THR3E

 

review by

Larry Shallenberger

Cover ImageTHR3E: A Novel (mass market edition)

by Ted Dekker

(WestBow)

Reader Appeal: Adults & Mature Teens

Genre: Suspense / Thriller

OK, I admit it. I’ve made a grave mistake by ignoring Christian suspense for the past decade or so. The 80s brought us the Frank Peretti runaway thrillers “This Present Darkness” and “Piercing the Darkness.” Prior to Peretti, Christian supernatural thrillers were largely nonexistent. The success of Peretti’s novels catapulted the genre in prominence. Unfortunately, the industry published too many “me-too” authors whose books merely rehashed Peretti’s formula of human heroes finding themselves caught in an ancient battle between angels and demons. In my mind the imitators crowded out the innovators. I turned my attention elsewhere and forgot about the Christian thriller.

That is, until books by Sharon Carter Rogers (author of Sinner) and Ted Dekker recently crossed my path. Rogers' and Dekker’s presence, along with Peretti’s continued contributions, signal that it’s once again an adult swim in the pool of Christian suspense. So if you’ve been avoiding the genre as I have, come on in, the water’s chilling.

Thr3e, now available in a price-friendly, mass market paperback, is the story of Kevin, a freshly minted seminarian who is attempting to escape his mysterious past by joining the priesthood. However, his escape attempt is short lived when his cell phone rings. A gravelly voice gives Kevin three minutes to confess his sins before his car is exploded. Ninety seconds later Kevin stares dumbfounded at the fiery remains of his car, and a second phone call informs him that he’s trapped in the deadly games of an anonymous madman.

Ted Dekker uses Kevin’s story as a vehicle to explore the issue of sin. What is it and where does it come from? Dekker is able to ask and answer these philosophical questions without bogging his page-turner with long exposition or a preachy tone. Thr3e also navigates several unexpected twists deftly. The story is plausible throughout and harrowing. Dekker characters Kevin, Samantha, and Jennifer are all sympathetic; the reader will find himself or herself pulling for each of them.  

FoxFaith Films has adapted Thr3e as a major motion picture that released in January 2007 and enjoyed a limited release. Regardless of how the movie pans out, Thr3e as a novel is a fine addition to any suspense library. Although intense and suspenseful, the content is still appropriate for mature teens (who aren't afraid of the dark!)..

FAMILYFANS RATING:  A

 --LS