Unholy Matrimony

By Alex Black

Newlywed, Beth, believes that she is beginning, what will be the most beautiful part of her life. But as her marriage begins, so does a horrifying nightmare from which she cannot awaken. Nor, can she confide in her nearest loved ones as none of them are able to grasp a glimmer into the events that take place, even in their presence. They would only believe that she was losing hold of her sanity anyway. Surely someone out there can help her. Just when Beth begins to question her own faculties, an unlikely source senses that all is not right in her surroundings. While any acknowledgement of her perilous situation is welcomed, it may just be too late.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Alex Black
• Release date: Jun 5, 2016
• ISBN: 9781311028587

Alex Black

Alex Black has spent most of his adult life in law enforcement and now works for the federal government in that capacity. He currently resides with his wife and son in Amarillo, Texas.In his spare time, when he's not writing, he likes to play the drums to the massive set of lighting effects that he has acquired. He is also a huge movie collector and likes to spend time with family.

Book preview

UNHOLY MATRIMONY

Dark entities slowly creep into a woman’s world as terrifying supernatural events plague her, seeking revenge, attempting to destroy her marriage, her relationships and ultimately her.

Newlywed, Beth, believes that she is beginning, what will be the most beautiful part of her life. But as her marriage begins, so does a horrifying nightmare from which she cannot awaken. Nor, can she confide in her nearest loved ones as none of them are able to grasp a glimmer into the events that take place, even in their presence. They would only believe that she was losing hold of her sanity anyway. Surely someone out there can help her. Just when Beth begins to question her own faculties, an unlikely ally senses that all is not right with her surroundings. While any acknowledgement of her perilous situation is welcomed, it may just be too late.

EDITOR’S THOUGHTS

I have about thirty pages left to go, and then I have a few final checks to do, so I am still on track to deliver today, probably later this evening at the rate it is going. I am really enjoying the book, though. Can't wait to see how it ends up!

Best,

Stacey

Thank you for your order! Here is your completed work!

I greatly enjoyed working on this book for you. I found it both very clever and spooky. I loved the characters and the dialogue, and I thought you did a good job of explaining things while keeping the story moving forward. There was no point that I felt like I got bogged down with detail, but I could always picture exactly what was happening. Very solidly written.

Stacey

UNHOLY MATRIMONY

Smashwords Edition

Copyright © 2016 by Alex Black

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the publisher except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, names, incidents, organizations and dialogue in this novel are either the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

Table of Contents

Dedication

Acknowledgments

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

About the Author

ACCLAIMED BOOKS BY ALEX BLACK

OTHER LIVES

"Somewhat chilling…" — Kirkus Reviews

"Sixth sense-like thriller…" — Kirkus Reviews

"Comical…" — Kirkus Reviews

"Readers drawn in by the quiet, effective spookiness…" — Kirkus Reviews

"They keep the pages turning…" — Kirkus Reviews

"Effective demonstration of why the things that go bump in the night aren’t nearly as bad as the skeletons in the closet." — Kirkus Reviews

Top Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars

Looking for a great ghost story?

By Laney Smith - Author on June 29, 2015

The brief side of things:

I truly loved this book! The plot is very well thought out. The suspense keeps you turning pages. I finished this book in 4-5 hours. The mood of the story compares to the movie with Harrison Ford and Michelle Pfeiffer - What Lies Beneath, though the plot is very different. This is a great read for people that enjoy intelligent female characters that are relatable, believable and likeable.

The longer version:

Alex Black has a very easy flow about his writing style. He has put his female character through some believable situations. As you read, you find yourself thinking, That sounds like something I would do. She gets into mischief, but for a very good cause. Then, there were two situations where I pulled my head back, thinking, What? BUT, when you remember why she's doing what she's doing, you're quickly brought back to, Yep! I would too! (I won't tell you what those are. I don't want to ruin it for you. It's a fun read and you deserve the full experience for yourself.)

I really enjoyed the fact that the main female character is not completely naive, or dingy (Thank you so much!). Alex Black has written a very respectable character that you will bond with very early into the story. He's done a great job of creating a relationship between the reader and all of the characters. The story is engaging and you can't wait to see what comes next.

I was also impressed by how there is not a loose end left hanging. As an author, it is, sometimes, difficult to remember each twist you've set up. Alex Black remembers them all and just when you think you're going to catch him in a slip up, as though he's reading your mind, the answer comes. It truly is a fun read. It's an adventure that will keep you looking ahead, trying to predict what's coming. But, part of the fun of this story is that it's not predictable. Your eyebrows will raise several times and you will gasp, laugh, cringe, and smile. Actually, this read pulls at just about every emotion you have. I even found myself feeling guilt. I was pulling for a certain situation, that we shouldn't be pulling for (Again, I'll let you discover that for yourself.).

Alex Black has amazing talent and I am standing in line for his next work. I like that the story sticks with you. Some books, you forget as soon as you close the back cover. Other Lives is not one of those books. It is out of great respect for the talent this author possesses and it's with shameless pride that I recommend Other Lives to anyone that enjoys mystery/paranormal suspense. The ending is really great! You'll love it! I am confident you will find the content, style, plot, characters and flow to be professional. Further, I'm sure, once you've finished this story, you'll be, like me, looking for Alex Black's next story.

P.S. As a side note, this book has minimal mentions of sexual behaviors (and not real descriptive when it is mentioned). Naturally, it is always at a parent's discretion and I would advise reading it for yourself prior to sharing it with your teens. However, my thirteen year old son is very mature for his age. He also read Other Lives and he loved it! Again, I recommend reviewing it for yourself, mostly because it's such a good book. But, I'd put my neck out there and say it's a good experience for parents and teens to share.

Laney Smith

~Author~

5.0 out of 5 stars

Well-Developed Plot, Surprise along the Way, Twist at the End

By B. J. Robinson on December 22, 2015

The well-developed plot pulls a reader right in. A mother notices her son has issues and needs help. She is determined to find him the help he needs even if it means snooping behind her husband's back, lying, and sneaking around to do it. There were some scenes that nearly made me rate it a four, but because the plot is well drawn out, I went with a rating of five though I didn't care for some of the scenes. The book as a whole was a great read. The best part of it for me was the humor and the good-looking hero who Karen thinks is the villain. Is he? Or is it someone she'd never suspect? I thought including killer bees was an original idea. This book might be thought of as more of a horror story in a way due to the ending, or a scary one at least. The humor does lighten it. I laughed. I shivered. Karen is a fighter when it comes to her son as most mothers would be, an old mother hen. It's an easy read to follow and may be read quickly. The main twist is in the end though there are a few surprises along the way. I enjoyed the read.

3.0 out of 5 stars

The setting was awesome you have Charlie who was normal until he started...

By Autumn Fallen Over Book Reviews on December 9, 2015

I received this book to give an honest review.

First off I would have totally given this book a five star rating if some of the scenes didn't seem to be outrageous.

The setting was awesome you have Charlie who was normal until he started changing and his mother noticed. He has a certain knowledge of things that he hasn't been told about. At times it seems he is possessed by someone. His mother Karen is very worried about him and convinces his father to get him seen by a psychologist. So when she is told about another person named Dr. Joyce Hudleston and meets with her she knows this lady can help her. Though what exactly is going on with Charlie and what does Alex her husband's son have to do with it all.

This Dr. suggest that Karen of course starts to do her own investigation as she believes someone or something is communicating through Charlie. This leads Karen to do crazy things that just don't seem to be believable. Climbing into a ceiling tile, to being locked in a basement it just seems far fetched. Though it is a story and that is meant to be not real it just didn't click with me. What she does uncover though is something far more than she ever suspected, and I really liked that way the ending came about. That is what kept this book at a solid three rating.

Now I was pretty weary of her husband though out the whole story because of the way he would act but I never imagined anything like this author put together.

There was one scene in the book that dealt with Karen being sick and caught in an elevator and I literally died with laughter at this whole scene. To the point that my husband at 5:30 in the morning looked at me going what is so funny.

If you like ghost stories, a mother who does her own P.I. work to find the answers needed for her child, to a nice twist that comes about then pick this book up.

5.0 out of 5 stars

This book is really great! The ending was quite a surprise

By zac on July 8, 2015

This book is really great! The ending was quite a surprise. I like the story with the ghost and how the kid was picking up the ghost and tuned in to him and why. Very interesting story that kept me wanting to read. We need more moms like this woman. She was like a ninja. Awesome fun. Great tale!

5.0 out of 5 stars

Five Stars

By Amazon Customer on April 30, 2016

I enjoyed this book, easy read, humorous, mystery, with an unexpected twist.

Also by Alex Black

Watch for

Death Eater

Coming soon

For Katie,

my first and biggest fan ever.!!!!

Acknowledgments

I owe a great deal of gratitude to my wife and son for their patience and understanding during the creation of Unholy Matrimony. Without them, none of this would have been possible. Many thanks to Diane, my second biggest fan. Without your encouragement and support, I could never have made it through this process. As promised, my first copy will go to you.

To all, thanks again

When you get That creepy,

Hair raising feeling That

you’re being watched…

it’s because you are!

—Alex Black

CHAPTER 1

She walked up to the desk where her father, Pastor Daniel Grimes, was preparing a sermon. He did what he always did when his precious Alisha came calling: he dropped whatever he was doing, lowered his arm, creating a human monkey bar, and allowed her to swing her heart out.

What are you doing, Daddy?

Well, I’m preparing another sermon.

About Jesus?

Very good, sweetheart. This one is about how his father forgives us for our sins but only if we ask for forgiveness and try very, very hard never to do it again.

Alisha let go of her father’s arm and gave herself a big hug. I love Jesus! she proclaimed.

He loves you, too, very much. So, what are you doing?

Mommy’s taking me to the park.

Daniel acted surprised. "She is! Well you’re not going to have too much fun, are you?"

Alisha blushed and laughed a shy little laugh. Yeees.

I’ll tell you what; while you’re gone, I’ll finish this sermon, and when you get back, we’ll play catch in the yard. How about that?

Alisha ran out of the room, very excited, shouting all the while, Yes, yes, yes!

Her mother, Liza had been watching the exchange with her head leaned on the door jamb. She gave her husband a loving look of approval and left the doorway. She called Alisha her miracle child because according to the medical establishment, her having children would be a medical impossibility. She took Alisha’s hand, but just as they were going out the front door, the telephone rang. Liza very literally but playfully dragged Alisha back in a few feet, so as to allow her to reach the telephone. No sooner had Liza picked up the phone than Alisha had begun to urge her toward the door by tugging on her hand. Slightly preoccupied, Liza relented, allowing herself to be pulled toward the door and ultimately onto the front steps. On the other end of the line, was a fellow congregant who was undergoing some serious marital issues, and she was very distraught. Alisha continued to urge her mother to drop everything and take her to the park, which was only five houses away, at the end of the block and across the street. She twisted and turned, pulled and tugged. It was all very distracting to Liza, who was trying to be an understanding friend. Finally, Liza excused herself for a moment, knelt down, and took Alisha by the shoulders. She pointed at the swing set that was clearly visible at the edge of the park. Sweetheart, if I let you walk to the park while I watch you, do you promise to look both ways before crossing the street, just like we showed you? Alisha nodded vigorously in the affirmative. Okay, you can only play on that swing set right there, so that mommy can see you all the time. Do you promise?

Yes Mommy, I promise, she said as she did her little music box ballerina dance for her mother.

Okay, you can go, but don’t run. Liza watched as Alisha walked like a big girl past the five houses to the end of the block. There she stopped at the curb, looked both ways, and only when she knew it was clear, stepped off of the curb, proceeded another two feet or so, double checked that it was clear, then finished crossing the street.

Liza really was listening to her friend’s problem, but she was simultaneously very proud in the belief that they were raising Alisha the best way they knew how. She watched Alisha carefully as she desperately tried to console her friend. At that moment, she turned toward the street and watched as a dingy, white van with a loud muffler approached. As it passed, Liza could see that there were several people within it. The driver possessed a short, dark beard with a pentagram design cut into it. For a moment, she felt a knot in her stomach. She continued to watch Alisha as the van stopped at the corner, then turned to the right. For some time, Liza did not remove her eyes from the swing set. Soon she was being drawn in deeper to her friend’s problem. Just as they had arrived at a plan to deal with her friend’s troubles, Liza looked up to find that Alisha was no longer there. However, there was still movement on what now appeared to be a ghost swing. Liza dropped the telephone, let out a bone chilling scream, and ran, on her now weak legs.

* * *

Alisha was startled by the loud-pitched cry. She looked behind her to see the German shepherd puppy in distress. It appeared to be in severe pain and being choked by twine around its neck. Alisha leapt from her swing to come to the aid of a fellow baby, completely forgetting the promise that she’d made her mother. She knelt down in front of the puppy and began feeling its neck for a way to loosen the twine. It’s okay puppy, I’m not gonna hurt ya. But there was some other problem: the dog appeared to be injured and in severe pain, possibly having a broken leg. She reached for the leg that the puppy seemed to be biting at, in search of a wound. After only a moment, the puppy yelped loudly, and Alisha withdrew her hand holding a large furniture tack covered in blood. It had been embedded fully into the puppy’s hind quarter. The puppy immediately began to dance around licking Alisha’s face. Alisha laughed. Hold on silly puppy. I still need to take off this cord! She felt around the neck again but could see no type of knot or release. She tugged on the other end of the cord, but it would not give. Let’s see…it’s tied around the neck so tight…it goes up and up…and is stuck in the door to this van.

At that moment, the sliding side door slammed open. There were two men in the back. One of the men grabbed the twine raising it in the air, in effect hanging the puppy. He then suddenly dropped his arm and quickly raised it again, causing the puppy’s neck to snap, then pitched the puppy away like it was a small log. The second man simultaneously grabbed Alisha by the hair, dragging her into the vehicle. As the van screeched away, the sliding door slowly closed. While the first man struggled to hold her arms down after being scratched in the face by her, the second man in the rear, placed a heavy plastic bag over her head, and the two men began to speak, As with the three prongs of our father’s staff, we will smite the holy man, we will torment him, we will cause him to curse his God.

CHAPTER 2

She whispered, Oh Jack, this is the happiest day of my life!

Mine too, Beth; I am the luckiest man on earth.

The ceremony, for various reasons, had been delayed repeatedly, but now finally, it was about to begin. It was 3:24 p.m., only an hour and twenty-four minutes late.

"Ladies and gentlemen, we are gathered here