You can click on the below link to read the first chapter at my publisher's website (it is secure -- but you will be warned if you click on the link that you are leaving Myspace). Or look inside my blog to read the first chapter ...
THE MOLECH PROPHECY:
Former gang member Tommy Cucinelle thought he had left his old life behind when he became a Christian. That's why he's surprised when his pastor asks him to use his old "skills"--finding people who don't want to be found--to locate the church secretary after she mysteriously disappears and the church is vandalized. The police don't have any leads.
Tommy's investigation brings him face-to-face with the unpleasant memories from the past that threaten his new identity, but turmoil is soon the least of his worries. A local Wiccan church is at the heart of the mystery, and Tommy's search uncovers a startling prophecy about child sacrifice to the pagan god Molech. When the missing woman's sister--Tommy's newfound romantic interest--disappears as well, the quest becomes personal.
"A fast-moving and provocative thriller. I enjoyed The Molech Prophecy, and look forward to more from Thomas Phillips." –– James Scott Bell, best-selling author of Try Dying and The Whole Truth
“With a confident debut . . . Phillips mixes the straightforward style of Brandt Dodson with the evangelistic leanings of Creston Mapes and gives us an inspiring, fast-paced story, set against the spiritual struggle of real life.”--Eric Wilson, author of A Shred of Truth and the upcoming Field of Blood
“The Molech Prophecy is a gripping, heart-pounding read with an incredible plot. Thomas Phillips is a fresh and captivating new voice in Christian fiction.”--Mark Mynheir, homicide detective and author of The Void
“THE MOLECH PROPHECY is a thrill a minute chiller filled with action ...”—Harriet Klausner, Midwest Book Review
“Phillips has done what every writer wants to do. He has brought his characters to life, and that makes this author someone to watch.” --Brandt Dodson, Author of the Colton Parker Mystery series
“With powerful characters and an uncanny attention to detail, Thomas Phillips weaves a story that grabs the reader and won't let go. The Molech Prophecy is a book you don't want to miss.”--Joe Hilley, Author of Sober Justice, Double Take, Electric Beach, Night Rain, and The Deposition.
“The reader will enjoy the author's unique voice and writing style which is casual and clever. The plot developments are unpredictable. The awakening of spiritual matters is believable. The characters are well defined and the protagonist is highly likable. This book will keep you turning pages until the very end when the twists of all twists surprises and delights the most demanding connoisseur of mystery...”—Robin Shope, author of The Chase, The Replacement, The Candidate
“The Molech Prophecy is a wonderfully written thriller filled with suspense and mystery. Readers of Brandt Dodson and F.P. Lione will embrace Thomas Phillips’ characters and his easy to read writing style. I look forward to hearing more from Phillips in the future.” --Tamara Tilley, author of Full Disclosure and Abandoned Identity
“The Molech Prophecy is a soul-stirring message of hope, forgiveness and redemption wrapped in a spine-tingling tale of intrigue and nail-biting suspense. Thomas Phillips talks the talk and his characters—though believably flawed and all-too-human—walk the walk. Genuinely heart gripping!”—Delia Latham, author of Goldeneyes
“The Molech Prophecy is an incredibly moving story of redemption, forgiveness, loss and most importantly, hope. Thomas Phillips is a tremendously gifted writer, who has an excellent grasp of the subtleties and uncertainties of life and relationships. Touching. Tender. Intense. Powerful. A truly worthy read…”—Rai Aren, co-author of Secret of the Sands
“This debut supernatural thriller is a great read! Thomas has created some very believable and likable characters and a scenario that is both entertaining and chilling. With this promising first novel, I'm giving The Molech Prophecy four out of five bookmarks, with a can of paint as a charm to help repair the damage by the vandals. I'm looking forward to more exciting fiction from Thomas Phillips!”—Deena Peterson, Deenasbooks.blogspot.com
"The Molech Prophey is obsessively readable; simply a well-told tale. Thomas Phillips' hero Tommy Cucinelli is on par with Brandt Dodson's Colton Parker and Eric Wilson's Aramis Black. Expect more good things from Phillips."—Kevin Lucia, Titletrakk.com
“Seeped in mystery and suspense, The Molech Prophecy, will appeal to fans of Jack Cavanaugh, Brandilyn Collins and Terri Blackstock, and everyone else looking for a book that will keep them guessing until the last page. The Molech Prophecy is a great debut, and I look forward to more from this author.”—Jessica Dotta, Novel Journey
"A missing woman, a coven of witches, an evil plot, a flawed hero--The Molech Prophecy has it all! With characters as believable as your own best friend and a plot with more twists and turns than a bowl of spaghetti, this tightly-woven, intriguing thriller will keep you turning pages. I'm already looking forward to Phillips' next book!"--Mike Dellosso, author of The Hunted
“Things are not always what they seem! In a story of unexpected twists and unexpectedly human characters, Phillips explores two constants of the human condition: its flaws and vulnerability, and the faith that transcends it.”—Tosca Lee, author of Demon: A Memoir
“Thomas Phillips has a great gift for drawing the reader into the story. I found myself excitedly looking forward to each chapter to see how things turned out. The way Phillips writes is fluid, which is seen in the way he expertly develops his story in a seamless fashion. For a first novel, Phillips has set the bar high for himself, and seems to have a promising future ahead of him.”—Dr. Michael Philliber for Reader Views
“A thriller with unique characters and a race to the finish pace…Phillips's writing is straightforward and the story fast moving. The plot is believable and keeps you reading until it is resolved. The faith elements in the story are natural and totally in keeping with the character's personalities and past experiences…all in all this is a strong first effort for the debut author.” Susan Sleeman, The Suspense Zone
What Readers Are Saying About The Molech Prophecy:
“I found myself compulsively turning pages to get to the end of this fast-paced
novel!”—Amy575 (Amazon.com, 5-Star Review)
“Thomas Phillips takes his time to build a meticulously laid plot. His characters breathe and feel and think. The reader can taste what they taste and see what they see. Phillips masterfully entwines the present with flashbacks from the past and handles both poignant and controversial situations with frankness, truth and grit. I felt the tension building in the story, yet the escalation was so subtle that the story's finale took my breath away.”—Stacey (Amazon.com, 5-star Review)
“The Molech Prophecy is a skillful thriller/mystery full of intrigue and suspense…Action abounds, yet it is thought-provoking and filled with spiritual intensity…The issues are quite modern, and yet the causes behind them and the answers are ageless…I would recommend this novel for anyone over 13 or so, although it is essentially an adult book. Reluctant readers should enjoy it since it is so full of action and "guy stuff." While there are dark subjects and violence, it is deftly handled. At 259 pages, it is a fairly quick read, one you won't want to put down once you start it.”—Cathi (Amazon.com, 5-Star Review)
In 1995 I sold my first short story to a Canadian publication. I was paid $.01 per word. It was an 8,000 word Western. So $80 bucks -- but, remember this was Canadian money (back when the US dollar meant something--and the exchange rate was close to 50%). I cashed in on $42. Took everyone to McDonalds to celebrate. Super Size all around!
Since, I've gone on to sell more than 70 short stories and articles, as well as five novels and two chapter books.
These sales were all secular. In 2003 I took a step back from my writing for many reasons. At one point, I was ready to never write again. But life is funny. During some seriously tough times in late 2006 I was suddenly inspired to write THE MOLECH PROPHECY.
Thomas Phillips is my newest pen name. I feel like a new man. Writing Christian suspense novels is an awesome opportunity for me to share my faith, while writing what I love--thrillers.
As I mentioned, 2006 and most of 2007 have been tough on me. I took a lot of time selecting the below music that best describes the personal and spiritual challenges I've faced, and am slowly recovering from. I am still in a "valley". No doubt. I know there is light at the end of this tunnel. I just have no idea how long this tunnel is, and I never had any idea just how dark it could be.
This is my best friend, Jeff Parshall. He is the center guitarist and singer. Watch the whole thing! He hits the lead at the end -- head on, and there's even an encore solo! Amazing!
I grew up with a reading disability. It wasn't until 7th grade that I read my first book from cover to cover. I'll never forget that book. THE OUTSIDERS, by S.E. Hinton.
After reading that book I went on to devour novel after novel.
Because I overcame this disability, and not only became an avid reader, but went on to become a well-published writer, I now speak at schools, libraries, etc., and deliver a motivational presentation to kids, young adults, and adults.
If you are interested in booking me for a speaking engagement, or are interested in having me teach a creative writing class on a variety of topics (such as plot, creating memorable characters, using realistic dialogue, etc.), send me a message and we can iron out the details.
Hello, will the book "CONVICTED" be a sequel to "MOLECH PROPHECY" or something totally different, just curious to know :)....I am going to sharing that book with friends here in South Africa to read and I know they will enjoy it as much as I did...be blessed
My new book, The 9 Ghosts of Samen's Bane, is available now at
amazon.com. For a taste of my writing style, stop by my blog and take a
look at the short stories and poems I've posted there.
Hi. Thanks for adding
me as a friend. I just wanted to let you
know that my vampire book, That Which Bites, was recently released to rave
reviews (including reader reviews on Barnesandnoble.com and Amazon.com sites). Thank you for your time.
I thank you for the ad, Thomas / I like what I see on your page / It seems to me that you have things pretty well under control . Good for you / I've been fighting this writing business for many years and still can't honestly say I have mine anywhere near under control . . . Thanks again . . .
