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Closed Doors, a Trilogy
Closed Doors, a Trilogy features a novella and two short stories.
“Toxic Situations, A Novella”, is a fast-paced thriller that leads the reader from Atlanta to Australia on the hunt for stolen capsules containing a deadly avian flu virus. We follow the adventures of CDC agent Craig Wells Jr. as he and his partner travel the globe battling warring organized crime figures that are determined to sell them to the highest bidder or unleash the deadly virus.
In “Family Secrets”, the reader is invited to a family gathering where the stage is set for an unfolding tragedy and the discovery of the horrid truth about the secrets hidden by seemingly happy families.
In the final story of the trilogy, “Thrills at the Esplanade Cinema”, a unique tale unfolds. What begins as an innocent daily occurrence has the potential to become a life-ending event that stays with the protagonist.
“Toxic Situations, A Novella”, is a fast-paced thriller that leads the reader from Atlanta to Australia on the hunt for stolen capsules containing a deadly avian flu virus. We follow the adventures of CDC agent Craig Wells Jr. as he and his partner travel the globe battling warring organized crime figures that are determined to sell them to the highest bidder or unleash the deadly virus.
In “Family Secrets”, the reader is invited to a family gathering where the stage is set for an unfolding tragedy and the discovery of the horrid truth about the secrets hidden by seemingly happy families.
In the final story of the trilogy, “Thrills at the Esplanade Cinema”, a unique tale unfolds. What begins as an innocent daily occurrence has the potential to become a life-ending event that stays with the protagonist.
- GenresShort Stories
96 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 22, 2012
3 people are currently reading
111 people want to read
About the author
Rich Weatherly
2 books74 followersRich Weatherly's professional career spanned several decades. Much of that career included technical writing and copy writing. He also worked in media production and corporate photography.
After retiring from the corporate world, Rich focused his attention on creative writing. He continues to work on a series of short stories, and a collection of works that will include poetry, photography and miscellaneous writings.
Rich Weatherly is a descendant of one of General Marion's militia at the Battle of Cowpens during the Revolutionary War. His maternal Great-Grandmother's father scouted western Dallas, Country and was numbered among the first 50 families to settle western Dallas, Co., Texas.
Rich is working on an historical fiction novel, Boundless Honor which begins in the fall of 1835. The story features the Texas Revolution and the Trail of Tears.
After retiring from the corporate world, Rich focused his attention on creative writing. He continues to work on a series of short stories, and a collection of works that will include poetry, photography and miscellaneous writings.
Rich Weatherly is a descendant of one of General Marion's militia at the Battle of Cowpens during the Revolutionary War. His maternal Great-Grandmother's father scouted western Dallas, Country and was numbered among the first 50 families to settle western Dallas, Co., Texas.
Rich is working on an historical fiction novel, Boundless Honor which begins in the fall of 1835. The story features the Texas Revolution and the Trail of Tears.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
May 8, 2013
Closed Doors, A Trilogy offers three stories by Rich Weatherly. The first is the novella, Toxic Solutions, an action-packed thriller adventure that pits the hero, Craig Wells against several groups of criminals. It's a race against time on several continents to foil a deadly epidemic from spreading globally. Craig Wells must combat his old nemesis, Bert Rosen. The action definitely keeps the reader turning the pages. Weatherly shows us he’s adept at plotlines and moving the story along. The ending suggested there will be another and I can’t wait for the author's next installment.
The next part of the trilogy, Family Secrets, takes us back in time so that we see what brought about the acrimonious loathing and resentment between Craig Wells and Bert Rosen when they were much younger. Weatherly has us revisiting rural 1958 Texas when Craig comes to his cousin’s rescue.
The third and final story, Thrills at the Esplanade Cinema, is a descriptive narrative that shows the reader what the time period must have been like as a young man walks along pastureland, past farms on his way to the local theatre where he works.
Closed Doors is a fast read and will have you wanting to read more by this author.
The next part of the trilogy, Family Secrets, takes us back in time so that we see what brought about the acrimonious loathing and resentment between Craig Wells and Bert Rosen when they were much younger. Weatherly has us revisiting rural 1958 Texas when Craig comes to his cousin’s rescue.
The third and final story, Thrills at the Esplanade Cinema, is a descriptive narrative that shows the reader what the time period must have been like as a young man walks along pastureland, past farms on his way to the local theatre where he works.
Closed Doors is a fast read and will have you wanting to read more by this author.
July 25, 2012
This debut collection brings together stories that will appeal to many, both the thrill seekers and those who enjoy clean, unpretentious prose and impeccable story telling. Each story resonates in a fresh, yet well-honed voice and are connected by generations of the Wells Family. These stories take the reader on a journey of discovery and a glimpse into human nature, which goes beyond location, or time. Written in a descriptive and well-crafted narrative, it is close to impossible to put the book down before finishing each story which, in my opinion, is a journey which is well-worth taking.
���Toxic Situations, A Novella���, is a fast-paced thriller that leads the reader from Atlanta to Australia on the hunt for stolen capsules containing a deadly avian flu virus. We follow the adventures of CDC agent Craig Wells Jr. as he and his partner travel the globe battling warring organized crime figures that are determined to sell them to the highest bidder or unleash the deadly virus.
In ���Family Secrets���, the reader is invited to a family gathering where the stage is set for an unfolding tragedy and the discovery of the horrid truth about the secrets hidden by seemingly happy families.
In the final story of the trilogy, ���Thrills at the Esplanade Cinema���, a unique tale unfolds. What begins as an innocent daily occurrence has the potential to become a life-ending event that stays with the protagonist.
After reading Rich Weatherly���s ���Closed Doors: a Trilogy���, I am convinced that he is an extremely talented writer who has some fascinating stories to tell. His ability to craft interesting characters and intrigue you with compelling plots while maintaining such a high standard of writing throughout, is brilliant and the mark of a true storyteller. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and cannot wait to read his future work; he definitely has a fan in me.
���Toxic Situations, A Novella���, is a fast-paced thriller that leads the reader from Atlanta to Australia on the hunt for stolen capsules containing a deadly avian flu virus. We follow the adventures of CDC agent Craig Wells Jr. as he and his partner travel the globe battling warring organized crime figures that are determined to sell them to the highest bidder or unleash the deadly virus.
In ���Family Secrets���, the reader is invited to a family gathering where the stage is set for an unfolding tragedy and the discovery of the horrid truth about the secrets hidden by seemingly happy families.
In the final story of the trilogy, ���Thrills at the Esplanade Cinema���, a unique tale unfolds. What begins as an innocent daily occurrence has the potential to become a life-ending event that stays with the protagonist.
After reading Rich Weatherly���s ���Closed Doors: a Trilogy���, I am convinced that he is an extremely talented writer who has some fascinating stories to tell. His ability to craft interesting characters and intrigue you with compelling plots while maintaining such a high standard of writing throughout, is brilliant and the mark of a true storyteller. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and cannot wait to read his future work; he definitely has a fan in me.
September 8, 2012
Closed Doors, a Trilogy
This trilogy is comprised of a novella and two short stories. I had an opportunity to read the novella, Toxic Solutions, before the publication date and read it again when I purchased the book on Amazon. Both times, I wished the story had been a full length novel because there was enough action and solid story line to fill a book.
Author Rich Weatherly has extensive knowledge of the topics covered in his work. He uses this background to build a believable tale of action and suspense that keeps the reader turning pages through one tense-filled scene after another. The characters in the three works tie the stories together in a loose pattern that does not require reading them in a specific order but adds another dimension of interest and strengthens the cohesiveness of the trilogy.
Recently, I watched the DVD movie Outbreak (Dustin Hoffman, Rene Russo, and Kevin Spacey) and was reminded of this novel. Both begin in the vaults of the Center for Disease Control. The criminal element in Outbreak branches off in a different direction than Toxic Solutions, but the threat of a deadly virus that could consume the world if not controlled or stopped exists in both.
Weatherly’s writing style captures the tense atmosphere of an impending crisis and gives a realistic portrayal of events throughout the story.
One of the short stories was especially fun for me to read because it was set in the same theater I attended as a child . . . only several hundred miles north. I could smell the mouthwatering scent of popcorn as it popped and taste the (real) butter drizzled over the white kernels. It was easy to imagine the cocky attitudes of the teens and feel empathy for the young usher as he attempted to perform his assigned duties.
This trilogy is comprised of a novella and two short stories. I had an opportunity to read the novella, Toxic Solutions, before the publication date and read it again when I purchased the book on Amazon. Both times, I wished the story had been a full length novel because there was enough action and solid story line to fill a book.
Author Rich Weatherly has extensive knowledge of the topics covered in his work. He uses this background to build a believable tale of action and suspense that keeps the reader turning pages through one tense-filled scene after another. The characters in the three works tie the stories together in a loose pattern that does not require reading them in a specific order but adds another dimension of interest and strengthens the cohesiveness of the trilogy.
Recently, I watched the DVD movie Outbreak (Dustin Hoffman, Rene Russo, and Kevin Spacey) and was reminded of this novel. Both begin in the vaults of the Center for Disease Control. The criminal element in Outbreak branches off in a different direction than Toxic Solutions, but the threat of a deadly virus that could consume the world if not controlled or stopped exists in both.
Weatherly’s writing style captures the tense atmosphere of an impending crisis and gives a realistic portrayal of events throughout the story.
One of the short stories was especially fun for me to read because it was set in the same theater I attended as a child . . . only several hundred miles north. I could smell the mouthwatering scent of popcorn as it popped and taste the (real) butter drizzled over the white kernels. It was easy to imagine the cocky attitudes of the teens and feel empathy for the young usher as he attempted to perform his assigned duties.
September 18, 2012
Closed Doors, a Trilogy is compromised of a novella, "Toxic Situations" and two short stories, "Family Secrets" and "Thrills at the Esplanade Cinema". The trilogy is interconnected by main characters, the Wells family.
I think Mr. Weatherly did a terrific job. Throughout all the stories, the characters are very believable. In Toxic Situations, a robbery leads to a potential for serious consequences of global proportions. The ending is one that leaves the reader wondering, "will there be a second book?". I certainly hope so.
The short stories are more of a prequel or back story of the family history. In particular, "Family Secrets" shares the family roots. I wouldn't mind seeing more of how the Wells family got into their current line of work.
I think Mr. Weatherly did a terrific job. Throughout all the stories, the characters are very believable. In Toxic Situations, a robbery leads to a potential for serious consequences of global proportions. The ending is one that leaves the reader wondering, "will there be a second book?". I certainly hope so.
The short stories are more of a prequel or back story of the family history. In particular, "Family Secrets" shares the family roots. I wouldn't mind seeing more of how the Wells family got into their current line of work.
September 16, 2013
One thing this novella and two shorts have in common is that they each reflect the dark side of human nature. Bio-terrorism; incest, rape and murder; and gangs and war. But on the bright side, Mr. Weatherly gives us the "light" side as well - everyday heroes who stick up for their country, family and friends.
All three of these stories were packed with action and characters who could be anyone around us.
I'm looking forward to the sequel to Toxic Situations!
All three of these stories were packed with action and characters who could be anyone around us.
I'm looking forward to the sequel to Toxic Situations!
January 3, 2013
The first part of this trilogy is Toxic Situations, a novella written in a cinematic manner, centered on a international crime and intrigue. It starts in the vaults of the Center for Disease Control, where Craig Wells Jr. aided by his partner, Dan Turner, are on the case: two rival terrorist groups aim to take hold of lethal capsules of a deadly flu virus, which were developed in a US research laboratory. Written in a fast pace action sequence, this suspense story nonetheless provides a gripping description of the dangers of biological pathogens. The author, Rich Weatherly, has compiled a novella, Toxic Situations, a short story, Family Secrets, and an autobiographical note, Thrills at the Esplanade Cinema, into the covers of this book. It is a body of work inspired by a prolific professional career, which includes technical writing, poetry, and photography, with a personal outlook on the world we live in. While the novella lends itself to becoming a suspense film, the other two short stories provide the underpinning of the author's world view and where he is coming from. As hinted in his epilogue, Richard Weatherly lived through several close encounters with death. As a result, his outlook on life took on a new meaning, which guided his pen in the writing of this trilogy.
In Family Secrets you see Eva, seated in the family Packard Sedan wishing, "I'll show them," as her mom and dad are staring each in a different direction, concealing ugly secrets, and looking away so as not to see the truth about the other. Her family arrives at Craig's family yard, to take part in an Independence day celebration. Eva's recurring nightmare is symbolic of her predicament: she dreams about wading at the end of a swamp, where one of the roots tightens around her ankle, as if trying to pull her down. The story draws to its peak when Craig, a teenage boy carrying a .22 rifle, witnesses two young men approaching Eva. At first he wonders, is she flirting with them? Once he realizes that they are about to attack her, he sprints into action to come to her help. The story alternates its focus between Craig and Eva, the same way you cut from one scene to another in a film, thus creating a rich and intriguing sense of a mystery to unravel from two ends.
In Thrills at the Esplanade Cinema, the third story in the trilogy, the author invites us to follow him on his walk across fields and pastures in the once-rural community of Huntsford, down the memory lane to the Esplanade cinema, where he used to work as an usher back in his youth. I love the description of how it took care and patience to place the letters of a movie name on a long pole, which was then lifted to the ledge and dropped in a groove. It is an warm-hearted, endearing memory.
Lastly, a note about the cover image, which to me is truly eye-catching. The key, held perhaps by our own hand, crosses over diagonally towards the source of light, which is streaming towards us through the keyhole. With it we are about to unlock a mystery, but are still here in the dark, in a moment of anticipation.
Five stars.
In Family Secrets you see Eva, seated in the family Packard Sedan wishing, "I'll show them," as her mom and dad are staring each in a different direction, concealing ugly secrets, and looking away so as not to see the truth about the other. Her family arrives at Craig's family yard, to take part in an Independence day celebration. Eva's recurring nightmare is symbolic of her predicament: she dreams about wading at the end of a swamp, where one of the roots tightens around her ankle, as if trying to pull her down. The story draws to its peak when Craig, a teenage boy carrying a .22 rifle, witnesses two young men approaching Eva. At first he wonders, is she flirting with them? Once he realizes that they are about to attack her, he sprints into action to come to her help. The story alternates its focus between Craig and Eva, the same way you cut from one scene to another in a film, thus creating a rich and intriguing sense of a mystery to unravel from two ends.
In Thrills at the Esplanade Cinema, the third story in the trilogy, the author invites us to follow him on his walk across fields and pastures in the once-rural community of Huntsford, down the memory lane to the Esplanade cinema, where he used to work as an usher back in his youth. I love the description of how it took care and patience to place the letters of a movie name on a long pole, which was then lifted to the ledge and dropped in a groove. It is an warm-hearted, endearing memory.
Lastly, a note about the cover image, which to me is truly eye-catching. The key, held perhaps by our own hand, crosses over diagonally towards the source of light, which is streaming towards us through the keyhole. With it we are about to unlock a mystery, but are still here in the dark, in a moment of anticipation.
Five stars.
September 11, 2012
Nice Mix
We have three stories of which none are related.
First Story:Toxic Situations-This is an extremely fast paced thriller surrounding the stolen H5N1 virus by a man Bert Rosen (a rather shady character) who decides to start a bidding war the Korean and Irish mob. Not a smart move. The story whirls around the US and Australia. No words are wasted. The pace is excellent. Five stars
Second Story:Family Secrets Not bad. We have a young girl who feels smothered by her parents and attempt to show them up at a small family reunion. Unfortunately, she garners the attention of Lenny who comes a calling the next day as she lays on a blanket enjoying the serenity and solace away from her parents. Or is it Lenny? You'll have to read for the answer.
Third Story: Thrills at the Esplanade Cinema-My least favorite. More of a monologue about life in a small Texas town as an employee of the local theater. The descriptions will put you back in small town USA, a time when life was slow and easy. My problem could stem from the fact that the first two stories were very captive and driving. This one will put the brakes on.
Overall, a great collection of varying stories. Something for all ages.
We have three stories of which none are related.
First Story:Toxic Situations-This is an extremely fast paced thriller surrounding the stolen H5N1 virus by a man Bert Rosen (a rather shady character) who decides to start a bidding war the Korean and Irish mob. Not a smart move. The story whirls around the US and Australia. No words are wasted. The pace is excellent. Five stars
Second Story:Family Secrets Not bad. We have a young girl who feels smothered by her parents and attempt to show them up at a small family reunion. Unfortunately, she garners the attention of Lenny who comes a calling the next day as she lays on a blanket enjoying the serenity and solace away from her parents. Or is it Lenny? You'll have to read for the answer.
Third Story: Thrills at the Esplanade Cinema-My least favorite. More of a monologue about life in a small Texas town as an employee of the local theater. The descriptions will put you back in small town USA, a time when life was slow and easy. My problem could stem from the fact that the first two stories were very captive and driving. This one will put the brakes on.
Overall, a great collection of varying stories. Something for all ages.
September 19, 2012
Rich Weatherly's Toxic Situations is a great novella about a lethal flu virus developed in an American Laboratory with the potential to be released globally. He offers us a great, in-depth police/governmental procedural on the process of the "nuts and bolts" that go on behind the scenes to avoid catastrophes like this from occurring. The writing is excellent, the characters really compelling and you want to root for them to fix the dilemna they are faced with. I could see this story expanding to a full fledged novel as it left me desperately wanting for more. I became invested in the characters and you can't ask for more from a reader. Great job!
January 9, 2013
I really enjoyed Rich Weatherly's three stories here. The first one "Toxic Situations" was easily my favorite one. Sometimes we never know how close we come to nuclear war or a crazy person trying to kill lots of innocent people.
In "Family Secrets" you have to deal with your emotions. To many times family's hide things from the world so it doesn't make them look bad. Rich's take on that was unfortunately right on.
The last story was ok. It made me think back to my days working a job as a young kid and nobody listening to me either. It also showed how some situations can get out of hand real quick.
All in all I very good trilogy here. One you should pick up today for sure.
In "Family Secrets" you have to deal with your emotions. To many times family's hide things from the world so it doesn't make them look bad. Rich's take on that was unfortunately right on.
The last story was ok. It made me think back to my days working a job as a young kid and nobody listening to me either. It also showed how some situations can get out of hand real quick.
All in all I very good trilogy here. One you should pick up today for sure.
July 31, 2012
You Folks have to check out this story, Only $1.99 Amazon Down load and Rich Just Released It.
Rich Weatherly
You will love it!!
Rich WeatherlyYou will love it!!
October 11, 2013
This author has a talent for creating suspense, mystery and a fast-paced read. These three stories are filled with creative talent, believable characters and realistic settings and plots - if somewhat disturbing in parts.
I don't give spoilers but will say that these stories are well worth reading, I don't think you'll be disappointed.
I don't give spoilers but will say that these stories are well worth reading, I don't think you'll be disappointed.
November 14, 2013
I rather enjoyed this book and have left my review on Amazon. I haven't left any spoilers on there. Save for the mention of the middle story being my favourite even though it was sad to lose one of the characters in it.
I'd recommend it to anyone who enjoys this line of genre, though. That's why I've rated it as 5 stars.
Kazza
I'd recommend it to anyone who enjoys this line of genre, though. That's why I've rated it as 5 stars.
Kazza
Read
September 13, 2012Qqqqqq
September 15, 2017
Okay, so this is a trilogy of novellas, and the whole thing is way too short. It felt as if the author had a checklist of things to cover in a good story, then just threw them in and called it good. There is a whole lot of telling, not much showing. There is very little dramatic tension, because nothing actually goes wrong for the protagonists at any time. Also, this is billed as a trilogy, but I fail to see much connection. The second one appears to be a little bit of backstory from the childhood of the main character of the first one, but it raised more questions for me than it answered. the third one seems to be related in that the main character mentions having a co-worker with the same first name as the main character in the first two stories.
January 25, 2014
Riveting and suspenseful!
This well crafted novel will keep you turning pages. When a faction of the Irish mob steals vials of a deadly virus with the intention of blackmailing Australia into releasing an imprisoned member of their organization, investigators from the CDC track the virus stolen from a facility in Atlanta follow them to Australia hoping to capture the miscreants. However, the Korean mob has a stake in this and attempts to capture the vials for their own use. All that is just part one of a trilogy. I can't wait to read the rest of the series.
Also included in the book are a couple of well written short stories. Enjoy!
This well crafted novel will keep you turning pages. When a faction of the Irish mob steals vials of a deadly virus with the intention of blackmailing Australia into releasing an imprisoned member of their organization, investigators from the CDC track the virus stolen from a facility in Atlanta follow them to Australia hoping to capture the miscreants. However, the Korean mob has a stake in this and attempts to capture the vials for their own use. All that is just part one of a trilogy. I can't wait to read the rest of the series.
Also included in the book are a couple of well written short stories. Enjoy!
January 27, 2014
Something different. In Author Richard Weatherly's 'Closed Doors' A Trilogy you will get a novella and two short stories. The novella, "Toxic Situations" takes you into a break-in at the CDC and a wild ride spanning the international community and the promise of a sequel. Just when you are winding down from this journey you are treated to two short stories set in North Texas. "Family Secrets" and "Thrills at the Esplanade Cinema." A unique way to treat the readers with an interesting bonus. The author has a unique style which I found refreshing.
September 20, 2013
Might be enjoyable if one likes cinematic write-ups. One reviewer says "no words are wasted" and that exactly is the problem. The plot has no time to unfold, characters are too wooden.The author packages the ingredients of a good story idea too compressed into too short a time. Maybe the next novel is better suited for my taste. The book seems to match the tastes of lots of other readers though.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews