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Amari Johnston #4
First Cause
In 1990, while carefully reviewing data received from NASA's newly launched Hubble Telescope, Dr. Benjamin Zeller, Science Advisor to President Bush, makes a shocking discovery that will bridge the gap between science and religion.
Just as Dr. Zeller is about to reveal his findings to the world, he goes missing, narrowly avoiding an assassin's bullet. Evidence leads authorities to believe he has drowned in the Potomac River. In reality, he is in hiding, fearing a government conspiracy to keep his discovery a secret. Rather than contact the FBI, he reaches out to a trusted friend in Tucson, Arizona.
Dr. Kevin Brenner is a brilliant experimental physicist who is about to marry Amari Johnston, a feisty private investigator known for thinking outside the box. Just before the wedding, Kevin receives a coded message on his computer from Dr. Zeller. Kevin and Amari realize the message is a veiled cry for help giving only cryptic clues as to Dr. Zeller's location. They hastily change their honeymoon plans and travel to Washington, D.C., desperate to locate Dr. Zeller and protect him from the determined assassin.
Will they find Dr. Zeller before it's too late? And what is this astonishing discovery that some would stop at nothing to keep hidden? Or is Dr. Zeller in danger for an entirely different reason?
Just as Dr. Zeller is about to reveal his findings to the world, he goes missing, narrowly avoiding an assassin's bullet. Evidence leads authorities to believe he has drowned in the Potomac River. In reality, he is in hiding, fearing a government conspiracy to keep his discovery a secret. Rather than contact the FBI, he reaches out to a trusted friend in Tucson, Arizona.
Dr. Kevin Brenner is a brilliant experimental physicist who is about to marry Amari Johnston, a feisty private investigator known for thinking outside the box. Just before the wedding, Kevin receives a coded message on his computer from Dr. Zeller. Kevin and Amari realize the message is a veiled cry for help giving only cryptic clues as to Dr. Zeller's location. They hastily change their honeymoon plans and travel to Washington, D.C., desperate to locate Dr. Zeller and protect him from the determined assassin.
Will they find Dr. Zeller before it's too late? And what is this astonishing discovery that some would stop at nothing to keep hidden? Or is Dr. Zeller in danger for an entirely different reason?
- GenresChristian FictionMystery
286 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 5, 2020
143 people are currently reading
78 people want to read
About the author
R.A. Williams
9 books35 followersR.A. Williams draws from his educational background in psychology and sociology to write compelling, thought-provoking Christian fiction that falls outside of mainstream expectations. He strives to pull the reader through the full range of human emotion, adding just the right dose of humor for comic relief. His fiction reveals not just the characters' actions but the psychological motives behind those actions.
His published works include these novels: The Class of 86, The Gospel According to Todd, Carbon-14: The Shroud of Turin, The Cult of New Caanan, Sixty-Five Roses, First Cause, Cradle of Life, The Near-Death Experience of Justin Parks, and The Blindsight of Grace. His shorter works have appeared in The Christian Communicator, Encounters With God, and Dreams and Visions. His interests include psychology, Biblical history, finger-style guitar, and religious relics such as The Shroud of Turin. He lives in Tennessee with his wife, daughter, and beagle.
His published works include these novels: The Class of 86, The Gospel According to Todd, Carbon-14: The Shroud of Turin, The Cult of New Caanan, Sixty-Five Roses, First Cause, Cradle of Life, The Near-Death Experience of Justin Parks, and The Blindsight of Grace. His shorter works have appeared in The Christian Communicator, Encounters With God, and Dreams and Visions. His interests include psychology, Biblical history, finger-style guitar, and religious relics such as The Shroud of Turin. He lives in Tennessee with his wife, daughter, and beagle.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
March 4, 2022
I know some Christians don't believe the Bible in a literal 6 day creation, and although I disagree with them, as this is a fiction book, I can look past that and simply enjoy the story. I'll be honest here, after reading the first book in this series, I got caught up in this one even though the main characters don't really live like a true Christian does. There's little to no prayer, no going to church, not talking about Jesus or what He wants them to do, or why He wants them to do what they're doing; or how what they're doing will bring Him glory; and no talk about sin and how it affects them or how they fight it. Even so, I really enjoyed this book and the first one that I read.
September 23, 2023
Exciting Story
From the first page until the last page: excitement and suspense. This was a clean thriller mystery. No foul language, no sexual exploits and no graphic violence.
The characters melded well. The suspense was present throughout the story. The story was so fast pace you never had the time to think of what would happen next. This was just an entertaining, enjoyable read.
Thank you Mr. Williams. I can’t wait to read your other books.
I too live in Tennessee (Knoxville) and really appreciate the details of the locations the characters travel. Since I have read book 5 of this series, I especially appreciate all the local businesses in the east Tennessee area.
From the first page until the last page: excitement and suspense. This was a clean thriller mystery. No foul language, no sexual exploits and no graphic violence.
The characters melded well. The suspense was present throughout the story. The story was so fast pace you never had the time to think of what would happen next. This was just an entertaining, enjoyable read.
Thank you Mr. Williams. I can’t wait to read your other books.
I too live in Tennessee (Knoxville) and really appreciate the details of the locations the characters travel. Since I have read book 5 of this series, I especially appreciate all the local businesses in the east Tennessee area.
February 3, 2021
Interesting evening read
The author has chosen an interesting premise: a scientific discovery that validates creation as deported in the Biblical book of Genesis. Revelation of this would upset powerful people who are not afraid to assinate the scientists who made the discovery. Protagonist is a young female PI who had just married a protege of the scientist who made the discovery. Her character was somewhat flat. This is book 4 of a series featuring this young woman so it is possible that her character was more thoroughly developed in earlier works.
The author has chosen an interesting premise: a scientific discovery that validates creation as deported in the Biblical book of Genesis. Revelation of this would upset powerful people who are not afraid to assinate the scientists who made the discovery. Protagonist is a young female PI who had just married a protege of the scientist who made the discovery. Her character was somewhat flat. This is book 4 of a series featuring this young woman so it is possible that her character was more thoroughly developed in earlier works.
December 3, 2020
Interesting read
The conversations in the book about the Shroud of Turin are thought provoking. I now want to do more reading about the carbon dating. There is a recommendation from the author at the end of the book.
The conversations in the book about the Shroud of Turin are thought provoking. I now want to do more reading about the carbon dating. There is a recommendation from the author at the end of the book.
December 15, 2020
Mystery solved
Another good Amari Johnston book. I've read all the books in the series and liked them equally as much. Strong characters, interesting plot with lots of twists and turns. Easy to read and follow, with some science, history, and humor.
Another good Amari Johnston book. I've read all the books in the series and liked them equally as much. Strong characters, interesting plot with lots of twists and turns. Easy to read and follow, with some science, history, and humor.
January 16, 2021
This is a very food read!
I have gotten pickier about what I read as I get older. I do t watch R rated movies or read R rated books. This is a thriller that has you on the edge of your seat where you don’t want to put the book down.
I have gotten pickier about what I read as I get older. I do t watch R rated movies or read R rated books. This is a thriller that has you on the edge of your seat where you don’t want to put the book down.
December 16, 2020
Doing That Which Is Right
This is a very entertaining and well written book, truth or not it sounds good and gives the reader food for thought.
This is a very entertaining and well written book, truth or not it sounds good and gives the reader food for thought.
February 5, 2021
Review of First Cause
This the 4th book in the series, and I’m anxious to read the next one
I have enjoyed each one
This the 4th book in the series, and I’m anxious to read the next one
I have enjoyed each one
August 7, 2021
Love the series
I enjoyed these books very much, I only hope there will be more in this series.
Thank you for sharing
I enjoyed these books very much, I only hope there will be more in this series.
Thank you for sharing
December 1, 2021
Many details
An interesting story bogged down by a clumsy style and far too detailed writing. Some of the action scenes seemed forced but that’s only my opinion
An interesting story bogged down by a clumsy style and far too detailed writing. Some of the action scenes seemed forced but that’s only my opinion
October 12, 2023
3 1/2 stars rounded up. An interesting storyline. A lot of unbelievable action and dialogue. Likeable characters.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews