David Houser

The Sacrament David Houser

What if no one ever had to die alone?

In 1923, in the mountains of eastern Peru, a stranger approaches eleven injured men shortly after a battle has ended. He assists only six of the wounded, all of whom die shortly after he sees to their needs; then, without a word or glance toward the other five, he leaves. The remaining men survive the journey home, telling the story of the man with bright-blue eyes and a scar upon his right hand. The tale becomes the legend of El Padre, passed down to their children and their children's children.

As time goes by, the legend spreads beyond Peru, crossing decades and continents.

In 2008, New York investigative reporter Sam Noll has a front-page political scandal in the works-that is, until his editor reassigns him to chronicle the El Padre sightings. Although he's frustrated, Sam slowly lets the new article become personal and persuades a quirky colleague, Ira Nevins, to assist him in the search. The discoveries lead Sam to some dangerous destinations and bring him new revelations about El Padre's intentions-and hopefully his true identity. When Sam uncovers a strange pattern to the sightings, however, it places him on the direct path of a man many believe to be some type of angel.

Although Sam is determined to solve the mystery, he may be facing something more sinister than he originally believed-and finding the answer may be the last thing he ever does.