Driver Confessional (The Driver Series)

by David L. Winters

Antonio uses his Italian good looks and personable manner to elicit conversation from his ride-share passengers. Following a full day at law school, he picks up a mysterious woman at the upscale Palm Restaurant in Washington. On her way to late-night meeting at a Senate office building, she confesses too much and plunges Antonio into a world of Russian mobsters, corporate henchmen and secrets.

Genres: Fiction, Suspense, Thriller, Contemporary

208 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2017

About the author

David L. Winters is an author, speaker and humorist. His works include the award-winning Christian non-fiction titles Taking God to Work: The Keys to Ultimate Success and Sabbatical of the Mind: The Journey from Anxiety to Peace.

Born in Ohio, he graduated from The Ohio State University with a B.A. in Journalism. He later added an M.B.A. from Regent University. After a 34-year career with the Federal Government (U.S. Navy, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Air Force and Social Security Administration), he writes and speaks full time.

Check out his website at www.sabbaticalofthemind.net.

Reviews

[Linda J.B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was held captive just as the riders were captivated by the handsome, relaxed Buber driver in Drivers Confessional by David L. Winters. Each passenger usually asked the familiar question of why Antonio drove for a living, while quickly moving on to share what was going on in their own lives, since really, does a Buber driver even care or remember what they have to say?

This low-skilled job helped pay for Antonio's law school education while taking him around Washington's rich and powerful playmakers in every assortment of profession. Who knew that one of these characters was going to change his life in the most dramatic and intense way.

A murder takes place, throwing Antonio as well as his family and friends into a quick and escalating frenzy. This story drives fast and furious as he sorts out clues and delves into his own investigation, allowing God to help give him wisdom and protection.

If this was a piece of art, I would have to say it has clean, smooth lines, as I enjoyed Winter's use of key words to describe the characters and set the tone. I could feel the rush of driving through the streets of Washington, trying to avoid a nasty outcome if unfortunately being caught. The mystery itself was very believable especially in today's political climate and environmentally conscious world.

If you enjoy Christian Mystery at a fast pace, this is for you!

[Carrie Schmidt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Driver Confessional begins with a very compelling premise. A “buber” driver in D.C. whose fare one night propels him into more than he bargained for. Said driver – Antonio – is a family man, and the scenes with his close-knit family will warm your heart! Of course, when the ‘more than he bargained for’ intersects with the close knit family, the danger factor skyrockets. Complete with cool car chase and all the ingredients for a great thriller!

I think guys will love this book! As there isn’t much Christian fiction geared toward men, this is a very good thing. For me (not a guy), this novel didn’t get inside the characters’ heads enough. I wanted to know more motivations, emotions, etc. As a result, to me the writing felt somewhat detached and even lacked cohesion in parts. The terms “Antonio” and “the driver” are often used interchangeably – in the same scene – which could be a case of intentional head jumping (switching perspectives between characters without warning) or just the need for a tighter edit.

Bottom Line: Driver Confessional introduces us to an intriguing concept and a likable hero. The setting is spot-on, and readers familiar with Washington D.C. will feel right at home. Guys will enjoy this book, though women may find it difficult to connect with the story. The plot is relevant and modern, and ride-share drivers will probably never view a left-behind item in quite the same way.

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.)

see my review at Reading Is My SuperPower

[Joan · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is an interesting novel about the ride-share program. I've often wondered how they work and this book was very informative. Antonio's ability to get riders to talk means that there are many revealing conversations in the course of the novel. The topics (and author opinion) vary from abortion to crooked politicians. Antonio is a faithful Christian and presents the gospel well to riders as he feels led.

The character and plot development is about average for a debut novelist. I did not feel Antonio was developed well. I would have appreciated reading more of his thinking about his faith. I did enjoy the suspenseful car chase and other action in the novel. I did not note any clever dialogue nor memorable prose.

This might be a good novel for male readers who like a novel without a complex plot structure or complex character development.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book through Litfuse. My comments are an independent and honest review.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this this book from Litfuse Publicity for no charge in exchange for my honest review of this book. The opinions expressed here are mine.


Book Description:

Ride share driver Antonio cruises the streets of Washington, D.C. looking for his next fare.
He has an unusual gift for relaxing his customers and stimulating their desire to reveal more than they planned. By the completion of their ride, many feel so comfortable that they confess their sins great and small. Antonio’s faith guides his discussions and points him in new directions. Suddenly, his peaceful world is turned upside down by a mysterious business woman. As she heads to a midnight rendezvous, she confesses more than Antonio can handle. Her story sends him into a world of espionage, international terrorism and danger.


My Thoughts:

Driver Confessional is the first book in David Winters new series, The Driver Series, and it is great! This is the first book of David Winters that I have had the pleasure of reading. This book really caught my attention from the images on the cover to the description on the back. As a fan of Christian Mystery/Suspense books I was eager to read this great book. David Winters writes with authority about the streets of Washington D.C., sharing faith with others, international issues, and giving advice to help others. I found myself unable to put this book down. This book is a fast paced, keeping you guessing until the end. The characters in this book are definitely interesting and not always who they seem. I really enjoyed Antonio. He does what he can for others, sharing his faith. I find that so admirable and something to be admired He put himself in harms way to help. I loved this character. I truly enjoyed David Winters writing. His writing made me feel like I was there. Heart pounding suspense, I found myself also laughing in some parts and holding my breath in others. I cannot wait to read the next book in this series! I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christian Suspense books, you will NOT be disappointed. I give this book 4 STARS.

[Gary Jenkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun read.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I signed up to review this book because I thought the story line of a ride-share driver being drawn into a dangerous situation because of a client sounded interesting and relevant to our time.

Antonio is a good man and I really liked his character. He's married and has a son and there are several family scenes that just made me smile. He's also a Christian and does his best to portray Christ to the people he's driving around. He tries to pray for each person and lets God use him in helping them if they are open to it.

While the main story line did give you some tense moments with an exciting car chase or two, I felt like there was a lack of cohesion in the book. I think the author was trying to get us to see Antonio as a Christian who tried to use his ride-share driving as a way to share his faith as well as make money. However, the little stories about the other clients he picked up that had nothing to do with the story line just served to jolt me out of the story and lessen the suspense. I also think the book could have used some better editing. Like this paragraph for instance:

“Are you okay?” Antonio asked.
“Don’t mind me, just being a graceful swan back here.”
Antonio grinned back at her and headed north toward Chevy Chase.
“It is some kind of beautiful day, isn’t it?” Beatrice said cheerfully.
“Yes, it sure is,” the driver responded with equal positive energy. “Everyone has been smiling today. What are you doing out?” (David L. Winters. Driver Confessional (Kindle Locations 959-963). Green E-Books. Kindle Edition. )

Now I'm no writing expert, but shouldn't that last sentence say "Antonio responded" instead of "the driver responded"? It did this a lot in the story and because of that and some other things, I just felt like it didn't flow smoothly.

All in all, this is a quick read that will give you a warm sense of family and a few moments of suspense.

*Thanks to Litfuse for a complimentary copy of this book. I was not paid or required to write a positive review and all opinions stated are my own.*

[Amy]

Driver Confessional takes you on a fast-paced ride through murder, mayhem, and intrigue!  The plot flies around Washington, DC, as Antonio struggles to find his way to a peaceful destination.  You won't see the ending coming, as the twists and turns will keep you guessing page after page.
Antonio is a mysterious lead character.  He's strong and faithful, with a touch of impatience and an uncanny ability to get people to open up.  That sometimes leads to very open conversations about faith, and they can seem almost pushy at times, but Antonio's clear sense of purpose always shines through.
I loved reading about Antonio's efforts to solve the mystery he finds himself in.  While Winters doesn't write him as a touchy-feely guy, I most enjoyed the parts of the story when Antonio took the bull by the horns and took action.  I love mysteries, so this part of the story resonated with me the most.
The ending is particularly full of action, and it's quite exciting.  I never would have predicted the ending, but I love the way that Winters wraps up the details. 
Driver Confessional is the first in a new series.  It's definitely worth the read!

I received a free copy of Driver Confessional from LitFuse Publicity.  All opinions are my own.

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Driver Confessional by David L Winters is a Christian contemporary political thriller. The reader is treated to international politics, espionage, intrigue and murder... and all the while trying to guess why? A cracking read.
God is at the heart of the novel. God directs hearts and minds. Following God's promptings is the best way to live life. Treating everyone you meet as the opportunity to have an appointment with God can sometimes bring more than expected.
When daily life clashes with international politics, the action really hots up. Taxi driver turned amateur sleuth certainly makes for a bumpy ride.
Family is important, as are friends.
Roots can affect how we live the rest of our lives for good or evil. The good news is... it is never too late to turn to God, repent and have a brand new start.
The novel reflects the political turmoil, as dodgy deals go on in high places.
This debut novel from David L Winters certainly captured my attention and imagination. It is a thrilling read and a real page turner. I am looking forward to reading more by David L Winters.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Since my favorite genre is Inspirational Suspense, I was honored by the chance to review Driver Confessional by David Winters.

Driver Confessional tells the story of Buber ride-share driver, Antonio Semones, as he drives passengers along the streets of Washington D. C. part-time to help provide for his wife Sylvia and son Marc while he finishes law school. As he waits outside The Palm, a posh eatery in Washington where the elite meet friends and complete business deals, for his next passenger, Antonio never could have imagined the danger that would soon be crossing his path. When Glynis Marshall leaves her briefcase in Antonio's Buber and is found murdered, he and his brother, Rocco, a homicide detective, are drawn into a deadly, high-stakes game of international espionage. How is the Russian mob involved with the death of the Vice President of Finance of Sentrex, an energy company that deals in nuclear power? Why is Marta, Sylvia's childhood best friend and Rocco's girlfriend, kidnapped? Will anyone else die before the murderer is caught? Pick up your copy of Driver Confessional, the first release in the Driver Series by David L. Winter, to dodge bullets and join high-speed car chases with Antonio and Rocco as they race to find the answers to these questions and stop the bad guys.

[Deana Dick · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked Antonio who is the main character in the story. He is a hard working man going to law school and driving as a Buber driver to make extra income. The name Buber is so close to the other name we are familiar with that I wish the author could have come up with a different name. The story surrounds a woman he picks up one night . She is kinda quiet and you can tell she has a lot on her mind. Antonio discovers that she left her briefcase behind when he dropped her off.

What did the mysterious woman tell Antonio that could be dangerous for him to know? Is the briefcase holding secrets that people would kill for? Antonio will find himself in a dangerous cat and mouse game that spans throughout the government and into the Russian mob. He sure has gotten himself into a mess. The story is a quick read and I liked how the author showed Antonio praying and depending on God to keep him safe. I noticed something while I was reading the book that really fascinated me. There is a scene in the book about someone in a casket wearing glasses. A character was questioning why they would put glasses on if the person is suppose to look like they are sleeping in the casket. I thought that was a brilliant analogy and such attention to detail that I continued to read with added interest. I love when an author can put subtle things in a story that makes people think.

Overall the book is a great adventure and has enough thrills and intrigue to keep readers engrossed in the book. At the end the author gives us a sneak peek at the next book in the series. I'm excited to read it and get to know Antonio a bit better.

I received a copy of this book from a LitFuse. The review is my own opinion.

[Rachel DeVaughn · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Driver Confessional" is book 1 of 3 in the new driver series by author by David winters. This book tells the story of Antonio who is going to law school, as well as a being a part time "Buber" driver (similar to being a taxi driver) for the DC area. Antonio feels that his calling while being a driver is to pray or witness to his clients about God so there is religious conversations and prayers through out this book. It was interesting to see the lives he was able to bless due to this mentality, although not all of his riders were open to the communication about God.

Antonio and his brother Rocco start investigating a case after one of Antonio's Buber clients, Glynis is murdered. Antonio had met Glynis at the very beginning of the book after he picks her up from a restaurant and brings her home, but she leaves a briefcase in his vehicle. When he goes to return the briefcase he finds her dead making him one of the main suspects.

The writing throughout the book wasn't great which left me wondering if this was the authors first book that he wrote. I was a little confused as to who was speaking during the story because sometimes the main character was referred to as Antonio, other times he was called "the driver". I also felt like the "Buber" driver specifics were exactly like being an "Uber" driver which was weird.

I'm interested in reading book 2 to see how the characters develop but I wouldn't read book 1 again. Overall I enjoyed this book because of the faith of Antonio as well as the intriguing part of the story which involved international espionage, greed, and the Russian mob.

I received a copy of this book complimentary for blog and social media review. All opinions are my own.

[Julie D. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book started out as a page turner and ended one! It kept me awake when I should have been sleeping because I couldn't put it down.

Antonio is a man working to better himself. He is going to law school and, to provide for his family, he is a "Buber" driver. He is a man whose faith drives him (sorry for the pun there) and when the people get into his car, he prays for them immediately, asking God to give him the words they need to hear. I loved this about Antonio because it showed him truly living our his faith. His beautiful scenes with his wife and son are also really sweet. They are so close and the author writes these scenes in a very natural way so that it feels real.

After one of his fares leaves her briefcase in his car, his life is turned upside down. She has hinted during the ride that what she knows is dangerous and she wasn't kidding. Suddenly, Antonio and his family are in the middle of corporate greed and political intrigue.

This story is definitely for those who enjoy political thriller and, although I truly enjoyed this book, I think you would have to have an interest in politics to enjoy it. I am a political junkie so this book was right up my alley.

I would have liked to have seen a bit more character development as far as truly knowing these characters - what they were thinking more - what they liked and disliked - as it would have pulled me into the story even more so. Sometimes, I wasn't sure what the character would do because I hadn't been given a clear picture of the character.

All in all, it's a good book full of intrigue and thrills. I give this book 4 out of 5 stars.

*This book was provided to me for my honest review by LitFuse Publicity Group

[Beckie Burnham · Rating 2 out of 5]

Driver Confessional by David L. Winters sounded like my kind of book — a fast-paced suspense novel pitting an inexperienced law student against the movers and shakers of D.C. I even have some connection with the book’s setting and main character. You see, my youngest is a law student at the same university as the main character, Antonio. The streets Antonio drives are the same as my son’s. Unfortunately, this novel just didn’t click with me. It has a just the facts kind of vibe that left me wanting more — more character development and more plot details. I never quite got what was really going on with the nefarious company men and their ties to the Russian mob. Oh, I figured out some things and assumed the rest, but I would have liked the author to flesh things out. Driver Confessional comes in at 190 pages, so there is definitely room to add to the story. I was also taken out of the story by the typos and grammatical errors that I came across. I think a bit of editing is in order. There are a few positives that I must mention. Antonio and his wife, Sylvia, are believers and share their faith in simple ways, without fear and without offending. I really liked that. Antonio, especially, sees his job as a means to share God’s love and care for his riders. He was a great example of living a life devoted to God first and foremost.

There are plenty of reviewers that would disagree with my assessment, so be sure to head over to Amazon and Goodreads to get differing opinions.

Audience: adults.

(Thanks to LitFuse for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was interested in reading David Winters' new book, Driver Confessional, because I really enjoy Christian thrillers and the plot and premise seemed very unique. Driver Confessional is the first book in The Driver Series. The back cover says:

"Driver Confessional tells the story of Antonio, a ride-share driver who winds through the streets of Washington, D.C. in search of his next fare to support his young family and pay law school expenses. His easy manner and Italian good looks lead passengers to disclose a bit more than they intended. On a particularly dark evening, his sedan pulls up in front of a posh Washington restaurant.

On her way to a midnight meeting in a Senate office building, a mysterious woman and her confession plunge Antonio and his police detective brother into international espionage, the Russian mob and corporate excess. Clues add up to danger and car chases pile up on ethical dilemmas."

This book was a real page turner. I stayed up late to finish it because I couldn't put it down! My favorite thing about Driver Confessional was the characters. I loved all of the characters and felt like they were all well developed and interesting. I really cared about them and what happened to them. The plot was full of twists and turns and provided a good mystery. I thought the Buber driver plot device provided an interesting way to showcase Antonio's personality and tease out the story. There were some small editing problems here and there, but overall I truly enjoyed it. I recommend this to anyone who like a good suspense book.

I received a copy of this book from Litfuse in order to provide an honest review. All opinions are my own.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Driver Confessional is an interesting read as the reader steps into the day and life of a ride-share driver. I honestly did not know much about this service, apart from what I heard on the news or saw on TV. What an interesting job and yes, I can imagine all the unusual and interesting, even scary people and incidents that could take place.

We ride around the D.C. area with Antonio, a loving husband and father, who is trying to make extra money for his family as he attends law school. Their lives are very busy, filled with love and a heartache, but they are making it the best they know how with a strong faith in God. I thought it interesting how Antonio became a missionary driver, seeking God when hurting people stepped into his car. I also appreciated that he was not a perfect man and also had to ask forgiveness for a short temper especially dealing with traffic but also with some customers who think they know everything.

We are also dealing with politics and shady characters as Antonio picks up a certain passenger one night who unbeknownst to them all, has information that sets off a firestorm of violence and rocks Antonio and his little family including his brother Rocco who is a cop.

This was a quick read and again an interesting look at the life of a ride-share rider. Throw in some action adventure and hang on for the ride.

I received a copy of this book for free through Litfuse Publicity. I was not required to post a positive review and the views and opinions expressed are my own.

[Barb · Rating 1 out of 5]

“Driver Confessional” by David L. Winters is a book about a “Buber” driver in Washington, D.C. Antonio is happily married with an eight-year-old son. He is attending law school and makes extra money driving for “Buber’ on the side. Mr. Winters has written more of a diary of Antonio’s Buber patrons and the interesting lives they lead. Even though they only know first names, sometimes the fares open up about their lives on the way to their destinations. Sometimes there are those who are in the middle of something sinister and Antonio is drawn into it.

When one of his fares is murdered, Antonio and his cop brother, Rocco, try to find out what was behind her demise. Because this woman left her briefcase in Antonio’s car, he spent some time trying to make sure she got it back. The problem was, she was already dead. What was she doing going to the Senate office building in the middle of the night? What did she know and who wanted to silence her? Interspersed with Antonio’s investigations are stories about other riders that he shares with. Although this book was kind of interesting to me, I really did not care for his evangelization. I didn’t mind this so much, but I thought it was overdone. If I was had ridden with him, I would have been very put off. I really did not care for this book and probably will not read more in this series. I received this book from LitFuse.com for my honest review.

You can find this review on my blog at http://wp.me/p2pjIt-qZ. Other reviews can be found at http://imhookedonbooks.wordpress.com.

[Nadine Keels · Rating 3 out of 5]

This isn't always the case with me, but it was this novel's cover that got me most interested in reading the book. The colors and tones, the imagery and placement of the images, the mood, the hint of transparency in the bold title--all eye-catching and excellent.

This ChristFic novel was presented to me as a mystery. But as far as I know, if the one who commits the crime is purposely revealed to the reader way before the end of the book, and the reader is "waiting in suspense" for the main character to also learn who the culprit is, then it's a suspense novel, not a mystery.

Hence, I'd call this a political suspense read peppered with vignettes as Antonio prayerfully catches glimpses into the lives of his passengers. The story includes an international mix of characters, rather adorable family moments, and edge-of-your-seat action in the climax.

The writing style could have been more polished. There are a number of errors in grammar and places where the narration is awkward, particularly when Antonio is often referred to as "the driver." The way the narrator frequently switches back and forth between past and present tense doesn't seem to fit. Also, the characters' italicized thoughts are inconsistent, sometimes in first-person, present tense, and other times in third-person, past tense. A lot of those little hitches were distracting for me.

Still, I'm sure the Driver series must have plenty more places to go that ChristFic suspense fans will enjoy.
____________
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author for an honest review.

[Becky Miller · Rating 3 out of 5]

Driver Confessional is an intriguing story of murder, corruption on Capital Hill, and Russian mobsters all woven into the daily life of Antonio, an average guy just trying to support his family. The approach is definitely unique and not something frequently seen in Christian fiction.

While the story itself is interesting, the plethora of overdeveloped characters introduced early in the book makes it difficult for the reader to sort out exactly where the tale is headed. Nonetheless, author David Winters does an effective job carving out a very real and likable protagonist in Buber driver, Antonio. On a side note, the use of the term “Buber” instead of “Uber” is just a tad annoying.

Antonio, a married law school student, with a young son, relies heavily on his faith to guide him when interacting with the multitude of passengers he transports daily. Taking time to really “hear” what they are speaking, he offers prayers, wisdom, and encouragement as frequently as an M.D. writes prescriptions. One cannot help but admire the real way in which he lives his faith.

Driver Confessional is the first book in Winters’ Driver Series. The last few pages offer a sneak peak into the next book, Stock Car Inferno, which appears to be yet another unique tale, one reader’s are sure to enjoy.

*A complimentary copy of the book was provided in exchange for this review.

[Rick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Antonio is a Buber (Not a fan of the name, would have come up with something different) driver who spends his time connecting with his fares and praying for their needs, knowing that God will use him as needed. What starts out as a single fare pickup one evening leads to a larger threat to everything Antonio knows and loves. Nothing better than a great suspense novel with plenty of intrigue and surprise. Throw in some international nuclear materials dealers, the Russian mob and government corruption and you’ve got the makings of a great novel.

Don’t miss this first book in the “Driver Series”! Be watching for the next book, “Stock Car Inferno”, coming soon to continue Antonio’s story.

Is this a "Guys Book"? Absolutely! This is the epitome of a guy’s book and one that every guy should read if he’s looking for an easy suspenseful weekend read.


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion, as part of their Book Review Blogger Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

[Meagan | The Chapter House · Rating 3 out of 5]

Driver Confessional offers an interesting premise. Unfortunately, I didn't find it held up in execution. Slow plot pacing didn't draw me in until late in the book; I also didn't feel like the author trusted the reader to keep the characters straight. References to "Antonio" (the main character) suddenly switched to "the driver", making for choppy transitions and a disconnect between me and him - unfortunate as he's the protagonist!

In addition, I felt that the use of "Buber" as the transportation company was way too close to the "real" Uber corporation. (Though it did make me think of Kirk's Ooober corporation in the recent Gilmore Girls revival. Best part of the revival, imho.)

I did thoroughly enjoy the Washington, D.C., setting; I've visited there many a time over the years and geeked out a little anytime a familiar location popped up. (Dupont Circle? Yes, please, I'll visit the good coffee shop and fun bookstore there. Adams Morgan? But of course. Cafes galore. And the Smithsonians! Cue the fangirling!)

The book makes for a solid beach/vacation read, a clean and mildly interesting way to pass a few hours, but I can't say I'd rush to re-read it.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of the book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

[Ashley Dawn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I signed up to review this book because the description intrigued me. Antonio is a driver for a ride-share and gets a lot of the riders to share way more than average. The job gives him money for law school but it is also an intriguing way to learn information and see the town. One passenger unexpectedly get Antonio drawn into way more than he anticipated from a simple ride-share!
I liked Antonio and how he tried to be a vessel for God to use. He seemed like a realistic person that you would want to know. The job is a means to an end but it is entertaining and he gets to share God when he feels lead to. There are some pacing issues, but once you get into the story you really won't want to put it down. The book is rather short so it is a good, quick read that has quite a bit of action in it. I think the scenes with Antonio's family were my favorite, just because that added a different dimension/new element to his character.
Overall it was a 3/5 for me. I enjoyed it.

Thank you to the author/publisher for the review copy of this book (via LitFuse). I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

[Veronica · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an interesting book with a unique plot. A lot of the story centers around Antonio and the fares he drives around. I really liked how Antonio would pray for his clients and sometimes had spiritual conversations with them or prayed with them. It really showed how much of a difference one person could make who took the time to really talk to someone. There was also a great conversation Antonio's wife Sylvia had with her best friend about some secrets from her past and how God would forgive her for her sins. I liked that the gospel message was clearly spelled out. There's quite a bit of action in the story, from car chases to shooting to kidnapping. There's a little romance, too. Sometimes, there was a line that seemed a bit odd, such as when a big Russian guy "giggled" and I got a little bored with the detail about which roads he was taking, but it wasn't constant. Overall, if you like books with action and a strong spiritual message, you might want to check this one out.
I received this book from Litfuse Publicity free in exchange for an honest review.

[LeAnne Klopfenstein · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's very rare to find a 'Christian Mystery Novel' that puts the protagonist's faith front and center within a storyline, yet David Winters takes a bold stand and weaves it wonderfully throughout 'Driver Confessional'. Antonio's Christian walk is part of his everyday life as a husband, father, law school student and ride-share driver. Although I enjoyed the fact that Antonio's life as a Christian is displayed in such a personal, natural way, I was very impressed that it did not deter from the suspense & mystery that falls into Antonio's lap due to one of his ride-share passengers and the briefcase she leaves in his car. Action, espionage, murder, shady politics, kidnapping, detective work, and run-ins with the Russian mob all take place. The novel is quick-paced and well-developed, and I am looking forward to the next book in the series.

*I received a copy of this book from the publisher, but was under no obligation to write a review. My honest opinion has been provided without any requirement to write a positive review.*

[Margaret Tidwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

FTC: I received a free copy of this book from Litfuse in exchange for my honest review. I received no other compensation and the opinions expressed in this review are one hundred percent true and my own.

Driver Confessional by David L Winters was a fun book to read. I loved that this book had things that are actually happening or things that really exist. I love when authors just change the name of a service or product in their books, but everyone knows what the author is talking about. I also enjoyed this book because it was such a different type of story in the fact that it has to do with a guy that is a driver because I can only imagine all of the stories that cab drivers and people like them have to tell. I also really enjoyed this authors writing. I really liked Antonio right from the start because he seemed like someone that I could relate to and I really enjoyed that. If you are looking for a different type of mystery book to read I would recommend this book to you

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy reading new authors, and especially new suspense authors. This book wasn't as long as most of the ones I read, coming in at just 207 pages, but the author packed a lot into those 207 pages. I liked the plot, the idea of a Buber (Uber) driver conversing with his riders was a neat idea to go with. I liked the characters - especially the main one, the suspense, and drama that came through on nearly every page.

On the downside, I found some of the writing a bit amateurish, but not bad enough that it turned me off. Winters did a great job of spinning a tail of suspense that kept my attention. I enjoyed the book a lot, and am looking forward to the promised sequel.

Driver Confessional may not be as professionally written as books from the bigger Christian publishing companies, but it is still a book worth reading and was suspenseful enough to make me happy.

I was given a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Andrea · Rating 2 out of 5]

Antonio is a law student who is trying to provide for his young family. He becomes a part time driver for a ride share program in DC. Antonio is known for good lucks and his gentle and warming manners. When a mysterious woman enters his world, he is thrown into the world of secrets and violence. Antonio will have to rely on his police officer brother, Rocco and his friends to help solve a murder. Who is this mysterious woman? What does she have that is so important?

The novel was a quick read with an interesting premise. However, it failed to deliver. The characters fell flat and the dialogue felt fake. I felt at times that the author was being a bit preachy and the novel had racial undertones. The beginning the book was interesting but towards the end but the book just fizzles out.

[Deloris Fox · Rating 5 out of 5]

Glad I read it.

I didn't know what to expect when I first began reading this book but when I finished it I was glad I read it. This is the type of book I enjoyed reading that I didn't want to put down. It's a mystery yet has comical parts too at the beginning of the book regarding donuts to the end of the book where the dog comes into the story. The main character in the story has such a strong relationship with God it was truly refreshing to read his thoughts and conversation's with other characters in the story.

[Wendy Andrus · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was hard to put down, as it kind of keeps you "on the edge of your seat," anxious to find out what happens next. It does also tend to be somewhat politically charged, so if you're not up for that, be aware.

If you are interested in mystery, intrigue, detective type stories, you will enjoy Driver Confessional.

[natalie · Rating 3 out of 5]

My thanks to Goodreads for this book. I am not a fan of political thrillers and had a hard time reading this book. Politics and religion and a young man trying to support his family and going to law school at the same time - it just seemed a bit of a mix to me. And although something of a mystery with a combination of comedy, this book was just too slow moving for me to enjoy it.

[F. J. Talley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed it

I felt the story was good and the main character believable. He wasn't a superman sort of guy who could run rings around the police, which I appreciated. The strong Christian overtones didn't bother me, but also didn't add much. If you like novels with distinctly Christian characters, this book is for you.