The Void by Mark Mynheir

In Palm Bay, Florida, a cop killer is on the loose, an especially brutal criminal who soon escalates his killing spree to include a pastor and people in a mall. Top profiler Robbie Sanchez is called on to lead her team of agents from Florida Department of Law Enforcement, but she soon discovers the case is bringing up disquieting memories of her own father’s murder. The clues aren’t adding up to produce any viable suspects. Why would anyone intentionally murder this policeman and pastor, both well respected and loved in the community? And why did the killer rip a cross from the victim’s clothes?

Meanwhile, the police manhunt is bringing unwanted attention on Lifetex, a laboratory near the crime scene of the police killing. Lifetex is carrying on some very secret work which is not ready to be revealed to the world yet; they are illegally cloning humans. Drs. Silverstein and Meyer have worked tirelessly on the project and believe they have produced the most perfect human being ever, yet Dr. Meyer has an uneasy feeling when Adam looks at him. Why doesn’t he feel elated at their accomplishment?

The Void is a spiritual thriller and crime mystery with more than enough suspense and action to keep readers turning pages anxiously. Unlike the case in the majority of suspense/thrillers/mysteries, the murderer is revealed at an early stage of the story. It doesn't hurt the suspense in this case. It leaves us to ponder just how--and if--he will be discovered and captured. Will his killing spree continue? What about his plans for Robbie?

Mark Mynheir’s experience and knowledge as a policeman serve him well in writing a novel of this genre. As one who has worked with narcotics and SWAT teams, he handily adds detailed descriptions of police work, crime scenes, and the operations of teams on a mission such as this one.

There are some discussion questions at the end of the novel, questions that cover some heavy social and spiritual issues. The Void would be a good choice for a book discussion group or a literature class. While it is an adult book, teens would also find it appealing. There are several instances of violence and some intense evil spirit activity, but these scenes are not too gory or graphic. It's an edgy, current tale with strong Christian applications and plenty of action.


For the month of March, Christian Fiction Review Blog is pleased to be spotlighting
The Void by Mark Mynheir. If you check the main site between March 2 and March 8, you'll find an insightful essay each day concerning the novel and the author. On March 8, one copy of Frank Peretti's The Oath will be awarded for the best comment made on the CFRB blog's during the tour of The Void. See the CFRB blog roll to the left of this page to go to other member sites.

Click here to visit Mark Meinheir's website, Copwriter.

The Void may be purchased online from Christian Book Distributors, Amazon. com, and the publisher, Random House. (CBD has the better price at $9.99)

The Void by Mark Mynheir
Published by Waterbrook Multnomah, a division of Random House
ISBN: 978-1-59052-400-8 (1-59052-400-4)
352 Pages; August 21, 2007
Retail Price: $15.99