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Sophie Danner Thrillers #3
Deepest, Darkest: An Addictive Abduction and Murder Mystery
Six teens from the fringe of society, held captive like animals, fighting for survival. But who will save them when no one knows they exist?
When a murderous cult leader and human trafficker is killed in the middle of a deal, his human merchandise is left in limbo, their existence known only to their brutal and mindless caretaker, more monster than man. When an escape attempt goes fatally wrong, and days drag into weeks, those still alive have a choice – be the next to die or take extreme measures.
Sophie Danner has barely processed her showdown with the Blalocks in the final gasp of the Cult of Royston. But when her recurring nightmares take on a new and frightening shape, she’s certain she’s being sent a message from the ether – it’s not over and someone is in desperate need of help. Can two new allies help her find them before more lives are lost?
The Sophie Danner Thriller
BOOK ONE - Ghosts of Royston
BOOK TWO - All The Devils Are Here
BOOK THREE - Deepest, Darkest
BOOK FOUR - Danner and Franklin - March Madness
Sneak
“PRETTY GIRLS!!!!” Earl's voice boomed around them, threatening by its own vibrating force to dislodge them from their hiding place. “GIRLS! COME! NOW! BOY-GIRL!”
His bellows – angry Earl again – shook Adelina from the memory. She realized they were all staring at her, waiting for further instructions. How did I become the leader?
Adelina looked at Robert. “I know you’re not well, but we need to go. Can you do it?”
Robert nodded his head and swerved to standing like he’d gotten into daddy’s still. “I have no interest in being Earl’s boy-girl.” His voice was even lighter and squeakier than usual. He attempted a smile as he said it and Adelina responded in kind.
“Okay, let’s go. He’s pretty far down there, but let’s pick up the chains anyway and stick to the woods.”
They all nodded and stood with the chain in hands, even Lily. That left Robert with both hands free to hold onto Diana. They began their slow way through the woods along the gravel drive. Now beyond the clearing, the incline was increasing. Now they were climbing, tripping, slipping – Robert wheezing and stumbling. Lily was helping Diana hold him up.
Adelina glanced back at Robert’s face. His eyes were closed, head lolling, his feet barely moving. She held up her hand and everyone stopped. They were all out of breath, not the least of which Diana and Lily, who eased Robert down, then flopped down themselves.
As they all lay slumped about in recovery, Rachel suddenly sat upright. “Shhh.” Her eyes darted around, looking upward in the direction the gravel drive was headed. No one breathed as she closed her eyes, listening.
“No more Earl,” Adelina said. His bellows had ceased. How long it had been since she’d heard them?
“No, no, not that.” Rachel said and looked up again. “That sound…what is that? Do you hear it?” They all listened intently.
“That’s a car,” said Malah, leaping to her feet. “That’s a @#$%ing car!”
No sooner had she said it than a faint trickle of light bounced through the branches overhead from somewhere up the mountain. The light began to grow along with the sound of an approaching vehicle as it moved from left to right, speeding up. Then it was gone.
When a murderous cult leader and human trafficker is killed in the middle of a deal, his human merchandise is left in limbo, their existence known only to their brutal and mindless caretaker, more monster than man. When an escape attempt goes fatally wrong, and days drag into weeks, those still alive have a choice – be the next to die or take extreme measures.
Sophie Danner has barely processed her showdown with the Blalocks in the final gasp of the Cult of Royston. But when her recurring nightmares take on a new and frightening shape, she’s certain she’s being sent a message from the ether – it’s not over and someone is in desperate need of help. Can two new allies help her find them before more lives are lost?
The Sophie Danner Thriller
BOOK ONE - Ghosts of Royston
BOOK TWO - All The Devils Are Here
BOOK THREE - Deepest, Darkest
BOOK FOUR - Danner and Franklin - March Madness
Sneak
“PRETTY GIRLS!!!!” Earl's voice boomed around them, threatening by its own vibrating force to dislodge them from their hiding place. “GIRLS! COME! NOW! BOY-GIRL!”
His bellows – angry Earl again – shook Adelina from the memory. She realized they were all staring at her, waiting for further instructions. How did I become the leader?
Adelina looked at Robert. “I know you’re not well, but we need to go. Can you do it?”
Robert nodded his head and swerved to standing like he’d gotten into daddy’s still. “I have no interest in being Earl’s boy-girl.” His voice was even lighter and squeakier than usual. He attempted a smile as he said it and Adelina responded in kind.
“Okay, let’s go. He’s pretty far down there, but let’s pick up the chains anyway and stick to the woods.”
They all nodded and stood with the chain in hands, even Lily. That left Robert with both hands free to hold onto Diana. They began their slow way through the woods along the gravel drive. Now beyond the clearing, the incline was increasing. Now they were climbing, tripping, slipping – Robert wheezing and stumbling. Lily was helping Diana hold him up.
Adelina glanced back at Robert’s face. His eyes were closed, head lolling, his feet barely moving. She held up her hand and everyone stopped. They were all out of breath, not the least of which Diana and Lily, who eased Robert down, then flopped down themselves.
As they all lay slumped about in recovery, Rachel suddenly sat upright. “Shhh.” Her eyes darted around, looking upward in the direction the gravel drive was headed. No one breathed as she closed her eyes, listening.
“No more Earl,” Adelina said. His bellows had ceased. How long it had been since she’d heard them?
“No, no, not that.” Rachel said and looked up again. “That sound…what is that? Do you hear it?” They all listened intently.
“That’s a car,” said Malah, leaping to her feet. “That’s a @#$%ing car!”
No sooner had she said it than a faint trickle of light bounced through the branches overhead from somewhere up the mountain. The light began to grow along with the sound of an approaching vehicle as it moved from left to right, speeding up. Then it was gone.
241 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 17, 2025
7 people are currently reading
10 people want to read
About the author
Eric G. Dove
3 books16 followersEric has lived a unique life of numerous careers. From a sign maker to a set designer, then a singer/guitarist/songwriter (he had SO much hair in the 90's), then banging around Nashville, playing showcases with his band and writing songs for three different publishers resulting in oh-so-close-to a record deal. On the long drives from Ohio to Nashville, audiobooks kept him from careening off I-65 and into a ravine. With his vocal background, he soon took the plunge into audiobook narrating, resulting in 2 years of struggle followed by a 12-year and 500-audiobook career, with many awards and nominations. In the midst of all this, Eric fell in love with three things - writing his own stories, racing sailboats, and Loren. After several moves toward bigger water, he now lives full time aboard a 48' catamaran in the Caribbean (NOT as glamorous as it sounds) along with his beautiful and patient wife, Loren, and his rambunctious son, Rivers Danger, while continuing to write fictin AND co-produce, with Loren, the popular YouTube sailing channel, "SailAway". With a partial return to land imminent (5 years full time on a boat is quite challenging), his primary focus has returned to writing. With Book 4 of the Sophie Danner series coming soon and the brand new series already in the works, Eric has a busy year ahead. We hope you'll all join us for the ride!
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