New detective novel ‘Strawman’ explores mystery, faith in ancient Caesarea
This latest addition to the series following Jake Jezreel tells a timely tale of intrigue, redemption and divine guidance
WARNER ROBINS, Ga. – A cryptic message, a looming political assassination, and a shadowy villain converge in “The Mystery of the Strawman: A Jake Jezreel Adventure” (published by WestBow Press), the latest historical mystery novel by Donald Craig Miller. Set in first-century Caesarea, the book follows Detective Jake Jezreel as he races against time to prevent a deadly scheme with nothing but a coded note — and his unwavering faith.
The story centers on a mysterious, nefarious figure known as “Strawman,” a ghost from Jezreel’s past who resurfaces with a deceptive scheme that threatens the city’s largest Roman holiday. When a note is discovered revealing a criminal plan to assassinate a local official, Jezreel is thrust into a high-stakes investigation that challenges both his detective instincts and his spiritual resolve. He has only a day and a half to uncover the plot and stop it.
“I weave the Gospel within a mystery to arouse the curiosity and interest of both Christians and non-Christians,” Miller states. “My desire is to glorify the Lord Jesus Christ by showing that He is sufficient to supply every need of the Christian who is willing to following Him.”
Although historical in setting, “The Mystery of the Strawman” addresses issues that remain relevant today, such as political instability, moral ambiguity, and the challenge of making wise decisions under pressure. It will appeal to both Christian audiences and mystery lovers alike.
“The Mystery of the Strawman: A Jake Jezreel Adventure”
By Donald Craig Miller
Hardcover | 6 x 9in | 160 pages | ISBN 9798385034970
Softcover | 6 x 9in | 160 pages | ISBN 9798385034956
E-Book | 160 pages | ISBN 9798385034963
Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble
About the Author
Donald Craig Miller has been writing Christian papers for local churches and newsletters for more than 50 years. In 2018, he launched his first in a series of Christian books based on a first century detective. His Christian writing is a result of attending a Billy Graham writing school in Minneapolis in 1971. This experience encouraged him to develop his already growing desire to write and redirect his desire toward glorifying the Lord Jesus Christ in his writings. Through the cooperation of pastors, he has been able to write for church newsletters and bulletin inserts for churches in the Dayton, Ohio area, and more recently in the Macon and Warner Robins, Georgia area. Miller also has been a Bible teacher for over 56 years, teaching in Sunday school and church settings, in home Bible studies, and as a lay preacher. He found Christ through The Navigators while stationed at Kadena Air Force Base in Okinawa. Not long after accepting Christ, Miller realized that God had bestowed him with the gift of teaching. From then on, his great desire has been to dig scriptural truth from the Bible and pass it on to other Christians. Based on these years of teaching, the life of Christ has especially come alive for Miller. His desire is to translate his passion for the life of Christ into the lives of his readers. For more information about the author and his other works, visit www.donaldcraigmiller.com.
WestBow Press is a strategic supported self-publishing alliance between HarperCollins Christian Publishing and Author Solutions, LLC — the world leader in supported self-publishing. Titles published through WestBow Press are evaluated for sales potential and considered for publication through Thomas Nelson and Zondervan. For more information, visit www.westbowpress.com or call 844-714-3454.
