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Next Move, You're Dead Trilogy #1
Next Move, You're Dead
Homicide detective John Cooper has always followed the evidence to solve any case. That is until he starts receiving phone calls claiming otherwise. As the murder cases are already solved, John wonders what the phone calls have to do with them. The evidence proves the guilt of those involved, but the calls make him start to question the evidence and himself - for the first time in his career.
With each move, John finds himself caught up in a game with an unknown opponent who is always one step ahead and seems to know John better than he knows himself, but how? How can someone know every detail of the murder cases and not be involved? But most importantly, how can this chilling caller know everything about John? As John prepares himself to take on the challenge, he soon realizes that everything he's believed in is no longer part of his new reality.
This book has been completely re-edited.
With each move, John finds himself caught up in a game with an unknown opponent who is always one step ahead and seems to know John better than he knows himself, but how? How can someone know every detail of the murder cases and not be involved? But most importantly, how can this chilling caller know everything about John? As John prepares himself to take on the challenge, he soon realizes that everything he's believed in is no longer part of his new reality.
This book has been completely re-edited.
344 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 2, 2011
98 people are currently reading
496 people want to read
About the author
Linda L. Barton
14 books44 followersHello, my name is Linda L Barton and I'm a Bestselling Multi-Genre Author, Founder of Deadly Reads, and Host of Deadly Reads Radio, Journey into the Night on Blog Talk Radio.
My first book, Next Move, You're Dead was published in March of 2011, and then went on to become a trilogy. I'm proud to say the Next Move, You're Dead Trilogy Bundle was chosen to be 1 of 100 Pre-loaded Kindle Fire ebooks given away in the VIP Swags Bags at the 2013 Emmy Awards show.
I live in a quiet little community in southeast Texas with my husband, Bob, our three spoiled-rotten dogs, and two silly goldfish. Over the years, I have learned that life is an adventure you should always appreciate with all the blessings it brings.
My first book, Next Move, You're Dead was published in March of 2011, and then went on to become a trilogy. I'm proud to say the Next Move, You're Dead Trilogy Bundle was chosen to be 1 of 100 Pre-loaded Kindle Fire ebooks given away in the VIP Swags Bags at the 2013 Emmy Awards show.
I live in a quiet little community in southeast Texas with my husband, Bob, our three spoiled-rotten dogs, and two silly goldfish. Over the years, I have learned that life is an adventure you should always appreciate with all the blessings it brings.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
April 19, 2011
Next Move You're Dead is a mystery novel centering around Detective John Cooper as he investigates several seemingly unrelated crimes. He is working on the murder of numerous prostitutes around town. But a routine traffic stop results in the arrest of a prominent city councilman for these crimes. Why? His car has the body of the latest victim in the trunk. Later a well-known lawyer comes home to find his wife dead, apparently by suicide. Why? She has presumably found evidence that her husband is having an affair and rather than deal with it she is killing herself and their unborn child to torment her husband. The question arises just what do these crimes have in common and why is John being contacted anonymously to participate in this "game."
When I first started reading this story, I thought I had it pegged as a mystery. However, the further I got into the story I realized that this was perhaps more of a mystery and a psychological thriller. I began to question whether John was truly being contacted by an anonymous task master or if he's simply having a breakdown? Ms. Barton definitely keeps the reader wondering what's going to happen next. One moment you're cheering for John to succeed with his investigation and the next you're hoping he gets the medical help he obviously needs. Ms. Barton has given us a well-crafted story with believable characters but... I wish I could put my finger on it, but there was just something about this story that just didn't do it for me. Don't get me wrong, I found it intriguing and interesting while reading but as soon as I finished reading the story was completely forgotten.
When I first started reading this story, I thought I had it pegged as a mystery. However, the further I got into the story I realized that this was perhaps more of a mystery and a psychological thriller. I began to question whether John was truly being contacted by an anonymous task master or if he's simply having a breakdown? Ms. Barton definitely keeps the reader wondering what's going to happen next. One moment you're cheering for John to succeed with his investigation and the next you're hoping he gets the medical help he obviously needs. Ms. Barton has given us a well-crafted story with believable characters but... I wish I could put my finger on it, but there was just something about this story that just didn't do it for me. Don't get me wrong, I found it intriguing and interesting while reading but as soon as I finished reading the story was completely forgotten.
April 19, 2011
Homicide Detective John Cooper finds himself in what seems to be a cat and mouse game with a serial killer and his life is spiraling out of control.
The author, Linda L. Barton does a very good job of bringing to the page the creepiness and violence of the murders without being too graphic. There are quite a few characters involved in the story and she introduced each thoroughly, explaining how each arrived into the story.
My main problem with the book is that I didn’t find the main characters of John and his wife Kathy likeable or believable. This is a mystery thriller, but I was able to figure out where the story was heading very quickly.
My favorite books are about the mature detective that is able to put together the pieces of the puzzle and solve the case. Although John was touted as one of the best detectives, he did not display any common sense in the book. Even knowing the entire story and looking back, he was a terrible law enforcement officer.
The author, Linda L. Barton does a very good job of bringing to the page the creepiness and violence of the murders without being too graphic. There are quite a few characters involved in the story and she introduced each thoroughly, explaining how each arrived into the story.
My main problem with the book is that I didn’t find the main characters of John and his wife Kathy likeable or believable. This is a mystery thriller, but I was able to figure out where the story was heading very quickly.
My favorite books are about the mature detective that is able to put together the pieces of the puzzle and solve the case. Although John was touted as one of the best detectives, he did not display any common sense in the book. Even knowing the entire story and looking back, he was a terrible law enforcement officer.
May 31, 2011
I really enjoyed this book alot! It kept me on the edge of my seat, wanting more. I was totally surprised about how it ended. I won't say anymore so I don't spoil it for anyone. Let's just say, I didn't see it coming, lol!!! Looking forward the the Book Worms discussions for the Book Club. Keep writing Linda, looking forward to the next installment!
June 14, 2011
I gave up on this book at 52% done. The editing for Kindle was horrible. Misspelled words, improperly punctuation, words left out of sentences and words used improperly. Aside from that, a really flimsey plot. I generally love a good mystery. This wasn't it. Sorry.
April 6, 2011
Very good for a debut novel. Plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing & an ending that socks you in the chops. Cant wait for more!
August 12, 2019
Great Read!
This was a great read from beginning to end. The plot twists were well played. It was a little difficult to read in spots due to inappropriate use of commas and missing words but well worth reading.
This was a great read from beginning to end. The plot twists were well played. It was a little difficult to read in spots due to inappropriate use of commas and missing words but well worth reading.
September 6, 2017
Unfortunately It did not do a lot for me, found it hard to get in to and did not finish.
March 21, 2018
I love this & I can't wait for more.
I will be also leaving a review on Goodreads @ Amazon.
And letting everyone know about it.
So i gave it a 5 Stars.
I will be also leaving a review on Goodreads @ Amazon.
And letting everyone know about it.
So i gave it a 5 Stars.
October 12, 2024
Very strange ending, not an ending at all
February 24, 2021
On the plus side, the idea behind this novel is a good one. A mysterious killer sets up his victims, playing his game with the lives of others. He causes division, turns friends and partners against each other and kills. Then he sets his sights on Detective John Cooper.
But the execution of the idea in this novel is quite horrific. It is so poorly written it reads as if penned by a child. It is full of clichés, of contradictions and poor punctuation. To call it amateurish would be to insult amateur writers. Even when Cooper knows of "The Game", he doesn't suspect anything when information purporting to come from his wife suddenly appears. Other characters prove equally gullible and easy to manipulate.
There is no attempt to follow any sort of police procedure at all. Not even the most obvious investigative techniques are used. The characters are one dimensional and all act and speak in exactly the same voice. When alone, the main characters talk out loud, expressing feelings in a manner that speaks of an author unable to convey the simplest emotion other than by having a character express it directly.
The novel is set in Philadelphia, we are told, but the sense of place is absolutely non-existent. No details of the city are given, not one reference to a landmark , or even a single description exists. Characters move through "their neighbourhood", "a poor area" and so on. The setting could have been chosen at random with no thought or planning whatsoever.
