Blood Web

Caitlin Diggs #1

by Gary Starta

Deep within a Colorado cave, a teen drifter discovers an arrowhead shaped crystal harboring an evil sentience. Acting as the crystal’s host, the boy is endowed with psychic powers and extreme rage. He embarks on a cross country mission, eager to exact revenge for crimes committed more than a century ago; able to track his intended victims through a biological conduit. Caitlin Diggs became the FBI’s top agent by being brazen and unconventional, but her experience and training had not prepared her for this new enemy, a murderous teenager whose twisted union with a crystal has spawned a biological internet threatening all of humanity. A trail of bodies leads Agent Diggs to a terrible conclusion; to halt the murders, she must take control of the crystal herself. But Diggs is not herself. Plagued by nightmares of her partner and lover’s murder, she has revenge issues of her own. Can she come to terms with her vengeful lust and stop the killer? Or will she be lured into the crystal’s blood web?

Genres: Paranormal

390 pages, Paperback

First published October 31, 2007

About the author

Novelist turned science fiction writer currently working on 17th novel. Caitlin Diggs series includes Blood Web, Extreme Liquidation, Demon Inhibitions and 9 Incarnate. New series Diggs & Shay to publish in 2017.

Crime/mystery novels Kindred Killers and Murder by Association to be followed up with The Killing Collective in 2017.

Look for science fiction series Camden Investigations to continue with Time Wanderer, a follow up to 2015's Coalescence.

Follow my writers' blog...

http://networkedblogs.com/n624R

Gods of the Machines now available...
http://www.gypsyshadow.com/GaryStarta...

See my website for all my books: http://www.garystarta.net including
Dead Market.

Starta, a former journalist, now writes science fiction and mystery novels. His website is www.garystarta.net

Reviews

[J C Mitchinson · Rating 1 out of 5]

It's clear that a lot of imagination has gone into this book, however, I eventually had to give up on it about two thirds of the way through.

I didn't feel that the story was well structured or developed- it seemed to rush in places and dither in others. We went from 0-60 with Shenk becoming the Arrowhead Killer without having any kind of knowledge of who he really was (and therefore didn't have a connection with him). There were a lot of characters and an obviously-imaginative conspiracy plot going on, but I didn't find the links between sections were strong enough for me to be sure what the point of it all was.

I initially liked the character of Caitlin as she was realistic and complex, but this seemed to go down hill, with her swooning over some guy she meets in a bar and espousing such gems as 'if a woman wants to get a man she mustn't eat in front of him,' which really seemed at odds with her as a strong, independent person. And I wasn't sure how Diggs went from not fancying the other detective and wanting to keep him at arm's length, to suddenly kissing him. Again, it seemed like she went against everything that had been set up about her character.

I struggled to believe that people would so readily accept that a magical crystal was controlling a murderer and making him invincible, or that the police, FBI and media would give credence to this theory- even if it was suggested by a well-respected Native American. There were attempts to suggest the science behind the whole crystal thing, but I didn't find it convincing at all.

If the story was supposed to be in another world where such mystical happenings are more common and accepted, this wasn't made clear.

I was also put off by the constant repeated mentions of the fact that the other detective was supposed to look like Halle Berry. I got this after the first mention, it didn't need to be belaboured in such a way.

Overall, I can see the good points to the book, and it's obvious that a lot of thought went into it, but it just wasn't for me/I wasn't convinced by it.

[Runningrabbit · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't get past the first chapter. Bored already.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gary Starta is a fairly new author to me and this book is different from any other zombie book I have read. For all you Zombie lovers out there, you have to read this.  It’s amazing. These zombies can think as long as they are taking their blue pills. Officer Burnham and  Lorelei stay together and try to fight the zombies. The  virus was made in a laboratory to see how far it can go to cause men fight. Due to their DNA , they are neither zombies or vampire. The company's also have one of the biggest mafia bosses under their spell.  How will it end , will the survive or will the whole country be zombies.? To see how it end, you have to read it. I loved it. It’s great fun.

[Deedra · Rating 4 out of 5]

audible:I enjoyed this book,I was sorry when it ended,but I have book 2!yay! Caitin is an fbi agent who lost her lover/partner not long ago.This new case has her with a new person,she needs to learn to trust.It seems a magic jewel someone has on his person,is causing him to commit heinous murders.I found the narration really bad for the Native speaking man and some other people.Leigh Serling did fine with women characters.I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.'

[NanaShauna Joesten · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic read that grabs you from the first page to the last. If your a lover of mysteries and twists and turns this is definitely it. The Author has written the scenes so well that I can picture them in my minds eye. The Narrator brings the Characters out fantastically. The book Cover is amazing as well. And I definitely recommend this captivating listen.
Shauna Joesten

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to this book on audio and enjoyed the book. I found it to be fast paced. The author was well versed on the topics he wrote about and I found the book to be interesting with many twists and turns.

[Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was not my usual but I found it very interesting. Had a sci-fi feel to it and also a lot of Native American lore. Can’t say I’ve read anything like it! There was a lot of background to absorb towards the beginning if that bothers you. It really picked up for me around 60% through and took off from there. Hope you like it :)

[Toni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lukas Shenker a troubled teen, known by everyone as Shenk, has spent most of his life residing in a Corpus Christi Center for Wayward Teens. It was a dismal existence clouded by a polluted haze of constant medications and counseling from his Social Worker Alice. When a hurricane descends upon Texas, Shenk sees this as an opportunity to disappear. With the massive flood waters claiming any records of his existence, Shenk can start a new life with a new identity.

As Shenk finds refuge in a cave, waiting out the storm, he happens upon a brilliant rose quartz necklace. Could this be a sign that his life is headed in a better and brighter direction? Or, will the crystal connect to Shrenk through his blood and mind in order to carry out its own long awaited vendetta?

The ancient Indian artifact has been merely a myth to most historians, including the famous and well respected historical speaker Eugene “Bull Tongue” Campbell. Eugene has spent his life pursuing his calling to inform interested students on the facts regarding the way things really were between the Americans and the Indians. However, Eugene’s father, Jake Campbell or “Lone Coyote” as he is also called knows quite well the power of the crystal for good as well as its ability to wreak havoc on the world if connected to a mind filled with evil. After hearing about the Arrowhead Murders, Jake decides he can no longer keep quiet about the crystal’s existence. In order to protect the world from the crystal’s power and warn the public of his long suspected conspiracy theory regarding the military’s quest to gain control of the crystal and rule the world, he takes to the airwaves. Suzie Chang, the host of the show American Murders, allows Jake Campbell to spin his tale of nonsense in order to boost her ratings. Will Jake Campbell’s life now be thrown into the depths of murder by those he sought to expose?

FBI Special Agent Caitlin Diggs is well known for her impressive arrest record as well as her ability to work on her gut instincts. After witnessing the horrific beating death of her partner and lover Geoffrey McAllister, she finds for the very first time that she needs a leave of absence from her beloved job. Faced with doubt about her career and an overwhelming sense of sadness at the loss of her future husband, Caitlin is once again called upon to investigate the recent “Arrowhead” killings.

Will Caitlin Diggs be able to track down the Arrowhead Killer in time? Will she be able to finally regain her confidence as a highly successful agent? In addition, will her wounds regarding the loss of her partner and lover finally begin to heal? Or, after realizing the only way to stop the body count from rising is to obtain possession of the crystal; will Diggs become swayed by the crystal’s persuasive powers and begin her own journey to carry out its evil wishes?

BLOOD WEB is by far the most AMAZING novel this reader/writer has had the privilege to read in a long time. This edge of your seat thrill ride is filled with something for everyone from suspense, paranormal, thrill, murder, mystery and even a touch of romance. Any genre afficianato will find this novel to be one of pure pleasure. First in the FBI Special Agent Caitlin Diggs series, Starta does an excellent job portraying the perfect setting while creating characters that are not only believable, but connect to your emotions as well. Each page is another twist and unexpected turn, keeping the reader glued to their seat and eager to reveal the next shocking revelation waiting in the prose of the following pages. Gary Starta is a prolific writer, who I believe is way ahead of his time in this particular genre. I anxiously await the next installment of the infamous Caitlin Diggs adventures. Kudos!

[Amateur de Livre]

Reviewed by Shawnee Goodnight

FBI Agent Caitlin Diggs is called back to work after facing a devastating tragedy. With her own focus on avenging the death of her partner, she must first track down a killer possessed by an ancient crystal that has a vendetta of its own.

The crystal has been waiting for over a hundred years to find someone to control and in the Colorado wilderness, teenage runaway Shenk is just the mentally troubled person the crystal need to unleash its supernatural powers.

However, Agent Diggs is not the only one after the killer. Hidden within her midst is a devious organization called the "Right Hand" that have been looking for a way to control the will of all civilization and the crystal is just what they need to complete their goal. And Agent Diggs is in their way.

With a sentient crystal that feeds on the darkest bloody desires of its hosts, Agent Diggs must stop the killer and destroy the crystal without falling prey to its desire for vengeance herself.

In Blood Web, Gary Starta has written a supernatural thriller with a charismatic leading character and some of the most despicable villains I have encountered in my reading in a while.

Questions for the author:

I noticed Blood Web is the first of a series of books about Caitlin Diggs. Have you finished writing any others in the series?

Yes, the next in the series is definitely in the works, just a question of when it will publish. I am even playing around with ideas for book three.

And can you give us a sneak peek into what happens next with Caitlin?

Caitlin now empowered with nocturnal visions becomes targeted by a secret organization run by a rogue member of a government agency. Eventually she will learn her current murder investigation is linked with the organization which just may have definitive answers about Geoffrey McAllister's (her former partner and lover) death. She will also learn she has a role in the fate of humankind.

Many male authors tend to write their leading character as males but you have chosen a female lead. What inspired you to create Caitlin (as opposed to a Carl)?

I simply feel it was high time a female took the lead role. I even gave her a female partner. Dana Scully was such a strong character in The X-files proving a female lead can captivate an audience.

In Blood Web you provided a lot of information on organic chemistry and geology. How much research did this novel entail for you?

I did a lot of reading via the greatest tool authors have nowadays - the Internet! I try to base my ideas upon scientific basis, hopefully leaving the reader wondering if such things could ever happen and making the story a bit more credible hopefully.

As a fan of science fiction and horror novels, what would you say scares you the most?

I would say the scariest monster of all is the human one. The wickedest or most devious thoughts are often borne from the human brain, and because of that I tend to believe humans are sometimes more frightening than the supernatural creatures which hide in the shadows. The most despicable humans walk among us in the light.

As an added bonus, a copy of Blood Web is to be raffled off to a reader. Enter by signing the guestbook at www.uponfurtherreviw.org. To view other comments you just need to click on the View Guestbook tab.


The drawing will be held the first week in January. The winner will be announced on the website under Raffle Winners, and on the discussion group at Shelfari.

[Christina Francine · Rating 4 out of 5]

BloodWeb
Gary Starta
Charles River Press 2007
541 Long Lane, Casper, Wyoming 82609
http://chalresriverpress.com
SC 387 pages, $16.95
ISBN# 1-9791304-8-5
Review by Christina Francine

Searching for a novel to read that addresses the evil of humankind today and its problems? Certainly the domination of Americans is a topic of concern; and has been before. The horrifying fact is that technology will make domination easier. One only needs to stumble upon that last link; a way to control every man, woman, and child.

Agent Caitlin Diggs had every reason not to go back to her job. After losing, Geoffrey, the man she loved to an undercover assignment gone bad, she did not feel stable. Work would help however, even though her parents insisted she finally retire from police work. When FBI Assistant Director, Andrew Dudek phoned her, Caitlin purchased an airline ticket right away. She could get lost in her work and possibly catch a lead on Geoffrey’s killers. What she did not know was that she was about to embark on one of the most challenging and dangerous cases of her career. Caitlin knew her assignment involved capturing the nation’s latest serial killer, but not one that would decide the fate of the nation.

When the young blond drifter placed the arrowhead pendant against his chest, the crystal liked itself to him; sealing his fate and possibly the nation’s as well. Not only did a change come over the teenager named Shenk, but also over the crystal too. Shenk’s less than positive qualities, along with societies, affected the crystal tainting and turning it evil.

Starta did his homework. With each chapter his research showed depth. Add to this a powerful imagination and the result is a heart-pounding mystery. BloodWeb is the first of a series, Starta claims, that will feature the FBI Special Agent Diggs.

This book is enticing and a gripping tale that reflects a possible reality with a paranormal aspect intertwined. Starta’s story lures readers into an Internet that transcends fiction and enters a resemblance to actuality. Timely.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blood Web by Gary Starta

Shenk is a runaway teenager who longs to be far away from the wayward home where he had lived. He slept in a cave and came upon an old Native American Crystal relic. Unbeknownst to the wearer the crystal will use that human as its host to feed upon the energy to do its bidding. In this bidding Shenk is going after all the descendants of the military Calvary that have killed the Cheyenne from the Sand Creek Massacre.
FBI Agent, Caitlin Diggs is on the trail of this young man as well as top Military and Government officials who would like to have this crystal in their hands. Will Ms. Diggs be able to apprehend the criminal before the Government does? The crystal in the wrong hands will be detrimental to human society.

[Catherine Wright (Cat's Guilty Pleasure) · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was given a copy by the author in exchange for an honest review.

I didn't feel like the story was well developed or structured, it seemed to be rushed in some places and others it was like it slowed down quite a bit. I really didn't feel like we had enough information about Shenk and why he became the Arrowhead Killer. There were so many characters and with the conspiracy plot the author had going, I really didn't get the links between them they weren't really strong enough for me to see what point the author was trying to make. I'm not really sure if this story was suppose to be in some kind of magical place, because it wasn't made very clear. I can see the good points to this story, but it just wasn't for me and I wasn't really convinced by it at all.

Review done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official. For more information regarding our reviews please visit our fansite at http://www.facebook.com/nerdgirl.ng

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

BLOOD WEB (CAITLYN DIGGS #1) GARY STARTA

The book is as intriguing as the ideas are horrifying. I didn’t know what to class it as so I am calling it a taught psychological thriller leaning toward horror. I enjoyed the book even if the premise of it gave me the willies at times. This is one of those books where you really want good to prevail over sheer evil and to hold the bad guys accountable for their actions. The true villain was not the Arrowhead killer but those who were after the entity of the crystal. The characters of agent Diggs and her partner agent rivers were fascinating to read and I would love to get to know them in other stories. I would definitely give this five stars for intriguing story telling.

[P.S. Winn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Their are a lot of characters in this book, but the author does a terrific job giving each their own distinct personality so the reader can follow this immensely thrilling novel. Beginning in 1864 the story unfolds when a massacre happens. From there we are brought to present day where we meet Shenk, a young man who has just lost his parents. the discovery of a crystal necklace changes his life and also those who the necklace seeks revenge upon. This book had mystery, conspiracy, supernatural and adventure combined to take the reader on a journey they won't soon forget. i loved the writing style and the story in this book, especially when the conspiracy reveals our government once again has their hand in the pot. Great job and highly recommended read.

[Amy Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Edge of your seat reading!

Enter the thrilling world of paranormal and psychic enticing suspense. Agent Caitlin Diggs, FBI profiler, is searching for a killer. The characters intertwine greatly with each other, even though there are many, but they are clearly there for a purpose. With links to the past and the present day, the story flows well and brings the reader in for more. The best part is that it's not predictable, and it's written very well. Very thrilling and enjoyable. Makes this reader want to read more from this author.

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

'Blood Web' is a good paranormal thriller. The storyline was quite good and the way it played out was intriguing. The concept that encircled the crystal was creative and quite scary at the same time. The characters were great. Caitlin is a great out-of-the-box thinking agent. I enjoyed her determination. Even Rivers surprised me with her support to her new partner. Although they butted heads a few times, they worked well together. A good add to your tbr list.

[Tamara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Paranormal Masterpiece

You'll find Caitlin Diggs relatable and likable ... the story exciting and interesting ... and the ending unpredictable. A unique thriller combined with historical elements delivers an intelligent read you won't want to miss. If Starta's books weren't already on your wish list, they will be now.

[Jessica Kong · Rating 4 out of 5]

Blood and Guts

This is the first book I read written by Gary Starta. The unique storyline and intriguing characters immediately hooked me. I am not sure how many installments Gary plans to write for this paranormal mystery, however, I do know I will be reading each one. Great job, Gary!

[Freakelvira · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is well written. You can picture it by all the descriptive details written in it. Hope it becomes a movie. Just like Harry Potter and Twilight did.

[Najimul]

interesting

[Patricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book, very well written. Gary gives you a little bit of everything, supernatural power, horror and suspense. I really enjoyed it.

[Altairdroke♥82 · Rating 5 out of 5]

fine book, original story, is exating perfect story i loved really engaging

[Bunny · Rating 1 out of 5]

As requested by the author, spreading the word.