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I Am In Here
"Little do they know, I can hear and see everything."
Eighteen-year-old Hale Frodele is presumed braindead from a tragic church bus accident in which he lost his younger brother, Nate.
Little does anyone know-Hale hears and understands everything with crystal clarity.
Hale remembers when his mom died at age 44 of pancreatic cancer and his dad turned his back on God.
Hale understands that the unbeliever his dad remarried whispers bitterly that Hale is 'pitiful' and 'ruining' her marriage.
Hale knows his father has borrowed a large sum of money from a deranged loan shark named Sebastian and the payback is due in 48 hours.
Hale believes in his best friend Gilbert, who still visits him weekly, prays for his healing, and is beginning to realize something is very wrong in the Frodele household.
Hale is in here . . . and he has a mind-blowing story to tell.
Eighteen-year-old Hale Frodele is presumed braindead from a tragic church bus accident in which he lost his younger brother, Nate.
Little does anyone know-Hale hears and understands everything with crystal clarity.
Hale remembers when his mom died at age 44 of pancreatic cancer and his dad turned his back on God.
Hale understands that the unbeliever his dad remarried whispers bitterly that Hale is 'pitiful' and 'ruining' her marriage.
Hale knows his father has borrowed a large sum of money from a deranged loan shark named Sebastian and the payback is due in 48 hours.
Hale believes in his best friend Gilbert, who still visits him weekly, prays for his healing, and is beginning to realize something is very wrong in the Frodele household.
Hale is in here . . . and he has a mind-blowing story to tell.
194 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 1, 2022
741 people are currently reading
734 people want to read
About the author
Creston Mapes
38 books502 followersCreston Mapes grew up in northeast Ohio, where he has fond memories of living with his family of five in the upstairs portion of his dad’s early American furniture store - The Weathervane Shop. Creston was not a good student, but the one natural talent he possessed was writing.
He set type by hand and cranked out his own neighborhood newspaper as a kid, then went on to graduate with a degree in journalism from Bowling Green State University. Creston was a newspaper reporter and photographer in Ohio and Florida, then moved to Atlanta, Georgia, for a job as a creative copywriter.
Creston served for a stint as a creative director, but quickly learned he was not cut out for management. He went out on his own as a freelance writer in 1991 and, over the next 30 years, did work for Chick-fil-A, Coca-Cola, The Weather Channel, Oracle, ABC-TV, TNT Sports, colleges and universities, ad agencies, and more. He’s ghost-written more than ten non-fiction books.
Creston has penned many contemporary thrillers, achieved Amazon Bestseller status multiple times, and had one of his novels (Nobody) optioned as a major motion picture.
Creston married his fourth-grade sweetheart, Patty, and they have four amazing adult children. Creston loves his part-time job as an usher at local venues where he gets to see all the latest-greatest concerts and sporting events. He enjoys reading, fishing, thrifting, bocci, painting, bowling, pickleball, time with his family, and dates with his wife.
Keep informed of special deals, giveaways, new releases, and exclusive updates from Creston: crestonmapes.com/contact
For Creston’s eBooks, audiobooks, and paperbacks: amazon.com/author/crestonmapes
STAND ALONE THRILLERS
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
He set type by hand and cranked out his own neighborhood newspaper as a kid, then went on to graduate with a degree in journalism from Bowling Green State University. Creston was a newspaper reporter and photographer in Ohio and Florida, then moved to Atlanta, Georgia, for a job as a creative copywriter.
Creston served for a stint as a creative director, but quickly learned he was not cut out for management. He went out on his own as a freelance writer in 1991 and, over the next 30 years, did work for Chick-fil-A, Coca-Cola, The Weather Channel, Oracle, ABC-TV, TNT Sports, colleges and universities, ad agencies, and more. He’s ghost-written more than ten non-fiction books.
Creston has penned many contemporary thrillers, achieved Amazon Bestseller status multiple times, and had one of his novels (Nobody) optioned as a major motion picture.
Creston married his fourth-grade sweetheart, Patty, and they have four amazing adult children. Creston loves his part-time job as an usher at local venues where he gets to see all the latest-greatest concerts and sporting events. He enjoys reading, fishing, thrifting, bocci, painting, bowling, pickleball, time with his family, and dates with his wife.
Keep informed of special deals, giveaways, new releases, and exclusive updates from Creston: crestonmapes.com/contact
For Creston’s eBooks, audiobooks, and paperbacks: amazon.com/author/crestonmapes
STAND ALONE THRILLERS
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
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 211 reviews
September 6, 2022
I read this book in one sitting on Labor Day. Could not put it down. This story grabbed me by the shirt and didn't let go until the last page. What a ride! I highly recommend it to anyone who likes to read good fiction with lots of twists and turns.
August 22, 2024
This was a unique thriller. The main character, Hale, is believed to be in a vegetative state following a church bus accident. However, he is fully aware of everything happening around him and wants to move and speak, but can't quite get his body to cooperate.
Hale's dad Douglas is in deep debt due to the medical bills and borrowed money from a shady source.
The story is told from both Hale and Douglas' perspectives and is a page turner.
Set in Ohio.
Hale's dad Douglas is in deep debt due to the medical bills and borrowed money from a shady source.
The story is told from both Hale and Douglas' perspectives and is a page turner.
Set in Ohio.
October 4, 2022
NOBODY is still my favorite Creston Mapes novel, but this one was a page-turner too, and really unique.
December 17, 2022
There are points of great tension building in this story which I enjoyed. The author does a good job of showing the tremendous pressure on a family who has experienced loss and the responsibility of caring for person in a deep coma. I would have given this book five stars except there were a few scenes that were a bit unbelievable. Nora Wolfenbarger author of The Promise and The Defiant.
July 13, 2024
I absolutely loved this book! It’s different from Creston’s other books, but in a really good, fresh way. I saw that it had a tagline of being a Breathtaking Christian Thriller (as Creston is well known for), but after I started the first chapter, I began to wonder, “how is this going to be a thriller? I mean…the poor kid is unable to do anything.” Ok. Let me just tell you that this book is an emotional rollercoaster. It’s a different kind of thriller than any of his other books, but I couldn’t put it down. I loved the POV switches every few chapters that succeeded in only adding to the intensity. The thing I really loved was the faith aspect…which had an amazing resolution without being … well, no spoilers. My wife and I have had a crazy couple of years with medical issues, and let me just say…this book was not only thrilling, but inspiring.
Only believe.
That is the ultimate reminder.
Only believe.
Easier to say than do…yes, but the only way we should approach our trials.
Thank you, Creston for that important reminder.
Only believe.
That is the ultimate reminder.
Only believe.
Easier to say than do…yes, but the only way we should approach our trials.
Thank you, Creston for that important reminder.
December 3, 2022
What a powerful read by one of today's best-selling authors. In this novel, Creston Mapes digs more deeply than ever as he plumbs the depths of human struggle and inner triumphs--as well as tragedies. He shows very flawed characters coming to terms with their pain and their hopes, showing the power of forgiveness. Not many authors can place themselves into the mind of a young man who has been so badly damaged that he cannot do anything for himself, but Creston does it with great flair and believability.
August 20, 2023
This was a short but captivating story, and I ate it up! Lots of twists of a mystery/thriller with great faith elements. I really enjoyed this one.
February 7, 2024
With 2 POV’s and plenty of action, author, Creston Mapes, tackles the issue of communication for a young man that’s unable to speak for himself, due to a TBI as a consequence of a bus accident.
Hale is the young man unable to speak. His father is Douglas. Each chapter is clearly marked, altho’ you won’t need it. While reading early on, I checked to see if there was a co-author for this book. The two voices are so disparate in style and at times in quality that they seem to be written by different authors. Perhaps it’s an intentional way for Mapes to build tension.
The voice of Hale is spectacular. It happens by way of self speak and occasionally via his best friend who has a definite connection with him. He realizes that Hale is “still in there”, he can see light and intelligence in his eyes and that what appears to be spastic body movements are sometimes purposeful.
Douglas starts out believable but as the story progresses, imo, he becomes a caricature that’s personified by his wife, the evil stepmother. The whole storyline goes too far.
So why 4 stars? It’s the voice of Hale. I’ve done hospice care and watched families discount people who are unable to communicate. They don’t actually look at them, watch their face, look into their eyes or see if they’re having reactions to stimulus. Mapes tells this story perfectly and it’s important. The elements of faith are realistic, if a bit subtle.
There are 2 or 3 soft expletives that were totally unnecessary. C’mon Creston, you’re better than that! On the positive side, there aren’t any sexual elements and the violence is definitely PG without graphic descriptions.
Quickly paced, tense family dynamics and an important look at a medical condition that could effect us all. Recommended📚
Hale is the young man unable to speak. His father is Douglas. Each chapter is clearly marked, altho’ you won’t need it. While reading early on, I checked to see if there was a co-author for this book. The two voices are so disparate in style and at times in quality that they seem to be written by different authors. Perhaps it’s an intentional way for Mapes to build tension.
The voice of Hale is spectacular. It happens by way of self speak and occasionally via his best friend who has a definite connection with him. He realizes that Hale is “still in there”, he can see light and intelligence in his eyes and that what appears to be spastic body movements are sometimes purposeful.
Douglas starts out believable but as the story progresses, imo, he becomes a caricature that’s personified by his wife, the evil stepmother. The whole storyline goes too far.
So why 4 stars? It’s the voice of Hale. I’ve done hospice care and watched families discount people who are unable to communicate. They don’t actually look at them, watch their face, look into their eyes or see if they’re having reactions to stimulus. Mapes tells this story perfectly and it’s important. The elements of faith are realistic, if a bit subtle.
There are 2 or 3 soft expletives that were totally unnecessary. C’mon Creston, you’re better than that! On the positive side, there aren’t any sexual elements and the violence is definitely PG without graphic descriptions.
Quickly paced, tense family dynamics and an important look at a medical condition that could effect us all. Recommended📚
September 9, 2022
What did I just read.....wow
December 16, 2023
This is a great read, probably one of the best reads of the year. The story of this paralyzed young man and his family captivated me from beginning to end. His family faced the hard realities of life but they also learned some valuable lessons about God. I am not going to make this review long or give away any details because I want everyone to experience the mystery and unexpected nature of this amazing story.
Thanks for a wonderful book Creston. The snow in the story even though not written around a Christmas theme makes it a great holiday read.
Thanks for a wonderful book Creston. The snow in the story even though not written around a Christmas theme makes it a great holiday read.
October 13, 2022
Thought Provoking
Well written, intriguing theme. Really makes you think about what it would be like to be in the main character's condition, aware of everything around you but unable to react or respond. Mapes writes about the characters' Christian views and values,as well as their doubts and failures in a very realistic natural way. Doesn't feel or sound preachy or trite. Great story, which is what really does it for me. I recommend this one to any thriller/mystery readers, just note Mapes makes no apology for the Christian slant, that is what he's about.
Well written, intriguing theme. Really makes you think about what it would be like to be in the main character's condition, aware of everything around you but unable to react or respond. Mapes writes about the characters' Christian views and values,as well as their doubts and failures in a very realistic natural way. Doesn't feel or sound preachy or trite. Great story, which is what really does it for me. I recommend this one to any thriller/mystery readers, just note Mapes makes no apology for the Christian slant, that is what he's about.
October 15, 2022
Yay Hale!
Oh this book had me on the edge of my seat! Oh that awful Sandra, praise God for Gilbert!! I let be Creston Males and his books! May the Lord continue to bless him!
Oh this book had me on the edge of my seat! Oh that awful Sandra, praise God for Gilbert!! I let be Creston Males and his books! May the Lord continue to bless him!
October 8, 2022
This book was very interesting seeing through the eyes of someone thought by some to be a "vegatable". What a terrible word. The story was heart warming, suspenseful, and eye opening. I liked the whole story so a cannot think of anything that I disliked. It is troubling to see how much trouble a person can get into when he tries to do things his way and not trusting God. The faithfulness of Gilbert to Hale is heart warming. To have a friend that close is wonderful. I recommend this book to everyone. And, do not ever give up.
October 9, 2022
Wow!
This is an excellent story filled with suspense, redemption, and hope. Creston writes stories so well and they leave the reader wanting more. The characters of this novel have become so real that I want to know what happens next for them. Looking forward to the next installment!
This is an excellent story filled with suspense, redemption, and hope. Creston writes stories so well and they leave the reader wanting more. The characters of this novel have become so real that I want to know what happens next for them. Looking forward to the next installment!
October 11, 2022
I Am In Here
Excellent book. Author really knows how to write and keep the reader guessing. Now to read another of his books!
Excellent book. Author really knows how to write and keep the reader guessing. Now to read another of his books!
October 5, 2022
Dysfunctional family full of lies and secrets , mobsters who want to collect what’s due to them, and a main character who can’t speak equals a story I couldn’t I couldn’t put down. Creston Mapes reminds us that the best authors don’t need questionable material to have a good story! I’ve passed the book on to my teenage sons because it reminds us to never give up and keep our faith, even when our circumstances seem impossible.
October 6, 2022
great book…you don’t want to put it down
Great storyline. Keeps you guessing. Shows the love and mercy of God. Makes you feel with the challenges of such a situation.
Great storyline. Keeps you guessing. Shows the love and mercy of God. Makes you feel with the challenges of such a situation.
October 3, 2022
Best story!
I read a lot of novels, and this is the best story I’ve read in a long time! Told from the perspective of a mute paraplegic whose mind is intact, the suspense and Hale’s trust in God through a very dark time are gripping. You won’t want to put this book down.
I read a lot of novels, and this is the best story I’ve read in a long time! Told from the perspective of a mute paraplegic whose mind is intact, the suspense and Hale’s trust in God through a very dark time are gripping. You won’t want to put this book down.
January 30, 2023
What a wild ride! I found this book by chance through Kindle Unlimited and read it in one sitting. It was a page turner!
October 5, 2025
A Riveting, Soul-Stirring Read That Stays With You
I Am In Here by Creston Mapes is one of those rare books that grips both your heart and your spirit. From the very first chapter, I was drawn into the raw intensity of a family unraveling under unimaginable pressure—and the haunting, beautiful perspective of a person trapped inside a mind that cannot surface. The story pulses with suspense and emotion, yet beneath it all lies a powerful spiritual current that urges us to believe, to release our fears, and to trust in what we cannot see.
Mapes masterfully balances tension and truth, reminding us that even in the darkest moments, faith has the final word. Suspenseful, thought-provoking, and profoundly moving—this book will entertain you, challenge you, and leave you reflecting long after the last page.
I Am In Here by Creston Mapes is one of those rare books that grips both your heart and your spirit. From the very first chapter, I was drawn into the raw intensity of a family unraveling under unimaginable pressure—and the haunting, beautiful perspective of a person trapped inside a mind that cannot surface. The story pulses with suspense and emotion, yet beneath it all lies a powerful spiritual current that urges us to believe, to release our fears, and to trust in what we cannot see.
Mapes masterfully balances tension and truth, reminding us that even in the darkest moments, faith has the final word. Suspenseful, thought-provoking, and profoundly moving—this book will entertain you, challenge you, and leave you reflecting long after the last page.
May 2, 2023
This was my first book by this author and it had some pretty good suspense! I'm kind of torn between it being a ya suspense or general suspense.
It starts out pretty intense and stays that way the entire time. We meet the Frodele family who has encountered more than it's fair share of hardships. The mom passed away and then they lost one of their son's the same day the other son is paralyzed and has trauma to where he can't speak. The father, Douglas, has incurred debt which brings on the cat and mouse game.
I really liked the perspective of Hale, the paralyzed son, because the reader learns he can still hear everything and understand it all, but can't communicate. Throughout the whole story I really appreciated the characters who treated him like he wasn't in a vegetative state, but like he was still cognizant of the world around him.
Let's not even talk about the step mother. She was a piece of work and makes you want her to get her comeuppance from the start. The author also gives us kind of a "worst case scenario" when a family loses people they love. The spiritual aspect was most certainly impacted. the breakdown of the rest of the family was heartbreaking.
This is a very fast moving story that's easily read in a day. I just had a lot going on and couldn't, but it's an easy read and keeps you on the edge of your seat. What Douglas won't do to get the money to pay the loan shark or keep his family safe unfolds in the story. Great example as to why borrowing money you can't pay back from people who are bent on evil is a poor choice. lol
Once the loan shark goons show up to get what's owed things spiral out of control and everything moves at lightening speed.
If you're looking for a good suspense story and one that will touch your heart, check this one out.
*I received this book for review. This is my personal opinion.
It starts out pretty intense and stays that way the entire time. We meet the Frodele family who has encountered more than it's fair share of hardships. The mom passed away and then they lost one of their son's the same day the other son is paralyzed and has trauma to where he can't speak. The father, Douglas, has incurred debt which brings on the cat and mouse game.
I really liked the perspective of Hale, the paralyzed son, because the reader learns he can still hear everything and understand it all, but can't communicate. Throughout the whole story I really appreciated the characters who treated him like he wasn't in a vegetative state, but like he was still cognizant of the world around him.
Let's not even talk about the step mother. She was a piece of work and makes you want her to get her comeuppance from the start. The author also gives us kind of a "worst case scenario" when a family loses people they love. The spiritual aspect was most certainly impacted. the breakdown of the rest of the family was heartbreaking.
This is a very fast moving story that's easily read in a day. I just had a lot going on and couldn't, but it's an easy read and keeps you on the edge of your seat. What Douglas won't do to get the money to pay the loan shark or keep his family safe unfolds in the story. Great example as to why borrowing money you can't pay back from people who are bent on evil is a poor choice. lol
Once the loan shark goons show up to get what's owed things spiral out of control and everything moves at lightening speed.
If you're looking for a good suspense story and one that will touch your heart, check this one out.
*I received this book for review. This is my personal opinion.
October 8, 2022
A Very Different Novel
I cannot imagine being in the condition that Hale Frodele is in. Completely paralyzed from a brain injury and can’t communicate. The people around him except for his dad and friend Gilbert think he doesn’t understand what is being talked about in front of him. This is a very interesting story and a nail biter also. Very good book.
I cannot imagine being in the condition that Hale Frodele is in. Completely paralyzed from a brain injury and can’t communicate. The people around him except for his dad and friend Gilbert think he doesn’t understand what is being talked about in front of him. This is a very interesting story and a nail biter also. Very good book.
September 14, 2022
Stunning!
I absolutely love reading Mr. Creston Mapes's stories. They seem so simple, but they pack a huge punch. The writing, the characters, the plots...all of it grabs you and takes you into the lives of his characters. Just amazing!
I absolutely love reading Mr. Creston Mapes's stories. They seem so simple, but they pack a huge punch. The writing, the characters, the plots...all of it grabs you and takes you into the lives of his characters. Just amazing!
August 3, 2023
A tight little thriller I read in a day! Hale lies in a hospital bed in a screened in porch-turned-bedroom in his father’s house, unable to communicate or control his body. Almost everyone thinks he’s in a vegetative state, but he can see and hear everything. Add to that his father’s grief at losing his wife, two years before the bus accident that killed one son and left Hale as he is, and the depression that brought about desperation enough that the father borrowed money from a loan shark. An intense and satisfying read that includes Biblical principles of clinging to God in the tough times instead of falling away.
July 24, 2025
I couldn’t help but remember Terri Schiavo as I read this book. That case forever changed my view of people in a “vegetative state.” I can’t even imagine how horrible it would be to suffer such a catastrophic injury that your mind was literally trapped inside the broken shell of your body. You can hear, see and understand everything but you can’t communicate anything!
Your only hope, having a family member who still believed you were in there and fought to keep you alive. What a nightmare!
This book perfectly captured what that must feel like. How impossibly uncomfortable and frustrating it would be. And how meaningful it would be to have someone, anyone believe in you.
Your only hope, having a family member who still believed you were in there and fought to keep you alive. What a nightmare!
This book perfectly captured what that must feel like. How impossibly uncomfortable and frustrating it would be. And how meaningful it would be to have someone, anyone believe in you.
November 18, 2022
This was my first time reading a book written by this author but it certainly will not be my last. Believe. What a word to reconnect Hale someone dependent on everyone to assist him in meting his daily needs. Well depicted trials of life have pushed Hales family in various directions from what they had envisioned when “life was good” tragedy after tragedy…but in the end hope does and did spring forth. Believe.
August 26, 2023
I Am In Here
Creston Mapes mastery of storytelling is showcased in this thriller of a young man trapped in his own body. Challenges from the mounting debt of his care has his father struggling to pay back a nefarious loan shark. Though-out Christian characters are helping and praying for this family to return faith.
Creston Mapes mastery of storytelling is showcased in this thriller of a young man trapped in his own body. Challenges from the mounting debt of his care has his father struggling to pay back a nefarious loan shark. Though-out Christian characters are helping and praying for this family to return faith.
February 10, 2024
Loved It!!!
Such a beautiful story and very uplifting! My only complaint is the ending. Yes, it was a good ending, but it still left me hanging, and I almost screamed because I wasn't expecting that. I'm checking now to see if there is a follow-up.
Still, I really enjoyed the story. Great writing.
Such a beautiful story and very uplifting! My only complaint is the ending. Yes, it was a good ending, but it still left me hanging, and I almost screamed because I wasn't expecting that. I'm checking now to see if there is a follow-up.
Still, I really enjoyed the story. Great writing.
January 15, 2023
great Suspense
I have now read several of Mapes’ books and have enjoyed all of them. They are not as complex as some other suspense novels but personally, I have enjoyed the storylines that are full of suspense without the language and explicit scenes.
I have now read several of Mapes’ books and have enjoyed all of them. They are not as complex as some other suspense novels but personally, I have enjoyed the storylines that are full of suspense without the language and explicit scenes.
March 16, 2024
This book was soooo good to me! Even gave me compassion. I love when a fiction book can help you grow as a person! The book is great and one of the shorter Creston Mapes books! Can't WAIT to read the others!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 211 reviews