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Kingdom's Con Men
“Banned by 1000 Churches!”
And yes, Kingdom's Con Men would indeed be banned if some people had their way. But it's nothing to be afraid of, confused about, angry or offended over. Kingdom’s Con Men strives to be thought-provoking, that’s all.
Beyond being a mere crime novel, it takes its time to explore why its two scammers--one an Atheist, the other an ordained minister--decide to take to the road to conduct their cons, specifically targeting corrupt megachurch ministers. In the process, it offers a satirical overview of the current evangelical landscape.
Folks familiar with the nuances of the book’s insular brand of church life will appreciate Kingdom’s Con Men’s authenticity and familiarity. Those new to it will enjoy an initiation into a world that’s equally odd and intriguing. It’s that rare read that manages to captivate both believers and nonbelievers alike.
As cunning teens, Roland Wade and Nicholas Johansen thrive by swindling the naïve residents of their Bible Belt-like town, Kingdom, OH. When a failed scam lands Roland in juvie, he discovers and embraces—truly embraces—religion. He becomes a minister, earnest and gifted at spreading the gospel. By age 30, however, after routinely being taken advantage of by other ministers, and seeing them prosper despite their hypocrisy and promotion of the “prosperity gospel” he despises, he becomes disgruntled.
As far as Nicholas is concerned, religion ruins everything. In infancy, as per a shyster pastor’s suggestion, his blindly devoted parents abandon him as not to hinder their ministry duties. At his workplace—Kingdom’s sole house of ill repute--he’s surrounded by reverends who revel in living recklessly, while prospering and preaching to the contrary on Sundays.
After over a decade of being apart, fate brings Roland and Nicholas together again. Though they share a sense of loneliness, lack of direction, and little else, Nicholas somehow convinces Roland to join him in reembracing the deceptive qualities that made them exceptional scammers as youth, to again run cons—this time, only on the people they both most despise: immoral megachurch ministers.
They thrive in their efforts, then the duo disbands, separately seeking honest living in Chicago. A reckless attempt at one last con reunites them. It puts both men’s lives at risk.
Kingdom’s Con Men is irreverently funny, clever, enlightening, and challenging throughout, and it resonates with the depth and fervor of a spiritual hymn that touches the very soul—whether one believes in a soul or not.
And yes, Kingdom's Con Men would indeed be banned if some people had their way. But it's nothing to be afraid of, confused about, angry or offended over. Kingdom’s Con Men strives to be thought-provoking, that’s all.
Beyond being a mere crime novel, it takes its time to explore why its two scammers--one an Atheist, the other an ordained minister--decide to take to the road to conduct their cons, specifically targeting corrupt megachurch ministers. In the process, it offers a satirical overview of the current evangelical landscape.
Folks familiar with the nuances of the book’s insular brand of church life will appreciate Kingdom’s Con Men’s authenticity and familiarity. Those new to it will enjoy an initiation into a world that’s equally odd and intriguing. It’s that rare read that manages to captivate both believers and nonbelievers alike.
As cunning teens, Roland Wade and Nicholas Johansen thrive by swindling the naïve residents of their Bible Belt-like town, Kingdom, OH. When a failed scam lands Roland in juvie, he discovers and embraces—truly embraces—religion. He becomes a minister, earnest and gifted at spreading the gospel. By age 30, however, after routinely being taken advantage of by other ministers, and seeing them prosper despite their hypocrisy and promotion of the “prosperity gospel” he despises, he becomes disgruntled.
As far as Nicholas is concerned, religion ruins everything. In infancy, as per a shyster pastor’s suggestion, his blindly devoted parents abandon him as not to hinder their ministry duties. At his workplace—Kingdom’s sole house of ill repute--he’s surrounded by reverends who revel in living recklessly, while prospering and preaching to the contrary on Sundays.
After over a decade of being apart, fate brings Roland and Nicholas together again. Though they share a sense of loneliness, lack of direction, and little else, Nicholas somehow convinces Roland to join him in reembracing the deceptive qualities that made them exceptional scammers as youth, to again run cons—this time, only on the people they both most despise: immoral megachurch ministers.
They thrive in their efforts, then the duo disbands, separately seeking honest living in Chicago. A reckless attempt at one last con reunites them. It puts both men’s lives at risk.
Kingdom’s Con Men is irreverently funny, clever, enlightening, and challenging throughout, and it resonates with the depth and fervor of a spiritual hymn that touches the very soul—whether one believes in a soul or not.
256 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 31, 2024
1 person is currently reading
733 people want to read
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July 1, 2025
Goodreads giveaway.
3.5 Stars.
Good story. Very well written. Better than most giveaways I’ve read.
3.5 Stars.
Good story. Very well written. Better than most giveaways I’ve read.
Displaying 1 of 1 review