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DE McCluskey

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The Contract: A serial killer / FBI cat and mouse chase across the USA, and beyond Kindle Edition

by D E McCluskey (Author), C William Giles (Author) Format: Kindle Edition

97 ratings

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A series of gruesome murders, all of them in different states. There is seemingly no connections between the victims, however, as they are identified it quickly becomes apparent they were not model citizens, and have possibly been the victims of targeted attacks.

The first clue is the calling card left at every scene.

A single white feather.

But this is no ordinary feather.

Is there is a serial killer on the loose?

As the body count rises, FBI Agents George Cox and Adam Symes are plunged into a cat and mouse chase across the USA, and beyond. They need to find the brutal killer, but they have very little to go on, other than he is a thin, white male, with a blond beard.

But, just like his calling card, there is nothing ordinary about this killer.

Judge, Jury, Executioner...
This contract must be fulfilled.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PRAISE FOR THE CONTRACT:

Annabele
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Great Read I Didn't Want To Put Down.
Reviewed in the United States on July 9, 2020
Verified Purchase

A Great Read. Take a well written and thought out storyline, no noticeable typos, and combine it with a great pace of events and you find yourself drawn in turning page after page, you just can't help yourself. The Characters were well fleshed out with enough detail to make you care about them, yet not too much where you'd wish them dead, if it hadn't been for the Hubby reminding me it was late (and the ever present need for sleep beckoning me), I probably would have read this book straight through, even so I finished this book in less than 3 days . Highly Recommended.

Marie rated it five out of five stars
it was amazing ·
Blown Away

From the start of this book I just couldn’t put it down. It’s an amazing story and kept me engrossed right up until the end. I actually did guess the end but only at the last few pages. Mr McCluskey you are now one of my favourite authors.

Product details

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B07TTGXP2B
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Dammaged Productions
Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
Publication date ‏ : ‎ August 16, 2019
Language ‏ : ‎ English
File size ‏ : ‎ 702 KB
Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
Print length ‏ : ‎ 232 pages
Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
Reading age ‏ : ‎ 15 - 18 years

Best Sellers Rank: #173,933 in Kindle Store (See Top 100 in Kindle Store)
- #718 in Occult Horror
- #980 in Occult Fiction
- #3,226 in Murder

Customer Reviews:
97 ratings

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DE McCluskey

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D E McCluskey was born in 1973, in Liverpool, England. He is the author of novels, graphic novels and comics. He lives with his daughter (an author in her own right (at the age of 8) with her children's adventure The Hangry Hamster), his partner, her daughter, and a sausage dog called Ted.

He began writing in 2011, creating his first comic publication entitled Interesting Tymes, an anthology of short horror stories written in rhyme for children and adults. This was quickly followed by the second in the series, along with a spin off. Dave then moved on to more adult related fiction, releasing a number of one-shot comics, followed by his first, full length book, the graphic novel, Doppelgänger.

More graphic novels and comics ensued, including a collaboration with artist Joe Matthews to produce a retelling of the classic Christmas tale, A Christmas Carol, only this time rewritten completely in rhyme.

Dave then turned his sights onto writing novels. His debut novel The Twelve was released in 2017 to great reviews. This was followed by a collaboration with a local, Liverpool music historian, to produce a historical thriller called In The Mood… For Murder, based in Liverpool in 1946.

Dave likes to work mostly in dark, or mainstream horror, although he has cross genres into extreme horror, comedy, thrillers, romantic drama, and children's books.

He is also working with a number of other authors/comic creators, in collaborations in their works.

Comics:

Interesting Tymes

Interesting Tymes x 2

Edward D'Ammage Presents: The Wedding

Wooden Heart

Three Days in the City

The Adventures of Mace Masoch: Hard Times on Planet L'Bido

Short Sharp Shocks

The Few

Sick B*stards (with Matt Shaw)

Eleven (with Matt Shaw)

Graphic Novels:

Doppelgänger

Olf

A Christmas Carol (with Joe Matthews)

DeathDay Presents

DreamCatcher

Novels:

The Twelve

In The Mood for Murder (with Tony Bolland)

CRACK

Z: A Love Story

The Contract (with C. William Giles)

Butterflies

TimeRipper

Mutant Superhero Zombie Killing Disco Cheerleaders from Outer Space (with Uzis)

Glimmer (book 1 in the Glimmer Saga)

The City of the Fireflies (book 2 in the Glimmer Saga)

The Throne of Glimm (book 3 in the Glimmer Saga)

A Seagull's Tale

Guardian (this is NOT poetry)

The Boyfriend

All Of These People Are Going To Die 3: All Of These Kids Are Going To Die

Sing Sing For Murder

Olf: Santa's Naughtiest Reindeer

Novellas:

CRAVINGS

Zola

The Grinkle Nonk

The Special Stuff

The Stinky Stump

Customer reviews

97 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book engaging, with one mentioning they read it in one sitting. Moreover, the story is jam-packed with suspense, featuring many twists and turns, and customers enjoy the character development. Additionally, the writing style receives positive feedback, with one customer noting there are no noticeable typos.

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Readability Suspenseful Character development Writing style

4 customers mention "Readability"4 positive0 negative

Customers find the book readable, with one mentioning they finished it in one sitting.

"The Contract by D.E. McCluskey was a great read, imo...." Read more

"I only read this for my reading things. But boy was it a great book. I read it in one sitting. Didn’t even get up to pee...." Read more

"A Great Read...." Read more

"Exhilarating!! One of the best books I’ve read ALL year!!..." Read more

4 customers mention "Suspenseful"4 positive0 negative

Customers find the book suspenseful, with one mentioning it's jam-packed with twists and turns.

"...of the characters and their relationships, this book was jam packed with suspense, horror, and gore!..." Read more

"...While it wasn’t one of those books I couldn’t put down, it kept me intrigued, and I was eager to discover the identity or motive behind the murders...." Read more

"Went into this one completely blind. It has so many twists and turns it kept me needing to know what was next...." Read more

"A Great Read. Take a well written and thought out storyline, no noticeable typos, and combine it with a great pace of events and you find yourself..." Read more

3 customers mention "Character development"3 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the character development in the book.

"...first time reading a story by this author, and I really enjoyed the character development, especially the dynamic between the two main FBI agents...." Read more

"The Contract by D.E. McCluskey was a great read, imo. I liked the characters, even though a couple of them were a too much - the ending made it all..." Read more

"...The Characters were well fleshed out with enough detail to make you care about them, yet not too much where you'd wish them dead, if it hadn't been..." Read more

3 customers mention "Writing style"3 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the writing style of the book, with one mentioning there are no noticeable typos.

"...D.E. never disappoints me. Each story has its own magic and writing style...." Read more

"...So well written (as to be expected from McCluskey). I definitely need to start Black Feather Fever asap!" Read more

"A Great Read. Take a well written and thought out storyline, no noticeable typos, and combine it with a great pace of events and you find yourself..." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

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Amazon Customer
Exhilarating!! One of the best books I’ve read ALL year!!
Reviewed in the United States on November 10, 2024
Verified Purchase

This story stomped down the accelerator and never let up!
His Contract has been issued and must be fulfilled, despite being chased by a couple of FBI agents and crew.
From the building of a world filled with debauchery to the developing of the characters and their relationships, this book was jam packed with suspense, horror, and gore!
As I closed in on the end of this book, I was so glad that I already had the sequel Black Feather Fever in hand!!

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paula calhoun
Cat and mouse for sure!
Reviewed in the United States on October 20, 2024
Verified Purchase
This was my first time reading a story by this author, and I really enjoyed the character development, especially the dynamic between the two main FBI agents. Without giving anything away, the killings were carefully crafted and added a solid layer of suspense. While it wasn’t one of those books I couldn’t put down, it kept me intrigued, and I was eager to discover the identity or motive behind the murders. I love a good revenge story, and while I understood the premise, there were certain elements that stretched believability for me. I won’t spoil it by diving into those details, but let’s just say they didn’t quite resonate this time around. Since this is meant to be the first in a trilogy, the ending gives you a sense of what’s to come without leaving you hanging. Will I read the next one? Maybe!

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Raptor
Worth the read
Reviewed in the United States on November 23, 2024
Verified Purchase
The Contract by D.E. McCluskey was a great read, imo. I liked the characters, even though a couple of them were a too much - the ending made it all fit.

Honestly, i didnt see the end coming. Maybe because I was involved with the FBI Agents and I was on the hint with them - lol

This one did have a cliffhanger, but this does continue to a 2nd book - that i cant wait to read.

D.E. never disappoints me. Each story has its own magic and writing style. Sometimes you love the characters, sometimes you hate them.. but that is what makes D.E. a great writer.

Normally, I dont read anything with government officials as the main characters, but this one was worth it

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Breanna Hellyer
Omg omg omg
Reviewed in the United States on December 10, 2024
Verified Purchase
Oh my goodness, there is so much to unpack here. I loved this. I wasn't able to distinguish the twist until about 85% through and even then I wasn't completely sure. So well written (as to be expected from McCluskey). I definitely need to start Black Feather Fever asap!

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Nicole LaBelle
wow
Reviewed in the United States on October 4, 2024
Verified Purchase
I only read this for my reading things. But boy was it a great book. I read it in one sitting. Didn’t even get up to pee. I highly recommend this book.

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alioopers
Horrible editing
Reviewed in the United States on November 15, 2024
I liked the story in the beginning. However, the editing, or lack thereof, constantly takes away from enjoying it because I am fixing the mistakes in my mind. There are more mistakes in this book than any book I have read. And then it was just more of the same blood and gore, so super-skimmed it to see the ending. Not even worth the skimming.

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Kristi H
So Good I Need More
Reviewed in the United States on July 15, 2024
Verified Purchase
Went into this one completely blind. It has so many twists and turns it kept me needing to know what was next. Really enjoyed the world building and the character depth. Looking forward to more in this universe.

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Casey W.
Not what I expected
Reviewed in the United States on January 10, 2025
This book wasn't exactly what I was expecting, which is probably a good thing or I might not have read it.

It will be hard to give an in depth one without spoilers. However, I'm going to do my best.

FBI Agents Cox and Symes are tasked with tracking down a killer that leaves a single white feather on the victim's body. Their investigation takes them through multiple states and even across the ocean into England. As the bodies pile up, they stumble across a professor that might be able to help them pinpoint the next place and time the perpetrator will hit.

Based on my upbringing, I had figured out in general who was committing the crimes. To someone raised differently it might not be as transparent.

The main characters are likable enough at first, but Symes eventually comes across as a womanizing jerk. Though his behavior becomes important towards the end, which made me loathe him a bit less.

There was the potential for it to be a little more in depth when it came to FBI and Police procedures. It all seemed to be a little too seamless when going from jurisdiction to jurisdiction.

Overall, it was a decent read with a solid idea.

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Top reviews from other countries

Scotslass134
Blown Away
Reviewed in Australia on June 17, 2021
Verified Purchase

From the start of this book I just couldn’t put it down. It’s an amazing story and kept me engrossed right up until the end. I actually did guess the end but only at the last few pages. Mr Mc Cluskey you are now one of my favourite authors.

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Yvonne
Loved it
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 16, 2019
Verified Purchase
When three horrific murders happen in a short space of time in three different states of the US, you can understand why the police were confused. The only thing the kills have in common is the large white feather left as a calling card. In steps FBI Agents Cox and Symes to try and solve the case.
The agents are complete opposites, Cox is fastidious in his duties, he studies the files in-depth to try and solve the case. Symes, on the other hand, is a ladies man. Where ever he goes, he can always find a woman. that being said, he was good at his job. One thing they had in common was their dry humour and even at some of the gruesome scenes, I would always crack a smile at one line that one of them said.
With not much to go on, you follow the agents as they go where the feathers take them. As more is found out about the killer, you are taken on a fantasy mystery with some unexpected revelations.
As more bodies turned up, I was surprised at how many different gruesome ways a character could die and some were quite inventive. This was a fast-paced book as there was always something going on and I found myself wanting to ignore real life to finish this book.
Written as a collaboration between DE McCluskey and C William Giles, the story flowed seamlessly and as I was familiar with DE McCluskey's work, I thought I would be able to recognise which parts of the story he wrote, but I can honestly say I had not got a clue.
With the sad news that C William Giles passed away before this book was published, I hope he is looking down on this review knowing that I loved the book and I hope that DE McCluskey will carry on with the series as I want to know what happens next.
This book is not for the faint-hearted thriller lover, for everyone else pick up this book and get transported away in this mystery.

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Sherbert
Brilliant
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 23, 2020
Verified Purchase
Brilliant. I had this on my Kindle for quite some time, so when I came to read it I had no idea what it was about. I was a little disappointed with how all the women seemed to be a little shallow, however, it did not spoil my enjoyment of the book at all. Totally unexpected and interesting. Read it far too fast and looking forward to the next one

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Amazon Customer
I paid nothing for this and I still want my money back.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 27, 2024
Verified Purchase
Frankly, this book fails on just about every level.

Roughly half of it is dedicated to almost entirely detached and unnecessary sequences inside the heads of far too many victims, describing the way they die and recapping all the crimes that make their murders "justified." The first three I could understand to establish how dangerous the culprit is, but the rest serve as little more than gore porn and someone's sadistic vigilante fantasies. Incredibly boring, repetitive, and bland murder fantasies at that, which is impressive given the myriad of 'creative' ways the author comes up with for butchery.

The rest of the book is dull, dry, and also, somehow, intensely repetitive. Any and all investigative work done by the two featureless protagonists is rendered moot by the audience having seen everything beforehand from the victim's perspective, and the one unique angle on offer is, to put it bluntly, utter nonsense that would get our flat federal agents laughed out of their jobs.

And that's before we get into the misogyny! Almost every female character is reduced to hair colour and curves at best, and usually only serve to wink and giggle at the FBI's resident sex pest. I had an inkling this would be the case when the first prominent woman we got was sexualised to hell and back, then promptly murdered in the shower, and that feeling was only reinforced when our "heroes" objectified her corpse.

The only reason I slogged through stilted, yet somehow overwritten and atrociously padded prose was to see how this horrorshow ended. To which I have to say... what ending? There's no resolution - things just stop after we get a religiously tinged infodump about things anyone with two brain cells pieced together from the first three victims.

In short, do not buy this book. Do not get this book for free. If I could rate it less, I would.

P.S. For the love of """The Originator""", hire a proofreader!

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lushie
Fantastic!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 15, 2019
Verified Purchase
What a story! I've had to pace myself, reading bits each night, as I never want Dave' s books to end. A roller coaster from start to finish, and I do hope there will be a sequel to this. I have been spoilt by this talented author, no other book holds my interest now, and I look forward to his next book.

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5.0 out of 5 stars Blown Away

5.0 out of 5 stars Loved it

5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant

1.0 out of 5 stars I paid nothing for this and I still want my money back.

5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic!

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Blown Away

Loved it

Brilliant

I paid nothing for this and I still want my money back.

Fantastic!