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ELUDE: Part One
Stepping blindly into a horrific murder scene, a young ex-con, Vicente Vargas, must flee from the police while eluding the real killer who continues to pin more bodies on him in this intricate cat-and-mouse game.
Cut off from all friends and family, tried and convicted by the press, Vic must survive on his wits and cunning on the gritty streets of Phoenix, Arizona long enough to clear his name.
Cut off from all friends and family, tried and convicted by the press, Vic must survive on his wits and cunning on the gritty streets of Phoenix, Arizona long enough to clear his name.
- GenresHorror
117 pages, ebook
Published September 1, 2018
1 person is currently reading
8 people want to read
About the author
Derek Barton
34 books42 followersI am originally from a small town in northeast Indiana. Typical introvert kid; closer to books than people — grew up with a fascination for horror novels (Stephen King, Dean Koontz) and medieval fantasy (Piers Anthony, R.A Salvatore).
In April of 1996, I moved out on my own to Phoenix, Arizona to find my own path.
On a personal level, I have been married to my wonderful wife, Erika since October 10th, 2012. I have two stepchildren, Jenna and Johnny, and a two-year-old baby girl, Jessiena.
I have completed my first novel, Consequences Within Chaos and will be extending the story in my upcoming sequel, The Bleeding Crown. Also on Amazon & Kindle, I have In Four Days: Horror Suspense Novella.
In April of 1996, I moved out on my own to Phoenix, Arizona to find my own path.
On a personal level, I have been married to my wonderful wife, Erika since October 10th, 2012. I have two stepchildren, Jenna and Johnny, and a two-year-old baby girl, Jessiena.
I have completed my first novel, Consequences Within Chaos and will be extending the story in my upcoming sequel, The Bleeding Crown. Also on Amazon & Kindle, I have In Four Days: Horror Suspense Novella.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
September 7, 2018
Genre - Crime/Suspense/Horror
Pages - 109
Publication Info - CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (September 6, 2018)
Format - Digital
Stars - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Elude: Part One by Derek Barton, is a bit of a departure from the usual horror/fantasy books of his that I’ve read. He defined this to me as a dark crime/horror story. Part One most definitely touches on the dark and the crime. The horror element has yet to be established or explained. There is something afoot and unexplained happening in Phoenix and its suburbs, and the possibility of something nefarious and/or other worldly or evil is taking place but yet to be explained. Note that this is indeed only Part One - there’s is much more story to be told - if you’re expecting a full stop ending you may be disappointed, this is a continuing story (it’s in the title folks Part One). I am left wanting to know more and am anxious to keep following this intriguing story filled with some very interesting characters, some with very questionable motives. It’s a quick read with a steady pulse that keeps giving. Part Two should be lots of fun.
Synopsis (from back cover): Stepping blindly into a horrific murder scene, a young ex-con, Vicente Vargas, must flee from the police while eluding the real killer who continues to pin more bodies on him in this intricate cat-and-mouse game.
Cut off from all friends and family, tried and convicted by the press, Vic must survive on his wits and cunning on the gritty streets of Phoenix, Arizona long enough to clear his name.
About the author: Derek Barton was born in northeast Indiana in 1970. The typical introvert kid; closer to books than people, but grew up with a fascination for horror novels (Stephen King, Dean Koontz) and medieval fantasy (Piers Anthony, R.A Salvatore).
In April of 1996, he moved out to Phoenix, Arizona to find his own path.
He has been married to his wonderful wife, Erika since October 5th, 2012. They have three children, Jenna, Johnny and a one-year-old baby girl, Jessiena!
Recently he has completed his first novel, Consequences Within Chaos, as well as the sequel, The Bleeding Crown. Also on Amazon & Kindle, In Four Days: A Horror Suspense Novella and Seyde In Blood: Consequences Within Consequences Prequel Short Story.
Pages - 109
Publication Info - CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (September 6, 2018)
Format - Digital
Stars - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Elude: Part One by Derek Barton, is a bit of a departure from the usual horror/fantasy books of his that I’ve read. He defined this to me as a dark crime/horror story. Part One most definitely touches on the dark and the crime. The horror element has yet to be established or explained. There is something afoot and unexplained happening in Phoenix and its suburbs, and the possibility of something nefarious and/or other worldly or evil is taking place but yet to be explained. Note that this is indeed only Part One - there’s is much more story to be told - if you’re expecting a full stop ending you may be disappointed, this is a continuing story (it’s in the title folks Part One). I am left wanting to know more and am anxious to keep following this intriguing story filled with some very interesting characters, some with very questionable motives. It’s a quick read with a steady pulse that keeps giving. Part Two should be lots of fun.
Synopsis (from back cover): Stepping blindly into a horrific murder scene, a young ex-con, Vicente Vargas, must flee from the police while eluding the real killer who continues to pin more bodies on him in this intricate cat-and-mouse game.
Cut off from all friends and family, tried and convicted by the press, Vic must survive on his wits and cunning on the gritty streets of Phoenix, Arizona long enough to clear his name.
About the author: Derek Barton was born in northeast Indiana in 1970. The typical introvert kid; closer to books than people, but grew up with a fascination for horror novels (Stephen King, Dean Koontz) and medieval fantasy (Piers Anthony, R.A Salvatore).
In April of 1996, he moved out to Phoenix, Arizona to find his own path.
He has been married to his wonderful wife, Erika since October 5th, 2012. They have three children, Jenna, Johnny and a one-year-old baby girl, Jessiena!
Recently he has completed his first novel, Consequences Within Chaos, as well as the sequel, The Bleeding Crown. Also on Amazon & Kindle, In Four Days: A Horror Suspense Novella and Seyde In Blood: Consequences Within Consequences Prequel Short Story.
March 13, 2025
ELUDE: Part One is a heart-stopping, adrenaline-fueled thriller that pulls you deep into a relentless game of survival and deception. From the first page, Derek Barton crafts a world where danger lurks in every shadow, forcing you to question who can be trusted. This isn’t just a crime story—it’s a raw, unfiltered descent into paranoia and desperation, where survival hinges on uncovering the truth before it’s too late.
At the center of it all is Vicente Vargas, an ex-con who stumbles into a gruesome murder scene and is instantly thrust into a waking nightmare. With the police closing in and a ruthless killer framing him at every turn, Vic is cut off from everything he knows—forced to survive on nothing but his wits in the unforgiving streets of Phoenix. Barton masterfully builds tension, making every moment feel like the walls are closing in.
🌙 Why It Works:
🔹 Relentless Suspense: The pacing never lets up, keeping you constantly on edge as Vic’s situation worsens with every passing chapter.
🔹 Moral Dilemmas: Vic isn’t just fighting for survival—he’s fighting for redemption. Barton weaves a powerful exploration of justice, trust, and the lengths one must go to prove their innocence.
🔹 A Compelling Antihero: Vicente Vargas isn’t your typical protagonist—he’s flawed, resourceful, and forced to navigate a world that’s already stacked against him. His struggle makes him all the more compelling.
💭 Final Thoughts:
ELUDE: Part One is more than just a thriller—it’s a nerve-wracking, high-stakes battle for survival in a world that has already decided the verdict. Derek Barton expertly blends tension, action, and psychological depth into a gripping cat-and-mouse chase where every second counts. If you love thrillers that keep you guessing until the very end, this is one you don’t want to miss.
At the center of it all is Vicente Vargas, an ex-con who stumbles into a gruesome murder scene and is instantly thrust into a waking nightmare. With the police closing in and a ruthless killer framing him at every turn, Vic is cut off from everything he knows—forced to survive on nothing but his wits in the unforgiving streets of Phoenix. Barton masterfully builds tension, making every moment feel like the walls are closing in.
🌙 Why It Works:
🔹 Relentless Suspense: The pacing never lets up, keeping you constantly on edge as Vic’s situation worsens with every passing chapter.
🔹 Moral Dilemmas: Vic isn’t just fighting for survival—he’s fighting for redemption. Barton weaves a powerful exploration of justice, trust, and the lengths one must go to prove their innocence.
🔹 A Compelling Antihero: Vicente Vargas isn’t your typical protagonist—he’s flawed, resourceful, and forced to navigate a world that’s already stacked against him. His struggle makes him all the more compelling.
💭 Final Thoughts:
ELUDE: Part One is more than just a thriller—it’s a nerve-wracking, high-stakes battle for survival in a world that has already decided the verdict. Derek Barton expertly blends tension, action, and psychological depth into a gripping cat-and-mouse chase where every second counts. If you love thrillers that keep you guessing until the very end, this is one you don’t want to miss.
December 8, 2020
This little book packs a wallop in its 110 pages. It also establishes Derek Barton as a mystery/crime/horror writer. I’m so glad I found it, and so will you.
Two seemingly unrelated incidents converge towards the end. A 20 year old boy, a juvie graduate, is struggling to support his younger sister’s dream and reverse her opinion of his character. A tween living with her father and bed-ridden grandma since her mom died in a car accident is linked to their paid caretaker’s apparent traffic suicide.
Barton is a skilled writer who develops his characters seamlessly around the plot; a plot which will glue the reader to the story until a “to be continued” announcement on page 110 makes him groan in exasperation. You know nothing will keep that reader or this reviewer from getting the sequel.
Well played, Mr. Barton, well played!
Two seemingly unrelated incidents converge towards the end. A 20 year old boy, a juvie graduate, is struggling to support his younger sister’s dream and reverse her opinion of his character. A tween living with her father and bed-ridden grandma since her mom died in a car accident is linked to their paid caretaker’s apparent traffic suicide.
Barton is a skilled writer who develops his characters seamlessly around the plot; a plot which will glue the reader to the story until a “to be continued” announcement on page 110 makes him groan in exasperation. You know nothing will keep that reader or this reviewer from getting the sequel.
Well played, Mr. Barton, well played!
March 10, 2020
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this audiobook and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Not Quite What I Expected
S.W. Salzman's narration was superb. This is the second book I have listened to him narrate and he is fantastic! Once I realized that this part one was written like the first several chapters of a longer novel I was able to get into it more. It isn't a complete story. You aren't supposed to understand it all at this point. I expected this story to go a little like "The Fugitive" movie with Harrison Ford but instead it incorporates the unexpected. There is more going on here. Supernatural maybe? Something unexplained for sure. Overall it was an enjoyable listen and I will be listening to more of this series.
Not Quite What I Expected
S.W. Salzman's narration was superb. This is the second book I have listened to him narrate and he is fantastic! Once I realized that this part one was written like the first several chapters of a longer novel I was able to get into it more. It isn't a complete story. You aren't supposed to understand it all at this point. I expected this story to go a little like "The Fugitive" movie with Harrison Ford but instead it incorporates the unexpected. There is more going on here. Supernatural maybe? Something unexplained for sure. Overall it was an enjoyable listen and I will be listening to more of this series.
December 19, 2024
Vicente Vargas finds himself in a horrible situation. As a young ex-con, he is already on the radar whenever crimes happen. However, when he is found in several incriminating situations linking him to a string of murders, he goes on the run to try to prove his innocence.
It looks like someone (something?) is framing Vic for these crimes and going to a lot of trouble to do so. This is the first part of the story and leaves the reader wanting more! Great characters, fast-paced action and plenty of questions to keep the reader trying to figure out what is happening!
S.W. Salzman is one of my favorite narrators and his voice is perfect for this book. His performance adds a lot to an already engrossing book! I can't wait to continue this one and find out who is behind this conspiracy.
It looks like someone (something?) is framing Vic for these crimes and going to a lot of trouble to do so. This is the first part of the story and leaves the reader wanting more! Great characters, fast-paced action and plenty of questions to keep the reader trying to figure out what is happening!
S.W. Salzman is one of my favorite narrators and his voice is perfect for this book. His performance adds a lot to an already engrossing book! I can't wait to continue this one and find out who is behind this conspiracy.
December 29, 2023
This is part one of a thriller and it was a page-turner. It focuses on a topic that hits home, racial stereotyping. Vincente Vargas has to find out who has framed him for murder. A man cut off from his family to find out who is really behind the murders.
The MC is someone I can cheer for. The man has been through a tough life and trying to reform himself. I look forward to reading the next part of the story. There are plenty of twists, just like a good thriller should have.
The MC is someone I can cheer for. The man has been through a tough life and trying to reform himself. I look forward to reading the next part of the story. There are plenty of twists, just like a good thriller should have.
October 17, 2019
When Vicente is framed for murder he runs only to find help from the last person he expected
Excellent narration from s.w. Salzman as always
If you enjoy fast paced crime thrillers check it out
I received a free review audiobook and voluntarily left this review
Excellent narration from s.w. Salzman as always
If you enjoy fast paced crime thrillers check it out
I received a free review audiobook and voluntarily left this review
October 1, 2021
audible:Excellent story!It leaves you wanting more. S.W. Salzman was a fine narrator.I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.'
May 31, 2025
A strong start that throws you right into the action. The tension builds quickly, and the characters are introduced with depth and intrigue. A gripping foundation for what’s to come
March 12, 2020
Elude
First time read by this author. I thought it had a great original plot and the characters were believable. It grabbed me from the beginning right through the end. In fact, it was so good, I immediately purchaser the next book in this series.
First time read by this author. I thought it had a great original plot and the characters were believable. It grabbed me from the beginning right through the end. In fact, it was so good, I immediately purchaser the next book in this series.
April 6, 2019
Fast read.
This story grabs your attention from the beginning. Young guy, just out of juvie, is accused of being a serial killer. Lots happen.
This story grabs your attention from the beginning. Young guy, just out of juvie, is accused of being a serial killer. Lots happen.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews