Sweet Emily 11042019
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Sweet Emily

Release Date: 11/04/2019

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about Sweet Emily

Detective Mike Palotti thought he’d seen it all until a bizarre series of murders begins plaguing Dallas and Tulsa. The killer’s signature? Victims whose names spell out city names, leaving law enforcement baffled and racing against time to prevent the next murder.

Enter Emily Morgan – brilliant, beautiful, and conducting research on police procedures. As Mike falls deeper under her spell, he finds himself torn between his professional instincts and a passionate affair that clouds his judgment. But Emily harbors dark secrets, and nothing is as it seems.

When fellow detective John Baldwin commits suicide and a mysterious Russian operative surfaces in the investigation, Mike must confront the possibility that the woman he loves might be orchestrating the perfect murder spree. In a heart-pounding game of cat and mouse, Mike discovers that sometimes the most dangerous predators are the ones closest to our hearts.

“Sweet Emily” is a masterfully crafted psychological thriller that will keep readers guessing until the final page. With its intricate plot, complex characters, and exploration of love’s deadly potential, this gripping novel proves that the line between hunter and hunted isn’t always clear.

Editorial Review ★★★★★

“Sweet Emily” is a masterfully crafted thriller that keeps readers guessing until the very end. This taut psychological suspense novel follows Detective Mike Palotti as he investigates a series of murders while becoming romantically entangled with the enigmatic Emily Morgan. Nichols expertly weaves together multiple plot threads – serial killings, international espionage, forbidden romance, and personal redemption – into a compelling narrative that’s hard to put down.

The character development is outstanding, particularly in how Nichols portrays Mike’s internal struggles between duty and desire. Emily is brilliantly written as a complex figure who keeps both Mike and readers wondering about her true nature until the shocking conclusion. The supporting cast, including Detective John Baldwin and Eric Westbrook, are equally well-drawn and integral to the plot.

What sets this thriller apart is Nichols’ attention to procedural detail and his ability to create genuine suspense through careful pacing. The novel builds tension gradually while dropping subtle clues that come together in a devastating climax. The author’s knowledge of law enforcement and covert operations adds authenticity to the story.

The writing is crisp and atmospheric, especially in scenes set in the American Southwest. Nichols has a particular talent for describing both the stark beauty of the landscape and the darkness that lurks beneath seemingly ordinary facades.

This is a sophisticated thriller that delivers on multiple levels – as a procedural, a character study, and a meditation on truth, desire and redemption. Highly recommended for fans of complex psychological suspense who appreciate intricate plotting and morally ambiguous characters. A thoroughly engrossing read that will stay with you long after the final page.

About This Author

Thomas J. Nichols brings a rare blend of law enforcement expertise and storytelling prowess to his literary works. His journey as a writer began with bedtime stories for his children in the 1970s, spinning tales beneath the starlit Santa Catalina Mountains of Arizona. While serving as Chief of Police for both Tucson and Lubbock Police Departments, Nichols honed his writing skills crafting policies, procedures, and groundbreaking research on Community Oriented Policing. After a distinguished career in law enforcement, Nichols channeled his deep understanding of criminal justice and national security into crafting compelling fiction. His debut novel, "Color of the Prism," achieved remarkable success and was optioned for a motion picture. His biblical novel, "The Third Dawn," continues to captivate readers, particularly during the Easter and Christmas seasons. Nichols is perhaps best known for his Christie Cole Trilogy—"Voices in the Fog," "Arrows of Allah," and "The Spy Among Us"—which draws heavily from his law enforcement background to create gripping narratives of international intrigue. "Arrows of Allah," with its startlingly accurate portrayal of al-Qaeda operations, garnered attention across the Middle East, Russia, and China. His standalone thriller "Sweet Emily" showcases his expertise in criminal investigation through a chilling exploration of serial killer cases. A master of fact-based fiction, Nichols weaves real-world events and law enforcement expertise into page-turning narratives that blur the line between reality and fiction. His Border War series, including "Color of the Prism" and "We Were Young Once...," tackles the complex issues of drug and human trafficking along the U.S. border, demonstrating his commitment to addressing contemporary challenges through the lens of compelling storytelling. Nichols resides in Lubbock, Texas, where he continues to craft meticulously researched thrillers that draw from his decades of experience in law enforcement and his natural gift for storytelling.

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