Promises to Keep

by Gloria Mallette

New from the author of the national bestseller Shades of a story about the tragic loss of a son, the struggle to keep a family together, and the hunt for a murderer who didn’t leave any clues behindAfter a bitter divorce, Troy Kirkwood and his five-year-old daughter, Meika, move in with his parents, Nola and Ron. Troy is a devoted father and son. During an outing with his daughter he is called away—and never returns. Nola and Ron know that something must be terribly wrong, and Meika can’t stop asking where her daddy is. Four days later the police discover Troy’s body, with two bullet holes in it.As soon as Vann, Troy’s older brother, hears the news, he promises to find Troy’s killer and bring him to justice. There’s just one problem—the police have no leads and Troy had almost no enemies. To make matters worse, Troy’s crack-addicted ex-wife has recently resurfaced and is demanding custody of their daughter.The Kirkwoods are not about to give up Troy’s only child. But as they struggle through family court and Troy’s murder investigation, it takes their combined emotional strength to keep the family intact. And they slowly begin to realize that even if Troy’s murder is solved, the pain of losing a child never really goes away.From the Trade Paperback edition.

351 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 28, 2002

About the author

(SEE VIDEO below)

2007 was a wonderful year for me. Although I have been published by major mainstream publishers, this year I chose to return to the self-publishing arena (Living, Breathing Lies) in order to continue to write the stories I like to write. I am so appreciative of those readers who have continued to read my books despite who my publisher is. I always say, "Never let anyone tell you that you can't; show them that you can." I am about staying on the literary path I asked God to set my feet upon. I hope you, as well, are going about fulfilling your dreams and letting no one bound your mind, soul, or hands.

Also this year, my latest book, Living, Breathing Lies placed as a WINNER in the USA Book News National Best Books Award for 2007 in African American Fiction (USABookNews.com). Do I count this as a blessing? You bet I do.

Currently, I am working on my 10th title, SASSY, due out June 2008.

Please visit me on my website, and please check out my video for Living, Breathing Lies on Goodreads or Youtube.com.

Reviews

[OOSA · Rating 3 out of 5]

Unimaginable Grief

"Promises to Keep" is the story of a family placed under great emotional strain after the tragic and senseless murder of a family member.

No parent wants their child to precede them in death, but such is the case with Nola and Ron Kirkwood. Their son Troy walked out the door with his young daughter for an outing, never to return. Knowing their son so well, they knew that something must be wrong only to have their worst fears come true with the news of his murder. Grandparents now have to take on the role of parent to their now orphaned grandchild. As if dealing with their son's murder and knowing his murderer is roaming the streets freely isn't enough, the unstable and drug-addicted mother of their grandchild demands custody.

"Promises to Keep" was just okay. It was a little slow, yet touching at times as you felt the characters' grief. I've heard good things about this author, so I'll give her another try.

[Robin Strain · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written but a heart wrenching topic. A adult child's death, custody fights with clearly an unfit parent that the law/judge seems to ignore, searching for the killer.
Was a page turner but at times very sad.

Worth the read though.

[Jax Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG, such a great read! Wasn't the best ending, but was a happy one!

[Essence Cropper · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first book by Gloria Mallette and it won't be my last. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, it was well written and kept me on edge, especially the last few chapters.

[Karena]

Great book.

[Nicole Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an awesome read this family never gave up

[Pat Cromwell]

The synopsis sounds fantastic. Looking forward to this one

[Kaila · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book is sad at the beginng but gets really intersting in the middle so read it

[Dionna Johnson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Heartfelt...kinda long, has slow parts.