Signs of The Final Chapter?Portland Police Investigator Wayne Deetz is a mere three weeks from retirement. It’s almost Christmas, and his son, Brandon, is getting married. But when Brandon’s fiancée, Kristen, is confronted by a figure from her shadowy past, their joyous plans take a dark turn.
As Deetz trains his gruff and unpredictable replacement, Howard Googan, they delve into a disturbing missing-person case that hits closer to home with each new piece of evidence.
Meanwhile, unsettling events plague the Deetz household. Personal belongings vanish. Cryptic gifts appear. And a distressing discovery makes one thing terrifyingly clear—someone is watching. And listening.
As chilling “coincidences” and brazen encounters escalate, Deetz and his loved ones must unravel the truth before it’s too late. Who are the mysterious neighbors lurking next door? And what twisted endgame are they playing?
With tension on every page, Amazon #1 Best-Selling author Creston Mapes demonstrates why he is a "Top Pick" among Christian suspense fans and those who love tension-filled religious mysteries.
If you enjoy books by Charles Martin, Terri Blackstock, Frank Peretti, Robert Whitlow, DiAnn Mills, and Stephen James, you will love this thriller from award-winning and bestselling author Creston Mapes.
Creston Mapes is a bestselling author of Christian fiction, widely known for his contemporary Christian suspense and faith-based thrillers that weave spiritual warfare, redemption, and moral tension into gripping, high-stakes narratives. His novels boldly explore current-day themes, culture, and social hot buttons, making his work especially appealing for fans of Christian fiction, mysteries, and suspense.
Creston grew up in northeast Ohio, where he has fond memories of living with his family of five in the upstairs portion of his father’s early American furniture store, The Weathervane Shop. He graduated with a degree in journalism from Bowling Green State University and began his career as a newspaper reporter and photographer in Ohio and Florida before moving to Atlanta, Georgia, to work as a creative copywriter.
After serving as a creative director at Walk Thru the Bible Ministries, Creston realized his calling was not management, but storytelling. He became a freelance writer in 1991 and, over the next 30+ years, worked with brands and organizations including Chick-fil-A, Coca-Cola, The Weather Channel, Oracle, ABC-TV, TNT Sports, colleges and universities, and national ad agencies.
Creston has written numerous contemporary Christian suspense novels and Christian thrillers, achieved Amazon Bestseller status multiple times, and had one of his novels (Nobody) optioned as a major motion picture. He has also ghostwritten more than ten nonfiction books.
His faith-based fiction consistently blends fast-paced suspense with biblical themes, ethical struggles, and hope, earning him a devoted readership.
He married his fourth-grade sweetheart, Patty, and together they have four adult children. When not writing, Creston enjoys his part-time job as an usher at local venues, where he gets to see concerts and sporting events. His interests include pickleball, fishing, reading, thrifting, bocce, painting, bowling, spending time with family, and dating his wife.
STAND-ALONE CHRISTIAN SUSPENSE NOVELS Sapphire Island 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
To receive updates on new releases, giveaways, and special offers, visit crestonmapes.com/contact.
My first read from this author. The tone is very typical for a Christian suspense.
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The new neighbours seem odd. With their inappropriate gifts, two-faced lifestyle and unusual behaviour, the Deetz’ suspect there is something fishy going on with the next door neighbours. These suspicions expound when the Deetz’ house is broken into and it is later noticed that the wife next door is wearing the clothes that had gone missing in the robbery.
There are a few minor sub plots…new detective in training, shotgun wedding, a con artist couple etc…
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Two times, it seemed like God’s name was used in vain
I was captivated from start to finish as I read about Deetz and his family preparing for their son's wedding. Wayne and Joanie Deetz greet their new neighbors. They both see an unhealthy dynamic with their relationship that makes them uncomfortable. Everything is going fine until the police officer's home is broken into. It appears that nothing has been taken. What was the purpose of the break-in? Then strange things start to happen.
Sad to say that this situation could have been ripped from today's headlines. Do any of us know our neighbors? So many of us are in a hurry, and others are too preoccupied with their smartphones to notice their surroundings.
You don’t want to miss this suspenseful, heartfelt story with twists and turns I didn’t see coming. There are a few themes with possible trigger points: spousal abuse, kidnapping, and cons. I enjoyed the natural spiritual thread. This would make for a great book club pick.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I requested and received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
What a wonderful work of Christian fiction. It is a thriller with a lot if twists and turns. I loved it from the beginning to end. What a way to escape a mundane afternoon by reading truly captivating book.
Great read and a book that grabs you from the start - this is one to add to your list of books to be read and once you start this you will not be able to put it down.
I loved this book, finished it in one afternoon. I tried not to read it so fast, but couldn't help it. Every one of Creston Makes books are so good, I just devour each one
Exciting storyline and great characters along with some nefarious ones. 2 seemingly unrelated mysteries intersect to become 1. A dramatic conclusion makes this story unbeatable in mystery, suspense and justice; along with redemption and reconciliation. Loved it! So glad Creston released another book after quite a while!
I LOVE Creston Mapes books! I was soooo happy for this book! Was great to check in with Deetz! And I love that Drew Bott is still reading the books! he is AMAZING. so believable as several characters. Yay Creston! soooo...when's the next book?! lol
I have truly read every book that Creston Mapes has published, and I have enjoyed every one of them. I read typically before turning in at night, and this book is another page turner that I can’t seem to put down. I love the characters, the story, and how Creston weaves a Christian message into the story. I highly recommend this, and all of Creston Mape’s books.
I found this book interesting because of the mystery of the neighbor next door. I enjoyed meeting the family of Wayne and Joanie Dietz, especially Lena. I was encouraged by the way the Dietzes tried to live out their Christianity with Brandon's in laws. The characters were realistic and complete with flaws, but still trying to live Christian lives. I listened to an audio book and enjoyed the diversion of it.
This was the best of Creston Mapes! He made Joanie and Wayne Deetz come alive in this series. I am not ready to leave them behind! Creston managed to weave page-turning crime solving with a loving Christian Deetz family. I was sad to come to the end of this book. I wanted MORE!
This story keeps you on the edge of your seat. I kept thinking what a nightmare it would be to have such toxic neighbors. I love that the author provides an exciting story and also gives the Gospel.
Mesmerizing. Captivating. Eerie. And impossible to put down except out of necessity! WHO IS MY NEIGHBOR is a remarkably unique, totally unpredictable suspense. Not over the top creepy with graphic descriptions, it is still sinister and by the way . . . if you think you have some weird neighbors, think again! These neighbors add a whole new dimension to the word. 😳
Never a dull moment with thrilling excitement around every corner—the author also includes an emotive thread of faith, hope, and redemption. The ONLY thing I didn't like about the book is that it was way too short! Creston Mapes has a new reader fan!
I finished this book in two sittings. I could not put it down. The suspense is kept at a high level during the entire book. It makes you wonder, "Do we ever really know who our neighbors are?" And when we find out who they are, are we brave enough to face danger and help the innocents. The chapters are short, which makes it an easy read. I wanted to quit at the end of Chapter 7, I was so creeped out! But I know the author's style and knew he would make everything good. Just breathe through to the end. You won't be sorry.
The last in the series (for now anyway) would be very easy to expand though or maybe do a book on one of the others Like the others in this series it just doesn't seem long enough but at the same time there is plenty of detail so any longer it might drag was a quick read easy to pick up and put down without any now were was I thoughts
3.5 stars for breaking the fiction rule “show, don’t tell”. Quick, easy, fast-paced read that needed better editing. One section suddenly flipped from past tense to present tense, seriously interrupting the flow. And in several spots commas were omitted.
I couldn’t put this one down! This was another great edition to the Deetz family saga and I hope not the last. I highly recommend this book and everything else Creston Mapes has written. You will not be disappointed!
Amazing read. I have really enjoyed this series, and am sad to see it end...but what a great ending. Loved the plot, and the Biblical message of the book.