The Peeper

by Jim Christopher, Ellis Vidler

The Peeper is the story of an unlikely hero, a lonely young man who makes "friends" through dorm windows under cover of darkness.While engaged in his own illegal activities, Elliott Cash sees more than he ever wanted to. The brutal murder of one of his friends. He struggles for a way to tell the police without going to jail-or worse. With no place to turn, it's up to Elliott to stop the murderer. In a foolish act of heroism, he prevents another murder but draws the killer's attention to himself. When campus detectives Sam Fullerton and Kay Kendall meet Elliott, neither trusts the sweet but challenged young man's vague story. Then proof shatters their perceptions and their lives.The Peeper is a novel of suspense that takes place on a South Carolina college campus over twelve life-altering days. The subject matter in The Peeper is described in adult language. If you are offended by the reality of adult behavior, this is not the book for you.

330 pages, Paperback

First published July 12, 2010

About the author

Major Christopher began his 35-year career in Law Enforcement when he joined the Greenville Police Department (GPD) in 1964, after serving in the United States Marine Corps as a Platoon Sergeant. He ended his career in 2004, retiring at the rank of Major and second in command of the SC Law Enforcement Division (SLED).

“Chris,” as he was dubbed by his fellow officers, served briefly on his first GPD assignment as an undercover officer before working on foot patrol in downtown Greenville. He was promoted to Detective by 1970, and served as the commander for the first Tactical Unit for Special Operations, which became the first GPD Vice Squad. His work ethic and tenacity in solving major crimes set him apart and earned him numerous honors and awards. He was a graduate of the FBI National Academy and chaired many boards and community organizations throughout his career. Through his dedicated service, he promoted positive communications between Law Enforcement and the Greenville community. At the GPD, he achieved the rank of Captain. He also served as Uniform Patrol Commander and Internal Affairs Commander prior to leaving the department to pursue a private business venture. He returned to Law Enforcement with SLED and resumed his devotion to a long and successful career in that field. Among his many honors and awards are Greenville County Law Enforcement Officer of the Year, the Greenville Jaycees’ Distinguished Service Award, and the Billy Wilkins Award for Excellence in Law Enforcement. While with SLED, he received the Strom Thurmond Award for Excellence in Law Enforcement, and upon his retirement from SLED, he was awarded the prestigious Order of the Palmetto for his exemplary service to our state.

Reviews

[Aaron Lazar · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s rare that an author, or pair of authors, in this case, can bring to life a character who seems quite hopelessly repugnant in the first scenes of a novel, and yet turn him around through deft revelations to swing wide through a character arc into a downright hero.

Mr. Christopher and Ms. Vidler have accomplished such a feat, and in The Peeper, their combined effort psychological thriller, they hooked me from the beginning.

Someone’s watching and then murdering young coeds. This someone happened to cross the path of young, intellectually challenged Elliott Cash, who habitually hangs around the outsides of dorm rooms to peep inside. During one of his usual stints, Elliot hears and is horribly close to the abduction and murder of a young girl he knows. Afraid to intervene, he hides and runs away. But later, curiosity draws him to the scene of the murder, where he tries to say goodbye and offer his apologies to the deceased.

Simple of mind and pure of heart, this young man longs to be important. He speaks to an inner personality—Jeremy—who is quite bolder and frankly, crueler, than Elliot. Jeremy drives him, befriends him, and scolds him. But nothing can stop Elliott’s desire to help the police, and maybe one day even be deputized.

Little does he know, the events that roll out in this gripping thriller indeed do draw him into a dangerous net, where his staunch heart and good spirit help him save a young girl’s life.

Written in a smooth and engaging style, The Peeper is highly a recommended thriller.

[BJ King · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jim Christopher served many years on the Greenville South Carolina Police Department, and retired as a Captain to open his own security and investigative firm. He was urged by lawmakers to join the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, SLED. He retired from SLED as a Major and held many positions, he was second in command to Chief Robert Stewart when he retired. After September 11th 2001, he was asked to come back as Director of Homeland Security for South Carolina. A Marine, he continues to stand for what’s right and any chance he gets, he consults on unsolved murders.

Ellis Vidler, co-author, is an editor and has publish a novel Haunting Refrain. Coupled with Jim Christopher, that have an amazing talent and they have created unforgettable characters in their novel just published, THE PEEPER. Ellis is a friend I met through the S.C. chapter of ‘Sisters in Crime’, a national organization where she has served as President many times. Ellis has taught creative writing at a local college, and before her retirement did technical writing and editing for corporations.

This marvelous book is offered exclusively by Amazon. Written by Jim Christopher and Ellis Vidler. I loved this book!!!! Jim and Ellis have an incredible talent for telling a story, and believe me this is a STORY! You won’t be disappointed…a GREAT READ!

[Warren Whitmire · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The Peeper" is a solid murder mystery related in an easy style with an engaging plot. The setting is well-described, the characters are plausible, and the good guys are likable. Despite a couple of logical flaws and some occasionally stilted dialogue, this is an excellent book because the strong story and characters keep the reader involved. I enjoyed some of the technical details pertaining to investigative work, because I worked briefly as an investigator myself, but the book never gets bogged down in technique. I particularly enjoyed the use of the "unreliable witness" as a dramatic device. The pace of the story picks up dramatically a little over halfway through the book, and I found "The Peeper" hard to put down at that point.

[Polly · Rating 5 out of 5]

What would you do if you witnessed a murder and couldn't tell the police about it? Why? Because you're doing something illegal while you're watching. Fast, fun read. I'm a sucker for screwed up heroes, so Sam worked for me. And Elliott is an unlikely hero. Great writing team. I enjoyed the book immensely.

[Ellis Vidler]

I learned that writing with a veteran cop is fun and a challenge. We went back and forth on a few things but he's really easy to work with.
The Peeper is about a lonely young man who finds "friends" through dorm windows. One night he witnesses a brutal murder. But how can he tell the cops without getting in trouble himself? Detectives Kay Kendall and Sam Fullerton have a hard time believing the story that finally comes out, but those 12 days changed everyone's life.
I love this book, but then, I'm one of the authors.