Publication
Date: August 4, 2022
Genre: Suspense/
Thriller/ LGBTQ Rep
Buckle
up for a gripping suspense novel with an ending that will leave
readers curious, creeped out, and looking over their shoulders.
Dannie,
a real estate photographer, finds something intriguing at a
photoshoot. At first, it leaves them curious, but soon after, they
become thrust into a nightmare they’ll never forget.
They
have dreams that frighten them, and massive anxiety to contend with.
But they’re compelled to push forward by circumstances that are out
of their control, fighting a battle against their own mind, all while
trying to protect the person they love the most. The keychains are
more horrifying than they could have even imagined.
Does
Dannie find out the meaning of the keychains? Order your copy of this
creepy suspense thriller now, or download it for free on Kindle
Unlimited, to find out.
(Bonus:
Tons of lgbtq representation)
The
Forgotten Keychains is the debut suspense novel by Julian Kennedy and
is the first novel in The Forgotten Series.
(TWs
for dark content including references to rape, violence, substance
abuse, and LGBTQ family issues)
For people
who find themselves unable to put down creepy psychological thrillers
and stories that keep them up at night, this is the perfect book.
Add
to Goodreads
Excerpt
I
could have smelled it from a mile away, the scent of death mingling
with that of the wildlife and mucky water winding its way through the
river. It haunts the area, and I know I’ll go home smelling like
it, same as I always do. There’s no amount of body wash, detergent,
or scent beads in the world that can rid me of it, because I carry it
in my heart even more than I do on my clothes.
The
surrounding area is clustered with police, crime scene personnel, and
a handful of rubberneckers. That’s not unusual. Murders especially
seemed to draw out a bunch of true crime obsessed lurkers. I can’t
blame them. Curiosity about death is what leads a lot of people like
me into working in homicide in the first place.
I
wonder if any other local jurisdictions have come across anything as
horrifying as this. As soon as I get back, I ought to put out some
feelers. Other cops tend to keep things pretty close to the chest
about this sort of thing, but you would think a decomposed body of
yet another young
woman would be enough to get them to share some info. Especially with
such similar circumstances to the body we found several months ago.
This
poor angel washed up a couple of days prior, I’m guessing, and
based on the amount of insect and wildlife damage, that wasn’t when
she died. Decomp looks like probably about a month or two’s worth,
but I need to wait to see what the medical examiner says.
My
heart cries for these young women, and I try to not let my eyes do
the same. I wear a flat expression so that other cops feel better.
It’s hard to do your job when you’re busy dealing with a lead
detective who’s in tears.
According
to one of our crime scene techs I talked to by the yellow tape,
there’s nothing apart from the strangulation marks and petechial
hemorrhaging in both eyes. So far, no hint of DNA, but the tech had
only been there an hour or so at the time. No identification, or
wallet. Her clothes show normal wear and tear given her current
condition.
The
lack of personal items is odd. It’s the same as the last case. Who
leaves the house without at least their phone these days? People in
their twenties and thirties use their phones like another appendage.
I can also remember many, many teenage lectures from my dad about
remembering my license when I went out. “You never know what kind
of creeps are out there. And you can’t always trust the other
drivers.” Always the optimist. I smile, but then I start to wonder
what kind of families were missing these women, and I instantly
deflate like a balloon.
I
approach the body and squat down, careful to not let my booties knock
around any potential evidence. I think for a couple of minutes, my
eyes scanning for any obvious clues. “Anything stand out?” I ask,
already predicting the answer.
This
tech just joined the squad and is eager to prove himself. Police
precincts can be a bit like dick measuring contests, and new hires
get a little insecure. He clears his throat, “Okay, well, nothing
yet, ma’am. Just the signs of strangulation. It sucks, doesn’t
it? When these bastards cover their tracks so well. I hope the ME
comes back with better news. Just about done with my pictures and
then I’m gonna head back to the lab to take a look at a couple of
skin samples.”
I
nod, knowing he’s doing the best he can. “Good work, Aaron. Keep
it up.”
He
grins. “Thanks, boss.”
I
return the grin. “I’m not your boss. Just trying to solve a
mystery, same as you.” I head back to the group of officers
clustered next to their squad cars, Phil holding court with his
newfound confidence. It’s good to see him finding his footing.
They
stop talking as soon as I get there, and Phil holds his hand up to me
as if to say, Chill.
I know for damn certain what the uniforms all thought. It’s not too
hard to guess. I’m a black female cop who passed them all up for a
promotion. What they seem to forget is that the promotion involved
scoring well on exams and being able to run more than a tenth of a
mile without getting winded. They’re supposed to stay in shape,
too, but it’s easier for them to slack the lower they are on the
food chain.
“Make
sure the scene stays blocked off, and keep the press away. Until we
know what we’re dealing with, the last thing we need is the media
fucking this all up for us. You know how they are.” I spot a couple
of vans approaching in the distance. “Vultures. Let’s head back,
you two.” I indicate a couple of the cops. “Phil, I want to talk
this over with you.”
Available
on Amazon
About
the Author
Julian
Kennedy is a debut author who lives in the Midwestern United States
with their family (a partner and three wonderful kids). They’ve
wanted to publish a book ever since they were a kid, and are psyched
to finally realize that dream.
In
their spare time, Julian is an avid true crime fan and can be found
listening to “their murders,” as their skeptical partner always
says. They’ve also been a bookworm since they could walk. They
enjoy a wide range of books—from classic literature to fluffy
rom-coms, to true crime, to creepy mysteries. Just about anything
with pages will do.
authorjuliankennedy.com
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