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Sapphire Island: A Novel of Suspense
One man pulls every string—and cuts them when necessary.On the deceptively calm shores of Florida’s Sapphire Island, amid postcard-perfect beaches and gleaming mansions, business mogul Arnold Thornberry III quietly shapes every decision and every outcome. Few dare to question him. Even fewer survive crossing him.
Pastor Nick Landstrom arrives on Sapphire Island searching for renewal after personal tragedy leaves him questioning everything he once believed. But hope proves elusive when a runaway girl shows up at his door, and Nick senses trouble in her wake that may be tied to the past he’s trying to outrun.
Rhonda Weathers, a talented artist eager for a fresh start after a painful divorce, believes life on Sapphire Island might finally settle her soul. Instead, she becomes caught up in mysteries no one seems willing to explain—and a justice system that feels disturbingly biased.
As Nick and Rhonda’s paths cross, they begin to suspect the island’s secrets may be more sinister than they imagined. And on Sapphire Island, asking the wrong questions can make you the next problem to be erased.
A tense, character-driven thriller set in a seemingly tranquil seaside town, Sapphire Island is perfect for fans of John Grisham, Christy Barritt, Dean Koontz, and Mary Higgins Clark.
Pastor Nick Landstrom arrives on Sapphire Island searching for renewal after personal tragedy leaves him questioning everything he once believed. But hope proves elusive when a runaway girl shows up at his door, and Nick senses trouble in her wake that may be tied to the past he’s trying to outrun.
Rhonda Weathers, a talented artist eager for a fresh start after a painful divorce, believes life on Sapphire Island might finally settle her soul. Instead, she becomes caught up in mysteries no one seems willing to explain—and a justice system that feels disturbingly biased.
As Nick and Rhonda’s paths cross, they begin to suspect the island’s secrets may be more sinister than they imagined. And on Sapphire Island, asking the wrong questions can make you the next problem to be erased.
A tense, character-driven thriller set in a seemingly tranquil seaside town, Sapphire Island is perfect for fans of John Grisham, Christy Barritt, Dean Koontz, and Mary Higgins Clark.
272 pages, Paperback
Published May 8, 2026
About the author
Creston Mapes
125 books545 followersCreston 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.
For eBooks, audiobooks, paperbacks, and hardbacks: amazon.com/author/crestonmapes
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.
For eBooks, audiobooks, paperbacks, and hardbacks: amazon.com/author/crestonmapes
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
July 6, 2026
Enjoyable suspense novel with a good faith message and a splash of romance.
June 9, 2026
What an excellent suspense story. Nick, a pastor, and Rhonda, recently divorced, are brought together when they discover and unravel corruption in Sapphire Island while navigating grief and healing. Sapphire Island has a wonderful plot, well-written characters, faith elements, and 4 POVS.
June 4, 2026
Loved this book! Beautiful & encouraging words from scripture on how to get through tough seasons of life that the characters had deeply gone through! So many wonderful promises to trust God in the toughest valleys…He is there and cares deeply for you & has you in His plan despite your circumstances!!
June 5, 2026
Captivating
What a wonderful work of Christian fiction. It's a thrilling thriller, adventure and romance book rolled into one amazing faith filled book.
I highly recommend it and you won't be disappointed.
What a wonderful work of Christian fiction. It's a thrilling thriller, adventure and romance book rolled into one amazing faith filled book.
I highly recommend it and you won't be disappointed.
June 1, 2026
Just wow!
I knew that author Mapes can write wonderful stories so it's no surprise that this one is just wonderful.. Edge of your seat situations, suspense ,and surprises all through the story.
And a rather nice romance budding .
I hope there might be a #2 story.
Highly recommend, don't miss this one!
I knew that author Mapes can write wonderful stories so it's no surprise that this one is just wonderful.. Edge of your seat situations, suspense ,and surprises all through the story.
And a rather nice romance budding .
I hope there might be a #2 story.
Highly recommend, don't miss this one!
June 3, 2026
Another high-impact thriller
Unputdownable. I zipped through this book like a hurricane through Florida. Lots of twists and turns with a surprise ending. Wouldn’t mind a sequel to this because of the engaging characters and captivating setting.
Unputdownable. I zipped through this book like a hurricane through Florida. Lots of twists and turns with a surprise ending. Wouldn’t mind a sequel to this because of the engaging characters and captivating setting.
June 4, 2026
It was a good read. I feel like it ended too quickly. I do love this author's stories though. Clean read and some good action.
June 1, 2026
Twists
Creston Mapes Is one of my very favorite authors. You can always count on him To fill his stories with Twists and turns that you don't see coming. In this novel he ties Lives together in a way that you don't see it until all of a sudden at dawns on you How one life has impacted another. Thank you Mister Mapes For a very enjoyable read!
Creston Mapes Is one of my very favorite authors. You can always count on him To fill his stories with Twists and turns that you don't see coming. In this novel he ties Lives together in a way that you don't see it until all of a sudden at dawns on you How one life has impacted another. Thank you Mister Mapes For a very enjoyable read!
May 31, 2026
Another great Mapes mystery
A clean, interesting mystery with several “bad guys” to keep track of. So you never knew how things would end. I’m a Creston Mapes fan so look forward to more of his mysteries to come.
A clean, interesting mystery with several “bad guys” to keep track of. So you never knew how things would end. I’m a Creston Mapes fan so look forward to more of his mysteries to come.
May 31, 2026
Another intriguing story from Creston Mapes!
I'm telling you , I snap up every book that I find that Creston Mapes has written! They are so good And told so well and I feel it Grab a hold of me. This was another great one! Don't let it get away!
I'm telling you , I snap up every book that I find that Creston Mapes has written! They are so good And told so well and I feel it Grab a hold of me. This was another great one! Don't let it get away!
May 29, 2026
Another Great Read
Creston Mapes has once again crafted a compelling narrative that captivates from the first page. The intricate character development and gripping storyline showcase his masterful storytelling, making this novel an absolute page-turner that keeps readers thoroughly engaged until the very end.
Creston Mapes has once again crafted a compelling narrative that captivates from the first page. The intricate character development and gripping storyline showcase his masterful storytelling, making this novel an absolute page-turner that keeps readers thoroughly engaged until the very end.
May 30, 2026
excellent dirty sheriff and surprises
I really enjoyed this excellent suspense. It kept me turning pages! Good characters and faith thread. No romance but maybe a hint of it.
I really enjoyed this excellent suspense. It kept me turning pages! Good characters and faith thread. No romance but maybe a hint of it.
May 28, 2026
God can work it out! even though the pain
What another good story to keep you looking for the next step. There was just so many interesting ideas and lessons to look at. And the suspense was building up just like the storm. But the end was really nice !!
What another good story to keep you looking for the next step. There was just so many interesting ideas and lessons to look at. And the suspense was building up just like the storm. But the end was really nice !!
May 28, 2026
Not very big (thick) but packed with plenty of action
May 25, 2026
Sapphire Island
As usual, Creston Mapes has done it again! God has a plan for each and every one of us, even if we don't always understand why things happen as they do, good or bad. There were a lot of twists and turns in this book, but things worked out ok
As usual, Creston Mapes has done it again! God has a plan for each and every one of us, even if we don't always understand why things happen as they do, good or bad. There were a lot of twists and turns in this book, but things worked out ok
July 1, 2026
Creston Mapes’ latest suspense novel, Sapphire Island, takes readers to a location off the coast of Florida and into the lives of those living in a tiny island town. The characters seem familiar in their ordinary lives, but just below the surface, each carries a complexity that drives the story forward.
Pastor Nick Landstrom has lost his wife and young child to a mysterious home fire. His despair leads him to the placid island with the hope of starting over. Once settled, however, he discovers that the town is not as peaceful as he imagined. There are dark secrets and unexplained tragedies.
This character-driven thriller keeps the reader guessing until the end. I couldn’t put it down and read the story in one sitting. Christian themes interweave with heart-pounding situations, evoking personal reflection. If you enjoy fast-paced and tense novels, this may be one for you. The action, the threads of hope, and the story's cleverness kept me turning the pages.
Pastor Nick Landstrom has lost his wife and young child to a mysterious home fire. His despair leads him to the placid island with the hope of starting over. Once settled, however, he discovers that the town is not as peaceful as he imagined. There are dark secrets and unexplained tragedies.
This character-driven thriller keeps the reader guessing until the end. I couldn’t put it down and read the story in one sitting. Christian themes interweave with heart-pounding situations, evoking personal reflection. If you enjoy fast-paced and tense novels, this may be one for you. The action, the threads of hope, and the story's cleverness kept me turning the pages.
June 1, 2026
My husband and I listened to this book on a road trip. He was so drawn into the book's world that he found it hard to concentrate on driving! As usual, Creston Mapes builds suspense and adds a few surprises here and there. I'm not sure if this is the first book in a series or a stand-alone novel, but in Mapes' previous series, we get to know the characters better with each book, and they become like old friends.
A word about Virtual Voice: Virtual Voice may be a quick and inexpensive way for authors to turn their digital print books into audiobooks. The trade-off is a narration voice that lacks the proper emotion and mispronounces words, especially place names. Hopefully, this will improve with the evolution of AI. For now, it allowed us to listen to a Kindle (Unlimited) book while using a driving app on a phone.
A word about Virtual Voice: Virtual Voice may be a quick and inexpensive way for authors to turn their digital print books into audiobooks. The trade-off is a narration voice that lacks the proper emotion and mispronounces words, especially place names. Hopefully, this will improve with the evolution of AI. For now, it allowed us to listen to a Kindle (Unlimited) book while using a driving app on a phone.
June 3, 2026
Sapphire Island by Creston Mapes is a tense Christian suspense novel set on what seems like a peaceful island hiding darker secrets beneath the surface.
Pastor Nick Landstrom arrives carrying grief and spiritual doubt, and his attempt to start over quickly pulls him into troubling events after he crosses paths with a runaway girl. His struggle to reconcile faith, purpose, and responsibility gives the story its emotional core.
Rhonda Weathers, an artist rebuilding after divorce, adds another layer of vulnerability as she becomes entangled in the island's hidden power dynamics. Her storyline pairs well with Nick's as both begin to realize the island's promise of renewal may be misleading.
While the pacing is slow at times, the character development and growing sense of unease keep the story engaging, with faith themes woven naturally into the narrative.
Pastor Nick Landstrom arrives carrying grief and spiritual doubt, and his attempt to start over quickly pulls him into troubling events after he crosses paths with a runaway girl. His struggle to reconcile faith, purpose, and responsibility gives the story its emotional core.
Rhonda Weathers, an artist rebuilding after divorce, adds another layer of vulnerability as she becomes entangled in the island's hidden power dynamics. Her storyline pairs well with Nick's as both begin to realize the island's promise of renewal may be misleading.
While the pacing is slow at times, the character development and growing sense of unease keep the story engaging, with faith themes woven naturally into the narrative.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Set near the beach where some of my own extended family are residents, "Sapphire Island" by Creston Mapes was a particularly relatable book. Whether in the artsy community, the church community, or those in the wider community who either protect and serve or else who do evil deeds--the characters were well-developed and realistic.
New acquaintances Nick--a pastor, and Rhonda--an artist, despite their own personal hardships from their earlier lives elsewhere, commit to uncovering the sources of corruption affecting Sapphire Island families. In the process of bringing accountability to their town leaders, while also serving a runaway teen and others down on their luck, the two neighbors find hope and healing for themselves.
New acquaintances Nick--a pastor, and Rhonda--an artist, despite their own personal hardships from their earlier lives elsewhere, commit to uncovering the sources of corruption affecting Sapphire Island families. In the process of bringing accountability to their town leaders, while also serving a runaway teen and others down on their luck, the two neighbors find hope and healing for themselves.
June 19, 2026
The long wait was worth it!
I've read all of Creston Mapes' book and enjoyed them enough to read some twice while waiting for this one! The story has twists and turns, some life threatening, some redeeming. People come together who never would have met if not for tragic circumstances in their pasts. The pastor has a way of reaching people, even on a remote island. This book was a great read and I highly recommend!
I've read all of Creston Mapes' book and enjoyed them enough to read some twice while waiting for this one! The story has twists and turns, some life threatening, some redeeming. People come together who never would have met if not for tragic circumstances in their pasts. The pastor has a way of reaching people, even on a remote island. This book was a great read and I highly recommend!
June 12, 2026
Another amazing read from a master o thrilling suspense! Mr. Mapes created an intriguing story that kept me turning pages because of all the twists. The characters were well-developed and there is faith woven through the story without being preachy. I highly recommend to anyone who loves suspense with depth!
July 11, 2026
Interesting read with unexpected turns
Creston Mapes did it again, weaving an interesting story full of suspense and adding Jesus to it without it overtaking the story. I enjoyed the turns in the story that kept surprising me.
Creston Mapes did it again, weaving an interesting story full of suspense and adding Jesus to it without it overtaking the story. I enjoyed the turns in the story that kept surprising me.
August 12, 2026
Great read
Strong fiction read from Mapes.
Excellent character development and plot line. A bit more Scripture in this one, which I like.
well done, and will keep reading his works!
Strong fiction read from Mapes.
Excellent character development and plot line. A bit more Scripture in this one, which I like.
well done, and will keep reading his works!
May 29, 2026
I have loved all of Mapes books, and this one is another winner! What a suspenseful story! I completed it within 48 hours. Just could not put it down.
June 13, 2026
Another winner!
Keep it up, Creston! The book was hard to put down. I loved the inspiration at the end!
Thank you again, Creston!
Keep it up, Creston! The book was hard to put down. I loved the inspiration at the end!
Thank you again, Creston!
June 17, 2026
I never know how to write a review - it’s a good book!
Another good book by Creston Mapes and he is an author I will buy whatever he writes! Than you Mr Mapes
Another good book by Creston Mapes and he is an author I will buy whatever he writes! Than you Mr Mapes
June 27, 2026
Enjoyable read with suspense and good characters With Christian insight
July 20, 2026
A+ rating
I absolutely loved this book. Please keep writing this type as we all need to be reminded that God knows everything and we should wait for him and not jump ahead.
I absolutely loved this book. Please keep writing this type as we all need to be reminded that God knows everything and we should wait for him and not jump ahead.
July 27, 2026
Excellent as always twist and turns until the climax and resolution great read congratulations to the author
August 10, 2026
Another book that does not disappoint!
I always look forward to Creston’s new release one and this one did not disappoint. Also loved the story of redemption included in the plot.
I always look forward to Creston’s new release one and this one did not disappoint. Also loved the story of redemption included in the plot.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews