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Lottery #1
Lottery
He's the man next door; a quiet, loving family man. But behind Caleb O'Toole's piercing, light blue eyes, a storm is raging.
In downtown San Francisco, advertising exec Caleb O'Toole's life is falling apart-- a failed marriage -- in trouble with a big time bookie threatening his life if he doesn't pay up, and his supposed friend, the wealthy Jack Weber, refuses to loan him money.
The pompous Weber makes a pact with Caleb telling him that if he wins the largest mega-lottery in the history of the lottery he'll split it with Caleb, And, as fate would have it, when Weber wins, Caleb can't believe his luck.
But when Weber reneges on his promise, only Caleb shows up to claim the 736-million dollars.
Caleb O'Toole becomes the "toast of San Francisco, sitting on the boards of prestigious organizations and, after marrying the beautiful Ling Jameson, the couple make their home in a prestigious San Francisco suburb overlooking the bay.
Ling and Caleb travel to Shanghai and adopt ten-month-old Ahna and, soon after they bring their daughter home, Ling tells Caleb she is pregnant. Life behind the closed doors of their Victorian mansion couldn't be better until... someone threatens to expose how Caleb just happened to be the only one to show up to the winning lottery ticket.
Until now, the voices only Caleb could hear were just irritating. But when the voice of Jack Weber comes back to haunt him, slowly taking control of his mind, God help anyone who crosses them.
His mind sinking deeper and deeper into the grips of insanity, no one is safe and no one knows what Caleb will do next -- not even himself.
What reviewers are saying about Lottery:
"What distinguishes Lottery from other crime novels is the masterful way that Shursen gradually - and artfully - escalates the sense of danger with each succeeding chapter. While the book unleashes a regular cadence of shocking twists from the get-go, the malevolence burning within the book's primary protagonist builds like Ravel's Bolero.' Bestthrillers.com
"Best-selling author Kimberly Shursen seamlessly weaves together a complex tale about the multi-faceted personalities of a family man suffering from a malicious mental disorder. An explosive, unpredictable ending will leave thriller readers wanting more."
"At about the last 50 pages I realized that I was holding my breath. The story is gripping, thrilling, and breathtaking."
"Great story line that kept me sucked in like no other!!!! Now onto book 2,"
"The only regret I have about reading Lottery is that I didn't pre-order the next book in the series."
In downtown San Francisco, advertising exec Caleb O'Toole's life is falling apart-- a failed marriage -- in trouble with a big time bookie threatening his life if he doesn't pay up, and his supposed friend, the wealthy Jack Weber, refuses to loan him money.
The pompous Weber makes a pact with Caleb telling him that if he wins the largest mega-lottery in the history of the lottery he'll split it with Caleb, And, as fate would have it, when Weber wins, Caleb can't believe his luck.
But when Weber reneges on his promise, only Caleb shows up to claim the 736-million dollars.
Caleb O'Toole becomes the "toast of San Francisco, sitting on the boards of prestigious organizations and, after marrying the beautiful Ling Jameson, the couple make their home in a prestigious San Francisco suburb overlooking the bay.
Ling and Caleb travel to Shanghai and adopt ten-month-old Ahna and, soon after they bring their daughter home, Ling tells Caleb she is pregnant. Life behind the closed doors of their Victorian mansion couldn't be better until... someone threatens to expose how Caleb just happened to be the only one to show up to the winning lottery ticket.
Until now, the voices only Caleb could hear were just irritating. But when the voice of Jack Weber comes back to haunt him, slowly taking control of his mind, God help anyone who crosses them.
His mind sinking deeper and deeper into the grips of insanity, no one is safe and no one knows what Caleb will do next -- not even himself.
What reviewers are saying about Lottery:
"What distinguishes Lottery from other crime novels is the masterful way that Shursen gradually - and artfully - escalates the sense of danger with each succeeding chapter. While the book unleashes a regular cadence of shocking twists from the get-go, the malevolence burning within the book's primary protagonist builds like Ravel's Bolero.' Bestthrillers.com
"Best-selling author Kimberly Shursen seamlessly weaves together a complex tale about the multi-faceted personalities of a family man suffering from a malicious mental disorder. An explosive, unpredictable ending will leave thriller readers wanting more."
"At about the last 50 pages I realized that I was holding my breath. The story is gripping, thrilling, and breathtaking."
"Great story line that kept me sucked in like no other!!!! Now onto book 2,"
"The only regret I have about reading Lottery is that I didn't pre-order the next book in the series."
- GenresThriller
355 pages, Paperback
First published July 20, 2014
10 people are currently reading
581 people want to read
About the author
Kimberly Shursen
14 books46 followersKimberly Shursen has a BA in education lives in the mid-west with her two dogs George and Gracie Burns and adopted grandson Lukas.
Shursen has written two full-blown musical plays that were produced by independent investors. Her desire, however, has always been to write bold edgy novels with a plot centering around social justice or injustice.
Shursen left her position as director of marketing for long-term, post-acute centers in 2013 and started a full time writing career.
I've met some gained valuable friendships in my journey as an author. One of the best perks of this career is meeting new people.
Meet up with Kimberly on
Facebook @ kimberly Shursen author
Twitter @kimberly shursen
Linked in @kimberly Shursen
Shursen has written two full-blown musical plays that were produced by independent investors. Her desire, however, has always been to write bold edgy novels with a plot centering around social justice or injustice.
Shursen left her position as director of marketing for long-term, post-acute centers in 2013 and started a full time writing career.
I've met some gained valuable friendships in my journey as an author. One of the best perks of this career is meeting new people.
Meet up with Kimberly on
Facebook @ kimberly Shursen author
Twitter @kimberly shursen
Linked in @kimberly Shursen
Ratings & Reviews
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
April 29, 2016
A top rate ripped-from-the-headlines psychological thriller that crackles with tension.
Two friends agree to split lottery ticket winnings if they hit it big. What could go wrong?
We’ve all seen this nightmare played out in the American legal system, but as novelist Kimberly Shursen demonstrates with the first entry in her Lottery trilogy, the end game could be far darker than most of us could even imagine.
In San Francisco, 33-year-old gambling addict Caleb O’Toole owes his loan shark $50,000. Hoping that a drink might help numb his fear, he heads to a local bar, where he runs into his buddy Jack Weber. With a face like JFK and a sizable trust fund, money is the last thing Jack needs. Still, he casually suggests that Caleb pick them up some mega-million lottery tickets, suggesting that they split the proceeds. “Can’t ever have enough women or money,” he quips.
Check out the rest of my review atBestThrillers.com
Two friends agree to split lottery ticket winnings if they hit it big. What could go wrong?
We’ve all seen this nightmare played out in the American legal system, but as novelist Kimberly Shursen demonstrates with the first entry in her Lottery trilogy, the end game could be far darker than most of us could even imagine.
In San Francisco, 33-year-old gambling addict Caleb O’Toole owes his loan shark $50,000. Hoping that a drink might help numb his fear, he heads to a local bar, where he runs into his buddy Jack Weber. With a face like JFK and a sizable trust fund, money is the last thing Jack needs. Still, he casually suggests that Caleb pick them up some mega-million lottery tickets, suggesting that they split the proceeds. “Can’t ever have enough women or money,” he quips.
Check out the rest of my review atBestThrillers.com
September 9, 2014
Quite good. I think I will look up the rest of this series to find out what happens to Ling and the kids.
August 19, 2014
I wanted to ... no I had to write this book. It took over a year to do the research, before the writing began.
May 25, 2018
If I could give the Kimberly Shursen's "Lottery" series more than a 5 star rating I definitely would. This series draws you in like a good, no a GREAT, movie. Twists and turns and highs and lows, a palpitating thriller that will have you thinking about it throughout your day until you finish the last page.
October 27, 2019
Loved this book!!!
I could not put this book down! The twists and turns in the plot are amazing! Kimberly describes the scenes so that pictures automatically form in my head as I read. She is such a talented author. I'm so anxious to start her next book.
I could not put this book down! The twists and turns in the plot are amazing! Kimberly describes the scenes so that pictures automatically form in my head as I read. She is such a talented author. I'm so anxious to start her next book.
March 21, 2016
Caleb O'Toole is much more than what you see. He's a quiet man, married with children. He and his family live in mansion that overlooks the bay. Yes, he has it all ... or does he?
He's also rich ... very, very rich. He has claimed one of the largest winning in the history of the lottery. But you may wonder ... just how did he get that ticket?
Someone is blackmailing Caleb .. someone who knows what he did to get that winning ticket. And there is a voice that only Caleb can hear ... it's the voice of a madman.
Caleb is sinking into insanity ... leaving bodies in his wake.
No one knows what will happen next ... especially not Caleb.
Best-selling author Kimberly Shursen seamlessly weaves together a complex tale about the multi-faceted personalities of a family man suffering from a malicious mental disorder. An explosive, unpredictable ending will leave thriller readers wanting more. (from the book blurb)
Wow! If you've ever wondered what goes on in the mind of a madman, this is what I would expect. This one sort of makes me wonder what the mind of the author looks like. She's come up with something unique in characters and story line.
I look forward to reading the following books in this series!
Many thanks to the author who provided a digital copy in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
August 28, 2014
I have been a fan of Kimberly Shursen's since I read her first novel, "Itsy Bitsy Spider", so my hopes were high when I started reading this one. Even that being said, my expectations were blown away. This book is one amazing thrill ride that leaves you wondering just how far you'd go to protect what you love, and what is it that you love the most. I simply couldn't put the book down once I started reading. I had to see what was going to happen with Caleb and Ling. Absolutely amazing! I can't wait for the sequel.
November 1, 2014
I thought the book was great! At first I thought some of the main issues were just brushed over but then as I read the issues were brought back in which heightened the reading more and more! I loved the way I was brought to praise and sympathy for the main character and then brought back down each time....I cannot wait for the number 2!
January 26, 2015
Lottery is a fast paced psychological thriller that will make you turn pages hoping that Caleb O'Toole gets what should be coming to him. This down-on-his-luck loveable guy turned multi-rich-SOB had an air about him that made you hate him with a passion.
Check out my full review at http://buttonholed.blogspot.com/
Check out my full review at http://buttonholed.blogspot.com/
August 24, 2017
After adding books to owned books[shelf goodreads provides] I lost ratings and review. Will attempt to add the review. Books won on goodreads giveaways that is missing review due to this are books I have enjoyed. On a later date I will attempt to remember what I have written about them and will rewrite them.
September 30, 2015
I liked this book but it had some flaws. There were a lot of typos: skipped words, misspelled words, etc. and the writing style was kind of choppy, but the characters were good and the plot was good. The last 10% was excellent.
December 29, 2015
Holy Wow!!!
This book was so different to anything else I've ever read before, it was exactly what I needed!!!! Great story line that kept me sucked in like no other!!!! Now onto book 2, I need to know what happens next!!!!
This book was so different to anything else I've ever read before, it was exactly what I needed!!!! Great story line that kept me sucked in like no other!!!! Now onto book 2, I need to know what happens next!!!!
August 16, 2015
I Really enjoyed this book will definitely have to check out the more to find out what happens next
March 10, 2016
Excellent
This book will keep you on your toes!! I can't wait to get started on the next book, Caleb's Son!
This book will keep you on your toes!! I can't wait to get started on the next book, Caleb's Son!
August 16, 2015
I Really enjoyed this book will definitely have to check out the more to find out what happens next
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews