In 2014, J.D. Barker was nominated for a Bram Stoker Award in the category of “Superior Achievement in a First Novel” for his modern-day horror classic, FORSAKEN. Since then, he has continued to make a name for himself in the thriller and horror genres with solo efforts and a handful of collaborations with the likes of James Patterson and (ironically) Bram Stoker’s great-grandnephew, Dacre Stoker.

For his latest effort, HEAVY ARE THE STONES, Barker teams up with clinical neuropsychologist Christine Daigle and presents one of the finest serial killer thrillers I have ever read. The backstory, which plays out in various news articles and police case files, involves the incarcerated serial killer known as Leviticus. He chose that name not only for its religious implications but also due to the form of torture and murder he preferred --- stoning his victims to death.

"Readers who may be unfamiliar with J.D. Barker and Christine Daigle now have names they will not forget as they have produced a thrilling novel that should provide hours of debate and sleepless nights."

The name still haunts Detective Jena Campbell, even though she was the one primarily responsible for putting Leviticus behind bars five years earlier. The fact that she manipulated evidence to get the conviction is something she has always felt would come back to bite her one day. Well, that day has now come. A new killer, Azrael, has taken it upon himself to get justice for Leviticus (an eye for an eye anyone?) by singling out each of the jurors who convicted him and killing each one in a variation that mirrors the Ten Plagues of Egypt celebrated every year at Passover tables around the world and harking back to the Old Testament.

Jena has kept her secret close to her chest, not even confessing all to her partner, Mary Sarkis. That may be impossible to do based on the success rate that Azrael is having with his kill list. The problem is twofold. He demands the immediate release of Leviticus, who he knows was unfairly convicted, or the murder spree will continue. And he has kidnapped Jack, the son of the governor, who he plans to make his last victim.

There is no need to describe the murders, which are pure brilliance, as most people are aware of the 10 plagues and can use their imagination for what Azrael utilizes to replicate them. The real horror of this novel is the inner turmoil that Jena is going through. It seems that she is in a lose-lose situation both morally and professionally. The governor and her own police chief have made it clear that they will never comply with Azrael’s demand of releasing another serial killer from prison who they know is guilty. It would start a precedent that both law enforcement and the state could never come back from.

On the flip side, if Jena were to confess that she broke the law and manipulated evidence to get a conviction, it not only would cost her a career she worked hard for but also could unite Leviticus and Azrael, who could work together to terrorize the area with a killing spree unlike any previously seen. I really felt for Jena, which makes for a personal investment in a story that is not only original but completely unpredictable right up until the brutal finale.

Readers who may be unfamiliar with J.D. Barker and Christine Daigle now have names they will not forget as they have produced a thrilling novel that should provide hours of debate and sleepless nights. Barker has some of his prior work already commissioned for both film and television, so it should not be long before he is a much-deserved household name. HEAVY ARE THE STONES is an important and special book that leaves readers wanting more.