The Amanda Northstar Mysteries
Independence, a small town and county on the banks of the Hudson River, is a typical, all-American community with a proud history dating back to Colonial times. But just like anywhere else it cannot escape the darker side of human nature. Murder, violence, corruption; these and other crimes are not the exception in Independence. But Sheriff Amanda Northstar is determined that they don't become the rule.
“Does what a detective novel should do: it grabs your attention, weaves a web and draws you in.”
“Captures downtown small-town chintzy American atmosphere effortlessly to make you feel part of the story.”
“The characters are introduced elaborately - they come to life and you’re able to build an empathy for them. The plot is intricate yet flows seamlessly.”
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Dark River - Book 1
Independence, a small town and county on the banks of the Hudson River, is a typical, all-American community with a proud history dating back to Colonial times. But just like anywhere else it cannot escape the darker side of human nature. Murder, violence, corruption; these and other crimes are not the exception in Independence. But Sheriff Amanda Northstar is determined that they don't become the rule.
When the body of Judy Sterling, one of Independence's most prominent councilors, washes up on the bank of the Hudson the first assumption is suicide. With her car abandoned near the county's main bridge, a suicide note left inside, it seems that Judy willingly jumped to her death.
However, Amanda's intuition tells her that there is far more to Judy’s death than first appears. As more evidence emerges and Amanda and her deputies piece together the growing collection of clues, they discover that Judy was caught up in a web of lies, desperation, betrayal and perhaps even murder.
“Benneyworth builds upon his last book and produces another thrilling read.”
“A real page turner, keeping the reader gripped throughout. Full of action and excitement with a big crescendo at the end!”
“Another great read. I couldn't put it down, until a dead battery forced me to! Bring on Book 3, can't wait.”
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Heads Will Roll - Book 2
As Independence prepares for Halloween weekend, houses and streets are decorated with carved pumpkins, fake tombstones, and fun monsters. The town also plays host to a festival celebrating the best of horror literature. Authors, poets, and academics from around the country mix with fans, with an open-air theatrical production of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow launching the event.
Sheriff Amanda Northstar and her deputies, Jake Murrow and Casey Norris, police proceedings as audience anticipation builds for the appearance of the Headless Horseman. When the Horseman finally rides in, everyone enjoys the show until the pumpkin-headed actor falls to the ground, and it is discovered that he has been genuinely decapitated inside his mask.
As the weekend unfolds, more bodies are discovered around Independence, each murder influenced by a famous horror tale. With the clock ticking down to Halloween night, Amanda, Jake, and Casey race to discover what links the victims and stop an insanely imaginative killer from realizing a truly devilish design.
Blindsided - Book 3
Football fever grips Independence as its high school team, the Rebels, stands on the brink of winning a state championship for the first time in years. Sheriff Amanda Northstar has watched with pride as her son, Max, has become one-half of a dynamic partnership with the quarterback, CJ Townsend, son of the mayor of Independence, Carter Townsend.
However, with less than a week to go until the big game, CJ and his girlfriend disappear, leaving only a blood-stained and abandoned car on the road. Amanda and her deputies, Jake Murrow and Casey Norris, immediately launch a missing persons investigation, keenly aware that the eyes of the community, the media, and a frantic Carter Townsend are fixed firmly upon them as the clock ticks down towards the state championship game.
As the search for CJ intensifies and the mystery deepens, secrets both old and new are revealed. Carter agonizes over whether past sins have come back to haunt him, Jake and Casey dig up buried truths from their own high school days, and Amanda races to save young lives that increasingly hang in the balance with each passing hour.