Death Watch

by Jack Cavanaugh, Jerry Kuiper (Contributor)

YOU HAVE BEEN SELECTED FOR DEATH STOP PRECISELY FORTY-EIGHT HOURS FROM THE TIME OF THIS TRANSMISSION YOU WILL DIE STOP THIS IS AN OFFICIAL DEATH WATCH NOTICE STOP Rookie news reporter Sydney St. James found the first Death Watch notice in a vehicle at the scene of a fatal accident. That was just hours ago. Now other notices are turning up worldwide---and Sydney finds herself paired with renowned international newscaster Hunz Vonner in a desperate attempt to unmask the terrorists. The wording of the notices is always the same---as are the results. There is no pattern to the victims' deaths. Every attempt to save the recipients fails. Government agencies and news organizations are stumped. Then it gets personal. People close to Sydney begin receiving Death Watch notices. The clock is ticking . . . and suddenly, Sydney finds herself in possession of an astonishing secret. It could break the power of Death Watch, save the lives of those she loves . . . and ruin her forever.

Genres: Christian, Suspense, Christian Fiction, Fiction, Mystery

Paperback

First published December 31, 2005

About the author

Jack Cavanaugh is an award-winning, full-time freelance author with twenty-five published novels to his credit. His nine-volume American Family Portrait series spans the history of a nation from 1630 to the present and is still in print nearly fifteen years following its release.

A student of the novel for more than a quarter of a century, Jack takes his craft seriously, continuing to study and teach at Christian writers conferences. He is the former pastor of three churches in San Diego County and draws upon his theological background for the spiritual elements of his plots and characters.

His novels have been translated into a dozen foreign languages, largely because of the universal scope of his topics. Jack has not only written about American history, but about South Africa, banned English Bibles, German Christians in the days of Hitler and Communism, revivals in America, and angelic warfare.

Jack’s current writing schedule includes motion picture screenplays and e-book serial fiction with Internet distribution. His novel Death Watch has been optioned to be made into a motion picture by Out Cold Entertainment, Inc.

Jack has three grown children and lives with his wife in Southern California.

AWARDS

• Silver Medallion Award (1995), Christian Booksellers Association
• Christy Award (2002, 2003), Excellence in Christian Fiction
• Silver Angel Award (2002), Excellence in Media
• Gold Medal, Best Historical (2001), ForeWord Magazine
• Best Historical Novel (1994), San Diego Literary Society
• Best Novel (1995, 1996, 2005), San Diego Christian Writers Guild

Reviews

[Eva-Joy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an enjoyable and fast-paced read from one of my favorite authors, but on this latest reread (my first since 2016), I was extremely uncomfortable with how Death Watch portrayed the suicide of side character Billy Peppers. The suicide was treated as more or less a good thing, as a right decision--which is completely unacceptable. I'm not sure if this was the author's intent (I doubt it), but the message is there all the same. So, if you're triggered by fictional suicides in general, I'd highly recommend steering clear of this book.

[Lynnda Ell · Rating 5 out of 5]

What if every person on earth received a 48-hour notice that they would die? That is the premis of Death Watch. The twists and turns of this story kept me turning the pages long after I should have been in bed. Well written, wholely believable, and thought provoking, this Christy Award winner is definitely a keeper.

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book.
Every time someone was about to die, the song "It's the Final Countdown," would play in my head.

[Georgann · Rating 2 out of 5]

meh. Disappointing.

[Linea Winter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent book from a new author. Will read more.

[Deb · Rating 3 out of 5]

Plot Summary: What happens, When & Where, Central Characters, Major Conflicts[return]A reporter stumbles across the story of a lifetime when she uncovers a "Death Watch" notice at the scene of an accident. People worldwide have been receiving the notices--which warn that the person will die within the next 48 hours. When the notes have a 100% mortality rate the world goes crazy, and Sydney St. James and international Hunz Vonner are on the hunt for the explanation. They suspect terrorism, but does the real answer lie in the head of a supposedly mentally deranged homeless man? They are in a race against the clock--as friends new and old are now under the "death watch" and it's more than just a story.[return][return][return][return][return][return][return]Style Characterisics: Pacing, clarity, structure, narrative devices, etc.[return]Fast paced, characterization is fairly shallow and the way the story is summed up and explained seemed to have some inconsistencies. If 2 "witnesses" were notified for each victim why did this not come to light and why was Hunz the first one saved? A fascinating premise and good suspense, good for entertainment but not very deep or impressive. The scene with the homeless man is memorable, he's perhaps the best character, and the reality of a Spiritual dimension at work around us all is fascinating.[return][return][return][return][return][return][return]How Good is it?[return]Entertaining, suspenseful, good orginal idea, but inconsistent and shallow

[Dana · Rating 4 out of 5]

an exciting page turner. Good (or rather, God) vs. evil.

[Karlicorn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good mystery for the beach.

[ashley elliott · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review coming soon!

[Julie Christianson · Rating 3 out of 5]

good