Mark Andrew Olsen

I just finished reading Olsen's latest novel, The Watchers. I was hesitant at first. I kept seeing the book at Borders for twenty dollars but, after reading his earlier novel The Assignment, I wasn't ready to shell out that kind of money.

I found it at a local Ollies store and was surprised with how enjoyable the beginning was.

The Watchers tells the story of a girl named Abby who has had a dream where she's Anna from the Bible. It's this Anna who held Jesus as a baby (for those who care). Before we find out much about the actual plot, we read about this ruthless killer who's under orders to put Abby to death. He's already slaughtered the babysitter and he's standing over Abby's bed.

Then skip ahead; Abby's alive and decides to write on her social website not-so-cleverly titled MyCorner all about her dreams. For some reason hundreds, maybe even thousands, of girls have had the same experience.

Because of this dream, Abby goes on a global adventure to find the answers to her questions: why is she having these dreams, and -oh- what happened to her mother?

As with The Assignment, Olsen tells a story along the lines of a DaVinci Code just not as fast-paced. In both books, the story takes forever to get anywhere. He has characters give long sermons that kill any sense of timing.

The Watchers has a hidden message found within and that is the idea of spiritual heritage. Olsen wants his readers to attempt to find out how far back they can trace their family line - As with Abby she had to go to Africa, then to Israel to find the descendant of this Anna from the Bible.

Two novels from Olsen - two disappointments.
 I see he's going to create a series from this new book. The next one is called, The Warriors. I think I'll pass.