The Runaway Prophet

by Michele Chynoweth

Rory Justice leads a relatively normal life as a conservative, middle-aged ad agency account executive. He doesn’t like to rock the boat, but that’s just what happens when his retired FBI agent father, on his deathbed, asks Rory to hand-deliver a sealed letter to the Las Vegas sheriff’s department. The letter details plans by an Islamic State mafia to destroy the city with an underground nuclear bomb. Instead, Rory tries to run from his dad’s request by jumping onto a cruise ship, only to find himself entangled in a series of horrific misfortunes that leave him with little choice but to try to help save this city of sin. A modern-day story based on the Bible’s Book of Jonah, The Runaway Prophet reminds us that we can try to run from God’s call but we can’t hide, and that sometimes, by rescuing other people, God rescues us in the process.

308 pages, Paperback

Published July 5, 2016

About the author

Michele Chynoweth is an award-winning inspirational fiction author who believes that the stories in the Bible's Old Testament are full of wonderful messages from God - but that they're usually hard to read - so she retells them in a contemporary way so today's readers can relate, get God's message and be entertained by their suspense, drama and romance. She is a former news reporter and advertising agency owner, graduate of the University of Notre Dame, and lives with her family in her native Maryland.

Reviews

[Bookworm86 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Firstly I want to say I will read any book to give it a chance. This is one of those times. It isn't my usual choice of books so I didn't really have very high expectations, apologies to the author but I said I would try anything and I did. This book is a retelling of a biblical story. Again, not something I would normally read as I expected it be full of basically Bible lessons and not hold much interest for me.
I must say I am very pleased I gave it a go! I thoroughly enjoyed reading this and started and finished in a day. I'll be honest and didn't have a clue what biblical tale it was modernising but I thought the storyline was great. The characters were well written and the book does teach valuable lessons without preaching at all! Filled with suspense, action, romance and twists, things I never expected from what I feared may be a 'preach' book. i must say a HUGE well done to the author to really bring a biblical story to life and for a book very well written. I really do recommend this book to anyone looking for a good read :) xx

[Dave Weiss · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, what a book! This book is based on the story of Jonah, but this is not your average Christian book. This is an edgy thriller. Now to be clear, it's not a verse by verse parallel of Jonah. The main character, Rory Justice is not a prophet, at least not in the beginning, but he is a man on the run from his responsibilities. Ms. Chenoweth imaginatively follows the basic story line of the biblical book, but moves it from Old testament Nineveh to modern day Sin City, Las Vegas, and the parallels are quite appropriate, as Rory ends up infiltrating the underworld of the city. The author takes a lot of risks with this book, dealing with the topic of human trafficking drugs and more, and it is definitely edgy, but it is also a major page turner, which I finished in about three days. It's an excellent thriller.

[Tonya Schulte · Rating 3 out of 5]

Having never read any other novels by Michele Chynoweth, I was immediately intrigued by the idea of the modern day retelling of Old Testament Biblical stories. I have read some other novels that are retellings of Bible tales and they are always interesting to me. In this novel Chynoweth tackles Jonah and his running away from God's calling to preach to Nineveh. The idea that Las Vegas served as the modern day Nineveh really made a lot of sense to me - what better place than Sin City to serve as the modern day city in need of divine intervention?

The book follows Rory Justice as he is asked by his dying father to deliver a message to someone in Las Vegas. His dad has information that Las Vegas may soon be targeted by terrorists. Rory's previous experiences with the city make him inclined to give it a wide berth. So, rather than delivering the message in person as his father asks him to do, Rory decides to take a cruise instead and just mail the letter. Events unfold which bring him straight back to Las Vegas, however, and he soon finds himself caught up in a race against the terrorists to save the city.

It was fun to see all the ways in which Chynoweth equated modern day things with the ancient story. For instance, Rory's ride on a pleasure cruise to try to get out of what he has been asked to do, or the events that lead up to Rory being broken down in the desert under a scrawny tree after the city has been saved. I also liked the way in which she explored some modern themes of discrimination and tied that into the way in which both Rory and Jonah reacted to their calling. I also really liked the way in which the author brought the events to a head in the book. Trying not to give any spoilers, but I thought that the way in which she ended the terrorist threat was indeed right in line with the Biblical events and the main character's response was also spot on.

There were, however, some things I found hard to believe in the story. For instance, Rory ends up going overnight from a suspected terrorist on the run to a member of a multi-agency investigative team and is given a modicum of training while seeming to be embraced as a full part of the team. I just couldn't suspend my disbelief enough on that one. I also felt like Chynoweth tried to pack a lot of story into a few pages and that hurt her ability to show me rather than tell me. More than once I wished she had taken more time to paint the picture rather than just telling me exactly what was happening. It felt as though she was trying to rush the story along in those moments.

Overall, I love the idea of the book and the way in which the Chynoweth framed the story, I thought her idea for a setting was perfect and the ways in which she envisioned a modern day Jonah behaving and living were spot on but I wish she had fleshed the story out better.

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Runaway Prophet follows the story of Rory Justice who is asked by his dying father to deliver a letter to an FBI colleague in Las Vegas. His father believes that terrorists have planted a bomb in one of the casinos with the intent to wipe out Sin City. Despite the seriousness of the situation, Rory is reluctant to carry out his father's wishes and tries to avoid returning to Vegas after a bad experience ten years earlier. However, circumstances finally lead him back to the city he loathes and he finds himself in a race to find the bomb before it is too late.

Rory was an unlikeable character which made the reading of this novel difficult. When I don't have a connection with the main protagonist, I don't care what happens to them, so reaching the last page was a struggle. I found Rory to be self-absorbed and judgemental.

The book had the potential to be a moving, action-packed read but it fell short of the mark. The writing was simplistic, the dialogue stilted and there was a decided lack of emotion. Some moments defied belief and left me shaking my head. The author tried with this novel but some things needed improving to make The Runaway Prophet an entertaining story.

[Anne Rightler · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Runaway Prophet is a captivating book by Michele Chynoweth. Although it's based on the familiar story of Jonah and the big fish, this tale is one that is full of suspense and fast-paced action. Rory, a divorced businessman has an absolute hatred for Las Vegas and his dad's dying instructions were for Rory to go there with a message of doom for the city. The characters are believable and strong and yet with their faults and foibles. The author gives readers a well-written yet gritty tale that deals with very real and raw issues of human life. And throughout the dangers and tension of the story runs a solid message of a faith in God that brings change and second chances. An enjoyable read.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author. I was not required to write a review and the opinions are my own.

[Andrea Byers · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Runaway Prophet by Michele Chynoweth
This story started out a little slow for me, but by the 4th or 5th chapter I was involved. Rory is given what he considers a distasteful task by his father. The book goes over his shortcuts to keep from doing what he was asked, to his eventual cooperation. The story is fast paced once he reaches Las Vegas and has a good message we all can learn from. Give this one a chance.

I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255

[Michael Law · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really good story about redemption, despite how far a person falls. I especially loved the main character's internal conflict between choosing right and wrong. It seemed like a modern day story of Jonah of the Old Testament, who tried to run from his duty but found that his situation would only get worse, then would turn to make the correct decision after much tribulation. That is what I enjoyed the most.

[April · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Runaway Prophet
: Michele Chynoweth

This is a modern re-telling of the Old Testament story of Jonah and the whale. A man tries to avoid doing what he is called to do. After time and adventures he finds redemption. A different kind of Christian fiction.



The narration was well done. The characters were well portrayed by Holly Holt.



I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

[Diana · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this read. The author's writing is of good quality. Her ability to modernize and involve key concepts from the Prophet's Jonah's story was very clever. It is a Christian book but the bible and God are not overused so it this should not be a turnoff for anyone. Some of the plot elements require you to "suspend your disbelief", but other details are very well researched.

[Candy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Page turner

Michele has done it again--told a biblical story through modern day characters that captivates the reader. Very inspirational. Highly recommend!

[Ruth Harbour · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this modern-day Jonah story with lots of twists and turns. Loved the ending. A very good read.

[Tony Parsons · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everett Major (AdExecs advertising agency CEO), had taken Rory Justice (35, account executive, former FBI, OSU), Chad Weeks (coworker) & 9 other AdExecs advertising agency associates to Las Vegas, NV., for the WE.
His way of showing them they were doing a great job for him.
Mrs. Major flew in later.
Fast forward 10 yrs. Rory (50+) & Haley (ex-wife) are divorced.
Howard Justice (68, Rory’s father, Clostridium difficile, pulmonary fibrosis, dementia, retired FBI Special Agent), & Donna Justice (74, Rory’s mother), lived in Bethesda, MD.

Sergeant Daniel “Danny “Justice (Rory’s older brother, US Army), was stationed in Afghanistan.
Howard did not live much longer.
Daniel managed to get leave & come home for the dad’s funeral.
Pastor Dave Graybeal (Bethesda United Methodist Church), officiated the funeral service.
Rory’s son Rick (Saint Mary’s U, Wesley Theological Seminary (DC), Methodist minister) was a pallbearer. Haley (OSU) & Riley (21, daughter) were there also.
Howard had left a letter for Rory
“The Islamic State Mafia (ISM) are taking over the casinos in Las Vegas, NV. There seems to be a Capitol hill cover up.”

Rory was enjoying his vacation aboard the Voyager of the Seas (Caribbean cruise).
The ship’s stopping points are: Cozumel, Mexico, Grand Cayman (Islands) & Montego Bay, Jamaica.
Rory was being detained & questioned by Captain Lyle Whittaker (57), & Staff Captain Jeremy Styles, Lyle Whittaker for making alleged terroristic threats.
The USS Alaska (submarine) was in route to transfer Rory back to Corpus Christi.
FBI Special Agent Smith (aka), & FBI Special Agent Jones (aka), brought him back.
FBI Special Agent Mark Glover was doing the interrogation.

FBI Special Agent Glover found no wrong doing & informed Sheriff Ned Thomas & FBI Special Agent in Charge Rodney “Chief” Steele.
What was the Operation No Dice?
What did Chief Steele promise Tiffany (Wildcats stripper, aka Theresa Brindle, CSN, sociology, drug addict, alcoholic)?
Jameel Tahan (42, Cairo) immigrated to Las Vegas & works for Amad Safar (aka the
Master).

Lieutenant Susan McAfree (40+, Las Vegas PD Special Victims Unit), will go undercover as a decoy stripper at Brandy’s (Mafia-run nightclub).
Danielle (16, stripper, Tiffany’s BFF), & Kimi (stripper) work at the Wildcats (Mafia-run nightclub).
Rory, Sergeant Carlos Fuentes (30+, Latino Las Vegas PD NARC Unit), Sheriff John Dade (Las Vegas Metropolitan PD, retired), are the backups along with the other SWAT team members.
Susan’s seems to be missing.
Danielle had been killed during the raid.
Kimi & Candy (AA, stripper) were in critical condition at the Sunrise Hospital.

2 more cases to solve: Green Tobacco (hallucinogenic, K-2, Blaze, Spice) illegal synthetic drug & the murder of Nicholas “Nicky” Brown (AA, 15).

What did Rafik Jabar (father) offer the police?
Why did invite President Kathleen Tower, Mayor Stanley Cooper (Las Vegas, NV.) FBI Chief Rodney Steele, FBI Special Agent Mark Glover, Sheriff Deputy Ned Thomas (Las Vegas Metropolitan PD), former Sheriff John Dade, Sergeant Carlos Fuentes, SVU Lieutenant Susan
McAfree, Rory Justice & Rafik Jabar, to the East Room of the White House?

A black-tie dinner after the White House affair was at the American History Museum. Those in attendance were: Rory, Pastor Rick (23, Rory’s son, Kingdom Rising church), Lieutenant Susan McAfree, Theresa Brindle (aka Tiffany), Claudette Brown (Nicky mother), & Isabel Ramirez (35, mother, Puerto Rican).

I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review, only an honest one. All thoughts & opinions are entirely my own.

A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. Wow, a very well written religious twist crime book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great Las Vegas crime movie, or a mini TV series. Quite unique story. A very easy rating of 5 stars.

Thank you for the free Story Cartel; Morgan James Publishing LLC.; PDF book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)

[Glen Robinson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really, really wanted to like this book, and wanted the author to succeed, mostly because I wanted to learn from her example. And for the most part, it is miles ahead of many other Christian suspense novels that I have read. It has a concrete story, believable characters, pervasive spirituality. But I had two problems with it.

First, I never really connected with Rory Justice as the main character. And that’s bad. The author needs to make the reader care what happens to the main character, good or bad. In this case, a lot of it was Rory’s attitude in general. He wasn’t someone I could identify, relate and empathize with. And so I had a hard time keeping going in the story.

Second, and more importantly, I had a hard time with suspension of disbelief. There were multiple plot elements that were critical to setting up the story that I found myself just not buying. A Islamic State mafia? Really? Who uses the name mafia anymore? And why would they want to run the casinos only to turn around and destroy the city with a nuclear bomb? And wouldn’t they better use a nuclear bomb on a higher populated city? I also know a little bit about Las Vegas–the part beyond the Strip–and didn’t agree with the way the author stated a couple of times that residents of the city lived outside the city in the desert in hovels. Las Vegas has a pretty good suburb area. Finally, the resolution was anticlimactic; I won’t say how, but I was disappointed.

Like I said, I wanted this to work, I really did. I want to cheer on other Christian fiction writers. But this one doesn’t get an entire affirmative vote from me.

[Reba Businsky]

Wow!! Michele Chynoweth has done it a third time now!! “The Runaway Prophet” is entirely different from the “The Faithful One” and “The Peace Maker.” I loved all three and had recommended them to a lot of my friends and family.

“The Runaway Prophet” is definitely a book that you can get really involved with because it takes place in today’s time and with today’s current events. I found myself saying “Oh my God” I never knew that about Las Vegas and a lot of other things that Michele includes in the book. I also really like the way Michele integrates God’s word throughout the book where most of us can relate and understand. I am just so impressed with Michele’s knowledge and creativity in her book. “The Runaway Prophet” is a must read.

[Rose · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a modern day retelling of the biblical story of Jonah. Rory Justice, an ad executive, is asked by his dying father to deliver a letter to the sheriff of Las Vegas. The letter claims that a disastrous event is going to happen. This letter sets in motion a series of events that change Rory's life. Rory is very judgemental, but has a good heart.
I found the story to be slow at times, and constantly teaching a lesson. (I suppose that is to be expected when it is a retelling of a bible story). I didn't like how the Muslims were being portrayed as the bad guys and that the main character felt that his wife made his son gay. There were some redeeming passages at the end of the book between some of the Muslim people and Rory, but too little, in my opinion.