The Detective Games: #1: Trial by Firefight

By Zechariah Barrett

Leor thinks he's an unparalleled detective, and a gentleman at that. His case record is pristine and loose ends are something he scoffs at. Until he meets Joe Holmes and Jean Ruse. He finds one detective after another is after the same singular thread. He speculates that this thread is one of many, a portion of strings with one great orchestrator whose motive is malevolence. As ambiguity grows and the danger is heightened, Leor wonders if this is one case he should've left in his past.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Zechariah Barrett
• Release date: Jul 16, 2015
• ISBN: 9781311796905

Zechariah Barrett

About the AuthorIn the heart of the midwest, we're surrounded by cornfields, soybean crops, and wheat galore. The prairie is tranquil. Dreamlike.Yet I've always had a great desire to travel the world. The prairie is home, and much of the world can seem so alien in comparison. Being far from the ocean, I was awestruck the first time I took a plane overseas and when I walked along the shores of the Emerald Isles. It was so beautiful and refreshing. I've wanted to see more. I've wanted to see as much of the world as I can.This desire to travel has often been coupled with two of my other greatest desires: to write and to be part of something greater than myself. I love to write, because even when I can't travel, a world can be created with just a pen and some paper.The concept of the Detective Games series, for example, was something that really excited me, because of how diverse it could be. I envisioned detectives all across the globe, traversing exotic locales, and with thrilling cases to be solved.With the desire to be a part of something greater than myself, I'm driven to make a difference in the world through writing, charity, and through the day to day of life. As my writing career expands, I'll be taking an active role in charitable causes and investing in those things which make way for a better tomorrow.It's a privilege to have this community of readers. Thank you.

Book preview

The Detective Games

#1 - Trial by Firefight

Zechariah Barrett

Smashwords Edition

© Copyright 2015 Zechariah Barrett

ISBN 9781311796905

License Notes

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The case of Désolé Mansion was the biggest news event in years. A murder, larceny, and a kidnapping. Committed by an officer of the law, and a close friend to the detectives who had taken up the case. It was a bitter time, and to the day it remained perplexing. The arrest was made; the case was solved, but the true motive was still uncertain. This made for a very restless detective, and desperate too. So much so that he would resort to consulting with a man whose name had become infamous in all of London.

When stormy, the famous Baker Street could be quite the foreboding place. When traveling to speak with a man of peculiar habits and unmannerly tendencies, the sense was heightened. So it was when one traveller arrived at the renowned address, and with great trepidation opened the office door. However, there was no landlord to greet him, or a friendly doctor with which to sympathize. Only dank darkness.

The door squeaked and the floor creaked as the man made his first steps through the entryway. The dust upon the room was so thick as to seem purposeful – dusty everything, from the appliances to the walls and floor. One might easily perceive it to be a rodent’s home, rather than a detective’s office.

"Holmes, are you in here?"

A man sat hunched over his grey desk, in a complimentary grey suit. Vibrant as always. I know that voice! Leor? he exclaimed.

Leor closed the door and turned to face his host. Unfortunately, yes, he answered wearily. His disposition was hopelessly distraught as he proceeded towards the seat reserved for clients. Leor was a clean shaven man with glimmering green eyes. His dark brown hair was neatly combed to one side, bangs dangling atop his brow. Now they seemed to droop, as if to fit his mood.

Have you finally come to a standstill? Holmes asked with relish. Have you come for my help?

No, Joe Holmes, I have not come for your help, Leor spat bitterly. As he took a step further into the aura of light which surrounded the detective's desk, he collided with a few spiders' webs. Leor vigorously wiped off the lot of them, and flicked away the spiders whose abode had been ruined.

Well you seem antsy enough, Joe observed, straightening up to get a proper look at his companion. The lamplight shone upon Joe’s stubbly