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The Pit Stop: This Stop Could be Life or Death
Homicide detectives Gino Canale and Mark Waters don't believe in ghosts. Not yet anyway…
When a reoccurring dream implies that Detective Canale's grandparents' deaths might actually have been homicides, he realizes he's either connecting to the other side or going crazy. And he's not sure which thought scares him more.
What readers are saying about the American Haunts collection…
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “…that certain type of story to guarantee chills.” – Amazon Top Contributor. (The Pit Stop)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “This mystery has everything - two double murders twenty years apart, the hint of a ghostly presence, and crisp dialogue that doesn't waste words.” – Goodreads. (The Pit Stop)
When a reoccurring dream implies that Detective Canale's grandparents' deaths might actually have been homicides, he realizes he's either connecting to the other side or going crazy. And he's not sure which thought scares him more.
What readers are saying about the American Haunts collection…
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “…that certain type of story to guarantee chills.” – Amazon Top Contributor. (The Pit Stop)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “This mystery has everything - two double murders twenty years apart, the hint of a ghostly presence, and crisp dialogue that doesn't waste words.” – Goodreads. (The Pit Stop)
88 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 11, 2012
99 people are currently reading
456 people want to read
About the author
Carmen DeSousa
43 books648 followersReader Profile: First and foremost, I am a reader. From the moment I could hold a book, I've been fascinated with the written word. I enjoy almost everything, but lean toward romantic-suspense and magical realism. If you're looking for poor reviews, you won't find them here. The reason...life's too short to read bad books. If a book isn't at least three stars halfway through, I stop reading, and therefore, don't feel as though I have the right to review it. That's my policy! Please don't send me requests, though. If you are one of my cyber friends, I will eventually find you. :)
Author Profile: I write stories that overflow with romance, mystery, suspense, a hint of paranormal sometimes, and of course, tragedy. After all, what would a great story be without a tragic event setting the stage? All of my novels are sensual but not erotic, gripping but not graphic, and will hopefully make you cry, laugh, love, and hope.
New Series: Midnight Sons
#1 Sam's Folly
#2 Alex's Atonement
#3 Vince's Chance
The Southern Collection:
#1 She Belongs to Me
#2 Land of the Noonday Sun
#3 Entangled Dreams
#4 When Noonday Ends
#5 Split Decisions
Creatus Series (Paranormal Romantic Suspense)
#0 Creatus (They Exist) The Prequel
#1 Creatus
#2 Creatus Rogue
#3 Creatus Eidolon
#4 Creatus Animus
#5 Creatus Talis
Author Profile: I write stories that overflow with romance, mystery, suspense, a hint of paranormal sometimes, and of course, tragedy. After all, what would a great story be without a tragic event setting the stage? All of my novels are sensual but not erotic, gripping but not graphic, and will hopefully make you cry, laugh, love, and hope.
New Series: Midnight Sons
#1 Sam's Folly
#2 Alex's Atonement
#3 Vince's Chance
The Southern Collection:
#1 She Belongs to Me
#2 Land of the Noonday Sun
#3 Entangled Dreams
#4 When Noonday Ends
#5 Split Decisions
Creatus Series (Paranormal Romantic Suspense)
#0 Creatus (They Exist) The Prequel
#1 Creatus
#2 Creatus Rogue
#3 Creatus Eidolon
#4 Creatus Animus
#5 Creatus Talis
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
January 31, 2024
How can such a little itsy bitsy book of just 43 pages pack such a punch? Well clearly Carmen DeSousa has a great talent.
Gino Canale is a detective, so naturally he's used to dealing in facts, but he has to suspend disbelief when he's confronted with the possibility of an afterlife.
Gino's grandparents were found dead in their bed some twenty years earlier ( they were only in their 50's). Investigations ruled they died of natural causes, but Gino has always had his doubts. Now Gino has started having dreams about his grandfather, and events quickly gather pace surrounding this 20 year mystery. More recently, a couple who were friends of his grandparents have also been found dead in the same circumstances. Is it coincidence or is there more to it?
I always think how difficult it must be to grab the readers attention with only 43 pages, whilst at the same time create a good enough story to make it worthwhile. The author has done this with aplomb! A great little read.
Gino Canale is a detective, so naturally he's used to dealing in facts, but he has to suspend disbelief when he's confronted with the possibility of an afterlife.
Gino's grandparents were found dead in their bed some twenty years earlier ( they were only in their 50's). Investigations ruled they died of natural causes, but Gino has always had his doubts. Now Gino has started having dreams about his grandfather, and events quickly gather pace surrounding this 20 year mystery. More recently, a couple who were friends of his grandparents have also been found dead in the same circumstances. Is it coincidence or is there more to it?
I always think how difficult it must be to grab the readers attention with only 43 pages, whilst at the same time create a good enough story to make it worthwhile. The author has done this with aplomb! A great little read.
September 4, 2016
Crazy haunted dreams, an old racy diary and a little ghostly guidance help Detective Gino Canale solve the twenty year old mysterious death of his grandparents.
Not scary, (was hoping for scary), but still a good little FREE short story........with a enticing book cover.
August 30, 2016
I picked this little 43-page free short off my kindle at the nursing home when my Dad decided he was up for a nap. It was a perfect way to spend 45 minutes of down time. This short story provides a dandy little mystery with engaging characters and just a hint of the supernatural. Ms. DeSousa maintains a steady pace while sprinkling the story with several clever surprises. I had to suspend belief a bit, but that really wasn’t an issue for me. I do wish we had gotten to know the baddie better, but there are obviously limits to characterization in short stories. Overall, I was happy with the entertainment this read provided. Recommended to all readers who have a short period of free time on their hands.
September 11, 2016
Inside this 43 page book with such an interesting cover, is a mystery waiting to be solved. Detective Gino Canale grandparents died some 20 years ago and their deaths in their home while lying in bed always seemed odd. Having lunch with his boss Captain Jeff Jackson, Gino is shocked to hear another elderly couple have been found dead in their beds in a similar fashion. With touches of paranormal and eeriness added, The Pit Stop is a pleasant quick read.
September 5, 2016
The sweet aroma of pipe tobacco wafting in the air and the sound of bells. Real or imagined? The photo album with the missing pictures is real enough, as are the two bodies lying dead in their bed.
I would have liked more of the supernatural touch, but this was a most satisfactory way to spend half an hour, and the price was absolutely right.
I would have liked more of the supernatural touch, but this was a most satisfactory way to spend half an hour, and the price was absolutely right.
November 8, 2016
3.5* for being what it is: a well written, free short story that fills a few hours perfectly! Wish there were more like this, actually :)
Christine recommended this to me such a long time ago, letting me know it was free an Amazon (not sure if it still is, but from reviews I am guessing that's the case).
This is so short....too short. It was a good enough story that I wanted more. But, sadly, it only takes a few hours (if that) to read. It started out wonderfully, spooky....with plenty of potential for being a scary little ghost story, but...that was it....just the promise of scariness, with none delivered. That is NOT saying it is a bad story. It held my interest the entire time, and was more than good enough, that I was let down that it ended so soon. Great introduction of characters, some of whom I see are in her other books.
In summation, this was an excellent short story (I've read many worse from my favorite authors, even), that filled a small bit of time perfectly. I'd suggest it for short trips, waiting rooms, etc. Added bonus: It's fee! So....watcha waiting for? You will have a fun little who-done-it, and may just discover a new author you want to read more from!
Finally, thanks to Christine: in this case I got far more than I paid for :)
Christine recommended this to me such a long time ago, letting me know it was free an Amazon (not sure if it still is, but from reviews I am guessing that's the case).
This is so short....too short. It was a good enough story that I wanted more. But, sadly, it only takes a few hours (if that) to read. It started out wonderfully, spooky....with plenty of potential for being a scary little ghost story, but...that was it....just the promise of scariness, with none delivered. That is NOT saying it is a bad story. It held my interest the entire time, and was more than good enough, that I was let down that it ended so soon. Great introduction of characters, some of whom I see are in her other books.
In summation, this was an excellent short story (I've read many worse from my favorite authors, even), that filled a small bit of time perfectly. I'd suggest it for short trips, waiting rooms, etc. Added bonus: It's fee! So....watcha waiting for? You will have a fun little who-done-it, and may just discover a new author you want to read more from!
Finally, thanks to Christine: in this case I got far more than I paid for :)
August 31, 2018
It always seems that ghost stories abound at this time of year and of the Christmas period. Certainly, Mr Dickens played his part but it is also a memory of Christmas telly growing up.
Having loved The Depot, I also purchased The Pit Stop and found the time and reason to end it today.
More than a ghost story it is a magical tale of young people and the choices they make. Some twenty years after the death of his grandparents, Gino has recurring vivid dreams about them. Never happy about their deaths being unexplained rather than treated as a double homicide as detective he plans to look at the file in records. Before he manages to set his plans into motion another couple are reported as passing away in their sleep.
The similarities in both cases are striking and Gino is asked to play an active part in the investigation.
A short story filled with tension and the dark themes.
I loved the regard some people are held in by others and family members. The sense of love being clear and defined in some relationships but where deceit and greed displaced love that fear and hatred can follow.
A great pre-Christmas read while sleep alludes me and one I seriously recommend to one and all.
Having loved The Depot, I also purchased The Pit Stop and found the time and reason to end it today.
More than a ghost story it is a magical tale of young people and the choices they make. Some twenty years after the death of his grandparents, Gino has recurring vivid dreams about them. Never happy about their deaths being unexplained rather than treated as a double homicide as detective he plans to look at the file in records. Before he manages to set his plans into motion another couple are reported as passing away in their sleep.
The similarities in both cases are striking and Gino is asked to play an active part in the investigation.
A short story filled with tension and the dark themes.
I loved the regard some people are held in by others and family members. The sense of love being clear and defined in some relationships but where deceit and greed displaced love that fear and hatred can follow.
A great pre-Christmas read while sleep alludes me and one I seriously recommend to one and all.
April 6, 2024
The Pit Stop
By Carmen DeSousa
This is a short but nice mystery. Will look for more by this author.
By Carmen DeSousa
This is a short but nice mystery. Will look for more by this author.
August 13, 2018
I had this from ages ago as a freebie. The writing is nice and it starts our promising with a creepy edge. But the ending is slightly disappointing. All in all, an alright short story though.
March 31, 2022
It was short but it sucked me in immediately. I liked the bit of paranormal alongside the mystery. I will definitely pick up more by this author.
August 17, 2014
The Pit Stop grabbed me into the story from beginning to end! It has a perfect well written flow to it. Once again, we meet Mark, the detective from another short story by the author called The Depot.
This story is a combination of a mystery and crime with some paranormal thrown in which is excellent! I was enjoying it so much that I hated to see it come to the end.
I highly recommend this short story for paranormal and mystery fans! It is definitely a page turner.
This story is a combination of a mystery and crime with some paranormal thrown in which is excellent! I was enjoying it so much that I hated to see it come to the end.
I highly recommend this short story for paranormal and mystery fans! It is definitely a page turner.
March 16, 2018
This was another free Kindle download that isn't a story...it's part of a story. I can't rate part of a story especially when one isn't told that if they download the material they are only getting the first part of a story and will have to buy/download more to get the complete novel.
November 22, 2012
Detective Gino Canale is having dreams about his Grandfather who along with his Grandmother died 20 years earlier. Their death was suspicious because they both died on the same night but the case was closed with no resolution. He is called in on a strangely comparable case of a husband and wife found dead. While meeting with his boss about the case at ‘The Pit Stop‘ diner some strange happenings occur as Gino is assaulted with memories of his Grandparents. Because of the similarities between the two cases and believing that his Grandparents were victims of a homicide Gino becomes emotionally involved in the investigation.
This short story is intriguing and keeps you involved as the story progresses. It contains a mix of the paranormal along with the intensity of the mystery and flows at a steady pace. This is a short story that grabs you from the start and pulls you in. I enjoyed the story and the writing style of Carmen DeSousa and look forward to reading more of her work.
This short story is intriguing and keeps you involved as the story progresses. It contains a mix of the paranormal along with the intensity of the mystery and flows at a steady pace. This is a short story that grabs you from the start and pulls you in. I enjoyed the story and the writing style of Carmen DeSousa and look forward to reading more of her work.
February 10, 2013
Well that one had me guessing to the very end! Carmen DeSousa can spin a tale from her to kingdom come! Thank you so much for this little quick read! Get your own copy of "The Pit Stop" you won't regret it!!
March 11, 2013
A short story with a solid end. Gino was dreaming of his grandparents that have been dead 20 years. They say his grandparents died of natural causes, but Gino , who's a detective never believed it. His grandparents were only in their 50's. They were in their bedroom, died in their sleep. Gino married his childhood best friend Shelia. They dated thru high school and then she went to college and they dated other people. When Shelia came back to town in her 20's he knew she was the one he wanted to spend the rest of his life with. They moved into his grandparents house. Gino met his boss at The Pit Stop the next morning for breakfast. The diner has been open since Gino could remember. He used to go there with his grandfather. He hasn't been in the diner since his grandfather passed away. He couldn't figure out why his boss wanted to meet there, he knows Gino doesn't frequent the diner. He tells Gino of a murder a couple of towns over with the same mo as his grandparents homicide. His captain told him he never believed they died of natural causes. The owner of the diner came over and said hi to Gino like he knew him. Gino couldn't place him, but he knew Gino. Gino thinks he crazy and goes home to tell Shelia. Shelia grew up close to his grandmother. He asked her if she ever heard of the owner of the dinner. Shelia says she remembers his name but can't place it. Shelia said his grandma kept a diary, she used to read it to Shelia. The next day the captain and Gino went to the town where the murders happened and examined the scene. The place was immaculant. Gino found one thing out of place, a photo album. When he looked thru it he noticed a pic of his grandfather and grandmother. These people went to school with his grandparents. You will have to download the book to find out what happens. It FREE! Carmen never disappoints.
February 24, 2016
•••I listened to the Audible Audio Edition of this book•••
Michelle Babb always provides a great performance! I especially liked the accents she did for some of the characters. Even though this book was very short she brought each and every character to life. I can't wait to hear what she narrates next!
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Haunted By The Past
This series must be listened to (or read) in order. This is the first book. I can't wait to listen to The Depot: When Life And Death Cross Tracks!
Gino has been having dreams about his dead grandparents. They seem to be warning him of danger. Is the warning for real? Who would want to hurt him and his wife? How could it be related to his grandparents who died over twenty years ago?
***This series is suitable for mature young adult through adult listeners (or readers) who enjoy short supernatural mysteries with a bit of romance and ghostly intervention :)
Michelle Babb always provides a great performance! I especially liked the accents she did for some of the characters. Even though this book was very short she brought each and every character to life. I can't wait to hear what she narrates next!
××××××××××××××××××××××××××××××××××××××××××××××××××××××××××××××××××
Haunted By The Past
This series must be listened to (or read) in order. This is the first book. I can't wait to listen to The Depot: When Life And Death Cross Tracks!
Gino has been having dreams about his dead grandparents. They seem to be warning him of danger. Is the warning for real? Who would want to hurt him and his wife? How could it be related to his grandparents who died over twenty years ago?
***This series is suitable for mature young adult through adult listeners (or readers) who enjoy short supernatural mysteries with a bit of romance and ghostly intervention :)
January 7, 2013
Threatened by a recurring dream about his grandparents, Officer Gino felt haunted and unsettled. Then during the daytime unusual things began to happen to him – like hearing someone light a pipe and smelling the odor then finding there was no one there. A guy like him had to follow these suggestions and find out if his grandparent’s death twenty years ago was in fact murder. Especially now that apparently another couple has died with the same MO which occurred two states over and mirrored exactly the homicide of his grandparents. This short suspense flowed so well that it swept me into the story from page one and I just sat back, relaxed and thoroughly enjoyed.
April 7, 2013
Carmen Desousa weaves an intriguing story about the suspicious death of Detective Gino's Grandparents who died under suspicious circumstances many years before. Gino is called in on the death of a married couple which seem strangely similar to that of his Grandparents. Gino, is plagued by memories of his Grandparents and strange things start happening around him. This is an incredible short story one which keeps you turning the page after page. I really did not want this story to end because I was so drawn into the story. The pit stop is a read I would highly recommend. I will certainly be reading more from this author in the future.
October 24, 2012
Nice little short story. This story keeps you guessing on what is going to happen, along with a little help from the other side. I look forward to seeing the author's other stories! Keep up the great work.
Marianne Curtis
Author of Finding Gloria
Marianne Curtis
Author of Finding Gloria
January 19, 2013
This is a short that reads like a prequel...or at least I hope there is more Pit Stop. I enjoyed the paranormal aspects, ghosts even if they are not evil haunting types are awesome. I like the way the author brought the ghosts, dreams and detective work together. They flowed perfectly.
June 1, 2014
A very good story from this talented author... This story is fast paced, and a real page turner. The author excellently combines mystery and romance, to make this book worth the read. I would recommend this book to all readers who love romance/mystery books.
February 7, 2013
Great short story. I will be reading more of her work.
November 4, 2020
This mystery has everything - two double murders twenty years apart, the hint of a ghostly presence, and crisp dialogue that doesn't waste words. If you're looking for a quick audio book, this is it, only a tad over an hour.
January 4, 2015
The Pit Stop by Carmen DeSousa
4+ stars. Very short story. Left me wanting more. Interesting characters. Nice mystery. Because of it's length there are a few questions (details, details) I have but it wrapped up nicely without the answers, so I will let it be… for now :) I don't usually read short stories so I feel that it was…well, too short - lol
**possible minor*spoiler alert**
I would have loved to see a hand written diary page that indicated what she read that led her (Sheila) to believe she knew who the murderer was. Wonder if something like that would be included in the word count…I'd guess no because it would be like a picture, right? A copy of a journal page…
*****
I recommend this book to anyone who likes mystery, cop, crime, and ghost (short) stories. Minor bits of sexual activity (within a committed relationship-nothing explicit), drugs, and violence. Probably okay for teens(16+) and adults.
I got this ebook from Amazon for free. I believe it's a perma-free download so you should get it for yourself. Always be sure that the cost is still zero though before you click the button to purchase. #justsayin ;)
Check out this author's @CreatusSeries too! Fabulous stories! Definitely a must-read author for me. Can't wait for more!! Up next: The Depot
Hello Twitter!!
4+ stars. Very short story. Left me wanting more. Interesting characters. Nice mystery. Because of it's length there are a few questions (details, details) I have but it wrapped up nicely without the answers, so I will let it be… for now :) I don't usually read short stories so I feel that it was…well, too short - lol
**possible minor*spoiler alert**
I would have loved to see a hand written diary page that indicated what she read that led her (Sheila) to believe she knew who the murderer was. Wonder if something like that would be included in the word count…I'd guess no because it would be like a picture, right? A copy of a journal page…
*****
I recommend this book to anyone who likes mystery, cop, crime, and ghost (short) stories. Minor bits of sexual activity (within a committed relationship-nothing explicit), drugs, and violence. Probably okay for teens(16+) and adults.
I got this ebook from Amazon for free. I believe it's a perma-free download so you should get it for yourself. Always be sure that the cost is still zero though before you click the button to purchase. #justsayin ;)
Check out this author's @CreatusSeries too! Fabulous stories! Definitely a must-read author for me. Can't wait for more!! Up next: The Depot
Hello Twitter!!
January 23, 2013
A short review for a short story. "The Pit Stop" is a solid short story mystery with a few confusing passages between clarifying reality from paranormal activities, some which don't really get explained away clearly, and dream sequences. I'm not a fan of dream sequences to help explain the plot, but these were adequately handled. The nice thing is the surprise killer, but it also brings to bear some less than stellar police work to finding a killer. It's better than average, but not great--a "4".
January 21, 2016
Haunted By The Past
This series must be read in order. This is the first book. I can't wait to read The Depot: When Life And Death Cross Tracks!
Gino has been having dreams about his dead grandparents. They seem to be warning him of danger. Is the warning for real? Who would want to hurt him and his wife? How could it be related to his grandparents who died over twenty years ago?
***This series is suitable for mature young adult through adult readers who enjoy short supernatural mysteries with a bit of romance and ghostly intervention :)
This series must be read in order. This is the first book. I can't wait to read The Depot: When Life And Death Cross Tracks!
Gino has been having dreams about his dead grandparents. They seem to be warning him of danger. Is the warning for real? Who would want to hurt him and his wife? How could it be related to his grandparents who died over twenty years ago?
***This series is suitable for mature young adult through adult readers who enjoy short supernatural mysteries with a bit of romance and ghostly intervention :)
February 13, 2013
A good story that started off very strong. The ending was very rushed, unfortunately, and the story could easily be expanded by another 20k to give us the character development and backstories to make the ending work.
February 22, 2013
Not a long story but a worthwhile read. I enjoyed the mix of reality with that extra ingredient - always a good hook.
I don't give spoilers but I would say give it a try if you like mystery, murder and something more.
I don't give spoilers but I would say give it a try if you like mystery, murder and something more.
March 24, 2013
A good story but more on the murder/mystery side than the expected paranormal. Still worth a read nonetheless. Just try and keep mental note of the characters because it can become a little confusing at times, particularly towards the end with who's who.
January 20, 2014
I love ghost stories. This had that and a little more. It's a mystery and a crime story all rolled up into a short story. DeSousa does a good job in the telling, the writing is good and the story keeps you turning the page. I only wish there had been more. I really enjoyed it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews