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Red Rain #2
Lightning Strikes
John Hilt’s problem is growing; he can’t stop killing. His dead friend, Harry, absolutely loves it.
John, lost in his murderous obsession, doesn’t see the world collapsing around him. Police officers Alan Tremock and Susan Merchent think they found their man and will do anything to take him down. They're connecting the dots, and realizing wherever John Hilt goes, people die.
Only one issue, though: Harry wants John to kill them, too.
John, lost in his murderous obsession, doesn’t see the world collapsing around him. Police officers Alan Tremock and Susan Merchent think they found their man and will do anything to take him down. They're connecting the dots, and realizing wherever John Hilt goes, people die.
Only one issue, though: Harry wants John to kill them, too.
202 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 25, 2016
144 people are currently reading
40 people want to read
About the author
David Beers
74 books215 followersI used to deliver pizza. I was pretty good at it, too. I mean, it's not that hard, but if I'm not going to brag, who is, right? Anyways, so I'm delivering pizza while I'm in college, and my boss has been in the pizza industry like six years. He's supposed to graduate from college this year, and I ask him, what are you going to do after college? We're all supposed to go out and conquer the world right after college, so this guy has to have some kind of plan.
He looked at me like I was delusional.
"I'm a writer, man."
Those four words changed my life more so than anything else ever spoken to me.
I'd always written, since I was twelve participating in online-wrestling forums in which you acted out your character. I wrote because it came naturally. Never once, in the entirety of my nineteen years did I think that writing could be a career though, until a Pizza Sage said those four words to me.
So what did I do? I went home and wrote a short story and immediately understood that I was the greatest writer to ever touch a keyboard. I brought it to the Pizza Sage and he told me what anyone could have told me--it was horrible. I might be dumb, probably am, but I'm also tenacious.
I spent the next seven years writing almost every day. My first novel grew to the length of 40,000 words, then I threw it away. My second novel grew to 140,000 words. I didn't throw it away, but it was rejected about 50 times by agents. My next novel ended up at around 55,000 words, which I showed to a few friends and shelved. Then I wrote Dead Religion, which is the only reason I have an author page at Amazon.
I have had four short stories published, paid and unpaid. 'Effects May Vary' won an award that was voted on by readers, which was pretty cool.
I'm currently getting my Masters in Business at the University of Georgia's Terry School of Business. I'm doing this in order to not deliver pizzas but still keep the lights on. I have a girlfriend who will soon be my fiancé, and after ten years, I imagine she's ready for that title.
I want to own a yacht.
He looked at me like I was delusional.
"I'm a writer, man."
Those four words changed my life more so than anything else ever spoken to me.
I'd always written, since I was twelve participating in online-wrestling forums in which you acted out your character. I wrote because it came naturally. Never once, in the entirety of my nineteen years did I think that writing could be a career though, until a Pizza Sage said those four words to me.
So what did I do? I went home and wrote a short story and immediately understood that I was the greatest writer to ever touch a keyboard. I brought it to the Pizza Sage and he told me what anyone could have told me--it was horrible. I might be dumb, probably am, but I'm also tenacious.
I spent the next seven years writing almost every day. My first novel grew to the length of 40,000 words, then I threw it away. My second novel grew to 140,000 words. I didn't throw it away, but it was rejected about 50 times by agents. My next novel ended up at around 55,000 words, which I showed to a few friends and shelved. Then I wrote Dead Religion, which is the only reason I have an author page at Amazon.
I have had four short stories published, paid and unpaid. 'Effects May Vary' won an award that was voted on by readers, which was pretty cool.
I'm currently getting my Masters in Business at the University of Georgia's Terry School of Business. I'm doing this in order to not deliver pizzas but still keep the lights on. I have a girlfriend who will soon be my fiancé, and after ten years, I imagine she's ready for that title.
I want to own a yacht.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
May 18, 2018
So, So, So Good!
David Beers Is a master of thrillers! He writes with a true genius and a storyline that truly makes one think. If you're a thriller fan, then his books are a goldmine of excellent quality writing. Don't let the fact that he puts his books out in series push you away. There is a reason why he does this - he is a thorough writer who will not put out a book until he can fully tell a story. Nothing is slapdash, it is all important for many reasons. I am so happy to have found his books and to find that he is a prodigious writer gives me a bit more time before I have to wait. As always, Happy Reads to All!
David Beers Is a master of thrillers! He writes with a true genius and a storyline that truly makes one think. If you're a thriller fan, then his books are a goldmine of excellent quality writing. Don't let the fact that he puts his books out in series push you away. There is a reason why he does this - he is a thorough writer who will not put out a book until he can fully tell a story. Nothing is slapdash, it is all important for many reasons. I am so happy to have found his books and to find that he is a prodigious writer gives me a bit more time before I have to wait. As always, Happy Reads to All!
June 28, 2017
This book was as compelling as the first, so I'm on to the third and last book in the trilogy. No matter how much I was hooked into and couldn't put down the first two books however, it will be the third book and how the story is ended that will make or break these first two, because after all, a trilogy can be accurately judged and assessed only as it as viewed in the reality of what it is: One book in three parts.
May 25, 2019
Great!
I totally enjoyed this 2nd book in the Red Rain Trilogy. I'm anxious to start the final book and see what happens to John. Will he go over the edge and commit suicide to stop himself? Will he be caught? If caught, will the officer investigating him arrest him....or kill him? How will John's father and sister handle the truth about John? I have all these questions and more! Starting the 3rd and final book now!!!
I totally enjoyed this 2nd book in the Red Rain Trilogy. I'm anxious to start the final book and see what happens to John. Will he go over the edge and commit suicide to stop himself? Will he be caught? If caught, will the officer investigating him arrest him....or kill him? How will John's father and sister handle the truth about John? I have all these questions and more! Starting the 3rd and final book now!!!
June 3, 2019
Terrifying Past
Part 2 of this story to me is more terrifying. I don't want to spoil anything for those that are still reading or just beginning to read this book. I really enjoyed delving deeper into John's psyche and learning his past. Now on to Part 3, I'm sure I won't be disappointed.
Part 2 of this story to me is more terrifying. I don't want to spoil anything for those that are still reading or just beginning to read this book. I really enjoyed delving deeper into John's psyche and learning his past. Now on to Part 3, I'm sure I won't be disappointed.
July 24, 2018
Not a pleasant story but interesting story of a mentally ill serial killer. Note: cliff-hanger.
July 25, 2016
"Perhaps God was a sadistic child and did this for fun."
That quote from Red Rain; Lightning Strikes keeps resonating through my mind. It's a concept I've thought of before, except perhaps not in those exact words. Now, how John will approach it further, and where it will ultimately go?
First of all, if you haven't read "Red Rain: Clouds Gathering". Stop now! Pick that up first, THEN come back to this review. I won't give spoilers for Part 2, but can't guarantee I won't accidentally give something away from Part 1.... Trust me, if you read Part 1, you've GOT to read Part 2!!!! If you haven't had a chance to read either yet, pick them both up and settle in for a wild journey. Seriously; you should buy them both. They are THAT good.
Let me preface this review by saying that John and Harry scare me. "All of them were alive, and he could make any one of them dead." They have me looking at people who I run into in my daily life, wondering how many of them have more than one person inside of their psyche? More than one driving force? How many of us are driven by impulses, by obsessions, addictions, that are hard to control and tough to deny? "I don't know how to make it stop," he says aloud. "What I did, what I've done ... I'm going to hurt everyone I love, one way or another." I doubt there's anyone out there, who hasn't felt this way at one time or another; but hopefully not to the extent that John feels this in Red Rain: Lighting Strikes. If they have... hopefully I'll never know. But... I think this statement helps to make John more easily identifiable; we may not like him, but we can try and understand him.
One of the things that I really enjoyed about this story, is the way that it truly sucked me in. The author has a way with words where I swear I can FEEL what the characters are going through. "...it felt like he was underwater in a frozen lake, pounding at the ice above him, and if he could just crack through, air awaited." I love descriptions like these. I don't even realize that I'm nearly holding my breath, as I'm racing through the pages trying to find out what is going to happen next, and worrying about what may. There are also a couple little inside tidbits in this novel that readers of Mr. Beers' other novels will recognize, and gave me little "aha!" moments, which pulled me further into this universe, fleshing out the story, giving it life. Lightning Strikes gives a gratifying amount of back story to Red Rain: Clouds Gathering, but also teases us with so many more questions. I was so involved in the story, that I didn't realize I had hit the end of the book, until I had tapped the final page, and my Kindle was asking for my rating, as I had hit the 100% mark. What? This can't be happening! NO! Please?!?
"I'm not sure what is real anymore." You and me both, John Hilt. You and me both. All I know, is that I NEED to read Part 3, and I hope it comes out soon. I want to learn more of the back story, and I've got to know how this is all going to end. I just hope we don't have to wait too long.
I was originally given a free or reduced copy of this book in exchange for an honest and impartial review. This has not influenced my review in any way, shape or form. .
That quote from Red Rain; Lightning Strikes keeps resonating through my mind. It's a concept I've thought of before, except perhaps not in those exact words. Now, how John will approach it further, and where it will ultimately go?
First of all, if you haven't read "Red Rain: Clouds Gathering". Stop now! Pick that up first, THEN come back to this review. I won't give spoilers for Part 2, but can't guarantee I won't accidentally give something away from Part 1.... Trust me, if you read Part 1, you've GOT to read Part 2!!!! If you haven't had a chance to read either yet, pick them both up and settle in for a wild journey. Seriously; you should buy them both. They are THAT good.
Let me preface this review by saying that John and Harry scare me. "All of them were alive, and he could make any one of them dead." They have me looking at people who I run into in my daily life, wondering how many of them have more than one person inside of their psyche? More than one driving force? How many of us are driven by impulses, by obsessions, addictions, that are hard to control and tough to deny? "I don't know how to make it stop," he says aloud. "What I did, what I've done ... I'm going to hurt everyone I love, one way or another." I doubt there's anyone out there, who hasn't felt this way at one time or another; but hopefully not to the extent that John feels this in Red Rain: Lighting Strikes. If they have... hopefully I'll never know. But... I think this statement helps to make John more easily identifiable; we may not like him, but we can try and understand him.
One of the things that I really enjoyed about this story, is the way that it truly sucked me in. The author has a way with words where I swear I can FEEL what the characters are going through. "...it felt like he was underwater in a frozen lake, pounding at the ice above him, and if he could just crack through, air awaited." I love descriptions like these. I don't even realize that I'm nearly holding my breath, as I'm racing through the pages trying to find out what is going to happen next, and worrying about what may. There are also a couple little inside tidbits in this novel that readers of Mr. Beers' other novels will recognize, and gave me little "aha!" moments, which pulled me further into this universe, fleshing out the story, giving it life. Lightning Strikes gives a gratifying amount of back story to Red Rain: Clouds Gathering, but also teases us with so many more questions. I was so involved in the story, that I didn't realize I had hit the end of the book, until I had tapped the final page, and my Kindle was asking for my rating, as I had hit the 100% mark. What? This can't be happening! NO! Please?!?
"I'm not sure what is real anymore." You and me both, John Hilt. You and me both. All I know, is that I NEED to read Part 3, and I hope it comes out soon. I want to learn more of the back story, and I've got to know how this is all going to end. I just hope we don't have to wait too long.
I was originally given a free or reduced copy of this book in exchange for an honest and impartial review. This has not influenced my review in any way, shape or form. .
July 25, 2016
Lightning Strikes, Book 2 of David Beers Red Rain series, takes the reader further into the divided mind of John / Harry and the people who surround him…those who love him and those trying to stop him. Those who get close to the answer often do so at the peril of their lives.
"I don't know how to make it stop," John says at one point. Yet, a part of him does not WANT to stop…a part of him LIKES to kill…to watch the end as it comes. Red Rain: Lightning Strikes tells us the tale not only as it unfolds, but takes the reader back into the past that began his spiral into murder. You will find yourself asking “was it circumstance or was it nature – genetic?” Page after page, David Beers draws you in putting you on the edge of your seat heart racing to where John / Harry is headed next. You will also begin to look for hints to see which personality is, in actuality, in control.
The thing that makes this page turner the most scary is the fact that there are real people out there with obsessions and addictions they cannot control. The characters in this book get into your head. You will find yourself wondering about the folks you come in contact….what is really going on in their heads.
Mr. Beers is not only a master of the story of the mind; he is also well skilled in the art of the cliff-hanger and Red Rain: Lightning Strikes will leave you wanting more. Be prepared to be anxious for Book 3 to come out.
I was originally given a free or reduced copy of this book in exchange for an honest and impartial review. However, I decided to purchase a copy of Book 2 to show my support for the quality of his writing
"I don't know how to make it stop," John says at one point. Yet, a part of him does not WANT to stop…a part of him LIKES to kill…to watch the end as it comes. Red Rain: Lightning Strikes tells us the tale not only as it unfolds, but takes the reader back into the past that began his spiral into murder. You will find yourself asking “was it circumstance or was it nature – genetic?” Page after page, David Beers draws you in putting you on the edge of your seat heart racing to where John / Harry is headed next. You will also begin to look for hints to see which personality is, in actuality, in control.
The thing that makes this page turner the most scary is the fact that there are real people out there with obsessions and addictions they cannot control. The characters in this book get into your head. You will find yourself wondering about the folks you come in contact….what is really going on in their heads.
Mr. Beers is not only a master of the story of the mind; he is also well skilled in the art of the cliff-hanger and Red Rain: Lightning Strikes will leave you wanting more. Be prepared to be anxious for Book 3 to come out.
I was originally given a free or reduced copy of this book in exchange for an honest and impartial review. However, I decided to purchase a copy of Book 2 to show my support for the quality of his writing
August 4, 2016
Copied from My Amazon Review.
An Awesome Read That's Better Than The First From This Series!
First things first, this is not a stand-alone book but part of a trilogy. While I personally believe you could read it as one, you will get far more enjoyment from this series if you read each book in order. That said, on to my review.
John Hilt’s problems just keep growing by the day, the desire he can't resist, to stop killing people, just like his friend Harry won't go away and Harry definitely loves every minute of it. Officers Tremock and Merchent think they found their man and will do anything to prove it, to take him down. One of the main reasons Harry wants to kill them too, the other? because he likes it.
John's world is collapsing, Harry only cares that John stay out of jail until he kills his fill (which unfortunately for John) is never enough.
No noticeable typos or errors in sentence structure [if there were, I was so caught up with the storyline, it just didn’t register (that’s pretty good too, I normally notice everything). The characters were well defined, the storyline well thought out. Events unfolding at such a rapid pace that it drags the reader along, turning page after page until before you realize it, you've read the whole thing in one night.
With each new book, each series written, David Beers has grown. Skillfully weaving his tale that each new book surpasses the one before. You just can't go wrong with this author. It’s no surprise why he has become one of my all-time favorites. Highly Recommended.
An Awesome Read That's Better Than The First From This Series!
First things first, this is not a stand-alone book but part of a trilogy. While I personally believe you could read it as one, you will get far more enjoyment from this series if you read each book in order. That said, on to my review.
John Hilt’s problems just keep growing by the day, the desire he can't resist, to stop killing people, just like his friend Harry won't go away and Harry definitely loves every minute of it. Officers Tremock and Merchent think they found their man and will do anything to prove it, to take him down. One of the main reasons Harry wants to kill them too, the other? because he likes it.
John's world is collapsing, Harry only cares that John stay out of jail until he kills his fill (which unfortunately for John) is never enough.
No noticeable typos or errors in sentence structure [if there were, I was so caught up with the storyline, it just didn’t register (that’s pretty good too, I normally notice everything). The characters were well defined, the storyline well thought out. Events unfolding at such a rapid pace that it drags the reader along, turning page after page until before you realize it, you've read the whole thing in one night.
With each new book, each series written, David Beers has grown. Skillfully weaving his tale that each new book surpasses the one before. You just can't go wrong with this author. It’s no surprise why he has become one of my all-time favorites. Highly Recommended.
August 3, 2016
To be honest, I don't like these kinds of books but was given the first in the series Red Rain: Clouds Gathering as an arc book. Which I had to admit drew me in. Well, this is the second book in the series, and I found I could hardly put it down.
It picks up right after the end of the shocking end of the first book, where you knew things were going to get better, well, there is the twist, Harry is a lot more clever than most would think he was. He helps John get out of messes a good deal of the time, yet at the same time, he is also like one more, just one more. There are some surprise I was not expecting, things happen which I never thought would. And in fact, there was a point where I was begging the book not to kill someone in the story, something I have never really done before.
The book takes us through John's past and his mother's past as well, as she talks about her mother. We find out things that make you wonder if you would do the same thing in real life. And it comes down to a great ending that leaves you wanting more and can't wait to see what happens next. All in all a great book.
I was originally given a free or reduced copy of this book in exchange for an honest and impartial review. This has not influenced my review at all. However, I decided to purchase a copy of Book 2 to show my support for the quality of his writing
It picks up right after the end of the shocking end of the first book, where you knew things were going to get better, well, there is the twist, Harry is a lot more clever than most would think he was. He helps John get out of messes a good deal of the time, yet at the same time, he is also like one more, just one more. There are some surprise I was not expecting, things happen which I never thought would. And in fact, there was a point where I was begging the book not to kill someone in the story, something I have never really done before.
The book takes us through John's past and his mother's past as well, as she talks about her mother. We find out things that make you wonder if you would do the same thing in real life. And it comes down to a great ending that leaves you wanting more and can't wait to see what happens next. All in all a great book.
I was originally given a free or reduced copy of this book in exchange for an honest and impartial review. This has not influenced my review at all. However, I decided to purchase a copy of Book 2 to show my support for the quality of his writing
August 10, 2016
As with his other books, David has continued to string us along waiting to see what happens next. IAmazing twists and turns! How can he develop such complex and generally diabolical plots? Each series different from any other series he's written.
This series is based on an inherited lust to kill. How the family has, or has not, dealt with this issue; how the main character has lived with his lust; and, how a police detective has become obsessed over solving what he believes to be a series of the murders and dealing with the killer. How many lives will be impacted as a result?
While I am not into serial killers, he hooked me with book one and I couldn't wait to see what happens in book two; now I am now anxious to find out how he ends the story and what happens to John/Harry in book three! His characters are well developed and he writes such interesting descriptions. It is so hard to put down one of his books once you start reading ... So be prepared!
This series is based on an inherited lust to kill. How the family has, or has not, dealt with this issue; how the main character has lived with his lust; and, how a police detective has become obsessed over solving what he believes to be a series of the murders and dealing with the killer. How many lives will be impacted as a result?
While I am not into serial killers, he hooked me with book one and I couldn't wait to see what happens in book two; now I am now anxious to find out how he ends the story and what happens to John/Harry in book three! His characters are well developed and he writes such interesting descriptions. It is so hard to put down one of his books once you start reading ... So be prepared!
July 25, 2016
Harry is still here - and he won't go away
John's world is closing in on him, threatening to destroy everything, including his family. He has to get away - or get Harry out. This second episode of Red Rain, as we live in the head of a semi-reluctant serial killer and see the impact on the world around him is, if anything, even more intense than part one. It is a terrifying world. Yet Mr.Beers has the uncanny ability to create a sympathy for his killer(s) even as he plots his actions. A must read mystery thriller - but start with Red Rain, Clouds Gathering, to get the full impact of this unusual story. Not for the faint hearted, however.
I was fortunate to receive an advance review copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion. This I have given.
John's world is closing in on him, threatening to destroy everything, including his family. He has to get away - or get Harry out. This second episode of Red Rain, as we live in the head of a semi-reluctant serial killer and see the impact on the world around him is, if anything, even more intense than part one. It is a terrifying world. Yet Mr.Beers has the uncanny ability to create a sympathy for his killer(s) even as he plots his actions. A must read mystery thriller - but start with Red Rain, Clouds Gathering, to get the full impact of this unusual story. Not for the faint hearted, however.
I was fortunate to receive an advance review copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion. This I have given.
May 5, 2018
I should know by now not to start a David Beers book at 10:00 pm.So much for sleeping, I couldn't put it down! The second I finished it I was wishing the next book was already out so I could keep reading. What a ride! John's life is completely spinning out of control. Is it wrong that a part of me is hoping for the serial killer not to get caught? If he had no redeeming characteristics, it'd be easier to hate him. But he has such a human side it's impossible not to feel some sympathy. I can't wait to see what direction John and Harry take next!
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August 4, 2016While I received this book for free, it in no way influenced my review.....this is book 2 od David Beers Red Rain series and his best work so far! Hauntingly exciting, this series leads a reader to wonder can a character be so calculating evil and still be likable? Page after page one wonders if this author is seriously frightening himself or just has a unstoppable imagination. The last page, paragraph and sentence leaves the reader saying "no, no, no" ...... An author can't leave a reader hanging like this! An absolute top of the list read for any reader of any venue.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews