When seasoned combat medic Linus "Doc" Winehouse embarks on a seemingly routine mission in Afghanistan, he soon finds himself and his squad ensnared in the fiercest battle they have ever encountered. With unwavering determination, Doc fights relentlessly to protect his comrades, pushing himself to the brink of exhaustion for the sake of their survival.
Meanwhile, in the United States, young Carston Thomas harbors dreams of helping the homeless and scaling mountains—much to the chagrin of his protective mother, Chloe. Having been scarred by her tumultuous past, Chloe is determined to shield her son from life's cruelties and dangers.
Fate brings Doc and Carston together, setting off a profound transformation in Doc's troubled soul. Plagued by the traumatic memories of war, Doc initially intends to wallow in his anguish and self-destructive tendencies. However, Carston's persistent presence challenges him to confront not only his own demons, but also those that haunt Carston and Chloe.
As crime and gang violence encroach on the Thomas family's doorstep, Doc's warrior spirit is reignited. Despite the burden of his emotional turmoil, he resolves to protect those he has come to care for, potentially finding redemption and a friendship worth living for in the process.
Is a United States Author of fiction Romance / Suspense / Thriller and Mystery novels. She’s from Coos County, Oregon, and is a real western cowgirl, riding horses, raising cows, cherishing her dogs and chickens, but above all, her family. She is happiest in the company of her best friends: her supportive husband and delightfully esteemed sons.
Precisely before wearing spurs everywhere – yes, everywhere - Lisa has become best known for captivating her readers and has been accused on many occasions, that she’s caused them to burn too much of the midnight oil devouring every last word before dawn. If this were the case with you, she sends her apology (but is indeed quite ecstatic).
Website: www.slaterlife.com Facebook: Slaterlife, Lisa Slater Author Email: infolisaauthor@yahoocom _____________________________________________ A BIT ABOUT ME
Hi readers!
As an author, there is nothing I find more exhilarating than encountering those remarkable moments when what I thought was “my story “develops, much like a child, and becomes a story of its own. Boldly tugging me along, luring me to chase after startling discoveries and uncovering rightful identities of yearning characters.
As a person, there is nothing I find more exhilarating than living in the actual moment and experiencing life all around and within me. I believe a good author knows how to write, but a great storyteller knows how to live. _____________________________________________
Chancing Hope (Romantic Suspense) - Book Review Published June 2018
"This author is a MAGNIFICENTLY gifted story teller! This book was hard to put down and so I didn't! I used all of my spare time to immerse myself in the story and that was simply done because of the way this author used her flair with words to pull me in! I loved the symbolism with the animals and the people. It was not lost on me. The book is filled with descriptions of characters that were so real that I imagine I knew them. And believe me...the antagonist is not someone I WANT to know...AT ALL! The story is compelling and I actually found myself scooching to the edge of my seat more than once as I read on and on. At LEAST I didn't scream at the characters, out loud that is. I do wonder if there will be a sequel or even a movie script for this book. I'll follow her story telling career to find out!"
Review by Kathy C. _____________________________________________ Holder of The Horses (Sweet Romance) - Book Review Published July 2019
"BEAUTIFUL The way this author has written these characters makes you feel like you are experiencing exactly what they are going through. I felt their sorrow and pain and cried right along with them. I never really knew how much it took to manage a ranch or the heartaches it could have but this book shows you just how hard and rewarding it is. This book also shows you about following your dreams, unconditional love, and what a family should be. I will always think of this story and smile when I see an eagle. Thank you for such a beautiful story."
Review by JR _____________________________________________ For The Garden (Thriller / Mystery) NEW RELEASE Published May 2020
Years ago, the unimaginable murder of eleven-year-old Samuella Rose left Sarina Rose, her twin sister, in a downward spiral and plagued by nightmares. Fifteen years later - the case still wide open - the only way she has managed to keep her head above water is due to her attractive massage therapist, Duane Whitson, who she battles to keep at a distance, and Clyde Small, the detective who has never given up on combing every lead in search for justice. However, it’s her unlikely roommate, Becky Bracken, that introduces her to dream interpretation. But that’s not where the interpretation stops.
A cold shiver covered Becky’s arms and legs with goosebumps. This was beyond superstition or hoaxes. This was actually happening. Graver still, she suspected, Sarina had no idea.
Doc is a great guy in a bad place, having a very bad day. His squad has been on patrol in a place known as “The Valley of Death” in Afghanistan for days when they come across a quiet village. But this village is too quiet: something’s definitely about to hit the fan; they can all feel it. But what comes their way is beyond their ability to predict or prepare adequately for, and when the firefight goes from bad to worse, it becomes the stuff of eternal nightmares. Doc may survive, but he’ll never be the man he was before this day. This is the dramatic and gut-wrenching opening to Lisa Slater’s visceral book, “Dead Alive.”
As has happened to so many before him, Doc was forever changed by the firefight with the Taliban in that tiny village. The squad medic who had dreams of becoming a doctor one day after his tour is now a homeless veteran who carries the weight of all the things he believes he failed to do, and the ghosts of all those he could not save. He is killing himself slowly on the streets of Seattle, believing he deserves nothing better, and nothing less.
Doc is a character who is easy to care for. He’s been through unspeakable horror and no longer feels like he has anything to live for. I liked his character immediately as he did everything within his power to save the men he served with. He’s a very complicated man, bearing more guilt than any one person should carry.
To the world, this unattractive man, who had clearly once stood bravely upon enemy soil to bear the consequences of freedom, was now a monster. But he’s not the only interesting character in this story. Readers will fall head over heels for young Carston, a boy who has also not had an easy life but has chosen to walk a different path as he grows up with his very protective single mother. He is loving, caring, empathetic, and believes he was born with two good hands so that they could be used to help God’s creations. He has never chosen to color inside the lines. He may be in elementary school, but he has an incredible heart for the homeless and those less fortunate. He also loves his mother fiercely.
There are so many wonderful, rich, and beautiful characters in this story, I could write pages about them all. From the shopkeeper with the boundlessly charitable heart, to the crew of homeless who sleep in front of her store, readers will find a wealth of deeply developed personalities to rally around. Each makes the reading experience richer and more vibrant in their unique ways.
Orson saw him as a man as unquestionable as birth, and as wise as a thousand deathbeds. This earned Paine the exclusive honor of serving as Orson’s conscience, which, on its own, made infrequent stopovers, and never stayed. Orson’s conscience was an unreliable friend, and an even worse guest. The author has created a masterful story, full of boundless compassion, love, loyalty, devotion, and honor. But these beautiful things are not found in the lovely environment one might expect. Their backdrop is the mean streets, dark alleys, and shameless human trafficking establishments of Seattle. Life here is not easy or kind, and it seems the only items in abundance are those that do not make life better: drugs, theft, deceit, coercion, and the disdaining of human lives. At points within this storyline, it could easily be considered Christian fiction. But I feel that would be doing a disservice to this text. It is, rather, a profound story of people who have suffered greatly yet in many cases can still believe in God.
“The presence of evil fighting for power indicates that there is most definitely a God. It’s inarguable. Think about it Chloe. If there is no God, then who is evil attempting to fight for the power from?” This story is raw and gritty. It’s visceral and dark. Even though the subject matter is rough, with elements of drugs, the sex trade, and other truly disturbing elements, the author’s execution of these themes is brilliantly done and does not fall back on coarse adult language or vivid sex scenes to bring readers into the story. Rather, well-focused and imaginative writing does this with all the intensity the storyline deserves. The result is an amazing work that provides readers with an emotionally vivid experience.
…blood is the currency in which sin is fought. I highly recommend “Dead Alive” by Lisa Slater to fans of suspense, general fiction, military, and coming of age reads. This beautiful tale will take readers on an adventure they will not forget and provide them with profound messages of hope, strength, and determination in the process.
This was an awe inspiring, emotional roller-coaster of a story that's a definite must read for everyone! There were triumphs, tragedies, hope, and so much more for each of these unique characters. It's a story that will touch your heart and soul. It's certainly not to be missed.
This was only the second book I've read by this author, but one thing that I can guarantee is that when you read her work, you won't be able to escape the tears! Lol! Seriously though, I very rarely cry (except for happy tears!) while reading, but by gosh if this author hasn't made me do just that, twice!! I guess that I can forgive her since her stories are so amazing. Lol! I would highly suggest reading K-9 Odin, as well as the rest of this author's books. You certainly won't be disappointed!
I would definitely recommend this book, series, and exceptional author.
The most intricate and intensive beautifully told story of tragedy, trauma, and perseverance in a great story. This book has a story within a story circling a bigger story. The characters are unforgettable and mysteriously captivating in their own rights. I was overwhelmed with so many emotions being a gulf war veteran, homeless, and trying to pursue a passion with no means. This storyline was relatable in many ways to me. Plus the book cover captures the synapses of the books deeper perspective.
If books are supposed to make us ruminate then this one succeeded. I had many conflicting emotions while and after reading this book. Some parts were a bit odd, some a bit painful, some society could learn from and some will take a while to process. Thank you to the author
Slater is a master story teller taking readers through realistic horrors as well as deep relationships of concern and love to be cherished! Slater has a gift for creating heart-tugging feelings from readers.
Lisa Slater does an excellent job weaving the character's lives together with just the right amount of tension. I thoroughly enjoyed the different characters personalities.
Loved the characters and how they all came together. Interesting story which looks at serious current issues that our country is dealing with in perhaps not with the attention it deserves
Lisa, this was a truly moving story with great characters and an awesome plot. I had to read this in one sitting because I just could not put it down. I was that inspiring and compelling. I hope to read more of your work.
I read alot. But I have to say is is probably the best book I have read. I got so invested in the characters so quickly and that very rarely happens when I read.
Brilliantly written novel. I didn’t want to put it down. Author Lisa Slater has helped me rediscover the love I had for reading as a child. Once I started reading Dead Alive I didn’t want to put it down, yet I didn’t want the story to end too quickly. I was able to make it last two days, putting it down only to rest my eyes. There were moments I found myself holding my breath and looking over my shoulder, moments of heartbreak and tears, and moments of celebrating the friendships the characters developed. The characters were brilliantly woven together all having their unique and unquestionable place in the story. Author Lisa Slater has the remarkable ability to help us see the world of the homeless through a child’s eyes, unfiltered and without judgement, and how a child can bring people together living under the most extreme circumstances. This is another must read by incredibly talented author Lisa Slater.