Praying Man, A

MWSA Review

This is your basic vigilante tale -- bad guy commits atrocious crimes, good guy believing that legal remedies are inadequate protection for his family, takes on the job of removing the threat himself. In and of itself, it's a story we have seen a million times -- in books, television, and theater.

What makes Harmon Snipes' approach different is his use of moral complexity. Used as a literary technique to create a philosophical punctuation point in an action-filled narrative, the reader appreciates that not all problems can be solved by discussion. In a nice twist, we do not learn the true identity of the main character right away. We also do not learn a key issue that impacts his decision to go after the villains right away. By delaying these "reveals," the author creates suspense and varies the pace.

In the final analysis, this is an enjoyable book with just enough unknowns to keep the reader guessing, enough violence to make the hero's actions seem imperative, and just the right amount of Greek tragedy to make for a satisfying conclusion.

Reviewed by: Joyce Faulkner (2014)

Author's Summary

Jack Crandall’s family is under assault from an old enemy. People he cares for are being injured or killed. Detective Paul Brennan suspects Crandall is not forthcoming about his past.

To protect his family Crandall returns to his home town on a crusade that takes him into a dark world of drugs, prostitution and sex slavery.

Meanwhile, Brennan’s investigation reveals a deadly secret about Crandall and that the two have much in common. Brennan also discovers it’s not just Crandall’s family that’s in danger.

A Praying Man, a story of retribution, revenge and redemption.