In this new page-turner from acclaimed suspense novelist John Gilstrap, a childless couple crosses paths with a lost boy -- and find themselves on the run from his deadly kidnappers.Bobby and Susan Martin want nothing more than to have a child of their own, the blessing that would make their marriage whole. Never did they dream that a restorative camping trip would change their lives forever -- when a tiny, filthy, freezing young boy dashes out of the woods near their campsite. The boy's violent kidnappers quickly come for him -- and in a chaotic, explosive moment, the Martins appear to be drawn into an unthinkable crime: the brutal murder of a police officer.Now Bobby, Susan, and the eerily quiet young boy must stay one step ahead of a vicious crime ring, and are unsure whether they can trust the police -- or if they were responsible for the death of one of their brethren. As the couple desperately plunges into the heart of danger to save themselves and the boy, deep emotions about their failed pregnancies come to the surface. Even if Bobby and Susan figure a way out of their spiraling circumstances, will they be able to surrender this child who has come into their lives and, in his own way, filled a painful chasm in their marriage?A galvanizing story of kinapping, murder, mystery and love, a page-turner that builds to a heart-stopping climax, John Gilstrap's gripping new novel enhances his reputation as one of the most ingenious and innovatiove of contemporary thriller writers. His works explore original territory, with characters that are refreshingly complex and aren't soon forgotten. Even Steven is a top-notch work of suspense fiction.
Industry Reviews
Jeffery Deaver "New York Times" bestselling author of "The Blue Nowhere" Gilstrap proves once again that he's the leading practitioner of the imperiled-family suspense novel. With "Even Steven", Gilstrap pulls off what few suspense writers canhe's able to make readers' palms sweat at the same time that he tugs masterfully at their heartstrings.
"Denver Rocky Mountain News" A frightening and superbly done story.
"I Love a Mystery" Superior to the average thriller mystery....John Gilstrap shows the reader his characters' motivations, dreams, and passions without ever allowing the action to drag.
"Library Journal" A fresh, unpredictable thriller....[Gilstrap] just keeps getting better and better.
"State Journal" (Lansing, MI) A compelling roller-coaster ride with enough plot twists to leave you breathless in anticipation....Chock full of chase scenes....Gilstrap is in fine form, offering intriguing scenes with believable characters...it's great fun.
"The Denver Post" Gilstrap has an uncanny ability to bring the reader into the mind of his characters....["Even Steven" is] surprising and satisfying.
"The San Francisco Examiner" Gilstrap is a unique storyteller, with a crisp writing style, a fine eye for detail, and an obvious love of children.
booksnbytes.com For readers who enjoy hyperspeed, "Even Steven" is the novel to take you there.
CNN.com Entertaining....Gilstrap is at his best when writing action sequences....The climax is exhilarating.
