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The Blood Cries Out
Seattle Police Homicide Detective David Lightholler finds himself on a case unlike any he’s faced before. In the midst of working the darkest double homicide of his career, he unearths violent secrets of his family’s past that promise to haunt him for many years unless he can bring redemption and meaning out of the evil of the past--and present.
Karl Erickson has called Salem home since 1996. He lives on the south side with his wife, two children, and an ever-growing Newfoundland puppy named Chester. While he's been state employee for nearly two decades, he identifies himself primarily in the role of an author and essayist. He's the writer of two lighthearted children’s books: Toupee Mice and Tristan’s Travels. Both are published by Rafka Press. His wife, Kimberly Erickson is their wonderful illustrator. Besides writing fiction, his articles have appeared in a wide variety of publications--from America, The National Catholic Weekly and Seattle Pacific University's Response to a guest opinion writer for both the Portland Tribune and Statesman Journal.
Foreword by: Neil Low
Karl Erickson has called Salem home since 1996. He lives on the south side with his wife, two children, and an ever-growing Newfoundland puppy named Chester. While he's been state employee for nearly two decades, he identifies himself primarily in the role of an author and essayist. He's the writer of two lighthearted children’s books: Toupee Mice and Tristan’s Travels. Both are published by Rafka Press. His wife, Kimberly Erickson is their wonderful illustrator. Besides writing fiction, his articles have appeared in a wide variety of publications--from America, The National Catholic Weekly and Seattle Pacific University's Response to a guest opinion writer for both the Portland Tribune and Statesman Journal.
Foreword by: Neil Low
145 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 14
264 people want to read
About the author
Karl Erickson
5 books27 followersKarl Erickson lives in Monmouth, Oregon with his wife and children. He considers himself primarily a writer of fiction. He is the author of two lighthearted children’s books: Toupee Mice and Tristan’s Travels. Both are published by Rafka Press. Kimberly Erickson is their wonderful illustrator. His new mystery novel The Blood Cries Out is now available from Light Switch Press.
Besides writing fiction, his articles have appeared in America, The National Catholic Weekly, Catholic Answers' This Rock, Church Music Association of America’s Musica Sacra, Catholicmom.com, Episcopal Church News, Response, TiberRiver Catholic Book Reviews, as well as a guest opinion writer for both the Portland Tribune and Statesman Journal. Karl and Kimberly Erickson enjoy opportunities to speak and share their family’s spiritual journey. Karl is also one of the founding members of the Catholic Writers' Guild, a new association of Catholic writers and artists engaged in trying to make a difference for God and bring creative renewal to Catholic literature. It should be no surprise that the intersection of faith and the arts is a particular passion for both Karl and Kimberly.
In Karl’s "spare time," he works for the State of Oregon. When time allows, he loves hiking in the Pacific Northwest forests or along the Pacific Coast, and you will often spot him carrying his trusty Canon EOS Rebel T3 camera. Karl and Kimberly also enjoy playing with their Newfoundland.
Besides writing fiction, his articles have appeared in America, The National Catholic Weekly, Catholic Answers' This Rock, Church Music Association of America’s Musica Sacra, Catholicmom.com, Episcopal Church News, Response, TiberRiver Catholic Book Reviews, as well as a guest opinion writer for both the Portland Tribune and Statesman Journal. Karl and Kimberly Erickson enjoy opportunities to speak and share their family’s spiritual journey. Karl is also one of the founding members of the Catholic Writers' Guild, a new association of Catholic writers and artists engaged in trying to make a difference for God and bring creative renewal to Catholic literature. It should be no surprise that the intersection of faith and the arts is a particular passion for both Karl and Kimberly.
In Karl’s "spare time," he works for the State of Oregon. When time allows, he loves hiking in the Pacific Northwest forests or along the Pacific Coast, and you will often spot him carrying his trusty Canon EOS Rebel T3 camera. Karl and Kimberly also enjoy playing with their Newfoundland.
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
December 20, 2014
Tight Mystery with a Touch of Redemption
The Blood Cries Out was a joyride for me.
The author has a writing style that I greatly appreciate. His pacing’s brisk and his dialog’s realistic. While I personally would have liked a tiny bit more twists and dead ends in the crime itself, however, the author made up for that with his authentic setting descriptions. I’ve only been to the Seattle area once but the author firmly brought it to life for me with his choice of words and the scenes he used.
The characters are fleshed out and the story line hits all the right plot marks. The cast of characters included a few surprises but it was not overloaded with unnecessary characters.
I also liked that author was not afraid of infusing his main character with religious doubts that were resolved by the end of the tale. I liked the decision of one character to seek redemption, both for his mistakes and past sins of his ancestor.
It was a very believable story that ended in such a way that it gives satisfaction to the reader.
The Blood Cries Out was a joyride for me.
The author has a writing style that I greatly appreciate. His pacing’s brisk and his dialog’s realistic. While I personally would have liked a tiny bit more twists and dead ends in the crime itself, however, the author made up for that with his authentic setting descriptions. I’ve only been to the Seattle area once but the author firmly brought it to life for me with his choice of words and the scenes he used.
The characters are fleshed out and the story line hits all the right plot marks. The cast of characters included a few surprises but it was not overloaded with unnecessary characters.
I also liked that author was not afraid of infusing his main character with religious doubts that were resolved by the end of the tale. I liked the decision of one character to seek redemption, both for his mistakes and past sins of his ancestor.
It was a very believable story that ended in such a way that it gives satisfaction to the reader.
April 2, 2015
Karl does a great job of putting you where the characters are. He does an equally good job at showing a the life of a busy Detective. There are nice "shop talk" nuances that give you a sense of the job of a detective and the not so glamourous job that it can be. The main character has some moments of internal strife and the characters he interacts with and discovers as this plot unfolds really do a good job of bringing you in and not losing you. If you are looking for outlandish twists and turns and to be completely turned upside down, this is not a book that does that. For me though this book does what I like. It's honest, real, and really puts you in an element and setting that you may not encounter everyday but could see yourself in if this was your job or life. This is a good read in that sense.
December 11, 2025
A gripping and unexpectedly emotional crime story.
This book pulls you in from page one. Detective David Lightholler isn’t just chasing down a brutal double homicide he’s unraveling the dark history woven into his own family. That personal connection gives the story a depth most crime novels never reach. The mystery is tight, the atmosphere is vivid, and every revelation lands with real impact.
Karl Erickson’s writing is sharp, thoughtful, and confident. You can feel his experience across genres the pacing is strong, the characters are fully realized, and the emotional undercurrents elevate the entire narrative. It’s rare to find a thriller that balances darkness, introspection, and purpose so well.
A standout read from an author with genuine range and talent. Highly recommended.
This book pulls you in from page one. Detective David Lightholler isn’t just chasing down a brutal double homicide he’s unraveling the dark history woven into his own family. That personal connection gives the story a depth most crime novels never reach. The mystery is tight, the atmosphere is vivid, and every revelation lands with real impact.
Karl Erickson’s writing is sharp, thoughtful, and confident. You can feel his experience across genres the pacing is strong, the characters are fully realized, and the emotional undercurrents elevate the entire narrative. It’s rare to find a thriller that balances darkness, introspection, and purpose so well.
A standout read from an author with genuine range and talent. Highly recommended.
October 9, 2025
A dark, emotional detective story with heart and depth.
The Blood Cries Out surprised me in the best way. What starts as a gritty Seattle homicide investigation soon becomes something much deeper a haunting exploration of guilt, faith, and redemption. Detective David Lightholler isn’t your typical crime hero; he’s broken, searching, and painfully human. As the case unfolds, the lines between justice and personal reckoning blur beautifully.
Erickson’s writing feels grounded in reality his experience and moral insight shine through every page. The atmosphere is vivid and brooding, and I loved how the city itself almost becomes a character. This isn’t just a crime story; it’s a story about confronting the darkness within and finding meaning through it.
The Blood Cries Out surprised me in the best way. What starts as a gritty Seattle homicide investigation soon becomes something much deeper a haunting exploration of guilt, faith, and redemption. Detective David Lightholler isn’t your typical crime hero; he’s broken, searching, and painfully human. As the case unfolds, the lines between justice and personal reckoning blur beautifully.
Erickson’s writing feels grounded in reality his experience and moral insight shine through every page. The atmosphere is vivid and brooding, and I loved how the city itself almost becomes a character. This isn’t just a crime story; it’s a story about confronting the darkness within and finding meaning through it.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews