Every Deadly Suspicion Presented by Janice Cantore - A Personal Favorite for 2025

 

Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. 

EPHESIANS 4:31-32 

Why do you pass judgment on your brother? Or you, why do you despise your brother? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God; for it is written, “As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.” So then each of us will give an account of himself to God.

 ROMANS 14:10-12 

What we are, and where we are is God’s providential arrangement—God’s doing, though it may be man’s misdoing; and the manly and the wise way is to look your disadvantages in the face and see what can be made out of them. --WILL SCHWALBE

I don’t want to do him any favors. I don’t want a killer in my home. Everyone should understand that, most of all God.

This book is about Truth and Lies... It's about good and evil... It's about love and hate... It's about...living!

Once again, it was interesting timing that this book was selected from my TBR long list. There was nothing I knew about the book, other than it was... available to acquire... either free or a low price. I don't even remember which... I do know that I have one fault--or blessing--depending on how you look at it. When I see a free book, I automatically get it! I can't seem to stop myself, especially as I recognize that I have NO idea of anything about the book...

Well, folks, this was a winner! Even though you may not understand until the very end... I like that kind of book--do you? That keeps the mystery, the suspense alive, page by page, wondering... Or trying to pick out clues. Well, for me, it was right before the Prologue... There were three references that were provided which are intended to share the thoughts, the reasons, that, perhaps, the author wrote the story. I was hooked immediately, even before I read one word of the book... One flaw in ebooks for me is that the software has been programmed to take the new reader directly to the first page of the book. Me, I prefer to start right at the cover, so I can ponder how that front cover is meant to convey something about the book, preferably an enticing cover that welcomes the potential reader into the world they might enter.

The Prologue was interesting, only for the fact that it introduced some main characters, and which could be misleading as well. Because the first page of the book takes place about 30 years later... where we meet the main character, who from the first day of her birth, she was told lies. Still she was able to reason herself out of those lies, like many of us now are doing, and had learned about God along the way and began her life in giving herself to the community in which she had been scorned by many... A simply fascinating character that you just might like to meet... I would!

