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Red Rain #1
Clouds Gathering: Red Rain Series, Book 1
What would you do if you couldn't stop killing?
John Hilt lives the American dream. His corner office looks out on Dallas' beautiful skyline. His amazing wife and children love him. His father and sister adore him. John has it all.
Except every few years, when Harry shows back up. Harry wants John to kill people. Harry wants to watch the world burn.
Murderous thoughts take hold of John, and as flames ignite across his life, the sky doesn't send cool rain water, but blood to feed their hunger.
If you love taut, psychological thrillers, grab Red Rain today and prepare to sleep with the lights on!
Red Rain is a serial novel and will be in three books.
John Hilt lives the American dream. His corner office looks out on Dallas' beautiful skyline. His amazing wife and children love him. His father and sister adore him. John has it all.
Except every few years, when Harry shows back up. Harry wants John to kill people. Harry wants to watch the world burn.
Murderous thoughts take hold of John, and as flames ignite across his life, the sky doesn't send cool rain water, but blood to feed their hunger.
If you love taut, psychological thrillers, grab Red Rain today and prepare to sleep with the lights on!
Red Rain is a serial novel and will be in three books.
Audible Audio
First published June 11, 2016
498 people are currently reading
234 people want to read
About the author
David Beers
73 books215 followersI used to deliver pizza. I was pretty good at it, too. I mean, it's not that hard, but if I'm not going to brag, who is, right? Anyways, so I'm delivering pizza while I'm in college, and my boss has been in the pizza industry like six years. He's supposed to graduate from college this year, and I ask him, what are you going to do after college? We're all supposed to go out and conquer the world right after college, so this guy has to have some kind of plan.
He looked at me like I was delusional.
"I'm a writer, man."
Those four words changed my life more so than anything else ever spoken to me.
I'd always written, since I was twelve participating in online-wrestling forums in which you acted out your character. I wrote because it came naturally. Never once, in the entirety of my nineteen years did I think that writing could be a career though, until a Pizza Sage said those four words to me.
So what did I do? I went home and wrote a short story and immediately understood that I was the greatest writer to ever touch a keyboard. I brought it to the Pizza Sage and he told me what anyone could have told me--it was horrible. I might be dumb, probably am, but I'm also tenacious.
I spent the next seven years writing almost every day. My first novel grew to the length of 40,000 words, then I threw it away. My second novel grew to 140,000 words. I didn't throw it away, but it was rejected about 50 times by agents. My next novel ended up at around 55,000 words, which I showed to a few friends and shelved. Then I wrote Dead Religion, which is the only reason I have an author page at Amazon.
I have had four short stories published, paid and unpaid. 'Effects May Vary' won an award that was voted on by readers, which was pretty cool.
I'm currently getting my Masters in Business at the University of Georgia's Terry School of Business. I'm doing this in order to not deliver pizzas but still keep the lights on. I have a girlfriend who will soon be my fiancé, and after ten years, I imagine she's ready for that title.
I want to own a yacht.
He looked at me like I was delusional.
"I'm a writer, man."
Those four words changed my life more so than anything else ever spoken to me.
I'd always written, since I was twelve participating in online-wrestling forums in which you acted out your character. I wrote because it came naturally. Never once, in the entirety of my nineteen years did I think that writing could be a career though, until a Pizza Sage said those four words to me.
So what did I do? I went home and wrote a short story and immediately understood that I was the greatest writer to ever touch a keyboard. I brought it to the Pizza Sage and he told me what anyone could have told me--it was horrible. I might be dumb, probably am, but I'm also tenacious.
I spent the next seven years writing almost every day. My first novel grew to the length of 40,000 words, then I threw it away. My second novel grew to 140,000 words. I didn't throw it away, but it was rejected about 50 times by agents. My next novel ended up at around 55,000 words, which I showed to a few friends and shelved. Then I wrote Dead Religion, which is the only reason I have an author page at Amazon.
I have had four short stories published, paid and unpaid. 'Effects May Vary' won an award that was voted on by readers, which was pretty cool.
I'm currently getting my Masters in Business at the University of Georgia's Terry School of Business. I'm doing this in order to not deliver pizzas but still keep the lights on. I have a girlfriend who will soon be my fiancé, and after ten years, I imagine she's ready for that title.
I want to own a yacht.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
February 29, 2020
David Beers Is a master of thrillers! He writes with a true genius and a story line that truly makes one think. If you're a thriller fan, then his books are a goldmine of excellent quality writing. Don't let the fact that he puts his books out in series push you away. There is a reason why he does this - he is a thorough writer who will not put out a book until he can fully tell a story. Nothing is slapdash, it is all important for many reasons. I am so happy to have found his books and to find that he is a prodigious writer gives me a bit more time before I have to wait. As always, Happy Reads to All!
John Hilt lives the American Dream. His corner office looks out on Dallas' beautiful skyline. His amazing wife and children love him. His father and children adore him, John has it all. Except every few years, when Harry shows back up. Harry wants John to kill people. Harry wants to watch the world burn. Murderous thoughts take hold of John, and as flames ignite across his life. the sky doesn't send cool rain water, but blood to feed to feed their hunger.
If you love taught psychological thrillers, Grab Red Rain today and prepare to sleep with the lights on! Red Rain is a serial novel and will be in three books! How exciting!!!
John Hilt lives the American Dream. His corner office looks out on Dallas' beautiful skyline. His amazing wife and children love him. His father and children adore him, John has it all. Except every few years, when Harry shows back up. Harry wants John to kill people. Harry wants to watch the world burn. Murderous thoughts take hold of John, and as flames ignite across his life. the sky doesn't send cool rain water, but blood to feed to feed their hunger.
If you love taught psychological thrillers, Grab Red Rain today and prepare to sleep with the lights on! Red Rain is a serial novel and will be in three books! How exciting!!!
October 10, 2022
This is a 4.25 🌟 read rounded ⬇️ to 4 🌟.
"I just know there's something dark in me, and I hide it. I certainly don't talk about it, but it's there - always. This Dark Passenger."
Dexter Morgan
And what a Dark Passenger our main character has here! This was a riveting read that I just flew through. I can't wait to read the next in this trilogy to see how much further our serial killer with feelings devolves.
"I just know there's something dark in me, and I hide it. I certainly don't talk about it, but it's there - always. This Dark Passenger."
Dexter Morgan
And what a Dark Passenger our main character has here! This was a riveting read that I just flew through. I can't wait to read the next in this trilogy to see how much further our serial killer with feelings devolves.
December 22, 2017
What an amazing psychological thriller this book is. I had a very hard time putting this book down. The author keeps the reader guessing until the very end. John Hilt has become very successful, a nice home, wife, and two sons. What could possibly go wrong? His life seems perfect. John’s world starts to unravel, but why? But there seems to be a serial killer on the loose. The MO is the same; the bodies are covered with bleach, there are no fingerprints or fibers, and no DNA. The bodies seems to be killed elsewhere and transported to the same spot to be discovered by someone. Detective Alan Tremock has been chasing this killer for years, because his partner, Teresa, was murdered by this killer. They think they might actually have a witness. Will the witness be able to come up with a picture from the artist rendering. Where does John fit into this? Why is his wife, sister, and father so worried about his moods? Why is he going to meetings again? Why is he visiting his priest again? What does his late mother’s journals say about him? His father has finally read his late wife’s journals. What have the journals revealed about John? Who is Harry? Is there a psychopath loose? Will Det. Tremock finally catch this killer? This book is filled with intrigue, mystery, and murder. The character development was superb. I enjoyed the entire book. The only downside to this book is that it is a cliffhanger. I detest cliffhangers. I would much rather read a stand alone book, that can be evolved into the next book. I look forward to reading more from this author.
June 26, 2017
I never would have begun reading this book had I been paying attention and noticed that it was part of a series. It was offered for free through a book service. I read part of the first chapter and the writing was tight, without grammatical errors -- minimum criteria for continuing to purchase and download status.
I started reading. It quickly caught my interest and held on to it. It hooked me, then reeled me in just as it ended in the mother of all cliff hangers. I felt a tiny bit used, but I share the blame. It was clearly marked as book one of a trilogy. I had only to look, but I hadn't noticed.
Now it's on to book two. Not free, of course, but if it lives up to book one, I'm sure I'll be loading book three onto my kindle in a day or two, also. I took the bait.
I've made peace with the aspect of a trilogy. Not sure if I'd continue with a longer series. Compelling as it is, I'd probably scrap it after book one because there are a mountain of other books I'm waiting to get to. But for now, it's on to book two, and I can hardly wait to start reading.
I started reading. It quickly caught my interest and held on to it. It hooked me, then reeled me in just as it ended in the mother of all cliff hangers. I felt a tiny bit used, but I share the blame. It was clearly marked as book one of a trilogy. I had only to look, but I hadn't noticed.
Now it's on to book two. Not free, of course, but if it lives up to book one, I'm sure I'll be loading book three onto my kindle in a day or two, also. I took the bait.
I've made peace with the aspect of a trilogy. Not sure if I'd continue with a longer series. Compelling as it is, I'd probably scrap it after book one because there are a mountain of other books I'm waiting to get to. But for now, it's on to book two, and I can hardly wait to start reading.
January 4, 2018
Good story - I think. I'll never no for sure because THIS STORY IS INCOMPLETE. The author should warn potential readers that they will have to buy the next book to know what happens. It was already a long story that was hard to get into although I was enjoying the journey until I realised there weren't enough pages left to complete it! Now, I've wasted my time because there is no ending. I refuse to be conned into buying the next book so, David Beers and I both miss out. I'm glad it was free, but my time isn't. I feel I've been cheated. Goodbye forever, David Beers.
December 5, 2018
Torn here. The writing is excellent throughout, and John’s journey (along with the presentation of Harry is disturbing and downright terrifying. First time in a long time that I’ve dreaded reading the next page but couldn’t put a book down.
That said: there’s no ending here. Nothing gets resolved whatsoever. I’ve read other novels by the author, and I know he prefers the episodic storytelling format. It works well in his other novels (Singularity, in particular). But this was wholly unsatisfying, and while I’d love to learn what’s going on, I’m not going to read further.
That said: there’s no ending here. Nothing gets resolved whatsoever. I’ve read other novels by the author, and I know he prefers the episodic storytelling format. It works well in his other novels (Singularity, in particular). But this was wholly unsatisfying, and while I’d love to learn what’s going on, I’m not going to read further.
July 16, 2017
Creepy, but More
This book is about a man who became addicted to murder in the same way an alcoholic is addicted to alcohol. His addictive personality, called Harry, dominates his unconscious life and urges him to continue committing murder while his conscious self battles his addiction until he finally submits to Harry. This book will fascinate, but don't start it just before bed.
This book is about a man who became addicted to murder in the same way an alcoholic is addicted to alcohol. His addictive personality, called Harry, dominates his unconscious life and urges him to continue committing murder while his conscious self battles his addiction until he finally submits to Harry. This book will fascinate, but don't start it just before bed.
May 28, 2019
Addictive and Enthralling
Simple review, I became enthralled with this book. If I didn't have to sleep or go to doctor's appointments, I wouldn't have put this book down. I was sucked into John's mind and was able to feel what he felt. I have personally seen addiction first hand within my own family. This book rehashed what I've seen and the feeling I felt living with my family's addictions. If you are fighting with addictions of any kind seek help it is our there.
Simple review, I became enthralled with this book. If I didn't have to sleep or go to doctor's appointments, I wouldn't have put this book down. I was sucked into John's mind and was able to feel what he felt. I have personally seen addiction first hand within my own family. This book rehashed what I've seen and the feeling I felt living with my family's addictions. If you are fighting with addictions of any kind seek help it is our there.
June 30, 2017
???
The first half of the book jumped around so much that it was difficult to keep tract of what was going on. The last half of the book settled down and actually made sense. I was ready to stop reading and take the book off my Kindle when it started to make sense and was interesting. Therefore,I did finish the book.
The first half of the book jumped around so much that it was difficult to keep tract of what was going on. The last half of the book settled down and actually made sense. I was ready to stop reading and take the book off my Kindle when it started to make sense and was interesting. Therefore,I did finish the book.
May 18, 2018
David Beers Delivers Again!
This book is the beginning of series that holds great promise, especially as the author is David Beers. I have been on Beers Binge ,"a bit of a pun" you will get when reading the first book. It is great and I am off to read the second now. As always, Happy Reads to all!
This book is the beginning of series that holds great promise, especially as the author is David Beers. I have been on Beers Binge ,"a bit of a pun" you will get when reading the first book. It is great and I am off to read the second now. As always, Happy Reads to all!
January 3, 2018
Red Rain
Enjoyed the book. Drew me in right away with the differing views of the present and the past. Also the psyche of the main character. On to the next book to see how this ends.
Enjoyed the book. Drew me in right away with the differing views of the present and the past. Also the psyche of the main character. On to the next book to see how this ends.
May 5, 2017
Red rain
Understanding compulsion and addiction....this books gives good insight to what goes on in an addicts mind and his/her inability to stop.
Understanding compulsion and addiction....this books gives good insight to what goes on in an addicts mind and his/her inability to stop.
May 23, 2019
Loved it!
Just finished Red Rain Part 1 and I really enjoyed it! A bit gory here and there, but a great story! Can't wait to start Part 2!
Just finished Red Rain Part 1 and I really enjoyed it! A bit gory here and there, but a great story! Can't wait to start Part 2!
May 1, 2020
Warning - this is a major cliffhanger.
April 26, 2022
This book has definitely hooked me and has me wanting to read the next one. The back in forth between past and present helps build the tension in the story and I need to keep reading to find out how it plays out.
June 27, 2016
I am not going to rehash the plot of Red Rain; I don't want to accidentally give away any spoilers, and I believe the description of the story itself does it better than i ever could. What i will say is that once again Mr. Beers has created an environment and populated with people who seem to truly LIVE. They are complex, they have feelings, they are flawed (man, are they ever!). I will say that I love it when a book sucks me in and pulls so hard, i don't realize how much time has disappeared. I don't realize I'm missing deadlines, that things aren't getting done, or that the day has shifted from morning to noon. All i know, is that I'm in the thralls of a great story, and I MUST know what is going to happen next. Just one more section. Just one more chapter. Just a little more story, THEN I'll return to my regularly scheduled life. A great story is like the most intoxicating drug; it sucks you in, pulls you under, and you're enjoying it so much, you don't even realize you're drowning.
One of the great things about a novel written in a serial format/release schedule, is that you always have the next book to look forward to, when your current one ends. But wait! There's MORE!
One of the WORST parts of a serial format/release schedule is that you DON'T get everything at once. It leaves you wanting. It leaves you needing. It is desire unfulfilled. It teaches you patience, when patience is the LAST virtue you wish to practice at that moment.
The best stories smack you upside the head when you finish. You're in a daze. "What was that?!? Is that it? There must be more, right?" You resurface. You rejoin your family and friends. You attend to chores which took a backseat when reading became all important. That happened to me when i tapped the last page, not knowing it was the last page. "To be continued" stared at me. What? No! Not already?!?!?!
There are very few authors that have this effect upon me; in fact, i can count them on one hand. Then I discovered David Beers. Like every smart pusher, he entices you with a freebie"just to try it out". Before you know it, you are searching online for books long out of print, and asking him (through social media and email-whatever it takes!) to please WRITE FASTER!!!!!
The interesting part about how i came to find Mr. Beers was not through my favorite genre (horror/mystery), but through science fiction. Even there, his storytelling pulled me in. Now that I'm reading his horror novels, I'm even more enthralled.
I apologize for this review not focusing on plot, or characters, or details; but i know many others have gone that route. Suffice it to say, Mr. Beers takes me outside of my own life, puts me squarely where he wants me, and i love the ride. I strongly suspect that I'm not on this ride alone. I can't wait to see where he takes me next!
One of the great things about a novel written in a serial format/release schedule, is that you always have the next book to look forward to, when your current one ends. But wait! There's MORE!
One of the WORST parts of a serial format/release schedule is that you DON'T get everything at once. It leaves you wanting. It leaves you needing. It is desire unfulfilled. It teaches you patience, when patience is the LAST virtue you wish to practice at that moment.
The best stories smack you upside the head when you finish. You're in a daze. "What was that?!? Is that it? There must be more, right?" You resurface. You rejoin your family and friends. You attend to chores which took a backseat when reading became all important. That happened to me when i tapped the last page, not knowing it was the last page. "To be continued" stared at me. What? No! Not already?!?!?!
There are very few authors that have this effect upon me; in fact, i can count them on one hand. Then I discovered David Beers. Like every smart pusher, he entices you with a freebie"just to try it out". Before you know it, you are searching online for books long out of print, and asking him (through social media and email-whatever it takes!) to please WRITE FASTER!!!!!
The interesting part about how i came to find Mr. Beers was not through my favorite genre (horror/mystery), but through science fiction. Even there, his storytelling pulled me in. Now that I'm reading his horror novels, I'm even more enthralled.
I apologize for this review not focusing on plot, or characters, or details; but i know many others have gone that route. Suffice it to say, Mr. Beers takes me outside of my own life, puts me squarely where he wants me, and i love the ride. I strongly suspect that I'm not on this ride alone. I can't wait to see where he takes me next!
July 22, 2016
Harry is back: there's going to be trouble.
Meet the family. First and foremost there is John. Husband and father of two, John is, mostly, hardworking, respected and god-fearing. But there have been unfortunate events in his past life which the family ascribed to alcohol abuse and which led John to start attending A.A. meetings some six years before the story opens. He still goes - or says he does! Trouble is, his only childhood friend, Harry, sometimes comes to visit and he is a very bad influence on John. And Harry is back.
John's wife is anxious. She fears that he is drinking again, despite his denials, and wants to stop another incident devastating the family now that they have children to consider. John won't listen to her, so she talks to John's sister, also very troubled by his recent behaviour because she is pretty certain that drinking isn't his problem.
Their mother is long dead. A bit of a psycho herself, John's mother was convinced that her sadistic mother had murdered her gentle father, and gotten away with it. She had loved her only son with a passion at the same time avidly trying to spot similar cruel traits in his character. She thought she had found them. So she did - nothing! Nothing, that is, beyond obsessively attend psychiatric sessions to talk about her fears and, eventually, keep a journal at the therapist's urging. She didn't even tell her husband until near death from cancer, when she gave him the diary and begged him to read it.
John's father, retired, another kind and gentle man, had adored his wife, still loved her, years later. And hadn't observed her last wish to read the book she had so desperately given him on her death bed. Perhaps it is time to open it now!
A dysfunctional group? You bet.
This excellent psychological thriller is seen mostly from John's point of view, with background history filled in as we sit in on his mother's past therapy sessions. The killings, and there are several, take second place to the battle with Harry and John's own internal turmoil. This is not a stand alone novel but the first part of a serial and, reader beware, if you start this book you will most definitely want to get part two. Personally, I'm gripped and the follow-up can't come soon enough.
I Ireceive a free advance copy of Red Rain to review. It was so good, I have now also bought the book. Buy it yourself and enter this terrifying world of the folks who could just be the family next door
Meet the family. First and foremost there is John. Husband and father of two, John is, mostly, hardworking, respected and god-fearing. But there have been unfortunate events in his past life which the family ascribed to alcohol abuse and which led John to start attending A.A. meetings some six years before the story opens. He still goes - or says he does! Trouble is, his only childhood friend, Harry, sometimes comes to visit and he is a very bad influence on John. And Harry is back.
John's wife is anxious. She fears that he is drinking again, despite his denials, and wants to stop another incident devastating the family now that they have children to consider. John won't listen to her, so she talks to John's sister, also very troubled by his recent behaviour because she is pretty certain that drinking isn't his problem.
Their mother is long dead. A bit of a psycho herself, John's mother was convinced that her sadistic mother had murdered her gentle father, and gotten away with it. She had loved her only son with a passion at the same time avidly trying to spot similar cruel traits in his character. She thought she had found them. So she did - nothing! Nothing, that is, beyond obsessively attend psychiatric sessions to talk about her fears and, eventually, keep a journal at the therapist's urging. She didn't even tell her husband until near death from cancer, when she gave him the diary and begged him to read it.
