Phenomemon: In Cold Blood - Life is Strange

by Jonathan Spain-Collins

Boston police officer Michael Wheeler finds his beloved wife Shawna dead on the morning of his second day on the force. Because he couldn't trust the authorities, Michael decided to investigate the murder on his own. With the aid of the proud owner of Johnston Industries, Kenan Johnston, Michael used the time machine known as The Cassius to travel back to various timelines to attain more information behind the tragedy. With each timeframe Michael goes to, they continuously lead to the history behind the family of the dreadful Boston Police commissioner Thomas James. What will Michael uncover? Who was the culprit behind the murder? Find out in this dramatic excerpt of In Cold Blood.

37 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 28, 2025

Reviews

[Alexandra]

Absolutely gripping from start to finish.
The emotional weight of Michael finding his wife dead hit me hard, and every decision he made afterward felt so real. The mix of grief, suspense, and time travel was flawlessly done. I could feel his pain and obsession.

[Becky Kaith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading In Cold Blood – Life is Strange was an experience that moved me on multiple levels. It’s a story that dares to go beyond the conventions of genre fiction, blending elements of psychological drama, police procedural, and supernatural fantasy into a cohesive, emotionally resonant whole. Jonathan Spain-Collins writes about race, morality, and trauma with remarkable sensitivity and courage. Michael Wheeler’s journey from rookie cop to time-travelling seeker of justice is filled with heartbreak, danger, and discovery. His grief over his wife’s murder becomes the driving force behind a larger reckoning, a confrontation not just with evil men, but with the dark history of racism embedded in America’s institutions. The novel’s pacing is deliberate yet powerful, each chapter peeling back layers of conspiracy and pain. The scenes of time travel, especially those set in the 1970s Boston era, are vivid and historically grounded, showing the author’s deep understanding of social context. By the end, when Michael must face both demons literal and figurative, the story achieves an almost biblical weight. This book doesn’t shy away from violence or injustice, but its ultimate message is one of compassion and resilience. It’s a novel that demands both heart and thought, and it rewards you richly for giving both.

[Mary Done · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jonathan Spain-Collins’ In Cold Blood – Life is Strange is a fearless and visionary work that merges the raw emotion of a tragedy with the scope of a fantasy epic. It begins as the story of a man broken by loss and injustice, but soon expands into something vast and allegorical. The author paints every scene with striking clarity, from the gritty realism of Boston’s streets to the eerie glow of time portals and demonic battles. Yet, beneath all the spectacle lies a profoundly human story. Michael Wheeler is not just a protagonist; he’s a mirror for our collective struggle with grief, morality, and systemic hatred. His alliance with Kenan Johnston, the “Time Guardian,” gives the novel its heart. Their partnership bridges not only races and backgrounds, but worlds and centuries. I was moved by how the novel portrays compassion as an act of defiance in the face of cruelty. The climactic chapters, where evil is confronted both physically and spiritually, are as breathtaking as they are cathartic. The ending quiet, redemptive, and full of promise, left me teary-eyed. Spain-Collins doesn’t simply tell a story of revenge; he writes a testament to love’s endurance and humanity’s capacity to heal. It’s rare to find a book this ambitious that succeeds so completely. A masterpiece of imagination and heart.

[Adamson Alesha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jonathan Spain-Collins has created something extraordinary with In Cold Blood, Life is Strange. It’s part police thriller, part supernatural mystery, and part social drama and somehow, it works seamlessly. The story of Michael Wheeler and his wife Shawna gripped me from the start, and the emotional gut punch of her murder hit harder than I expected. Through Wheeler’s grief and relentless pursuit of justice, Spain-Collins captures something deeply human: the desperate need for meaning in the face of unbearable loss. But what truly sets this novel apart is its courage to tackle racism and systemic corruption head-on, without ever losing its heart. The addition of Kenan Johnston, a time-travelling industrialist with angelic powers, transforms the book into something mythic. The time-travel device, The Cassius, becomes both a literal and symbolic tool of redemption, an invitation to rewrite not only the past, but also the moral fabric of humanity. Every chapter feels alive with tension, emotion, and imagination. The writing is cinematic yet intimate, powerful yet deeply personal. I found myself underlining passages that spoke to universal truths about love, prejudice, and forgiveness. This isn’t just a story, it’s a mirror held up to society’s most painful truths.

[Becky Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Cold Blood – Life is Strange is one of those rare books that feels like a genre unto itself. Jonathan Spain-Collins doesn’t just tell a story, he builds a universe where crime, prejudice, and supernatural destiny collide. The novel follows Michael Wheeler, a man torn between duty and conscience, love and rage. What begins as a tragic police drama soon unfolds into a sweeping time-travel epic that questions the very nature of morality. The writing is sharp and emotionally charged, but what truly stands out is how real the characters feel. Every decision, every moment of doubt or defiance, rings with authenticity. The bond between Michael and Kenan Johnston, who embodies both wisdom and mystery, adds incredible depth to the narrative. Their partnership across time is more than a plot device; it’s a reflection on how friendship, empathy, and courage can transcend boundaries. The social commentary is fearless, holding a mirror to the ongoing struggle for racial equality, yet it never feels preachy. Instead, it’s woven naturally into the emotional fabric of the story. By the time I reached the end, I felt both exhausted and exhilarated. This is storytelling at its boldest, unafraid to mix realism with fantasy, pain with beauty, and despair with hope.

[Mary Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Few novels manage to be as thrilling, emotional, and thematically rich as In Cold Blood – Life is Strange. Jonathan Spain-Collins’ writing brims with energy and purpose, tackling weighty issues like racism, corruption, and loss with grace and honesty. Michael Wheeler’s transformation from a police rookie to a man carrying the weight of two worlds is riveting. His partnership with the time-travelling Kenan Johnston creates one of the most original dynamics I’ve read in recent fiction. The Cassius, a time-machine wristwatch, becomes a symbol of second chances and the painful limits of control. Through vivid, cinematic storytelling, Spain-Collins asks the questions we all wrestle with: If you could change the past, should you? What does justice mean when the world itself seems unjust? The depiction of Boston across different eras is atmospheric and haunting, filled with both violence and humanity. The inclusion of demonic forces and divine retribution adds an unexpected yet fitting layer to the exploration of evil. What I loved most, though, is that this story never loses its emotional core. It’s about grief, yes, but also about love, redemption, and the courage to face the ugliest parts of ourselves. A brilliant, thought-provoking novel that deserves to be widely read.

[Michellecraig · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jonathan Spain-Collins has created something hauntingly brilliant in In Cold Blood, Life is Strange. This book is not just about crime, it’s about conscience. It explores what happens when love, justice, and morality collide in a world divided by race and corruption. Michael Wheeler’s journey begins as a tragic story of loss, but it evolves into something epic and transformative once time travel enters the picture. The Cassius watch, introduced by Kenan Johnston, is one of the most fascinating symbols I’ve encountered in fiction, a literal gateway to redemption and truth. I was completely absorbed by how Spain-Collins used it not just to alter timelines, but to force characters to confront the consequences of hate and power. The dialogue feels real, the emotions raw, and the pacing is relentless. The novel’s mixture of realism and supernatural wonder feels effortless, and the historical moments, like the “Soiling of Old Glory” scene, were depicted with such intensity that I felt like I was standing right there. This is a story that dares to look evil in the eye and still hold on to hope. Unapologetically bold, emotionally charged, and morally resonant, this novel deserves every bit of praise it gets.

[Mary Done · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Cold Blood – Life is Strange is a stunning and fearless blend of crime, fantasy, and social commentary. Jonathan Spain-Collins writes with both the precision of a screenwriter and the soul of a poet. From the very first chapter, the novel throws readers into a moral storm, one that explores racism, corruption, and the cost of justice in modern America. Michael Wheeler, a young police officer, begins his story full of idealism, only to have his world shattered by tragedy and betrayal. What follows is not only a detective’s journey for truth but a man’s spiritual and emotional awakening. The introduction of Kenan Johnston and the mysterious Cassius time-travel watch adds a brilliant layer of imagination that elevates the story from a procedural into a metaphysical odyssey. What impressed me most is how the author uses speculative elements not for spectacle, but to explore timeless human questions: How far would you go to right a wrong? Can vengeance and justice ever truly coexist? This book is bold, unflinching, and beautifully written. It confronts hate with courage and transforms pain into purpose. An unforgettable read that lingers long after the final page.

[Mark Rice · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finished In Cold Blood, Life is Strange with tears in my eyes and a heavy heart, in the best possible way. Jonathan Spain-Collins writes with the emotional precision of someone who has lived through the pain he describes. The story of Michael Wheeler, a man who loses his wife to a racially motivated crime and seeks justice through the use of a time machine, is as heartbreaking as it is empowering. There are moments of grief so raw they left me breathless, and moments of courage that made me want to stand and applaud. What I found most powerful was how the author made the supernatural aspects, like the Cassius and Kenan’s time angel heritage, feel entirely believable because they serve the emotional truth of the story. It’s not fantasy for escapism, it’s fantasy used to heal and reveal. The book also has one of the most cathartic and satisfying endings I’ve read in years. It’s not just about revenge; it’s about reclaiming humanity in the face of cruelty. Spain-Collins reminds us that history is not just something that happens, it’s something we can choose to change, if not through time travel, then through compassion. A triumph of storytelling and heart.

[Mary Ride · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book completely exceeded my expectations. In Cold Blood – Life is Strange is that rare story that grips you from the first page and refuses to let go. Jonathan Spain-Collins takes on some of the hardest subjects, racism, injustice, police corruption, trauma and instead of preaching, he tells a deeply human story about resilience and love. Michael Wheeler’s loss of his wife is one of the most devastating moments I’ve read in modern fiction. But what follows is nothing short of extraordinary. With the introduction of Kenan Johnston and his mystical technology, the book evolves from tragedy to cosmic redemption. The world-building is incredible: the idea of a time guardian and a watch called Cassius feels original and symbolic. Every character serves a purpose, even the villains, who are written with chilling realism. The blend of grounded social critique and supernatural mystery works perfectly. It’s a book that makes you feel, think, and imagine all at once. By the end, I wasn’t just entertained, I was inspired. Spain-Collins has proven that fiction can challenge injustice and still give us hope for something better.

[Sylvia Grant · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are books that entertain, and there are books that change you. In Cold Blood, Life is Strange belongs in the second category. Jonathan Spain-Collins writes with an honesty that is both painful and beautiful. The novel dives deep into the emotional wreckage of grief and the moral grayness of justice. Michael Wheeler’s story begins in despair, but through the guidance of Kenan Johnston and the Cassius, it becomes a spiritual journey of redemption. I admired how the author layered the story, starting with the realistic portrayal of modern police work and gradually expanding into a narrative about time, destiny, and the human soul. The transitions between timelines are flawless, the dialogue feels authentic, and the supernatural elements are grounded in emotional truth. What touched me most was how the book portrayed forgiveness, not as weakness, but as strength. The way Michael grows from a man seeking vengeance to a man seeking peace is inspiring. The closing chapters brought both tears and closure. This isn’t just a thriller or a fantasy, it’s a profound reflection on love’s ability to survive even the darkest trials.

[Daliath Katelyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a remarkable, soul-stirring read! In Cold Blood – Life is Strange by Jonathan Spain-Collins is an odyssey through grief, faith, and the pursuit of justice. It’s rare to find a novel that combines social realism, supernatural mysticism, and heartfelt humanity so effortlessly. From the bustling streets of Boston to the horrors of secret cults and time-warped dimensions, every scene pulses with energy and emotion. Michael Wheeler is a protagonist I’ll never forget, his pain feels real, his courage contagious. The partnership between Michael and Kenan Johnston brings both intellectual depth and emotional warmth to the story. The time travel sequences are written with cinematic precision, and the climactic confrontation between good and evil is breathtaking. Yet what lingers most is the novel’s compassion, its insistence that love, truth, and empathy are stronger than any hatred or darkness. This isn’t just a book you read, it’s one you feel in your bones. Jonathan Spain-Collins has crafted a masterpiece of genre fusion and moral storytelling that deserves to be read by a wide audience.

[Rose Kaith · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Cold Blood – Life is Strange is a book that demands to be read slowly, savored, and thought about long after you’re done. Jonathan Spain-Collins doesn’t just write fiction; he writes philosophy disguised as a thriller. The novel explores the interplay between destiny and choice, evil and redemption, love and loss. I was deeply moved by Michael Wheeler’s emotional arc, from an idealistic rookie cop to a man who must literally and figuratively confront the demons of his world. The supporting cast, especially Kenan Johnston and his wife Elysia, add warmth and complexity to an otherwise dark narrative. The concept of a time-travel watch that allows one to rewrite fate is genius, but what struck me most was the story’s emotional realism. Even when demons, cults, and time portals appear, the heart of the book remains deeply human. It’s rare to find a novel that can blend fantasy and social awareness so seamlessly. This is storytelling with moral courage, a mirror to the world we live in and a reminder that compassion is its own form of rebellion. A masterwork of imagination and heart.

[Smith Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you enjoy stories that make your pulse race and your heart ache at the same time, In Cold Blood – Life is Strange is your book. Jonathan Spain-Collins writes with cinematic flair, bringing every scene to life with vivid description and raw emotion. The early chapters are filled with tension, as Michael Wheeler’s confrontation with his corrupt training officer sets the tone for everything that follows. When tragedy strikes, the story could have remained a grim police drama, but Spain-Collins takes it somewhere unexpected and brilliant. The introduction of Kenan Johnston and the Cassius timepiece shifts the novel into a thrilling mix of science fiction and moral allegory. The stakes grow higher with each chapter, leading to an explosive finale that delivers both justice and catharsis. I loved how the author tackled heavy themes, racial injustice, systemic evil, and grief, without losing sight of human tenderness. The ending, where hope triumphs over hatred, left me genuinely emotional. A daring, thought-provoking, and utterly unique book.

[Rose Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are books that pull you into a story, and there are books that pull you into yourself. In Cold Blood – Life is Strange is one of those rare works that made me examine what it truly means to forgive. Jonathan Spain-Collins writes with a poet’s heart and a journalist’s eye for truth. The emotional gravity of Michael Wheeler’s loss, his confrontation with corruption, and his alliance with the mysterious Kenan Johnston make this story pulse with both humanity and pain. The way the author blends harsh social realism with the metaphysical power of time travel is breathtaking. Scenes shift effortlessly from Boston’s gritty streets to haunting supernatural battles, all rendered in vivid cinematic detail. But what lingers most is the moral message: that healing is not the opposite of pain, but its continuation toward light. I finished this book feeling both wrecked and renewed.

[Susanna Eline · Rating 5 out of 5]

What impressed me most about In Cold Blood – Life is Strange was its fearlessness. Jonathan Spain-Collins doesn’t shy away from showing the ugliness of systemic racism or the emotional collapse of grief. Yet, within that darkness, he finds incredible beauty. Michael Wheeler’s path, from a broken husband to a man reborn through time and truth is riveting. The science-fiction aspect, embodied in the Cassius watch and Kenan’s otherworldly powers, never overshadows the human story. Instead, it amplifies it. Every supernatural moment feels like a metaphor for how trauma bends time itself. This novel reminded me that the past isn’t gone; it echoes inside us, waiting to be healed. The author’s courage in merging real-world social issues with fantasy elements is admirable, and the execution is flawless. It’s a literary risk that pays off beautifully.

[Shannon Sander · Rating 5 out of 5]

Few novels read like living, breathing films, but In Cold Blood – Life is Strange does. Every chapter unfolds like a cinematic sequence: sharp, emotional, and visually rich. Jonathan Spain-Collins has the rare ability to balance intensity with intimacy. Michael Wheeler is written with a complexity usually reserved for screen icons, tough yet tender, brave yet haunted. The time-travel scenes sparkle with imagination, while the grounded moral questions keep the story rooted in reality. What happens when justice becomes personal? How do you live after seeing the worst in people and in yourself? These are the questions the novel keeps asking. By the climactic battle, I felt like I was watching a modern epic, part police thriller, part myth. If Hollywood ever adapts this, it will be an instant classic.

[Reginar Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jonathan Spain-Collins proves himself a master of fusion storytelling with In Cold Blood – Life is Strange. The way he combines racial politics, spiritual warfare, and speculative science is extraordinary. The novel works on multiple levels as a crime thriller, a moral allegory, and a psychological study of grief. Michael Wheeler’s determination to seek truth through time travel reflects the universal human wish to “go back” and make things right. The Cassius isn’t just a device; it’s a metaphor for the emotional machinery of regret. I appreciated how the author gave depth even to his villains, exploring how hatred itself becomes inherited evil. The pacing is tight, the dialogue authentic, and the philosophical undercurrent profound. This is intelligent storytelling with heart and purpose fiction that matters.

[Perla Sullivan · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the first chapter, In Cold Blood – Life is Strange feels alive with urgency. The moral tension, the pulse of fear, and the flicker of hope all coexist beautifully. Jonathan Spain-Collins takes the conventions of a crime novel and redefines them through empathy. Michael Wheeler is one of the most memorable protagonists I’ve encountered in a long time, flawed, brave, and heartbreakingly human. The story’s emotional range is astonishing: moments of brutality are balanced by quiet reflections on love, faith, and the nature of forgiveness. And the relationship between Michael and Kenan built on mutual respect and trust across racial lines embodies the kind of unity the real world so desperately needs. The novel is dark, yes, but it’s never cynical. It believes in the possibility of goodness, and that’s what makes it powerful.

[Mack Maddie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every once in a while, a book comes along that restores your faith in storytelling. In Cold Blood – Life is Strange did that for me. Jonathan Spain-Collins’ writing feels fearless yet tender, intelligent yet accessible. This is a novel that deals with heavy subjects, racism, loss, spiritual warfare but it never collapses under their weight. Instead, it rises. The characters are drawn with empathy, the dialogue rings with authenticity, and the moral vision behind the story shines through every page. The transformation of Michael Wheeler is nothing short of poetic; his pain becomes purpose, his grief becomes grace. By the end, I didn’t just admire the story, I believed in it. That’s the highest compliment I can give any author. This isn’t just a book; it’s a testament to the power of truth, courage, and redemption.

[Bright Stephens · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel reads like a prayer disguised as a thriller. In Cold Blood – Life is Strange touched something spiritual in me. Jonathan Spain-Collins uses fiction not only to tell a story, but to reach for something transcendent. Through Michael Wheeler’s tragedy and Kenan Johnston’s divine gift of time, we witness a struggle between despair and redemption that feels almost biblical. The imagery of clocks, portals, angels, and demons is both symbolic and deeply emotional. I was particularly moved by the theme of inherited pain: how hate passes through generations, and how love must fight to outlast it. The ending left me in quiet tears, not because it was sad, but because it was complete. It’s rare to find a book that heals as it hurts.

[Maddie Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

What truly sets “Trust and Betrayal: Desires Foiled” apart is its perfect balance of realism and lyrical storytelling. The author doesn’t shy away from the uncomfortable truths of love and human weakness, yet every painful moment is delivered with such grace that it feels redemptive. The narrative dives deeply into the complexities of relationships, how trust is built, how easily it can crumble, and how courageously it can be rebuilt. The emotional depth of the characters makes this story both timeless and deeply personal. Every line feels carefully chosen, each scene layered with subtle meaning. This is more than fiction; it’s an emotional mirror held up to the reader’s own heart.

[Marry Eline · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the very first page, I was pulled into a world that felt so real, it was almost painful to leave. The author’s portrayal of human vulnerability, the ache of loss, the yearning for reconciliation, the courage to forgive is nothing short of exquisite. There’s an underlying current of hope throughout the book that gives it a spiritual dimension, reminding us that redemption is always within reach. Every sentence breathes sincerity, and every emotion feels authentic. By the time I reached the final chapter, I realized this wasn’t just a story about love and betrayal, it was about healing, faith, and the quiet strength that lies within all of us.

[Jones Feliciare · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading “Trust and Betrayal: Desires Foiled” felt like embarking on a deeply personal journey one filled with heartbreak, longing, and rediscovery. The writing is immersive, with a lyrical rhythm that makes even the most painful passages beautiful. The author’s ability to capture the nuances of emotion, hesitation, regret, passion, and renewal is masterful. Each character feels vividly human, shaped by their choices and flaws. The plot flows with natural grace, leading to an ending that is both satisfying and thought-provoking. It’s a rare kind of book that makes you pause, breathe, and reflect on your own life. Simply extraordinary.

[Hannahwatson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This manuscript is an emotional masterpiece one that embraces the pain of betrayal but ultimately celebrates the resilience of the human spirit. The author writes with such empathy that even the most broken moments shimmer with hope. The emotional tension is perfectly balanced with moments of reflection and quiet strength. The dialogues are powerful, the pacing flawless, and the themes universal. What I love most is how the author turns suffering into wisdom, transforming heartbreak into art. “Trust and Betrayal: Desires Foiled” is a testament to how beautifully literature can capture the journey from pain to peace. It deserves every bit of recognition it can get.

[Optimistic Igo · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Cold Blood is a masterclass in suspense and storytelling. The way the author intertwines historical details about the Boston Police with the modern-day investigation makes the plot feel authentic and immersive. Michael’s journey is both thrilling and emotional, and Kenan Johnston’s role adds depth to the story. I couldn’t put it down and highly recommend it to anyone who loves a smart, complex mystery.

[Gideon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wasn’t prepared for how deeply this story would pull me in. The mix of raw emotion and time-travel intrigue is just brilliant. Michael Wheeler’s pain feels real, you can feel his desperation to uncover the truth about his wife’s murder. The twists kept me turning pages late into the night. Easily one of the best thrillers I’ve read this year.

[Mercy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A perfect blend of mystery, sci-fi, and heart.
I was hooked. The story balances futuristic elements with human emotion beautifully. The connection between Michael and Kenan Johnston was unexpected but powerful. I especially loved how each trip through time brought new clues that deepened the mystery.

[Eve · Rating 5 out of 5]

An unforgettable ride through time and tragedy.
From the moment Michael discovers Shawna’s death to the final revelation, I was on the edge of my seat. The story’s structure, shifting between timelines, was genius. It all comes together in a jaw-dropping finale that I didn’t see coming. Absolutely phenomenal!

[Erwin · Rating 4 out of 5]

The time-travel twist was unexpected and brilliantly executed. Michael Wheeler’s determination to uncover the truth, despite not being able to trust the authorities, makes him a relatable and compelling protagonist. The different timelines added layers of suspense and kept me guessing at every turn. I found myself thinking about this story long after I finished reading!