The Heir by Paul Robertson

This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing

THE HEIR

(Bethany House March 1, 2007)

by

Paul Robertson


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:




Paul Robertson is a computer programming consultant, part-time high-school math and science teacher, and former independent bookstore owner in Blacksburg, Virginia. This is his first novel.



ABOUT THE BOOK:



Jason Boyer Just Got an Inheritance to Die For
The fortune wasn't supposed to befall him. Jason Boyer had known all along his father's business empire would pass to different hands. Which suited him just fine. The money was crooked and the power corrupt. But when an accident claims the old man's life, everyone is stunned by the unveiling of the will. With the passing of the Boyer crown, power-hungry politicians and shady business partners all try to force Boyer's hand. Fighting the temptation of influence and riches, he simply wants to be a better man than his father--but attempting to stand for what’s right soon brings murderous consequences. As those closest to him are endangered--and news emerges that his father's accident may be something more sinister--Boyer finds himself fighting for his soul…and his life!


Is There Any Escape for The Heir?
All the money he could ever crave. In the splintering crash of a car plunging through a railing, Jason Boyer's life is changed. All the fame he could ever desire. But the last thing he wanted was the throne of his father's corrupt business empire. All the power he could ever wield.
The estate should have gone elsewhere, but the will was changed. And now everything is Jason's. But gaining the whole world just might cost him his life.

THE HEIR is a Gresham-like tale of intrigue and murder with a lot of humor and well-drawn minor characters.

Endorsement:

"In THE HEIR, Paul Robertson serves up politics, privilege, and murder with a side of acerbic wit. What a fabulous book--a great mix of angst, humor, and ultimately, hope."
T.L.HINES--author of Waking Lazarus and The Dead Whisper On

My Thoughts:

"The Heir" is a remarkable debut novel by Paul Robertson. This story will stick with me for some time.

At first, I almost put it down. I just couldn't relate to the main characters of the story. Jason Boyer overnight becomes a multimillionaire. That is so foreign to me...but think of the books I could buy:o)

Soon the story caught my interest and I was curious as to how Jason was going to handle his new position. Would he accept the challenge laid out by his now deceased father? Would his marriage to Katie, a money-made marriage, last? And how does Eric, his younger brother, fit into this picture?

The story is written in first person, and it works here very well. In order for the premise of the novel to work, we need access inside Jason's head. We need to see his thought process, and know how he feels at each step in his journey. First person writing is tricky, but I applaud Paul Robertson for his use of this technique.

Paul's writing is terse and crisp. There are no useless words to be found--in fact, this is the tightest writing I've ever read. And it works well for the subject matter of this story.

I didn't care much for Jason in the beginning. Now, I wish we had more Jason's in this world. The gospel message isn't overt, but don't let that throw you...Jason is a modern-day, male version of Queen Esther. Indeed, he is a Boyer for such a time as this.

This novel would make an excellent read for the man in your life. It is a story of moral and spiritual integrity, no matter the cost. A message I believe is very timely for today's church, today's pastor, and today's Christian men.

"The Heir" receives three bookmarks and a bonus tassel from me.

Happy reading!

Deena