John's father, retired, another kind and gentle man, had adored his wife, still loved her, years later. And hadn't observed her last wish to read the book she had so desperately given him on her death bed. Perhaps it is time to open it now!
A dysfunctional group? You bet.
This excellent psychological thriller is seen mostly from John's point of view, with background history filled in as we sit in on his mother's past therapy sessions. The killings, and there are several, take second place to the battle with Harry and John's own internal turmoil. This is not a stand alone novel but the first part of a serial and, reader beware, if you start this book you will most definitely want to get part two. Personally, I'm gripped and the follow-up can't come soon enough.
I Ireceive a free advance copy of Red Rain to review. It was so good, I have now also bought the book. Buy it yourself and enter this terrifying world of the folks who could just be the family next door
June 24, 2016
Harry is back: there's going to be trouble...
Meet the family. First and foremost there is John. Husband and father of two, John is, mostly, hardworking, respected and god-fearing. But there have been unfortunate events in his past life which the family ascribed to alcohol abuse and which led John to start attending A.A. meetings some six years before the story opens. He still goes - or says he does! Trouble is, his only childhood friend, Harry, sometimes comes to visit and he is a very bad influence on John. And Harry is back.
John's wife is anxious. She fears that he is drinking again, despite his denials, and wants to stop another incident devastating the family now that they have children to consider. John won't listen to her, so she talks to John's sister, also very troubled by his recent behaviour because she is pretty certain that drinking isn't his problem.
Their mother is long dead. A bit of a psycho herself, John's mother was convinced that her sadistic mother had murdered her gentle father, and gotten away with it. She had loved her only son with a passion at the same time avidly trying to spot similar cruel traits in his character. She thought she had found them. So she did - nothing! Nothing, that is, beyond obsessively attend psychiatric sessions to talk about her fears and, eventually, keep a journal at the therapist's urging. She didn't even tell her husband until near death from cancer, when she gave him the diary and begged him to read it.
John's father, retired, another kind and gentle man, had adored his wife, still loved her, years later. And hadn't observed her last wish to read the book she had so desperately given him on her death bed. Perhaps it is time to open it now!
A dysfunctional group? You bet.
This excellent psychological thriller is seen mostly from John's point of view, with background history filled in as we sit in on his mother's past therapy sessions. The killings, and there are several, take second place to the battle with Harry and John's own internal turmoil. This is not a stand alone novel but the first part of a serial and, reader beware, if you start this book you will most definitely want to get part two. Personally, I'm gripped and the follow-up can't come soon enough.
I Ireceive a free advance copy of Red Rain to review. It was so good, I have now also bought the book. Buy it yourself and enter this terrifying world of the folks who could just be the family next door.
Meet the family. First and foremost there is John. Husband and father of two, John is, mostly, hardworking, respected and god-fearing. But there have been unfortunate events in his past life which the family ascribed to alcohol abuse and which led John to start attending A.A. meetings some six years before the story opens. He still goes - or says he does! Trouble is, his only childhood friend, Harry, sometimes comes to visit and he is a very bad influence on John. And Harry is back.
John's wife is anxious. She fears that he is drinking again, despite his denials, and wants to stop another incident devastating the family now that they have children to consider. John won't listen to her, so she talks to John's sister, also very troubled by his recent behaviour because she is pretty certain that drinking isn't his problem.
Their mother is long dead. A bit of a psycho herself, John's mother was convinced that her sadistic mother had murdered her gentle father, and gotten away with it. She had loved her only son with a passion at the same time avidly trying to spot similar cruel traits in his character. She thought she had found them. So she did - nothing! Nothing, that is, beyond obsessively attend psychiatric sessions to talk about her fears and, eventually, keep a journal at the therapist's urging. She didn't even tell her husband until near death from cancer, when she gave him the diary and begged him to read it.
John's father, retired, another kind and gentle man, had adored his wife, still loved her, years later. And hadn't observed her last wish to read the book she had so desperately given him on her death bed. Perhaps it is time to open it now!
A dysfunctional group? You bet.
This excellent psychological thriller is seen mostly from John's point of view, with background history filled in as we sit in on his mother's past therapy sessions. The killings, and there are several, take second place to the battle with Harry and John's own internal turmoil. This is not a stand alone novel but the first part of a serial and, reader beware, if you start this book you will most definitely want to get part two. Personally, I'm gripped and the follow-up can't come soon enough.
I Ireceive a free advance copy of Red Rain to review. It was so good, I have now also bought the book. Buy it yourself and enter this terrifying world of the folks who could just be the family next door.
August 4, 2016
Full disclosure - I read this book because I received it for free. However, I am extremely glad I did. Readers need to know upfront that it is a dark book. The main character is a psychopath and this story is told in terms of present day and by going back into the past in which we see John's mother discuss her fears for her young son.
I always find it interesting when an author manages to find a way for the reader to want to root for the main character despite his disastrous deeds. John is a family man - married with two children. He has a loving sister and father although his family is still struggling with his mother's death. John has a respectable career. John is also a religious man. He attends church regularly in a desperate attempt to keep his sins a bay. Unfortunately for John, his attempt is futile.
John's disastrous deeds? John is a killer. A cold blooded killer. His childhood friend reappears in John's life approximately every five years in order for them to find their next target. The kicker about John's childhood friend, Harry? Harry is dead. Harry died from a drowning when he was a teenager. The question for readers to ask themselves is whether or not Harry is appearing to John as a ghost, or if Harry is a symptom of John having a split personality. Their targets at first are random. "Harry" chooses the victim while John completes the killing - one gun shot to the lung so the victim dies a slow death. So far John has not been caught. He cleans the crime scene thoroughly and waits years between killings. But when "Harry" does not leave immediately after their last victim and sticks around for another kill, things begin to spiral out of control and the cops are hot on John's trail.
Warning: Red Rain: Clouds Gathering does end on a cliffhanger. However, while I read the this book because I received it for free, I will be buying the second book as soon as this review is posted.
I always find it interesting when an author manages to find a way for the reader to want to root for the main character despite his disastrous deeds. John is a family man - married with two children. He has a loving sister and father although his family is still struggling with his mother's death. John has a respectable career. John is also a religious man. He attends church regularly in a desperate attempt to keep his sins a bay. Unfortunately for John, his attempt is futile.
John's disastrous deeds? John is a killer. A cold blooded killer. His childhood friend reappears in John's life approximately every five years in order for them to find their next target. The kicker about John's childhood friend, Harry? Harry is dead. Harry died from a drowning when he was a teenager. The question for readers to ask themselves is whether or not Harry is appearing to John as a ghost, or if Harry is a symptom of John having a split personality. Their targets at first are random. "Harry" chooses the victim while John completes the killing - one gun shot to the lung so the victim dies a slow death. So far John has not been caught. He cleans the crime scene thoroughly and waits years between killings. But when "Harry" does not leave immediately after their last victim and sticks around for another kill, things begin to spiral out of control and the cops are hot on John's trail.
Warning: Red Rain: Clouds Gathering does end on a cliffhanger. However, while I read the this book because I received it for free, I will be buying the second book as soon as this review is posted.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 2, 2016
In previous works David Beers has shown to be a terrific writer. With 'Red Rain: Clouds Gathering" he breaks into the ranks of those at the very top- writer as artist.
Because 'Red Rain' is a work of art. In it, Beers weaves a trio of discordant story lines, jumping from present to past and in between characters that seem unrelated to one another. It's not until the midpoint of the book that the connections between characters and story lines drop into place.
In lesser hands writing like that would be a hot, steamy mess. But in 'Red Rain' the narrative is so strong and the character work so well done that the reader doesn't mind. It's rather like being in the passenger seat of a sports car being driven way too fast, but the driver has shown such skill behind the wheel that you trust him implicitly. You just lean back and enjoy the ride.
In John Hilt, Beers writes a character that elicits a range of emotions. he's admirable- corner office before he's forty, loving family. He's loathsome- a serial killer. Yet we pity him, as well; who hasn't been in his shoes, crying out to an unanswering God at our time of biggest need? He begs for God's help and is anguished that it doesn't come. And if you've got a self-reflective side you see a bit of yourself in him as he slowly but inexorably slides toward giving in to his addiction. Who hasn't been there? 'What's one more cigarette/ candy bar/ one-night stand/ line of coke. It won't kill me, and it will feel so good.' Except John's addiction is shooting people and watching them die slow, painful deaths.
There's so much more story packed into 'Red Rain's 207 pages. The loving wife and sister who are becoming more and more suspicious. The sociopathic Grandmother. The dogged policeman who lost a partner to the killer and is determined to find him.
All you can call it is a work of art.
Because 'Red Rain' is a work of art. In it, Beers weaves a trio of discordant story lines, jumping from present to past and in between characters that seem unrelated to one another. It's not until the midpoint of the book that the connections between characters and story lines drop into place.
In lesser hands writing like that would be a hot, steamy mess. But in 'Red Rain' the narrative is so strong and the character work so well done that the reader doesn't mind. It's rather like being in the passenger seat of a sports car being driven way too fast, but the driver has shown such skill behind the wheel that you trust him implicitly. You just lean back and enjoy the ride.
In John Hilt, Beers writes a character that elicits a range of emotions. he's admirable- corner office before he's forty, loving family. He's loathsome- a serial killer. Yet we pity him, as well; who hasn't been in his shoes, crying out to an unanswering God at our time of biggest need? He begs for God's help and is anguished that it doesn't come. And if you've got a self-reflective side you see a bit of yourself in him as he slowly but inexorably slides toward giving in to his addiction. Who hasn't been there? 'What's one more cigarette/ candy bar/ one-night stand/ line of coke. It won't kill me, and it will feel so good.' Except John's addiction is shooting people and watching them die slow, painful deaths.
There's so much more story packed into 'Red Rain's 207 pages. The loving wife and sister who are becoming more and more suspicious. The sociopathic Grandmother. The dogged policeman who lost a partner to the killer and is determined to find him.
All you can call it is a work of art.
July 9, 2016
Another Excellent Book from David Beers
REVIEW:
I'm beginning to have major issues trying to figure out which, of the books David has written is my favorite. Every time I think I've finally found one, he writes yet another, and his Red Rain series definitely doesn't disappoint either. That said, on to my review.
John lives the American Dream, he has it all and then some, which Isn't always a good thing. See John is plagued with nightmares, and every few years, Harry shows up. Even though John hasn't seen Harry in a long time, he also hopes to never see him again. Because not only does Harry show up, but he wants John to kill people too. The thing that adds a twist to it all, is only John can see Harry. Probably because Harry's been dead for twenty years. Not only that, It's not a thirteen year old Harry who shows up, but one who's aged right along with John, and with the return of Harry, comes those pesky little murderous thoughts too.
With twists and turns, characters you love and hate, no noticeable typos or errors in sentence structure, a well thought out storyline, you are caught, turning page after page until the end. Loved it.
NOTE: Red Rain is a Four Book serial novel. One of the things I love most about David Beers, he is always thinking about his readers. He lets you know up front that there's more to come, so when things end with some things unresolved, you know it's still not over yet.
REVIEW:
I'm beginning to have major issues trying to figure out which, of the books David has written is my favorite. Every time I think I've finally found one, he writes yet another, and his Red Rain series definitely doesn't disappoint either. That said, on to my review.
John lives the American Dream, he has it all and then some, which Isn't always a good thing. See John is plagued with nightmares, and every few years, Harry shows up. Even though John hasn't seen Harry in a long time, he also hopes to never see him again. Because not only does Harry show up, but he wants John to kill people too. The thing that adds a twist to it all, is only John can see Harry. Probably because Harry's been dead for twenty years. Not only that, It's not a thirteen year old Harry who shows up, but one who's aged right along with John, and with the return of Harry, comes those pesky little murderous thoughts too.
With twists and turns, characters you love and hate, no noticeable typos or errors in sentence structure, a well thought out storyline, you are caught, turning page after page until the end. Loved it.
NOTE: Red Rain is a Four Book serial novel. One of the things I love most about David Beers, he is always thinking about his readers. He lets you know up front that there's more to come, so when things end with some things unresolved, you know it's still not over yet.
July 19, 2016
Addiction comes in all forms - some can be more deadly than others!
Red Rain - Clouds Gathering is the first book in a new series by David Beers. I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.
John had always been different! Then there was Harry, his childhood friend. They connected in ways most don't. See, Harry drowned as a child during a vacation. But even death couldn't keep these two boys apart. Harry has a huge influence on John's mind - and body.
What does this have to do with addiction you ask. Well John is addicted to killing. He has become a serial killer and the addiction, in the form of dead Harry, is shaking John's well constructed facade of normal life apart.
This first book, Clouds Gathering, is a good metaphor for John's life as we are introduced to his character. The darkness of his addiction is getting closer and closer causing his control of his life to begin slipping away. Everything is starting to spiral out of control by the end of this book. You know a disastrous storm is coming to wreak havoc in John's life.
I enjoyed the book very much. It is definitely a cliff hanger. You think you are finally going to get some answers about John and Harry's past, see if you are right in your construction of said past based on the many clues you've read and the book ends. It makes me anxious for the next book.
I highly recommend reading this new series introduction!
Red Rain - Clouds Gathering is the first book in a new series by David Beers. I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.
John had always been different! Then there was Harry, his childhood friend. They connected in ways most don't. See, Harry drowned as a child during a vacation. But even death couldn't keep these two boys apart. Harry has a huge influence on John's mind - and body.
What does this have to do with addiction you ask. Well John is addicted to killing. He has become a serial killer and the addiction, in the form of dead Harry, is shaking John's well constructed facade of normal life apart.
This first book, Clouds Gathering, is a good metaphor for John's life as we are introduced to his character. The darkness of his addiction is getting closer and closer causing his control of his life to begin slipping away. Everything is starting to spiral out of control by the end of this book. You know a disastrous storm is coming to wreak havoc in John's life.
I enjoyed the book very much. It is definitely a cliff hanger. You think you are finally going to get some answers about John and Harry's past, see if you are right in your construction of said past based on the many clues you've read and the book ends. It makes me anxious for the next book.
I highly recommend reading this new series introduction!
September 6, 2016
I bought this book from Amazon after all the free 5 Star reviews. What a mistake. The book is poorly written with one of the most boring , serial killer plots.
The entire first book in the series is all drawn out with just talking on and on and on..
The first half of the 200 pages the character, John Hilt spends his time talking in his head to an imaginary friend Harry. The next 100 pages has John Hilt living in Church , talking to GOD and confessing his sins to Priest.
No action and not a drop of blood. All boring talk, from the main character on and on. No development of any other characters in the book. Plus, I am an avid reader and researcher of serial killers,plus their MO's.
I have yet to come across a serial killer that puts one bullet in there victim's head. That's what a Hitman does , not serial killers.
This author used to tout himself as the next big thing in "Horror Writing". I believe he has a very long way to go.
The entire first book in the series is all drawn out with just talking on and on and on..
The first half of the 200 pages the character, John Hilt spends his time talking in his head to an imaginary friend Harry. The next 100 pages has John Hilt living in Church , talking to GOD and confessing his sins to Priest.
No action and not a drop of blood. All boring talk, from the main character on and on. No development of any other characters in the book. Plus, I am an avid reader and researcher of serial killers,plus their MO's.
I have yet to come across a serial killer that puts one bullet in there victim's head. That's what a Hitman does , not serial killers.
This author used to tout himself as the next big thing in "Horror Writing". I believe he has a very long way to go.
January 21, 2017
John Hilt's past keeps coming back to haunt him, literally! Harry puts murderous thoughts into his head and John fights mightily against them. After all, he has a hell of a lot to lose, his wife, family, and job. But it seems the pull of the “perfect” life is no match against Harry.
Red Rain goes back and forth intertwining John’s current life with the earlier version of himself. Giving the listener a glimpse into John's struggle and how he became the man he is. This audiobook is a terrifying look into the mind of a killer and the way David Beers weaves this story, you actually feel sorry for John!
This, 6 ½ hour audiobook is narrated by Charles Kahlenberg and he does a wonderful job narrating this fully voiced production, his gruff voice fits this story perfectly. I found his pacing a little slow for my taste, but I can see how a slow drawl will appeal to most who listen to this little gem of an audiobook.
This audiobook was gifted to me exchange for an unbiased review!
Red Rain goes back and forth intertwining John’s current life with the earlier version of himself. Giving the listener a glimpse into John's struggle and how he became the man he is. This audiobook is a terrifying look into the mind of a killer and the way David Beers weaves this story, you actually feel sorry for John!
This, 6 ½ hour audiobook is narrated by Charles Kahlenberg and he does a wonderful job narrating this fully voiced production, his gruff voice fits this story perfectly. I found his pacing a little slow for my taste, but I can see how a slow drawl will appeal to most who listen to this little gem of an audiobook.
This audiobook was gifted to me exchange for an unbiased review!
June 23, 2016
Talk about a rollercoaster ride. It this book has you hooked from the beginning, in fact sometimes I was too scared to read, but then I had to read to find out what happen next. Talk about old friends dropping in with crazy ideas. That is how it is with John when his friend Harry shows up, did I mention that Harry is dead and John is the only one to see him?
And Harry's ideas of fun... leave you a little wary. And the worst part is John goes along with it. You are not sure if you want him caught or not, but there is that moment you go yes, they are going to get him. But then, of course, Harry steps in to fix things up.
All in all a great book, and the ending leaves you going what the heck! Can't wait for the next one.
And Harry's ideas of fun... leave you a little wary. And the worst part is John goes along with it. You are not sure if you want him caught or not, but there is that moment you go yes, they are going to get him. But then, of course, Harry steps in to fix things up.
All in all a great book, and the ending leaves you going what the heck! Can't wait for the next one.
September 28, 2016
Should have paid attention to the reviews better than I did.
One of my pet peeves is cliffhangers. I believe that any book - even - in a series should be a stand alone book. This one is not. I found the story line interestingly enough, though somethings do not make much sense, but I approached that lack of resolutions to be connected somehow in the rest of the series. But I feel my time was wasted in the hours I invested in this book, only to be let down. I'm not sure I am willing to read any more of his books based on the abrupt "to be continued" ending in this book. It just wasn't that good. For that I am disappointed.
One of my pet peeves is cliffhangers. I believe that any book - even - in a series should be a stand alone book. This one is not. I found the story line interestingly enough, though somethings do not make much sense, but I approached that lack of resolutions to be connected somehow in the rest of the series. But I feel my time was wasted in the hours I invested in this book, only to be let down. I'm not sure I am willing to read any more of his books based on the abrupt "to be continued" ending in this book. It just wasn't that good. For that I am disappointed.
June 23, 2016
This was an edge of your seat read! Dead friend comes back years later, bringing with him the urge to kill! John's family doesn't suspect that he's a killer, they just know somethings off about him lately. The police know this guy's done this before, but have no leads to who the killer might be. Will they figure out its John and come after him? Will his family figure out what he's done? How many more times is he going to murder? Guess you'll just have to read to find out...and you should definitely read this book!
June 23, 2016
Once again I marvel at the mind of David Beers and the unusual twists and turns woven into his stories. Just as I think that I can anticipate where the plot is going, he throws me a curve. How does he do that? He draws the reader in with well developed characters whom you begin to think you know. Then he finds a way to trip you up. Sometimes I find the first book in his series tend to lull you into wondering where can the story go, so you have to go to the next one and WHAM he's got you hooked. Come along for the ride, you won't regret it!
June 28, 2016
All of David Beers' books have one thing in common - I absolutely can't put them down! Red Rain isn't the typical genre I read. But if a book is written by David Beers, I know I have to read it. And I was riveted from page 1. It's dark and twisted, unique and unpredictable. It will have you on the edge of your seat until the very last page. And then you"ll be pleading for Mr. Beers to publish the next book right away because you're dying to know what happens next! I can't wait to see where John and Harry go from here. The next book can't come soon enough!
June 12, 2016
Absolutely thrilling, page turning; didn't want it to end! The story of a young man who seemingly could have "interited" his mother's pension for killing. Is that even possible? Now a family man, haunted by a shadow of a dead friend, this psycopath tries to justify his desires to kill with the argument God doesn't care - even though he confesses each and every time. Keeps the reader wanting more! Can't wait for Book 2
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