Signs of Life

Signs of Life #1

by Creston Mapes

Rogan Sneed . . . Portland’s Worst Nightmare

When a mass shooting rips through Portland's Pioneer Square, high school teacher Tyson Cooper races to the scene, only to find his beloved lies among the fallen. Shattered and seething, Cooper vows vengeance against the 19-year-old shooter Rogan Sneed, no matter the cost.

Veteran police detective Wayne Deetz has nearly closed the book on his long career when he's handed the case of a lifetime. As Deetz peels back the layers of mystery surrounding the enigmatic Rogan Sneed, he finds himself and his family dragged into a vortex of threats and danger that will change their lives forever.

With Cooper bent on exacting justice outside the law and Rogan Sneed's sinister agenda threatening to unleash more chaos, Deetz faces impossible choices that involve breaking his oath and protecting his family—at whatever the cost.

Step into the crosshairs of a city under siege in this explosive thriller where faith, family, and the law hang in the balance.

With tension on every page, Amazon #1 Best-Selling author Creston Mapes demonstrates why he is a "Top Pick" among mystery, fiction and thriller lovers.

Fans of Terri Blackstock, Charles Martin, DiAnn Mills, Jaime Jo Wright, Robert Whitlow, Ted Dekker, and Frank Peretti will love this thriller from award-winning and bestselling author Creston Mapes.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Christian, Fiction, Thriller, Contemporary, Mystery Thriller, Mystery

250 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 20, 2019

About the author

Creston Mapes grew up in northeast Ohio, where he has fond memories of living with his family of five in the upstairs portion of his dad’s early American furniture store - The Weathervane Shop. Creston was not a good student, but the one natural talent he possessed was writing.

He set type by hand and cranked out his own neighborhood newspaper as a kid, then went on to graduate with a degree in journalism from Bowling Green State University. Creston was a newspaper reporter and photographer in Ohio and Florida, then moved to Atlanta, Georgia, for a job as a creative copywriter.

Creston served for a stint as a creative director, but quickly learned he was not cut out for management. He went out on his own as a freelance writer in 1991 and, over the next 30 years, did work for Chick-fil-A, Coca-Cola, The Weather Channel, Oracle, ABC-TV, TNT Sports, colleges and universities, ad agencies, and more. He’s ghost-written more than ten non-fiction books.

Creston has penned many contemporary thrillers, achieved Amazon Bestseller status multiple times, and had one of his novels (Nobody) optioned as a major motion picture.

Creston married his fourth-grade sweetheart, Patty, and they have four amazing adult children. Creston loves his part-time job as an usher at local venues where he gets to see all the latest-greatest concerts and sporting events. He enjoys reading, fishing, thrifting, bocci, painting, bowling, pickleball, time with his family, and dates with his wife.

Keep informed of special deals, giveaways, new releases, and exclusive updates from Creston: crestonmapes.com/contact

For Creston’s eBooks, audiobooks, and paperbacks: amazon.com/author/crestonmapes

STAND ALONE THRILLERS
Celebrity Pastor
I Am In Here
Nobody

SIGNS OF LIFE SERIES
Signs of Life
Let My Daughter Go
I Pick You
Charm Artist
Son & Shield
Secrets in Shadows
Who Is My Neighbor?

THE CRITTENDON FILES
Fear Has a Name
Poison Town
Sky Zone

ROCK STAR CHRONICLES
Dark Star: Confessions of a Rock Idol
Full Tilt

Reviews

[Deborah Raney · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my second favorite (to NOBODY) of Creston Mapes's novels. It took a bit for me to get into it, but once I did, it was a page-turner. Triumphant, unexpected ending with characters I really grew to love. I especially loved how the two main protagonists connected at the end.

[Christopher Long · Rating 5 out of 5]

Creston Mapes stresses me out, man. He always does. But ever since being first quarantined by his 2006 roller coaster thrill ride, "Full Tilt," I've continued coming back, like a bona fide glutton, craving more of his signature-style punishment.

It's been five years since Mapes last graced the "New Release" rack down at the local bookstore with the suspense-filled, "Sky Zone." Fortunately, for drooling fans such as myself, he's returned in 2019 with "Signs of Life." And I was elated to have received an advanced press copy. FYI, you better pack a lunch. Once you enter Mapes' world, you ain't going anywhere. Not for a while, anyway.

With his thumb placed firmly on the pulse of today's culture, Mapes' fictional story could have been ripped straight from recent headlines — another crazed, video game-addicted teenage nutcase goes on a shooting rampage. His parents are horrified. The community — outraged. But a dumbass like Rogan Sneed couldn't possibly have planned and pulled off this diabolical deed on his own — could he? It's up to Portland PD detective Wayne Deetz to unravel the convoluted case.

Clutching the same fine-tipped Sharpee he's used consistently in the past to draw vivid portraits of compelling characters, Mapes once again makes us care about his current cast. We may not like them all, but he succeeds in making us care about them. Not only gunman, Sneed, but also Darren Rosco, the big, gruff Portland PD captain with bad teeth, a bad beard, a bad haircut and bad breath.

The "Signs of Life" narrative darts back and forth between Deetz's frustrating investigation and the conflicted story of Tyson Cooper — a grief-stricken, vengeful, 40-year-old school teacher who lost his wife during the Pioneer Square tragedy of May 7, 2018. However, the jumpy timeline doesn't disrupt the flow. In fact, it kept me on my toes. Engaged fully throughout.

A master storyteller, Mapes remains true to his celebrated brand — weaving a heartfelt message of faith into his heart-stopping tale.

Popping off rapid-fire "gotchas" from start to finish, Creston Mapes possesses precision marksmanship — paralyzing readers with each page of "Signs of Life." But for his ever-fervent faithful followers (myself included), the five-year gap between books has seemed like an eternity. Was it worth the wait? You betcha!

[Barbara Brink · Rating 5 out of 5]

mesmerizing read

After a mass shooting, the husband of one of his victims and the cop working the high profile case, are seemingly unable to move on from that horrific day, stuck in their fear and anger as surely as the jamming of a gun. This is a page turning, ripped from the headlines type of story with characters realistically struggling to understand the mind and heart of God when grief and despair are overwhelming.

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (5/11/2020)! 🎁

[Nay Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great read! I'm giving it a 4.5 star rating because the faith aspects alone had me in a chokehold. I truly enjoyed every aspect of this novel, from the plot to the characters to the drama and faith. It all worked so well together to create such a phenomenal read.

Deetz was a fantastic detective. He worked hard and did all that he could for his case. Rogan was a sick child. There's nothing more to say about that. Tyson was a man going through pain and feeling all the emotions we feel as humans, however, instead of turning to God he pulled from Him. I enjoyed Callie being the polar opposite of Tyson concerning her faith in a time of trauma and tragedy.

This was an epic read and I do plan to continue with reading the series. I'm excited for the sequel following the aftermath of events in this first book.

[Pamela Baker · Rating 4 out of 5]

After a mass shooting that kills 21 people and wounds many others, the lead interrogator wrestles with the horror of the crime. In a split-timeline, Signs of Life also follows the husband of one of the victims. One man becomes a Christian, and the other loses his faith. I can’t say this was a fun read, but it was suspenseful, thought provoking, and powerful.

[Joy Kidney · Rating 5 out of 5]

A mass shooter, an investigator assigned to the case, a victim's distraught husband, and the Dark Web. Those are the main characters, but family members and more are added to this harrowing and fast-paced thriller. A masterfully interwoven novel.

[Kristi Drillien · Rating 3 out of 5]

Investigator Wayne Deetz has the distinction of interrogating the perpetrator of a mass shooting, trying to get the answers about why, how, and possibly with what help. Months after the shooting, Tyson Cooper, whose wife was killed during the event, struggles to move on with his life and begins to question what right the shooter has to live. Deetz's and Cooper's stories are told in alternating chapters, with Deetz diving into the interrogation mere hours after the event and Cooper's starting 10 months later.

I wasn't entirely sure what the core of this story would be—a psychological dive into the mind of a mass killer, a look at the aftermath of his victims? I didn't really see how it could be an action-packed race to stop a terrible event from happening, considering that the synopsis makes it clear the mass shooting has already happened. In the end, though, there was some of that as well as the look at the aftermath of the victims, in the form of more than one person who lost someone that day. I can't really say there was much psychology on the killer's side shown, which is not a problem, partly because it would have made the book much darker than I would prefer and also because it's not really said to be about that. The story starts out pretty slowly and continues that way for more than half of the book. Then suddenly, it's super tense and hurtling toward a major climax. The pacing could have been better, but I'll admit that I was pretty caught up in the book in the last third.

A lot of my problems came in small bits and pieces here and there. I didn't have any issues with the writing style (other than the aforementioned pacing), though there were several places that I'm certain a proofreader should have caught an extra comma here or there, or one spot where a couple of sentences at the beginning of a chapter were literally repeated at the beginning of another, 2 chapters later (this book was self-published, fyi). But for example, why, in a book set in pretty modern times especially, did the author choose to have one of the characters make the distinction that his son's girlfriend was black (but he and his wife have decided they're are okay with it) and that he worried what family and friends might think? Why was there such a large focus on violent video games as the catalyst for the shooter's rampage, when literally a quick search online shows that there really isn't any correlation (maybe unless the perpetrator is already mentally unstable). I have a few other examples that I marked in my notes, but I don't want to unbalance the review.

The Christian angle in this book is overall pretty good. Cooper and his late wife were Christians, but he has decided that God is not what He claims to be in the Bible, if he could let such a wonderful woman as his wife die (actually, I think he's in danger of putting her on a pedestal, unless she really is as perfect as his reminiscences would have us believe). Deetz is an unbeliever but is introduced to Christianity by his son, who attends what sounds like a mega-church. Two different starting points lead to some interesting conversations about God. In the end, I wish I had liked this book more, but I didn't dislike it either. It's clear that plenty of fans of the genre liked it more than I did, so if you're interested, definitely check it out. I have another Creston Mapes book on my shelf, given to me by a friend, so I'll be interested to read another book by this author.

[Kristina · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this dual perspective, dark, contemporary Christian thriller. In the aftermath of a mass shooting, Investigator Wayne Deetz begins to question the shooter. As more is revealed about his past and motivations to conduct the attack, we also get the perspective of Tyson Cooper, who lost his wife in the shooting.

The story is interesting, but the author needs to do more research on topics to avoid false information:
-I was annoyed at the investigator’s constant mentioning of the shooter playing video games, as no correlation between the two has ever been found. Even a cursory Google search will bring up multiple articles showing that no evidence has been found between violent video games and mass shootings.
-The investigator mentions video games such as Resident Evil, which the shooter says is old and no longer relevant. Yet, these games have continued to be published, with the most recent in the franchise being released in 2021.
-"Then he read, 'Dizziness and progressive loss of balance can lead to some neurological disorders, such as Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis.’” As someone who has Multiple Sclerosis (MS), this is absolutely untrue. Dizziness and loss of balance are symptoms of MS and Parkinson’s, but not at all the cause of either neurological condition.

[Beverly J. Corl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Suspenseful

This is a compelling story that has a strong storyline and strong characters. It is filled with suspense and has elements of loss, faith, trust, forgiveness, and many twists and turns. Difficulty putting the book down.

[Urcelia Teixeira · Rating 5 out of 5]

I ripped through this book in a day! It is a lump-in-your-throat story with elements of faith, loss, judgement, and forgiveness seen from two perspectives, beautifully brought together in the ending. It does not have the usual fast-paced action one would expect from a thriller, but it has heart and enough suspense to keep you turning the pages.

[Karl Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

This guy rocks. These are page turners like Koontz’ “Tick Tock”- good times.

[Lyle Knebel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Captivating

A powerful story of all too current events. This story is very real and speaks to the heart. Very well written.

[Shelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Suspenseful from beginning to end

Love his books. Always leaves me on the edge of my seat. Can not wait to read the next one

[Shelly J. Hogan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another new favorite!

Creston Mapes has done it again. This is the start of another great series! I am looking forward to book 2 in this series!

[Sharon L Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intrigue thru out the book

Very good read captured reader attention from first page. Did not want to put the book down. Usually able to figure out the killer in books pretty quickly but not in this book.

[Ann Nahigian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy, interesting read.
About a mass shooting and the aftermath in the lives of 4 characters.
Probably 4 1/2 stars.
It is supposedly the first in a series..Jan G says the second book is fascinating..but it is a good standalone book as well.

[Charlene Gregus Turner · Rating 4 out of 5]

definitely haunting

The story is true to life. It’s about a mass shooting. something You hate to see but it happens. The characters are developed well and you want to get to know them better. There is a level of serendipity between the characters which I have found in my personal life, it is often how God works.

[Colleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This author and book are really, really good!

This book will have you turning to the next page and the next page to see what is going to happen. You really get to know the characters. You root for them, you cry for them, you identify with them. Loved it! On to the next in the series

[Teresa Holman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Riveting

The characters are very real! Great story. It seems that good or bad we find others like us, those who understand our pain. But God always has a plan. Thanks for the reminder

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well written thriller that leaves you through the intense emotions of 2 people in the aftermath of a mass shooting. I had to take frequent breaks as the book is very intense.
The first character is the detective who is tasked with interrogating a teenaged shooter wounded by a good guy woth a gun and tackled to the ground and held down by other bystanders. The detective is 3 years from retirement. He was at the scene, saw the bodies, the blood, the confusion; heard the anguished, almost inhuman screams of pain from still living victims and those finding their loved ones dead; still smelled the blood, the smells the gun gave off, the fear, hate, anger, and grief around him. Here he was, face to face, with the shooter, a scrawny looking kid who seems in a sort of daze himself, perhaps not believing a number of things at once - that he did it, that it was easy, that it felt powerful, that so many died or were hurt. From the father, he learns of the deaths of the twin sister and the mother, and the changes, and the shrink the kid was sent to see. As his wife waits and worries at home, he is pushed to do serial interviews, and deal with his own grief at the same time. Plus there are the odd physical symptoms that could signal something physically dangerous, and he has no time to deal with them.
The other man is a former high school geography teacher whose students are turning their phones on at the end of the day and the class, and one tells him about a shooting downtown and where it is. He runs out to his car and speeds to the site, seeing the same chaos as the cops and EMTs, and finding his wife, the light of his world, dead...was it his scream of agony and grief that the detective heard? For the rest of the months that follow, he works in a grocery store warehouse, mostly the night shift. He relives the day of the shooting repeatedly every time he tries to sleep. He sees a shrink, but doesn't really cooperate with the man. He is a numb shell, focused on getting through a day at a time. One of his female coworkers won't stop trying to befriend him, seeing his sadness. He has lost his faith and doesn't want it back. He enjoys being with the coworker more than he wants to admit, but won't let her all the way in. He wants the shooter to die, like many, many others affected that day.
As the day comes for the p sentencing, the detective finds himself on escort duty and the kid gives him a cryptic tip. When the cop collapses, and is replaced, once he is fed and sent back to the station, he begins working on the tip, and gets help to do so. Meanwhile, he has researched those with whom the kid was involved at all phases of his life. He has investigated them all On the same day as the shooting in Portland, there was one in Baltimore, but the shooter was taken down by police and didn't survive. Always sensing they may have been connected, the detective did research and worked with a police contact in Baltimore, but both have been unable, so far, to find a connection.
The fast pace of the hunt to see if the kid's hint has any merit is a last minute rush to see what, or who, they must stop - of anything at all.
Creston Mapes is one of my favorite authors. He always delivers in every book of his that I have read. Be aware of the intensity and be prepared to take breaks from it to do something else for a while. This is pretty much true of all his excellent books.

[Paula Friend · Rating 5 out of 5]

Signs of Life (book1) Christian thriller)

I really enjoyed this book and story and all of the characters. It was non-stop action and I enjoyed every moment of it. I recommend anyone to read this book.

[Traci · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mr Mapes is becoming one of my favorite authors! Suspenseful, and points us to God. Would certainly recommend this book.

[Jarryd Kalideen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely rivetting!

My fourth book....and loving itl....the plots are so Well thought of and executed...The author's love for God is so evident and a reminder that though we fail Him...He never fails us... Can't wait to read my fifth book!!!

[Matthew J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow

Well written. Couldn't put it down. Read in 1 day. I can't wait to read the next book in this series.

[Jessica Keiscome · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pretty good

I don’t always feel enough attachment to the characters to read the second book… I just downloaded it :)
Signs of Life is a good book that will keep you reading.

[Sandra Arbeni · Rating 5 out of 5]

An intense crime story.

It's an exciting story of how Wayne Deetz who is a Police

































Investigator, is in charge of interrogating a teenage shooter.
He has to try and figure out the connection to another shooter and perhaps more to follow.
Exciting from start to finish.

[Jeryl Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Creston Mapes has become my favorite Christian fiction thriller author! Portland PD cop, Wayne Deetz, is asked to solve a mass murder at a local town square. He picks the brain of the shooter for a motive, only to discover a link to the Dark Web. Tyson Cooper, who lost his wife in the mass murder, tries to climb his way back from his loss. Total nail biter!

[Elizabeth Webber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Keep me wanting more

I loved this read! It took me longer than normal to read with my schedule, but when I was reading I couldn’t stop! I can’t wait to read book 2!

[Elissa Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best novel I've read in years!

I love that Creston has taken a stand in this book by talking about guns and admitting that America has a gun law problem and a mental illness problem. I concur! I've only read 2 of Creston's books, but "fear has a name" was much more wishy washy about guns, whereas I felt like he was speaking up in this book and revealing how shocking gun violence really is and how praising someone for using their gun again another man with a gun is--and I quote--sick.

This book has turned me into an avid fan! "Fear has a name" was really good, but "Signs of life" is awesome! It has two main characters, both male. One is a detective and the other lost his wife in a mass shooting. Creston paints an incredible picture of grief and anger, and also if the immense stress involved in being a cop that can result in PTSD or panic disorder. The characters were deep, complex & emotional. They were not just macho men, they were real men with feelings and frustrations.

I also loved his depiction of the mass murderer and the mass murderer's dad. I felt the right amount of compassion for the murderer, because he is not just a murderer, he's also a son and a victim who suffered loss, grief and sexual abuse. It's important that we do show compassion for people who have become mentally ill because society didn't care enough for their needs. My very favorite scene was when the killer's father came in, in tears, and embraced his son. He said sorry to his son for neglecting him and I cried. He gave his son what the kid actually needed: love and support, even though he still wanted to know "why" and it painted him that his son had killed so many. This dad was a brilliant character too!

Loved the book, the characters, the storyline. It was fast paced, entertaining and boldly written. I've never read about a mass shooting before and don't think anyone would do a better job than this story does! When will they turn it into a movie???!!!