Fatal Chapters

by Ruth Douthitt

Emma Fortier, a suspense author and former forensic psychologist with a haunted past, is thrust into a mystery when a cunning serial killer uses her books as inspiration to prey on young women in her hometown of Butte, Arizona. When her sister is one of his victims, Emma is pulled back into the chaotic world of criminal investigation.

Detective Liam Harper with the Butte Sheriff’s Department is on the case. A seasoned investigator with a haunted past of his own, Liam hopes to solve the serial killer mystery before he can retire into the quiet life he desires. Drawn to Emma's strength and resilience, Liam becomes not only her protector but also her unlikely ally in the pursuit of justice.

As the stakes rise, so does the undeniable tension between Emma and Liam. In the vast expanse of the desert, they navigate a dangerous game of cat and mouse, fueled by the killer's deadly obsession with Emma and her books. An obsession that threatens to consume them both. Can Emma and Liam decode the killer's sinister motives before Emma becomes the next victim? Or will the killer have the last word?

296 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 22, 2024

Reviews

[Jane litherland · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one heck of a gripping story by Ruth Douthitt. Emma Fortier is thrust back into danger and the chaos that is criminal investigation… She isn’t the job any longer. But she can’t ignore this deadly mystery , when a serial killer starts following her fictional world’s path to the letter. Deep into her own psyche , can she find a way to outsmart this maniac before it’s too late? Liam Harper joins forces with Emma whether she likes it or not….This is personal on many levels and with the dodgy detective breathing down her neck for results before he reaches his retirement. It’s a true cat n mouse gripping storyline. Ruth has you hooked from,the start. A man and his grandson were out hunting they say when they came across him “He ran off in that direction, got into a car, then sped off.” Knowing that the look in the eyes of the grandson will haunt him forever . Liam thinks it’s high time to leave the Sheriff’s Office and retire. At forty four , having given twenty three years service. He feels warranted. The victim of this so called serial monster has hit on sex workers on his previous occasions , his mo is shooting in the back of the neck. Rachel Fortier wasn’t a sex worker nor was she shot the same way… What exactly is at play here? Emma was in an auditorium reading from her book , she’d received a postcard , she’d had them before but her friend in law enforcement spent months looking into him for it to stop but now he’s back and he’s playing with her head she hears her introduction onto the stage but everything else she’s blocked out. This has her shaken without a doubt. She’s here because her gut told her to pay her sister a visit against the advice of Becky her publicist. ..This is one very creepy , intriguing brow furrowing brilliant , masterful performance by the author .Feeding our need for answers and answering our questions only to evoke more questions . A myriad of possibilities and challenges await as I tried to keep up with the dance. This indeed was a great read! Is there nothing Ruth , you cannot do? Storyline sublime. Bravo a weave of mystery to tease. And appease.

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!!! I don't want to give anything away with this review, but I can't say anything.

The characters in this book are very captivating and relatable. Their backstories lead Emma and Liam to our killer. The forensic science and the mind of the killer were well researched and brought to life by well executed descriptions.

Plot twist was excellent. This book was so good that I have my husband reading it now.

You need to read this book!

[Claudia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is very well written. Suspenseful, action-packed, and kept my interest. You will love the characters, Liam and Emma. Great Chemistry. Looking forward to reading more of Liam and Emma in Book 2, coming out in June. You will not be disappointed. Set in Arizona.