"Hey, just finished Nobody and thoroughly enjoyed it. Haven't read the other two, yet, but really, really enjoyed the plot, characters, and underlying spiritual truths in Nobody. Recommended it on my blog here. Though I'm older than dirt I still speak at 5-7 youth camps each summer, as well as a ton of pulpit supply etc. There is so much "christian fluff" that it is always great to be able to recommend good stuff...and Nobody is in that category.
I was converted through reading a book in a jail cell en route to prison; so I am a huge "fan" of authentic Christian writing, whatever the genre."

"Creston Mapes, I am compelled to write this e-mail today, as I am 150 pages into your novel, "Nobody", and it is having a profound experience in my life. Yesterday on my lunch hour I went to the Phoenix Library close to my office to get just another novel to read during my daily commute to and from work. Well, unbeknownst to me, I picked yours up as I was just browsing in the Mystery section, and the opening prayer by the Reverend Samuel Shoemaker caught my eye, having been in and out of AA for the past 20 years, with some success and failure, the Reverend was vary familiar to me, and the poem is incredible. Anyway as I finish this, I would be interested in your suggestions for future readings, and maybe more importantly do you have any recommendations for churches in the Mesa area, that carry the message as this book is to me."

"Well, Creston Mapes, I'm impressed! As a groupie (well, church friends and my sister/reading pal) of all the Thoene novels, especially the Zion Covenant, Chronicles and Legacy as well as all of Francine Rivers and to top them off Angela Hunt, all her series!, I thought there would be no one to top them for historical fiction, precious and Godly romantic love and suspense to boot, but I was wrong. Okay, NOBODY isn't historical in the same sense but definitely meets my other two criteria. My husband and I, and daughter and husband, just lost a 23 month old grandson in a tragic choaking accident. The support from friends has been wonderful so when a friend offered me a book on grief, she slipped in NOBODY. I'm hooked and will soon be on line for the Rock Star Chronicles. Being a grandmother from the 50s I'm not sure how I'll relate but it's worth the try!

Bless you for opening hearts to the homeless. I Stand By the Door speaks volumes, (Eze. 2:17)!"

"Hi there Creston! I'm the one who found my way to you through Sharon Hinck. I just finished reading NOBODY and I wanted to let you know that I absolutely loved it! Very compelling, and I was glued to the story from beginning to end. Well done!"

"Good evening! I wanted to take a minute to share with you a fabulous book that I just finished reading this week. I've been reading it now for about three months, not
because it is such a long book, but because I love to read a good book slowly...you know, devouring every word and soaking it in one word at a time. The book is called Nobody and was written by Creston Mapes. I believe you can pick it up at Lifeway and possibly other large bookstores like Barnes and Noble. It's a Christian fiction/suspense novel, but was so captivating and taught me so much about who I desire to be. It's definitely one of those books that once you pick it up you won't want to put it down because the plot is ever-moving and has you coming back for more. Thank you, Creston, for this beautiful book and for your testimony...and for the prayers your family have lifted on my behalf. I hope you all get an opportunity to read Nobody. As for me, I can't wait to get my hands on one of Creston's two other books: Dark Star and Full Tilt.

"I finished your latest book in 2 days. Couldnt put it down.. Great job! When is the next one coming out?"

"This is the first book of Creston Mapes that I have read and it is so awesome. I will definetly have to check out his others. This book starts off with a reporter who responds to a call and when he gets their he finds a dead homeless man. While waiting for the police he decided to look in the mans pockets to see if he can find anything for a story. Wh at he comes across is a bank book with a balance over $600,000 dollars and a key for a safe deposit box. With no other info the reporter starts on a journey to find out who this man was and why he was killed. I couldnt put the book down and just had to keep reading. A very well written book with characters you can relate to."

"I finished your book late last night and boy, did it keep me turning the pages! Good work! I especially liked the way you wrote a happy and hopeful ending without making everything too perfect, because life isn't perfect."

"I almost stopped reading when I realized that one of the main characters was called "Holly Queens" - it just sounded so ... wrong. I'm glad I continued. Not only is this a very well written book, but it is also extremely thought provoking. Be prepared to be challenged to add "works" to your "faith"; and to break away from the false security that a cozy, comfortable church can sometimes lure us into. Although this is a work of fiction, it is obvious that Mapes is only using it as a tool to get us to wrestle with far more important life themes."

"Mr. Mapes - I just want to let you know that Nobody was truly exceptional. The way you switched characters in the first person was just great. At first it confused me, but once I got into the flow of the book, I have to say, it was a great way to tell a story. I want to thank you for keeping me truly entertained. Keep writing, and I will keep reading."

"I had written to you awhile back that I enjoyed Dark Star and Full Tilt and had taken them to the county jail where a friend of mine was. He loved them and passed them all around the block. Got good feedback from the guys on them. He has since been sentenced to prison for 3 years. I was visiting him yesterday and was able to meet the chaplain. I spoke to him about sending books by Christian authors to him and he said that would be wonderful. I'm certain that's where my copy of "Nobody" will go next!"

"Overwhelmed again!!! Last night I finished reading "Nobody". In my desire to wax prolific I would like to say, "WOW-what a read." You continually hit the ball out of the park. What's next? I can hardly wait to see. Your writings hold a special place on my bookshelf...Thanks for sharing HIS heart."

"I just finished Nobody and wish you had a fourth book out because I didn't want it to end."

"Compelling storytelling! Creston Mapes has grown as a writer and the tightness of his prose makes Nobody a tense read as Chester, a millionaire "nobody" manages to change lives as a homeless man on the streets of Las Vegas. More amazing is the effect of his murder on the people left behind."

"Well, Creston Mapes has been described as the John Grisham of Inspirational Fiction. I have to agree! After I stumbled upon and read his first two books, "Dark Star" and "Full Tilt", I was hooked! I pre-ordered "Nobody" and watched my mailbox every day once it was released! If you like suspense with a very thorough, meaty story line, and love having a meaningful message to boot, Creston Mapes is your author!"

"Just wanted you to know I devoured Nobody this past week. My husband read it, too. He's a historical reader, so I didn't know how he'd do with your books! :-) But he complimented your writing a lot! "Not your typical inspirational fiction author" he said! My oldest son who is 13 can't put Dark Star down, right now. Which says a lot...he'd rather be throwing a football or playing hockey than read, most of the time! :-) I'm finding him in his room deep into the story! Yeah! Thank you once again! I so enjoyed Nobody and am looking forward to your next one!"

"Once again, Mapes gives us a thought-provoking story, a challenge to every churchgoing reader. Told in the style of a mystery, Nobody is a modern parable full of life-affirming truth and eternal consequences."

-- Eric Wilson, author of A Shred of Truth


"NOBODY was more than a terrific mystery novel--which it was. It also made me look at my own life and how I put my faith in action. This is a book that everybody should read."

-- Colleen Coble, author of ABOMINATION

"Creston, Just finished "Nobody". Great story, great writing. I enjoyed it very much. I've also read your other two novels. Thanks for sharing your creative talents with us. I am the associate pastor and worship leader at a church in Snellville so I loved the references at the end about heading down I-85 "Sugarloaf, Beaver Ruin, Pleasantdale". I thought "I was just there today". I bought your book at the Lifeway Store the day before you were doing the book signing there. Sorry I missed you. Keep up the great writing and thank you for wonderful fiction that points people to the Lord. I look forward to your next book."

Mr. Mapes, I just read and enjoyed your book, Nobody. I must confess that I pick up library books by the handful and was not familiar with inspirational fiction, so was pleasantly surprised to find that there are interesting works of fiction that have a Christian viewpoint.

As well as being a comfort to believers, I could see your books becoming an inspiration to non believers. I am always interested to read authors that are from Atlanta as I am in Atlanta as well. I have been to Las Vegas several times and found your depiction very realistic.

I will look forward to reading your other books. Good Luck.

"Mr. Mapes, I purchased the book Darkstar at a second hand book store. My wife said I might like it. It had to be one of the best books I have ever read. When I got to the end and found out there was a sequel I was so stoked. So I ran out and bought Full Tilt and Nobody. I have read Full Tilt and I am in the process of reading Nobody. I am hooked on the Rockstar Chronicles. Is there a chance of a third one anytime soon? I need to know about Eddy's situation, the baby situation for the Lester's, and has Wesley finally become a Christian? Or do you have any other project (book) going? My wife and I love your work. She LOVED Nobody! I am highly enjoying it myself. Thank you for your time Mr. Mapes. I will keep checking out your website for any updates. God Bless and keep up the great work."

"Just want to tell you that I picked up NOBODY from the library and don't want to put it down. Am really enjoying it. I am disappointed to find out that NOBODY is the only book you've written that my local library, Carroll County Public Library, carries. This book is so good that I will get your other books and read them, too!"

"Mr. Mapes, I recently spent some time in the hospital and had the opportunity to read "Nobody" in one sitting. It was a great read. I thoroughly enjoyed the story. It was very inventive and inspiring. I've already had the pleasure of reading the Rockstar books. I eagerly await your next offering.Thanks!"

"Dear Creston, I finished reading Chester and Hudson's story. Riveting! Honestly, I was a winner! I read a lot of books and I had a whole list that was ahead of your book but 2 things made by pick up your book the same day it arrived in the mail and it was what you had written by your own hand under your signature (Stand by the Door and Galatians 2:20) that made me say, I should at least read the first chapter and it left me wanting more...I loved the way your story depicted so vividly, someone who stood at the door and even after Chester went on to glory, his life was still leading people to God. May the Lord continue to bless you and keep you. Oh, and one more thing, keep writing."

"When are you coming out with a new book? I have truly enjoyed 'Nobody and 'Dark star.' I am now reading and almost finished 'Full Tilt.' I am truly a fan."

"I just wanted to drop you a note telling you how much I enjoyed "Nobody." There were several chilling moments in the book that I very much enjoyed. Chester giving his life for someone that was trying to rob him, was especially powerful. The way you tied direct bible verses into prayer for specific situations were excellent. The overall message of the gospel, and the fact that it didn't matter who you were, it just mattered who you knew. You are a very talented writer, that I know has many more books inside of you. Thank you."

"Hudson Ambrose knows better, but when he finds a dead man he recognizes as one of the LasVegas homeless, he goes through the man's pockets. Surprised to find a bankbook with a balance of almost half a million dollars, he yields to temptation and takes it with him. The guy can't use the money anymore and while Hudson plans to do some investigation on his own to find the killer, he might keep part of the money too. Just call it payment for whatever he turns up. In the process, he gets involved with Holly Queens, from the Las Vegas Rescue Mission, Holly's abusive boyfriend, and a crooked cop. A ripping good story with strong characters. My kind of book. Highly recommended."

"I finally finished Nobody and it was fantastic! I had a hard time putting it down! The suspense was awesome and the characters were very real. One thing that I had thought of many times Holly says in the beginning of Chapter 6 about any of us being only a few weeks away from being homeless. Thoughts like that make me grateful for what God has blessed me with in providing for me and my family. Thanks for blessing us with another great book."

"I LOOOOOVE YOUR BOOKS!!!!!!!!"

"A little mystery. A heaping dose of suspense. A redemptive God. Creston Mapes has come up with a winner in NOBODY."

"I just finished your latest book and wanted to let you know that I really enjoyed it! It was very thought provoking. Actually, my daughter and I took turns reading it out loud to each other. You should have seen some of the looks we got in public places LOL! My daughter wanted me to tell you she thought the book was great!"

"Mr. Mapes, I've just finished your novel Nobody about twenty minuets ago. It was GREAT!!! Your my favorite fiction writer. I really enjoyed this book. I know you probably don't remember the email I sent you about a year or so ago asking if you were releasing another Rock Star book and you said that you had wrote another one but you haven't got it published yet. Have you got it published yet? If not are you working on another novel? Just a thought if you wanted to write a sequel to Nobody you could have Needermire either get found "innocent" or have him escape prison. It's just a thought. Also I wanted to thank you for the letter and book plates with your signature and scripture. I'm studying to be a Pastor, and I'm so thankful for a great writer to be grounded in scriptures."

"Creston Mapes has proven once again what a talented storyteller he is. This is a terrific tale full of suspense, mystery, and heart that had me churning the pages at a rapid pace. As Hudson Ambrose investigates the life of Chester Holte, we are taken on a revealing and inspirational journey that will challenge us all.

Nobody thrills and entertains, and long after the last line it will stay with you. Who would have thought redemption and hope could be found in a place like Las Vegas and within the heart of a nobody? This is Creston Mapes at his best."

"Just got to read NOBODY for the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance. I think the story was amazing! Thank you for a beautiful story. I put a review on my blog and can't wait to tell others to read it!"

"Hi, Creston! I just had to e-mail you and let you know that I finished "Nobody" last night~ wow! That was one of the best books I've read in a long time (and I read alot of books). I really didn't know what to expect when I received it, so it definitely exceeded my expectations. I'm going to be passing that one along to my mom, and then some friends, to read. I'll be featuring it on my blog for the CFBA tour in October. Just wanted to say "well done"!"

"Nobody has a unique way of showing you the life of a homeless man and how he impacted so many lives with simple compassion. We should all strive to be more like that. Perfectly done Creston!"

-- Jesse Garcia, Guitarist for Building 429


"With Nobody, Creston Mapes once again demonstrates what happens when writing talent, an intriguing plot, and won't-let-you-go characters converge: You get a thoroughly entertaining read that's tough to set down. Nobody is for everybody who enjoys gritty noir with heart."

-- Robert Liparulo, author of Deadfall, Germ, and Comes a Horseman


"Creston Mapes has delivered another remarkable story. Beat reporter Hudson Ambrose rises from the pages and comes to life in this fast-paced, gripping tale that pierces the heart. Nobody is a must-read!"

-- Mark Mynheir, homicide detective and author of The Void


"NOBODY is a touching and intriguing thriller. Creston Mapes tackles a subject that most of us would prefer to walk right by, and he does it with skill, suspense, and a lovely measure of grace. While entertaining us, Nobody reminds us of our own "homelessness"; and shines brightly on the blessed way home."

-- Kathryn Mackel, Vanished (Realms)

"This book was great. Keep me interested throughout. Read it in 3 days. Loved it!"