But the execution of the idea in this novel is quite horrific. It is so poorly written it reads as if penned by a child. It is full of clichés, of contradictions and poor punctuation. To call it amateurish would be to insult amateur writers. Even when Cooper knows of "The Game", he doesn't suspect anything when information purporting to come from his wife suddenly appears. Other characters prove equally gullible and easy to manipulate.
There is no attempt to follow any sort of police procedure at all. Not even the most obvious investigative techniques are used. The characters are one dimensional and all act and speak in exactly the same voice. When alone, the main characters talk out loud, expressing feelings in a manner that speaks of an author unable to convey the simplest emotion other than by having a character express it directly.
The novel is set in Philadelphia, we are told, but the sense of place is absolutely non-existent. No details of the city are given, not one reference to a landmark , or even a single description exists. Characters move through "their neighbourhood", "a poor area" and so on. The setting could have been chosen at random with no thought or planning whatsoever.
January 14, 2014
This was an intense, gripping novel from the get-go. It’ll have you up all night because you won’t want to put it down. You can purchase each of the three books separately, but I would recommend getting all three together as they are not stand-alone novels, and you’ll want to read one after the other.
Book 1 (Next Move, You’re Dead) takes place in Philadelphia with John Cooper as the investigator of a set of murders. He has been chosen by Erebus, a very sick and twisted villain to be the Tracker in The Game he plays. As John tries to solve the mystery of who Erebus is, a number of murders and suicides occur in the city that are easily solved – too easily, too cut and dried. John begins to think that there is more going on than can be seen. And he has been getting these phone calls…. From someone who knows exactly what he is doing, almost before he does, everywhere he goes, and there is no record of the phone calls on his cell phone. Everyone believes John has lost contact with reality and John starts to doubt himself, and then things really get bad.
Book 2 (A New Game) finds us in Houston, Texas, with Detective Lucinda MacKey. After destroying John Cooper, Erebus has now moved on and has focused attention on Lucinda, making her the Tracker in his next Game. As she searches for a kidnapped child, she confides in her partner and friend Detective Rick Jameson about Erebus. Rick helps her prove that Erebus is a real person and not her imagination. Erebus is forced into a stalemate and leaves without destroying Lucinda.
Book 3 (Erebus) brings Erebus back to Philadelphia where he kidnaps John Cooper from the psychiatric hospital and then entices Lucinda into rescuing him. John’s long-time friend and boss Captain Tom Riggs partners with her and so Erebus then includes him in his deadly Game.
We also learn about Erebus’ history and how he came to be who he is. I particularly liked this book as it gave the opportunity to think about whether you believe a person who does evil things like serial murder has had some terrible thing happen to them in their past, or whether something in their personality has just “made them” be like that. You’ll have to make up your own mind.
This trilogy was very fast-paced and exciting. I liked John and his wife Kathy. Mac was a great character too. I loved the relationship she had with her partner and his family. I found Erebus to be exactly what the author created him to be – evil. I wasn’t even sure if he was a real person or not at the end of the first book.
I enjoyed Ms. Barton’s style of writing. It was easy to read and quite engaging. The way she wrote the speaking parts for the different characters, I could actually hear the differences in their speech patterns in my mind as they spoke.
This is definitely an adult fiction book, and there is use of some swearing and coarse language. Some of the murder evidence may be a bit gruesome for some people.
I gave this novel 4 out of 5 stars.
Thanks to the author Linda Barton, who provided a copy of the book in exchange for a fair and honest review. A positive opinion was not required. All thoughts are my own.
Book 1 (Next Move, You’re Dead) takes place in Philadelphia with John Cooper as the investigator of a set of murders. He has been chosen by Erebus, a very sick and twisted villain to be the Tracker in The Game he plays. As John tries to solve the mystery of who Erebus is, a number of murders and suicides occur in the city that are easily solved – too easily, too cut and dried. John begins to think that there is more going on than can be seen. And he has been getting these phone calls…. From someone who knows exactly what he is doing, almost before he does, everywhere he goes, and there is no record of the phone calls on his cell phone. Everyone believes John has lost contact with reality and John starts to doubt himself, and then things really get bad.
Book 2 (A New Game) finds us in Houston, Texas, with Detective Lucinda MacKey. After destroying John Cooper, Erebus has now moved on and has focused attention on Lucinda, making her the Tracker in his next Game. As she searches for a kidnapped child, she confides in her partner and friend Detective Rick Jameson about Erebus. Rick helps her prove that Erebus is a real person and not her imagination. Erebus is forced into a stalemate and leaves without destroying Lucinda.
