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Spotlight: A Christian Thriller
When Faith and Pride Collide in the Spotlight"Engaging and layered." – Reader Views
“A Christian Thriller that really sets itself apart.” – The Indie Express
“A strong read for anyone who enjoys faith-based fiction with excitement and deeper meaning.”
– On a Reading Bender
“Honesty gives the book its weight.” – Texas Book Nook
“Christian themes mixed with drama and tension” – Novel News NetworkA clean mystery thriller of faith, music, and the spiritual war no one can see.
Famous drummer Charley Austin has a second chance by Lead the world-renowned Christian rock band DelivRus after a scandal that brought him to his knees. Beside him is Mia Johansen—prodigy songwriter, singer, and the band’s other heartbeat. But pride grips her heart, and it is not only Charley’s past that puts them at risk. What she carries threatens the relationship and DelivRus itself. Offstage, their love is still two artists struggling to be a couple and a team.
Then the order comes from the dark. DelivRus is never to perform or record again. Ever.
What follows is a riveting dark thriller—an edgy Christian suspense drama where political intrigue and spiritual warfare move in the shadows, and the stage becomes the battleground. Can the power of song, and the mystery of a lighthouse, pierce the darkness? When faith and pride collide, will Charley and Mia hold—or will evil exploit the fracture between them?
Fast-moving Christian novels don’t often mix a contemporary mystery with this kind of emotional and spiritual unseen enemies, a love still finding its footing, and a fight for truth before the lights go out. The songs of DelivRus may be the only light left.
If you want Christian thrillers and mysteries in the vein of books like Frank Peretti—spiritual warfare with faces, not lectures, and relationships as complicated as the battle—Spotlight is a Christian mystery & thriller built for readers who like their suspense clean and their hearts fully in the story.
As a bonus, the book includes five original songs.
Spotlight is Book Five in The Lighthouse series of award-winning Christian thrillers. The novel has been written to be enjoyed as a stand-alone read.
The Hidden SaboteurThe ChaseThe SnareRoad to NinevehSpotlight
“A Christian Thriller that really sets itself apart.” – The Indie Express
“A strong read for anyone who enjoys faith-based fiction with excitement and deeper meaning.”
– On a Reading Bender
“Honesty gives the book its weight.” – Texas Book Nook
“Christian themes mixed with drama and tension” – Novel News NetworkA clean mystery thriller of faith, music, and the spiritual war no one can see.
Famous drummer Charley Austin has a second chance by Lead the world-renowned Christian rock band DelivRus after a scandal that brought him to his knees. Beside him is Mia Johansen—prodigy songwriter, singer, and the band’s other heartbeat. But pride grips her heart, and it is not only Charley’s past that puts them at risk. What she carries threatens the relationship and DelivRus itself. Offstage, their love is still two artists struggling to be a couple and a team.
Then the order comes from the dark. DelivRus is never to perform or record again. Ever.
What follows is a riveting dark thriller—an edgy Christian suspense drama where political intrigue and spiritual warfare move in the shadows, and the stage becomes the battleground. Can the power of song, and the mystery of a lighthouse, pierce the darkness? When faith and pride collide, will Charley and Mia hold—or will evil exploit the fracture between them?
Fast-moving Christian novels don’t often mix a contemporary mystery with this kind of emotional and spiritual unseen enemies, a love still finding its footing, and a fight for truth before the lights go out. The songs of DelivRus may be the only light left.
If you want Christian thrillers and mysteries in the vein of books like Frank Peretti—spiritual warfare with faces, not lectures, and relationships as complicated as the battle—Spotlight is a Christian mystery & thriller built for readers who like their suspense clean and their hearts fully in the story.
As a bonus, the book includes five original songs.
Spotlight is Book Five in The Lighthouse series of award-winning Christian thrillers. The novel has been written to be enjoyed as a stand-alone read.
The Hidden SaboteurThe ChaseThe SnareRoad to NinevehSpotlight
362 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 31, 2025
About the author
Charles Besondy
9 books13 followersRiveting Stories Of The Spiritual Battle for Our Hearts
It all began as I sat uneasily in a high-back chair while 14 men in a semi-circle studied me intensely through dim candlelight rippled by rising smoke from white sage incense.
I was attending my first Christian men’s retreat. It was May 2015 a few days before my 65th birthday, and it was my turn to be in The Chair.
