Red

The New Rulebook #1

by Joy Ohagwu

"Delightful CHRISTIAN SUSPENSE..." Readers FavoriteIncludes link to a bonus book! *This is a relaunched edition. First August, 2014.

Gripped by shock at the site of a presumed routine package delivery run, business woman and entrepreneur Ruby "Red" Masters just saw a woman die. And she discovered The New Rulebook, something she knew nothing about. But it knew everything about her, enough to frame her for murder. As the clock ticks, Ruby calls on the one person she trusts, her best friend and police officer, Robert Towers. Robert will find a way out. He always has.

But as they race against time and beyond the reach of an unknown enemy, Ruby didn't count on Robert falling in love with her--and turning Christian. Robert's unrelenting grip on his newfound faith irritates Ruby, until she's captured behind enemy lines. When all human effort fails her, will she find that what she needed was right there all along? Or will she rebuff the love of the God she doesn't see, and that of the man she'd always known as simply a friend?



RED is Book One of The New Rulebook & Pete Zendel award winning Christian Suspense Series by USA Today bestselling author Joy Ohagwu. It grips you from the start and keeps you flipping pages through the end. Read now.

★★★★"Ohagwu's tale interlocks suspense and romance. Delightful Christian Suspense." Readers' Favorite

★★★★★"A 5-star for sure."- Amazon Reviewer

★★★★★"...wholesome christian stories that pack the same engrossing punch as secular books but without the offensive content." - Amazon Reviewer

Genres: Christian, Romance, Christian Fiction, Suspense, Mystery, Fiction, Romantic Suspense

264 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 11, 2014

About the author

ABOUT BESTSELLING AUTHOR JOY OHAGWU:

Who doesn't like to curl up with a good book? I certainly have, for as long as I could remember. Next to books, I loved movies just as much, especially if it had action and suspense. No surprise then that I'm now writing romantic suspense, and inspirational stories! I'm grateful to the Lord Jesus for His undeserved mercy and grace. I earned a Masters' Degree in International Affairs from American University, Washington DC; and a Bachelor of Science in Political Science from the University of Ibadan, Ibadan. Professionally, I've been honored with multiple awards for pioneer academic research, student leadership and overall excellence. I'm a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers(ACFW) organization. I pen stories during evenings, weekends, and whenever the food takes too long to cook. Despite the many hurdles I've faced in life, God has been crazy faithful! I live in the beautiful State of Maryland.

Available titles:
Series:
*The New Rulebook Trilogy
*After
*Pleasant Hearts

I) Christian Suspense:
*The New Rulebook 1
*The New Rulebook 2
*The New Rulebook 3 (coming soon)
*Uncommon Ground

II) Christian Inspirational:
*After
*After 2

Connect with me via:
Twitter: @Joyohagwu
Facebook Author Page: Joy Ohagwu (Author)
Email: joyohagwuauthor@gmail.com
Visit my Website: www.joyohagwu.com and sign up here: http://eepurl.com/bCteJz for updates on upcoming books and possible discounts and promotions, including book signing events near you.

Reviews

[Katie McCloy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I tried to like this book. the characters are likeable and have potential, but the writing was terrible! The details were in all the wrong places, leaving the reader wondering about things that should have been made clear.
How did Ruby know she was being framed? It was a high powered shot from far away and she was unarmed. Did no one see the victim fall? There were just too many things improperly explained to make the thriller portion any good.
I love that Ruby became a Christian, but a girl who called on Jesus' name moments ago suddenly knows to consult Him in all her decisions? What?
And could the author explain Ruby's hangup about being in love with her best friend? What is the issue here and why did she wait so long when she knew right away she needed to pray?
Bottom line is some SERIOUS editing and rewrites would make this book way better.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ruby and Robert are two amazing people. Watching these twos relationship change is wonderful. The author will have you on the edge of your seat waiting to see what next. God is working throughout this whole story. This book deserves a higher rating than a five star review.

[Anne Rightler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Red, The New Rulebook is the beginning of a series of Christian suspense books by Joy Ohagwu. The New Rulebook is leading technology in surveillance and even though it was meant to control crime, the bad guys have other ideas for its use. Ruby, is on what she thought was a usual delivery/pick up job and it turned into her being framed for murder. The first person she knows to call for help is her lifelong friend Robert, a police officer. And there begins the high tension drama of their attempt at outrunning those who set her up in the first place. Who is behind the murder? Why was Ruby chosen? Has she lost everything because of this new technology? Throughout the drama and suspense, the author has woven a strong thread of faith in Jesus Christ and the change He can make in one's life. infused throughout is also the tension of the friendship, perhaps soon to be romance, of Ruby and Robert. Can Ruby see beyond the friendship to a closer relationship or will her fears hold her back?

[Paula Shreckhise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review pending

[Randy Tramp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Orphaned. Hunted. Framed for murder. And on the run. Who is Ruby Masters?

What mystery. What suspense. I loved this story and look forward to the next one in this series, Snowy Peaks. (It's downloaded and ready to read.)

Ruby and her best friend and police officer, Robert Towers make great characters. Both are full of integrity and just good common sense. Add courage to that, and that makes for an exciting journey.

I love how the author added faith to the story. Not in a way that became religious, but in a way that showed a normal Christian life.

The perfect amount of tension kept me turning pages. Fear and love mixed, setting the stage for something incredible. That sensation came at the end. What an ending. I shed tears.

[Pat Bowen macdonald · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent story.

[Norma · Rating 3 out of 5]

( Format : Audiobook )
""Like vanilla fighting for chocolate ...""
Ruby, the Red of the title, had built a successful one person delivery business, starting with a simple shopping service for pensioners then growing it to includes carrying packages for firms. So she wasn't suspicious when asked to take a package to a preordained place to give to someone. She was surprised when that person was shot in front of her leaving her as the only witness. Instead of seeking out the authorities to report the crime, she runs home, calls her best friend, stages a broken pipe scenario to cover their conversation and goes on the run with him: If ever someone wanted to be a prime suspect, this was certainly a good way of ensuring it!

Her friend of 18 years, Robert, is a cop and, in the midst of murder and mayhem, confesses to Ruby his two great revelations - that he loved her and that he had found God. Yet she seems to totally overlook the former and what was the problem with the latter when it is she who is always peppering conversation with, "Thank you, Jesus," comments?
Most of the book is written in the first person, from Ruby,s perspective although a brief section sees things from Robert's point of view, so the reader gets to know both characters quite well. Whilst Robert seems to be a good, solid person, patient, dependable and truly in love with his long time friend, she comes over as a needy, self obsessed, superficial and manipulative woman (at least to this reader), who's religious belief is more for show, or to calm nerves in times of stress. Yes, you're right - I really didn't have time for her. Why was she set up for the murder in the first place? No idea. Why was she pursued so avidly by the baddies? Again, no idea. Surely a 10,000 dollar fee from an unknown firm to give an unknown woman a package would seem suspicious to most one person delivery acts? Mmmm. There was great potential in the story but it wasn't properly developed, sadly. Perhaps all is somewhere revealed in a throwaway sentence or two, but I found it often difficult to concentrate on the narration. Ms.Tuszyski's voice was pleasant, if rather little girlish, but well suited to the title character, and, again like Ruby, seemed to have little emotional quality in the reading. She also sped along at times and it was in these periods, especially in the latter half of the book, that I found my concentration wavering. Overall, not a bad narration, just not spectacular.

Each chapter was preceded by a line from the bible, which was nice and, if the frequent 'Jesus' comments by Ruby are overlooked, the actual religious message was tastefully woven throughout. Included at the end is the first chapter of the next book in the series. This is attached with no prior explanation other than the bland 'The end', followed by Chapter One, which could have been a clever postscript, but wasn't.
My thanks to the rights holder for gifting me a copy of Red. Nicely written for the most part with a lot of potential. Just not quite there yet.

[Ester · Rating 5 out of 5]

this was a good book.

[Christy Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book has a fantastic start. The main character is introduced and immediately involved in a murder. The pace is okay for the first few chapters but after that the book slows down and starts dying a slow death. The bad guys are defeated and the hero & heroine walk out to safety rather anticlimactically. End of book, you think, but no, there is another 1/3 of the book left that belabors an point to pieces. If you like wordy books that remind you when you had to have X number of words in your essays, this is your book.
I gave it three stars for the plot structure. Too bad those bones had to hold an excess 150 pounds of words.

[Curly's Ramblings · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice romantic mystery involving two long term friends fighting for their lives. Ruby, a.k.a. Red, is a delivery business woman framed for murder. Robert, a Sergeant, is head over heels for Red and does his best to save the love of his life. This book is a well written romantic mystery that takes some unexpected twists and turns dealing with a new sci-fi technology called the New Rulebook. A good audiobook to listen to.

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a super story. Private company big brother and a set up for murder. Two thrilling subjects and the authors writing will keep you on the edge of your seat. Looking forward to the rest of the series. I highly recommend this one.

[Joan · Rating 1 out of 5]

Read 10% - this book is obviously self-published -and VERY prematurely published. The writing is extremely awkward and unpolished. The small part I read was filled with grammar/structure errors and misused vocabulary (bulge instead of budge, for one example.) This was painful to read.

[Glenda · Rating 1 out of 5]

Just couldn't get into this book. Not interesting at all. Stopped reading after a few chapters.

[Judy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Love the cover can't say that about the book. Still not sure what it was about.

[Katrina Berry · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a roller coaster of a ride; so very riveting.

Please note that an ARC was generously provided in exchange for an honest review of which this is both honest and completely voluntary.

[Colette · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF-lost interest

[Michelle · Rating 1 out of 5]

If you can get past the writing, this book has an interesting plot, and the potential to be a very good book.

[Beverly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Suspense and mystery novels are a great way to challenge our minds. That's one reason why I read them so often. I purposely look for suspense writers who stay away from becoming too dark and dabbling into graphic horror. I don't mind fantasy or science fiction either as long as the line isn't crossed at this same point. There's a fine line to toe when looking for this kind of balance. So when I find an author who can write this way successfully while engaging the reader's intelligence, I like to tell others. This book fulfills most of the above criteria. The author is new to me, so the jury is still out, but so far, it looks good.

Robert and Ruby had been friends since they were just children living in an orphanage. All those years ago, they had backed each other up, joining forces and becoming fast friends. Now as adults, they were each traveling their own paths, yet still in contact and still supportive of each other. Both busy in their own lives, until one day Ruby discovered she had been framed for murder. Terrified, the first person she thought to contact was her friend Robert.

Throughout the rest of this book, they were running for their lives, followed by a mysterious force that seemed to know their every turn. It had something to do with The New Rulebook. What was the New Rulebook? Think of a contemporary TRON gone bad. Or an Anakin Skywalker's desire to rule the universe benevolently, for the good of everyone, turned sour. The meme, a good idea falls into the wrong hands. And why could Spock not defeat Captain Kirk at 3-D chess? Because he made unpredictable moves that defied logic.

So how did Ruby and Robert live through their ordeal? They had two things in their favor. You get to find out by reading the book. And while the story comes to a satisfying conclusion, the overall plot is not quite finished. There is more to come in future books. I am eager to read these and find out what comes next.

I liked the plot and the concept shared in this book. It's a good premise, and the suspense is kept moving along very nicely. I would like to mention that I think this author has more to offer in the way of refining the details. There were moments when ideas were a little confusing, or the structure of sentences were not clear. A few phrases worded awkwardly were dotted throughtout the book, although more frequently during the first third of the pages. These types of problems were a little distracting in the beginning from the action taking place. Once they are cleaned up, this will be a much better book. I'm looking forward to seeing these improvements.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary review copy of this book from the author. I was not required to write a review, positive or otherwise. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

[Glenda Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

My review is on the romantic thriller, Red. This is the first book of The New Rulebook Series. I was sent this book and this review is in my own words. I really enjoyed this book and I know you are going to love it. The story is well written, action packed, and full of faith. This is an awesome book!

Ruby, Red, Masters grew up in an orphanage. It was a hard life but she had a best friend that helped her through it all. She now has her own business and is doing well. Robert is still her best friend but their relationship seems to be changing. She goes to meet a person. She's not sure what is going on, she was paid ten thousand dollars for this pick up. The woman she meets hands her an item and tells her "they see everything; I built the Rulebook and nothing is hidden from it. The only glitch is that one tenth is missing." The woman is then shot. Red understand now. She is being set up for murder. She flees and calls Robert.

Detective Robert Towers has known and loved Ruby since she was a child. His job has always been to protect her and care for her. He has recently become a Christian and he's not sure how to tell her. Also their relationship has changed. He realizes that he has fallen in love with her. How can he convince her to love Jesus and him? Suddenly Ruby is in danger. The dead woman's twin brother is out to destroy Red. Everywhere they go this mad man is one step ahead of them. How can he keep her safe?

A journey of terror as a mad man tries to take over the world. God has a plan for these two, a plan for a hope and a future. God has a plan for you too, a good plan and not for evil. You might not have a mad man chasing you but you do have and enemy that is trying to destroy you. Jesus came to give you life and that more abundantly.

[Donna Mitchell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good adventure romance

Like the TV show, Person of Interest, or the movie, Minority Report, a company has developed an advanced system of surveillance so they can identify possible criminals before they commit a crime and sell this system to law enforcement agencies all over the country and beyond. They are missing the last 10% of the program, which they have to have before the public release. Ruby, who runs a delivery service, runs afoul of the evil masterminds when she meets a woman to pick up a delivery package. To her shock, the woman is killed by a sniper just after she hands over the package, and Ruby has to run for her life. She turns to her friend Robert, a detective, for help. She discovers that he has become a Christian since she last saw him. He encourages her to believe and call upon Jesus when she needs help, which she does and receives inspiration. Eventually they are kidnapped and threatened with death, but the good guys triumph in the end. I was a little irritated by the small but repeated English mistakes like missing articles (a, an, the) and the non- word alright. It's still not a word no matter how many times people use it. The missing articles made me wonder if the author grew up speaking something other than English. Overall the mistakes never made the story unclear.

[Cyndi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book, but I did feel like the last few chapters dragged and could have been summed up in one chapter. Other than that this is a great real to life story. It has all the elements I enjoy in a great book. First off this is a book that is clean, I didn't need to skip anything. It was fast paced with so much happening with Red and Robert you had to keep turning pages to see what would happen next. The plot of the story could be happening right at this moment with technology moving forward as fast as it is. Ruby and Robert are great main characters they are a normal couple of people that find themselves in a terrifying situation. I am going to keep reading this series as I would like to know more about The New Rulebook, the title of the series.
I received a free download of this book from the publisher. This review is my own honest opinion

[Tawana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Riveting, Edge of your seat Christian Suspense

This book hits the ground running and takes you right along with it. Ruby is just a young woman who has found her niche in life as a delivery person a job she loves until she meets a mysterious woman to pick up a package for a client. That one pick up will change her life forever . The suspense starts right away and you will join Ruby and Robert as they flee and fight for their very lives. As a Christian, I truly appreciate a good book full of suspense and romance without the harsh words and descriptive sex scenes. This is the first book I have read by this author but I plan on reading more. I love that she writes about faith, putting believers and unbelievers together, the new Christian journey, etc.

[Brian Proffit · Rating 3 out of 5]

(Full disclosure: I received this copy free.) Joy Ohagwu puts together an excellent story line, with characters we genuinely care about. She deserves the opportunity to work with a good editor, and when that happens I’ll look forward to giving her another reading.

This book suffers from some pesky inconsistencies (just one example: he made her breakfast and left it in the kitchen, but moments after reading his note she goes into the kitchen and makes breakfast) and irrelevant details (she hands him her cup to sit down and he hands it back??) that are not unusual in early drafts, but caught by a good editor. Nevertheless, Ohagwu is a good enough developer of plot twists that I enjoyed finishing the book and hope she is encouraged to continue her craft.

[Stox4story · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this day and age of artificial intelligence (AI), nothing should surprise us. Surely, something meant for good won’t be used for bad, right? Now it’s time to wake up from your dreams and face the real world. This book opens the mind to see just how things can be twisted and played. This is good vs evil and Ruby, the heroine, basically is innocent collateral damage. She owned a delivery and package pickup service and simply was doing her job. Her not knowing what was in a package pickup and delivery could cost her life. This is a story of struggle, suspense, intrigue and second guessing. It easily can be played in today’s world. It’s also a story of faith. It’s a story of kidnapping and murder. Prepare for an adventure as you read.

[Joy]

I wanted to like this book more, because the premise was good, but I felt like I was dropped into the middle of the premiere episode of a Person of Interest-style tv show, and wasn't clear about certain details throughout the rest of the story.

What The New Rulebook is, and the full consequences of it's operation, are never completely explained. Sometimes, characters seemed to know about it, without being told. Also, some of the descriptions are akwardly composed. I really liked the message in Red, and Joy Ohagwu is my tocaya, and this was her first book published, so I gave her the benefit of the doubt. I'd like to read a more recent book of hers, to see how her writing improves over time.

[Joan Arning · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ruby (Red) Masters delivers a package for her delivery company and sees a woman murdered. "The New Rulebook", a computer program, seems to know everything about Ruby who is a well-written protagonist. Robert Towers has been Ruby's friend since they both lived in an orphanage and is a strong character. Ruby and Robert face many dangers as they race to take down the computer program before it can do more damage! Who can they trust? Will Robert's newfound faith in God help them! I recommend Red to anyone who enjoys contemporary suspense. I received a complimentary e-book from the author. This is my honest opinion.

[Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The New Rulebook from Joy Ogwu is a great suspense series based on Christian principles. The story is exciting but also moving and faith building. The story makes you think about your own life, what place God and His promises have in your life and how you deal with them. The series has great characters that you get to know well. The story is very exciting and captivating until the end. Joy knows how to keep the tension in and always give it a great twist.The series is a great example of how to live the Christian life. Some fragments are so real and moving that they touch your heart deeply.

[Ferne Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book in a series and the first book I have read by this author. I really liked the story and love the characters. Ruby (Red) and Robert have been friends since they were children in an orphanage 18 years ago. Now Ruby is framed for murder and she calls Robert for help. Robert is a police officer. They uncover a sinister plan to control the world and end up right in the middle of danger. This is a Christian novel with the message to rely on God for help and direction. It is not a preachy book, I love the way the message is mixed in throughout the story. Whether you are Christian or not, I think you will enjoy this book. I'm going to start book 2 soon. Enjoy

[Erika Hayes · Rating 1 out of 5]

I purchased the book, I took it in my hands, opened the cover, touched the first page, then took a deep breath, and began to read.

This like the book is a great example for on the nose writing. Like textbook for how to write in the nose writing.

The book honestly was insulting sometimes. Not the material or the story but the author really thinks the reader needs all the details. It was rough. Really really rough. I couldn't get through a few pages without taking a break mostly because I was pushed, nah hurled out of the theater of the mind.

I wish the author good luck and the best in the future. However, our relationship has ended as I couldn't push through a second.

[Carol Brandon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the gripping introduction in the first few pages, to what proved to be a suspenseful mystery. Interesting premise; true-to-life in that there is surveillance everywhere. Cortexe Corp. is developing a predictive computer program which uses mathematical probability and logic to figure out if people are likely to commit a crime, so they can stop it before it happens. They also are involved in surveillance – from home systems, to corporate systems. One of their employees is dead. Is there a tie-in?