The Departed is referred to as a "Christian chiller" - a mystery that follows a Christian agenda. The author makes it very clear from the get-go how she feels about psychics, witches and anyone who hasn't "found Christ."

The story follows Joshua Lazarus, a small-time magician who discovers he has psychic ability - or does he? As Josh's star rises, his soul seems to sink deeper and deeper. He aligns himself with the wrong people and distances himself from his sweet, naive young wife, a wife named Meg who's turning to Christ.

Meg has found a friend in Amy. Amy runs an after-school program for wayward kids in Salem, Massachusetts, the witch capital of the world, and is being strong-armed by some guys with demonic intentions.

Meanwhile, Josh does a show in which he unwittingly hurts a young girl's feelings. This young girl had an abortion recently and can't get over the pain, so she kills herself and her mother. The bereaved father vows revenge on Josh, even going so far as to align himself with the same Satanists who are trying to get under Amy's skin.

The Departed has a lot of plot twists and turns. It's an interesting read if you're into the whole right-wing, conservative Christian agenda in which there is only one way right way to be. Personally, I found the book a bit offensive, noting that the author doesn't have all her facts straight.

A pity really because the story had some promise.