Startling Figures

by Clare T. Walker

A small-town veterinarian investigates a series of animal attacks and comes face-to-face with monstrous evil. A theoretical physicist discovers how to be two places at once...but pays a terrible price. And a ruthless murderer finds a way to keep killing -- even after he's dead.

Three stories.
Three journeys.
Three encounters...

...with startling figures.

Startling Figures is a collection of three short stories with paranormal themes.

Paperback

First published December 1, 2014

About the author

From an early age, American author Clare T. Walker had two main passions: books and animal science. She pursued the science as a career and became a veterinarian, and has now come full circle as a pioneer in the new sub-genre of the veterinary medical thriller -- exciting stories of action, suspense, and a touch of horror, with a veterinarian in the starring role! She also writes paranormal stories, where the laws of science go sideways!

Walker combines entertainment with edification, mystery with meaning, and a fast pace with deep feeling. These stories will stay with you long after you've closed the book or powered down your e-reader. They may even keep you awake at night...

Check out Dr. Walker's webpage at https://www.claretwalker.com/

Reviews

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Confession: I hadn’t heard of Clare T. Walker — she goes by Clare Walker in the Register — but after I read Startling Figures, I was hooked, and I dove right into The Keys of Death (CreateSpace, 2016) (which, at the time of publication, I’m still trying to finish … if only December didn’t demand so much of me!).

Walker has pulled together three short stories (or maybe they’re properly called novellas?) and even my most critical editorial eye couldn’t blink long. They’re engaging, and, while they’re Catholic, they’re not shoved-down-your-throat-Catholic. The plots are tight, and the writing’s good.

There’s the veterinarian who has to solve the mystery of the people and pets getting killed in the area.

And when a physicist figures out how to actually be in two (and, sometimes, three or four) places at once, he finds himself facing unexpected consequences.

I won’t even spoil the third story by explaining the concept, but it hooked me and kept me guessing and reading.

Mostly, I had fun reading these books. They’re curl-up-on-the-couch good, though they’re definitely for adults (or older teens, though I’d recommend you preview them first). My older daughter has aspirations toward veterinary medicine, and I think Walker’s characters will likely appeal to her … but at almost-12, I’m not sure if the nature of these stories (and what I’ve read so far of Keys) is quite appropriate.

Walker has taken on suspense/thriller fiction from a Catholic perspective, without watering down the “real” aspect of things.

Happy reading!

[Suzanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This trilogy of short stories by Clare Walker is an essential summer read! Her combination of veterinary skills and mastery of page turning plots make this one of those books you can't put down. While the animal violence was a bit much for me (I'm super squeamish), I found myself eagerly turning the pages and wanting more when the book was done. I can't wait for her next work.