Sky Zone

The Crittendon Files #3

by Creston Mapes

A Political Rally. A Terrorist Threat. A Nightmare of Cataclysmic Proportions.

Jack and Pamela Crittendon have hit the breaking point. After months out of work as a reporter, Jack is playing Mr. Mom and working part-time at Festival Arena with his survivalist friend Brian Shakespeare.

With financial and family pressures boiling, Jack reports for duty at a rally for controversial presidential candidate Martin Sterling where he expects a mindless night on the job. But when Homeland Security picks up intel about a potential terrorist threat, Jack and Shakespeare are thrust into a life-or-death battle to save themselves—and the lives of thousands of innocent people.

With tension on every page, Amazon #1 Best-Selling author Creston Mapes demonstrates why he is a "Top Pick" among mystery, fiction and thriller lovers. A timely, epic tale about terrorism on U.S. soil.

Fans of Terri Blackstock, Lynette Eason, Dani Pettrey, Diane Moody, and Christy Barritt, will love this thriller from award-winning and bestselling author Creston Mapes.

PRAISE FOR SKY ZONE

“Creston Mapes’s fans are in for a treat. Sky Zone crackles with Creston at the top of his game. Don’t miss this one.” - Jerry B. Jenkins, N.Y. Times Best-selling Author of Left Behind

“Sky Zone not only hits all the marks for a ‘must read’ thriller, but it sets a whole new bar for Christian Suspense. I dare you to start reading and then put it down. I dare you. The action never stops and the thrills just keep coming. The plot could have been ripped out of the headlines and it reads like a movie unfolding before your eyes. You’ll be flipping through the pages as fast as you can read.” - Wanda Dyson, Best-selling Author

“Mapes’ writing shines in his best novel to date. Don’t miss this riveting, page-turning thriller that will have you up late reading the dramatic, satisfying conclusion of an all too real scenario.” - Nora St. Laurent, Founder, The Book Club Network

“Creston Mapes never fails to write page-turning, heart-touching, must-read fiction. I added him to my “auto-buy” list after reading his very first novel, and he has yet to disappoint me.” - Deborah Raney, Best-selling Author

“Creston Mapes's Sky Zone is a free fall into adventure, suspense, and intrigue. Sky Zone is a page-turner that kept me enthralled until the very end.” - Lynette Eason, Best-selling Author

“Sky Zone is a pulse-pounding thriller that’s sure to keep you up late into the night, turning page after page of this mesmerizing story. Creston Mapes has proven once again why he’s one of the top storytellers in the CBA. Highly recommended!” - Mark Mynheir, Author

Genres: Christian Fiction, Suspense, Mystery Thriller, Thriller, Mystery, Fiction, Contemporary

295 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 1, 2020

About the author

Creston 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

Reviews

[Christian Fiction Addiction · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will be honest with you - I think that I forgot to breathe for the entire first half of "Sky Zone". Though I have loved the first two books in "The Crittendon Files" series, this third installment in particular had me gripping the pages and completely ignoring the demands of life around me. With each chapter, Mapes expertly builds the tension in the story with such action-packed scenes that it left me feeling like I was watching a movie play out across my mind! I loved getting reacquainted with Jack and Pamela Crittendon, watching them work through the significant challenges they are facing and learning to rely on faith in God. They are as real as you and I, facing uncertain futures, financial pressures, troubles in their marriage, fears about their children. I am impressed that Mapes has ratcheted up the suspense with a terrorist threat that has you fearing for the lives of the characters, and still has managed to weave in some deeper themes along the way. I hate to say more about the plot itself because I don't want to give anything away, but rather let you be fully immersed into this suspenseful read. But I will say this - it left me second guessing going into a stadium any time soon! As with his prior books, Mapes writes with a sure hand, with characters you wish were real, and a story line that makes for pulse-accelerating reading. And, you will be left with the reminder to live in the moment, to remember what truly matters in life, and to acknowledge that God is at work in the world around us, bringing good from the darkest of situations.

I, for one, hope that there is more to come in this series. I highly recommend this book and rate it 5 out of 5 stars.
Book has been provided courtesy of the publisher, David C. Cook. Available at your favourite bookseller.