After long moments of silent prayer, each man, in turn, told me what the Holy Spirt was telling them to say as they studied me. I was not to respond – just listen and be present to their words.
Today, I can’t recall most of what was said to me in that room. What I do remember, because it struck such a powerful chord in me that night, was three of the men had said, “I see you as a tall shining beacon.”
I can assure you, up to that moment I didn’t see myself as anything close to a tall shining beacon – quite the contrary – but from that moment on I gradually began to see me as God intended. Something else happened that night in the cabin on the San Saba River in central Texas. Without me knowing it, the Holy Spirit had planted a seed that three years later would become my first novel, “The Hidden Saboteur.”
The seed began to sprout a single leaf the following year. At this time in my life, through the patient coaching of my wife and Bible study, I recognized how I was allowing my past to control who I was being. I had been believing a self-perceived lie that I wasn’t good enough for love, happiness, and success. I certainly wasn’t created that way by God – not good enough – so why was I believing it?
Once I realized the deception of that perception, it opened my eyes to how nearly everyone’s life is limited by similar lies – the “not good enough,” the “not worthy,” the “never can do it right.” I wondered what can I do to free people of the chains and limitations of the deception? That was the first leaf of the budding seed.
The second leaf sprung suddenly into my head one day while working in the yard. Three words, “the hidden saboteur,” summarized for me how Satan works inside each of us planting deceptive thoughts and beliefs that limit who we were created to be. Weeks later, another leaf of the seed appeared. This time in the shape of a vision. I saw a tall lighthouse with its lantern shining brightly out to sea.
Awareness of self-limiting deception, three words out the blue, and an image of a lighthouse – three ways the Holy Spirit grabbed my attention. And then I understood – I had to write a book.
Eighteen months later, “The Hidden Saboteur,” was released to encouraging reviews, and better yet, more story ideas were entering my head.
By January 2021 I had written four books in what had become the award-winning Lighthouse series of Christian fiction.
Readers comment that my books draw them close to the complex characters, thrill them with unexpected twists, and take them into vivid scenes. Many reviewers have noted their appreciation that Christian themes are apparent, uplifting, but not over-bearing.
In 2020 "The Hidden Saboteur" was awarded a Gold Medal for Christian Fiction in the 11th Annual Illumination awards for Christian literature (http://www.illuminationawards.com/15/...). In the same year the book won Honorable Mention for Christian Thriller in the annual Readers' Favorite Awards (https://readersfavorite.com/2020-awar...).
In 2021 "The Chase" received a Silver Award for Christian Mystery/Thrillers in the 12th Annual Illumination awards (https://www.illuminationawards.com/17..., the novel was a Finalist in the Fiction: Religious category of the 2021 American Book Fest awards.(http://americanbookfest.com/2021bbafu...).
It all began as I sat uneasily in a high-back chair while 14 men in a semi-circle studied me intensely through dim candlelight rippled by rising smoke from white sage incense.
I was attending my first Christian men’s retreat. It was May 2015 a few days before my 65th birthday, and it was my turn to be in The Chair.
After long moments of silent prayer, each man, in turn, told me what the Holy Spirt was telling them to say as they studied me. I was not to respond – just listen and be present to their words.
Today, I can’t recall most of what was said to me in that room. What I do remember, because it struck such a powerful chord in me that night, was three of the men had said, “I see you as a tall shining beacon.”
I can assure you, up to that moment I didn’t see myself as anything close to a tall shining beacon – quite the contrary – but from that moment on I gradually began to see me as God intended. Something else happened that night in the cabin on the San Saba River in central Texas. Without me knowing it, the Holy Spirit had planted a seed that three years later would become my first novel, “The Hidden Saboteur.”
The seed began to sprout a single leaf the following year. At this time in my life, through the patient coaching of my wife and Bible study, I recognized how I was allowing my past to control who I was being. I had been believing a self-perceived lie that I wasn’t good enough for love, happiness, and success. I certainly wasn’t created that way by God – not good enough – so why was I believing it?
Once I realized the deception of that perception, it opened my eyes to how nearly everyone’s life is limited by similar lies – the “not good enough,” the “not worthy,” the “never can do it right.” I wondered what can I do to free people of the chains and limitations of the deception? That was the first leaf of the budding seed.
The second leaf sprung suddenly into my head one day while working in the yard. Three words, “the hidden saboteur,” summarized for me how Satan works inside each of us planting deceptive thoughts and beliefs that limit who we were created to be. Weeks later, another leaf of the seed appeared. This time in the shape of a vision. I saw a tall lighthouse with its lantern shining brightly out to sea.
Awareness of self-limiting deception, three words out the blue, and an image of a lighthouse – three ways the Holy Spirit grabbed my attention. And then I understood – I had to write a book.
Eighteen months later, “The Hidden Saboteur,” was released to encouraging reviews, and better yet, more story ideas were entering my head.
By January 2021 I had written four books in what had become the award-winning Lighthouse series of Christian fiction.
Readers comment that my books draw them close to the complex characters, thrill them with unexpected twists, and take them into vivid scenes. Many reviewers have noted their appreciation that Christian themes are apparent, uplifting, but not over-bearing.
In 2020 "The Hidden Saboteur" was awarded a Gold Medal for Christian Fiction in the 11th Annual Illumination awards for Christian literature (http://www.illuminationawards.com/15/...). In the same year the book won Honorable Mention for Christian Thriller in the annual Readers' Favorite Awards (https://readersfavorite.com/2020-awar...).
In 2021 "The Chase" received a Silver Award for Christian Mystery/Thrillers in the 12th Annual Illumination awards (https://www.illuminationawards.com/17..., the novel was a Finalist in the Fiction: Religious category of the 2021 American Book Fest awards.(http://americanbookfest.com/2021bbafu...).
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
May 17, 2026
Spotlight by Charles Besondy is a Christian thriller and part of The Lighthouse series. As the story begins, it is the year 2041 in New York City. General Secretary Lucky Zebul is standing high above the skyline in the World Trade Center. He’s looking down at all his projects and what he calls his dominion. He presents himself as a calm and unifying global leader in a world affected by economic collapse. But Zebul is here to change all of that by moving the nations toward a single governing system and the Unmark currency. He seems to be a picture of stability for the world. But inside his private office, something different unfolds.
His secret angel, Phobley, comes bearing news that Charley Austin (Project C-682) has been given another chance and is recording a new album in Nashville. To Zebul, Charley, and this band, DelivRus poses a threat and problem to his agenda and must be eliminated for good. Charley is supported by his girlfriend, Mia Johansen (Project M-324), who reflects a powerful undercurrent of love and forgiveness. But Zebul pushes to regain control of the U.S. vote, which is critical, and it becomes clear that this runs deeper than a political struggle. Readers are in for a ride as deception, influences, and spiritual forces head towards a showdown.
I really enjoyed reading this Christian thriller, not just for the story itself, but for the level of intentional detail Charles Besondy put in his writing. There is nothing random about the names, numbers, or settings. They all seem to have spiritual significance. The names like Lucky Zebul and Phobley, or the project designations like C-682, all seem symbolic, like there is a separation of identity and influence. The same can be said for the setting like One World Trade Center in New York, which, in my opinion, represents a height of power. Then there is Washington, D.C., which seems to represent influence and larger decision-making.
Character development is another strength worth highlighting. The antagonist, Lucky Zebul, stood out from the very beginning. I immediately thought to myself, he was written to represent the antichrist. He comes with all of these solutions to the world’s problems, then he can do as he truly wishes. He’s calculated and forceful. His secret angel, Phobley, functions as the extension of Zebul’s system. But he didn’t come off as intimidating as Zebul. Then, the other side of these dark entities includes Charley, who is struggling with his past while trying to lead. Mia is steady and honest. She challenges Charley, not just to support him. Jerry serves as the balance, guidance, and restoration. Natalia and Pascal bring in practicality, addressing concerns of image, the direction of the band, and trust. Besondy did a great job showing the stark contrast between the antagonists and protagonists. It really shaped the story around spiritual warfare and good versus evil.
I appreciate how the plot was developed around spiritual conflict, personal restoration, and political influence. The pacing mirrored the steadiness of life from day to day. There is constant movement throughout the narrative. But it’s balanced enough so that we don’t lose sight of the premise. On the one hand, we see this global push for control, and then we see the unfolding plot to destroy anything that is a threat to Zebul’s goal. But there is also enough space to show the characters’ day-to-day conversations and struggles.
There were a lot of standout scenes that I enjoyed. For example, it was interesting to see how Phobley worked to sabotage things, whether big or small, concerning Charley and Mia. He becomes a rideshare driver to pass the time while in Nashville by “meddling in the lives of the local Projects he transported.” While I wasn’t necessarily rooting for his character, I did feel the pressure Phobley was under with Zebul. He needed to be able to report back a successful execution, or things were not going to be good for him. Another standout scene for me was in chapter sixty-six after the bomb scare. DelivRus is making headlines, and Phobley can hardly contain himself while he’s in the café. What really hit me the most was how he realized the music is still pushing people to act. You hear the protests and the crowd operating on a spiritually inspired level like no other.
Overall, Spotlight fits squarely in the Christian thriller genre. But it also blends elements of political suspense, music-driven influence, and spiritual warfare. Besondy did well moving between global power plays and personal transformations. Fans of Joel C. Rosenburg’s The Last Jihad would find every reason to connect with Spotlight. It has all the elements of current events and spiritual themes. It is engaging and layered. It goes beyond surface-level suspense and invites readers to really think about what it means to stand firm in their beliefs when under pressure.
His secret angel, Phobley, comes bearing news that Charley Austin (Project C-682) has been given another chance and is recording a new album in Nashville. To Zebul, Charley, and this band, DelivRus poses a threat and problem to his agenda and must be eliminated for good. Charley is supported by his girlfriend, Mia Johansen (Project M-324), who reflects a powerful undercurrent of love and forgiveness. But Zebul pushes to regain control of the U.S. vote, which is critical, and it becomes clear that this runs deeper than a political struggle. Readers are in for a ride as deception, influences, and spiritual forces head towards a showdown.
I really enjoyed reading this Christian thriller, not just for the story itself, but for the level of intentional detail Charles Besondy put in his writing. There is nothing random about the names, numbers, or settings. They all seem to have spiritual significance. The names like Lucky Zebul and Phobley, or the project designations like C-682, all seem symbolic, like there is a separation of identity and influence. The same can be said for the setting like One World Trade Center in New York, which, in my opinion, represents a height of power. Then there is Washington, D.C., which seems to represent influence and larger decision-making.
Character development is another strength worth highlighting. The antagonist, Lucky Zebul, stood out from the very beginning. I immediately thought to myself, he was written to represent the antichrist. He comes with all of these solutions to the world’s problems, then he can do as he truly wishes. He’s calculated and forceful. His secret angel, Phobley, functions as the extension of Zebul’s system. But he didn’t come off as intimidating as Zebul. Then, the other side of these dark entities includes Charley, who is struggling with his past while trying to lead. Mia is steady and honest. She challenges Charley, not just to support him. Jerry serves as the balance, guidance, and restoration. Natalia and Pascal bring in practicality, addressing concerns of image, the direction of the band, and trust. Besondy did a great job showing the stark contrast between the antagonists and protagonists. It really shaped the story around spiritual warfare and good versus evil.
I appreciate how the plot was developed around spiritual conflict, personal restoration, and political influence. The pacing mirrored the steadiness of life from day to day. There is constant movement throughout the narrative. But it’s balanced enough so that we don’t lose sight of the premise. On the one hand, we see this global push for control, and then we see the unfolding plot to destroy anything that is a threat to Zebul’s goal. But there is also enough space to show the characters’ day-to-day conversations and struggles.
There were a lot of standout scenes that I enjoyed. For example, it was interesting to see how Phobley worked to sabotage things, whether big or small, concerning Charley and Mia. He becomes a rideshare driver to pass the time while in Nashville by “meddling in the lives of the local Projects he transported.” While I wasn’t necessarily rooting for his character, I did feel the pressure Phobley was under with Zebul. He needed to be able to report back a successful execution, or things were not going to be good for him. Another standout scene for me was in chapter sixty-six after the bomb scare. DelivRus is making headlines, and Phobley can hardly contain himself while he’s in the café. What really hit me the most was how he realized the music is still pushing people to act. You hear the protests and the crowd operating on a spiritually inspired level like no other.
Overall, Spotlight fits squarely in the Christian thriller genre. But it also blends elements of political suspense, music-driven influence, and spiritual warfare. Besondy did well moving between global power plays and personal transformations. Fans of Joel C. Rosenburg’s The Last Jihad would find every reason to connect with Spotlight. It has all the elements of current events and spiritual themes. It is engaging and layered. It goes beyond surface-level suspense and invites readers to really think about what it means to stand firm in their beliefs when under pressure.
January 16, 2026
The fifth book in the Lighthouse series was everything I expected from the masterful pen and steadfast heart of Charles Besondy… and more! The spiritual battle continues, this time through pride and that pesky desire to steal the glory from others and God. Jealousy, deception, fear and other negative emotions are part of the bundle. Besondy skillfully and flawlessly threads the title of the book within the tapestry of a divine, mundane and geographical lighthouse. Without being preachy, the author shares the Gospel through the emotional and spiritual struggles faced by the main protagonists—Charley and Mia. The invisible warfare, craftily and relentlessly engineered by Lucky Zebul and his minions adds piquant twists and turns. And you’ll love the humor at Phobley’s expense! As if all of this was not enough, you get to enjoy the songs composed by Charley and Mia for the Christian rock band, DelivRus. Yes! Charles Besondy has talent! You’ll savor the variety of genre and how the songs move your heart and feet! If I had to choose a favorite, it would be a toss between “A New Song” and “Pull Back My Hand.” https://charlesbesondy.com/songs-by-d... Enjoy reading and listening!
March 15, 2026
Spotlight continues Charles Besondy’s masterful storytelling of the Austin family and the fight for their souls between Good and Evil.
It is a spellbinding tale that is difficult to put down as it vividly paints the story, placing the reader at the center of the action.
After reading Spotlight, if you haven't read the other books in the series yet, I have suggestions. Read book #4, Road to Nineveh, or start with book #1, The Hidden Saboteur.
Regardless of your choice, you’ll thoroughly enjoy each book in Besondy’s Lighthouse series.
Richard V. Battle, multi-award-winning author, including the AmeriCANS Who Made America series
It is a spellbinding tale that is difficult to put down as it vividly paints the story, placing the reader at the center of the action.
After reading Spotlight, if you haven't read the other books in the series yet, I have suggestions. Read book #4, Road to Nineveh, or start with book #1, The Hidden Saboteur.
Regardless of your choice, you’ll thoroughly enjoy each book in Besondy’s Lighthouse series.
Richard V. Battle, multi-award-winning author, including the AmeriCANS Who Made America series
April 9, 2026
Spotlight by Charles Besondy is an engaging Christian thriller that blends music, faith, and suspense. The story follows Charley and Mia as they come back together to revive their famous band, but things quickly become more complicated than they expected.
The book does a great job of showing both the external challenges they face and their inner struggles, like pride and doubt. This makes the characters feel real and easy to connect with. The fast pacing keeps the story interesting from beginning to end.
Overall, this is a strong read for anyone who enjoys faith-based fiction with a bit of excitement and deeper meaning.
The book does a great job of showing both the external challenges they face and their inner struggles, like pride and doubt. This makes the characters feel real and easy to connect with. The fast pacing keeps the story interesting from beginning to end.
Overall, this is a strong read for anyone who enjoys faith-based fiction with a bit of excitement and deeper meaning.
April 14, 2026
A Christian Thriller that really set itself apart. What starts as a hopeful comeback tour for these musicians quickly turns dangerous, with both personal struggles and bigger spiritual battles threatening them.
The story is fast-paced and keeps you turning pages with a mix of emotional tension, music, and suspense.
It’s more than just the tour and the songs, the music in this book represents hope, faith, and resilience.
The book is heavy on Christian themes and spiritual ideas, so it will appeal most to readers who enjoy faith-based stories. It's got a little of everything though and can appeal to many genres.
The story is fast-paced and keeps you turning pages with a mix of emotional tension, music, and suspense.
It’s more than just the tour and the songs, the music in this book represents hope, faith, and resilience.
The book is heavy on Christian themes and spiritual ideas, so it will appeal most to readers who enjoy faith-based stories. It's got a little of everything though and can appeal to many genres.
May 1, 2026
At its core, the story explores what it means to be seen.
The pacing is steady, giving you time to sit with the characters and understand their inner struggles.
What stands out most is how the author handles vulnerability. The characters aren’t polished or perfect, they make choices that feel frustratingly human. That honesty gives the book its weight.
The writing itself is clear and reflective, without overcomplicating things.
The pacing is steady, giving you time to sit with the characters and understand their inner struggles.
What stands out most is how the author handles vulnerability. The characters aren’t polished or perfect, they make choices that feel frustratingly human. That honesty gives the book its weight.
The writing itself is clear and reflective, without overcomplicating things.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews