emphasized in conversation! (yes the two exclamation marks are also a punctuation comment.)
There's more, such as "after shave" for aftershave. In addition, the protagonist's wife's name is Sharon, but on one page she's called Karen. There is a Karen in this book who shows up later, but in this scene it's most definitely his wife.
Then the descriptions with actions don't always make sense, and I'll explain after just in case this example doesn't confuse you the way it did me.
page 98 paperback Karen turned and looked up from one of the guest chairs in front of the desk, exposing her nylon legs and the yellow pad she frequently cradled in her lap.
How on earth does lifting your head while seated expose your legs? What are "nylon legs"--are they legs made from nylon? That's what I thought until I did a search and saw this phrase online--seriously? That was in very few places and all were about nylons.
Writing dialogue in dialect for more than one character (I did read a bit from the end, so more than 130 pages) is out of date--don't do this! He did it, and did it badly so that the characters sounded like caricatures.
There are many other things. When I saw how many people had rated this book I expected something significantly better, albeit probably not brilliant.
Unless your spouse is a professional editor or just excellent at it in general, they aren't qualified. This editing is significantly worse than another self-published book I read where the spouse did the editing. I won't be reading his wife's nonfictionbook.
This book would have been good had Hileman done two things. The first would have been to hire a professional developmental editor and the second a professional copy editor. A sensitivity beta reader or more would have also been a wise choice.
Aside from annoying punctuation (at least once a colon was used for a semi-colon, plus too many em dashes, many in odd places and other fiascos) and so many italics! Not just for thoughts, but to let us know which words are supposed to be emphasized in conversation! (yes the two exclamation marks are also a punctuation comment.)
There's more, such as "after shave" for aftershave. In addition, the protagonist's wife's name is Sharon, but on one page she's called Karen. There is a Karen in this book who shows up later, but in this scene it's most definitely his wife.
Then the descriptions with actions don't always make sense, and I'll explain after just in case this example doesn't confuse you the way it did me.
page 98 paperback Karen turned and looked up from one of the guest chairs in front of the desk, exposing her nylon legs and the yellow pad she frequently cradled in her lap.
How on earth does lifting your head while seated expose your legs? What are "nylon legs"--are they legs made from nylon? That's what I thought until I did a search and saw this phrase online--seriously? That was in very few places and all were about nylons.
Writing dialogue in dialect for more than one character (I did read a bit from the end, so more than 130 pages) is out of date--don't do this! He did it, and did it badly so that the characters sounded like caricatures.
There are many other things. When I saw how many people had rated this book I expected something significantly better, albeit probably not brilliant.
Unless your spouse is a professional editor or just excellent at it in general, they aren't qualified. This editing is significantly worse than another self-published book I read where the spouse did the editing. I won't be reading his wife's nonfictionbook.
June 26, 2012
I called this a "religious-suspense" because it had some religious overtones in it but it wasn't truly in that genre. Normally I put things on that shelf like Angels and demons - something that has religion as a true element in the plot. In this story, a man is at work and looking around a room and it seems that words jump out at him from various posters and books around the room forming messages in his mind. After surviving a near crash after "obeying" a messages, he starts to wonder if he is supposed to do something - if it's God talking to him.
I like a religous book - or rather, a book that has some religious values in it. Doesn't bother me at all. However, it just didn't seem to jell in this story. It was almost like the author couldn't quite get the comments about God and his being aware of us to quite fit into the plot and it felt disjointed. The book was clean and thought provoking in away, however, it just didn't really come together for me as I would have liked.
All and all, it was a fine read for a kindle book.
I like a religous book - or rather, a book that has some religious values in it. Doesn't bother me at all. However, it just didn't seem to jell in this story. It was almost like the author couldn't quite get the comments about God and his being aware of us to quite fit into the plot and it felt disjointed. The book was clean and thought provoking in away, however, it just didn't really come together for me as I would have liked.
All and all, it was a fine read for a kindle book.
September 2, 2014
This had a great premise, but the execution was very weak in places. Some of the dialogue was clichéd and the whole 'church/God/religion' aspect was far too much. (That was my real 'bugbear' with the story- had there been no 'God' factor, I would have enjoyed it far more.)
November 29, 2015
3.5 stars.
I didn't care for how the book ended but it was good story. I felt there should have been more. the ending was abrupt to me. I liked the suspense, plot, and characters.
I didn't care for how the book ended but it was good story. I felt there should have been more. the ending was abrupt to me. I liked the suspense, plot, and characters.
February 24, 2018
So refreshing
What an amazing story! I can't wait to continue on with this series! This is a book that's hard to put down!
