We have another exclusive excerpt today for you and this time it is the first chilling chapter from her new book Dead Wrong. Before we get to business, what is this dang book about?
Dead Wrong by Noelle HoltenPublished by One More Chapter on March 14 2020
Amazon UK
Goodreads
Also by this author: Dead Inside, Dead Inside, Dead Wrong, Dead Perfect, Dead Secret, Dead Mercy
The serial killer is behind bars. But the murders are just beginning…
DC Maggie Jamieson's past comes back to haunt her in this dark and gripping serial killer thriller.
Three missing women running out of time…
They were abducted years ago. Notorious serial killer Bill Raven admitted to killing them and was sentenced to life.
The case was closed – at least DC Maggie Jamieson thought it was…
But now one of them has been found, dismembered and dumped in a bin bag in town.
Forensics reveal that she died just two days ago, when Raven was behind bars, so Maggie has a second killer to find.
Because even if the other missing women are still alive, one thing’s for certain: they don’t have long left to live…
Here is an audiosnippet too, because I am nice like that!
CHAPTER ONE
Lorraine
‘So – are you dangerous?’ Lorraine danced around the hall playfully. He frowned; to her he looked unsure whether she was serious or flirting. The party had been epic, and she was still buzzing from all the cocaine in her system.
‘Nice place you have here.’ She ran a finger along the hall mirror and smiled at her reflection. The house had an old-fashioned feel to it – wooden floors covered with well-worn rugs, cream-coloured walls and a strange-looking bookshelf that seemed out of place in a hall.
Tilting his head, he stared directly into her eyes. ‘Do I look dangerous?’ He caressed her arm; the goose bumps rose on her skin and she wondered whether he was toying with her. Her body shivered with excitement.
‘You seem OK to me. Can’t be too safe these days though.’
‘’Course not, sweetheart. But I’m a pussy cat. Can’t you tell?’ He placed his hand on her elbow and began directing her towards the stairs. He smelled of one of those nice deodorant sprays, not as pungent as cologne.
A knock on the front door made them stop.
‘Are you expecting company?’ She pouted her lips, hoping that he would get rid of whoever it was quickly.
‘Only you, love. Have a seat through there,’ he pointed to the living room, ‘and make yourself comfortable. I’ll take care of this.’
She watched him as he made his way to the front door.
He looked through the peep hole, his hands clenching into fists, his body stiffening. ‘What the fuck?’ He muttered and stepped outside. Although she heard raised voices, she couldn’t make out what was being said or whether the mystery visitor was a man or a woman.
Wonder what that’s about? She didn’t want to be caught eavesdropping, and when she entered the living room and saw the bag of white powder on the table, she knew what she would prefer to do. Lorraine walked over to the couch, sat down and made herself comfortable.
Within ten minutes, he returned to the room.
‘Everything OK?’ She tucked a lock of hair behind her ear.
‘Yeah, fine. Shall we get this party started?’ He sat down beside her and caressed her leg.
She reached across him, picked up the plastic bag of white powder and shook it. ‘Can we have a bit of this first?’
‘Oh babe, I have something better in mind for you. A little something special …’ He bent over, opened the small drawer at the front of the coffee table and took out a needle filled with what she assumed was heroin.
‘Hmmm. Not so sure about that, hun. I prefer a bit of sniff these days if I’m honest. Gear doesn’t sit well with me anymore.’ She rubbed her forearms.
‘C’mon babe, don’t be like that. I thought you trusted me. I promise, this stuff is out of this world – it’ll make you feel sooooo good.’
She thought for a moment, imagined the needle piercing her arm and a warm glow consuming her. ‘Fuck it, you only live once!’
He smiled as he wrapped the tourniquet around her arm, choosing a vein, tapping the needle twice before inserting it into her arm. ‘That’s right, babe. You only live once …’
The world shut down around her. She lay back on the couch and let the gear take over.
Closing her eyes, she smiled and whispered to herself. ‘Sooooo good.’
When she finally came around she was tied to a bed, her eyes and mouth covered with some form of material bag. The stink of urine and sweat filled her nose and the low, gut-wrenching moan she heard echoing off the walls told her she wasn’t alone.
Did this do enough to entice you? No?!?!! Well check out some of the reviews for this book….
Donna’s Book Blog says:- I really enjoyed the first book, but this one for me was even better and I loved the plot line! It was fast paced and there was plenty going on in each chapter to keep me engrossed, and engaged with the story. It was gritty where it needed to be and that helped add to the story, it is very well written. I loved the Raven and I thought he was well developed and a fabulous character – he is one of those people you should really dislike but he holds your attention – I loved the interaction between him and Maggie as she is working with her team to try and crack the case.
Goodreads Reviewer says:- Another cracking read from Noelle Holten. I love the feisty detective Maggie Jamieson and this was another gritty, twisted tale which made me go eeeewww a few times, but I couldn’t stop reading. She drags you into the story by the scruff of the neck and makes you stay there, turning the pages faster and faster to find out how it’s all going to end. Oh and that last line!!! I did actually gasp when I read that, but what a perfect start for the next story! Compelling storytelling and tension by the bucketload.
The BookReview Cafe says:- Hallelujah! DC Maggie Jamieson isn’t your standard stereotype you often find in a crime thriller, she’s not an alcoholic, nor is her character bogged down by personal problems or a shady past which makes a refreshing change. That doesn’t mean Maggie lacks depth, on the contrary her character is continuing to develop, she’s relentless in her pursuit for the truth, committed, and has literally no personal life, I’m sure there are a lot of DC’s who can relate to that! It’s obvious the author has an incredible insight into the justice system and the way different agencies work together, which adds an authentic feel to the plot, I find some crime thrillers lack this vital ingredient, mostly because authors have relied heavily on research, rather than personal experiences.
Like Herding Cats says:- The plot is fast paced and addictive. It keeps you holding your breath until the very end. The planning and details are flawless and you gain a real sense that Noelle has researched and planned to perfection. The character of Maggie is extremely well developed. We see her as a brilliant and highly pressured detective, dealing with the fact that she may have gotten something so very wrong two years ago but also as a woman. A woman with a love interest, family and friends and her own struggles outside of work. She’s such a three dimensional and ‘real’ character with elements that most of us can relate to.
Goodreads Reviewer says:- The author uses her knowledge of the justice system to great effect in the book, making the scenes both within the investigation and at the prison with Bill Raven feel very authentic. You could feel the casual menace emanating from Raven, almost experience the way in which he was getting under Maggie’s skin, and he was someone who really gets under your skin. As nemeses go, he has the all the hallmarks of a classic – the dangerous combination of brains and charm with an overwhelming propensity for darkness. He isn’t by any means the only suspect in this book, and whilst doubt is cast over his guilt in this particular case, there is no doubt that he is harbouring some kind of secret.
Have I done enough yet? Don’t forget the #giveaway! Just reply on twitter with your favourite gif/picture of what you think is Dead Perfect!
Until next time xxx
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