And then she was back, with a package in her hands. “This has been waiting for you,” she said, and placed the box in Sariah’s trembling hands. She then nodded and closed the door, and Sariah listened as the footsteps retreated.
She looked down at the box in her hands, a feeling of dread spreading through her body. The box had lost some of its integrity and was soft and moist in Sariah’s grip.
Grasping the edge of one of the pieces of tape used to secure the package, Sariah began to open it, somehow knowing what she would see before she got the lid open. It felt like an out-of-body experience, or like watching a car accident happen right in front of you. She wanted to look away, but could not.
With fingers shaking, Sariah lifted the edges of the lid, pushing aside the Styrofoam peanuts that had been used to keep the contents from damage. A glistening piece of plastic surfaced, and she scooped out the remainder of the packing materials, looking to catch a glimpse of what was contained underneath.
And then it was clear what she held in her hands. The blood drained out of her face, and her arms shook to the point that she almost could not keep the box in her arms.
There, staring out at her from the package, was a human head.
Afterword
Thank you very much for taking this ride with Joshua, Coop and Had. Hopefully you enjoyed reading about their case as much as we enjoyed writing it. Be on the lookout for All Fall Down, which should be out March 2014.
If you did enjoy Humpty Dumpty, we'd love to ask you a favor and go back to Amazon and leave a review. We indie authors live and die by our reviews!
We’d also like to enlist your help. If you find any, and we mean any typos, spelling errors or anything funky, please contact us directly at [email protected]. Even though this book has gone through a gazillion edits, we are all only human and your input is greatly appreciated!
From time to time, we may add short stories to our novels. There is a new, easy and exciting way to update your collection. Go do it now so that you are ready for any updates whenever they appear…
It is super simple, Sign into your account on Amazon.com then hit the “Your Account” button. Now hit “Manage My Kindle” (even if you don't have a Kindle this will update your preferences on your Kindle app). A new banner should read “Learn more about Auto-updates” Click on this link. It will take you to a window where you can opt into auto-updates. If you opt in, that means the day a collection is updated, it will whispersync to your Kindle or app automatically! Voila!
You can read away. Once you opt in for auto-updates, you can just sit back and relax while you wait for the next book to upload. How awesome is that?
Want to know the exact moment anything of mine that is new goes live?
Sign up for updates from amazon.com itself on my author's page (if you go there, could you hit the “like” button as well? Thanks!)… Click on the "Stay Up to Date" link
Looking for other great mysteries? Be on the watch for 3rd Body, the first novel in the next trilogy of the Darc Murders Series, it should be out mid 2014. Can't wait until then? Check out the next section for more mystery/thrillers from Carolyn and Ben!
Other Works by Carolyn McCray and Ben Hopkin
The Nursery Rhyme Murders Collection
Praise for The Nursery Rhyme Murders Collection...
"Come for the murder, stay for the three-dimensional, realistically fractured characters! … Long plane rides and rainy Saturday afternoons were made for books like this. If you like your suspense with a side of gruesome and a dash of humor, this is it."
Brandon Stanley
Amazon Reviewer
"Humpty Dumpty is a wonderful start to what I hope will be the first in a fun and thrilling series. I found myself flipping the pages to get to the end and what an ending. The story was well written and the dialogue was sharp, witty and fast-paced. The chemistry between the main characters, Joshua, Had and Cooper was magical… Eagerly awaiting the next installment in this series.”
Romano Robusto
Amazon Reviewer
“Another good crime scene series from one of my favorites. Once again Carolyn McCray has brought together an interesting cast of characters. Each member of the team has flaws, just like real people. The concept of using nursery rhymes as a theme for murder gives the story a creepy edge. The plot twists will keep you guessing.”
J. Duarte
Amazon Reviewer
The collection includes…
Mary, Mary, Quite Contrary
the prequel short story to The Nursery Rhyme Murders Series
Humpty Dumpty
the greatly anticipated full-length novel
Old Woman in a Shoe*exclusive to the collection
the fascinating short story follow up to Humpty Dumpty
All Fall Down (will be added to the collection March 2014)
the rousing continuation of the Nursery Rhyme Murders Collection
Eennie Meanie Moe (will be added EXCLUSIVELY to the collection March 2014)
the bridge short story following All Fall Down
More praise for McCray and Hopkin’s mystery/thrillers…
“I am a big fan of this author’s novels… So, I have been excited and waiting a long time for this story… I was not disappointed and continued to read every single page all the way to an ending that was unbelievable, made me feel a little sick, and left me just as speechless as Agent Sariah Cooper… I have never read an ending to a book like this ever and it’s a vision that will be with me for quite a while.”
Robin Lee
Amazon Reviewer
"For me, a book that inspires my imagination so much that I can see the movie playing along as I go is a great read – and this definitely does that. Highly, heartily recommended for fans of murder/mystery novels, fans of James Patterson, and fans of action/mystery movies.”
Knikki Jacobsmeyer
Amazon Reviewer
To sample or purchase The Nursery Rhyme Murders Collection, simply click here.
* * *
The Darc Murder Mystery Collection
Praise for Darc Murders Mysteries...
“A pathological serial killer is terrorizing Seattle and the only person standing in his way is Detective Robi Darcmel. From the chilling opening scene to the last lines of the first episode, I don't remember taking a deep breath. As one observer notes in the opening scene at the slaughter house to a man clearly intrigued by the sight and smell of blood, visceral and flesh--”You are one sick puppy, dude.” Indeed...This is a fascinating if horrific read. One of the most unusual “heros” I can imagine, Detective Robi Darcmel has Asperger's Syndrome… Be prepared to be shocked, and hooked.”
Windgo
Amazon Reviewer
“In the literary tradition of serial novels, I am loving this new format for the Kindle! The characters are engaging, the plot intense, an excellent read! “
Jon M. Wilson
Amazon Reviewer
“I absolutely am loving this book! The way it bounces between the different characters perspectives really helps to get a 3-D picture of whats going on. The killer is so creepy and ominous.
S. Busch
Amazon Reviewer
Currently included in the collection are…
Devious
the prequel short story to 9th Circle
Deceived*exclusive to the collection
Another prequel short story to 9th Circle
9th Circle
the #1 hard-boiled mystery that started it all!
7th Sin
the full-length sequel to 9th Circle
Carnal*exclusive to the collection
the bridge short story between 7th Sin and 5th Pentagram
5th Pentagram
the stunning full-length conclusion to the Darc Murders series
Sinister*exclusive to the collection
the wrap-up short story to the Darc Murders series
More praise for the Darc Murders Collection…
&
nbsp; “Five stars for an extraordinary hero who senses his way through clues and is seemingly clueless about ordinary give-and-take relationships. A very satisfying , engrossing novel.”
Dot Day
Amazon Reviewer
To sample or purchase The Darc Murders Mystery Collection, simply click here.
* * *
The Harbinger Mystery Thriller Collection
Hard-boiled mysteries not for the faint of heart
Praise for The Harbinger Mysteries…
“Wickedly macabre and blisteringly paced, Plain Jain marks the debut of a thriller for the new millennium. Brash, funny, terrifying, and shocking, here is a story best enjoyed with all the lights on. Don’t say I didn’t warn you!”
NYT Top Ten Best Seller
James Rollins
Bloodline
“This book is so creepy. I made the mistake of starting in one night before bed. Not only did the story line keep me turning pages, it freaked me out to the point that I didn’t want to turn off my light.”
The Book Goddess
Book Reviewer
The Harbinger Collection includes…
Anatomy
The greatly anticipated prequel short story to Plain Jane. See where the Harbinger Mystery series began!
Plain Jane
Harbinger’s first novel the #1 Bestselling (Police Procedurals and Hard-Boiled Mysteries)
Dark Lullaby *exclusive to the collection
Is a 12,000+ word stand-alone short story (with no spoilers) that takes place after the Plain Jane: A Patterson-style thriller with a dash of Hannibal.
Soul to Keep *exclusive to the collection
A post-Plain Jane suspense short story.
Wallflower *exclusive to the collection
Pray you aren't noticed - (Book 2 of the Harbinger Mystery Series)
Shallow Grave *exclusive to the collection
A 15,000 word Harbinger Mystery Series short story
Buzz Kill (to be added to the collection October 2013)
the full-length conclusion to the Harbinger Mystery Series
Pallor (to be added exclusively to the collection October 2013)
the “wrap-up” short story, featuring Lucky 37
More praise for the Harbinger Series…
“If you think you know what is going to happen, your wrong. I have read so many suspense and crime books that guessing the end gets easier and easier. NOT this time. Be prepared to be hooked from the first page and loose some sleep because you just can't put it down.”
Michelle Delgado
Amazon Reviewer
To purchase of sample the Harbinger Collection, just click here.
* * *
Down and Dirty - Carolyn’s suspenseful crime collection
Need to stay up late? Then the Down & Dirty McCray Crime Collection is for you! Packed with suspense and terror, you better keep the lights on while reading these!
All Hallows Eve
The one night it’s BAD… to be good
Anatomy
The greatly anticipated prequel short story to Plain Jane. See where the Harbinger Mystery series began!
Mary Mary Quite Contrary
The prequel short story to start off the new series, The Nursery Rhyme Murders
Devious
The prequel short story to the blockbuster smash, 9th Circle
Gauntlet
An All Hallow’s Eve prequel short story
Praise for McCray's crime novels…
All Hallow's Eve…
“Scary and smart, All Hallow's Eve is perfect for anyone who wants to read a horror story that hits them in the gut. From the intricate psychopathology of the serial killer, to the hair-raising tension, to the skewering of pop culture, All Hallow's Eve is simply a great read.”
Your Need To Read
Book Reviewer
Anatomy…
“Anatomy is a short story that had a serial killer that was really creepy. The FBI profiler, Harbinger, was a real wise guy but also very brilliant. It was interesting and a fast paced story. I can't wait to read more of these stories about Harbinger. He has become one of my new favorite characters.”
Judy Russ
Amazon Reviewer
Mary Mary Quite Contrary…
“Really enjoy this book, short but sure made one want more of the story. I love this writer she gives a good story, keeps one step ahead of you but keeps your interest. Now for more info on when next book in series is coming out. I am ready for it!”
Shirleen
Amazon Reviewer
Devious…
“I loved the 9th Circle Serial Book, and this prequel gave me a much better understanding of Trey and Darc's relationship. Knowing where they both ‘came from’ and their history together put many more aspects of The 9th Circle. Full of suspense and thrills this book was a fun read.”
Readerwhit
Amazon Reviewer
Gauntlet…
“I love all the twists her stories and books have she keeps you guessing until the end. I am a definite fan! Amazon Reviewer”
Judith Flores
Amazon Reviewer
The purchase or sample Down and Dirty simply click here.
* * *
Got Thrills? A Boxed Set With Your RDA Allowance of Thrills
From the Carolyn McCray, #1 bestselling author in Techno-thrillers, Men’s Adventure, Action/Adventure, and War comes a pack of thrillers to get your blood pumping!
Praise for Carolyn’s thrillers…
“Everyone of these books is fast paced and exciting. All deserve a 5+ Star rating. Carolyn McCray is a magnificent writer!! She has easily become my number 1 author!!”
Guinevere
Amazon Reviewer
“I read these stories and really enjoyed them all for different reasons. She is definitely got a great way to tell a story and I have bought her other books that are available and are reading them now. Not sure why she is not more widely known her stories are the same caliber as other more famous authors. Highly recommend!”
Lisa Kubin
Amazon Reviewer
The collection includes…
AMBUSH
The prequel short story to the extremely controversial 30 Pieces of Silver
ANATOMY
See where the Harbinger Mystery series began… The Plain Jane prequel.
HACKED
The prequel short story to the #1 action packed techno-thriller, Encrypted
GAUNTLET
The action packed prequel short story to the bestselling Mystery/Horror novel All Hallow’s Eve
DEVIOUS
The shocking prequel to the blockbuster 9th Circle
MOONRUSH
Carolyn’s action-packed full length techno-thriller novel set in the near future.
BLOOD OATH
the prequel short story to the #1 Paranormal Romance/Urban Fantasy, HeartsBlood
MARY, MARY QUITE CONTRARY
the prequel short story to Humpty Dumpty, the first novel of the Nursery Rhyme Murder series
CAUGHT
the prequel short story to Crossfire, the first book in the second cycle of the Betrayed series
ROGUE SPEAR
the prequel short story to the highly anticipated new Nuclear Proliferation Thriller series
BULLIES
The prequel short story to Carolyn’s latest series, the Apex Predator Thriller series
More praise for Got Thrills!
“I found this book to be just as the title said an action packed techno thriller. I read at least a book a week but this was one of those impossible to put down books. It was well worth the money and based on this book I bought her other book and will be placing the next in her series on my wish list.”
Scott Powner
Amazon Reviewer
To purchase or sample Got Thrills, simply click here.
About the Authors
Carolyn McCray
Carolyn has had a long and extre
mely interesting road to become a bestseller.
When she head to veterinary school those many years ago she had no idea decades later she would be writing controversial historical thrillers, gut wrenching mysteries and roller coaster-style action/adventure tales!
Born in San Francisco and raised in the beautiful Napa Valley, Carolyn always had an overactive imagination. As a child you could usually find her dragging the neighborhood children out to the haunted barn to make her Nancy Drew-style audio tapes. Oh and did she mention, there was an entire life-sized recreation of the nativity scene in the rafters? Yeah, that wasn’t just a little creepy.
Which of course was great practice for writing such blockbusters as Plain Jane: A Patterson-style thriller with a dash of Hannibal and 30 Pieces of Silver: An Extremely Controversial Historical Thriller.
With over 250,000 books sold, Carolyn now lives on a beautiful lake in the Pacific Northwest where the fog rolls in over the water, snuffing out all signs of life around her. Yep, she still loves the creepy!
Ben Hopkin
Ben Hopkin is a transplanted Texan. After being indoctrinated in the Lone Star State he was ripped from his ancestral home and whisked away to Los Angeles, where he was forced to appreciate fish tacos and sushi. While there, he worked as a professional actor, director, and producer, as well as teacher, which he loves most. He has now settled in Provo, Utah, with his wife and three children. Just in case there was any question, Provo is NOT a happy medium between Ft. Worth and LA, although his kids have made the transition from body boards to snowboards seamlessly.
Contact Information
Carolyn McCray can be found just about everywhere social media exists (and some that are just in her head).
Amazon.com author page
[email protected]
Twitter
Facebook
Ben Hopkin
Amazon.com author page
[email protected]
Twitter
Facebook
Internet database
Acknowledgments
Humpty Dumpty: The killer wants us to put him back together again (Book 1 of the Nursery Rhyme Murders Series) Page 30