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Shades of Death #0.5
The Blackest Crimson
He’s known as the Storyteller—and all his tales end in merciless death.
Detective Bobbie Gentry’s hunt for a heinous serial killer is interrupted when the sadistic Storyteller finds her first. Captured on Christmas Eve and held in a cabin deep in the woods, she must survive for the sake of her family. Bobbie cannot leave her little boy orphaned and alone—and she craves the chance to avenge her husband’s murder. But not one of the Storyteller’s fourteen victims escaped his torturous game alive, and he’s obsessed with breaking Bobbie. From tattooing the story of her torture onto her back to violating her in every imaginable way, he’s determined to make her victim number fifteen.
In the depths of winter and the shadows of a rustic prison, Bobbie must make a choice to either end the torture with surrender, or fight like hell for survival.
Debra Webb’s new Shades of Death series is guaranteed to thrill fans. Don’t miss the page-turning prequel, The Blackest Crimson!
76 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 2016
382 people are currently reading
652 people want to read
About the author
Debra Webb
544 books2,342 followersDEBRA WEBB is the USA Today bestselling author of more than 170 novels, including reader favorites the Finley O'Sullivan and Devlin & Falco series. She is the recipient of the prestigious Romantic Times Career Achievement Award for Romantic Suspense as well as numerous Reviewers Choice Awards. In 2012 Debra was honored as the first recipient of the esteemed L. A. Banks Warrior Woman Award for her courage, strength, and grace in the face of adversity. Recently Debra was awarded the distinguished Centennial Award for having achieved publication of her 100th novel.
With more than four million books in print in numerous languages and countries, Debra’s love of storytelling goes back to her childhood when her mother bought her an old typewriter in a tag sale. Born in Alabama, Debra grew up on a farm. She spent every available hour exploring the world around her and creating her stories. She wrote her first story at age nine and her first romance at thirteen. It wasn’t until she spent three years working for the Commanding General of the US Army in Berlin behind the Iron Curtain and a five-year stint in NASA’s Shuttle Program that she realized her true calling. A collision course between suspense and romance was set. Since then she has expanded her work into some of the darkest places the human psyche dares to go. Visit Debra at www.debrawebb.com.
With more than four million books in print in numerous languages and countries, Debra’s love of storytelling goes back to her childhood when her mother bought her an old typewriter in a tag sale. Born in Alabama, Debra grew up on a farm. She spent every available hour exploring the world around her and creating her stories. She wrote her first story at age nine and her first romance at thirteen. It wasn’t until she spent three years working for the Commanding General of the US Army in Berlin behind the Iron Curtain and a five-year stint in NASA’s Shuttle Program that she realized her true calling. A collision course between suspense and romance was set. Since then she has expanded her work into some of the darkest places the human psyche dares to go. Visit Debra at www.debrawebb.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 114 reviews
March 18, 2024
I had just started to read the first installment of this series when it became very obvious that something was missing. So I went to confirm that what I was indeed reading the first installment and that is when I learned there was a prequel.
At only 79pgs, the book summary pretty much lays out the whole storyline so, I'm not going to repeat any of that here. However, what I do want to say about this prequel (other than the TW) is don't start the first installment until you read this; it is a necessary evil. . Why the writer and/or publisher just didn't make it a prologue was a stupid move and my rating will reflect as much. Enough said.
TW: brutal rape scene, torture
At only 79pgs, the book summary pretty much lays out the whole storyline so, I'm not going to repeat any of that here. However, what I do want to say about this prequel (other than the TW) is don't start the first installment until you read this; it is a necessary evil. . Why the writer and/or publisher just didn't make it a prologue was a stupid move and my rating will reflect as much. Enough said.
TW: brutal rape scene, torture
December 13, 2016
This is 60 pages packed with suspense, action, things that make you hold your breath. THE BLACKEST CRIMSON introduces the reader to Detective Bobbie Gentry and the monstrous evil serial killer known as The Storyteller.
Bobbie and a special FBI task force have spent weeks hunting him down. He has killed at least a dozen women in the most heinous ways possible, after keeping them captive for weeks on end.
Bobbie doesn't realize that The Storyteller ha turned his eyes to her. On Christmas Eve he follows her home, and kills her husband. He then takes Bobbie to a undisclosed location.
For weeks he tortures her, rapes her, until her fight for survival dwindles until she's ready to die. But then, the unthinkable ....
Wow! I was almost out of breath after reading this one. The author's Faces of Evil series is terrific ... I'm happy to know that this new series will produce the same level of excellent writing with credible characters.
This digital copy also comes with the first two chapters of Book 1 ... NO DARKER PLACE...which will be available March 2017. I already have it marked on my calendar!
Highly recommended!
Bobbie and a special FBI task force have spent weeks hunting him down. He has killed at least a dozen women in the most heinous ways possible, after keeping them captive for weeks on end.
Bobbie doesn't realize that The Storyteller ha turned his eyes to her. On Christmas Eve he follows her home, and kills her husband. He then takes Bobbie to a undisclosed location.
For weeks he tortures her, rapes her, until her fight for survival dwindles until she's ready to die. But then, the unthinkable ....
Wow! I was almost out of breath after reading this one. The author's Faces of Evil series is terrific ... I'm happy to know that this new series will produce the same level of excellent writing with credible characters.
This digital copy also comes with the first two chapters of Book 1 ... NO DARKER PLACE...which will be available March 2017. I already have it marked on my calendar!
Highly recommended!
December 1, 2016
What a beginning...
This new series is going to ROCK.
Fast paced, wild ride with a character that will be driven for revenge. She is damaged and will be laser focused.
This is a crazy good start...
LOVED this short peek into this new series!!!!
This new series is going to ROCK.
Fast paced, wild ride with a character that will be driven for revenge. She is damaged and will be laser focused.
This is a crazy good start...
LOVED this short peek into this new series!!!!
April 26, 2018
Check out all of my reviews at: https://www.avonnalovesgenres.com
WOW!
This prequel is a gut twisting, edge of your seat, unable to put down read to Debra Webb’s new Shades of Death series.
THE BLACKEST CRIMSON (Shades of Death #0.5) introduces us to a demented serial killer known as The Storyteller. Once a year, he takes a victim and tortures her for weeks as he tattoos a story on her back before dumping the body in another state in a public location. He leaves no DNA, no one knows who he is because all of his victims are dead.
Detective Bobbie Gentry was excited to be involved in working The Storyteller case with the FBI. After his latest murder and no new leads, everyone believes he will move on for another year. Bobbie is ready for a break from the intense case. Her husband, and small son are looking to celebrating Christmas with her, but The Storyteller has plans for her, too.
On Christmas Eve, Bobbie has her world destroyed. The Storyteller abducts her after killing her husband. He is obsessed with Bobbie and breaks his pattern to have her. As she is tortured for weeks and becomes resigned to her death, he makes a mistake. Can she escape the fate of all his other victims?
This is a very fast paced and intense read. I was done in one short sitting and could not put it down. The characters are compelling and realistic. I cannot wait to get the first full length book in this series. Bobbie and The Storyteller are not done with each other.
WOW!
This prequel is a gut twisting, edge of your seat, unable to put down read to Debra Webb’s new Shades of Death series.
THE BLACKEST CRIMSON (Shades of Death #0.5) introduces us to a demented serial killer known as The Storyteller. Once a year, he takes a victim and tortures her for weeks as he tattoos a story on her back before dumping the body in another state in a public location. He leaves no DNA, no one knows who he is because all of his victims are dead.
Detective Bobbie Gentry was excited to be involved in working The Storyteller case with the FBI. After his latest murder and no new leads, everyone believes he will move on for another year. Bobbie is ready for a break from the intense case. Her husband, and small son are looking to celebrating Christmas with her, but The Storyteller has plans for her, too.
On Christmas Eve, Bobbie has her world destroyed. The Storyteller abducts her after killing her husband. He is obsessed with Bobbie and breaks his pattern to have her. As she is tortured for weeks and becomes resigned to her death, he makes a mistake. Can she escape the fate of all his other victims?
This is a very fast paced and intense read. I was done in one short sitting and could not put it down. The characters are compelling and realistic. I cannot wait to get the first full length book in this series. Bobbie and The Storyteller are not done with each other.
October 30, 2016
Thank you Debra Webb for an ACR copy of the Blackest Crimson.
This is the prequel to the new series that Debra Webb is introducing. In this novella we meet a serial killer known as The Storyteller who kills women and tattoos their stories on their body as the final act before they die after he has tortured them in unspeakable ways for weeks and Bobbie the police officer who was working the case and ultimately taken by The Storyteller.
Bobbie and her family were enjoying Christmas Eve at home the night The Storyteller broke in and killed her husband and took her from her home and made her his next victim. In this story we learn what he does to his victims and about Bobbie and what she does in a crisis and a very bad situation. Giving us insight into the mind of both the hunter and the prey for this series.
I am giving The Blackest Crimson five out of five stars.
This is the prequel to the new series that Debra Webb is introducing. In this novella we meet a serial killer known as The Storyteller who kills women and tattoos their stories on their body as the final act before they die after he has tortured them in unspeakable ways for weeks and Bobbie the police officer who was working the case and ultimately taken by The Storyteller.
Bobbie and her family were enjoying Christmas Eve at home the night The Storyteller broke in and killed her husband and took her from her home and made her his next victim. In this story we learn what he does to his victims and about Bobbie and what she does in a crisis and a very bad situation. Giving us insight into the mind of both the hunter and the prey for this series.
I am giving The Blackest Crimson five out of five stars.
October 31, 2016
Thank you Debra Webb for the ARC and the chance to be one of the first to read this book, and what a book it is! WOW! HOLY MOLY, this book is crazy good!
Blackest Crimson, the prequel to author Debra Webb's thrilling new series Shades of Death, has blown me away! Well written and compelling, this is truly a must read!
Although Debra Webb has written some fantastic thrillers, her Faces of Evil series being a great example, this book is that and more! Dark, intense with an undercurrent, a thread of something..... more!
This is the first book, an introduction to the series, the players, the story and the amazing characters, and it knocked the breath out of me!
I can't wait to read the next books in this series and see what dark corners Ms. Webb will have us peeking into, what twisting roads we will travel together and what dark emotions will be at play in each of us as this unique story unravels!
I tip my hat to you Debra Webb for a job well done!
Blackest Crimson, the prequel to author Debra Webb's thrilling new series Shades of Death, has blown me away! Well written and compelling, this is truly a must read!
Although Debra Webb has written some fantastic thrillers, her Faces of Evil series being a great example, this book is that and more! Dark, intense with an undercurrent, a thread of something..... more!
This is the first book, an introduction to the series, the players, the story and the amazing characters, and it knocked the breath out of me!
I can't wait to read the next books in this series and see what dark corners Ms. Webb will have us peeking into, what twisting roads we will travel together and what dark emotions will be at play in each of us as this unique story unravels!
I tip my hat to you Debra Webb for a job well done!
November 6, 2016
Debra Webb certainly knows how to start things with a bang and her latest prequel novella, The Blackest Crimson, is no exception. Moving forward from the Faces of Evil, this new series promises to take the exploration of evil to a new level. This is not a feel good Christmas story, though it takes place during the holidays. It is a down and dirty kick the new series off with an evil twist read. If you are looking for a gritty, disturbing start to a new series this is right up your alley. Though there is a resolution at the end of the novella, the story is far from over. If you like your suspense with a side of keep you up all night, this is the novella for you. Though I recommend keeping the lights on while you read.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this novella.
November 5, 2016
What she didn't expect was for the serial killer to follow her home on Christmas Eve... The Storyteller follows Detective Bobbie Gentry home on Christmas Eve. He murders her husband, would have murdered her child (but he got away), then he kidnaps Bobbie and this is just the beginning.
Rarely does a book leave me speechless. But this one did. This is one of the most fascinating, terrifying, suspenseful books that I have read in a very long time, maybe ever. Psychological thriller writing at it's very finest.
The Blackest Crimson is a short prequel to The Shades of Death series and I, for one, can't wait for No Darker Place. Get this book, read this book, you won't be disappointed!
Rarely does a book leave me speechless. But this one did. This is one of the most fascinating, terrifying, suspenseful books that I have read in a very long time, maybe ever. Psychological thriller writing at it's very finest.
The Blackest Crimson is a short prequel to The Shades of Death series and I, for one, can't wait for No Darker Place. Get this book, read this book, you won't be disappointed!
November 1, 2016
Det Bobby Gentry is beyond thrilled to work with the FBI on the Storyteller case. The Storyteller is a serial killer who kidnaps his victims, keeps them for weeks while he tortures them and tattoos them before he murders them. She never dreams the Storyteller will target her, on Christmas Eve.
This is a great intro to her new Shades Of Death series. It is full of suspense and will keep you on the edge of your seat. I can hardly wait for the next book in the series. Thank you to Debra for an advanced readers copy.
This is a great intro to her new Shades Of Death series. It is full of suspense and will keep you on the edge of your seat. I can hardly wait for the next book in the series. Thank you to Debra for an advanced readers copy.
November 11, 2021
Simply put, I hated this.
December 1, 2016
Fans of Debra Webb have followed her through THE COLBY series and the fast moving intense FACES OF EVIL series, and now Webb unveils her new series THE BLACKEST CRIMSON (THE SHADES OF DEATH). THE BLACKEST CRIMSON is a prequel to her new series. Webb delivers an action packed suspenseful storyline with great characters taking her readers’ breath away from the very first page. She introduces her readers to protagonist Detective Bobbie Gentry, a Montgomery, Alabama police detective working with the FBI to catch a brutal serial killer. Bobbie is excited and overwhelmed to be part of the FBI’s task force pursuing the serial killer known as The Storyteller.
Readers feel the suspense and danger for Bobbie when a visitor comes to the Gentry home on Christmas Eve. Webb delivers a breathtaking scene full of heart-stopping action describing Bobbie’s kidnapping by her antagonist, The Storyteller. The storylines’ intensity momentum increases on every page, sharing the details of Bobbie’s kidnapping and her compelling thoughts. The author places readers inside Bobbie’s head giving them insight into her emotions as she deals with so many losses. Debra Webb’s, THE BLACKEST CRIMSON does not disappoint her readers as she creates a heart-wrenching cliffhanger.
Readers feel the suspense and danger for Bobbie when a visitor comes to the Gentry home on Christmas Eve. Webb delivers a breathtaking scene full of heart-stopping action describing Bobbie’s kidnapping by her antagonist, The Storyteller. The storylines’ intensity momentum increases on every page, sharing the details of Bobbie’s kidnapping and her compelling thoughts. The author places readers inside Bobbie’s head giving them insight into her emotions as she deals with so many losses. Debra Webb’s, THE BLACKEST CRIMSON does not disappoint her readers as she creates a heart-wrenching cliffhanger.
November 21, 2016
This story start off very fast with Detective Bobbie Gentry, who has been working on a case with a serial killer that has been called Storyteller. In her wildest dream, she never thought that she would become a target. It never occurs to her in one instant her life will take a different course.
This is Debra Webb, latest prequel novella of a new series. This series will take you into the deeps of evil that will have you turning the pages to find out what will happen next. I so enjoyed the twist and turns that this story take you through.
I will not be giving any spoiler away, all that I can tell you is this one you must get the book yourself. Debra, is such a great stories teller, she has never let me down yet, I can’t wait for the next book in this series, that is called, “No Darkest Place,” that will be coming out the first of next year. I love it when you get some background on the character in the future books will becoming out. Keep your eyes on the lookout for this.
November 28, 2016
I have yet to read anything by Debra Webb that wasn't excellent, because its a novella it is a quick read. Its also riveting and engrossing, completely grabbed me and wouldn't let go until I had reached the last page. The teaser chapter for the next book NO DARKER PLACE had me looking for the next page, I was so not ready to be done just yet. SHADES OF DEATH is shaping up to be a series well worth reading. Thank You Debra Webb for yet another great book!
November 1, 2016
Thank you Debra Webb for the ACR copy and the chance to read it in advance of it's release!!
What a beginning for a new series! The prequel of the Shades of Death series grabs on from the first page and doesn't let go until the cliffhanger ending! Gasp!! Cliffhanger!!
I can't wait for No Darker Place and the rest of the series.
What a beginning for a new series! The prequel of the Shades of Death series grabs on from the first page and doesn't let go until the cliffhanger ending! Gasp!! Cliffhanger!!
I can't wait for No Darker Place and the rest of the series.
November 28, 2016
Debra Webb is out to be her Faces of Evil series with this new series. It starts with a fast paced murder and abduction. Detective Gentry must fight to escape and get back to her son. Will she be able to get free, catch the serial killer, get back home. You must read the book to get those answers, you won't be disappointed.
November 29, 2016
Holy wow this book. I love all of Debra Webb's Books but this book puts two of my favorite things to read serial killers and Debra Webb in the same book. The Story Teller has to be one of the most Terrifying book killers to date. I look forward to more of this series . If you haven't read any of Debra Webb's Books what are you waiting for!
November 28, 2016
OMG this book was absolutely amazing. Once I had started reading this book I couldn't stop reading this book until the end. This book is another awesome book by Debra Webb. I would highly reccomend this book. I had voluntary read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
October 25, 2018
This is the worst book I have ever read. Returned all I had bought by this author. Graphic Rape Torture and someone made to lick their own urine. Story also involves little 3 year old. Why would anyone want to read such horror???
December 1, 2016
Debra Webb's name on a book is guarantee of excellence, and this prequel did not disappoint. It was outstanding and I cannot wait for first book in this new series!!!!
November 20, 2016
This is the Prequel for the author's newest series Shades of Death. If the prequel is any indication, this series may be her best yet. I loved the Faces of Evil series. No one can do suspense like Debra Webb. That being said, this is off to a great start. I loved every single part of this and was wowed by it. It's amazing and now I just want my hands on the next (first) book, No Darker Place. I literally can not wait.
Definitely recommend!!!! Buy this for yourself and read it before No Darker Place comes out on Feb. 28th.
Definitely recommend!!!! Buy this for yourself and read it before No Darker Place comes out on Feb. 28th.
December 1, 2016
This is the prequel to No Darker Place, in the new Shades of Death series. This story grips you in the first few pages and doesn't let go. Once you start, it is one that is hard to put down. I think this series might be ever better than Ms. Webb's previous ones that were awesome! I can't wait to start this series! Be sure to grab this prequel to get the background on the characters, and hang on for the ride!
November 30, 2016
This is a pre-quell for the upcoming series so is not very long that is why only took a day to read it.
It introduces you to the Bobby Gentry, a police officer that has been working on a serial killer case. It also introduces you to "The Storyteller"- the serial killer.
It was a good start to the series and will wet your appetite for more.
It introduces you to the Bobby Gentry, a police officer that has been working on a serial killer case. It also introduces you to "The Storyteller"- the serial killer.
It was a good start to the series and will wet your appetite for more.
December 2, 2016
WOW! As soon as I open the first page, I couldn't put the book down. The prequel packed a punch and it just did not stop. I'm scared to read the next part but now I have to know what happens next. I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it. The opinions and views on it are my own.
December 1, 2016
It was a great prelude to No Darker Place. After reading this I can't wait to read No Darker Place. As usual Debra's level of suspense is great. I was on the edge of my seat till I got it finished. Read It it is absolutely great.
November 29, 2016
Very intense, emotionally charged, grabs you right from the beginning. Can't wait to read the series!
December 1, 2016
Excellent new, petrifyingly scary start to Ms. Webb's newest series!
January 29, 2020
What a start to a series! Have to put it out there that this is definitely outside my usual reading genre and comfort zone. I recently read a book by the author that publishes soon and enjoyed her writing and storytelling style so I thought I'd try another book and a prequel to a series seemed like a good way to go. The Blackest Crimson introduces readers to Detective Bobbie Gentry (at least, I don't think she's been featured in other books). She's been working on a serial killer case and welcomes the few days off at Christmas to relax with her husband and young son. Of course, that's not how things work out and I was quickly swept up in the story. I don't want to give any more away but I'll recommend to fans of crime stories featuring a serial killer. It's a gritty story with graphic details that had me skimming in a few spots, so heads up. I'm pretty sure I'll read the next book one day soon.
April 12, 2017
The Blackest Crimson is a prequel novella that introduces us to Detective Bobbie Gentry and the monstrous evil serial killer known as The Storyteller. He brutalizes and tortures women before tattooing their stories on their backs and then killing them. Bobbie is a member of the task force hunting him down and has captured his attention. Christmas Eve at home with her husband and son ends abruptly and Bobbie's life is forever changed. This was a fantastic and compelling thriller and I can't wait to read the full series.
May 25, 2018
A novella prequel to the Shades of Death series, short and punchy it tells the harrowing story of what happened to Bobbie Gentry and her family when The Storyteller came to town. It was a quick dramatic read, and I wish there had been more. It might have been better if I had read this prior to the series instead of afterwards.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 114 reviews