In the shadows of Reno, justice is the only light.
When a dark figure from the past resurfaces in Reno, Detective Chief Hector Ramirez finds himself thrust back into a nightmare he thought was long buried. William Black, a cunning and sadistic predator, has returned, and his presence is a chilling reminder of old traumas for Hector, his family, and the community.
As Hector races against time to bring Black to justice, he must navigate a minefield of personal and professional challenges. With two new brutal assaults echoing a series of unsolved cases, the stakes have never been higher. Teaming up with the dedicated Detective Ava Nguyen and their relentless forensics team, Hector dives deep into a web of deceit, betrayal, and a conspiracy that might be larger than anyone imagined.
Meanwhile, Maria Ramirez-Miller, Hector's sister and a survivor of Black's heinous crimes, must confront the terror head-on, finding strength in her community at Miller's Family Diner. As the investigation unfolds, new bonds are forged, old wounds are reopened, and the fight for justice becomes deeply personal.
"Ghost Town" is a gripping blend of suspense, emotional depth, and relentless action. It explores the enduring impact of trauma, the unyielding pursuit of justice, and the powerful bonds of family and friendship. With every page, the tension escalates, leading to a heart-stopping climax that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Prepare to enter a world where every shadow holds a secret, every ally holds a key, and every moment counts. Welcome to "Ghost Town."
Before becoming an author, Daniel Pelfrey followed many career paths over the years. He’s served in the United States Air Force and worked in government at the TSA as a supervisor at one of the busiest airports in the United States.
From there, he tried his hand at blackjack, as a dealer, Daniel thinks it’s too risky to make a living as a gambler.
Daniel next entertained the idea of becoming a teacher and returned to college. He graduated, but teaching ended not in the cards. A Bachelor of Science in History from Black Hills State University, in the beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota, is how Daniel completed his education. He’ll be the first to say it’s really just a license to B.S. in History.
Daniel has also spent several years in seasonal jobs in places ranging from Mount Rushmore in South Dakota to Mammoth Lakes, California, and finally Medora, North Dakota, where he currently lives.
Family with law enforcement connections is targeted by known rapist - 3 stars
Years ago, Maria Ramirez was attacked by William Brown. Brown was found guilty but a retrial found procedural problems and got the conviction thrown out. Brown returned to Reno, Nevada. Shortly afterward, there were several unsolved break-ins, rapes, and murders. Kate Miller, a waitress at her family's restaurant, feels that she is being watched.
For the law enforcement professionals, there was no evidence proving that Brown was the perpetrator. Police, sheriff, and tribal authorities must work together to try to find the person who is preying on single women who live alone. The law enforcement job is frustrating; top officers are concerned that their officers will experience burnout with the self-imposed tension and long hours.
Billed as a physiological thriller, the people who suffered the most - other than the victims - were society's protectors. The writing is repetitious with gratuitous phrases repeated, often within one page. Officers were instructed to "leave no stone unturned"; there were 12 annoying instances of that repeated phrase. On multiple occasions, officers were encouraged to "investigate with the utmost professionalism" and to give "attention to detail".
As Brown was planning his crimes, "thrill coursed through his veins" as his lips turned "a predatory smile." As the officers "closed in", there was "palpable heaviness ... that hung in the air". The officers told each other "I've got your back" and gave "silent understanding" glances rather than hand signals.
The story could have had a complex escape and the use of telecommunications technology geolocation rather than incidental observations of private citizens. Satellite maps to identify difficult terrain was the only application of high technology. Professional psychologists would be pleased at the insights that dominated the final third of the story.
Ghost Town (Hector Ramirez Thrillers Book 4), my tenth read from author Daniel Pelfrey. A 329-page Psychological Thriller, the fourh in the Hector Ramirez Thrillers series. “I received a Kindle copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review." The gifting of this book did not affect my opinion of it. I look forward to reading more from this author with A Grave in the Sand: A Hector Ramirez Thriller (Hector Ramirez Thrillers Book 5) due out in May of next year. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
"Ghost Town" transcends the typical mystery or thriller genre. It delves into a psychological analysis of individuals entangled in and affected by crime. The narrative is intense, captivating, and reflective. An exceptional read from start to finish, Daniel Pelfrey masterfully develops a diverse cast of characters, revealing the virtues and flaws within each.
It's safe to say this is one intense suspense page after page.Chaos ensues when William Black shows up in Miller's family diner after being released on a technicality only to taunt Maria one of his previous victims. Murder victims start piling up and Hector is ready to take William Black down permanently this time.