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Torment – A Harper Jones Novel follows a detective haunted by the unsolved murder of his former partner who winds up investigating a gruesome crime leading him to suspect a serial killer is on the loose. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
One of my all-time favorite series is Criminal Minds, and I have always been fascinated by how/why an evil mind works the way it does…the motivations/experiences that contribute to a person’s character. Nature vs. Nurture?
I felt this novel’s supporting characters were intriguing and well-developed. Who was your favorite character to write for?
I would have to say I enjoyed writing for Medora. She was cast as both a victim and a vigilante/antagonist. Somewhere in her captivity, a switch flipped, and she became empowered and independent. Her methods of retribution and revenge were obviously not preferred, but they allowed her to achieve her goal of revenge.
What was the hardest part about writing a mystery story; where you constantly have to give just enough to keep the mystery alive until the big reveal?
You pretty much nailed the most difficult part, which is giving enough to tease the reader without giving away the ending. My biggest difficulty was that I wanted to offer enough “red herrings” to keep the reader guessing, while at the same time not making the storyline too convoluted to where the reader gets frustrated or confused. I tried to walk this line by having a lot of dialogue, and have the characters “think out loud.”
Where does the next book in the series take the characters?
Pawns is about half-written. It revolves around a series of political murders in Wolf Hollow, as well as delving into Harper’s past, with an old foe from his military days coming back to haunt him, endangering those that he cares about. At the same time, Harper and Angie’s romantic rebirth will be tested as the tension in the seaside town begins to ratchet up.
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On an early fall morning, the sleepy oceanside town of Wolf Hollow awakens to a gruesome crime. Alison Newton, an innocent young woman who was senselessly murdered six months ago, has been dug up and brutally violated.
Veteran Detective Harper Jones, the lead investigator in her murder, is called upon to track down the offender, and he quickly realizes that this isn’t some random act. Instead, he discovers that a ruthless serial killer has descended upon Wolf Hollow with his own cruel motives.
Harper and his new partner, Medora Dunning, must track him down quickly before he strikes again, all the while slowly learning that not everything and everyone in this unsuspecting paradise is what they seem.
Torment – A Harper Jones Novel
In the quiet town of Wolf Hollow, Alison Newton’s grave is desecrated in the dead of night. Detective Harper Jones, still haunted by the unsolved murder of his former partner, Anders, is called upon to investigate. The scene is eerily familiar, dragging Harper back to the brutal events surrounding Alison’s original murder, where Anders had lost his life. As Harper digs deeper, old memories resurface, and he begins to suspect a chilling connection between these violent crimes, separated by time. Could a serial killer be lurking in the shadows of this seemingly peaceful town?
Jeffrey Butler’s Torment skillfully combines the intensity of a crime thriller with the allure of a psychological mystery. The novel’s cat-and-mouse chases are interwoven with a foreboding atmosphere, drawing readers into a world where danger and suspense simmer beneath the surface. From the very first page, the plot grips the audience, opening at a harrowing crime scene and unrelentingly pulling them into a web of intrigue. Butler’s vivid analogies and sharp descriptive prose reflect the twisted mind of the criminal, amplifying the tension. The narrative deftly alternates between Detective Jones and the perpetrator, offering a dual perspective that adds complexity and depth to the story as it unfolds. The gradual layering of clues and perspectives keeps readers enthralled, as each new piece of the puzzle pushes the plot toward its chilling climax. Butler’s ability to maintain suspense while deepening the mystery ensures that Torment is both captivating and satisfying, especially for those who love piecing together crime thrillers.
For fans of gripping crime fiction, Torment delivers on every front. It offers not only the thrill of solving a case but also the emotional depth of a detective grappling with personal loss. Jeffrey Butler has crafted a must-read that keeps readers guessing until the very end. If you’re ready to walk in Harper Jones’ shoes and confront the dark truths of Wolf Hollow, this book will not disappoint.
Pages: 342 | ASIN : B0D6L529TB
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