[Tom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Creston Mapes has done it again with his Sky Zone. This is his latest edition of The Crittendon Files.
Creston's experience as a reporter has given him a storehouse of ideas that enter into his stories.
We follow Pam and Jack Crittendon as they experience life's joys(her pregnancy), as well as setbacks(his ho-hum job at the Festival Area).
Also thrown into their lives is a live-in mother-in-law.
He sees hope on the horizon as he works an event for a presidential hopeful, Martin Sterling, a "let's take back our country from terrorists"
candidate. What follows is an unbelievable terrorist take-over of the arena with hundreds of people held hostage.
Many more twists in the plot unveil as you continue reading this"page-turner, up all night"novel.
Suspenseful story line and characters reliance on God are keys to a great novel.
I received this free e-book from the author in exchange for my honest review.

[Michelle Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sky Zone, The Crittendon Files by Creston Mapes
Be prepared for a wild ride, Sky Zone is jam packed with action and mystery that will keep you at the edge of your seat. I started reading this this book at lunch yesterday and did not put it down until I finished. Hubby did not appreciated not having supper because I was lost in a book but it was well worth it. The author Creston Mapes hits it out the ball park with this suspense, I give it 5 stars. If you enjoy Christian fiction with intrigue, suspense and action this is the book for you. The characters show faith while under pressure, stand up for what is right and step out as heroes. I loved this fantastic book. Sky zone is book three in The Critendon Files, but it can be read as a stand alone. If you have not read Fear Has a Name or Poison Town you have missed some great books.
I want to give a high-five to the author Creston Mapes and publisher David C Cook for bringing compelling Christian books that are entertaining and give hope to the reader with stories of faith. The Book Club Network Inc. provided me with this book in exchange for my honest review and I am so grateful for their, the authors and publishers generosity.

[Diane Moody · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've never read a full-length novel in one day - until now. SKY ZONE hooked me on page one and left me breathless 438 pages later. It's THAT good. It's Book #3 in The Crittendon Files, but it can just as easily be read as a stand-alone title. The main character, Jack Crittendon, could be your next-door neighbor or mine, which makes him much more likable than the normal lead character in most thrillers. He's got a wife and family, another baby on the way, and a cantankerous mother-in-law now living with them. To make matters worse, he lost his job as a reporter when his newspaper folded several months ago. Which is how he ended up working part-time as an event staffer at the Columbus Festival Arena when terrorists took control of the crowd gathered to hear a strong, anti-terrorist presidential candidate. Let's just say Jack Bauer could learn a lot from Jack Crittendon! But any description I might attempt would never adequately do the story justice. I don't know how Mapes does it, writing such riveting, suspenseful stories with so much heart, each one better than the last. I'm literally blown away. You will be too!

[Shelly J. Hogan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another favorite!

This is the third book in an excellent series and I have a new favorite author! Excellent, suspenseful, fun, family, faith! This is a winning combination!

[Jarryd Kalideen · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolute mind blowing book!!

All three of the Crittendon Files series contained fear, mayhem, murder,hatred and whatever else life throw at you...This family's strong faith in Jesus brought them through so much and they came out victorious. Their lives and faith made others believers..I loved every book in this series!!

[Shari Hamble · Rating 5 out of 5]

Again I was kept on the edge of my seat! Mayhem! Fear! Jack with just a part time a job. Pamela working full time. Baby coming. And right in the midst of it all a peace found in Jesus as Jack and Pamela focus on the Lord. A must read for a great ending of this trilogy!

[Joni Fisher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Find a comfortable place to read Sky Zone because it will keep you there until the finish. I cheered for Jack and Pam Crittendon, Brian Shakespeare, and their allies through the terrorist attack and it’s aftermath. I do not regret the lost sleep it took to finish this book!

[Kathleen (Kat) Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

With the every increasing rise in terror threats, America is waiting for a president who can stand up and take action. It seems that Martin Sterling is just the man for the job. With government cuts in military spending, presidential candidate Martin Sterling believes we are becoming too passive and headed in the wrong direction. We shouldn't be negotiating with terrorists, we should be firming up and securing our borders and increasing the spending and support for our military. He is just what the American people are looking for, and if he can convince more of them, he might just win the next presidential election.

For Jack Crittendon, the economy is his worst enemy. Struggling to find a full time job while his his Pamela is forced to head back to work while 8-months pregnant is making him feel the pressures of maintaining leadership in his home. Yet no matter where he applies, he always comes up empty. But thanks to a contact with his friend Derrick Williams at the Gazette, if presidential candidate Martin Sterling wins this election, they will need someone to take over the editor's desk and they are looking at Jack. Unfortunately that won't happen until November and that is a really maybe at best. Until then, he is working security part-time at the Festival Arena in preparation for Sterling's upcoming speech.

Just when he thinks life can't get any more interesting, the Festival Arena is notified of a potential terrorist threat that about 30% confirmed to take place the night of Sterling's speech. But not all threats turn into reality, still they aren't willing to take any chances and call in for reinforcements from the local police and S.W.A.T. teams as well as anyone they can convince to help out. Thank goodness Jack's long time friend, Brian Shakespeare, an ex-military service man and survivalist is part of their team and they know he can handle organizing the security detail should anything happen. They just aren't prepared to see this nightmare come true in the worst of circumstances and things are about to get personal in this political suspense thriller.

I received Sky Zone by Creston Mapes compliments of Christian Fiction Blog Alliance and David C. Cook Publishers for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review and the opinions contained in this review are strictly my own. For those of you that love fast-paced, action-packed, political suspense novels, trust me and pick this one up. While it is part of a series, The Crittendon Files, you can pick this one up a stand alone and get immediately hooked. I literally read this one in one sitting. The stakes are high for both Jack and Brian when despite all their training, they find themselves coming up short and the expected results are not what they get. I love the way Creston gets the reader involved and caring about the outcome of his characters like Jack and the situation that is going on in both his personal and professional life at the same time which amps up his stress level. The writing is geared to hook you at the begin and leave you completely breathless by the end. Out of all three books in the series I loved this one the best. It's great for those of you that love movies like Patriot Games and The Fugitive. You'll find yourself holding your breath during this one! Easy to give this one a 5 out of 5 stars and love adding this one to my series. There is also discussion questions included at the conclusion of this novel!

[Christopher Long · Rating 5 out of 5]

Creston Mapes solidifies his impeccable reputation as the "Jimmy Page" of suspense authors with his newly released edge-of-your-seat saga — the third and final installment of his gripping "Crittendon Files" series.

It's been a tumultuous last few years for Ohio newsman, Jack Crittendon. The ace reporter recently has cracked major crime mysteries and his family has been the target of a violent, lunatic stalker. He's also survived serious physical injuries and faced the loss of loved ones. And things continue to rev up for Jack in the pages of "Sky Zone." His wife, Pam, will soon be giving birth to the couple's third child. Yet despite the excitement of Pam's pregnancy, Jack's life hasn't suddenly become a bed of roses.

It's been eight months since Jack Crittendon was relieved of his position at the "Trenton City Dispatch" and the now unemployed journalist finds himself working a rather humbling, part-time minimum wage security job at the nearby 12,000-seat Festival Arena.

But a seemingly routine night at the venue soon takes an outrageous turn as a potential terrorist attack is uncovered — a plot designed to thwart a campaign rally being held for independent Presidential hopeful, Senator Martin Sterling.

Given Sterling's hardline pro-America, anti-terror platform, an attack of this nature seems logical, if not expected — and Jack's friend and co-worker — conspiracy obsessed, survivalist and Desert Storm war vet, Brian Shakespeare, comes to the party prepared and "ready to rock." Let the drama ensue!

In addition to introducing a cast of compelling new characters, "Sky Zone" also reunites readers with popular characters from Mapes' previous books — Everett Lester, the charismatic world-famous rock star, his wife and young son, as well as various members of the Crittendon family. For longtime Mapes fans, these reunions create a nice comfort zone in which to experience this wild and fresh adventure.

Mapes plays all of his best cards — good guys and bad guys, terrorists and politicians (there's apparently a difference), FBI agents, friends, family and a menagerie of heroes — all woven neatly together into the fabric of a tension-filled, Five-Star thriller that also offers a super-sized, faith-based bonus payoff.

-Christopher Long
(ChristopherLongShowBizGuru.blogspot.com)

[Becky Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredibly tense, very satisfying. Vintage Creston Mapes.

I'm in mourning. I hurried through the book to reach the end, find out who the bad guys were, who survives, how life turns out for so many people, and now I'm done. I need more. Creston Mapes has created an addict.

Jack Crittendon and his wife are desperate for Jack to find a full-time job, but all Jack has for now is a part-time job with security at a Columbus, Ohio concert venue. Pam, eight months pregnant, is working, wishing she could be a stay-at-home mother for their other two daughters. More pressure builds with the presence of Pam's mom in the home, who doesn't understand Jack and Pam's need for privacy and is also descending into dementia.Can Jack and Pam's marriage survive these hurdles?

Jack's friend, Shakespeare, has turned his home into a mini-compound, sure the world will come hurtling to an end. When that happens, he and his family will be ready. Question is, will he still have a family to protect when that time comes? His survivalist extremism is driving his wife further and further away with every plan he makes.

Both Jack and Shakespeare are called to work security for the appearance of the senator from Ohio who is running for President. Martin Sterling is a staunch hardliner against terrorists and pledges that much money will be spent on beefing up Homeland Security and rooting out terrorism, should he be elected. Then, the unthinkable happens: terrorists take over the concert arena and Jack and Shakespeare must help figure out how to keep thousands of people safe, avert disaster, and save the lives of the Senator and the famous Christian singer. Jack's nightmare turns epic when his wife surprises him and not only is caught up in the horrors of the standoff but complications ensue.

Who will survive this deadly game of cat and mouse? Faith is put to the test as individuals stare mortality and life (not as they would like it) in the face and decide how they will deal with it. Mapes has done a masterful job in Sky Zone, and the final blow is stunning as the reader discovers who is behind the whole scenario in the arena!

I received this book from bookfun.org in exchange for an honest review.

[Heather G. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Creston Mapes has a winner in Sky Zone. It opens with a bang and keeps you on the edge of your seat for the entire book! I really enjoyed the way he jumped back and forth to past and present from chapter to chapter. It takes some concentration at first to keep things straight, but everything quickly aligns in your mind. The subject matter is terrorism and events that are believable in our country today. I like a book that can at least be possible, even if not pulled from the headlines. Sky Zone fits the bill.

I really appreciate that although it is part of the Jack Crittendon files, it can also be a stand-alone book. Of course, it made me want to read the second book, but I didn’t miss anything by not reading it!

I enjoy a suspense that makes me try to figure things out. I thought I totally saw a twist coming and was wrong! That rarely happens in books. Thankfully, I was redeemed later on in the book with another twist that I did figure out. I believe it takes an excellent author to keep me on my toes.

Sky Zone also has good redeeming qualities with relationships. There are a variety of conflicts within each of the interpersonal relationships throughout the book. Mapes brings an interesting resolution to each of them. I had looked forward to reading this book and was not disappointed!
This book was provided to me free for an honest review by the Book Club Network.

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Warning! This is a book you'll want to start when you can binge, because you will not want to put it down once you start!

One of the things I really loved about this series is how it followed Jack and Pam through all three books. Each book was just another chapter in their lives. The third and final book comes during a hard time in their lives with Jacks unemployment continuing from the second book. This third and final book had the most suspense in my opinion, and was a phenomenal thriller. It had something that is so rare to find in Christian fiction-a survival element. I have rarely come across a book like this despite constantly being on the hunt for them. While Jack and others are on an assignment, a terrorist threat turns the building where they are into a prison, and they have to fight to survive.

As with all three books, the faith in this story was strong. This one definitely kept me on the edge of my seat, and although I enjoyed the first two books, this one was by far my favorite in the series. I absolutely loved Shakespears character. I wish more Christian fiction authors would write characters and story lines with guys like him in these survival settings. This series definitely made its way into my top five favorite series of all time. Highly recommend the entire series!

[Brent Soderstrum · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Creston Mapes books. I have read the first two books of the Crittendon series and they were very good but this one is even better. I hope there is more to come in this series. It is one of those books where you want it to keep going and are sad when you have finished it.

This is a book about a terrorist attack on an arena full of people who are there to hear an independent presidential candidate, Senator Sterling, give a speech on combatting terrorism. Rock star Everett Lester, a hard rocker who became a Christian, will also be making an appearance. Jack Crittendon is working at the arena as a part time security guard along with his friend Brian Shakespeare who is a survivalist. Jack and his pregnant wife Pam are going through one of those rough spots in life that we all face. Jack was a newspaper reporter who is now taking any kind of work to help makes ends meet. Pam has had to go back to work but is 8 months pregnant.

Halfway through the book I thought we had reached the end since the terrorist issue appeared to be resolved. I was wrong. Mapes takes you through an action packed story with twists and turns that I always love. God is also brought out throughout the book which I love.

Keep them coming Mr. Mapes. Well done.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. This is book 3 in the story of Jack Crittendon. I really enjoyed the first 2 books but this one fell flat for me at the end. During the first half I was on the edge of my seat and couldn't believe what was happening. The second half started to fall apart. The story seemed to become more about Pam and the baby and not who the terrorists were and solving the mystery. I want the mystery EVERY TIME. The wrap up to the story felt very rushed. Still a pleasant read if you like Christian Fiction.

Are there more books in the series? Not yet, but I wouldn't be opposed to that. While this book left everyone with closure, I wouldn't mind another glimpse into the lives of Jack and Pam.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

[C.J. Darlington · Rating 4 out of 5]

In a world where terrorist threats dominate the news, Sky Zone is incredibly relevant, especially as we approach the presidential elections. Diving right into the story, Mapes continues the Crittendon Files with vigor. I haven't yet read the first two books, but he did such a good job sprinkling in the backstories of the characters I never felt like I had missed out (though I'm sure it's better to read them in order). This is a novel that could really happen. I do think it could possibly have been stronger if we'd stuck to the main plot of terrorists taking hostages and making demands at a rally, but I see why Mapes needed that chance to break away from the action and get into the inner turmoil of his lead guy.

[Pam Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whilst working for Event Pros a high security firm at a festival they get a call from homeland security of a threat at the arena, where there will be thousand of people attending which could have a catastrophic impact on the lives of thousands of people and the nation as a whole. Its a crime thriller book, terrorism, murder so violent by assassins unknown and just a handful of men have to monitor the area on the lookout for the, its a fast paced story, edge of seat reading.

[Carol C. Cottom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent! Held my interest from the first page on! Especially interesting with the political conventions going on! I loved the whole Crittendon series! I will definitely read more of Creston Mapes books.

[Joy Kidney · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first Creston Mapes novel, but it won't be the last! Terrorists, a presidential campaign, a rock star, an avid prepper, a woman in labor during bedlam in an arena, an out-of-work journalist, and answers to prayer. A real page-turner.

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

awesome conclusion to the series, his best yet
***7/23/24 - just read this series for the second time...forgot how good it was. Amazing

[Stacy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I couldn’t stop reading. So much suspense. I caught myself holding my breath at times, and tearing up. Amazing book. Everyone needs to read it.

[Deborah Bowman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Doesn't miss a thing

This book is a fitting end to the other two. Very interesting as always. I would have given it 5 stars but then I couldn't hold out for a masterpiece later.

[Melanie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sky Zone is the third (and appears to be the final?) book in the Crittendon Files. It was a disappointing read for me. It started out SO good and I had thought I'd actually have a favorite read from this series, but the story seemed to drag on and I did not like the twist.

Many of the characters' actions seemed unbelievable and I had a difficult time believing most of the story. Other things just seemed to wrap up too perfectly and too quickly.

All in all, not a book for me.

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. 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.*

[Olivia · Rating 4 out of 5]

For some reason this started a little slow for me, but as soon as I got into it I couldn't put it down!! For a good a hundred pages I was glued to the book, gasping and exclaiming over every line. That's my kind of suspense ;)

I loved this book because it continued the emotions and struggles of Jack and Pam's life. Everything with the loss of job and the baby coming was heart-breaking, but yet through it all they looked to God, even when they didn't know what they future would bring. That's my kind of Christian fiction too :)

And lastly...the terriost attack! That was pretty rough to read (and can only imagine how it was to write), but it is so eye-opening. I loved these lines when Jack was struggling with the terroists control:
What can you do?
Trust.
Simple trust in God. That was it. Hope for the best.
And realize...this is not all there is. This is not our ultimate destination.

There were a few aspects in this book I didn't agree with, but they weren't huge and I still highly recommend this book. Just start with the first one though ;)

[Nora St Laurent · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m thankful for the review copy of a book I just couldn’t put down. This is a nail biting suspense drama that’s all too real. It reminded me of two movies Airforce One with Harrison Ford, from a political point of view with the danger, deception and suspense. The other movie was Die Hard with Bruce Willis because of all the people on the inside he trying to save people from the bad guys. A few insiders were the eyes and ears for the police outside which created dramatic tension.

This story picks up about where the last book leaves off. Jack Crittendon finds it hard to obtain full time work so he is working part-time as a security person at the Columbus Festival Arena. His wife Pamela has had to go back to work full-time as Administrative assistant to a local orthodontist office to make ends meet. Both of them hate their situations since she’s now expecting their third child.

When Jack gets to work he discovers that singer Everett and Senator Martin Sterling will be at the Arena that night, which meant this place was going to be packed. He works with Shakespeare who’s x-military and takes pride in arming himself and family for a collapse of America’s economy. They both think of strategies to keep tonight’s crowd safe.

Shakespeare shares his disaster ready life style and possible tragedy forecast for America with Jack, “You control individuals with guns and weapons, like Hitler did, but you control the population with food….If food is cut off you have chaos, societal bedlam. Pillaging. Theft. Gang of looters. What do you do then?” He wanted Jack to start preparing for this event now like he and his family were doing.

Shakespeare went on to tell him about the Get Home Bag. “It’s a bag of necessities you keep in your car in case the mud hits the fan while you’re away from home. It’s got everything you need to get you home – then you can decide whether you are going to bug out or hunker down – I can show you mine. You’ll need a SRL too – Survival Retreat location. It’s when home base is no longer good. It’s when there’s complete breakdown of society with people starving and panic, looting from house to house…You’ve got to bug out because every house, barn, store and building will be searched for food and supplies.”

“Jack and his wife experienced Shakespeare’s survival camp (home), it was astounding.”
Jack liked his friend but who had time to think about all this much less do it. But he’d be polite and listen.

There’s a call on the radio for both of them to report to the office. There they hear the news that homeland security has picked up a threat of a possible attack at the Arena that night. His boss was deciding whether to cancel the event or delay opening so they could search the place to make sure it was safe for their visitors. One of the workers says to the boss, “We did a full sweep last night after the hockey game just like always.” This was a 12,000 seat venue.

“You know as well as I do that if someone wanted to spend the night in this building they could. If these guys are pros and this things been planned out, they could have been hanging from the ceiling like bats for all we know. There are plenty of places to hide. I say they’re in here now and we should evacuate.”

Pam, Jack’s wife had been a stay at home mom for all of their kids. That’s where her heart was and where Jack wanted her to be too; home with their new born. She couldn’t believe God wasn’t making that happen. Time was ticking down for the arrival of baby number three it didn’t look like she’d be at home with this little one for long.

I highly recommend you prepare time to really enjoy this book; it’s one you can’t put down once you start. Mapes writing shines in his best novel to date. Don't miss this riveting, page-turning thriller that will have you up late reading the dramatic, satisfying conclusion of an all too real scenario.

Disclosure of Material Connection: #AD Sponsored by publisher.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. 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”

Nora St Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network Blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com
Book Fun Magazine www.bookfunmagazine.com

[Sandra Barker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third Crittendon Files book I've read. I liked it better than #2, mainly because one of the main characters, Pam, was not so annoying. I like the main character Jack Crittendon, who is a really good guy. This book has definite Christian elements, which I also like. It's about a hostage situation by terrorist and there is a lot of action in the Arena during "the situation." There are several different things going on in Jack's life at one time, which keeps things conflicted. I did figure out the plot twist about three-quarters of the way through, but it was still a very good book.

[Maryoreane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

Love how biblical principles are woven into relevant cultural issues. Kept you reading and wanting g to know what was happening with each drama going on

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

God works in mysterious ways!

Another blockbuster! I was pulled into the story from page one! It definitely is another page turner, couldn’t put the book down. I love the way each character develops and how God plays a major role in their lives. Many surprises and God’s intervention, lots of happy tears! I’m looking forward to the next book!

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best of the 3 I have read so far

I started with "Fear Has a Name," & was pleasantly surprised at the action mixed with Christianity, the testing of faith in real life. I read the excerpt at the end ot "Fear Has a Name," from the 2nd book, "Poison Town." Having grown up in an area where heavy industry was king & black skies in mid day meant full lunch boxes, while people & animals died of pollution & the river was devoid of life (I used to joke that there was so much industrial goop in the river that walking on water was not a miracle in our area & I can remember when the EPA was formed to change that instead of to be on the take with developers in finding obscure reasons to tax & fine anyone whose property the developers wanted). I found myself able to related because 2 towns down there was a fiberglass manufacturing operation, & the cancer rate in people over 60 all over the region was very high but it was especially bad there. The topic had my attention.
Then I read the excerpy for this book at the end of "Poison Town" & I had to see what was what for this one. An independent candidate is running for president in this book, his platform built on stopping further building of mosques & slowing down or stopping Muslim immigration due to the risk of terror attacks, & on strengthening surveillance to aid in stopping terrorism, plus strengthening the military. & his rally turns into a terrorist invasion. He & the Christian rock star who had decided to offer his help are taken by the terrorists; the rock star escapes, then so does the senator, who has a bullet in his leg for his trouble. As for our protagonist, Jack, the aftermath of "Poison Town" shuts down his paper & all he can find is part time work for a group that provides some oversight, ushering, & light security for events. Pam has had to return to work for the insurance, & is working full time, on her feet every day. While Jack's partner in the articles in "Poison Town" has gotten a job at a paper in Cleveland, as has one of the definct paper's photographers, Jack has been interviewed & no job found for him. His partner still tries to help him, giving him leads to get a job. Pam's mother is slipping in & of dementia. The girls are with their MawMaw befire & after school, & Pam & Jack are concerned that something will go amiss. The couple longs to make sure Pam is home with the kids as a stay at home Mom, esp once their 3rd child is born. Jack has been doing a lot of the things Pam used to do in with hunting more permanent, better paying, full time work. Their faith is being tested to the max. One of Jack's work friends lost his business during the recession & has also gone from prepping into obsession with prepping. He also works for the event company. A former Marine & sharpshooter, he is the natural leader in the situation that evolves.
Pam gets a chance to go to the event, & is drawn there when she meets an old college buddy who reninds her of the time they saw the rock star in concert in their college years. The friend provides the transportation. Pam goes into early labor while there. The baby is not well when he is born via C-section a month early, but, after a prayer for healing, does very well.
There is a heck of a twist in the story, though, so enjoy, because if I tell you anything other than that there is a twist, it would be a major spoiler.
This is the best book yet by this author. I now follow him on Amazon, & something I rarely do is follow an author.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fair warning...if you plan on reading this book, clear your schedule!! From the first page to the last, Creston Mapes keeps you on the edge of your seat in his newest release, Sky Zone: A Novel!!

Jack and Pamela Crittendon are back again and have hit some major breaking points in their lives. Jack is no longer working for the paper since he exposed the plant in town causing a lot of problems (read Poison Town if you haven't yet!!). Instead he is working part-time for EventPros as an usher. Pamela has had to find work to supplement what Jack wasn't bringing in while being very pregnant with their third child.

The big event coming up is a speech by upcoming Presidential candidate Martin Sterling. Senator Sterling is a controversial candidate as his platform is dealing with terrorism. He will go to any length to get rid of it entirely. While he has a hearty group of supporters, as with any candidate, he also has his enemies. He pairs up with singer Everett Lester for this event. A few hours before the event, a threat is issued that there will be a possible terrorist attack. Jack is working alongside his "Doomsday Prepper" friend Brian Shakespeare.

When Jack gets a surprise text message from Pamela, the night becomes more intense and things begin to get out of hand. Can they save those attending the event? Will they survive the Sky Zone?


As I read this book, I found myself reflecting back to a time when I was asked to accompany an usher during a concert. It was the year of American Idol with Kellie Pickler and Bucky Covington and they came to tour in Atlanta. About 5 songs into the concert, an usher got my husband and I's attention and asked us to come with him. Not really sure what to do, we followed the guy. At first, it seemed like we may be getting an upgrade and going backstage to meet the stars. I was so excited!! Before we knew it though, we were in an elevator with men in black suits and dark sunglasses (Men in Black moment!)The elevator opened to the parking lot and it was then that I realized why we were escorted out. My van was parked in the parking lot and had caught fire!! We didn't see the rest of the concert but we were given complimentary tickets to return for their encore show. It was a very scary night of my life. It's not quite the same the as what the participants went through in this book but I do have a concern of something like that happening to me again at a concert. These event goers had no idea what would happen to them and it was a night they will never forget, much like mine was. Have you ever been evacuated from a large venue? If not evacuated, were you told you couldn't leave? What are your thoughts on that?

Many thanks to David C. Cook publishing and Creston Mapes for providing a review copy in exchange for my honest thoughts on this book!