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The Storm: A Heart-Pounding, Paranormal Mystery Serialization
Lightning splits the bayou. A hand claws out of a swamp grave. And an FBI agent wakes up buried alive on an island that shouldn’t exist.
Lawrence Mayfield crawls out of the mud with six bullet wounds, no memory of who put him there, and no way off Avoca Island. The only road in has washed out. The only bridge has closed behind him.
Locals whisper about the LaRue dynasty—smugglers, killers, kings of the swamp. But it’s the other things that haunt the carnival ruins that still breathe, a Keeper who claims the island provides its own balance, and freak-show children who’ve grown into something stranger.
Mayfield has to survive the storm, outwit the family who owns the island, and face whatever moves in the shadows of Avoca—before the swamp takes him back.
The Storm is the pilot of a bingeable crime-gothic serial. Each episode is a full, fast descent into the same living island. When 500 readers leave a five-star review, the next episode unlocks.
Until then, welcome to Avoca Island.
The storm has opened the door. The island will decide if you leave.
Lawrence Mayfield crawls out of the mud with six bullet wounds, no memory of who put him there, and no way off Avoca Island. The only road in has washed out. The only bridge has closed behind him.
Locals whisper about the LaRue dynasty—smugglers, killers, kings of the swamp. But it’s the other things that haunt the carnival ruins that still breathe, a Keeper who claims the island provides its own balance, and freak-show children who’ve grown into something stranger.
Mayfield has to survive the storm, outwit the family who owns the island, and face whatever moves in the shadows of Avoca—before the swamp takes him back.
The Storm is the pilot of a bingeable crime-gothic serial. Each episode is a full, fast descent into the same living island. When 500 readers leave a five-star review, the next episode unlocks.
Until then, welcome to Avoca Island.
The storm has opened the door. The island will decide if you leave.
88 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 1, 2025
1 person want to read
About the author
I. Savage
5 books28 followersBorn in small-town North Carolina, I. Savage is a bestselling author, NYC producer and is known for crafting twist-filled mysteries that dive deep into the complexities of human relationships.
With a MA in Psychology and extensive counseling work with teenagers and adults, Savage brings a unique lens to his writing, capturing the raw, layered motivations and emotions that drive his unforgettable characters.
His expertise in reading people inspired years of thesis research into body language, facial expressions, and the hidden truths they reveal, fueling his gripping, page-turning tales.
Savage’s characters, like the tough and fiercely loyal Vickie Bartolucci, navigate moral gray areas and emotional minefields, reflecting the authenticity of real-life struggles.
Finding humor in dark places, Savage’s stories are more than mysteries—they’re explorations of resilience, loyalty, and the unexpected bonds that form in life’s challenging moments.
He lives in the Big Apple, a city that embodies his big beliefs in found family and the power of community.
His work appeals to readers who crave intelligent, character-driven mysteries with heart, where the surprises are earned and the emotional stakes are real.
With a MA in Psychology and extensive counseling work with teenagers and adults, Savage brings a unique lens to his writing, capturing the raw, layered motivations and emotions that drive his unforgettable characters.
His expertise in reading people inspired years of thesis research into body language, facial expressions, and the hidden truths they reveal, fueling his gripping, page-turning tales.
Savage’s characters, like the tough and fiercely loyal Vickie Bartolucci, navigate moral gray areas and emotional minefields, reflecting the authenticity of real-life struggles.
Finding humor in dark places, Savage’s stories are more than mysteries—they’re explorations of resilience, loyalty, and the unexpected bonds that form in life’s challenging moments.
He lives in the Big Apple, a city that embodies his big beliefs in found family and the power of community.
His work appeals to readers who crave intelligent, character-driven mysteries with heart, where the surprises are earned and the emotional stakes are real.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
November 24, 2025
Very interesting read. I was not sure at first, as I felt lost at times and really didn't know where this episode was going.
As I got to the end, I need to know what happens to Mayfield.
Received as an ARC with no expectation of a positive review.
As I got to the end, I need to know what happens to Mayfield.
Received as an ARC with no expectation of a positive review.
November 4, 2025
What a freaky story!
In this story, we have two families—the Santanas and the LaRues. Way back when, Absalom Santana accidently killed Sebastian LaRue. Instead of being angry, his son, Louis LaRue, is quite happy with his papa’s demise, and to show his gratitude, he offers Absalom whatever he wants. Surprisingly, Absalom decides to take the circus on Avoca Island, along with the money Sebastian was carrying. Of course, Absalom knows there will be a price to be paid eventually. Now in our current time, we have an FBI agent who has managed to infiltrate the LaRue family. Unfortunately for Lawrence, the LaRues found out his identity and buried him alive on top of a body, then proceeded to shoot six times into the burial spot during a really bad storm. The writing style of I. Savage really fits this type of story and kept me turning pages. The plot moves right along. Really good story and I can’t wait to see I. Savage takes it next.
I received an advanced reader’s copy and am voluntarily leaving this review.
In this story, we have two families—the Santanas and the LaRues. Way back when, Absalom Santana accidently killed Sebastian LaRue. Instead of being angry, his son, Louis LaRue, is quite happy with his papa’s demise, and to show his gratitude, he offers Absalom whatever he wants. Surprisingly, Absalom decides to take the circus on Avoca Island, along with the money Sebastian was carrying. Of course, Absalom knows there will be a price to be paid eventually. Now in our current time, we have an FBI agent who has managed to infiltrate the LaRue family. Unfortunately for Lawrence, the LaRues found out his identity and buried him alive on top of a body, then proceeded to shoot six times into the burial spot during a really bad storm. The writing style of I. Savage really fits this type of story and kept me turning pages. The plot moves right along. Really good story and I can’t wait to see I. Savage takes it next.
I received an advanced reader’s copy and am voluntarily leaving this review.
November 22, 2025
The Storm is the first book in the Freaks of Avoca Island by I. Savage. Lawrence Mayfield is an FBI agent who claws his way out of a swamp grave with six bullet wounds and no memory of how he got there. He finds himself stranded on Avoca Island with a washed-out road and a closed bridge. The LaRue dynasty is a powerful and dangerous family of smugglers and killers who rule the swamp. As Lawrence tries to piece together his past and survive the island’s eerie threats, he uncovers a web of dark secrets, supernatural forces, and twisted loyalties. This paranormal supernatural mystery thriller blends amnesia and buried secrets in a Southern Gothic atmosphere, in an isolated setting with no escape with power and corruption at every turn. I really enjoyed this short-story paranormal thriller mystery novella.
December 12, 2025
I wasn’t sure what to expect with this book. I really liked it! I loved the different viewpoints of the characters. The very different characters. I am intrigued and can’t wait to find out where this goes for Larry. Awesome book!
December 1, 2025
I Loved it. It’s the first in the series. Perfect amount of crime and mystery with a touch of paranormal. I can’t wait to read the next book. I gotta know what happens
December 1, 2025
This is the first book in this series that portrays crime and between between two prominent crime families that ends in death and mayhem. When FBI agent Lawrence Mayfield ends up on the case, he finds himself victim to the island that isn't supposed to exist!
This kept me turning the pages til the very end and anxiously waiting for the next installment to see what happens!
This kept me turning the pages til the very end and anxiously waiting for the next installment to see what happens!
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews