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To purchase Saxon's Ride like the Wind MP3 (single)
Now available ISBN 978-0-9851586-2-0
Special thanks to Officer Fred Rivera
The actual photo used for Evil Stalks
There is a little background when it comes to this special thanks page. While in search for a photo for the cover of Evil Stalks, I happened upon a man walking with his gorgeous dog. I stopped him and explained my dilemma and he graciously accepted to be my cover candidate. Now to add a bit of information here, I have always had a phobia when it came to police. Not that I did anything wrong mind you, it’s just one of those things that people fear. Also I might add at this point, I’m totally terrified of dogs…especially shepherds. So to make a long story short, if officer Rivera had been dressed in his police uniform this cover would have never been created. My special thanks goes to an amazing man that has an amazing career…I no longer carry around my fear of police officers.
To Officer Fred Rivera for posing with his beautiful eighteen month old German Shepherd Jada and for taking me on a tour of the Meriden, Connecticut police headquarters holding cells. Words cannot explain the amazing man behind the badge, not only is he a husband and father of two, Officer Rivera spends many of his off duty hours giving back to his community. He is an eighteen year veteran of the Meriden police force who is completely dedicated to his community. When he’s not on duty, Officer Rivera spends much of his time volunteering with youth and elderly organizations within the Meriden area.
The original cover is still available on the paperback version.
To Officer Fred Rivera for posing with his beautiful eighteen month old German Shepherd Jada and for taking me on a tour of the Meriden, Connecticut police headquarters holding cells. Words cannot explain the amazing man behind the badge, not only is he a husband and father of two, Officer Rivera spends many of his off duty hours giving back to his community. He is an eighteen year veteran of the Meriden police force who is completely dedicated to his community. When he’s not on duty, Officer Rivera spends much of his time volunteering with youth and elderly organizations within the Meriden area.
The original cover is still available on the paperback version.
Loretta Gilbert's review of Evil Stalks
Evil Stalks (Mind of a Madman) by Valerie BowenPosted on May 2, 2012 by Loretta“Evil Stalks” takes up the story of Caleb Talbot right where it left off at the end of the last novel in this series by Valerie Bowen. Caleb is not getting any nicer. The trail of blood and death he has left behind him does not lessen as he continues his quest to remain free and take out his revenge on the one person who got away.
Without revealing too much of the plot, I will say that Caleb completely infuriates and sickens me. The author has done an excellent job of showing the evil that is within Caleb even as she brings in an element of, dare I say it, compassionate feelings for a man struggling with something he cannot control. The evil within him is clearly taking over and for a moment I almost felt sorry for him, almost. This is the beauty of the storytelling, horrific crimes mixed with moments of caring for this creature that Caleb has become.
The story of Michael, Sasha, and Jameson continues too as they try to capture Caleb and return him to prison. They know Caleb’s final goal, but are constantly playing catch-up. All three of these characters are so well written that I felt as if I was riding along with them, desperately trying to figure out what Caleb will do next.
I give this story 5 stars. The writing has developed significantly since the first novel, Evil really is Unleashed. Another great and terrifying story from the mind of a madwoman, Valerie Bowen.
★★★★★
Get it on Amazon Amazon U.K. You can go to Loretta's website to see all the amazing reviews
Without revealing too much of the plot, I will say that Caleb completely infuriates and sickens me. The author has done an excellent job of showing the evil that is within Caleb even as she brings in an element of, dare I say it, compassionate feelings for a man struggling with something he cannot control. The evil within him is clearly taking over and for a moment I almost felt sorry for him, almost. This is the beauty of the storytelling, horrific crimes mixed with moments of caring for this creature that Caleb has become.
The story of Michael, Sasha, and Jameson continues too as they try to capture Caleb and return him to prison. They know Caleb’s final goal, but are constantly playing catch-up. All three of these characters are so well written that I felt as if I was riding along with them, desperately trying to figure out what Caleb will do next.
I give this story 5 stars. The writing has developed significantly since the first novel, Evil really is Unleashed. Another great and terrifying story from the mind of a madwoman, Valerie Bowen.
★★★★★
Get it on Amazon Amazon U.K. You can go to Loretta's website to see all the amazing reviews
Great review from E. Meyer
I was given a preview copy of this book to read from the author. Mind of a Madman II: Evil Stalks is a pretty good follow-up to the original tale of a psychotic killer on the loose. The maniacal Caleb is back and drawing more victims and erstwhile companions into his web of insanity.
This book is really not for the fainthearted. I had a bit of a difficult time getting through it because the main character was written so well: There is absolutely NOTHING sympathetic about Caleb Talbot. You find yourself wanting to reach into the book and kill the bastard yourself.
The book's a good read, but I wouldn't read both books one after the other. It could be a bit over-powering if you don't.
Amazon Link to E. Meyer's review.
This book is really not for the fainthearted. I had a bit of a difficult time getting through it because the main character was written so well: There is absolutely NOTHING sympathetic about Caleb Talbot. You find yourself wanting to reach into the book and kill the bastard yourself.
The book's a good read, but I wouldn't read both books one after the other. It could be a bit over-powering if you don't.
Amazon Link to E. Meyer's review.
Great review from Gail Holland
This book will have you captivated from the very first page.There's never a dull moment. This is one psychological thriller you won't want to put down, You will want to read in one sitting because you just can't wait to see what happens next. I really enjoyed this book and look for more from this author. This is one of the best books I have read. I highly recommend it to those who enjoy crime novels.
Amazon Link to Gails review
Amazon Link to Gails review
Evil Stalks has a new look!
Although the cover has been changed the story remains the same
Prologue and first chapter:
Prologue
Caleb Talbot, an escapee from the Kansas State Penitentiary had been on the run and evading law enforcement for a few months, and had been feeling quite satisfied. With the exception of a game of chicken that ultimately ended with a fiery crash, Caleb knew the fate of all his victims. His past crimes, the ones that sent him to prison in the first place, were child’s play in comparison to the heinous acts that have unfolded since the time of his escape.
Michael and his canine partner Sasha banded together with Officer Jameson, a state trooper from Nebraska, to hunt down the madman and return him to prison where he belonged. The three partners combed the states of Wyoming and Montana in search of the deranged man, before the psychotic killer could claim another innocent life. They followed in Caleb’s wake from crime scene to crime scene in search of possible leads that would direct them to the location where the heinous murderer hid. They had come to the realization; Caleb’s murders had not only become more frequent, they’d also been far more savage. Each murder scene proved to be more disturbing than the last.
Caleb Talbot’s hatred for Katrina Meyers, the woman who toyed with his heart, had escalated as his psychological disease progressed to dangerous levels. His only desire in life had been to live long enough to full fill his personal vendetta, to kill the bitch who threatened his freedom. The disease that wreaked havoc on Caleb’s brain had changed, and had altered his rational thought patterns.
Caleb’s path of death and destruction rages onward.
Chapter 1
Caleb sat in the jeep he had stolen staring off into the distance. He thought about Katrina and his need for revenge. He thought about the cop he had beaten and had later discovered from a newspaper report he had lived and was in the intensive care unit of the area hospital. He also thought about the black pick-up truck he had pushed off the road and the image of it bursting into flames that had been etched in his brain. He wondered about the man that stood on the side of the road watching the horrific scene as it unfolded. He knew the man had been connected to someone at the scene, but he wasn’t exactly positive who. He leaned over the console and removed the newspaper from the floor where he had tossed it.
He read the article that described the injuries the officer sustained during Caleb’s violent attack. The officer’s injuries included several broken ribs, a punctured lung, and a severe concussion among other numerous injuries. Caleb’s head started to throb as he remembered his latest fit of rage. He wondered how he could control himself long enough to find Katrina and end her pitiful little life, before someone ended his. He knew sooner or later someone would succeed in taking his life; he just wanted to make certain he had his revenge long before that day came.
He stared at his mug shot posted on the front page of the paper with a caption that read, Caleb Talbot escaped convict from Kansas State Penitentiary. He gritted his teeth while he wondered how the information of his escape had made the front page of the no-name rag. He longed for a way to disguise his appearance and to make himself less conspicuous to the local residents. A thought crossed his mind that although he couldn’t change his eye color or his height, he could color his hair and beard. He understood most people only recognize the obvious, which in his case would be his six foot six frame, crystal blue eyes and his sandy brown hair. The decision made, he reclined the seat and started plotting exactly what he would do when the morning sun rose. He imagined the time when he’d enter a store and start his transformation.
Katrina’s image slammed into his head as he tried to get a few hours of sleep before returning to the old abandoned house he had once shared with his wolf Cuda. He thought of the many ways he would make her suffer before he actually ended her miserable life. An evil smile crossed his face when he imagined the screams he’d hear bursting from her mouth as he relentlessly tortured her.
He pulled a pen and a small pad of paper from his gear. He started to jot down all the things he needed in order to change his image. He then made a list of items he’d need for the time spent in hiding until the local residents had long forgotten the photo that had been plastered across the news and the newspapers within the state of Montana. He thought about all the states where he’d recklessly taken or destroyed the lives of people that had threatened him over the past few months. He wondered if his face had been printed in any other small town rags.
Once he completed the list, he slowly drove the stolen jeep off the dirt road and turned west onto the main road. He knew exactly where he could stop to make his purchases.
He turned into the asphalt parking lot of a small mom and pop grocery store. Caleb took a few deep breaths before he slid out of the jeep and entered the market. He immediately approached the counter and said in a soft tone, “Mrs. Hansen, how are you this morning?”
The older woman appeared to be approximately seventy years old, her thick glasses were perched mid way on her nose. Her kind smile spoke volumes. Caleb deduced she either couldn’t see well, or she hadn’t read the paper. She smiled brightly and said with a shaky voice, “Oh Cal, I’m fine. How are you doing this morning?”
“I’m fine Mrs. Hansen; could you help me with something?”
“Oh sure, what is it you need?”
“Well my fiancé sent me for some hair color and I’m not completely positive what type she’d need.”
The woman smiled up at him and said with her soft sweet voice, “That’s one lucky lady to get such a gentleman as you. Let me take you to the aisle where we can decide what would be best for your young lady.”
They walked to the aisle where the health and beauty aids were located. The woman peered down at the boxes of various hair colors and asked, “What color does she need dear? There are so many to choose from, I hope you at least know what color she would like.”
“Oh…ah, I guess she would want her natural hair color.”
“And what would that be sweetheart?”
“Well, her hair is…ah very dark,” He peered down at the boxes and noticed a formula for beards. He picked up a box that read ‘natural dark brown’. He explained, “I think I’ll get this for her brother. He had been complaining last night about the gray in his beard.”
“Well aren’t you sweet.” She handed him a box of hair color containing natural dark brown and said, “Now I’ll give you this for your young lady. If it’s not what she wants, then you can bring it back and trade it for the one she’d rather have.”
Caleb removed the small box from her hand and smiled down at her. He said softly, “I’m sure this will be perfect. As a matter of fact, her hair’s the same color as the model on the box.”
“Oh she must be a beautiful girl. You’ll have to bring her in soon so I can meet her.”
“I will. As a matter of fact in a couple of days we’ll be moving to Wyoming…she has family there.”
“That’s a shame, now I won’t be able to see one of my favorite young men.”
“I’m sure we’ll be back sometime. I love this area and I really don’t believe I can stay away.” He followed the older woman to the counter and pulled out his wallet. He said with a slight smile on his face, “I’ll definitely stop by the next time I’m in the area. I have to admit, this area has some great hiking trails.”
“You make sure you’re careful in those woods…I heard there has been a few men attacked by wolves recently.”
“Really? I’ve never come across any evidence of wolves.”
“Oh yes, there seems to be more and more every year.” She handed him his change and continued, “Just last week Mr. Barnes came across a mother and her half-grown babies. He was lucky to get away without a scratch. Some people aren’t quite so fortunate.”
