Sue Nieland

A must read novel. My dearest Willie Earl Scott knows how to intertwine history, thrill and American and even European culture so perfectly that one cannot let his/her eyes let off the book. The story is an urban drama and religious crime suspense set in a time span of days to centuries. The protagonist Gabriel uses his knowledge oof divine province to unveil the deepest and darkest secrets of faith, while antagonist Lucifer uses that same ability and worst to test humanity. Willie so perfectly set the story of American history with thrill that after reading the book one would say only one word that will describe his/her whole experince-WOW. Just wow.

Lizy Scheier

To friends whom I haven't met yet, Absolutely enlightening! When I dove into the Willie Earl Scott's novel, I was expecting to be brought to an old city exploring Independence Hall and Benjamin Franklin's creations, and in the case of Birmingham, steel mills and civil rights. Nothing wrong with any of that but not what I turned to read for during my evening downtime. However, little did I know that what awaited me was a modern-day picture, with likeable and relatable characters! There were plot twisters on every page, and it kept me absolutely hooked. I've heard of the novel before from friends and news stories about it's author, yet little did I know at the time how much I would enjoy it. You just learn so much from it that it's amazing. I'm definitely going to start reading again for fun, instead of just Sparknoting school-issued novels. Thanks bonnies! Schiere Soro :)

Madeline Brody

Heaven and Hell on Earth is that kind of book when you're on page 450 and you never felt bored when you reach the last page but you don't want to read it .. just because you don't want to say goodbye. This book is the bomb

Bettie Levy

I like conspiracy theories, so the whole basis of the book was interesting. Obviously most of what is in the book is fiction, but Willie's story telling makes you think it's real. I thought his use of real places, like Birmingham, for example, people and events in what is a fictional story was very clever. If you're into mystery/suspense genre, history or secret societies, I recommend this. If you are a devout Christian, I don't think I'd recommend this book. Though the author never touches Jesus Christ, per se, whom he apparently loves and admires. I admire him.

Monica Ream

I decided to read Heaven and Hell on Earth largely because of the storm of controversy that followed its author who's local. I had never heard of Willie Earl Scott, nor was I particularly well educated around his situation, so my decision to read this book was a little bit of a surprise one. I was not disappointed. The book follows the main protagonist Gabriel Goodwyn, a Philadelphia youth pastor and divine power of The Holy Spirit. In Birmingham, Alabama, a veteran homicide detective is called to a crime scene in the middle of the night, and I'd immediately disturbed by a murder—committed not far from where we actually live, infact. It gets realer still. With the assistance of his young partner, they embark on a quest to capture the suspect, a Birmingham villain straight out of the best movies, named Lucifer. The book itself is a fictional work, but Willie Earl Scott has done an exhaustive amount of research into the history and development of Christianity, which becomes a basis of the story, and the true origins of the 'holy bible’. That said, I decided to take the book on face value as a thriller, and my decision to read it was rewarded. I’m not going to provide any spoilers in this review (I'll let others do that), but what I will do is make a few observations about the book itself. The way that the story flows is seamless. The Gabriel and his girly pair go from Philadelphia, taking in Detroit and and its suburban gems, to the most secreted valleys in Texas. The Birmingham scenes, though, are beautifully set placing you right in the thick of the action. I say that and I live here. The pace of the story is fast throughout, barely allowing you to pause for breath. I found the way the book was written allowed and often forced longer spells of reading that I had planned. The chapters are both short, long, deep and properly superficial, often ending with a hook, urging you to read “just one more”. The twists and turns of the plot leave you second-guessing what is going to happen next. This is supposedly Willie Earl Scott's first book, written when he was 23 years old, and you can sometimes tell, yet still he manages to pull you where he wishes. For some, the subject matter of Christianity would put them off reading his book. As a lifelong Christian, I had no issue with reading this book. The author's faith is pretty documented, I'm told. If you do read this book, I am certain that you will enjoy it for what it is; a well-written, past-paced thriller that will have you glued to the pages. I loved it.