Book 3 (Erebus) brings Erebus back to Philadelphia where he kidnaps John Cooper from the psychiatric hospital and then entices Lucinda into rescuing him. John’s long-time friend and boss Captain Tom Riggs partners with her and so Erebus then includes him in his deadly Game.
We also learn about Erebus’ history and how he came to be who he is. I particularly liked this book as it gave the opportunity to think about whether you believe a person who does evil things like serial murder has had some terrible thing happen to them in their past, or whether something in their personality has just “made them” be like that. You’ll have to make up your own mind.
This trilogy was very fast-paced and exciting. I liked John and his wife Kathy. Mac was a great character too. I loved the relationship she had with her partner and his family. I found Erebus to be exactly what the author created him to be – evil. I wasn’t even sure if he was a real person or not at the end of the first book.
I enjoyed Ms. Barton’s style of writing. It was easy to read and quite engaging. The way she wrote the speaking parts for the different characters, I could actually hear the differences in their speech patterns in my mind as they spoke.
This is definitely an adult fiction book, and there is use of some swearing and coarse language. Some of the murder evidence may be a bit gruesome for some people.
I gave this novel 4 out of 5 stars.
Thanks to the author Linda Barton, who provided a copy of the book in exchange for a fair and honest review. A positive opinion was not required. All thoughts are my own.
August 31, 2016
This was an intense, gripping novel from the get-go. It’ll have you up all night because you won’t want to put it down. You can purchase each of the three books separately, but I would recommend getting all three together as they are not stand-alone novels, and you’ll want to read one after the other.
Book 1 (Next Move, You’re Dead) takes place in Philadelphia with John Cooper as the investigator of a set of murders. He has been chosen by Erebus, a very sick and twisted villain to be the Tracker in The Game he plays. As John tries to solve the mystery of who Erebus is, a number of murders and suicides occur in the city that are easily solved – too easily, too cut and dried. John begins to think that there is more going on than can be seen. And he has been getting these phone calls…. From someone who knows exactly what he is doing, almost before he does, everywhere he goes, and there is no record of the phone calls on his cell phone. Everyone believes John has lost contact with reality and John starts to doubt himself, and then things really get bad.
Book 2 (A New Game) finds us in Houston, Texas, with Detective Lucinda MacKey. After destroying John Cooper, Erebus has now moved on and has focused attention on Lucinda, making her the Tracker in his next Game. As she searches for a kidnapped child, she confides in her partner and friend Detective Rick Jameson about Erebus. Rick helps her prove that Erebus is a real person and not her imagination. Erebus is forced into a stalemate and leaves without destroying Lucinda.
Book 3 (Erebus) brings Erebus back to Philadelphia where he kidnaps John Cooper from the psychiatric hospital and then entices Lucinda into rescuing him. John’s long-time friend and boss Captain Tom Riggs partners with her and so Erebus then includes him in his deadly Game.
We also learn about Erebus’ history and how he came to be who he is. I particularly liked this book as it gave the opportunity to think about whether you believe a person who does evil things like serial murder has had some terrible thing happen to them in their past, or whether something in their personality has just “made them” be like that. You’ll have to make up your own mind.
This trilogy was very fast-paced and exciting. I liked John and his wife Kathy. Mac was a great character too. I loved the relationship she had with her partner and his family. I found Erebus to be exactly what the author created him to be – evil. I wasn’t even sure if he was a real person or not at the end of the first book.
I enjoyed Ms. Barton’s style of writing. It was easy to read and quite engaging. The way she wrote the speaking parts for the different characters, I could actually hear the differences in their speech patterns in my mind as they spoke.
This is definitely an adult fiction book, and there is use of some swearing and coarse language. Some of the murder evidence may be a bit gruesome for some people.
I gave this novel 4 out of 5 stars.
Thanks to the author Linda Barton, who provided a copy of the book in exchange for a fair and honest review. A positive opinion was not required. All thoughts are my own.
Book 1 (Next Move, You’re Dead) takes place in Philadelphia with John Cooper as the investigator of a set of murders. He has been chosen by Erebus, a very sick and twisted villain to be the Tracker in The Game he plays. As John tries to solve the mystery of who Erebus is, a number of murders and suicides occur in the city that are easily solved – too easily, too cut and dried. John begins to think that there is more going on than can be seen. And he has been getting these phone calls…. From someone who knows exactly what he is doing, almost before he does, everywhere he goes, and there is no record of the phone calls on his cell phone. Everyone believes John has lost contact with reality and John starts to doubt himself, and then things really get bad.
Book 2 (A New Game) finds us in Houston, Texas, with Detective Lucinda MacKey. After destroying John Cooper, Erebus has now moved on and has focused attention on Lucinda, making her the Tracker in his next Game. As she searches for a kidnapped child, she confides in her partner and friend Detective Rick Jameson about Erebus. Rick helps her prove that Erebus is a real person and not her imagination. Erebus is forced into a stalemate and leaves without destroying Lucinda.
Book 3 (Erebus) brings Erebus back to Philadelphia where he kidnaps John Cooper from the psychiatric hospital and then entices Lucinda into rescuing him. John’s long-time friend and boss Captain Tom Riggs partners with her and so Erebus then includes him in his deadly Game.
We also learn about Erebus’ history and how he came to be who he is. I particularly liked this book as it gave the opportunity to think about whether you believe a person who does evil things like serial murder has had some terrible thing happen to them in their past, or whether something in their personality has just “made them” be like that. You’ll have to make up your own mind.
This trilogy was very fast-paced and exciting. I liked John and his wife Kathy. Mac was a great character too. I loved the relationship she had with her partner and his family. I found Erebus to be exactly what the author created him to be – evil. I wasn’t even sure if he was a real person or not at the end of the first book.
I enjoyed Ms. Barton’s style of writing. It was easy to read and quite engaging. The way she wrote the speaking parts for the different characters, I could actually hear the differences in their speech patterns in my mind as they spoke.
This is definitely an adult fiction book, and there is use of some swearing and coarse language. Some of the murder evidence may be a bit gruesome for some people.
I gave this novel 4 out of 5 stars.
Thanks to the author Linda Barton, who provided a copy of the book in exchange for a fair and honest review. A positive opinion was not required. All thoughts are my own.
October 23, 2013
This is the author’s debut novel, part one of a trilogy. I was looking forward to reading this book, but I was so disappointed. The story is about John Cooper, a troubled Detective, happily married to his devoted wife Kathy, who has helped him through a period of alcoholism after losing his friend and partner in an arrest that went wrong. He is proud of his achievements in always solving crimes. One night, out for a meal with Kathy, he receives a strange call from someone saying he has been chosen as a worthy opponent in The Game. Murders begin to take place, the caller called Erebus tells John he is the Tracker in this Game and tells him he has to follow the set of clues to discover the answer. John Cooper has no idea why he has been chosen and finds himself dragged deeper and deeper into the game, and starts drinking again. His marriage is falling apart. Erebus appears to know his every move. The ending is quite shocking and we never find out who or what Erebus is. The idea of the story is a good one, which is why I did read to the end, but I have a few issues with this book. The first being – it needs proofreading! There are far too many words missed out, or words left in that shouldn’t be there – very confusing and meant I read paragraphs twice to see if it was me. It is quite repetitious in places, and I find character’s thoughts written in italics, of which there were many instances, quite irritating, but that’s just a personal view.
February 19, 2015
As a supporter of independent authors and after reading Linda L. Barton's novel, HELLFIRE'S JUDGMENT, I decided to visit her debut novel trilogy. I was not disappointed! Her storytelling skills have improved since she wrote these three tales.
I will not give you, the reader, a synopsis, or a spoiler ending. But, while each book has a conflict ending, they are open-ended. I could see the possibility of a fourth book at some time in the future.
Despite my rating, I DID enjoy the read most of the time. An excellent psychological mystery premise, each book improved while she was developing her style and self-editing skills. There are obvious plot holes, repetitive and redundant wordiness that I find in many debut novels. Generally, the storyline is intriguing and kept me interested until the ending in book 3, EREBUS. However, I am not excited with multiple and chronological chapters telling a backstory. As a reader, I find it far more interesting to insert back history throughout the novel.
I am looking forward to future novels from Linda L. Barton.
I will not give you, the reader, a synopsis, or a spoiler ending. But, while each book has a conflict ending, they are open-ended. I could see the possibility of a fourth book at some time in the future.
Despite my rating, I DID enjoy the read most of the time. An excellent psychological mystery premise, each book improved while she was developing her style and self-editing skills. There are obvious plot holes, repetitive and redundant wordiness that I find in many debut novels. Generally, the storyline is intriguing and kept me interested until the ending in book 3, EREBUS. However, I am not excited with multiple and chronological chapters telling a backstory. As a reader, I find it far more interesting to insert back history throughout the novel.
I am looking forward to future novels from Linda L. Barton.
October 7, 2015
There has been a spate of murdered prostitutes and the top brass of the police are getting heat from further up as no progress is been made to find the killer.
John Cooper the detective is drawn into a cat and mouse game with the killer taunting him as more murders are committed but set up to frame a specific person. The reason for this is that the killer heard John say that you follow the evidence and it takes you to the truth, but the killer is clever as setting others up and then they are charged with the murders.
Unfortunately it becomes far too personal he and his loved ones pay the final price
John Cooper the detective is drawn into a cat and mouse game with the killer taunting him as more murders are committed but set up to frame a specific person. The reason for this is that the killer heard John say that you follow the evidence and it takes you to the truth, but the killer is clever as setting others up and then they are charged with the murders.
Unfortunately it becomes far too personal he and his loved ones pay the final price
September 20, 2011
a psychological thriller with John a policeman trying to find what seems to be a serial killer but nothing connects between the killings. The ending is quite a twist that lets you realize John has changed. Someone keeps calling him and taunting him over each killing that may or may not have been a set up. His guilt over his partner getting killed years ago doesn't help matters and seems to be a driving force in the way this story ends.
May 3, 2014
Yes, a really great read until you reach the end bor atleast until I reached the end.
The paranoid built up was really well done. The characters really well and solidly placed but the main characters-our hero and his spouse simply failed to get me engrossed in their plight. I hoped the ending would change this but ....no. It did not.
Still for the genre a good read.
WaAr
The paranoid built up was really well done. The characters really well and solidly placed but the main characters-our hero and his spouse simply failed to get me engrossed in their plight. I hoped the ending would change this but ....no. It did not.
Still for the genre a good read.
WaAr
April 8, 2016
"Average thriller"
This book was nothing like the game of chess that its cover suggested. I expected a logical plot, whereas it was anything but logical. In fact, the whole story was very disjointed and presented with quite a juvenile turn of phrase. This might be an easy read, but there are a lot better books out there in this genre.
This book was nothing like the game of chess that its cover suggested. I expected a logical plot, whereas it was anything but logical. In fact, the whole story was very disjointed and presented with quite a juvenile turn of phrase. This might be an easy read, but there are a lot better books out there in this genre.
June 7, 2011
I really liked this book. Definitely a page turner, keeps you guessing!!! I would have never guessed at the ending. Looking forward to the next installment of this series. Keep them coming Linda!!!!!
October 28, 2013
It was a really fast read and overall pretty good. Towards the end, the story gets a bit odd and seems like it's wrapped up a bit too fast. Probably need to read the others in the trilogy to get some kind of closure to an overarching story arc (or so I'm hoping).
June 6, 2011
I couldn't get very far into this book..crime genre is just not my thing..
May 28, 2011
Enjoyed this book. Can't wait for the next installment!!
April 16, 2011
I loved this book! It held my attention effortlessly and was so different than your average novel. I can't simply can't wait until the next one!!!
April 25, 2011
A fast paced thriller that will give you chills!
April 25, 2011
A definite page-turner! The kind of novel where you can't wait to get to the end to see how the loose ends are tied up.
July 16, 2023
This book is a great mystery/psychological thriller that has lots of twists and turns. It was a page-turner that I did not want to put down. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
August 14, 2012
Not so much a mystery but a thriller. Well written, but hated the ending.
November 10, 2013
Detective becomes personally involved in psychological thriller.
June 27, 2011
Terrific start...it's drawing me in.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews