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The Empathic Detective #2
Ghostsuit
A serial killer is loose in Central Texas. The Hangman steals victims' DNA, disappearing without a trace. When Gerald Bryce, the Empathic Detective, investigates he uncovers a dark conspiracy. Someone is using old alchemy recipes, intent on creating artificial life and harnessing its clairvoyant powers.
Can Bryce stop the Hangman before people he loves get hurt? And can he stop the conspiracy before everyone in the city falls under a dangerous psychic spell? A defense contractor's invention, the ghostsuit, may hold the key both as a clue to the murders and by giving him an electronic set of spectral powers to battle the Hangman.
Can Bryce stop the Hangman before people he loves get hurt? And can he stop the conspiracy before everyone in the city falls under a dangerous psychic spell? A defense contractor's invention, the ghostsuit, may hold the key both as a clue to the murders and by giving him an electronic set of spectral powers to battle the Hangman.
- GenresFantasy
206 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 14, 2017
28 people are currently reading
33 people want to read
About the author
Jaxon Reed
96 books170 followersJaxon Reed is a speculative fiction author and two-time winner of Amazon's Kindle Scout program.
Jaxon is an Aggie, living in Texas on a ranch with his wife and boys, several cats, and one pound dog.
Sign up for new release alerts, sales and freebies at https://jaxonreed.substack.com
Jaxon is an Aggie, living in Texas on a ranch with his wife and boys, several cats, and one pound dog.
Sign up for new release alerts, sales and freebies at https://jaxonreed.substack.com
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
June 12, 2017
Ghostsuit (The Empathic Detective #2) by Jaxon Reed is a awesome Kindle Scout book I won. It is full of great fantasy/supernatural fun, great characters, plot, and just a great read! It is a refreshing fun detective story of the supernatural/paranormal kind. Fun for the start to finish!
January 22, 2021
Exciting second book in the series
This was a good second book rob the series. While it is not as directly linked to the main story ias I thought it might to the first it is clearly related. Good characters and suspense throughout. Well done.
This was a good second book rob the series. While it is not as directly linked to the main story ias I thought it might to the first it is clearly related. Good characters and suspense throughout. Well done.
July 26, 2018
I really love Jaxon Reed’s Empathic Detective series, and Ghostsuit (The Empathic Detective Book 2) is a perfect example of why. Dark conspiracy, alchemy, a dangerous psychic spell, pulse-pounding action, suspense, and a detective in lead character Gerald Bryce who’d be fantastic even without his empathetic power, as cool as that is. Add this to another wonderful, and wonderfully written, plot full of well-crafted and interesting characters abd you can easily understand where I am coming from. Really, for the fact that I’m literally dictating this review to my husband from my hospital bed, I could go on and on with praises - the book definitely deserves it. Since I can’t do that I will simply note that the book is most definitely one to read, it is easy to highly recommend. I’m definitely looking forward to the next book in this series.
March 14, 2017
Jaxon Reed’s Empathic Detective Senses Another Winner
To get the required disclaimer out of the way. I received this copy of “Ghostsuit” from Amazon’s Kindle Scout program with no additional compensation or any expectation of a positive review.
In “Ghostsuit,” Jaxon Reed has developed a strong set of complex and interesting characters, that do not take themselves too seriously. We learn a lot more about the characters in Book Two, while at the same time, there is not an over-extensive repetition of the information found in Book One. This allows the book to be read as a standalone The characters are complex and well-developed with completely natural and authentic dialogue among themselves that is both honest and believable. The story is strongly written, fast-paced with unexpected, though believable, twists and turns throughout. The story arcs that tie different aspects of this book, as well as those that tie the first two books in this series together, are especially refreshing. The book itself has a storyline that is fast-paced, without trite or contrived scenes or action. The characters are strong, complex, and ones you care for as you dwell deeper into their inner turmoils. The dialogue is completely believable. While the story takes place in Texas, Jaxon kept from giving the characters contrived southern accents that can take away from the dialogue.
When most authors write a series, the things they cannot seem to get right are: making each book work as a standalone; giving an idea of the previous story, but not repeating too much, and knowing how to end each book at the right point. Dean Koontz, with “Odd Thomas” and A.J. Scudiere with her “The NightShade Forensic Files” and “The Vendetta Trifecta” series’ are two successful authors, Jaxon Reed is a third.
Without giving away too many spoilers, I can say The Empathic Detective series takes place in a non-dystopian future America that you do not have to suspend disbelief to envision, which a rarity in today’s science fiction storytelling. The futuristic technical advances do not overshadow the fact that human nature remains the same, not only in the future but also in the ancient past. Since Detective Gerald Bryce, the lead character, is a strong empath (not much of a spoiler since it is in the title), you can expect the paranormal to be paramount to the story and in this case it is, As with “Book 1, A Mystery Thriller,” the story behind “Ghostsuit” comes down to someone abusing ‘The Cunning Folk.’ Too often the technology unnaturally dominates a sci-fi novel, which is not a problem in this book, since the paranormal and science fiction are expertly woven together.
The one thing that hurts today’s readers the most is the plethora of self-published, indie authors that are grammatically challenged and don’t have an editing staff to correct the errors. Jaxon does not face this problem, with a stable (Texas reference) of dedicated beta readers, his own editors and proofreaders, and the official editors that are part of the Kindle Scout program The Empathic Detective is expertly proofed and edited.
The story constantly held my attention for the time it took to reread it. I can’t wait to read the further adventures of the Empathic Detective.
To get the required disclaimer out of the way. I received this copy of “Ghostsuit” from Amazon’s Kindle Scout program with no additional compensation or any expectation of a positive review.
In “Ghostsuit,” Jaxon Reed has developed a strong set of complex and interesting characters, that do not take themselves too seriously. We learn a lot more about the characters in Book Two, while at the same time, there is not an over-extensive repetition of the information found in Book One. This allows the book to be read as a standalone The characters are complex and well-developed with completely natural and authentic dialogue among themselves that is both honest and believable. The story is strongly written, fast-paced with unexpected, though believable, twists and turns throughout. The story arcs that tie different aspects of this book, as well as those that tie the first two books in this series together, are especially refreshing. The book itself has a storyline that is fast-paced, without trite or contrived scenes or action. The characters are strong, complex, and ones you care for as you dwell deeper into their inner turmoils. The dialogue is completely believable. While the story takes place in Texas, Jaxon kept from giving the characters contrived southern accents that can take away from the dialogue.
When most authors write a series, the things they cannot seem to get right are: making each book work as a standalone; giving an idea of the previous story, but not repeating too much, and knowing how to end each book at the right point. Dean Koontz, with “Odd Thomas” and A.J. Scudiere with her “The NightShade Forensic Files” and “The Vendetta Trifecta” series’ are two successful authors, Jaxon Reed is a third.
Without giving away too many spoilers, I can say The Empathic Detective series takes place in a non-dystopian future America that you do not have to suspend disbelief to envision, which a rarity in today’s science fiction storytelling. The futuristic technical advances do not overshadow the fact that human nature remains the same, not only in the future but also in the ancient past. Since Detective Gerald Bryce, the lead character, is a strong empath (not much of a spoiler since it is in the title), you can expect the paranormal to be paramount to the story and in this case it is, As with “Book 1, A Mystery Thriller,” the story behind “Ghostsuit” comes down to someone abusing ‘The Cunning Folk.’ Too often the technology unnaturally dominates a sci-fi novel, which is not a problem in this book, since the paranormal and science fiction are expertly woven together.
The one thing that hurts today’s readers the most is the plethora of self-published, indie authors that are grammatically challenged and don’t have an editing staff to correct the errors. Jaxon does not face this problem, with a stable (Texas reference) of dedicated beta readers, his own editors and proofreaders, and the official editors that are part of the Kindle Scout program The Empathic Detective is expertly proofed and edited.
The story constantly held my attention for the time it took to reread it. I can’t wait to read the further adventures of the Empathic Detective.
March 16, 2017
Dr. Ahmed turned on a recorder for his light experiment. Despite the lab’s security cameras that would record it, he did not trust them to do it right and felt he needed to record it himself. He was supposed to have a grad student working with him, but the student had arrived with a gun in a shoulder holster, which was against university rules, and Ahmed sent him home as punishment. But as he worked on his experiment, one of the security cameras startled him when it fell off the wall. Then the second one did the same! A rope appeared in front of him and looped itself over Ahmed’s neck, raising him up until his neck snapped.
Joaquin Alexander, a research scientist, was skinny-dipping with friends late at night. He walked to the trees to relieve himself, when he saw a rope approaching. He pulled his gun, which he had with him, and suddenly his gun arm was sliced off. A rope drifted toward him and looped around his neck.
Detectives Gerald Bryce, Parker, and Jenkins were assigned the cases. Because they had the recording of Dr. Ahmed’s murder, they knew they were looking for someone in an invisibility suit. But because of the high level security around such an invention, the investigation was meeting with resistance. They knew the Hangman was going after highly intelligent subjects to steal their DNA.
Bryce went to visit his mother at the nursing home. She had just had her nightly meds and was drifting off, but she asked about his case. As her eyes closed, she told him it sounded like someone was practicing alchemy – attempting to create artificial life! At the research library, he explored this and found a recorded lecture that described making a ‘homunculus’ and obtaining the necessary ingredients from a hanged man! This led to a whole new direction in the detectives’ investigation! Was it enough to help them identify the killer and track him down??
This was a great book, set in the future in such a way that it all seemed very real and natural. The characters were well defined and inspired trust and confidence in the reader. I really enjoyed the way the different police groups worked together to track this killer. I highly recommend the book. It was well written, fast paced, and interesting for the reader. I definitely intend to stick with this author for future books such as this one!
Joaquin Alexander, a research scientist, was skinny-dipping with friends late at night. He walked to the trees to relieve himself, when he saw a rope approaching. He pulled his gun, which he had with him, and suddenly his gun arm was sliced off. A rope drifted toward him and looped around his neck.
Detectives Gerald Bryce, Parker, and Jenkins were assigned the cases. Because they had the recording of Dr. Ahmed’s murder, they knew they were looking for someone in an invisibility suit. But because of the high level security around such an invention, the investigation was meeting with resistance. They knew the Hangman was going after highly intelligent subjects to steal their DNA.
Bryce went to visit his mother at the nursing home. She had just had her nightly meds and was drifting off, but she asked about his case. As her eyes closed, she told him it sounded like someone was practicing alchemy – attempting to create artificial life! At the research library, he explored this and found a recorded lecture that described making a ‘homunculus’ and obtaining the necessary ingredients from a hanged man! This led to a whole new direction in the detectives’ investigation! Was it enough to help them identify the killer and track him down??
This was a great book, set in the future in such a way that it all seemed very real and natural. The characters were well defined and inspired trust and confidence in the reader. I really enjoyed the way the different police groups worked together to track this killer. I highly recommend the book. It was well written, fast paced, and interesting for the reader. I definitely intend to stick with this author for future books such as this one!
April 1, 2017
Who needs the seeds of a Hanged Man, and Why from ten? Before the Emphatic Detective, Jerry Bryce, and the growing team he's part of can even begin to ponder who may be responsible, they have to recognize these questions.
A serial killer is rapidly adding to his(?) growing list of victims who are all above average IQ Young Men who have their Seman extracted shortly after they are hung. As this now, FBI Lead Team, gathers Intel, they learn that the ancient practice of Alchemy involved much than the "routine-Hum-Drum" efforts to turn Lead into Gold. In fact, we learn the "True purpose of Alchemy" was to create Artificial Life...life that would have Special Gifts. Going any further along this path would begin to reveal too much of the Plot Line.
I had read and reviewed the first book in this series, "The Emphatic Detective" and had said, "I'd welcome the opportunity to be an Advance Reader for that Book". I had given a specific reason, or rather a question I needed answered. I'm very pleased to find that issue addressed at the very end, and is the lead-in to the very next book in this series.
Review by THE HOLEY ONE
A serial killer is rapidly adding to his(?) growing list of victims who are all above average IQ Young Men who have their Seman extracted shortly after they are hung. As this now, FBI Lead Team, gathers Intel, they learn that the ancient practice of Alchemy involved much than the "routine-Hum-Drum" efforts to turn Lead into Gold. In fact, we learn the "True purpose of Alchemy" was to create Artificial Life...life that would have Special Gifts. Going any further along this path would begin to reveal too much of the Plot Line.
I had read and reviewed the first book in this series, "The Emphatic Detective" and had said, "I'd welcome the opportunity to be an Advance Reader for that Book". I had given a specific reason, or rather a question I needed answered. I'm very pleased to find that issue addressed at the very end, and is the lead-in to the very next book in this series.
Review by THE HOLEY ONE
March 11, 2017
So, while reading this I noticed a bunch of references to things that happened in the first book. Unfortunately for me, I haven't read the first book so some of it was lost on me but not enough to make this story impossible to understand.
In this particular book the Empathic detective has to find out who is committing the hangman murders. Now, there is something odd about these murders aside from the hanging but I don't want to give it away as well as the motivation for the murders is a bit odd. I liked the twist though it was different and not the run of the mill crazy that most serial offenders have.
I found myself easily able to relate to the characters and the different situations they were going through especially when the female detective was dealing with her husband cheating on her. I got mad for her and the fact that Bryce and Melody love each other so much but can't really be around each other breaks my heart.
I can't wait to read more about their journey especially with the twist ending.
In this particular book the Empathic detective has to find out who is committing the hangman murders. Now, there is something odd about these murders aside from the hanging but I don't want to give it away as well as the motivation for the murders is a bit odd. I liked the twist though it was different and not the run of the mill crazy that most serial offenders have.
I found myself easily able to relate to the characters and the different situations they were going through especially when the female detective was dealing with her husband cheating on her. I got mad for her and the fact that Bryce and Melody love each other so much but can't really be around each other breaks my heart.
I can't wait to read more about their journey especially with the twist ending.
September 9, 2018
Ungainly Mishmash of Genres
This book was a sort-of police procedural smashed together with science fantasy—heavy on the supernatural, and embellished with paranormal elements. I skim-read this as a stand-alone and from the information provided, I won’t be reading this series.
I had many problems with this book’s social cliches, but that aside, IMHO the author couldn’t decide where to focus his attention. His banal detective was an unimpressive empath, but I empathized I with his family problems. The plot was a mishmash of last millennium Russian mobsters and cliched Mexican street gangs. Add an FBI fantasy about investigating DARPA and it’s projects—free from other alphabet-agencies’ interference or the DOD.
Odd anachronisms abound. There are flying robotic cars, but otherwise robotic tech lags behind that of current Asian nations. Plus: Clunky police robots and phone tech that’s a big bump in the neck. So there are Police Robots, but human cops are without advanced body armor and/or full-body exoskeletons.
Add: ne plus ultra sci-fi with guys flying like Iron Man, achieving full-body invisibility, Quantum-entanglement teleportation, look-to-shoot laser tech and X-ray vision.
PLUS: biotechnology advanced enough to create homunculi from sperm!
This book was a sort-of police procedural smashed together with science fantasy—heavy on the supernatural, and embellished with paranormal elements. I skim-read this as a stand-alone and from the information provided, I won’t be reading this series.
I had many problems with this book’s social cliches, but that aside, IMHO the author couldn’t decide where to focus his attention. His banal detective was an unimpressive empath, but I empathized I with his family problems. The plot was a mishmash of last millennium Russian mobsters and cliched Mexican street gangs. Add an FBI fantasy about investigating DARPA and it’s projects—free from other alphabet-agencies’ interference or the DOD.
Odd anachronisms abound. There are flying robotic cars, but otherwise robotic tech lags behind that of current Asian nations. Plus: Clunky police robots and phone tech that’s a big bump in the neck. So there are Police Robots, but human cops are without advanced body armor and/or full-body exoskeletons.
Add: ne plus ultra sci-fi with guys flying like Iron Man, achieving full-body invisibility, Quantum-entanglement teleportation, look-to-shoot laser tech and X-ray vision.
PLUS: biotechnology advanced enough to create homunculi from sperm!
August 20, 2017
The second book in this series is even better than the first. Gerald Bryce is the Empathic Detective. I love the science of the future. Someone is trying to create artificial life and use it for evil. The Ghost suit helps Bryce fight against the evil conspiracy. If you enjoy science fiction, you will enjoy the future with the Empathic Detective!
March 20, 2017
Did You See That?
This is a great story!!! The storyline is exceptional, the characters are great. The ideal behind this story takes great imagination, five thumbs up to the author.
This is a great story!!! The storyline is exceptional, the characters are great. The ideal behind this story takes great imagination, five thumbs up to the author.
May 16, 2017
Really wish there was a third book!!! The series is really really awesome.
August 19, 2018
This is the second book of a great series, so far! Love the characters and story line. You will not be disappointed. The author has a great imagination. Great Reading Everyone!
March 16, 2017
Kindle Unlimited, liked the story just didn't love it; some things could have been cut for better flow, but liked the basic premise and the telling of it for the most part.
The Empathic Detective: A Mystery Thriller
Ghostsuit: An Empathic Detective Novel (The Empathic Detective Book 2)
author of Redwood series and others, check amazon page
The Empathic Detective: A Mystery Thriller
Ghostsuit: An Empathic Detective Novel (The Empathic Detective Book 2)
author of Redwood series and others, check amazon page
April 1, 2017
After reading the first book in the series, I wanted to continue on to see what more exciting adventures Detective Bryce would have to solve. Although this is a story that can be read by itself, it is is a continuation in the series. The author has done a great job summarizing events in the first book, while not giving the whole story away. If you haven't read that you, you'll want to go back and get the whole story.
This book again is based off of historical documents surrounding supposedly magical events. I enjoyed learning about the homunculi, little men, who had great powers. The author has done a good job taking this bit of history and weaving it into an entertaining story. I enjoyed this even more than the first book.
This book again is based off of historical documents surrounding supposedly magical events. I enjoyed learning about the homunculi, little men, who had great powers. The author has done a good job taking this bit of history and weaving it into an entertaining story. I enjoyed this even more than the first book.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews