Customer Reviews

The Jesus Thief

5 star:		(32)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

Some time ago, I was privileged to be invited to read Ms. Lankford's first book, "The Crowning Cicle". So much did I enjoy it that when "The Jesus Thief" came out, I was anxious to read it. The premise was fascinating (the cloning of Jesus Christ). The beauty of this book is that, although the underlying theme relates to Christianity, the book avoids any religious dogma. I am Jewish, and I enjoyed this book thoroughly. We know the science exists for cloning. Ms. Lankford has done her homework and her knowledge of cloning and medical procedures is astounding. So is her knowledge of different religions. Her research for this book much have been incredible. This book will have broad appeal, both for people who are religious, and for those who prefer science. The book successfully juxtaposes both, without making any judgment as to the correctness of either. The characters are well developed, and very early on in the book I made my alliance with Maggie, a simple but spiritual Black woman, who becomes the fulcrum upon which the story balances. The other character I particulalry liked was Sam, an Irish doorman whose role in the story grows and develops in ways you will never predict. There are darkly sinister characters as well, including the reclusive Mr. Brown, and in between are two of the main characters, Felix Rossi, the doctor who attempts the cloning, and his sister Fran, who is far more skeptical about the procedure than her brother. There is real magic in this book,and whether you are Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Agnostic, or even Athiest, you cannot help but be enthralled with just the concept of cloning Jesus, and as stated before, Ms. Lankford embraces all beliefs in the concept of the second coming (ie. birth) of the Jesus clone. Once started, this book cannot be put down, and it left me appreciating the wonder of faith, in whatever form it might take. Please do yourself a favor and read this magnificent book. It will leave you breathless.

When Dr. Felix Rossi, a devoted Catholic, learns that his parents were actually Jews who had escaped Nazi Italy, he's devastated. In a state of shock, guilt, & trepidation, he steals threads from the shroud in hopes to clone the Christ Jesus. When I read that premise, having already read her first novel The Crowning Circle & knowing what an exceptional storyteller J.R. Lankford was, I couldn't wait to read The Jesus Thief. And what a powerful read it was. The Jesus Thief is an intelligent, touching, poignant story about a man and a woman who love God with such tenderness that their faith makes anything seem possible.

I think what I liked best about The Jesus Thief is that Ms. Lankford creates endearing, imperfect characters, a believable plot, & an honest depiction of today's Christianity. I highly recommended this read. It's not often that I'm entertained & left hopeful at the same time.

I have just finished reading The Jesus Thief, it only took me a few days and late nights, as I couldn't bear to put it down. I just had to know what happened next. This is the second of JR Lankford's books I have read, her first -The Crowning Circle I thought would be hard to better, but The Jesus Thief surpasses it and then some. The story and JR Lankford's descriptive powers are such that the reader feels that they are part of the breathless race. At first you think that the idea behind this novel is somewhat far fetched but believe me once you start into the story you begin to wonder if indeed not only is it possible but almost probable, such is the strength of this novel. A brilliant idea, brilliantly projected by the awesome writing powers of the author. If you only buy one book this year make sure it is The Jesus Thief. It undoubtedly will be a best seller. Congratulations and well done JR Lankford, I can't wait for your third novel.

As the world braces for the inevitable birth of the first human clone, J.R. Lankford's The Jesus Thief ratchets up the level of ethical and moral debate with its chilling "what if" scenario. What if a scientist chooses not merely to play God, but to create God? Dr. Felix Rossi, a physician-scientist brilliant enough and wealthy enough to achieve miracles, hopes to do just that, by cloning Jesus from blood dried on the Shroud of Turin. For fans of fast-paced medical/scientific thrillers, The Jesus Thief delivers a smartly plotted, can't-put-it-down adventure that incorporates cutting edge technology in a way that makes the story frighteningly believable. But this book will also appeal to a broader audience. With Lankford's deft handling of the subject matter, readers will be torn between racing to turn the page and pausing to ponder the implications of what Felix is doing -- whether or not he succeeds. Read the book. It will make you think. Use it in your book club, and plan to run over time with debate.

Run, don't walk, and buy yourself a copy of The Jesus Thief!! This is a fantastic read. From the first page, the reader feels like he/she has been inducted into a secret world. The characters quickly become people you know. You either care about them, or hate them, but you definitely feel for them. Ms. Lankford does a tremendous job of making something so far fetched seem real and possible. Very scary. And while her book explores some very deep issues, Ms. Lankford tactfully avoids filling this book with religious or moral dogma. This book kept me on the egde of my seat, wanting to know what would happen. All I have to ask is, "When is the sequal coming out?"

J. R. Lankford's second thriller starts out of the gate with a bang! What a subject! Stealing the DNA from a holy relic & setting about the controversial process of finding a surrogate mother & cloning one of the most revered historical figures.

THE JESUS THIEF romps across time & oceans, from sacred sites & cows to secret hideaways & tortured love, dragging converts & killers, skeptics & heroes along in its wake.

Suspend your disapproval & get set for a fine adventure! I couldn't put it down!

I was lucky enough to read an advance copy of The Jesus Thief, which pulls you in from the start with an irresistible question - what if someone were to clone Jesus Christ? Other books could turn this question into sci-fi or religious propaganda, but Lankford makes it believable and mainstream. Her writing skillfully places you "on-location", whether it be Italy or New York City, and keeps you hooked with twists and turns and steady suspense. Unlike some thrillers, Lankford lets you know the characters, whether hero or villain, and either cheer or curse them as they march toward a thrilling conclusion.

In her book "The Jesus Thief" Ms. Lankford works to capture the potential impact that would accompany a successful attempt to clone Jesus Christ in modern day society. In so doing, she weaves a thrilling tale of modern biology mixed with page turning mystery that provides a terrific read for lovers of the genre. Add to this, the backdrop of big money and power in Manhattan, and Ms. Lankford has succeeded in creating a wonderful tale, that presents a level of realism that is hard to match.

While one might find some of the elements of the story a little predictable, the intensity of feeling for which Ms. Lankford touches on the important issues of society allow the story to carry much more weight than just a regular mystery novel. In this book, the author is able to create a feeling of "Virtual Mysticism" within the mind of the reader. The implications of the book are so vast and all encompasing, that it provides for a terrific social commentary along with her story.

Mystery readers will not be disappointed by Ms. Lankford's book. And if we are fortunate, Ms. Lankford will provide us with a sequel to this book, that would more fully round out the perspective she is trying to portray. I would highly recommend this book to mystery lovers everywhere.

J.R. Lankford's The Jesus Thief is a compelling, wonderfully crafted story that I highly recommend. Regardless of your position with respect to The Second Coming or the issues of human cloning, I have found The Jesus Thief to be one of those great finds the reader will have a difficult time putting down. Ms. Lankford's novel is not only highly educational, but it thrusts the reader right into her story. And though there have been other works written regarding the subject matter, all stories, regardless of the topic, are in fact different. In a novelist varying approach to a subject deemed worthy of writing, storylines, too, are different. This is a fantastic story!......Peter Senese, author.

The Jesus Thief is a marvelous novel. It explores the possibility that blood from the Shroud of Turin could be used to clone Christ. This subject matter could easily result in sensationalist drivel, but instead Lankford has crafted an exciting and thought-provoking story which examines the feasibility of such an event, as well as its moral and physical implications.
The characters are well-developed and their motives for taking part in such an extraordinary act are realistically complex and nuanced. The way they each do or don't come to terms with their actions provides a vehicle for Lankford to deal with weighty issues, leaving readers to draw their own theological conclusions.
In short, this is a lucid and accomplished novel with an utterly riveting plot that twists and turns to a thrilling conclusion.