Book Description:
Any girl who goes into the Forbidden Forest never comes out again. Except the one who did.
Larkin should have been watching her little sister, should have paid more attention to the trees looming over her family’s fields. Now Sela is gone. Knowing full well the danger of the forest and its beast, Larkin goes after her anyway. With her sister clutched in her arms, she manages to escape, but not before discovering the truth lurking beneath the wicked boughs.
She may have evaded the beast once, but with the full force of his magic now fixated on her, she isn’t sure how much longer she can resist.
My Thoughts:
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Larkin is a character you love half the time and would love to strangle the other half. She does some amazing things and some amazingly stupid things. The author did a great job writing her character. I really liked that this story wasn't a 'cookie cutter' story but was original.
The forest is creepy and the whole village is afraid of it. Except it seems, Larkin's little sister. Her sister is the only reason she braves the woods and the terrors within them. I loved seeing the bond between these two, it was so sweet and caring. There is a roller coaster of emotions through the book--love, betrayal, danger, friendship and more--and as it unfolds, the beast makes more sense. I cannot wait to see where the author takes this story next and I know which side I'm cheering for!
It was a 5/5 for me.
Thank you to the author for the review copy of this book (via Voracious Readers Only). I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.
Friday, August 31, 2018
Thursday, August 30, 2018
Chasing Embers by Rachel Skatvold
About the Book
Author: Rachel Skatvold
Genre: Christian Romance / Contemporary Western
Release date: August 20, 2018
ANNABELLE HART thought owning the family ranch would be everything she ever dreamed of and more. The Montana wilderness has always flowed like blood through her veins, but she can’t understand why her heart feels so empty inside.
Three years after leaving Montana to become a wild land firefighter, COLTON BROOKS still dreams about the girl he left behind at Hart Ranch. He prays for her happiness, believing she deserves someone better than him, but doubts he will ever love again.
When their paths intersect again, will the embers of their past romance be rekindled, or will an unexpected disaster change life as they know it forever?
My Thoughts:
I just loved this book. Belle has always planned to run the family's ranch. She absolutely loves the ranch and everything about it. She hadn't expected it to hurt so much though. Still years later, she hasn't gotten over the man who walked out of her life and broke her heart. I absolutely love how close Belle's family is. They are always there for each other.
Colton went after his dreams and left Belle behind. He thought she could do better than him, but he never stopped loving her. His family is super close too and I really liked his mom. She is a hard worker who puts her family's needs first. Colton may say he wants Belle to move on, but isn't prepared for her to really do it. There are ups and downs. I loved that it isn't an easy choice for either of them but God's hand guides them.
This was a 5/5. I truly enjoyed it!
Thank you to the author for the review copy of this book (via Celebrate lit). I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.
I just loved this book. Belle has always planned to run the family's ranch. She absolutely loves the ranch and everything about it. She hadn't expected it to hurt so much though. Still years later, she hasn't gotten over the man who walked out of her life and broke her heart. I absolutely love how close Belle's family is. They are always there for each other.
Colton went after his dreams and left Belle behind. He thought she could do better than him, but he never stopped loving her. His family is super close too and I really liked his mom. She is a hard worker who puts her family's needs first. Colton may say he wants Belle to move on, but isn't prepared for her to really do it. There are ups and downs. I loved that it isn't an easy choice for either of them but God's hand guides them.
This was a 5/5. I truly enjoyed it!
Thank you to the author for the review copy of this book (via Celebrate lit). I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.
Click here to purchase your copy!
About the Author
Rachel Skatvold is a Christian author and stay-at-home mom from the Midwest. She enjoys writing inspirational romance and encouraging blogs. Rachel completed her first series, the Riley Family Legacy Novellas in 2014 and is now working on the second book in her new Hart Ranch Series. She is also a contributing author in the Whispers in Wyoming Series. Other than writing, some of her hobbies include singing, reading and camping in the great outdoors with her husband and two young sons.
Guest Post from Rachel
Chasing Embers is a sequel I have been excited to write since the release of Escaping Reality over two years ago. To be honest, while writing book one, I thought it would just be a standalone story and not part of a series. However, Logan’s strong-willed little sister, Belle, was determined to have her own story and I’m thrilled that she is finally getting one!
One of the theme verses from Chasing Embers is Ephesians 3:20, which says, “Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.” In the story, the characters go through some trials that seem impossible to overcome. In order to keep their loved ones and the ranch safe, the Hart family must cling tightly to their faith and trust that God always keeps his promises. The events of the story also serve as a reminder that God can do mighty things through us if we allow him to.
Chasing Embers is a heartwarming tale of lost love, second chances and choosing to love even when it is difficult. Be prepared to laugh, cry and rejoice with Belle and Colton as you read their love story. To find out more about Chasing Embers by Rachel Skatvold, read the summary above.
Blog Stops
Reading Is My SuperPower, August 23
Among the Reads, August 23
Christian Author, J.E.Grace, August 24
The Christian Fiction Girl, August 25
Blossoms and Blessings, August 25
Bibliophile Reviews, August 26
Janices book reviews, August 27
Kat’s Corner Books, August 28
Daysong Reflections, August 28
Luv’N Lambert Life, August 29
Remembrancy, August 29
Ashley’s Bookshelf, August 30
proud to be an autism mom, August 31
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 31
Texas Book-aholic, September 1
Carpe Diem, September 2
A Baker’s Perspective, September 3
Jeanette’s Thoughts, September 4
Bigreadersite, September 4
Giveaway
To celebrate her tour, Rachel is giving away a grand prize of a $30 Amazon gift card!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter. https://promosimple.com/ps/d1f3/chasing-emberscelebration-tour-giveaway
Tuesday, August 28, 2018
Dagger's Edge by Lora Leigh
Book Description
#1 bestselling author Lora Leigh is back—with a vengeance—in her latest novel of passion and intrigue, Dagger's Edge, featuring the men of Brute Force.
Ivan Resnova wants nothing more than to escape his hard, brutal past. Starting over is not so easy once you’ve been a powerful crime boss but now, instead of being punished for his alleged crimes, Ivan fears that the one woman he can’t forget is in danger of paying the price.
Crimsyn “Syn” Delaney thought the danger she’d faced was over, and that she could resume her life. She never imagined it would return with a vengeance and throw her back into Ivan’s world. But when an attempt is made on her life, she needs Ivan more than ever to keep her safe—even if she is in danger of falling deeply and dangerously in love. . .
My Thoughts:
I just could not get into this book. Reading the description, I was really excited to sit down and read it but it fell a bit flat for me. It is the second book in the Brute Force series and I didn't feel like I was missing anything not having read the first one. The beginning was a bit confusing but I got the characters figured out and was expecting a good, fast paced story.
Ivan is determined to keep Journey/Syn safe. Even if he has to kidnap her...twice. The story itself was ok, very predictable but not bad. The idea of the two of them actually falling in love was a bit out there as was some of the things described that were just never mentioned again. It seemed like there was more time devoted to the sex scenes than the actual storyline and I found myself skimming it.
It was a 2/5 for me.
**18+ Definitely for older readers**
Thank you to the publisher for the review copy of this book. I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above were 100% mine.
I just could not get into this book. Reading the description, I was really excited to sit down and read it but it fell a bit flat for me. It is the second book in the Brute Force series and I didn't feel like I was missing anything not having read the first one. The beginning was a bit confusing but I got the characters figured out and was expecting a good, fast paced story.
Ivan is determined to keep Journey/Syn safe. Even if he has to kidnap her...twice. The story itself was ok, very predictable but not bad. The idea of the two of them actually falling in love was a bit out there as was some of the things described that were just never mentioned again. It seemed like there was more time devoted to the sex scenes than the actual storyline and I found myself skimming it.
