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David and Martin Yerxa #1
Founders' Keeper
Four are dead in five days, including a young U.S. senator. The methods of execution are varied and horrific, and the messages left behind point to a serial killer obsessed with the United States Constitution and the nation's Founding Fathers.
The FBI assigns its best man to the investigation. But while Special Agent David Yerxa chases those responsible for the murders, his own demons are chasing him.
With the help of his father - semi-retired FBI legend Martin Yerxa - David must wrestle with ghosts, both past and present, in order to untangle the murderer's motives, solve a mystery, and prevent a national catastrophe.
Stretching from the Deep South to New England and featuring a dose of true American history, Founders' Keeper is a tense psychological thriller that pulses from start to finish.
The FBI assigns its best man to the investigation. But while Special Agent David Yerxa chases those responsible for the murders, his own demons are chasing him.
With the help of his father - semi-retired FBI legend Martin Yerxa - David must wrestle with ghosts, both past and present, in order to untangle the murderer's motives, solve a mystery, and prevent a national catastrophe.
Stretching from the Deep South to New England and featuring a dose of true American history, Founders' Keeper is a tense psychological thriller that pulses from start to finish.
361 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 17, 2015
655 people are currently reading
722 people want to read
About the author
Ed Markham
4 books23 followersI'm originally from Birmingham, Mich., a suburb of Detroit. These days I live in Philadelphia with my wife and son.
I work full time as a freelance magazine writer and editor, but my nights and weekends are devoted to David and Martin Yerxa and the other characters you'll find in my thrillers. I hope you enjoy the time you spend with them as much as I have.
I work full time as a freelance magazine writer and editor, but my nights and weekends are devoted to David and Martin Yerxa and the other characters you'll find in my thrillers. I hope you enjoy the time you spend with them as much as I have.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews
March 26, 2017
Excellent story,
Ed Markham tells very good story. Serial killer is obsessed with the U.S. Constitution and founding fathers. Far right groups, what's been in the headlines in the past year and now. Daily fuel being thrown on the fire. Could something like this happen? Dangers of bipartisanship and extremism.
FBI Agent David Yerxa and semi-retired father assigned to capturing this serial killer called "Colony killer."
Learned many things.
Tetrodotoxin is found in the Puffer fish liver.
John Philip Sousa wrote Star and Stripes, also Semper Fidelis.
Constitution was signed September 17, 1787.
Sorry I'm naturalized citizen, did visited Philadelphia long time ago but forgot.
Ed Markham tells very good story. Serial killer is obsessed with the U.S. Constitution and founding fathers. Far right groups, what's been in the headlines in the past year and now. Daily fuel being thrown on the fire. Could something like this happen? Dangers of bipartisanship and extremism.
FBI Agent David Yerxa and semi-retired father assigned to capturing this serial killer called "Colony killer."
Learned many things.
Tetrodotoxin is found in the Puffer fish liver.
John Philip Sousa wrote Star and Stripes, also Semper Fidelis.
Constitution was signed September 17, 1787.
Sorry I'm naturalized citizen, did visited Philadelphia long time ago but forgot.
July 12, 2016
Wow! This is a wonderfully engrossing story full of surprises and suspense. I'm shocked that this is a self-published book. This would make a good movie. This is well worth your time and money. A thoroughly enjoyable fast paced book with romance and a father/son team that has it's own issues to work out in the midst of a series of murders with politically motivated clues. The sole flaw in my opinion is what motivates the main character David in his FBI missions. That didn't seem feasible. Nonetheless, that is a minor flaw in a very well finished product.
March 29, 2017
This book was a nice surprise after some of the clinkers i've been reading lately. This is just a good, solid political thriller that fits right in with the crazy climate of today's politics. A serial killer is busy leaving a trail of bodies with little messages from the founding fathers written on pieces of skin attached. Oh, and pieces of rattlesnake as in the "don't tread on me" flag of the revolution. Throw in a tea party type leader who is somehow involved and you have an interesting story. The hero/heroes of the book, an FBI father-son team and some other nice characters and you have a pretty damn good book. Finally, a free book i don't feel like i wasted my time reading!
March 31, 2016
I was surprised at how much I loved Founders' Keeper considering I have never been big on political books. It was such a page turner! Each chapter ending felt like a major cliffhanger making it so I did not want to put it down!
People are getting murdered and messages are being left at the crime scenes. The killer is moving from state to state along the path of the original 13 states. But why? And who?
This book was fast paced, full of history, action, mystery, and intrigue, it was wonderful! I really enjoy books that have to do with any type of history and Founders' Keeper brought it in spades. I was in shock by the ending, I really did not see that coming!
There was a lot of details and a lot happening, but the writing was done to perfection so I never got confused. I think that's why I have never been big for political crime books, because they can be very confusing. Not this one, I loved it!...Stormi
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People are getting murdered and messages are being left at the crime scenes. The killer is moving from state to state along the path of the original 13 states. But why? And who?
This book was fast paced, full of history, action, mystery, and intrigue, it was wonderful! I really enjoy books that have to do with any type of history and Founders' Keeper brought it in spades. I was in shock by the ending, I really did not see that coming!
There was a lot of details and a lot happening, but the writing was done to perfection so I never got confused. I think that's why I have never been big for political crime books, because they can be very confusing. Not this one, I loved it!...Stormi
http://www.boundlessbookreviews.com
https://www.facebook.com/BBReviews
March 19, 2017
GREAT!!!!
The beginning of the book leaves one with the impression of "what am I getting in to?" If you keep reading, you soon discover (or should discover) the reason for such a gruesome beginning to the book. Then, all of a sudden, you are trapped and can't wait to see what is going to happen next. The story flows seamlessly to the gripping ending. I thought I had figured out the ending, but, discovered there was more to the ending than I thought. A great thriller and mystery!!!
The beginning of the book leaves one with the impression of "what am I getting in to?" If you keep reading, you soon discover (or should discover) the reason for such a gruesome beginning to the book. Then, all of a sudden, you are trapped and can't wait to see what is going to happen next. The story flows seamlessly to the gripping ending. I thought I had figured out the ending, but, discovered there was more to the ending than I thought. A great thriller and mystery!!!
November 15, 2016
FOUNDERS' KEEPER
This is a wonderful political thriller, there is a little romance and some very violent murders. Overall it's a very good read, with a little history thrown in.
This is a wonderful political thriller, there is a little romance and some very violent murders. Overall it's a very good read, with a little history thrown in.
December 7, 2018
Chesapeake Bay Bridge. Late at night Senator Dennis “Deke” Jacobsen (husband, John Hopkins U) came across a woman lying in the road.
Deke got out the car & looked she was still alive when he was talking to her.
BANG! He was shot.
She wasn’t done yet.
With a rope around his neck Deke was told to jump.
FBI SA David Yerxa (son) was called in to investigate the murder.
FBI Director Carl Wainbridge (A/A, David’s section chief/direct superior) assigned FBI SA Lauren Carnicero to help with the investigation.
Others on the team are: FBI SA Frank Barrett (operator), Martin Yerxa (father, semi-retired FBI SA), & Omar Ghafari (25, CITU, cell/digital data analyst).
FBI SA Yerxa & FBI SA Carnicero went to see Gene Lott (ME).
Rebecca Aronson (35, attorney) & Harmon Hill (millionaire philanthropist) bodies had been found at a farmhouse.
They had been poisoned.
The Speaker of the House Lynn Farnsworth (R) had been shot in throat by a protestor.
Glover’s Ditch. Mitchell Cosgrove (51, Milton Water Department Head) was the next to be killed.
FBI SA Carnicero, & FBI SA Yerxa were staring to piece the murder cases together.
The news media labeled the murderer the Colony Killer.
Will the murderer be caught & finally brought to justice?
Warning: This book contains extremely graphic adult content, violence, or expletive language &/or uncensored sexually explicit material which is only suitable for mature readers. It may be offensive or have potential adverse psychological effects on the reader.
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written Thriller book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a huge set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great Thriller movie, or better yet a mini TV series. There is no doubt in my mind this is a very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free author; DailyFreeBooks; Amazon Digital Services LLC.; book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
Deke got out the car & looked she was still alive when he was talking to her.
BANG! He was shot.
She wasn’t done yet.
With a rope around his neck Deke was told to jump.
FBI SA David Yerxa (son) was called in to investigate the murder.
FBI Director Carl Wainbridge (A/A, David’s section chief/direct superior) assigned FBI SA Lauren Carnicero to help with the investigation.
Others on the team are: FBI SA Frank Barrett (operator), Martin Yerxa (father, semi-retired FBI SA), & Omar Ghafari (25, CITU, cell/digital data analyst).
FBI SA Yerxa & FBI SA Carnicero went to see Gene Lott (ME).
Rebecca Aronson (35, attorney) & Harmon Hill (millionaire philanthropist) bodies had been found at a farmhouse.
They had been poisoned.
The Speaker of the House Lynn Farnsworth (R) had been shot in throat by a protestor.
Glover’s Ditch. Mitchell Cosgrove (51, Milton Water Department Head) was the next to be killed.
FBI SA Carnicero, & FBI SA Yerxa were staring to piece the murder cases together.
The news media labeled the murderer the Colony Killer.
Will the murderer be caught & finally brought to justice?
Warning: This book contains extremely graphic adult content, violence, or expletive language &/or uncensored sexually explicit material which is only suitable for mature readers. It may be offensive or have potential adverse psychological effects on the reader.
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written Thriller book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a huge set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great Thriller movie, or better yet a mini TV series. There is no doubt in my mind this is a very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free author; DailyFreeBooks; Amazon Digital Services LLC.; book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
May 11, 2017
Founders' Keeper is a good book, with a plot that kept moving, a nice level of suspense and a believable twist that I didn't see coming. I just hope the author finds a better editor for future books. As I was trying to set aside my irritation at the many errors sprinkled throughout the book and just enjoy the ending, I found that someone had "diffused" a bomb. Unless they spread the bomb out instead of defusing it, I don't think that's the correct word. Then in the last couple of pages, "they'll be movies made..." They'll be movies? Maybe "There'll" or "There will..." These ridiculous errors and spelling mistakes are too frequent. Perhaps I'm being picky. I know the author is focusing more on plowing through and building his story, so maybe he doesn't see such errors. I know how that can happen when you're writing. But where are the editors?
With all of that said, if you don't get irritated by such things, then the story itself is a good one. It was an enjoyable book overall.
With all of that said, if you don't get irritated by such things, then the story itself is a good one. It was an enjoyable book overall.
June 11, 2017
An enjoyable, well-paced thriller with an interesting premise, a surprise twist at the end and some interesting information about American history to boot. The characters were engaging and the tension between the father and son FBI agents - personal as well as generational where the job was concerned - was well handled.
Note for fixing in any future editions: The terms "bipartisan/bipartisanship," which means the parties are working together to get things done, was incorrectly used in three out of five places (Chapters 24, 37 and 41), when the author meant "partisanship," its opposite.
Note for fixing in any future editions: The terms "bipartisan/bipartisanship," which means the parties are working together to get things done, was incorrectly used in three out of five places (Chapters 24, 37 and 41), when the author meant "partisanship," its opposite.
December 2, 2017
WOW!
WOW! What an exciting read! I was not familiar with this author, but I received this book as a freebie. After reading the first few pages, I could not put it down! The characters are real and very well developed. They become friends by the end of the story. The plot is really thrilling and keeps you at the edge of your easy chair till the big twist at the end. You never see it coming! Anyone who enjoys a really exciting get your heart pumping in high gear thriller will absolutely love this one! Do yourself a favor...do NOT miss this one!
WOW! What an exciting read! I was not familiar with this author, but I received this book as a freebie. After reading the first few pages, I could not put it down! The characters are real and very well developed. They become friends by the end of the story. The plot is really thrilling and keeps you at the edge of your easy chair till the big twist at the end. You never see it coming! Anyone who enjoys a really exciting get your heart pumping in high gear thriller will absolutely love this one! Do yourself a favor...do NOT miss this one!
January 19, 2018
Downloaded this as a bit of a change and was hooked! Despite not being American and knowing next to nothing about the constitution I found it exciting and not too complicated as I’d feared. Certainly didn’t figure out the ‘who dunnit’! I was very surprised to read at the end that it was self published, will certainly be reading more of this series, though after recovering from the book hangover this has left me with.
May 14, 2018
Interesting and unfortunately believable
This was more political than I had expected. I was looking for a thriller with lots of action and detective work with some History included. What I got was more an examination of the country today and how it’s divided not just on party lines but also on ideological lines. Not what I was looking for. I can get the same message from the newspaper and the TV. A once read.
This was more political than I had expected. I was looking for a thriller with lots of action and detective work with some History included. What I got was more an examination of the country today and how it’s divided not just on party lines but also on ideological lines. Not what I was looking for. I can get the same message from the newspaper and the TV. A once read.
August 15, 2025
Engaging thriller/mystery with a interesting premise that got me hooked right at the beginning (rare for me these days). Intriguing psychological exploration of the villian, though quite dark and very gruesome. Only complaint is that the writing was a bit clumsy at times and the plot dragged a little once or twice, but when I found out at the end it was self-published, that made more sense. Overall a good read.
May 29, 2017
Fantastic!
I could say that for a self-published book, this is good. That wouldn't do this justice. I would never have known it, if not for the author's note at the end of the book! This was gripping, fast-paced, well edited, and just an all-around GOOD BOOK! I will definitely be looking for more from this author! A new favorite!
I could say that for a self-published book, this is good. That wouldn't do this justice. I would never have known it, if not for the author's note at the end of the book! This was gripping, fast-paced, well edited, and just an all-around GOOD BOOK! I will definitely be looking for more from this author! A new favorite!
September 23, 2017
A gripping thriller with more than one sting in the tail. The central characters have depth and are well drawn, though I am not convinced by the idea of a "semi-retired" FBI agent who is brought back in to assist his son. A turn-off for me is the excessive use of the F word by just about every character in the book. It gets tedious, and is lazy writing.
June 8, 2018
I really liked this book. The characters are believable and a little different. The lead's habits are similar to someone with Asperger but there isn't an indication that he has it. I guess it's just his personality. Markham also threw in a secret about him that was unexpected. The plot is rational and had twists and turns. This is a good book.
October 29, 2018
Very good read. Comparable to Patterson and Demille. I highly recommend it as a good read, with fast action, plot twists and heroes you can get behind.
Very good read. Comparable to Patterson and Demille. I highly recommend it as a good read, with fast action, plot twists and heroes you can get behind.
Very good read. Comparable to Patterson and Demille. I highly recommend it as a good read, with fast action, plot twists and heroes you can get behind.
June 24, 2017
An average read, but I'll give it a 3.25 for the references to the constitution. Too few in our country have knowledge and understanding of that great document. Hopefully, this will encourage some to do a little research.
November 9, 2017
Excellent read
This is the first book I've read by Ed Markham, and it won't be my last. He is a natural story teller, and the banter between Agents Yerxa is amazing. If you enjoy political intrigue, thrillers, and government plots, this is definitely the book for you.
This is the first book I've read by Ed Markham, and it won't be my last. He is a natural story teller, and the banter between Agents Yerxa is amazing. If you enjoy political intrigue, thrillers, and government plots, this is definitely the book for you.
December 21, 2017
Good read
This was a pretty good read. Kept your interest and the author did not repeat himself about what happens in the story. To many authors keep going to fact given at first and keep repeating these facts throughout the book. I would recommend reading this book.
This was a pretty good read. Kept your interest and the author did not repeat himself about what happens in the story. To many authors keep going to fact given at first and keep repeating these facts throughout the book. I would recommend reading this book.
February 6, 2018
Great Read
Lots of action....and quite a bit of gore. This book moves along quickly with good character development and an unusual plot line. I enjoyed the bits of early American history included throughout. I have already started reading the second in this series.
Lots of action....and quite a bit of gore. This book moves along quickly with good character development and an unusual plot line. I enjoyed the bits of early American history included throughout. I have already started reading the second in this series.
February 22, 2018
Good story
This was a good story. It starts out fast and keeps the pace up throughout the book. I couldn’t put it down and read it every minute I could. The writing is well done, and I would read more from this author for sure.
This was a good story. It starts out fast and keeps the pace up throughout the book. I couldn’t put it down and read it every minute I could. The writing is well done, and I would read more from this author for sure.
March 1, 2024
Terrific Story
This was a great read, kept me engaged from beginning to end (and kept me on my elliptical longer) and was a very satisfying story. I look forward to reading more from this author.
This was a great read, kept me engaged from beginning to end (and kept me on my elliptical longer) and was a very satisfying story. I look forward to reading more from this author.
March 19, 2017
very good
March 20, 2017
Good book. I liked learning bits and pieces about our constitution.
March 21, 2017
Founders Keeper
Excellent characters, good plot, not too paranoid, twisty enough to last through the ending but did telegraph the bad guy.
Excellent characters, good plot, not too paranoid, twisty enough to last through the ending but did telegraph the bad guy.
March 21, 2017
Great read
Well written and well researched. Could not put down, will be reading more of your books keep the books coming.
Well written and well researched. Could not put down, will be reading more of your books keep the books coming.
May 16, 2017
Well I'll be a Son of a Gun
Interesting characters, great movement of the storyline. Eerily realistic in that the setting is topical. Read this on a whim and I am very happy I did.
Interesting characters, great movement of the storyline. Eerily realistic in that the setting is topical. Read this on a whim and I am very happy I did.
May 21, 2017
Wow...looked like the typical volume for this genre but what a surprise. Love his writing style
May 31, 2017
Nice read. Interesting twist at the end.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews