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The Fall of Faith
How strong is your faith?
“The Fall of Faith” is a gritty domestic thriller about love, faith and the consequences of doing whatever it takes to survive in the small forgotten town of Eden, Missouri, just east of Kansas City but miles from your comfort zone.
Faith comes in many forms. It can take years to find and seconds to lose. And nothing, not money nor even morality, can help you hold onto it once it begins to slip away.
How far would you be willing to go to regain your faith in something bigger than yourself?
That’s the question a group of characters confronts as a lost trucker seeks redemption after a chance encounter with a stripper whose seductive secret threatens to unravel a town full of sin and deeply buried lies.
“The Fall of Faith” is a gritty domestic thriller about love, faith and the consequences of doing whatever it takes to survive in the small forgotten town of Eden, Missouri, just east of Kansas City but miles from your comfort zone.
Faith comes in many forms. It can take years to find and seconds to lose. And nothing, not money nor even morality, can help you hold onto it once it begins to slip away.
How far would you be willing to go to regain your faith in something bigger than yourself?
That’s the question a group of characters confronts as a lost trucker seeks redemption after a chance encounter with a stripper whose seductive secret threatens to unravel a town full of sin and deeply buried lies.
350 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 26, 2022
1 person is currently reading
28 people want to read
About the author
Jeff Berney
2 books25 followersJeff has been living in his head since 1974, so it wasn’t much of a jump for him to live in his characters’ heads. And after more than 20 years as an advertising writer, he decided he’d sleep better writing stories that keep people up at night.
He lives with (and for) his amazing wife, six of his seven rambunctious children, two doodles, and two cats, as well as the occasional fish or rabbit.
He lives with (and for) his amazing wife, six of his seven rambunctious children, two doodles, and two cats, as well as the occasional fish or rabbit.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
November 22, 2022
A spellbinding domestic thriller leads you through a story about sex and love, friendship and deceit, obsession and guilt, and finally faith. The novel takes you on a journey with truck driver Jimmy, seeking redemption in a small town full of 'different' and 'strange' people. The story telling captures the essence of a struggling but good man, surrounded by hidden darkness and light. Worthy of five stars.
November 28, 2022
I definitely got swept up in this book, somewhat unwillingly because I don't normally gravitate toward dark, twisty thrillers. Berney did a great job of creating characters that were compelling even if they weren't particularly likeable. For the first 1/3 of the book I wanted to smack Jimmy upside the head (and then have him pay me for it, because he's always paying women when he doesn't owe them money). And even the minor characters stay etched in your mind - such as the Shelob-like waitress in the diner at the book's opening who somehow, without being scary, fills you with foreboding. Also, I appreciated the way Berney describes his female characters with a frank appreciation and respect, honoring their strength without glossing over failings.
January 6, 2023
"In this dark--and often darkly funny--tale, author Berney doesn't let the characters take the fall alone; he pushes the reader off the cliff along with them. Steeped in the lost world of Eden, Missouri, I found myself uncomfortable, sticky, and uncontrollably voyeuristic as sad sack truck driver Jimmy, the character we follow throughout the story. Eden is populated by the mostly lost, themselves led or hoodwinked by earthbound minor demons who make Hell a going concern, and Jimmy quickly becomes an enthusiastic part of it when he meets the girl of his dreams. Throughout, Jimmy lives one of those frustrating nightmares where you can never quite seem to get where you're going, no matter how hard you try or how high the stakes. The story is rich and complex, with a decidedly bent take on the usual suspects one might expect in a small-town thriller. I read this in about a day; Berney can turn a phrase and has some things on his mind. If you like offbeat with a particular David-Lynchian palette, have faith that you, too, may fall for this book."
January 10, 2023
I wanted to like this book but it just didn’t work for me. Just too much. The main character, Jimmy, was made a total fool. Sorry, but he was. KC was too much…tell the truth, no she doesn’t, tell more, still lies, tells more, still lies….blah, blah, blah. And fool Jimmy just accepts it all. I get blind love but seriously! Too much. I don’t want reality but 2 hours from home and you deal with all that BS. Nope. Sorry to Mr. Berney. I do believe that your writing is quality. But way over used the same thing. If I read about bile in the back of someone’s throat again soon, I may gag myself. Sweat constantly…shirt sticking to back. I mean, give the dude a shower! Anyway, sorry but totally not for me. Now I’m sitting here looking at this writers next book and sorry I bought both without reading the 1st. Apparently,based on other reviews, I’m the only one in town that feels this way. Oh well.
January 10, 2023
Dark, depressing, dismal, desolate — and incredibly difficult to read through to the end. Some bits of light made their way through, but overall sad.
I’m going to go have an ugly cry now.
Go read it for yourself. See if you agree.
I’m going to go have an ugly cry now.
Go read it for yourself. See if you agree.
June 13, 2023
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
Great domestic thriller that kept me interested throughout.
Great domestic thriller that kept me interested throughout.
November 13, 2022
I loved this book, despite it being very different. The main male character captured my heart and I just wanted everything to go right for him. I felt the same for the female character. We went on a rollercoaster of emotions together. It left me wondering if parts of America are really like this.
November 8, 2022
When the description said gritty it meant gritty! I felt like I needed a shower reading this book. The detailed descriptions of characters and surroundings were so precise I could smell it.
The love story was hard to believe, actually the whole story was hard to believe considering how much Jimmy, the main character survives. But it's a sad story non the less.
I did enjoy this book and hope to read this author's others works.
Thank you Netgalley, publisher, author for a free copy.
The love story was hard to believe, actually the whole story was hard to believe considering how much Jimmy, the main character survives. But it's a sad story non the less.
I did enjoy this book and hope to read this author's others works.
Thank you Netgalley, publisher, author for a free copy.
November 6, 2022
Jimmy's lorry overturns in Eden but he's certainly not in paradise. It's more like hell on earth and who is the strange little girl? This is one of the most intriguing and unusual books I have ever read and found it very hard to put down. This book certainly won't disappoint.
January 25, 2023
The Fall of Faith by Jeff Berney is a hard-hitting, thought provoking, and somewhat emotionally draining story that left me charmed and amazed by the end.
A lonely trucker finds himself trapped in a small rundown town called Eden while his damaged truck is being repaired. Eden is anything but a paradise on earth. The people and Jimmy’s interactions with them are dark, strange, and oftentimes disturbing. Will he be back on the road in time to deliver his haul, or are deeply sinister affairs at play?
I was legitimately mad while reading several scenes. I now understand what people mean when they say they want to throw a book. I didn’t throw this one, but I sure came close.
This story addresses multiple hot button topics, but each issue serves a purpose… so hold off on the book tossing…patience is a virtue, after all.
I approve of the way Berney wrapped things up. Good? Bad? Cliffhanger? I won’t say how, but I will say that I was happily surprised.
Go in blind and return “enlightened.” This is one spiritual trip with taking.
A lonely trucker finds himself trapped in a small rundown town called Eden while his damaged truck is being repaired. Eden is anything but a paradise on earth. The people and Jimmy’s interactions with them are dark, strange, and oftentimes disturbing. Will he be back on the road in time to deliver his haul, or are deeply sinister affairs at play?
I was legitimately mad while reading several scenes. I now understand what people mean when they say they want to throw a book. I didn’t throw this one, but I sure came close.
This story addresses multiple hot button topics, but each issue serves a purpose… so hold off on the book tossing…patience is a virtue, after all.
I approve of the way Berney wrapped things up. Good? Bad? Cliffhanger? I won’t say how, but I will say that I was happily surprised.
Go in blind and return “enlightened.” This is one spiritual trip with taking.
January 12, 2023
Jeff Berney has not held back in this tale of a steady and honest man who finds himself lost after a divorce, wondering where life will take him. From a quiet meal in a service area café we witness him going through a whirlwind few hours culminating in a road accident. He is rescued and taken to the small town of Eden to await the recovery and repair of the truck.
Eden is far removed from the idyllic garden in the Bible. It is an insular town where everyone appears to know each other and things seem to be run differently to most districts. Jimmy is befriended by the bar owner who shares his “wisdom” along with his whiskey. To idle away the days Jimmy walks the streets and encounters a number of strange characters which prove dangerous at times.
The story is told in the third person but virtually all of it from Jimmy’s perspective. Jimmy’s situation is rather gloomy and the writing reflects that gloom. However, I was intrigued to understand why he never really tries to leave, after all the main highway is just a walk away and he appears to have money? Is it because he has little to return to, is it the possible love interest, or does Eden have some sort of mystical hold over him? And how does the young girl that he frequently meets fit into the story?
I’m not sure if The Fall of Faith is a simple thriller or a serious warning of the dangers in losing Faith, be it religious or just an adherence to rules that lead to a good and honest life? True, Jimmy briefly goes off the rails but does he deserve all that he suffered in Eden? I’ll leave that for you to judge.
As the book progressed I was wondering which of several endings to expect. Without giving anything away I will share that the actual conclusion was far from anything I imagined.
The Fall of Faith will not give you many laughs but it will give you food for thought. I have awarded three stars.
Eden is far removed from the idyllic garden in the Bible. It is an insular town where everyone appears to know each other and things seem to be run differently to most districts. Jimmy is befriended by the bar owner who shares his “wisdom” along with his whiskey. To idle away the days Jimmy walks the streets and encounters a number of strange characters which prove dangerous at times.
The story is told in the third person but virtually all of it from Jimmy’s perspective. Jimmy’s situation is rather gloomy and the writing reflects that gloom. However, I was intrigued to understand why he never really tries to leave, after all the main highway is just a walk away and he appears to have money? Is it because he has little to return to, is it the possible love interest, or does Eden have some sort of mystical hold over him? And how does the young girl that he frequently meets fit into the story?
I’m not sure if The Fall of Faith is a simple thriller or a serious warning of the dangers in losing Faith, be it religious or just an adherence to rules that lead to a good and honest life? True, Jimmy briefly goes off the rails but does he deserve all that he suffered in Eden? I’ll leave that for you to judge.
As the book progressed I was wondering which of several endings to expect. Without giving anything away I will share that the actual conclusion was far from anything I imagined.
The Fall of Faith will not give you many laughs but it will give you food for thought. I have awarded three stars.
January 11, 2023
THE FALL OF FAITH by Jeff Berney is a contemporary, adult, dark thriller focusing on a truck driver named Jimmy, and the people of a small town called Eden, somewhere on the border between Kansas and Missouri.
WARNING: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers
Told from third person perspective THE FALL OF FAITH focuses on truck driver Jimmy. On his last day, and last run for the Walmart Corporation, Jimmy falls victim to a hooker, a stripper, a hit and run, and the destruction of his truck as he heads out of town to make his final run. Landing in Eden, a small town somewhere on the border between Kansas and Missouri, Jimmy finds himself wondering if he has entered an alternate reality as the freakish and outlandish behaviors give rise to near death experiences and physical attacks. From the bizarre to the curious, the unusual and the peculiar, the eccentric and odd people of Eden are a mix of inbreeding, anti-social, drug addicted and alcoholic citizens. Feeling like a prisoner in body and mind, Jimmy struggles to move forward, especially when he discovers that his truck is now a hostage of a questionable mechanic, the town is inundated with the curiousity seeking alien sinkholes, and our hero has fallen in love with a stripper who knows she will never be able to leave Eden on her own or alive.
An offbeat collection of deviant and exceptional people make up the town of Eden: from stripper KC, Kenny the bartender, Beryl the store clerk, bike riding Reggie Dandle the Transvestite, Roland the ‘headless’ cop, the homeless Mayor, Vic the mortician that doubles as the town doctor with tendencies towards depravity, Father Dominick, and a motherless child, Jimmy finds himself walking a path towards the end.
THE FALL OF FAITH is a haunting, gritty and dark mix of ‘Twin Peaks’ meets ‘Hotel California’ meets ‘American Horror Story’. Explanations defy, the reality of the unreal cannot be denied; Jimmy is but a memory to anyone who cared; was it fate or something else that brought Jimmy to Eden?
www.thereadingcafe.com
WARNING: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers
Told from third person perspective THE FALL OF FAITH focuses on truck driver Jimmy. On his last day, and last run for the Walmart Corporation, Jimmy falls victim to a hooker, a stripper, a hit and run, and the destruction of his truck as he heads out of town to make his final run. Landing in Eden, a small town somewhere on the border between Kansas and Missouri, Jimmy finds himself wondering if he has entered an alternate reality as the freakish and outlandish behaviors give rise to near death experiences and physical attacks. From the bizarre to the curious, the unusual and the peculiar, the eccentric and odd people of Eden are a mix of inbreeding, anti-social, drug addicted and alcoholic citizens. Feeling like a prisoner in body and mind, Jimmy struggles to move forward, especially when he discovers that his truck is now a hostage of a questionable mechanic, the town is inundated with the curiousity seeking alien sinkholes, and our hero has fallen in love with a stripper who knows she will never be able to leave Eden on her own or alive.
An offbeat collection of deviant and exceptional people make up the town of Eden: from stripper KC, Kenny the bartender, Beryl the store clerk, bike riding Reggie Dandle the Transvestite, Roland the ‘headless’ cop, the homeless Mayor, Vic the mortician that doubles as the town doctor with tendencies towards depravity, Father Dominick, and a motherless child, Jimmy finds himself walking a path towards the end.
THE FALL OF FAITH is a haunting, gritty and dark mix of ‘Twin Peaks’ meets ‘Hotel California’ meets ‘American Horror Story’. Explanations defy, the reality of the unreal cannot be denied; Jimmy is but a memory to anyone who cared; was it fate or something else that brought Jimmy to Eden?
www.thereadingcafe.com
December 15, 2023
I enjoyed the narration of Stone Smith, who brings out the plot, unique characters, the suspense and plot .
This is dark thriller that will take you on a path of friendship, love guilt and faith.
Truck driver Jimmy, doing a run for Walmart and finds himself broken down in Eden a small town. He starts that he is in the twilight zone. , Eden is full of inbreeding, anti-social, drug addicted and alcoholic citizens. He soon begins to feels like a prisoner when he discovers that his truck is now a hostage by the town mechanic. Jimmy is falling in love with a stripper KC who knows she can never leave Eden on her own or alive.
We have a stripper, named KC, Kenny the bartender, Beryl the store clerk, bike riding Reggie Dandle the Transvestite, Roland the ‘headless’ cop, the homeless Mayor, While Vic the mortician is also the town doctor, Father Dominick, and a motherless child,
This is a haunting, gritty, thriller.
This is dark thriller that will take you on a path of friendship, love guilt and faith.
Truck driver Jimmy, doing a run for Walmart and finds himself broken down in Eden a small town. He starts that he is in the twilight zone. , Eden is full of inbreeding, anti-social, drug addicted and alcoholic citizens. He soon begins to feels like a prisoner when he discovers that his truck is now a hostage by the town mechanic. Jimmy is falling in love with a stripper KC who knows she can never leave Eden on her own or alive.
We have a stripper, named KC, Kenny the bartender, Beryl the store clerk, bike riding Reggie Dandle the Transvestite, Roland the ‘headless’ cop, the homeless Mayor, While Vic the mortician is also the town doctor, Father Dominick, and a motherless child,
This is a haunting, gritty, thriller.
August 1, 2023
‘The Fall of Faith’ is a domestic thriller that begins in Eden, Missouri. When Jimmy, a trucker, meets a stripper and his head is turned, things don’t pan out how he thinks, and he notices that his life is in danger. Jimmy’s newfound love gets him trapped in his endeavour, and as you read along, you notice that the story becomes more complex and twists and turns. The steady pace keeps you intrigued, and you also get to know more about the town of Eden.
The author presents an enjoyable read. There is much drama, which makes you determined to see it. The small details stand out the most in this book; since the writing is compelling, you remember every scene.
I recommend this book to drama and thriller fans.
The author presents an enjoyable read. There is much drama, which makes you determined to see it. The small details stand out the most in this book; since the writing is compelling, you remember every scene.
I recommend this book to drama and thriller fans.
November 25, 2022
A very unique story that is filled with an array questionable characters. Nothing is as it seems and it will have you questioning what is real and what’s imagined. There are some twists that are surprising and it will really mess with your head. Some scenes will definitely make your skin crawl too. Lots of secrets are exposed and let’s just say this isn’t a town I’d ever want to step foot in! Please be aware that there is some disturbing content.
Thank you so much Jeff for the gifted copy!
Thank you so much Jeff for the gifted copy!
December 14, 2022
I loved Jeff’s previous book, A KILLER SECRET, so I was so excited when he asked me if I wanted to read his newest book! This book is a very gritty, dark, and twisty thriller about sex and obsession…it definitely is not for the faint of heart.
This book is very different and unique, but in the best possible way! The characters, although not highly likable, definitely stuck with me, especially are MC Jimmy-I found myself hoping and wanting the best for him.
The author does a great job with capturing hooking the reader in and taking us on a wild rollercoaster of darkness. Bearney has a way of storytelling that left me feeling satisfied, shocked, and disturbed. This book is one of those that leaves you thinking about it long after you finish it.
What a stellar book, Jeff! Thank you, again, for the opportunity! I am looking forward to reading your next piece of work!
January 11, 2024
This story is intense, gripping, thrilling, twisted. It's a psycological thriller with twists that are unexpected.
Stone.Smith is a new narrator for me. He really delivers the emotions and intensity ofthis story. The voices and personalities perfectly matched the characters. very well.done
Stone.Smith is a new narrator for me. He really delivers the emotions and intensity ofthis story. The voices and personalities perfectly matched the characters. very well.done
February 16, 2024
This was a good,but complicated story A trucker is stuck in a twilight zone type town. Stone Smith was a terrific narrator. I was given this book free for an honest review.
January 23, 2026
This book will piss you off, break your heart and make you say what the actual f**k all in one paragraph. It's dark. It's beautiful. It's captivating.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews