What do you think?
Rate this book
An Empty Tree
Her blue eyes were luminous. They drew him in and saved her life...for a while.
An odyssey begins, and along with it a mystery that will lead inexorably towards a fateful meeting. The paths of the travelers move randomly and relentlessly towards a single point and a life and death encounter in the Iowa countryside.
The first in a new series, Blue Eyes, by Glenn Trust, 'An Empty Tree' is a hard-boiled, literary thriller takes the reader along on the journey where things are not always as they seem.
An odyssey begins, and along with it a mystery that will lead inexorably towards a fateful meeting. The paths of the travelers move randomly and relentlessly towards a single point and a life and death encounter in the Iowa countryside.
The first in a new series, Blue Eyes, by Glenn Trust, 'An Empty Tree' is a hard-boiled, literary thriller takes the reader along on the journey where things are not always as they seem.
140 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 17, 2013
319 people are currently reading
278 people want to read
About the author
Glenn Trust
51 books255 followersThe lightning waits for us. When it calls we will go.
Pick up your Free copy of Lightning in the Clouds. Just click or follow this URL https://dl.bookfunnel.com/7046vhk5f9
With that out of the way, let's begin.
This is the blah, blah, blah section. You know the author’s “glory page” where he gets to tell you grandiose things about himself and the deeper meaning of his work. Whatever.
I write books. Seriously, that's what I get to do every day. It's great.
I have been fortunate to author some that have achieved bestseller status, including The Hunters Series of mystery suspense thrillers. It took me a lot of years to get to that point, but I wouldn't trade any of them for a minute. I love writing books for you and the journey that brought me here.
I am a native of the south, Georgia specifically. I spent much of my life there, but I have lived in many other places as well. We moved a lot when I was young. Eventually, we ended up back in Georgia in my teens where I finished school and went to work.
I wanted to write from an early age. A really long time ago, when I was still a young police officer in Georgia, I was writing short stories in my spare time and sending them off to magazines. One day I received one back in the mail.
Life Happened
Attached to it was a nice handwritten letter from an editor (this was long before the days of email and texts). The story manuscript was folded and smudged, and there were coffee cup rings on the edges of a couple of pages, which told me they had actually read it, maybe discussed it around an editorial table, or just used it to sop up the coffee.
In her letter, the editor said a lot of things that I don't remember, but it was not the usual form letter that I was accustomed to receiving. It was original and personal.
She said they liked my story, had strongly considered it for publication, but that it wasn't quite believable. Disappointed as I was, I was struck by her last words to me..."Don't stop writing. You're good at this. We almost bought this one."
I remember staring at that a long time. Then I folded it up and tucked it in a file and...stopped writing.
I wish I could tell you a different story, but I can't. I stopped writing for many years.
There were lots of reasons. Yes, I was disappointed, but the letter that should have encouraged me not to give up was forgotten.
Life happened. Dreams of writing were pushed aside by other things...important things.
Mostly I needed money for my young family. In the 1970s, police officers in Georgia were not paid a lot even by the standards of the day. I worked part-time jobs whenever I wasn't working at the police department. Many weeks I had no days off at all.
I'm not unhappy that I did my best to take care of my family. It was the right thing to do and working for them was the joy of my life.
Children grew up; then grandchildren came along. More life happened.
Then...The Internet Appeared
Out of the blue, this thing called the internet appeared and guess what. I was at a point in life when I didn't need to work part-time jobs every spare minute of the day. I could write again.
It's different these days. I can publish a book whether I convince an agent or editor to read it or not. I am an independent writer/publisher, an “Indie.”
It’s a partnership between us, writer and reader, and it's a marvelous thing.
Don't be a Follower -- Make Your Dream Real
It took many years to get here. Life is like that, with lots of twists and turns and surprises. I like it that way.
Now, I write every day, so here's my parting advice.
Don’t follow your dreams. Followers get nowhere except up the backside of the person in front.
Work and make your dream a reality.
Pick up your Free copy of Lightning in the Clouds. Just click or follow this URL https://dl.bookfunnel.com/7046vhk5f9
With that out of the way, let's begin.
This is the blah, blah, blah section. You know the author’s “glory page” where he gets to tell you grandiose things about himself and the deeper meaning of his work. Whatever.
I write books. Seriously, that's what I get to do every day. It's great.
I have been fortunate to author some that have achieved bestseller status, including The Hunters Series of mystery suspense thrillers. It took me a lot of years to get to that point, but I wouldn't trade any of them for a minute. I love writing books for you and the journey that brought me here.
I am a native of the south, Georgia specifically. I spent much of my life there, but I have lived in many other places as well. We moved a lot when I was young. Eventually, we ended up back in Georgia in my teens where I finished school and went to work.
I wanted to write from an early age. A really long time ago, when I was still a young police officer in Georgia, I was writing short stories in my spare time and sending them off to magazines. One day I received one back in the mail.
Life Happened
Attached to it was a nice handwritten letter from an editor (this was long before the days of email and texts). The story manuscript was folded and smudged, and there were coffee cup rings on the edges of a couple of pages, which told me they had actually read it, maybe discussed it around an editorial table, or just used it to sop up the coffee.
In her letter, the editor said a lot of things that I don't remember, but it was not the usual form letter that I was accustomed to receiving. It was original and personal.
She said they liked my story, had strongly considered it for publication, but that it wasn't quite believable. Disappointed as I was, I was struck by her last words to me..."Don't stop writing. You're good at this. We almost bought this one."
I remember staring at that a long time. Then I folded it up and tucked it in a file and...stopped writing.
I wish I could tell you a different story, but I can't. I stopped writing for many years.
There were lots of reasons. Yes, I was disappointed, but the letter that should have encouraged me not to give up was forgotten.
Life happened. Dreams of writing were pushed aside by other things...important things.
Mostly I needed money for my young family. In the 1970s, police officers in Georgia were not paid a lot even by the standards of the day. I worked part-time jobs whenever I wasn't working at the police department. Many weeks I had no days off at all.
I'm not unhappy that I did my best to take care of my family. It was the right thing to do and working for them was the joy of my life.
Children grew up; then grandchildren came along. More life happened.
Then...The Internet Appeared
Out of the blue, this thing called the internet appeared and guess what. I was at a point in life when I didn't need to work part-time jobs every spare minute of the day. I could write again.
It's different these days. I can publish a book whether I convince an agent or editor to read it or not. I am an independent writer/publisher, an “Indie.”
It’s a partnership between us, writer and reader, and it's a marvelous thing.
Don't be a Follower -- Make Your Dream Real
It took many years to get here. Life is like that, with lots of twists and turns and surprises. I like it that way.
Now, I write every day, so here's my parting advice.
Don’t follow your dreams. Followers get nowhere except up the backside of the person in front.
Work and make your dream a reality.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
March 9, 2019
Book #1, in the Blue Eyes series
Also under the title “An Eye for Death”
Short and sweet this story is a thrilling suspense of 140 pages or so. Told in multiple parts and with alternate ending made this for one exciting read.
I really did not know if any of the players could be called protagonist it seemed each took the lead when their story was told. Eventually, they lives intersect with the other and unrelated events become related and along the way we are taken on an amazing ride. Four characters play out each an exciting role: Luther is a murderer, Lauren a young woman with secrets, Paul is a trooper and Barry is starting a new life. This chilling story delves into what happens to them when they meet by simple coincidence. This story came just at the right time, I simply loved it, while I stayed glued to every word madly turning the pages to see what would come next hoping that everything would wrap up nicely….but the author had something else in mind that was even better….
This hard-boiled thriller starts off with a murder and a kidnapping of a woman with blue eyes. Then the State Trooper tries to bring in the criminal and the person with those piercing blue eyes and in the midst of excitement comes the savior crossing their paths and what happens to him by the end …or not….depends on your choice… A story with two endings…take your pick…..Of course the author knew what choice he made… all is revealed in the sequel. (A Desert View).
Not only does this captivating thriller provides the necessary suspense to keep us going, it is also populated with a cast of appealing characters for us to root for (the bad and good ones) and of course, M. Trust has given us an interesting plot for our enjoyment .
Also under the title “An Eye for Death”
Short and sweet this story is a thrilling suspense of 140 pages or so. Told in multiple parts and with alternate ending made this for one exciting read.
I really did not know if any of the players could be called protagonist it seemed each took the lead when their story was told. Eventually, they lives intersect with the other and unrelated events become related and along the way we are taken on an amazing ride. Four characters play out each an exciting role: Luther is a murderer, Lauren a young woman with secrets, Paul is a trooper and Barry is starting a new life. This chilling story delves into what happens to them when they meet by simple coincidence. This story came just at the right time, I simply loved it, while I stayed glued to every word madly turning the pages to see what would come next hoping that everything would wrap up nicely….but the author had something else in mind that was even better….
This hard-boiled thriller starts off with a murder and a kidnapping of a woman with blue eyes. Then the State Trooper tries to bring in the criminal and the person with those piercing blue eyes and in the midst of excitement comes the savior crossing their paths and what happens to him by the end …or not….depends on your choice… A story with two endings…take your pick…..Of course the author knew what choice he made… all is revealed in the sequel. (A Desert View).
Not only does this captivating thriller provides the necessary suspense to keep us going, it is also populated with a cast of appealing characters for us to root for (the bad and good ones) and of course, M. Trust has given us an interesting plot for our enjoyment .
May 4, 2022
Very Disjointed Story; Hard to Wait for the Pieces to Fit Together
First — I appreciate that The Author wrote (at least) 2 endings for this story. I personally think the first was fine, but the 2nd had advantages for The Author.
Second — This was a VERY HARD plot to follow. At some point, it became obvious that the different tales were going to converge, but it took way, way too long … there were times I was ready to throw this book on the side and be done with it.
Third — I have no intentions to pursue this Series; the baseline story just wasn’t worth the trouble to get into whatever else The Author has in mind.
First — I appreciate that The Author wrote (at least) 2 endings for this story. I personally think the first was fine, but the 2nd had advantages for The Author.
Second — This was a VERY HARD plot to follow. At some point, it became obvious that the different tales were going to converge, but it took way, way too long … there were times I was ready to throw this book on the side and be done with it.
Third — I have no intentions to pursue this Series; the baseline story just wasn’t worth the trouble to get into whatever else The Author has in mind.
November 22, 2023
Twisting
A twisting story well put together with a number of different characters some likeable some definitely not.
A killer is on a twisted spree of killing almost anyone he meets until he steals a woman’s car and take her along with him. The woman knows she’s in great danger and thinks she can befriend her captor and bide her time to escape.
Various characters are getting on with their lives but they are set to collide with the killer in one way or another.
The ending is very good and unexpected. I liked the story and think it’s well written but I had to look up the “10 codes” the police use to establish what the talk was about.
A twisting story well put together with a number of different characters some likeable some definitely not.
A killer is on a twisted spree of killing almost anyone he meets until he steals a woman’s car and take her along with him. The woman knows she’s in great danger and thinks she can befriend her captor and bide her time to escape.
Various characters are getting on with their lives but they are set to collide with the killer in one way or another.
The ending is very good and unexpected. I liked the story and think it’s well written but I had to look up the “10 codes” the police use to establish what the talk was about.
December 28, 2019
I enjoyed this book and the characters, but....
I couldn't quite wrap my head around it all. Seemed choppy. I think Barry may have been the main character. But, with all the back and forth with every character I'm really not sure!! I'm still not sure how Paul, the police officer lived and healed over an 8 month period and in the next chapter (2nd ending) farmers find Barry under the tree 48 hours later after Paul was stabbed by Luther. I truly thought killing off Barry (1st ending)made no sense at all. No I don't believe I'd recommend this book to anyone.
I couldn't quite wrap my head around it all. Seemed choppy. I think Barry may have been the main character. But, with all the back and forth with every character I'm really not sure!! I'm still not sure how Paul, the police officer lived and healed over an 8 month period and in the next chapter (2nd ending) farmers find Barry under the tree 48 hours later after Paul was stabbed by Luther. I truly thought killing off Barry (1st ending)made no sense at all. No I don't believe I'd recommend this book to anyone.
January 31, 2019
Choose your ending.
Both are excellent and dark and disturbing, one just a little less than the other. The story has well thought out characters who come together with a surprise ending. Makes me think twice about travelling alone, and even making friends on the road now. Scary. Good, good story.
Both are excellent and dark and disturbing, one just a little less than the other. The story has well thought out characters who come together with a surprise ending. Makes me think twice about travelling alone, and even making friends on the road now. Scary. Good, good story.
March 5, 2019
The story is told in multiple parts which results in finally having Barry and Lauren meet up.
It is interesting reading Barry's story while he is driving to his new location in Sioux Falls. Lauren meanwhile has to ride along with Luther until they ultimately meet up in Iowa.
I enjoyed the alternate ending the best,
I recommend this book for anyone.
It is interesting reading Barry's story while he is driving to his new location in Sioux Falls. Lauren meanwhile has to ride along with Luther until they ultimately meet up in Iowa.
I enjoyed the alternate ending the best,
I recommend this book for anyone.
November 24, 2020
Great character development with a very interesting flow of events that eventually come to a head. Like most readers, I too enjoyed the alternate ending the best. If it wasn't for Trust's excellent character building skills, this might have been a very long and drawn out story. But because of his mastery with characters, it keeps you reading to each wonderful ending.
May 27, 2022
Hard to follow
In the end the book came together well. In the beginning it was hard to follow the three different story lines as each chapter changed without clear direction of whose story you were following. After several chapters it was easier to understand the transition. But made for a slow read.
In the end the book came together well. In the beginning it was hard to follow the three different story lines as each chapter changed without clear direction of whose story you were following. After several chapters it was easier to understand the transition. But made for a slow read.
September 7, 2025
interesting
I enjoyed the story although some parts made me uncomfortable. I didn’t know where the story was going for a while and it went differently than I expected. Trust certainly kept my attention, and then left me hanging at the end and wanting to get the next book in the series.
I recommend this book.
I enjoyed the story although some parts made me uncomfortable. I didn’t know where the story was going for a while and it went differently than I expected. Trust certainly kept my attention, and then left me hanging at the end and wanting to get the next book in the series.
I recommend this book.
October 18, 2020
Great thriller
I really liked the way the author wrote this book. It seemed you were following three separate stories yet they entertained into one. Loved the author's two ending scenarios.
I really liked the way the author wrote this book. It seemed you were following three separate stories yet they entertained into one. Loved the author's two ending scenarios.
August 30, 2021
Barry is divorced and decides to move across country. He has bought a house in Sioux Falls. On his trip from Atlanta to Sioux Falls, he has plenty of time to think about his life. Good suspense with an alternate ending. I prefer the second ending.
August 26, 2024
unexpected ending
Following the characters all coming from different backgrounds, directions and expectations was a fun ride. Didn’t expect ending and encourage everyone to jump into this story. Leaves you wanting more.
Following the characters all coming from different backgrounds, directions and expectations was a fun ride. Didn’t expect ending and encourage everyone to jump into this story. Leaves you wanting more.
June 6, 2021
This book was good. I liked the fact the author added alternative ending chapters in case you did not like how the story ended.
October 28, 2021
Excellent! Full review on Amazon.
October 24, 2022
Enjoyable Quick Read
An interesting story presented in an enjoyable format. An unexpected twist left one thinking and surprised! I think you will enjoy it.
An interesting story presented in an enjoyable format. An unexpected twist left one thinking and surprised! I think you will enjoy it.
January 9, 2024
Twists and turns
This was very easy to read and kept you in suspense. And had few surprise twists that kept you interested. Well written!
This was very easy to read and kept you in suspense. And had few surprise twists that kept you interested. Well written!
January 13, 2025
Great book!
I loved both endings! It's amazing what a good story can become in the hands of a skilled writer! Hats off to you, Glenn!
I loved both endings! It's amazing what a good story can become in the hands of a skilled writer! Hats off to you, Glenn!
June 19, 2025
good until the end
A little confusing, was the young bully in the beginning of the book the adult Luther? What happened to Alice? The story line was good until the end.
A little confusing, was the young bully in the beginning of the book the adult Luther? What happened to Alice? The story line was good until the end.
August 25, 2025
A quick read
Fast paced and easy reading. Different types of people with different personalities. The story details how their paths cross and what happens when it does.
Fast paced and easy reading. Different types of people with different personalities. The story details how their paths cross and what happens when it does.
August 25, 2025
It was kind of a book to nowhere
The story I thought was going to be much better than it was. Instead it was very disappointing especially including the ending.
The story I thought was going to be much better than it was. Instead it was very disappointing especially including the ending.
February 7, 2017
Life is like people tossing pebbles into streams; the pebbles cause ripples that spread, and as they intersect with other ripples each life is changed. The ripples are neither good nor bad, the people might be good or bad, and how each life is changed depends upon the person.
An Empty Tree by Glenn Trust, book one in the Blue Eyes series, is a thriller that follows the lives of several people as their ripples intersect. A strange blue-eyed girl who meets a killer on the run, a divorced man from Georgia leaving his broken life behind to start anew in the west, and an Iowa highway patrolman who takes his job seriously; along with a diverse cast of supporting characters, their lives intersect in fateful ways that will leave the reader wondering about the nature of good and bad, and with the realization that nothing is ever what it seems at first glance.
The author has provided two endings to this chilling story; one as dark as a moonless night, and one that, while less dark, still leaves unanswered the question of the meaning of good or bad.
Each ending is satisfying in its own way, and which you prefer depends upon your unique view of life. Whether you stop reading after the first ending, or, if curiosity impels you to read the alternate ending, I can guarantee that you will enjoy this story.
An Empty Tree by Glenn Trust, book one in the Blue Eyes series, is a thriller that follows the lives of several people as their ripples intersect. A strange blue-eyed girl who meets a killer on the run, a divorced man from Georgia leaving his broken life behind to start anew in the west, and an Iowa highway patrolman who takes his job seriously; along with a diverse cast of supporting characters, their lives intersect in fateful ways that will leave the reader wondering about the nature of good and bad, and with the realization that nothing is ever what it seems at first glance.
The author has provided two endings to this chilling story; one as dark as a moonless night, and one that, while less dark, still leaves unanswered the question of the meaning of good or bad.
Each ending is satisfying in its own way, and which you prefer depends upon your unique view of life. Whether you stop reading after the first ending, or, if curiosity impels you to read the alternate ending, I can guarantee that you will enjoy this story.
August 7, 2014
The ripples do indeed branch out! This was an amazing story that shows how unrelated events suddenly become related. Luther is a murderer. Lauren is a young woman, Paul is a trooper, and Barry is a man starting a new life. The author introduces you to each character and then the reader is taken on on an amazing ride as their stories interconnect. I loved this book that delves in to what happens when lives of people touch and change by simple coincidence.Great story and the extra ending still has me undecided to which I liked best.
September 3, 2015
Intriguing
I liked the way the author introduced the characters and made them seem real to life. He then wove them together in a heart pounding ending. ( personally, I liked the alternate ending best.)
I liked the way the author introduced the characters and made them seem real to life. He then wove them together in a heart pounding ending. ( personally, I liked the alternate ending best.)
September 25, 2015
Definitely likes the alternate ending better. Don't know if it was really an alternative ending, or an "author's conceit", but the alternate was much more satisfying, and allows the series to set up Barry as Alice's concience.
August 13, 2016
Interesting book. Quick read. Not great, but definitely interesting. The characters were fairly believable, and the two endings let you pick how you felt it should end. I did enjoy the read.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews