The Pawn (The Patrick Bowers Files, Book 1)

"...A captivating look at the fine line between good and evil. The Pawn is not to be missed."--Ann Tatlock, author of Every Secret Thing -- Ann Tatlock, author of Every Secret Thing "Steven James combines 21st-century high-tech law enforcement techniques with 18th-century Sherlockian deduction to craft an exciting, suspense-filled story."--Dr. Kim Rossmo, Center for Geospatial Intelligence and Investigation, Texas State University -- Dr. Kim Rossmo, Center for Geospatial Intelligence and Investigation, Texas State University This was my first novel. I'd been writing non-fiction books and wanted to write a mystery or suspense novel. So my publisher asked me to send in fifty pages. They offered me a three-book deal and the Bowers Files began.I'd originally intended to write a story about a one-armed detective and a guy who snuck into cult compounds to free people for their family members. Neither of those storylines worked.However, all of the research that I did on cults led me to the Jonestown storyline in The Pawn .While researching the book, I was able to interview one of the three people still alive who had survived the Jonestown massacre. The book is dedicated to his wife and his son, who both died on that tragic day.People often tell me that the opening scene to this book is one of the most visceral and shocking scenes in all of the Bowers Files. The final twist only came to me after many months of working on the book.If you love stories with a jaw-dropping twist, check this one out. From the Inside Flap EXCERPT FROM CATALOG:It happened upstairs at her house after school on a Tuesday afternoon. Her parents were still at work, just like always. So Aaron Jeffrey Kincaid and Jessica Rembrandt had the house to themselves. Just like always. Most afternoons found them here, making out, fooling around in the basement. But today was different. Today was the day. Jessie smiled at her boyfriend as she unlocked the front door. "Aaron Jeffrey Kincaid," she breathed, "I love you." Her voice sounded so alluring, so alive. It said more than I love you; it said, I believe in you. "I love you, too, Jessie." He stepped past her and swung the door open. "I'll always love you." He said the words smoothly, convincingly, but he wondered if he really meant them. He wondered if he did love her; if he'd ever loved anything at all. He took her hand as they stepped into the living room. Then, with one smooth motion with his free hand, he shut the door behind them. Special Agent Patrick Bowers never met a killer he couldn't catch. Until now. Called to North Carolina to consult on the case of an area serial killer, Bowers finds himself caught in a deadly game of cat and mouse. Cunning and lethal, the killer is always one step ahead of the law, and he's about to strike again. It will take all of Bowers's instincts and training to stop the man who calls himself the Illusionist. Thrilling, chilling, and impossible to put down, The Pawn will hold you in its iron grip until the very last page."A captivating look at the fine line between good and evil. The Pawn is not to be missed."--Ann Tatlock, author of Every Secret Thing "Steven James combines 21st-century high-tech law enforcement techniques with 18th-century Sherlockian deduction to craft an exciting, suspense-filled story."--Dr. Kim Rossmo, Center for Geospatial Intelligence and Investigation, Texas State UniversityCritically acclaimed author Steven James is one of the nation's most innovative storytellers. Since developing his skill as a performer at Eat Tennessee State University (MA in Storytelling), he has spoken more than 1,500 times throughout North America, Europe, and Asia. Now harnessing his ability to build suspense with his vivid imagination and evocative writing, Steven is launching his first series of high-octane thrillers, the Bowers Files. Steven lives with his wife and daughters in the hills of Tennessee. Critically acclaimed author Steven James has written more than thirty books, including Story , A Heart Exposed , and the bestselling Patrick Bowers thriller series. He is considered one of the nation's most innovative storytellers and versatile authors, and is a contributing editor to Writer's Digest . Steven lives in Tennessee with his wife and three daughters. Read more