Gray

by R.L. Jackson

Police arrest horror novelist Gray Turner after sixteen taxidermied bodies are found in her basement. The deaths of the victims mimic the killings in the sequel to her first novel The Taxidermist, making her latest work-in-progress seem like a “how-to” manual for the grisly murders. Since she recently experienced blackouts, and since all evidence points directly to her, Gray wonders if she might have actually committed the crimes. With the help of psychiatrist Dr. Margaret Talbot, Gray delves into the dark events of her past that created a mind capable of dreaming up gruesome tales of pure evil. She and the psychiatrist embark on a journey that awakens Gray’s memories as well as her sexuality. After the truth behind the bodies in her basement is uncovered, Gray is in for the fight for her life.

257 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 26, 2012

About the author

Born in Peoria, Illinois, R.L. stayed close to home while working as a 9-1-1 Dispatcher and radio Disc Jockey before earning a Master's in Theatre from Illinois State University. After traveling west and teaching Theatre and Communications at Western State College of Colorado, she moved to Los Angeles to pursue screenwriting. Currently, her co-written animated feature "Magic of Love" with a cast that includes Bryce Dallas Howard, John Goodman, and Kathleen Turner is currently in pre-production. Never abandoning her love of prose, R.L. had several short stories published and is currently working on a sequel to Gray. In her spare time, she enjoys coaching the gold-winning Los Angeles Valley College Speech Team and working on films for her small production company Hayseed Entertainment.

Reviews

[Randi Lundon · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Gray" is a must-read for horror fans or anyone wanting a thrill. It's the BEST book I've read in years! Every page kept me captivated with all of the twists and turns. I had to pry myself away from reading it. When the character, Gray, was reading excerpts from her book, I wanted to read it, too. Can't wait for the sequel!

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the most unique and gripping thriller/horror novels I've ever read. The main character, Gray Turner, is complex and tough--she survived her childhood by the skin of her teeth--but she's also vulnerable, funny, and extremely likable. So it's a pleasure to follow her through this fast-moving story as she tries to figure out who's killed almost everyone she's ever loved and hidden all the taxidermied bodies in her basement. I won't lie, there are some dark and disturbing scenes in this novel, but the author carries us through them quickly, and with a surprising sense of humor. I highly recommend this book to anyone who's looking for a well written and creepy thrill ride, with some romance and humor thrown in, as well as a great mystery. I'm hoping the author continues writing about this fascinating character.

[D. Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're looking for something scary, well thought-out, intense, full of description, and that has you reading faster and faster because you're so wrapped up in it and just have to know what's going to happen next, then this is the book for you!

[R.L. Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Of course, I will say I loved this novel. It's mine!