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The Stalker's Script
When fiction bleeds into reality...
...the killer always writes the ending.
THE STALKER’S SCRIPT
Rookie homicide detective Samantha Kane has spent her life fighting battles, whether in the dojo as a three-time martial arts world champion or now on the streets of Charlotte, North Carolina. But nothing in her training prepares her for the case that will define her career.
When the police discover a young woman brutally murdered in a wooded park, an unsettling detail haunts the crime scene mirrors a scene from a thriller novel she was reading during her morning commute. At first, it seems like a coincidence. Then another body turns up... this time staged exactly as in the next chapter.
Someone is bringing fiction to life, one murder at a time.
As Sam and her experienced partner, Jack Riggs, dig deeper, the trail points to bestselling author Christina Lively, whose Stalker Series has captivated readers for years. But Christina’s dark past, her mysterious twin brother, and a literary agent with dangerous connections all complicate the investigation.
With each chapter, the killer’s pursuit draws Sam closer to the truth and deeper into the stalker’s twisted game. As fiction and reality blur around her, Sam must face not only the murderer’s obsession but also her own hidden scars. To catch the killer, she’ll have to step into the story herself.
And in this story, not everyone will turn the final page...
◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆
A perfect binge-read for fans of Lisa Jewell and the breakneck twists of Freida McFadden and Alice Feeney. Featuring a strong female detective in the vein of Lisa Gardner and a jaw-dropping plot twist that will shock fans of Alex Michaelides, The Stalker's Script is the psychological thriller you won't see coming.
...the killer always writes the ending.
THE STALKER’S SCRIPT
Rookie homicide detective Samantha Kane has spent her life fighting battles, whether in the dojo as a three-time martial arts world champion or now on the streets of Charlotte, North Carolina. But nothing in her training prepares her for the case that will define her career.
When the police discover a young woman brutally murdered in a wooded park, an unsettling detail haunts the crime scene mirrors a scene from a thriller novel she was reading during her morning commute. At first, it seems like a coincidence. Then another body turns up... this time staged exactly as in the next chapter.
Someone is bringing fiction to life, one murder at a time.
As Sam and her experienced partner, Jack Riggs, dig deeper, the trail points to bestselling author Christina Lively, whose Stalker Series has captivated readers for years. But Christina’s dark past, her mysterious twin brother, and a literary agent with dangerous connections all complicate the investigation.
With each chapter, the killer’s pursuit draws Sam closer to the truth and deeper into the stalker’s twisted game. As fiction and reality blur around her, Sam must face not only the murderer’s obsession but also her own hidden scars. To catch the killer, she’ll have to step into the story herself.
And in this story, not everyone will turn the final page...
◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆
A perfect binge-read for fans of Lisa Jewell and the breakneck twists of Freida McFadden and Alice Feeney. Featuring a strong female detective in the vein of Lisa Gardner and a jaw-dropping plot twist that will shock fans of Alex Michaelides, The Stalker's Script is the psychological thriller you won't see coming.
374 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 2, 2025
About the author
Chad Josey
5 books5 followers I construct nightmares.
During the day, I exist in a realm of rigid logic. As an engineer, precision and complex problem-solving govern the hours. But daylight fades, and logic crumbles. At night, I channel that meticulous energy into designing psychological thrillers meant to deceive.
My early work dismantled civilization in an apocalyptic science fiction trilogy. Now, I target the human mind. I build airtight narratives, layer them with undeniable dread, and guide the reader toward a blinding conclusion. Chapters end on a razor's edge. You turn the page, searching for the truth, unaware the snare has already tightened.
The pieces for these puzzles originate far from home. I have traveled rough waters and navigated eighty-five countries, pulling shadows from across the globe.
My origins lie in North Carolina. After four years working in Germany, I now scheme in New Jersey. My wife ignores the midnight plotting. My two rescue dogs patrol the hallways.
Trust the dogs. Do not trust me.
To follow my travels, books, and dog-related adventures, visit me at ChadJosey.com & WorldThruOurEyes.com
Follow Chad on social media:
- Facebook: AuthorChadJosey
- TikTok: Author_ChadJosey
- Instagram: Chad.Josey
During the day, I exist in a realm of rigid logic. As an engineer, precision and complex problem-solving govern the hours. But daylight fades, and logic crumbles. At night, I channel that meticulous energy into designing psychological thrillers meant to deceive.
My early work dismantled civilization in an apocalyptic science fiction trilogy. Now, I target the human mind. I build airtight narratives, layer them with undeniable dread, and guide the reader toward a blinding conclusion. Chapters end on a razor's edge. You turn the page, searching for the truth, unaware the snare has already tightened.
The pieces for these puzzles originate far from home. I have traveled rough waters and navigated eighty-five countries, pulling shadows from across the globe.
My origins lie in North Carolina. After four years working in Germany, I now scheme in New Jersey. My wife ignores the midnight plotting. My two rescue dogs patrol the hallways.
Trust the dogs. Do not trust me.
To follow my travels, books, and dog-related adventures, visit me at ChadJosey.com & WorldThruOurEyes.com
Follow Chad on social media:
- Facebook: AuthorChadJosey
- TikTok: Author_ChadJosey
- Instagram: Chad.Josey
Ratings & Reviews
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
November 8, 2025
What a book had me gripped and didn’t expect that ending i was going between its chris but what if its christina she could be lying. Then i thought sylvia was another person who could be stalker when there was no info who this person was. Plays with your mind you feel drawn in my a disturbed stalker/killer
a rookie sam kane picks up a book and doesnt realise shes reading something that going to take her career sky rocketing. Her and her partner jack riggs are given a case where a young female is found dead and posed and gives sam am eery feeling like shes just read about it until she reads the next chapter and it matches the book. Noticing a clue that wasnt in evidence sam went looking for it at murder site to be spooked feeling like someone watching her she came face to face with stalker without realising it letting the jogger go but he was no mere jogger
They do a deep dive into the author Christina lively and this isnt first time a murder has followed her books. Christina is in a wheelchair due to an accident as a child and her brother chris takes care of her. Hes brass and cocky when it comes to speaking to sam
Sam has a feeling someone has entered her apartment as subtle clues have been left makes her uneasy making her question is she safe. When she finds out her partner has been brutally attacked fighting for his life its left to sam to find who the murder is
Sam has her suspects but one dies and then accidentally locks up the wrong suspect. Sam reaches out to a superfan to ask questions but when deep diving to who syliva is nothing comes up no past nothing but syliva gives out christina real name and sam googles and is shocked that christina could be in danger is her brother the killer? Or is christina hiding something?
a rookie sam kane picks up a book and doesnt realise shes reading something that going to take her career sky rocketing. Her and her partner jack riggs are given a case where a young female is found dead and posed and gives sam am eery feeling like shes just read about it until she reads the next chapter and it matches the book. Noticing a clue that wasnt in evidence sam went looking for it at murder site to be spooked feeling like someone watching her she came face to face with stalker without realising it letting the jogger go but he was no mere jogger
They do a deep dive into the author Christina lively and this isnt first time a murder has followed her books. Christina is in a wheelchair due to an accident as a child and her brother chris takes care of her. Hes brass and cocky when it comes to speaking to sam
Sam has a feeling someone has entered her apartment as subtle clues have been left makes her uneasy making her question is she safe. When she finds out her partner has been brutally attacked fighting for his life its left to sam to find who the murder is
Sam has her suspects but one dies and then accidentally locks up the wrong suspect. Sam reaches out to a superfan to ask questions but when deep diving to who syliva is nothing comes up no past nothing but syliva gives out christina real name and sam googles and is shocked that christina could be in danger is her brother the killer? Or is christina hiding something?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 12, 2026
Thank you NetGalley and Chad Josey for the arc!
This was such a trip! A book within a book, where fiction turns reality for Sam. I loved the prose of unease and danger that blurred between both of the reality. I really enjoyed the way this was written, the prose matched the tone of the story, giving it more urgency and descending into unease. Absolutely loved it as a thriller enjoyer, and that ending! I loved it.
This was such a trip! A book within a book, where fiction turns reality for Sam. I loved the prose of unease and danger that blurred between both of the reality. I really enjoyed the way this was written, the prose matched the tone of the story, giving it more urgency and descending into unease. Absolutely loved it as a thriller enjoyer, and that ending! I loved it.
November 22, 2025
My Ratings-
Plot- 5⭐
Characters - 4.5⭐
Pacing- 5⭐
Overall- 5⭐
Okay, if you are looking for a thriller that will actually mess with your head, you need to pick up The Stalker's Script. The premise alone is terrifying—imagine reading a thriller on your morning commute, only to show up at a crime scene that mirrors the exact chapter you just read. That is exactly what happens to Detective Samantha Kane, and it is creepy as hell.
I have to talk about the pacing because this book is fast. I’m talking "sit on the edge of your seat, knuckles white because you’re gripping the book so hard" kind of fast. I physically couldn't put it down because I had to know who was bringing the fiction to life.
But the real kicker? That plot twist. Guessing the killer is not difficult but what happened next is unexpected! I was absolutely stunned. It was one of those moments where I literally stopped and went, "Wait, what?!" But then, when I thought back on all the little incidents and clues, I realized it was right there the whole time. It was totally unexpected but made perfect sense.
Sam is a great protagonist, too—she’s a former martial arts world champ turned rookie detective, so she can handle herself, but this case really pushes her. If you want a murder mystery that will haunt you even after you finish, this is it.
Thank you Netgalley, the author and the publishers for giving me this opportunity to read this wonderful thriller.
Plot- 5⭐
Characters - 4.5⭐
Pacing- 5⭐
Overall- 5⭐
Okay, if you are looking for a thriller that will actually mess with your head, you need to pick up The Stalker's Script. The premise alone is terrifying—imagine reading a thriller on your morning commute, only to show up at a crime scene that mirrors the exact chapter you just read. That is exactly what happens to Detective Samantha Kane, and it is creepy as hell.
I have to talk about the pacing because this book is fast. I’m talking "sit on the edge of your seat, knuckles white because you’re gripping the book so hard" kind of fast. I physically couldn't put it down because I had to know who was bringing the fiction to life.
But the real kicker? That plot twist. Guessing the killer is not difficult but what happened next is unexpected! I was absolutely stunned. It was one of those moments where I literally stopped and went, "Wait, what?!" But then, when I thought back on all the little incidents and clues, I realized it was right there the whole time. It was totally unexpected but made perfect sense.
Sam is a great protagonist, too—she’s a former martial arts world champ turned rookie detective, so she can handle herself, but this case really pushes her. If you want a murder mystery that will haunt you even after you finish, this is it.
Thank you Netgalley, the author and the publishers for giving me this opportunity to read this wonderful thriller.
October 30, 2025
Darkly hypnotic and disturbingly intimate, The Stalker's Script pulls you into a psychological labyrinth where obsession becomes art—and art becomes a weapon. Josey crafts a narrative that’s both chilling and strangely seductive, blurring the lines between creator and predator, fiction and reality.
The prose is taut and cinematic, with a rhythm that mimics the pulse of a thriller yet lingers like a whispered warning. Each chapter feels like a camera lens narrowing in on the psyche of a man unraveling, and the result is a portrait of madness that’s as compelling as it is unsettling.
What I found most striking was the interplay between control and vulnerability. Josey doesn’t just explore the mind of a stalker—he invites us to question our own complicity as readers, voyeurs, and seekers of dark truths.
Perfect for fans of psychological suspense with a literary edge, The Stalker's Script is a haunting meditation on obsession, authorship, and the stories we tell ourselves to survive.
Thanks to Chad Josey, the publisher and Netgalley for the ARC.
The prose is taut and cinematic, with a rhythm that mimics the pulse of a thriller yet lingers like a whispered warning. Each chapter feels like a camera lens narrowing in on the psyche of a man unraveling, and the result is a portrait of madness that’s as compelling as it is unsettling.
What I found most striking was the interplay between control and vulnerability. Josey doesn’t just explore the mind of a stalker—he invites us to question our own complicity as readers, voyeurs, and seekers of dark truths.
Perfect for fans of psychological suspense with a literary edge, The Stalker's Script is a haunting meditation on obsession, authorship, and the stories we tell ourselves to survive.
Thanks to Chad Josey, the publisher and Netgalley for the ARC.
March 6, 2026
Thanks to Independent Book Publishers and Netgalley for this eARC.
Sam Kane, a detective, reads a murder mystery only to find herself investigating a mirror image of the crime she read about. This begins Sam's chase for a serial killer...
A clever mystery with a well crafter protagonist you can cheer for, fans of mysteries and twisty police procedurals will find much to love in Chad Josey's The Stalker Script.
Sam Kane, a detective, reads a murder mystery only to find herself investigating a mirror image of the crime she read about. This begins Sam's chase for a serial killer...
A clever mystery with a well crafter protagonist you can cheer for, fans of mysteries and twisty police procedurals will find much to love in Chad Josey's The Stalker Script.
March 12, 2026
Chilling and Hard to Put Down
A tense, gripping thriller with plenty of suspense and twists. The Stalker’s Scrip is a deeply unsettling psychological thriller that burrows under your skin and refuses to let go. The book kept me hooked right to the end. Thanks to NetGalley and to the publishers of this book for giving me a free advance copy of the book to preview and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
A tense, gripping thriller with plenty of suspense and twists. The Stalker’s Scrip is a deeply unsettling psychological thriller that burrows under your skin and refuses to let go. The book kept me hooked right to the end. Thanks to NetGalley and to the publishers of this book for giving me a free advance copy of the book to preview and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 16, 2026
Unputdownable! An absolute page-turner
I read this thrilling novel in less than twenty-four hours because I absolutely needed to know the ending! The twists and turns were awesome, and the author did a fantastic job of making me feel like I was a detective on the case. It’s an incredibly gripping page-turner that keeps you highly attuned to every single detail. Highly recommend!
I read this thrilling novel in less than twenty-four hours because I absolutely needed to know the ending! The twists and turns were awesome, and the author did a fantastic job of making me feel like I was a detective on the case. It’s an incredibly gripping page-turner that keeps you highly attuned to every single detail. Highly recommend!
November 24, 2025
This was absolute perfection!
It was a book within a book when describe Sam starts reading a crime novel and on her first official case the murders match the story! It really is a good crime book but it takes on different psychological toll when the pieces are revealed in the end! I love the twist I didn’t see it coming and I can’t wait to read more by this author!
Would absolutely recommend
It was a book within a book when describe Sam starts reading a crime novel and on her first official case the murders match the story! It really is a good crime book but it takes on different psychological toll when the pieces are revealed in the end! I love the twist I didn’t see it coming and I can’t wait to read more by this author!
Would absolutely recommend
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews