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The Contract #1
The Contract
There's a killer on the loose
Three Gruesome Murders.
A shooting, a garroting, a drowning… all in different states with no connections between the victims.
But, as the victims are identified, it appears they are not model citizens. Add to that, the fact that a calling card has been left at every scene...
A single white feather!
But no ordinary white feather.
It becomes apparent that there is a serial killer on the loose.
As the body count rises, FBI Agents Cox and Symes are plunged into a cat and mouse chase across the USA and beyond, to find the elusive, brutal killer. All they have to go on is the description of a thin, white male with a blond beard, and the trail of strange white feathers.
But just like his signature, there is nothing ordinary about this killer.
Judge, Jury, Executioner...
This contract must be fulfilled
Three Gruesome Murders.
A shooting, a garroting, a drowning… all in different states with no connections between the victims.
But, as the victims are identified, it appears they are not model citizens. Add to that, the fact that a calling card has been left at every scene...
A single white feather!
But no ordinary white feather.
It becomes apparent that there is a serial killer on the loose.
As the body count rises, FBI Agents Cox and Symes are plunged into a cat and mouse chase across the USA and beyond, to find the elusive, brutal killer. All they have to go on is the description of a thin, white male with a blond beard, and the trail of strange white feathers.
But just like his signature, there is nothing ordinary about this killer.
Judge, Jury, Executioner...
This contract must be fulfilled
Unknown Binding
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About the author
D.E. McCluskey
49 books447 followersI love horror, and I love Christmas. Some would say that the two are not mutually associated, I would tell you different.
I started writing at Christmas, back in the days of yore. I was reading The Night Before Christmas, by Clement Clarke Moore to my daughter who was too excited to sleep. But, I used my secret weapon, my boring voice she was soon catching the right amount of zzzzz's... As I tiptoed out of the room, giving Santa the space he needed to do his bit, I thought to myself, you know what? I could write something like that...
So I did...
The good Behaviour Act was written, the first story in Interesting Tymes, my very first publication.
I live in sunny Liverpool in the UK with my partner and daughters, I used to work in IT but don't anymore, and am the happier person for it. I love football, music and film... I also enjoy long walks, pretty flowers, and gratuitous violence and nudity...
I can be found mostly on Facebook @demccluskey_author
or on Twitter @dammagedpro @demccluskey1
my website is www.dammaged.com
I started writing at Christmas, back in the days of yore. I was reading The Night Before Christmas, by Clement Clarke Moore to my daughter who was too excited to sleep. But, I used my secret weapon, my boring voice she was soon catching the right amount of zzzzz's... As I tiptoed out of the room, giving Santa the space he needed to do his bit, I thought to myself, you know what? I could write something like that...
So I did...
The good Behaviour Act was written, the first story in Interesting Tymes, my very first publication.
I live in sunny Liverpool in the UK with my partner and daughters, I used to work in IT but don't anymore, and am the happier person for it. I love football, music and film... I also enjoy long walks, pretty flowers, and gratuitous violence and nudity...
I can be found mostly on Facebook @demccluskey_author
or on Twitter @dammagedpro @demccluskey1
my website is www.dammaged.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
November 23, 2024
The Contract by D.E. McCluskey was a great read, imo. I liked the characters, even though a couple of them were a too much - the ending made it all fit.
Honestly, i didnt see the end coming. Maybe because I was involved with the FBI Agents and I was on the hint with them - lol
This one did have a cliffhanger, but this does continue to a 2nd book - that i cant wait to read.
D.E. never disappoints me. Each story has its own magic and writing style. Sometimes you love the characters, sometimes you hate them.. but that is what makes D.E. a great writer.
Normally, I dont read anything with government officials as the main characters, but this one was worth it
Honestly, i didnt see the end coming. Maybe because I was involved with the FBI Agents and I was on the hint with them - lol
This one did have a cliffhanger, but this does continue to a 2nd book - that i cant wait to read.
D.E. never disappoints me. Each story has its own magic and writing style. Sometimes you love the characters, sometimes you hate them.. but that is what makes D.E. a great writer.
Normally, I dont read anything with government officials as the main characters, but this one was worth it
October 28, 2024
This is a unique tale indeed, I loved how it blended crime procedural with supernatural thriller and just a little light splash of horror.
Overall, I quite enjoy reading about vigilante justice. The death/crime scenes are great! The gore was perfectly balanaced in this novel. Not too much, and not too little.
I must say the little twist was nice. I had my suspicions that it would go that way, so I wasn't mind blown, but I was happy with it
I am looking forward to reading the second book.
Overall, I quite enjoy reading about vigilante justice. The death/crime scenes are great! The gore was perfectly balanaced in this novel. Not too much, and not too little.
I must say the little twist was nice. I had my suspicions that it would go that way, so I wasn't mind blown, but I was happy with it
I am looking forward to reading the second book.
July 22, 2024
Fantastic thriller/horror/supernatural about 2 FBI agents Investigating brutal murders in America and the U.K. with a twist, a white feather as a calling card.
enjoyed this immensely great story.
enjoyed this immensely great story.
October 24, 2024
I don't know what to rate this, hated it and loved it at the same time??????
August 29, 2024
MAN, THE CLIFFHANGER
Alright, now that the shouting is out of the way, The Contract is a 3.5 star for me. I really wanted to give this a 4, but there was one thing that stopped me: the presentation of women.
Throughout the book, our slightly out-of-depth FBI agent pair runs into various women from stewardesses, hotel managers and workers, officers, and fellow FBI agents. Almost every single woman throws herself at the feet of Agent Symes, throwing out any and all professionalism and good sense. They are all reduced to notches on Agent Symes' bedpost, and most are angry or ashamed after the deed is done.
There is something later on (see the shouting above) that maybe goes a long way in explaining why this happens, but I'd definitely like to see better representation for women in the next one. We're more than just swooning at the feet of some guy, position of power or no, and I hope to see that better in the next one.
Character-wise, I really liked Agent Cox and was happily in his corner throughout the book. I think this was also the first time in any of Dave's books that I was absolutely rooting for the "bad guy," so that was a new perspective!
The amount of gore and dramatic death helped to balance out some more tedious parts of the book, but the investigation aspect seemed to fall a little on the wayside in favour of bouncing from one crime scene to the next. I will give some fun props to Dave for some of the more creative deaths in here, too!
I'm looking forward to the next book and seeing what happens with Agent Cox! He's really in the thick of it now!
Alright, now that the shouting is out of the way, The Contract is a 3.5 star for me. I really wanted to give this a 4, but there was one thing that stopped me: the presentation of women.
Throughout the book, our slightly out-of-depth FBI agent pair runs into various women from stewardesses, hotel managers and workers, officers, and fellow FBI agents. Almost every single woman throws herself at the feet of Agent Symes, throwing out any and all professionalism and good sense. They are all reduced to notches on Agent Symes' bedpost, and most are angry or ashamed after the deed is done.
There is something later on (see the shouting above) that maybe goes a long way in explaining why this happens, but I'd definitely like to see better representation for women in the next one. We're more than just swooning at the feet of some guy, position of power or no, and I hope to see that better in the next one.
Character-wise, I really liked Agent Cox and was happily in his corner throughout the book. I think this was also the first time in any of Dave's books that I was absolutely rooting for the "bad guy," so that was a new perspective!
The amount of gore and dramatic death helped to balance out some more tedious parts of the book, but the investigation aspect seemed to fall a little on the wayside in favour of bouncing from one crime scene to the next. I will give some fun props to Dave for some of the more creative deaths in here, too!
I'm looking forward to the next book and seeing what happens with Agent Cox! He's really in the thick of it now!
August 6, 2019
One or two gruesome murders with a white feather left as a calling card are troubling but when they find more FBI agents Cox and Symes find themselves in the middle of a disturbing investigation. The only clue is that this is not your usual killer he has found ingenious ways of killing people who have previously not been wholly innocent, there are no clues as to who the tall slim blonde man is who has been seen at the murders but as there are more dead bodies turning up they really have their work cut out for them.
This book was a combination of genres that I love in books, Crime and a touch of fantasy I can't wait to read more about these two. Give it a go I can promise you won't be disappointed.
This book was a combination of genres that I love in books, Crime and a touch of fantasy I can't wait to read more about these two. Give it a go I can promise you won't be disappointed.
August 8, 2019
The Contract by D E McCluskey.
A fantastic read with some great characters. I loved the story. Gory too. I hope there is more to come. 5*. Highly recommended.
A fantastic read with some great characters. I loved the story. Gory too. I hope there is more to come. 5*. Highly recommended.
August 9, 2019
The Contract by D E McCluskey.
A fantastic read with some great characters. I loved the story. Gory too. I hope there is more to come. 5*. Highly recommended.
A fantastic read with some great characters. I loved the story. Gory too. I hope there is more to come. 5*. Highly recommended.
April 12, 2020
Wow - just wow! As readers of my blog will know I'm a fan of D E McCluskey and his gruesome & gripping horror stories. Every time I think I have a favourite I read his next book and my allegiances change!! The Contract is now top of my list.
Three absolutely gruesome murders take place - one is shot, one drowns and one by garroting. Seemingly with nothing linking the victims other than a single, unusual white feather left on the body........ The FBI are drafted in to try and figure it out and Agent Cox & Agent Symes set out on the impossible task of trying to identify and apprehend the serial killer.
But when they dig into the victims further, they discover they all have rather unsavoury pasts (understatement!); and as the numbers of murders go up and witnesses come forward, they also realise that this serial killer may not be all he seems.
A fantastic chase of cat and mouse ensues, with the agents travelling wherever the white feathers take them in the hunt for the elusive and mysterious White Feather Fever killer........
I was honestly, absolutely hooked! Every moment I got, I picked this up to read another bit and finished it over 2 days. This is a fabulous mix of gruesome horror, edge of your seat thriller, and crime/police procedural as the FBI agents try to crack the case and find their man.
Fast paced, with something happening all the time to keep you thoroughly hooked, the plot is fantastic. How the authors can continuously come up with brutal and horrendously gruesome murders is beyond me! But unlike other serial killer tales, you actually find an empathy with this guy - but you'll have to read to find out why!
Agent Cox and Agent Symes are fantastic characters. Cox is a brilliant agent, working tirelessly to try and solve the case. Despite his background some of the scenes he comes across are even shocking to him! Agent Symes is a loveable womaniser! Despite the fact he's. bit of a nightmare, you can't help but warm to him and his escapades will make you laugh (and roll your eyes at the same time!). Regardless of the fact that the agents are completely different, they make a brilliant, funny and effective team.
There are some fantastic supporting characters in this too (I love Dr Broom!); with some absolutely despicable characters. I was more than happy for them to get what was coming to them!
The murders are detailed and gruesome - definitely not for the faint hearted, but if you love a bit of horror, you will love these scenes! There are crimes of the most despicable nature referenced in this book - nearly all of the terrible acts that some members of humanity carry out which reminds you just how horrendous some people really are.
But despite the graphic and dark nature of this book, as always D E McCluskey brings a light hearted humour to the narrative. You will find yourself smiling or laughing at times when you'd least expect it! This results in a fantastic, dark, gripping read but with humour when you need it.
There are parts throughout this that made me go 'whoa - what?!', especially when it came to the ending; and I literally cannot wait for the next book. I'm so glad this is part of trilogy!
Sadly C William Giles passed away before The Contract was published (although he did read the final draft and approve the cover). I hope he's watching over us all somewhere and is proud of this amazing book that he helped to bring to life. This comes 100% highly recommended by me. If you love a good gruesome horror (or can handle a bit of gore) and are looking for a thriller that will reel you in, keep you on your edge of your seat and that you will thoroughly enjoy reading - then this one is for you!
