Plain Heathen Mischief

Plain Heathen Mischief by Martin Clark is a reprint edition published by Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group on June 14, 2005. This 416-page novel follows Baptist minister Joel King, who, after completing a six-month jail sentence for a crime he may not have committed, faces further turmoil as his wife files for divorce and a teenager accuses him of seduction, seeking five million dollars in damages. As Joel grapples with these challenges, he clings to his faith while embarking on a journey westward with Edmund Brooks, a former congregant with unconventional ideas.

Readers will find a narrative that traverses various settings, including Virginia and Las Vegas, and explores themes of faith, redemption, and moral dilemmas. The story delves into Joel’s dubious choices and entanglements with high-stakes insurance scams, leading him through a series of unexpected events. Martin Clark’s work presents a complex character navigating a landscape filled with both personal and legal challenges, ultimately guiding him toward an unpredictable resolution.