This book includes three short stories based on characters in the authors' debut novel "MURDER IN TWOS AND THREES", which they self-published in 2012. The first two stories were previously self-published, and the third story is brand-new.
"SILENT NIGHT MURDER NIGHT" is a tale of kidnapping and revenge. A dry-cleaning store owner, Billy Lawrence, is living under witness protection after exposing the mob family he had unknowingly worked for, sending all of that family to jail. The leader of that family finds Billy and threatens to kill both him and his employee, Fred. The secret federal Task Force Division gets word of the event at the dry-cleaning store and sends its field team leader, "Spy", to save Billy and Fred if he can get there in time.
"REEL TO REAL MURDER" follows Task Force Division agent "Proteus" during her civilian job as a Hollywood makeup artist supreme, where one of the actors was killed on the set as the cast and crew were arriving for another filming day. After the police does its investigation, "Proteus" takes over and uses her advanced Task Force technology to follow the killer's trail.
"RUSHMORE TO JUDGEMENT" is a brand-new tale which features a prior agent code-named "Spy" and current team member "Seeker" in an adventure that takes place prior to "MURDER IN TWOS AND THREES", where they are assigned to stop the destruction of Mount Rushmore by a small group of terrorists. They succeed, but after this mission decide that they should leave special messages to their loved ones in case they are ever killed on assignment. The story then advances to after the events of "MURDER IN TWOS AND THREES" for a special Christmas message to a fellow agent, and another special Christmas event for "Seeker". The story then leaves off on a cliffhanger that is continued in the next, and already-published, Task Force novella, "TRAIL OF THE TALON".
About the Author :
Jack Gannon began his literary career with high school best friend Cyndi Williams-Barnier after they were both retired from their respective careers, writing the stories they talked about way back in high school. Together they have written nine books, both self-published and by a publisher. YBR Publishing was born when Jack wrote and published his first solo book, "I WALKED IN SANTA'S BOOTS", a coffee table-sized autobiography about his quarter-century as Santa Claus for Beaufort, SC. "SANTA" was entered into the Beaufort County Library Historic District Collection as an important book reflecting the history of Beaufort, SC. His decades in print media gave him the experience to put together that first book in a unique and attractive scrap-book style, and now serves as the Production Manager for YBR Publishing. Jack works one-on-one with each author to create a distinctive visual signature in the book from cover to cover, a trademark style individual to each author with YBR Publishing. In addition, Jack is YBR Publishing's webmaster. Jack also serves on the Liturgy Committee for St. Peter's Catholic Church in Beaufort as its chairman and the Proclaimer Ministry chair, plus scheduling all the laity for the regular weekend and special Masses. He is retired from The Beaufort Gazette & The Island Packet after 24 years in management plus another ten years prior as a motor route delivery carrier and intern reporter. Jack lives in Beaufort, SC, with his wife Mendy; Tasia, a 13-year-old Pomeranian; and Mister Earl Grey, a 5-year-old Russian Blue who is "a lot of cat"! Cyndi Williams-Barnier, a Beaufort, South Carolina native, brings to YBR 25 years of county government service in Emergency Management, including writing and managing grants, writing training programs and detailed multi-agency operations manuals for disaster preparation and recovery. Her detailed programs are still used as guideposts for county, state and federal agencies including FEMA, Homeland Security and the National Guard at the Pentagon. As co-founder of YBR Publishing and co-author of nine books, she brings a unique personal perspective and experience to maximize marketing opportunities for YBR and its authors. Her eye for detail and creative skill bring the emotional connection to every manuscript. Cyndi lives in Ridgeland, SC, is married to Bill Barnier, and has three adorable cats (who serve as her personal YBR critics)!
Review :
The Task Force That Saved Christmas by Jack Gannon and Cyndi Williams-Barnier is a collection of three short action stories. In the first story, Silent Night, Murder Night, Billy who is a store owner and Fred, his employee, are attacked by the members of a mob family that Billy had exposed to the authorities in the past. In the second, Reel to Real Murder, an actor is found dead as a cast prepares for filming. But will the police alone be able to apprehend the deranged murderer? In Rushmore to Judgement, a team of agents manages to bring down a terrorist group at Mount Rushmore. The story then moves forward from the event to include some romance incorporated through messages written by the agents for their loved ones in case they die during a mission.
All three stories are action-driven. In the first and last stories, the action appears at the beginning, pulling one right into the plot. Though brief, the collection manages to surprise, create emotional moments and incorporate authentic dialogue. The work remains realistic through the loss of characters in the stories. The eminent danger that looms between the scenes creates a sense of foreboding that drives the suspense in the collection. The work is also creative in the selection of the settings in which the stories take place, moving from a dry-cleaning store to a movie shoot then to a dangerous mission. The Task Force That Saved Christmas by Jack Gannon and Cyndi Williams-Barnier is a collection that captivates through its gripping action.
Reviewed By Edith Wairimu for Readers' Favorite
