Dead State: An action-packed Christian thriller

by Judah Lamb

A rising star. A family betrayal. A deadly game.David Shepherd, a charismatic senator with a growing following, is invited into the inner circle of the White House.

His connection with the President's daughter ignites a passionate romance, but their happiness is shattered by a chilling discovery.

As David's popularity soars, he becomes a target for those who seek to silence him.

A series of assassination attempts leaves him questioning the loyalty of those closest to him, including the woman he loves.

With his life on the line, David must uncover a conspiracy that reaches the highest levels of power.

But can he trust his instincts when the truth may destroy the people he cares about most?

Will David sacrifice his own safety to expose the corruption plaguing the nation?

Or will he choose to protect those he loves, even if it means turning a blind eye to the darkness lurking in the heart of government?

Dead State is the second book in this fast-paced, action-packed Christian thriller series. Think David Baldacci, James Patterson, Mark Dawson, and Lee Child meet Colleen Coble, and Lynette Eason. This is a modern-day re-telling of the King David story. The establishment will stop at nothing to stop David Shepherd's rise to power - and assassination isn't off the table.

338 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 30, 2025

Reviews

[Bill Morrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Judah has nailed it with this book. Unashamedly Christian, it is a gripping read. Without any spoilers, it shows the trap people can fall into without realising.
I love the use of the character names to align with the OT storyline.
I recommend this book to all who enjoy a great read with a strong moral basis.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Beba Andric · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a powerful Christian based thriller, this book really exposes the ugliness of politics, it showcases the lengths people would be prepared to go through to achieve their goal. Which isn't necessarily for the betterment of all... Working in politics, navigating shark infested waters, trying to keep oneself from becoming chomp, heck, that's a feat in itself! And trying to stick to ones original convictions, almost an impossibility. This quote depicts how faliable politicians are "what you fail to understand is that idealism dies quickly in this building. Reality demands compromise" but not all.... Some, like veteran David Sheppard genuinely believe they can make a difference, genuinely believe their God given right is just that, GOD GIVEN! Not man manipulated...

David Sheppard sure has come a long way, from a veteran helping out at a soup kitchen, to a senator. One with scruples, one with morals, one deeply committed to doing God's work, one who refuses to compromise, either himself or his beliefs. At the crux of it all is Sam, a Preacher, who approached David to accept this role. Fiercely devout, Sam exposes those who have fallen off the pedestal into "playing the players" It's a fantastically different read, even though Church and politics should never mix, Sam is doing God's work, Sam has his finger on the pulse and Sam doesn't let up. David is implementing policy, fighting for policies he believes in but none of his fellow senators believe that he's genuine, that he doesn't have a hidden agenda as they do. But David listens to the people, David hears them, David wants to help them, not himself. Which isn't an easy task...Great characterisations, full , vulnerable, strong, uncompromising. Michal, the President's daughter, is a terrific character too, she's supportive, she's smart, she's sharp and she too is dedicated to making a difference.

What I really love about this author's work, he doesn't mince his words, he tells it as he sees it. It's not all "politicing" there's real warmth in the relationship David shares with the President's daughter, there's conviction of truth, there's deep and abiding faith. There are SO many quotes I could add to this review, all extremely pertinent, all hardhitters, all so very relatable. If only all politicians could just follow this simple truth as said by David, the world would be a far better, safer place "judge me by what I do, not what I say". I've said it before but I can't stress it enough, this author arouses the need, in me, to do better, be better.... Although some might think it riské, so heavily steeped in Christianity, one cannot dispel nor negate truth, in whichever form they take. Excellent read, provocative read.

[Nancy (The Avid Reader) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dead State is filled with nonstop action that kept me racing through chapter after chapter as I was drawn deeper into the story. Dead State is a novel about politics and religion, plus so much more. It is an intriguing tale of power.

David Shepherd is a man with a big heart. He is a senator who works for the people, or at least he tries to whenever he can or is allowed. He strives never to make promises he can’t fulfill, or to do his best to make them come true. He is not out for glory or to put himself in the limelight; no, David thinks about the people.

David is becoming a favorite with the people due to all the good things he is attempting to accomplish for them. However, someone out there doesn’t like what he is trying to do and wants to stop him forever. David’s campaign is not only putting him in danger, but also the people he loves. Someone wants David to keep silent. Will he keep quiet for the ones he loves, or even for himself? Or will he do what is right for the majority? What will he choose?

What an intense read that kept me glued to the pages as the action unfolded with each turn. I enjoyed reading Dead State even more than I did Slingshot, the first book in the David Shepherd Thriller series. I am now eagerly awaiting the next installment in the series.

I highly recommend Dead State to all thriller fans! Grab a copy of Dead State today!

[Lana · Rating 5 out of 5]

David Shepherd is becoming more than he ever intended to become, his popularity in the polls was rising, people were following every word he said, and his stance on religion did not work against him as some said it would, on the contrary people were believing every word he said. He was becoming a threat to the Presidency itself and to those who benefitted from keeping certain people who were compromised in office. Saul Mauer was not one to take competition lightly, let alone defeat, he enjoyed his power and would do anything to hold onto it. So even though his own daughter Michal was in love with David, and his son Jonathan was David's friend, he still sent assassins to try to kill him, and kept Michal away from him. David went into hiding with full security forces around him and his team researched to see who would benefit by keeping him out of the running for presidency. The darkness which he and his team discovered went real deep, the power behind the president was enormous. So who were Sanctum? This thriller is a real page turner, riveting especially as it builds up to a face to face debate at the end of the book. It becomes a race to save lives when so much was revealed on national television. I love that David sticks by his beliefs no matter what and will simply not give in to pressure to win an election. Phew what a great read!! On to book 3 please.

[Iain Batten · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Dead State" is a gripping novel that enthralls readers with its relentless action, urging them to race through each chapter while deepening their engagement with the narrative. This work intricately examines themes of politics and religion, alongside a variety of other pertinent issues, weaving a compelling tale of power dynamics. I am becoming accustomed to and increasingly appreciative of this author's oeuvre.

The story chronicles the timeless ascent of individuals to power, whether through allure or coercion. President Saul Mauer is portrayed as someone drawn to the presidency, while Senator David Shepherd faces mounting pressure to oppose him. Mauer's team is resolute in their determination to eliminate Shepherd from the race by any means necessary.

Amidst the exhilarating pace, the novel offers moments of respite, allowing readers to pause and catch their breath before being thrust back into the action. Take a moment to immerse yourself in the narrative and appreciate those fleeting opportunities for reflection.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout/Goodreads and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rebel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dead State by Judah Lamb had me flipping pages like my life depended on it. Seriously, I don't think I even blinked during some chapters. David Shepherd isn’t just another politician—he’s the kind of character you feel for. Charming, smart, and trying so damn hard to do the right thing even when the world is practically throwing knives at him.

The second that connection with the President’s daughter happened? Oh, you knew things were gonna get messy. And messy they did—betrayals, assassination attempts, secrets unraveling left and right. It was deliciously stressful in the best way. 😂

I loved how the book made me question everyone right alongside David. Who can you trust when everyone smiles at you with a knife behind their back? That tension? It was perfectly done.

By the end, my heart was pounding, my brain was racing, and all I could think was: I need more. If you're craving a thriller that mixes political danger, and high-stakes romance.

[Christi · Rating 5 out of 5]

David Shepherd is the type of politician that is all should aspire to be. In Dead State, he is a junior senator trying to make a difference. When he is urged to run for president he resists but eventually agrees. What follows is a series of attempted assassinations, betrayal and ultimately the discovery of a secret cabal that has infiltrated the government at the highest levels. Throughout, David's faith remains strong and he continues to strive to do the right thing as well as bring more into the fold of Jesus without coming across as too preachy. I'm not a Christian but still find his faith uplifting and I love the Bible passage that he quotes and explains his translation of them.
This is one of my favorite series. I eagerly await the next one.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Shirley Blackham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yet another book by Judah Lamb that once you start reading you cant put it down until you have finished it.

David Shepherd is a senator but he is also a man of religious convictions who works for the people, and he wont compromise on his convictions. The president Saul Mauer is becoming more unstable and his son Jonathan speaks to David of his worries about his father. David is urged to stand for president by his team. So his campaign starts but then things take a turn for the worse. Michal disappears and David is frantic to find out what has happened to her. Plus David faces a number of assassination attempts....is it because he is getting to be too popular in the presidential polls.

The ending of the book was totally unexpected. Cant wait to read the next book.

[Adena Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clearly, the author has been reading too much Robert Ludlum and Tom Clancy because he managed to channel all of the action, thrill and anxiety of their works into this novel. Politics is not supposed to be war and it appears that certain persons in power have forgotten that in their drive to remove rookie Senator David Shepherd from the presidential race. What follows is an intensely suspenseful yet faith-infused electoral run which contrasts hugely against the current Trump administration and the newly-completed Canadian federal election. Where can we find politicians like Shepherd?

I received an ARC via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Robert Foland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Judah Lamb presents another exceptional installment in the David Shepherd Thriller series. Anchored by a solid foundation, the narrative transitions to Washington, D.C. The ensemble of intricately developed characters expands with compelling new additions. Fresh dangers emerge, and the scope of the threat intensifies. Engaging and action-packed, this book is a gripping read that will keep readers enthralled until the final page, leaving them eagerly anticipating the next chapter in this remarkable series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Anne Curry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good book loosely based on David and Saul. Ends on a cliff hanger clean with some violence and attempted murder. Captivating and a good easy read

One of my favorite quotes from the book in the afterwards is this

"When the government lets you down, when things you see on the news trouble you, remember that God still reigns. You are more than citizens of a nation—you’re citizens of a Kingdom that is greater than this world.".

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Roger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dead State: An action-packed Christian thriller (David Shepherd Thrillers Book 2), my eightieh read from author Theophilus Monroe, the fifth under his nom-de-plume Judah Lamb. A 338-page, powerful, well-written & enjoyable read. I received a complementary Kindle copy of this book & am voluntarily reviewing it. I look forward to reading the next book in the series, Sanctum: An action-packed Christian thriller. (David Shepherd Thrillers Book 3), when it's published in August, it's already on my TBR list. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).

[Kris Cobb · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book tells the timeless stories of those who rise to power, either by being drawn to it or by being pushed to it. President Saul Mauer was drawn to the Presidency; Senator David Shepherd is being pushed to run against him. Mauer's team is working hard to get Shepherd out of the race by any means possible.

This action-packed thriller does give the reader a few chances to breathe, at least. Take a deep breath, dive in, and breathe where you can.

[Tahnia Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

When President Mauer shows mental problems, his son Jonathan talks to his friend Senator Shepherd. David decides to run for President even though he's only been a Senator for around 8 months. Then the assassination attempts begin, Michal disappears, and David is in for the fight of his life. This story has plenty of action and ends with a cliffhanger.

I received a copy of this book via the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Joseph Lau · Rating 5 out of 5]

A long-standing criticism is that Washington corrupts the good. There are many that come with price and arrogance to benefit from an elected role, rather than help those they ser. But what of the good-hearted and good-intentioned?
Addresses this in a captivating way: power, faith, and how to maintain yourself in that environment.
Really enjoyed it, and how it applies to our world today.

[Mary T · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my! This is good.
Politics gone awry. Could this happen? Read this and think about the chaos now. Yes, this fiction.
When personal pride comes first and the people's needs and rights are not considered justice and freedom are lost.

[Margarita Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

A political thriller. David is put to the test. This is an contemporary version of David and Saul of the Bible. Two strong men fighting each other. One was a follower of God and lost his way. The other man choosing to follow God completely. A great action packed Christian political thriller.

[Stephen & · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love how he makes it to where a man of faith can serve the country and still be able to keep his morals and never waver even though he is tempted.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Wendy Ruuamau · Rating 5 out of 5]

better and better!

It’s truly action packed. I was reading so fast because it was so exciting. Now I’ve finished it and only have one more book to go. I HATE that part, when really good books end. Read this series.

[Rowan Creech · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was another thrilling book by Judah Lamb. As soon as I get one of the books in this series, I curl up and read it page to page in a sitting. It is a truly great book to read.

[Rachel Joi Maples · Rating 5 out of 5]

really enjoying this series of the David Shepherd Thrillers … book 2 “Dead State” by Judah Lamb was so well written and cannot wait for more

[Dennis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is truly an incredible series. Not usually a series I would read but I'm a fan of the authors other work so gave it a try. If you're on the ropes then please give it a try. You won't be sorry.

[Sherlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is amazing. I absolutely love it. if you haven't read it yet then I definitely recommend you do.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it. This book was very action packed and well written. I definitely enjoyed and recommend. This is book 2 of the series and even better than the first book