What an amazing story! I can't wait to continue on with this series! This is a book that's hard to put down!
January 30, 2012
If you're looking for clean action, adventure, mystery and suspense, then this is the book for you.
In Messages, an intern battles to save his city, his family and the life of the President of the US. David Chance is an ordinary guy just like the rest of us who's bored at work one day and suddenly find himself blessed (or not so blessed) with a unique ability. It tells him the future, saves his life and leads him blindly into dangerous situations. David uses his unique ability to foil terrorists plots. This is a story of love, betrayal and doing the right thing and all along the way David must make difficult choices all while trying to learn if the God he's heard so much about truly exists.
The book is expertly written and the pieces of the puzzle come together with amazing precision. All through the book you see God's ability to use simple things to make stuff happen. Mere coincidence turns into very important leads. I recommend this book for any one struggling with faith in God. At the end of the book is a humorous disclaimer that tells the reader to get their heads checked if they think God begins to speak to them through their plant. Whilst I concur that some folk may take this to the extreme, I'm foolish enough to believe that God can work in any way he chooses and that anything's possible.
In Messages, an intern battles to save his city, his family and the life of the President of the US. David Chance is an ordinary guy just like the rest of us who's bored at work one day and suddenly find himself blessed (or not so blessed) with a unique ability. It tells him the future, saves his life and leads him blindly into dangerous situations. David uses his unique ability to foil terrorists plots. This is a story of love, betrayal and doing the right thing and all along the way David must make difficult choices all while trying to learn if the God he's heard so much about truly exists.
The book is expertly written and the pieces of the puzzle come together with amazing precision. All through the book you see God's ability to use simple things to make stuff happen. Mere coincidence turns into very important leads. I recommend this book for any one struggling with faith in God. At the end of the book is a humorous disclaimer that tells the reader to get their heads checked if they think God begins to speak to them through their plant. Whilst I concur that some folk may take this to the extreme, I'm foolish enough to believe that God can work in any way he chooses and that anything's possible.
November 6, 2014
David Chance can see messages in the sea of words around him, messages that warn him of future events.
Words are everywhere-- on labels, magazines, sign posts, t-shirts-- everywhere. And as much as David Chance would like to hide from them, he can't. Words keep leaping off objects around him, forming messages in his mind. But how is this possible? Has his brain suddenly taken an evolutionary leap forward, or are the mysterious messages proof of divine intervention?
Driven to answer a question he'd long ago abandoned, and stalked by the killer he's trying to stop, David risks everything to follow the messages to a dirty bomb set to go off in the heart of Boston. But can he trust the author of the messages to protect him from a terrorist who seems to know his every move.
This book is full of mystery, intrigue, adventure, science fiction, chills and spills all wrapped up in a main character who is truly searching to find the truth about God. It is a quick, easy read that will keep you turning pages wondering what message will David get next and what will he do.
Words are everywhere-- on labels, magazines, sign posts, t-shirts-- everywhere. And as much as David Chance would like to hide from them, he can't. Words keep leaping off objects around him, forming messages in his mind. But how is this possible? Has his brain suddenly taken an evolutionary leap forward, or are the mysterious messages proof of divine intervention?
Driven to answer a question he'd long ago abandoned, and stalked by the killer he's trying to stop, David risks everything to follow the messages to a dirty bomb set to go off in the heart of Boston. But can he trust the author of the messages to protect him from a terrorist who seems to know his every move.
This book is full of mystery, intrigue, adventure, science fiction, chills and spills all wrapped up in a main character who is truly searching to find the truth about God. It is a quick, easy read that will keep you turning pages wondering what message will David get next and what will he do.
September 16, 2016
I wasn't sure how I felt about this book when I first downloaded my copy, but now that I've read it, I'm pleasantly surprised. I liked that David wrestled with his faith when he received his new gift and that he didn't shove it aside or take it for granted. Overall the book is unique and worth checking out for that reason alone. I look forward to a re-read of the book before moving on to the next book very soon.
May 11, 2018
What a unique concept, getting messages in single words. The book was compelling from start to finish. I would highly recommend this book for anyone looking for a clever plot/mystery.
March 25, 2014
David Chance,a TV channel intern, is getting mysterious messages from ... God? that take him into dealing with terrorist, bomb threats, hostage situations,betrayal - all while trying to find the faith to believe that God cares. I was intrigued from the first page clear through to the end.
January 9, 2012
I was often annoyed by the writer's style. He seemed at times to be "trying too hard" to impress the reader, and ultimately failed. The book did, however, have its moments of intrigue and certainly had plenty of fast action. I have to admit, though, I had to really talk myself into continuing.
October 31, 2014
I would have to say that this book is awesome!
Fast paced and a little quirky. I love the realism of David Chance and his inner thoughts on God. I loved watching him turn to God as the story unfolds in the end.
A very good read.
Fast paced and a little quirky. I love the realism of David Chance and his inner thoughts on God. I loved watching him turn to God as the story unfolds in the end.
A very good read.
May 1, 2015
good read
I thought this was a good read. Definitely not a classic, but a fast paced mystery. Enough twists and turns to keep me interested. The ending was a total surprise to me! No way did I foresee how it would end!
I thought this was a good read. Definitely not a classic, but a fast paced mystery. Enough twists and turns to keep me interested. The ending was a total surprise to me! No way did I foresee how it would end!
February 3, 2012
I liked the idea of this book and the basic plot line, but that's about it. The dialog was painfully awkward and unrealistic. Would not recommend this to anyone.
January 24, 2013
Such pedestrian dialogue which feels like it's coming from an amateur. I thought I could put up with it but clearly not!
July 22, 2015
Very intriguing plot idea - messages gleaned from "random" words that turn out to be prophetic. Would read another book by this author.
June 17, 2026
Messages by John Michael Hileman appears to be a highly imaginative mystery thriller that combines suspense, faith, and supernatural intrigue into a compelling and unique narrative.
What immediately captures attention is the novel’s central premise. The idea that David Chance can see hidden messages emerging from the ordinary words surrounding him transforms everyday life into something mysterious and unpredictable. Signposts, magazines, labels, and advertisements suddenly become part of a larger puzzle, creating a fascinating concept that sets the story apart from traditional mystery novels.
David’s struggle to understand the source of these messages adds significant depth to the narrative. The uncertainty surrounding whether his abilities stem from an unexplained evolution of the mind or a form of divine intervention creates a compelling tension that runs throughout the story. This question appears to drive both the external mystery and David’s personal journey.
The novel also seems to balance intellectual curiosity with high-stakes suspense. As David follows clues hidden within the constant stream of words around him, he becomes entangled in a dangerous race against time involving a potential terrorist attack. The looming threat of a dirty bomb raises the stakes considerably, transforming the story from a personal mystery into a matter of life and death.
Another intriguing element is the presence of an adversary who appears to anticipate David’s every move. This dynamic adds a strong sense of danger and unpredictability while forcing David to question whom he can trust—including the source of the messages themselves.
The faith-based dimension of the novel appears particularly noteworthy. Rather than presenting simple answers, the story seems to explore profound questions about destiny, purpose, belief, and the possibility of guidance beyond human understanding. This combination of spiritual themes and thriller elements creates a narrative that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.
What makes Messages especially appealing is its ability to transform something as ordinary as written language into a source of mystery and suspense. Readers are encouraged to look at the world differently, imagining hidden meanings within the countless words encountered each day.
Overall, Messages appears to be an engaging blend of mystery, suspense, and spiritual exploration. Readers who enjoy thought-provoking thrillers, supernatural mysteries, and stories that examine the intersection of faith and destiny are likely to find much to appreciate in this unique novel.
What immediately captures attention is the novel’s central premise. The idea that David Chance can see hidden messages emerging from the ordinary words surrounding him transforms everyday life into something mysterious and unpredictable. Signposts, magazines, labels, and advertisements suddenly become part of a larger puzzle, creating a fascinating concept that sets the story apart from traditional mystery novels.
David’s struggle to understand the source of these messages adds significant depth to the narrative. The uncertainty surrounding whether his abilities stem from an unexplained evolution of the mind or a form of divine intervention creates a compelling tension that runs throughout the story. This question appears to drive both the external mystery and David’s personal journey.
The novel also seems to balance intellectual curiosity with high-stakes suspense. As David follows clues hidden within the constant stream of words around him, he becomes entangled in a dangerous race against time involving a potential terrorist attack. The looming threat of a dirty bomb raises the stakes considerably, transforming the story from a personal mystery into a matter of life and death.
Another intriguing element is the presence of an adversary who appears to anticipate David’s every move. This dynamic adds a strong sense of danger and unpredictability while forcing David to question whom he can trust—including the source of the messages themselves.
The faith-based dimension of the novel appears particularly noteworthy. Rather than presenting simple answers, the story seems to explore profound questions about destiny, purpose, belief, and the possibility of guidance beyond human understanding. This combination of spiritual themes and thriller elements creates a narrative that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.
What makes Messages especially appealing is its ability to transform something as ordinary as written language into a source of mystery and suspense. Readers are encouraged to look at the world differently, imagining hidden meanings within the countless words encountered each day.
Overall, Messages appears to be an engaging blend of mystery, suspense, and spiritual exploration. Readers who enjoy thought-provoking thrillers, supernatural mysteries, and stories that examine the intersection of faith and destiny are likely to find much to appreciate in this unique novel.
May 30, 2019
Occasionally, I come across a book that frustrates me to no end, but I still enjoy it. Messages is such a book.
Something or someone--God perhaps?--sends the main character, David Chance, messages by means of words highlighted from various sources. One word from a billboard, another from a newspaper, a third from a coffee cup. String them together, and David receives instructions that can save lives. One of those messages gives him two days to save the president. Great premise.
Although a bit preachy in places (even though I loved and agreed with the "sermons" provided), the story is action packed and fast paced, with convincing bad guys and determined good guys and unusual--though sometimes too convenient--twists.
While the main character was a reluctant hero, being the receiver of both messages and sermons and the occasional actor of heroic deeds, until the end of the novel another POV character, a TV newswoman named Karen Watson, often seemed more heroic.
But what frustrated me? Gimmicky writing. A lot of italics and exclamation points and words in all caps and oddly placed hyphens, which the author used as dashes in places even dashes would be inappropriate. Page after page of it gets old. The writer is telling me how to read his work, which is both unnecessary and distracting.
Thing is, his writing is strong enough that he doesn't need to use gimmicks. He uses descriptive nouns and high-impact verbs. A deep POV doesn't require italics to let us into the character's head. We're already there. Exclamation points are fine occasionally, but become diluted in purpose when used so frequently (and I do mean frequently). And all caps? There are few valid reasons to shout at the reader, but he does so often. Seems to me, the last thing an author would want to do is to yank his reader out of the story with distractions. And that's exactly what this author did.
But I still liked the book. I still enjoyed the action, still flipped pages with anticipation, wanting to know what would happen next. Still stayed engaged until the end.
So, yes, this is a frustrating but good book.
Something or someone--God perhaps?--sends the main character, David Chance, messages by means of words highlighted from various sources. One word from a billboard, another from a newspaper, a third from a coffee cup. String them together, and David receives instructions that can save lives. One of those messages gives him two days to save the president. Great premise.
Although a bit preachy in places (even though I loved and agreed with the "sermons" provided), the story is action packed and fast paced, with convincing bad guys and determined good guys and unusual--though sometimes too convenient--twists.
While the main character was a reluctant hero, being the receiver of both messages and sermons and the occasional actor of heroic deeds, until the end of the novel another POV character, a TV newswoman named Karen Watson, often seemed more heroic.
But what frustrated me? Gimmicky writing. A lot of italics and exclamation points and words in all caps and oddly placed hyphens, which the author used as dashes in places even dashes would be inappropriate. Page after page of it gets old. The writer is telling me how to read his work, which is both unnecessary and distracting.
Thing is, his writing is strong enough that he doesn't need to use gimmicks. He uses descriptive nouns and high-impact verbs. A deep POV doesn't require italics to let us into the character's head. We're already there. Exclamation points are fine occasionally, but become diluted in purpose when used so frequently (and I do mean frequently). And all caps? There are few valid reasons to shout at the reader, but he does so often. Seems to me, the last thing an author would want to do is to yank his reader out of the story with distractions. And that's exactly what this author did.
But I still liked the book. I still enjoyed the action, still flipped pages with anticipation, wanting to know what would happen next. Still stayed engaged until the end.
So, yes, this is a frustrating but good book.
November 28, 2022
This was going to be a 1.5, but I’m rounding down to a 1. So first off, the good: it had an interesting premise. Random dude starts seeing messages in everyday situations. Well, one day situations. Not everyday. He kind of goes from bland to insane in about two seconds. But that aside, that’s your hook, your element of intrigue and mystery. At least it’s not werewolves and vampires, right? But the bad here is that plot is pulled off with all the elegance and subtlety of a giraffe in a three-legged potato sack race during a tornado. It’s chock-full of clichés. The protagonist is unhinged and insane. It’s clear that he’s got unresolved paranoia issues to deal with before trying to wrangle with terrorist threats and international politics. Something about how he lingers on his descriptions of The Arab Men makes you wonder, well, how he found it within himself to take a wife and procreate. The ugly is the italics. Oh, heavens, the italics. They’re everywhere. I didn’t calculate, but I wouldn’t be surprised if a hefty ten percent of this book is italicized. It’s relentless and frankly distracting. A rating star is taken off just for those and the scattered grammatical errors. I understand sentence fragments are the cool thing nowadays, but you don’t mix up we’re and were and get away with it. The book is meh for most of the way, cranks up the tension in the last 15% of the story, then just screeches to a halt. A bit weird. Lastly, weird doesn’t even begin to describe the supposition that this could be a way that God reveals himself to mankind. The nextdoor neighbor character does a pitiful job explaining away some fairly storied philosophical questions. “It’s not real love if it’s a robot!” is not a convincing answer and never should have been. Anyway, I was petering about on a 2, but the last dozen chapters fumbled the story and knocked this down to a slightly bloated 1.
July 18, 2019
SPOILERS INCLUDED. Don’t read anymore of this if you don’t want to know!!!!!
I liked this book a lot. I had originally given it a 4 star rating but changed it to a 2 here’s why: in my mind this story is incomplete. For example, What happened with his wife and kids? Were they really buried alive, were they still in the hands of terrorists, who knows it’s not in this book. What happened to Alex was he killed or did he go to prison for life or was he sent to a nicer prison because he started cooperating? Who knows, it’s not in this book. Did David go back and talk with Frank or Bill? I haven’t a clue.
In my mind if a story is really good that in itself will make you want to buy the author’s next book. You shouldn’t have to buy his next book to find out what happened to the characters in the first book. And yes while it is described as a serial. The second book should have the same characters but in a different storyline. That’s what I think anyway.
I liked this book a lot. I had originally given it a 4 star rating but changed it to a 2 here’s why: in my mind this story is incomplete. For example, What happened with his wife and kids? Were they really buried alive, were they still in the hands of terrorists, who knows it’s not in this book. What happened to Alex was he killed or did he go to prison for life or was he sent to a nicer prison because he started cooperating? Who knows, it’s not in this book. Did David go back and talk with Frank or Bill? I haven’t a clue.
In my mind if a story is really good that in itself will make you want to buy the author’s next book. You shouldn’t have to buy his next book to find out what happened to the characters in the first book. And yes while it is described as a serial. The second book should have the same characters but in a different storyline. That’s what I think anyway.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 25, 2023
When messages begin leaping out of ads, signs and package labels, TV news channel intern, David Chance, wonders if he’s gone crazy. However, when he follows the directive, something incredible happens.
“David sat motionless and stared. Did I just predict that? The incident replayed in his mind. I think I did! I predicted the future!
“He shook his head. No. It was only a coincidence. It had to be.”
In no time at all, the messages are directing him to rescue his family, the city of Boston, and even the President from Muslim zealots. This skeptic is questioning if, at last, he is hearing from the God of the universe he has always doubted.
This book gave me pause. How far has God gone in my life to reveal Himself to me and to cause me to seek Him more intimately?
This action motivated mystery will surprise and engage you.
“David sat motionless and stared. Did I just predict that? The incident replayed in his mind. I think I did! I predicted the future!
“He shook his head. No. It was only a coincidence. It had to be.”
In no time at all, the messages are directing him to rescue his family, the city of Boston, and even the President from Muslim zealots. This skeptic is questioning if, at last, he is hearing from the God of the universe he has always doubted.
This book gave me pause. How far has God gone in my life to reveal Himself to me and to cause me to seek Him more intimately?
This action motivated mystery will surprise and engage you.
January 12, 2018
One morning, news intern David Chance starts seeing "messages" made up of random words he sees around him. At first, he thinks they are just products of his subconscious mind; but when Stop now saves him from a terrible car collision, and Frank needs you saves the life of his next-door neighbor, David starts believing that perhaps the messages have a Power and a Purpose behind them. So, when he sees the sentence, In two days the President will die, David knows he has to do something to stop the killers ...
This is an amazing Christian mystery with lots of action and unexpected twists and turns. I am looking forward to the other two books in the series, Voices and Lies.
This is an amazing Christian mystery with lots of action and unexpected twists and turns. I am looking forward to the other two books in the series, Voices and Lies.
August 12, 2019
Messages
An interesting quick read. I picked it up by chance and thought this might be mildly entertaining. I was pleasantly surprised to find I quite liked it. No need to leave a synopsis of the story or a detailed review here. Others have done it already. Yes, it is possible to write an enjoyable PG-rated fantasy/mystery, without graphic sex and language. Thank you, Mr. Hillman. I'll be looking for the sequel.
An interesting quick read. I picked it up by chance and thought this might be mildly entertaining. I was pleasantly surprised to find I quite liked it. No need to leave a synopsis of the story or a detailed review here. Others have done it already. Yes, it is possible to write an enjoyable PG-rated fantasy/mystery, without graphic sex and language. Thank you, Mr. Hillman. I'll be looking for the sequel.
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