thriller

Howling at the Moon…

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This was the moon very early this morning over south Salem. A werewolf moon perhaps? But my “howling” was strictly in celebration. The contract I signed with Next Chapter Publishing last July is finally in process. This week they sent me the book description they will use on the back cover and in online promotions once the book is released. They asked for my approval, and I gave it both thumbs up. Here it is:

When psychiatrist Carter Lane inherits his best friend’s cases after his suicide, he’s thrown into the fractured world of Arthur Frampton: a patient with dissociative identity disorder whose presence triggers memories of a long-buried massacre known as the Hoffman Horror.

When Lane’s wife is murdered, he discovers that her death mirrors the gruesome details of the decades-old crime. Lane is convinced one of Frampton’s “alters” is responsible, but the detectives on the case have a different theory: Lane himself had motive and opportunity to commit the crime.

Now a man on the run, Lane races against time to clear his name while navigating the maze of false identities and repressed trauma. As the pieces fall into place, will redemption cost him everything?

A relentless psychological thriller, William J. Cook’s PERSONA explores the power of identity–and how the past never truly stays buried.

Needless to say, I am very excited. I expect to hear from their editors soon. Wish me luck! And I wish you all a kind and peaceful weekend.

A Wine and Mystery Event!

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I am delighted to invite you to a gourmet meal, fabulous wines, and my latest book, All the Bodies Do. Domaine Willamette is hosting this special event on Friday, October 25, from 7:00 to 9:00 P.M.

There will be a four-course dinner, paired with six superb wines. They’ve asked me to do a reading from the thriller, so I’m in the process of finding what passage would work best.

Here’s the link to purchase advance tickets. The link will be published on the Willamette Valley Vineyards Owners Facebook Page on Tuesday, September 10th.

I would be honored if you could join my wife Sharon and me at the winery in Dayton this October.

https://www.exploretock.com/wvv-domaine-willamette/event/private/14fbc6b7-a4c7-4543-8d1b-9c045d2a6968

Another Five-Star Review!

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Christian Fernandez of The Book Commentary said today, “The tension builds steadily in this engaging crime thriller…Cook skillfully marries crisp, atmospheric writing with emotionally charged scenes to offer an enjoyable reading experience.” Here’s the whole review:

In the scorching summer of 2022, Lake Mead’s receding waters reveal a dark secret: bodies long buried are rising to the surface. Someone must be behind bodies buried underwater. Investigative journalist Kate Temperance is determined to uncover the truth behind the murders, but Sofia Gemelli, the ruthless daughter of crime boss Giancarlo Gemelli, threatens her investigation. As Temperance digs deeper into the case, she finds herself entangled in a web of deceit and corruption that leads her from the glamorous Las Vegas Strip to the tranquil vineyards of Oregon. The stakes grow higher with each discovery, and Temperance must confront her mortality to uncover the truth. Will she survive the treacherous journey or become the next victim of All the Bodies Do?

All the Bodies Do by William J. Cook delivers a captivating crime thriller based on actual events within a sophisticated setting that links the present with the past. The narrative follows a female protagonist on a mission to solve a cold case. Kate is elaborately written with a sophisticated background and a strong motivation. But she meets a foe, the daughter of boss Giancarlo Gemelli. The author introduces readers to other intriguing characters, including Harry, a casino owner being taken out by a rival gang, and Bobby, Giancarlo’s son, torn between his loyalty to his father and his desire to distance himself from the criminal underworld. The novel offers vivid descriptions of the setting, like the moonlit lake scene where Harry is being held captive by two men, Tom and Bobby, taking him out for “a little swim.” The tension builds steadily in this engaging crime thriller. The deft exploration of themes such as power, loyalty, and identity are balanced by sophisticated family dynamics. William J. Cook skillfully marries crisp, atmospheric writing with emotionally charged scenes to offer an enjoyable reading experience. 

From The US Review of Books

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All the Bodies Do
by William Cook

Book Review by Amanda Hanson, The US Review of Books

“In the silence, Kate was staring into Jay’s eyes as if she might find answers there for the emotional storm that had engulfed her.”

Kate Temperance is an investigative journalist who is looking into the murder of Giancarlo Gemelli. Her dedication to the case has caused tension with her husband, Simon, and longtime friend Bonnie, who see her preoccupation as an obsession. Despite resistance, Kate meets with Sofia Gemelli, Giancarlo’s daughter, who refuses to cooperate with the investigation. Sofia believes that it would harm her father’s reputation and her business. After the confrontation, unsettling events start to occur in Kate’s life, such as her car being keyed and fake photos supposedly showing her cheating on her husband. Kate suspects that Sofia is behind these incidents to stop her investigation. Despite facing these challenges, Kate remains determined to uncover the truth.

In his novel, Cook boldly delves into the depths of human nature, uncovering the extreme measures powerful individuals are willing to take to safeguard their secrets. These influential figures shamelessly utilize a range of intimidating tactics to suppress opposition. Moreover, the author fearlessly sheds light on the harsh truth that no one, regardless of their standing, is exempt from the reach of the law. Each character possesses a distinct voice, intricately shaping their personalities, while the dialogue provides a compelling glimpse into their inner workings. Kate, for instance, emerges as an unyielding and relentless journalist, steadfast in her defiance against coercion and bullying. Her unwavering determination and spirit make her an inspiring and compelling figure in the story. Readers will undoubtedly find themselves captivated by this book, as it offers an abundance of unforeseen twists and turns, keeping them on the edge of their seats.

RECOMMENDED by the US Review of Books

What a Day!

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The Prairies Book Review has just published its review of my new book, All the Bodies Do. Here it is:

A page-turning thriller packed with magnificently complex characters, psychological intrigue, and murder…

In Cook’s gripping thriller, murder and deceit are seamlessly woven into the fabric of everyday business. As the relentless drought continues to ravage Lake Mead, it reveals its hidden secrets: bodies long submerged in its depths. As the dark revelations come to light, journalist Kate Temperance sets out to uncover the truth behind the skeletal remains and their connections to notorious crime boss Giancarlo Gemelli, oblivious to the danger ahead. The third-person omniscient narrative voice grants readers access to the thoughts, feelings, and motivations of multiple characters.

Kate and Jay are portrayed with depth and complexity, allowing readers to connect with their struggles, desires, and moral dilemmas. Kate’s quest for truth and internal conflicts enrich her character, while Jay’s motivations and challenges add emotional weight. Bobby, with his mysterious disappearance and connections to key events, and Sofia, with her formidable presence and influence in the Las Vegas gaming scene, introduce layers of intrigue and conflict. The Las Vegas Strip, with its glitz, glamor, and bustling energy, provides a vivid backdrop for the story, highlighting the dichotomy between its flashy exterior and the hidden dangers lurking beneath. In stark contrast, the vineyards in Oregon, particularly Enchanted Hill Winery, offer a serene and picturesque setting with lush greenery and rolling hills. Though the pacing may falter at times, unexpected twists and revelations keep readers hooked. Ultimately, this novel delves into the intricacies of human relationships, the complexities of identity, and the enduring impact of the past on the present. Intricate, suspenseful, and deeply engrossing.

A Croissant for Breakfast (and a review!)

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I have just received the first professional review for my upcoming book. This one is from Diane Donovan, Senior Reviewer for Midwest Book Review and Editor of Donovan’s Literary Services. I’m very pleased! Here it is:

All the Bodies Do is a novel about ghosts, secrets, and murder that is based on true crime events: in 2022, drought exposed skeletons at Lake Mead.

Investigative journalist Kate Temperance here seeks to link these bodies to crime lord Giancarlo Gemelli, but the threat doesn’t stem directly from him alone. His ruthless daughter Sofia Gemelli is the real challenge, confronting Kate’s every effort to reveal the truth with her determination to keep these secrets buried in the lake.

This might include Kate herself, if she’s not careful.

William J. Cook evolves a cat-and-mouse game that embraces not just these two characters, but bigger-picture thinking revolving around a situation that dovetails with Kate’s confrontations in her own circle of supporters:

“It’s just that I feel terrible for abandoning you like that. That’s not what friends do.”
“You did what you had to do to protect your family. I understand.”

Kate changes plans, changes locks, and changes the values in her life as her case reveals new threats from directions she never saw coming.

Readers might not expect the setting to move around as quickly as Kate does, but as she journeys between Las Vegas and Oregon to tackle threads of underlying influences and deceptions, the wine industry also becomes a spark point of contention as the murder probe becomes complicated.

Cook’s ability to weave these seemingly disparate threads of connection into a bigger-picture feel creates a vivid thriller that proves thoroughly engrossing not just for its perhaps-predictable confrontations between reporter and crime family, but for its satisfyingly less predictable revelations about life values and what it takes to absorb the truth about lies, spies, and threats.

Libraries seeking thrillers that sizzle with action and psychological twists will find both qualities make All the Bodies Do thoroughly engrossing—perhaps because its roots lie in real-world events.