Purgatory, A Progeny's Quest Reviews – T. M. Brown, Southern Author

Publisher: Blue Room Books, Decatur, GA
- Release Date: February 2022
- ISBN: 9781950729197

“If you’ve never treated yourself to a novel by T.M. Brown, I recommend you start turning the pages of Purgatory, which in my estimation is pure literature. This story unfolds once again amid the patchwork of furrowed cotton and peanut fields of the South Georgia Christian community of Shiloh, where the townsfolk are getting ready to celebrate the annual Lightning Bug Festival — ol’ downhome country fun at its finest. But a storm is about to erupt. While folks fret they might lose their mayor to the Congressional swamp-water intrigue of Washington, an orphaned teenage girl appears on the scene in search of a mother who is long dead. But when one of Shiloh’s citizens purchases an armored limo with a checkered history at a Sheriff’s used-car auction, the town’s tranquility is shattered by the accumulation of dead bodies and broken hearts. Here’s a story that will keep you reading throughout the wee hours.” Jedwin Smith, author of I AM ISRAEL, Our Brother’s Keeper, and Fatal Treasure

“Purgatory, a Progeny’s Quest is the third novel in the excellent Shiloh Mystery Series and I think it is the best one yet. I’ve enjoyed reading all of T.M. Brown’s books, but I think he really knocks it out of the park with Purgatory. It’s a stunning blend of mystery, inspiration, and authentic characters and settings. The setting is a southern town named Shiloh (this fictional town is based on Newnan, Georgia) and I thought the author captures a very realistic feel of time and place. I also liked the way the author weaved Christian religious inspiration into the mystery plot of the book. I highly recommend this novel.” Lee Gimenez, Award-winning author of 15 books and Finalist for Author Academy Award

“The passage atop the day’s journal page came from Proverbs... ‘good people detest the darkness of evil; the wicked abhor the light of goodness’.” Theo’s morning devotions, Pg. 90 – Purgatory- A Progeny’s Quest

“Having read the first two books, this last in the Series exceeds all expectations; and as expected, many of the delightful characters so carefully described before have returned. Theo and Liddy have become trusted residents of Shiloh, frequently called upon for advice and guidance. Barbequed brisket, coffee from grounds carefully measured into a pot, and celebrations such as the Lightning Bug Festival, brighten their days. Just when you think it all a little too perfect, a founding family’s bloodlines are redefined and a new resident arrives. Your heart begins to race when two mysterious strangers intrude and skulk around town. When their plan escalates and lives are threatened, the town joins local deputies to discover their identities and motives. Of course, Theo is smack dab in the middle; where else would he be? There’s more than sweet tea and moss-covered oaks to this tale and Mike Brown has done Shiloh proud.” Linda J Pifer, author of Ohio Girl

“Mysteries beset the citizenry of a small southern town that exudes ‘contagious, country-fried wholeness.’ T. M. Brown peels back the layers of those mysteries like one peels an onion. As you approach the finale, better hold on to your hat!” Jameson Gregg, Georgia Author of the Year, author of Luck Be A Chicken, a comic novel

“T.M. Brown writes with subtlety, compassion, and understanding. His characters are rich, the story is compelling, and the denouement is more than satisfying. The story is funny and sad, the language is clever and poetic, and the book is nothing less than a gem. With skill and finesse, Brown moves the story forward at a measured pace as he introduces believable and sympathetic characters, and each of these brings depth and sometimes gentle humor to this finely crafted story. Purgatory—A Progeny’s Quest is a story of growth, and change, and hope, and renewal. It is a story of forgiveness. It is an extraordinary tale written by an exceptional author. I will read this book again.” Raymond L. Atkins, author of Set List, Sweetwater Blues, Camp Redemption Georgia Author of the Year

“In Purgatory – A Progeny’s Quest, book three of the Shiloh Mystery Series, T. M. Brown delivers another satisfying read of Southern Fiction with a strong sense of place and memorable characters. Theo and Liddy Phillips right the wrongs of broken lives and hearts with Christian hope.” – Johnnie Bernhard, author of Sisters of the Undertow and How We Came to Be

“The long-awaited finale of the Shiloh Series doesn’t disappoint. With barbecue, lightning bugs, and delightful dialogue. T.M. Brown delivers a gem of a southern novel to his faithful followers.” Renea Winchester, Outbound Train and Farming Friends and Fried Bologna Sandwiches

“TM Brown explores the intricate web of deception and family bonds in his new novel, Purgatory, A Progeny’s Quest. Purgatory is the third book in Brown’s Shiloh Mystery Series.

“Like his previous novels, Sanctuary, A Legacy of Memories and Testament, An Unexpected Return, his newest novel Purgatory, A Progeny’s Quest is set in the small town of Shiloh, Georgia. Since moving to Shiloh, Theo and Liddy Phillips have learned this small town has its share of buried secrets and mysteries. When an unexpected visitor with a dark secret shows up on their doorstep asking for help, the two are catapulted into another Shiloh mystery. As Theo begins to unravel the first mystery, a strange turn of events brings danger to their town putting lives in peril.

“Purgatory explores forgiveness and the true meaning of family. The heart of this novel is the character development. The author has the ability to make you fall in love with his colorful characters. I found Purgatory both entertaining and refreshing. It is a page-turner suitable for all audiences.” – Dana Ridenour, award-winning author of Behind The Mask, Beyond The Cabin, and Below The Radar.

“Small-town shenanigans, Southern style. Theo Phillips and his wife Libby live in Shiloh, Georgia, a town graced with a mess of colorful characters and a passel of predicaments. Whether he is writing an article about the Miss Shiloh contest, advising a friend on fatherhood, pondering the political future of the town’s mayor, or struggling with how to best help an orphaned teenager, Theo faces all life throws at him with his wife Libby by his side and his faith to guide him. Thanks for the opportunity to read Purgatory.” Christopher Swann, author of Shadows of the Lions and Never Turn Back

Helene Furst of Morning Beans Blog wrote the following about Purgatory, A Progeny’s Quest

“As always, author T.M. Brown does not fail in making his reader feel right at home in his novels. Opening up this book, I was transported right back to where I was last time I visited Shiloh in Testament. Those of you who have not yet stopped into Shiloh for a visit may want to retrace your steps and begin with Sanctuary, the first novel. Make sure that you have Testament on order, and prepare for a long, comfortable visit with Theo and Liddy, the Archers, and the rest of the locals in Shiloh.“

Believe with all your heart that God alone is the master of your life and then reflect that belief each day through every word spoken and deed performed even when it means unconditionally caring for the needs of others above your own. -Theo Phillips, TM Brown

“In Purgatory, familiar characters fill the pages, coming together to support and assist the young and orphaned Pepper. Knowing only who her mother was, and reeling from the loss of her beloved grandmother, this stoic and lovable freckle-faced teen will slide right into your heart. Throughout the novel, various characters we have heard of or met briefly in the past, show up to worry the townsfolk after Zeb, one of Theo’s good friends, purchases an armored limo at auction. Shady people start hanging around town amidst the summer celebrations, and we once again find retired, mild-mannered Theo at the center of a high-energy plot. The story unfolds as smooth as silk, words turn to images as you flip page after page, lost within the grip of a master storyteller’s tale. Theo’s devotional journal will bring clarity to your own life, as well his, as you ponder the daily events afoot in this small town. The plot twist comes when you least expect it, adding a mix of suspense and real worry for the characters you have come to adore. I’d say more, but then you’d get the whole story – this is a MUST READ for the summer!

“You will not be disappointed in this heroic tale set in the fictitious, rural town of Shiloh, Ga. Heroic actions and steadfast devotion keep the plot moving and you on the edge of your seat. I honestly could not put this book down. Five stars!

“Thank you Mike for the note that Theo and Liddy will return once more, although outside their hometown of Shiloh. I’ll be patiently waiting!“🥰