Book Review: Listen to the Lambs by Daniel Black

** Spoiler Alert **

Disclaimer: I’m a fan of the author and selected the ARC via Amazon Vine with great anticipation that this book would be another solid offering from Dr. Black. Sadly, I must report that I am disappointed with this novel - perhaps it wasn’t for me because it failed to captivate and draw me in as his other works have.

I really tried but found myself wanting to read other books -- a long weekend and pure determination to power through this is the only way I got through it. The underlying plot is fairly simple - a man, Lazarus, willingly forsakes his worldly possessions opts for a simpler, humble life and loses his wife and biological children in the process. Eventually, a “new” family is formed with various street/homeless people of disparate backstories. When tragedy strikes, each pulls talents, resources, and even contacts from their past lives in an attempt to save Lazarus. The author spends a LOT of time on their personal histories and tribulations which are supposed to endear us to the characters but failed (in my opinion). I honestly didn’t care about the fate of Lazarus or his friends/family and it wasn’t for a lack of trying. This novel (again, in my opinion) was overwritten and overly descriptive; it tries too hard with the religious symbolism and spiritual overtones which at times comes off as a bit “preachy.” Even though this one was a bit disappointing, I’m still a fan of Dr. Black and will look forward to his next release.

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