It was a 2/5 for me.
**18+ Definitely for older readers**
Thank you to the publisher for the review copy of this book. I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above were 100% mine.
Tuesday, August 21, 2018
The Hope Jar by Wanda Brunstetter
About the Book
Author: Wanda E. Brunstetter
Genre: Amish Fiction
Release date: August 7, 2018
A Brand-New Series from New York Times Best Selling Author Wanda E. Brunstetter.
What happens when making an elderly Amish couple very happy means going along with a lie that gets bigger by the day?
Michelle Taylor is not who her new family in Lancaster County believes her to be. The Lapps were looking for their long-lost granddaughter when they met Michelle and she assumed the identity of Sara Murray. Once homeless and hopeless, Michelle has come to love her new Amish friends and even considers the idea of romance among them.
Finding an old blue jar in the barn that is filled with slips of paper containing thoughts, quotes, and prayers by an unknown author becomes a boost to Michelle’s budding faith— but also convicting. How can she tell the truth without hurting the ones she has truly come to love?
My Thoughts:
This is an emotional roller coaster! Michelle is in a bad situation when there is a case of mistaken identity. I like how she tried to correct the assumption at first but then just went along with it because she wanted out of her current situation. Was she right? No, but I understood why she did what she did.
The fact that she grows to love these people and is feeling guilt for her deception made me sad and happy. I felt bad for her decieving them but she is loved by them, which is something new for her and it helps her tremendiously. The love interests show a different layer to it and I just really enjoyed watching Michelle/Sara grow as a character.
It was a 4/5 for me.
Thank you to the author/publisher for the review copy of this book (via celebrate lit). I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.
This is an emotional roller coaster! Michelle is in a bad situation when there is a case of mistaken identity. I like how she tried to correct the assumption at first but then just went along with it because she wanted out of her current situation. Was she right? No, but I understood why she did what she did.
The fact that she grows to love these people and is feeling guilt for her deception made me sad and happy. I felt bad for her decieving them but she is loved by them, which is something new for her and it helps her tremendiously. The love interests show a different layer to it and I just really enjoyed watching Michelle/Sara grow as a character.
It was a 4/5 for me.
Thank you to the author/publisher for the review copy of this book (via celebrate lit). I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.
Click here to purchase your copy!
About the Author
New York Times bestselling and award-winning author Wanda E. Brunstetter is one of the founders of the Amish fiction genre. She has written close to 90 books translated in four languages. With over 10 million copies sold, Wanda’s stories consistently earn spots on the nations most prestigious bestseller lists and have received numerous awards.
Wanda’s ancestors were part of the Anabaptist faith, and her novels are based on personal research intended to accurately portray the Amish way of life. Her books are well-read and trusted by many Amish, who credit her for giving readers a deeper understanding of the people and their customs.
When Wanda visits her Amish friends, she finds herself drawn to their peaceful lifestyle, sincerity, and close family ties. Wanda enjoys photography, ventriloquism, gardening, bird-watching, beachcombing, and spending time with her family. She and her husband, Richard, have been blessed with two grown children, six grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
Make your own Prayer Jar!
Want to make your own prayer jar to pass along to future generations? CLICK HERE to download a printable template you can use to write your sentiments on. Simply cut out each strip of paper when you’re finished and put them in the jar of your choice.
Blog Stops
Janices book reviews, August 14
Among the Reads, August 14
The Avid Reader, August 14
Reflections From My Bookshelves, August 15
Just Commonly, August 15
Genesis 5020, August 16
Mary Hake, August 16
Bigreadersite, August 16
Lighthouse Academy, August 17
Seasons of Opportunities, August 17
Christian Bookaholic, August 18
Luv’N Lambert Life, August 18
Random Thoughts From a Bookworm, August 19
Blossoms and Blessings, August 19
Splashes of Joy, August 20
SusanLovesBooks, August 20
Ashley’s Bookshelf, August 21
Because I said so — adventures in parenting, August 21
Two Points of Interest, August 22
Southern Gal Loves to Read, August 22
Cafinated Reads, August 23
Quiet quilter, August 23
Have A Wonderful Day, August 24
Carpe Diem, August 24
A Baker’s Perspective, August 25
Bibliophile Reviews, August 25
proud to be an autism mom, August 26
Texas Book-aholic, August 26
Reader’s Cozy Corner, August 27
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 27
Jeanette’s Thoughts, August 27
Giveaway
To celebrate her tour, Wanda is giving away a grand prize that includes a $25 Amazon Gift Card, jar-shaped notepad, and a copy of The Hope Jar (with an autographed book plate inside).
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click below to enter. https://promosimple.com/ps/d19e/the-hope-jar-celebration-tour-giveaway
Friday, August 17, 2018
Blackened Magic Cover Reveal
Title: Blackened Magic
Author: Emily Cyr & JoJo Bartlett
Genre: Urban Fantasy/Paranormal Romance
Cover Designer: Lori Gundy
Hosted by: Lady Amber’s Reviews & PR
Blurb:
Sawyer's in big trouble. Lord knows, she's never been a great student, but she never expected to be an inch away from flunking her economics class this close to graduation. Failing is definitely not an option and she's running out of hope. That’s when her roommate suggests contacting a warlock who will sell her an oh-so-illegal spell to help her pass the final.
Kane is almost a free man...er warlock. He has one last job to do for the magical cartel, and then he's out of here. He's tired of them taking all his money when he knows he can make more cash out on his own. But before he delivers the cartel's spell to them, he takes a call for a side job-- to deliver an outlawed spell to a desperate college student. Only, he screws up. Big time.
Both Kane and Sawyer must dodge the magical police, the cartel, and enemies neither of them knew they had. If they don’t fix Kane’s mistake, it will cost them more than Sawyer’s life; it will cost them everything.
Emily Cyr is a stay-at-home mom turned writer. She holds a degree in middle grades education with certification in English and social science. She has always had a love of all things paranormal and fantasy, but it wasn’t until Emily’s husband said the words, “Why not?” that she considered putting her thoughts and ideas into the book, The Lightning Prophecy. This trilogy was just the start for Emily. It seemed to open a creative door that had been locked.
Emily has always been an avid reader. Through reading came her love of writing. The more she read, the more she knew she wanted to create her own world. Many of her first works were fan fiction.
Emily and her family currently reside in San Antonio, Texas. She has an incredibly supportive husband, who is also an officer in the United States Air Force. They have three sons, ages 6, 5, and 2. Somehow, even with the demands of being a parent to three little boys, she finds time to escape to her fantasies and write them down.
Currently, Emily has two urban fantasy series out, but stay tuned via her web-site, www.EmilyCyr.com, for more!
Author Links:
Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/cQSt7P
Instagram: emilycyrauthor
Author Links:
Amazon: http://amzn.to/2pwpA3b
Thursday, August 16, 2018
Chaos in the Blink of an Eye by Patrick Higgins
About the Book
Book Title: Chaos: In the Blink of an Eye
Author: Patrick Higgins
Genre: Christian Mystery/Suspense
Release date: September, 2015
It was the weekend before Thanksgiving. More than 100,000 fans were jammed inside Michigan Stadium, on their feet, to witness a heated football rivalry that had spanned more than 100 years. As the football was kicked into the snow-filled sky, they were about to get the shock of their lives, as long-foretold Bible prophecy came to pass before their very eyes, causing many to vanish into thin air without a trace.
But what they soon realized was that it reached far beyond Michigan Stadium. Chaos of unimaginable proportions ensued worldwide. Shock, fear and panic filled each heart and mind. It was just the beginning of things to come, as life as humanity had known it was forever changed in the blink of an eye…
My Thoughts:
This novella was a quick read but it is packed full. The author does a great job of building the scene for future book and making sure you want to read. It is the first that I've read from him, but it won't be the last. I liked the way he set everything up and made it enjoyable while you are actually learning.
It is a fictional account of the rapture but it is so realistic! The author definitely knows his football and uses it well to craft the story. I read the left behind series and this has a similar feel. I cannot wait to read the next one.
It was a 4/5 for me.
Thank you to the publisher/author for the review copy of this book. I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.
This novella was a quick read but it is packed full. The author does a great job of building the scene for future book and making sure you want to read. It is the first that I've read from him, but it won't be the last. I liked the way he set everything up and made it enjoyable while you are actually learning.
It is a fictional account of the rapture but it is so realistic! The author definitely knows his football and uses it well to craft the story. I read the left behind series and this has a similar feel. I cannot wait to read the next one.
It was a 4/5 for me.
Thank you to the publisher/author for the review copy of this book. I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.
Click here to purchase your copy.
About the Author
Patrick Higgins is the author of The Pelican Trees, Coffee In Manila, the award-winning The Unannounced Christmas Visitor, and the award-winning prophetic end-times series, Chaos In The Blink Of An Eye. While the stories he writes all have different themes and take place in different settings, the one thread that links them all together is his heart for Jesus and his yearning for the lost.
With that in mind, it is his wish that the message his stories convey will greatly impact each reader, by challenging you not only to contemplate life on this side of the grave, but on the other side as well. After all, each of us will spend eternity at one of two places, based solely upon a single decision which must be made this side of the grave. That decision will be made crystal clear to each reader of his books.
Higgins is currently writing many other books, both fiction and non-fiction, including a sequel to Coffee In Manila, which will shine a bright, sobering light on the diabolical human trafficking industry.
Guest Post from Patrick Harris
What started the Chaos in the Blink of an Eye series for me stems from my deep love of sports, which, I admit has diminished considerably over the years. Don’t get me wrong, I still enjoy watching and attending sporting events whenever I have the time. But these days I view them from an entirely different perspective than when I wore a younger man’s face and displayed a weaker man’s faith in God.
This slow but gradual shrinking away started soon after the Lord impressed upon my heart that the fastest growing religion in America, and the world for that matter, wasn’t Christianity or Islam, but “sports”. Every day of the week—including Sundays—millions of fans fill stadiums and arenas (or shall I say cathedrals?) worldwide to worship their heroes.
Whatever the sport, fans show up in droves to cheer on mere mortals as if they were gods. When their teams win life is good. When they lose life is miserable.
As a once-guilty participant for many years, I should know.
The passion most fans have for their favorite players and sports teams is the same passion they should have in pursuing the One who saw their unformed bodies from the foundations of the world, the very One who knit them together inside their mothers’ wombs.
Tragically, this is not the case. Hence, the reason for the CHAOS series. The sporting event chosen for this story was the famed Michigan-Ohio State college football rivalry.
Prior to writing the prequel, I traveled to Ann Arbor, Michigan to attend the game. I admit I was just as caught up in the mass hysteria as everyone else. It was impossible not to be swept up into the vortex that had completely engulfed the vibrant college town.
The energy was quite palpable. So much so that I had to remind myself more than once that I was there to research and observe everything connected to the game, then put it all into words for my readers. The sporting event itself was secondary.
Though the prequel initially centers on the football game, in no way is this a sports series. This will become quite clear to you when Bible prophecy comes to pass inside Michigan Stadium, and many vanish into thin air, leaving everyone still inside the stadium utterly panic-stricken.
