
I PICK You by Creston Mapes
Series: Book Three of Six in the Signs of Life Series
Publisher: Rooftop Press (December 9, 2020)
Review by Gwen M. Plano
Creston Mapes’ I Pick You blew me away. This fast-paced, rollercoaster story kept me glued from the very first page. The pace is truly electric.
The story is one that is all too familiar – a young woman, Sunny, is caught in an abusive relationship. Under Mapes’ masterful hand, readers not only feel her terror, but they also learn why it is complicated for victims to escape such relationships.
Set in Portland, Oregon, we accompany the protagonist, police officer Wayne Deetz, as he tries to protect Sunny. He’s challenged by both the victim’s circumstances and the riots demanding defunding of the police. Readers experience the haunting choices from Deetz’s vantage point – his own family’s needs and those of a young woman. Sacrificing sleep and comfort, Deetz struggles with balance and turns his worries into prayers.
With his eyes closed and a cool breeze blowing into the car, Deetz silently recited Jesus’s words from the scripture that had helped him keep his sanity: Peace I leave with you, my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your heart be troubled and do not be afraid.
He forced himself to feed on those words.
He’s given you supernatural peace He’s here. He’s in you.
I Pick You, Creston Mapes
This is the second book that I’ve read by Creston Mapes, and I now consider myself a fan. The writing is skilled, and the story is heart-pounding. If you like fast-paced thrillers, you’ll enjoy this story. I read the book in one sitting because I simply could not put it down. As for the characters, they are believable and relatable, as in next-door neighbors or even family. Aside from the abuser, I felt protective of each and relieved when all the characters were safe.
I give this book five phenomenal fish. If you’d like some spark in your day, consider I Pick You. I’m pretty certain, you won’t be disappointed.

I purchased the Kindle version of I Pick You.
Great review, Gwen. You’ve tempted me.
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I’m happy to hear that, Denise. Thank you. 😊
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Don’t you love it when the story is so good you get attached to the characters? The story certainly sounds relevant to our times. Great review, Gwen!
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Thank you, Vera, I’ll definitely read the next book in the series because of the characters.
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Like the review.
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Thanks so much!
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Wow! This sounds like a great read, Gwen. I appreciate the introduction to this author. Thanks for sharing your review! xo
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Thank you, Jill. Mapes has a unique way of bringing characters alive and capturing readers like me. 😊
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Thanks for this review, Gwen. I like the variety of Creston Mapes work. His stories have a mix thriller, mystery, and domestic drama. They are not cozy mysteries and include the realistic grit of today’s world. Thankfully, Mapes includes the spiritual solution so many need.
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You are right on all counts, Grant. I’ve only read two of his books, but both were excellent. Thank you for adding to this conversation. 😊
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Excellent review, Gwen. This sounds like a great read.
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Thank you, Joan. Creston is a great writer, and aside from the story, I was impressed by the pace. Couldn’t put the book down. 😊
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Thanks for noticing my books, ya’ll.
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Thank you, Creston, for visiting. It’s a pleasure to showcase your work. It deserves the spotlight. 😊
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I like that there is a component to make us see why the abused stay in those relationships. It’s easy to sit back and make judgements. I like the sound of this book, Great review, Gwen.
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Thank you, Carla. Creston goes full circle in helping readers understand abuse and as well, the inner turmoil of a police officer. 😊
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Great review. You’ve captured so many of the difficulties that face police and people today. What challenges we have.
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Thank you, Jacqui. Often we don’t see the challenges, but Creston helps us do just that. 😊
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What a fabulous review, Gwen. Thank you so much for sharing this book. It sounds like an inspiring and compelling read.
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You are right, Jan, it was an inspiring and compelling read. Thank you for stopping by. 😊
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A rollercoaster story with an electric pace sounds wonderful. Thanks for the review and recommendation, Gwen. ❤
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Thank you, Diana. Mapes keeps you on your toes with this story. I read it in the morning, and it became my second cup of coffee. 😊
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I’m not familiar with this author, but with believable characters and a heart-pounding story, it sure sounds like a good one. Thanks for the rec, Gwen!
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Thank you, Teri. I happened upon Mapes a couple of months ago and read his I AM IN HERE. That book is brilliantly original and sparked my interest in reading more of his work. As my review indicates, I very much enjoyed this book as well. 😊
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Read in one sitting? Wow! That speaks volumes. And I love the pull-quote you shared, Gwen. Excellent review!
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Thank you, Mae. Even my husband was surprised that I finished it within a few hours. But truthfully, the pace was such that I couldn’t put it down. 😊
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You’ve convinced me, Gwen! I’ll be checking this out, for sure. 😀 ❤
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I think you’ll enjoy it, Marcia. I couldn’t put it down until I finished it. 🤗
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I can’t believe the public actually seeks to defund the police- that’s crazy! Hold them accountable, sure, but we need their protection. People like Sunny need their protection.
This sounds like an emotional read, Gwen. Thanks for your thoughtful recommendation.
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It is crazy, Jacquie. I’m grateful to live in a small, quiet town with a great police department. It’s a gripping read. Thank you for adding your thoughts. 🤗
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I have a Creston Mapes book on my list because of your recommendation, Gwen. Looks like I’m going to have to add another. Thanks for sharing.
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Staci, I’d love to hear what you think after you read one of his books. I watched a YouTube interview with Mapes and was impressed by his down-to-earth style and modesty. I think both qualities appear in this writing. 😊
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A six book series… This must be some story. Good excerpt and review!
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It’s a great story, and thankfully, it’s a standalone. Now I need to catch up and read the first two books of the series. 😊
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Hi Gwen, thank you for this lovely review. The book sounds worthwhile.
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It was a great read, Robbie. Thank you for stopping by and sharing as you have. 😊
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💕
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