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The Code
It should have been an otherwise uneventful Sunday morning for Charleston attorney Noah Parks. Perhaps a trip to the beach or a run with his new Australian Shepherd, Austin. But with a cryptic voicemail, everything changes.
A client has vanished, leaving nothing behind as a clue to where he may be.
Neither his family, friends, nor neighbors can provide little help.
Turning to his friend Emmett Gabriel, Charleston’s newest police detective, Parks can only watch as what started with a simple voicemail takes on a sinister life of its own.
Parks soon finds himself entangled in an affair that spans centuries, going back to the time of Charleston’s birth.
With a focus on learning his client’s fate, Parks will soon find himself facing a mystery that will not only be a test of his wits but leaves him challenged in ways he never imagined.
Facing down twists, turns, betrayals, and traditions of honor, will he break The Code?
A client has vanished, leaving nothing behind as a clue to where he may be.
Neither his family, friends, nor neighbors can provide little help.
Turning to his friend Emmett Gabriel, Charleston’s newest police detective, Parks can only watch as what started with a simple voicemail takes on a sinister life of its own.
Parks soon finds himself entangled in an affair that spans centuries, going back to the time of Charleston’s birth.
With a focus on learning his client’s fate, Parks will soon find himself facing a mystery that will not only be a test of his wits but leaves him challenged in ways he never imagined.
Facing down twists, turns, betrayals, and traditions of honor, will he break The Code?
319 pages, Paperback
Published October 7, 2022
12 people want to read
About the author
Sean Keefer
4 books159 followersI live and write in the Lowcountry of South Carolina. My first novel, The Trust, an award winning a legal thriller, was published in January of 2011. The Solicitor, published in July of 2017 followed. My latest, The Code, was published by Rivers Turn Press in October of 2022.
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
January 27, 2023
A Mystery Buried in a Dark History
An unexpected Sunday morning call from Bill Sewell apprises attorney Noah Parks that Bill’s cousin, Cash, is missing. Since Cash is a long-time client of the attorney, it’s not long before Sewell enlists Parks in helping track down Cash’s whereabouts. Parks is not overly concerned. The errant playboy has made a habit out of disappearing on benders and blowing through his seemingly limitless trust fund. But the discovery of Cash’s lifeless body in a secluded woodland changes everything. Ending the search for Cash, one for the killer begins. Park’s friend Detective Emmett Gabriel heads that investigation and Gabriel is all too familiar with Parks’ inquisitive nature. It’s why he warns his friend not to become involved and to let the police do their job. Parks heeds the warning until the discovery of Cash’s cousin is made a few days later. Found in the same section of the woodlands, the similarities of the two murders makes the case irresistible. It isn’t long before Park’s amateur sleuthing skills pay off as an odd pattern of unsolved murders emerges. But his combing through the archives attracts the attention of a researcher. When he shares his theory of a serial killer being behind all the mayhem, a coalition is formed to help the attorney dig deeper into South Carolina’s hidden history. It’s all to find the solution that will prevent more murders from occurring because the next one may be his.
This is the premise of THE CODE, a slick mystery that will have you turning pages late into the evening and burning the midnight oil. The plot complex, author Sean Keefer does a great job in delivering the info in small, easily digested packets. This straightforward approach helps us in understanding all the intricacies afloat … and afoot.
The characters are lovingly crafted and thoroughly fleshed out. This most definitely applies to Austin, Noah Parks’ super adorable and precocious Australian Shepherd. The wily four-legged wonder is given center stage and a major role in this story. It was a good move on the author’s part because Austin weaves a certain charm and charisma throughout this novel. It also introduces a humaneness into the Noah Parks character that would have been lost without the interaction between the protagonist and his sweet persistent furry friend. But there was another surprise tucked neatly in the plotline. So while murder mysteries are my favorite genre of book to read, a close second (and closing) would be ones containing conspiracy theories. Imagine my delight to find a big iceberg-sized one lurking below. There’s nothing like a cabal to stoke interest and capture attention in a big way.
As for the writing, the novel is very well-written and holds together right up until the end. Lots of action happening in this one so you’ll be putting your grey matter to good use in trying to figure out who or what is behind the skullduggery. And since the plot involves the past, there’s the bonus of receiving a terrific history lesson … one that dates back to an infamous pirate named Blackbeard. A tremendous amount of atmosphere was gained by being so careful in relating details.
All of the above is why I recommend THE CODE to mystery lovers and anyone wanting an intelligent story to sink their teeth into. This one will keep you entertained and guessing right up until the end … and why I’m giving it five stars. Enjoy!
An unexpected Sunday morning call from Bill Sewell apprises attorney Noah Parks that Bill’s cousin, Cash, is missing. Since Cash is a long-time client of the attorney, it’s not long before Sewell enlists Parks in helping track down Cash’s whereabouts. Parks is not overly concerned. The errant playboy has made a habit out of disappearing on benders and blowing through his seemingly limitless trust fund. But the discovery of Cash’s lifeless body in a secluded woodland changes everything. Ending the search for Cash, one for the killer begins. Park’s friend Detective Emmett Gabriel heads that investigation and Gabriel is all too familiar with Parks’ inquisitive nature. It’s why he warns his friend not to become involved and to let the police do their job. Parks heeds the warning until the discovery of Cash’s cousin is made a few days later. Found in the same section of the woodlands, the similarities of the two murders makes the case irresistible. It isn’t long before Park’s amateur sleuthing skills pay off as an odd pattern of unsolved murders emerges. But his combing through the archives attracts the attention of a researcher. When he shares his theory of a serial killer being behind all the mayhem, a coalition is formed to help the attorney dig deeper into South Carolina’s hidden history. It’s all to find the solution that will prevent more murders from occurring because the next one may be his.
This is the premise of THE CODE, a slick mystery that will have you turning pages late into the evening and burning the midnight oil. The plot complex, author Sean Keefer does a great job in delivering the info in small, easily digested packets. This straightforward approach helps us in understanding all the intricacies afloat … and afoot.
The characters are lovingly crafted and thoroughly fleshed out. This most definitely applies to Austin, Noah Parks’ super adorable and precocious Australian Shepherd. The wily four-legged wonder is given center stage and a major role in this story. It was a good move on the author’s part because Austin weaves a certain charm and charisma throughout this novel. It also introduces a humaneness into the Noah Parks character that would have been lost without the interaction between the protagonist and his sweet persistent furry friend. But there was another surprise tucked neatly in the plotline. So while murder mysteries are my favorite genre of book to read, a close second (and closing) would be ones containing conspiracy theories. Imagine my delight to find a big iceberg-sized one lurking below. There’s nothing like a cabal to stoke interest and capture attention in a big way.
As for the writing, the novel is very well-written and holds together right up until the end. Lots of action happening in this one so you’ll be putting your grey matter to good use in trying to figure out who or what is behind the skullduggery. And since the plot involves the past, there’s the bonus of receiving a terrific history lesson … one that dates back to an infamous pirate named Blackbeard. A tremendous amount of atmosphere was gained by being so careful in relating details.
All of the above is why I recommend THE CODE to mystery lovers and anyone wanting an intelligent story to sink their teeth into. This one will keep you entertained and guessing right up until the end … and why I’m giving it five stars. Enjoy!
March 6, 2023
The Code by Sean Keefer is a fascinating mystery set in Charleston.
When attorney Noah Parks' client disappears without a trace, he finds himself entangled in an affair spanning centuries.
Wow! What a fabulous story. Though I had no idea The Code was the third of the author's books featuring Noah Parks, it is the perfect stand alone novel, so I didn't miss a beat.
The Code begins with the mysterious disappearance of Cash, one of Noah's clients. As he investigates what happened to Cash, those looking to keep things silent and hidden aren't too happy. But Noah is persistent, which soon endangers his life.
Rich in southern details and full of twists and turns, The Code is certain to satisfy readers who enjoy mysteries, southern fiction, and thrillers.
I look forward to more in the Noah Parks series. I also have to give a shout out to the book's cover designer, because this cover really catches the eye.
When attorney Noah Parks' client disappears without a trace, he finds himself entangled in an affair spanning centuries.
Wow! What a fabulous story. Though I had no idea The Code was the third of the author's books featuring Noah Parks, it is the perfect stand alone novel, so I didn't miss a beat.
The Code begins with the mysterious disappearance of Cash, one of Noah's clients. As he investigates what happened to Cash, those looking to keep things silent and hidden aren't too happy. But Noah is persistent, which soon endangers his life.
Rich in southern details and full of twists and turns, The Code is certain to satisfy readers who enjoy mysteries, southern fiction, and thrillers.
I look forward to more in the Noah Parks series. I also have to give a shout out to the book's cover designer, because this cover really catches the eye.
March 9, 2023
An absolutely captivating dark mystery. First, let me say, Austin is my favorite character. He may be a dog, but he has a ton of personality, and I loved him from the start. The opening of this book is extremely unique, and while I don't want to ruin anything, if you enjoy the opening you'll love the rest of the book. The plot moves along smoothly and builds up the tension quickly and keeps it up right until the conclusion. My only complaint is it feels a little flat - the descriptions and characters are good, but they fall just short of having enough depth for me to feel fully immersed in the story. Overall, a great dark mystery that will keep you curious until the end.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews