An Excerpt from the Upcoming Sequel to House of Lies

An excerpt from the upcoming sequel to House of Lies…

     Tess depressed the button that made the back of her hospital bed sit up a little straighter and then narrowed her eyes at Shane.  “All you wanted to do was steal my joy.  I was happy until you started nosing around in my business!  What concern is it of yours anyway?”

     Shane swallowed hard because she didn’t want her answer to come from a place of anger, but from the love that she felt deep down.  “I want nothing more than your happiness and I’m sorry that you think I have somehow robbed you of joy.” 

     Rising from the bedside chair, Shane turned toward the door.  Maybe Braznovich was right.  Maybe it was time to give up the fight to save her sister.  No!  Not yet!  Her inner voice screamed and taking only two steps, she whirled back around to face Tess.  “It was my concern because I love you.  I looked into what you were so deeply into because I cared for your wellbeing.  I saw it destroying our family and your life and all I wanted you to do was open your eyes and see what was happening before it was too late.” 

     “You wouldn’t have been happy until I gave up everything that was important to me!”  Tess seethed.  “I’m not going to do that.  I’m never going to do that, no matter how horribly you persecute me!” 

     Shane fought the lump rising in her throat and tried to calmly continue.  She silently reminded herself that her sister was brainwashed and that the deception she had been living under would not be undone overnight. It was going to take time.  “I didn’t ask you to stop believing what you believe or even to stop doing what you do.  I only asked that you would take some time to study it from an objective perspective so that you would fully understand the hold that it had on you.  The hold it obviously still has on you.”

     “I don’t feel that God is telling me to study it,” Tess rebutted.

     Shane had heard this excuse one too many times and it grated her like nails on a chalkboard.  She stormed to the other side of the bed, pulled open the bedside table top drawer and took out the Gideon Bible.  Tossing the Bible unto Tess’s bed, Shane blurted, “Look up James 1:5.”

     “I don’t need to look it up.  I already know what it says,” Tess spat.  “‘If any of you lacks wisdom let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach; and it will be given him.’” Tess gloated.  “I don’t lack wisdom.  You do.”

     Shane’s breath caught in her chest as a realization rushed over her.  She wasn’t talking to her sister.  Not really.  She was talking to the demonic, blinding stronghold that had taken over Tess.  She could see it in the hollow stare of her sister’s gaze.  Tess’s body was here but whoever or whatever was peering from behind her eyes was not Tess.

     Slowly backing toward the door, Shane fought to keep her composure. “Maybe you’re right.  Maybe I should go and ask God for more wisdom.”

     An evil smile spread across Tess’s face and sent a chill darting up the back of Shane’s neck, the same chill she had felt when she stood face-to-face with Maxwell Sagan.  ~

Sequel for Certain

I received several emails regarding my book, House of Lies, asking if there is going to be a sequel and when it will be released.

The answer:  A RESOUNDING YES

There is definitely going to be a sequel and it will be released in the fall of 2014. 

The book has yet to be titled, but I will keep you posted as the release date nears.  If you haven’t yet read House of Lies, I recommend reading it before the sequel.  You can get a copy in either print or Ebook from the following retailers:

BARNES & NOBLE

SMASHWORDS

AMAZON

 

 

 

 

 

As always, thank you for your letters and for your interest in my books.  It means the world to me.   ~

Five-Star Reader Reviews

It is always exciting to find positive reviews of my work.  It thrills me to hear that people enjoy my novels and this type of feedback motivates me as a writer to push-on through the dry spells and overcome the obstacles.  To all of my readers, thank you.  You give me strength and you make my heart smile.

Here are three Five-Star Reviews of my political cult suspense, House of Lies, that I discovered this morning.

“I don’t normally read novels that have romance in them so I was hesitant when I saw that this was labeled a “romantic suspense” but it came highly recommended so I gave it a shot and was pleasantly surprised.  There was more action than romance by far and I would even say that even though the book’s main character is a woman, it suits a male audience well.  Skylar is stubbornly likeable and I enjoyed the humor between Braznovich and his pal, Ernie.  I’ve read the controversy surrounding this book as far as whether it speaks truth about the house of prayer cult movement in the United States or whether it is purely a work of fiction, and the idea that the author could weave fiction and fact into such a suspenseful plot fascinates me.  It’s a great read with plot twists that surprised me at every turn and it’s the kind of story you’ll find yourself thinking about long after you’ve put it down.”  WyatteJ

 

“My only complaint about this book is that it ended abruptly and left me hanging, sort of like watching the Keiffer Sudderland tv series, 24.  It’s that action packed but has a great blend of romance and wanting, though it’s way more about action than romance.  I was worried Skylar was going to be a needy character but she stifles tears and attacks when needed.  She has trouble following instructions sometimes, but that was something I could relate to.  And Braznovich is the protector and lover every woman dreams of having.  This book is different from anything I’ve ever read because it felt like there was truth in the story, like these things really happen right under our noses and there really are people trying to save their loved ones from dangerous cult groups.  My favorite character is chain-smoking Ernie who always has a funny remark to add to a tense situation.  I highly recommend this book.  It’s suspenseful, funny, romantic and wildly action packed.”   StephanieLovesReading

 

“Great read!  It reads fast and furious.  There’s nothing but action, well, and a little bit of romantic play but the story focuses on the action, the romance is a sideline thing.  I liked the characters and could relate to almost all of them except for the bad guys.  It’s one of those stories you find yourself thinking about while you’re driving.  It just keeps popping in my head and I wonder how much of this sort of thing happens in real life and we just never know about it.  If you like suspense and not being able to figure out who done it, you will enjoy this read.”   BelkinBabe

Objective Reviews Amid Controversy

As a writer, it is always exciting to hear what others are saying about your work.  We all know that a review is merely the subjective opinion of one reader so they don't make or break the writer.  BUT... they can boost a writer's confidence and let them know they are on the right path, appealing to their target audience, etc.  AND... it just plain feels good to hear that people are enjoying what you worked so hard to create.

In lieu of the current controversy involving one of my books and several members of the International House of Prayer, I wanted to share some of the objective reviews for my latest release, House of Lies.

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Action Packed Awesome!  October 25, 2012 Barnes & Noble

It will remind you of The DaVinci Code because it's a political cult suspense and really makes you think about what goes on behind closed doors. Easy, fast read even though its a longer book then what I'm used to reading. I can't stop thinking about the story and hope there's a sequel. Highly recommend!

 

This one has it all, October 30, 2012 Amazon

House of Lies is yet another in a series of can't-put-it-down-page-turners by S.R. Claridge. This story opens with intrigue and keeps you guessing to the very end. Lots of twists and turns, characters that come to life, and enough action to leave you exhausted at the end. House of Lies is a strong mixture of action, romance, political and religious scandal and solid detective work. I'm seriously hoping there's a sequel to this one!

 

Oct. 31, 2012 on Smashwords :
I couldn't put this book down, stayed up late to finish it and was left wanting more. I'm hoping there's a sequel because it was left open-ended like there is more coming. I found myself thinking about it during the day and laying in bed contemplating what would happen. The story totally sucked me in. It is like DaVinci Code meets Fifty Shades, only it doesn't have the open erotica of the Shades books, still there's a sensual undertone between Skylar and Braznovich that adds an exciting level of romance to the story. There's so much action in this book that it really gets your adrenaline pumping. Awesome book, one of my favorites!

Oct. 31, 2012 on Smashwords :
Excellent read. I found myself intrigued through the entire book. It starts with a bang and I wondered what was happening and then the story started to unravel, but just as understanding would ensue there was another plot twist that kept me salivating. It reminded me of the DaVinci Code and it has the perfect mix of humor and sex to break up the action. This book is action-packed suspense!

Oct. 25, 2012 on Smashwords :
I'm a Dan Brown fan. I like his style and the amount of action in his books, which is what made me pick up House of Lies because it was said to have a DaVinci Code feel. Did it ever! I was worried at first that the story would be too religious-based, but as I read, it was clear that a political aspect was in play. I found the plot enticing, as it lured me toward new angles and perspectives at every turn. This is the kind of book you lay in bed at night thinking about and trying to figure out. The fact that it ends abruptly tells me there's another one coming and I am eagerly awaiting it. Anyone who enjoys suspense and action will find this book to be a phenomenal read. Worth the price. Highly recommend it.

Oct. 23, 2012  on Smashwords

House of Lies is a political cult suspense about a woman who sets out on a mission to save her sister from what appears to be a religious cult group; however, as we move through the novel we discover that the religiosity of the group is merely a cover to hide the real agenda, which is quite political in nature. An anonymous tip leads her to a private investigator and a cop, who begrudgingly agree to assist her quest. That’s really all I can say without giving anything away.

This book has it all. There are plot twists that literally and figuratively take the reader to the edge of their seat and tauntingly leave them there. There is angst and suspense, action, romance and a little bit of sex. But, strangely enough, those things aren’t what drive the story. The character dialogue is the cohesive agent that skyrockets this book to a whole new level of storytelling. I was so enthralled I felt as if I were watching the story like a movie; that’s how powerfully written is the character interaction. But it doesn’t stop there. S.R.Claridge’s ability to tie together past and present events and weave them into a believable storyline is impressive; not to mention this author succeeds at doing something of which most mystery writers fail. She incorporates humor at precisely the right moments, when the reader needs a release from the mounting tension.


As I read, I began to wonder if the book, though fiction, held any truth about cult groups and their potential hidden agendas. I found myself contemplating if the author had once been involved in a group like the one described in House of Lies, and if so how much of what happens in the novel actually happened in real life. It was a similar feeling to what I had when reading Dan Brown’s DaVinci Code years ago. In fact, if I had to liken this book to one that is currently on the market, I would say it is The DaVinci Code, and I wouldn't be surprised if we find some controversy developing as word of this book gets out.


I give House of Lies a full five star rating. If you enjoy suspense novels, you will not be able to put this book down. Without giving away the ending, I can assure you that a sequel is to follow and I only hope it will be released soon.

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If you haven't read House of Lies, you may visit my website for a free read of the first several chapters.  www.AuthorSRClaridge.com  

Or, you may order the book today in Ebook and Print at the following retailers:
Barnes & Noble
Amazon
Smashwords

You may also watch the video trailer here:

 

Tour of Thanks And Giving

Thankful For My Readers Tour

November begins my "Thankful For My Readers" Tour and I am excited to be able to offer a book club  special.  During the month of November, I am giving a free downloadable copy of my latest release,  a political cult suspense entitled, House of Lies, to book club leaders in the states of Missouri and Kansas (since this is where the story takes place and where my book tour begins).  St. Louis is my hometown, I attended college in Columbia, Missouri and lived in Overland Park, Kansas for seven years...suffice to say, beginning my book club tour in these two states is as personal to me as the book, itself. 

 

If, after reading the novel, you choose House of Lies for your book club, you will receive discussion questions and bookmarks, free of charge; and I will arrange a time to visit with your group and enter each member into a contest to receive additional free downloads or print copies of my other novels. 

Whenever I visit a book club, I bring wine and snacks, because experience has taught me that gnoshing and discussing often go hand-in-hand.  :)

To receive your free Ebook copy of House of Lies, and to read an excerpt from the book, please email me at:  AuthorSRClaridge@gmail.com

In the subject line, write:  November Book Club Special

Please feel free to forward this message to fellow readers.

Happy Thanksgiving and Happy Reading!

Still Glowing!

In case you didn't have a chance to see the True Blue Ebook Review of my suspense novel, House of Lies, I've reposted it below, with a link to the actual review.  I am still glowing!  :) 

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~ Review conducted by Stephanie Meyers at True Blue Ebook Review.

House of Lies - FIVE STARS - Mesmerizing

The first ebook I have chosen to review on TrueBlueEbookReview is House of Lies by author S.R.Claridge, published by Vanilla Heart. The reason I chose this novel is two-fold: first, because I wanted a new release in the mystery/suspense genre and House of Lies fit that description having been released just this month. (October 2012) Second, because I was seeking a new release that had yet to be reviewed professionally. I don’t like to read other reviews until after I have read the book for myself. Without further explanation, onto my review.

House of Lies is a political cult suspense about a woman who sets out on a mission to save her sister from what appears to be a religious cult group; however, as we move through the novel we discover that the religiosity of the group is merely a cover to hide the real agenda, which is quite political in nature. An anonymous tip leads her to a private investigator and a cop, who begrudgingly agree to assist her quest. That’s really all I can say without giving anything away.

This book has it all. There are plot twists that literally and figuratively take the reader to the edge of their seat and tauntingly leave them there. There is angst and suspense, action, romance and a little bit of sex. But, strangely enough, those things aren’t what drive the story. The character dialogue is the cohesive agent that skyrockets this book to a whole new level of storytelling. I was so enthralled I felt as if I were watching the story like a movie; that’s how powerfully written is the character interaction. But it doesn’t stop there. S.R.Claridge’s ability to tie together past and present events and weave them into a believable storyline is impressive; not to mention this author succeeds at doing something of which most mystery writers fail. She incorporates humor at precisely the right moments, when the reader needs a release from the mounting tension.

As I read, I began to wonder if the book, though fiction, held any truth about cult groups and their potential hidden agendas. I found myself contemplating if the author had once been involved in a group like the one described in House of Lies, and if so how much of what happens in the novel actually happened in real life. It was a similar feeling to what I had when reading Dan Brown’s DaVinci Code years ago. In fact, if I had to liken this book to one that is currently on the market, I would say it is The DaVinci Code, and I wouldn't be surprised if we find some controversy developing as word of this book gets out.

I give House of Lies a full five star rating. If you enjoy suspense novels, you will not be able to put this book down. Without giving away the ending, I can assure you that a sequel is to follow and I only hope it will be released soon.

What an exciting way to start off TrueBlueEbookReview!

Believability: Five Stars

Cohesive Flow: Five Stars

Characterization: Five Stars

Dialogue: Five Stars

House of Lies by S.R.Claridge - Overall Rating: Five Stars
House of Lies is currently available in Ebook at Amazon, Smashwords and Barnes&Noble with a pre-order print date for November 2012.