Dark at the Top of the Stairs: An Electric Eclectic Book

by Elizabeth Horton-Newton

In true crime noir style, two hard-boiled detectives investigate the apparently accidental death of a wealthy older man. Found lying dead at the bottom of the stairs in his expensive home, the only other person at home was his wife. While it looks like an accident, the detectives smell a rat. But, even when the crime is solved and the bad guys are wrapped up in neat packages, the story isn't over.

39 pages, Paperback

Published August 5, 2019

About the author

Elizabeth Horton-Newton has been called the Seductress of Suspense because she draws readers into her stories, builds the suspense, and just when the solution seems to be obvious, she pulls the rabbit out of the hat and reveals a dark truth. Her lifelong interest in the Kennedy assassination conspiracy resulted in her first novel, "View From the Sixth Floor: An Oswald Tale". With the release of her second book, "Riddle", she once again tackles a social issue; the illegal adoption of First Nations babies separated from their families. Small town prejudices against people of color and "outsiders" result in a unique friendship between two young people. Weaving a romantic thriller around the issues, she creates rich characters in all her writing, drawing the reader into their lives. With her education in Criminal Psychology, Sociology, and Media Communications she offers a unique insight into how criminals think and how society responds to their crimes. Volunteering in local Domestic Violence groups in her hometown, she likes to confront social problems in her stories. Elizabeth currently lives in a 100-year old haunted house with her husband, writer Neil Douglas Newton, and her dog, Scout (named for a character in "To Kill a Mockingbird"). Not limited to a single genre, she has written erotic romance, "Carved Wooden Heart" (with the mysterious Starla Hartless), and the suspenseful "Stolen Gypsy", as well as novelettes through Electric Eclectic Books. She is currently working on a new novel, "Blood on Murder Highway", loosely based on the murders and disappearances of indigenous women in the Pacific Northwest. Her new crime noir novella will be available winter 2019. When she isn't writing she is usually traveling or taking photographs and often both simultaneously. For more information, check out her website at bit.ly/homeEHN or read her blog, Between the Beats, at elizabethnnewton.com/

Reviews

[Rush Leaming · Rating 5 out of 5]

The time is never specified, but by the language seems to be a throwback to old school detective stories from the 1930's and 40's. Well-written with some nice details and observations. A few twists and turns along the way.

[Paul White · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, I might be responsible for the cover, but the story inside was nothing to do with me at all.

A great suspenseful chiller of a tale, with a wicked ending... that's all I'll say, you will have to get this yourself to know what that is.

[Kazz Mossman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed this short atmospheric read. Reminded me of the old noir novels I read years ago and I certainly didn't guess the end of this one!

[Ian Welch · Rating 5 out of 5]

DARK at the top of the stairs is a delightful read. A classic murder, or was it an accident? Was the husband pushed, are there nefarious forces at play masking the true events? The Inspector and his trusty partner need to ferret out the truth. Entertaining, humorous, written in down to earth language and with a subtle twist at the end. I loved it, I’m sure you will too. Elizabeth Horton Newton has a real writing skill, every day down to earth language, and a panache for constructing a captivating storyline.

[Lorraine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Was it an accident or was it murder? Follow the investigation with detectives, Lou and Joe.

Dark at the Top of the Stairs is told from Lou’s point of view in classic noir detective style.

With dark humour, unforgettable characters and an unexpected twist at the end, this is a great read and ‘would be’ an excellent introduction to Elizabeth Horton-Newton writing.

I say would be, as I’ve previously discovered and read two of Elizabeth’s books!