My Latest Work in Progress, inspiration, and sneak peak

Horror books

Ongoing Development

The novel I'm currently working on is titled "Temptress of Weinberger Road." This book represents a notable departure from my previous literary endeavors and presents a significant challenge both in terms of narrative complexity and character development. The story centers on Delphine Valtieri, a stunning antique shop owner whose beauty is only matched by the shadows of her mysterious past and the even more enigmatic secrets she harbors. As the plot unfolds, we find ourselves immersed in a world where the sheriff's office is utterly stumped by a series of perplexing crimes, a private investigator becomes emotionally entangled with Delphine, and the number of victims continues to grow alarmingly. The central question that looms over the narrative is whether Delphine is truly a murderer or merely a victim of circumstance, manipulation, or perhaps even a sinister plot against her.

Finding Motivation Through Inspiration

The inspiration for this novel comes from my dear friend Ashley, who has been a significant influence in my life and creative process. In fact, Delphine is partially based on her, embodying not only her striking beauty but also that captivating innocence she exudes, which can easily mesmerize those around her. It’s worth mentioning that Ashley possesses a unique talent for unintentionally drawing the attention of male contractors and admirers alike, often leaving them spellbound in her presence. This intriguing aspect of her personality sparked an idea in my mind: what better way to honor my dear friend than by transforming her into a complex character who is, paradoxically, a serial killer? This juxtaposition of beauty and danger adds a rich layer of intrigue to the narrative, inviting readers to explore the duality of human nature.

As I delve deeper into the writing process, I find myself fascinated by the psychological aspects of Delphine's character. What drives her? Is she a product of her environment, shaped by her past experiences, or is there something inherently darker lurking beneath her charming exterior? The private investigator, who is becoming increasingly enamored with her, serves as a crucial foil to Delphine's character. His journey will not only involve unraveling the mystery surrounding the growing number of victims but also confronting his own feelings and biases as he grapples with the possibility that the woman he is falling for may be hiding a sinister truth. The tension between love and suspicion creates a compelling dynamic that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.

Moreover, the setting of Weinberger Road plays a pivotal role in the story, serving as a backdrop that enhances the novel's themes of intrigue and deception. The antique shop, with its dusty shelves and hidden corners, becomes a metaphor for Delphine herself—full of secrets waiting to be uncovered. Each piece within the shop carries its own history, much like Delphine's own life, inviting readers to ponder the stories behind both the objects and the people they encounter. As I weave together these elements, I aim to create a narrative that not only entertains but also provokes thought about the nature of innocence, guilt, and the often-blurred lines between the two.

Exclusive First Look

A low, rhythmic grinding echoed through the dimly lit room, the mechanical churn thick with wet squelches and a deep, metallic hum. The air was suffocating, saturated with the scent of iron and something heavier, something slick and primal. The darkness clung to the walls like an unseen predator, pressing in, waiting.

Claude's eyelids fluttered, his breath shallow. His mind swam through the murky fog of disorientation, each thought sluggish and heavy. He tried to move, but the dull ache that sat in his limbs kept him still. His body felt wrong, off balance, disconnected. The sensation tickled at his nerves, an alarm screaming just beyond his grasp of comprehension.

Then the pain hit.

A raw, searing agony tore through his leg, carving a white-hot line straight to his brain. The fog vanished in an instant, replaced by the unbearable sting of absence. His chest hitched, his breath coming in short, ragged gasps as he reached down with a trembling hand.

Where his leg should have been, there was nothing but slick, wet flesh and bone.

A mangled stump.

His fingers skidded through the warm, pulpy mess, a scream clawing its way out of his throat as the reality of it slammed into him. His body jerked against the table, pure instinct kicking in, but the restraints held firm, biting into his wrists. He sucked in air, wheezing, his pulse a deafening drumbeat in his skull.

And then, between the ragged gasps, he heard it.

The grinding. The wet, sloshing churn.

A grotesque, pulpy squelch that sent a violent shudder through him. He twisted his head, eyes wide with terror in the dim glow of the single, naked bulb overhead.

The meat grinder stood in the far corner, its steel maw gleaming with a slick crimson sheen. The gears turned steadily, grinding and churning, swallowing chunks of flesh and tissue that still twitched from the last vestiges of stolen life.

His leg.

Claude convulsed, a guttural wail ripping from his chest as the realization sank its claws into him. His vision blurred, panic making his limbs weak as he struggled against the bindings. It was useless. His body was failing him, his mind drowning in the black tide of despair.

A soft sigh broke through his hysteria.

"Oh, Claude," a voice cooed, light and lilting, almost tender. "You’re making such a mess."

His head snapped toward the source of the voice, breath hitching as his gaze landed on her.