Commotion in the Pews

This Easter season, I am presenting the Gospel of John. John tells the story of resurrection better than the others, and so it is logical to present his version of Christ as the focus is on the miracles, teaching, death, and resurrection of Jesus. 

So, without further ado, the Gospel of John: Chapter 20.

 

I appreciate your coming to visit. I truly do. I ask but small favors:

First, pray for me. I am always in need of prayer.

Second, try one of my audio books and see if they hit the spot!

THREAT VECTOR by Michael DiMercurio

Submarine commander Alexi Novskoyy has been sprung from prison by a multibillion-dollar organization with a very special mission in mind. The company has designed a new submarine – the Vepr – which they will use to wreak havoc on international trade. To test its new weapon, Alexi must sink a cruise ship carrying the entire brass of the US Navy – effectively decapitating the American fleet.

The legendary USS Devilfish is called in to stop the catastrophe, only to be ambushed by the ultra-advanced Vepr. With the Devilfish down, the Navy sends Captain “Kelly” McKee and the newest sub in the US arsenal to hunt down and destroy the super sub. What they don’t realize is that Alexi has his own plans, which have him heading straight for the shores of America.

ATTACK OF THE SEAWOLF by Michael DiMercurio

The nightmare fear of the US had come true. One of our finest submarines, the U.S.S. Tampa, on a top-secret spying mission, had fallen into Chinese Communist hands. The Communists, fighting for survival in a savage civil war, now held not only the sub, the crew, and the gutsy Commander Sean Murphy hostage, but US power and prestige as well.

America had one last desperate card to play. The most advanced submarine in the world, the still untried U.S.S. Seawolf, under the command of maverick daredevil Captain Michael “Patch” Pacino. The Seawolf had to steal back the Tampa from where it lay guarded by the entire Chinese fleet armed to the teeth with technology from the bankrupt Russians.

 

This Easter season, I am presenting the Gospel of John. John tells the story of resurrection better than the others, and so it is logical to present his version of Christ as the focus is on the miracles, teaching, death, and resurrection of Jesus. 

So, without further ado, the Gospel of John: Chapter 18.

I appreciate your coming to visit. I truly do. I ask but small favors:

First, pray for me. I am always in need of prayer.

Second, be kind enough to purchase an audio book, or two, to keep me afloat in my dotage.

 

THE WARDEN-WATCH: THE ANNALS OF MYRTLE AND THE BLOOD KING, BOOK 1: The Annals of Myrtle and the Blood King, Book 1 is available now on Audible.

Casey has stumbled upon a secret: “Big Foot” is real, after all, but its place among the Warden-Watch turns out to be far more mysterious than the myth itself. As one so-called myth after another turns out to be rooted in fact and reality – albeit in wholly unexpected ways – Casey finds himself craning his neck to catch a glimpse…of the Blood King.

The Warden-Watch is the first installment from the Annals of Myrtle and the Blood King. Learn more at www.thebloodking.com.

 

THE COVID QUARANTINE CANTINA has almost every genre of fiction. The gamut is run from Amish to Science Fiction. 

A collection of short stories written by seven award-winning authors during the first four months of the COVID-19 lockdown. Each author brings a unique perspective to the crisis, and the results are spectacular. There is science fiction, Christian apologetics, horror, drama, suspense, and a dose of comfort. Produced daily during the first 13 weeks of the lockdown, you can see the change in thinking, hopes, and frustration that the public was experiencing.

While written from a Christian world view, it’s not preachy. In fact, it’s far from traditional Christian fiction and brings a breath of fresh air to the flash fiction world from accomplished authors. This was a labor of love for the authors, and it shows through the carefully crafted stories.

This Easter season, I am presenting the Gospel of John. John tells the story of resurrection better than the others, and so it is logical to present his version of Christ as the focus is on the miracles, teaching, death, and resurrection of Jesus. 

So, without further ado, the Gospel of John: Chapter 16.

 

I appreciate your coming to visit. I truly do. I ask but small favors:

First, keep me in your prayers.

Second, buy some audio books from me!

 

POOPIE SUITS & COWBOY BOOTS is my foray into the biographical world. I worked on this one all summer, and it was a joy to read. 

Poopie Suits  Cowboy Boots: Tales of a Submarine Officer During the Height of the Cold War, now in its fifth edition since 2017, has earned a popular place in modern submarine literature for its engaging style and pacing. Set in the throes of the Cold War during the Nixon administration, the story follows the journey of Frank Hood through training and eventual deployment as a junior officer aboard a fast-attack submarine (USS Seahorse [SSN-669]) based out of Charleston, South Carolina.

The final product is our best effort yet in telling Frank’s compelling coming-of-age story during the contentious 1960s. While biographical in form, Frank’s story serves as a scaffolding of sorts to allow detailed side explorations of the basics of US submarine history; fundamental submarine systems such as sonar, propulsion, diving, weapons, and periscope functions; the intense training and repetition required to gain qualification in submarines; and the colorful traditions of the US Navy.

The book is replete with dozens of funny stories as well. It’s an enjoyable story that not only informs the reader of all things submarine-related, but also includes a number of cultural references that made life during that turbulent period both difficult and memorable.

 

 

DiMercurio has returned!  After a decade of silence, he’s back with DARK TRANSIT.

Lieutenant Anthony Pacino reports aboard the “project boat” USS Vermont two years after having survived the catastrophic sinking of the Piranha. Pacino quickly learns that Vermont’s missions are all ultra-secret with the boat reporting only to the sub force commander, the national security advisor, and the president: Vermont does the dirty deeds that need doing in deadly silence and obscurity.

After Vermont misses the mark on an easy mission, there are questions asked about her ability to conduct the next mission, one that is vital to the security of the United States and the future of the submarine force. Vermont is tasked with stealing a revolutionary submarine that the Russians are testing with an Iranian crew because it’s too risky to use Russian sailors. It’s a high-stakes gamble for all involved, with the losers vanishing if things go wrong, the winners validating a world-changing technology.

Pacino is part of the mission to steal the submarine, but the toughest obstacle is a wolf-pack of Russians coming to the defense of the Iranian submarine. Getting it back to the United States for evaluation becomes secondary to surviving an exchange of missiles and torpedoes in an underwater battle that threatens to let the final genie out of the bottle.

“DiMercurio has used the last decade to refine his writing and produce the best naval thriller in decades. I couldn’t put it down.” (Joseph Courtemanche, author of Assault on Saint Agnes)

Publishers Weekly also loves it and gave it a starred review: that’s a big deal.