The Fatal Creation

Sergeant Evelyn "Mac" McGregor Thriller #1

by Julie Bergman

A woman slaughtered. Her husband accused. Can this military investigator stop the killings from claiming more victims?

Fairchild Air Force Base. Sergeant Evelyn “Mac” McGregor strives to show she’s cut out for service. So when a gruesome crime interrupts her dreaded morning run, the dedicated career woman quickly rushes to the aid of the man found drenched in his wife’s blood. But the strong-willed Latina suspects foul play when leadership pushes for a quick conviction, stating it’s an open-and-shut case.

Teaming up with a sexy Master SGT to track down evidence, Mac feels the pressure when she’s suddenly charged with drug trafficking and taken off the file. Desperate to prove her own innocence, increasingly violent attacks makes her fear a relentless killer has her in their crosshairs…

Can Mac expose a sinister scheme before she becomes the next body painted in red?

The Fatal Creation is the heart-pounding first book in the Sergeant Evelyn “Mac” McGregor Thriller series. If you like badass heroines, stirring intrigue, and nail-biting peril, then you’ll love Julie Bergman’s chilling tale.

Buy The Fatal Creation to end the carnage today!


“A Great Mystery Read!! Sahar's Creation is successfully written by this new author! The story kept my interest throughout the entire book. It had a great plot and is a very great mystery book to read!!” Robin ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Genres: Thriller, Suspense

246 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 8, 2021

About the author

Julie Bergman is a retired military veteran who served her country for over 20 years. She lives in beautiful Spokane, Washington with her supportive husband, 4 wonderful children, and a slobbery Olde English Bulldog with attitude. After over 17 years in the JAG Corp and a master's degree in Forensic Psychology, her fascination with crime and the dark side of humanity has spilled into a military-based serial killer novel/series that you won’t be able to put down

Reviews

[DJ · Rating 2 out of 5]

too many editorial mistakes

This has the potential to be a good story. However, misspellings, wrong words used (quite instead of quiet/participation instead of precipitation, and quite a few others were so distracting. Character development left a lot to be desired as well. I won’t be continuing the series

[Chane Pain · Rating 1 out of 5]

I love reading, but I am not a good writer. That said I would have been able to write a better book.

[Susan The Book Dragon Campton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good Evening My Fellow Book Dragons,

This gem came to me in the form of a small, compact photo album. The old fashioned kind with black pages to anchor the photos. Upon carefully opening it with the tip of my claw, a puff of black smoke appeared and something akin to a small explosion rocked the album and the tale came billowing out.

This is Dragon Feeder Julie Bergman’s “The Fatal Creation”. A mystery, a madman and a tenacious detective.

This is the tale of Air Force Sergeant Evelyn “Mac” McGregor, Paralegal to the Area Defense Counsel and sometime detective. Mac herself has a mysterious past and it slowly unfolds in bits and pieces as the hunt for a serial killer takes place.

I liked this story. Mac is likeable and the romance that takes place in the book comes about naturally. The other characters are believable and the scenarios with the killer are based in reality. It was fairly fast paced and yet Ms. Bergman does a great job with character and back story development.

I would have liked Mac’s backstory to have either been given a bit more detail or a brief mention and been explained more in the next book. It was a bit distracting. But, I’ll be happy to read about it in the second installment. This is a standalone story, unless you are like me and want to meet Mac again in the next book! I think you will!

Until next time, I remain your humble Book Dragon,

Drakon T. Longwitten

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must read!

Ms. Bergman has delivered a unique combination of intriguing premise, thoughtfully developed characters, and surprising plot twists. Sahar's Creation will appeal to murder mystery fans, legal thriller fans, strong female lead fans, Pacific Northwest (Spokane, WA) setting fans, and more. Definitely worth re-reading!

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Great book! Crazy but good crazy!

Good book! This book was a little different for me?! It had the usual, suspense, intrigue, action, murder, A crazy serial killer and a bit of a who done it! It had a lot of violent gore and blood shed! It was a good suspense thriller! I will definitely recommend reading this book! Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for sharing this book with me!

[Mary · Rating 2 out of 5]

A brave debut - needs a good editor

I got this book through the introductory offer. I applaud Ms Bergmann on her self-publishing ambition. That being said, I feel this book could have done with deeper character development for Mac and Lola; I did not find any of the characters to be relatable. All of the characters seem to be highly motivated by their hormones rather than intellect. It could have been improved with tighter, more thorough editing:
- descriptions of Mac are not sometimes contradictory;
- secondary storylines appear, then disappear adding no relevance to the characters or primary storyline;
- the freedom "Mac" is allowed to go against orders and act independently does not ring true.

I did not particularly enjoy this book, but see where future books could be readable if Me Bergman receives professional guidance.

[Jens Boele · Rating 4 out of 5]

So, here's the lowdown on "The Fatal Creation" – Julie Bergman’s got this military thriller that's just buzzing with mystery and a hint of romance. Picture this: Sergeant Evelyn "Mac" McGregor, a military investigator on a mission, but things take a wild turn when she's knee-deep in a murder case, facing accusations left and right.
Now, I'm all about classic whodunits with a dash of romance, and "The Fatal Creation" serves it up just right. Mac's a no-nonsense Latina, determined to crack the case, and you can't help but cheer her on.
I'm chatting about high-concept characters and a killer plot that spills the beans on the bad guy without giving away the game too soon. It's a nail-biter, keeps you guessing till the very last page. And yeah, the pacing? Takes its sweet time, especially in the start, but hang in there – it's worth the ride.
Let me spill the tea on my personal take. I was hooked, alright? Rooting for the solution, loving the twist with Mac's resilience. Okay, the killer's identity wasn't the shock of the century, but the journey? Solid.
In a nutshell, Julie Bergman, with her military background in the mix, brewed up a winner. "The Fatal Creation" hits the sweet spot between suspense and romance. Sure, it has its quirks, but it's a damn good read. Props to Bergman for serving up a killer combo of military grit and storytelling finesse. Get ready for a ride – it's worth every page.

[Maria Leonova · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The Fatal Creation" is a gripping thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Julie Bergman has created a compelling heroine in Sergeant Evelyn “Mac” McGregor, a military investigator who is determined to uncover the truth behind a brutal murder. Mac is a strong, smart, and loyal character who faces many challenges and dangers in her quest for justice. She also has a sizzling chemistry with her partner, Master Sergeant, who supports her and challenges her in equal measure.
The plot is fast-paced and full of twists and turns that will keep you guessing until the end. The author does a great job of portraying the military setting and culture, as well as the complex issues of race, gender, and power that Mac has to navigate. The book also explores the themes of loyalty, betrayal, corruption, and redemption in a realistic and engaging way.
"The Fatal Creation" is a thrilling read that will appeal to fans of suspense, action, and romance. It is the first book in a series that promises to deliver more exciting adventures for Mac and Jake. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well-written and captivating story.👏

[travel_thru_books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Julie Bergman is a new to me author, and I must say wow, I'm very impressed!

Book 1 in her series was off the charts! I couldn't put this book down!! It was very well written and with such depth!
First off I loved the well-developed character of Mac. As a woman in a male-dominated field, Mac faces numerous challenges and biases, which adds depth and complexity to her character. Her determination to prove herself and uncover the truth behind the crime is inspiring and keeps readers engaged throughout the story.

Julie skillfully weaves together the elements of mystery and crime, creating a suspenseful and fast-paced storyline. The plot is filled with unexpected twists and turns, keeping readers guessing until the very end. Julie's attention to detail and knowledge of military procedures and protocols adds authenticity to the story, making it all the more immersive.

Furthermore, the novel explores themes of justice, loyalty, and the abuse of power within the military system. It sheds light on the pressures faced by those serving in the armed forces and the importance of integrity and standing up for what is right.

[Book · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gripping military thriller with a fierce heroine at its center.
The Fatal Creation pulls you in from the very first chapter. Sergeant Evelyn “Mac” McGregor is the kind of lead character you root for immediately smart, tough, and determined to do what’s right even when the system seems stacked against her. I really enjoyed the way the story blends military life, mystery, and personal stakes without ever slowing down.
The tension builds steadily as Mac uncovers layers of secrets, and the false accusation against her adds an unexpected twist that raises the stakes even more. The partnership dynamic with the Master Sergeant adds depth, and the plot stays engaging all the way through with plenty of suspenseful moments. Julie Bergman does a great job creating an atmosphere of uncertainty and pressure, and the pacing keeps you turning the pages. It’s a strong first entry in the series and definitely sets up Mac as a character worth following.
If you enjoy thrillers led by resilient heroines, investigations full of twists, and a storyline that keeps you guessing, this is a great pick.

[Cam Torrens · Rating 5 out of 5]

As an AF vet and Washington native, I admit a little bias toward this book! Julie Bergman's The Fatal Creation nails the military environment and adds a criminal element that will keep readers flipping pages!

Mac, a dedicated defense investigator, finds herself embroiled in a murder case that unravels into a chilling series of crimes. As she delves deeper, the tension rises, and her own life is put in jeopardy by a relentless killer. This suspenseful thriller offers a captivating blend of elements, including a deranged serial killer, military romance, kidnapping, and crime. With its unpredictable twists and relentless pace, readers will need to block off dedicated reading time as Mac races against time to unmask the murderer and save innocent lives.

Best news? It's a series! I'll be reading the rest.

[Dawn Byers · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG what a heart stopping book!
A prostitute is murdered. Then Johnson is found with blood on top of his dead wife. Mac won’t believe he killed her. The two people murdered look alike , as does Mac who is investigating the crimes. The higher ups try to end the case quickly. Mac thinks something is going on- someone wants her off the case, especially when she is accused of drug trafficking. But Mac is tough she doesn’t give up and the closer she gets to finding the answers the more deaths there are. Someone is trying to stop investigation and they seem to know everything. Who is it and how is this happening?
When another one is missing Mac puts her life on the line to save the next victim but can she or will she be a victim too?

[Becca · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was really good. I had a feeling I knew who it was from the start. All the clues were basically right there...BUT it was really interesting finding how things went. When Hudson made a comment about the girls looking like Mac, I had a feeling the bad guy tied her in with the original. I know things like war can mess you up. Especially when you have injuries as well. What really got me was how normal things seemed...to a point. That was hidden quite well. I definitely want to dig into the next books. I want to know more about Lola. She is a hoot. She seems like a real firecracker and I bet she keeps everyone on their toes. All the characters in this are really good. I thoroughly enjoyed this.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Candace Holmes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Page Turner

It started a little rocky. There were some typos and grammatical errors, but only a few. Being born and raised on FAFB and then marrying an Airforce member and having my children on FAFB, I was easily hooked by familiarity. As a psychologist, I enjoyed the character development and accurate terminology of mental health disorders. Overall, it was pretty good. The middle to end really picked up, and I was flying through the pages. I'm ready and looking forward to starting book 2 on my flight back to Spokane tomorrow.

[Abdul · Rating 5 out of 5]

She is standing against institutional pressures and a serial killer


Suspense and mystery with a strong female lead, This is (The Fatal Creation) by Julie Bergman. It is a gripping foray into the world of military investigation.

Sergeant Evelyn “Mac” McGregor, a dedicated military investigator, is drawn into a chilling case of murder on Air Force Base, challenging the quick judgments and corruption within her ranks.

Bergman's insights and deep understanding of the military enrich the narrative, making "The Fatal Creation" a compelling read for fans of military thrillers.

[Billie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a brilliant read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and found myself second guessing every thought I had continuously.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.

I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.

[Julie Angstadt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very intense story--hard to put down

Mac is in the U.S. Air Force. She is in investigation work. She has worked on crashes, and has been very careful. But suddenly she is charged with drug abuse, and she is told she cannot work on the case. She is frustrated, and wants her name cleared. She checks on some of the things in her case-she knows she's being set up. But by whom?

[Kellie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Max is a Military investigator when someone she knows is accused of murdering his wife she is determined to find out what happened because the man she knows could never do something like that. We the higher ups tell her to stand down that the case is an open and closed Max decides to investigate on her own time. When she is accused of dealing drugs on base she knows without a doubt that something is going on and will not stop until she gets to the bottom of both supposed crimes.

[Jerry · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book “the fatal creation” is very engaging and thrilling, with a mix of genres that will keep you on the edge of their seat. The main character, Mac, faces a challenging situation, and the plot has a lot of twists and turns. Overall, the book is a great read for fans of suspenseful thrillers.

The book kept me occupied totally and so i give it a 5 star and truly recommend it

[Eileen Bird · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed this gripping thriller. It was a pleasure to read a book today without the F word splashed on pages. I have only recently started reading this genre and some I have chosen I haven't got past the first 2 or 3 chapters, but this book gripped me from start to finish.

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a great book!! I enjoyed this crime psychological thriller about the police, military, and FBI solving a series of murders by a sick and twisted serial killer. The author did a wonderful job with character development and procedural protocols. My first book and definitely won't be my last.

[Taylor Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Fatal Creation by Julie Bergman is a wonderful military thriller. There are awesome female main characters plus a great bunch of diverse characters, a twisty mystery and a story you can fall into. Do yourself a favor and read this book.

[Carol Nauss · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the book. The female character, Mac, is a smart, tough savvy woman and very likable. The story was exciting. If you overlook the fact that the serial killer washed his bloody clothes in the hottest water possible, it was a very good book.

[Matthew Scigousky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really Good!

First of all want to thank the author for her service.
If you like phycological thrillers this is a good choice.
I wanted to give it 5 stars but it is very close.
Regardless you will not be disappointed. Well done

[Michael Slavin · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was an interesting story. It centers around an Air Force paralegal who gets to investigate, too.
The serial killer is kept a mystery. You never know who it is until near the end. Lots of action and twists.

I recommend it.

[Brad Dude · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed the inter-relationships between the military, FBI and police in trying to solve a serial-murder mystery. The main characters seemed authentic and followed military protocols. Good read!

[Susan Lovett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Outstanding!

This is one of the best mysteries that I have read in a long time. There's depth to the characters, and plot will keep you turning the pages

[Maryann (Mae) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Always enjoy a good murder investigation.

[Julie Ingalls · Rating 3 out of 5]

Predictable. I figured out the whodunit right away

[Terri Harlow]

Mind bending

Mac has good instincts. Amazing how the Chief could manipulate so many. I was very glad Joe believed in his friend Hudson.