O'Henry: A Josh Ingram Novel

Josh Ingram Series #1

by T.G. Brown

Spring of 2003. After spending eleven months at the Vandenberg Psychiatric Hospital of Massachusetts, Josh Ingram, once a decorated FBI profiler is released back into society.

Present day. While out learning to noodle for catfish in the Louisiana Bayou, Ingram gets notice the FBI is looking for him. O’Henry, a serial killer who once plagued New York City, has resurfaced.

Recently promoted (against the wishes of her new boss) to head an FBI Special Crimes Unit in Lower East Side Manhattan, Rachael Tanner, driven, focused and willful, is given the O’Henry file.

Ingram has no way of knowing his journey will put his closest of friends in harm’s way, forcing him to confront his innermost fear. All while O’Henry has set the wheels in motion to satisfy his all-consuming fixation . . .

*Professionally proofed edition as of January 27, 2015

Genres: Suspense, Mystery, Thriller, Amazon

432 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 23, 2013

About the author

Brown was born in Edmonton, Alberta. His mother was a strong, independent-minded matriarch. His father was a well read, self-taught historian, and World War II veteran.
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It was at the age of 13, after Brown received a copy of Leonard Cohen’s debut album “Songs of Leonard Cohen," that he discovered his love of writing. Moved by Cohen’s lyrics, he began with poetry.* Though Brown had become an avid reader and aspiring writer at a young age, life’s turns had other plans for him.

Brown took on a variety of short-term jobs, including ditch digging and bartending to pay for his undergraduate degree. It was there, in his studies, that he found the love of his life. A year later, they were married. Following the discovery that the first of their two children was on its way, Brown put his dream of authorship aside and chose a life of stability for his family, taking a 9 to 5 desk job.

But as days turned to weeks, weeks to months, months turned to years, his thoughts began to darken as his characters emerged from his subconscious and stepped out onto the stage. A space where both the good and the unsavory coexist, driven by their wants and needs, casting their long shadows across the floor. It was then, after 30 years of service, Brown left his job to put to paper the narratives and characters he had derived during his time behind the desk.
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In December 2013, his first novel, O’Henry, was published. Following its success, Brown went on to write two subsequent novels in the “Josh Ingram Series,” including Harvest (2017) and the highly anticipated Broken (2022). O’Henry was nominated for Whistler Independent Book Award. Harvest was a Whistler Independent Book Award Finalist.
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His inspiration:

Brown has lived across Canada, including as far north as Iqaluit. He now lives with his wife on Vancouver Island where he continues to write novels from his storm room overlooking the ocean. The inspiration for the settings in his books come from a lifetime of travel and experiences. His next novel is anticipated to take place on Vancouver Island.

John Ingram’s character, as well as his villains, according to Brown, grew organically. Brown describes Ingram as a “tortured soul wanting to heal.” While other characters, like his accomplice Mary, a “no holds barred ass kicking woman,” as Brown puts it, was inspired by the numerous strong and unabating women in his life.
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*Of note: the lines of poetry given by the psychopath in Brown’s third novel, “Broken,” were written by Brown at the age of 13.

Reviews

[Leiah Cooper · Rating 4 out of 5]

The psychotic mind sees the world through its own prism and bends that world to its choosing . . . tell me, was the head close to the body? – Oliver Wilson, Psychiatrist – O’Henry

That’s when he hit her, when he saw how scared she was. He couldn’t bear it that she was frightened and asking for help. Asking for help is wrong. Because there isn’t any such thing as help in this world. ― Ryū Murakami, Piercing



The call comes at the most inopportune time. Well, not really a call so much as the rooster tail of dust that precedes a country Sheriff bringing bad news. And for Josh Ingram, long past his life as an FBI’s Profiling Division, catfish noodling, pulling drafts at his marina bar, and writing his next best selling novel now has to go on hold, as he and FBI Agent Rachael Tanner struggle to find the serial killer known as O’Henry, who has come roaring back after a seven-year absence in a wave of blood and publicity. When Josh’s best friend, a mild mannered bookseller is killed by a retired mafia mechanic, Josh is drawn deep into a story of murder, madness and political intrigue that could cost him more than he ever expected.

This first entry in the Josh Ingram series by Terry Brown shows great potential for this new author. Tight characterizations, deep emotional world building and beautifully developed storylines woven together into a tale of murder, madness and political intrigue makes Terry Brown a new author to watch.

I received the book from Mr. Brown in return for a realistic review. All thoughts are my own.

[Carol J. Timmerman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! What a ride...enjoy every chapter as you follow the convoluted trail of a mega serial killer lures the retired black ops turned writer into trap after trap as he pursues clues. You can wrack your brain questioning... is this the killer...no... maybe this character? Excellent writing, a plot that draws you deeper into the motivation and actions of the main characters. You get to know the people and they are believable and engaging in their depth and quirks. Must read!

[Carroll Blair · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really, really entertaining.

Full characters and powerful story line; one not easy to figure out. Would recommend this book, and will be looking for another, hopefully with Josh Ingram and his friends at the helm. Good read.

[Gerrianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book!!!

I loved this book. It kept up the pace and I was hooked. Read it in one day. His character is laid back and also lethal.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book for free as a Goodreads FirstReads giveaway, in exchange for an honest review.

This was an enjoyable, well-written thriller. The characters were very well developed, and I really liked Josh and Rachel as a partnership. I did figure out who the killer was about halfway through the book, but I still really enjoyed watching it unfold.

[Paul · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book as a Goodreads giveaway.

This is of a genre that I enjoy, although I am generally hopeless at figuring out whodunit - don't even try anymore. Well-written, this book had a credible storyline , well-developed characters and an interesting and, for me at least, an unanticipated outcome.

Worth a read

[Patricia Bergman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although this book is not perfect, it is definitely exciting and had me guessing. I'm a little disappointed that the ending left some questions unanswered. I would love to know what happened to some of the more interesting characters. Hopefully, there is a future book to give me some closure.

[Jim · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book from goodreads and thought it was great. A little weak in the middle but overall I could not put it down.

[Steve · Rating 2 out of 5]

Wanted a page-turning thriller but didn't find it. Couldn't get into the formula of ex-military, tough-guy turned writer/detective.

[robert hinkle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible!!

I really enjoyed this book and I am ready to r read the rest of his stories.I know that you will enjoy this artist.

[D.B. Kennison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Entertaining read.

This was a genuinely easy work of entertainment. I'll definitely look for more in the Josh Ingram series from this author.

[Teri Hawk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good reading

This book had plenty of suspense and will hold you entranced. The ending will surprise you as you are biting your nails. :-)

[Jasmine · Rating 5 out of 5]

absolutely loved it.

Brilliant writing from a brilliant writer. It’s just wonderful that there are two more books from this series. Hopefully more to come too!