THE ERRAND OF ANGELS

In this novel, a young missionary is kidnapped and, in lieu of money, his abductors seek a lost book.

While in Sacramento en route to a two-year mission, Thatcher Hayes, an 18-year-old member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, is kidnapped at gunpoint. His uncle, Gene, receives a peculiar request from Thatcher’s abductors: They demand possession of the book of Lehi, the opening chapter of the Book of Mormon that was purportedly lost. Some believe the book of Lehi contains translation discrepancies that could undermine the church’s long held doctrine and could refute the story of the religion’s genesis. Gene calls his nephew, Altan Stalker, a self-described “tech nerd” who has a kind of oblique experience in investigation—his company developed software for law enforcement agencies. Gene asks Altan to find Thatcher. Altan is assisted by two representatives of the church, Maren Oaks and Cumorah McKenzie, and is begrudgingly kept apprized by the FBI of its own probe. Sprague tantalizingly describes the missing book and its significance—even Gene, a venerated apostle in the church, can’t state with absolute certainty that it doesn’t exist. Altan uncovers another, older plot to steal a possible copy of the book, and his progress endangers his own life—he’s shot at and narrowly escapes kidnapping. The author’s plot flirts with convolution, but is ultimately a truly suspenseful tale of crime, betrayal, and faith. In addition, Altan is a memorable protagonist—in the wake of his wife’s sudden death, he’s angry at God for his loss but also moved by the undeniable decency of the church members he knows. Sprague can be a touch didactic—there are overly long lessons on the church’s theology and history, however lucidly and thoughtfully rendered. Still, the story as a whole is an impressive mélange of mayhem, mystery, emotional conflict, and theological reflection.

A captivating and intelligently conceived crime drama.