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The Prophet Motive
San Francisco Homicide detective John Richetti spent part of his childhood living inside an infamous cult known as the People's Temple. As a boy he'd lost his parents to cult-instigated mass suicide. The memories come flooding back when he investigates the bizarre suicide of a former member of Earthbound, a New Age cult--and suspects murder instead. To uncover the truth he infiltrates the group, along with police psychologist Marilyn Michaelsen.
The new recruits find themselves pushed to their physical and mental limits by a series of sophisticated brainwashing techniques as well as by a cult leader, known only as The Wizard, who appears to possess psychic and paranormal powers. Even the psychologist's expert knowledge of cults can't explain The Wizard's feats, and it isn't long before John, like his parents before him, surrenders his independence to another . . .
The new recruits find themselves pushed to their physical and mental limits by a series of sophisticated brainwashing techniques as well as by a cult leader, known only as The Wizard, who appears to possess psychic and paranormal powers. Even the psychologist's expert knowledge of cults can't explain The Wizard's feats, and it isn't long before John, like his parents before him, surrenders his independence to another . . .
236 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 29, 2010
54 people are currently reading
586 people want to read
About the author
Eric Christopherson
9 books12 followersEric is a former police officer and federal government consultant. His undergraduate degree is from the University of Texas at Tyler, and he has a graduate degree from Duke University. He was born in California, grew up in New England, and has since lived throughout the USA and a bit in Asia. He now lives in semi-rural Ohio with his wife, Seiko, and their children, Keith and Annabel.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
June 10, 2020
3.5 "interesting, frightening, almost plausible" stars !!
I am very glad that I took a small risk and read this Independent Police Drama.
A police inspector and a police psychologist work undercover and infiltrate a cult in California while investigating a mysterious death and then the theft of the said body.
The writer is a former police officer and he wrote with a logical story arc and with plenty of excitement thrown in. The police inspector has a history of being in the Jim Jones cult as a child and this was weaved quite well throughout the book.
The writer also gives a concise and interesting background on the sociology of cults, indoctrination methods and the psychology of cult leaders. I found these aspects particularly fascinating and enjoyable. Towards the end he also describes some advances in neurophysiology that I was not sure were completely accurate (not my area but seemed a little far fetched).
While I was totally in for the first 80 percent of the book I was not completely convinced by the ending.( but it was still pretty darn good.)
Some of the methods of indoctrination were completely gruesome and there was also engagement in some torture that was particularly difficult to read about.
All in all, a very good read and I would really consider reading another of Mr. Christopherson's books as he certainly deserves a wider readership.
I am very glad that I took a small risk and read this Independent Police Drama.
A police inspector and a police psychologist work undercover and infiltrate a cult in California while investigating a mysterious death and then the theft of the said body.
The writer is a former police officer and he wrote with a logical story arc and with plenty of excitement thrown in. The police inspector has a history of being in the Jim Jones cult as a child and this was weaved quite well throughout the book.
The writer also gives a concise and interesting background on the sociology of cults, indoctrination methods and the psychology of cult leaders. I found these aspects particularly fascinating and enjoyable. Towards the end he also describes some advances in neurophysiology that I was not sure were completely accurate (not my area but seemed a little far fetched).
While I was totally in for the first 80 percent of the book I was not completely convinced by the ending.( but it was still pretty darn good.)
Some of the methods of indoctrination were completely gruesome and there was also engagement in some torture that was particularly difficult to read about.
All in all, a very good read and I would really consider reading another of Mr. Christopherson's books as he certainly deserves a wider readership.
August 15, 2014
Excellent read
Captivating book.Had me entranced by the end of the first page. Highly recommended for mystery/police procedure reading. I literally read it in two sittings.
Captivating book.Had me entranced by the end of the first page. Highly recommended for mystery/police procedure reading. I literally read it in two sittings.
May 24, 2015
Another freebie from a while ago on my Kindle. Fascinating story about a former child cult member who becomes a detective and infiltrates another cult to solve a murder.
Sometimes I'm doubting whether I'll finish the book, then I'm so enthralled by whether John has been re indoctrinated or if he's still same that I can't put the book down.
A very clever story, and with the opening chapter of Crack Up by the author at the end ... I have so many other books to read but am severely tempted to buy it and read it straight away!
Sometimes I'm doubting whether I'll finish the book, then I'm so enthralled by whether John has been re indoctrinated or if he's still same that I can't put the book down.
A very clever story, and with the opening chapter of Crack Up by the author at the end ... I have so many other books to read but am severely tempted to buy it and read it straight away!
October 6, 2012
You can read my review here:
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http://abshepherdsreinventedreader.bl...
August 15, 2011
Previously I read Christopherson’s novel "Crack Up," and loved it. "The Prophet Motive" is at least as good, if not better. Since the main character is a homicide detective, the book has many of the qualities of a police procedural in the beginning and of a murder mystery throughout. However, what elevates the book beyond just another okay murder mystery are the story threads that make the book as a whole more of a psychological thriller.
The People’s Temple is an infamous cult, best known for the “Jonestown Massacre” in Guyana and subsequent mass suicide by many of the members. Those who are too young to remember this (it happened in 1978) might have heard the expression, “don’t drink the Kool-Aid,” which is a pop-culture reference to that mass suicide.
John Richetti, the protagonist of "The Prophet Motive," was a member of The People’s Temple as a child and his parents both died in Guyana. As he investigates Earthbound, the cult in this book, the similarities between the two cults provide additional motivation for John. At times, he seems to view uncovering the truth behind the suspected murders of Earthbound members as revenge for his parent’s deaths, possibly causing him to become too personally involved with the case. The memories of his time with The People’s Temple and the obvious parallels with Earthbound serve to ratchet up the tension. What could easily have been a predictable resolution takes a sinister twist when John uncovers something unexpected, "The Prophet Motive."
**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy. **
The People’s Temple is an infamous cult, best known for the “Jonestown Massacre” in Guyana and subsequent mass suicide by many of the members. Those who are too young to remember this (it happened in 1978) might have heard the expression, “don’t drink the Kool-Aid,” which is a pop-culture reference to that mass suicide.
John Richetti, the protagonist of "The Prophet Motive," was a member of The People’s Temple as a child and his parents both died in Guyana. As he investigates Earthbound, the cult in this book, the similarities between the two cults provide additional motivation for John. At times, he seems to view uncovering the truth behind the suspected murders of Earthbound members as revenge for his parent’s deaths, possibly causing him to become too personally involved with the case. The memories of his time with The People’s Temple and the obvious parallels with Earthbound serve to ratchet up the tension. What could easily have been a predictable resolution takes a sinister twist when John uncovers something unexpected, "The Prophet Motive."
**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy. **
January 21, 2012
Wow! This book was surprising to say the least. If this is a true picture of how cults are operated, and I believe it could be, WOW!
Eye opening to say the least but although the behaviors described are extreme, they are believable at the same time. The mind control and other tactics of total domination sure explain some things I've heard about cults. Eric Christopherson hits a home run with this one in my mind.
He paints an incredible picture in this book about how people are manipulated into the cult by going to what equates to recruiting events where the hosts or recruiters get you by agreeing with your opinions and what you believe in. This is of course to gain your favor, especially when you are looking for something or have no one in your life to care for as some did. They looked for people that were homeless or aimless but also did prey on others too.
What was surprising is how the people started buying into everything that a cult is about from mandating when activities take place, working for the “cause” of what’s best for the cult no matter what, giving up personal freedoms, eating what they wanted you to eat and much more.
Eric obviously did a great deal of research for this book and it shows. This is a must read for everyone as it gives you such a clear picture of how things are run inside a cult. All I can continue thing is this was a very eye opening book! But I encourage you to read and judge for yourself.
Eye opening to say the least but although the behaviors described are extreme, they are believable at the same time. The mind control and other tactics of total domination sure explain some things I've heard about cults. Eric Christopherson hits a home run with this one in my mind.
He paints an incredible picture in this book about how people are manipulated into the cult by going to what equates to recruiting events where the hosts or recruiters get you by agreeing with your opinions and what you believe in. This is of course to gain your favor, especially when you are looking for something or have no one in your life to care for as some did. They looked for people that were homeless or aimless but also did prey on others too.
What was surprising is how the people started buying into everything that a cult is about from mandating when activities take place, working for the “cause” of what’s best for the cult no matter what, giving up personal freedoms, eating what they wanted you to eat and much more.
Eric obviously did a great deal of research for this book and it shows. This is a must read for everyone as it gives you such a clear picture of how things are run inside a cult. All I can continue thing is this was a very eye opening book! But I encourage you to read and judge for yourself.
February 7, 2014
I find something fascinating about cults, so I suppose it makes sense that I'd be drawn to fiction about that particular topic. This book definitely does not disappoint. The characters are well fleshed out and interesting in their own right. The gradual reveal of what is really going on in the cult compound is satisfying and disturbing all at once. And when you find yourself mentally yelling at a character not to do something, you know you've been drawn in.
The details of just how the cult was being controlled and the cult leader performing miracles was quite interesting and original. Granted, I don't have anywhere near enough knowledge in the field to know if it was at all researched or accurate, but it felt plausible to a layman, and that's really all it needs to be for most of us. The author does paint an excellent picture of a sociopath and how they think, when we finally get inside the cult leader's head. It's at once both disgusting and fascinating, operating with a total lack of empathy.
In the beginning there's a decent amount of police procedure, and while that generally turns me off a bit I didn't find it slow or boring here. There's more than enough action to easily keep things moving and the book wraps up in a satisfying ending. I would pick up another book by this author, given the writing style and their ability to put a good story together.
The details of just how the cult was being controlled and the cult leader performing miracles was quite interesting and original. Granted, I don't have anywhere near enough knowledge in the field to know if it was at all researched or accurate, but it felt plausible to a layman, and that's really all it needs to be for most of us. The author does paint an excellent picture of a sociopath and how they think, when we finally get inside the cult leader's head. It's at once both disgusting and fascinating, operating with a total lack of empathy.
In the beginning there's a decent amount of police procedure, and while that generally turns me off a bit I didn't find it slow or boring here. There's more than enough action to easily keep things moving and the book wraps up in a satisfying ending. I would pick up another book by this author, given the writing style and their ability to put a good story together.
September 29, 2012
The Prophet Motive by Eric Christoperson was a good psychological drama about cult life, how people can get hooked into cults and the connections that can be made between people. John Richetti, a police detective, was a compelling character with his need to avenge his family and confidence that he could withstand cult indoctrination. The way the story was written made me wonder if John's developing relationship with the assigned psychologist, Marilyn Michaelsen, was his way of not falling completely under the cult's spell. Marilyn was far more able to resist the cult's brainwashing. There was an element of science fiction to this story which was another reason I loved the book. Will be reading more of Christopherson in the future.
October 15, 2011
This book delves into the world of cults and the people involved with them. When an undercover agent goes missing in such a cult, his partner, psychologist Marilyn Michaelsen tries to find out the truth.
The characters are well developed and although, some of the story is predictable, it still a page turner as we find out the truth behind “Earthbound” and it’s leader. This book certainly grabs your attention.
The characters are well developed and although, some of the story is predictable, it still a page turner as we find out the truth behind “Earthbound” and it’s leader. This book certainly grabs your attention.
July 27, 2013
A police detective and a police psychologist infiltrate a cult to solve a murder case and shut down the operation. The cult, Earthbound, preaches ecology and saving the Earth, but actually is just the source of power and money for its leader. Will either of the two succumb to brainwashing? Will they be discovered and killed? Interesting study of cult tactics and practices, but I wasn't that impressed with the story as a 'mystery' or 'crime novel' or 'thriller'.
January 6, 2014
A decent concept for a novel, and well researched. All the gory details about mind control methods used by cults was quite chilling. Unfortunately, there was just too much -- plot-wise, and character behavior-wise -- that was just too hard to swallow. Character actions poorly explained are a pet peeve of mine, so I may be overreacting, but this story would have scored 4 stars at least if not for the abuse of my suspension of disbelief.
August 16, 2015
Excellent read! Excellent as a detective novel and educationally correct information regarding cults and the culture behind them. I would love to read more of books about these two detectives the interest me like James Patterson's Alex Cross. Hope I see a follow-up story soon!
Loved this book. Not only a great read as a detective novel,but very educational an correctly so, I checked. I loved the detectives would love to read about them again! Soon!
Loved this book. Not only a great read as a detective novel,but very educational an correctly so, I checked. I loved the detectives would love to read about them again! Soon!
September 20, 2011
This was an interesting thriller. It was unique in that the plot revolves around infiltrating a cult. I enjoyed learning more about the inner workings and programming efforts of cults as well as the deprogramming that often needs to be done by those who escape. My favorite so far of the free Kindle books I've received through BookRooster.com!
July 3, 2014
Action-filled story involving cops, cults, corn and cows. Well, not too many cows or corn but there is a dairy farm and fields of corn (among other fruit & veg) on the many acres of farmland where the cult is located. Interesting look into the way the mind can be manipulated from a psychological perspective.
October 24, 2014
A look into the ways and practices of cults together with an exciting arc make this book rather enjoyable. While never a mystery of who the bad guy is the book still holds the reader's attention. Yes, procedurally the police would never go into this case like that but I was more than willing to overlook that inaccuracy.
Great read.
Great read.
June 30, 2012
4.5 on this one. This was a very interesting psychological thriller. I have to say here that most of my recent reads have been free digital books from Amazon and they, for the most part, have been really good books.
August 3, 2012
This book was a really good psychological thriller. A little hard to get into at first, packed with detail, but the overall mindset of this cult leader is just PSYCHO! This book is extremely interesting, especially towards the end. It's like an episode of Criminal Minds written down!
December 27, 2012
I grew up highly interested in the Jonestown Cult and even today devour biographies and info about cults. This book was deep and juicy and I loved it. There's plenty of room for more, and I'd to read more about the characters.
February 25, 2014
Cult/cop thriller
Interesting cop thriller based on a cult, led by a psychotic rich doctor. Good read. Assume the author researched cults, so that was an interesting bit of education.
Interesting cop thriller based on a cult, led by a psychotic rich doctor. Good read. Assume the author researched cults, so that was an interesting bit of education.
May 26, 2011
Great book - a real page turner. Just as good as his earlier book Crack-Up.
August 17, 2011
Couldn't get into it. Gave up.
October 7, 2012
An interesting psychological thriller featuring a detective investigating a religious cult which he believes caused a woman's death.
July 30, 2012
A bit too overdone for my taste.
October 7, 2012
A truly original thriller. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book!
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews