Judith

Judith is basically an ancient action thriller with a strong female lead. The Assyrian army, led by the terrifying general Holofernes, is steamrolling through the region. They've cut off the water supply to the Jewish town of Bethulia, and the people are ready to surrender. The town leaders give God five days to act before they give up. Not exactly a vote of confidence.

Enter Judith-a beautiful, wealthy widow who's been living quietly in mourning. She's had enough of the cowardly leadership. She dresses up, leaves the city with her maid, and walks straight into the enemy camp. Holofernes is immediately smitten. He thinks she's defecting and bringing inside information. She plays along, joining his banquets while secretly maintaining her own purity through prayer.

On the fourth night, Holofernes gets drunk trying to seduce her. When he passes out, Judith grabs his own sword and cuts off his head. She carries it back to Bethulia in a bag. The Israelites hang it on the wall, and when the Assyrian army sees their headless general, they panic and scatter. The whole book ends with Judith leading the women in a victory dance. It's like Esther meets military thriller-God saving His people through unexpected means.