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Shelby Alexander #10
Serenity Divided
A gunshot in the dead of night. A web of deception. Loyalties tested to the breaking point.
A shocking attempt on the life of Shelby Alexander's best friend and partner, Mack, leaves the retired detective fighting for his life in a coma. Shelby races to uncover the identity of the shooter, as a twisted web of secrets and lies begins to unravel, pointing to a sinister connection to Shelby's own past.
With the help of the wry and determined Sheriff Angela Hammer, Shelby must navigate a treacherous landscape of false leads and hidden agendas. But as the investigation deepens, the danger hits far too close to home, threatening the lives of those Shelby holds most dear.
In Serenity Divided, the tenth installment of the Shelby Alexander Thriller Series, we find our hero confronting the unthinkable and making a big decision that will dramatically change the rest of his life.
A shocking attempt on the life of Shelby Alexander's best friend and partner, Mack, leaves the retired detective fighting for his life in a coma. Shelby races to uncover the identity of the shooter, as a twisted web of secrets and lies begins to unravel, pointing to a sinister connection to Shelby's own past.
With the help of the wry and determined Sheriff Angela Hammer, Shelby must navigate a treacherous landscape of false leads and hidden agendas. But as the investigation deepens, the danger hits far too close to home, threatening the lives of those Shelby holds most dear.
In Serenity Divided, the tenth installment of the Shelby Alexander Thriller Series, we find our hero confronting the unthinkable and making a big decision that will dramatically change the rest of his life.
266 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 13, 2024
12 people are currently reading
15 people want to read
About the author
Craig A. Hart
127 books330 followersCraig A. Hart is a writer of thrillers. In a past life, he was also director for Northern Illinois Radio Information Service, a broadcast outreach that brought daily news and information to the visually impaired.
In 2015, Kindle Press published his literary novel BECOMING MOON. NPR affiliate Northern Public Radio featured BECOMING MOON in their Winter Book Series, and it won Best Novel of Summer 2015 from Pinnacle Awards. He is also the author of the historical mystery NIGHT AT KEY WEST, which is based on true events.
In 2016, he publishing SERENITY, the first book in the popular Shelby Alexander Thriller Series. Serenity alone has been downloaded over 400,000 times by eager readers.
In 2022, he launched the Maxwell Barnes Adventure Thriller Series, co-written with S.J. Varengo. The award-winning first book in that series, MAYAN SHADOWS, was published on May 11, 2022. Two more books follow in that series: MAYAN THUNDER and MAYAN TEMPEST.
A native of Grand Rapids, Michigan, Craig lives in Iowa City, Iowa with his wife, sons, insane dog, and anti-social cat.
In 2015, Kindle Press published his literary novel BECOMING MOON. NPR affiliate Northern Public Radio featured BECOMING MOON in their Winter Book Series, and it won Best Novel of Summer 2015 from Pinnacle Awards. He is also the author of the historical mystery NIGHT AT KEY WEST, which is based on true events.
In 2016, he publishing SERENITY, the first book in the popular Shelby Alexander Thriller Series. Serenity alone has been downloaded over 400,000 times by eager readers.
In 2022, he launched the Maxwell Barnes Adventure Thriller Series, co-written with S.J. Varengo. The award-winning first book in that series, MAYAN SHADOWS, was published on May 11, 2022. Two more books follow in that series: MAYAN THUNDER and MAYAN TEMPEST.
A native of Grand Rapids, Michigan, Craig lives in Iowa City, Iowa with his wife, sons, insane dog, and anti-social cat.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
June 12, 2024
Serenity Divided, #10 - It felt good to be able to read another Serenity book by Mr. Hart. Another well written story with intrigue and suspense filled story lines. Interesting characters, some humor along with plenty of action, all set at a good pace. 5*
The Shelby Alexander Thriller Series:
Serenity #1 - A great read. A well written, action packed suspense story that draws you in and doesn't let go until you've finished the book. The characters range from likable to despicable, all believable and make you respond to them. 5*
Serenity Stalked #2 - Fast paced but a cliffhanger. A well written suspense, darker than Serenity, heavy with vulgar language. The plot and characters keep you reading until the end. Rather short in length and a cliffhanger ending, although this subject of this story is complete. In the Serenity series, the author has some real doozies for villains for the main characters to fight. 5*
Serenity Avenged #3 - Dark but complete. A well written, but dark, suspense that grabs you and doesn't let go. Surprisingly light with the vulgar language, Serenity Stalked had too much, but contained the darkness found in the short stories of The Girl Who Read Hemingway. If you like one of these books, you'll like the other. The darkness was not graphic. Although picks up where S. Stalked ended, this novel has closure. 5*
Serenity Submerged #4 - Fast paced story. Another well written, action packed suspense story that keeps you reading until the story ends, which was all too soon. The characters are believable and real, and the twisting plot is riveting. I haven't been disappointed with any of the author's books that I've read so far. 5*
Serenity Engulfed #5 – Another dynamic addition to the Serenity Family. Another well written, fast paced, suspense filled novel with our favorite characters Shelby and Mack and some not so favorite; but without them there’s no intriguing book to read. There’s a new sheriff in town and she and Shelby are learning to play nice together, with Mack’s help. The ending makes me wonder what kind of trouble Shel and Mack will face in the future. I contacted the author to review his books and have enjoyed them all. 5*
SERENITY TRAPPED - A quickly read short that is intriguing and difficult to put down. While dark, there is still humor and minimum violence. No matter how well you plan, there is still a detail missed. Good coffee break read. One of my favorite authors and series with well written story lines and believable, likeable characters, and no silly hollywood drama. Source: The author, ARC. 5*
I contacted the author to review his books after reading the first two books of the Serenity Series.
The Shelby Alexander Thriller Series end.
The Shelby Alexander Thriller Series:
Serenity #1 - A great read. A well written, action packed suspense story that draws you in and doesn't let go until you've finished the book. The characters range from likable to despicable, all believable and make you respond to them. 5*
Serenity Stalked #2 - Fast paced but a cliffhanger. A well written suspense, darker than Serenity, heavy with vulgar language. The plot and characters keep you reading until the end. Rather short in length and a cliffhanger ending, although this subject of this story is complete. In the Serenity series, the author has some real doozies for villains for the main characters to fight. 5*
Serenity Avenged #3 - Dark but complete. A well written, but dark, suspense that grabs you and doesn't let go. Surprisingly light with the vulgar language, Serenity Stalked had too much, but contained the darkness found in the short stories of The Girl Who Read Hemingway. If you like one of these books, you'll like the other. The darkness was not graphic. Although picks up where S. Stalked ended, this novel has closure. 5*
Serenity Submerged #4 - Fast paced story. Another well written, action packed suspense story that keeps you reading until the story ends, which was all too soon. The characters are believable and real, and the twisting plot is riveting. I haven't been disappointed with any of the author's books that I've read so far. 5*
Serenity Engulfed #5 – Another dynamic addition to the Serenity Family. Another well written, fast paced, suspense filled novel with our favorite characters Shelby and Mack and some not so favorite; but without them there’s no intriguing book to read. There’s a new sheriff in town and she and Shelby are learning to play nice together, with Mack’s help. The ending makes me wonder what kind of trouble Shel and Mack will face in the future. I contacted the author to review his books and have enjoyed them all. 5*
SERENITY TRAPPED - A quickly read short that is intriguing and difficult to put down. While dark, there is still humor and minimum violence. No matter how well you plan, there is still a detail missed. Good coffee break read. One of my favorite authors and series with well written story lines and believable, likeable characters, and no silly hollywood drama. Source: The author, ARC. 5*
I contacted the author to review his books after reading the first two books of the Serenity Series.
The Shelby Alexander Thriller Series end.
June 13, 2024
A superb action thriller
Iowa author Craig A. Hart is both a writer and an editor: he has served as editor-in-chief for The Rusty Nail literary magazine, as manager for Sweatshoppe Media, and director of Northern Illinois Radio Information Service, an outreach that brought daily news and information to the visually impaired. His works have been published in The Orange Room Review, Voices, The Stray Branch, Red Poppy Review, The Mindful Word, Inclement, Right Hand Pointing, 7x20 Magazine, among others. In addition to writing fiction Craig has published self help manuals on writing and critiques of other writers’ works. SERENITY was the initial installment in a series he calls The Shelby Alexander Thriller series. – SERENITY DIVIDED is the tenth installment in a series that grows in importance.
Craig has a fine grasp on character development, and when he launched his series based on a main character (Shelby Alexander) he realized it is even more important that we get to know him quickly and watch his development grow so that the series can maintain our interest and secure our addiction Craig supplied that in the first installment. He most assuredly has succeeded as this volume proves. He has provided a fine, inviting synopsis: ‘A gunshot in the dead of night. A web of deception. Loyalties tested to the breaking point. A shocking attempt on the life of Shelby Alexander's best friend and partner, Mack, leaves the retired detective fighting for his life in a coma. Shelby races to uncover the identity of the shooter, as a twisted web of secrets and lies begins to unravel, pointing to a sinister connection to Shelby's own past. With the help of the wry and determined Sheriff Angela Hammer, Shelby must navigate a treacherous landscape of false leads and hidden agendas. But as the investigation deepens, the danger hits far too close to home, threatening the lives of those Shelby holds most dear.’
Once again Craig proves his mettle as a thriller/mystery writer of continuing substance. This novel is one of the most engaging of the series! Highly recommended
Iowa author Craig A. Hart is both a writer and an editor: he has served as editor-in-chief for The Rusty Nail literary magazine, as manager for Sweatshoppe Media, and director of Northern Illinois Radio Information Service, an outreach that brought daily news and information to the visually impaired. His works have been published in The Orange Room Review, Voices, The Stray Branch, Red Poppy Review, The Mindful Word, Inclement, Right Hand Pointing, 7x20 Magazine, among others. In addition to writing fiction Craig has published self help manuals on writing and critiques of other writers’ works. SERENITY was the initial installment in a series he calls The Shelby Alexander Thriller series. – SERENITY DIVIDED is the tenth installment in a series that grows in importance.
Craig has a fine grasp on character development, and when he launched his series based on a main character (Shelby Alexander) he realized it is even more important that we get to know him quickly and watch his development grow so that the series can maintain our interest and secure our addiction Craig supplied that in the first installment. He most assuredly has succeeded as this volume proves. He has provided a fine, inviting synopsis: ‘A gunshot in the dead of night. A web of deception. Loyalties tested to the breaking point. A shocking attempt on the life of Shelby Alexander's best friend and partner, Mack, leaves the retired detective fighting for his life in a coma. Shelby races to uncover the identity of the shooter, as a twisted web of secrets and lies begins to unravel, pointing to a sinister connection to Shelby's own past. With the help of the wry and determined Sheriff Angela Hammer, Shelby must navigate a treacherous landscape of false leads and hidden agendas. But as the investigation deepens, the danger hits far too close to home, threatening the lives of those Shelby holds most dear.’
Once again Craig proves his mettle as a thriller/mystery writer of continuing substance. This novel is one of the most engaging of the series! Highly recommended
May 30, 2024
Serenity Divided - a review by Rosemary Kenny.
After his partner's shot during their phone call together, Shelby insists on working without Sheriff Hammer, to unearth the perp, and clear Mack's name.
The eponymous division in the town of Serenity, comes about due to Shelby's insistence on going it alone, which as usual,
makes girlfriend Katherine, and partner Mack despair of his reckless intentions.
Will Hammer let him in on official business, and will Shelby share the evidence he's found with her in time to save a friend's life - and his own?
Read Craig A Hart's all-action, crime-thriller, Serenity Divided, to see what brings Shelby to experience great loss - and great joy.
Satisfaction's guaranteed!
After his partner's shot during their phone call together, Shelby insists on working without Sheriff Hammer, to unearth the perp, and clear Mack's name.
The eponymous division in the town of Serenity, comes about due to Shelby's insistence on going it alone, which as usual,
makes girlfriend Katherine, and partner Mack despair of his reckless intentions.
Will Hammer let him in on official business, and will Shelby share the evidence he's found with her in time to save a friend's life - and his own?
Read Craig A Hart's all-action, crime-thriller, Serenity Divided, to see what brings Shelby to experience great loss - and great joy.
Satisfaction's guaranteed!
May 29, 2024
While on the phone with Mack.
Shelby Alexander hears a gunshot and a voice comes over the phone telling him that Mack can no longer continue the conversation.
Now Shelby is on the hunt for the man who shot his best friend, and it means danger for not only Mack, but Shelby also.
This was a well developed characters, and a good bit of suspense.
There are several surprises and a few light hearted moments also.
This is the tenth book in the Shelby Alexander series and they just get better each time.
I read this story as an ARC and would like to thank Craig A. Hart for the opportunity to read this story.
Shelby Alexander hears a gunshot and a voice comes over the phone telling him that Mack can no longer continue the conversation.
Now Shelby is on the hunt for the man who shot his best friend, and it means danger for not only Mack, but Shelby also.
This was a well developed characters, and a good bit of suspense.
There are several surprises and a few light hearted moments also.
This is the tenth book in the Shelby Alexander series and they just get better each time.
I read this story as an ARC and would like to thank Craig A. Hart for the opportunity to read this story.
June 27, 2024
Thrilling!
This book has some cross over with previous books, in this series. It ties up some loose ends, whilst having many situations that result in a shooting, a couple of unexpected twists, a 'sort of' betrayal, a man hunt and a fatal tragedy.
Whilst all this is happening, Shelby has some relationship soul searching, which may have long-term implications.
Will Shelby survive and will his relationship survive?
Read this book, you won't be disappointed!!!
This book has some cross over with previous books, in this series. It ties up some loose ends, whilst having many situations that result in a shooting, a couple of unexpected twists, a 'sort of' betrayal, a man hunt and a fatal tragedy.
Whilst all this is happening, Shelby has some relationship soul searching, which may have long-term implications.
Will Shelby survive and will his relationship survive?
Read this book, you won't be disappointed!!!
June 11, 2024
A good read from start to finish as Shelby seeks retribution for the murder attempt on his best friend and partner Mack. He reluctantly joins forces with the Sheriff, uncovering a web of lies and unexpected leads. Excellent characters and story line. Highly recommended. I received an ARC copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 13, 2024
Every time I think that there isn’t anyone left to come after Shelby or Mack…I am proven wrong. I am ok with that since I love reading these books! This one is very intense and exciting. There is also a very sad bit towards the end. I like having a rollercoaster of emotions to experience. I also loved the ending!
June 14, 2024
This latest book in the series does not disappoint. It pulls together several events from previous books into this one but you don't need to have read the previous ones to enjoy the story. There are a few plot twists and unfortunately one of the regular characters from this series is killed off. An enjoyable read.
June 17, 2024
Yes! A worthwhile wait!
I sure missed Shelby and Mack! They are such a fun duo. Always loved the banter between these two guys. This story took me places that I didn't expect. Exciting for sure. I loved that it carried on with memories from a previous book and characters that I remembered. Dang! People can be so ugly and ruthless! Great story Craig! Keep 'em coming!
I sure missed Shelby and Mack! They are such a fun duo. Always loved the banter between these two guys. This story took me places that I didn't expect. Exciting for sure. I loved that it carried on with memories from a previous book and characters that I remembered. Dang! People can be so ugly and ruthless! Great story Craig! Keep 'em coming!
June 18, 2024
Getting a return to the deadly adventures of Shelby and Mack is always a pleasure.
Bit this time Mack is not so much part of it. Not having been shot in the head and laying in hospital in critical condition.
And Shelby has his hands full trying to discover who is the guilty party. More so when finding the past coming back to haunt him. In more ways than one.
Enjoy.
Bit this time Mack is not so much part of it. Not having been shot in the head and laying in hospital in critical condition.
And Shelby has his hands full trying to discover who is the guilty party. More so when finding the past coming back to haunt him. In more ways than one.
Enjoy.
June 11, 2024
What an amazing story once again. Shelby’s friend and partner was attacked. What reason would someone do this. Full of action, suspense that will have you trying to figure it out. Can’t wait for more by this author.
June 11, 2024
Shelby is on the search for the truth after his good friend Mack was shot while they were on the phone and evidence is piling up that Mack may not be as innocent as everyone thought. This is an action packed tale that will keep you turning the pages to the end.
June 11, 2024
Unexpected violence surprises Shelby, and Sheriff Hammer. An action-packed plot, and the usual great characters you would expect from this author, will keep you engrossed in this one.
June 20, 2024
A superb action thriller. I liked where the police worked with Shelby not against.
July 6, 2024
Really good read! A mystery to be solved turns into so much more. Really have enjoyed this series, but this is the best story yet!
July 19, 2024
As always Craig Hart did not disappoint. Love Shelby and Serenity. I’m always excited for the next book and sad when it’s finished. I’m definitely a true fan.
May 30, 2024
epub on kobo - ARC - 170 pages
A fine addition to the series - here the action kicks off when Mack is shot... Shelby is inclined to take that personally...
The 'mystery' is a little transparent, perhaps - but still a cracking read!
A fine addition to the series - here the action kicks off when Mack is shot... Shelby is inclined to take that personally...
The 'mystery' is a little transparent, perhaps - but still a cracking read!
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews