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Risen

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The boy was unremarkable. No reason anyone would have thought twice about him. Not unless they looked closer. Then one might see something was different. Something was wrong. Detective Kurt Dale wants out of a torrid affair. There's a killer on the loose and he has become the prime suspect. A hunt for the murderer leads to a shattering revelation, unleashing a centuries old unconscionable evil.

356 pages, Hardcover

First published April 19, 2010

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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
Profile Image for Elke.
1,913 reviews42 followers
April 8, 2015
Risen took me completely by surprise. I was not entirely sure what to expect, as the cover suggested some kind of supernatural romance (at least to me), but the summary sells supernatural thriller. Fortunately, the summary had it right.

Risen was a great thriller with a very unusual kind of vampire who has risen after centuries to avenge his family by killing their murderers' descendants. But somehow he is out of luck and instead of triumphantly acting out his revenge he starts to fall apart - quite literally. The story focuses on two police officers and their wives, who are the main targets of the vampire's attacks, which seems only a minor problem added to their already complicated lives.

The story is filled with enough twists and turns to keep you guessing, and while the mean little twist at the end is foreseeable, it's fascinating to observe how it finally plays out. Fluent writing, well-drawn characters and an original plot make Risen an extraordinary debut novel. While the ending closes the case just fine, it offers the possibility for a sequel, which hopefully follows soon. Highly recommended.
Profile Image for Fran.
Author 57 books148 followers
July 16, 2012
Risen
Author: Krystal Lawrence

All too often we ignore the obvious, do not observe people in plain sight and tend to envelope ourselves within our own concerns ignoring anyone different, remarkable or unique that might cross our paths. Walking aimlessly along Lombard Street a lone figure dressed in a green army fatigue jacket walked by the window of Amanda Dale. She never noticed him. Busy with her soap opera, her young daughter and not really knowing what was happening in her husband’s life, she chose to keep her mind and thoughts where they would not create conflict or dissent. Amanda Dale felt that too much information in some situations would make things difficult and she did not need to know everything. But, for those that thought she was really out to lunch, still in a mindless blue funk after having her first child and going through many bouts of depression they did not know Amanda. After her temper tantrums, outbursts and more she finally decided to take her life back, get back in shape, make sure she could handle life and although it involved taking some pills at an outward glance she appeared to be okay. But, things would change but not for the better as some truths will come to light and her life as she knows it might change. Enter her husband Kurt Dale a detective with the victim’s homicide unit. Kurt had a problem that Amanda knew about, kept to herself and dealt with in her own way. Kurt liked to cheat and on many occasions he lied about working to meet with different women. But, one lab report would change Amanda’s outlook and even cause her to face some harsh reality checks.

Enter Tina Hilliard a beautiful, well-built and hot woman that most could not resist. So, how did Kurt become entangled in her web and unable to ensnare himself? Tina was smart but she was also fearful when stalked by an unknown man. But, when this man entered her home and attacked her she managed to get the entire police force to come to her aide. Tina was brilliant. She knew how to invest and with the help of some police officers handing over money they all took her advice and did well, as did Kurt Dale. But, Kurt did not stop at just a friendly spiked coffee that she offered the others, or just some plain conversation of investment tips, Kurt needed and wanted more. What he got was more like a fatal attraction and where he winds up could land him in jail. As we get to know Tina we realize that she is so taken or obsessed with Kurt that she threatens his marriage, knows too much about his life, uses it as leverage each time he want to severe their ties and what happens to her we can thank our young man who no one noticed walking on Lombard Street. Tina is one of his victims and he carefully kills her by injecting poison in her system. Dreams plague Kurt as he actually envisions her death before it happens and he constantly is haunted by nightmares of other events. But, when Tina is found dead and the light of truth is flashed on him what happens will definitely change things and not for the better.

John Wyatt is his partner who has the lead in the murder. Although they are friends he is only willing to go so far to protect him. No one thinks he murdered her but questions have to be answered, DNA tests taken and his wife told. Risen by Krystal Lawrence grabs you for the first page and when you meet the killer be aware of just how dangerous this innocent face that no one notices can be. But, what about Richie who everyone questions when something happens? What part does he play? Is there a link? Who is Frances Barclay? Do you believe in vampires?

Meet Leroy Clovis who somehow cares about Richie. His mother mixed up in her own troubles never noticed the dirty dark haired boy sleeping close by. Nor did anyone else notice him too bad. When Amanda Dale reads the papers she flips out and goes to the only person she can trust her friend Darlene. Convincing her to stand by Kurt she goes home, even attends a press conference but forgiveness is a long way down the road even though he has been cleared. Dark black blood that smells like motor oil, long hair, stains that are black and no one has noticed him hiding in plain sight. But, before all is said and done more deaths will occur and more links to Tina will be placed in this chain of horror.

Charity Ash is a rebellious teen that enjoys torturing her father and cares less for how he feels. If she can do something to enrage him she will and if that means seeing Richie, smoking joints and just plain rebelling she would. But, what happens when she meets our serial killer? What happens when she comes face to face with Frances Barclay our vampire? What feelings emerge that were dormant for over 200 years until he met Charity? But, sometimes when you are trying to be kind you might wind up DEAD! Francis decided that Charity needed to go. Charity needed to ask her great-grandfather why when she met him in hell.

Richie came looking for Charity and instead found more than any young boy should witness. Charity and her father and mother were dead and gone but why and who as Richie asks for Leroy’s help because he knows he’s innocent. Toxic poisoning is the murder weapon in all of the four murders that plagued this quiet town that never really had much crime, until now. Puncture wounds that could be anything and lacerations, tiny holes just Tina’s and a killer with bad grooming habits. Poor Richie never can get a break but the police clear him of this too. Then the pieces begin to fit into this puzzle as a neighbor reveals information to Leroy that ties the Hilliards and the Ashes to a murder that relates to the Barclay family and a fire over 200 years ago. Could this be a vampire that has risen and seeking revenge? Who would belief that? But, Kurt has his own demons to conquer as visions of Tina sweep through his nightmares and the face of the weird eyes come shining through. Did he see the murder before it happened? Were these dreams a warning of more to come?

Let’s recap the beginning of the story where our author relates that some kids dug up a grave of bones from the 1800’s and what follows are these horrific murders. Ellen Wyatt was working late. Called Amanda and said she would not make it to her house because she need to complete the payroll. She never heard or saw the footsteps of the person on the staircase. But, she would be next. The vampire struck again but unless he got some human blood to fuel him would he survive? Ellen Wyatt lived and managed to survive the attack. One library book had all the answers but when the holder claimed she returned it Rachel Clovis went to find another copy to help clarify what and who was behind the murders. Norma Krueger wanted a reward for turning in the kid that she thought was the murderer. Rachel was not home and Francis Barclay was refueled. Breaking into the Dale house would lead the police to come to the rescue but Barclay was not done yet and Norma better watch out.
So, Amanda and Ellen did what others would not do and decided to find the killer on their own. The pieces were starting to fit together as Kurt and John looked at one set of evidence the women the other. Would they realize that the killer was in plain sight and that the women were missing?

Entering Norma’s house to investigate her murder the detectives never noticed the curtain that was out of place or the eyes staring from behind the window. Hiding in plain sight and not seen. With the help of the police force, Richie, Leroy who would execute the exorcism they hoped, Ellen and Amanda save at Kurt’s they would venture out to catch a killer before he strikes again. But, what happens next will send chills down your spine as they close in on the killer. Characters that are unique, individual and a killer who just won’t die or will he?

An ending that you will not see coming and a killer so deadly will death keep him down or will he rise again? Who lives, who dies and who will be the next victim if the author decides to write a sequel and Francis Barclay Rises one more time. Fast paced, great story lies, deceits, adultery, fear, nightmares and delusions will plague these characters until they find out their final fates. Risen: You don’t want to miss this one.

Fran Lewis: reviewer

Profile Image for Scooby2.
1,103 reviews19 followers
April 16, 2015
First off let me start by saying that "Risen" is not your typical Twilight vampire story. This story focused on the town of Alder Lake and its inhabitants and what their ancestors did two hundred years ago to the Barclay family.

"Risen" revolves around several different families and their connection to the two hundred year old murder. Some of the characters are a philandering husband who has a wife that doesn't ask questions and another couple that ignore the signs of a mental breakdown until it's too late. The philandering husband becomes the number one suspect when his current mistress is murdered, so his secret life is revealed to all in the town. Some other characters include a no nonsense mailman and his trouble making step son; and a nosy neighbor.

The two hundred year old vampire has awakened and is ready to fulfill his curse and vengeance on the families that murdered him and his family. He finds it rather difficult navigating the town with all of the differences that have occurred since he was alive last. Francis finds himself literally falling apart and finds his time limited; after all he is two hundred years old, and the town starts to notice him and his brilliant blue eyes. He is tormented by his past and the need to fulfill his curse but faces many challenges in the world that is new to him.

I found this story to be well written and pulled me right in. I read it in one sitting and I couldn't put it down. I had to find out what happened next. This story had everything from love, friendship, revenge, murder, and the unknown in it. I did find myself wanting to slap Amanda and tell her to wake up to her husband's extracurricular ways when she would not ask questions and ignored the obvious. I thought the story's ending was excellent, it had an interesting twist to it (which was kind of fitting), and of course left you wanting more. I hope Ms. Lawrence is working on a sequel; I can't wait to continue this story. I would highly recommend this story to any who love a good vampire story that doesn't involve them sparkling.

I received this from the publisher and received no compensation for my review.
Profile Image for William Blackwell.
Author 40 books74 followers
March 12, 2019
For a debut novel, Krystal Lawrence’s Risen manages to hit the mark on many levels. She creates a cast of characters largely morally bankrupt and psychologically damaged; Police Detective Kurt Dale, a compulsive adulterer who justifies his actions by blaming his wife’s post-partum depression and lunacy; his wife Amanda, a volatile nut-job, capable of flying off the handle at any second; his partner, John Wyatt, who at one suspenseful and unpredictable juncture, becomes oddly cold as ice, verbally abusive, and distant; Ellen Wyatt, John’s wife, who is slowly losing whatever semblance of sanity she might once have possessed; and last but certainly not least a demented teenage vampire mysteriously resurrected from the dead to avenge the deaths of his parents.

Throughout the novel, Lawrence shows us fleeting glimpses of morality from some of the strange cast of characters. A few of them I could identify with, and perhaps even feel a little sympathy for. But for the most part I found them vindictive in nature and morally bankrupt.

Yet she still manages to creative a compelling and suspenseful tale, keeping you on the edge of your seat as you wonder who will be the next bloody victim on the vengeful vampire’s kill list.

An entertaining read.
Profile Image for DebbieReadsBooks.
2,776 reviews51 followers
March 20, 2015
Independent Reviewer for Archaeolibrarian I Dig Good Books.

The boy was unremarkable. No reason anyone would have thought twice about him. Not unless they looked closer. Then one might see something was different. Something was wrong. Detective Kurt Dale wants out of a torrid affair. There's a killer on the loose and he has become the prime suspect. A hunt for the murderer leads to a shattering revelation, unleashing a centuries old unconscionable evil.

The boy is quite unremarkable, until they figure out who, and more importantly, WHAT he is.

What kept me going was I saw no ending, I could not, for the life of me, see how this was gonna play out. I really couldn't and books like that are the best. They plot and twist around you, and just when yu think you can see an end, or your version of the end, they through a spanner in the works, or in this case, a child who kisses it all better.

Lawerence's style of writing is refreshing, it lays the plot, and introduces characters along the way at a fair and even pace. Not too fast, not too slow, and its just perfect for this book.

I can't quite stretch to 5 stars because I felt I needed MORE from Barclay. I needed more from the night his parents died, and what caused him to rise at this point in time. His revenge is not complete, and Risen II is next on my list to read. The epilogue sets the scene for book two, I'm just gonna have to read something else first. This book is heavy on the horro aspect, and I need to clear my head with a hangover cure before embarking on the next one!

Krystal Lawerence is a new-to-me author, If you like your horror, with a twist of crime, and endings left wide open, I suggest you give this a try.

4 stars

**same worded review appears on Goodreads, Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk**
Profile Image for Marjorie.
835 reviews69 followers
February 11, 2015
Given To Me For An Honest Review


Risen by Krystal Lawrence is not at all what it seems. It is not the usual Vampire story at all. This book will grab you from page one, it will hold you down on the edge of your seat and you will watch those pages turn and turn and turn some more until you reach the last page. You will then wonder how did you get to the end so fast. You'll even have a few twists and turns in it. The story makes the reader feel a part of it. It is listed as a horror novel but I felt that it was more of a tightly woven murder mystery. It has everthing in it .... mystery, suspense and action. You'll follow Francis Barclay's return after 200 yrs to avenge his family's death. I won't give away the ending but it yells SEQUEL ... I gave this book 5 stars but wish I could give more because it truly deserves many more. This book is very creative and suspenseful and would make a great gift for a friend or would even look good on your bookshelf. I highly recommend this book to everyone, especially if you enjoy reading stories about vampires. I look for more by Krystal Lawrence.
Profile Image for Ann Ellis.
171 reviews41 followers
March 17, 2015
"Risen"
by Krystal Lawrence
4 Fangs



I am an independent reviewer for 'Paranormal Romance and Authors That Rock'. I received this book from the author and from 'Paranormal Romance and Authors That Rock'. This is my honest review.

This is a horror story. Pure is its simplicity. Meant to be read curdled up in a blanket with a light on so you don't get to scared. This is the first in the "Risen" series.

Kurt is a detective in a small town with roving ways. Amanda is his long suffering wife of nine years, though thinks she is unaware of his antics. Tina is the woman Kurt is having an affair with. They connect. The sex is great. Tina wants Kurt to leave his wife (who Kurt has complained about to Tina for months) but Kurt wants to leave Tina. Tina; however, has Kurt by the gonads, because she remembers everything Kurt has said about his wife. The detective sees no way out of his self-made problem, until...

This a well written suspenseful book. The characters are interesting and they grow in complexity throughout the book. This is a book worth your time and effort.
Profile Image for Nichole.
981 reviews21 followers
July 16, 2015
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. I have read a lot of vampire books. This was completely different, in a good way. Kurt Dale is a detective in small town USA. He is also a cheater. Just as he's about to break it off with his latest fling, she winds up dead. His partner John Wade is just the opposite, never even looked at another woman since he met Ellen. As they begin the murder investigation and try to clear Kurt's name, other things start to happen around town, and they are starting to wonder if the perp is even human.
5,704 reviews39 followers
February 19, 2015
Wow.. so this was a totally unexpected type of story. I was expecting a normal vampire type but it wasn't that way. The characters were amazing and held me to them. I loved the author's writing. I got sucked into it and stayed until it was over and was wanting more. I loved everything about this and loved that I felt everything they felt. The twists in the story were very interesting. I am so glad the author blessed me with this book to read. Totally awesome.
Profile Image for Ken Kreps.
1 review
September 1, 2014
A top notch author. Her novels are fast paced and are the type you simply can't put down until you have finished reading. I highly recommend her books to all, and I am eagerly awaiting reading Risen II.
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