The Killing of Faith: A Suspense Thriller You Won't Soon Forget. (The Killing of Faith Series Book 1)

by William Holms

  The

  Killing

  of

  Faith

  William Holms

  TABLE OF CONTENTS

  — REVIEWS AND ACCOLADES —

  –START THE SEQUEL–

  –PRESENT MOMENT–

  – CHAPTER 1 –

  – CHAPTER 2 –

  – CHAPTER 3 –

  – CHAPTER 4 –

  – CHAPTER 5 –

  – CHAPTER 6 –

  – CHAPTER 7 –

  – CHAPTER 8 –

  – CHAPTER 9 –

  – CHAPTER 10 –

  – CHAPTER 11 –

  – CHAPTER 12 –

  – CHAPTER 13 –

  – CHAPTER 14 –

  – CHAPTER 15 –

  – CHAPTER 16 –

  – CHAPTER 17 –

  – CHAPTER 18 –

  – CHAPTER 19 –

  – CHAPTER 20 –

  – CHAPTER 21 –

  – CHAPTER 22 –

  – CHAPTER 23 –

  – CHAPTER 24 –

  – CHAPTER 25 –

  – CHAPTER 26 –

  – CHAPTER 27 –

  – CHAPTER 28 –

  – CHAPTER 29 –

  – CHAPTER 30 –

  – CHAPTER 31 –

  – CHAPTER 32 –

  – CHAPTER 33 –

  – CHAPTER 34 –

  – CHAPTER 35 –

  – CHAPTER 36 –

  – CHAPTER 37 –

  – CHAPTER 38 –

  – CHAPTER 39 –

  – CHAPTER 40 –

  – CHAPTER 41 –

  – CHAPTER 42 –

  – CHAPTER 43 –

  – CHAPTER 44 –

  – CHAPTER 45 –

  – CHAPTER 46 –

  – CHAPTER 47 –

  – CHAPTER 48 –

  – CHAPTER 49 –

  – CHAPTER 50 –

  – CHAPTER 51 –

  – CHAPTER 52 –

  – CHAPTER 53 –

  – CHAPTER 54 –

  – CHAPTER 55 –

  – CHAPTER 56 –

  – CHAPTER 57 –

  – CHAPTER 58 –

  – CHAPTER 59 –

  – EPILOGUE –

  ABOUT THE AUTHOR

  ACKNOWLEDGMENT

  — REVIEWS AND ACCOLADES —

  “The gripping story effectively shows how damaging one apparently simple lie can be. A woman's dreadful, unpredictable love life proves riveting"

  —Kirkus Reviews

  ★★★★★

  Faith is a mother who is down on her luck and done with love. She is a woman many readers can relate to. We've all read a tale that begins similar to this, but the distinctive trait for Faith's chronicle is the dark turn it takes. The Killing of Faith doesn't pull any punches. If you are looking for a twisted thriller similar to Gillian Flynn or Stieg Larsson then look no further. Holms creates a fascinating psychological thriller that you will not be able to put down.

  —Reedsy Review

  ★★★★★

  ”The Killing of Faith by William Holms is truly different from any thrillers I’ve previously read.... just when we all think all is well, the author throws in another shocking twist that leaves everyone asking, “What just happened?” As we watch Faith’s misfortunes mount, the book becomes very informative, but if I were to tell you in what way, I’d spoil the story for you. In short, read it for yourself. You’ll love it. A terrific book and great writing. Highly recommended.”

  —Reader’s Favorite Book Review

  ★★★★★

  ”If you are looking for a fresh suspense/thriller, you should look no further than “The Killing of Faith” by William Holms. This book will take you on a thrilling journey of the rise and fall of a woman. The brilliant thing about the book is its growing suspense. And this suspense is a testament to the skills of William Holms. This tense anticipation is the main driving force that keeps you flipping page after page. The Killing of Faith” is a captivating read.”

  —Best Seller’s World

  ★★★★★

  “The author’s descriptive prose is easy to understand and keeps the reader intrigued with unexpected twists, especially a stunning one at the end. In enthusiastically recommend.”

  —Online Book Club

  ★★★★★

  “The author’s descriptive prose is easy to understand and keeps the reader intrigued with unexpected twists, especially a stunning one at the end. In enthusiastically recommend.” “The Killing of Faith by William Holms is a captivating novel told by the main character, Faith. All I can say is, wow! The Killing of Faith by William Holms is a powerful book filled with exceptional character development, an extremely detailed plotline and, when the final twist comes, the reader is left stunned in disbelief. This book is so well written, so well developed that I highly recommend everyone to pick up their copy of The Killing of Faith. You will not be disappointed. The reader will find themselves hanging on every word. Holms has created a riveting story filled with intrigue, love, unhappiness, and the true dysfunctionality of the world.”

  —Reader’s Favorite Book Review

  WHAT READERS ARE SAYING

  ★★★★★ "If you love a book that grabs you from the beginning and doesn't let up, this is a must read. If you love a book that makes you go OMG throughout it, this is a must read. If you love a book that the ending completely turns everything you thought into a fantastic twist, this is a must read!!!" —Victor Stowe

  ★★★★★ "WOW. The more you read the better it gets. As a wife, I was becoming very upset with The wife of the story and her decisions. Just goes to show you that be careful what you wish for and to be grateful for what you have. This was an awesome story and I highly recommend." — PdhForever

  ★★★★★ "The chapters are quick and easy to fly through as you are continually pulled to find out what her next misstep will be that leads to her ultimate misery described at the onset. There is a constant struggle of who to trust and that feeling of "things are going way too well" that you know something is about to go terribly wrong. Just when you think the ending couldn't be more predictable, there's a shocking Gone Girl-level twist. It's not a feel good story, however I like that it leaves you feeling extremely thankful for all the simple things you might take for granted in your life. I'm hoping for a sequel!" — Annalee

  ★★★★★ "This was a great book about love, lust, betrayal and revenge. The twist at the end is impossible to see coming and will shock you!" — Luke Williams

  ★★★★★ "The book description delivers on what it said. This book is indeed a shocking thriller with a twist you never saw coming…I liked the interesting characters, the twist, the witty plots and especially the ending which caught me off guard as I didn't expect it to blow me away. If there is a future sequel to follow, I would want to follow it. Book has a great story premise, great writing." — Marta Nater

  ★★★★★. "So...I received my copy of the book "The killing of faith" and started reading it at about 8pm. It started flowing and I didn't want to stop. I had to know where it was going. I couldn't.... (and you won't) foresee what's going to happen. I read all night and finished at 7:30am. So..was it good? It was as good or better than any suspense book or movie that I have ever seen. This is Alfread Hitchcock. it was not good..... It was great." — Dean.

  BOOK TWO: THE BEGI
NNING OF HOPE

  _____________________________________

  I sincerely thank you for reading my first novel. I hope you enjoy it and will leave a great review so other readers will get it.

  Want more? Faith’s story continues with the incredible sequel,

  –– The Beginning of Hope ––

  It’s now available to purchase!

  I’m currently working on the next book in the series –

  The Fall of Grace. Sign up for my reader group below and get:

  The first chapters of The Beginning of Hope;

  I’ll notify you when The Fall of Grace is released;

  Receive other free books and giveaways;

  Learn more about the author;

  Leave comments, discuss the novels, or request a signed copy

  I look forward to hearing from you.

  SIGN UP AT THE WEBSITE BELOW

  https://www.williamholms.com/contact

  PART ONE

  __________________

  THE BEGINNING

  I think our life is a journey, and we make mistakes, and it’s how we learn from those mistakes and rebound from those mistakes that sets us on the path that we’re meant to be on.

  — Jay Ellis

  Honesty pays, but it don’t seem to pay enough to suit some people.

  —Frank McKinney “Kin” Hubbard

  PRESENT MOMENT

  I‘m not a very good writer. I’ve never even kept a diary. I wanted to get my story down long ago because people need to know what happened to me. It was just too difficult. I haven’t seen a computer or laptop in years. They wouldn’t even give me a pen, a pencil, or anything to write on. I’m being watched twenty-four hours a day. Everywhere I go, everything I say, and everything I do is being monitored. I’m sure they’ll track my thoughts as soon as they figure out how.

  I’m not a young girl anymore, but I’m not as old as I look. Every now and then I get a glimpse at my reflection and I don’t even recognize the person I’ve become. My once radiant skin is now sunburnt. My beautiful blonde hair is full of tangles and knots. My lips, which were always soft and inviting, are dry and chapped. My hands are calloused, my nails are broken, and my body is covered in open sores. If you look close, you’ll find the only part of me the world hasn’t stolen: my bright blue eyes still sparkle as brightly as ever when they’re not filled with tears.

  There once was a time when I had it all—nice clothes, expensive jewelry, a fancy car, a big house, and my beautiful children. Now they’re all gone. Some people say money can’t buy happiness. Maybe so, but it sure can buy away a lot of unhappiness. I don’t need fancy clothes, but it’d be really nice to at least have clothes to wear. I don’t need a big house, but is it asking too much to have a pillow to lay my head on? My children—well that’s a whole different story.

  Now I know why people pray for death. There’s a small, dark place between life and death that few people even know exists. It’s so dark and it leaves you so helpless and so hopeless that it sucks all the light from your soul. Death is the only way out.

  One day at a time … that’s what I keep telling myself … one day at a time. I still have my faith so I keep praying that some miracle will come along and save me. Well, at this point, I’d be happy for just a small glimmer of hope.

  Where did it all go so wrong you ask? I’ve asked myself that question many, many times. Things started going badly, and then snowballed out of control. Now I can’t go forward, and I can’t go back. Even if I could, how far back would I have to go to end this nightmare and get my life back on track again? This is not the way my life was supposed to turn out.

  I hope you’ll forgive me if I don’t say everything right. Telling my story will take some time and, quite frankly, I don’t have a lot of time left. For most of my life I didn't want to accept it, but if I’m being honest I have to admit that I might be responsible for the bad things that happened in my life. You see, we’re all a product of the choices we make in life – both good and bad. It’s impossible to understand how I got where I am today without knowing me—the real me.

  You’d never believe this if it weren’t true. As impossible as it is to believe, what happened to me could happen to anyone! Where do I start? I guess I’ll start at the beginning.

  – CHAPTER 1 –

  My brother and I were born and raised in Georgia. I’m a southern girl by name and by temperament. I’m the youngest and I’ve always been Daddy’s little girl. He hates it when I cry or get my feelings hurt. This is how I first learned the fine art of pouting. It always works like a charm. My mom lays down the law, and my dad pardons all my transgressions.

  My parents named me Faith, and I’ve always loved my name. Before I was even born my dad screwed a wooden plaque to the wall of my bedroom right beside my light switch. It has a little red cardinal sitting on a flowery branch that read:

  “Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.—Hebrews 11:1”

  When I was fifteen, I painted my room light purple, and it was easier to paint around the plaque than to take it down. As far as I know, it’s still hanging there. I must have read that plaque a thousand times, but until now I never really knew what those words meant.

  I was born with everything a little girl could want—blonde hair, bright blue eyes, and a sweet little face. My skin is soft and pale with freckles peppered across my dainty little nose and cheeks. My smile turns heads and melts hearts. I’m the shortest in my class with straight, skinny legs and no curves. I’ve always looked younger than my age. I hated this when I was little. but it’s worked to my advantage the older I get.

  I’m a lot like every other little girl my age. I like to watch television, play Barbies, dress up, put on makeup, paint my fingernails, sing karaoke, roller skate, swim, and play house. Our bikes mean freedom, and the best way to find your friends is to look for the pile of bicycles in front of someone’s house. We ride bikes, swim in the community pool, and skate on Friday night to a disco ball hanging from the ceiling and the Bee Gee’s singing “Staying Alive” through the overhead speakers. We have our whole lives ahead of us, and not a care in the world.

  Now I hit my teenage years. I’m growing up in the eighties. I’m not part of any sexual revolution, we have nothing left to protest, and we don’t need mind-altering drugs to discover who we really are. I wasn’t named Daisy, Rosie, Sunflower, Lilly, Tulip, or any other flower. No, my name is Faith, and my name says a lot about me. I wasn’t raised in church, but every time I faced tough times, my dad would say, “Just have faith, Faith.”

  A giant twenty-inch color television sits in the corner of our living room with cable, a remote control, and more channels than I know what to do with. MTV plays all day and night and I dream of being the next MTV video jockey, Martha Quinn. The highest calling for my girlfriends and me is to shop, and shop, and shop some more, so we live at the malls springing up everywhere. Brooke Shields looks at me and tells me to wear Calvin Klein jeans—even if one pair costs more than my parents make in a week. My shoes have to be Reeboks, Clearasil clears up the pimples on my face, everyone who wears short shorts needs Nair, and there’s nothing more refreshing than a Coke and a smile. All I want for Christmas is a Sony Walkman so I can listen to Michael Jackson singing Billie Jean. I dress just like Madonna because we’re all material girls living in a material world. Who could ask for more?

  School doesn’t come easy for me. I’m just not good at tests. This fact is confirmed by eight years of bad report cards. I can study twice as long as my brother, and make half the grade, although, I don’t know if this is actually true because I stopped studying altogether by the sixth grade. You see, school and studying are a complete waste of time. I couldn’t care less what X stands for, where Europe is located on a map, or who fought who in World War II. Why should I? All my doors are opened by my looks, not my brains! No one looks at me and says, “You’re such a smart little girl,” but so many boys, girls, relatives, tea
chers, and complete strangers remind me again and again how beautiful I am. The only reason I pass from one grade to the next is because some silly boy with thick glasses is happy to spend his whole night beside me helping with my homework, and because I always get a good look at his answers during the tests.

  I may not be smart, but I have what counts the most—I’m beautiful, I’m a high school cheerleader, and I’m desired by both sexes. At my school, you’re defined by who you sit next to. I sit next to all the cool kids, and go to all the best parties. I never learn to face rejection because I’m the one doing all the rejecting. If I break up with one boy, the news travels at the speed of light, and another boy asks me out before I can change my locker photos. High school years are the best!

  My mother and father both work long, late hours, and leave my brother and me at home alone. He’s in charge because he’s one of those boys who never get in trouble. He studies as if his life depends on it. He does his best, but I know my parents’ work schedule better than he does. I can leave as soon as he falls asleep, and be back in bed before my parents walk in the front door. By the time I’m fifteen, I have a cute and innocent face, soft curves, and straight, skinny legs. It’s all a recipe for disaster.

  My whole life changes the summer before my sophomore year. If I had to pinpoint one day when everything started going off track, this day would be the day. My friends and I are cruising Main Street looking for boys. For those who didn’t grow up in small-town USA, “cruising” is when you drive up and down the street, until you either run out of gas, get hassled by the cops, or park with friends and drink beer. After circling two or three times, we park next to a group of boys from our school who are busy drinking beer. In the middle of the crowd is a new guy I’ve never seen before. Every time I look over my shoulder, this new guy’s staring right at me. He looks older than everyone else, and he’s the center of their conversation. Every time he smiles, I look away. After an hour or so he walks right up and offers me a beer.