by Didi Oviatt
One still shot after another; I flip through the images. They all have a scrawny, sickly-looking woman, around Blake’s age, with her eyes sunken in and her teeth half-missing. She laughs and jokes around with several men on a holey couch. To the side of the couch is a young girl, no older than five years. A thick circle with permanent marker frames her in every picture. She’s playing cards on a dirty floor with a half-eaten sandwich and a giant floppy sun hat next to her. The polish on her toes is a bubblegum pink.
I gasp. “Is she… yours?” I whisper.
“Yes,” he chokes. “The detective gave me the envelope today, after I left your flowers. I have to get her back, Carla. I have to find a way.”
I hold him close and allow a flow of my own tears to escape my eyes. “I’m yours,” I whisper, ready to help him find the young girl from my dream. The girl who felt like my own. The girl who called me C-ma. I place the photos back in their envelope, set it down with care on top of my towel and stand. His hands are warm inside of mine as I help pull him to his feet. He complies and follows me to the water.
Dear reader,
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Didi Oviatt and the Next Chapter Team
You might also like:
Time Wasters by Didi Oviatt
To read the first chapter for free, please head to:
https://www.nextchapter.pub/books/time-wasters
About the Author
Didi Oviatt is an intuitive soul. She's a wife and mother first, with one son and one daughter. Her thirst to write was developed at an early age, and she never looked back. After digging down deep and getting in touch with her literary self, she's writing mystery/thrillers like Search for Maylee, Justice for Belle, Aggravated Momentum, and Sketch, along with multiple short story collections. She's collaborated with Kim Knight in an ongoing interactive short story anthology, The Suspenseful Collection. Most recently, she published her first romance novella titled Skinny Dippin’ which was originally released as a part of the highly appraised Anthology, Sinners and Saints, When Didi doesn't have her nose buried in a book, she can be found enjoying a laid-back outdoorsy lifestyle. Time spent sleeping under the stars, hiking, fishing, and ATVing the back roads of beautiful mountain trails, and sun-bathing in the desert heat play an important part of her day to day lifestyle.
Listen to Didi Oviatt’s books on Audible:
https://www.audible.com/author/Didi-Oviatt/B00HVJJTLE
Where to find Didi:
https://didioviatt.wordpress.com
Also by Didi Oviatt
Search for Maylee: http://mybook.to/SearchMaylee
Since Maylee was abducted from her high school the very month of graduation, her aunt Autumn has never lost hope in finding her.
It’s been three years. Autumn has finally reached inside herself and found the courage to track down an old lead. She travels across the country to find more clues about Maylee's disappearance.
But will she be able to pry Maylee’s case back open, and what will she uncover in the process of searching for Maylee?
It’s a cold, dark world we live in, and Autumn is about to find out just how cruel it can be. But strength and determination are on her side, and she will do whatever it takes to deliver justice.
Aggravated Momentum: http://mybook.to/Aggravated
After sisters Markie and Kam get tangled with the wrong people at the wrong time, long-buried family secrets begin to emerge.
A serial killer is targeting people close to them. As danger inches closer and closer to home, twisted desires become a reality. The deeper they dig, the darker the secrets they find.
But who is the cold, calculated murderer, and can they find a way to survive?
Praise:
★★★★★ - "There is an authenticity to Ms. Oviatt's writing that is refreshing to experience in a thriller-type novel."
★★★★★ - "A murder mystery with plenty of drama, suspense and danger. Fans of mystery and thriller genres will love this book."
★★★★★ - "Fast-paced and full of twists I never saw coming. I was hooked immediately."
Justice for Belle: http://mybook.to/justiceforbelle
Ahnia has a very dicey past - one that is scratching under the surface, just dying to get out.
She’s hit rock bottom, broke and desperate to be on top again. When she finds herself partnering up with a man she hardly knows, and who’s utterly untouchable, she’s forced out of her comfort zone in every way.
Will Ahnia and Mac’s dangerous decision be a success, or will she find herself in the clutches of an unforgiving force, brought about by her childhood sin?
In this nail-biting thrill ride, no one is as they seem...and no one is truly safe with those they trust.
Sketch: http://mybook.to/sketch
When local girl Misty is found dead in an underground bunker, the town is thrown into a whirlwind of panic and speculation. Times are tough, but the spaced-out farmer community pulls together as one, trying to uncover who's guilty.
Thrown smack in the middle of the chaos is a group of teens: local troublemakers, but with good hearts. Although they’re innocent, the local law enforcers believe otherwise, and the true killer is lurking far too close for comfort.
Will the four be able to uncover the truth before one of them pays the price for Misty’s death?
The Suspenseful Collection (Vol. 1): For Mature Readers Only:
A suspenseful novel with a twist. Eight short stories, by two suspense authors, from diverse backgrounds. From opposite sides of the Atlantic these stories have been created. One author started the tale and the other ended it. No discussion, no pre-planning, but yet their stories are seamless. With just creativity and the use of writing prompts, to craft one tale, with two different writers. This anthology of suspenseful, fast paced and engaging tales covers multiple genres. From heart felt romance, crime, fantasy, and steamy historical fiction. There is a story for everyone!
Steamy Historical Crime Fiction: It was The First Time I Killed A Man.
It’s 1972 and New York’s first female serial killer Lisa Vanacilli is in the hot seat again, ten years after her conviction of murder to the first degree and innocent plea. The ruthless but sexy reporter Tiffany Low cracks Lisa for a confession… at a price. Lisa is strong, courageous and says it how it is. This story has been extended due to reader’s demand. And is only for adult readers.
Psychological Fiction: Every Time I Hear That Voice From The Basement.
George appears to be harmless. The local neighbourhood geek on the outside, married to Jolene. In reality, he’s a very disturbed man. His path crosses with Dana, the local check out girl. This is a psychological suspense story with a twist.
Crime Fiction: The Entrance To The Tunnel Is His Only Way Out.
Juan is a wanted man, and an ex-gang member on the run from Atlanta to Mexico. With a hundred grand in cash stolen from his ex-boss, he meets an unlikely fate in Mexico. A fast-paced crime fiction story.
Contemporary Romance: When His Hands Run Up My Thighs I…
Love has no time limit, age limit or use by date. Sarah now in her fifties is reunited with her long-lost love Joshua. They last had contact in 1961. In the present day, thanks to the advancement of technology their paths cross. A heart-warming and modern tale, about long distance love, that will leave you warm inside.
Suspense: We Only Said Goodbye With Words, I Died A Hundred Times:
In 1963 Russian Femme Fatale Mila Petrov is London’s top Madam. Her entertainment house is booming, she has a team of London’s strongest women behind her. Unfinished business from her past creeps up and haunts her. It’s no
thing she can’t handle. A suspenseful historical tale, with a strong femme fatale.
Fantasy: The Ones Who Live At The Bottom Of The Ocean, Come To The Surface.
A beautiful coming of age story, featuring sixteen year old Zoe and her mother May-Li. Myth becomes reality, as Zoe finds out who and what she really is. Her mixed descent reveals more than what meets the eye. This fantasy story is set against the backdrop of a Greek island and Hong Kong, China.
Suspenseful Crime Fiction: Guilty As Charged, In Self-Defence
California’s sassy, tough, and likeable defence lawyer Catherine has taken on a case so high profile, if she wins she’ll become a partner of Martin Law Firm. Defending forty six year old Mrs. Chevelle. An ex Las Vegas show girl, now a Hollywood wife, on trial for the murder of her high-profile husband. She claims she’s innocent. Readers are taken on a fast -paced journey on a mission to seek the truth.
Contemporary Fiction: It’s A Man’s Man’s World:
A beautiful modern tale showing the love and appreciation of a woman. James Brown said it right when he said, “it’s a man’s man’s world, but it would mean nothing without a woman or a girl.”
Blurred Lines (The Suspenseful Collection Vol. 2): For Mature Readers Only:
As the second installment of suspenseful short stories by two suspense authors, from diverse backgrounds, Blurred Lines offers a thrill ride with nine stories in genres across the board. From opposite sides of the Atlantic these stories have been created. One author started the tale and the other ended it. No discussion, no pre-planning, but yet their stories are seamless. With the use of writing prompts Kim and Didi have created tales that will tug at your heart strings, drop your jaws, and leave you clinging to the edge of your seat. From gory horror, romance, crime fiction, family drama, and fantasy, there is a story for everyone!
Crime Fiction, Psychological: “I’m Back Bitches, Now Panic!”
Lynn McCarmick has spent six years behind bars for a crime she didn’t commit, although she’s a far cry from an innocent woman. Her once loyal team of con artists set her up for a robbery that landed her a long term home in a Scottish prison. After an early release for good behavior, Lynn is finally able to let the bad bitch inside of her roam free.
Contemporary Romance: Heart of Gold
In this star crossed, light hearted tale, two people with the purest of hearts, each long to find a mate who is giving, honest and real. A heart-felt romance.
Psychological Thriller, Slasher Romance, Erotica: Chainsaw Ridge
Alice is one of a kind, and was raised by a nasty man with killer habits. After an accident rendered the awful man disabled, everything changed. With an ultimate twist, this gory tale takes Alice and her husband on one hell of a bloody adventure. Due to popular demand this story was extended!
Investigative Crime Fiction: Crime Scene Investigation
Detectives Flynn and McBride are on the case of a murder. Owner of the Chinese restaurant where the body was found, Mr. Wang, is devastated. The pressure is on to find the killer and to clear Mr. Wang’s establishment as a safe place for his patrons. The detectives piece together outside connections that are weaved into Mr. Wang's ties, in a very delicate way. Is there more to the murder than what meets the eye?
Historical Fiction: A Miracle Baby Story
In a tragic tale of tough love and loss, brought about in a western setting, two young lovers are frowned upon by nearly everyone around. Adsila is a teen of Cherokee descent, who falls for a young cowboy. In a bitter-sweet tale she fights for the survival of herself and unborn child in a community filled with hate and judgement.
Paranormal Suspense: A life Gone?
Franklyn Poppy, is a husband and father who found himself in a place between life and death. He becomes a loathly witness to the woman he loves having an affair with his twin brother. He’s introduced to the infamous dark Goddess, Maman Bridgette who shares his disdain for the happenings with his wife. The outcome for Mrs. Poppy and her fateful intertwining with this powerful Goddess is powerful and resonating.
Metaphysics, Clairvoyant, Thriller: Murder by Mistake
The Wilkinson family consists of an Air Force father, a loving mother, and two daughters Anna and Julie. They are polar opposites, and Julie, the younger of the two has a special gift. She’s able to see things before they happen. When she’s mentally the witness to a murder that’s yet to be solved, she’s forced into action in an altercation with the killer.
Fantasy: Witchful Thinking
Gretchen isn’t your average witch, as she was born into a clan descending from the blood of Fate herself. Growing up in foster care was an intentional way for her to find her own path in using her magic, as she’s intended to be a tool for Fate’s use. A twisty tale set in the present and past day.
Family Drama: Real Mom
After the abandonment of their mother, twins Josephine and Jerilynn are taken in by their new stepmom, and become the big sisters to quite the large and quirky family. During a family vacation the two team up, and try to uncover the mystery of their estranged biological mom.
New Age Lamians: http://mybook.to/newagelamians
Jackson has barely reached manhood when lightning heralds the end of the world as we know it. The lightning has awakened the Lamians: descendants of the mythological creature Lamia.
In his world, The Company delivers supplies into his village, and harnesses technology that others lack. Soon, Jackson is taken by The Company; he is to be an ultimate warrior, alongside few others, as their blood is rare and compatible with the technology needed to transform them.
According to The Company, the Lamians are monsters who need to be defeated at all costs. But is Jackson really the one who can save the world?
Praise:
★★★★★ - "A twisty, intoxicating read."
★★★★★ - "Genuinely imaginative."
★★★★★ - "Compellingly entertaining"