Two men from different generations, both initiated into a powerful organisation that throughout history has sought control and uses their power for destruction. They leave behind a wake of murder, manipulation and ancient secrets.

The first man wreaks havoc in and around the Whitechapel district of London, England in the 19th century. While the other stalks his victims in the cosmopolitan city of Seville, Spain in the 21st century; knowing that only he could uncover the true motives of one of the world’s most infamous serial killers – Jack the Ripper.

Annabella Cordova quickly becomes embroiled in the conspiracy involving the university she studies at. When her roommate goes missing, it becomes very personal. Her past gradually unveils, as she is closer to this than she could have possibly imagined.

A childhood accident causing permanent deafness enables Annabella to use her other senses to read facial and body language; detecting lies in people, including suspects.

Andres Valero, the troubled detective, returns from forced leave, only to be faced with horrific crimes that brings his memories to the surface.

With Annabella and Andres combined, they must stop this person at any cost, and reveal a conspiracy hidden for centuries.

Targeted Age Group:: Adult

What Inspired You to Write Your Book?

I’ve always enjoyed reading books with a twist, thrillers being my favourite. I just jotted down an idea one day, and eventually started writing the book. Everything fell into place, the characters, the locations, the plot. Until I started edited it.

That’s when the conspiracy theory and the historical elements took shape. Loving history, I immediately knew this was what I wanted to do with all my novels – be part-historical, part-present day.

Things that I’ve watched or read, or an idea that randomly popped into my brain helped the story take shape. And every day more elements presented themselves.

How Did You Come up With Your Characters?

I was always interested in learning about body language and facial expressions, and I wanted my main character to be unique. Which is why I made her deaf. Certain elements unfolded while I was writing about her, shaping her into what Annabella Cordova is.

Of course, for me, any good mystery/thriller does need a detective. Making the story more plausible.

The other characters come from the location where it all takes place – Seville University.

The historical characters… well, because a certain amount of this is based on facts, they of course were the obvious choice.

Book Sample

7 August, 1888

George Yard, Whitechapel

The dark suffocating smog enveloped the man as he strolled down the grimy streets. The

smell from the raw sewage drifted in the night air, flowing through the gutters and into the

Thames River. Dressed in a navy uniform, with a white band around his cap, a fake mustache

pasted on his face, his thoughts traveling to the scene before him.

He was disgusted with this place. The onslaught of Irish and Jewish immigrants had caused

this place to fall to the hands of street vendors, pick-pockets, drunks, beggars and prostitutes.

Wrinkling his nose as a soft moan came from the deep recesses of a darkened street. A

prostitute at her trade. He desperately wanted to be back in his studio, paint all he had seen;

away from the disparity and disgust. But he was on a mission. He was not going to falter,

regardless of the smell that greeted him at every corner.

A loud shuffling brought his attention to a woman staggering out of the shadows. Resting

against the hard, cold building, he observed her as she tripped and righted herself before

continuing on her way.

She was an ugly woman. Quite overweight, short, and her bloated face spoke of her abuse

with alcohol. She continued to fiddle with her dark green skirt and black jacket, completely

ignoring him as she walked past.

Clenching his jaw, that sickly smell of an unwashed body filled his nostrils, coupled with the

vigorous act of sexual intercourse sickened him.

He silently stalked her steps as she turned from Whitechapel High Street, entering into the

narrow, dimly lit courtyard of George Yard.

Suddenly, she spun around and glared at him.

“You’ve been a followin’ me,” she slurred.

He stopped in his tracks, surprised that she would have noticed. For a minute he didn’t say

anything, just stared at this grotesque creature.

“I know what ya want. Well, ya can’t have it. I’ve had enough soldiers for one night,” she

cackled, “besides, ya look like ya could use something more down there before tryin’ anythang

with me.”

Letting free a belch, continuing to approach the stairs.

Narrowing his eyes, an intense rage filled him. How dare that whore speak to me like that.

Instead of backing down, his anger pushed him on. Slowly he followed her as she began to climb

the stairs. Cursing under her breath, tripping on the hem of her skirt, knees thudding to the hard

cement steps.

He didn’t hesitate. Adrenaline poured through his veins. He relished the feel of the strong,

sharp dagger, swiftly straddling her from behind. He didn’t give her a chance to protest, yanking

her head up by the hair, slicing the dagger straight across her throat. Blood oozed over his

fingers, fighting the urge to vomit. The thought of what that whore might have repulsed him, but

he couldn’t stop now. His anger propelled him, his need for vengeance like an addict in need of a

drink.

Pushing her over onto her back, the deep gash oozing crimson liquid, pale eyes staring at

him, as if accusing him, mocking him. In the darkened shadows of the landing, he continued to

drive the dagger into her throat, lungs, heart, liver, spleen, stomach and genitals.

Ignoring the stickiness that dripped off his clothes. The gaping wounds revealing his unique

masterpiece. He continued thirty-nine times to make sure he sent a message to those that would

view the events, viciously tearing her clothes as he did this.

Standing, he stared at her one last time. His anger had subsided, he regretted losing control,

he must do better next time. Dropping a small piece of leather apron, he slid into the shadows,

anticipating the one that was next to come.

* * * *

At 4:45, John S. Reeves headed out of the building. He frowned. A woman lay on the landing,

a dark liquid surrounding her body, clothes disarrayed. The smell that emitted from the

unmoving body caused him to run as fast as he could to locate P.C. Barrett.

Later, she was identified by Pearly Polly as Martha Tabram.

About the Author:

I live in Auckland, New Zealand with my two dogs. Although I have had

training in Beauty and Spa therapy, editing, journalism, animal behavior and

photograpy, criminology and counseling, my main interest lies in writing

novels which allows me to explore and learn about other eras and countries,

creating characters that have deep rooted flaws, but uses those to achieve the

end goal. My inspiration for novels came by accident, when finishing writing

my first novel and starting to edit it, I stumbled across a conspiracy theory, in

which some believed the Freemasons were involved in the Jack the Ripper

murders. From there, the historical aspect took shape, continuing throughout

all the novels I write. I hope that each novel I write doesn’t necessarily cause a

person to believe in the conspiracy or myth, but challenges what they really

believe could be possible. To everyone reads my books, I hope they can

transport themselves back in time, learn more about the world around them,

and maybe even question certain things they believe in.

As an author of historical/present day international thrillers, my books can challenge readers, as well as taking the reader on a journey throughout Europe and abroad.

Having studied in Criminology and Neuro Linguistic programming, in addition to doing a diploma course in body language, enables me to give an authentic feel to my characters, and the crimes committed. Because I’ve always been fascinated with human psychology, especially criminal psychology, I always include that element in every book I write.

My books don’t just cover the crimes committed, but what drove that person to commit those crimes? Examining their history, their weaknesses, childhood; all building up to why some of the most infamous crimes were perpetrated.

Author Home Page Link

Links to Purchase Print Books

Link to Buy Initiated to Kill Print Edition at Amazon

Links to Purchase eBooks

Link To Buy Initiated to Kill On Amazon

Social Media:

Author Interview on BookGoodies

Goodreads

Facebook

Twitter

Pinterest

Have you read this book? Tell us what you thought!