Sleep was a phantom for Hanna for most of the night. She dozed here and there between tossing and turning. For the first time that she could remember, she was relieved when the alarm went off. Rubbing her eyes, she threw off the sheet and sat up. Stretching mightily, “Ow, ow, ow” squeaked out when the side she’d bruised yesterday protested painfully. After the stiffness and discomfort eased, in a few minutes, she felt ready to get up and face the day. On Saturday mornings, she’d meet with her best friend, Amanda, for a brisk walk. Mandy lived a block over and would walk to pick up Hanna. She strode into the bathroom, yawning, then rinsed off her face and pulled on her workout gear. The doorbell rang; Mandy was always on time. Hanna grabbed her phone, shoes, and socks and trotted to the front door. “Sorry I’m a tad late,” Hanna said as she pulled the door open. “I didn’t sleep very well.” Mandy stretched. “That’s okay, I’m moving slow this morning myself.” Hanna closed the door and sat on the porch bench to put on her shoes. “Why are you moving slow today? Missing Brody?” Mandy’s husband was a cycling coach, currently riding in Europe with his team. “Yeah, that. But we had a good Zoom call yesterday. What kept me awake is I’m worried about Edda. Losing sleep over it.” Hanna looked up from her laces. “Edda? Why? She’s the most stable, reliable person I know.” “Maybe. But she met some guy online, and I think she’s being bamboozled.” “Online?” Hanna almost laughed, the thought of Edda being caught up in Tinder or Match.com being so absurd. Mandy’s face made the laugh die in her throat. “That doesn’t sound like Edda.” Hanna tied her laces, grabbed her phone, and stood. Mandy leaned against one of the porch pillars, tension stiffening her shoulders. “It doesn’t. Apparently, it’s been going on awhile. I thought she was a little distracted lately. I wished I had pressed her on it awhile ago. But . . .” “You didn’t want to meddle?” “I’m more than her boss. I’m her friend. I should have meddled.” “So, how’d you find out?” “I caught her on the laptop in a chat room. It was like pulling teeth to get her to tell me what was going on. She said the person contacted her on the memorial website she set up for Bobby.” “What were they chatting about?” “At first she thought the guy was struggling with addiction, like Bobby. Now she’s not sure. All she would say was that she thought someone was pretending, and she wanted to find out who it was.” “Pretending?” Hanna slapped her forehead. “Edda sent me an e-mail, said she wanted to talk.” “About what?” “Legal help, I think. I never responded. Right after I read the e-mail, I was interrupted. I forgot all about it.” “Well, talk to her. Her son’s death really hurt. She’s not over it, and if someone got ahold of her online and is trying to take advantage, they need to be stopped. What if she thinks she found Bobby’s dealer?” “Why would you say that?” “No specific reason. I’m just worried. I should have paid more attention.” Hanna took a step and stood next to Mandy. “Agreed. I should have answered her e-mail.” She couldn’t remember the exact wording of the e-mail now. Could Edda have been trying to find the man responsible for Bobby’s death, or was it something more dangerous? “Yeah, I’m hoping you’ll talk to her and maybe look into this guy she’s been conversing with.” “Consider it done. I’ll drop by for a visit after church tomorrow. Ready?” Mandy nodded and together they hopped off the porch. She changed the subject. “I know you had quite a day yesterday. Braden is a handful for any babysitter.” News always traveled fast in Dry Oaks. It was no surprise that Mandy knew about the incident. “Yeah, the boy has endless energy. I hope that accidently falling from a cliff is the extent of his mischievousness.” Falling into step with Amanda, they headed for the local high school to walk the track. Saturday was a light day for both of them. Amanda was an avid cyclist. Hanna’s exercise of choice was running, and a normal run for her was around six miles. To mix it up, on Tuesdays and Thursdays she swam in the local pool. While vigorous exercise always helped clear her head, Saturday was a welcome break. The pleasant easy walk and chat with Mandy helped center Hanna, especially when the workweek had been tough. She was certain she did the same for Mandy. Her friend ran a local crisis pregnancy center, and often Hanna could feel the hurt and sadness radiating from Mandy. Too many young women saw abortion as the only option, and it weighed on Mandy and, to a certain extent, Hanna as well. Saving and protecting the innocent was a central reason she went into law enforcement. This morning, the most pressing thing on Hanna’s mind was Joe. Mandy was more than Hanna’s friend. She and her grandparents were family to Hanna. Joe murdered Mandy’s parents. How could his probable release not affect her? Hanna wasn’t certain how to broach the subject. “Braden only suffered a broken arm?” Mandy asked. “Yeah, besides that, just bumps and bruises. He got lucky.” “Did he say how he ended up on the ledge?” “Chasing the dog, who was chasing a squirrel. Cassidy couldn’t keep up.” “Hmph.” For a few minutes, they walked in companionable silence. Hanna had the sense that something was on Mandy’s mind. Was it still Edda? “Sounds like there is more to follow,” Hanna said. “Yeah, but it doesn’t make sense. It’s certainly not a Christian thought. It’s the Buckleys. Well, it seems sometimes as if they are cursed.” “Cursed?” Mandy waved her hand. “I know, I know, we don’t believe in curses. But so much tragedy for that family. First Chase, then Chase’s son, then Braden’s mother, then Scott . . .” “As a law enforcement officer, I could say there is nothing cursed about it. Just a lot of bad life decisions and unfortunate situations. Chase hung with the wrong crowd, his son was an unfortunate victim of a motorcycle accident, and Braden’s mother never had both feet on the ground—” “Okay, okay, I hate it when you get all official and pragmatic on me. Whatever the reason, it’s sad. And I hope this tumble is the worst thing that happens to Braden for a good long time.” They started their first lap around the track. Hanna could never do this boring type of workout without Mandy. “Speaking of bad things and curses,” Hanna began, “I got a strange visit yesterday.” “Visit? From whom?” “The Department of Corrections.” “What?” Mandy stopped, and so did Hanna, a couple of feet ahead of her. She turned back. “Did he die?” Mouth half open, Hanna looked at her friend. Was there hope in that question or sorrow? She shook her head. “Not yet. But he is dying. Cancer. They want to grant him compassionate parole.” Mandy frowned. “Huh? What is that, how would it work?” Hanna shrugged and started walking again, and Mandy hurried to catch up. “They want to send him to me. On hospice.” “You’re kidding.” “I wish I was. My answer is no. I’m too busy. Running a PD means I’m at work most of the time, for heaven’s sake. I don’t even have time for a dog. Besides, he’s really nothing to me.” Mandy grabbed her arm and they stopped again. “Don’t tell them no, Hanna. Don’t.” “What? Why not?” “Because. He’s at the end. Maybe he’ll finally do the right thing and tell me where my parents are.” Hanna saw desperate