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Undercover Saint
Going undercover in a Salt Lake City Mormon singles ward is not anti-terrorist agent Matthew Knight’s idea of a high-profile assignment. And he has deliberately avoided the Beehive State ever since his mother was murdered in Salt Lake City when he was eight years old. Ready at first to defy his orders from Washington, he resolves to stick around when he’s attacked by a man with ties to his past. But this undercover assignment is unlike any Matt has encountered before. Not only must he find the bad guys, but he also must deal with eccentric roommates, a giant of a bishop who is also his boss, a boisterous ex-Marine who wants to engage Matthew in a public display of ultimate machismo, and a seventy-five-year old woman named Permelia who wants to marry him. And these are small distractions compared to the beautiful Hope Winslow, a woman with mountains of hair who adopts him as a surrogate big brother. But before he can think about love, Matt has to get rid of a few terrorists, including his mother’s killer—and his own inner demons.
270 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2012
16 people are currently reading
225 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews
February 25, 2013
I checked out this book wondering if it would be cheesy and full of "green Jell-O" type Mormon humor. However, I was hooked after the first chapter. The book is very well written, and although it may be geared toward a Mormon audience, I think non-Mormons could enjoy it too.
Whenever I get sucked into a good book, I often find myself wondering how the author comes up with their ideas. Undercover Saint was no exception. It is an engaging story with elements of intensity, humor, and faith. Other spy/undercover books would get no more than a three-star rating from me. Undercover Saint earns a solid four-stars because it brings faith in God and miracles in a way that strengthens my own beliefs, and it does so in a way that is not heavy handed or emotionally manipulative. Additionally, the author tells a great, entertaining story that did not disappoint.
Whenever I get sucked into a good book, I often find myself wondering how the author comes up with their ideas. Undercover Saint was no exception. It is an engaging story with elements of intensity, humor, and faith. Other spy/undercover books would get no more than a three-star rating from me. Undercover Saint earns a solid four-stars because it brings faith in God and miracles in a way that strengthens my own beliefs, and it does so in a way that is not heavy handed or emotionally manipulative. Additionally, the author tells a great, entertaining story that did not disappoint.
November 22, 2024
This was a great book to listen to on a long drive. It was captivating and had points of humor and even romance. The part about the Section 89 restaurant I felt was a bit over the top... I like my meat... I liked the sub characters. I wasn't too surprised at the ending. I was sad about a few aspects. I also admit any time there are two friends that like the same girl, or when someone love someone who is married to someone else, it's awkward to me. I was ok with how the author handled it, but I always am wary about those.
January 29, 2013
I love stories with quirky characters! Undercover Saint is full of them. Matthew is going undercover in his toughest assignment yet--an LDS singles ward. He has a different sense of humor and the ward members are quite unique as well. I enjoyed the twists and turns that the story took me through.
Content: some mild violence, otherwise clean.
Content: some mild violence, otherwise clean.
August 18, 2017
Really fun LDS fiction that made me laugh out loud in numerous places. This was a perfect audiobook to listen to on a long car ride.
August 4, 2023
It's been awhile since I've read a fiction book published by Covenant because I'm not a big fan. This one was corny and unrealistic, but a fun easy to read novel anyway. The reason it gets four stars is because it actually teaches the gospel of Jesus Christ and it's application in summing up the story. That was beautiful.
January 17, 2017
This book was really awesome, which was more than I expected, to be honest. I had a hard time getting through the first few pages because I was very confused by it, but after that I really enjoyed it. It's about an agent working undercover in an LDS singles ward in Utah...and there were so many quirky characters that it was super fun and there were so many humorous moments!
But more than that, there was an awesome plot line. It was very realistic and I found myself wanting to research Abraham Hadidi afterward (yeah, no, he's not actually real, unfortunately...he sounds awesome). Matt had to try to figure out what terrorists were actually trying to do, and it was very cleverly done and I found myself guessing at each of the characters to see if any of them might betray Matt.
I was pleased with how well the different plot lines meshed together--the themes of friendship, the romance, the spirituality, and the undercover agent working out the terrorist mystery. And by the end, they all combined together, which is just how a book is supposed to be done!
It kept me on the edge of my seat (well, not really, considering I was sitting on a comfy armchair) and hooked all the way through, and it did not disappoint. I thought it was awesome even though it's not always my favorite genre. My mom told me to read it, and I'm very glad I did. Always listen to mothers who taught you how to read. They usually have the best advice on books.
But more than that, there was an awesome plot line. It was very realistic and I found myself wanting to research Abraham Hadidi afterward (yeah, no, he's not actually real, unfortunately...he sounds awesome). Matt had to try to figure out what terrorists were actually trying to do, and it was very cleverly done and I found myself guessing at each of the characters to see if any of them might betray Matt.
I was pleased with how well the different plot lines meshed together--the themes of friendship, the romance, the spirituality, and the undercover agent working out the terrorist mystery. And by the end, they all combined together, which is just how a book is supposed to be done!
It kept me on the edge of my seat (well, not really, considering I was sitting on a comfy armchair) and hooked all the way through, and it did not disappoint. I thought it was awesome even though it's not always my favorite genre. My mom told me to read it, and I'm very glad I did. Always listen to mothers who taught you how to read. They usually have the best advice on books.
March 8, 2017
I just re-read this in preparation to read his new novel--since the main character is the same. I enjoyed this story, but there wasn't as much emphasis on the mystery as I would have liked, but still a good read.
I couldn't put this down. I loved the way it sucked me into the story. I liked the characters, the mystery and the ending. Great read. I will definitely pick up any future books by Holdaway...welcome to the fiction scene!
I couldn't put this down. I loved the way it sucked me into the story. I liked the characters, the mystery and the ending. Great read. I will definitely pick up any future books by Holdaway...welcome to the fiction scene!
June 20, 2017
I was surprised by this book, I completely enjoyed it. It has the right combination of comedy and puzzles to solve, nowhere near intense, just a fun book to read.
Poor Matthew, gets a proposal from a 75 year old woman, a woman with mountains of curls wants him as a brother, his roommates, a crazy ultra-long distance runner, and a lab geek, another woman learning how to be herself who throws a way her glasses and they all somehow end up as family teaching him the power of love and forgiveness.
A really good book, still incredible how they forced their way into each other's lives. Really each character are "loners" they wanted it that way. Matthew, comes a long and changes the dynamics of the Singles Ward with out knowing it.
Poor Matthew, gets a proposal from a 75 year old woman, a woman with mountains of curls wants him as a brother, his roommates, a crazy ultra-long distance runner, and a lab geek, another woman learning how to be herself who throws a way her glasses and they all somehow end up as family teaching him the power of love and forgiveness.
A really good book, still incredible how they forced their way into each other's lives. Really each character are "loners" they wanted it that way. Matthew, comes a long and changes the dynamics of the Singles Ward with out knowing it.
April 30, 2019
I was surprised at how much I liked this book. Its plot is a little bit predictable, but not the who-done-it conclusion, that surprised me. It was a bit weird to have Matt calling the Bishop by his first name, but as he was his boss first, it made sense and added a bit of hilarity to the story. Permelia was definitely my favorite character, delightful "distraction" that she tried to be! But the beautiful stories of Hope, and all the other side characters were diverse and endearing! Not a pushy religious book, but one of faith nonetheless, I loved it. Overall, it was a sweet romance with the realization of self, and rediscovery of faith, and hope for the future replacing tragedy. Nicely done! I give it 4 stars, (not QUITE my hard-earned 5 stars, but nearly there.)
February 15, 2021
Great read without the garbage that seems to be a part of so many books these days.
I really enjoyed reading this book and I’m purchasing the rest of the series immediately. It’s so hard to find a fun action packed story without sex, extreme violence, and vulgar language. This book had all the elements to create an interesting story without parts I would want to skip. I enjoyed the main character who was realistically a good guy with relatable issues. I highly recommend this book!
I really enjoyed reading this book and I’m purchasing the rest of the series immediately. It’s so hard to find a fun action packed story without sex, extreme violence, and vulgar language. This book had all the elements to create an interesting story without parts I would want to skip. I enjoyed the main character who was realistically a good guy with relatable issues. I highly recommend this book!
October 10, 2017
This is a funny, suspenseful, sensitive spy thriller that seems to have a corny premise--an undercover spy in a Salt Lake City LDS singles ward--but is actually a great story. I never saw the end coming, and laughed and cheered with Matt as he made his way through the characters of the singles ward and tried to eliminate each one as a suspect. Some things were glossed over, like , but it didn't ruin anything for me.
February 3, 2019
My husband and listened to the audiobook together. We both loved it. It was engaging with enough suspense to keep us both interested. There is "Mormon Humor" but not so much that someone outside the faith would not enjoy it. It combines fun characters with many different personalities with humor and faith. We look forward to reading many more of this authors books.
Clean with some light violence.
Clean with some light violence.
July 31, 2024
Matthew, an FBI agent, is sent to SLC because of a terrorist threat. He goes undercover in a YSA ward, the bishop is another agent. There are some wonderful characters that includes Hope, whom he marries at the end, her roommate a woman in her 70’s, his roommates a scientist and an ultra runner. The ultra runner ends up being from a terrorist cell but helps them recover his kidnapped cousin and gives some names.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 19, 2026
If you like Traci Hunter Abramson books, you’re gonna like this one. I absolutely fell in love with Matt, Hope, and the rest of the gang. The story was amazing.
We’re three sisters who love to read and are always on the hunt for clean books. Read our full review including language, violence/gore, and spice ratings on our blog Clean Reads with the Girlzzz
We’re three sisters who love to read and are always on the hunt for clean books. Read our full review including language, violence/gore, and spice ratings on our blog Clean Reads with the Girlzzz
July 2, 2025
I wasn’t sure I was going to enjoy this book. I felt like the main character had a personality that I couldn’t connect with - he’s sarcastic and disconnected from others. As the story progressed he became so much more than his personality and I really loved how the multiple storylines connected in the end. Great mystery, great writing, good clean read.
October 20, 2017
I was ready to give this 5 stars - a wonderful story with humor, action, & characters learning awesome things. And I had to laugh at the "singles' Ward" happenings. The ending just got really philosophical that was pretty lengthy.
February 10, 2018
Wow. That was quite the tale of redemption and forgiveness which taught me quite a few lessons. It is also interspersed with action and humor. It takes you the whole nine yards. Great rendition by reader Jason Tatom!
April 18, 2023
One of the Best
Covenant Communications puts out a lot of books. I don’t know that I have read one that was better written and perfectly fitted to the audience.
If I had to summarize this book it would be a Thrilling Comedy. There were lots more laughs than blood.
Covenant Communications puts out a lot of books. I don’t know that I have read one that was better written and perfectly fitted to the audience.
If I had to summarize this book it would be a Thrilling Comedy. There were lots more laughs than blood.
July 13, 2017
This Book is full of humor and suspense. I really enjoyed reading it!!
September 21, 2018
Liked it
September 24, 2018
This book is intense, adventurous, and hilarious all mixed in one! Plus, it is clean, which I LOVED! Thank you Frank Holdaway!
October 13, 2018
A fun read
January 30, 2019
Fluff, but an easy, clean read. Some good characters with cheesy writing and enough action to keep the story moving along.
February 20, 2019
This was one of those books that's hard to put down. I would think I knew what was going on and then I didn't. I had it narrowed down to who the bad guy was and then I didn't.
July 29, 2019
This was greatly paced novel and hard to put down, always wanting to see what happens next. I didn't always feel like he was an agent, but I really enjoyed the spiritual moments in this book.
January 24, 2020
Enjoyable read, kinda failed on the realist aspect though. When that many peoples lives are at stake, you don’t just put one guy on the job. The message was great and it had some good humor.
March 24, 2020
Nice to be able to read a clean action book. Just enough intrigue to be interesting, mixed with enough other storylines to be good.
May 13, 2020
good book.
June 21, 2020
Love it! Funny, romance, mystery
Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews