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The Patriarch
HOW FAR WOULD YOU GO TO LEARN THE TRUTH? Daniel Booker knows his family is hiding a secret. A successful crime writer, for his entire life Daniel has suspected there was something different about him. He was faster than the other kids. He never got sick. And he always felt a strange, jittery excitement whenever he tasted blood . . . An impending engagement to the woman he loves compels Daniel to discover the truth about his ancestry. His journey takes him from Atlanta to the hushed backwoods of Mississippi, where he will come face to face with an ancient secret--and the deepest depths of his own soul. Originally published in the acclaimed collection, THE ANCESTORS, "The Patriarch" is a novella of approximately 90 pages. CHAPTER 1 Before I tell you how I learned the truth about my family, there’s one thing you must understand and accept, here and now. Every word is true. You may know my reputation, of course, and assume otherwise. My name is Daniel Booker. I write crime novels—fast-paced, blood-soaked stories about an Atlanta private investigator. I’ve published seven of them so far at the relatively tender age of thirty-four, and they’ve won a handful of prestigious awards in the mystery fiction genre, been translated into a dozen foreign languages, been acquired for the movies by a Hollywood producer of some note, and overall, have sold sufficient copies to keep plenty of good food on my table. But merely because I earn my living spinning tall tales doesn’t mean I’m lying about this. As my Grandma Ruth likes to “Some things you don’t fool around with.” In my mind, family is one of those inviolate things. To be honest, I don’t think I ever could have fabricated anything as . . . well, shocking as what I’m about to tell you. Are we cool? Okay, good. Prologue over. Here’s what happened.
99 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 2, 2017
53 people are currently reading
120 people want to read
About the author
Brandon Massey
56 books874 followersHere’s a little about me, Brandon Massey. (“Massey” is not pronounced “macy,” by the way. Think of “mass” instead.)
I was born June 9, 1973, in Waukegan, Illinois. I grew up in Zion, a suburb north of Chicago.
I originally self-published Thunderland, my first novel, in 1999. After managing to sell a few thousand copies on my own, Kensington Publishing Corp. in New York offered me a two-book contract, and published a new, revised edition of Thunderland in December 2002.
Since then, I’ve published up to three books a year, ranging from thriller novels such as The Other Brother, to short story collections such as Twisted Tales, and anthologies such as Dark Dreams.
My newest suspense thriller, Covenant, was published in November 2010.
I’ve got plenty more stories in the works that I’ll publish in the coming years.
I live with my family near Atlanta, GA.
I was born June 9, 1973, in Waukegan, Illinois. I grew up in Zion, a suburb north of Chicago.
I originally self-published Thunderland, my first novel, in 1999. After managing to sell a few thousand copies on my own, Kensington Publishing Corp. in New York offered me a two-book contract, and published a new, revised edition of Thunderland in December 2002.
Since then, I’ve published up to three books a year, ranging from thriller novels such as The Other Brother, to short story collections such as Twisted Tales, and anthologies such as Dark Dreams.
My newest suspense thriller, Covenant, was published in November 2010.
I’ve got plenty more stories in the works that I’ll publish in the coming years.
I live with my family near Atlanta, GA.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
June 21, 2023
A slow engrossing story to a short suspenseful conclusion!
June 12, 2019
Daniel's trip to Mississippi to understand his heritage revealed deep family secrets. Storyline held my attention as key members of the family made appearances and provided answers. Good novella
March 2, 2019
The Patriarch is a novella by Brandon Massey. It's fast paced,mysterious and has a tinge of supernatural.
I enjoyed reading it. If you are into mysteries that you'd definitely enjoy this one.
You can read more about the story and my detailed views about it by clicking on the link below:
The Patriarch
I enjoyed reading it. If you are into mysteries that you'd definitely enjoy this one.
You can read more about the story and my detailed views about it by clicking on the link below:
The Patriarch
January 3, 2018
Great short story
This book was a great read. One of my favorite writers and I can’t wait for his next book. Thank you.
This book was a great read. One of my favorite writers and I can’t wait for his next book. Thank you.
January 28, 2018
Short five star story.. Well written, excellent story
October 16, 2021
“Some things you don’t fool around with.”
Thirty four year old Daniel Brooke believed deep in his bones something truly wasn’t right with him from the day he was born. Inhabiting unique strength and quick reflexes, he also possessed the ability to heal from mortal wounds within hours and never succumbing to a common cold or ailment. Troubled by what this could potentially mean, he left behind Atlanta and came to where the family lain, Mississippi. Seeing the family as spry as children, he along with his girlfriend of two years Asha, began combing through the family history being his Aunt Lillie stumbled upon an aged photograph of Grandfather Orin, where she decided to let the words pause. As a prophetic true crime story teller, he found himself drawn to the secrets that his own family kept buried, taking special interest in the ruby rings they all seemed to wear. As his dreams began being plagued by visions of the shotgun house with the red door, he began sneaking off into the night to encounter its ghostly charm. Finally, he managed upon two men, his grandfather Orin and another man named Kyle who took his aside and shared the truth of his heritage, he was a vampire as well. Coming to the call of Orin, he found himself in the sights of a gunman attempted a home invasion on another family member. Using terrifying strength and speed him and Orin settles the score and set the criminals down for the count. Now, himself granted the privilege of the ring, he kept the family secret wine in his veins and away from his girlfriend out of respect for his family. Finally, with the truth at the top of his tongue, he’ll finally Understand his gift all along.
“Anything I leave out, you’ll learn in God’s time.”
Thirty four year old Daniel Brooke believed deep in his bones something truly wasn’t right with him from the day he was born. Inhabiting unique strength and quick reflexes, he also possessed the ability to heal from mortal wounds within hours and never succumbing to a common cold or ailment. Troubled by what this could potentially mean, he left behind Atlanta and came to where the family lain, Mississippi. Seeing the family as spry as children, he along with his girlfriend of two years Asha, began combing through the family history being his Aunt Lillie stumbled upon an aged photograph of Grandfather Orin, where she decided to let the words pause. As a prophetic true crime story teller, he found himself drawn to the secrets that his own family kept buried, taking special interest in the ruby rings they all seemed to wear. As his dreams began being plagued by visions of the shotgun house with the red door, he began sneaking off into the night to encounter its ghostly charm. Finally, he managed upon two men, his grandfather Orin and another man named Kyle who took his aside and shared the truth of his heritage, he was a vampire as well. Coming to the call of Orin, he found himself in the sights of a gunman attempted a home invasion on another family member. Using terrifying strength and speed him and Orin settles the score and set the criminals down for the count. Now, himself granted the privilege of the ring, he kept the family secret wine in his veins and away from his girlfriend out of respect for his family. Finally, with the truth at the top of his tongue, he’ll finally Understand his gift all along.
“Anything I leave out, you’ll learn in God’s time.”
August 23, 2021
A Spellbinding Mystery
What an extraordinary, well-written narrative told in the first person, where you believe the fictional character is sharing a frightening and factual account. Protagonist Daniel Booker is a successful author, but he feels there is a missing piece in his life and wants to find out more about his family lineage by traveling, along with his girlfriend, Asha Cook, to a small town in Mississippi. His quest for the truth will take him to a strange destination that will have him knowing more about himself. The plot presents likable, authentic, and complex characters, explanatory settings, and excellent dialogue, with some unforeseen surprises, leading up to an ending you will never see coming.
What an extraordinary, well-written narrative told in the first person, where you believe the fictional character is sharing a frightening and factual account. Protagonist Daniel Booker is a successful author, but he feels there is a missing piece in his life and wants to find out more about his family lineage by traveling, along with his girlfriend, Asha Cook, to a small town in Mississippi. His quest for the truth will take him to a strange destination that will have him knowing more about himself. The plot presents likable, authentic, and complex characters, explanatory settings, and excellent dialogue, with some unforeseen surprises, leading up to an ending you will never see coming.
May 4, 2018
The Patriarch is a good novella, it would be cool to see Brandon expound a bit more on on the family and Grandpa Orin and Kyle (especially Kyle so that we can understand what made him come to his conclusions about "cattle")
I do feel that towards the end of the book it felt rushed and slightly clichéd but that sometimes happens when you have novellas and have a short amount of time to tell a story.
I do feel that towards the end of the book it felt rushed and slightly clichéd but that sometimes happens when you have novellas and have a short amount of time to tell a story.
April 29, 2018
Undeniably EXCELLENT!!
Another excellent book by an excellent author! I absolutely love Brandon Massey’s books and this is another added to the list.
This story is fast paced and grabs the reader from the beginning and holds them tight until the end. Ask yourself...do you know who’s on your family tree?
Another excellent book by an excellent author! I absolutely love Brandon Massey’s books and this is another added to the list.
This story is fast paced and grabs the reader from the beginning and holds them tight until the end. Ask yourself...do you know who’s on your family tree?
May 17, 2018
Outstanding
Massey never lets me down. They suspense always makes the thin hairs on my neck stand up. The story is not what I expected...it was so much more. I could have read another 200 pages of this storyline. Hopefully this will become a full novel giving more information about this secret family with a mysterious history. 5+ stars
Massey never lets me down. They suspense always makes the thin hairs on my neck stand up. The story is not what I expected...it was so much more. I could have read another 200 pages of this storyline. Hopefully this will become a full novel giving more information about this secret family with a mysterious history. 5+ stars
December 1, 2018
This was a cool novella about an author who wanted to go home to visit his roots. He felt it was some things that he didn't know but needed to know. Going home and talking to the elder put a lot of things in perspective for him and made unexplainable things that happened to him in the past explainable. Now feeling complete, Daniel was content and able to move on with his life.
4*
4*
April 4, 2022
Ancestors
I enjoyed this short story. It was mildly suspenseful and kept me guessing. I loved how Daniel's family immediately accepted Asha and the not so subtle hints regarding her status.
I didn't know what to expect regarding Daniel's lineage but it wasn't the first thing I suspected!
It always helps to know from whence you came.
I enjoyed this short story. It was mildly suspenseful and kept me guessing. I loved how Daniel's family immediately accepted Asha and the not so subtle hints regarding her status.
I didn't know what to expect regarding Daniel's lineage but it wasn't the first thing I suspected!
It always helps to know from whence you came.
April 25, 2018
Another Great Massey Tale
Massey is a master at grounding his characters in reality and then slipping the rug from beneath them and us as readers by mixing the mundane and the magical.
Massey is a master at grounding his characters in reality and then slipping the rug from beneath them and us as readers by mixing the mundane and the magical.
June 29, 2020
Amazing!
Not much to say thAt everyone doesn't already know, Brandon Massey is the bomb.com. His books, whether long or short are always crisp, precise and well written. Although most of his work scare the muffins out of me, I still enjoy his work.
Not much to say thAt everyone doesn't already know, Brandon Massey is the bomb.com. His books, whether long or short are always crisp, precise and well written. Although most of his work scare the muffins out of me, I still enjoy his work.
May 22, 2018
This book what I expected. However, I appreciated the change and it didn't lead me down the road of predictable. I'm definitely going to read more books from this author.
May 28, 2018
The overall storyline was great however I think Brandon Massey made this into a longer more in depth novel it could have been way better. I love his work but this wasn't my absolute favorite!
August 13, 2018
Enjoyable
An enjoyable quick read. I’ve been a Brandon Massey fan for many years. He never disappoints. He’s one of my favorite authors.
An enjoyable quick read. I’ve been a Brandon Massey fan for many years. He never disappoints. He’s one of my favorite authors.
December 22, 2018
Great story
Great story from the beginning, it was just to shortt of a read. I finished its in one hour or less.
Great story from the beginning, it was just to shortt of a read. I finished its in one hour or less.
March 21, 2019
Such a great read!!!
I've found a new author and I love his books! I wish this one was longer! I would love to read more about the Patriarch!
I've found a new author and I love his books! I wish this one was longer! I would love to read more about the Patriarch!
May 24, 2020
Thoughtful
As usual BM pens stories that dull the lines between lore and reality. This story is no different and leaves us wanting more.
As usual BM pens stories that dull the lines between lore and reality. This story is no different and leaves us wanting more.
April 23, 2021
A Ruby of a Read
I have yet to be disappointed in any writing of Mr. BMassey and I've read Most!😉
I thank you again for the journey sir. Until we meet again,
Stay Well/Safe
I have yet to be disappointed in any writing of Mr. BMassey and I've read Most!😉
I thank you again for the journey sir. Until we meet again,
Stay Well/Safe
January 15, 2022
Another great read. I was expecting it to be longer but enjoyed the quick read while sitting in a waiting room!
April 11, 2022
Well written and enjoyable. The story draws you in and I was left wanting more. So sad it is only a short story.
June 18, 2022
Good Read
I have been a fan of Brandon since his first book. This book was good and it held my interest until the end.
I have been a fan of Brandon since his first book. This book was good and it held my interest until the end.
July 20, 2023
I have read so many book's by Brandon Massey! He's a great writer!!
Great book ❤, the first book I read by Brandon Massey was the EX's. And I have been hooked every since.
Great book ❤, the first book I read by Brandon Massey was the EX's. And I have been hooked every since.
Read
August 8, 2024Woah
I read this in one setting. It was quick but packed with twists. Danny was shocked by his new findings and so was i . if you're looking for a quick thrill . this is the book
I read this in one setting. It was quick but packed with twists. Danny was shocked by his new findings and so was i . if you're looking for a quick thrill . this is the book
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews