Mary Connealy uses the penname of Mary Nealy for her venture into “Ten Plagues,” a thriller police narrative that compares to the popular television show, Criminal Minds. The fast-paced, well-characterized, well-written suspense plot includes spiritual gifts, spiritual warfare, psychology and a crazed killer with a distinctive agenda.
The story begins with detective Keren Collins camped out in her Impala alone, half-a-block from the brownstone under surveillance. She wonders again why her partner O’Shea had to be late, today of all days and whispers impatiently, “C’mon…where are you?”
Even though Keren is a competent, no-nonsense, play-it-by-the book detective she quickly recognizes the too familiar goose bumps rising up her arms that tell her evil demons are present. She scans the surrounding decrepit buildings searching for the source, even though her spiritual gift of discernment only alerts her to evil’s powerful presence.
Today was no different. That same discernment now sent “…a cold chill of evil sleet through her veins…” Bringing with it such a powerful sense of impending doom her hands shook on the steering wheel, as she felt herself drawn into the presence of a powerful “blackened soul.”
Without warning an explosion rocked the thoroughfare sending a barrage of brick’s plummeting into the streets below. Amidst the gritty dust and powerful heat Keren saw several guards outside the tenement under surveillance. However, as the smoke cleared she saw they were young teens, their bloodied arms and legs tangled together like rag dolls. The heat from the blast blew hot air and grit into Keren’s car as she “…leaped from the car and charged toward the bleeding boys…”
Thus begins Nealy’s debut mystery that includes romance and intense action in a suspense laden narrative that never lets up. Add Paul Morris, an ex-cop with a secretive sinful past, who is now pastor for the Lighthouse Mission. A serial killer who uses the ten plagues from the Bible to select and murder his victims. And a detective torn between love and revenge, all of which combine to offer readers an unforgettable read.
The author, Christy nominee and RITA award finalist for her “Romantic Comedy with Cowboys” novels brings the same intriguing character development, dialogue and plotting to her debut mystery—“Ten Plagues.” She’s a new voice in romantic suspense, one I hope to see more of.