hope in her friend’s eyes. Surprise hit like a blow. “Wow.” “What?” “I never looked at it that way, from your perspective. I—” The sound of a car pulling into the school parking lot stopped her. It was a county car. Nathan. That he was here, now, meant not-good news. Mandy jerked around and followed her gaze. “I sincerely hope he just misses you.” Nathan got out and walked toward them. He looked tired. His clothes were rumpled, and the shadow of a beard darkened his jawline. Hanna bet he’d not been to sleep yet. “Good morning. I thought I’d find you two here,” he said as he approached. “What gives? You look like you’re the bearer of bad news.” Hanna tried to keep her tone light even as her stomach turned. He nodded, expression grim. “Afraid I am.” He looked away from Hanna, and his voice softened. “Mandy, we found a body last night. Another woman.” Nathan took a deep breath. “There is no easy way to say this. It was Edda.” “Huh?” Hanna felt as if all breath left her body. Auntie Edda? The pain she felt was real and ragged, but she held on to her emotions and watched the color drain from Mandy’s face. Reflexively, she reached out and gripped her friend’s elbow. “You’re sure?” Mandy asked, voice soft, unsteady. “As sure as I can be. I talked to her enough. I know her son is gone. Is there any other family I need to notify? News agencies were all over the scene. I don’t want any of her family to find out from a news broadcast.” Mandy shook her head. “Her husband passed a while ago. She spoke of a niece in another state, but how close they were, I’m not certain.” Her voice broke, and Hanna felt for her friend. Then Mandy seemed to brace herself and swallow the tears. “I know who did it.” She folded her arms, anger rapidly replacing grief. “I tried to warn her. It’s a guy she met online. Someone named Diego.” 

~~~

Hanna was the town sheriff, duly elected, which was probably the strangest thing if you didn't get to know the town and who they might vote for. Because Hanna's father was in jail for murder... But Hanna was being born on the day that a fire destroyed a meth lab and people were killed, injured, and, ultimately, Joe had confessed to it all...

What was worse was that he had planned on one last batch to have sufficient funds--he wanted to get married and welcome his child into the world with a somewhat "clean" slate... That plan never had a chance...

To make matters worse for Hanna, she had fallen in love in high school with Jared, who had even asked her to get married... thing is, he wanted to take her out into the world--and all that jazz that young boys want to do. Hanna wanted to stay in her home town, a place that had accepted her, where she felt safe... welcomed in her church and in her community. Jared left...and broke her heart... It was obvious that she saw it as just another way she could be hurt by... men... She was just now getting to know another law officer and was at least willing to see how things might go... But it was obvious that his feelings were much stronger than Hanna's. Especially when Jared came back to town, when his father died....

By that time, the truth of the past started to unwind...

Women are disappearing, seemingly having met somebody on a dating site. There was a major fire in the area--her resources were called to that catastrophe. Hanna was being sued by a former employee who was shocked when she was actually voted in as sheriff... And his misogyny couldn't accept that she was able to fire him... And he became very vocal about it around town...

That was easy to do, because there was one man who decided he was meant to spread the news in his town, whether or not it was actually true wasn't relevant. After all, he had published a book... And apparently most people in town had read the book... It was the "real" story of what happened on the night when Hanna's father had murdered people and disfigured one of the sons of the most influential family in town. Rumors were out that he was beginning to write a book from the family whose two sons had been most affected by the murder night years ago...

And even more was to be faced by Hanna... Those who controlled the prison system, had developed a program to try to lower the numbers of people in the jails. One of the options was to allow those prisoners with good records but who were now near natural death, to go home... Home? They wanted Hanna to accept a man she had never met into her home? No Way! She thought she had forgiven him, in God's name...but... 

And then she talked to her best friend who had stood with her all her life. And, for the first time learned that her father supposedly murdered her parents and got rid of their bodies. She asked Hanna to agree to accept Joe into her home, so she could talk to him and see if he would tell her, finally, where their bodies were located so they, too, could be finally with their families... Hanna gave in and soon Joe was in a hospital bed, with 24-7 hospice care, in her guest bedroom...

Fortunately, the work of the sheriff didn't ever stop, so she was able to leave him there and proceed with her life... NOT...

This is an action-packed book in some ways; in others it is a book to contemplate about the primary issues we have--the difference between Truth and Lies... And what harm can be brought about through the use of lies to get what greed requires... This one became a personal favorite, for many reasons... But the main reason is the writer's ability to tell a much-needed story and still allow readers to participate in the issues displayed... Kudos!

GABixlerReviews

Nic Saint Presents The Mysteries of Max Series - First Three Books

 

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“Aw, she looks so sweet,”

Just then, Dooley wandered into the room. Dooley is Odelia’s mom’s cat, a beigeish ragamuffin and not the smartest cat around. He’s also my best friend. “Hey, Max,” he said now as he leisurely strode in. “What’s up?” “What’s not up is the more apt question,” I grumbled, gesturing at Odelia, who turned and clasped her pillow with a beatific expression on her face.

“Aw, she looks so sweet,” said Dooley, looking on from the 

My name is Max, by the way

bedside carpet. “We’ve got an important interview scheduled in an hour, and if she doesn’t get a move on she’s going to miss it.” “One hour? She can make that. Easy.” “Well, unless she gets up right now she won’t,” I insisted. And then I got it. Maybe we could serenade her. Dooley and I had recently joined the cat choir. We got together once a week to rehearse, and even had our own conductor. We sang all the old classics, like Cat’s in the Cradle, Year of the Cat, What’s New Pussycat and things like that. The good stuff. Since we usually practiced at night, though, we were having a hard time finding a regular spot to get together since the neighbors didn't seem to

appreciate our nascent talent as much as we did. “What was that song we did last night?” I asked Dooley. He looked up at me. “Mh? What song?” “For the cat choir. What was that last song we did? The one that made the mayor throw that old shoe at you?” Dooley frowned at this, and rubbed the spot on his back where the shoe had connected. 

“That wasn’t funny, Max. That really hurt, you know.” “Yeah, but what was the song?” I insisted. “Wake me up before you go go,” he said. “The old Wham! classic.” “Of course,” I said with a grin. “Let’s do it now. I’m sure it’ll be a nice way to wake Odelia up, and put her in the right mood for her interview.” I jumped down from the bed, and took up position next to Dooley. We both cleared our throats, just like our conductor Shanille, Father Reilly’s tabby had taught us, and burst into song...

Odelia

“Wake me up before you go go,” I howled. “Don’t keep me hanging on like a yo-yo,” wailed Dooley. And even though we hadn’t practiced the song a lot—the mayor’s shoe had kinda ruined the moment—I thought we were doing a pretty good job. It probably wouldn’t have carried George Michael’s approval, as cats don’t exactly sing like humans. When we sing, it sounds more like… a bunch of cats being strangled. Nevertheless, the effect was almost magical. We hadn’t even gotten to the chorus yet, when Odelia buried her head in her pillow, then dragged the pillow over her head, and finally threw the pillow at us. “Stop it already, you guys. You sound horrible!" she muttered. "It's Wham!,” I told her. “So it can’t be horrible. And if you don’t get up right this minute, you’re going to be late for your important interview.” At this, she darted a quick look at her alarm clock, and uttered a startled yelp. The next moment she scrambled from the bed, practically tripped over Dooley and me, and raced for the bathroom. “Sh... “Why didn’t you wake me?!”

Odelia is the lead "human" in this series, The Mysteries of Max, by Nic Saint. However, the true main character is Max, who appears on each book cover. This is the first time reading Saint, so I started with the first three bundle set. I enjoyed meeting each of the cat characters, with the top three, besides Max, Douley and Hester who are part of the family, as pets to Odelia's mother and grandmother. 

Odelia is a reporter, or I should say, the only reporter, for the local newspaper, the Gazette, in Hamilton Cove. She is also from a long line of female family members who are able to speak, Cat. So, many times, it is actually Max who chases the stories down and presents them to Odelia for inclusion in the news. Additionally, Odelia's uncle, is the local police chief, who shares anything and everything about all official police issues of importance. But one key gift that Odelia has is that she is able to use all the information she gains from this place or that, and is able to put together a terrific story of interest to town residents.

Especially, since a murder recently occurred that was the first in town in recent memory... 

But that is not the only thing that has occurred, a new detective has been hired by her uncle! And he is not happy to have a local reporter having complete access to his investigations!

What's worse, for Max and Dooley, that is, is that he has a cat, Brutus, living with him! And Brutus proves to be just as macho in his opinions as the new officer, Chase Kingsley. Rumors are flying quickly about Brutus because he is not only a bully, but has set his eyes on the beautiful Harriett! And she is responding to his attentions! Dooley, of course, has been in love with her for ages, so is immediately upset, while Max is much more concerned about how he is attempting to take over the town as the new "cop cat..." 

Harriett

Brutus

Now, here's the thing for me... This series has about 50 books, so, assuming I would be interested in the entire series, I started from the beginning... Indeed, I was prepared to enjoy a new series that I had not heard of... As many of you know, I've been reading cat mystery books for about 20 years now... And I hadn't found a book that I didn't enjoy... Until now...

First, I realized after finishing the third book, that they could be what has been called, 

formula writing... Note that I don't know whether this changed later, but I had already made my decision after three books. The books are long on characterization, without much of a plot. Each book brings in somebody from outside the community--notably somewhat famous and then a murder occurs. 

The first book was a writer, who turned up dead after many years resting in the remains...in an outhouse... 

The second was the murder of the "star" of a reality show. All of the family characters were there... It wasn't even disguised much, for surely the family was the Kardashians...

The third was a pop singer--I figured out who it probably was, but since the star was supposedly drugging and sexing all night every night... I won't designate who...

In any event, I found that dwelling on the negative aspects of who we might be "fans" of, felt...just...wrong. And, frankly, it doesn't take much ingenuity to select who was going to be the next victim, and then do a satire of the real-life individuals...

As if, garnering laughs was to be the main thrust of the victims... Frankly, since I'm not known for my sense of humor based upon "trashing" the image of anybody, I was turned off by the exaggerated portrayals... To me, that whole decision to dwell on somebody who could be identified from the book is way outside of the common "cozy" genre that we all love to escape into...

Additionally, the second book had really bad formatting issues, so much so that I had to begin to guess what had been said since you could tell that the transfer of the manuscript into ebook form had been extremely mishandled... BTW, I tried to get a refund on this book and haven't heard anything. By buying a set, you risk missing the short deadline that Amazon has for returning books, even though, in this case, it was natural to read the first book first!

Finally, I was offended by the characterization of an elder in the book as being more like a "cougar" of an age which could be caused by the onset of memory issues. It was ok for a grandmother to declare the new police officer a hottie in order to tease her single granddaughter... But when this is belabored, just to produce a laugh? I found it lacking in good taste. Frankly as was much of the satire of supposed stars who visited this well-known area...

I was also offended by the details of cat life in general. Some was funny, like the cat choir, who were annoying all the neighbors, but, for me, a cat person, to include how cats spend grooming or greeting each other simply was not necessary. Even cats deserve privacy...and this author did nothing to give any of his characters somewhat of a "mystery" to be learned, little by little as the series continued. And pitting two cats against each other in order to supposedly solve the mystery was overkill in my opinion... Cats activities dominating books and I'm not impressed? Well, that just means that I value the mysteries and how they are written much more than trying to win a following by lack of respect and common courtesy... So, just my personal opinion, of course...

I won't be binging on this series...There are too many others out there that provide exactly the right balance between the animal and people characters...and the mystery solving... Having cats "tell", after hearing as "confidential informants,"  the amateur detective and/or official police officers, is "cheating" in my opinion... Else, it really isn't a mystery--just a fantasy of a tattle-tale group of cats who happen to have a "witch" as an owner... Naah...

Some Books Have to be Written - If Only for Revenge... A. K. Kuykendall Writes Horror Story Based Upon Reality

Based upon True Story

Foreword... 
I write this for those children harmed, and the adults that used to be those children harmed, at the hands of pedophile priests. Believe me, I know that there are some stories too scary to fathom, too excruciating to ever have experienced, and too horrible for anyone to ever dare seek to give that horror an audience. Yet I dared to write of one such experience in my own visceral way—my writing, the furthest thing from pusillanimous. 
My hope is to shine the spotlight on these ongoing atrocities, even as the Vatican continues to spend the wealth they’ve amassed in an attempt to find some semblance of normalcy amongst the chaos—which they themselves caused by wholly ignoring the cries of the babies their priests keep hurting. 
My objective was to provide just a bit of relief for those of you who’ve been able to recover from your individual trials and tribulations. For those of you who’ve yet to cope with your own horrid experiences, I hoped to ignite the healing process by first helping you understand the simple truth: this type of evil has existed since the dawn of Man. Sadly, it continues today. It seems the Vatican is unwilling, or unable, to put a stop to it. 
Evil like that always lurks in places it shouldn’t, even if not as openly as with the Roman Catholic Church. More importantly, I censure the whole of the Holy See and the central government of the Roman Catholic Church. Child sexual abuse has occurred throughout their existence, and their subsequent cover-ups have been positively shameful. 
Still, the truth of these acts became common knowledge in the 20th and 21st centuries. Yes, the proverbial cup finally runneth over. 
Now, Catholic priests, nuns, and members of the Roman Catholic Order are being hit with numerous allegations, investigations, trials, and convictions—seems like wall-to-wall coverage at times—and the church is paying billions to settle damning claims around the world. 
I felt my own calling in all of this: to shame every one of these pedophile priests, and their perverted crime enablers, in the only way I knew how to do it—speaking truth to power through the art of unhindered storytelling on your behalf. 
I hope this peerless message catches fire, one so big their money will not be able to douse its flames. 
~ A.K. Kuykendall

At the time of this first of many assaults, I’d been in the midst of giving a confession. I was seven years old, enamored with the teachings of the church, hoping to become the best altar boy I could possibly be. After all, the Holy Name Cathedral stood as a rock in our community, and our family had long worshiped there. 

My friends and I, since we could remember, had high aspirations for serving in the church. One-by-one, we achieved our goals. On that blessed day, after we heard Mass and received the sacrament, all our names had been etched into a stone featuring the pulchritude of Saint Tarcisius—the patron saint of altar servers. As with the others, my name bulged on the tablet: Reinhold Commons Webster. Collectively, we were ecstatic. 

Though my desire to be closer to the power of God took precedence over all things, I had carved out space for my friends, my love of books and reading, and my odd fascination with bugs. Indeed, I’d hoped to one day be an entomologist. 

My parents, however, had different ideas. They wanted me to become a priest someday. They were devout patrons who’d regularly go door-to-door raising money for the church, and this, perhaps, is what routinely caused them to disregard my every impassioned plea. 

Shortly after the initial incident, I informed them through a stream of tears and in excruciating detail, what the priest had done to me. Yet when they responded with such disappointment and fury, I immediately recanted my story. My father gave me a severe beating for “the lie.” 

At the following Sunday Mass, I was hauled to the front of the cathedral and, in front of all my friends and the entire community, I was shamed not only by both my parents, but also by the very priest who had sexually assaulted me. The community as a whole had put this particular priest on a goddamn pedestal. He had such a hold on the community that, during that Sunday Mass, the assemblage witnessed his flamboyant forgiveness of me. 

Furthermore, despite my now-recanted accusation, he refused to remove me as one of the altar boys. Instead, and to further layer his disreputable subterfuge, he informed them that, from that day forward, I was not only going to continue in my role as an altar boy, but that I would serve solely at his side. 

This garnered a standing ovation by the congregation. 

As the applause roared, I saw the unmistakably doleful glances of my friends and fellow Acolytes, as they stood clean but sullied in their ecclesiastical vestments. We knew the truth in more ways than anyone could fathom. Our collective fear, shame, and guilt had stained our young lives, but we were altogether disquieted at the lack of interest displayed by our families—by anyone that might help us, for that matter. 

As if abandoned, we were left at the mercy of the church we were so proud to have grown up in, the church we so enthusiastically wanted to serve as altar boys—the very church in which we suffered our humiliating abuse. 

***

They spread the word--red buttons was their warning...Each would know to run and hide. But after the young altar boy had tried to tell his parents, and they had taken him to the altar that next Sunday, in front of the congregation and the very priest who had assaulted him, none of them felt safe and knew there was no hope--from anybody.

Now, he, as well as his best friend, were to be targeted. They were driven away from the church, not knowing where they were going or whether they would return. They arrived at the priest's apartment, after having other priests watch them walk out with their offender and get into the car. All of them had a look in their eyes that only came at certain times--the boys felt it was the evil that came for them...

Christoph died that day and was tossed aside to the floor. I had been forced to watch... And as he climbed on top of me, I whispered, "Lord?" staring at Christoph's body...I was 13 at the time. And had whispered hundreds of prayers to God over the years, just as my friends surely did. Why didn't God help, at least...

My body now numb, I closed my eyes and said, “Lord—” 

“Lord?” A voice—deep, slow, and calm—interrupted from in front of me, where Christoph lay dead on the sheets. “Your lord is not going to do anything for you, child. He is too busy sitting on his ass and ignoring the needs of his faithful followers. I will not ignore you, I promise. What you need is someone who will help you now. You need me.” 

I opened my eyes and witnessed Christoph lying casually beside me, his head raised and a hand propped up on his chin. I quickly jerked my hand away from him. 

“Who are you?”

 “Someone who can give you satisfaction—punish that pedophile. I can make him answer for killing your beloved friend, Christoph...

~~~

As the author said in his Foreword,  he felt a calling to write this short book for those who are suffering, who have suffered...with a hope that they can find solace from the words in this book. In today's world, things like this are becoming more and more public and those guilty are being identified. Money has changed hands in courts. But is that enough to take away the harm that was done to each child?

The horror of the first boy killed expands into a true fight to overcome evil. It is hard to read, yet, somehow mesmerizing as punishment for what has been done is performed. 

The battle between good and evil is happening right now... This author has spoken on behalf of the young boys who have used God's church to abuse, with no thought of stopping... Sometimes, supernatural events must handle what many refuse to acknowledge...

I was one of the first readers for Aaron many years ago and have found each book a fantastic adventure. This is the first short with a cultural issue and I must say, I am impressed in his ability to merge facts and fiction to present a horror story that certainly makes us cringe--just as we do every time we hear of a child in the hands of a pedophile...

Given what I have shared and perhaps through other excerpts or reviews, you will know whether you should read this book. I think the best word I can use to describe my own response is--relief--relief that another small child has been saved from the torment of those practicing pedophilia...  You choose on this one, but I do recommend it... It's an important issue we must continue to face! And act to rid it from the world!

GABixlerReviews

A.K. KUYKENDALL was born in Albany, Georgia, but grew up as a military brat on the Kaneohe Bay Marine Corps Base Hawaii (MCBH), and later at the Camp Lejeune Marine Corps Base in Jacksonville, North Carolina. He is married to Magdiel Kuykendall (the love of his life) and, together, they are the proud parents of three sons—Felix, Kal-El, and Jor-El—two of whom are legally named after the Kryptonian House of El due to the author’s affinity for the story of Superman. He’s a corporate executive chef by trade, but his true passion in life is writing thought-
provoking novels that blend the concepts of fact and fiction.

His writing career has been heavily inspired and influenced by Rod Serling and his classic ‘60s television series, The Twilight Zone, and by The Mercury Theatre’s October 30, 1938 broadcast of “The War of the Worlds” over the Columbia Broadcasting System radio. He was then and still is wholly enthralled with the way these two examples showcased ordinary people in extraordinary situations. He especially loved the remarkable plot twists common to The Twilight Zone stories, and the fright manifested by H.G. Wells.

When he’s not writing, he finds comfort in heading out to the golf course with his son and golf partner, Jor-El, where they altogether embarrass themselves on the fairway. He both creates and resides in Ruskin, Florida.

To view his complete biography, please visit his website, where “truth reads through fiction.” @ https://www.thewriterofbooks.com/the-biography-of-novelist-a-k-kuykendall/.

R. D. Murray Debuts With Page-Turner - My Dead Blue Caterpillar!

Karen had met her one true love in high school and they'd been married ever since. Karen did everything for him--when he came home, she had dinner ready and waiting, got up early to iron his clothes so that by the time he would leave for work, he looked great. And his smile and loving goodbye held her throughout the day...

Until it didn't. Harold had isolated Karen--she hadn't seen her family for three years. That wouldn't have been so bad, except Harold worked constantly and Karen was often alone...and lonely.

Meet Karen

and

 Good Karen and Bad Karen

It’s funny, just looking at him reminds me of how great a night we had and how horrible I feel this morning. Harold is like alcohol. He goes down so nice and easy, you can have the time of your life, but when it wears off, you’re reminded of your pain. Shit, you might even vomit on yourself, 
but I love alcohol and I love Harold.
~~~

...I remember sneaking off with him and fooling around on the roof of the school that night. We were so scandalous as teenagers. I think to myself now, what the hell were we doing? But then there is a part of me that says, I wish we could hold onto those days now. I miss those days. 

I don’t know what happened last night, but Harold made me feel like that young girl again. That girl he so eagerly wanted. He brought those feelings back at least for one night. The way we made love last night was so amazing, but this is not who we are. We are not the same people anymore. 

In our early thirties, we have become something else. We have become animals in our own right. I guess I can’t think of the good without the bad creeping in. You see, I’ve been fighting with two personalities in my brain for some time now. One wants me to die while the other wants me to live. They always interfere with each other. One thinks with evil intent while the other has a lot of good in her, even though I think she’s bad as well at times. Let’s say she’s the least of the two evils. Just don’t let her hear you say that. 

I call the two parts of me Good Karen, and Bad Karen. I wake up every day wondering which personality will win. I know it sounds crazy, but that’s who I am. I love my husband so much, but I feel like he is slowly fueling the fire. He is feeding the badness in me. I love him dearly, but he is the one ruining my life.

As I gaze at this cover, I realize how much it represents this very unique debut by R. D. Murray. Karen, the main character, is hidden from life by her husband, who she loves dearly. But when left alone so much, she begins to dwell mostly on internal conversations, trying to understand how she got this life, when she loves her husband so much...

We all have both good and bad tendencies in our human nature. But once Karen realizes that her isolation is not what her life should be, she begins to look toward some answer, some way to change how her life has evolved... You see, Harold trusts Karen. She has followed whatever he has said and done whatever he said...until...until she is no longer willing to be the silent member of the marriage. She starts by going into his home office, where she has never been before...

What she finds there is immediately understandable... Harold has a book of women's names and addresses--with notes about some of them, perhaps saying she is his favorite, or other thoughts...

“THE BEST WAY TO GET REVENGE IS A LITTLE BIT TODAY, A LITTLE MORE TOMORROW, AND A WHOLE LOT EVERY DAY AFTER THAT.”

Kill Bill was mentioned in the book, and it was easy to see the correlation for what happens as Karen discovers that not only does her husband have one mistress...he has many! Bad Karen was quick to tell her to kill him, or kill herself to get away from him (which she often tried to get her to do)... but Good Karen would talk about her life, telling her to find that independent, special woman that she had been before being not only subordinated by her husband but also his not being faithful!

Karen wanted revenge--the question was how was she going to get it?

Karen had decided what to do, but she could not ever have expected what secrets started to be revealed. I began, like eating a potato chip, for which it is always said that you can't eat just one...I read the book in one setting, but the taste of the book is not easily swallowed and enjoyed. Karen had decided on revenge, but discovering just what her husband was involved with, related to violence, criminal activities, and the betrayals she discovered were overwhelming... Actually downright disgusting. Her drive for revenge grew...

I wondered about the potential connection between a serial cheating husband and whether there is an evolutionary movement into criminal activities. And then, at the end, with still another surprise, Harold begins talking about Good Karen and Bad Karen... I admit that I felt deprived as the book ended...I wanted to proceed on with the story, refusing that it was possibly ending as it was in the last few pages...

The book will not be for everybody, so make sure you read sufficient information/reviews to decide you want to read the book. In many ways, I felt the book was aimed more at women than men, although the next book may prove me wrong. Many women are purposely left in a vacuum of loneliness by a husband who supposedly works many hours. Karen, instead of thinking through the situation that had been created by her marriage, had allowed it to fester, internally believing that love was enough to keep herself happy... But love without a responsive feedback soon festers and breeds unhappiness and...possibly...contempt...

Murray presents a dark drama that is, at first, unbelievable, and even mind-boggling. No, it's not a realistic tale, nor is it totally fantasy. Some may think that the activities of Harold are overkill. In fact, each of the activities with which Harold was involved are now happening all over the world, in one way or another. Sexual exploits and Human trafficking are just examples, horrible to consider, but worse in the reality. The author creates a world in which Harold, along with like-minded individuals, live to respond to their own desires and their thirst for money and power, caring not about anybody who is hurt by their actions. Even the bright spot of the introduction of a police officer became a dark scene... as he too faces one of the common crises happening today.

Yet, Karen's responses seemed to be right--Good and Bad Karen was rarely considered. Had Karen gained sufficient courage and strength to ensure what needed to be done, was done? You may want to wait until the next book is out before reading the debut, but I do highly recommend you read this first book. It is an important book, but does need the second one to be a satisfactory read. Still, this is a story like no other, amazing, gut-wrenching, and yet...it is almost compulsively to be consumed...  I've followed the author on Amazon so I will know when the next book is ready! I was that impressed with it... 

GABixlerReviews

R.D. Murray was born and raised in Harlem, New York. He has written for Alfred Hitchcock magazine and has a Bachelor's Degree in cultural arts from Empire State College. His love of writing thrillers, mysteries and suspense novels has translated into an explosive debut novel.

Forensics Expert D. P. Lyle's Award-Winning Run to Ground Zaps Readers With Surprise After Surprise!

"I can still smell him." Martha Foster inhaled deeply and closed her eyes.
"Tim stood just inside the doorway and looked down at his wife. She sat on the enge of their son's bed, eyes moist, chin trembling, as were the fingers that clutched the navy-blue Tommy Hilfiger sweatshirt to her chest. It had been Steven's favorite. He had slept in it every night the first month, until Martha finally pried it away long enough to run it through the wash...
"Martha shifted her weight and twisted toward photos. She laid the sweatshirt aside and reached out, lightly touching an image of Steven's face. The trembling of her delicate fingers increased. She said nothing for a moment and then, "I'm taking these."
"Tim walked to where she sat and pulled her to him, her cheek nestling against his chest, her tears soaking through his tee shirt. He kissed the top of her head.
"He's gone," Martha said. "Everything's gone. Or will be..."
"Tim touched her cheek, catching a stray tear with his thumb. "It'll be okay. Keep the pictures." He walked to Steven's desk, lifted the uniform from the back of the chair, and returned to her side. "The uniform, too."
"His uniform?" She took it from him as a sob escaped her throat. "He was so proud of it." She swallowed hard and then dabbed her eyes with her shirtsleeve. Her voice broke as she asked, "Are you sure?"
"I'm sure... But nothingelse. Nothing that leads back here. This life is over. Finished. Tomorrow night Tim and Martha Foster no longer exist..."

~~~

Run to Ground

By D. P. Lyle

WINNER, 2013 BENJAMIN FRANKLIN SILVER AWARD

Mystery/Suspense Category

FINALIST, 2012 USA BEST BOOK AWARD 

Thriller/Adventure Category

This was my first time reading D. P. Lyle... He had me puzzled right from the beginning. First he announced the planning for murder and the relocation of the individuals to another state. Then immediately introduced his main character, Dub Walker, who would be involved in the investigation.

I was immediately antsy...

Was it going to be as simple as that? Where was the suspense, the mystery... How was I going to become personally involved with this book if I didn't have a handle on where the writer was going? Well, this new author, for me, kept me like that for quite some time... Getting more impatient... In fact, I never did "understand" who did what, until the author shared it! You know what that means...

This author really does keep his readers in suspense, waiting, wondering... I was soon turning the pages faster and faster! And the surprises didn't stop until the very end! Cool, right?

"A ragged red blossom erupted on Whitiker's back.
His body jerked. He staggered back a step. Then
another. He spun slowly toward me, surprise in his
eyes... I looked at Claire. She too took a step back,
eyes wide. A spatter of red on her right cheek. I
tried to move toward her, but my feet seemed frozen
and heavy. Everything slowed. I saw the gathered
crowd scatter, many of them dropping to the ground,
others running. Lots of screaming, but the voices
seemed muffled as if cotton filled my ears.
"Then I was moving, toward Claire, looking for
some sign that she had been hit. My ears cleared
and sharp screams came from every direction. I
reached Claire, wrapped my arms around her, and
pulled her tightly against me. I sput so that I was
between her and the direction the shot must have
come from. The microphone fell from her hand..."
~~~

I knew the premise was that a young boy had been killed by a pedophile and the parents of Steven were also now being harassed by this man who was in jail...  The lead in to the story was "What would you do if someone brutally murdered your only child?"

Then readers learn that the family were active Christians... What would...Christian parents do...became the question...
I think most of us immediately go to "an eye for an eye!" but...

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0088612/

At the same time, I was trying to become acquainted with Dub--after all, he's the star of the series.  Normally, those who have played in TV roles come to my mind--Mike Hammer, Spenser, Ducky on NCIS... You see, Dub keeps the conversation going, seems kind of laid-back... then throws in a zinger about his ex-wife once in awhile... I was enjoying the zingers, especially since Claire is still in Dub's life quite a bit, even though no longer married. You know the story, "we love each other, but just can't live together..." That's Claire and Dub and I found I enjoyed the relationship very much. Once Again Spenser and his psychiatrist girlfriend, Susan, again came to mind... Do you ever do that? I love being able to hear the voice of one of my favorite characters in my mind as I read about a new similar individual...

Actually, Claire is a journalist and is often with him to gain a story! In this one, she was interviewing the convicted Whitiker at the same time he was shot!

A third individual makes the trio that travel together. T-Tommy is the police officer on the case. That name was used just by Dub, I hope! But they certainly had a grand time when the three got together. In fact, I was shocked with how they treated the Fosters after the extensive time it took them to track them... BTW, it looked quite easy to track down somebody who is trying to create a new life. My guess is it was because they really weren't criminals! After all, they had been very active in a Baptist church...and one of the things they did was to find a Baptist church so they could get married! Duh!

Along the way, Dub is explaining to readers about the steps used in tracking the couple, which is informative, especially for we innocents who don't know these things! Bottom line is, if you are really serious about a new life--nothing, I mean, nothing can stay the same for you!

One key individual who came on the scene was DJ, the brother of Whitiker! He was there just as his brother was pronounced dead and immediately began blaming everybody, especially T-Tommy who had first arrested his brother. Then DJ hires a good private investigator to find the Fosters. If the cops don't go after them, he was going to!

This is a very informative book from an expert in forensics so readers will be learning details but what changed me from an antsy to an avid fan was the zap surprises that started, and never stopped! When it comes to writers, you just never know where their minds will move! Of course, the one big question that each reader would face is, "What would you do?" We'd all like to think we aren't violent...but...


GABixlerReviews

Douglas P. Lyle, MD is the Macavity and Benjamin Franklin Silver Award winning and Edgar, Agatha, Anthony, Scribe, and USA Best Book Award nominated author of many non-fiction books as well as numerous works of fiction, including the SAMANTHA CODY and DUB WALKER thriller series and the ROYAL PAINS media tie-in novels. His essay on Jules Verne’s THE MYSTERIOUS ISLAND appears in THRILLERS: 100 MUST READS and his short story “Even Steven” in ITW’s anthology THRILLER 3: LOVE IS MURDER.

He has worked with many novelists and with the writers of popular television shows such as Law & Order, CSI: Miami, Diagnosis Murder, Monk, Judging Amy, Peacemakers, Cold Case, House, Medium, Women’s Murder Club, 1-800-Missing, The Glades, and Pretty Little Liars

He was born and raised in Huntsville, Alabama where his childhood interests revolved around football, baseball, and building rockets in his backyard. The latter pursuit was common in Huntsville during the 1950’s and 60’s due to the nearby NASA/Marshall Space Flight Center.

After leaving Huntsville, he attended college, medical school, and served an internship at the University of Alabama; followed by a residency in Internal Medicine at the University of Texas at Houston; then a Fellowship in Cardiology at The Texas Heart Institute, also in Houston. For the past 35 years, he has practiced Cardiology in Orange County, California. Read more on his web site!

The Writer’s Forensics Blog

FORENSIC COMMENTS FOR WRITERS FROM D. P. LYLE, MD

Emerald Barnes Dramatizes Event Anybody Could Have...

.

 Jonathan brought up the internet browser and found Kandi’s social networking site again.  He didn’t know why he was so curious, but he felt like he had to keep tabs on her.  She didn’t deserve...  

The status on her site read “had a crappy day and am ready for bed. Maybe tomorrow will be better.”  He laughed out loud.  At least he had succeeded in ruining her day.  He wished her another bad one.  Friday, he would make sure he made her miserable again.  But what could he do?  Call her out for an answer, hoping she didn’t know it?  He would figure something out.  At least her misery was making him feel a little better.  Nothing else on her profile had changed except for her talking to a few friends.  It looked more like catching up.  No one asked her about her bad day except for that Jimmy fellow.  She only answered with, “I’ll text you.”  

He wondered what had been said between the two.  He navigated to Jimmy’s profile in hopes to see something important.   From what he could tell, Jimmy was a cop and madly in love with Kandi.  She was plastered all over his page, and every picture he had was pretty much of her.  There were a few with him and some other friends, but that was it.  He could tell by the way he looked at her that she was the most important person in his life, but they weren’t dating.  She did look at him with those same puppy dog eyes he looked at her with.  It made him nauseous.  She didn’t deserve that kind of happiness. ..

Barnes, Emerald (2011-02-22). Piercing Through the Darkness (Kindle Locations 1057-1076).  . Kindle Edition. 

Piercing Through the Darkness

By Emerald Barnes


One of the advantages of ebooks is that more novellas are able to be published with no problem. Although not as detailed, this story did not need to be longer. The author covered an important theme and did it well--with no need to embellish...

Kandi had signed up at the last minute to get into the class, so she was sitting in the back, but needing to catch up... Unfortunately, the instructor seemed unhappy with getting another student--or else he was just not in a good mood. And he seemed to stay that way, even humiliating her in front of the other students...

She wished she could spend some time with Jimmy, her best friend (and more if she would admit it to herself) but she could at least text him and share when she was feeling bad...

Jonathan couldn't believe that she had signed up for his class! How dare she?! What he couldn't understand is why she seemed as if she didn't even know him...Now he would have to deal with her daily. Should he request a change? But the deadline was now past...

Well, he wasn't going to make it easy for her...

This is a story of love, hate, revenge, and, ultimately forgiveness.

There is much that can be considered; much to learn...

Because you or a loved one could very easily face the same situation!

I was impressed with the role Jimmy took, not only as a police officer, but as Kandi's friend. He was willing to press for the truth, knowing that this was the most important step in trying to help resolve what was happening.

But it was too late...

Jonathan had been living with this for over a year. Now he had to do what he'd wanted for so long...

Dare I say that this should be shared with young adults especially? But we all have things that must be faced, don't we? This story may help many pierce through that darkness... A dramatization of possible events that take place everywhere and can happen to anyone... Don't miss it...


GABixlerReviews

My name is Emerald, and I have been a writer for around seven years now.  I have attended college and gotten a B.A. in English with an emphasis on creative writing.  A degree doesn’t make you a writer.  That I can assure you of, but the writing classes I took did help.  It’s all about the experience.   Just like with everything else, practice makes perfect.  You just have to write.

I am doing this so I can share my ideas, stories, poems, etc with everyone. Writing is a true passion of mine.  I like to live different lives by inventing different characters.  I have always loved to read and live life through those characters.  I thought it would be fun and interesting to write, so others could live vicariously through my characters.

I, also, want to share my ideas on writing and the lessons I’ve learned along my journey as a writer that still continues on to this day and hopefully in the very distant future.