The Prodigal Captive (A Palmchat Islands Mystery – 1) by Rachel Woods
A mind-blowing mystery that will have you on the edge of your seat until the shocking ending.
On a gorgeous morning in paradise, tourists find a dead body on the pristine white beach of St. Killian, an island in the Caribbean.
The victim was killed in a ritualistic murder. The dead man was castrated and branded. Burned into his skin is a strange word—“eros.”
Investigative journalist Vivian Thomas-Bronson heads to the scene of the crime. She’s got to cover the story alone. Her husband, Leo Bronson, has to do a mysterious favor for his father.
Leo is less than thrilled when he’s asked to find the missing son of a billionaire. There’s only one clue to go on—something known as “eros.”
Could the missing scion be connected to the dead man on the beach? And what is the mystery behind “eros”?
Their investigation uncovers an ultra-secret cult whose members perform bizarre rituals.
When Leo goes undercover to get more information, he finds himself face to face with a demented killer. Can he escape with the truth? Or, will he fall prey to a psychotic villain who believes that murder is a sacrifice worth making?
Praise for The Prodigal Captive
“This reader was on the edge of her seat flipping pages as quickly as they were read.” Bobbie
“The storyline is excellent with lots of twists and turns.” LeMiliere
“It is full of suspense and twist and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat.” Heather
“A fast paced action filled story.” Helen
About the Author
As a pre-teen, a young Rachel quickly tired of the Sweet Valley High Series and moved on to work by Sidney Sheldon, Jackie Collins and Dominick Dunne, which was just the spark necessary to fuel her love of writing.
Her first stories were written on a Brother typewriter during long summer days in Texas, where she always had an extra typewriter ribbon and correction tape handy.
Rachel later studied journalism and graduated from the University of Houston where she published articles in the Daily Cougar. She is a freelance writer and blogger with a penchant for melodrama and a frequent traveler to beach locales. Many of her stories take place on the islands, which she has visited around the world.
Rachel writes complex, multicultural stories centered on strong women in jeopardy, fighting for love and their own lives.
When not writing, this read-a-holic can be found listening to audio books, reading the Book of Jeremiah, or scouring soap opera blogs. Rachel resides in Houston with her three sock monkeys.
My Review
4 stars
A man’s body has floated onto the beach at St. Killian’s Island resort. What’s strange is a brand on his foot “eros” and his penis is missing. Investigative journalist Vivian Thomas-Bronson got in hunt of the killer. But she is alone as her husband Leo is called in by his father to investigate the disappearance of a billionaire’s son later found with the brand “eros” on his foot too. Clearly the cases are linked but Leo is going to find out way more than he expected when he goes undercover.
This book had me hooked from the beginning. Just by this description I can’t be the only one wanting to know why he was killed, the meaning of the brand, and the whole missing penis. What I got was one heck of a thriller as Vivian and Leo discover some seriously messed up people.
This book was well written and drew me in right away. I loved the story and all the twists and turns. For those that love a great thriller/mystery you need to check out this book. I can’t believe that this is my first book from Rachel Woods. I will honestly say that it will NOT be my last.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.
I would like to thank Ari at Candid Book Reviews for the opportunity to read and share this book.
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