Defending Wellton

by Kelli Hackett

“Yesterday morning we had two more patients come in showing the same symptoms - stomach pains, high fever – both were kids. And within six hours, they were dead too.”

Wellton, Arizona. Population 2,864… and falling. Something - or someone - is killing the kids in town, and the Wellton Police Department is called in to investigate the untimely deaths.

Officer Trent Buckley can’t wait to be transferred out of the forgotten desert town, but suddenly he finds himself working the biggest case of his career, one that brings him back in touch with reporter and ex-lover, Sarah Goodwin.

Trent and his mentor Chief Walker race the clock to prevent more deaths and to keep the media from causing a panic, all while battling personal demons they both thought were in the past.

When they finally discover what’s happening in Wellton, will two small-town cops be able to put an end to it?

Defending Wellton blends authentic characters with high-action drama, making this a mystery novel that will leave you asking what’s going to happen next!

*Mature language and situations

Genres: Amazon, Thriller, Mystery Thriller

332 pages, ebook

First published May 9, 2013

About the author

Kelli Hackett is a Certified Spiritual Coach and author, holding a BA in Psychology and certificates in Reiki and Meditation. Her published works include Defending Wellton, The Something Perfect Series, and Practical Soul Care (the renamed version of The First Few Steps: A Beginner's Guide to Practical Soul Care.)

Living in Southern California with her family, Kelli is busy helping men and women discover their own potential, grow to radical levels of self-love, and reconnect with their vital spirit.

Reviews

[Cheryl Landmark · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall, this was a pretty compelling, entertaining book. The characters were well-developed and likeable and the mystery intriguing. If there was one issue I had with it, it would be the overabundance of detail sometimes that really didn't add much to the storyline. And, there were a few editing errors as well, but not enough to disrupt the flow of the story or make me want to quit reading.

I liked Trent and his camaraderie with his buddies, Nash and Carter. Chief Walker's personality was great and I liked how he treated Trent almost like a son.

There were romantic interludes in the book but they didn't overwhelm the story and take away the focus from the mysterious goings-on in the little city. That was a plus for me.

All in all, I would recommend this book to fans of the mystery genre. It was a very credible first novel by this author, and I wouldn't hesitate to read more of her work in the future.

[Margaret Tidwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Defending Wellton by Kelli Kretzchmar was a great book. From the moment I started the book I was in love with the book. For some reason I was in love with Trent and he was someone I would want to hang out with. I think that is why from the moment I started reading this book I literally didn't want to put it down. I was always on the edge of the seat and couldn't wait to find out where it was going to go and what was really going on. If you love a good suspense novel then this is the book for you!

[Peggy Holloway · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novel could use a little editing but the book was, overall, very entertaining. I think the author did an excellent job in character development. I loved the relationship between Trent and the captain. Trent was portrayed as a tough but sensitive guy and I love that combination. The story had so many twists and turns that it kept me off balance and it moved along at a good pace. I'm looking forward to her next book!

[Scott Gustlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this first work from my cousin - Kelli!

[Shantel Quinonez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Exciting read

Slow to start but did not disappoint at all. Since I have lived in Wellton, I was curious. Worth the time.

[Jenny Carr · Rating 2 out of 5]

The storyline was interesting, but unnecessary expletives. Totally ruined it.

[Regina Felty · Rating 4 out of 5]

I initially read this book because I live near the area of Wellton. I loved the references to local areas and the history behind the surrounding places where I live. The story itself was interesting and really had me on the edge dying to know what horrible physical or biological enemy is killing local children. The characters were not as interesting as I prefer, but I would still recommend it for a good read.

[Kris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Starting off with the death of a child was a sure fire way to reel me in. With that little tragedy you get catapulted into Wellton and begin to meet the people. Trent seems like a good guy, but appeared older than his years to me. He is dedicated to his job as a Wellton police officer, but is driven to start his life somewhere else. Except for a couple of close friends, he is somewhat of a loner. His high school girlfriend ripped his heart out when she left, and he now has commitment issues. Together with John Walker, the police chief, they are trying to figure out why seemingly healthy children are dying from cardiac arrest.

I like the way the author lays the framework for the story, planting pieces of the puzzle, before you even know there is a puzzle. It is not just a mystery though, there is also deception and a sideline of romance. I think this is a terrific first novel and will definitely look for my by Kelli Kretzschmar. I would love to see another one with these characters in it!

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's an easy read.

Well I'll try this again.
This is about a small town that is having some serious health issues with the children in the community. The mystery is what's happening and why; because it surely isn't the flu. As in most small towns everyone has grown up together over the years and very seldom do you get newcomers especially when y out live in a desolate location.
So when the Sheriffs office becomes involved with the hospital something is not right. One of the sheriffs is a young sheriff and has lived there his whole life and never seen anything like it.
So they start an investigation and sure enough th I msg become more clear and then their lives are in danger.

This book like I said is an easy read, you get to know the characters and you feel like your there with them, watching the sand blow across your face in the high temperatures. You can see the water tower and the stars glistening at night.

I hope y out take the time to read this quick story; it's not entertaining, serious, sad and and ends much different than I e,expected.

[Patricia Ibarra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Children start arriving in the hospital sick and soon they die in Wellton, Arizona. Officer Trent Bhckley is bored in that small town and is fighting for his transfer until he is assigned to this case. His former girl-friend, the reporter Sarah Goodwin, also gets involved in the story. Time is ticking and Buckley must find out immediately what is going on before more children die. A so-so thriller, where we know how it will end.

[Christine Howard · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a bad mystery but if you live in the Wellton area the author placement of landmarks is baffling. Wellton is a small town with no hospital or high school. So including these things an example of poor research. There were some editing errors as well.

[Deanna Grey]

Great!

Thoroughly enjoyed this book! I could not put it down! Draws you in from the prologue to the very last word! :)

[Sue Harris]

Couldn't get into it.