The Jerusalem Stone

The Jerusalem Stone is a 2019 Reader's Favorite award-winning novel finishing in the Top 5 of 300 entries in the genre of Christian Thriller. Mr. Klein was the entrant of thousands in this worldwide contest to win two book awards in two different genres as chosen by two different judges. The Iraq War has ended. Lance Corporal Simon Banner, a decorated Marine Scout sniper with more than 100 verified kills to his name, leaves the Marines to return home. Disinterested in working nine to five, Simon chooses to sell his formidable skill with a rifle to those in the dangerous world of drug cartels. For years he takes on one contract after another, never failing to hit his target even at extreme limits of range. His successes as a paid killer inflate his reputation, causing demand for his services to soar and his contract fees to rise. Simon comes to be feared by gangs, police, even the DEA, as the ruthless and faceless assassin he is, someone that specializes in – and enjoys – taking life from afar. He is a man as far from God as one can be. The only love he feels for anyone is that for his young daughter, Elise, left to his care upon the death of his wife. One day, however, an assignment in Mexico goes terribly awry. Badly shaken by what he caused to happen, Simon takes time off to collect himself. Elise's eleventh birthday draws near. The girl startles her father by letting him know she wishes to visit Jerusalem. The decision to go is no less than fateful. The day before they are to leave Israel, Elise decides she wants something to take home but nothing that can be bought. In a small field, she unearths an unusual stone that becomes her souvenir. Back in the United States, Simon takes the stone in hand. Inexplicable and frightening events almost immediately begin to occur no matter where he is. He comes to learn to his immense shock and fright that a strange stone found buried in the earth of Jerusalem is his only chance to save his soul.