Souljourner: A Karmic Crime Story

by Paul Steven Stone

Where to start with Souljourner? Let’s start with the author… Paul Steven Stone is either a madman or a genius – probably both – and he’s written one of the most gripping and enjoyable books we’ve ever come across. It begins with a quote from Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, “We are not human beings on a spiritual journey, we are spiritual beings on a human journey.”– and that my friends sets the tone for everything that’s to come .David Rockwood Worthington is in prison serving a life sentence for the murder of his 3rd wife and his incarceration is not going smoothly. He’s being terrorized by rival gangs who insist he owes them each $6 million dollars – debts of which David claims to be entirely unaware. This perilous situation is complicated by the fact that the Internal Revenue Service wants to talk to him about the $18 million dollars he has stashed in secret Cayman Island accounts – accounts which David also claims to be entirely unknown to him. On top of all that, his prison psychologist doesn’t seem to like him very much. The central premise of this novel — if it is indeed a novel (the narrator insists it is a warning letter from your soul’s previous incarnation) — is that our souls make their eternal journey towards enlightenment in the company of a single unchanging ‘karmic pod’ of companion souls who take on different roles in each of our incarnations. In one life a soul may appear as your mother, in the next your best friend, in the next your sworn enemy, in the next your lover and so on for eternity. The identities of the souls in your ‘karmic pod’ are hidden from you in life – this letter/novel seeks to wise you up to who’s who in your karmic pod to help you avoid making the same mistakes that landed our David in prison. SOULJOURNER is a cult-classic in the making. It is by turns bizarre, bewildering, hilarious, infuriating and utterly engaging – strap yourself in and prepare to be swept up in this extraordinary karmic rollercoaster of a book.

397 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 24, 2025

Reviews

[Karen Mace · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 9 of my 20 Books of Summer 2022.

If you're looking for a book that excites and takes you off on all different tangents, then look no further!! I found this to be a fabulously quirky read, that looks into the roles of 'karma' and unreliable narrators and it took me to places I still don't think I've arrived back from!!

David is a the heart of the story - in jail for murdering his 3rd wife - and being targeted by gangs for money they claim he owes them, while also being investigated by the IRS about the millions they claim he's hiding from them.... he swears he knows nothing about any money! Do we dare believe a 'murderer'?!

The narration is top notch - you're being 'chatted' to and on the premise that you are here reading this book for a reason - fate has bought this book into your life at this time for a reason! And that begins the journey of looking into reincarnations and all things happening for a reason to bring you to certain points in your life. Is it payback for sins committed in a previous life?

With David being in jail, he has plenty of time on his hands to think and that starts his look back over the people and circumstances in his life that leads him to this point, and I loved that conflict he finds himself in as he tries to make sense of it all.

We also hear the viewpoint of Dr Robert who is interviewing David, and gets him to open up more about relationships and to try and explain why he has blackouts and no memories of the events that led him to jail. And there are interjections from his dead wives, adding their take on matters, and what you're left with is a mash up of conflicts and confusion!

Added to the mix are plenty of Beatles mentions that had me reaching for a Beatles playlist, and a shock ending that caught me off guard!! Can't wait to go back and read this one again to enjoy the creativity and karmic madness!! Fabuous!

[Snoakes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Souljourner is the story of David Rockwood Worthington, currently languishing in jail for the murder of his third wife and one true love.

David is a member of the Seekers for Truth - a school of spiritual development that believes in reincarnation. Seekers are known as souljourners and believe that in each lifetime they will encounter their karmic pod, a group of soul mates inexorably drawn together. As such, David is writing this novel as a letter to the next incarnation of his soul, believing that if his intention is strong enough, it will inevitably fall into the hands of the right reader.

He's not the most reliable of narrators, especially if you believe the interjections from some of the other characters that find their way into these pages. These are from his wives and his prison psychotherapist and offer an alternative perspective of events from David's self-obsessed and often rambling view of the world. But they can't all be telling the truth...

It's an entertaining read with an original premise - recommended if you fancy something a little bit different.

[Kimberly Faith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Souljourner: A Karmic Crime Story is a spiritual thriller that unravels the mystery behind one's adventure during his soul journey, well written by Paul Steven Stone. This is a work of fiction that questioned David's Karmic Pod which claimed that revenge can lead to reincarnation and any mistake made by one's soul in his soul journey will create negative mystery during his life journey.

David blames Blossom for the death of anna truesdal his third wife and the woman he calls the love of his life, after accepting to be the killer of his wife claiming he was unconscious and had no knowledge of how it happened led to questions like, what was anna's relationship with blossom? would it be that they were spirit twins? in this cult classic novel blossom disagrees with the blame and called David a liar and a murderer for killing his wife and two kids, David went to prison and was giving a prison psychotherapist, who starts to imitate his life, David discovered about Blossom's business with the gangsters that threatened him for owing them money and he would be killed if he doesn't pay back even while he was in prison, David claims he has no idea about such money, this led him wanting to know more about everything that happened in his life as a soul journer.

I enjoyed this book from cover to cover, blossom calls David a lousy father and a killer, blaming him for the lives of her children byanca and mykhail made me so stunned and a little bit confused, knowing David was not in love with Blossom made the story so clear on blossom statement towards a soul mate and it made this book an anti-love thriller

I did not like that this book contains a lot of vulgar and scary grammar, the author may arouse fear from readers because of the scary words, and I noticed typing errors while I was reading,e.g on page 29, I realized Blossom had accumulated such a staggering sum of money without“my” knowing it, for that I rate Souljorners a 4 out of 5 stars

Readers who are fans of spiritual thrillers may not enjoy this book, and for that, I recommend this book to those interested in learning about karmic pods and the mystery behind one's adventure as a souljourner.

[J.A.C Workplace · Rating 4 out of 5]

Souljourner: A Karmic Crime Story is a spiritual thriller that unravels the mystery behind one's adventure during his soul journey, well written by Paul Steven Stone. This is a work of fiction that questioned David's Karmic Pod which claimed that revenge can lead to reincarnation and any mistake made by one's soul in his soul journey will create negative mystery during his life journey.

David blames Blossom for the death of anna truesdal his third wife and the woman he calls the love of his life, after accepting to be the killer of his wife claiming he was unconscious and had no knowledge of how it happened led to questions like, what was anna's relationship with blossom? would it be that they were spirit twins? in this cult classic novel blossom disagrees with the blame and called David a liar and a murderer for killing his wife and two kids, David went to prison and was giving a prison psychotherapist, who starts to imitate his life, David discovered about Blossom's business with the gangsters that threatened him for owing them money and he would be killed if he doesn't pay back even while he was in prison, David claims he has no idea about such money, this led him wanting to know more about everything that happened in his life as a soul journer.

I enjoyed this book from cover to cover, blossom calls David a lousy father and a killer, blaming him for the lives of her children byanca and mykhail made me so stunned and a little bit confused, knowing David was not in love with Blossom made the story so clear on blossom statement towards a soul mate and it made this book an anti-love thriller

I did not like that this book contains a lot of vulgar and scary grammar, the author may arouse fear from readers because of the scary words, and I noticed typing errors while I was reading,e.g on page 29, I realized Blossom had accumulated such a staggering sum of money without“my” knowing it, for that I rate Souljorners a 4 out of 5 stars

Readers who are fans of spiritual thrillers may not enjoy this book, and for that, I recommend this book to those interested in learning about karmic pods and the mystery behind one's adventure as a souljourner.

[Merine Trobler · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked this up expecting a typical crime story and was blown away. The suspense in this book is relentless. From the prison elevator scene to the lurking threat of gangs and Blossom’s vengeful spirit, I was constantly on edge. The pacing is incredible, moving between tense action, clever dialogue, and unexpected humor.

What I loved most was how David reacts to danger, he’s not a superhero, but he survives through intelligence, wit, and a kind of absurd courage that makes you root for him even in the craziest scenarios. The descriptions of the prison, the convicts, and the basement were so vivid I could almost smell the place. And just when you think you have a handle on what’s happening, the supernatural twist pulls the rug out from under you. If you like thrillers with unpredictable turns, dark comedy, and a protagonist who’s as clever as he is flawed, this book is a must-read.

[Bianca Ramirez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This isn’t just a novel, it’s an experience. From the opening chapters where the narrator directly addresses you as the next incarnation of his soul, I felt both unsettled and strangely seen. The metafictional approach could have felt gimmicky, but instead it becomes deeply intimate. The idea that the book is “waiting” for its destined reader is haunting in the best way. What stayed with me most was how the spiritual philosophy intertwines with painfully human flaws, failed marriages, infidelity, ego, grief, alcoholism, the death of a child. The reincarnation framework doesn’t float above reality; it collides with it. The sections about Carolyn, Maggie’s death, and the emotional unraveling of the narrator are raw and unflinching. This is the kind of book that makes you pause mid-page and stare into space for a while.

[Laura Mck · Rating 5 out of 5]

This feels like a rupture in the book’s voice, and I mean that as praise. Blossom’s rant is chaotic, accusatory, and intentionally rough, but beneath the broken grammar is a devastating critique of performative remorse. The repetition of “sorry” becomes almost mocking, stripping confession of its redemptive power. What I appreciated most is how the text weaponizes unreliability, Blossom may be unstable, but the questions raised about David’s character, violence, and habitual lying linger long after the page ends. By the time the warning,“If you smart, you not read this book” appears, it feels less like sarcasm and more like a challenge. This section deepened the moral tension of the story in a way I didn’t expect. Awesome Book!

[Emma Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

SOULJOURNER is one of the most unusual novels I’ve read in a long time. It blends spiritual discourse (karma, reincarnation, gurus, soul migration) with brutally honest confessions about love, betrayal, rage, and guilt. The narrator is not particularly likable and that’s intentional. He admits to moral failures, to being manipulative, even violent. His reflections on his marriage to Carolyn and her emotional affair with a teenage patient are uncomfortable but compelling. The book asks whether trauma and betrayal are karmic inevitabilities or simply human weakness. It’s philosophical but never sterile. It’s confessional but never self-pitying. Definitely not a light read, but worth the mental and emotional investment.

[Olivia Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Most “spiritual novels” feel safe. This one doesn’t. From the second chapter onward, when the narrator claims you the reader are his soul’s next incarnation, the book breaks the fourth wall in a way that’s unsettling and oddly exhilarating. The teachings of The Bapucharya, the pearl-on-a-necklace metaphor of reincarnation, and the critique of conventional Western thinking give the story philosophical depth. But what makes it powerful is how spirituality clashes with ego. The narrator’s marriages especially the unraveling of his relationship with Carolyn after Maggie’s death reveal how fragile enlightenment becomes when confronted with jealousy and loss. This novel doesn’t preach. It provokes.

[Zoey Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chapter Thirteen reads like a confession filtered through memory and belief. The narrator’s insistence that his marriage began as a prearranged soul agreement makes the later betrayal feel almost sacrilegious within the book’s spiritual logic. I found myself questioning how much of this framing is wisdom and how much is self-protection. The emotional shift, from erotic certainty to grief, resentment, and blackout feels abrupt but true to lived experience. This chapter doesn’t resolve anything; instead, it complicates the story’s ideas about fate, love, and responsibility in a way that lingers.

[Bessie Lawson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chapter Thirteen reads like a confession filtered through memory and belief. The narrator’s insistence that his marriage began as a prearranged soul agreement makes the later betrayal feel almost sacrilegious within the book’s spiritual logic. I found myself questioning how much of this framing is wisdom and how much is self-protection.

The emotional shift from erotic certainty to grief, resentment, and blackout feels abrupt but true to lived experience. This chapter doesn’t resolve anything; instead, it complicates the story’s ideas about fate, love, and responsibility in a way that lingers.

[Tony · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is bold in a way that feels rare. Instead of slowly easing the reader into its spiritual framework, SOULJOURNER looks you straight in the eye and says: this was written for you, whether you’re ready or not. I loved how reincarnation is treated not as a gimmick but as a structural foundation for the entire narrative. The references to Eastern teachers and the idea of the soul migrating through countless lives are woven in naturally, not academically. By the end of the chapter, I wasn’t convinced, but I was deeply intrigued. Chapter Two succeeds because it doesn’t demand belief; it invites contemplation.

[Ava Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

What fascinated me most about SOULJOURNER was how it refuses to separate the mystical from the mundane. Reincarnation isn’t treated as a vague abstraction, it’s presented as an active force shaping marriages, betrayals, tragedies, even personality traits passed across lifetimes. The writing shifts between poetic reflection and blunt confession. The scenes surrounding Carolyn’s emotional entanglement with Wendy, and the narrator’s reaction, are layered with denial, anger, and self-examination. You can feel the psychological fracture happening in real time. This is a novel about destiny, but also about accountability. And that tension makes it compelling.

[Isabella Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

SOULJOURNER asks a radical question: what if you are not who you think you are not just socially, but spiritually? The narrator’s voice is hypnotic, sometimes arrogant, often vulnerable. He speaks of karma and incarnation as inevitabilities, yet his own life is riddled with poor choices, fractured relationships, and emotional chaos. The death of his daughter Maggie is especially devastating and becomes a spiritual and psychological breaking point. This isn’t a neat, tidy enlightenment story. It’s messy. It’s uncomfortable. It’s introspective. It forces you to consider whether identity survives across lifetimes and whether our emotional patterns do too. A challenging and memorable read.

[Smith Mercy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Souljourner is one of those rare books that completely defies convention, part crime thriller, part spiritual manifesto, and wholly unforgettable. Paul Steven Stone weaves incarceration, hidden millions, karmic destiny, and soul contracts into a narrative that is as mind-bending as it is darkly entertaining. Bold, bizarre, and brilliantly original, this is a story that lingers long after the final page and challenges you to rethink who’s really writing the script of your life.

[Abosede O · Rating 5 out of 5]

Souljourner pulled me in right away. I thought I was reading a prison drama, then suddenly I was thinking about the people in my own life and whether we’ve met before. That idea stayed with me all week.

[Selene · Rating 5 out of 5]

During our Silent Book Club NYC meeting, we all agreed that Souljourner deserves a visual life. The story’s energy, the prison scenes, the whole karmic-pod idea, it’s cinematic. A short trailer would pull in so many curious readers.

[Ian Ayris · Rating 5 out of 5]

An extraordinary book.

Review to come . . .

[Bella Ray · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book could reach even more readers if there were a short visual trailer. The story is so cinematic that a preview would instantly grab attention.

[Rina Olawuyi · Rating 5 out of 5]

The concept of a ‘karmic pod’ blew my mind. It’s wild to think that the same souls might return in new roles. I kept talking about it with friends after the event.

[Tina T. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Paul Steven Stone balances humor, suspense, and philosophy so naturally. One moment I was laughing at David’s situation, the next I was reflecting on my own choices.

[Judy Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The group loved the energy of this book. It’s bizarre, intense, and deeply human. We all agreed it would make an incredible short film or trailer, something visual to match its energy.

[Bethany Benker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I never expected a ‘karmic crime story’ to feel so relatable. The writing challenges you, but also entertains you. Easily one of the most original stories we’ve featured.

[Judy Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The narrator’s voice is unforgettable. It feels like someone whispering a cosmic secret directly to you.

[Marcus Lane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Souljourner isn’t just a story, it’s an experience. Thank you, Paul, for letting Silent Book Club NYC share it first.

[Juliana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Our group couldn’t stop talking about how vivid the characters are. You can see every scene play out. A short video trailer could capture that surreal mix of mystery and spirituality perfectly.

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

The way Paul ties crime, karma, and humor together is so unexpected. It made several of us rethink the idea of justice beyond this lifetime.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Souljourner is the kind of book that stays with you. It’s funny, unsettling, and wise all at once. Everyone at our table said the same thing, This one feels like a cult classic waiting to happen.

[Ivy Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

I kept thinking about David even after the event ended. His situation feels symbolic of how we all face our past actions. The discussion that night got deep fast.

[Merine Trobler · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked this up expecting a typical crime story and was blown away. The suspense in this book is relentless. From the prison elevator scene to the lurking threat of gangs and Blossom’s vengeful spirit, I was constantly on edge. The pacing is incredible, moving between tense action, clever dialogue, and unexpected humor.

What I loved most was how David reacts to danger, he’s not a superhero, but he survives through intelligence, wit, and a kind of absurd courage that makes you root for him even in the craziest scenarios. The descriptions of the prison, the convicts, and the basement were so vivid I could almost smell the place. And just when you think you have a handle on what’s happening, the supernatural twist pulls the rug out from under you. If you like thrillers with unpredictable turns, dark comedy, and a protagonist who’s as clever as he is flawed, this book is a must-read.