Intercessor

by John Robert Still

Jim Hampton arrived in New Orleans, eager to escape the stress of quitting a lucrative law practice. Instead, he finds a city on edge as a tropical depression brews in the Gulf. The storm appears to be dredging up the odd and unusual like shells from the ocean floor. Shadowy figures appear in alleyways; mysterious voices seem to come from nowhere. Jim is skeptical of the locals' claims that these are warnings from victims of past storms. He had all but given up on belief in the supernatural. That is until he meets Myriam, who begins to restore the faith of his childhood. As the storm-turned-hurricane bears down on the city, Jim relies on that faith to counter a murderous cult chasing him through the darkest corners of the French Quarter. After a twisted journey of terror and revelation, Jim makes discoveries that will change his life forever.

305 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 10, 2023

Reviews

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

After receiving a copy of this book from the publisher, I was eager to learn a little more about John Robert Still and his writing. This story, set in the heart of New Orleans, taps into much of the city’s flavour and history, with a shadow of Hurricane Katrina looming close at hand. A lawyer who is seeking a fresh start finds himself pulled into the middle of a set of events, imbued by both a supernatural and religious undertone. The struggle to understand and process what is happening is key to Jim Hampton’s peace of mind. A great story that taps into many intriguing ideas and keeps the reader guessing until the end. 

Jim Hampton had hoped coming to New Orleans would be a great change for him. His law practice in North Carolina kept him highly stressed and this was supposed to solve all that. Instead, New Orleans is full of tension as a tropical storm is brewing and the people seem off. Jim gets a sense of this when he begins hearing about strange people appearing in back alleys and random whispers that fill the wind with each passing hour. While Jim does not want to get pulled into the middle of the eerie nature around him, he cannot help but wonder what's going on and if something out of this world could be involved.

When the locals profess that all these goings-on could be tied to past victims from other storms--including Katrina, which permanently shaped the region--Jim refuses to buy into it. Supernatural happenings and superstition are things that Jim cannot fathom, at least until he meets Myriam. She rejuvenates Jim's past beliefs and leaves him eager to learn a little more. Tied to a connection with the Catholic Church and past events that Myriam feels could explain everything, Jim tries to make sense of it all, while staying one step ahead of a band of brutes who have him in their sights. Soon thereafter, Jim Hampton comes to a realisation that could change his entire outlook. John Robert Still impresses with this story, a mix of everything that pulls the reader into the middle of the fray.

I love a good thriller and enjoy one that educates as much as entertains. John Robert Still does that effectively from the outset of this story. The narrative sets the tone, presenting a strong foundation and keeping the reader on edge as much is discovered. Working through the many themes of the story, the reader must juggle both past and present with a strong protagonist leading the way. The rest of the characters serve to keep the story moving in various directions and flavour all that takes place. Still does this effectively and builds some great backstories for the reader to enjoy. Key plot points provide pivots to push things along and keep the reader guessing throughout the novel. I enjoyed much of the Church history and ties to events or references.

Kudos, Mr. Still, for a great piece!

Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/

[BiblioSizzle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to the author, the publisher, and marketing team for giving me this book in exchange for my honest review.

This book had such great promise. It was marketed to me as a thriller, paranormal suspense novel. Set in New Orleans during a hurricane following a somewhat lost attorney named Jim.

Hey! I’m a southern transplant. I’m a lawyer. I love paranormal suspense. This is right up my alley.

This book turned out to be a lot less paranormal and whole lot more Catholic catechism. As someone who attended Catholic school for close to 20 years, and now considers themselves a recovering Catholic, I turned out to be the wrong audience.

The book was well written, the setting was moody and fun, the characters were entertaining to read… but the plot revolved heavily on Mary (Jesus’ mother) and her ability to create miracles that ultimately lead to the salvation and redemption of our protagonist, Jim.

Oof. This was paranormal alright, but not in the way I think the author intended.

I’d recommend this for readers who are devoted Catholics and enjoy reading fiction where Mary and God come to the rescue.

[Vanessa Cassidy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A city full of spirits, demons, and catholic traditions collide as nature kicking in doors of New Orleans. Danger, Crime, and miracles cause a man to question everything as he struggles with Man, demons, nature and his faith. The perfect storm to test his metal. I definitely recommend this book, it had me constantly reading for more.

[MIKE WITTER · Rating 5 out of 5]

Redemption

Jim is realizing there are so many choices in today's society. Is that why there is such an undercurrent of anxiety in the world today? The hurricane going on outside, mimics what Jim is feeling inside. Could he finally recognize the void in his life and get off the path of fleeting satisfaction? Jim realizes that instead of running from what makes him anxious, he should confront his fears and resolve them. He should follow his faith and believe God will guide him. This book will test Jim and all he believes; from dark times to good times. A powerful read.

[Kara Bachus-Litton · Rating 4 out of 5]

This Christian Fiction thriller was a first for me! Rounded up to 4 stars. I genuinely enjoyed! Jim left the corporate lawyer life and went to visit New Orleans, only to face run ins with different “demons” and spirits. He went through his tests of faith in both Catholicism and mankind. I really am glad I read this and look forward to read more in this genre.

[Stephanie Sommars Curwick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intercessor is a fast-paced, thriller set in New Orleans, where former lawyer Jim Hampton—lost in faith and purpose—finds himself confronting real evil. As a hurricane rips through the city, Jim is drawn into a spiritual battle, guided by unlikely allies including a saintly bartender, a devout old man, and a mysterious priest. I enjoyed how he accurately describes the setting and the supernatural suspense make for an engaging read. Even readers unfamiliar with Catholicism, like myself, will find the spiritual themes accessible and compelling. A gripping, thought-provoking story.

[Lily Schmidt · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Intercessor” by John Robert Still is a haunting and atmospheric read that pulls you right into the heart of New Orleans. Jim Hampton’s journey from a burned-out lawyer to a man facing the supernatural feels raw and real, especially as the city comes alive with its strange, dark energy. The mix of shadowy figures, eerie voices, and a deadly cult creates a tense, fast-paced story that had me hooked. The hurricane looming over everything adds even more suspense, and Jim’s connection with Myriam brings an emotional depth that balances all the chaos. This is one of those books that sticks with you—it’s chilling, heartfelt, and impossible to put down.

[Barbara S · Rating 4 out of 5]

Intercessor, by author John Robert Stil is a work of fiction, showcasing the character of Jim Hampton, a North Carolina native who visits New Orleans on a mysterious mission to reach the haunted Old Ursuline Convent of religious nuns.
Along the way, he encounters thugs, thieves, prostitutes, and religious fanatics against the backdrop of an impending hurricane.
This novel explores Catholic and other religious mysteries, employs eerie foreshadowing and chilling descriptive conversations.The events of the plot are revealed slowly and mysteriously. I enjoyed the description of New Orleans, as it made me feel like I was actually there.

[Christina Richer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mystery, history, and faith!

Such an intriguing tale! The characters have a lot of depth, and the attention to the history of the area. It was very interesting to find out the deeper background for New Orleans and the surrounding area. Jim, the protagonist, is going through a deep internal conflict, people all around him pulling him in different directions, some towards the dark, others the light, while he tries to figure out where he fits in and how to stay safe in a city full of secrets, history, and faith. For those of Catholic faith or background, it’s a story with meticulous detail to intertwining the religion into the plot and setting, even if you’re not familiar, it’s incorporated in a mystical, mysterious way that can capture the attention of any reader. Terrific read, a modern story showing how the past is always present.

[Kaylyn Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Former lawyer Jim Hampton heads to New Orleans seeking a fresh start. But with a hurricane barreling toward the city, strange and unsettling events begin to unfold. Jim struggles to believe the warnings from locals about supernatural phenomena tied to storm victims. After meeting Myriam, a devout Catholic bartender, his long-lost faith begins to stir. The battle between good and evil intensifies as Jim finds himself pursued by a deadly cult. This novel delivers immersive storytelling and thought-provoking themes that readers will find both compelling and spiritually engaging!

[Tina Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolute joyful read

I loved this book! Based on a lawyer who was an unbelieving Catholic filled with anxiety, not belonging and discontent. The story is in New Orleans during a storm. The main character struggles with the underbelly of humanity, wonderful strangers that become friends and saints of the church leading to miracles. A wonderful journey to a man’s rebirth in Christianity.

[Gianna Curra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intercessor is a compelling spiritual thriller that intertwines the supernatural with faith, redemption, and personal transformation. Visiting New Orleans on the cusp of a bad storm, Jim Hampton, a former lawyer is seeking solace in the familiar city's charm. However, his quest for peace is disrupted as he encounters mysterious occurrences and a dangerous cult, prompting a profound journey of self-discovery and spiritual awakening. A great read for Christians.

[Theresa Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intercessor is a thought-provoking and encouraging read that brings together narrative storytelling with spiritual insight. Within this story, the tension between good and evil was palpable. The vivid depiction of spiritual warfare allows readers to feel immersed in the protagonist’s battles—not just physical or emotional, but spiritual—making the stakes feel immediate and real. John Robert Still has created a book that will resonate with those who believe in the power of prayer and inspire others to consider (as well as understand) the power of intercession in their own lives.

[Shira · Rating 3 out of 5]

My honest review of Intercessor

This was my first book by this author and even though this is not my typical genre of him to read I was intrigued when I read the blurb. This book has spiritual elements, mystery and a healthy dose of thriller thrown in. The setty and storyline made this book with supernatural elements have a faced paced plot. I had never been to New Orleans but the author made you feel like you were there experiencing evening through Jim. I believe readers who love the thriller genre would enjoy this book even though it was not my cup of tea.

[Dayna Arrigali · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just finished reading this. I like how the book had a spooky vibe and opened with stories about New Orleans and its dark history. Stories most of us have heard at one time or another. At the same time, coming from a Catholic Italian family, and going to Catholic school my whole life, I enjoyed the stories about the Virgin Mary. Some of them I hadn't heard before. Overall, it was a good read.

[Brianna Greenberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intercessor is a thrilling read that brings together vivid narrative story telling with spiritual insight. Jim Hampton is a former lawyer searching for peace in New Orleans, but his time is disrupted as he encounters mysterious occurrences and even a cult. This book was full of suspense, struggle, discovery, and the miraculous. I found the religious content, especially the aspects about the Virgin Mary to be interesting and different in the context of the New Orleans occult.

[Book Reviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

John Robert Still’s Intercessor takes readers on a journey through the haunting streets of New Orleans, introducing our protagonist, Jim Hampton, who is wrestling with the void left by abandoning his career as a lawyer. This reflective and eerie novel weaves together themes of personal reinvention, spirituality, and the seductive yet ominous allure of a city steeped in mysticism. Still's evocative prose paints vivid scenes, blending the supernatural with the struggles of a man caught in existential limbo.

Right from the start, I found myself drawn into Still’s rich depiction of New Orleans. The city almost feels like another character in the story, teeming with life and shadowed by ghosts, both literal and metaphorical. Still’s portrayal of New Orleans—from gas-lit streets to lively Bourbon Street bars—is immersive. One passage that stuck with me describes Jim walking through the French Quarter: “The old houses seemed to shimmer with an energy from centuries of sheltering eccentric occupants, their lives absorbed into the woodwork.” This line encapsulates the novel’s ability to merge physical setting with emotional resonance.

The protagonist, is a bit of a mixed bag. On the one hand, his internal monologue—filled with regret, longing, and self-doubt—is relatable. On the other, his frequent moments of indecision and his awkward interactions, particularly with Myriam, a young and mysterious bartender, can make him frustrating to follow. There’s a scene where Jim misinterprets Myriam’s kind gestures as pity, and while it’s painfully human, it also underscores his tendency to overanalyze. Still captures the restlessness of midlife crisis well.

One of the novel’s standout elements is its eerie, almost gothic tone. From Jim’s unsettling encounters with shadowy figures to the foreboding whispers of a brewing storm, Intercessor expertly builds tension. A particularly gripping moment comes when Jim stumbles into a seedy underworld masquerading as a party. The scene’s descent from intoxicated excitement to outright menace is chilling and heart-pounding.

The book switches between being a spiritual allegory, a character study, and a supernatural thriller. As the story unfolds, it’s clear that Still wants to explore big ideas: faith, redemption, and the battle between good and evil. Myriam’s steadfast Catholic faith and her role as a beacon of hope juxtapose Jim’s cynicism and spiritual fatigue.

Intercessor is a moody and thought-provoking read that will resonate with those who appreciate character-driven stories laced with a touch of the supernatural. Its vivid settings and ambitious themes make it worth picking up. If you’re drawn to stories about personal growth, faith, and the mystery of the unseen, this book has much to offer.

[Thea Ferzola · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intercessor by John Robert Still is a suspenseful and thought-provoking blend of supernatural mystery and personal transformation. The story follows Jim Hampton, a former lawyer seeking refuge from the pressures of his old life in the atmospheric and haunted streets of New Orleans. What begins as an attempt to find peace quickly spirals into a harrowing journey as Jim becomes entangled in a deadly game of faith and fear.
Still does an excellent job of capturing the eerie charm of New Orleans. The city itself feels like a character, with its shadowy alleyways, whispered legends, and storm-laden tension creating a palpable sense of unease. The descriptions of the growing storm parallel Jim's internal turmoil, making the suspense all the more intense.
Jim is a complex and relatable protagonist, skeptical yet drawn toward the mystical undercurrents of his surroundings. His relationship with Myriam is both tender and transformative, providing a beacon of hope amidst the chaos. The way Still explores Jim’s struggle to reconcile his lost faith with the unexplainable events unfolding around him is both compelling and emotionally resonant.
The plot is fast-paced and full of twists, especially when the cult enters the picture. The scenes involving the chase through the French Quarter are heart-pounding and cinematic, with a satisfying mix of action and psychological depth. The resolution offers a powerful message about faith and redemption, though some elements of the supernatural explanations feel a bit underdeveloped.
Overall, Intercessor is an engaging and well-crafted story that effectively combines mystery, spiritual exploration, and a dash of horror. The vivid setting and emotionally charged character arc make it a memorable read, even if the supernatural elements could have been fleshed out more. A solid four-star read for fans of atmospheric thrillers with a spiritual twist.

[Kerri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intercessor by John Robert Still is a captivating masterpiece that showcases the author’s mesmerizing narrative style. With vivid imagery, elegant turns of phrase, and intricately detailed character development, Still brings to life "real" people navigating a New Orleans teeming with mystery and allure. His portrayal of the city is so vibrant that readers find themselves deeply invested not only in the characters but also in the setting itself.

Blending elements of mystery, thrills, and horror, Still masterfully crafts a multi-genre journey that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. At its core, however, Intercessor is much more than a suspenseful tale—it’s a profound spiritual odyssey. The story explores the eternal struggle between good and evil, ultimately guiding both the characters and the audience toward a powerful awakening.

This wild and gripping ride leaves a lasting impression, making Intercessor a must-read for anyone seeking a story that challenges the heart, mind, and soul.

[Jennifer Carboy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished reading Intercessor by John Still and I was hooked . I loved how vivid the authors description is of New Orleans and the French quarter. I have never been there but after reading this book I want to take a trip there. Mr. Still combined some of my favorite genres all in this book. Horror, mystery, thriller and even some fantasy. I loved how he also brought in the catholic faith and explained about it to those readers who may not know much about the religion. While I was reading this book I could picture in my mind seeing “intercessor” made into a movie. I would love to see it played out on the big screen. I hope Mr. Still writes more books because I would love to read more by him. This was one of the first books in a long time that I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough to see what happened next. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves a good page turner

[Yasmine Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

amazing book

jim is an interesting character. i love that despite him losing passion for catholicism, he is still eagered to learn more from Charlene and Myriam. there are a few grammar issues in the reading. one example is: “as he walked slowly jim’s way.” another “It was one of the few times he could recall waking up and not feeling guilty, about what he was never sure.” etc. it’s very interesting how jim keeps meeting people as he’s fleeing from erin and her company, it’s almost like meeting those people were supposed to happen. also i know jim is very skeptical but it’s like… bro you know you ending up on a tree was not a dream because you were on those tracks. or when they were in the hospital and he heard “mike” call his name, like why would mike be 2-3 floors down? it don’t make sense. anyways i love the ending, the miracle, jim and erin talking, how everything seems so peaceful, however it’s sad we don’t see myriam again.

[Valerie Henry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Intercessor is a fast paced, full of action story about a man who encounters many evil beings during a wild hurricane in New Orleans. He meets several priests with the Catholic church who guide him in learning more about Mary. I personally do not know much about the Catholic religion, so it was interesting to learn some of their culture. This story discusses evil beings that are actually demon possessed spirits. I very much believe that we live in a dark world where demon possession is very real. Jim meets many kind people during his crazy journey in the hurricane, and he does some self-reflection on his own life and his lack of spirituality. This was an easy book to get into and held my attention until the end.

[Denise Schaefer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jim, a lawyer from North Carolina is stranded in New Orleans as a hurricane comes passing through. This novel takes you through the storm with Jim as he struggles to survive and find his place in life. As Jim navigates the storm and his faith, I felt as if I was right there with him. The sights, smells and sounds of New Orleans made me feel as if I were there experiencing it. I followed Jim on a spiritual journey and was left wanting to know more about my faith and continue this path further. This fictional novel has characters that you root for, places that you want to visit, and historical and spiritual facts that get you wanting to learn more. John Robert Still came out with a strong first novel and I can’t wait to see what he writes next.

[Jennifer Koliatsis]

"Intercessor" by John Robert Still is a gripping novel that blends supernatural suspense with themes of faith and redemption. From the moment I opened the book I was hooked. Set in New Orleans, the story follows Jim Hampton, a former attorney who finds himself drawn into eerie events as a hurricane approaches. Still’s vivid descriptions bring the city to life. I found myself immersed in the text wanting to soak up every detail about the city. The novel’s well-developed characters and thought-provoking themes make it a compelling read for those who enjoy a supernatural twist. With its blend of mystery, faith, and personal transformation, Intercessor left a lasting impression on me.

[Tina Sasso · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set in New Orleans Jim comes to a place where spirits, demons, and Catholic traditions intersect, and has to face his own demons he struggles with his own faith. This book was full of it all - danger, crime, suspense, miraculous occurrences, faith and struggle. Jim faces threats from human and supernatural but mostly from within. I personally love the city of New Orleans so the setting was an added bonus to me. I am also a catholic so his struggles with faith were heartfelt.
I'm not usually a suspense reader but this book held my attention and may have just opened the door to me reading more suspense novels.

[Debbilly12 · Rating 5 out of 5]

From page one John Still keeps you wondering what is going on and what will happen next. I particularly liked the way it added the historical facts about the Virgin Mary and her importance in Catholicism, up until now I only knew she was the virgin mother of Jesus. The way he described the French Quarters outside of the tourist areas makes you feel like you are there in the alleyways with Jim. Many plot twists that include mystery, horror and a fantasy all at the same time. Highly recommend this to anyone

[Annie Schiavone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story got me almost from the get-go. The mysteriousness of it all as we meet friends of Jim, old and new. It was apparent as he noted in the book that he loved coming back to New Orleans, but yet he could not exactly tell us what it was that drew him back. He takes us through a situation he gets himself involved in, where he is not sure whether to trust his judgement, and we get to see how that plays out. I had a hard time putting this one down and recommend it for anyone interested in mystery and thriller storylines.

[Heather Santos · Rating 3 out of 5]

Intercessor by John Still is an interesting thriller that dives deep into the spiritual and religious, with moments that really pull you in. Some parts are fascinating, but others drag or feel kind of all over the place. The predictable cliques make it a bit of a tough slog at times, even if the underlying themes are interesting. It also offers an in depth view into New Orleans and its history. It’s one of those books that’s hit or miss; if you’re into religious or metaphysical themes, you might love it, but it’s not for everyone.

[Samantha Sesenton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intercessor by John Robert Still is a moody, thought-provoking mystery set in stormy New Orleans. It follows Jim Hampton, a former attorney who encounters supernatural events that force him to confront his past and beliefs. The novel blends suspense with spiritual and psychological themes, exploring faith, guilt, and redemption. Readers praise its atmospheric setting and haunting, introspective tone. It’s a slow burn, but one that leaves a lasting impression.

[Carol Schiavone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jim moves to New Orleans due to the stress and pressure of his law practice. Instead, he finds the opposite. This book unfolds wierd ocurrences that will keep you on the edge of your seat, and the locals are of no help to him. As I continued to read, I realized there was more to the story then what I thought, darkness and revelations, it just keeps going. Grab this one for your next read !