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Redemption
What do prisons and churches have in common? Both can offer Redemption.
An ex-con turned attorney, Samuel Elijah Johnson, finally gets released from prison, and wonders, “What’s next?” An offhand idea from a friend offers a possible a law practice of his own designed to help others like him.
A secretly insane man with a secret addiction, one that makes him confront the rules drilled into his memory by his militantly religious parents, Arthur Creed is living in turmoil.
Randy Peterson wants desperately to do the right thing and to convince his wife’s parents he is “good enough” for their daughter.
Things spin out of control, and all three of their worlds collide with a monumental crash. Will any of them find Redemption in the end?
Find out in this psychological suspense thriller that pushes the envelope of what’s right or wrong, and who is worthy of being redeemed. From prison to church, from insanity to self-worth, you’ll be left shocked and guessing until the very end.
An ex-con turned attorney, Samuel Elijah Johnson, finally gets released from prison, and wonders, “What’s next?” An offhand idea from a friend offers a possible a law practice of his own designed to help others like him.
A secretly insane man with a secret addiction, one that makes him confront the rules drilled into his memory by his militantly religious parents, Arthur Creed is living in turmoil.
Randy Peterson wants desperately to do the right thing and to convince his wife’s parents he is “good enough” for their daughter.
Things spin out of control, and all three of their worlds collide with a monumental crash. Will any of them find Redemption in the end?
Find out in this psychological suspense thriller that pushes the envelope of what’s right or wrong, and who is worthy of being redeemed. From prison to church, from insanity to self-worth, you’ll be left shocked and guessing until the very end.
292 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 1, 2012
6 people are currently reading
32 people want to read
About the author
Troy Lambert
112 books76 followersTroy began his writing life at a very young age, penning the as yet unpublished George and the Giant Castle at age six. He grew up in Southern Idaho, and after many adventures including a short stint in the US Army and a diverse education, Troy returned to Idaho and currently resides in Boise.
Troy works as a freelance writer, researcher, and editor. His true passion is writing dark, psychological thrillers. His work includes the acclaimed Captial City Murders Series, the Max Boucher Series, a handful of non-fiction titles, and the Samuel Elijah Johnson Series.
Troy lives works, and plays in Boise, Idaho with his German Shepherd, McClane, and when not behind the keyboard can be found wandering the foothills near his home or sampling brews at a local establishment.
Troy works as a freelance writer, researcher, and editor. His true passion is writing dark, psychological thrillers. His work includes the acclaimed Captial City Murders Series, the Max Boucher Series, a handful of non-fiction titles, and the Samuel Elijah Johnson Series.
Troy lives works, and plays in Boise, Idaho with his German Shepherd, McClane, and when not behind the keyboard can be found wandering the foothills near his home or sampling brews at a local establishment.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
March 26, 2016
Read the warning. There's a few scenes that aren't for the faint hearted. If you like insanity dipped in crazy, you should definitely read this one.
“If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body be thrown into Hell.”
A gripping read. This sucker grabbed me by the throat. I devoured in one sitting, in a few hours. I gotta say, I could not stop reading. This book started with a man in prison, turned lawyer. I was truly intrigued with Sam, I definitely need to know his past, more, I just need more from him. Then we get to Arthur, yeah... I got whiplash, I'm like, Woah. This poor guy, the product of over religious parents, he's conflicted. He's batshit crazy, I think. The story is told from multiple point of views, each one adding more the multi-layered plot. I was on the edge of my seat, praying for my sins, and laughing like a lunatic. I love a dark, gritty tale. And this author delivered.
“If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body be thrown into Hell.”
A gripping read. This sucker grabbed me by the throat. I devoured in one sitting, in a few hours. I gotta say, I could not stop reading. This book started with a man in prison, turned lawyer. I was truly intrigued with Sam, I definitely need to know his past, more, I just need more from him. Then we get to Arthur, yeah... I got whiplash, I'm like, Woah. This poor guy, the product of over religious parents, he's conflicted. He's batshit crazy, I think. The story is told from multiple point of views, each one adding more the multi-layered plot. I was on the edge of my seat, praying for my sins, and laughing like a lunatic. I love a dark, gritty tale. And this author delivered.
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April 19, 2012biii
January 27, 2025
Redemption: A Samuel Elijah Johnson Thriller (Samuel Elijah Johnson Series Book 1), my twenty-third read from author Troy Lambert. Lambert's best work, in my opinion (and it's my review), was his Capital City Murders Series, which ended tragically with the death of his main character. A continuation was hinted at but never delivered. Since there were only 14 books in that series I've obviously read other books by Lambert. This book (series) is so different that it could have been written by someone else. This book caught my attention in the opening pages & I never put it down until completed, searching the length of the book for that Lambert magic, yet never finding it. I'll read more in this series & from this author. “I received a Kindle copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review." The gifting of this book did not affect my opinion of it. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
March 10, 2021
This is a brilliant read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
November 17, 2025
Enjoyable thriller novel. Good character development with attention to the main characters’ backgrounds. The protagonist was a very interesting character and well with the extra background. I felt the mystery/twist at the end was wrapped up a little too quickly for my liking but overall a fun story.
February 1, 2021
An odd story told in an odd way, but it grabs you and keeps you wanting to know what is next. I guess you would label this a psychological thriller. It definitely is thrilling and there's a lot of craziness. I love the way it wraps up. I look forward to more by this author.
August 9, 2012
Redemption is written by Troy Lambert and published by Rhetorical Press. The novel is 62,870 words in length and 24 chapters split into three sections.
Troy Lambert grew up in Southern Idaho and began writing at a young age penning the as yet unpublished George and the Giant Castle at age six. After a stint in the US Army Troy returned to Northern Idaho where he currently resides. By night Troy is a freelance writer and researcher, and by day he is the Museum Operations Specialist and Head of Research at the Wallace District Mining museum. Troy lives with his wife, two dogs and two of five children. He has also penned a collect of short stories titled Broken Bones.
When Sam is born in Bethlehem his mother considers him to be the next messiah. Doing her best to raise him a good Christian son even twenty odd years later she still believes his path in life is to help others. Even on her death bed and her son in jail she still believes this to be fact.
Having spent 12 years locked up for a murder he did not commit Sam is about to find God and graduate law school and become his own attorney but, what is a newly released man to do for work?
Socially stunted by his mothers religious beliefs Arthur even after his parents death still lives by their rules. When he is invited into the home of his school yard crush and her husband he is sure she is giving him the come-on. His mother now existing only in his mind still raises him to be a religious man without sin whilst his father tries to at least allow him some freedom especially from her. But when his own thoughts add to the mix love and lust is rekindled but with religious thoughts plaguing him the only way to have the object of his desire appears to be spoken in the words of God but does God really want him to kill? Is this the only way?
With his marriage on the rocks should Randy let Arthur into his families life when he knows that his wife had a thing for him?
Can Sam clear his own name? And will it open up a whole new career for him as a criminal attorney?
And finally what is more powerful, religion or love?
Redemption is a novel about sin, and forgiveness both through religion and the self. Told in three sections but with two stories in one. Redemption is full of multiple twists and turns, this is a novel sure to keep even the unsure reader intrigued when the story really begins to unfold in the final third.
Though not a religious person myself I was happy to see that the religious side of the story was not overdone or forced onto the reader. However, there were moments two for definite that I can say that I did see coming once the story seemed to be heading that way but the ending (the final third) I am happy to say went entirely against my thoughts
A quick read, with so much to offer I would recommend Redemption to anyone interested in adult crime novels based from the perspective of the suspects.
I give Troy Lambert’s novel Redemption 4 out of 5 stars.
By R.N. Hadley
(www.rnhadleybookreviews.blogspot.com)
Troy Lambert grew up in Southern Idaho and began writing at a young age penning the as yet unpublished George and the Giant Castle at age six. After a stint in the US Army Troy returned to Northern Idaho where he currently resides. By night Troy is a freelance writer and researcher, and by day he is the Museum Operations Specialist and Head of Research at the Wallace District Mining museum. Troy lives with his wife, two dogs and two of five children. He has also penned a collect of short stories titled Broken Bones.
When Sam is born in Bethlehem his mother considers him to be the next messiah. Doing her best to raise him a good Christian son even twenty odd years later she still believes his path in life is to help others. Even on her death bed and her son in jail she still believes this to be fact.
Having spent 12 years locked up for a murder he did not commit Sam is about to find God and graduate law school and become his own attorney but, what is a newly released man to do for work?
Socially stunted by his mothers religious beliefs Arthur even after his parents death still lives by their rules. When he is invited into the home of his school yard crush and her husband he is sure she is giving him the come-on. His mother now existing only in his mind still raises him to be a religious man without sin whilst his father tries to at least allow him some freedom especially from her. But when his own thoughts add to the mix love and lust is rekindled but with religious thoughts plaguing him the only way to have the object of his desire appears to be spoken in the words of God but does God really want him to kill? Is this the only way?
With his marriage on the rocks should Randy let Arthur into his families life when he knows that his wife had a thing for him?
Can Sam clear his own name? And will it open up a whole new career for him as a criminal attorney?
And finally what is more powerful, religion or love?
Redemption is a novel about sin, and forgiveness both through religion and the self. Told in three sections but with two stories in one. Redemption is full of multiple twists and turns, this is a novel sure to keep even the unsure reader intrigued when the story really begins to unfold in the final third.
Though not a religious person myself I was happy to see that the religious side of the story was not overdone or forced onto the reader. However, there were moments two for definite that I can say that I did see coming once the story seemed to be heading that way but the ending (the final third) I am happy to say went entirely against my thoughts
A quick read, with so much to offer I would recommend Redemption to anyone interested in adult crime novels based from the perspective of the suspects.
I give Troy Lambert’s novel Redemption 4 out of 5 stars.
By R.N. Hadley
(www.rnhadleybookreviews.blogspot.com)
April 19, 2012
This novel grabbed me right away and drew me in. Although it started with the story of Samuel Elijah Johnson (born in Bethlehem and told by his mother he was the Messiah)soon after it changed to a narrative in the voice of Arthur.
Arthur's descent into madness is reminiscent of Stephen King story telling - very well written spine tingling suspense. It kept me up late wanting to know, "what happened? Tell me now!" You know the author has done something right when that's how you feel as a reader.
Then we switch perspectives again to the rest of the characters in the story - and that's where it got confusing. Suddenly there is a plot thread that we don't see coming at all. All of the characters (a total of three if you include Samuel again) take turns narrating on and off. This is done quite well.
Without giving anything away, the ending is slightly confusing. There is a lot of action near the end tying up the various plot threads. Suddenly Arthur's descent into madness is not at all clear. And I'm left wondering if this is what the author intended all along.
Arthur's descent into madness is reminiscent of Stephen King story telling - very well written spine tingling suspense. It kept me up late wanting to know, "what happened? Tell me now!" You know the author has done something right when that's how you feel as a reader.
Then we switch perspectives again to the rest of the characters in the story - and that's where it got confusing. Suddenly there is a plot thread that we don't see coming at all. All of the characters (a total of three if you include Samuel again) take turns narrating on and off. This is done quite well.
Without giving anything away, the ending is slightly confusing. There is a lot of action near the end tying up the various plot threads. Suddenly Arthur's descent into madness is not at all clear. And I'm left wondering if this is what the author intended all along.
August 12, 2013
This is a dark and gritty story about seeking redemption for ones acts. It starts with Samuel Johnson who is a convict seeking parole. As a newly graduated lawyer he represents himself and is successful. He was convicted for a crime he didn't commit and intends to assist the other wrongly convicted inmates seeking parole.
Fast forward to the case of Arthur, Randy and Sally. Arthur has been lusting after Sally since high school. However Sally is now married to Randy and they have two children. Arthur is plotting something to get Sally back. Long story short, bad things happen and Samuel Elijah Johnson, attorney at law is called in to represent Sally who has been framed.
I found the story to be well written with deep religious undertones. I found Sam to be an interesting character. He is trying hard to be professional as a lawyer but his old ways shine through occasionally and that gives the dark plot a bit of comic relief. I would recommend this book to suspense lovers and happily give it 5 stars.
Fast forward to the case of Arthur, Randy and Sally. Arthur has been lusting after Sally since high school. However Sally is now married to Randy and they have two children. Arthur is plotting something to get Sally back. Long story short, bad things happen and Samuel Elijah Johnson, attorney at law is called in to represent Sally who has been framed.
I found the story to be well written with deep religious undertones. I found Sam to be an interesting character. He is trying hard to be professional as a lawyer but his old ways shine through occasionally and that gives the dark plot a bit of comic relief. I would recommend this book to suspense lovers and happily give it 5 stars.
October 12, 2012
The story follows four people, each with their own story to tell and all of them wanting to do the right thing for themselves and their respective family. The differences in their personalities are, in my opinion, what makes them each likable to both the reader and each other. A gruff, ex-con turned lawyer with a no BS attitude, one young man with serious mommy issues, another that nearly puts his family into danger simply by wanting to do the right thing, and a woman married to a man that seemed to become distant and irritable.
Seriously. how could you go wrong with a cast like that?
The thing about this book that stuck with me was the author’s ability to question the level of comfortability within each of us towards our fellow man and beliefs. Do we know why a person acts a certain way? Are we sure that’s how it really is? Just because someone tells us something, does that make it right?
Seriously. how could you go wrong with a cast like that?
The thing about this book that stuck with me was the author’s ability to question the level of comfortability within each of us towards our fellow man and beliefs. Do we know why a person acts a certain way? Are we sure that’s how it really is? Just because someone tells us something, does that make it right?
October 9, 2012
I agree with A.C.'s one star review on one thing.. there is a lot of graphic volent moments in this book, BUT in order for the book to work, for the reader to feel what is going on, I felt that they were necessary and added into the storyline in an artful and thought provoking manner.
This is a well thought out, well written book, that exudes shades of Dean Koontz and Stephen King. If the novels written by Koontz and King removed all violent graphic references, their books would be lacking the punch they carry, as would this novel. It is obvious that the author spent time researching his material, and thoughtfully laid out the plot for an "edge of your seat" ride throughout the entire book.
I highly recommend this book. Do yourself a favor and read it for yourself.. :)
This is a well thought out, well written book, that exudes shades of Dean Koontz and Stephen King. If the novels written by Koontz and King removed all violent graphic references, their books would be lacking the punch they carry, as would this novel. It is obvious that the author spent time researching his material, and thoughtfully laid out the plot for an "edge of your seat" ride throughout the entire book.
I highly recommend this book. Do yourself a favor and read it for yourself.. :)
June 7, 2014
A schizophrenic young man, an ex-con lawyer with a storefront office donated by the grateful father of a prison 'newbie', whom he managed to get released, and just for a soupçon of zing, we will toss in a murder plot, the FBI, and we have the makings for a delicious whacked out stew that when you think about it, is funny as all get out, but really, the book is in deadly earnest.
Great story, a skewed noir protagonist that you just have to like, and we have the start of an interesting series. I really liked this book, and look forward to what Attorney Johnson, former jailbird and Bible-reading legal eagle, will be up to in the next volume, which I believe is titled Temptation.
Great story, a skewed noir protagonist that you just have to like, and we have the start of an interesting series. I really liked this book, and look forward to what Attorney Johnson, former jailbird and Bible-reading legal eagle, will be up to in the next volume, which I believe is titled Temptation.
July 28, 2012
A well written suspense thriller. Definately an adult book due to the language and some scenes. The plot twists and turns as the author is always one step ahead of what you think may happen in the story. looking forward to the sequel.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews