First published 2011
Pastor Michael Johns commands his congregation with absolute authority. He preaches that they must cleanse the world of demons and monsters, starting with their own families. Johns tells his followers that unresponsive loved ones are possessed by Satan. Only one method can save the possessed: removing their hearts before death claims their souls. Bodies begin appearing across North Lauderdale, Sunrise, and Hollywood, Florida, all missing their hearts. Lieutenant Steve Richardson and his partner Detective Nicolette Rancher from Sunrise Police catch the case. They initially suspect outsiders are targeting the church and single mothers. The detectives soon discover the church members are killing their own. Richardson and Rancher race to stop the congregation and expose Johns before more die. Time runs short as neither detective realizes Nicolette has been marked as the next target.
Genres: suspense, mystery, crime, thriller
Vibes: dark, fast-paced, suspenseful
Tropes: cat-and-mouse, race-against-time
Setting: North Lauderdale, Sunrise, Hollywood, Florida
Period: 21st-century
ebook · Smashwords Edition
Content warnings: murder, violence