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Desolation Sound
Fourteen severed feet. Twenty-two missing blondes. One knife.
This evocative Northwest Noir thriller, set in the misty islands of British Columbia, will keep you on edge until its astonishing conclusion. Based on a real-life, unsolved mystery.
Seattle homicide detective Jack Harris–a depressed alcoholic, prone to violence, was kicked off the force for killing a killer. He retired to the Gulf Islands and a quiet life of fly-fishing, sea kayaking and heavy drinking, to escape his demons. Until he finds the 13th severed human foot to wash ashore since 2007. RCMP claims there are no signs of foul play, but as Jack says, “Two feet is an anomaly, three to four statistically curious, six to ten, you have to think dirty. But thirteen feet? Seriously?”
Blond female runners have been disappearing lately in the lower mainland. RCMP corporal Liz MacDonald–an obsessive, ambitious, rookie detective was kicked off a case for beating a suspect. She fits the victim profile perfectly. Young, good-looking, blond long distance runner. She also happens to be convinced that these disappearances are linked to the severed feet. Liz and Jack team up to catch a sadistic serial killer before he catches them.
This evocative Northwest Noir thriller, set in the misty islands of British Columbia, will keep you on edge until its astonishing conclusion. Based on a real-life, unsolved mystery.
Seattle homicide detective Jack Harris–a depressed alcoholic, prone to violence, was kicked off the force for killing a killer. He retired to the Gulf Islands and a quiet life of fly-fishing, sea kayaking and heavy drinking, to escape his demons. Until he finds the 13th severed human foot to wash ashore since 2007. RCMP claims there are no signs of foul play, but as Jack says, “Two feet is an anomaly, three to four statistically curious, six to ten, you have to think dirty. But thirteen feet? Seriously?”
Blond female runners have been disappearing lately in the lower mainland. RCMP corporal Liz MacDonald–an obsessive, ambitious, rookie detective was kicked off a case for beating a suspect. She fits the victim profile perfectly. Young, good-looking, blond long distance runner. She also happens to be convinced that these disappearances are linked to the severed feet. Liz and Jack team up to catch a sadistic serial killer before he catches them.
219 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 11, 2015
42 people want to read
About the author
Fraser C. Heston
1 book11 followersFRASER C. HESTON, has written, produced and directed numerous feature motion pictures including TREASURE ISLAND, Steven King’s NEEDFUL THINGS, ALASKA, and the award-winning documentary THE SEARCH FOR MICHAEL ROCKEFELLER. Fraser lived for many years in British Columbia and currently resides in Los Angeles.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
September 5, 2020
Based on evidence from unsolved cases, authors Heston and McAdams create a compelling, terrifying story of serial murders in the islands of British Columbia in Canada. Fifteen human feet have been found since 2007 along the shores of Washington State and British Columbia--this is the creepy truth on which the fictional crime story is built. I had to read this book.
The authors ran with the truth and constructed a magnificent, nail-biting story told from the points of view of retired detective Jack Harris and RCMP Media Liaison Liz MacDonald. Memorable characters, deft dialogue, and moody setting make this book a fast thrill ride.
Thank you, Linda, for recommending this book. You were so right.
The authors ran with the truth and constructed a magnificent, nail-biting story told from the points of view of retired detective Jack Harris and RCMP Media Liaison Liz MacDonald. Memorable characters, deft dialogue, and moody setting make this book a fast thrill ride.
Thank you, Linda, for recommending this book. You were so right.
July 30, 2015
This is the best book I've read in a long time.
August 29, 2015
I was more than a little intrigued when I read the synopsis. Thankfully, I was not disappointed. Our team of Heston & McAdams have a definite winner here & I truly hope they’ll keep this going as a series. For me, a huge plus was having the plot involve the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
Too often, authors stick with American police procedures & FBI storylines. It was a refreshing change to read about the efficiency of the RCMP & how their laws differ from those here in the US. I have to give bonus points for an excellent female lead as well. Corporal MacDonald is not afraid to show off her brain power & athleticism. Even though her job title is officially a Media liason, she was not shy about asking for additional work & definitely not afraid to break a nail. She remains feminine but still a policewoman through & through.
Jack Harris is perfectly imperfect. He’s upfront about his personal demons & sticks his neck out for the RCMP although he didn’t have to do so. Despite being from the US & retired, he tries to remain respectfully within the bounds of those working, currently in law enforcement. Sure, he takes a little creative liberty here & there, but for the most part, he does try to be a law-abiding citizen.
As nutty as this may sound, I enjoyed the severed foot storyline. Gruesome, yes, & morbid, but very unique! It’s not often that a thriller/mystery has only a single body part to go off of & no sign of the rest of the body. Readers will be intrigued with this aspect until the very end.
My only complaint was that the book wasn’t long enough! That’s something I rarely say. But, for its brevity, our authors worked with a limited cast of characters-all important to the plot- that gave us enough evidence to solve the mystery on our own (maybe). I was back & forth until the final chapter.
I will be looking for a sequel. I recommend you give this one a try. It’s a 5 star rating from me.
Too often, authors stick with American police procedures & FBI storylines. It was a refreshing change to read about the efficiency of the RCMP & how their laws differ from those here in the US. I have to give bonus points for an excellent female lead as well. Corporal MacDonald is not afraid to show off her brain power & athleticism. Even though her job title is officially a Media liason, she was not shy about asking for additional work & definitely not afraid to break a nail. She remains feminine but still a policewoman through & through.
Jack Harris is perfectly imperfect. He’s upfront about his personal demons & sticks his neck out for the RCMP although he didn’t have to do so. Despite being from the US & retired, he tries to remain respectfully within the bounds of those working, currently in law enforcement. Sure, he takes a little creative liberty here & there, but for the most part, he does try to be a law-abiding citizen.
As nutty as this may sound, I enjoyed the severed foot storyline. Gruesome, yes, & morbid, but very unique! It’s not often that a thriller/mystery has only a single body part to go off of & no sign of the rest of the body. Readers will be intrigued with this aspect until the very end.
My only complaint was that the book wasn’t long enough! That’s something I rarely say. But, for its brevity, our authors worked with a limited cast of characters-all important to the plot- that gave us enough evidence to solve the mystery on our own (maybe). I was back & forth until the final chapter.
I will be looking for a sequel. I recommend you give this one a try. It’s a 5 star rating from me.
December 9, 2015
As a Canadian, I was completely fascinated, curious and horrified when news trickled out about severed feet washing up on West Coast shores.
So, I was eager to read Desolation Sound, and the book did not disappoint.
Having two authors writing the same book, I certainly didn’t feel the story was disjointed in any way. It was a compelling read that kept me guessing from start to finish.
Both authors set a dark, moody tone that was carried throughout the entire book. I spent 3 months backpacking through Vancouver, Vancouver Island, and Salt Springs Island one summer so I know the locale fairly well and was immediately transported back there.
But even for people who have never been there, it would not be difficult to imagine yourself in the dark forests of Stanley Park or the rocky shorelines of the Pacific Northwest.
And then, there are the feet.
Such a gruesome discovery, even in fiction, but I think the authors were able to shed a little light on the macabre details without making me want to put the book down. In fact, I raced through it from cover to cover, staying up late a few nights just to find out the outcome between RCMP corporal Liz MacDonald, her fellow RCMP detectives and the suspects.
It’s hard to surprise an avid reader, but I can honestly say I didn't see the ending coming. Just when I thought the story was wrapped up, the authors surprised me one final twist that shows they had me wrapped around their little fingers.
I can only hope they continue their partnership and give this new fan of theirs another Northwest Noir with corporal Liz Macdonald at the forefront.
So, I was eager to read Desolation Sound, and the book did not disappoint.
Having two authors writing the same book, I certainly didn’t feel the story was disjointed in any way. It was a compelling read that kept me guessing from start to finish.
Both authors set a dark, moody tone that was carried throughout the entire book. I spent 3 months backpacking through Vancouver, Vancouver Island, and Salt Springs Island one summer so I know the locale fairly well and was immediately transported back there.
But even for people who have never been there, it would not be difficult to imagine yourself in the dark forests of Stanley Park or the rocky shorelines of the Pacific Northwest.
And then, there are the feet.
Such a gruesome discovery, even in fiction, but I think the authors were able to shed a little light on the macabre details without making me want to put the book down. In fact, I raced through it from cover to cover, staying up late a few nights just to find out the outcome between RCMP corporal Liz MacDonald, her fellow RCMP detectives and the suspects.
It’s hard to surprise an avid reader, but I can honestly say I didn't see the ending coming. Just when I thought the story was wrapped up, the authors surprised me one final twist that shows they had me wrapped around their little fingers.
I can only hope they continue their partnership and give this new fan of theirs another Northwest Noir with corporal Liz Macdonald at the forefront.
September 29, 2015
Desolation Sound is a captivating mystery based on a true story that is just crying to be made into a movie. The novel itself reads like a movie script and is a graphic look at the dark side of human nature. Masterfully rendered by authors Fraser Heston and Heather McAdams the narrative takes the reader to a fog shrouded Pacific Northwest island where over a dozen running shoe clad severed feet have turned up at various intervals over the past eight years and the Mounties don’t seem to see it as the work of a deranged and brutal serial killer but as multiple “suicides”. (Sort of like being shot in the head multiple times and having your death declared a suicide).
For those who enjoy a trip to the dark side, these authors pull no punches fashioning a thriller that doesn’t let up until its gripping resolution. Crime scenes and situations are graphic with the complex cast of players offering a number of possibilities as to the identity of the killer, the terror is tangible and the motives unusual.
Now on to the prospect of a movie based on the book. I see Damian Lewis as the determined, alcohol soaked former American cop Jack Harris, Ray Liotta as Knifeblade Bob, James Marsden or Rupert Friend as William Timmons, Michael Biehn as Frank Richards, Sarah Michelle Geller or Claire Danes as Liz MacDonald, and Ryan Phillippe as Doug Fouche. The book is a taut thriller that offers a quick read so it should take you no time at all to gobble it up and see if you agree with my casting choices.
For those who enjoy a trip to the dark side, these authors pull no punches fashioning a thriller that doesn’t let up until its gripping resolution. Crime scenes and situations are graphic with the complex cast of players offering a number of possibilities as to the identity of the killer, the terror is tangible and the motives unusual.
Now on to the prospect of a movie based on the book. I see Damian Lewis as the determined, alcohol soaked former American cop Jack Harris, Ray Liotta as Knifeblade Bob, James Marsden or Rupert Friend as William Timmons, Michael Biehn as Frank Richards, Sarah Michelle Geller or Claire Danes as Liz MacDonald, and Ryan Phillippe as Doug Fouche. The book is a taut thriller that offers a quick read so it should take you no time at all to gobble it up and see if you agree with my casting choices.
August 29, 2015
Desolation Sound is a captivating whodunit where the “who” is not merely a murderer but apparently a psychopathic serial killer. More than captivating, it’s hard to put down once started.
The seed for this fictional mystery lies in a weird actual occurrence. Since August, 2007, fifteen running shoes containing disarticulated human feet have washed up on Pacific Northwest beaches. Not crudely sawed off but rather separated by skillful surgery or the work of underwater scavengers over a lengthy period of time. Far too many for the Royal Canadian Mounted Police position of no foul play detected.
Enter authors Heston and McAdams with a creative story of what might have happened. Coming on the heels of the pig farmer serial killings just east of Vancouver, their version seems far more plausible than the official RCMP position. In fact, the story is so engrossing one gets caught up in believing it to be the real explanation. If the actual mystery is ever solved, it will be interesting to see how close the authors came.
Desolation Sound is being developed into a movie and the authors use of the present point of view throughout the book seems to pave the way to a screenplay. Some might find this unusual for a mystery, however, it keeps the story moving at a great pace. It is a well-written, intriguing interpretation of what might have caused the missing feet and it will keep you turning pages to the surprising end.
The seed for this fictional mystery lies in a weird actual occurrence. Since August, 2007, fifteen running shoes containing disarticulated human feet have washed up on Pacific Northwest beaches. Not crudely sawed off but rather separated by skillful surgery or the work of underwater scavengers over a lengthy period of time. Far too many for the Royal Canadian Mounted Police position of no foul play detected.
Enter authors Heston and McAdams with a creative story of what might have happened. Coming on the heels of the pig farmer serial killings just east of Vancouver, their version seems far more plausible than the official RCMP position. In fact, the story is so engrossing one gets caught up in believing it to be the real explanation. If the actual mystery is ever solved, it will be interesting to see how close the authors came.
Desolation Sound is being developed into a movie and the authors use of the present point of view throughout the book seems to pave the way to a screenplay. Some might find this unusual for a mystery, however, it keeps the story moving at a great pace. It is a well-written, intriguing interpretation of what might have caused the missing feet and it will keep you turning pages to the surprising end.
August 3, 2015
This novel certainly has a lot of twists and turns and just as you think you know who the serial killer is------oops I was wrong and it will shock you!! The Royal Canadian Mounted Police are known for "always getting their man" But are they even really looking for him. So many missing girls--22 of them blond, young and runners--Then there are the feet that keep being found in its shoe-no bodies-just the feet and shoe!
It takes the combined force of Jack Harris, an ex Seattle homicide detective and a young Canadian RCMP rookie, Liz McDonald to finally fit all of the pieces together without the help of her fellow officers.
It took me no time at all to read this book-thinking it was totally fictional then on the last page a note from the author-it seems that there is actually a severed feet mystery--although the story itself is fictional-the mystery has yet to be solved!
Desolation Sound
It takes the combined force of Jack Harris, an ex Seattle homicide detective and a young Canadian RCMP rookie, Liz McDonald to finally fit all of the pieces together without the help of her fellow officers.
It took me no time at all to read this book-thinking it was totally fictional then on the last page a note from the author-it seems that there is actually a severed feet mystery--although the story itself is fictional-the mystery has yet to be solved!
Desolation Sound
July 30, 2018
I bought this book after reading the real-life phenomena of feet in shoes turning up on the Pacific NW coast, but this book is really terrible. I was suffering through a lot of typical male-fantasty-mystery-novel gross objectification of women but I absolutely noped right out when the grizzled retire male cop with a history of problems and a drinking problem succeeded with the pretty young ambitious newbie cop. That's such a boring and overused trope. I don't even care to finish the book and find out who the killer is. Waste of money.
September 2, 2015
Original Post: http://www.nerdprobs.com/books/book-r...
'Desolation Sound' is a terrifying twisted game of cat and mouse with a psychopathic serial killer ready to keep the police guessing. Fraser C. Heston and Heather J. McAdams teamed up on this captivating story and did not disappoint. I enjoyed this book more than I was expecting, which is always a pleasant surprise. The story follows ex-Seattle homicide detective Jack Harris and RCMP corporal, Liz MacDonald as they try and solve the case of feet washing up on the shores in the misty British Columbia. These are not just any feet though. They are feet from about 22 missing runners (all blondes!), not all feet found yet, that RCMP have been brushing off as wash ups from suicides. One foot, maybe. Two feet, I might buy it. But 14 feet and 22 missing runners? Doubtful in my opinion!
The story takes you on a roller coaster ride of ups and downs while Liz and Jack fend off some obvious chemistry all while chasing some pretty gruesome scenes and interview some interesting characters. What I found the most exhilarating was at the end... turns out this is based on real life events. Events still left unsolved. Real crime! Heston and McAdams did a fantastic job of developing characters and connections in the short span of this book. My only disappointment was the length of the book. It felt like some of the book was rushed to fit into the tight confines of this novel. I would have preferred maybe 30-40 more pages filled with more backstory, details, and scenes that needed more time to play out.
With that said, the ending was a complete shocker. I love when an author can keep me guessing the entire time and still surprise me at the end. That's talent! Heston and McAdams proved to be a dangerous duo in drawing me in while making me want more. I mean... come on! I wanted MORE book! That has to be a compliment. If you are into murder/mysteries with a twist of reality embedded in the story, then pick up 'Desolation Sound'. It is a riveting tale of a psychopathic serial killers reign of terror. You will not be disappointed. Four out of five stars happily awarded! Good read!
'Desolation Sound' is a terrifying twisted game of cat and mouse with a psychopathic serial killer ready to keep the police guessing. Fraser C. Heston and Heather J. McAdams teamed up on this captivating story and did not disappoint. I enjoyed this book more than I was expecting, which is always a pleasant surprise. The story follows ex-Seattle homicide detective Jack Harris and RCMP corporal, Liz MacDonald as they try and solve the case of feet washing up on the shores in the misty British Columbia. These are not just any feet though. They are feet from about 22 missing runners (all blondes!), not all feet found yet, that RCMP have been brushing off as wash ups from suicides. One foot, maybe. Two feet, I might buy it. But 14 feet and 22 missing runners? Doubtful in my opinion!
The story takes you on a roller coaster ride of ups and downs while Liz and Jack fend off some obvious chemistry all while chasing some pretty gruesome scenes and interview some interesting characters. What I found the most exhilarating was at the end... turns out this is based on real life events. Events still left unsolved. Real crime! Heston and McAdams did a fantastic job of developing characters and connections in the short span of this book. My only disappointment was the length of the book. It felt like some of the book was rushed to fit into the tight confines of this novel. I would have preferred maybe 30-40 more pages filled with more backstory, details, and scenes that needed more time to play out.
With that said, the ending was a complete shocker. I love when an author can keep me guessing the entire time and still surprise me at the end. That's talent! Heston and McAdams proved to be a dangerous duo in drawing me in while making me want more. I mean... come on! I wanted MORE book! That has to be a compliment. If you are into murder/mysteries with a twist of reality embedded in the story, then pick up 'Desolation Sound'. It is a riveting tale of a psychopathic serial killers reign of terror. You will not be disappointed. Four out of five stars happily awarded! Good read!
November 19, 2016
Burned through to the end
This suspenseful story held this reader's attention from beginning to end. The writing style is spare, staccato, and informal with the rhythms of spoken language, which leads to a wildfire read. This genre is not what I usually read, but once the cover was opened, I wanted to know what would happen next. I believed in the characters and clearly imagined the settings from the information provided. When the book ended, I felt satisfied. This is a spellbinding story with an unforeseen ending! I would recommend it to anyone who wants to be truly entertained
This suspenseful story held this reader's attention from beginning to end. The writing style is spare, staccato, and informal with the rhythms of spoken language, which leads to a wildfire read. This genre is not what I usually read, but once the cover was opened, I wanted to know what would happen next. I believed in the characters and clearly imagined the settings from the information provided. When the book ended, I felt satisfied. This is a spellbinding story with an unforeseen ending! I would recommend it to anyone who wants to be truly entertained
October 1, 2019
I received this book for a honest review.
I found this book good in some parts and bad in other parts. I think what really sold me on the book was the fact it took place in Vancouver and was about those mysterious feet in runners that show up ever now and then.
I found this book good in some parts and bad in other parts. I think what really sold me on the book was the fact it took place in Vancouver and was about those mysterious feet in runners that show up ever now and then.
September 9, 2015
I guess I'm the only one that found this book underwhelming and predictable.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews