Cult Stalker

by Ephraim Clark

WINNER - 1ST PLACE, 19TH ANNUAL NATIONAL INDIE EXCELLENCE® AWARDS (ACTION/ADVENTURE)
FINALIST - 19TH ANNUAL NATIONAL INDIE EXCELLENCE® AWARDS (POLITICAL THRILLER)
FINALIST - 2025 READERS' FAVORITE (FICTION/THRILLER/POLITICAL)

Paris, 1974. A notorious California cult, shattered in a spectacular drug-fueled bloodbath, has resurfaced in the heart of Paris-and they're planning a new massacre that could bring the City of Light to its knees.

Undercover CIA operative Jean Jones is the only one who knows the truth, but when she's framed for the brutal murders of three cult members, her mission-and her life-are put on the line. Jean's only hope rests in Brad James, the CIA's secret weapon, a pop singer with a proven talent for taking down evildoers.

With the clock ticking, Brad teams up with trusted ally Chuck Hall. Together they discover a web of corruption, drugs, and human trafficking that stretches far deeper than anything they could have imagined.

Things get personal when the hunt for the ruthless cult leader becomes a deadly game of cat and mouse and a mysterious assassin starts picking off the cult's inner circle, one by one.

Cult Stalker is a heart-pounding, high-octane thriller that drags you through a labyrinth of betrayal, danger, and deadly secrets, where no one can be trusted and every move could be your last.

"Deftly combines high-stakes political maneuvering, espionage, and cult intrigue ... A suspenseful and immersive read that keeps readers on the edge with its intricate plot, intense action sequences, and historical depth." -IndieReader

"A gripping tale that features the themes of survival, identity, and the conflict between good and evil within the landscapes of cults, law enforcement, and personal redemption ... Ephraim Clark is a master plotter who excels at creating exceptional, flawed, and believable characters ... The setting comes to life, with detailed descriptions of locales and the smells and feel of Paris in the 1970s." -Readers' Favorite Book Reviews

355 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 13, 2025

Reviews

[Jeff Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ephraim Clark’s latest thriller, Cult Stalker, was excellent. Clark was born in the United States, bummed around Europe and the UK for a while, and is currently an expat living in Paris, the setting for Cult Stalker. A religious cult has taken up residence in Paris, but the cult is not all it seems to be. It has been infiltrated by – corruption, corruption of the worst kind. CIA secret weapon, Brad James and his trusted ally Chuck Hall take up the case. Seems someone is important missing and Brad must find her. Cult Stalker is a ‘thriller reader’s’ high octane, fast, twisty thriller. I also like the balance of the story, equal parts conspiracy, characters, and setting. The three parts complimented each other perfectly. I almost feel as though I have lived in Paris and now know the city. Clark is such a master storyteller, high compliments for Cult Stalker.

[Jagdish Arora · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ephraim Clark’s biggest strength is pacing. The book never stalls. Chase scenes feel urgent, fights are brutal and quick, and each reveal raises the stakes instead of padding the plot. But Cult Stalker isn’t just action. The novel’s atmosphere is exceptional. Clark recreates 1974 Paris in full: the jazz clubs, the political tension, the sense that danger lurks behind every cobblestone. It grounds the pulpier elements and makes the threat feel real.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

The cult ended in a bloodbath and it was thought it was the end but now it has reappeared in Paris. Now he needs to go undercover to try to stop it causing trouble again and he needs to put an end to it. It is not going to be easy but he will do what is needed to stop them. See where it will take them all
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and I felt a part of the story

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

When hearing about a cult, one thinks of the cult leader. But how high does leadership actually go? And to what lengths would they go to protect themselves? Cult Stalker gives a glimpse into how a cult is run, what happens to members, and how even the best laid plans can come undone.
This was a good read and I would recommend it. I was given an advanced copy by Hidden Gems Books.

[P. Portraits · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mysterious Assassin

With thrilling espionage, an international conspiracy plot, and a curious female protagonist, this story will entertain and enthral. Brad and Chuck are back in the game and must thwart a terrorist threat by negotiating the dark dealings of a dangerous cult. Great for readers who like feisty females who can hold their own.

[Latori Shepherd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stayed on the edge of my seat

The plot was setup perfectly and the characters were very well developed. I questioned everyone and their intentions and trusted no one. LOL