It was just the beginning of things to come, as life as humanity had known it was forever changed in the blink of an eye…
Enjoy reading…
Blog Stops
Carpe Diem, August 9
Reading is my Super Power, August 9 (Interview)
Multifarious, August 10
Henry Happens, August 10
amandainpa, August 11
History, Mystery & Faith, August 12
Mary Hake, August 12
Blogging With Carol, August 13
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 13
D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, August 14
Janices book reviews, August 14
two points of interest, August 15
Jeanette’s Thoughts, August 15
Ashley’s Bookshelf, August 16
Cherylbbookblog, August 17
Bigreadersite, August 17
Inklings and notions, August 18
A Baker’s Perspective, August 18
Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, August 19
proud to be an autism mom, August 20
margaret kazmierczak, August 20 (Interview)
Texas Book-aholic, August 21
Godly Book Reviews, August 22
Giveaway
To celebrate his tour, Patrick is giving away a grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card!!
Click below to enter. https://promosimple.com/ps/d0a3/chaos-in-the-blink-of-an-eye-celebration-tour-giveaway
Tuesday, August 14, 2018
Cradled by Christina Bauer
Cradled
Christina Bauer
(Beholder #4.5)
Publication date: July 31st 2018
Genres: Paranormal, Young Adult
An Epilogue NovellaAt last, Elea and Rowan are settling in to their new lives. Trouble is, Rowan is spending a lot of time cleaning up messes from his childhood. And considering the nightmare that was his mother, those are some ugly messes indeed. In fact, the experience is enough to make Rowan vow that he never wants children of his own.Oops.BEHOLDER
• Cursed
• Concealed
• Cherished
• Crowned
• Cradled
My Thoughts:
I really enjoyed this novella. If you haven't read the previous books in this series, you really need to so you understand what is going on in this story. Elea and Rowan are together and theoretically everything should be smooth. Except, this is a Christina Bauer book and that doesn't happen!
It wasn't what I was expecting and I was happy about that. This book has all my favorite characters in it and I loved how the author mixed in some surprises. I liked that it wasn't smooth and easy for everyone but that they had to work. For not being a long book, the author put a lot in there and did it quite wonderfully.
It was a 5/5 for me. Love this author and her books!
Thank you to the publisher for the review copy of this book. I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.
Author Bio:
Christina Bauer thinks that fantasy books are like bacon: they just make life better. All of which is why she writes romance novels that feature demons, dragons, wizards, witches, elves, elementals, and a bunch of random stuff that she brainstorms while riding the Boston T. Oh, and she includes lots of humor and kick-ass chicks, too.
Christina graduated from Syracuse University’s Newhouse School with BA’s in English along with Television, Radio, and Film Production. She lives in Newton, MA with her husband, son, and semi-insane golden retriever, Ruby.
Be the first to know about new releases from Christina by signing up for her newsletter: http://tinyurl.com/CBupdates
Monday, August 13, 2018
Scene of the Crime Spotlight
Title: SCENE OF THE CRIME
Author: Jennifer Chase
Publisher: JEC Press
Pages: 300
Genre: Mystery Suspense
Author: Jennifer Chase
Publisher: JEC Press
Pages: 300
Genre: Mystery Suspense
A calculating cold-blooded predator closes in…
When a community has barely recovered from a ruthless serial killer six months earlier; now two more horrifying murders hit the radar again. It leaves police burdened with two of the most shockingly contaminated crime scenes ever documented in California’s law enforcement history. The Slayer works behind the scenes as a sinister puppet master, precisely pulling the strings, taunting the police without leaving any viable evidence, and orchestrating his killer hit squads.
The sheriff and district attorney bring in the best investigators. Reunited again, Dr. Chip Palmer, a reclusive forensic expert, joins DA Inspector Kate Rawlins to sort through the crime scene aftermath in search of the truth—all without a probable suspect or a solid motive. Complicating the investigation—sparks reignite between the two.
Ratcheting up the suspense, Chip suffers a nasty fall hitting his head, impairing his perception and giving him a mind-blowing ability for specific detailed recall. Palmer and Rawlins assemble an unusual team including a rookie detective, a forensic supervisor, and an ex-military operative turned bodyguard. After one of their own is kidnapped and the investigation is taken over by the FBI, the now rogue team must pull together their own resources—alone—with a killer waiting to take each one of them out. Scene of the Crime takes no prisoners and leaves everyone fighting to stay alive.
When a community has barely recovered from a ruthless serial killer six months earlier; now two more horrifying murders hit the radar again. It leaves police burdened with two of the most shockingly contaminated crime scenes ever documented in California’s law enforcement history. The Slayer works behind the scenes as a sinister puppet master, precisely pulling the strings, taunting the police without leaving any viable evidence, and orchestrating his killer hit squads.
The sheriff and district attorney bring in the best investigators. Reunited again, Dr. Chip Palmer, a reclusive forensic expert, joins DA Inspector Kate Rawlins to sort through the crime scene aftermath in search of the truth—all without a probable suspect or a solid motive. Complicating the investigation—sparks reignite between the two.
Ratcheting up the suspense, Chip suffers a nasty fall hitting his head, impairing his perception and giving him a mind-blowing ability for specific detailed recall. Palmer and Rawlins assemble an unusual team including a rookie detective, a forensic supervisor, and an ex-military operative turned bodyguard. After one of their own is kidnapped and the investigation is taken over by the FBI, the now rogue team must pull together their own resources—alone—with a killer waiting to take each one of them out. Scene of the Crime takes no prisoners and leaves everyone fighting to stay alive.
ORDER YOUR COPY:
Amazon
Chapter 1
NOTHING CAPTURED HIS ATTENTION. IT wasn’t as if
he wasn’t looking for anything specific or that he didn’t care about anything,
but everything became like white noise. Looking down, he spotted a couple
squashed beer cans, which had resulted from the constant compression of car
tires repeatedly running over them. Now they lay in the gutter unnoticed—as
discarded litter. Out of boredom, he kicked the aluminum pancakes with his worn
out running shoes. The compressed disks clattered a ways before landing back in
a different part of the same gutter, just as his life.
Roger Case was in one of those moods where everything seemed
futile. It was a time when his temperament plummeted; he entertained the spirit
of defeat, which was becoming more common these days. His concentration slipped
farther into the dwindling mindset of drugs and crime to the point of mania.
Rationalizing his motives, he preferred to enact self-medication.
He needed something strong to take away his thoughts of
negativity. The repetitive movements of his hands and arms worsened. He wanted
anything that would take away his fears, his depression, and his unrelenting
obsession for the next quick fix. Roger knew that even when he felt the most
empowering high that there was a high price to pay—and it was predictable and
inevitable—the hard, downward crash.
Roger hadn’t always been teetering on that slippery slope,
dangling over the life of crime; in fact, he still remembered when things were
normal and even mundane. He grew up in a typical middle class family with his
mom and dad, along with his older brother and sister. Reflecting on those
memories now, he would trade just about anything to have those times back.
Now he waited with anticipation for his contact. It was going
to make everything better—at least for a while. He convinced himself that just
a little bit of crystal meth would help him get back on track—to see things
clearly again. It wasn’t as if he was a full-blown addict, he just needed
something to help motivate and push him in the right direction.
He heard a hollow scraping noise and stopped to listen.
Standing quietly, still straining to hear, but that sound never repeated. He
looked around. Curious. The sound seemed to resonate in his head instead of
around the street. Upon further inspection, he realized it came from inside the
cement structure.
The old water treatment plant had been decommissioned by the
county some time ago, now outdated, and was nothing more than an eyesore
gathering the grime and deteriorating aspects of time gone by. Something loomed
in Roger’s vision and waited in darkness—he strained his eyes looking into the
long structure that seemed to lead to nowhere.
Maybe his connection made a change of plans and the meeting
place was at the cement sinew, and out of sight from any onlookers, or cops
happening by on their route. It was possible. At this point in Roger’s life,
anything was possible.
Roger contemplated his options for a moment and then decided
to check it out. He turned toward the water treatment plant and headed inside.
The first thing he noticed was the temperature difference—cold and damp
compared to the warmer street areas.
He slowed his pace, unsure if he should call out or announce
his presence. Fidgeting nonstop with his hands, pressing his fingers tighter
and then releasing them, Roger moved farther into the tunnel.
A shuffling sound came from the other end.
“Hello?” he finally said, his voice weak and tinny which made
him unconsciously twitch.
A muffled dragging sound was the responded answer. It
resonated from the back-left area.
“Hey, I don’t have time for this… you either want the money
or not.” He tried to sound tough but his nerves were frayed. It wasn’t
something he was used to feeling. In fact, Roger couldn’t remember the last
time he felt scared, frustrated, angry or anxious.
The damp cement tunnel seemed to pull him closer to the heart
of it—into the bowels of no return. Instead of turning around and leaving,
Roger slowly moved deeper into the cavern. It was as if someone or something
else had control over his body. His insatiable curiosity had put him in
troubling situations throughout his life. It contributed to him getting into
deep trouble with a growing rap sheet to prove it.
Most memories had a calming effect on Roger, which had
initiated his fidgeting to cease and his hesitation to subside. He didn’t
understand many people’s fears and phobias, most things were just benign and
didn’t amount to anything remotely scary or debilitating.
There it was again—a dragging sound followed by what he
thought were hushed whispers.
Kids.
He would smack a kid if they jumped out at him or gave him
any crap. Most likely, they were tagging gang symbols and looking to get into
trouble.
There was the distinct sound of two people whispering to each
other.
Roger tried to sharpen his vision but the darkness played
tricks on him with weird shadow figure apparitions. He blinked his eyes quickly
trying to concentrate on the area and where the kids were hiding; his eyes
began to water from the extreme effort. Wiping away the aggravated tears, Roger
felt his surroundings close in tightly around him as his perception changed.
The darkness seemed to give a strange rippled effect.
The voices became louder. There was nothing sinister about
the voices, but they were speaking faster with more of an urgent tone.
“Hey, you little maggots, I know you’re here,” stated Roger.
He stopped and stood still.
The darkness still loomed around him, but there was a quietness
that overcame him.
A brief hundredth of a second, a peculiar whizzing noise
filled Roger’s ears and then a brutal blow struck his head and knocked him off
his feet. With a ringing in his head and a groggy consciousness, he tried to
sit up but more savage blows pummeled his body. It sounded as if a tree
splintered just before it fell in the forest. His breath caught in his lungs.
Everything went dark.
The anonymous whispers stopped.
All buzzing in his ears stopped.
Roger Case’s heart stopped too.
Jennifer Chase is a multi award-winning and best-selling crime
fiction author, as well as a consulting criminologist. Jennifer holds a
bachelor degree in police forensics and a master’s degree in criminology
& criminal justice. These academic pursuits developed out of her
curiosity about the criminal mind as well as from her own experience
with a violent sociopath, providing Jennifer with deep personal
investment in every story she tells. In addition, she holds
certifications in serial crime and criminal profiling. She is an
affiliate member of the International Association of Forensic
Criminologists, and member of the International Thriller Writers.
WEBSITE & SOCIAL LINKS:
WEBSITE | TWITTER | FACEBOOK
Other Books in the Series
Jennifer Chase is a multi award-winning and best-selling crime
fiction author, as well as a consulting criminologist. Jennifer holds a
bachelor degree in police forensics and a master’s degree in criminology
& criminal justice. These academic pursuits developed out of her
curiosity about the criminal mind as well as from her own experience
with a violent sociopath, providing Jennifer with deep personal
investment in every story she tells. In addition, she holds
certifications in serial crime and criminal profiling. She is an
affiliate member of the International Association of Forensic
Criminologists, and member of the International Thriller Writers.
WEBSITE & SOCIAL LINKS:
WEBSITE | TWITTER | FACEBOOK
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