Three absolutely gruesome murders take place - one is shot, one drowns and one by garroting. Seemingly with nothing linking the victims other than a single, unusual white feather left on the body........ The FBI are drafted in to try and figure it out and Agent Cox & Agent Symes set out on the impossible task of trying to identify and apprehend the serial killer.
But when they dig into the victims further, they discover they all have rather unsavoury pasts (understatement!); and as the numbers of murders go up and witnesses come forward, they also realise that this serial killer may not be all he seems.
A fantastic chase of cat and mouse ensues, with the agents travelling wherever the white feathers take them in the hunt for the elusive and mysterious White Feather Fever killer........
I was honestly, absolutely hooked! Every moment I got, I picked this up to read another bit and finished it over 2 days. This is a fabulous mix of gruesome horror, edge of your seat thriller, and crime/police procedural as the FBI agents try to crack the case and find their man.
Fast paced, with something happening all the time to keep you thoroughly hooked, the plot is fantastic. How the authors can continuously come up with brutal and horrendously gruesome murders is beyond me! But unlike other serial killer tales, you actually find an empathy with this guy - but you'll have to read to find out why!
Agent Cox and Agent Symes are fantastic characters. Cox is a brilliant agent, working tirelessly to try and solve the case. Despite his background some of the scenes he comes across are even shocking to him! Agent Symes is a loveable womaniser! Despite the fact he's. bit of a nightmare, you can't help but warm to him and his escapades will make you laugh (and roll your eyes at the same time!). Regardless of the fact that the agents are completely different, they make a brilliant, funny and effective team.
There are some fantastic supporting characters in this too (I love Dr Broom!); with some absolutely despicable characters. I was more than happy for them to get what was coming to them!
The murders are detailed and gruesome - definitely not for the faint hearted, but if you love a bit of horror, you will love these scenes! There are crimes of the most despicable nature referenced in this book - nearly all of the terrible acts that some members of humanity carry out which reminds you just how horrendous some people really are.
But despite the graphic and dark nature of this book, as always D E McCluskey brings a light hearted humour to the narrative. You will find yourself smiling or laughing at times when you'd least expect it! This results in a fantastic, dark, gripping read but with humour when you need it.
There are parts throughout this that made me go 'whoa - what?!', especially when it came to the ending; and I literally cannot wait for the next book. I'm so glad this is part of trilogy!
Sadly C William Giles passed away before The Contract was published (although he did read the final draft and approve the cover). I hope he's watching over us all somewhere and is proud of this amazing book that he helped to bring to life. This comes 100% highly recommended by me. If you love a good gruesome horror (or can handle a bit of gore) and are looking for a thriller that will reel you in, keep you on your edge of your seat and that you will thoroughly enjoy reading - then this one is for you!
January 10, 2025
This book wasn't exactly what I was expecting, which is probably a good thing or I might not have read it.
It will be hard to give an in depth one without spoilers. However, I'm going to do my best.
FBI Agents Cox and Symes are tasked with tracking down a killer that leaves a single white feather on the victim's body. Their investigation takes them through multiple states and even across the ocean into England. As the bodies pile up, they stumble across a professor that might be able to help them pinpoint the next place and time the perpetrator will hit.
Based on my upbringing, I had figured out in general who was committing the crimes. To someone raised differently it might not be as transparent.
The main characters are likable enough at first, but Symes eventually comes across as a womanizing jerk. Though his behavior becomes important towards the end, which made me loathe him a bit less.
There was the potential for it to be a little more in depth when it came to FBI and Police procedures. It all seemed to be a little too seamless when going from jurisdiction to jurisdiction.
Overall, it was a decent read with a solid idea.
It will be hard to give an in depth one without spoilers. However, I'm going to do my best.
FBI Agents Cox and Symes are tasked with tracking down a killer that leaves a single white feather on the victim's body. Their investigation takes them through multiple states and even across the ocean into England. As the bodies pile up, they stumble across a professor that might be able to help them pinpoint the next place and time the perpetrator will hit.
Based on my upbringing, I had figured out in general who was committing the crimes. To someone raised differently it might not be as transparent.
The main characters are likable enough at first, but Symes eventually comes across as a womanizing jerk. Though his behavior becomes important towards the end, which made me loathe him a bit less.
There was the potential for it to be a little more in depth when it came to FBI and Police procedures. It all seemed to be a little too seamless when going from jurisdiction to jurisdiction.
Overall, it was a decent read with a solid idea.
March 25, 2021
The Contract
Another absolute winner from this talented author who continues to impress with his ability to horrify , captivate , confuse yet also humour.
This book is a very fast paced book with elaborate killings that for so long the perpetrator of these killings has you mystified at his ability to travel great distances in short time and evade capture.
Agents Cox and Symes are very enigmatic characters though Symes magnetism with the winning is baffling until it is finally revealed.
Whilst the crimes are brutal , gruesome and do often varied they all appear justified and you never feel sympathetic towards the victims as they themselves are the dregs of society
As with all of this authors works there is always a twist and the only thing you are usually able to predict is that it will be unpredictable
Having read the authors notes it is tragic about the collaborating author of the book and I am totally supportive of a further book as frustratingly it didn’t feel complete
An absolute must again from a talented author
Another absolute winner from this talented author who continues to impress with his ability to horrify , captivate , confuse yet also humour.
This book is a very fast paced book with elaborate killings that for so long the perpetrator of these killings has you mystified at his ability to travel great distances in short time and evade capture.
Agents Cox and Symes are very enigmatic characters though Symes magnetism with the winning is baffling until it is finally revealed.
Whilst the crimes are brutal , gruesome and do often varied they all appear justified and you never feel sympathetic towards the victims as they themselves are the dregs of society
As with all of this authors works there is always a twist and the only thing you are usually able to predict is that it will be unpredictable
Having read the authors notes it is tragic about the collaborating author of the book and I am totally supportive of a further book as frustratingly it didn’t feel complete
An absolute must again from a talented author
July 16, 2024
The Contract is the perfect blend of Crime Fiction, the Supernatural and Occult Horror.
Three horrendous murders take place in three different locations within the US. The police are stumped on how these crimes all tie together outside of the mysterious white feather left behind at each crime scene. Two FBI Agents, who are polar opposites, mind you, are working together to solve this case and to serve justice.
The further I progressed into this story, the two agents come to find more clues into this wild goose chase of a mystery. There was never a dull moment in this book where it became boring as it was filled with endless action and kept the reader guessing. Fast-paced and one heck of a page turner.
This book is vastly different from previous reads I have completed from DE McCluskey. I love when an author possesses a wide range of writing subject material. I enjoyed this book very much and finished it very quickly. I look forward to the second book!
Highly Recommend
Three horrendous murders take place in three different locations within the US. The police are stumped on how these crimes all tie together outside of the mysterious white feather left behind at each crime scene. Two FBI Agents, who are polar opposites, mind you, are working together to solve this case and to serve justice.
The further I progressed into this story, the two agents come to find more clues into this wild goose chase of a mystery. There was never a dull moment in this book where it became boring as it was filled with endless action and kept the reader guessing. Fast-paced and one heck of a page turner.
This book is vastly different from previous reads I have completed from DE McCluskey. I love when an author possesses a wide range of writing subject material. I enjoyed this book very much and finished it very quickly. I look forward to the second book!
Highly Recommend
September 29, 2024
I could not put this book down! McCluskey knows how to grab the attention of a reader in and keep them engaged the entire story.
Three initial murders catch the attention of the FBI. A man coming home from work shot with a sniper in his front yard. A highly successful lawyer drowned in the shower. And the murder of a high profile individual, surrounded by security in a crowded stadium but no one saw a thing.
The FBI has to figure out what these murders have in common aside from the signature of the serial killer, a single white feather placed on each body.
When witnesses describe the suspect, a skinny young male, with superhero powers. The FBI must figure out who this person is and why he's impossible to catch
It's a race to catch the perpetrator before he strikes again! As the murders stack up, FBI agents Symes and Cox find the reason these lives are claimed and what they all have in common.
Three initial murders catch the attention of the FBI. A man coming home from work shot with a sniper in his front yard. A highly successful lawyer drowned in the shower. And the murder of a high profile individual, surrounded by security in a crowded stadium but no one saw a thing.
The FBI has to figure out what these murders have in common aside from the signature of the serial killer, a single white feather placed on each body.
When witnesses describe the suspect, a skinny young male, with superhero powers. The FBI must figure out who this person is and why he's impossible to catch
It's a race to catch the perpetrator before he strikes again! As the murders stack up, FBI agents Symes and Cox find the reason these lives are claimed and what they all have in common.
October 27, 2024
When I first started reading this book, I didn’t think I’d like it, mostly because I couldn’t vibe with the characters and their continuous banter. But I was intrigued nevertheless and by the end, I was so engrossed in the plot, that I started the ARC of the sequel straight away. More than that, I ended up loving the characters.
I loved the mix of serious and light hearted elements and how the reader’s knowledge grows with the characters, cleverly aiding that bond with the protagonists. I also loved how the reader was thrown fully into the action and the atrocities happening throughout the globe straight from page one, wondering what was happening, whilst body after body was found killed in unimaginable ways!
This book surprised me in many ways, and if you like horror, thrillers and the supernatural, then you have to read it and see how you handle that cliffhanger!!
Thanks to the author for a copy and this is my honest opinion.
I loved the mix of serious and light hearted elements and how the reader’s knowledge grows with the characters, cleverly aiding that bond with the protagonists. I also loved how the reader was thrown fully into the action and the atrocities happening throughout the globe straight from page one, wondering what was happening, whilst body after body was found killed in unimaginable ways!
This book surprised me in many ways, and if you like horror, thrillers and the supernatural, then you have to read it and see how you handle that cliffhanger!!
Thanks to the author for a copy and this is my honest opinion.
July 28, 2025
The amount of spelling and grammatical errors in this book is rather annoying. There were tons of sentences that had extra words, or words completely missing. For example “there was mother than” rather than “there was more than.”
Never mind the fact that a good portion of this book is placed in America and follows FBI agents (an American entity) and yet the author used British slang and spelling for everything. For example-having American FBI agents referring to a guns caliber, spelled as calibre. The author clearly didn’t try to make the speech and tone of the characters match that of the country they are set in.
The abysmal writing skills aside, the story is so repetitive. For only being 232 pages, it felt agonizingly long because it just kept repeating the same gore actions over and over. There’s not even an actual ending- just a lame attempt to pass the torch.
Definitely don’t recommend this book let alone this author.
Never mind the fact that a good portion of this book is placed in America and follows FBI agents (an American entity) and yet the author used British slang and spelling for everything. For example-having American FBI agents referring to a guns caliber, spelled as calibre. The author clearly didn’t try to make the speech and tone of the characters match that of the country they are set in.
The abysmal writing skills aside, the story is so repetitive. For only being 232 pages, it felt agonizingly long because it just kept repeating the same gore actions over and over. There’s not even an actual ending- just a lame attempt to pass the torch.
Definitely don’t recommend this book let alone this author.
September 20, 2024
Evil has been on earth since man was created. In this book multiple people who had committed atrocious crimes are being killed, horribly. When theFBI is bright in to the investigation, the agents jump in with great enthusiasm. At first, there is nothing of the perpetrator left at the scenes to identify who the person is. The several crimes investigated deliver a message that there is something of a higher power at work.
This was a great offering in the serial killer genre. I was seriously grossed out by the description of each scene. The offenders got what they deserved. Each person(s) singled out for extermination was killed in such a way that the reader decides the person(s) should have made better choices. Even at their death the person was not given mercy. I enjoyed the premise of this book. I am curious to see where this series will go.
This was a great offering in the serial killer genre. I was seriously grossed out by the description of each scene. The offenders got what they deserved. Each person(s) singled out for extermination was killed in such a way that the reader decides the person(s) should have made better choices. Even at their death the person was not given mercy. I enjoyed the premise of this book. I am curious to see where this series will go.
October 20, 2024
Cat and mouse for sure!
This was my first time reading a story by this author, and I really enjoyed the character development, especially the dynamic between the two main FBI agents. Without giving anything away, the killings were carefully crafted and added a solid layer of suspense. While it wasn’t one of those books I couldn’t put down, it kept me intrigued, and I was eager to discover the identity or motive behind the murders. I love a good revenge story, and while I understood the premise, there were certain elements that stretched believability for me. I won’t spoil it by diving into those details, but let’s just say they didn’t quite resonate this time around. Since this is meant to be the first in a trilogy, the ending gives you a sense of what’s to come without leaving you hanging. Will I read the next one? Maybe!
This was my first time reading a story by this author, and I really enjoyed the character development, especially the dynamic between the two main FBI agents. Without giving anything away, the killings were carefully crafted and added a solid layer of suspense. While it wasn’t one of those books I couldn’t put down, it kept me intrigued, and I was eager to discover the identity or motive behind the murders. I love a good revenge story, and while I understood the premise, there were certain elements that stretched believability for me. I won’t spoil it by diving into those details, but let’s just say they didn’t quite resonate this time around. Since this is meant to be the first in a trilogy, the ending gives you a sense of what’s to come without leaving you hanging. Will I read the next one? Maybe!
November 16, 2024
I understand that I may not be the target audience for this book (even though I love all things thriller, horror, and mystery). 30% in and I DNF'd it because I was annoyed by the way that women are portrayed in this book. It's one thing to have a womanizing character but Good Golly Miss Molly you don't have to make the women out to be dumb and desperate. It may come in to play later on in the book but at that point it was told from multiple character perspectives, so I think it's just the writers style.
Additionally, 30% in and it's no mystery to me as to what is going on and who is to "blame" for these vigilante style murders. So, I made the personal decision to not suffer through the rest of the book and confirmed my theory by skimming the last couple chapters.
I'm so sad this book missed the mark for me.
Additionally, 30% in and it's no mystery to me as to what is going on and who is to "blame" for these vigilante style murders. So, I made the personal decision to not suffer through the rest of the book and confirmed my theory by skimming the last couple chapters.
I'm so sad this book missed the mark for me.
April 27, 2020
I didn’t hate this book, not by any means, but there were too many errors contained within it for me to give it the three stars I was going to. From misspelling Savannah, and quite a few other smaller errors, they just added up to spoil any enjoyment from the book. The most unforgivable sin of all though was to reference Jammie Dodger biscuits and then give a description of McVities Happy Face biscuits...I mean really? They’re two very different beasts.
All joking about biscuits aside, it was an OK read, a little light on character development, and the twist at the end seemed, to me at least, glaringly obvious throughout the entire book. Not bad, but not great either. Maybe the planned follow up books will improve upon this one.
All joking about biscuits aside, it was an OK read, a little light on character development, and the twist at the end seemed, to me at least, glaringly obvious throughout the entire book. Not bad, but not great either. Maybe the planned follow up books will improve upon this one.
November 30, 2024
So I went into this book, not really knowing what to expect. But let me tell you, it has all of the hallmarks of a fantastic story, there's the thriller aspect, horror/gore in some scenes, supernatural horror and comedy sprinkled throughout (and in one part actually hearing Dave's voice as the scouser talking...!)
This is a duo police act, like so many we have read before but with so many twists, turns and WTF moments. There are some brutal deaths, described in such detail it is like being there. I loved the analogy of a white feather, and it's only at the end where the light bulb in you head goes "ahhh that makes sense".... I won't give any spoilers, but - what an ending!
Can't wait to read book 2 now, to see what happens next....
This is a duo police act, like so many we have read before but with so many twists, turns and WTF moments. There are some brutal deaths, described in such detail it is like being there. I loved the analogy of a white feather, and it's only at the end where the light bulb in you head goes "ahhh that makes sense".... I won't give any spoilers, but - what an ending!
Can't wait to read book 2 now, to see what happens next....
July 20, 2024
I just finished The Contract by DE McCluskey and C William Giles. This book was amazing! I absolutely love crime thrillers, but this also had a supernatural horror angle as well. The killings were totally gory and and creative... not your boring, run of the mill methods. The story is extremely fast paced and won't let you go. I had trouble putting it down and returned to it as quickly as possible. I can't wait to read the sequel. Speaking of that, I am very intrigued and excited by the character introduced at the end of this book, as well as the possible twist. Go read it now! You won't be sorry. 5 enthusiastic stars!
September 2, 2024
So glad I gave this one a shot! We follow as a serial killer leaves his mark. A white feather. A duo of detectives combine forces to uncover the mysterious white feather fever killer. Detectives are polar opposites which makes this book so damn good! I’m super stoked there’s another coming as I need to read it ASAP! I was totally rooting for the bad guy throughout and this book had an eerie suspense feeling to it. I was turning pages quicker than ever to find out which direction this story was going! To grab this one!
November 10, 2024
In typical McCluskey fashion there is a mix of horror, thriller, supernatural, just a bit of gore, and is yet still so different from his other stories! He is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors!!
There is a vigilante serial killer taking out the world’s trash and 2 FBI agents are tasked with stopping him. The problem is…he’s not human and his contract must be fulfilled.
This story hit the ground running and didn’t slow down!
Now it’s on to the sequel…Black Feather Fever!
December 3, 2025
This book was so good and is probably one of McCluskey’s best in my opinion. He has such a great knack for gore and violence but it’s nice to see it all even out into a nice suspenseful crime drama. I love the archangel concept and it helps that you don’t feel sorry for a single victim. “Michael” was going after the worst scum out there. The main characters were very likable which made the ending even better in my opinion. I cannot wait to read more!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 23, 2024
I’m not even sure what to say about this book, it’s so great! Incredible writing! Charecters that are amazing. A touch of the supernatural, which I’m not usually a fan of. In this book though it’s perfect! If you aren’t a fan of gore and I mean a lot of it. This is not for you. Otherwise get reading.
March 12, 2021
A serial killer with a twist.
Interesting and brutal with a single white feather left as a calling card at the scene of the murder. What links these unrelated crimes?
Enjoyable, brutal, gory and riveting
Interesting and brutal with a single white feather left as a calling card at the scene of the murder. What links these unrelated crimes?
Enjoyable, brutal, gory and riveting
June 17, 2021
Blown Away
From the start of this book I just couldn’t put it down. It’s an amazing story and kept me engrossed right up until the end. I actually did guess the end but only at the last few pages. Mr Mc Cluskey you are now one of my favourite authors.
From the start of this book I just couldn’t put it down. It’s an amazing story and kept me engrossed right up until the end. I actually did guess the end but only at the last few pages. Mr Mc Cluskey you are now one of my favourite authors.
June 17, 2023
A great, gruesome, haunting read.... until the end. I understand that even the topic of ghosts can be far fetched but D.E. McCluskey has a brilliant way of writing it in such a believable way. But even for a revengeful ghost story this ending was too much for my realistic imagination to handle.
June 5, 2024
Utterly superb. From start to finish it just never stops. It's just that good. Pretty much knew what the killer was quite quickly and he is doing a great job at killing the scum of the earth. I can't recommend this enough 👍🏻
July 15, 2024
So Good I Need More
Went into this one completely blind. It has so many twists and turns it kept me needing to know what was next. Really enjoyed the world building and the character depth. Looking forward to more in this universe.
Went into this one completely blind. It has so many twists and turns it kept me needing to know what was next. Really enjoyed the world building and the character depth. Looking forward to more in this universe.
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