Two unusual mystery/thrillers by S.D. O'Donnell

The First

Who is the beautiful Jayne Doe? And why does someone want to kill her?

Ex-detective Saul Becker learned the hard way not to get involved in the troubles of beautiful women. But what else can he do when a barefoot, catatonic Jayne Doe turns up practically in his backyard? Who is she, and what is she so afraid of?

Jayne Doe doesn’t remember anything about her life before she crawled into a hollow tree at the lake next to Saul’s home.. All she knows is that she’s afraid of something—or someone.

Together, Saul and Jayne set out to uncover her past. But they are in more danger than they know, and it will take all of Saul’s skill and training to track down the past that’s stalking them.

Deadly Memories is a fast-paced novel with unexpected twists and a surprise ending.

Book Readers Review

This first novel by Sarah O’Donnell led to many surprises.  Lots of action, suspense, and clean romance to keep the reader interested.  Saul Becker, an ingenious ex-detective and Jayne Doe a tenacious woman, are the main characters. Jayne is in a catatonic state when discovered by Mrs. Blackstone near Saul’s backyard.  Saul attempts to unravel the mystery of Jayne, becoming more involved with her than is really comfortable for him considering a recent relationship that ended in tragedy.

 

A well woven plot that is fast paced and with a few twists that are quite unexpected.  I liked the development of the characters and the unfolding of the story giving you time to enjoy each new development.  The bond between the two main characters is developed with the realization that both have experienced something terrible in their past.  This is a debut novel by Ms. O’Donnell who is obviously an experienced writer.   The novel is presented as a well edited, grammatically correct, and intriguing story.  I have no hesitation in recommending this book and give an unbiased five stars as my rating. I received a copy of this book courtesy of the author in return for an unbiased opinion.

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The Second

Love ... Loss ... Secrets

A Haunting Psychological Read

She starts alone.

"I SIT IN THE GAZEBO, alone. No cup of tea. No neighborly conversation to help fill the silence. Haunted by 85 years worth of musings, I watch the sun set and feel my age."

She ends alone.

And exposes a closely-guarded secret of 35 years in between.

˃˃˃ Meet Mrs. Vera Blackstone

First introduced in the thriller Deadly Memories, she quickly became a well-loved character -- even though she isn't the main one. But you don't have to read Deadly Memories before you enjoy this novella.

˃˃˃ Warning

This story will make you think and stays with you long after the last word is read.

Book Readers Review

This is a novella featuring Vera Blackstone from S.D. O'Donnell's novel Deadly Memories. The story is written as a letter you might leave behind for your loved ones when you die. The letter reads as a confession of the heavy burden Vera has carried for more than 35 years.  The author Sarah O'Donnell approaches the relationship between Alice and her parents in an interesting way. Vera, the Mother and Alice, daughter has a relationship full of friction. Alice has been estranged from her mother for some time, she critical of all that Vera does.  The resentment Alice has toward her mother is counter to the love she shows toward her father.  Vera is a strong woman, who loves her husband very much, which is why she chooses to listen to his wishes and not those of her own or her daughters.

The secret that Vera carries for so many years makes her a stronger person but would be the undoing of others.  The ability to maintain the secret helps to define her as a person and understand the choice she was compelled to make at the time.  Not more can be said without giving away the whole story. I found this short piece to be emotional and prolific. The perfect place to read is the beach and I started and finished this story there.  The sound and sight of the ocean flowing gave the perfect backdrop for a story of love.  What one wouldn't do in the name of love!  I really enjoyed the novella and look forward to reading more by Sarah. 

I received a copy of this book courtesy of the author in return for an unbiased opinion.  My rating is five stars.

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Biography

S.D. O'Donnell was born in Louisiana, raised in New Mexico, and currently resides in the Denver, Colorado area, where the book Deadly Memories takes place.

After years of working with words in the non-fiction arena as a freelance writer, technical writer, and multimedia producer (among other positions), S.D. decided to write a novel. The end result is Deadly Memories, the first of a four book series about Saul Becker and Jayne Doe.

S.D. has been hard at work on Deadly Bayou, the next book in the series. It is still awhile before that is ready, but in the meantime, Shadow Journey will be available for the Kindle on August 1, 2014. It is a novella told from the POV of a favorite character from Deadly Memories -- the feisty octogenarian Mrs. Blackstone.