Blog Archives
CONVOLUTED: The 1972 Durham Family Triple Homicide
Terry L. Harmon’s Convoluted takes a deep dive into one of North Carolina’s most baffling cold cases the 1972 triple homicide of Bryce, Virginia, and Bobby Durham in Boone, NC. The book is as much an investigative journey as it is a historical recounting, spanning fifty years of theories, suspects, and tangled clues. It follows the twists and turns of the case, the relentless pursuit of justice, and the frustrating dead ends that kept this brutal crime unsolved for decades. Harmon’s meticulous research shines through, presenting a labyrinth of evidence, speculation, and personal stories, all leading to the ultimate closure of the case in 2022.
Harmon’s writing is incredibly detailed, bringing the case to life with a level of depth that true crime enthusiasts will appreciate. His thorough research ensures that no stone is left unturned, immersing the reader in the investigation’s many layers. While the book covers an extensive historical backdrop and a wide cast of characters, each element adds richness to the story, making it a truly comprehensive account. The opening chapters are particularly gripping, vividly setting the scene of the crime without resorting to sensationalism. The image of the Durham family in their final moments is haunting yet powerfully written, immediately drawing the reader into the gravity of the case. Harmon’s ability to balance stark reality with respectful storytelling is one of the book’s greatest strengths.
One of the book’s strongest elements is its exploration of the investigation itself the sheer frustration of law enforcement, the wild theories (some credible, some downright absurd), and the eerie involvement of psychics, informants, and supposed hitmen. Chapter 9, Every Theory Known to Mankind, is particularly fascinating. It lays out the many possible explanations, from organized crime connections to local disputes that have gone terribly wrong. Harmon doesn’t just present these theories; he dismantles them piece by piece, showing which hold weight and which are nothing more than desperate grasps at the truth.
Harmon personalizes the victims, especially Bobby Durham. The book’s preface describes how Harmon, after looking at post-mortem photos of Bobby, felt a deep connection to the young man who seemed to have been caught in a nightmare he never saw coming. This personal touch makes the book more than just a recounting of a crime, it becomes a plea for justice, a tribute to lives lost, and a reflection on the chilling reality that some crimes take lifetimes to solve.
Convoluted is the perfect read for true crime lovers who appreciate meticulous research and aren’t afraid to get deep into the weeds of an investigation. It’s a rich and immersive read, filled with valuable information that brings the case to life. For those who enjoy diving deep into the details, it offers a fascinating and rewarding exploration of a crime that profoundly impacted a community. If you enjoy books that challenge you to think critically, question every lead, and wrestle with the frustration of an unsolved mystery, this one’s for you.
Pages: 1007 | ASIN : B0DLLK9RQY
The Lost Boy
Callum “Cal” Nowak fled the confines of foster care and his small-town upbringing in the Catskill Mountains when he turned eighteen. In New York City, he joined the police force, determined to escape the shadows of his traumatic past and carve out a new life. Fourteen years later, after being placed on administrative leave, Cal reluctantly returns to his hometown, where every street and memory resurrects the pain of his mother’s murder. When the husband of his ex-girlfriend dies in his arms, Cal finds himself thrust into a gripping investigation. Convinced of her innocence, he’s determined to uncover the truth and expose the real killer before she’s wrongfully imprisoned.
How do we confront the weight of our past while forging a path forward? The Lost Boy: A Small Town Murder Mystery Gay Cop Romance by S. F. Williams explores this question poignantly. This enthralling series opener pulls readers in from the first page, weaving a narrative that balances the unraveling of Cal’s childhood trauma with the suspense of a high-stakes murder mystery. It’s a compelling, emotional, and unforgettable read.
What truly stands out is the nuanced portrayal of Cal. Through his perspective, readers are invited to reflect on their own struggles and resilience. Williams writes with a compassion that makes Cal not a perfect hero, but an authentic, flawed, and deeply human character. His journey is raw, relatable, and profoundly moving.
I do feel the storyline occasionally feels a little weighted with unnecessary details. Within the narrative, there seems to be a blending of genres which I believe can sometimes detract from the central storyline. Even so, these moments do not overshadow the book’s many strengths.
The Lost Boy‘s approach to representation is significant. The story offers a refreshing perspective, a gay protagonist whose challenges stem more from his personal history than his sexuality. This kind of storytelling is vital and refreshing, delivering both inclusivity and depth without resorting to clichés.
In the end, The Lost Boy, by S. F. Williams, is a beautifully written and emotionally resonant tale that combines mystery, introspection, and heart. It’s a story that stays with you and one that leaves readers eager for the next installment in the series. A truly remarkable debut.
Pages: 285 | ASIN : B0DK41MW5J
Jake Fox: Ties That Blind
Michael Stockham’s Ties That Blind is a gripping blend of suspense, drama, and raw human emotion. The story weaves through the lives of Jake Fox, a lawyer haunted by the loss of his daughter, and Rose Tucker, a teenage girl thrust into a whirlwind of tragedy and danger after her father’s murder. Set in the tight-knit, secret-laden town of Haven, Texas, the novel is a journey through grief, redemption, and the pursuit of justice. It’s a layered narrative, unflinchingly raw yet deeply human.
Stockham does not shy away from heart-wrenching tragedy. The first chapter vividly describes Jake discovering his daughter Lucy’s suicide. It’s haunting, visceral, and almost too real. The palpable grief that drives Jake’s character gives the story its beating heart. Yet, there’s a thread of hope, too. Jake’s visions of Lucy anchor him, a tender, otherworldly reminder that even in despair, there’s something to hold onto. Stockham’s portrayal of trauma feels authentic, unafraid to explore the quiet moments of despair, like Jake’s late-night struggle with a gun and his ultimate decision to keep going. These moments linger long after reading. Rose Tucker, however, steals the spotlight with her resilience. Her storyline of fleeing into the night, grappling with her father’s brutal murder, and navigating her newfound orphaned existence is both heart-wrenching and electrifying. The well-crafted tension in scenes like Rose’s escape to the storm shelter had my pulse racing. You feel her fear, uncertainty, and growing determination to uncover the truth. Her relationship with Margie, a steadfast maternal figure, adds warmth to the story’s darker themes. Margie’s down-home wisdom and kindness give Rose a sanctuary in a world turned upside down. Stockham masterfully builds a world where secrets lurk behind every picket fence and corruption festers in shadows.
Ties That Blind is a story of hope amid darkness, courage amid fear, and the ties, both broken and unbreakable, that define us. Stockham’s prose is evocative and approachable, making the characters’ struggles feel intensely personal. I’d recommend this book to fans of suspenseful thrillers with strong emotional undertones. It’s perfect for readers who appreciate layered mysteries and heartfelt stories of redemption. Whether you’re in it for the twists, the legal drama, or the poignant character arcs, this book delivers.
Pages: 398 | ASIN : B0CQQFZVJJ
Twists and Turns
Muddy the Water follows a detective in pursuit of a suspected murderer who manages to reinvent himself as a reporter for a small-town newspaper in South Carolina. Where did the idea for this novel come from?
In 1997 Matt drove south from Virginia to Hilton Head, SC, to start a job as a reporter for a small newspaper called the Hilton Head Island Packet. That’s when he started thinking: what if he got bumped off and the guy who showed up for work the next day at The Packet was an impostor? After all, Matt had been hired over the phone. No one had any idea what he looked like. That kernel of an idea rattled around in Matt’s head for decades. He even sketched out the plot and wrote down character names. Abraham Mink was one of them. But it never went beyond that until February 2020, when he relayed the rough idea to Jessica during a family dinner. “Let’s write it together” she said, her eyes on fire. A few days later, Jessica had contacted a coroner from Jasper County, SC, to confirm that a dead body could, in fact, travel seventy-five miles downstream and make it largely intact to the ocean. With the coroner’s blessing, we were off!
How did the mystery develop for this story? Did you plan it before writing, or did it develop organically?
As we mentioned, the kernel of the mystery occurred to Matt as he drove to his first job, but there were 30 more chapters to come up with. One day early in the pandemic, we both woke up before dawn, caffeinated ourselves thoroughly, and got on a Zoom together to map out the plot. On a whiteboard, we outlined about 20 chapters, which we hoped would be enough for a full novel. We found out after about six months of writing that the manuscript was a bit thin so we added a few more twists and turns to flesh it out.
What do you find is 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?
We find the hardest part of writing a mystery is laying the trail of hints that we leave for the readers. It has to be subtle enough not to give away the big reveal, but clear enough that the reader notices it. There also have to be carefully considered “red herrings” that also catch the readers’ attention and softly distract them from figuring out the ultimate ending. One of the good things about writing as a team is you can bounce those ideas back and forth to determine what will really work.
Can we look forward to more work from you soon? What are you currently working on?
Yes! Matt and Jessica are pleased to announce a sequel to Muddy the Water (whose title is yet to be determined) with many of the same characters, including Lillian Grimes, Ben Broome and Florence Park. It, too, will be grounded in facts with lots of believable twists and turns and a fantastic finale!
Author Links: GoodReads | Instagram | Website | Amazon
When a half-eaten body washes in, it becomes the biggest story in the paper’s history and brings cunning, charismatic Ben immediate success. But it also leads Grimes closer to the truth. She soon teams up with hungry rival reporter Florence Park to hunt Ben down before he can charm-or kill-his way to freedom.
