Possession: Pay Now - Or Lose Everything

by Rene Gutteridge

In the aftermath of investigating the D.C. sniper case, police detective Vance Graegan is burned out on life and love. Hoping to save his marriage, he quits the force and moves his wife and son to the other side of the country. But when the movers decide to hold his belongings for ransom, Vance is determined to ensure that his family’s new beginning is not ruined. Soon, though, losing his possessions becomes the least of his problems as everything they are fighting for begins to unravel in the hands of Vance’s past. In an unforgettable climax, a little boy’s innocent faith brings a group of desperate people to their knees. What is at stake counts for everything, but nothing can prepare Vance for who is behind it.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Suspense, Contemporary, Fiction, Christian, Adult, Mystery Thriller

381 pages, Paperback

First published December 11, 2010

About the author

Rene Gutteridge is the award-winning and best-selling author of more than eighteen novels, including the beloved Boo Series and Heart of the Country, her novelization release with director John Ward and Tyndale House Publishers. Her recent suspense titles include Listen, Possession and the award-winning Seven Hours project Escapement. She's been published by Bethany House, Tyndale House, WaterBrook Press, Thomas Nelson and B&H and novelized the successful motion picture The Ultimate Gift. She is teaming again with screenwriter Cheryl McKay for the romantic comedy Greetings from the Flipside from B&H and releasing her new suspense title, Misery Loves Company from Tyndale in 2013. Her romantic comedy Never the Bride won the 2010 Carol Award for Best Women’s Fiction. Her upcoming literary projects include the novelization of the motion picture Old Fashioned with Tyndale House Publishers and filmmaker Rik Swartzwelder.

Her adaptation of her novel My Life as a Doormat is in development with Kingdom Pictures and she is also a creative consultant for Boo, a film based on her best-selling novel, in development at Sodium Entertainment with Cory Edwards attached as director and Andrea Nasfell as screenwriter. She is also co-writer in a collaborative comedy project called Last Resort with screenwriters Torry Martin and Marshal Younger. Her screenplay Skid is currently in production and scheduled to begin filming in April of 2013. Find her on Facebook and Twitter or at her website, www.renegutteridge.com

Reviews

[Jerry (Rebel With a Massive Media Library) · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a crazy ride! This one has quite a few twists and turns I didn't see coming! This was an amazing read, but, before you try it...buckle up!

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Imagine you were moving out of state and all of your belongings were held hostage... What would you do?

'Possession' starts out with a police officer asking a woman questions, which intrigued me because I was wondering - Who is this woman? What is going on?..

'Possession continues on with Vance & his wife who are moving to California with their son, to have a fresh start at life, but when their belongings are held hostage that fresh start seems not so fresh.

I absolutely love this book is has an unexpected twist and from the beginning was intriguing.
Almost from page one I was captivated with the story and I just wanted to continue reading it.

I've enjoyed reading some of Rene Gutteridge other books (the Occupational Hazards Series; The Boo Series; Listen) along with this book. I hope that there will be a sequel in the future because it didn't seem 'finished' in my opinion. I really enjoyed reading this! Recommended!

[C.J. Darlington · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't put this book down. Very intriguing with lots of twists and turns. Highly recommended!

[Sarita · Rating 3 out of 5]

Possession was a suspenseful, thrilling ride with quite a few twists and turns which kept the reader guessing on what will happen next.

The life of a detective, the gruesome events seen and the effect on those in the service was handled quite well.

The faith of a child was so strong and well delivered throughout this story.

[Stella Potts · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s been years since I read one of Rene Gutteridge’s books. Boy this was a roller coaster ride. So many twists and turns. It was well written with real life characters, although I did think for a Detective Vance seemed rather wimpy But I guess you have to take into account his meantal condition. This is a real suspense filled story that will keep you guessing right to the end. I recommend it to suspense fans.

[Casey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intense. Page-turner. Gripping. Passionate. Emotive.

Those are just some of the words that come to mind as I sit down to write the review of Rene Gutteridge’s dynamite book POSSESSION. I couldn’t stop reading this book. I would steal snatches at every available opportunity. The dialogue is snappy and never stops for breath. The descriptions pulled me into the story with strong verb usage and clearer than clear settings and characters. Each actor in this “play” had their own sets of challenges and struggles to the highest degree. I believed every emotion that poured forth from their tormented souls.

What I loved so much about this book is the author knows exactly where to stop a scene in that absolute worst conflict, then turn and switch to another scene and character. Talk about not being about to put the book down!

The book flows with urgency and depth, there are moments of relief, more for the reader than anything else, but quickly escalate once again. Just when you think it can’t get worse it does.

From a dynamite finish to an explosive ending, this book has to be one of the best suspense novels I have read this year. I LOVED it! A winner for many suspense fans I am sure.

This review is my honest opinion. Thanks to the publishers for my copy to review.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

After the DC sniper case, Vance is hiding secrets...secrets that could cost him everything. As he and his family move across the country for a fresh start, his secrets can no longer stay hidden. Can he save his family and their possessions, which have been taken for ransom?



I'm a fan of Rene Gutteridge's books, and this one is no exception. However, I felt the book's characters and plot were not developed as other books. There were too many stories--Vance healing from the sniper case, the move, his former partner's secrets, Vance suffering from post tramatic stress disorder, Vance and his wife's lack of faith and their trust issues, their possessions have been taken for ransom, and the list goes on. There were so many storylines that they were not developed as much as they should have been. Therefore, it was hard to connect with the characters.



Overall, Possession is a good read, but Listen still ranks as my favorite by Rene. 

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book on a Goodreads First Reads Giveaway. I truly enjoyed reading this book. It was a very well written mystery/suspense novel that had no swearing, no pornography, and no gore. What a treat! I also loved the relationship that the characters had or developed with God and the power of prayer. Nice to read a book by an author that has the courage to put those things in. Will definitely be reading more books by her!

[Holly · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was very good! I've read several books by Gutteridge and this one was very different than any of her others... I LIKED IT! (And I've liked her other stuff too!)

[Ashayma (｡• ◡ •｡) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I can't contain my excitement after reading "Possession" by Rene Gutteridge. Let me tell you, I absolutely adored this book!, and I'm happy that I discovered a new favorite author.

The story itself weaves in the D.C. Sniper case, giving Vance Graegone, a compelling struggle with PTSD. It's fascinating to note that this case actually took place in 2002; you can look it up for more details.
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While this book is categorized as Christian literature, I must admit that the religious aspects were quite subtle, mostly limited to a child's prayer rather than going deep.

I was completely hooked and couldn't bear to put the book down. It kept me on my toes with its unexpected twists and turns. I wholeheartedly recommend it! Needless to say, I'm eager to explore more works by this talented author!

[Joan Arning · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rene Gutteridge will keep you wondering what is really going on until almost the end! Possession has excellent main characters of retiring detective Vance Graegan and his wife Lindy! Imagine moving across the country to start over and the moving company adding on thousands of dollars in fees and holding all of your belongings. That is just the beginning! I recommend Possession to anyone who enjoys suspense!

[Percival Buncab · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well-constructed plot. Consistent page-turner. Successful red herrings.

[Claire · Rating 2 out of 5]

Started off good and ended weak

The Christian under tones was very much in your face. The story didn’t make too much sense. It could of been better.

[Shirley Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Police force

As usual Rene goes above and beyond. The content and story line are truer than fiction. Anxious to read her next one

[Chantal Britz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant! Thats all i can say.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first book my Rene. I am hooked if her other books are this good. I was on the edge of my seat.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The plot got worse and worse for the characters. I have a better understanding of PTSD now.

[Nora St Laurent · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was thrilled to receive a review copy of this suspenseful tale. Rene delves into a scenario so many people are facing right now. So many have recently lost so much due to catastrophic situations beyond their control such as hurricanes, fire and flood. Rene had experienced the Oklahoma bombing, saw the devastation and watched how others dealt with tremendous loss. She wanted to explore the idea of losing everything, what that would mean and look like?

Vance, the main character learns quickly how short life really is as they try to track down a sniper in Washington D.C. Vance and the other officers desperately try to come up with a common denominator between the shootings in order to determine where this ghost sniper would strike next. After that ordeal, Vance suffers from Post-traumatic stress disorder.

The author became interested in PTSD after she experienced the Oklahoma City bombing in 1995. It's similar to what vets experience but different. Rene does an amazing job of creating multi-layered characters that you instantly care about. I loved her first line, ‘Can you please state your full name?” She has the reader in court and Linda Greagan on the stand. I was swept into the story and was fascinated as to where Rene would take me next.

Vance reminded me of Bruce Willis in the Die Hard movie, who is smart, rough and tough but unlike Bruce who was saving the city, Vance had had enough of his job and wanted out. He was ready to start a new kind of life. He wanted to help his wife achieve her dream. Lindi’s dream was to own a Deli. It was something they could do together. His friends laughed at him but he was serious. He wasted enough years on the force risking his life for nothing. Now, was the time for his wife and son Conner.

Just when Vance thought things were going well, his wife quickly found a place to live, she had a lead on a perfect location for their Deli and they arrived in CA ahead of schedule.
Vance is in such a hurry to get this new life started and meet his family in CA he doesn’t take the time to read the fine print of his moving contract. All heck breaks loose when he gets to California to meet the movers. Moving is stressful on a good day but Vance’s experience is extreme.

His wife, Lindi, hears this from the moving worker, “Ma’am you are contractually obligated to pay us what you owe us.” That’s fine but this wasn’t the price they agreed on.

Vance is about to go ballistic when he hears this from his wife. What was happening? Vance learned over the years he had to departmentalize things; he couldn't get emotional because if he did he would miss something important. He would miss something he needed to solve the case. He was trained. Vance went into police mode to help him handle this crazy moving situation - just like he'd do with any case he was on.

On the gentler side of the story, I liked how their son, Conner, watched a televangelist on TV and got to know and accept Jesus has his personal savior. His parents weren’t excited about this event and hoped it would go away, when he grew up. They actually got scared when this behavior didn’t end. So, they took him to therapists to be observed. But the boy just kept being himself and would innocently share his relationship with Jesus and what it meant to him.

I enjoyed Conner and the beauty of a child’s love relationship and faith in Jesus is precious. I adored the part when Connor explained to his mom how to pray, “You have to always thank God first. That’s important. If you don’t be thankful, then you miss out on what God’s doing. You don’t see it… She wanted to hurry her son along in the prayer and Lindi says, “But let’s pretend we’re getting ready to be in a car wreck, and we need God’s help fast. Then what kind of prayer do you pray?”

“You don’t pray then, Mom, “Conner said. “You just trust that He’s there.” His mom saw great wisdom in her son’s eyes.

I loved the relational dynamic in this novel, the excitement, the honest spiritual thread and how Rene masterfully blends it all together. Amazing!

I highly recommend reading Possession, the book is a great escape into a world Rene creates, to make you laugh, sweep you up into a suspenseful drama and help you think about a few things along the way. Great combination! Thanks Rene for another book that had so much to offer at book club and is just a plain fun read.

Disclosure of Material Connection:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

Nora St.Laurent
The Book Club Network www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com
Book Fun Magazine www.bookfunmagazine.com

[Seán · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one was selected because the premise--an ex-Maryland detective plagued by his memories of the DC Sniper case is being hunted by a mysterious asshole after starting over on the Left Coast--hit my genre checklist on multiple points. However, one criterion I hadn't counted on was overt religiosity, and I was somewhat surprised to find that "Possession" was in fact an evangelical Christian crime-n-suspense novel. This is what happens when you enter online giveaways whilst seven-cups tipsy.

Well, you ask, can such stuff exist? Yes, and at first, I thought Gutteridge had read "Mystery and Manners" and was making her way down Flannery O'Connor Boulevard. The first two-thirds was all carefully calibrated suspense, with characters' interior selves frustrated by the often ugly and usually inadequate means of human relationships, and there were artful images of pettiness and sharp remembrances of pointed ultraviolence. However, by the final third it was clear we were now cruising along a scenic service road off the Heartland Megachurch Highway. A young son's faith gleaned from a Benny Hinn-type skell was validated by an otherwise decent gat-the-bitch climax, whereby the hand of God intervenes to save the Graegan family (but has heretofore let others die pointlessly, brutally).

This is not meant to mock the faith of Gutteridge, which is the genuine article and beautiful in any light, or her skill at storycraft, which through most of the book is demonstrated to be superb. I only mean to note that here what can only be called the "religious angle" is actually a detriment to the excellence of the story (if not to its marketability to a demographic). Gutteridge would have profited from exploring more deeply the relationship between Graegan and his former partner as well as examining more closely how drink, familial expectations, and the disorienting chaos of drawn-out trauma can destroy a person. While providing a pretty good flashback plot device, you know the DC Sniper case could have been better exploited, even on an evangelical tip.

[Angel Parrish · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another EXCELLENT piece of Christian fiction from one of my favorite authors. Definitely a thriller, this one is sure to keep you guessing until the end. Safe for teens.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Detective Vance Graegan worked the D.C. sniper case, and it changed him forever. Taking a toll on his life and marriage, he and his wife Lindy decide to make a fresh start and move to California to open a deli. They can finally put the police work and the baggage that came with it behind them.

Except maybe it's not as easy as they thought it might be.

Upon arriving in California, Lindy finds a condo to rent and a possible building to lease for their deli, but when the movers arrive with all of their belongings, they demand a ransom of the Graegans before they will give them their possessions. Vance's past is fast catching up with him.

I do enjoy Rene Gutteridge's books, but I struggled to care about these main characters until toward the end of the book. The plot of the story kept me reading, though. It was unique to anything I've read before. I also like fast-paced suspense, and I had this one read in two days.

My only complaint of the book is the lack of any character having a relationship with Christ. The Graegans' son prayed all the time because of something he learned on TV one day while watching a televangelist, and then prayer becomes the moral of the story. The problem with that concept is that there's no mention in the book about how to have a personal relationship with Christ. People can pray all they want, but if they don't have Christ as Savior, it's basically meaningless. I just feel that the story was sorely lacking any depth in this area.

Aside from that, I still liked the plot and the suspense. I'm giving this book 4 stars.

I wish to thank Tyndale House Publishers for providing me with a free copy to review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

[Carly · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I first read the description for this book, it did not sound terribly interesting to me, but very often to me, it is more about the author and not so much about the story. I have read a couple of Rene Gutteridge’s books and I have always loved her writing. Her last book, Listen, was fantastic. So, I decided I would like to read her new book. I’m glad I did because the writing I have come to really like from her was very present in Possession. The story starts very quickly and the suspense continues to build throughout the whole story until the book reaches a satisfying and uplifting conclusion.

I must admit that I was mildly disappointed that I figured out who the bad guy was early on in the story, but that revelation is made with a lot of story left, so there were still some very clever surprises that made this book very exciting and intense at times. The sweet and simple faith of eight-year-old Conner brought the Christian angle into the story without it feeling forced or out of place.

The one intriguing thing about this story when I first read the description was Vance’s history with investigating the DC sniper case. The after-effects of this event in Vance’s life adds to the intensity of the story as he deals with post traumatic stress.

Overall, Possession is another fantastic suspense novel from a very gifted author. I am once again quite pleased with Rene’s work and I am very glad I decided to read this book. I highly recommend this book, especially to fans of suspense. It is a very entertaining and intense story. I would have loved an epilogue though, but I can just use my imagination.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title: POSSESSION
Author: Rene Gutteridge
Publisher: Tyndale
December 2010
ISBN: 978-1-4143-2434-0
Genre: Inspirational/suspense

In the aftermath of investigating the D.C. sniper case, detective Vance Graegan is burned out. Desperate to save his marriage, he retires after twenty years in the force, giving up a lot of benefits, to let his wife have her dream, a deli shop in sunny California. They have the money saved to start the business, and everything is looking great.

Then the trouble starts. The mover refuses to deliver their stuff unless Vance pays them an additional $8,000. Vance refuses, knowing it’s a scam, but everyday, the bill goes up by a thousand dollars. And then the threats start. And soon loosing their belongings is the least of his problems.

POSSESSION is the latest suspense release by acclaimed author Rene Gutteridge. I’ve loved most all her books, and I was hooked by POSSESSION even when it became too scary to read. I couldn’t put the book down; I had to see what happened next, to see how Vance and Lindy would work through the devastation that has torn apart their lives.

If you are looking for a good suspense, then be sure to pick up POSSESSION. I thought the bad guy was pretty cut and dried, but it soon became apparent that things are not at all as they seemed. If you’re a “chicken” like me, and don’t like scary books, you might not want to read this. If you try to read it, make sure it’s in a well lit room! If you love suspense, the scarier the better, then this book is for you. Discussion questions are included at the end of the book. $12.99. 390 pages.

[Meghan Carver · Rating 4 out of 5]

In some ways, I envy Vance and Lindy Graegan. They are moving across the country, from Washington, D.C., to Redwood City, California – another daydream of mine. But that’s where the envy ends. When they arrive, the moving company won’t unload their possessions without extra money because the front door of their condo is a particular distance from the curb. Many times, Lindy urges her husband just to let them have everything. Give up. Start over.

Yeah! I can agree with that.

However, as typically happens in suspense novels, more is yet to happen. Apparently, Vance has a secret from his wife, the evidence of which is buried in their moving van. Unfortunately for Vance, the movers have found his secret and are threatening to tell his wife or go to the press unless he pays up. Vance has just retired from a police detective position, and a former partner – female – seems to have some knowledge of his secret as well as baggage of her own.

The writer definitely made her point, with me at least. I came away from this novel with both a renewed vigor for the relationships in my life and a renewed disinterest in my possessions. The little boy, Conner, becomes quite resourceful in his play without a smattering of toys, television, or video games. And, as the adults focus on the severe trial at hand, their possessions fade into their peripheral vision allowing their need for faith to become clear.

I can’t recommend the Graegan method of de-cluttering, but I can and do recommend this book.

[Trinity Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love books by Rene Gutteridge. Possession is a mystery/suspense, one of my favorite kind of books.
Vance and Lindy Graegan along with son Connor, are moving to California to begin a new life and different career choice. Vance was a police officer, during the D.C. sniper investigations. He hasn’t gotten over the stress and the things he has seen. His partner, Erin, saved his life once, she had trouble with drinking too much. Vance tried to help her, but Erin doesn’t see it like that.
A problem starts when Joe, the mover, will not unload their possessions because the condo is too far from the curb and he will charge an large amount each day he has to store the items. Things start happening when Vance and Lindy confront Joe, and Vance begins to investigate.
In this book you will ask yourself what would I do if my possession were held for ransom? Also we find out some things about post-traumatic stress disorder, also how a child believes and prays.
Things really build in the ending few chapters and you won’t believe the way things happen. “Possession” is an adrenaline rushing, page-turning book. I highly recommend this to read and reread. Thanks to Rene Gutteridge for another fantastic suspenseful read.



Thanks to Tyndale House Publishers for providing this book for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255

[Dominique · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading, Possesion by Rene Gutteridge, I have to say … I loved this book! And I have now discovered a new author to read.

This book was impossible to put down once I started. It took off with a bang and never stopped. Love that!

In addition, for me at least, the subject of loosing all of one’s possession was surreal, yet, profound as I just experienced this in June 2010.

The character developement was really good. I actually found myself not liking the mother-in-law at all, nor the cop’s partner, who turns out to be … well … I’ll leave that for you to find out. :-)

Needless to say, the story was authentic, adrenaline packed and pulled on my emotional strings.

One of my favorite parts of the story, believe it or not, was the author’s portrayal the main cop of the story, Vance’s struggle with PTSD – Post Traumatic Syndrome. The way that Gutteridge weaved in and out of the PTSD episodes kept me on my toes, feeling dizzy and off-balance, as I can only assume one with PTSD would. Riveting!

I have bookmarked this author and intend to read everything she has.

I give this book a 5 out of 5!

*I received this book free from Tyndale. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

[Melissa (Always Behind) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gutteridge creates suspenseful tension from the start of the story and doesn't let go until the end. Twists and turns will keep the reader guessing, and the sweet faith of a child is a refreshingly appropriate counterpoint to the action.
SUMMARY: Vance and Lindy Graegan move across the country with their young son to start over after the DC sniper case drives Vance nearly to the breaking point. He retires and the couple sets out for California to open a deli. Yet difficulties accompany them as the moving company holds all of their belongings hostage until the couple pays a high fee. The violence begins to escalate, and some secrets Vance is keeping threaten to come to light. Can the family survive this nightmare?

[Margaret Chind]

It always amazes me to discover an author I love in one genre to be in another. I absolutely love Never the Bride and I am intrigued to read some suspense novels from Rene Gutteridge including Listen and Possession. this is not always my favorite genre, but Rene has a way with words. As a book I am if-y as to how I feel, but as a film I am certain I’d be on the edge of my seat. I guess it is because so much time is spent in novels. All and all I believe I will be reading any genre from Rene in the future including suspense, chick-lit or any other.

posted: http://creativemadnessmama.com/blog/2...

[Yibbie · Rating 1 out of 5]

An interesting plot at the beginning. The part I didn't like was that it claimed to be a Christian book, but there wasn't any true Christianity in it. Prayer is mentioned a lot, but it isn't specific about praying to whom. There is no hope. The power of the gospel is no were to be found in it. The hero has to fight of his demons in his own strength and with drugs. However, the Bible teaches that we don't have to fight in our own strength; actually we can't. It is only through the power of the Holy Spirit that we can have victory in our lives. Because victory was won by Jesus when He rose from the dead. He offers us that victory when we accept Him.

[Cassie · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was nice to read a good mystery that didn't have any filth in it! It's a christian author so it was very clean but still very creepy at times. The whole book tied in to the D.C. Sniper case which actually happened while I was living there. It made it even more real because I remember the fear of even being in an open space. Well written and a good book.