STARK WARNING

(Published by Endeavour Press)
‘Every time you appear on screen someone will die…’

That's the stark warning issued to Jessica Lee, the undisputed 'Queen of Trash TV.' 

She's the host of a confessional talk show on network television with millions of fans. 
But the popular reality TV programme – which aims to name, shame and ultimately humiliate abusive family members – has also made her a fair few enemies. 

Attractive, assured, ambitious and razor sharp, Jessica suddenly receives a chilling threat pressuring her to scrap the program and stop appearing on TV all together. Proof that this is no idle threat, the first victim, a young woman, is found dead with her throat cut. 

Jessica and her bosses face an agonising choice – take the programme off the air or risk more murders. They decide to defy the killer, for fear of setting a dangerous precedent, but there are dire consequences. Charged with trying to stop the carnage is DCI Sam Quinn who has been seconded to the Met’s ‘Celebrity Crime Squad’. Quinn is particularly qualified following the murder of his own actress wife Karen 16 months earlier, a tragedy which propelled him towards gambling and eventually into the clutches of local gangster Baz Carter, when his debts mounted up. 

But how low is the Network prepared to go to protect their ratings and is there any remorse at the price innocent victims have to pay? How does the killer select his victims in his bid to make Jessica suffer – and what ultimately is to be her fate? 

Can DCI Quinn get Carter’s goons off his back long enough to follow the crimson tide to its seemingly inevitable conclusion? Stark Warning is an icily precise thriller that chills and delights in equal measure as it lays bare some of the realities behind reality TV and the all-too-human frailties that beset even the strongest among us.

Buy/order the book from: Amazon

Reader Reviews

‘A clever story written with clarity and attention to detail. Told in the first person the main protagonist is easily likeable and the short chapters drive the story along with ease. Keenly observed this tale of murder and the television industry works really well,’
Amazon Review.

‘This is the first book I have read from James Raven and based on this effort, I would be prepared to look more into his works. This was a brilliant crime thriller which was a real page turner and gave me a couple of late nights - not just because I couldn't put it down but because it managed to creep me out too,’
Amazon Review.

‘I had knots in my stomach and felt my pulse quicken throughout the entire book. Truly a thriller with a mystery that had me stumped until the very end,’
Amazon Review.

‘Gripping story line - doesn't let up for a minute and will keep you glued to your Kindle. Well characterised but imperfect protagonists - somewhat flawed, like most of us,’
Amazon Review.

‘Good writing with just enough suspects to keep you guessing without bogging the reader down with too many avenues. The romance element is nicely done also, and doesn't highjack the story. I appreciated the fact that the characters didn't meet on one page, and are in bed the next. Very entertaining,’
Amazon Review.

‘This is a well we written story. I did not want to stop reading this book when I started. I do not like to give out very much information on a book that I read because I want people to enjoy reading the book and finding it enjoyable. I recommend this book to the reader's because it has action, romance, feelings of not being able to control what is going on. I enjoyed reading this book and will probably read it again,’
Amazon Review.