Sunset Killer

EJB Global Crime Thrillers #1

by Tallulah Grace

Starting her life anew, after escaping a brutal marriage, Jennifer Brooks looked forward to peaceful days, and quiet nights, in her cottage by the lake. She never expected to be the target of a deranged fanatic, wielding his version of the hand of God. She never expected to meet Jackson Smythe, an agent working in the FBI’s prestigious Special Serial Crimes Division, vacationing nearby. But, as one event leads to the other, Jennifer’s life changes forever. Meeting Jennifer opened Jackson’s world to possibilities he never imagined. Placing his feelings on hold, he focuses on her protection, and on stopping the violence threatening to consume her. Suspecting that Jennifer’s attacker is a burgeoning serial killer, Jackson reaches out to Jeri Forbes and Ethan Barnes, and the resources their new company, EJB Global, can offer. Sanctioned by, but independent from, the FBI, Jeri and Ethan’s partnership is strengthened by fewer restrictions, and unlimited funds. Together, they work to uncover the mystery of the man known as the Sunset Killer.

237 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2014

About the author

Raised in the foothills of the mystical Blue Ridge Mountains, I attribute my love of beautiful landscapes, and fascination with all things paranormal, to my environment. The settings and characters in my novels reflect my appreciation for natural beauty, as well as a desire to explore the what-if’s of things unseen. Throw in a degree in Psychology, paired with a strong interest in the workings of the criminally insane mind, and you have a breeding ground for a psychological thriller.

Becoming an author was not a conscious decision; I've always been a writer. Channeling a passion for story-telling into my livelihood required a giant leap of faith, one that I'll never regret as I truly love what I do.

When I'm not writing, I enjoy antiquing, bead-weaving and sharing time with my incredible daughter and our two spoiled-rotten cats.

Reviews

[Pamela · Rating 2 out of 5]

Unlike so many others who love this novel, "Sunset Killer" turned out to be a huge disappointment for me which is too bad as it's got a great plot and some (potentially) likeable characters.

So what was the problem? Before I start, let me just say my eyes are hurting from rolling them so bloody often. Three quarters in and I'm quickly skimming thru just to end my misery.

None of the characters felt real. We're only given the bare minimum, not enough to get a better understanding of who they are. Keeping in mind I've never read any of this author's works, if I'm expected to already know more about the characters that appear in her other novels (a different series altogether), not only does that not work for me, it won't for others who've never read any of her books. Let's not forget this is book 1 in the "EJB Global Crime Thriller" series.

I thought the serial killer himself to be quite lame. For a serial killer, there doesn't seem to be much about him to show how evil he really is. Not to mention that most of the time all he's doing is just watching the heroine, Jennifer. And by the way, for a bunch of special investigators who ask Jennifer to tell them each and every person she's met in the couple of weeks she's been in town, you'd think they might investigate the mailman as he's one person that she's met and it would be easy to get information about him because he works at the post-office. Perhaps even see what kind of shoes the mailman wears? Maybe ask around town if anyone knows of an individual who smells like he's bathed in Pine Sol since he always carries that scent on him? Or ask if they know someone who's just plain crazy religious? What a bunch of retards! They also wonder how the killer figured out they placed a decoy to look like Jennifer. Really? Knowing what Jennifer does is one thing, but how about the way she walks, or carries herself? Give me a break!

Instead of giving her readers a story, the author gives us an in-depth, crash course on everything about serial killers as that's how everyone spoke from beginning to end.

"Thinking through the potential psychology of this serial, Jeri stood and began to pace. Jackson and Jen simply watched, and listened.

“The fact that he sent her eyes is also quite telling, as they are filled with religious overtones. The eyes being the window to the soul, and all that, makes me think that he believes you will see the pain his victim felt, just by looking at her dead eyes.” Jeri stopped, looking through the window. “He wants you to feel her pain, just as he felt the pain, growing up. Calling you his angel could be a throwback to something his mother said to him, as she punished him. The juxtaposition of good and evil, calling him her angel, while inflicting pain, adds to the premise that he feels justified in killing these women. It’s almost as if it’s his calling, his duty.”

“We need to focus on his past, what motivates him. That will tell us who he is today. Understanding why serials kill is a huge part of the puzzle,” Jeri turned to speak to Jennifer. “This guy is early thirties, Caucasian, and likely lives alone. His mother is dead, maybe by his hand, maybe not, but I think it’s her death that sparked his mission. As far as we know, the first woman was killed nearly two months ago, in Georgia. Serials often make their first kill closer to home, so we start our search there.”

“So, we look for his mother, deceased female, aged fifty to sixty, who died in Northeast Georgia within the past six months. Her death could be violent, or by natural causes. That should narrow it down, some,” Jackson’s sarcasm was not lost on Jeri.

“We can narrow it down further, she had one son,” Jeri grinned, knowing full well the odds of finding him this way were not in their favor. “At least it’s somewhere to start. I’ll call Anna.”

“What does she mean by fundamentalist ? Christian? Catholic? Muslim?” Jennifer asked, when Jeri stepped onto the porch to make the call. “She knows we’re in the Bible belt, right? Not a lot of Muslims, or even Catholics, for that matter, around here.”

“I think she means Christianity, at least a version of it that preaches a strict code of conduct.”

“I think you mean principles,” Jennifer said absently, her mind racing to remember meeting anyone who fit Jeri’s profile.

“Whatever it’s called, if Jeri’s right, this guy thinks he’s doing God’s work. In my experience, those are the most irrational, most unpredictable serial killers. It’s difficult to profile crazy, even for Jeri.”"

As you read this you're thinking what's wrong with it? What's wrong with it is that everyone (except for Jennifer) is talking like this from beginning to end. Maybe it's just me, but it all came across as flat, devoid of any emotion and having no specific tone. It's like listening to students talk about the notes they've made from their text books. After a while it just becomes tediously boring. (I hope this makes sense.)

The author tries to keep her readers guessing as to who the serial killer might be (that's after Jennifer) by inserting Jennifer's abusive ex-husband, the story of him stealing her money, and the fact that he owes money to the Russian mob. For me it was pointless as I could see how this was going to unfold a mile away. And the way it wrapped up so nice and quickly? Give me a break. What a joke. Just a filler in my opinion.

Did I forget to mention there's also a little romance thrown into the mix? Well there is between Jennifer and Jackson. After only knowing each other for a few days, most of the time discussing the killer, both of them feeling something between them from the moment they first met and only touching upon it a couple of times, Jackson tells his friends he's in love with her. Excuse me? You love her because......??? Oh, that's right, they both believe they've lived as husband and wife, and had a family many times over in their previous lives. That's right, we're talking reincarnation. Game over. Please note that I'm not mocking anyone who believes in reincarnation. I'm just giving my opinion that falling in love with someone because of this just doesn't work for me.

In the end I didn't find it suspenseful, mysterious, or very romantic. If you did, that's great. It just didn't work for me. Don't forget this is my opinion. Oh, and I'm pretty sure I won't be picking up book 2.

*****

Totally off topic, however, in this day and age why are we still having to read about characters who refuse to be wheeled out of a hospital when they're discharged? This has been every hospital's policy for decades. It's always the same thing. She or he can walk out on their own because they're fine and strong and don't want any help and blah, blah, blah, blah. I say let's do away with this stupid fucking scene and move on.

[Nancy Silk · Rating 5 out of 5]

"An Awesome, Suspenseful Crime Thriller"

I love the writings of Author Tallulah Grace. Her novels are easy to read, reflect good dialog between the characters, and the suspense just builds and builds to the very end. In South Carolina, Jennifer Brooks enjoys the peace and tranquility of her new lakeside home. She had been married to Scott for two years, but during those two years he became a monster in brutalizing her during bouts of drunkenness. With the help of a support group, she was able to escape and walk out of this marriage. She's now divorced, and has no desire to have any man in her future, she's just too wary of all men after her experience. She's sitting quietly on her front porch enjoying the sounds of nature, and the late sunset when she becomes aware of someone in her house! At this same time, Jackson Smythe is sitting in a boat fishing in a cove not far from Jennifer's home trying not to be bored. His thoughts are on whether to stay with the Federal Bureau of investigation or to join previous agents Jeri and Ethan in their new organization, EJB Global, devoted to hunting down and capturing serial killers. Jackson is an agent who lost his partner, Cara, to extreme violence. His one goal is to hunt down serial killers. Perhaps joining EJB would be more productive and satisfying. As he ponders this decision, he hears a woman's scream; he responds, motoring quickly toward the sound, rushes into the home, sees a man escaping, and finds Jennifer lying on the floor...she's alive. Gabriel doesn't want to draw attention as he arrives on the main road, away from the woman's house. His sacred moment had ended when that man appeared. He will move on to find another angel who needs his help... but, he will return. I found this novel very hard to put down. The drama builds, and builds, and I can envision the movie as I read this heartbeating story. There is romance mixed with madness and mayhem. This story will grip you and not let you go until the very end. Highly recommend.

[Aly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love it

Love it

I'm a big fan of Tallulah Grace. I love these books with Jeri and Ethan! This is another great one. If you have read any of these books I think you should give one a try.

[Michelle Baldwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED IT .... NO.SPOILERS !!!!
well.as always tallulah grace doesn't disappoint ..... the characters in her books are so loveable .. the twist and returns in her books always keep me.on.my toes.... can't wait to read the next adventure .........

[Michele bookloverforever · Rating 4 out of 5]

loving this series

[Michele bookloverforever · Rating 4 out of 5]

serial killer on the hunt...targets the wrong woman...fun and private investigators to the rescue...

[Diana Rivera-torres · Rating 5 out of 5]

This author never disappoints !!!!! Love these characters so much!!! Can't wait to read next book!!!!