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Pulp Friction 2015 #3
The Devil's Bedpost
Detective Ben Nelson’s chilling new case involves seemingly unconnected people—men, women, children—who disappear from their beds and are later found beaten to death. When evidence leads to an offhand comment about voodoo, Ben refuses to acknowledge the possibility of a supernatural element…until his boss orders him to visit a seer named A. Middleton or hand the case over to the Odd Squad—the federal bureau charged with investigating supernatural crimes.
With a simple touch, Artie Middleton can see, feel, and relive the stories held by objects. The last missing person’s case he assisted on left him bedridden, recovering from the same wounds as the victim. His power is one that few would envy. Now a police detective shows up at his door, needing help to find a missing seven-year-old boy, and Artie is torn. He fears what might happen if he agrees but knows the fate of the child if he doesn’t. Even more troubling for Artie is the detective’s effect on him. While Artie can’t allow skin-to-skin contact with a person for fear of what he might see, Ben makes him want to break all the rules he has in place to protect his sanity.
When the two begin working together, they find much more than they expected. And if they can’t stop the perpetrators, the body count will increase.
With a simple touch, Artie Middleton can see, feel, and relive the stories held by objects. The last missing person’s case he assisted on left him bedridden, recovering from the same wounds as the victim. His power is one that few would envy. Now a police detective shows up at his door, needing help to find a missing seven-year-old boy, and Artie is torn. He fears what might happen if he agrees but knows the fate of the child if he doesn’t. Even more troubling for Artie is the detective’s effect on him. While Artie can’t allow skin-to-skin contact with a person for fear of what he might see, Ben makes him want to break all the rules he has in place to protect his sanity.
When the two begin working together, they find much more than they expected. And if they can’t stop the perpetrators, the body count will increase.
73 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 13, 2015
4 people are currently reading
40 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
April 2, 2015
Detective Ben Nelson doesn't believe in supernatural, voodoo or any of the other strange things floating around NOLA these days. Being a cop is his life, having a relationship not so much. When a case of strange disappearances and deaths lands on his desk, he is forced to enlist the aid of Artie Middleton. Artie can feel and experience people through objects that they own. Nonbeliever Ben is forced to acknowledge Artie's abilities. An attraction, these two men can't deny, draws them together. In spite of their backgrounds, could this work?
Another fantastic start to Pulp Friction 2015 by the newest writer to the group of 4(5). With just a few pages, I am already totally invested in Artie and Ben.
Another fantastic start to Pulp Friction 2015 by the newest writer to the group of 4(5). With just a few pages, I am already totally invested in Artie and Ben.
July 23, 2015
Parker Williams! It's lovely to see you join the Pulp Friction crew this year, although I miss my Mr. Webb, dearly. However, as only you can do, you've brought me two interesting and sexy characters with a number of potential plot twists! Yay, for me! Especially since I know you did it just for me. Right? Not Mary. Right? *grins* Well, the dog's name says it all, huh?
I liked Ben instantly. How could I not? Any cop that dedicated to finding a killer gets an A+ in my book. When Ben's captain tells him to think about turning these murders over to the Odd Squad - the Paranormal Investigative Branch - Ben isn't too thrilled. Especially since, in his opinion, all this "woo-woo" that has cropped up recently can probably be explained by science and it's just bunkus anyway. But when the son of the leader of Humans First disappears from a locked bedroom with a bodyguard out front, the case stays in Ben's hands, and sends him to Artie's front door. Artie is adorable. He practices psychometry, although practices isn't exactly the correct word. He was born with the ability, and all the good and the horribly bad that comes with it.
Oh yowza, Parker. Talk about plot twisties and turnsies. Artie's ability has kept him isolated from people his whole life, with only a few friends. A sad, miserable, unloved childhood just puts the topper on it. Ben works way too many hours, and hides the fact that deep inside he wants a family, a house, a dog, and a picket fence. Ben wants the whole shebang. I can foresee (giggle) a lot happening with these two. Oh my. Oh my.
Parker, my love, you've outdone yourself. Your writing is superb, and you kept me hanging on every word. Plus how could I resist a man who knows he's more Farm Boy Wesley than Dread Pirate Roberts. Excellent. Just, excellent.
NOTE: If you've been held captive and locked in a dungeon, for the past few years, you might not have heard about the incredible series by the name of 'Pulp Friction'. It is an interconnected series, written by four talented authors, each of them writing five books within the year, and rounding it out with one grand finale book written by all four. This year's series is set in the same arena, so to speak, as Laura Harner and T.A. Webb's 'Altered States' series and is an introduction to more of the supernatural that those two authors began. PF 2015, as it is known, is written by Lee Brazil, Havan Fellows, Parker Williams, and Laura Harner, and ultimately should be read in the order the books are released. So if, indeed, you've been away from the human world, you're forgiven for not knowing this, and not having read the other books. If you've just been lazy…well. There is no forgiveness for you.
NOTE: This book was provided by the author for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews
I liked Ben instantly. How could I not? Any cop that dedicated to finding a killer gets an A+ in my book. When Ben's captain tells him to think about turning these murders over to the Odd Squad - the Paranormal Investigative Branch - Ben isn't too thrilled. Especially since, in his opinion, all this "woo-woo" that has cropped up recently can probably be explained by science and it's just bunkus anyway. But when the son of the leader of Humans First disappears from a locked bedroom with a bodyguard out front, the case stays in Ben's hands, and sends him to Artie's front door. Artie is adorable. He practices psychometry, although practices isn't exactly the correct word. He was born with the ability, and all the good and the horribly bad that comes with it.
Oh yowza, Parker. Talk about plot twisties and turnsies. Artie's ability has kept him isolated from people his whole life, with only a few friends. A sad, miserable, unloved childhood just puts the topper on it. Ben works way too many hours, and hides the fact that deep inside he wants a family, a house, a dog, and a picket fence. Ben wants the whole shebang. I can foresee (giggle) a lot happening with these two. Oh my. Oh my.
Parker, my love, you've outdone yourself. Your writing is superb, and you kept me hanging on every word. Plus how could I resist a man who knows he's more Farm Boy Wesley than Dread Pirate Roberts. Excellent. Just, excellent.
NOTE: If you've been held captive and locked in a dungeon, for the past few years, you might not have heard about the incredible series by the name of 'Pulp Friction'. It is an interconnected series, written by four talented authors, each of them writing five books within the year, and rounding it out with one grand finale book written by all four. This year's series is set in the same arena, so to speak, as Laura Harner and T.A. Webb's 'Altered States' series and is an introduction to more of the supernatural that those two authors began. PF 2015, as it is known, is written by Lee Brazil, Havan Fellows, Parker Williams, and Laura Harner, and ultimately should be read in the order the books are released. So if, indeed, you've been away from the human world, you're forgiven for not knowing this, and not having read the other books. If you've just been lazy…well. There is no forgiveness for you.
NOTE: This book was provided by the author for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews
March 18, 2015
Detective Ben Nelson is a workaholic cop with six years on the NOPD. He's gay and loves children so when he is told to investigate the brutal beating death of Ricky James it is almost more than he can bear.
There are a number of connected murders, including Ricky's, and not all of them are children. The bizarre link is that these people disappeared from their beds with seemingly no way for anyone to enter let alone leave with the victims. Ben is unwilling at first to assume the involvement of paranormals but is forced to work with Artie Middleton when Mikey, the son of a prominent wealthy family, disappears and is feared to be yet another casualty of the serial killer.
Artie is able to know what happened to people simply by touching objects that are meaningful to them. He doesn’t just “know” what happened, he experiences it, and even suffers wounds that were inflicted on them. We met Artie as one of the poker players in Lee Brazil’s Pulp Friction 2015 book Drawing Dead where he helped Sabine with his ghost investigations. Artie is wealthy and lives in a converted factory. He can’t leave his house or meet anyone without armoring himself with layers of clothing to prevent touching anyone.
Artie doesn’t want to help but knows the grisly body count will only increase if he doesn’t. He also doesn’t want to be sexually attracted to Ben but is helpless to resist him. What would sex be like, he wonders. Since that would definitely involve touching someone he can’t risk it.
The revelation of who, or what, took little Mikey is absolutely horrifying and leads to an attack on Ben. When the only one who can save Ben can’t touch him decisions must be made. Life and death decisions.
This is Parker Williams’ first novella in the Pulp Friction 2015 Altered States world and it is a spectacular book that meshes beautifully with the other entries. I am so eager for the next book in the Pulp Friction 2015 series and for the next one by Parker Williams in particular. Be aware, these books end with cliff hangers but that’s part of the fun and you only have to wait two weeks for the next book.
There are a number of connected murders, including Ricky's, and not all of them are children. The bizarre link is that these people disappeared from their beds with seemingly no way for anyone to enter let alone leave with the victims. Ben is unwilling at first to assume the involvement of paranormals but is forced to work with Artie Middleton when Mikey, the son of a prominent wealthy family, disappears and is feared to be yet another casualty of the serial killer.
Artie is able to know what happened to people simply by touching objects that are meaningful to them. He doesn’t just “know” what happened, he experiences it, and even suffers wounds that were inflicted on them. We met Artie as one of the poker players in Lee Brazil’s Pulp Friction 2015 book Drawing Dead where he helped Sabine with his ghost investigations. Artie is wealthy and lives in a converted factory. He can’t leave his house or meet anyone without armoring himself with layers of clothing to prevent touching anyone.
Artie doesn’t want to help but knows the grisly body count will only increase if he doesn’t. He also doesn’t want to be sexually attracted to Ben but is helpless to resist him. What would sex be like, he wonders. Since that would definitely involve touching someone he can’t risk it.
The revelation of who, or what, took little Mikey is absolutely horrifying and leads to an attack on Ben. When the only one who can save Ben can’t touch him decisions must be made. Life and death decisions.
This is Parker Williams’ first novella in the Pulp Friction 2015 Altered States world and it is a spectacular book that meshes beautifully with the other entries. I am so eager for the next book in the Pulp Friction 2015 series and for the next one by Parker Williams in particular. Be aware, these books end with cliff hangers but that’s part of the fun and you only have to wait two weeks for the next book.
March 21, 2015
fantastic addition to the pulp friction world
Great story, interesting characters, it pulled me right in. This may be my favorite Pulp Friction series yet, I can't wait for the next story and the next round!
Great story, interesting characters, it pulled me right in. This may be my favorite Pulp Friction series yet, I can't wait for the next story and the next round!
July 11, 2015
Very good story. I felt sorry for Artie. Surprise ending.
June 7, 2017
Awesome paranormal thriller! Absolutely loved it.
September 23, 2024
I really, really wanted more from these two guys. Wonderful story and again, wishing it was longer.
Read
February 24, 2016This story is the first in the Four of Clubs part of the Pulp Friction storyline and follows Ben and Artie, although it was great to see Laurant from King of Hearts make an appearance giving his usual brand of ‘helpful’ advice.
I really liked the setup with these characters. Ben is a sceptic and doesn’t believe in the supernatural while Artie has an ability that means he has to be aware of it all the time or risk being seriously hurt.
Although it’s a short story I found myself quickly invested in the characters, and their world. The author does a great job in setting up the world building from the first page, and although I had read the first two in the series, I doubt I’d have any issues in picking up this one and being able to follow what was going on. In saying that though, I’d recommend reading the series in order—I suspect that will work better with the way this joint universe and storytelling has been set up.
Ben and Artie are great characters, very three dimensional with their backgrounds, and issues. I loved the details, like Ben’s dinner with his family, and his obsession with The Princess Bride, and Artie’s dog and the way the animal not only protects him, but provides him with friendship and company. It’s quirks like this that make a character real and the author portrays them really well, so that they are a natural part of the storyline, giving insights into the characters without slowing down the plot.
I was also fascinated by Artie’s ability and the fact that he has to be so careful. So what happens when he finds someone he wants to touch? Or needs to? I’m going to have to keep reading to find out.
Not that that, but the author left this story with one doozy of a cliffhanger. I read it, and tried to turn pages that weren’t there to find out what happened next! Very effective, and edge of your seat stuff. The villain is completely out of left field and I didn’t see it coming—very impressive. Good thing I have the next story to read....
I’d recommend The Devil’s Bedpost for readers who enjoy good characterisation, and reading about characters who have major hurdles to overcome, abilities with consequences, and love serials and shared universes.
I really liked the setup with these characters. Ben is a sceptic and doesn’t believe in the supernatural while Artie has an ability that means he has to be aware of it all the time or risk being seriously hurt.
Although it’s a short story I found myself quickly invested in the characters, and their world. The author does a great job in setting up the world building from the first page, and although I had read the first two in the series, I doubt I’d have any issues in picking up this one and being able to follow what was going on. In saying that though, I’d recommend reading the series in order—I suspect that will work better with the way this joint universe and storytelling has been set up.
Ben and Artie are great characters, very three dimensional with their backgrounds, and issues. I loved the details, like Ben’s dinner with his family, and his obsession with The Princess Bride, and Artie’s dog and the way the animal not only protects him, but provides him with friendship and company. It’s quirks like this that make a character real and the author portrays them really well, so that they are a natural part of the storyline, giving insights into the characters without slowing down the plot.
I was also fascinated by Artie’s ability and the fact that he has to be so careful. So what happens when he finds someone he wants to touch? Or needs to? I’m going to have to keep reading to find out.
Not that that, but the author left this story with one doozy of a cliffhanger. I read it, and tried to turn pages that weren’t there to find out what happened next! Very effective, and edge of your seat stuff. The villain is completely out of left field and I didn’t see it coming—very impressive. Good thing I have the next story to read....
I’d recommend The Devil’s Bedpost for readers who enjoy good characterisation, and reading about characters who have major hurdles to overcome, abilities with consequences, and love serials and shared universes.
March 18, 2015
: This I book one of this series and book three of the Pulp Friction Altered States collection. You don’t have to read the other books in the collection to follow though the main characters and plot interacts in each set of series. So far this year I think they stand alone much better than in the past. But they are like potato chips once you read one you will want to read them all.
Ben is a detective and has a new homicide case that involves lots of murders that he can’t seem to connect, many being children. The case is gruesome and he is putting in long hours. His boss wants him to accept help from a seer or he will hand it over to the Odd squad (the paranormal division) Ben doesn’t believe in all the voodoo stuff but is too involved in the case to lose it so he goes to visit A. Middleton.
Artie has a gift that is a curse. He can see things by touching something personal, the down side is that whatever bad is happening to that person is projected to him. This gift also prohibits him form having a close relationship with others. Though he is gay he has and never can be intimate with another man, because if he touches that person he will see everything they have been through and tings they may not want to share.
This book was awesome. Once you start you can’t put it down. The mystery of the murders seem a bit gruesome but the murders aren’t written out blow by blow so it’s not gory at all. The story line is intriguing, the characters are very interesting, I loved the mystery, suspense and the supernatural element. I will warn you it has a socking cliffhanger!
If you like paranormal or supernatural thrillers, some mystery and intrigue this is for you.
I recieved a copy for an honest review by mmgoodbookreviews.com
Ben is a detective and has a new homicide case that involves lots of murders that he can’t seem to connect, many being children. The case is gruesome and he is putting in long hours. His boss wants him to accept help from a seer or he will hand it over to the Odd squad (the paranormal division) Ben doesn’t believe in all the voodoo stuff but is too involved in the case to lose it so he goes to visit A. Middleton.
Artie has a gift that is a curse. He can see things by touching something personal, the down side is that whatever bad is happening to that person is projected to him. This gift also prohibits him form having a close relationship with others. Though he is gay he has and never can be intimate with another man, because if he touches that person he will see everything they have been through and tings they may not want to share.
This book was awesome. Once you start you can’t put it down. The mystery of the murders seem a bit gruesome but the murders aren’t written out blow by blow so it’s not gory at all. The story line is intriguing, the characters are very interesting, I loved the mystery, suspense and the supernatural element. I will warn you it has a socking cliffhanger!
If you like paranormal or supernatural thrillers, some mystery and intrigue this is for you.
I recieved a copy for an honest review by mmgoodbookreviews.com
April 13, 2015
Parker Williams, just let me say first…..You did good!!!! It must have been difficult to come in for the third season and help the gang while Tom Webb stepped back for a bit….These guys had really gotten a groove going…..So you must be holding your breath.
I myself started the Altered States series from the beginning, and I am so thrilled it is now going forward this way. Detective Ben Nelson is seriously a keeper, he is warm, charming and real. I love seeing his family, his work ethic, and I really like him.
The ‘new order’ of things have changed with the recent news that everything that goes bump in the night are real. Vampires, demons, ghosts, were’s, incubuses, and succubus you name it. So working in the New Orleans Police Department is giving everyone fits, and probably every corner of the world as well, but the Big Easy is where we are and the dead bodies are mounting.
Ben’s boss puts him in charge of the case, and asks him to meet with a psychic, A. Middleton. Not a believer of palm readers and such, Ben goes to humor his Captain.
Enter Art Middleton, Artie.
Artie lives in a beautiful home, but is a recluse, going out is not on his menu. He does meet with Ben, and the ember of a flame begins in each of them as they get to know each other, then as men, even gay men, circle each other to trust.
This 60 pages was a fulfilling first Mr Williams and I look forward to see the relationship grow, to be there for the next poker game, and see how you handle the no touching sex thing…
I myself started the Altered States series from the beginning, and I am so thrilled it is now going forward this way. Detective Ben Nelson is seriously a keeper, he is warm, charming and real. I love seeing his family, his work ethic, and I really like him.
The ‘new order’ of things have changed with the recent news that everything that goes bump in the night are real. Vampires, demons, ghosts, were’s, incubuses, and succubus you name it. So working in the New Orleans Police Department is giving everyone fits, and probably every corner of the world as well, but the Big Easy is where we are and the dead bodies are mounting.
Ben’s boss puts him in charge of the case, and asks him to meet with a psychic, A. Middleton. Not a believer of palm readers and such, Ben goes to humor his Captain.
Enter Art Middleton, Artie.
Artie lives in a beautiful home, but is a recluse, going out is not on his menu. He does meet with Ben, and the ember of a flame begins in each of them as they get to know each other, then as men, even gay men, circle each other to trust.
This 60 pages was a fulfilling first Mr Williams and I look forward to see the relationship grow, to be there for the next poker game, and see how you handle the no touching sex thing…
May 21, 2015
Original Blog Post: Review Request: Pulp Friction 2015 Series Round One Whooooeee!
My Rating: 4 of 4 Stars (Based on Short&Light Read Category)
Of all the characters, the one I felt closest to or related to more was Ben. Not Artie. Somehow, Ben called out to me and just grabbed my heart. He was the odd man out of this group of paranormal individuals and the one to struggle the most. He is a cop and he is given charge of solving the mysterious disappearances of children found beaten to death after a few days. When the child of an important man is kidnapped seemingly from under the noses of the father, staff and bodyguard, Ben knows something other than a serial is going on. He resists the help of Artie Middleton, a psychic, but when he meets the man, he is not only convinced of the man's powers or abilities, he is also convinced this Artie may just be the man he will have a forever with. They go together, they try to solve the unsolvable and they face a horror neither expected.
My Rating: 4 of 4 Stars (Based on Short&Light Read Category)
Of all the characters, the one I felt closest to or related to more was Ben. Not Artie. Somehow, Ben called out to me and just grabbed my heart. He was the odd man out of this group of paranormal individuals and the one to struggle the most. He is a cop and he is given charge of solving the mysterious disappearances of children found beaten to death after a few days. When the child of an important man is kidnapped seemingly from under the noses of the father, staff and bodyguard, Ben knows something other than a serial is going on. He resists the help of Artie Middleton, a psychic, but when he meets the man, he is not only convinced of the man's powers or abilities, he is also convinced this Artie may just be the man he will have a forever with. They go together, they try to solve the unsolvable and they face a horror neither expected.
May 6, 2015
I have the e-book edition.
Detective Ben Nelson is trying to find out the how & why people are disappearing from their homes, then turning up battered to death. He's told to get in touch with psychic A Middleton, since there appears to be no "normal" solution.
The first meeting between Ben and Artie is fraught with tension, and attraction. Phew, there were a couple of times when I thought either would make a move on the other and self-combust.
Well done Parker Williams/Will Parkinson !!! Love it to bits (and you too!)
Detective Ben Nelson is trying to find out the how & why people are disappearing from their homes, then turning up battered to death. He's told to get in touch with psychic A Middleton, since there appears to be no "normal" solution.
The first meeting between Ben and Artie is fraught with tension, and attraction. Phew, there were a couple of times when I thought either would make a move on the other and self-combust.
Well done Parker Williams/Will Parkinson !!! Love it to bits (and you too!)
June 5, 2015
Original review on Molly Lolly
Four and a half stars!
Poor Artie can’t touch anyone, ever. And Ben is just a big ‘ol mush at heart. Love him so hard! They work together so well and you can feel sparks flying between them. Duke is an adorable addition to the story as well. So protective of Artie and Ben just wins him over immediately. I’m eager to see how they continue to build a relationship with all of the hurdles in their way. But holy cliffhanger! I gotta know what happens next!
Four and a half stars!
Poor Artie can’t touch anyone, ever. And Ben is just a big ‘ol mush at heart. Love him so hard! They work together so well and you can feel sparks flying between them. Duke is an adorable addition to the story as well. So protective of Artie and Ben just wins him over immediately. I’m eager to see how they continue to build a relationship with all of the hurdles in their way. But holy cliffhanger! I gotta know what happens next!
April 19, 2015
Welcome to the Pulp Friction World Parker Williams!! Really enjoyed this tale of demons, and the incredible lengths some people will go to, just to have power and an advantage on everyone else. The connection between Ben and Artie was strong, great catching up with cheeky Laurant again, but I need to know about the kids...are they still alive?? Next story eagerly awaited. 4 stars from me.
January 10, 2016
2.5 stars
October 21, 2016
Loved this one! Can't wait to read more!
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews