Evil Walks Amongst Us
Mercie’s Secret by Michael Garrett is an exciting and chilling Christian suspense. It is a book that will consume you. And not one to be read alone and in the dark!
Michael Garret explores the theme of evil walking amongst us. Evil is not always readily recognised. Sometimes a smiling face hides a black heart. Evil can take many forms. It walks silently amongst us, waiting to devour its next innocent victim.
How do we defeat evil? By faith. Shine the light of God and watch the darkness flee. “The light doesn’t fear darkness – it exposes it.”
God ‘speaks’ to His children. We would be foolish to ignore Him. She “ignored the still, small voice of her heavenly Father, who had whispered warnings into her conscience that she was drifting too far, too fast.” We need to be rooted in Christ, and keep our eyes firmly fixed on Him.
When we mess up, we need to tell our heavenly Father. “Mercie wanted to tell her father everything… but fear kept her silent.” Just as her earthly father would want to help Mercie, how much more would her heavenly Father want to? We mustn’t let fear stop us from seeking help. No matter how far down the wrong path we have travelled, it is never too late to make a U-turn.
Fear and faith cannot co-exist. “I let fear overtake my faith.” When we look at sin and not at our Saviour, we are in trouble.
Forgiveness is vital. “I know He [God] gave it [forgiveness] to me. But it’s harder to forgive myself…it’s the one regret I carry everywhere.” We need to extend grace to ourselves – be kind and forgive the face in the mirror.
Michael Garrett has written a smashing tale. He employs the literary device of pathetic fallacy as lightening in the early scenes mirrors the actions which are shocking to all.
The scenes come alive in the reader’s mind due to the artistic pen of Michael Garret who vividly illustrates his tale with his words.
All the characters were well drawn and believable. It was chilling to discover just how low some would stoop.
For every action, there is a decision to be made, and a consequence to be served. As the story progresses, we reach a crossroads that is pivotal. One road leads to the light. The other to darkness, and once travelled, becomes a point of no return.
Michael Garret perfectly sets the scene. He ‘walks’ us through the action as we witness the downfall of a soul. We should always walk, keeping our eyes firmly fixed on Jesus. The road to hell is just one poor decision away.
Michael Garret writes clearly, with understanding. The reader is very quickly emersed in the action.
Mercie’s Secret is a cautionary tale. Keep Jesus close. His light can extinguish any darkness. Do not leave Jesus behind.
I received a free copy from the author. A favourable review was not required. Al opinions are my own.
JULIA WILSON