1324: A Story of Faith and Obsession

“Hickmon unleashes a shocking blitzkrieg of murder, conspiracy, and child abuse in this disturbing, breathlessly plotted murder mystery.” — Publishers Weekly

“intensely involving as the plot hastens to its climax” — Kirkus Reviews

A CRIME THRILLER WITH A SOCIALLY CONSCIOUS TWIST

A teenager named Chris knocks on the door of his mother's ex-boyfriend then shoots the man dead in premeditated fashion. Hours later, an officer responds to a loud music complaint and discovers a second body surrounded by a gruesome scene. With few clues to explain why, blame for the crimes settles on Chris's obsession with the dark and violent rock band, Rehoboam. Reporters broadcast this speculation under sensational headlines, but detective William Hursel is convinced there is a deeper motive. Trailing Chris while doggedly unraveling prior events, William uncovers an underworld where human traffickers ply the wealthy with unseemly indulgences.

Meanwhile, Rehoboam's lead singer, Josh, thinks he may finally be ready to take the next step in his relationship with the band's fiery female drummer. But when news of Chris's crime spree triggers flashbacks of a harsh, fundamentalist upbringing, Josh finds his career and his romance unexpectedly interrupted. Linked to William's investigation by his cryptic responses to Chris's fan-club letters, Josh must eventually choose between clearing his name and keeping the secrets of his past.

“Mr. Hickmon writes with the clarity, power and passion of someone who really knows what he is writing about, and who understands the wide range of responses human beings experience when trying to deal with lives affected by ongoing trauma. There are textbooks that explain the scientific mechanisms that underpin Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, but this book tells a story that reaches out to help us all understand. It should be read by survivors, parents, clergy, health professionals, social workers, and therapists. Or indeed by anyone who wants a good read!” --Dr. Kim Etherington, Bristol University psychology professor emeritus.