Title: Dark Reckoning
Author: J. E. Taylor
Published in July 2010 by Fido Publishing
Genre: Paranormal/Suspense
ISBN: 978-1-453664-36-0 paperback
Along the calm waters of Mirror Lake is Paradise Cove, a lovely setting that local college kids use for romantic rendezvous and skinny dipping. An old Indian legend tells while sitting on the rock jutting over the lake, then peering into the waters, a person can foresee their future…or death. But it’s providing the annual sacrifice whispered most, without it the beast who lives beneath the water threatens to wreak havoc on Brooksfield. Feeding this story is the increase of disappearances and murders over the last two years, leaving most wondering serial killer or another urban legend comes to life.
Under cover at Brooksfield college campus, FBI Special Agent Steve Williams pursues serial murders possessing all the markings of something absurdly paranormal. Not one to embrace such other-worldly notions involving ghosts, demons and bringing dead back to life, but the evidence is sure leaning that way. As are the witness statements. Having clairvoyant, Jennifer Curtis affirm all this mumbo-jumbo just heightens the creepy-crawlies up and down his back. A trusting friend from his childhood days, Jennifer’s visions are too real for them to not be believed. However…she is studying to be an actress. And a darn good one from all he’s witnessed.
Jennifer is disgusted that her best friend Tracy and boyfriend, Bill set up yet another blind date. Except this time, unbeknownst to them, she knows the man chosen for the recent match making exploits. Having been old childhood friends who drifted apart due to life events, Steve’s call to warn Jennifer makes this pairing less demeaning, with no expectations too. Besides, neither is ready to move on from their prior relationships, having lost their respective lovers to unexpected death. Steve’s fiancée committed suicide days before their planned nuptials, whereas Jennifer’s boyfriend, Tom’s death deemed accidental. Even so, their attraction blossoms as they jointly pursue a heinous murderer.
Published by Fido Publishing, J E Taylor writes a thrilling and engaging paranormal horror, “Dark Reckoning”. The absorbing, fluid plot builds slowly towards its divergent terror-driven climax. As sturdy, forthright characters convey the story’s age-old message; stay out of the woods…and while you’re at it, the water too.
Sharing the opulent apartment with her girlfriend Tracy, Jennifer immediately feels the place is “alive”. Especially in her bedroom closet that emits an intimidating unfriendliness when merely standing in front of it, then there’s that chilly draft, its origins baffling. During this time Jennifer’s visions become more frequent and stronger. Normally she sees only the present and future, never the past, so viewing the carnage of people long dead makes her trepidation evident.
Steve never knew about Jennifer’s ability to telepathically pick up ‘things’ from her surroundings. After entering his grandfather’s cottage, where fiancée, Peggy killed herself, Jennifer relives the woman’s last moments of life. What stands out from the experience is what Peggy says before slitting her wrists, ““I can’t do this to him...I just can’t.” What does she mean?
Tracy is freaked…discovering that Jennifer and Steve made love on the rock overhang in Paradise Cove. She knows what is coming next - commands to hand Jennifer over, or suffer unimaginable things.
Bill, Tracy’s long time boyfriend, prepares for pledge night. Since his enrollment at the college and then heading fraternity Beta Theta Pi, new pledges campout in the woods surrounding Mirror Lake, in particular the area called Paradise Cove. Like years previous, the initiates are expected to endure their greatest challenge…facing their most supreme fear. Oh but his eagerness stems not from the success of pledge night, but his designs for Jennifer…lovely, sexy Jennifer. A college man’s wet dream and one he has waited a long time to make into reality. Best friends or not, Bill is thankful for Tom’s death – for everyone involved it was a worthy sacrifice, of course.
Jennifer’s blackouts and visions’ are getting more detailed, and frequent, which really unnerves Steve. But when bloody words appear in his school notebook, claiming “He Must Die” or “She Is Mine” does macho FBI Special Agent Steve truly becomes...frightened. He is feeling ‘out-of-his-league’ right now.
Never one for the inclusion of rape in any story however, J E Taylor masterfully [read: tastefully] weaves a respectful though authentic scene. Leaving the reader with a clear image without crystal-clear details; quite apparent what is taking place and the character’s state of mind while enduring the ordeal. This is the second time I have read such ‘pushing’ of literary boundaries emulating real life. Like the previous experience, this read was quite comfortable but still notable.
“Dark Reckoning” is truly a thrilling read as J E Taylor masterfully spins a smooth though unhurried tale of suspense in a prominent college town. However, once all the characters have played out their narrative does the pace become rapid, and nail biting. Murders are escalating but no clues reveal whether the perpetrator is human or animal…but definitely unnatural as the victim’s remains tell a tale of extreme rage and blood thirsty carnage. As evidentiary pieces assemble into something concrete do Steve and Jennifer’s personas exude that inner strength and confidence; necessary for those surviving excruciating horrors about to suffer.
I do love a great horror story, so am adding this little beauty to my ebook collection. Marking it for a repeat read too.
Other works upcoming from J E Taylor includes the first in the Game Series, published from eXcessica Publishing “Survival Games” was released July 19, 2010. Following in Nov of this year is “Mind Games”, and then “End Games” February 2011, both from eXcessica Publishing. This series has been hailed a great read, but solely on its own merit appears quite intriguing. I do love a serial.
A Dedicated Reader,
Pamela Jenewein!
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