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The Urge
The terror was the theft of childhood innocence. It tore the center out of Woody and Vette, and changed their destiny. The terror was also the taking of seven-year-old Alice’s life in the cruelest way possible, leaving eight-year-old Betty alive to remember the nightmare of her friend’s kidnapping and death.
In The Urge, the families move on but their lives are forever entwined. They know the monsters are no longer under the bed. The monsters live in the cars parked outside their house. They hide behind the doors in the bedroom. They wear white masks.
The pedophile continues undetected. One by one. Year after year. He’s right in front of them but somehow invisible. The killer still lives in prison, sending letters to the Betty, the one that got away. Somebody has to confront them, and finally someone does.
He calls himself the Good Samaritan, but he’s a killer, too. Even though he kills the worst of the worst, the convicted sex offenders whose targets are children. The Good Samaritan thinks he’s doing the world a favor by removing them from the world forever. But it’s a conundrum. The damage has already been done.
Take a trip through the minds of the killers, the victims, and the pedophiles. All those twisted from childhood will twist together in the end. Read The Urge to find out how.
Come on... Let's play.
The psychological thriller, The Urge, is one in The Devil's Rules Series. Its soul is lust. Each of the novels in The Devil's Rules series is a standalone book that may be read in any order you wish. They're bound together by the Devil's game, where the rules to win are to endure each of the seven deadly sins.
Wanna play?
In The Urge, the families move on but their lives are forever entwined. They know the monsters are no longer under the bed. The monsters live in the cars parked outside their house. They hide behind the doors in the bedroom. They wear white masks.
The pedophile continues undetected. One by one. Year after year. He’s right in front of them but somehow invisible. The killer still lives in prison, sending letters to the Betty, the one that got away. Somebody has to confront them, and finally someone does.
He calls himself the Good Samaritan, but he’s a killer, too. Even though he kills the worst of the worst, the convicted sex offenders whose targets are children. The Good Samaritan thinks he’s doing the world a favor by removing them from the world forever. But it’s a conundrum. The damage has already been done.
Take a trip through the minds of the killers, the victims, and the pedophiles. All those twisted from childhood will twist together in the end. Read The Urge to find out how.
Come on... Let's play.
The psychological thriller, The Urge, is one in The Devil's Rules Series. Its soul is lust. Each of the novels in The Devil's Rules series is a standalone book that may be read in any order you wish. They're bound together by the Devil's game, where the rules to win are to endure each of the seven deadly sins.
Wanna play?
320 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 20, 2018
3 people are currently reading
23 people want to read
About the author
C.L. Gibson
2 books6 followersSome background stuff. Some good stuff. You pick.
I'm the girl with the Typewriter Tattoo who lives in the Midwest with my husband, our Akita named Jag, and our obese fourteen-year-old adopted cat named Chicago. I'm the author of the psychological thriller of murder and lust, The Urge, 2018. The next in The Devil's Rules series of murder and envy, The Grudge, is coming fall 2019.
I've been published in numerous periodicals, newspapers, national and international magazines, been quoted in BusinessWeek, Crain's Chicago Business, Successful Meetings, PBH, HRO Today, Chemical Processing and ESM, and interviewed on both ABC and Fox News.
My articles appear in HR Management, Benefits & Compensation Solutions, Country Marketplace, OTC Beauty Magazine and Meetings & Conventions.
I am a past columnist for both an online column and a print column for Incentive Magazine. I am a past member of the Editorial Advisory Board for both Benefits & Compensation Solutions magazine and the Workplace HR & Safety magazine.
My debut novel, The Urge is available now. The second book in the Devil's Rules Series, The Grudge, will be published in the fall of 2019.
Pleased to meet 'cha.
I'm the girl with the Typewriter Tattoo who lives in the Midwest with my husband, our Akita named Jag, and our obese fourteen-year-old adopted cat named Chicago. I'm the author of the psychological thriller of murder and lust, The Urge, 2018. The next in The Devil's Rules series of murder and envy, The Grudge, is coming fall 2019.
I've been published in numerous periodicals, newspapers, national and international magazines, been quoted in BusinessWeek, Crain's Chicago Business, Successful Meetings, PBH, HRO Today, Chemical Processing and ESM, and interviewed on both ABC and Fox News.
My articles appear in HR Management, Benefits & Compensation Solutions, Country Marketplace, OTC Beauty Magazine and Meetings & Conventions.
I am a past columnist for both an online column and a print column for Incentive Magazine. I am a past member of the Editorial Advisory Board for both Benefits & Compensation Solutions magazine and the Workplace HR & Safety magazine.
My debut novel, The Urge is available now. The second book in the Devil's Rules Series, The Grudge, will be published in the fall of 2019.
Pleased to meet 'cha.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
March 21, 2019
Not a book for the faint of heart!
Gibson proves herself a truly compassionate writer whose frame of rape, murder, vigilantism, and pedophilia rarely feels gratuitous--she more predominantly conveys the world of scared, scarred people who are at times overwhelmed by pain. She shines light into a the churning nightmare that one might have as a child or parent.
The descriptions of the acts themselves as they happen are well-modulated -- such acts are grotesque of course, but she fills just enough in to leave it to the reader's imagination. Like a camera, Gibson, she carefully limits the point of view, sometimes setting them from through the eyes of a victim, who only sees a limited vantage as a horrific act takes place.
And while I found Gibson to be an expert weaver of suspense, The Urge is not all dank, echoing darkness. The supporting characters are efficiently drawn--such as an hilarious employee whose straight talk contrasts with her mismatched outfits and jewelry. Really, now, the book's finely-honed details attest to someone who knows the terrain of Mid- to East Illinois, and steeping a reader in details is truly a tough and tricky row to hoe. I greatly enjoyed seeing the process of how a car dealership works, how a single woman gets cajoled into an overdue business trip by her family (leading to a much-necessary triumph for her), how a character's emotional space weaves in and out of a deeper, different horror as a beloved pet faces its inevitable end. She's done the spadework getting these things right and it shows.
On the metaphoric level, I was especially struck by how poison plants pop up throughout Gibson's crime-suspense-revenge tale, invading the the lives of the children, who eventually become fragile, traumatized adults. This book is very compelling, at times heartbreaking, but always alert to the ways that life can turn on a dime, for good or ill. The last 60 or so pages, wherein the various plot strands really tighten, made this reader feel especially like they were being shot through a chute.
In sum, a very compelling read!
Gibson proves herself a truly compassionate writer whose frame of rape, murder, vigilantism, and pedophilia rarely feels gratuitous--she more predominantly conveys the world of scared, scarred people who are at times overwhelmed by pain. She shines light into a the churning nightmare that one might have as a child or parent.
The descriptions of the acts themselves as they happen are well-modulated -- such acts are grotesque of course, but she fills just enough in to leave it to the reader's imagination. Like a camera, Gibson, she carefully limits the point of view, sometimes setting them from through the eyes of a victim, who only sees a limited vantage as a horrific act takes place.
And while I found Gibson to be an expert weaver of suspense, The Urge is not all dank, echoing darkness. The supporting characters are efficiently drawn--such as an hilarious employee whose straight talk contrasts with her mismatched outfits and jewelry. Really, now, the book's finely-honed details attest to someone who knows the terrain of Mid- to East Illinois, and steeping a reader in details is truly a tough and tricky row to hoe. I greatly enjoyed seeing the process of how a car dealership works, how a single woman gets cajoled into an overdue business trip by her family (leading to a much-necessary triumph for her), how a character's emotional space weaves in and out of a deeper, different horror as a beloved pet faces its inevitable end. She's done the spadework getting these things right and it shows.
On the metaphoric level, I was especially struck by how poison plants pop up throughout Gibson's crime-suspense-revenge tale, invading the the lives of the children, who eventually become fragile, traumatized adults. This book is very compelling, at times heartbreaking, but always alert to the ways that life can turn on a dime, for good or ill. The last 60 or so pages, wherein the various plot strands really tighten, made this reader feel especially like they were being shot through a chute.
In sum, a very compelling read!
June 12, 2019
Really Enjoyed this Book and I'm Not typically a Reader of this Topic. C L Gibson Took on some Challenging Subject Matter and Wrote it Very Well to put the Subjects of Child Abuse, Loss, and Death can possibly attempt into Words. Was really disturbing in parts But I Couldn't put it Down. Would Totally Recommend.
September 23, 2018
Absolutely epic. There’s really nothing else to say!
January 15, 2019
The Urge
CL Gibson
166 pages
My Blue Horse Publishing Co.
Cary Illinois 60013
2018
ISBN 978-1-7326720-2-4 Digital Edition
ISBN 978-1-7326720-1-7 Hardcover Edition
ISBN 978-1-7326720-0-0 Softcover Edition
I was lucky to meet this author at a writer’s event at my local library, and I’m so glad I did!
CL Gibson is an emerging author who wrote The Urge as one in a series of books she’s entitled “The Devil’s Rules” series.
The impact of the first chapter is chilling! As a reader I am hooked, the author’s attention to detail and forensics knowledge leads the reader right into the underbelly of the crime with her exquisite scene setting.
I could not stop turning the pages, immediately I am ensconced in caring deeply about the characters she has written. Ms. Gibson gives the reader a full sense of the utter depravity of each of the situations the main characters Woody and his sister Vette go through. This prompts us to root emotionally for the choices that the young character Woody makes as he justifies his secrets. There are many twists and turns and without giving away too much in this review, it is a unique brand of justice served as cute as a breakfast muffin could get. The book will take you through the years in the lives of Woody and Vette as they grow up and face their pasts.
This complex psychological thriller will keep you guessing as Ms. Gibson skillfully takes us on the journey until the satisfying end. You will agree The Urge is a stellar debut novel, and I cannot wait for CL Gibson to continue to add to her “The Devil’s Rules” series.
I highly recommend this book. 5 Stars *****
Bonus: As part of the purchase of The Urge, you’ll get a sneak peek at the next four chapters of her next book The Grudge. The Grudge will be released in the fall of 2019.
Please go to:
https://christilgibson.com/
Where you can purchase her books, but you can also sign up to hear about news and events
You can also go directly to Amazon to purchase as well.
https://www.amazon.com/Urge-pedophile...
CL Gibson
166 pages
My Blue Horse Publishing Co.
Cary Illinois 60013
2018
ISBN 978-1-7326720-2-4 Digital Edition
ISBN 978-1-7326720-1-7 Hardcover Edition
ISBN 978-1-7326720-0-0 Softcover Edition
I was lucky to meet this author at a writer’s event at my local library, and I’m so glad I did!
CL Gibson is an emerging author who wrote The Urge as one in a series of books she’s entitled “The Devil’s Rules” series.
The impact of the first chapter is chilling! As a reader I am hooked, the author’s attention to detail and forensics knowledge leads the reader right into the underbelly of the crime with her exquisite scene setting.
I could not stop turning the pages, immediately I am ensconced in caring deeply about the characters she has written. Ms. Gibson gives the reader a full sense of the utter depravity of each of the situations the main characters Woody and his sister Vette go through. This prompts us to root emotionally for the choices that the young character Woody makes as he justifies his secrets. There are many twists and turns and without giving away too much in this review, it is a unique brand of justice served as cute as a breakfast muffin could get. The book will take you through the years in the lives of Woody and Vette as they grow up and face their pasts.
This complex psychological thriller will keep you guessing as Ms. Gibson skillfully takes us on the journey until the satisfying end. You will agree The Urge is a stellar debut novel, and I cannot wait for CL Gibson to continue to add to her “The Devil’s Rules” series.
I highly recommend this book. 5 Stars *****
Bonus: As part of the purchase of The Urge, you’ll get a sneak peek at the next four chapters of her next book The Grudge. The Grudge will be released in the fall of 2019.
Please go to:
https://christilgibson.com/
Where you can purchase her books, but you can also sign up to hear about news and events
You can also go directly to Amazon to purchase as well.
https://www.amazon.com/Urge-pedophile...
August 27, 2018
A page turner
I started this book this morning and just finished. Once I started i could not stop. This is not my normal read. Well written and not so tragic but let's your imagination fill in the blanks. Would highly recommend
I started this book this morning and just finished. Once I started i could not stop. This is not my normal read. Well written and not so tragic but let's your imagination fill in the blanks. Would highly recommend
September 22, 2018
Amazon 5 star reviews:
5 stars Couldn't put it down!
I just finished reading The Urge, and all I can say is, "WOW!" I read it in a day because I just could not put it down. The thing that impressed me the most with this book and the author, CL Gibson, is the feeling I got while reading it. All throughout the story, I felt like I was right there beside the characters, laughing and crying along the way with them. I highly recommend this book and look forward to her next book, The Grudge. –Cheri
5 stars Buy this book!!
I thoroughly enjoyed it!!....from start to finish the story pulls you in. I cared about the characters...and at one point found myself sobbing....well written...story kept taking unexpected turns, but at the same time flows effortlessly. Definitely a must !!! -lisaprn
5 stars Really good book
I just finished the Urge by CL Gibson. It was very well written with good pacing. I am an avid reader and I love stories that move me the reader. I ended up caring about the characters which were well developed in the story line. I received it Monday and finished it on Wednesday. I am an avid Lee Child, Stephen Hunter, David Baldacci, Jon Sanford, and Ann Coulter fan. My one regret that I have after reading the Urge is that I finished it. Now I have to wait, for CL Gibson’s next book, but until then, I will wait a short while and I’ll read the Urge again and I’ll be able to enjoy it all over again. -Christopher Childers
5 stars A page turner
Once I started I could not stop. Well written. Would highly recommend -gaylynn wales
5 stars Loved it!
Wow! Bought this not being sure if I’d like it. I love mystery but not normally this particular type. The characters are so well written that you can’t help but fall into the story head over heels! Finished it quickly and am anxiously waiting for the next one!! - Dee GBLERC
5 stars The Urge is a Must Read!
I made the mistake of starting this at bedtime. Needless to say I did not get much sleep. A riveting plot and well written characters drive this book. It is well paced and thought provoking. Once I started I could not put it down. I can’t wait for the next in the series. -hrlybrbi62
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY REVIEW of The Urge, author CL Gibson
“Gibson’s The Urge is a fast-paced installment in her “Devil’s Rule” series, masterfully drawing upon fear, suspense, dread, and revulsion to propel the eerie storyline.
Gibson’s prose is meticulously detailed and rife with intense passages that slowly unravel characters’ secrets. Gibson capably captures the horror of discovering that a trusted coworker, friend, or partner is a sadistic pedophile.
Gibson’s novel shows restraint when it comes to gore, but chilling details abound. The storytelling will gratify fans of the horror genre, as the killers begin to inevitably face their karma. The author’s idea of basing each novel in the series around one of the seven deadly sins is morbidly creative.
The author is careful and successful in revealing the inner workings and emotions of violent perpetrators, while still emphasizing the vileness of their deeds.”
Credit The BookLife Prize
5 stars Couldn't put it down!
I just finished reading The Urge, and all I can say is, "WOW!" I read it in a day because I just could not put it down. The thing that impressed me the most with this book and the author, CL Gibson, is the feeling I got while reading it. All throughout the story, I felt like I was right there beside the characters, laughing and crying along the way with them. I highly recommend this book and look forward to her next book, The Grudge. –Cheri
5 stars Buy this book!!
I thoroughly enjoyed it!!....from start to finish the story pulls you in. I cared about the characters...and at one point found myself sobbing....well written...story kept taking unexpected turns, but at the same time flows effortlessly. Definitely a must !!! -lisaprn
5 stars Really good book
I just finished the Urge by CL Gibson. It was very well written with good pacing. I am an avid reader and I love stories that move me the reader. I ended up caring about the characters which were well developed in the story line. I received it Monday and finished it on Wednesday. I am an avid Lee Child, Stephen Hunter, David Baldacci, Jon Sanford, and Ann Coulter fan. My one regret that I have after reading the Urge is that I finished it. Now I have to wait, for CL Gibson’s next book, but until then, I will wait a short while and I’ll read the Urge again and I’ll be able to enjoy it all over again. -Christopher Childers
5 stars A page turner
Once I started I could not stop. Well written. Would highly recommend -gaylynn wales
5 stars Loved it!
Wow! Bought this not being sure if I’d like it. I love mystery but not normally this particular type. The characters are so well written that you can’t help but fall into the story head over heels! Finished it quickly and am anxiously waiting for the next one!! - Dee GBLERC
5 stars The Urge is a Must Read!
I made the mistake of starting this at bedtime. Needless to say I did not get much sleep. A riveting plot and well written characters drive this book. It is well paced and thought provoking. Once I started I could not put it down. I can’t wait for the next in the series. -hrlybrbi62
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY REVIEW of The Urge, author CL Gibson
“Gibson’s The Urge is a fast-paced installment in her “Devil’s Rule” series, masterfully drawing upon fear, suspense, dread, and revulsion to propel the eerie storyline.
Gibson’s prose is meticulously detailed and rife with intense passages that slowly unravel characters’ secrets. Gibson capably captures the horror of discovering that a trusted coworker, friend, or partner is a sadistic pedophile.
Gibson’s novel shows restraint when it comes to gore, but chilling details abound. The storytelling will gratify fans of the horror genre, as the killers begin to inevitably face their karma. The author’s idea of basing each novel in the series around one of the seven deadly sins is morbidly creative.
The author is careful and successful in revealing the inner workings and emotions of violent perpetrators, while still emphasizing the vileness of their deeds.”
Credit The BookLife Prize
November 21, 2019
WOW!! This novel is absolutely deserving of being placed in the psychological thriller genre. I say that because I'm really a fan of those types of stories. Sometimes I will read a book that is placed in that category and be really let down for some reason or another. And it's more disappointing when it is by a best selling author and automatically gets hyped up. I came across this book because the author was one of many who were attending a celebration at my local library. It was nice to speak with her and find out some information about the story and the concept of the series of which it is a part. I may not have came across this novel or found out about her otherwise. I am really glad that I did. The character development and descriptions and imagery are great. Thankfully considering the subject matter the descriptions and imagery were not overwhelming and disturbing. This book really is quite a page turner with some nice plot twists. I was impressed with how the different sets of characters were woven together perfectly to obtain a satisfying, solid ending. Then after that the book contains a peak at the first four chapters of the next book in the series. I'm really looking forward to that!!
September 22, 2018
Fast read and well written are the reviews I've heard over and over. As the author, I am honored and humbled by these:
Amazon 5 star reviews:
5 stars Couldn't put it down!
I just finished reading The Urge, and all I can say is, "WOW!" I read it in a day because I just could not put it down. The thing that impressed me the most with this book and the author, CL Gibson, is the feeling I got while reading it. All throughout the story, I felt like I was right there beside the characters, laughing and crying along the way with them. I highly recommend this book and look forward to her next book, The Grudge. –Cheri
5 stars Buy this book!!
I thoroughly enjoyed it!!....from start to finish the story pulls you in. I cared about the characters...and at one point found myself sobbing....well written...story kept taking unexpected turns, but at the same time flows effortlessly. Definitely a must !!! -lisaprn
5 stars Really good book
I just finished the Urge by CL Gibson. It was very well written with good pacing. I am an avid reader and I love stories that move me the reader. I ended up caring about the characters which were well developed in the story line. I received it Monday and finished it on Wednesday. I am an avid Lee Child, Stephen Hunter, David Baldacci, Jon Sanford, and Ann Coulter fan. My one regret that I have after reading the Urge is that I finished it. Now I have to wait, for CL Gibson’s next book, but until then, I will wait a short while and I’ll read the Urge again and I’ll be able to enjoy it all over again. -Christopher Childers
5 stars A page turner
Once I started I could not stop. Well written. Would highly recommend -gaylynn wales
5 stars Loved it!
Wow! Bought this not being sure if I’d like it. I love mystery but not normally this particular type. The characters are so well written that you can’t help but fall into the story head over heels! Finished it quickly and am anxiously waiting for the next one!! - Dee GBLERC
5 stars The Urge is a Must Read!
I made the mistake of starting this at bedtime. Needless to say I did not get much sleep. A riveting plot and well written characters drive this book. It is well paced and thought provoking. Once I started I could not put it down. I can’t wait for the next in the series. -hrlybrbi62
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY REVIEW of The Urge, author CL Gibson
“Gibson’s The Urge is a fast-paced installment in her “Devil’s Rule” series, masterfully drawing upon fear, suspense, dread, and revulsion to propel the eerie storyline.
Gibson’s prose is meticulously detailed and rife with intense passages that slowly unravel characters’ secrets. Gibson capably captures the horror of discovering that a trusted coworker, friend, or partner is a sadistic pedophile.
Gibson’s novel shows restraint when it comes to gore, but chilling details abound. The storytelling will gratify fans of the horror genre, as the killers begin to inevitably face their karma. The author’s idea of basing each novel in the series around one of the seven deadly sins is morbidly creative.
The author is careful and successful in revealing the inner workings and emotions of violent perpetrators, while still emphasizing the vileness of their deeds.”
Credit The BookLife Prize
Amazon 5 star reviews:
5 stars Couldn't put it down!
I just finished reading The Urge, and all I can say is, "WOW!" I read it in a day because I just could not put it down. The thing that impressed me the most with this book and the author, CL Gibson, is the feeling I got while reading it. All throughout the story, I felt like I was right there beside the characters, laughing and crying along the way with them. I highly recommend this book and look forward to her next book, The Grudge. –Cheri
5 stars Buy this book!!
I thoroughly enjoyed it!!....from start to finish the story pulls you in. I cared about the characters...and at one point found myself sobbing....well written...story kept taking unexpected turns, but at the same time flows effortlessly. Definitely a must !!! -lisaprn
5 stars Really good book
I just finished the Urge by CL Gibson. It was very well written with good pacing. I am an avid reader and I love stories that move me the reader. I ended up caring about the characters which were well developed in the story line. I received it Monday and finished it on Wednesday. I am an avid Lee Child, Stephen Hunter, David Baldacci, Jon Sanford, and Ann Coulter fan. My one regret that I have after reading the Urge is that I finished it. Now I have to wait, for CL Gibson’s next book, but until then, I will wait a short while and I’ll read the Urge again and I’ll be able to enjoy it all over again. -Christopher Childers
5 stars A page turner
Once I started I could not stop. Well written. Would highly recommend -gaylynn wales
5 stars Loved it!
Wow! Bought this not being sure if I’d like it. I love mystery but not normally this particular type. The characters are so well written that you can’t help but fall into the story head over heels! Finished it quickly and am anxiously waiting for the next one!! - Dee GBLERC
5 stars The Urge is a Must Read!
I made the mistake of starting this at bedtime. Needless to say I did not get much sleep. A riveting plot and well written characters drive this book. It is well paced and thought provoking. Once I started I could not put it down. I can’t wait for the next in the series. -hrlybrbi62
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY REVIEW of The Urge, author CL Gibson
“Gibson’s The Urge is a fast-paced installment in her “Devil’s Rule” series, masterfully drawing upon fear, suspense, dread, and revulsion to propel the eerie storyline.
Gibson’s prose is meticulously detailed and rife with intense passages that slowly unravel characters’ secrets. Gibson capably captures the horror of discovering that a trusted coworker, friend, or partner is a sadistic pedophile.
Gibson’s novel shows restraint when it comes to gore, but chilling details abound. The storytelling will gratify fans of the horror genre, as the killers begin to inevitably face their karma. The author’s idea of basing each novel in the series around one of the seven deadly sins is morbidly creative.
The author is careful and successful in revealing the inner workings and emotions of violent perpetrators, while still emphasizing the vileness of their deeds.”
Credit The BookLife Prize
September 29, 2022
I was a bit apprehensive to read this considering the subject matter, but was blown away by the author's talent of writing such a flowing narrative without offending my delicate sensibilities. :) She is a gifted storyteller who will be entertaining me in the future with her forth coming work. Thank you C. L. Now get busy with the next one! Winter reading season is coming. Bob
Read
December 5, 2019DNF. Too difficult to read this subject matter
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews