Piggyback Killer – If I Had Two Lives by A B Whelan @AuthorABWhelan

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Oh yeah. I have read a couple other books by A B Whelan already this year and loved them, so to add If I Had Two Lives to my repertoire was a welcome addition. Check out the fantastic cover. It really creeps me out and I can’t wait to dive in. What do you think?

If I Had Two Lives

Amazon / Goodreads

MY REVIEW

I love the cover for If I Had Two Lives by A B Whelan. The colors pop and the content creeps me out. If I Had Two Lives was inspired by a young woman in a vegetative state. I think I have read another book or saw a TV show about the event, so it made me even more curious about If I Had Two Lives.

I am sickened, filled with disgust, yet oddly drawn to know more.

As Vicki Collins, an FBI agent, investigated the Piggyback Killer, a problem arises that causes her much difficulty…an unknown brother with a criminal record. The FBI frowns on secrets. And there is so much more to come than she could have anticipated.

Doug…he’s a piece of work. I can’t figure out why she is with him, other than an occasional hop in the sack being more convenient than going out and looking for it. The more I get to know him, the less I like him.

Human nature is why I love to read thrillers, and the more damaged the characters, the better. Will they be redeemed? Will they succumb to their baggage? I want to know what happens when the shit flies. My curiosity is a monster with an insatiable appetite that can never be satisfied.

Though If I Had Two Lives seems choppier and more disjointed than other books I have read by A B Whelan, I still loved the story. The blows to Vicki keep on coming and I didn’t see everything coming. I love book surprises and reward them. The more I read, the harder it was to put the book down. I had to know how it would end. I love that through all the suspects, he remained elusive….until we came face to face.

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of If I Had Two Lives by A B Whelan.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos
4 Stars

GOODREADS BLURB

“You’re telling me I have a brother I don’t know about?” When ambitious law officer Vicky Collins transferred to the FBI, she thought she was ready for anything – until a DNA background check brings up the criminal record of a brother Vicky didn’t even know she had. Tracking down her mysterious sibling might be the only way she can cling to her career in law enforcement – but what price will she and her family have to pay when their darkest secrets come to light?

As the truth emerges, it sends Vicky’s career, relationship, and mental health spiraling to pieces all around her – and that’s before her investigation uncovers one more disquieting possibility: That the secrets she’s revealed might link members of her own family to the murders committed by the Piggyback Killer – the same serial killer she’d been assigned to investigate just prior to her suspension.

Tautly written, visceral, and intense, If I Had Two Lives is the third stand-alone psychological thriller by A.B. Whelan; described by readers as “chilling, disturbing, and unputdownable.” Fans of Gillian Flynn, Paula Hawkins, and Alex Michaelides will be instantly enthralled by the chilling storyline, achingly relatable characters, and immensely satisfying conclusion.

ABOUT A B WHELAN

New release: No One Can Hear You Scream is a gripping, atmospheric psychological thriller about obsession, survival, and family bonds, releasing on October 20th.

A.B. Whelan

Whelan is an Amazon bestselling author of domestic psychological thrillers.

She currently resides in California with her husband and two children. When she isn’t writing, editing, marketing, or researching her next book, you can find her walking her two rescue dogs, socializing online, coaching soccer, or doing another DIY project with her husband.

Find me on:
* Facebook (AuthorABWhelan)
* Instagram (authorabwhelan)
* Goodreads (A.B. Whelan)
* Twitter (AuthorABWhelan)
* Bookbub: A.B. Whelan

MY A B WHELAN REVIEW

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Giveaway – Discovery of the Five Senses by K N Smith @iReadBookTours

 



Join Us for This Tour:  February 7 to February 25, 2022
 
Book Details:

Book TitleDiscovery of the Five Senses Book One – The Urban Boys Series by K. N. Smith
CategoryYA Fiction (Ages 13-17), 340 pages
Genre:  Young Adult Action-Adventure, Young Adult Thriller, Urban Fantasy, Mystery/ Thriller
PublisherTwo Petals Publishing (self-published)
Release date:   September 15, 2021
Content Rating:  PG  
 

“Brilliantly crafted and written!” – Megan King, Indie Book Reviewers

“An energetic adventure debut with stellar action sequences. Smith’s writing is intelligent and often lyrical. Her exuberant prose never fails to dazzle.– Kirkus Media

Book Description:

Welcome or unwelcome. Fate has arrived.

“A captivating and poetic tale of mystery, fantasy, and reality tied together by action!” 5-stars, Lars Jackson, Amazon Customer

A suspenseful incident in a forbidden preserve heightens the senses of five friends. Sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell become super-gifts that forever change the world. But furious battles confront the boys as they try to understand their sensory super powers in a race to save mankind. With light beings and mysterious strangers complicating their plight, will the boys be able to defeat the evil Druth before it’s too late? Get prepared for the twisting and grinding of this award-winning, action-adventure story — an edge-of-your-seat narrative for young and mature readers alike.  

EXCERPT:

As one would imagine, a mysterious forest might offer deep, eerie chills, especially at night. Instead, the forest cast a rich glow, and the environment was beautiful and serene.

Walking slowly with their eyes absolutely feasting on the horticultural delights, the boys were approached by something they weren’t sure was real. It floated effortlessly, lighting up in a sporadic pattern, but had neither sound nor discernible shape, other than being somewhat clear and round.

Its fluttering wings suspended it in the center of their disbelieving huddle. All eyes were on it, but what it was provoked more mystery than the forest itself. It bounced in a cheery, beckoning fashion, flashing its stunning wings, drawing the boys into a never-ending waltz. They were transfixed, unable to glance at each other, prevented by the daze each silently battled.

The little glowing being carried about, moving closer to their faces. It moved in and out of trees, spewing, sparkle and splendor, then floated away from the boys, yet stayed close enough to continue the enticement.

Contributing to the amazing glow ricocheting from sprawling fronds to soaring trees and fallen leaves, the being’s creativity advanced in a display of twirls and spins, astonishing the boys. And they followed their little friend further and further into the forest.

Deeper ahead, the visual spectacle beautifully intertwined with the clicking noise, which grew louder and more defined, moving up the scale into high notes. The repetition of the noise mesmerized the boys, equating to an invisible lasso.

The friends grouped together, looking ahead and behind. Their stomachs tightened as the tension grew.

What they saw next would pale in comparison to their little, wondrous friend, who steadily bounced around several curvy pathways.

The small creature led them into an area deep within the preserve housing two large, floating, clicking balls of light. The boys instinctively covered their eyes, yet still tried to peep through their fingers.

The light balls began spinning wildly and grew louder, with their tops spitting out free-falling shavings of light like fireworks.

The sputtering light bounced off the dirt only to end up against a tree or one of the boys, then back down and up again.

Slowing down, the beings moved in between the boys. Too scared to move and struggling with reality, the boys’ eyes locked onto the radiant balls.

And with a striking force, the five friends were encased by a bright, piercing light as the balls exploded, emitting their energy onto the boys.

Mixing and mashing north, south, east, and west, bright waves covered the soil, spreading across trees, rock, and all plant life. The forest fell silent, frozen like an inhale without an exhale. It was dark and quiet, except for the liquid energy dripping from the huge, wavy leaves.

Being subjected to drifts both in and out of reality, the boys succumbed to the lure of a vacant black space within the deepest parts of their minds. They fell to the ground unconscious, laying in this forbidden domain in the center of a place they had been warned not to approach.

And from some distance toward the other side of the preserve, a draped shadow had been looking inward and saw this mysterious incident.

The curve of his black hood was loose enough for him to witness the unthinkable. But it also shrouded his expression, which was impassive.

This figure, a dark stranger, had been watching the boys for a period of time and saw the explosion of light. He knew it had exposed them to a grave risk in this place of both awe and fear. He realized time would now take the reins as a master guide for these stricken young men, all of whom would need hope as a rod and stamina as a spear on the long journey ahead.

Knowing the veil of normalcy would need to be maintained in order for this inconceivable episode to be minimized, the Dark Stranger drew upon his strength to physically move each of the boys to Rhee’s house.

He knew familiar surroundings would ease them as they roused, barely able to comprehend their predicament.

For he knew much, and every step, every footprint left an indelible impression on the path leading to the studio in Rhee’s backyard. Indeed, footprints providing a window to the past meshed with hope for the future.

And like a laser, the Dark Stranger steadied his gait, hurling each one up and over his powerful shoulders.

As he absorbed the totality of the scene, he breathed deeply. His head hung in a manner to which only trauma could relate. But in a sign of resilience, it swiftly sprung back.

Under the circumstances, he knew time would not be patient nor friendly.

Welcome or unwelcome. Fate had arrived. 
 
 

 Meet the Author:

K.N. Smith, winner of the “Best of” in the category of “Outstanding Young Adult Novel” at the Jessie Redmon Fauset Book Awards, is an author, screenwriter, and passionate advocate of literacy and arts programs throughout the world. She inspires people of all ages to reach their highest potential in their creative, educational, and life pursuits. She lives in California with her family. 

connect with the author:  website ~ facebook ~ goodreads
 
Tour Schedule:

Feb 7 – Cover Lover Book Review – book spotlight / giveaway
Feb 7 – Rockin’ Book Reviews – book review / giveaway
Feb 8 – Bookworm for Kids – book spotlight / giveaway
Feb 8 – Olio by Marilyn – book review / giveaway
Feb 9 – Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting – book review / giveaway
Feb 10 – Splashes of Joy – book review / giveaway
Feb 11 – Pick a Good Book – book spotlight / giveaway
Feb 11 – Stephanie Jane – book review / giveaway
Feb 14 – Book Corner News and Reviews – book review / giveaway
Feb 14 – Sefina Hawke’s Books – book spotlight
Feb 15 – Buried Under Books – book review / giveaway
Feb 16 – Locks, Hooks and Books – book review / giveaway
Feb 17 – Lamon Reviews – book spotlight / giveaway
Feb 17 – Westveil Publishing – book spotlight / giveaway
Feb 18 – fundinmental – book spotlight / giveaway
Feb 18 – Literary Flits – book review / giveaway
Feb 22 – Books are a Blessing – book review / giveaway
Feb 22 – Books for Books – book spotlight
Feb 23 – Kam’s Place – book review 
Feb 24 – @twilight_reader – book review
Feb 25 – Jazzy Book Reviews – book spotlight / giveaway
Feb 25 – Leels Loves Books – book review / giveaway

Enter the Giveaway:
 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 


  • You can see my Giveaways HERE.
  • You can see my Reviews HERE.
  • If you like what you see, why don’t you follow me?
  • Look on the right sidebar and let’ talk.
  • Leave your link in the comments and I will drop by to see what’s shakin’.
  • I am an Amazon affiliate/product images are linked.
  • Thanks for visiting fundinmental!