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Josephine Meyers #1
George
Best friends keep secrets, or at least they try to. As teenagers growing up in the mountains of Pennsylvania, the scariest thing Josephine and Skylar have to deal with is a rustle in the woods after dark. This summer, however, might show them the true meaning of fear. George dives head first into their lives, quickly making enemies with everyone he meets. His hands are soon covered in more than just engine grease, and the fear in Sky's eyes, coupled with her terrifying stories, has Jo at the end of her agreement to keep quiet. At the height of the July heat wave, Sky’s stories reach a turning point. Unable to hold it in any longer, Jo sets out with a foot-long blade in her hand to make sure George never lays a finger on any of them again. But, perhaps George isn’t quite ready to leave.
90 pages, Paperback
First published October 4, 2014
4 people are currently reading
203 people want to read
About the author
C.L. Heckman
9 books102 followersYou would think that writers would be good at writing a biography about themselves.. wrong.
I'm an introvert by nature, which I believe most writers are. We live in the made-up world inside our heads while dodging the reality that exists right outside our doorstep.
As a kid, I didn't know what love was. My parents were two incredibly broken people who didn't know how to raise kids, and didn't bother to learn. I was on a tree branch, swinging all alone. Sure, there were other branches there, and we all grew from the same root ball, but we didn't help one another. If my branch broke, I was going to fall, and I did many times. But, no matter how many times it happened, and how many branches broke, I would climb back up and find another one.
Eventually, I fell for the last time, dusted my pants off and walked away from the tree.
Writing was my sanctuary. I used it as therapy to battle and make sense of the memories in my head. Sometimes, readers say they don't believe that my books are inspired by my life. I used to get mad about it, and hurt by the fact that they didn't believe me, but now I admire the fact that they don't believe something awful like that could happen. It's beautiful that people have lived a life without hurt.
In 2013, I published my first book, Charlie's Secret:Inspired by a True Story. It was the most terrifying thing I've done, business wise up until that point. I had no idea how people would react, how my friends and family would react, and how I would react to their reactions.
However, I pushed foreward. I loved to write and I wasn't going to let anyone else destroy my dreams. Over the past ten years, I have published ten books, and have more on the way. I'm thankful for everyone who has read them, even if they weren't fans after finishing.
Hopefully, my books will help someone break the branch, and walk away from the tree.
Tiktok: @cl_heckman
instagram: c.l._heckman
I'm an introvert by nature, which I believe most writers are. We live in the made-up world inside our heads while dodging the reality that exists right outside our doorstep.
As a kid, I didn't know what love was. My parents were two incredibly broken people who didn't know how to raise kids, and didn't bother to learn. I was on a tree branch, swinging all alone. Sure, there were other branches there, and we all grew from the same root ball, but we didn't help one another. If my branch broke, I was going to fall, and I did many times. But, no matter how many times it happened, and how many branches broke, I would climb back up and find another one.
Eventually, I fell for the last time, dusted my pants off and walked away from the tree.
Writing was my sanctuary. I used it as therapy to battle and make sense of the memories in my head. Sometimes, readers say they don't believe that my books are inspired by my life. I used to get mad about it, and hurt by the fact that they didn't believe me, but now I admire the fact that they don't believe something awful like that could happen. It's beautiful that people have lived a life without hurt.
In 2013, I published my first book, Charlie's Secret:Inspired by a True Story. It was the most terrifying thing I've done, business wise up until that point. I had no idea how people would react, how my friends and family would react, and how I would react to their reactions.
However, I pushed foreward. I loved to write and I wasn't going to let anyone else destroy my dreams. Over the past ten years, I have published ten books, and have more on the way. I'm thankful for everyone who has read them, even if they weren't fans after finishing.
Hopefully, my books will help someone break the branch, and walk away from the tree.
Tiktok: @cl_heckman
instagram: c.l._heckman
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
October 19, 2014
George (The Josephine Meyers Mysteries Book 1) by CL Heckman is a short story told from the first person point of view of Josephine Meyers. The tale is of a summer in the life of teenage Josephine and her best friend, Skylar. Skylar’s mom brings in lots of new boyfriends, but none quite like George. Soon, Josephine and Skylar see the monstrous side of George, and Josephine struggles between helping her best friend and keeping her secrets.
In this short story, Heckman weaves a fast-paced tale that is easy to follow and filled with intrigue and suspense. What Skylar goes through is heart-wrenching, but the reader can also empathize with Josephine as she tries to figure out the right path. I look forward to more Josephine Meyers’s mysteries.
In this short story, Heckman weaves a fast-paced tale that is easy to follow and filled with intrigue and suspense. What Skylar goes through is heart-wrenching, but the reader can also empathize with Josephine as she tries to figure out the right path. I look forward to more Josephine Meyers’s mysteries.
October 14, 2014
Secrets.
Josephine and Skylar are best friends as are their mothers. But, there is one huge difference in their lives. Sherry, Skylar’s mother, has always had bad taste in men. Her current boyfriend George, is the worst one she’s ever chosen.
This start to a new mystery series is exceptionally well-written. In the author’s description she says, “Best friends keep secrets, or at least they try to”. Chilling! You’ll know why when you read this. Although a mystery it is also a well crafted story of relationships.
Josephine and Skylar are best friends as are their mothers. But, there is one huge difference in their lives. Sherry, Skylar’s mother, has always had bad taste in men. Her current boyfriend George, is the worst one she’s ever chosen.
This start to a new mystery series is exceptionally well-written. In the author’s description she says, “Best friends keep secrets, or at least they try to”. Chilling! You’ll know why when you read this. Although a mystery it is also a well crafted story of relationships.
November 3, 2014
This is a great book!!! It grabbed my attention from the first page and I didn't want to put it down. This story was intense and very suspenseful. It left me on the edge of my seat and wanting more at the end. I definitely recommend this book.
November 6, 2014
I love mystery stories and will read any I find. This is a great little story. Thoroughly enjoyed it.
August 6, 2021
Predictable, but that's not my main issue.
The big problem is the otherwise intelligent protagonist is as baffled as the police as to who killed George. She notices all the clues, multiple times, but chooses to ignore them.
Also, it makes little sense for Jo to be arrested in the first place, given the more obvious suspects.
The big problem is the otherwise intelligent protagonist is as baffled as the police as to who killed George. She notices all the clues, multiple times, but chooses to ignore them.
Also, it makes little sense for Jo to be arrested in the first place, given the more obvious suspects.
March 2, 2019
I really enjoyed this story. Really good plot to the story. Very well written. Would highly recommend it to anyone who likes this kind of stories. Can't wait to read more from this author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 19, 2014
George: A Josephine Meyers Mystery by C.L. Heckman is a short story that is sure to be an attention grabber. The first book in the series has made me excited for the other books that are to follow.
I ate up the Prologue. Loved it! Chillingly good. I adored the smart use of words, the crisp dialog and the likable and not so likable characters.
This story had me in a trance. The plot line touched my inner-core and I couldn't walk away. I needed to know how this story would resolve itself. The suspense had me picking up my pace though disappointed knowing I would have to wait for the next installment in the Josephine Myers Mysteries. The author tells a great story. One I couldn't lift my eyes from the page.
Quote ~
Cringing down below the windowsill, thinking George can see her, she chugs her drink and then whispers through the room. "I can't wait until Mom gets rid of this one," she says, her eyes refusing to budge from his figure. "The other ones were bad, but this one is different," Sky says. "And, it's definitely not a good different."
I ate up the Prologue. Loved it! Chillingly good. I adored the smart use of words, the crisp dialog and the likable and not so likable characters.
This story had me in a trance. The plot line touched my inner-core and I couldn't walk away. I needed to know how this story would resolve itself. The suspense had me picking up my pace though disappointed knowing I would have to wait for the next installment in the Josephine Myers Mysteries. The author tells a great story. One I couldn't lift my eyes from the page.
Quote ~
Cringing down below the windowsill, thinking George can see her, she chugs her drink and then whispers through the room. "I can't wait until Mom gets rid of this one," she says, her eyes refusing to budge from his figure. "The other ones were bad, but this one is different," Sky says. "And, it's definitely not a good different."
October 15, 2014
By Robert
Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: George: A Josephine Meyers Mystery (Josephine Meyers Mysteries Book 1) (Kindle Edition)
the first thing I will say about GEORGE is I wish it was longer. For those of you with a busy schedule that need an exciting read it is perfect. A short quick read, past the definition of intense, with characters that I really did not like but sympathized with, the story will make your heart race but it will also make you ponder - are there times we would all really and truthfully like to kill someone? The first story in a series. Good work...can't wait to read the next one.
Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: George: A Josephine Meyers Mystery (Josephine Meyers Mysteries Book 1) (Kindle Edition)
the first thing I will say about GEORGE is I wish it was longer. For those of you with a busy schedule that need an exciting read it is perfect. A short quick read, past the definition of intense, with characters that I really did not like but sympathized with, the story will make your heart race but it will also make you ponder - are there times we would all really and truthfully like to kill someone? The first story in a series. Good work...can't wait to read the next one.
November 14, 2014
C.L. Heckman has written the ultimate teaser. This introduction to a suspense series captures you from the first page. I have no idea where the story is going and I can’t wait to find out.
It starts off with a twist and the author keeps you guessing right through. Even after I finished it, I’m left in suspense. The characters have been introduced very well and you make connections to each one, good or bad. It is a story about friendship and trust, but is it? I don't know!
I can’t wait for the rest of it!
It starts off with a twist and the author keeps you guessing right through. Even after I finished it, I’m left in suspense. The characters have been introduced very well and you make connections to each one, good or bad. It is a story about friendship and trust, but is it? I don't know!
I can’t wait for the rest of it!
March 29, 2015
What a classic short story. At no point did I guess where this one was heading. Sharp and choppy dialogue drives the narrative along. The nice people are nice and the awful are---well, awful! A perfect blend for a mystery. The youngsters are trying to get on with being young, spending their summer holiday together, but Sky’s mum has bad taste in men. And there is the innocence of a wee babe to consider. Well done!
November 4, 2014
George: A Josephine Meyers Mystery by C.L. Heckman is a short story that will grab you from the first page and hold on until you finish, leaving you wanting more. Since this is the first book in the series, you should be able to get your fix in short order.
C.L. Heckman has written likeable characters, a fantastic plot with twists that will leave you breathless.
C.L. Heckman has written likeable characters, a fantastic plot with twists that will leave you breathless.
December 8, 2014
This is the second book I've read by C.L. Heckman, and I love that she takes on such dark topics. It always adds a lot of emotion to the read. Especially with this mystery novella, she left me on the edge of my seat. George is a short read, but a captivating one that isn't overly graphic. Can't wait to see what happens next.
November 5, 2014
Great Saturday read!
November 5, 2014
Gripping stuff! A well written suspense story that left me looking for the next in the series. Highly recommended
December 2, 2014
A fantastic little story of mystery - well-developed, convincing characters and a great plot.
November 14, 2014
A well-written mystery. Looking for more!
November 14, 2014
An excellent read!
November 29, 2014
An awesome tale of friendships and secrets weaved within the pages of a fine mystery. I'm excited to see what the next book in the series brings.
November 5, 2014
Excellent!
December 1, 2014
Great short story; my first by this author!
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews