Between Good And Evil

Just released from Sunbury Press: Between Good And Evil

Buy it now:
Amazon    B&N    Sunbury Press

Praise for R. Michael Phillips: 

R. Michael Phillips excels at setting the stage for a good story. He beckons you inside with multilayered characters and artistic strokes of sensory details and then pulls you through dark hallways of motivation and revelation. An absorbing, riveting good read. 
D.A. Sarac, The Editing Pen

Small town suspense, big city crime.

June Lorraine Roberts, MurderInCommon.com

About the book:

      Years after the Willis Asylum closed, the secrets of its past lingered in its decaying halls as a reminder to the good people of Auburn Notch—when Evil closes a door, he also opens a window. Sheriff Promise Flynn was new to the town, and she was about to find out some windows should never be opened.

      Promise Flynn is an overly impulsive Metro Detective whose disregard for procedure finally resulted in her being shot and left for dead during an investigation. To repair her bruised ego and splintered confidence she abandons the callous dark alleys of Chicago to patrol the quiet, birch-lined streets of Auburn Notch—a favorite vacation spot of her youth. For two years everything was idyllic, until the body of a young girl found in the abandoned asylum outside of town awakens the insecurities she thought her new life would insulate her from. As the new Sheriff she begins her investigation refusing to accept the similarities between the young woman’s death and her own case, oblivious to being unexpectedly recognized and penciled in at the top of a clever murderer’s To-Do list. Her internal struggle intensifies when a discredited crime reporter from the past suspiciously arrives in town to resurrect his threadbare reputation, along with an FBI agent chasing down a lead in a cold case. Both men quickly become entangled in Flynn's investigation and her attempts to finally put her past to rest.

      Flynn reluctantly accepts the murder of the young girl might be the work of the two men responsible for her hasty departure from Chicago, but Agent MacGregor insists the evidence points to a man he’s been chasing. As the rising current of her past threatens to pull her under, Flynn finds herself unprepared for option three.

Meet mystery writer R. Michael Phillips at an event near you. Times and dates will be posted on Goodreads and at rmichaelphillips.com.


See you there!

Through These Doors

I have been around since the beginning of recorded history, standing quietly amongst many people and cultures. Through the years I’ve chronicled the ideas and ideals of those held in high regard, placing them without prejudice alongside those chastised for bravely stepping forward to contradict them.  I’ve brought to the frightened masses the tragedies of wars fought, along with the prophecies of those yet to come. To the inquisitive I’ve uncovered the wonders of outer space and the marvels of Nature. To the scholars I’ve met through the years, I’ve cataloged the words and theories of those who came before them. I stand without judgment behind the words of Queen and commoner; of patriot and traitor; of realist and dreamer; of politician and anarchist.

With many of my contemporaries, I have endured the roar of giants who’ve towered over us, doing all that is possible to stand firmly in the shadow of their powerful presence. Others less fortunate than I have fallen, but their contributions to the lives they’ve touched can never be erased or ignored. It has made those of us that remain stronger and more determined. As one, we lower our heads in humble thanks, forever grateful for those who continue to applaud our existence. We then raise our head high without contempt for those who’ve determined there is no further use for us, proving we will not be dismissed without a fight.

You can find me down the street or around the corner. I have welcomed your family and friends for generations. My wondrous tales of magical characters from far away places enchants the young. The tumultuous teenage years are often softened with my stories of others who have endured their same challenges. I share anecdotes of remarkable successes during times of prosperity, while other narratives are a source of fervent hope at times of misfortune. I offer to all the opportunity of a brief respite from the demands of their everyday lives, asking very little in return.

Each day as you pass through these doors, it is the expectation of the enjoyment my words will bring you and the contributions to the community we share that defines my existence. I don’t know how the giants of the industry feel, but I’m very proud to be your local independent bookshop.

©2015 R. Michael Phillips   All right reserved.

Photo ©GKChest, via Wikimedia Commons