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Editorial Reviews
PRAISE FOR THE SHEPHERD:
"A fast paced, all too real thriller with a villain right out of James Patterson and Criminal Minds." - Andrew Gross, #1 NYT Bestselling Author of Reckless and Don't Look Twice
"Silence of the Lambs meets The Bourne Identity" - Brian S. Wheeler, Author of Mr. Hancock's Signature
"THE SHEPHERD is an intense novel that will have you locking your windows and doors, installing a safe room and taking Ambien so you can sleep through the night after finishing. Ethan Cross opens up the mind of a serial killer, exposes you to it, and leaves you with years of therapy bills. But this thrill-ride is worth every penny." - Jeremy Robinson, author of PULSE and INSTINCT
"The Shepherd is a superbly crafted thriller skillfully delving into the twisted mind of a psychopath and the tormented soul of the man destined to bring him down. Ethan Cross weaves a tale so chilling, I was afraid to turn out the lights. Highly recommended!" - D.B. Henson, Amazon bestselling author of Deed to Death
"The Shepherd is a nonstop suspense novel with great twists, great drama, and an ending that will knock you on the floor." - New York Times bestselling author Lou Aronica
DESCRIPTION:
Marcus Williams and Francis Ackerman Jr. both have a talent for hurting people. Marcus, a former New York City homicide detective, uses his abilities to protect others, while Ackerman uses his gifts to inflict pain and suffering. When both men become unwilling pawns in a conspiracy that reaches to the highest levels of our government, Marcus finds himself in a deadly game of cat and mouse trapped between a twisted psychopath and a vigilante with seemingly unlimited resources. Aided by a rogue FBI agent and the vigilante's beautiful daughter -a woman with whom he's quickly falling in love- Marcus must expose the deadly political conspiracy and confront his past while hunting down one of the most cunning and ruthless killers in the world.
Related Reviews
A well written and sadistic whodunit
Article first published as Book Review: The Shepherd by Ethan Cross on Blogcritics.
Can evil flourish without goodness? Is it possible to be a murderer and yet not be evil? Often what lurks inside the mind makes the difference. In The Shepherd by Ethan Cross, we meet evil head on in his serial killer, Francis Ackerman. Cold and cunning, ruthless and bold, he shows no fear as he stalks his victims. Even the police are not immune to his cunning, when one of their finest is cut down along with his family. To Ackerman it is a game as he twists the tables and reduces his victims to terror, offering them the worst possible avenue in an opportunity to save themselves. It is all a part of his game, a horrible psychological game with unlivable circumstances regardless of how the game plays out.
Ackerman is the monster from your nightmares, and possibly worse. Ethan Cross creates such a believable character that you can feel the frost when he is in the room. The hairs rise on your neck and you can feel that faint sense of doom along with the victim. With short work he is able create a feel for the victim themselves, he draws them from parallels of our own life, whether it be our mother or father, our children or sister, it is all personal, and horror provoking.
Being a shepherd is tantamount to being a keeper. In days gone by the shepherd watched over the sheep and kept them safe, and nurtured them. With that in mind Cross has created a foil of goodness, to counter act the evil. Marcus Williams is in the wrong place at the wrong time, and drawn into the path of the killer. However, Williams is more than what meets the eye, he has found darkness within himself that he continues to try to purge. Having worked in law enforcement, he is conversant with the ins and outs of procedure, and when he meets the sheriff's daughter Maggie, he is smitten. When he discovers a murder close to where he lives, he realizes that the serial killer lurks in the very heart of his home.
As Marcus digs deeper into the investigation, he finds that things do not add up. There is more going on with the police and the corruption seems to come from someone high up in the ranks. Can he keep the townspeople safe from a sadistic killer? Who can he turn to for help?
In Williams, Ethan Cross has developed a hero full of flaws and with a hint of darkness in his own soul. He has faced evil before and flourished. He is hardheaded, smart, quick on his feet, and seems to be able to think his way out of the worst situations. He maintains his calm in the toughest environment and has the ability to calm the reader as well as the victim. He is charismatic and people are drawn to him. However, he is not sure whom he can trust.
This powerful thriller keeps the pace at a rapid fire. Once I started reading, it was difficult to put the book down. Right when you think you have an understanding of the situation it takes a difficult turn, throwing you off stride. It is must have for the action and thriller fan, and a great addition to any library. The Shepherd is full of surprises to the very end, you won't be disappointed and you won't see it coming.
Can evil flourish without goodness? Is it possible to be a murderer and yet not be evil? Often what lurks inside the mind makes the difference. In The Shepherd by Ethan Cross, we meet evil head on in his serial killer, Francis Ackerman. Cold and cunning, ruthless and bold, he shows no fear as he stalks his victims. Even the police are not immune to his cunning, when one of their finest is cut down along with his family. To Ackerman it is a game as he twists the tables and reduces his victims to terror, offering them the worst possible avenue in an opportunity to save themselves. It is all a part of his game, a horrible psychological game with unlivable circumstances regardless of how the game plays out.
Ackerman is the monster from your nightmares, and possibly worse. Ethan Cross creates such a believable character that you can feel the frost when he is in the room. The hairs rise on your neck and you can feel that faint sense of doom along with the victim. With short work he is able create a feel for the victim themselves, he draws them from parallels of our own life, whether it be our mother or father, our children or sister, it is all personal, and horror provoking.
Being a shepherd is tantamount to being a keeper. In days gone by the shepherd watched over the sheep and kept them safe, and nurtured them. With that in mind Cross has created a foil of goodness, to counter act the evil. Marcus Williams is in the wrong place at the wrong time, and drawn into the path of the killer. However, Williams is more than what meets the eye, he has found darkness within himself that he continues to try to purge. Having worked in law enforcement, he is conversant with the ins and outs of procedure, and when he meets the sheriff's daughter Maggie, he is smitten. When he discovers a murder close to where he lives, he realizes that the serial killer lurks in the very heart of his home.
As Marcus digs deeper into the investigation, he finds that things do not add up. There is more going on with the police and the corruption seems to come from someone high up in the ranks. Can he keep the townspeople safe from a sadistic killer? Who can he turn to for help?
In Williams, Ethan Cross has developed a hero full of flaws and with a hint of darkness in his own soul. He has faced evil before and flourished. He is hardheaded, smart, quick on his feet, and seems to be able to think his way out of the worst situations. He maintains his calm in the toughest environment and has the ability to calm the reader as well as the victim. He is charismatic and people are drawn to him. However, he is not sure whom he can trust.
This powerful thriller keeps the pace at a rapid fire. Once I started reading, it was difficult to put the book down. Right when you think you have an understanding of the situation it takes a difficult turn, throwing you off stride. It is must have for the action and thriller fan, and a great addition to any library. The Shepherd is full of surprises to the very end, you won't be disappointed and you won't see it coming.
Fantastic Beginning of an Exciting Series
Ethan Cross's The Shepherd is a fast-paced, tightly-plotted thriller that has a villain who rivals Hannibal Lecter in his unwavering perversions and a protagonist out of the Jack Reacher mold in his singular determination to do what he feels is the right thing. The plot twists and turns keep the reader turning the pages so fast that this reviewer was happy he had a Kindle to turn the pages with the touch of a button so that I was not slowed down. While I can't quibble with the book's cover invoking Robert Ludlum's The Bourne Identity I might say that anyone who likes Nelson Demille's The Charm School will like this book. This book is the first of what is clearly going to be a very exciting series of thrillers.
I always heard the mark of a great suspense novel is the inability of the reader to put the book down. The Shephard unequivocally delivers. I recieved my copy late one Wednesday night and finished the book the next afternoon wanting more. Only the annoyance of work kept me from an uninterrupted read. I have since bought several more copies of The Shepherd and given them to family and friends to enjoy Ethan Cross' first book. I failed to mention the several sleepless nights that will surely follow.
Ethan Cross masterfully weaves a tale of suspense while answering the age old question of "do the ends justify the means". In Marcus Williams, Cross creates a hero who flourishes in the face of evil but is struggleswith his own inner demons ultimately leading him on a collision course with the real monster, Francis Ackerman. Move over Dr. Lecter, there is a new monster in town. Bold, cunning and relentless, Ackerman stalks his prey leaving the reader hiding under the covers trying to convince themselves that Ackerman is just Cross' sick creation. The Shepard is a fast paced, rapid fire thriller that leaves the reader second guessing everything they thought they had firgured out. Cross is able to keep the reader off stride ultimately bringing together the two main characeters in and ending that no one can see coming. The Shepard is a must have for every suspense thriller fan. Ethan Cross delivers and The Shepherd does not disappoint.
Ethan Cross masterfully weaves a tale of suspense while answering the age old question of "do the ends justify the means". In Marcus Williams, Cross creates a hero who flourishes in the face of evil but is struggleswith his own inner demons ultimately leading him on a collision course with the real monster, Francis Ackerman. Move over Dr. Lecter, there is a new monster in town. Bold, cunning and relentless, Ackerman stalks his prey leaving the reader hiding under the covers trying to convince themselves that Ackerman is just Cross' sick creation. The Shepard is a fast paced, rapid fire thriller that leaves the reader second guessing everything they thought they had firgured out. Cross is able to keep the reader off stride ultimately bringing together the two main characeters in and ending that no one can see coming. The Shepard is a must have for every suspense thriller fan. Ethan Cross delivers and The Shepherd does not disappoint.
I absolutely love, love, love reading a book that exceeds my expectations! I was fairly sure I'd enjoy reading The Shepherd but I wasn't quite ready for all the surprises Ethan Cross had in store for me. And by surprise I don't necessarily mean plot twists, although there were plenty to go around. The Shepherd was an exceptional read and I am so looking forward to reading whatever Cross comes out with next. I wouldn't really call the ending a cliffhanger but I definitely want more of both Marcus and Ackerman.
There was a depth in the characters that really astonished me. I actually couldn't believe how involved Cross became with the victims. It was hard not to become attached to each of them because their stories were summed up perfectly before Ackerman struck. Cross was able to make the victims actual characters within the story. Their short but detailed snippets made the victims stand out. I also liked how I wasn't bogged down with the main character's stories. Cross could have spent a long time developing them relentlessly but he chose not to. I could just foresee problems with wanting to go on and on about some of the characters because the way they were written but Cross did an excellent job of writing to the point and still packing a lot of informative details about each of them.
I also loved the fact that the violent parts weren't over the top or outrageous but they weren't sugar-coated either. Violent acts (i.e. murder, torture, etc) are hard to read about for most people. And if one is going to detail the act through words there is a fine line between going overboard with unnecessary gory description and actually not having enough depiction in fear of pushing the reader away. To me, the violent scenes in The Shepherd were very well done. They were reasonable and realistic and packed a punch to the point where I was scared for the victims and held my breath at certain parts.
I don't want to go into the actual plot details because the entire story and crazy twist at the end is one not to be ruined. The Shepherd was definitely a thriller! I loved the characters. I loved the fast-paced detailed story. And I loved the fact that it made question my personal stand on the justice system and made me think "Well, what if that were me? What would I do in that situation?" And I found no real reason not to rate it five stars. I'm crossing my fingers that Cross will continue with the world he has created with The Shepherd. If not, I'll still be picking up anything he comes out with next.
My Rating: 5/5 stars
Source: Received for review from Pump Up Your Book
Sidenote: Cross-posted on my blog:[...]
There was a depth in the characters that really astonished me. I actually couldn't believe how involved Cross became with the victims. It was hard not to become attached to each of them because their stories were summed up perfectly before Ackerman struck. Cross was able to make the victims actual characters within the story. Their short but detailed snippets made the victims stand out. I also liked how I wasn't bogged down with the main character's stories. Cross could have spent a long time developing them relentlessly but he chose not to. I could just foresee problems with wanting to go on and on about some of the characters because the way they were written but Cross did an excellent job of writing to the point and still packing a lot of informative details about each of them.
I also loved the fact that the violent parts weren't over the top or outrageous but they weren't sugar-coated either. Violent acts (i.e. murder, torture, etc) are hard to read about for most people. And if one is going to detail the act through words there is a fine line between going overboard with unnecessary gory description and actually not having enough depiction in fear of pushing the reader away. To me, the violent scenes in The Shepherd were very well done. They were reasonable and realistic and packed a punch to the point where I was scared for the victims and held my breath at certain parts.
I don't want to go into the actual plot details because the entire story and crazy twist at the end is one not to be ruined. The Shepherd was definitely a thriller! I loved the characters. I loved the fast-paced detailed story. And I loved the fact that it made question my personal stand on the justice system and made me think "Well, what if that were me? What would I do in that situation?" And I found no real reason not to rate it five stars. I'm crossing my fingers that Cross will continue with the world he has created with The Shepherd. If not, I'll still be picking up anything he comes out with next.
My Rating: 5/5 stars
Source: Received for review from Pump Up Your Book
Sidenote: Cross-posted on my blog:[...]
Marcus Williams is a retired New York City Homicide Detective that has left New York to move to a farmhouse in Texas that was willed to him by his aunt. He made a choice to save others and due to that choice it was definitely time for a change. Small town life has a great appeal.
At the same time Francis Ackerman, Jr. makes a different choice. He chooses to inflict pain and suffering to as many people as possible and happens to arrive in Texas at exactly the same time as Marcus.
They both become very unwilling pawns in a conspiracy that reaches the highest levels of our government. Marcus becomes involved in a "game" with a psychopathic serial killer and a vigilante group with unlimited resources. He must wrestle his own demons all the while trying to stop one of the most ruthless killers in the world while trying to figure out and expose a huge political conspiracy.
Hold on tight, this book is going to shake you to the core!!!
A Spellbinding, Enthralling, Mind-Bending, Riveting Thriller!!!! Look out James Patterson, Ethan Cross is giving you some fantastic competition. This is an excellent book but it will definitely give you nightmares and it will be a book you will be telling everyone about for a long time to come. The best thriller I have read this year!!!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Pump Your Book, a division of Penguin Publishing. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 : "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
At the same time Francis Ackerman, Jr. makes a different choice. He chooses to inflict pain and suffering to as many people as possible and happens to arrive in Texas at exactly the same time as Marcus.
They both become very unwilling pawns in a conspiracy that reaches the highest levels of our government. Marcus becomes involved in a "game" with a psychopathic serial killer and a vigilante group with unlimited resources. He must wrestle his own demons all the while trying to stop one of the most ruthless killers in the world while trying to figure out and expose a huge political conspiracy.
Hold on tight, this book is going to shake you to the core!!!
A Spellbinding, Enthralling, Mind-Bending, Riveting Thriller!!!! Look out James Patterson, Ethan Cross is giving you some fantastic competition. This is an excellent book but it will definitely give you nightmares and it will be a book you will be telling everyone about for a long time to come. The best thriller I have read this year!!!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Pump Your Book, a division of Penguin Publishing. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 : "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
Just the right amount of creepiness!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! It is non-stop and just when I thought that things were becoming a little implausable, I found out I was wrong. I would have to say that what you expect to happen doesn't always, and what you didn't expect pops up when you least expect it. A great read and I'm looking forward to more from this author!
Excellent book, sorry to reach the end.
I enjoyed this book from start to finish. I would love to see a follow up book. It was such a great read. I had a hard time putting the book down because the author did a great job keeping the reader on the edge of their seat. The author is so fluid in his writing that I never found a point where it slowed down or got tedious. I highly recommend this to anyone that loves suspense novels. Overall just a great book. I will be on the look out for more by this author.
Great Read ... Hard to put down
I thought this was a great book. guess this is his first book but I hope it will not be his last. There surely is a sequel to this one somewhere in the authors imagination..
If you like thrillers, this book is for you! The Shepherd kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time. (I did have to get up to make sure my doors and windows were locked.) It is very well written, giving you surprises along the way. I have been recommending it to my friends. A great read!
The Shephard is a fast-paced thriller in the Patterson/Deaver vein. This is one you won't put down!! The plot thickens with twists and turns all throughout. The ending is one you will think about long after you've put the book down. It makes you want to keep reading. It was obviously well-researched and thought out. Every time you think you have things figured out another twist will pop up. Then you will have to start trying to figure things out again which makes it all that much more enjoyable.
I can't wait until Mr. Cross comes out with the follow-up. Bravo and thank you Mr. Cross. Well done!!!
I can't wait until Mr. Cross comes out with the follow-up. Bravo and thank you Mr. Cross. Well done!!!
Incredible Thriller, One of the best I've read in a long time
I absolutely loved this book. It was very well written and had great characters. The protagonist is a tragic and flawed hero with whom you can really sympathize, and the villain is both frightening at times and then very human at other moments. You're not sure whether to hate him or pity him. It was very fast-paced and full of unexpected twists and turns. And the ending...well, it blew me away. Excellent book, one of the best I've read in a long time. I highly recommend it to any thriller fan.
Wow!! Very, very exciting book. Multiple plot twists and two of the best characters ever in Marcus Williams and Francis Ackerman. I was engrossed all the way through and some of the twists took me completely by surprise, but they were very good twists. A very good ending that kept the door open for more books in this series. I think additional Shepard books are required!! Ethan Cross is great at the thriller, action, mystery aspect and also adds some great character introspection. Great book!"
Ackerman's version of Russian Roulette will keep you on the edge of your seat. It's a MUST read!!! Loved it.
I was intrigued by other comments of this book, so I downloaded it on my kindle. After starting it, I could not put it down and read it in one day! This is an incredibly twisted story about good and evil with an ending that will catch you by surprise... I thoroughly enjoyed this book and will highly recommend it to my friends.
Warning, you may be hooked after starting this book
I was fairly sure I would only read a chapter at most of Ethan Cross' The Shepard then go back to reading an Ebook that I had started. But, after the first page, I knew I had to read and finish this book. It is well written, intriguing and gets you into the mind of a horrific Serial Killer and those that hunt him (with a twist). I do hope Mr. Cross will be adding another book soon to "The Shepard". Download, sit back and enjoy. Maryruth in IN.
My plan was to download a free book and then take my time reading it over the course of a couple of weeks. WRONG! I read it in 2 days! I couldn't put it down.
It was well written and creepy, without being too gory. At the end of the book, I was saying "I did NOT see that coming!"
I would read anther book by this author. I am guessing that a part 2 will be coming soon... I hope!
It was well written and creepy, without being too gory. At the end of the book, I was saying "I did NOT see that coming!"
I would read anther book by this author. I am guessing that a part 2 will be coming soon... I hope!
This is a good book. The reader is engrossed in the book and the characters are spaced out as Evil and Good, two sides of the same coin. I am sure this book is just the precursor for more novels from the same set of characters. Highly recommended.
I download most of the amazon free e-books and find most mediocre. This book was the opposite of most-well written, good character building, surprises in store and I didn't guess the ending as with most others. I look forward to the sequel!
this thriller is thrilling.i could not put it down. it was a kindle freebie.i recommend it to all mystery/thriller readers.
Kept me on the edge of my seat
I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes suspense and action. I couldn't put this book down. I HAD to find out what was going to happen next. The characters are very interesting, and the ending was so unpredictable. Wonderful job, Mr. Cross. Please give us a sequel soon!!
Wow....this book was great. Everytime I had to stop reading it I wanted to go right back to it. It draws you in and absorbs you into the story. I would defintely recommend this book!!!!
I know that this Author is compared to Patterson and Sanderson, but I think he is in a category all by himself! This has to be the BEST thriller I've ever read. It keeps you on the edge of your seat and when you think it is over, it starts up again! I can usually figure out what is going on and who did it, but in this book, I didn't have a clue! It was well written and very suspenseful. I can't wait for the other books in the series to come out. I'll be watching for the next release and hurry to purchase it.
The Shepherd is not nearly as disturbing as some of the other reviews may lead you to believe. That said, however, this book will scare you more than once - I promise. Do yourself a favor and don't read too many reviews - though no real spoilers, some reveal enough to alter the ultimate experience with this page-turner!. It's a great book that gives you a lot to think about yet is a very easy read with a smooth, seamless storyline. I didn't think there were too many characters as others have mentioned. Very well done and you will be anxiously awaiting the sequel with the rest of us!
I just finished The Shepherd and it is one of the BEST books I have ever read. It's a well told tale, very tight, ranks with Patterson and King. The ending is so mindblowing I'm still reeling. I can not wait for another book. Thank you Mr Cross!!!!
WOW! INCREDIBLE THRILLER! BEST OF THE YEAR!
This is exactly the type of book that I love. It's fast paced with lots of action, and the characters were absolutely fascinating. I felt that Cross blended great writing that was sometimes poetic and yet precise with a story that made you hold your breath and not want it to end. While there were moments of violence and death, I thought those aspects were mild compared to a lot of movies and books out there. And it does involve a serial killer, so I would be disappointed if the killer wasn't sadistic and didn't kill people. It's packed full of twists and turns that will leave you breathless. I would highly, highly recommend this book to any fans of action-packed thrillers.
Not everything is what it seems
WOW! This book hit the ground running and didn't stop! I love a story that catches me right away and The Shepherd did it.
From the very first chapter the reader is thrust into the twisted mind of a depraved serial killer. There is no telling what he will do next and the author definitely keeps the reader on the edge of their seat with anticipation. I often found myself holding my breath as I was reading, felt my heart racing or realized I was clenching my fists as I read each line. And just when I thought I knew what was coming next, I was surprised over and over again.
As if a serial killer wasn't enough, the author adds a crazy sheriff with an agenda and a conspiracy into the mix and it's all I could do to not break out in a sweat with all the action!
In addition to that, the rest of the story was well written. Even the side characters are well developed during the short glimpse the reader has into their lives. I was instantly drawn to them, feeling their emotions, hurting for them, hoping for them.
Of course, no great novel is complete without a twist at the end. The Shepherd left me with my head spinning as I turned the last page. I can only hope that there is another one on the way!
You can read my full review here: [...]
From the very first chapter the reader is thrust into the twisted mind of a depraved serial killer. There is no telling what he will do next and the author definitely keeps the reader on the edge of their seat with anticipation. I often found myself holding my breath as I was reading, felt my heart racing or realized I was clenching my fists as I read each line. And just when I thought I knew what was coming next, I was surprised over and over again.
As if a serial killer wasn't enough, the author adds a crazy sheriff with an agenda and a conspiracy into the mix and it's all I could do to not break out in a sweat with all the action!
In addition to that, the rest of the story was well written. Even the side characters are well developed during the short glimpse the reader has into their lives. I was instantly drawn to them, feeling their emotions, hurting for them, hoping for them.
Of course, no great novel is complete without a twist at the end. The Shepherd left me with my head spinning as I turned the last page. I can only hope that there is another one on the way!
You can read my full review here: [...]
Picked this up while it was free, and boy, did I hit the jackpot! This is a very good, very interesting novel. The characters are complex, and you'll keep thinking about them until the end. The story is a tad heavy, but it was so captivating it got me involved and excited to read. Great freebie!
I thoroughly enjoyed this fast paced read by Ethan Cross. Good build up of characters, with many twists and turns and lots of scarey moments too. I shall be looking forward to reading more from Ethan Cross in the future.
I really enjoyed reading this book. I could not put it down once I picked it up. The action keeps you on your toes and the characters are full of surprises. The main characters are Marcus, Maggie, Ackerman, and a man simply known as the Sheriff. This story keeps you interested the whole way through with its twists and turns. The serial killer (Ackerman) is so believable that he has you double checking your windows and doors at night. The ending completely blew me away! I was really pleased with this book.
This book is sold as a thriller and it certainly is at that. Its not too often that a book catches your interest at the start and hangs on thru the entire book. The last page was as suspenful as the first page. Highly recomend this. Its not one you can start and then put down. I had to read it in one long setting.
This book was great! It had me captured from the 1st page. I can't wait for more of the same. Mr. Cross you did an excellent job on your debut novel.
A bit creepy but really intriguing
I just finished this book on my Kindle. I loved it. It was very graphic and kind of creepy in places but I think that was "necessary" to understand the characters. You get the opportunity to know and care about these people just before the serial killer does to them such unimaginable horrors. And then you start really wondering about this new character Marcus. Good guy? Bad guy? And then the twist at the end??? Yep, this one kept me glued to my Kindle. Now I want to know - when is the next one coming out? There just HAS to be a "next one" right???
it def keeps you entertained. the main characters (marcus) has a smartass mouth and its amusing. i loved it, if this is your genre than its worth getting. its an easy read but very enjoyable!
the plot has great twists and turns, keeps ya on your toes!
the plot has great twists and turns, keeps ya on your toes!
At first I didn't think I'd finish this book as it appeared to be all over the place in the beginning. However, I did finish it and the ending made it worth the read. It was a little more graphic than I normally like and was more graphic than needed to describe a point. I would give it a 3
This is one of the best mysteries I have ever read. It was hard to put this book down.The ending will surprise you.
Marcus Williams is trying to start over after his controversial dismissal from the NYPD. He escapes to small town Asherton, TX, where he has inherited a ranch from his aunt. While Marcus settles into his new surroundings, he quickly stumbles into a living nightmare. Francis Ackerman, Jr., a notorious serial killer, has also set his sights on Asherton and has begun one of his trademark murder sprees. Marcus wants to lend his experience to the local police, but nothing is as it seems in Asherton. Marcus now finds himself caught in the middle of a madman's crosshairs and a conspiracy with deep roots in the government. As Marcus tries to make sense of the chaos around him, he strives to hold on to the integrity and honor that have always driven him. Marcus must now balance that goodness with the shadows of his past in order to stop the evil that has invaded Asherton.
The Shepherd is a nice twist on the familiar serial killer genre, bringing loads of surprises and twists around every corner. Francis Ackerman Jr., is one sick man and Cross excels in transporting the reader into his depraved persona. This is one villain who will make your skin crawl as you find yourself hanging onto his every diabolical word. Indeed, this character may be too much for some readers, but I thought he really fit with the tone of the novel.
Marcus Williams is the perfect hero to root for, complete with flaws and a sordid past. I love characters who follow their heart despite the world around them, and that's exactly what Cross gives us here. Nothing makes sense around Marcus, but he never stops fighting for what is right. This is the perfect character to build a series around, and the ending seems to point us in that direction.
These dynamic characters carry this story, giving us some great dialogue throughout, balanced by a well executed plot. Some readers will feel like the scope of the conspiracy and the horrific past of Ackerman are a bit far-fetched, but in the end I just had a lot of fun with those elements. So much fun in fact, that I can't wait to see what Cross delivers next.
All in all, this a solid debut for Ethan Cross, an author who looks to have a bright future in the thriller genre.
The Shepherd is a nice twist on the familiar serial killer genre, bringing loads of surprises and twists around every corner. Francis Ackerman Jr., is one sick man and Cross excels in transporting the reader into his depraved persona. This is one villain who will make your skin crawl as you find yourself hanging onto his every diabolical word. Indeed, this character may be too much for some readers, but I thought he really fit with the tone of the novel.
Marcus Williams is the perfect hero to root for, complete with flaws and a sordid past. I love characters who follow their heart despite the world around them, and that's exactly what Cross gives us here. Nothing makes sense around Marcus, but he never stops fighting for what is right. This is the perfect character to build a series around, and the ending seems to point us in that direction.
These dynamic characters carry this story, giving us some great dialogue throughout, balanced by a well executed plot. Some readers will feel like the scope of the conspiracy and the horrific past of Ackerman are a bit far-fetched, but in the end I just had a lot of fun with those elements. So much fun in fact, that I can't wait to see what Cross delivers next.
All in all, this a solid debut for Ethan Cross, an author who looks to have a bright future in the thriller genre.
This book was amazing!!! I didn't want to even put it down. The suspense was so exciting. I can't wait for the next one. He is a great author and I will defiantly read all his books that come out!!
The blurb on the cover of `The Shepherd' by Ethan Cross states that this book is the "Silence of the Lambs meets the Bourne Identity". I totally agree with that description. The villain Francis Ackerman, Jr. is truly frightening. His father trained him to be that way from the beginning of his childhood. Why did his father want to create such a monster?
This book flowed very quickly but the descriptions of the violence against the victims chilled me so much that I had to take breaks from reading it. I would have like the book better if there were breaks but I did read this book as a sort of test to myself to see what I could stand fright wise.
Both the villain and Marcus Williams caught up in a conspiracy that reached to the top of the nation. This conspiracy makes you consider what is right and wrong. The end justifies the means is an old argument that fuels the conspiracy.
I recommend this book for everyone who likes a scary thriller.
I received this book as a win in a GoodReads contest but my review was in no way influenced by that. My thoughts are my own.
This book flowed very quickly but the descriptions of the violence against the victims chilled me so much that I had to take breaks from reading it. I would have like the book better if there were breaks but I did read this book as a sort of test to myself to see what I could stand fright wise.
Both the villain and Marcus Williams caught up in a conspiracy that reached to the top of the nation. This conspiracy makes you consider what is right and wrong. The end justifies the means is an old argument that fuels the conspiracy.
I recommend this book for everyone who likes a scary thriller.
I received this book as a win in a GoodReads contest but my review was in no way influenced by that. My thoughts are my own.
Marcus Williams is a former NYC homicide detective with a haunted past. After wanting to leave that life behind him, Marcus moves to a small town in Texas where he inherited a ranch from his late aunt.
On his first day in town he meets and helps Maggie, the Sheriff's daughter, out of a dangerous situation. Soon enough he meets the town Sherriff who informs Marcus about a killer on the loose.
There is a serial killer named Francis Ackerman Jr. who has escaped from a mental hospital and has been on a murder spree. Suffering at the hands of his demented father as a child, Ackerman was almost 'trained' to become the monster that he now is.
His latest victim happens to be a woman named Maureen Hill, Marcus' neighbor. When Marcus stumbles upon the gruesome crime scene, he soon becomes a suspect and finds himself having to run for his own life.
What ensues is a hunt for the serial killer with a conspiracy that spreads further than Marcus could possibly have imagined. Marcus does not know who he can trust or if he will be able to stop Ackerman and save innocent people, let alone clear his own name in the process.
The book's storyline goes from Marcus to Ackerman and ends with the two finally facing off, good vs. evil.
Author Ethan Cross keeps the story going at full speed until the final page. This one has a shock ending that really took me for surprise.
He also creates interesting characters, each with a story of their own and as you read you get a sense of the rhyme and reason behind their actions.
Reminiscent of Dean Koontz, who is a favorite of mine, Ethan Cross' writing had me on the edge of my seat wondering what was going to happen next. Well written and full of action, I really enjoyed this one.
Highly recommended for fans of this genre or for anyone looking for a thrilling read. The Shepherd is the first book in a series of thrillers. I will definitely be keeping an eye out for the next book in this series.
On his first day in town he meets and helps Maggie, the Sheriff's daughter, out of a dangerous situation. Soon enough he meets the town Sherriff who informs Marcus about a killer on the loose.
There is a serial killer named Francis Ackerman Jr. who has escaped from a mental hospital and has been on a murder spree. Suffering at the hands of his demented father as a child, Ackerman was almost 'trained' to become the monster that he now is.
His latest victim happens to be a woman named Maureen Hill, Marcus' neighbor. When Marcus stumbles upon the gruesome crime scene, he soon becomes a suspect and finds himself having to run for his own life.
What ensues is a hunt for the serial killer with a conspiracy that spreads further than Marcus could possibly have imagined. Marcus does not know who he can trust or if he will be able to stop Ackerman and save innocent people, let alone clear his own name in the process.
The book's storyline goes from Marcus to Ackerman and ends with the two finally facing off, good vs. evil.
Author Ethan Cross keeps the story going at full speed until the final page. This one has a shock ending that really took me for surprise.
He also creates interesting characters, each with a story of their own and as you read you get a sense of the rhyme and reason behind their actions.
Reminiscent of Dean Koontz, who is a favorite of mine, Ethan Cross' writing had me on the edge of my seat wondering what was going to happen next. Well written and full of action, I really enjoyed this one.
Highly recommended for fans of this genre or for anyone looking for a thrilling read. The Shepherd is the first book in a series of thrillers. I will definitely be keeping an eye out for the next book in this series.
Couldn't put it down. You could actually feel the characters. I was scared, in love, in fear for my life, sympathetic, extremely angry, suprised on many occasions and cried. This book really brought out all of my emotions and I LOVED IT!! The only question I have now is when will we get to see it in the full feature film medium????
An original, well written thriller.
I usually don't read a lot of thrillers, but that has now changed when it comes to Ethan Cross. What I liked most about this book was the writing. It was beautiful. It flowed so easily and had some great original dialogue. The author could have easily used cliches, but he didn't. It's very original and suspenseful. I wasn't expecting to like this book, but I was hooked after the third page. It was great to read such a fresh, original, well written book, that I couldn't predict the ending for.
The Shepherd is a spectacular thriller!
The Shepherd by Ethan Cross is one of the best thrillers I have read in a long time and will go down as one of my favorites! It's an intense thrill ride you won't believe! There are twists around every corner and many of them I did not see coming!
This book probably isn't for the faint of heart. The killer in this story is sick and twisted beyond belief! I actually found myself getting a little case of the heebie-jeebies and double checking my door locks. (Not that it would matter to this guy!) And I don't scare easily. I love thrillers and scary movies!
I VERY highly recommend this book! It is very well written and the story is unique and full of fabulous twists! The characters are really great. I hated and feared the villain, and I rooted for the hero and loved his character! I was truly amazed by all the twists. A fabulous story and fantastic writing! I absolutely cannot wait to see what's next from this author! I certainly hope we can look forward to more! This fan will be standing in line for more!
This book probably isn't for the faint of heart. The killer in this story is sick and twisted beyond belief! I actually found myself getting a little case of the heebie-jeebies and double checking my door locks. (Not that it would matter to this guy!) And I don't scare easily. I love thrillers and scary movies!
I VERY highly recommend this book! It is very well written and the story is unique and full of fabulous twists! The characters are really great. I hated and feared the villain, and I rooted for the hero and loved his character! I was truly amazed by all the twists. A fabulous story and fantastic writing! I absolutely cannot wait to see what's next from this author! I certainly hope we can look forward to more! This fan will be standing in line for more!
What an amazing suspense novel! Couldn't wait to turn each page but at the same time was scared to see what was going to happen next. As a matter of fact, I'm still wondering about a few questions that weren't answered. So, I will anxiously await the second book....there is a second book, isn't there??
Francis Ackerman Jr. is a mad man. He has been terrorizing people across many states and the only trace that Francis was ever there was the wake of bloody bodies that he leaves.
Marcus Williams has just moved into a new town. Marcus could not expect that his first job would come so quickly. It seems that Francis has made his way into the same town as Marcus. Now these two men must face each other. There can only be one winner. Who will be the Shepherd?
A book that receives high praises from author, Andrew Gross has my interest peaked. The Shepherd is worthy of the praise. Be warned as I pretty much read this book in one afternoon. Francis is one sick, twisted individual. The way Francis played his games, reminded me of Jigsaw from the Saw movies. Marcus has the backbone to stand toe to toe with Francis. The ending is the perfect lead up to the next book. The Shepherd will not lead you astray but down a path of horror, chills, suspense, great characters and an equally fantastic story line! I plan to keep a very close watch on Mr. Cross and what he comes out with next.
Marcus Williams has just moved into a new town. Marcus could not expect that his first job would come so quickly. It seems that Francis has made his way into the same town as Marcus. Now these two men must face each other. There can only be one winner. Who will be the Shepherd?
A book that receives high praises from author, Andrew Gross has my interest peaked. The Shepherd is worthy of the praise. Be warned as I pretty much read this book in one afternoon. Francis is one sick, twisted individual. The way Francis played his games, reminded me of Jigsaw from the Saw movies. Marcus has the backbone to stand toe to toe with Francis. The ending is the perfect lead up to the next book. The Shepherd will not lead you astray but down a path of horror, chills, suspense, great characters and an equally fantastic story line! I plan to keep a very close watch on Mr. Cross and what he comes out with next.
Marcus was once a New York homicide detective, but after a bad experience, he left that all behind and moved to a ranch in Texas. In an attempt to escape his checkered past, Marcus tries to settle into life in the south. But soon, he finds himself running from the law. And to make matters worse, there's a psychopathic serial killer in the area, torturing his victims and then tearing them apart (this book is not for the faint of heart).
One minute we're with Marcus as he tries to evade the cops who are after him. The next, we're in the mind of the killer as he torments his next victim. In The Shepherd, Ethan Cross takes us on a wild ride through two storylines that bring Marcus and the killer together in what seems like a fated connection, one that will make both men re-evaluate their lives and their futures.
I hesitated accepting this book for review because I was concerned it might be too scary for me. It was definitely one of the scariest books I've read in a very long time, and gruesome in many parts, but I'm glad I read it. It was an excellent thriller ~ an engaging page-turner that I had a hard time putting down. I will admit that it literally gave me nightmares, but it was worth it.
Although The Shepherd is a standalone book, it is the first in a future series that sounds intriguing. I'll definitely be watching for next one to come out. If you're a fan of thrillers, and don't mind a little gore, I definitely recommend this book. What scared me the most was the fact that the serial killer often hid in people's homes and attacked them there, so if that is going to scare you too much, this may not be a good book for you. But if you like a scary thriller with lots of action, check it out.
One minute we're with Marcus as he tries to evade the cops who are after him. The next, we're in the mind of the killer as he torments his next victim. In The Shepherd, Ethan Cross takes us on a wild ride through two storylines that bring Marcus and the killer together in what seems like a fated connection, one that will make both men re-evaluate their lives and their futures.
I hesitated accepting this book for review because I was concerned it might be too scary for me. It was definitely one of the scariest books I've read in a very long time, and gruesome in many parts, but I'm glad I read it. It was an excellent thriller ~ an engaging page-turner that I had a hard time putting down. I will admit that it literally gave me nightmares, but it was worth it.
Although The Shepherd is a standalone book, it is the first in a future series that sounds intriguing. I'll definitely be watching for next one to come out. If you're a fan of thrillers, and don't mind a little gore, I definitely recommend this book. What scared me the most was the fact that the serial killer often hid in people's homes and attacked them there, so if that is going to scare you too much, this may not be a good book for you. But if you like a scary thriller with lots of action, check it out.
Wow! I highly recommend this to anyone needing a thriller/psychopath fix. Fast read with characters that are very interesting. I am looking forward to another novel with some of the same characters in it. Great twists- you will never guess how it ends.
There's a school of thought here at Amazon and elsewhere that the only legitimate review of a book can stem from the reviewer having finished it. I, on the other hand, subscribe to the notion that a book is like an egg. One doesn't need to finish it to determine that it's rotten.
In this book's case, the problem of good or rotten isn't quite that simple. It's better than competently written and paced. The characterizations are well done. The settings well drawn. So why the three stars and why didn't I finish more than halfway through this one?
It's simple. The sadistic nature of this book is well beyond that which I can stomach for 'entertainment'. It was way over. I forced myself to continue beyond the first few torture scenes, but drew the line when ONE of the evil characters was setting up to torture a young woman and her two very small children. I had had enough and nothing was going to cause me to continue.
There is also a certain overlay of implausibility here. Frex, during one attack scene set inside a small house, a killer calmly walks after his intended victim when she's running to get a knife but then, runs after her when she decides to get a gun. How'd he know that he could stroll one time but must run the second time? This same killer seems impossible to catch, but does, in fact, get caught by a fat old sheriff and his Barney Fife deputy (only to escape).
I could get over the implausibilities easily, but not the sickening torture scenes. If you aren't bothered by sadism lovingly described in great detail, and also enjoy a well paced thriller, this one may be for you. If you, like me, have trouble finding entertainment in tortured deaths of innocents - proceed with care.
In this book's case, the problem of good or rotten isn't quite that simple. It's better than competently written and paced. The characterizations are well done. The settings well drawn. So why the three stars and why didn't I finish more than halfway through this one?
It's simple. The sadistic nature of this book is well beyond that which I can stomach for 'entertainment'. It was way over. I forced myself to continue beyond the first few torture scenes, but drew the line when ONE of the evil characters was setting up to torture a young woman and her two very small children. I had had enough and nothing was going to cause me to continue.
There is also a certain overlay of implausibility here. Frex, during one attack scene set inside a small house, a killer calmly walks after his intended victim when she's running to get a knife but then, runs after her when she decides to get a gun. How'd he know that he could stroll one time but must run the second time? This same killer seems impossible to catch, but does, in fact, get caught by a fat old sheriff and his Barney Fife deputy (only to escape).
I could get over the implausibilities easily, but not the sickening torture scenes. If you aren't bothered by sadism lovingly described in great detail, and also enjoy a well paced thriller, this one may be for you. If you, like me, have trouble finding entertainment in tortured deaths of innocents - proceed with care.
I got this for free but I would have paid full price for it had I know how thrilling it would be. Great book with a very human hero. I look forward to more books from this author and hopefully this as a series.
This book is well written, the characters are interesting, the plot is exciting, and I didn't see the ending coming. I read a lot, so when an author can "fool" me- they get a 4 star review :) That being said, I agree with other reviewers in that there are holes in the story- things that don't quite mesh or don't fit in well. You somehow miss this because the whole plot revolves around 'not knowing' things; not sure if the author wrote it like this on purpose. Highly recommend this book- ESPECIALLY because it is FREE on Kindle right now. Even if it weren't free- I'd pay for it :)
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Not that it is badly written.
Because it is not, not at all. In fact it is very well written.
It is a complicated story, with a good number of characters and the author is very successful at keeping it all straight in the reader's mind. And it is not because the characters are not good, because again, this is not an issue. The first major character, serial killer Ackerman is as creepy and scary as any serial killer I have ever read. Ever. It is not so much any physical description of the crimes, although that may be an issue for the more weak stomached reader, but rather the relentless psychological attacks on his victims. Disturbing stuff, but interesting stuff too, because it will make many readers question what they might do in the same situation.
The other major character, Marcus, is as interesting in his own way. He is an ex-cop, a man very able to handle himself in just about every situation, but a man dealing with a troubling, secret past. And again, when his past is revealed, the reader is forced to reconsider both their opinion of Marcus and that they would have done in his place. Again and again the question is raised, does the end ever justify the means?
Then what was the problem, why did I not like this book at first?
Well, there are two distinct stories, one about a serial killer, Ackerman and one about Marcus and how he comes upon this government conspiracy. And while the two stories interconnect to a degree, it just seemed like one story too many. Serial killer...fine. Conspiracy plot...fine. Together...why?
Then, there seemed to be a number of things that were a bit off, holes in the story, as it were. You may have noticed that I read a lot of mysteries and maybe that is why these little things jump out at me but it started to seem a bit careless of the author to have caught these mistakes.
Well, things are not always what they seem.
I will say no more, but just keep in mind if you read this book, that sometimes you have to look below the surface and when these other layers are revealed toward the later part of the book...well, I was totally surprised and totally turned around in my view of the book from lukewarm to positive. My only fear is for some readers that reward may be too late in coming, but I hope that is not the case. Nevertheless, it cost 1 star off in my opinion.
I would give this 3 and a half stars if that is possible, but since it is not, I will go lower, maybe to offset some of those 5 stars. Beware a number of those 5 star reviews for this book I think. They seem to be written by people who have never reviewed a book here before and for some reason feel compelled to review just this one. Just makes me wonder...