“Do you happen to know where the wolf family was spotted?”
“I think Mr. Barnes mentioned the old Johnson house.” She handed him his merchandise and said, “That’s the old house off Union highway. I think he said there’s an old dirt road leading to the house…now don’t you go out there looking for trouble. Wolves aren’t anything to play around with.”
He started to walk out the door, and paused to say, “Oh don’t worry Mrs. Hansen, I’ll stay clear of that area…ah do you happen to know why he was out there?”
“Oh you know men; he heard there’s a vagrant living out there. He just wanted to make sure it wasn’t the man that has been in all the newspapers lately.”
“Huh, do you think that man…ah in the papers has been in this area?”
“Oh no, last I heard he was somewhere east of here. I don’t suspect there’d be a reason for a man like him to come to this area.”
Caleb scowled, “A man like him? What do you mean?”
“Oh I just meant he’s from Kansas. I wouldn’t think he’d like being in the wilderness. I had heard he’s from the big city.”
“I guess you’re right.” He smiled and said, “If you see that man you better lock the doors. I…ah don’t know why he’s been in the papers but I’m sure it’s not because he’s the man of the year.”
She waved a hand in his direction and said with a giggle in her voice, “Oh Cal, if anyone around here was man of the year, it would definitely be you.”
He opened the door and said over his shoulder, “Thank you for the warning, I’ll be sure to stay out of the woods after dark.” He paused briefly before he closed the door, “Mrs. Hansen, you take care of yourself, I…ah…think of you as a mother and I would hate to think of anything happening to you.”
“I will sweetheart, tell your girl I said hello and I hope to get to meet her one day soon.”
He pulled the door closed; a tear welled in his eyes as he thought about his own mother and how he left her alone in Caribou. He slid into his jeep, fastened his seatbelt and started the engine. He backed out of his parking place and paused for a moment. He wondered if he should find a new location to hide out for a few days or if it’d be safe for him to return to the familiar abandoned house. He turned right out of the parking lot after deciding he’d find another secluded house. He wasn’t willing to take the chance of being discovered in a house the locals suspected a vagrant had been living in. He needed to find another abandoned house in the area.
Caleb Talbot, an escapee from the Kansas State Penitentiary had been on the run and evading law enforcement for a few months, and had been feeling quite satisfied. With the exception of a game of chicken that ultimately ended with a fiery crash, Caleb knew the fate of all his victims. His past crimes, the ones that sent him to prison in the first place, were child’s play in comparison to the heinous acts that have unfolded since the time of his escape.
Michael and his canine partner Sasha banded together with Officer Jameson, a state trooper from Nebraska, to hunt down the madman and return him to prison where he belonged. The three partners combed the states of Wyoming and Montana in search of the deranged man, before the psychotic killer could claim another innocent life. They followed in Caleb’s wake from crime scene to crime scene in search of possible leads that would direct them to the location where the heinous murderer hid. They had come to the realization; Caleb’s murders had not only become more frequent, they’d also been far more savage. Each murder scene proved to be more disturbing than the last.
Caleb Talbot’s hatred for Katrina Meyers, the woman who toyed with his heart, had escalated as his psychological disease progressed to dangerous levels. His only desire in life had been to live long enough to full fill his personal vendetta, to kill the bitch who threatened his freedom. The disease that wreaked havoc on Caleb’s brain had changed, and had altered his rational thought patterns.
Caleb’s path of death and destruction rages onward.
Chapter 1
Caleb sat in the jeep he had stolen staring off into the distance. He thought about Katrina and his need for revenge. He thought about the cop he had beaten and had later discovered from a newspaper report he had lived and was in the intensive care unit of the area hospital. He also thought about the black pick-up truck he had pushed off the road and the image of it bursting into flames that had been etched in his brain. He wondered about the man that stood on the side of the road watching the horrific scene as it unfolded. He knew the man had been connected to someone at the scene, but he wasn’t exactly positive who. He leaned over the console and removed the newspaper from the floor where he had tossed it.
He read the article that described the injuries the officer sustained during Caleb’s violent attack. The officer’s injuries included several broken ribs, a punctured lung, and a severe concussion among other numerous injuries. Caleb’s head started to throb as he remembered his latest fit of rage. He wondered how he could control himself long enough to find Katrina and end her pitiful little life, before someone ended his. He knew sooner or later someone would succeed in taking his life; he just wanted to make certain he had his revenge long before that day came.
He stared at his mug shot posted on the front page of the paper with a caption that read, Caleb Talbot escaped convict from Kansas State Penitentiary. He gritted his teeth while he wondered how the information of his escape had made the front page of the no-name rag. He longed for a way to disguise his appearance and to make himself less conspicuous to the local residents. A thought crossed his mind that although he couldn’t change his eye color or his height, he could color his hair and beard. He understood most people only recognize the obvious, which in his case would be his six foot six frame, crystal blue eyes and his sandy brown hair. The decision made, he reclined the seat and started plotting exactly what he would do when the morning sun rose. He imagined the time when he’d enter a store and start his transformation.
Katrina’s image slammed into his head as he tried to get a few hours of sleep before returning to the old abandoned house he had once shared with his wolf Cuda. He thought of the many ways he would make her suffer before he actually ended her miserable life. An evil smile crossed his face when he imagined the screams he’d hear bursting from her mouth as he relentlessly tortured her.
He pulled a pen and a small pad of paper from his gear. He started to jot down all the things he needed in order to change his image. He then made a list of items he’d need for the time spent in hiding until the local residents had long forgotten the photo that had been plastered across the news and the newspapers within the state of Montana. He thought about all the states where he’d recklessly taken or destroyed the lives of people that had threatened him over the past few months. He wondered if his face had been printed in any other small town rags.
Once he completed the list, he slowly drove the stolen jeep off the dirt road and turned west onto the main road. He knew exactly where he could stop to make his purchases.
He turned into the asphalt parking lot of a small mom and pop grocery store. Caleb took a few deep breaths before he slid out of the jeep and entered the market. He immediately approached the counter and said in a soft tone, “Mrs. Hansen, how are you this morning?”
The older woman appeared to be approximately seventy years old, her thick glasses were perched mid way on her nose. Her kind smile spoke volumes. Caleb deduced she either couldn’t see well, or she hadn’t read the paper. She smiled brightly and said with a shaky voice, “Oh Cal, I’m fine. How are you doing this morning?”
“I’m fine Mrs. Hansen; could you help me with something?”
“Oh sure, what is it you need?”
“Well my fiancé sent me for some hair color and I’m not completely positive what type she’d need.”
The woman smiled up at him and said with her soft sweet voice, “That’s one lucky lady to get such a gentleman as you. Let me take you to the aisle where we can decide what would be best for your young lady.”
They walked to the aisle where the health and beauty aids were located. The woman peered down at the boxes of various hair colors and asked, “What color does she need dear? There are so many to choose from, I hope you at least know what color she would like.”
“Oh…ah, I guess she would want her natural hair color.”
“And what would that be sweetheart?”
“Well, her hair is…ah very dark,” He peered down at the boxes and noticed a formula for beards. He picked up a box that read ‘natural dark brown’. He explained, “I think I’ll get this for her brother. He had been complaining last night about the gray in his beard.”
“Well aren’t you sweet.” She handed him a box of hair color containing natural dark brown and said, “Now I’ll give you this for your young lady. If it’s not what she wants, then you can bring it back and trade it for the one she’d rather have.”
Caleb removed the small box from her hand and smiled down at her. He said softly, “I’m sure this will be perfect. As a matter of fact, her hair’s the same color as the model on the box.”
“Oh she must be a beautiful girl. You’ll have to bring her in soon so I can meet her.”
“I will. As a matter of fact in a couple of days we’ll be moving to Wyoming…she has family there.”
“That’s a shame, now I won’t be able to see one of my favorite young men.”
“I’m sure we’ll be back sometime. I love this area and I really don’t believe I can stay away.” He followed the older woman to the counter and pulled out his wallet. He said with a slight smile on his face, “I’ll definitely stop by the next time I’m in the area. I have to admit, this area has some great hiking trails.”
“You make sure you’re careful in those woods…I heard there has been a few men attacked by wolves recently.”
“Really? I’ve never come across any evidence of wolves.”
“Oh yes, there seems to be more and more every year.” She handed him his change and continued, “Just last week Mr. Barnes came across a mother and her half-grown babies. He was lucky to get away without a scratch. Some people aren’t quite so fortunate.”
“Do you happen to know where the wolf family was spotted?”
“I think Mr. Barnes mentioned the old Johnson house.” She handed him his merchandise and said, “That’s the old house off Union highway. I think he said there’s an old dirt road leading to the house…now don’t you go out there looking for trouble. Wolves aren’t anything to play around with.”
He started to walk out the door, and paused to say, “Oh don’t worry Mrs. Hansen, I’ll stay clear of that area…ah do you happen to know why he was out there?”
“Oh you know men; he heard there’s a vagrant living out there. He just wanted to make sure it wasn’t the man that has been in all the newspapers lately.”
“Huh, do you think that man…ah in the papers has been in this area?”
“Oh no, last I heard he was somewhere east of here. I don’t suspect there’d be a reason for a man like him to come to this area.”
Caleb scowled, “A man like him? What do you mean?”
“Oh I just meant he’s from Kansas. I wouldn’t think he’d like being in the wilderness. I had heard he’s from the big city.”
“I guess you’re right.” He smiled and said, “If you see that man you better lock the doors. I…ah don’t know why he’s been in the papers but I’m sure it’s not because he’s the man of the year.”
She waved a hand in his direction and said with a giggle in her voice, “Oh Cal, if anyone around here was man of the year, it would definitely be you.”
He opened the door and said over his shoulder, “Thank you for the warning, I’ll be sure to stay out of the woods after dark.” He paused briefly before he closed the door, “Mrs. Hansen, you take care of yourself, I…ah…think of you as a mother and I would hate to think of anything happening to you.”
“I will sweetheart, tell your girl I said hello and I hope to get to meet her one day soon.”
He pulled the door closed; a tear welled in his eyes as he thought about his own mother and how he left her alone in Caribou. He slid into his jeep, fastened his seatbelt and started the engine. He backed out of his parking place and paused for a moment. He wondered if he should find a new location to hide out for a few days or if it’d be safe for him to return to the familiar abandoned house. He turned right out of the parking lot after deciding he’d find another secluded house. He wasn’t willing to take the chance of being discovered in a house the locals suspected a vagrant had been living in. He needed to find another abandoned house in the area.
Brief synopsis for Mind of a Madman II Evil Stalks
Caleb Talbot, one of the most terrifying men alive, has left behind a bloody trail along his road to freedom. Since his prison escape Caleb has done everything in his power to remain a free man. His heinous murders are so evil they are beginning to make Charles Manson look like a girl scout. As Caleb's illness evolves he has little or no patients for individuals that cross his path. Murder and mayhem has become a way of life and he won't stop until he gets his ultimate revenge...the bitch that goes by the name of Katrina.
Michael and Jameson the law enforcement officers in charge of ending Caleb's murder spree, continue to hunt down the cold blooded psychotic killer. Their frustration weighs heavy on both men, as the search for the heinous murderer continues to come up empty. They know it's only a matter of time before Caleb completely snaps.
Due to a twist of fate, one of Caleb's surviving victims joins him on his road to revenge. Can Michael and Jameson put an end the killing before Caleb gets his ultimate revenge?
Michael and Jameson the law enforcement officers in charge of ending Caleb's murder spree, continue to hunt down the cold blooded psychotic killer. Their frustration weighs heavy on both men, as the search for the heinous murderer continues to come up empty. They know it's only a matter of time before Caleb completely snaps.
Due to a twist of fate, one of Caleb's surviving victims joins him on his road to revenge. Can Michael and Jameson put an end the killing before Caleb gets his ultimate revenge?
