Murder at the Top of the Stairs: A Caleigh O'Neill Story

by Wendy R. Williams

"Murder at the Top of the Stairs: A Caleigh O'Neill Story" is the first book in the Caleigh O'Neill series. It tells the story of a four-car-pileup between the insulated worlds of New York society, Texas royalty, a Bulgarian crime family, and various law enforcement agencies with differing levels of competency. When "things" become too heated in the bathroom of a downtown nightclub, Caleigh O'Neill flees the club with no cabs in sight. She grabs a Citibike and rides up First Avenue on the way to her Upper Eastside apartment. Pedaling past the UN, she stops to take a moonlit photo of two men standing at the top of the stairs leading to Ralph Bunche Park, when she sees one man stab the other, and a body falls over the railing, through the trees, and into the park. Unfortunately for Caleigh, the body that fell into the park belonged to the son of the United Kingdom's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, and the murderer is the son of the head of a Bulgarian crime family, and she is now the "witness," and beamed into a world where being an innocent bystander is not an option.

Genres: Romance, Fiction, Amazon, Thriller

91 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 11, 2020

About the author

Wendy R. Williams is the editor of www.newyorkcool.com. Williams is also a playwright; three of her plays have been produced Off-Broadway in New York City. Wendy's screenplay "Hit Girl" was awarded honorable mention in the 2020 Screenplay Festival. "Texas Toast" was previously a finalist at the Moondance Film Festival.

"Murder at the Top of the Stairs: A Caleigh O'Neill Story" is the first in a series of international crime novels set in the implausible but true intersections between Eastern European crime lords and global mega-rich society. The second in the series, "Murder in Mallorca," was published on Amazon in February of 2021. The third book in the series, "Murder in the Leeward Islands," was published in the summer of 2021. Book four of the series, "Murder in Windsor," was published in February of 2022. Book Five and the final (maybe?) book in the series will be published in July 2022

Wendy previously published a series of tween novels. "The Big Apple Posse: Escape From New York" is the first in a series of Teen Action Adventure novels. The second book, "Escape from New Orleans," and the third book, "The Big Apple Posse: Escape From Los Angeles," are all for sale at Amazon.com. "The Big Apple Posse Trilogy" is the omnibus edition for the three "Big Apple" books. "Solange's Song," the Young Adult sequel for "The Big Apple Trilogy," is for sale on Amazon.com

Reviews

[Kylie Atkins · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a rather enjoyable, quick read. I liked the pace at which the book moved, and I found the writing simplistic in a way that makes you want to keep reading. This is my first Wendy R. Williams book, and I can see myself enjoying more of hers in the future.

[Ashlee Stec · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was interesting...

I was not entirely sure what to expect out of this book. However, the basic storyline is this girl named Caleigh was leaving a bar before she made some bad decisions and witnessed a murder between the son of the British Representative in the United Nations and the son of the Bulgarian Crime Ring. Caleight sent the photos she took to the NYPD in hopes that they could arrest the murderer, however, she would have to testify, and that would make her susceptible to death. But the Bulgarians find out about her and start to kill people around her, causing her to have to basically go into witness protection. She doesn't want to stop living her life, so she keeps defying everyone, which in turn gets her kidnapped. The Bulgarian murder dies technically at her hands, and in order for it not to come back on her, she must serve 5 years with a quasi-government ring trying to take down the crime ring.

[Hyacinth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This short, action packed book was amazing. Sam, Carleigh and Big Unc, that's what I call Carleigh's uncle were and amazing team. All of the characters blended smoothly. he writing flowed and the anticipation mounted. I would love to read a series with Carleigh O'Neill. This was just the beginning I'm sure. I took my time reading it because I didn't want it to end. I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway. Thank you for choosing me.

[Alyssa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Caleigh

What an amazing gift of “jumping from the frying pan into the fire.” This is a book that will brng a smile to your face as you groan at another of her decisions. Very good read

[Brenda Cooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Identity

Caleigh accidentally photographed a murder. From there her life is forever altered. An enjoyable read with interesting characters you'll like despite the circumstances. You won't be sorry spending time getting lost in Carleighs world.

[Jenni Stein · Rating 4 out of 5]

Recommend

Quick, easy, and engaging read. It's interesting as you never saw the twists that were coming. If you're looking for a quick, exciting, read.This is definitely a good one to check out as long as you are okay with somewhat graphic subject matter

[Angy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Liked the story but unlikable main character

I really didn’t like Caleigh at all. She comes across as reckless and just idiotic. I understand her whining about not wanting to give up everything she is:has but she makes one stupid decision after another.

[Patricia Mccammon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good start for a new series. The main character comes across as a spoiled rich girl at the beginning. Things change as the story unfolds with a surprise ending.

[Kari King · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the first book that I have read by Williams. It is an easy to read story. Overall, a decent story. I won this book in a goodreads giveaway in return for my honest review.

[Sarah Stackhouse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed diving into this exciting read, and am looking forward to starting the next book!

[Deb Frahm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed the book, it was a good short read

[Chloé Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn’t put it down until I finished it. Can’t wait to read more of her work

[Lynn · Rating 2 out of 5]

I gave it 2.5 stars because it was fun, and different. The writing style was bare bones, and there was little substance, yet it was somehow refreshing in its simplicity. Caleigh’s outrageousness was amusing, and the book was a really quick read. I was pleased to have won it in a Goodreads giveaway.