Christendom

(Former soldier and smuggler Malachi Thorndyke has drifted into alcoholism and, when approached by a couple who want him to undertake the most crucial smuggling trip of his life, travels to New Jerusalem, capital of the Christian fundamentalist state that the USA has become. He is to carry a document that will change the course of history. Cross seems determined to break across every possible thriller sub-genre with this dazzling and elaborate tale. As in his first, much-acclaimed, novel Mister in Between, there is some subtle and arresting writing on offer here. (Kirkus UK)