Seven unsolved murders, seven random killers. The only connection between the murderers is the same strange mark – and their immediate suicides. The Federal Bureau of Investigation recognizes the horrible after a ten-year absence, the Puppet Master Killer is back.An unlikely team Rookie FBI profiler Dee “Bodi” Bodel, who’s gambling her job, freedom and her life on her dream of redeeming her late father’s reputation; Yale Rice, the brilliant, ex-FBI agent now addicted to self-destruction after his previous partner was murdered by the Puppet Master; and Roman Walters, a faith deprived priest exiled to a dying parish, work together to stop the Puppet Master before he kills again.In historic New Orleans, Bodi and her team unmask depraved cops, politicians, and members of the city’s elite, all willing to lay down their lives to stop her from discovering the hidden, darker truth behind it all – the Voodoo Queen is no ghost story. Along the way they receive help from Roman’s past to stop the Puppet Master, and still the beating black heart of the Voodoo Queen.
Rich has been a writer and storyteller as long as he can remember, and somewhere along the way, a hobby became a passion. Developing his craft through diverse careers in corrections, vocational ministry, and as a deputy sheriff, writing and telling stories permeated them all.
Not limited to one genre, Rich prefers Thrillers with a supernatural bent.
Rich and his wife Julie grew up in Michigan, but live in northwest Ohio, and they have four grown kids and lots of amazing grand kids to keep the stories flowing.
The author has an amazing imagination and the ability to paint vivid images with words and dialogue. He does a fabulous job of creating the personalities of the characters through the dialogue between the characters amidst clearly portrayed scenes of high action. The main character, Agent Bodel, is very appealing and the ending leaves open the possibility that we will be able to see Agent Bodel in future books. The plot, a murder mystery, is complex and kept me intrigued from beginning to end. Set in the very mysterious dark world of Louisiana voodoo magic, the story unfolds in an ever revealing manner, and as the mystery slowly evolved, the complex action and dark characters were portrayed concisely such that I felt I was watching the action from very close up. A really good read and I highly recommend to anyone e who enjoys a great mystery set in an unusual, and intriguing, setting.
Rich Phelan demonstrates a confident command of suspense and atmosphere, drawing readers in with steady pacing and a clear narrative voice. His writing reflects a strong understanding of tension and character development, keeping the story engaging from start to finish.
Phelan’s ability to balance darkness with clarity makes his work compelling without feeling overwhelming. He is an author who shows promise and precision in the thriller genre, appealing to readers who enjoy sharp storytelling and well-constructed suspense.
Gripping plot that you can't put down. I started it today after buying it and I'm nearly half way through. Seriously. The plot leaves you curious for more ever page turn and the character development is outstanding. You will not regret getting into this book and the author just released the second book of this series.
Do yourself a huge favor and get both. Can't wait for more.