Chasing Keys

by Jon Sealy

106 pages, Paperback

Published July 15, 2026

About the author

Jon Sealy is the author of four novels, most recently The King Street Affair, as well as the craft book So You Want to Be a Novelist. He lives with his family in Richmond, Virginia.

Reviews

[Lee Tyner]

Story wasn’t particularly interesting and writing style a little flat. Near the end as things were coming together it seemed rushed. In fact, there are a few pages that are very confusing to the point I think the author made a huge typo (wrong character name) during the characters’ conversation. Also, the author needs to focus on paragraphs: developments and breaks. At the very end things were coming from all directions yet lacked paragraph breaks and transition statements. The segments described the rapids were boring as dirt. Anyway, the story needs polish. I won’t be reading the sequel.

[Mark Slauter]

So, what do you do if a friend, who's not really a friend, goes missing and may be dead? If you're detective Luke Steele (cool name) you hook up with an unknown patrol cop from the Sheriff's Office and follow the trail. I like the pairing of Luke with Kayla Baker, it seems to be a good fit. I've not been that far west in South Carolina, but I feel like I have after reading Chasing Keys. It's a bit refreshing to read a novella. Shorter stories can be fulfilling also.

I wonder where Luke and Kayla are headed next. I suspect woods, hollers, and water will be involved.

[Roger P]

Reading Sealy is like a modern road-trip down South: interesting characters, places, and events. This novella offers colorful descriptions of relationships, culture, and nature. CHASING KEYS is a fun trip that makes you a little wiser.

[Lee Brothers]

This was so good!! Steele is a really smart guy, but having a history with Robby definitely helped. Now Kayla is a whole different story. Cause she figured things out, she's really cool. But of course, I really like Steele!! Can't wait for the next book!!

[Sara]

I was in from page 1! Great story and characters - I can’t wait to read the next one.

[Nancy King]

Interesting! Enjoyed it.