The Sign Painter, by Davis Bunn

Davis Bunn's latest novel, The Sign Painter, starts out as a touching story about a homeless mother and her daughter trying to get back on their feet.  Amy Dowell and her daughter have been living on the road for months, since her husband died of cancer and they lost their home to foreclosure.  Through a Florida church's ministry, they find a home, a job, a place to worship, and a circle of friends.  What she did not expect was to get caught up in the investigation of a major drug running operation.

Amy's new home is an apartment in a converted motel owned by the church across the street.  The church itself is in a transitional neighborhood and has made deliberate moves to reach out to the poor and homeless in the community.  Unfortunately, the drug dealers in the neighborhood drug house aren't pleased with the church's interest in their commercial activities, especially when a bunch of retired police and military affiliated with the church start patrolling and bringing the attention of the police to their trade.

Bunn drags Amy right into the mess of the neighborhood, where she quickly becomes a target of the drug gang and a key player in their takedown.  I loved Bunn's portrayal of the church and their outreach ministry.  A faction of the members resist the ministries to the poor, fearing that it will bring more bad elements into the area.  Others argue that the bad elements are there and the church can stem the tide, as they already have been, providing positive change.

Interestingly, the church calls on the services of a retired federal agent to lead their people in a shaking the bushes and thwarting the drug gang's work.  I'm curious how many churches choose a similar strategy, using military and law enforcement techniques to patrol the area around the church.  That's not an evangelism method with which I am familiar.  Nevertheless, it's refreshing to read about a church that is making an impact on their community, even if it is fiction.

I enjoyed the story, enjoyed the description of the church's outreach in their city, and enjoyed the interactions of the characters and their expressions of faith.  The Sign Painter is a quick, entertaining read, but it left me with a feeling that it was rushed, that the characters inadequately developed, the police and military procedures and action seemed superficial, and the criminals were stereotypical.  Most importantly, though, it's a solid plot with a strong faith component.  I recommend it.


Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the complimentary electronic review copy!