Shown from three perspectives, killer, detective, and reporter, Muddy the Water brings readers inside the newsroom of a struggling small newspaper on the bucolic South Carolina coast and speaks to the concept of identity-and whether anyone ever shows his or her true self.
There Are No Superheroes
A Small Mountain Murder delivers a high-stakes investigative thriller where three reporters unravel a web of murder, corruption, and intrigue against the unique backdrop of skiing culture. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I was a journalist on television and the radio for over 40 years. I covered a lot of crime and murder. I also spent decades competing as an amateur ski racer. I’ve had the pleasure of knowing great people, greater racers than I ever was and some influential people in the ski industry.
My novel, A Small Mountain Murder, is about a small ski area. Small ski areas are just like most other small businesses, they run on a shoestring budget and a lot of passion. Passion can get you to do strange things. And if you think a line has been crossed, you might even kill for your passion. Don’t believe me? Just read the headlines. Police call it a “Crime of passion.”
Presently, there are small ski areas across the United States being purchased by much larger ski resorts who are in the process of creating a nationwide network. Some of the employees and customers of those little ski areas are resentful. They didn’t ask for change. The result has been a great deal of resentment. Is that a good reason to kill someone? How often do you really hear of a good reason to kill someone?
Did you base the characters of JC, Milt, and Robin on real-life journalists, or are they entirely fictional?
Any number of people have suggested that I write a story about my life. I’m grateful to have led a pretty interesting existence, so far. But a book about me didn’t sound very interesting. However, a book based on my experiences with some embellishment? That sounded like some interesting fiction.
JC Snow is a television reporter. I was a television and radio reporter for over 40 years. The crimes that I describe in my books are often based on crimes that I really covered as a journalist. And the outdoor adventures I describe are based on some of my own outdoor adventures. That includes decades of ski racing and some jarring crashes while in a race course.
And there are pieces of Milt and Robin that also come from real stories and people that I really knew. Milt is a compilation of talented news photographers that I’ve worked with. Some were a little eccentric. The beautiful and talented Robin reflects the adoration and exchanges that I have with my own wife, Carolyn. But Robin also serves another vital purpose. She is often the sound of reason and reflection.
How did you balance the multiple storylines to create such a seamless resolution?
I want my stories to be plausible. I want the reader to feel that this story they are participating in could really happen. It resembles real life. There are no superheroes. And real life isn’t neat. It doesn’t follow a straight line. Events in life overlap. So, that’s how events unfold in my books. There is already stuff going on when something else crops up. When I was a journalist, I just had to juggle all the balls that I found circling in front of me. I was covering one good story when another good story came up and I just had to figure out how to cover them both.
And it wasn’t unusual to find that a career criminal was responsible for more crimes than the one he or she was being investigated for. Criminals are, in most ways, like the rest of us. When they find a way to get something done, they become comfortable with that technique. That’s their modus operandi. So, when investigating a criminal’s behavior, sometimes you’d stumble over other devious deeds they are responsible for. You also stumble across things someone else is responsible for. Life is complicated. But I do try to resolve most of the issues on the table by the time the book ends.
Can we expect a sequel or future stories involving these characters and the intriguing world you’ve built
Thank you, I do find this world I have contrived to be intriguing. So do a growing number of readers. Now, I have published six Murder on Skis Mysteries. A Small Mountain Murder is my 6th. And more are on the way. They tend to arrive at stores each November. To keep up with our plans and publications, go to our website at murderonskis.com.
Author Links: GoodReads | Website | Amazon
Muddy the Water
Haversport, Massachusetts, appears idyllic—a serene, coastal haven. That illusion shatters when a beloved fishing captain is discovered savagely murdered. Suspicion immediately falls on Ben Broome, a defiant young deckhand. Detective Lillian Grimes, convinced of his guilt, is ready to make her move, but Broome vanishes before she can act. Months later, he resurfaces in South Carolina, not as a fugitive but as a reporter for a small newspaper. Fame quickly finds him when a decomposed body washes ashore. Meanwhile, Detective Grimes partners with Florence Park, a rival journalist, to track Broome down. Yet, Broome has plans of his own, upending their pursuit in unexpected ways.
Muddy the Water, by Matt Barrows and Jessica Barrows Beebe, unfolds as a gripping mystery-crime novel, skillfully narrated from three distinct perspectives: Detective Grimes, Ben Broome, and Florence Park. This narrative approach evokes the intricate storytelling of Dashiell Hammett and Michael Connelly. By alternating narrators, the authors enrich the story, providing depth and nuance that elevate it above a standard whodunit. Each perspective brings something vital to the narrative. Broome, initially a suspect steeped in mystery, emerges as a multi-dimensional character grappling with moral ambiguity. Grimes, seemingly a textbook detective archetype, reveals layers of complexity that make her both relatable and compelling. Park’s voice, unbiased and sharp, offers readers a clear lens through which to view the escalating tension, grounding the story amid its twists and turns.
The structural ambition of the novel is worth noting. Shifting between three protagonists could have easily disrupted the pacing or diluted the impact, but Barrows and Beebe handle it with remarkable finesse. Their seamless transitions and strong characterizations make the narrative cohesion feel effortless, even as the plot hurtles forward with intensity. Readers will find plenty to admire here. The dialogue is thoughtful and deliberate, adding a contemplative tone to the thrilling plot. The pacing balances moments of quiet revelation with bursts of high-stakes drama. Most importantly, the conclusion is deeply satisfying—a payoff that feels genuinely earned rather than conveniently delivered.
Muddy the Water is more than a murder mystery; it’s a character-driven exploration of truth, deception, and justice. Fans of crime fiction will appreciate its clever twists, while those new to the genre will find themselves captivated by its rich storytelling and dynamic cast. This novel proves that in the hands of skilled authors, even the murkiest waters can yield treasures worth discovering.
Pages: 258 | ASIN : B0DLLHQXWX
So Much Forever
So Much Forever continues the captivating journey of Phoenix, Curt, and Rose Martinsen as they navigate new challenges in their small-town life. Danbury masterfully weaves a tale that pulls the family back into a life-or-death situation filled with suspense and emotional depth. The introduction of Tempest as the antagonist adds a thrilling layer to the story, her obsession with Curt creating tension that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
One of the standout aspects of the novel is the richly developed characters. Curt emerges as a compelling figure, showcasing strength and dedication that resonate deeply. It’s clear why fans wanted more of him, and Danbury delivers by placing him at the heart of the narrative. Phoenix and Rose also shine, their relationships and individual personalities adding warmth and authenticity to the story. Pop Pop brings wisdom and charm, enhancing the family dynamic and providing moments of levity. Danbury’s writing is technically proficient, with seamless pacing and transitions that make the substantial length of the book fly by. The word choice is precise and evocative, painting vivid scenes that immerse the reader fully into the Martinsens’ world. The blend of action, emotion, and character development is handled with skill, ensuring that each element enhances the others. Tempest serves as an excellent villain—complex and unpredictable. Her interactions with the main characters add intrigue and propel the plot forward in unexpected ways. The exploration of her background provides depth, making her more than just an adversary but a fully realized character with motivations that add to the story’s richness.
So Much Forever is a thrilling and emotionally engaging novel that showcases Danbury’s talents as an author. It builds upon the previous entries in the series while also standing strong on its own, making it accessible to new readers. The combination of a compelling plot, well-developed characters, and proficient writing makes this book a rewarding read that will leave fans eagerly anticipating what comes next for the Martinsen family.
Pages: 485 | ASIN : B0D9CB79CX
Homecoming Queen: A Small Town Political Thriller
Homecoming Queen by Chad Boudreaux is a gripping political thriller set in the small, turbulent town of Miranda, Texas. The story centers on Anika Raven, a determined woman who returns to her hometown to rescue her younger sister from a neglectful and dangerous home environment. Along the way, Anika uncovers dark secrets about the town, its people, and herself, all while navigating a landscape fraught with political corruption, personal vendettas, and a brewing natural disaster.
Boudreaux’s writing is compelling and immersive, capturing the essence of small-town life with a flair for suspense and drama. The prologue sets the tone with an eerie interview, hinting at the town’s sinister undercurrents. The characters are well-developed, each with their own flaws and motivations, making them feel real and relatable. Anika’s fierce determination and vulnerability make her a protagonist you can root for, even as she grapples with her own demons. One of the standout elements of the book is its vivid depiction of Miranda. The town itself feels like a character, with its rich history, unique culture, and a palpable sense of foreboding. The interplay between the town’s past and present adds depth to the narrative, making the reader feel as though they are uncovering the town’s secrets alongside Anika. Boudreaux’s attention to detail, from the dilapidated homes of the Lower West Side to the opulent residences of the Upper East Side, paints a vivid picture of a community on the brink. Scotty Mathis, the antagonist, effectively drives the plot forward with his clear-cut villainy, keeping the story engaging and fast-paced. Anika’s journey is one of self-discovery as much as it is about saving her sister. The book raises important questions about the lengths one will go to protect loved ones and the sacrifices that come with it. Boudreaux masterfully weaves these themes into a fast-paced plot that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat.
Homecoming Queen is a compelling read for fans of political thrillers and small-town dramas. Chad Boudreaux delivers a story that is both entertaining and thought-provoking, with well-crafted characters and a richly detailed setting. This book is perfect for readers who enjoy a mix of suspense, action, and emotional depth. Whether you’re looking for a thrilling page-turner or a story that delves into the complexities of human relationships, this is a novel that will not disappoint.
Pages: 344 | ISBN : 1636983677
LITERARY TITAN 