Lost Mission by Athol Dickson

On the Back of the book:

An idyllic Spanish mission collapses in the eighteenth century atop the supernatural evidence of a shocking crime. Twelve generations later the ground is opened up, the forgotten ruins are disturbed, and rich and poor alike confront the onslaught of resurging hell on earth. Caught up in the catastrophe are…
· A humble shopkeeper compelled to leave her tiny village deep in Mexico to preach in America
· A minister wracked with guilt for loving the wrong woman
· An unimaginably wealthy man, blinded to the consequences of his grand plans
· A devoted father and husband driven to a horrible discovery that changes everything

Will the evil that destroyed the Misión de Santa Dolores rise to overwhelm them? Or will they beat back the terrible desires that led to the mission’s good Franciscan founder’s standing in the midst of flames ignited by his enemies and friends alike more than two centuries ago?

From the high Sierra Madre mountains to the harsh Sonoran desert, from the privileged world of millionaire moguls to the impoverished immigrants who serve them, Athol Dickson once again weaves a gripping story of suspense that spans centuries and cultures to explore the abiding possibility of miracles.

Dickson takes no time to get you into the story.  I found myself thrown into the wild world that Dickson creates in Lost Mission.  I was drawn in by several things at the beginning.  I appreciate his depicting of history and his depth of characters.  It was slightly confusing until you realize there are two parts happening… one is historical with the Indians and the Franciscan monks – trying to evangelize to the Natives (having grandparents who have talked deeply about this experience in the  Canadian Residential schools in the early 1900’s , really enlived this book for myself), and than one  more modern with a girl named Lupe who believes she is on a mission from God.  Once you actually figure that part out, you’ll find it easier to follow.

Without giving too much away from the book I think you’ll find it compelling, as well as interesting enough to cover a wide audience.  It dabbles in so many different genres I’m not sure I could label it – historal, modern, suspense, even a bit of romance… throw in some illegal immigration and you’ve got yourself a intriguing story.  I enjoyed it!  However, know that it’s not wrapped up in a neat package.  I think that’s what I like most about it; that it’s not a clean cut happily ever after kind of book.

I can think of a few people on my Christmas list who would enjoy this book!  How about you?

Learn more about Athol Dickson by visiting his  website

Or see what others are saying about this book on the Litfuse tour group: http://www.litfusegroup.com/latest/current-blog-tours/94-athol-dicksons-lost-mission

This book was provided for review by the Litfuse Publicity Group.