Setting: Carcas, Venezuela
Time Period: Modern Day

“The Missionary” by William Carmichael and David Lambert is one of the most page turning, suspenseful books I’ve read this year. It follows a complex plot of missionary, David, and how he unknowingly got caught up in a drug cartel’s plan to assassinate the president of Venezuela, the country he and his wife served in. Most importantly, the book delves into a deep theme of regret and what you would do differently if you could turn back time and undo that one, horrid mistake. David, like so many of us, can’t reverse time. He can only hope to get his family out of Venezuela before the army or drug cartel catches up to them…

The spi/espionage thing isn’t really my go-to genre, but I have to admit, this book was excellent! I picked it up because it was set in South America and I needed another country to cross off the list for a reading challenge, “Around The World In 80 Books.” What I liked about “The Missionary” was how the authors kept the plot moving, interesting and easy to follow even though there were many moving parts. Not once was I bored! Another thing I enjoyed was how “real” it all felt. From the first page to the last, the streets and culture of Venezuela felt like it was dropped right in my living room – that’s how well the writers penned the story.

And the characters…

They had depth and went through real emotions and questions someone would probably feel in a similar situation. If you’ll allow a small rabbit trail; I’ve noticed that some male authors don’t portray female characters in a very convincing manner. You know the type, the things the female characters say are so average it makes you wonder if the author has ever had a meaningful relationship with a woman. Not these authors. When you come to the end of the story and the point of view shifts to David’s wife, Christie, you’re thrown into some very raw emotions. All and all, I was very impressed by how the authors crafted every character in this novel – and that’s quite a few!

Conclusion: This is a great book. Doesn’t matter what genre you’re into, “The Missionary” might very well be one you would enjoy, even if you think you wouldn’t. I was skeptical at first, but a few chapters cured all my fears. A truly interesting plot, great characters and meaningful theme all wrapped into this South American missionary gone wrong story! Give it a try! I’m very sure you’ll enjoy it!