Headless - The Ghost and the Mask #1

Tristram Lowe

Summary

"A captivating mystery with just the right touch of paranormal and is a great read for those who enjoy a bit of gore, historical fiction, and mythology in their mysteries." -- Portland Book Review, 5 stars
When the trail of a head-collecting serial killer in Japan takes a supernatural turn, a pair of mismatched journalists must get the story without losing their heads.
Akio Tsukino is a staff photographer at a Tokyo newspaper, stuck in the back pages, shooting parades and grade school plays. When a serial killer starts chopping off heads in nearby Kofu, Akio sees a chance to break out of the routine and prove himself. It never occurs to him he'd end up in the path of a monster.
Masami Sato, a top staff writer on the police beat, is a tenacious woman making a name for herself in a male-dominated news world. When she's sent to investigate the serial killer, she'll stop at nothing to get the scoop. If only Akio would get out of her way.
As they struggle to get along, and ghost stories of evil samurai creep into their investigation, Akio and Masami soon realize that the price for getting the story may be their own heads.

"I was engrossed with the mystery, loving the combination of supernatural and historical details. ... Though the book had undeniably dark and creepy moments, the humor helped balance it out." -- 52 Letters in the Alphabet

"Headless...manages to meld elements of crime procedurals, buddy comedies, horror, thrillers, and historical fiction... The mystery and sharp writing will keep you turning the pages...the author gives you countless interesting little details and reflections that will stick with you long after your first read. Highly recommended!" -- Amazon review

"Headless is an exciting supernatural thriller with a dash of light-hearted comedy that explores a story and setting far more unique than your typical book in this genre. I was immediately drawn in from the first paragraph and couldn't put it down until the end." -- Amazon review

"if you like Japanese culture, Swords, Supernatural and a good mystery, definitely check out Headless!" -- Amazon review

"What a page turner! ... brings crime drama to a fascinating new place. The characters are beautifully drawn, the structure guiding them inevitably toward the wild conclusion." -- Amazon review

"Lowe's writing style is that of a more seasoned writer. Where a lot of beginning writer's prose is often stilted and uneven, Lowe's is fluid and confident." -- Amazon review

"Continuously enthralling, this is a book I would recommend to just about anyone." -- Amazon review

"I was pleasantly surprised at the superb narration skills of the Author. The story itself was a mystery with paranormal elements that was fast paced and thought provoking. The characters were in depth and there was a slight comedic undertone that I liked very much." -- Audible review

"I love a good mystery with a supernatural twist and Headless delivered!" -- Goodreads review

Available since: 11/26/2016.

Other books that might interest you

The Picture of Dorian Gray

Oscar Wilde

Dorian Gray, a young man of wealth and stature in late 1800's London, meets Lord Henry Wotton while posing for a portrait by his friend Basil Hallward. Once the painting is complete, Dorian realizes that it will always be young and attractive, while he will be forced to age and wither with the years. Carelessly, he wishes the opposite were true. What happens is a treatise on morals, self-indulgence and how crucial personal responsibility is towards one's self.

Show book

Uprising

Adrienne Lecter

When the last vestiges of civilization crumble, who will prevail? 
Over two years have passed since Bree and Nate disappeared—and much has happened in the meantime. After leading a nomadic lifestyle for several months, they have started to rebuild a semblance of normalcy, moving between several established camps as the seasons change. Life is simple—hunting their own food, building weapons, even growing produce. Far away from the security of the settlements, they take care to stay unnoticed, and, if the need arises, cull the odd horde of shamblers. 
Until one night, their idyllic off-the-grid lifestyle comes to a sudden end when they are overwhelmed and captured by forces unknown. Will they manage to escape? And at what cost?

Show book

The Woodkin

Alexander James

On the trail, anything can happen. After secrets and betrayal shatter his marriage, Josh Mallory seeks solace on the Pacific Crest Trail, in the mountains of Washington. On the trail, he’s just another hiker. On the trail, he can outrun the memories.When wild animals destroy his food, Josh detours through a small mountain town. Missing hiker posters hang in the windows, and residents won’t look him in the eyes, let alone speak to him or help him.Trapped on a mountain ridge beneath a full moon and desperate for help, Josh moves on, only to encounter a mysterious group who call themselves the Woodkin. Hoping for food, shelter, and rest until he can hike back home, he soon realizes that he may never leave the mountain alive.

Show book

Going Home

John Isaac Jones

"I could hear Elvis singing as tears fell on the last page of the book. One of the best short stories I've ever read." -- Amazon reviewer 
Archie Johnson thought he was prepared to meet his death in the electric chair. The sentence had been read; he had had his last meal and the prison chaplain had asked God to have mercy on his immortal soul. Then, just as they were strapping him in, he suddenly realized there were a few things he wanted to do before he left this earth. This story has been called a "dead man's dream."

Show book

The Tilian Virus

Tom Calen

In a single day, everything can change . . . The first in a stunning trilogy of horror, survival, and transformation. 
 
There are days when the wind is so biting one can barely curse the cold through chattering teeth. There are days when the sun bakes down and complaints can only roll slowly off weary tongues. There are days filled with superstition; days marked in history; days of remembered significance. 
 
This was not one of those days. There was nothing remarkable about it. Even the weather was too average to elicit comment. It was any day. It was every day. And, in many ways, it was the last day. 
 
When Mike Allard, a high school history teacher in rural Tennessee, arrived at work, there were some murmurs of illness; students and teachers absent with signs of flu. Even for a newly employed teacher like Mike, a half empty class was a welcome gift. By that night, though, the murmurs grew more panicked. Every television station broadcast wall-to-wall coverage of the sudden outbreak. Before midnight, the word “pandemic” had become insufficient. The Tilian Virus had swept the globe with incomprehensible speed. The government urged patience—explaining that while the symptoms were severe, recovery seemed likely. 
 
But then the victims changed. Mothers and fathers, sons and daughters lost what made them human and reverted back to the predatory instincts at the core of existence…In this chilling novel spanning seven years, Mike Allard will lead a small band of people to an unknown end, as he struggles with the futility of survival in a world of withered decay.

Show book

Cayneian: A Man From Blood

Aaron Dennis

A man stands resolved. Dysart, clan Bloodhammer, has returned to the island of Volgunther to purge it of the evil called Salamandrus. He has given his tongue, so that he may speak no contracts. He has given his manhood, so that he may not know his power as a man. He has given his mind, so that no God may take pity upon him. Wielding the forbidden power of Sang Daemanus, Dysart imbibes the blood of Daemons to cast his spells, to grow his strength, to fuel his powers, but will he be able to stave off the bloodlust before the evils upon the island claim him?

Show book