(Something very unique: This book has TWO alternative endings, one of which is much darker than the other.)
A semifinalist for the Best Indie Books of 2012 award!
Life on the small Caribbean island of St. Croix is like being in paradise until an unknown stalker appears.
Romance, mystery, and murder in the Caribbean...
When Cuff and Rosie, laid-back lovers on their idyllic Caribbean paradise of St. Croix, are just beginning to move their relationship to the next level, they suddenly find themselves entangled in the crosshairs of an unknown stalker whose relentless pursuit knows no bounds. Now, with their lives on the line and time running short, they know they must act fast or they will die.
If you enjoy mysteries set in exotic locales, then don't miss DEADLY EYES with its "fast paced action coupled with the mesmerizing and intense suspense." (Marilou George - The Kindle Book Review)
From the author who takes you from boisterous Munich to the burning sands of Saudi Arabia in COVERT DREAMS.
Semifinalist for the Best Indie Books of 2012 award. It's like having two books in one - with two alternative endings.
EXCERPT
These were not naked eyes, for the distance between these eyes and the beach bar at Cathy's Fancy was too great for the naked eye to discern who was who. No, these eyes had planned meticulously. The eyes were glued to a pair of terribly expensive and unbelievably powerful Swarovski Optik binoculars. The balcony on which they now worked, taking in the scene before them, was the perfect place to see but not be seen. The powerful binoculars saw to that.
The distance, the palm trees, and the rays of the sun all helped. The position had been hand picked, after careful consideration. Every angle had been considered, and, one by one, they had all been discarded for one reason or another until this very spot, the perfect place to observe while not being observed, had been selected.
Yes, the eyes had seen it all. The eyes had seen precisely what they had hoped to see. They were like a master puppeteer. They planned, controlled, and observed, but from a safe distance. They did not miss a trick.
The eyes. The deadly eyes of St. Croix.
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Q. How does this book differ from other mysteries?
Mike. I have provided two alternative endings. Readers have the opportunity to read only the upbeat ending, or they can choose to read the much darker ending, skipping either the first ending or the second one. They also have the option of reading both endings, if they so desire. I am excited by this new concept of offering reading preference choices to my readers.
Q. What inspired this book?
Mike: I was a professor of writing for four years at the University of the Virgin Islands, St. Croix campus. I fell in love with the Caribbean. It truly is American paradise. I have always loved a good mystery, especially one with never-ending twists, turns, and surprises. Local color is important to me, so I saw that placing a mystery on the romantic island of St. Croix was a win-win situation for me, since I am like a reader when I write, never quite knowing what will happen next.
Q.How would you most like readers to respond to this book? Mike: I would like my readers to sit back and enjoy the suspense surrounding Cuff and Rosie. I would like them to root for these two good people, to enjoy their repartee as they resolve to work out the kinks in their relationship. I want my readers to be open to the unexpected.
Q. While creating your book, what was one of the most surprising things you learned?
Mike: I actually found myself falling in love with the character Rosie, Cuff's girl. She is sexy, independent, and feisty, and I thoroughly enjoyed creating the repartee between her and Cuff. Both characters are people I would love to know.
Excerpt
The Caribbean sun was hot, but the gentle trade winds and cold Heineken made everything just perfect. The little island of St. Croix truly was paradise in the flesh.
“I’ve got a proposition for you.”
Cuff looked up at the man’s paunch. “You’re talking to the wrong guy.”
“It’s not what you’re thinking.”
Cuff let his silence do his talking for him.
“One hundred bucks in it for you, for six hours of your time.”
“A hundred fifty, and twenty to listen to what’s on your mind. The twenty upfront.”
The man sat down. “You’re pretty cocky, aren’t you?”
“If you say so.”
The man turned to the bartender. “Two more beers over here, Roger.” He shifted his weight on the hard chair and then returned to Cuff. He frowned. “I can’t quite get a finger on it. You’re either rash or stupid. What is it?”
“Depends on who you talk to.”
The beers arrived. Roger replaced wet coasters with dry ones, carrying away the two empty bottles.
“What I’m proposing is—”
“Twenty bucks to listen.”
The man set his Heineken down, spilling a bit of beer on his fresh coaster. “You really are, aren’t you?”
Cuff tossed out a grin. “I really are.”
“Stupid, I mean. Here I am about to get a hundred bucks into your pocket—”
“A hundred fifty.”
The man took a swig of Heineken and leaned back. “You know, you really are acting stupid. What if I decide to just get up and walk away? No hundred bucks, right?”
“Hundred fifty.”
“Jesus…”
Cuff ignored him. He went back to work on his own Heineken.
“Look,” the man said, “I’m willing to negotiate, but you’ve got to be reasonable about this. You haven’t even heard me out yet.”
“I’m not,” said Cuff.
“What’s that?”
“Willing to negotiate. A hundred fifty or no go.”
“That’s it?”
“You got it.”
The man frowned. “I should have listened to my wife.” He polished off three quarters of his beer. “Okay, a hundred fifty.” He exhaled loudly. “Here’s what I’d like you to do.”
“Twenty to listen.”
The man began shaking his head. “I can’t believe this.” Then he relaxed. “Okay. What the hell? It’s a deal.”
“The twenty upfront.”
Professional Reviews
Deadly Eyes
The Kindle Book Review TOP 500 REVIEWER
Format:Kindle Edition
Michael Meyer has once again managed to pull me into a story that totally catches me off guard in the end. The ride is fast and furious and the outcome will leave you blindsided.
James Cuffy "Cuff" has re-located to St. Croix to start his life over after an unfortunate turn of events in Dubuque. Cuff is approached by a man he has never met and is offered a job he hesitantly accepts. This decision will drastically alter his life on this beautiful Caribbean Island. For Cuff and his girlfriend Rosie life as they know it takes a treacherous turn.
The mystery and intrigue in this book is palpable. The writing flows seamlessly as the story unfolds and holds you captive. The characters of Cuff and Rosie are multi-layered and defined in such a fashion that I felt a great compassion for them. The supporting characters in the story are drawn with a fine hand and contribute to the intensity as the story progresses. The descriptive journey on the Island of St. Croix paints a striking landscape for the backdrop of the story.
I recommend Deadly Eyes to all readers for its fast paced action coupled with the mesmerizing and intense suspense.
Marilou George - The Kindle Book Review
Kept Me Guessing to the End
By D. Everetti
Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase
Michael Meyer has another hit on his hands with "Deadly Eyes". This mystery/thriller starts out with James Cuffy enjoying his day on the beach when he is approached by a stranger offering him a bit of money to do a job for him. Even though Cuffy doesn't know this guy, he does need to start earning a little money if he wants to continue living in paradise on St. Croix, so against his inner voice and better judgment, he takes the job after haggling over the price for his time. That night he is sitting in his car at the appointed time and place but his employer is a no show. He thinks to himself that it was a good thing he got part of his fee up front, at least he thinks it was a good thing until his curiosity got the better of him and he goes to investigate why his employer was a no-show. This curiosity and the need to answer the all elusive why questions started him on a path that he did not see coming, nor will you dear reader.
James Cuffy is one of those people you hear about that seems to always be in the wrong place at the wrong time. Take this journey with Cuffy and his girl Rosie, you will neither be bored nor will you be disappointed. This is an excellent example of good writing that will keep you guessing until the very end. This is another 5-start book by a 5-star writer. If you have never read Michael Meyer, do yourself a favor and pick up this book or all of his books, you won't be disappointed.
Intrigue in the Tropics
By Nick Russell
Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase
Michael Meyer has done it again, weaving a fascinating tale of murder and intrigue in the tropical paradise of St. Croix that will keep you turning the page to the very end. When James Cuffy is approached by a stranger with an offer of short term employment, it sets him down a path where murder, mystery, and danger await around every bend. You can almost taste the salty air as the breeze rustles the palm fronds, and hear the beat of calypso drums as Cuffy stubbornly refuses to give up his quest for truth and justice. Fans of Myer's other books, Covert Dreams and The Survival of Marvin Baines, won't be disappointed in his latest release.
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