Crimson Ecliptic, The

The Black #1

by Ben Coran

The Crimson Ecliptic is the first novel in The Black Series by Ben Coran. A lightning bolt shot across the sky making him appear at her side as if he were borne from the darkness. Ares has the kind of life most people long for. However, he hasn't yet fulfilled his one desire in life: to become an untraceable serial killer. When he begins committing murders, he suddenly unleashes the monster within, murdering his unsuspecting victims in a unique pattern according to their zodiac signs. Through preparation, he becomes a killer who is well versed in all of the world's most deadly murderers and their tactics, a killer who researched the methods of law enforcement and honed his ability to avoid detection, a killer who knows how to eliminate all evidence from the scene. He even sends messages and ciphers for police and a national news reporter, Marshall Conway, to report on the air as a playful ploy, thinking the law will never be able to trap him. Will the FBI ever catch up to Ares and his evil ways? And just how do they capture someone who, after delivering the bodies to them, leaves no evidence? THE CRIMSON ECLIPTIC, is a perfect mixture of THE DA VINCI CODE, CRIMINAL MINDS, and DEXTER. It is a nonstop thrill-ride that will leave you breathless at every turn of the page.

372 pages, Paperback

First published April 10, 2012

About the author

Ben Coran is a writer and journalist and has been published in numerous newspapers and magazines. Ben has a degree in Psychology and has researched serial crime both academically and through interviews with real convicted killers and the incredible men and women in law enforcement who catch them.

Having never considered writing, it was a complete surprise when the main character in the first novel, The Crimson Ecliptic, appeared in Ben's mind as he was on his way to a real estate listing appointment in 2006. After spending a week jotting down notes and ideas, Ben began research. Reading every book available on serial crime, psychology, forensics, and the nature of autopsies, along with interviews of numerous convicted serial murderers, Ben honed Ares into an efficient and brilliant killing machine.

The second novel, When Stars Align, is a completely different genre. When Stars Align is a romantic comedy described as a mixture between The Notebook and While You Were Sleeping. Other future projects include a journey back into darkness for The Wars Within, a psychological thriller that will push the boundaries of what people are willing to accept about the nature of reality, possibility, and deviance.

Ben currently lives in southern Idaho with his family. He and his wife have five children. Ben enjoys many hobbies and interests ranging from motorcycles to physics.

Reviews

[Anne Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

A colleague of mine recommended this book to me. I love to read and especially love the mystery genre. I have read a lot of books and was pleasantly surprised to find a book that truly made me want to keep reading, I couldn't put it down. It caught my interest from the first page. There were so many things that kept me guessing until the very end. The author made you feel like you were right there, like you were part of this journey that the killer was on. You love and hate the characters in the book, which to me is the sign of an amazing writer. I like to feel immersed in the story and that is exactly what this book gives you.
This is the first time in a long time that I look forward to reading a book for the second time and maybe a third. I think there will be clues that I missed the first time. Yes it is that good. I don't normally write reviews of books but I felt compelled to write this one so others can share in this amazing Book!

[Trisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love, love, love murder mystery's & this one is most definately on the top of my list! As I was reading, I just couldn't help but think of all the research, time & effort that went into this. There is so much detail! It's a book that keeps you on your toes & after finishing one chapter, wanting just one more, then one more, etc...until you've been up all night reading! Can't wait for the next one. Ben definately nailed this!

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished reading the Crimson Ecliptic – I loved it! Great thrill ride that takes you through the mind of a serial killer. Ben kept me interested from beginning to end and even better – kept me guessing! This book is a must read! I look forward to reading more from Ben Coran

[Meg Orton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a very fascinating read. I loved the fact that you could have a serial killer thriller that is graphic, yet not over the top, with no swearing for filler words. This book is very intriguing in the event that you are not only living and seeing the crimes the killers mind, but you are also trying to see the crime through the FBI's eyes too. As the book goes on, the murders become more passionate, thrilling and intense. The violence and controlled madness in Ares slowly devolve into his rage as he lets the maniac loose keeps the reader turning pages. Ben Coran leaves the reader in suspense every time they insert the bookmark. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a good suspense.

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the best murder mystery novel I have ever read. The accuracy and attention to detail is amazing. I love how the author pays such attention to details most authors would just make up. I actually had fun googling parts of this book to check for accuracy and was shocked that such a great read would also be so accurate! The book read very fast and I immediately began reading again to catch more details that I missed.
I love that the author told the story without unnecessary language and kept the level of violence and description at a level that you know exactly how bad Ares is without being too much. It definitely made me think about being more careful! LOVE LOVE LOVE this book!

[Michelle Khzouz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Goodreads for the First Reads copy! Incredible thrilling page turner!!! Several pages in and I was hooked wondering how this story would end. I can't wait for the next book. Enjoy:)

[Maria]

I won this book on Goodreads First Reads and I still have not received my copy in the mail.

[Maxine Owen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ben Coran takes the reader on a journey that is both exciting and a bit frightening. There are moments in The Crimson Ecliptic that the reader is holding his/her breath.
Anyone who loves the show Criminal Minds will love this book as well. There is never a dull moment. The energy extends throughout the entire book.
You will find yourself entering the mind of a serial killer. This brings you closer to the action than you ever thought possible.
I found this book to be completely fascinating and difficult to put down. I would be quick to buy other books by this author.

[Cat · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the pace of the story and some of the main character building. For whatever reason I didn't LOVE this book but especially towards the end it had me eager to turn the next page. I especially enjoyed both the pace and the unfolding of the story towards the end.