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Nobody: A Homeless Las Vegas Murder Mystery Thriller
They said, “He’s a nobody.”
They were dead wrong.
When reporter Hudson Ambrose hears an early morning call on his police scanner about an injured person at a bus stop on Las Vegas Boulevard, he rushes to the scene to get the scoop.
His world is blown off its axis when he discovers a murdered homeless man with a bankbook in his pocket showing a balance of almost one million dollars. Should he wait for the police, knowing the case will get lost in reams of red tape, or swipe the bankbook and take the investigation–and perhaps a chunk of the money–into his own hands?
With sirens bearing down on the scene, Hudson makes an impulse decision that whisks him on a frantic search for answers, not only about the mysterious dead man, but about the lost soul lurking within himself.
Uncovering bizarre links between a plane crash, a Las Vegas pit boss, a dirty cop, and a widowed Atlanta business mogul, Hudson is forced to find out: who was Chester Holte, what was he doing on the streets, and why are his homeless friends convinced he was an angel in disguise?
They were dead wrong.
When reporter Hudson Ambrose hears an early morning call on his police scanner about an injured person at a bus stop on Las Vegas Boulevard, he rushes to the scene to get the scoop.
His world is blown off its axis when he discovers a murdered homeless man with a bankbook in his pocket showing a balance of almost one million dollars. Should he wait for the police, knowing the case will get lost in reams of red tape, or swipe the bankbook and take the investigation–and perhaps a chunk of the money–into his own hands?
With sirens bearing down on the scene, Hudson makes an impulse decision that whisks him on a frantic search for answers, not only about the mysterious dead man, but about the lost soul lurking within himself.
Uncovering bizarre links between a plane crash, a Las Vegas pit boss, a dirty cop, and a widowed Atlanta business mogul, Hudson is forced to find out: who was Chester Holte, what was he doing on the streets, and why are his homeless friends convinced he was an angel in disguise?
360 pages, Hardcover
Published May 29, 2025
876 people are currently reading
907 people want to read
About the author
Creston Mapes
38 books503 followersCreston 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
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
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 165 reviews
August 5, 2009
Very good story. I had no idea that the book's theme was Christian-based and was pleasantly surprised. It's nice to read a book from an author who doesn't find it necessary to use foul language and explicit sex scenes.
November 30, 2025
A large spiritual message in the pages of this suspense novel. A reporter searches the pockets of a murdered homeless man before the police arrive. Things went downhill from there.
Texas comment...perhaps when this was written there was a Kroger in San Antonio. There isn't today and San Antonio solidly HEB territory.
Texas comment...perhaps when this was written there was a Kroger in San Antonio. There isn't today and San Antonio solidly HEB territory.
October 4, 2016
When I started this I expected it to be the usual mystery story with a few mentions of God. But I was amazed how much Christianity was in the book. It was definitely uplifting and encouraging. The mystery kept me fascinated and I couldn't put it down.
There were a couple little things I didn't like (like Holly staying at Hudson's house a couple times...nothing inappropriate happened). The first couple pages I felt a little sick with the descriptions of the blood. It could have bothered me a little more just because my stomach was already feeling sick before I even started the book.
It was pretty neat how much the homeless man effected people's lives. Of course that was because God shone through him. And even after his death, people came to know God. That is certainly the kind of legacy we should all want to leave behind!
A book worthwhile reading...especially if you like a good, clean Christian mystery.
*I haven't read any other books by this author, so that means I might not recommend everything he has written.
There were a couple little things I didn't like (like Holly staying at Hudson's house a couple times...nothing inappropriate happened). The first couple pages I felt a little sick with the descriptions of the blood. It could have bothered me a little more just because my stomach was already feeling sick before I even started the book.
It was pretty neat how much the homeless man effected people's lives. Of course that was because God shone through him. And even after his death, people came to know God. That is certainly the kind of legacy we should all want to leave behind!
A book worthwhile reading...especially if you like a good, clean Christian mystery.
*I haven't read any other books by this author, so that means I might not recommend everything he has written.
Want to read
June 22, 2019🎁 FREE on Amazon today (6/22/2019)! 🎁
February 20, 2012
This was one of the best books I have read in a long time. I could not put it down! And it was free on Amazon.com. I am going to check out other books by this author!
February 12, 2020
This was a great read. It was suspenseful, a little romance and the message that God was calling to the main character. I couldn’t wait to see what happened. So much so that I’m reading another book the author wrote.
January 22, 2020
Great story !
As usual another wonderful story . One we all can learn from . Now I'm off to find another one !
As usual another wonderful story . One we all can learn from . Now I'm off to find another one !
March 27, 2012
Creston Mapes' idea for "Nobody" is intriguing. How do we, as a society, view the homeless? When reporter Hudson Ambrose discovers a homeless man murdered, he sets off a powerful set of events when, instead of waiting for police, he steals a bankbook and a safebox key out of the man's pocket. Mapes weaves "Chester's Favorite Poem" skillfully throughout the story...a poem about standing near the door to heaven so as to help others enter. Thought-provoking. To my shame, I, too, have thought of homeless as "Nobody."
My main "complaint" with Mapes' work is technical in nature. It is written entirely in first person, each chapter from the point of view of one of the main characters. This is okay, and could actually be an interesting way to tell this particular story, and he handles POV well. Where the storytelling sags is that the different first-person points of view all sound the same. Several times, it took a paragraph or two for me to discern which character was speaking. The characters need to be drawn more distinctively. They would talk differently than each other, act differently, think about the homeless differently, and I think we should have been able to see those differences more clearly.
That said, Hudson Ambrose's internal journey was clearly drawn. It is one we should all consider taking ourselves. The journey from selfishness to forgiveness and love--helping others put their hands on the latch of the door into heaven--is the journey to true Christlikeness.
Blessings,
Voni
My main "complaint" with Mapes' work is technical in nature. It is written entirely in first person, each chapter from the point of view of one of the main characters. This is okay, and could actually be an interesting way to tell this particular story, and he handles POV well. Where the storytelling sags is that the different first-person points of view all sound the same. Several times, it took a paragraph or two for me to discern which character was speaking. The characters need to be drawn more distinctively. They would talk differently than each other, act differently, think about the homeless differently, and I think we should have been able to see those differences more clearly.
That said, Hudson Ambrose's internal journey was clearly drawn. It is one we should all consider taking ourselves. The journey from selfishness to forgiveness and love--helping others put their hands on the latch of the door into heaven--is the journey to true Christlikeness.
Blessings,
Voni
February 24, 2012
Wasting my time on this one really ticked me off, even though it was free. Nothing I saw in the description of it or blurbs about it said it's a Christian book. It is. Are Christian books "bad"? No. But if I want to read one, I want to choose to do so. I'd think the least a "Christian author" could do would be to make sure someone buying/getting the book knows it's a Christian book. Maybe I'm expecting too much honesty? Maybe.
I've chosen to read some Christian books in the past. Also some Buddhist and Jewish ones. But at least the authors and book descriptions told me the type of book I'd be reading. It'd be great if this "Christian author" could live up to that standard.
I didn't finish this one. After I got one-third or so of the way through it and realized it was preaching at me...and doing more so as the story went on...I chose to trash it. Well, at least the Kindle version of trashing it.
P.S. I received a Goodreads message from the author. He said that until recently, the book was sold mainly through Christian bookstores. The book description and words of praise for the book went with the book to Amazon. I hope the author will make a diligent effort to properly describe this book on Amazon.
I've chosen to read some Christian books in the past. Also some Buddhist and Jewish ones. But at least the authors and book descriptions told me the type of book I'd be reading. It'd be great if this "Christian author" could live up to that standard.
I didn't finish this one. After I got one-third or so of the way through it and realized it was preaching at me...and doing more so as the story went on...I chose to trash it. Well, at least the Kindle version of trashing it.
P.S. I received a Goodreads message from the author. He said that until recently, the book was sold mainly through Christian bookstores. The book description and words of praise for the book went with the book to Amazon. I hope the author will make a diligent effort to properly describe this book on Amazon.
August 6, 2008
I learn so much from this book, I would have to write a book to express the profound effect it has had on my life. To sum it up I will say this "God is in control" He does work all things together for good. Peace and true life come when we can put our life into God's hand and stive to have a relationship with him and not trust our salvation to "good works". It reminds me a little bit of a poem I read once that God is making a tapestry out of our lives. He is weaving the threads in and out to make a thing of beauty but most of the time our perspective is narrowed to underneath the tapestry and all we see are loose threads and chaos.
March 4, 2011
Reporter Hudson Ambrose is the first on the scene of a murder--of a man who looks to be homeless. But Hudson discovers a bankbook and key that indicate the man was really a millionaire. Why would a man who had so much money be out on the street? As Hudson investigates he finds some surprising answers--and some new friends.[return]This was a good solid suspense story, it also deals with the issue of how we treat the homeless. An enjoyable and uplifiting read.
May 22, 2020
Four stars for writing about an issue that is present in all social & cultural settings. The mystery is engaging and is written from a Christian worldview. This story will perhaps make a reader identify with the the character's observation: "A door to my heart opened ushering in a heavy robe of shame." Reading this book certainly presents the opportunity to exchange a 'robe of shame' for a 'coat of compassion'.
February 25, 2012
I love a good mystery although this isn't what I'm used to reading I actually enjoyed it. I have never read a mystery that was Christian based, someone on here they didn't think it would change anyone to Christianity I don think that was the authors intentions, maybe he just wanted people to think about what it is even those who call them selves a Christian. My opinion it was a job well done.
May 9, 2012
So far it is very interesting. A seemingly homeless man who is not really homeless but dead. Now his body has disappeared. This book was really good and I loved the Christian aspect in the book. It was a well written.
March 23, 2008
Very intreging. Fast pace and kept me on my toes wondering about the end. Good read and good story.
March 27, 2012
Creston just keeps getting better and better. This diversion from the style of his first two books was an unexpected, but truly fantastic.
June 17, 2012
I really enjoyed this book. Makes you think about how we look at people who are in different circumstances than our selves.
February 1, 2022
"He lived for a great purpose. He didn't care about rewards down here. See that's the way we think - that if someone gets cancer or get murdered, that it's not fair or that there's no love in that. But God thinks differently. He has a zillion things planned - good things, intricate things- that can come out of a person's trials or sickness or even death."
Who decides to feature the homeless community in a Christian thriller? Las Vegas as the center focus? And how can that even work? Well, evidently Creston Maps does, and the result is a compelling story on how we treat those around us as well as lessons in what matters most.
What was interesting to me about this book is the reader was let in on what exactly was going on in certain sections. There were some surprises. But all of the plot had me guessing as to what was going to happen in the end.
P.S. This is definitely my favorite cover of the book!
This story is about forgiveness and about finding life in the end. I would absolutely read more books by this author. If you want to ponder the true meaning of life, I highly recommend this book!
Who decides to feature the homeless community in a Christian thriller? Las Vegas as the center focus? And how can that even work? Well, evidently Creston Maps does, and the result is a compelling story on how we treat those around us as well as lessons in what matters most.
What was interesting to me about this book is the reader was let in on what exactly was going on in certain sections. There were some surprises. But all of the plot had me guessing as to what was going to happen in the end.
P.S. This is definitely my favorite cover of the book!
This story is about forgiveness and about finding life in the end. I would absolutely read more books by this author. If you want to ponder the true meaning of life, I highly recommend this book!
June 26, 2019
Best read .... Highly recommended.
This held my attention from page one to the very end. Suspense. Great characters. Action. Drama. Twists and turns. So UNPredictable!! God given second chances. Reformed lives. Holly Queens is my favorite. Well, second to Chester. He is beyond belief. Thank you!!!
This held my attention from page one to the very end. Suspense. Great characters. Action. Drama. Twists and turns. So UNPredictable!! God given second chances. Reformed lives. Holly Queens is my favorite. Well, second to Chester. He is beyond belief. Thank you!!!
July 10, 2021
With God all things are possible!
This is an amazing story of redemption and faith. What an impossible set of circumstances. Framed for a murder he did not commit and literally fighting for his life, HUD felt he had no way to turn. But his Christian friends kept him in prayer and trusted that God would see him through. Along the way he finds forgiveness, for himself and toward his father. Moving and heartfelt writing. I loved this book!!!
This is an amazing story of redemption and faith. What an impossible set of circumstances. Framed for a murder he did not commit and literally fighting for his life, HUD felt he had no way to turn. But his Christian friends kept him in prayer and trusted that God would see him through. Along the way he finds forgiveness, for himself and toward his father. Moving and heartfelt writing. I loved this book!!!
June 24, 2019
Original story with a powerful message.
The author wtites with an amazing accuracy of the reality of today. His message and understanding of the human heart is very real. He keeps the reader glued to the story and moves it along with a first person narrative. Truly a great story!
The author wtites with an amazing accuracy of the reality of today. His message and understanding of the human heart is very real. He keeps the reader glued to the story and moves it along with a first person narrative. Truly a great story!
July 4, 2021
Great read
Mapes continues to show how well he can write thrillers. Though not as intense as some other works of his, this still makes your heart skip a beat. The "nobody" is so endearing and encourages you to be a better person by example. The main character is prickly at times, but you can't help but root for him by the end. I enjoyed all the characters and the way their stories were told. Definitely a book I'd recommend.
Mapes continues to show how well he can write thrillers. Though not as intense as some other works of his, this still makes your heart skip a beat. The "nobody" is so endearing and encourages you to be a better person by example. The main character is prickly at times, but you can't help but root for him by the end. I enjoyed all the characters and the way their stories were told. Definitely a book I'd recommend.
February 24, 2022
What an entertaining book!
Anyone that likes mysteries would enjoy this book. It has unusual twists and turns but the ending makes a great read.
Anyone that likes mysteries would enjoy this book. It has unusual twists and turns but the ending makes a great read.
August 13, 2021
Chester Holte is an apparently homeless man who is found murdered at a bus stop in Las Vegas, in the wee hours of the morning. But things are not at all what they seem, as reporter Hudson Ambrose quickly discovers...
(This would have been easier to read if the author had identified the narrator at the beginning of each chapter, as the Point of View changed frequently.)
(This would have been easier to read if the author had identified the narrator at the beginning of each chapter, as the Point of View changed frequently.)
March 9, 2022
Excellent Christian suspense novel
This is a totally awesome suspense novel that absolutely kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time. A reporter gets involved in the murder of what looks like a homeless man but it turns out he is wealthy. Looking for a story he gets in way over his head and gets implicated in the murder.
This is a totally awesome suspense novel that absolutely kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time. A reporter gets involved in the murder of what looks like a homeless man but it turns out he is wealthy. Looking for a story he gets in way over his head and gets implicated in the murder.
January 21, 2022
Great Author!
I was completely taken in by this book. A page turner to the end. This is my first book by this author, and I was very impressed with his style and story. Really good. Can't wait to read more of his. Well worth it!
I was completely taken in by this book. A page turner to the end. This is my first book by this author, and I was very impressed with his style and story. Really good. Can't wait to read more of his. Well worth it!
April 30, 2023
I love a book I can't put down!
It is so refreshing to find a thrilling mystery book that is not full of vulgar language or descriptive sexual scenes. Mr. Mapes, you have a new fan! Can't wait to read the next one!
It is so refreshing to find a thrilling mystery book that is not full of vulgar language or descriptive sexual scenes. Mr. Mapes, you have a new fan! Can't wait to read the next one!
April 27, 2025
This was a nice read! Gave suspense and mystery which I always love. It weaves religion into it which I was not expecting but overall was a good read.
October 29, 2025
This tale has so many twists and turns and tension that it keeps you on the edge of your seat. You won’t want to put it down.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 165 reviews