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Signs of Life #5
Son & Shield
Father-Son Police Duo Battles Demons in Disguise
In his final year behind the badge, beloved Portland Police Investigator Wayne Deetz and his wife Joanie are shocked to learn their youngest son, Brandon, 23, has signed up to follow in Deetz’s footsteps by joining the Portland Police Bureau—especially amidst the city’s recent riots, violence, and cancel culture.
When Deetz goes back in uniform to ride with Brandon during his field training, the father-son duo is dealt a harrowing, demonic case involving an unlikely gunman and a brash corporate executive. As they interview witnesses, discover shocking new evidence, and dare to search for bones in locked closets, they learn not only are their lives in peril, but the devil is out for their loved ones as well.
Book 5—the knockout punch in Creston’s pulse-pounding Signs of Life Series.
In his final year behind the badge, beloved Portland Police Investigator Wayne Deetz and his wife Joanie are shocked to learn their youngest son, Brandon, 23, has signed up to follow in Deetz’s footsteps by joining the Portland Police Bureau—especially amidst the city’s recent riots, violence, and cancel culture.
When Deetz goes back in uniform to ride with Brandon during his field training, the father-son duo is dealt a harrowing, demonic case involving an unlikely gunman and a brash corporate executive. As they interview witnesses, discover shocking new evidence, and dare to search for bones in locked closets, they learn not only are their lives in peril, but the devil is out for their loved ones as well.
Book 5—the knockout punch in Creston’s pulse-pounding Signs of Life Series.
- GenresChristian Fiction
198 pages, ebook
Published February 7, 2022
172 people are currently reading
99 people want to read
About the author
Creston Mapes
39 books507 followersCreston Mapes is a bestselling author of Christian fiction, widely known for his contemporary Christian suspense and faith-based thrillers that weave spiritual warfare, redemption, and moral tension into gripping, high-stakes narratives. His novels boldly explore current-day themes, culture, and social hot buttons, making his work especially appealing for fans of Christian fiction, mysteries, and suspense.
Creston grew up in northeast Ohio, where he has fond memories of living with his family of five in the upstairs portion of his father’s early American furniture store, The Weathervane Shop. He graduated with a degree in journalism from Bowling Green State University and began his career as a newspaper reporter and photographer in Ohio and Florida before moving to Atlanta, Georgia, to work as a creative copywriter.
After serving as a creative director at Walk Thru the Bible Ministries, Creston realized his calling was not management, but storytelling. He became a freelance writer in 1991 and, over the next 30+ years, worked with brands and organizations including Chick-fil-A, Coca-Cola, The Weather Channel, Oracle, ABC-TV, TNT Sports, colleges and universities, and national ad agencies.
Creston has written numerous contemporary Christian suspense novels and Christian thrillers, achieved Amazon Bestseller status multiple times, and had one of his novels (Nobody) optioned as a major motion picture. He has also ghostwritten more than ten nonfiction books.
His faith-based fiction consistently blends fast-paced suspense with biblical themes, ethical struggles, and hope, earning him a devoted readership.
He married his fourth-grade sweetheart, Patty, and together they have four adult children. When not writing, Creston enjoys his part-time job as an usher at local venues, where he gets to see concerts and sporting events. His interests include pickleball, fishing, reading, thrifting, bocce, painting, bowling, spending time with family, and dating his wife.
STAND-ALONE CHRISTIAN SUSPENSE NOVELS
Sapphire Island
Celebrity Pastor
I Am In Here
Nobody
SIGNS OF LIFE SERIES
Signs of Life
Let My Daughter Go
I Pick You
Charm Artist
Son & Shield
Secrets in Shadows
Who Is My Neighbor?
THE CRITTENDON FILES
Fear Has a Name
Poison Town
Sky Zone
ROCK STAR CHRONICLES
Dark Star: Confessions of a Rock Idol
Full Tilt
To receive updates on new releases, giveaways, and special offers, visit crestonmapes.com/contact.
For eBooks, audiobooks, paperbacks, and hardbacks: amazon.com/author/crestonmapes
Creston grew up in northeast Ohio, where he has fond memories of living with his family of five in the upstairs portion of his father’s early American furniture store, The Weathervane Shop. He graduated with a degree in journalism from Bowling Green State University and began his career as a newspaper reporter and photographer in Ohio and Florida before moving to Atlanta, Georgia, to work as a creative copywriter.
After serving as a creative director at Walk Thru the Bible Ministries, Creston realized his calling was not management, but storytelling. He became a freelance writer in 1991 and, over the next 30+ years, worked with brands and organizations including Chick-fil-A, Coca-Cola, The Weather Channel, Oracle, ABC-TV, TNT Sports, colleges and universities, and national ad agencies.
Creston has written numerous contemporary Christian suspense novels and Christian thrillers, achieved Amazon Bestseller status multiple times, and had one of his novels (Nobody) optioned as a major motion picture. He has also ghostwritten more than ten nonfiction books.
His faith-based fiction consistently blends fast-paced suspense with biblical themes, ethical struggles, and hope, earning him a devoted readership.
He married his fourth-grade sweetheart, Patty, and together they have four adult children. When not writing, Creston enjoys his part-time job as an usher at local venues, where he gets to see concerts and sporting events. His interests include pickleball, fishing, reading, thrifting, bocce, painting, bowling, spending time with family, and dating his wife.
STAND-ALONE CHRISTIAN SUSPENSE NOVELS
Sapphire Island
Celebrity Pastor
I Am In Here
Nobody
SIGNS OF LIFE SERIES
Signs of Life
Let My Daughter Go
I Pick You
Charm Artist
Son & Shield
Secrets in Shadows
Who Is My Neighbor?
THE CRITTENDON FILES
Fear Has a Name
Poison Town
Sky Zone
ROCK STAR CHRONICLES
Dark Star: Confessions of a Rock Idol
Full Tilt
To receive updates on new releases, giveaways, and special offers, visit crestonmapes.com/contact.
For eBooks, audiobooks, paperbacks, and hardbacks: amazon.com/author/crestonmapes
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
February 13, 2023
Leading to a Legacy
I liked the action and suspense of this story. It's a great setup for Brandon to take on the mantle. The generalization of police praise and vilification of protesters still troubles me as a black woman. As a recurring theme, it makes me contemplate whether or not the author is concerned with racial equity or social justice.
I liked the action and suspense of this story. It's a great setup for Brandon to take on the mantle. The generalization of police praise and vilification of protesters still troubles me as a black woman. As a recurring theme, it makes me contemplate whether or not the author is concerned with racial equity or social justice.
February 8, 2022
son and Shield
I loved this book, the Deetz family, and this series! Creston Mapes has done it again, created a great storyline that keeps you guessing til the end.
I loved this book, the Deetz family, and this series! Creston Mapes has done it again, created a great storyline that keeps you guessing til the end.
February 26, 2022
Son & Shield (signs of life series bk 5)
I thoroughly enjoyed this final book in this Christian thriller. I would read all of the books again&again. I highly recommend all of them to anyone who loves Christian thriller.
I thoroughly enjoyed this final book in this Christian thriller. I would read all of the books again&again. I highly recommend all of them to anyone who loves Christian thriller.
February 27, 2022
Father and Son
Creston out did himself. Surprised ending. Fast pace twist and turns to make your head spin . will not disappoint. Get so hot chocolate and read all night its that great
Creston out did himself. Surprised ending. Fast pace twist and turns to make your head spin . will not disappoint. Get so hot chocolate and read all night its that great
March 19, 2022
Loved this book! Couldn’t put it down. When’s book #6 coming out? You’ll never be disappointed with a Creston Mapes book.
March 16, 2022
Keep ‘em coming!
Another excellent, edge of your seat Creston Mapes book, that I couldn’t put down until I finished it. I’ve enjoyed every book he’s written and can’t wait until the next one!
Another excellent, edge of your seat Creston Mapes book, that I couldn’t put down until I finished it. I’ve enjoyed every book he’s written and can’t wait until the next one!
February 20, 2022
Can’t get enough of his books!
Couldn’t put this book down! Was so excited when I saw that the 5th book came out! Stayed up late and finished this in one sitting!!! Really wish it wasn’t over! Loved this series! Creston Mapes is my new favorite author!! Unfortunately I’ve now read all of his books! :)
Couldn’t put this book down! Was so excited when I saw that the 5th book came out! Stayed up late and finished this in one sitting!!! Really wish it wasn’t over! Loved this series! Creston Mapes is my new favorite author!! Unfortunately I’ve now read all of his books! :)
February 19, 2022
Best one yet!
Best book of the series—don’t get me wrong I enjoyed them all—but this one kept me up until I finished it!!
Best book of the series—don’t get me wrong I enjoyed them all—but this one kept me up until I finished it!!
February 14, 2022
Is this the end?
Wayne Deetz is tasked with mentoring his cop cadet son, Brandon, during the last few months before Wayne's retirement. Little do they know that within his first hour as a cop, Brandon would be involved in a massacre and that he would be the one to have to shoot the shooter. This was just the opening salvo, as the ensuing investigation opened up a vast can of worms & plot twists. As usual, Creston Mapes has written a spellbinding suspense that may or may not wrap up the series. Following Brandon would be a great basis for a sequel series!
Wayne Deetz is tasked with mentoring his cop cadet son, Brandon, during the last few months before Wayne's retirement. Little do they know that within his first hour as a cop, Brandon would be involved in a massacre and that he would be the one to have to shoot the shooter. This was just the opening salvo, as the ensuing investigation opened up a vast can of worms & plot twists. As usual, Creston Mapes has written a spellbinding suspense that may or may not wrap up the series. Following Brandon would be a great basis for a sequel series!
February 16, 2022
Good reading
The plot was about Detective Wayne Deetz and his son Brandon. He was given the task of training his son. He was proud his son had decided to follow on his footsteps, but the first training day turns violent and it gets worse as it then involves his other son. But Wayne’s faith carried them through the tough spots.
The plot was about Detective Wayne Deetz and his son Brandon. He was given the task of training his son. He was proud his son had decided to follow on his footsteps, but the first training day turns violent and it gets worse as it then involves his other son. But Wayne’s faith carried them through the tough spots.
February 16, 2022
A very good read!!
Cresting Mapes does not disappoint again!! A great story line. Hidden secrets and motives brought to life. I love the Deetz family and hate to see the series end. It has some really devious people in it that have total disregard for their own family members. A lot of mystery and suspense. I would definitely recommend it!!
Cresting Mapes does not disappoint again!! A great story line. Hidden secrets and motives brought to life. I love the Deetz family and hate to see the series end. It has some really devious people in it that have total disregard for their own family members. A lot of mystery and suspense. I would definitely recommend it!!
March 9, 2022
Clean Suspense !
Great story and series ! Highly recommended , all Dan Walsh's books are highly recommended ! A page turner for sure .😁
Great story and series ! Highly recommended , all Dan Walsh's books are highly recommended ! A page turner for sure .😁
September 28, 2022
As always, Mapes pumped out another page-turner that you just can’t put down!
March 1, 2022
Best so far
I've read most of Crestons books and I think this is my favorite! Full of mystery, intrigue and humanity, these cops and the case involving some family members is riveting. The faith of the characters is an important part of this story, and the wisdom the senior detective embodies. I recommend it wholeheartedly!
I've read most of Crestons books and I think this is my favorite! Full of mystery, intrigue and humanity, these cops and the case involving some family members is riveting. The faith of the characters is an important part of this story, and the wisdom the senior detective embodies. I recommend it wholeheartedly!
March 3, 2022
Excellent Christian novel
This is a superb Christian novel, full of action and suspense. Brandon is police officer now and gets to ride with his dad Wayne. An excellent read!
This is a superb Christian novel, full of action and suspense. Brandon is police officer now and gets to ride with his dad Wayne. An excellent read!
September 11, 2022
I am currently "binge reading" books by Creston Mapes. They deal with some sensitive subjects, but aren't quite a scary because they are Christian fiction. I am loving this "signs of life" series even though it is quite deep and deals with some tough subjects.
February 3, 2024
Like father like son,or not?
Brandon has a temper & is a little too emotional to be Deetz. However, Deetz has had almost 35 years to perfect his actions. Brandon is just starting out. This book had all the Deetz men involved. The company that J.P. works for had a first person shooter in their office. Deetz & Brandon are called in with strict instructions to get the shooter down anyway necessary. What's weird is that the shooter is apologizing left & right to his co-workers. Almost like he has no choice. The shooter is gunned down by Brandon. J.P. doesn't come out unscathed. I will not ruin a book for someone. The prime suspects are Alexander a rich father of Christopher. Christopher shows up one day & takes Greg's office. (Greg was the shooter). Christopher shows up shortly after to keep an eye on his son. And clean up his messes. You will learn there are many. Instead of going to the length this man went I would have let loan sharks take him. Stop bailing his son out of everything. Why Christopher's wife still cares for him at all is mind boggling. There are riots in this book briefly. Deetz gets gets urine thrown on him. At least the container didn't break. Alexander uses Tammy to get a reaction out of J.P. He set the whole thing up. Having the cameraman hiding & the newscaster so he could twist everything back on J.P. J.P. walked right into it & told them everything his dad & Brandon had on him & Christopher. It came down to two last minute forms of intelligence. They blew the case wide open. Once people heard they were being held for crimes the women started coming out of the woodwork.
Brandon has a temper & is a little too emotional to be Deetz. However, Deetz has had almost 35 years to perfect his actions. Brandon is just starting out. This book had all the Deetz men involved. The company that J.P. works for had a first person shooter in their office. Deetz & Brandon are called in with strict instructions to get the shooter down anyway necessary. What's weird is that the shooter is apologizing left & right to his co-workers. Almost like he has no choice. The shooter is gunned down by Brandon. J.P. doesn't come out unscathed. I will not ruin a book for someone. The prime suspects are Alexander a rich father of Christopher. Christopher shows up one day & takes Greg's office. (Greg was the shooter). Christopher shows up shortly after to keep an eye on his son. And clean up his messes. You will learn there are many. Instead of going to the length this man went I would have let loan sharks take him. Stop bailing his son out of everything. Why Christopher's wife still cares for him at all is mind boggling. There are riots in this book briefly. Deetz gets gets urine thrown on him. At least the container didn't break. Alexander uses Tammy to get a reaction out of J.P. He set the whole thing up. Having the cameraman hiding & the newscaster so he could twist everything back on J.P. J.P. walked right into it & told them everything his dad & Brandon had on him & Christopher. It came down to two last minute forms of intelligence. They blew the case wide open. Once people heard they were being held for crimes the women started coming out of the woodwork.
August 31, 2022
Very well done, as expected from this author.
June 7, 2022
I did not know what to expect out of this last book of the series. I was scared for Deetz & his son, Branden & many other people who are being taken advantage of by Dowdy, the CEO of a company. Then I was mad that Dowdy would get away with all his evil actions. But I never expected how the story ended. What a surprise! I had to stay up late to finish the book. I really enjoyed this series. I requested my library purchase the book which they did.
July 31, 2024
Addicting
These books are not working for me, I am not getting anything done! They are a lot better if you start with the first book,,get to know everybody.
A totally new lean on mass workplace shootings. I love the fact there is no sex or fowl language proving that an awesome read can be done without it!
These books are not working for me, I am not getting anything done! They are a lot better if you start with the first book,,get to know everybody.
A totally new lean on mass workplace shootings. I love the fact there is no sex or fowl language proving that an awesome read can be done without it!
April 1, 2022
I want more!
The latest book in this series has left me wanting to know more of Wayne Deetz family and story. This is so good! The story line is filled with suspense, action and faith and family! All great elements for a compelling series!
The latest book in this series has left me wanting to know more of Wayne Deetz family and story. This is so good! The story line is filled with suspense, action and faith and family! All great elements for a compelling series!
June 18, 2022
Fantastic!
Read in one sitting. I’ve read all 5 books in Crestons Signs of Life series. I always think the same...the last one I finished was the best. Will this be the last we see of Detective Dietz? Hope not.
Read in one sitting. I’ve read all 5 books in Crestons Signs of Life series. I always think the same...the last one I finished was the best. Will this be the last we see of Detective Dietz? Hope not.
December 18, 2022
INTENSE!
Creston has once again taken the reader on a roller coaster ride into the depths of everyday police work with Wayne Deetz! What a ride! Read for yourself and find out what I'm talking about!
Creston has once again taken the reader on a roller coaster ride into the depths of everyday police work with Wayne Deetz! What a ride! Read for yourself and find out what I'm talking about!
November 13, 2022
Too Short
I loved this series but the books kept getting shorter. I also wanted to read more on the faith and inspiration sooner in the stories. Most of them spoke of faith toward the end. This one at least had it from the beginning to help the son Brandon.
I loved this series but the books kept getting shorter. I also wanted to read more on the faith and inspiration sooner in the stories. Most of them spoke of faith toward the end. This one at least had it from the beginning to help the son Brandon.
September 3, 2023
Never Disappoints
Just like the 4 previous books in this series, this one was excellent. Kept me glued to the pages with suspense. I love the characters and seeing the changes in their lives over time as they all grow in their faith.
Just like the 4 previous books in this series, this one was excellent. Kept me glued to the pages with suspense. I love the characters and seeing the changes in their lives over time as they all grow in their faith.
November 23, 2023
Creston Mapes has written another suspenseful story about the Deetz family. The characters and dialogue are so real, and the suspense kept me on the edge of my seat. I especially love the fact that all the novels are clean and have faith interwoven without being preachy. Highly recommend!
March 11, 2024
Another highly engaging thriller
I just cannot put these books down. The actions and descriptions are vivid and there’s just nowhere to stop and save the story for later. Great reads!
I just cannot put these books down. The actions and descriptions are vivid and there’s just nowhere to stop and save the story for later. Great reads!
April 8, 2024
This series keeps getting better and better. I will start #6 and hopefully after that, I will sleep. Reading this at night, not scary, just keeps you awake with all the edge of your seat stuff!
Definitely recommend!
Definitely recommend!
March 25, 2025
outstanding. p
Although I am not an artist, I know good art. Painting,sculpture etc. An author is an artist. Crest on Mapes is an outstanding artist. Thank you for your work and God bless you.
Although I am not an artist, I know good art. Painting,sculpture etc. An author is an artist. Crest on Mapes is an outstanding artist. Thank you for your work and God bless you.
November 13, 2022
Unputdownable!!
I loved this book...in fact I love all of his books so far. It's hard to find Christian thrillers so I highly recommend his books. Enjoy!-
I loved this book...in fact I love all of his books so far. It's hard to find Christian thrillers so I highly recommend his books. Enjoy!-
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews