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The Impact Series
The Shooting
Life will never be the same for Kate.
After almost every gun owner worldwide turns their weapon on themselves in a terrifying fifteen minute window, Kate Stellute, like the rest of the population, searches for answers. The mass-shooting is so enormous in scale and diabolical, no one can figure out who or what caused it, but after a bizarre encounter with an otherworldly stranger, Kate suddenly finds herself the government's prime suspect.
A mid-level program analyst for Space Force and proud rule follower her entire life, a confused Kate doesn't know where to turn. She puts trust in a neighbor, NASA biophysicist Sinclair, and with their combined background, they race to unravel the truth before an angry mob closes in.
Kate knows she must formulate a plan to appease the otherworldly stranger, keep herself out of prison, and save the world from more violence...but is she already too late?
After almost every gun owner worldwide turns their weapon on themselves in a terrifying fifteen minute window, Kate Stellute, like the rest of the population, searches for answers. The mass-shooting is so enormous in scale and diabolical, no one can figure out who or what caused it, but after a bizarre encounter with an otherworldly stranger, Kate suddenly finds herself the government's prime suspect.
A mid-level program analyst for Space Force and proud rule follower her entire life, a confused Kate doesn't know where to turn. She puts trust in a neighbor, NASA biophysicist Sinclair, and with their combined background, they race to unravel the truth before an angry mob closes in.
Kate knows she must formulate a plan to appease the otherworldly stranger, keep herself out of prison, and save the world from more violence...but is she already too late?
258 pages, Paperback
Published March 25, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
January 6, 2026
I love this story because it's suspenseful, has a unique plot and the characters are intriguing. I might be biased because I wrote it but I'm proud of it and giving it five stars.
April 9, 2022
Not likely to appeal to Trumpista’s
Very entertaining and a quick read! Mixing SciFi, environmentalism, and the political issues of our times; this book is a promising start to a great story. Dumbfounded to read fiction and come across the Kessler syndrome! Wow!Looking forward to next installment, but hope publisher is not going to make a George RRMartin thing of this. Andy Weir should be looking over his shoulder!
Review not from DinDC, rather her husband.
Very entertaining and a quick read! Mixing SciFi, environmentalism, and the political issues of our times; this book is a promising start to a great story. Dumbfounded to read fiction and come across the Kessler syndrome! Wow!Looking forward to next installment, but hope publisher is not going to make a George RRMartin thing of this. Andy Weir should be looking over his shoulder!
Review not from DinDC, rather her husband.
June 25, 2023
I gave this a three because although it was an interesting premise, I didn’t feel satisfied by the ending and thought the content was a bit heavy-handed. There were also several grammatical errors I noticed, and I just have a very hard time with those. All in all, it wasn’t as polished and satisfying as I would have hoped. I hope everything works out for the characters and that the author continues writing!
April 10, 2022
Great start to what should be a great series. Interesting concept of taking something people think as protective and turning it against them - reminds me a bit of Terminator.
July 16, 2025
From the opening chapter, The Shooting pulls you into a chilling and disorienting catastrophe that feels both wildly speculative and uncomfortably plausible. In just fifteen horrifying minutes, nearly every gun owner in the world inexplicably turns their weapon on themselves. That premise alone is enough to hook any reader of speculative thrillers, but what C.K. Westbrook does so well is expand that mystery into a multilayered exploration of fear, conspiracy, and cosmic consequence.
The story centers on Kate Stellute, an unassuming Space Force analyst whose ordinary life is upended when she becomes the unlikely prime suspect in a tragedy of global scale. What I really appreciated about Kate is that she’s not your typical “chosen one” protagonist. She’s grounded, rule bound, a little anxious completely relatable. So when an eerie, possibly alien stranger targets her, her confusion and desperation feel authentic.
Her alliance with Sinclair, a brilliant NASA biophysicist and conveniently her neighbor, adds another dynamic layer. Their relationship based on science, skepticism, and mutual necessity helps anchor the more fantastical elements of the plot. The science fiction angle doesn’t feel overdone or needlessly complex, either. Westbrook strikes a great balance between believable government paranoia, cosmic terror, and real human emotion.
One of the most compelling elements is the sheer scale of the tragedy and how society unravels in its wake. The fear, the finger-pointing, the chaos it all feels eerily familiar in our modern world. That’s what makes this story hit hard: it’s a thriller wrapped in speculative fiction, but it constantly echoes real-world themes of control, power, and human fragility.
The pacing is relentless in a good way. Kate doesn’t get much of a breather, and neither do we. Each chapter reveals just enough to keep you sprinting toward the next, even as the mystery deepens. There are moments of real dread here not just from the possibility of more violence, but from the moral and existential questions that begin to bubble to the surface.
In short, The Shooting is gripping, strange, and uncomfortably timely. If you’re into science fiction with high stakes suspense and a touch of cosmic horror, this one’s absolutely worth the read. C.K. Westbrook knows how to keep you on edge and questioning everything.
The story centers on Kate Stellute, an unassuming Space Force analyst whose ordinary life is upended when she becomes the unlikely prime suspect in a tragedy of global scale. What I really appreciated about Kate is that she’s not your typical “chosen one” protagonist. She’s grounded, rule bound, a little anxious completely relatable. So when an eerie, possibly alien stranger targets her, her confusion and desperation feel authentic.
Her alliance with Sinclair, a brilliant NASA biophysicist and conveniently her neighbor, adds another dynamic layer. Their relationship based on science, skepticism, and mutual necessity helps anchor the more fantastical elements of the plot. The science fiction angle doesn’t feel overdone or needlessly complex, either. Westbrook strikes a great balance between believable government paranoia, cosmic terror, and real human emotion.
One of the most compelling elements is the sheer scale of the tragedy and how society unravels in its wake. The fear, the finger-pointing, the chaos it all feels eerily familiar in our modern world. That’s what makes this story hit hard: it’s a thriller wrapped in speculative fiction, but it constantly echoes real-world themes of control, power, and human fragility.
The pacing is relentless in a good way. Kate doesn’t get much of a breather, and neither do we. Each chapter reveals just enough to keep you sprinting toward the next, even as the mystery deepens. There are moments of real dread here not just from the possibility of more violence, but from the moral and existential questions that begin to bubble to the surface.
In short, The Shooting is gripping, strange, and uncomfortably timely. If you’re into science fiction with high stakes suspense and a touch of cosmic horror, this one’s absolutely worth the read. C.K. Westbrook knows how to keep you on edge and questioning everything.
February 18, 2026
Life will never be the same for Kate. From the shocking opening scene to the final twist, this novel kept me completely hooked. The premise of a global fifteen minute window of coordinated tragedy is chilling, yet the emotional focus on Kate’s fear, resilience, and moral struggle makes it deeply human. I loved how the mystery slowly unraveled, blending science, conspiracy, and speculative elements seamlessly. Sinclair was a strong supporting character, and their partnership felt authentic. The pacing was tight, stakes relentless, and themes of trust and accountability lingered with me. An intense, thought provoking read I’d highly recommend to everyone wholeheartedly.
April 15, 2026
This is an interesting journey through complicated times in my home city. I thought the story was well written and captivating. While covering it takes a reasonably light approach and doesn't bog the listener down with dark details or unrelatable science.
The narration was a little slow for the pacing of a book like this but I love an indie author who offers audio versions and will always support them.
The narration was a little slow for the pacing of a book like this but I love an indie author who offers audio versions and will always support them.
April 20, 2022
What a wonderful read and thrilling escape. CK Westbrook is a thought provoking storyteller. I found her mix of authenticity and fantasy just what the doctor ordered! The story was seemingly relatable with turns and twists - I finished the book in just a few days. The Shooting is an exciting read and I can't wait for the next one to come out!
July 19, 2022
I totally enjoyed this book and can't wait for the next one! It's an easy read, fast-paced, and the story is gripping. The characters felt very real, and while the overarching story is fiction, the various situations within the book (things like covid, politics, neighbors, relationships) are current, relevant and relatable. I definitely recommend this book, and can't wait for the next one!
September 16, 2022
CK Westbrook has a great writing style and I was glad I was able to read this beginning to this series. It does what I was hoping for and really glad I was able to go on this journey. It left me excited to read the next book in the series.
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.
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January 2, 2023Engaging and original sci-fi story demonstrating how space, the COVID pandemic, global warming, and other current environmental and political concerns are intertwined. Narrative is fast paced and I can easily picture the descriptive characters and scenes in my head. Excited to read the next installment to find out how the story continues.
September 2, 2025
A masterclass in tell and not show. The plot sounds like it should be at least a little interesting, but the characters and writing really bring it down. It's hard to slog through, makes little sense, and leaves you wanting to bang your head against a wall...will continue to torture myself by reading the other two books in the series.
March 25, 2022
I didn't know how much I could love sci-fi until I read this book, which weaves those sci-fi element with real world crises. Can't wait for the next in the series.
April 17, 2022
I’m hooked, can’t wait for the next book to come out in the fall! CK Westbrook is not afraid to share her thoughts or opinions on any topic. She is telling her story and I’m loving it!
April 18, 2022
Fun read that brings sci-fi into a 2020 reality
April 20, 2022
Watch out JK, CK is here now! What an amazing book. I can't wait to read the second one. CK Westbrook is such a great writer. And this book is a page turner.
April 21, 2022
I couldnt put it down. Tackles some of the environmental issues of today. I cant wait for the second part.
April 28, 2022
I loved following Kate through Rock Creek Park and other familiar haunts around DC in this pandemic age reality-meets-sci fi page turner!
May 27, 2022
Such an engaging book. Well written and the characters are so real. You feel as if you know them! Fast paced and intriguing. Looking forward to more from this author.
June 9, 2022
A quick, entertaining read of an energetic plot. Loved the virtual, cyber-avatar Obama! (Just a hint of the wonderful story-telling!) Eager to read volume 2!
March 18, 2025
The premise initially intrigued me, but the writing felt diluted and lacking in eloquence. The political motives were too overt, which ultimately made this a DNF.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews