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Premier Mystery
The Lazarus Trap
For Val Haines, dying may be the chance of a lifetime.
Awakening in a jail cell and bleeding from his head, Val Haines remembers nothing. Not even his name.
As his memory slowly begins to return, Haines discovers that the world thinks he's dead. If his nightmares ring true, it may be for the best. Around him brews a conspiracy of embezzlement and murder for hire, fueled by the rage of personal vendetta. As he searches for a safe haven, enigmatic Audrey beckons, but can she be trusted?
With nothing but a few personal belongings and a sizable amount of cash, Haines must run. With his past behind him, he'll do anything to claim a new life for himself. Or die trying.
Awakening in a jail cell and bleeding from his head, Val Haines remembers nothing. Not even his name.
As his memory slowly begins to return, Haines discovers that the world thinks he's dead. If his nightmares ring true, it may be for the best. Around him brews a conspiracy of embezzlement and murder for hire, fueled by the rage of personal vendetta. As he searches for a safe haven, enigmatic Audrey beckons, but can she be trusted?
With nothing but a few personal belongings and a sizable amount of cash, Haines must run. With his past behind him, he'll do anything to claim a new life for himself. Or die trying.
306 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 1, 2005
51 people are currently reading
366 people want to read
About the author
Davis Bunn
109 books1,028 followersDavis Bunn is an internationally-acclaimed author who has sold more than eight million books in twenty languages.
Honored with four Christy Awards for excellence in historical and suspense fiction, Davis was inducted into the Christy Hall of Fame in 2014.
His bestsellers include The Great Divide, Winner Take All, The Meeting Place, The Book of Hours, and The Quilt. A sought-after lecturer in the art of writing, Bunn was serves as Writer in Residence at Regent's Park College, Oxford University.
Davis Bunn also writes under the names Thomas Locke (for his epic fantasy and techno-thriller novels) and T. Davis Bunn (for books published prior to 2002).
Honored with four Christy Awards for excellence in historical and suspense fiction, Davis was inducted into the Christy Hall of Fame in 2014.
His bestsellers include The Great Divide, Winner Take All, The Meeting Place, The Book of Hours, and The Quilt. A sought-after lecturer in the art of writing, Bunn was serves as Writer in Residence at Regent's Park College, Oxford University.
Davis Bunn also writes under the names Thomas Locke (for his epic fantasy and techno-thriller novels) and T. Davis Bunn (for books published prior to 2002).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
October 31, 2011
A man wakes up on the floor of a jail cell and doesn't remember who he is. When he does, remember things-that he's Val Haines, he wants to forget it! He needs help, and turns to a past love Audrey d' Arcy. Val isn't sure that he can trust her though.
I really loved this book. The only negative thing I can say about it was that it was heavy on the suspense and light on the romance. I like an even dose of both. I chose this author because I was upset over a series I read by Terri Blackstock. You do not lead a reader with three good books then destroy it on the last one! I will never read anything by her again, but Davis Bunn knows what he's doing! The various characters who were on the shady side, but good guys who helped him out was so interesting to read. The fact that one of his enemies was Audrey's own brother made it even better.
It was very good, and I will be sure to read more from this Christian suspense author, because he knows what readers want and gives it to them.
I really loved this book. The only negative thing I can say about it was that it was heavy on the suspense and light on the romance. I like an even dose of both. I chose this author because I was upset over a series I read by Terri Blackstock. You do not lead a reader with three good books then destroy it on the last one! I will never read anything by her again, but Davis Bunn knows what he's doing! The various characters who were on the shady side, but good guys who helped him out was so interesting to read. The fact that one of his enemies was Audrey's own brother made it even better.
It was very good, and I will be sure to read more from this Christian suspense author, because he knows what readers want and gives it to them.
August 2, 2010
Liked this. It was pretty good. I could easily see this as a movie, with someone like Michael Douglas. The name kinda tells the general story, and it is told well, but the plot is kinda old. I almost got bored with it at a couple places, but there are some interesting new ideas for this one that i have not seen before. all in all, turned out better than expected, and pretty good overall.
December 5, 2008
An interesting story and I liked the fact that there was nothing offensive in the story. I'll likely pick up another of his books just for that reason.
February 3, 2024
Good premise, poor execution (3 stars)
The starting premise is a very good one: Val Haines wakes up in a prison cell, with no recollection of his identity or what has happened to him.
This is a great concept to open a novel, but unfortunately it isn't accompanied with the gripping and engaging writing style that it needs. The action and dialogue often becomes somewhat unnecessarily slow and at times even confusing. In the end this felt like a Grisham wannabe - a great idea, but poorly executed, and lacking the terse and suspenseful writing and plot needed for it to be a successful pageturner.
It should also be mentioned that this book represents an attempt by Davis Bunn to crossover from the evangelical to the mainstream market, so unlike some of his other novels, there is no explicit Christian content as such.
The starting premise is a very good one: Val Haines wakes up in a prison cell, with no recollection of his identity or what has happened to him.
This is a great concept to open a novel, but unfortunately it isn't accompanied with the gripping and engaging writing style that it needs. The action and dialogue often becomes somewhat unnecessarily slow and at times even confusing. In the end this felt like a Grisham wannabe - a great idea, but poorly executed, and lacking the terse and suspenseful writing and plot needed for it to be a successful pageturner.
It should also be mentioned that this book represents an attempt by Davis Bunn to crossover from the evangelical to the mainstream market, so unlike some of his other novels, there is no explicit Christian content as such.
May 4, 2024
This book pulled me right in. It was quick, funny, and clever. The subplot, which I imagine is explained more thoroughly in book 1 (I didn’t know this was a series when I bought it 2014 or so) was absolutely intriguing! If you’ve ever seen the Chinese drama Well Intended Love on Netflix, it was that, complete with doctored medical reports and romantic/financial subterfuge.
I was expecting more mystery and more deceit and double crossing in this book since it started off so powerfully strong, but the end started to shape up more like a heist. Still a very strong story, but just not what I was inn the mood for after the first act!
I would totally read this again!
I was expecting more mystery and more deceit and double crossing in this book since it started off so powerfully strong, but the end started to shape up more like a heist. Still a very strong story, but just not what I was inn the mood for after the first act!
I would totally read this again!
September 19, 2023
Great story
Complex, interesting characters who cover the whole spectrum from bad to good make this a very interesting tale. Lots of twists and turns in the plot make the reader eager for the next page.
Complex, interesting characters who cover the whole spectrum from bad to good make this a very interesting tale. Lots of twists and turns in the plot make the reader eager for the next page.
September 23, 2023
Outstanding reading as usual
Bunn does his usual great character development using great visuals and detailed descriptions. The ending was definitely a page turning rush to see how it ends.
Bunn does his usual great character development using great visuals and detailed descriptions. The ending was definitely a page turning rush to see how it ends.
August 22, 2017
This book is not a usual genre for me (suspense?), but I stumbled upon it and was intrigued by the corporate fraud element of it. Fun read. No regrets.
November 16, 2018
I liked this read, but I wouldn't read it again. It may just be a little too action-packed for my taste. I am not sure what it was missing in order to receive a full five stars.
November 23, 2018
I've read this few times. I love this book. Very interesting premise and story.
February 27, 2020
overall not impressed hard to follow plot, boring characters, unlikable hero and bland villains. ending was boring as well.
skip this one
skip this one
January 26, 2021
Suspenseful and clean. Well done.
May 13, 2021
Found this as a mystery book at a op shop. Took me a long time to get into it but turned out to be a decent and entertaining thriller. Enjoyed it for a simple escape.
Read
September 30, 2024Just couldn’t get into this one. It’s a short book but after almost 100 pages I still couldn’t care less. Usually I really like his books.
December 30, 2011
Again a great example of Bunn work as a suspense writer who writes about the world but through a Christian POV. The idea of a once upstanding man's fall from grace is a classic line of thought. What makes this version different is that Val Haines, the protagonist, doesn't remember how good or bad he was. As the mystery of a NYC bombing, lost pension funds, and embezzled money is discovered, Val must remember his past mistakes and painful remembrances to solve the crime, save the company, and win the girl. The villain in this journey, Terrance d'Arcey is a true Gordon Gecko protege. As they both maneuver towards the money and a final confrontation Terrance must deal with his family and past as well. Toss in a dirty ex-cop, eastern european gangsters, bad English weather, and the island of Jersey; you get the whole story.
Bunn makes references to the Enron scandal and past Wall Street corporate greed scheme but has less of the details. As a whole Bunn stays away from the complicated aspects of embezzlement and sticks to the action. The only confussing parts were the dialogue when multiple scenes and character were without a great transition between them
Those who liked John Grissom, especially The Firm, will find this an easy and fun read. My only problem is that the story would have benefited more with additional length. Another 50-100 pages would have added a lot more to building up the suspense, filling plot holes, explaining the ending better and possibly given room for deeper reflections by Terrance. I hated his arrogance in the beginning but was wanting his redemption, more so than Val, by the end. Val was equally likable beginning, middle, and end but not a great hero.
Bunn makes references to the Enron scandal and past Wall Street corporate greed scheme but has less of the details. As a whole Bunn stays away from the complicated aspects of embezzlement and sticks to the action. The only confussing parts were the dialogue when multiple scenes and character were without a great transition between them
Those who liked John Grissom, especially The Firm, will find this an easy and fun read. My only problem is that the story would have benefited more with additional length. Another 50-100 pages would have added a lot more to building up the suspense, filling plot holes, explaining the ending better and possibly given room for deeper reflections by Terrance. I hated his arrogance in the beginning but was wanting his redemption, more so than Val, by the end. Val was equally likable beginning, middle, and end but not a great hero.
July 23, 2014
"Awakening in a jail cell and bleeding from his head, Val Haines remembers nothing. Not even his name." The Lazarus Trap is a story that could be taken straight from the headlines. A multi-million dollar company, greed, and an unquenchable desire for revenge leave the characters fighting for their lives, for the truth, and for justice.
The story starts out a little slow, building character relationships and history-and ALL of these characters have a backstory. Davis Bunn did an excellent job creating characters with a past and a purpose that drives them forward, even secondary characters were rich with personality-enough that I actually wanted more of them in the story. However, their history, their goals, what they fight for is never fully threshed out and I was only left with hints of a life I'll never know more about.
The story picks up speed about 2/3 of the way in and we travel to England and are met with more memorable characters with small roles and big personalities. The storyline moves rapidly at this point and all of the pieces of the puzzle are coming together in a manner that seems just too convenient. Everything starts working out for Val Haines, and obstacles to his goal just kind of disappear or are easily overcome resulting in a tidy finale.
For many writers today the focus is always on character, character, character. And Davis Bunn excelled in creating characters I wanted to know more personally...unfortunately their stories end on page 288.
The story starts out a little slow, building character relationships and history-and ALL of these characters have a backstory. Davis Bunn did an excellent job creating characters with a past and a purpose that drives them forward, even secondary characters were rich with personality-enough that I actually wanted more of them in the story. However, their history, their goals, what they fight for is never fully threshed out and I was only left with hints of a life I'll never know more about.
The story picks up speed about 2/3 of the way in and we travel to England and are met with more memorable characters with small roles and big personalities. The storyline moves rapidly at this point and all of the pieces of the puzzle are coming together in a manner that seems just too convenient. Everything starts working out for Val Haines, and obstacles to his goal just kind of disappear or are easily overcome resulting in a tidy finale.
For many writers today the focus is always on character, character, character. And Davis Bunn excelled in creating characters I wanted to know more personally...unfortunately their stories end on page 288.
August 22, 2016
The novel begins with the protagonist, Val (Valentine Haines) in jail with temporary amnesia, bleeding from a head wound. As his memory slowly comes back, he discovers the world thinks him dead and he is being framed by his nemesis with embezzling the company pension funds. The story is about Val’s determination to get back the embezzled funds, whilst Terence, his nemesis, tries to ensure he remains dead.
The author has won three Christy awards, I had to google these, they are awarded to “recognize novels of excellence written from a Christian worldview.”There is little overtly Christian in the story: the language is tame for a suspense thriller, nothing stronger than “floozy”, also, two minor characters met each other on an Alpha course and, of course, there is no sex. There are some bad guys, who turn away from a life of crime and there is some forgiveness but nothing really preachy.
I have a little trouble with the names of the hero and his enemy: Valentine and Terrance, to me Val, I always associate with Valerie Singleton of Blue Peter and Terrance as the name of a terrier dog. These are my own prejudices.
All in all, I found it an okay read, the plot was a little predictable, the characters were interesting, even if I had a problem with their names, the bad guy is a little one dimensional. The action skips from America to Britain to Jersey.
The author has won three Christy awards, I had to google these, they are awarded to “recognize novels of excellence written from a Christian worldview.”There is little overtly Christian in the story: the language is tame for a suspense thriller, nothing stronger than “floozy”, also, two minor characters met each other on an Alpha course and, of course, there is no sex. There are some bad guys, who turn away from a life of crime and there is some forgiveness but nothing really preachy.
I have a little trouble with the names of the hero and his enemy: Valentine and Terrance, to me Val, I always associate with Valerie Singleton of Blue Peter and Terrance as the name of a terrier dog. These are my own prejudices.
All in all, I found it an okay read, the plot was a little predictable, the characters were interesting, even if I had a problem with their names, the bad guy is a little one dimensional. The action skips from America to Britain to Jersey.
August 22, 2014
The Lazarus Trap captivated me from the first pages, where the settings and characters were already vivid. Throughout this book, author Davis Bunn helped me see hillsides, islands, and boardrooms I had not visited and helped me understand emotions (such as the desire for revenge) I have not felt strongly. Thoroughly enjoyable to read, this story communicates the futility of pursuits that are solely focused on this life, the power of mercy and grace, and the value of legacy.
The end of the story, however, was unsatisfying. Although the protagonist realized some truth, his final depicted actions were motivated by vague notions of religiosity and doing good. For this reason, I more highly recommend Bunn’s Gold of Kings, a story in which truth is more clearly realized.
The end of the story, however, was unsatisfying. Although the protagonist realized some truth, his final depicted actions were motivated by vague notions of religiosity and doing good. For this reason, I more highly recommend Bunn’s Gold of Kings, a story in which truth is more clearly realized.
January 11, 2010
I thought this book would be a little more Jason Bourne-ish but at least it wasn't totally predictable. It was, however, a bit of a let-down as the hero just wasn't someone I could either identify with or even root for as the book went on. I kept thinking that if I kept reading it, he would redeem himself in some way but that never happened for me. By the last chapter, I was kind of "ho-hum" about it.
July 7, 2013
The reviews of the book on the back cover all said that it grips you from page one, which is definitely not true. It took me probably 40-50 pages to get hooked, but once it did I stayed hooked until the end, which fizzled. There just wasn't much to it. Hated the main character at times for buying into the "if I get back at somebody for doing something to me, then I'm just as bad as them" bs. The storyline was pretty cool though, read it in a few days.
December 24, 2011
I think I'm a little of a book snob, humbled carrying around a mass-market paperback ;) I really liked it. I think it was a thriller a bit like the old school John Grisham, though I haven't read him since high school so hard to say for sure. It was much better than expected, though my expectations were low. You can't really compare genres, so for its genre, 4 stars it is.
November 6, 2016
Val Haines is flawed - not only has he lost his memory but, even when he starts to regain it, he realizes he has some significant problems. The kind that can lead to his losing his life as well. An evil conspiracy crafted by a wicked enemy, a heart-pounding flight amongst the underbelly of society, and a life or death showdown make this quite an exciting story.
August 14, 2008
Not a bad beach read; while it was a relatively basic "intrigue" novel, it was clumsily written in spots and therefore a little tough to follow at a few key points. But overall, a fun book that starts out a little too much like "The Bourne Identity" but quickly creates its own story.
October 18, 2008
Almost done...it has been an ok book...feels a little disjointed to me because my reading time has been in such short spurts and there is a lot going on in this book.
I think men would enjoy this book, lots of cloak and dagger suspense.
I think men would enjoy this book, lots of cloak and dagger suspense.
October 22, 2009
I didn't like this book. By trying to be mysterious and more intense, the plot is just hard to follow. And the way he uses British English for some of the characters just sounds contrived/over-done. I kept thinking it was going to get better but it never really did. Oh, well.
June 3, 2008
So this one wasn't exactly a no-brainer. The plot was a little obvious, but I enjoyed it nonetheless. Can't go wrong when a thriller infuses a love plot!
June 19, 2009
high intrigue! I read all Davis Bunn-sometimes he is my "christian " version of John Grisham
May 26, 2010
Not one of his best, but I still gave it 3 stars because it held my interest and I like Davis Bunn. :)
February 22, 2011
If you like mystery or intrigue you will probably find this book entertaining. I did. It features attempted murder, embezzlement and amnesia.
July 30, 2011
The plot had a lot of potential, but kind of fell flat. It didn't strike me as particularly well-spun.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews