We're always on the lookout for new mystery, suspense and thriller books, and with this series of recurring posts, we're looking at Indie Mysteries, books published by small, independent publishers, or self-published, that recently caught our eye ... and may be of interest to you too. Most of these titles, selected primarily from the Smashwords website, are ebook only, though some may be available in a print format.
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Victoria's Home
by Joyce Freese
Non-Series
Self Published (Ebook)
June 2011
After listing one of Connecticut's most prestigious Victorian homes, Victoria finds herself experiencing unnatural happenings. Believing these events are merely her imagination, she ignores any signs of evil. The home, now abandoned and with its own history of violence, attempts to warn her that her newly acquired buyer, Peter, may have a history of repeated methodical killings. As different dimensions of reality coexist simultaneously, Victoria faces danger intertwined in a web of violence that could result in life or death.
Lust and true desires are hidden behind a facade of normalcy. As Victoria and Peter struggle to fulfill their personal vision, their paths intertwine during a promotional masquerade ball at the home. As the storm of the century approaches, party guests cast aside all inhibitions while disguised behind the protection of their masks. The line between what is real and what is an illusion becomes blurred. The ultimate struggle of life and death ensues as each fights to fulfill their desires and ultimately reveal their true character.
Quarantined
by Joe McKinney
Non-Series
Permuted Press (Ebook)
June 2011
The citizens of San Antonio, Texas are threatened with extermination by a terrifying outbreak of the flu. Quarantined by the military to contain the virus, the city is in a desperate struggle to survive.
Inside the quarantine walls, Detective Lily Harris is working burial statistics duty at the Scar, San Antonio's mass graveyard, when she finds a murder victim hidden amongst the plague dead. But Lily's investigation into the young woman's death soon takes a frightening turn as yet another strain of the deadly flu virus surfaces, and now Lily finds herself caught up in a conspiracy orchestrated by a corrupt local government intent on hiding the news from the world and fighting a population threatening to boil over into revolt.
As the city erupts in violence, Lily is forced to do the unthinkable. With the clock ticking toward annihilation, Lily must lead her family through the quarantine walls and escape with news that just might save us all.
Quarantined was previously published as a paperback by Lachesis Publishing in March, 2009.
The Ninth District
by Douglas Dorow
A Jack Miller Mystery
1st in series
Self Published (Ebook)
June 2011
The Federal Reserve has never been robbed.
FBI Special Agent Jack Miller, pulled into a high-profile case to mentor a new agent, finds himself in a clash with the toughest opponent of his career. The chase culminates in the bowels of the city, in the storm sewers and tunnels beneath The Ninth District Federal Reserve of Minneapolis.
Grave Situation
by Alex MacLean
Non-Series
Self Published (Ebook)
June 2011
After 12 years on the Halifax police force, homicide detective Allan Stanton has reached his limit. The days of thinking of himself as a crusader for justice are long gone, replaced by a weary sense that he’s just there to clean up the detritus left in the wake of the human predators that stalk the city streets. The job has taken everything from him—his innocence, his joy, even his family—and he finally makes the decision to leave it all behind and start anew.
Before he can do so, he’s assigned another case. This time the killer isn’t content just to slay his victims, but takes parts of their bodies with him when he goes. A pair of eyes. A set of hands. Even a heart. The murders have all the hallmarks of a serial killer who’s collecting trophies. But as Allan unravels the grisly mystery, he realizes that nothing could be further from the truth. He discovers that the killer might just be closer than he ever expected and has targeted him as the next victim.
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For more recently published Indie Mysteries, visit the Smashwords Mystery and Detective category page or the Thriller and Suspense category page.
