ANOINTED

by Wes Snowden

After unexpectedly inheriting the British title of Lord of Mogford after the suspicious death of his father, Lord Reginald Muggs, investigative reporter Maxwell Muggs heads out to steamy Baton Rouge to battle with the despicable, self-anointed bishop of a cult-like church. On arrival, Max forms an intriguing partnership with the lovely Annabelle Muffet, a fiercely determined local reporter. Annabelle convinces Max that the Church of the Exalted Enlightenment is not only rotten to the core but is literally getting away with legalized murder.
As Max and his partner begin to peel away the many layers of deception, they are astounded and appalled at the depths of depravity they uncover within the mysterious Anointed Circle, an elite group of one hundred men loyal only to the bishop. In return for their loyalty, the Anointed Circle members participate in wanton, sex, drugs, and alcohol-fueled parties at the bishop's private retreat on Hidden Bayou.
When Max turns up the heat on Bishop Morton Wellcome and his enforcer, Brother Stanley (Scabby) Kroger, he believes he has enough ammunition to shut the church down for good. Unfortunately for Max, the nefarious pair have a different plan in mind. They kidnap Max and forcibly transport him to the bishop's den of iniquity far out in the depths of the swamp. With Max alone, defenseless, and under the influence of drugs and alcohol, the bishop creates a blackmail video so vile it could ruin Max permanently.
After Max is rescued from a precarious position by an unexpected intervention, he plots an act of complex revenge that is not only dangerous but stunning in its scope.
ANOINTED is the long-awaited second book in the Maxwell Muggs saga following the well-received introduction of FIREBUG. E xpertly crafted as a 'stand-alone' novel, ANOINTED is enjoyable even if the reader hasn't yet read FIREBUG .

This thrilling, fast-paced mystery/suspense adventure is a genuine page-turner for adult readers. Don't miss this real treat for mystery/suspense fans.

354 pages, Paperback

Published September 3, 2022

Reviews

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked Maxwell Muggs in Firebug, and I like him now that he’s Lord Maxwell Muggs. Who would think to put aristocracy and investigative journalism together in a plot? Obviously, Wes Snowden. And you know what? It works. In Firebug, Maxwell Muggs started out as a tough investigative journalist. Tough but kind, hard, and yet, loving. He’s always investigating someone who the law cannot bring to justice. His search for the first villain put him and those he loved in great danger but led him to find his natural father, Lord Muggs. This time he receives a cry from a very frustrated young journalist who is trying to show the world how easily children can be exploited by a wolf in sheep’s clothing.

There’s rarely a time Muggs doesn’t have a pretty lady on his arm or at least an interest in one. And that brings me to this author’s genres. Notice I said genres as in plural? I’ve read several of Wes Snowden’s books. While many are very different in timbre, they all have one thing in common. They are all well-written and hard to put down.

So how am I going to recommend you enjoy this author’s works? Firebug and Anointed were great mysteries highlighting Maxwell Muggs as the main character. I loved Terminal Boredom too, full of action and adventure. On Distant Shores fascinated me, a historical saga full of lust and revenge and some romance that made me blush a little. Then there is Eyes of the Heart, one of the sweetest things I’ve read in a long time. I’m not usually a “sweet” reader, yet this is such a beautifully written, enjoyable story.

Sounds like I’ve described several authors, doesn’t it? It’s one person who can put themselves in many places. Sounds like I like everything he writes, doesn’t it? I would recommend this author to everyone.

[BooksCoffee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Snowden’s second installment in the Maxwell Muggs series is a fast-paced tale of suspense and drama whose exploration of exploitation and people’s dogged faith makes it much more.

Maxwell Muggs is still trying to come to terms with his new life as the owner of a vast estate in England. When Annabelle Muffet, an American investigative journalist, contacts Muggs about the death of four children linked to a religious cult run by self-appointed bishop of the local church, Morton Wellcome, he knows he has to leave for Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and looks into the matter. But the investigation soon turns deadly.

Told in a fast-paced third-person omniscient voice, the story becomes multilayered while the tension builds. Snowden never loses control of momentum or pacing and displays an exquisite touch both with characterization and plotting. It’s a pleasure watching Muggs stride into danger and triumph over the malevolent villains. His rapport with the endearing Jackson and the smart and fiercely determined Annabelle, is heartening.

Snowden elegantly balances Muggs’s emotional turmoil and dogged determination with a blackmailing plot. Loads of exciting action, balanced with dramatic personal revelations and some fine investigative journalism work, keep the pages turning. The basic premise is a mix of action, suspense, and non-stop twists. At the same time, Snowden delves into emotional and moral dilemmas, innocent lives shattered by ignorance and greed, corruption, the clever exploitation of the masses in the name of religion, and questions of love, trust, regret, and redemption.

Intelligently plotted and expertly told, this fast-paced tale of death, deceit, and blackmail will keep the readers glued to their seats until the end.

[Gary · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very interesting story with plenty of drama and suspense. For the uninformed I will mention that several parts of it are X-rated. I was a bit surprised. The character development is very good, but the main character is hard to figure out. One minute he is aggressive and determined to take care of matters, but then he seems to be questioning his own actions. Is it a guilty conscience or something else. He also doesn't seem to have much control over his feelings of love. Does he really want it or not?

The story itself centers on a "church" that preys on people who expect to receive mana (money) from heaven. The self-appointed Bishop of this church is the worst king of charlatan, taking people's money and the lives and virginity of numerous women and innocent children. And it amazing how many men are drawn into this terrible inner circle of the "Anointed". I found so much of this story sickening that I almost didn't finish the book, but the basis of the story had me yearning for justice to be served.

The only problem was that every time progress seemed to be made to getting the perverted souls to pay for their crimes, the tables would be turned and we would be back to square one. If you decide to read this, just be forewarned and prepared.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was pretty good for not knowing anything about it or the author before I read it. I like the characters but his writing style isn’t my favorite. Lots of little twists and turns in the story.

[GRivera23 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Checks all the boxes

This book gave me some Dan Brown vibes. The mystery that unfolds is intriguing. This book is funny, action-packed, and can make your stomach churn at times. The author did an amazing job at really making you hate the bad guys.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read and storyline

[Kerry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gripping!

From start to finish, this story was enthralling. Great character development and intriguing plot, liberally sprinkled with colourful phrasing. A great read.

[Joy Rosales]

DNF @ 7% I received a copy of this ebook in a Goodreads giveaway. This is a little bit more of an action packed kind of mystery than the kind I usually enjoy.

[Govno Nichevo · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought that this was an okay read. The story felt a little more forced than Firebug.