Whistlestop Wednesday Book Review: Lost Mission

In a passion-filled tale, Athol Dickson explores questions of faith while exposing raw truths. Lupe, a simple Mexican shop keeper, is called by her beloved "Senor" to preach to her northern neighbors, the lost Americanos. With her she brings an ancient artifact cloaked in mystery. Lupe meets and touches many people in her quest, but none of them are just what they seem. Even Lupe hides secrets. Finally, an evil lying dormant for two hundred years arises to threaten the very people Lupe has come to save.

Working back and forth between the eighteenth century and modern times, Lost Mission interweaves its mysteries into a complex fabric pieced together by an Indian man with shining hair. Although the author moves through time with ease, I had a little trouble at first following him, since it required I disengage from one time frame to enter another. I can't imagine this book written any other way, however, and I did become accustomed to the pattern. While the story and characters involve the reader, this is not a warm, fuzzy book that leaves you sighing in pleasure. Lost Mission, instead, will challenge you to examine your own faith and the truths upon which you rely. It will cause you to embark on a quest all your own.