As a massage instructor, Kathy Barrister has devoted her life to promoting peace and inner strength. Then Erin, Kathy's protégé, is brutally murdered by a serial killer stalking online prostitutes who use massage therapy as a legal pretense. Kathy's investigation plunges her into a world of dark corners and self-recrimination when she discovers the truth about Erin's secret life. As the murders continue, Kathy realizes the killer must be close to her--maybe even one of her current students. Stopping him becomes Kathy's obsession, even if it means making herself his next target.
I was born in West Virginia, raised in Kentucky, and have lived in Denver, CO since 1999. I'm a reference librarian by trade.
My first few books are currently out of print. The Survivors (2012, Lethe Press) was a finalist for the Lambda Literary Award. Lord Byron's Prophecy (2015, Lethe Press) was a finalist for the Shirley Jackson Award and the Colorado Book Award. My first short story collection is 17 Stitches, (2017, Lethe Press).
I'm hoping to bring these three books back into circulation by 2025.
My other novels include Trigger Point (2013, rereleased in 2017 by Hex Publishers), The Feast of Panthers (2023, Rebel Satori Press), and Confessions (2023, Hex Publishers). Confessions was a finalist for the Colorado Book Award.
Upcoming publications include Lost Story (2024, Hex Publishers), a second short story collection called Midnight Vintage (2025, Crystal Lake Publishing) and a fantasy novel titled Servants of Stone (2025, Crystal Lake Publishing).
I have said it before, and I’ll say it again, I am a sucker for a really good serial killer thriller. Trigger Point, by Sean Eads, fit my criteria entirely.
A serial killer, using online advertising services is targeting prostitutes and murdering them. Kathy, the owner of a massage school, finds herself drawn into the case when one of her students becomes the latest victim. Fighting her own feelings and the media’s perception of massage therapists, Kathy enlists Detective Greg Beacon (and her former boyfriend) to help her seek justice. But what Kathy does not know is that this serial killer isn’t targeting random sex workers. He is targeting her. And, he’s getting closer.
From the first pages, I was sucked right into the story. This one has a killer opening (I cannot help the puns, they just flow out of me!) and I found myself completely sucked into the story. Eads is able to capture his reader’s attention. The novel is narrated, for the most part, through the eyes of Kathy (a massage therapist and owner of a massage school). I found her to be a strong and likeable character and although there were parts that I found to be a little bit hokey, I ultimately the diversity and the incorporation of massage therapy and Reiki into this novel. It was a little bit different and made it stand out.
The remaining bits of the novel is told through the perspective of the unnamed serial killer and his victims. These parts were fantastic; I really love when an author is able to creep me out and Eads certainly did!
Was this the scariest book I have read? No. Did I feel like it maybe went on a tad too long? Yes. However, it did keep me guessing and I was surprised at the final revelation, which I did enjoy!
If you are looking for a serial killer thriller that is a little bit different, then check this one out!
I LOVED IT!!!!! I do enjoy a good mystery. This one I will say was great. I could not put it down. the author did a great job of not revealing the killer too early. I also at one point though I knew who it was but then found out I was wrong. this is one of those books that I really got into and felt like I was living it. I laughed and cried. there were other times I was surprised by what they did. Was a really fun book about a common thing and a common misconception. I do enjoy this reconnect of old friends. It also shows how people in common industries stand up for each other and help each other. It also goes to show the friendship that can happen with a mentor and student. Also shows how a teacher will help a student when needed.
I highly recommend to any mystery lover. Very thrilling and page turning.
While mysteries are not my genre, I have to say this was an enjoyable read. The author draws you along towards the conclusion with ever increasing tension. Kathy, the main character, owns/runs a massage therapy school. She is drawn into an investigation of the murder of a former student, only to realize she may be the target of a serial killer. Who would target such a peace-seeking woman? Read for yourself. Chilling!