'Publishers Weekly' Hails "Forgiving Solomon Long" As New Territory For Faith-Based Fiction

A hit man is haunted by a preacher's dying words: "I forgive you." The acclaimed crime fiction debut by Chris Well, "Forgiving Solomon Long" is prominently displayed at Family Christian Stores, Borders, and Barnes & Noble locations nationwide.

(PRWEB) February 2, 2005 -- A professional killer is haunted by a preacher's dying words: "I forgive you." The acclaimed crime fiction debut by Chris Well, "Forgiving Solomon Long" (Harvest House Publishers) is populated by thugs who argue about Broadway musicals and comic books, a germophobic hit man, a crime boss who ignores the lesson of King Lear, and a cop more worried about getting the bad guys than in saving his own marriage.

"Publishers Weekly" hailed the January release as new territory for Christian fiction: "Just when it seemed Christian publishers had explored every possible fiction niche, enter this debut contemporary gangster novel," the reviewer noted, proclaiming the novel "an engaging story."

When a Kansas City coalition of storeowners and clergy tries to break the grip of organized crime, a mobster flies in cold-blooded hit man Solomon Long to knock off influential members. But when one of his kills goes horribly awry, everything Solo has believed in comes crashing down. Forgiving Solomon Long is a locomotive crime thriller for fans of "L.A. Confidential," "Macbeth" and "100 Bullets," a novel that crackles with wit and unexpected heart.

"Well's fresh voice makes this an enjoyable addition to faith fiction." -- Publishers Weekly

"Here's a novel with the feel of real life-fast-paced and thought-provoking." -- Sigmund Brouwer, best-selling author of "The Last Disciple"

"'Forgiving Solomon Long' is fabulous: part Mario Puzo, part John Grisham and part Tom Clancy. I was honestly blown away." -- Jim Cumbee, President of Non-Broadcast Media, Salem Communications

"Fans of the hardboiled genre will be delighted with Chris Well's tale. The characters and theme resonate clearly within the story and are certain to please." -- Roundtable Reviews

"Just when you think you might know where author Chris Well is heading, he throws you a curveball -- one that, while altogether surprising, is somehow more realistic than what you might have expected. And, truth be told, far more gratifying." -- Jay Swartzendruber, Editor "CCM Magazine"

"Forgiving Solomon Long," now available at booksellers everywhere, is prominently displayed at Family Christian Stores, Borders, and Barnes & Noble stores all over.

An award-winning writer and editor of 20 years, Chris Well is editor of "Homecoming Magazine" and a contributing editor to "CCM Magazine." His fiction has appeared in "Alfred Hitchcock's Mystery Magazine" and the online publication "Infuze Magazine." A former resident of the Alton, Ill., area, he now makes his home in Nashville, Tennessee. "Forgiving Solomon Long" is his first novel. Find more about the novel at http://www.ForgivingSolomonLong.com

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