Dark Ties

by Mark Dame

Ken Simmons is haunted by nightmares of a serial killer—the killer in his latest bestseller who methodically stalks and slaughters young women. But Ken dismisses them as just dreams.

Then a sheriff from a rural county in South Dakota comes to his door with evidence that his new novel isn’t merely fantasy: it details brutal murders going back over ten years. Together they discover that Ken’s ties to the killer aren’t a figment of Ken’s imagination, and his horrific visions may not be just dreams.

Now, with his quiet world spinning out of control, and a real-life killer on the loose, Ken must decide whether to run… or face the monster he once thought only existed in his mind.

Genres: Horror

ebook

Published April 1, 2017

About the author

Mark’s love of horror and sci-fi began at an early age watching movies with his mother. Classics like The Wolf Man, Invasion of the Body Snatchers, and The Day The Earth Stood Still were a standard part of his pre-bedtime ritual. His mother also passed on her passion for books, and by the third-grade, he was reading novels like Jaws and The Island of Dr. Moreau. Today Mark enjoys a wide variety of genres, from techno-thrillers by writers like Tom Clancy and Michael Crichton to the humorous writings of Douglas Adams. His main writing influences, however, are Stephen King, Ray Bradbury, and Lee Child.

Mark’s passion for writing began in junior high school. Encouraged by his teachers, including now best-selling author Sharon Draper, his eighth grade English teacher, he wrote short stories, dystopian poetry, and even attempted a novel heavily inspired by The Hobbit.

After high school, Mark served in the US Navy, fueling helicopters on the flight deck of USS Peleliu. When his enlistment was up, Mark enrolled in the Electrical Engineering program at the University of Cincinnati but bailed out his sophomore year to start working as a freelance computer software developer. Today he continues to write code as well as fiction.

Mark’s debut novel, Dark Ties, was published in April 2017. The novel is a psychological thriller/horror story that follows a best-selling author who finds himself psychically linked to a serial killer a thousand miles away. His second novel, The Andor, was published in November 2017. It’s the first book in an epic fantasy series, Legends of Tirmar.

When not working behind a desk, Mark teaches people to fly airplanes. He’s also an avid cave diver. On land, he tries to stay fit by biking and running long distances in preparation for the zombie apocalypse.

Mark lives in the suburbs of Cincinnati with family.

Reviews

[Danielle Urban · Rating 5 out of 5]

Imagine being a writer who writes bone chilling thrillers with a crazy murder. A murderer that is hard to catch, if caught at all. That's where this story takes readers. Ken Simmons writes a book. A killer who haunts him all the time. The local authorities are having trouble with the crimes and ask Ken to help. Ken knows that the killer is one he doesn't want to play with...yet, he knows more than the police and can help them. As the plot explodes the scenes get more intense. People are dying...and Ken feels awful. He thinks giving up writing would be best for all...or would that only give the killer a satisfaction of winning?

Dark Ties is a superb thriller. Dark, engaging, and fast-paced. I loved it. Mark Dane did a brilliant job in create the perfect read. I was both horrified yet entertained. I felt chills going down my spine yet I couldn't stop reading...murder and fiction combo was perfect. It leaves readers with a spooky feeling of what if something like that actually happens. This book has the effect to leave many with a nightmare. Some will die...but catching the murderer is key. Overall, I would highly recommend this novel to all. Mark Dane is a talented writer, and I can't wait to read what he comes up with next.

[TE · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a roller coaster ride! Half the time I was reading it, all I could think was, OMG!, OMG!, OMG! Dark Ties is dark, disturbing, and flat out creepy. This book isn't for the faint of heart or weak of stomach. If you like stories about serial killers with a twist, you won't want to miss this one. Just don't read it before bedtime. 18+ for graphic violence and language.

[Aviar Savijon · Rating 5 out of 5]

An outstanding well written book. A story with enough plot twists you just have to read it to see them all. I Loved it!

[Glasgowgal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very exciting! Not for the faint of heart. An excellent start to what I'm sure will be a successful writing career.

[Claire B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good book, well written, you'll not want to put it aside. Just... Don't read it before bedtime... I warned you!

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the book. It reminded in places of Stephen King's Dark Half. The resemblance came to mind in several spots.

[shannon Stubbs · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It was a great detective story with paranormal events mixed in. Imagine the serial killer character you were writing about turned out to be real? Ken, the fiction writer, learns this when he gets a call from a sheriff from South Dakota. Allen, the sheriff who contacts Ken, even has a similar name to the detective in his book! From there you are taken on a wild ride to catch the serial killer " Cory Rivers" .

I was on the edge of my seat the whole time reading the story. I had to stop and put the book down for a while due to how intense some of the scenes were. When I was ready I had to continue so I could find out what happens next. Just pay attention to the little details. They come into play later.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is going to give me nightmares!

Wow! I couldn't put this book down! Very well written, it felt like I was watching a movie! Cory Rivers is one evil bastard! Maybe the author will write a prequel to this book... Terror in Suburbia! Awesome book!!!